March 01, 2015

Staying motivated when paying off debt

March 01, 2015/ Lydia Senn

Let's face it. It can be really hard to stay motivated while paying off debt. You're working hard, you're trucking away and there are times when it feels like the balance will never reach zero.

But hold fast. You can do this and I am going to share with you a few ways to stay motivated.

February 27, 2015

What I got free this week and how I got it.

February 27, 2015/ Lydia Senn

I am not sure if I am actually going to be making this a series. But I think from time to time I will be sharing with all of you the free stuff I bring home.

I am by no means a hoarder and I won't take anything just because it's free, but I do like a good deal. And what better deal is there than things you actually want or need that you get for free?

So I wanted to tell you about all the stuff I got for free this week.

February 26, 2015

Spinach Pesto with Flaxseeds- Allergy Friendly!

February 26, 2015/ Lydia Senn

We love pesto at my house. It's flavorful and pretty kid friendly. But I understand it's not very allergy friendly. While my family doesn't personally have to deal with food allergies I know some of your families do.

So a couple weeks ago I whipped up this spinach pesto with flaxseeds modifying this recipe from Chow. . It's budget-friendly because instead of basil it uses pesto and it's allergy friendly because instead of pine nuts there are flaxseeds.

February 26, 2015

Kitchen Time Saving Tips

February 24, 2015/ Lydia Senn

Cooking is a great way to save $$ here are some time-saving tips.

February 22, 2015

Five things we DON'T buy

February 22, 2015/ Lydia Senn

This month marks one year since our family became debt free. There are a lot of things we did on our journey to dumping debt.

We learned to budget. We started meal planing. I could go on. But I think one of the main reasons we were able to pay off debt and free up income was because we cut a lot of little things (and a few big things) out of our budget.

So here are five things we don't spend money one. Note: I don't think ANY of these things are bad, or wrong, or inherently wasteful.

February 20, 2015

Tips for photographing toddlers

February 20, 2015/ Lydia Senn

I am pretty sure I have photographed my children everyday since they were born. Well, almost everyday.

If your child is anything like mine they are constantly in motion. I have lots of blurry photos, lots of pictures of the back of my child's head and lots of pictures of him crying because I made him sit still.

February 19, 2015

Trade in your gift cards for FREE name brand clothes

February 19, 2015/ Lydia Senn

This is NOT a sponsored post, I just wanted to share this deal with you. Although it does contain a referral link.

Do you have an old gift card to a store you never visit? Twice wants it! You can trade in your gift cards for credit to Twice!

If you don't know what that is it's an upscale online consignment boutique that sells and trades name brand clothes in ALL sizes.

February 18, 2015

Preparing a toddler for a new baby

February 18, 2015/ Lydia Senn

My baby is nearly two. The days of having new born in the house are gone... for now. (Who knows? That could all change.)

But the memories of bringing home Isaac are fresh in my mind. I wondered how Ryals would adjust. He was just 18 months old, and after all, still a baby.

But we managed. Everyone survived and now my babies are three and 20 months and the best of toddler buddies.

Today I wanted to share some of the things that worked for me.

February 17, 2015

Teriyaki quinoa bowl

February 17, 2015/ Lydia Senn