My family loves breakfast!  One of my favorite things about the weekend is that everyone finally has time to sit down as a family to eat a BIG breakfast.  Sometimes we even get together with my mom and dad to share a meal. I love homemade biscuits and country gravy, scrambled eggs with cheese (and a dash of Worcestershire sauce!), fresh cut hashbrowns, and turkey bacon.

But weekdays are a totally different story.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, we all still eat breakfast – it just has to be quick and often, portable.  We like to keep things like granola bars, homemade waffles (in the freezer), bagels, toast, homemade muffins (frozen), cereal, organic toaster pastries, yogurt, and fresh fruit.

Now we can add another quick item to our pantry – Seneca Farms Oatmeal and Fruit.  It is a six ounce microwavable cup that contains oatmeal with peaches or apples and doesn’t require any water or milk!  So, you just pop it in the microwave for 45 seconds and it is ready to go!

If you are one of the nearly 60% of U.S. parents of children ages 3-17  that admit your child skips breakfast this just might be a product you should add to your pantry too!  Right now it is available at Walmart (and other retailers can be seen at www.seneca-farms.com).  It comes in two flavors (with others to come soon): apple cinnamon and vanilla peach.

I really liked it (and so did Judah).  It makes a great quick breakfast but it also makes a delicious snack!

One Wholesome Mommy {.com} reader will win SIX (2 packs) of Seneca Farms Oatmeal and Fruit!

To enter (you can do any or all of these – each one counts as one entry!):

• “Like ” Wholesome Mommy on facebook. Then come back here and tell me you did so.
• “Tweet” about this give away on twitter including @Wholesome Mommy and then come back here and leave a separate comment.
• Subscribe to Wholesome Mommy on your email or favorite feed reader and leave a separate comment.
• Leave a comment telling about your kiddo’s favorite breakfast food

This give away ends Saturday, April 30th at 11:59 pm EST.  The winner will be selected by random.org and will be announced here shortly there after as well as notified by email.

Last week’s winner is BETH!  Congratulations and good luck to this week’s winner!

This week’s green challenge is greening your family’s lunch!  If you work outside of the home or your kids are school-aged then I challenge you to make your lunch a little greener.  And, no, I’m not talking about green eggs and ham or adding green food coloring to your lunch this week.  I’m talking about having less waste in your lunch bag.

Here are some ideas for making you lunch a little “greener:”

• Pack a refillable/reusable {preferably glass} bottle instead of a store bought (one time use) water bottle, can or plastic bottle drinks.  I use a glass water bottle from Love Bottle that I get compliments on everyday!  It never wears out!
• Use stainless steel thermos and containers for packing food.  There are several brands that carry them – some of my favorites are planetbox and kids konserve.
• Don’t have stainless steel containers or you need to re-heat something?  Glass works best and is safest for you.  I use Pyrex glass bowls and plates with lids.  They come in all sorts of individual meal and soup sizes and they are cheap.  I got mine at Walmart!
• You’ve just GOT to have a sandwich “bag.”  Use reusable bags – like the ones from lunchskins & snacktaxi (or make some of your own!).  If you just have to pack it in something disposable try these wax paper bags – they are cheap and earth-friendly!  They are a much better choice than plastic.
• Buy regular/large packs of snacks and chips and pack individual serving sizes of your own instead of buying individual sized prepackaged bags.  You’ll save money and packaging!
• Skip the brown bag!  Get yourself a reusable {and might I add cute – you’re going to use it a lot right, might as well get something you like!) lunchbag.  Cute reusable lunch bags, coolers, and totes abound everywhere!  Depending on who is taking the lunch your sure to find one that fits their personality!  I have one from Built that I love – but I’ve seen a zillion that I’d love to have.  There are some really cute ones by Skip Hop for kiddos!
• You’re packing a green lunch – don’t forget the “other stuff!”  I’m talking about switching your paper napkin for a cloth one, and packing REAL (not disposable) silverware.  If you’re worried about the kiddos tossing it, get some cheap stuff just for them.

