Red Stick Mom

“Mommy, read.” As annoying as these words are to hear at bedtime some nights when we’ve already read four books, I still love them deep down. I love that I’m raising a reader. I’ve been reading to my daughter since she was a newborn. Don’t get ahead here and think I’m one of “those moms” that had reading all planned out, doesn’t let her get do screen time, etc. I’d bet money my daughter gets more screen time than your kid. No, I didn’t intend to be a reading mom. One of my great friends teaches elementary school. She told me a few weeks after having my daughter to start reading to her, even if it was just news articles. So, I started...

Walking into the store, you are bombarded with pastel colors, Reese’s eggs, jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, plastic candy-filled eggs, and all things bunny-shaped. Easter season is here and that means Easter baskets. Christmas was just a few months ago (and then Valentine’s Day), so of course I don’t want to spend a lot of money on Easter. Here are my tips for making quick and easy budget-friendly Easter baskets. Think outside the basket Don’t worry about that traditional Easter basket that will just get tossed to the side anyway. Use a beach bucket, umbrella, rain boots, baseball cap, or small plastic organization bin. Get creative! When looking at non-traditional baskets, think of ways you can use it after Easter, like for...

1. A Planner:: A good planner does a world of good. Mine has a block calendar in the front and then a detailed day view along with a to-do list to help keep my house at a manageable level. It’s from the Passionate Penny Pincher and it’s literally been a game-changer. Find the perfect planner for you and use it! Knowing what is coming in the next month, week, and days helps me so much to know what to expect with minimal surprises. 2.Quick Pick-Ups:: Two 15 minute pick-ups a day. Put on some jams and set a timer for 15 minutes. Pick up and put up whatever you can in those 15 minutes. This does a wonder for not having random...

It’s the dreaded witching hour of the day with the children. I reach for the frozen pizza, hot dog, or boxed mac and cheese. I put it all on a plate and call it a day. Maybe I decide to fancy it up with an apple or some strawberries, or maybe I don’t. I will not be taking a picture of this dinner to share on social media, but in the end, the kids were fed. What day of the week is it anyway? We are now on month 500 of this pandemic, and I feel like I have aged ten years in the last ten months. I’ve watched every Netflix show and taste-tested every hard seltzer out there!  I’ve made unnecessary...

Whether you are looking for a yummy, healthy sweet treat for the upcoming summer months or you’re looking for a meal replacement shake, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled my top 4 favorite protein shake recipes to share with you. All the recipes are super delicious and include protein so it is more than just a milkshake, though by the taste it'll be hard to believe. Another mega plus is most of these recipes only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes! You just gather the ingredients, toss it all in a blender, and it is ready to drink. Tips: Buy fruit already frozen Buy sugar-free pudding mix if you are going for low calorie Invest in a personal...