Brooke Blogs This

With Memorial Day just around the corner, I started wondering what me and the kids were going to do this summer.  Since I changed jobs in February, this will be the first summer that I am off work the majority of the time with the kids, they will not be in day camps or day care.  I also took a considerable pay cut, so our budget is limited. Then I looked on Facebook and found that I wasn't the only one looking for CHEAP things to do this summer.  It is great if you can afford to hit the zoo, science center, Holiday World, Cheekwood and Nashville shores all this summer, but I can't. So here is my list of 61 (1 thing every day for June and July) to do in Middle Tennessee (or for most, anywhere) this summer for an average of $5 or less per person: At Home: 1.   Start a water balloon fight. 2.   Organize a scavenger hunt. 3.   Put the  Pinterest Board  to use, have a craft day. 4.   Have a picnic in the back yard. 5.   Spend the d...

At least once a year, we re-evaluate our spending and see where we can save money.  Think of it as spring cleaning for your finances. Here are some things to look at/think about: Cell Phone Bills: Does your carrier have any new plans that meet your needs are are cheaper?  Do you actually use 800 minutes a month? Cable/Satellite: Which channels do you watch, how often do you watch them?  Would you really miss anything if you cut back (or off) your cable and got netflix/hulu/etc instead? Internet: Check around and see which provider has the best offers right now! Gas Money: Could you carpool (with a spouse,friend,co worker)?  Is the person driving the furthest in your house, driving the best gas mileage vehicle?  Can you plan trip and errands so you only go out once?  Mass transit continues to grow, there could be new possibilities in your area. Bartering: If there are services that you know you are going to need (child care, tree servi...

The past two days we have been snowed in (well, snowed in for Tennessee) and I have been amazed: by my daughter. At six years old, Shiloh still prefers NPT (channel 8 around here) programming to the Disney Channel.  She would rather watch "The Cat in the Hat" than "Jessi".  She would rather watch "Word Girl" or "Super Why" than "Austin and Alley" or "I Didn't Do It".  If you had asked me a week ago, I would have said those programs were beneath her. That she was too old for such programming.  Hmmmm, maybe not.  Maybe, I'm the one pushing her to grow up. What is more, she actually prefers to NOT watch TV.   What? She would much rather be working a puzzle, drawing, baking or playing make believe.  Electronics really are a last resort for her.  Hmmmmmm. These past two days are really making me re-evaluate my parenting with her.  Obviously she is not a mini-ME.  She does not have the same passion for movies an...

Follow my blog with Bloglovin So if you remember, last month I wrote about my  child care  issues, and well how I have none.  I should say, had none.  Shortly after that post, I accepted a position (an assistant) at a local school here in Portland.  I spent 2 weeks working crazy overtime at my previous employer to get things in order for my responsibilities to be transitioned to someone new, and then I've spent the last two weeks getting acclimated to my new schedule.  As of Friday afternoon, my hours changed (for the better!). With this new job, I'll have more time to devote to my family, my church, my photography, BLOGGING, and other hobbies.  So I've been giving more and more thoughts to what I want this blog to be, and I need your input.  As much as this blog is a form of therapy and record for me, I want it to be something of substance, something that people want.  With this new job, I've taken a substantial pay cut, so I'll definitel...

I don't normally post religious things.  I find my own personal take on religion to be.....quirky at time.  However, I recently saw an article floating around the web that was written by what I assume is a 20 something single lady.  It was how she felt single women need to be loved on by married persons in a church congregation.  You can read it here . I found parts of the article to be sound theory and spot on, while other parts were, shall we say misguided.  By the end of the article, I was also thinking, why are there so many separate "groups" in a church and how we all need to be loved on, not just one group.  So here is my humble rebuttal (based on my life and experiences) and also a simple blue print on how you can love on anyone in your church congregation....or anyone in the world. In response to “Six ways to Love Single Women:"               1.   Words are hurtful.  People should choose th...

We've had a lot of  "snow"days since Christmas.  A. LOT.  Snow days are one thing when there is actually snow on the ground and the kids want to go out and play. But it's something completely different when it's just cold.  Possibly raining.  And the kids are bored and stir crazy. Plus you still have weekends/holidays/afternoons to keep your kids buys inside as well. And you have little or no money. What to do. What to do. Here are 20 things we have done/plan to do this winter: 1. Have an indoor picnic. Simply eating on the floor can completely change a meal. 2. Build a tent/fort indoors. 3. Go to your mall's indoor play area 4. Go to story time at the library 5. Introduce your kids to the cartoons you watched growing up via Youtube. My kids love "Bobby's World"and "Muppet Babies" 6. Do something touristy in your own town.  Tour a museum or historic building. Many of these are free/low cost. Sometimes eve...

Cooking is not one of my favorite things.  I would really rather not.  If I didn't have kids to feed, I probably wouldn't cook at all. However, I do like being creative.  If I am going to be in the kitchen, I would much rather be throwing random ingredients together than following a recipe. Sometimes my new recipes are hits.  Sometimes they are epic fails.  Last night I got lucky! Here is the recipe for my Chicken Nachos (feeds 4): Ingredients: 2 Chicken breast, 16oz Chunky Salsa, Mexican Blend Cheese, Paprika, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper 1.) Pre Heat over to 400 degrees 2.) Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika and chili powder 3.)Bake chicken uncovered in glass casserole dish for 25 minutes 4.) Shred chicken and place in bowl 5.) Pour Salsa and 1/2 bag of cheese over chicken. Mix Well 6.)Pour chicken/salsa/cheese mixture into casserole dish. Spread evenly 7.) Top with rest of the cheese 8.)Bake for another 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Serve...