And, while you’re greening your lunch routine, don’t forget, to take a pledge for a greener earth through Scott Natural’s 4-Week Scott Naturals Test Drive Program running between April 4 and September 30th at ScottBrand.com.

And, as a bonus, while your taking the pledge, you can enter for a chance to win a Ford Fusion hybrid sedan!  And, did I mention coupons? You get a coupon  for the Scott products when you make the pledge too!

One Lucky Wholesome Mommy Reader Will Win a HUGE Prize Pack From Scott Naturals Just For Taking the Pledge!

All you have to do is visit Scott Naturals using this link – you’ll get to take the pledge, print coupons, and enter to win a Ford Fusion Hybrid AND just for clicking the link, $1 will be donated to the National Wildlife Federation!  Help them reach their goal of $25,000 unique clicks!

Then, come back here and leave me a comment letting me know that you took the pledge!  That will be your entry into this give away!

For an extra entry: Leave a separate comment telling me one {or more} of your favorite lunch items that you take with you on the go!

*Prize includes everything pictured in the photo above: Scott naturals 12 pack of toilet tissue, 6 pack of paper towels, 1 pack of napkins, and wet wipes.

This give away ends May 1st at 11:59 EST.  But, no worries, I’ll be hosting ONE more give away with ONE more chance to win this awesome prize pack!! Stay tuned in the coming weeks!  The winner will be announced here after being chosen via random.org.

I was compensated by Scott Naturals and The Motherhood for my efforts reviewing, writing this post, and hosting the give away.  As always, this post contains my honest opinions and those opinions are 100% my own.

From Bottles to Britches – along with top maternity and parenting products, professionals, and services are getting together to host the Atlanta Baby & Child Expo!  I can hardly wait!  It is being held at the FABULOUS Fox Theater and boasts all sorts of highlights such as expectant massages, a maternity fashion show, a “cravings corner,” baby dream gear runway, & a mom and baby area where you can purchase the products you love!  Geared totally towards moms and their family members from pregnancy to pre-k, this is not just another baby expo!

There will be thousands of dollars worth of give aways including a strollers, car seats and even a crib!  Those who buy tickets at least one week in advance will be given a swag bag. VIP tickets are also available, offering exclusive access earlier than other attendees and to special sections of the venue.  To check out some of the great companies you can expect to see check out the link here on Bottles to Britches.

This is just a few of the high lights of this posh mom and baby expo!  So, if you or someone you know is expecting a baby or has a new little one you’ll want to tell them about the Atlanta Baby & Child Expo coming May 14th from 11 am to 3 pm!  You can purchase your tickets here for $20 in advance {$25 on the day of} or $40 for VIP tickets. And, be sure to tell them they can win 2 tickets HERE on Wholesome Mommy {.com}!!

That’s Right!  One Lucky Gal is going to win 2 tickets here on Wholesome Mommy {.com}

To enter, tell us what your favorite baby item is  – it doesn’t have to be the most useful, it can be your favorite frivolous item too! =)

For extra entries:

• “Like ” Wholesome Mommy on facebook. Then come back here and tell me you did so.
• “Tweet” about this give away on twitter including @Wholesome Mommy and then come back here and leave a separate comment.
• Subscribe to Wholesome Mommy on your email or favorite feed reader and leave a separate comment.

This give away closes May 4th at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced here {and by email}.

I was given two tickets for the Atlanta Baby & Child Expo in exchange for posting about this event.  I can’t wait and I hope to see you there!

When you first start buying organic foods you might have sticker shock.  The price difference on some items can be steep.  And, while I must admit, buying organic foods can be a bit more expensive, it doesn’t mean you can’t afford it.  Sometimes it just takes knowing a few tricks and paying attention.

That’s what this series is all about: teaching you a few tricks.

First off, you should know I don’t buy EVERYTHING organic.  AND, processed foods cost more (especially organic, processed foods) than whole foods.  And finally, cooking things from scratch {ie: making your own “convenience foods”} takes much fewer ingredients than buying processed foods.

Here is an example of what I mean: If you’re already buying flour, milk, butter, eggs, yeast, and vanilla you can make a whole host of things: pancakes, waffles, homemade bread, hamburger buns, hotdog buns, bagels, muffins, the list literally goes on and on. But, most traditional shoppers buy the above said ingredients PLUS a lot of the items mentioned here premade, such as frozen waffles, hamburger buns, hotdog buns, muffins, muffin mixes, etc. that they could be making out of things they already have on hand.

One of the first things I noticed when I decided to feed my family more wholesomely is that I required a LOT less at the grocery store!  Less items = less money.  So, although the items I bought were costing me a bit more, I wasn’t spending a whole lot more and my family was eating {and feeling} much better. Okay, with that knowledge you may be thinking about what basic ingredients you would need that are versatile for lots of meals/items.  Here’s a list of dry goods to get you started:

• oats
• all purpose flour
• baking soda
• baking powder
• dried beans
• rice
• sugar
• yeast
• popcorn

Almost all of these items can be found in your store’s bulk bins.  Never shopped the bulk bins?  You should, and here’s why:

1. All that pretty packaging = money.  When companies save money they often pass the savings on to you.
2. Organic from bulk bins often costs the same {and sometimes even less!} than conventional of the same product. Why?  Organic companies are often small businesses and just like I said in #1, packaging can be costly.  By selling in bulk they save money so you save money!
3. You can buy only the amount you need.  Since some items are costly, you can buy only what you need instead of a large package off the shelf that has more than you need, eating up more of your weekly budget than you need!

Convinced?

Me too!  So, here’s what I’ve been buying in the bulk bins so far:

• Oatmeal
• Organic popcorn
• Conventional (not organic) dried beans and lentils
• Organic dried fruit (blueberries, raisins, cranberries)
• Nuts (almonds and pecans)

I’ve found that all of these items are cheaper than their counterparts (per ounce) on the shelf, prepackaged.  I was pleasantly suprised to find out my organic popcorn was CHEAPER than conventional popcorn found at any grocery store!  And, with corn being a GMO crop, buying organic was important to me.  But, don’t just take my word for it, All You magazine recently published an article called, “Scoop up Great Deals on Food,” by Cecily McAndrews.  She listed other items that she found up to 60% cheaper than the “shelved” alternatives such as flax, cinnamon, and chocolate chips!

A Few More Tips to Make Sure Buying in Bulk is the Best “Bang for Your Buck”

1. Take a calculator.  Compare the bulk item’s price per ounce with the prepackaged ones on the shelf.  Sometimes a sale item on the shelf if going to be cheaper, sometimes the bulk items will be.
2. Only buy what you NEED.  If you buy more than your recipe calls for, and you don’t use it all, you’re not saving money!  Just because they are called “bulk bins” doesn’t mean you are required to buy 10 lbs. of something.  You can purchase a little or as much as you want.  Just need a 1/4 lb? – then purchase that amount.  Wasted food = wasted money.
3. Shop the bulk bins in stores where the bulk bins are used…a lot. Quick turnover means a fresher product.
4. Make sure the bins you’re shopping from have lids and scoops or levers that dispense and don’t require touching. This is much more sanitary.
5. Make sure you have storage at home for the items you buy.  Sometimes I leave items in the bags – like for the beans and popcorn.  But, you’ll want an airtight container to keep pests out of things like flour and oats.
6. Don’t get the “kid in the candy store syndrome.”  Bulk bins can be very enticing, especially all the candies, premixed granolas, and other goodies.  Don’t buy a whole bunch of products you don’t normally buy – or need.  Stick with your list and the bins will save you money.

Do you shop the bulk bins?  I’d love to hear your tips and tricks too!  Which items are YOU buying in bulk?

Mother’s Day is right around the corner – May 8th!  I bet you’ve already been getting things together for your mom – but what about YOU!?  If you’re a mom to a school-aged child you can help your kiddos make it a great mother’s day for YOU!

Here’s what I mean…

When I was growing up I always wanted to make my mom breakfast in bed.  I don’t know where I got it in my head, but to me that would be the most awesome thing I could do for my mom.  The only problem was, at 6 or 8 years of age I lacked the skill (not to mention the permission) to use the stove and make breakfast all by myself.  Sure, I had helped my mom in the kitchen, but I hadn’t ever done it ALL BY MYSELF.

Kids love to feel important and accomplished and what better way to start your mother’s day than to have a little breakfast in bed and to give your kids the gift of feeling all grown up!

Here’s how:

Decide on a simple dish/recipe that your kids can make all by themselves.  Leave easy to follow directions on the counter along with the dishes, tray, and any ingredients that the kids can’t safely reach themselves.  If you can, get your husband involved and tell him your plan so that he can help the kids get the things they need in the morning – but remind him to let them do it all by themselves!

Here are some recipes I love that are easy enough for a young child to prepare {ie: no stovetop cooking involved}:

:: Layered Granola Parfait

Vanilla Yogurt
Strawberries or other berries
Granola

This is so simple but can be beautiful! And, it is one of my favorites! Children can wash berries and if using strawberries, trim the tops and slice into chunks using a butter knife. Layer the berries, then yogurt, then granola in a clear glass. You can do one layer or two layers of each!

:: Cinnamon & Sugar Toast (or other variety)

Toast is an easy thing children can prepare. Cinnamon toast would pair nicely with the yogurt parfait but cheese toast or peanut butter toast would be just as easy. Toast the bread, butter with room temperature butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture {we mix our own and it is in it’s own shaker}.

:: Frozen Waffles w/ Pecan Maple Syrup & Microwave Bacon

Have you got homemade waffles frozen in the freezer? Even store bought frozen waffles would do. Just like toast, children are capable of popping a frozen waffle in the toaster. Pour maple syrup along with a handful of nuts in a small bowl for serving on top.

As for the microwave bacon, lots of brands make precooked bacon that only needs a few seconds in the microwave – easy enough for a child to prepare. Serve with a cold glass of milk and viola! A delicious and beautiful breakfast easy enough to be prepared by a child.

:: Cinnamon Oranges

The original recipe calls for cutting the skin and pith off of the orange and then cutting the orange in circles, not segments. But, to make this kid-friendly, you can use canned mandarin oranges.

1 large can of mandarin oranges
1 Tbsp of orange juice
1 Tbsp of lemon juice
1/2 Tbsp sugar (skip if your oranges are in syrup)
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Whisk together the juices, sugar, and cinnamon and pour over the oranges

This recipe would pair well with the toast or the waffles. You could skip the pecan maple syrup and have the oranges on top of the waffle, even!

This week is a little bit different since school has been canceled due to the after math of the tornadoes here.  The school district where I work was messed up pretty badly including two schools that are unusable now.  There is all sorts of volunteering going on and the people are really pulling together.  This week my school is hosting a school supply drive for the students that will be returning to school on Monday without the things they need and I hope to help out one of the days.

Other than that, it will be just Judah and I running errands and spending some quality time together.  I am also hoping to make a trip to one of the local farmer’s markets this week.  On Sunday this week, my mom and I (along with Judah) spent the afternoon at LCCL’s strawberry farm in Rome, Georgia.  The berries are beautiful, and abundant!  We brought home a ton and that is why I am working them in to some of our menu plans this week!  I’ll be sharing more about that trip and the farm this week!  So, stay tuned!

:: Monday
Garlic Tilapia
Mashed Potatoes
Sugar Snap Peas
Fried Squash
Strawberry Shortcake

:: Tuesday
Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes
Zucchini and Sweet Potato hashbrowns
Fried Eggs
Bacon

:: Wednesday
Beef Kabobs
Sauteed Garlic Brussel Sprouts
Baked Potatoes
Other local/fresh produce

::Thursday Cinco de Mayo
Blackened Fish Tacos
Homemade Guacamole
Refried Beans

:: Friday
Turkey Brats & Buns
French Fries
Homemade Cole Slaw

:: Saturday
Meal at the Coffee House

:: Sunday
Mother’s Day Backyard BBQ
Fried Chicken
Potato Salad
Baked Beans