Bit by bit, day by day

Ivy says: It’s been a recurring theme in my life lately- making changes in your life bit by bit instead of making a major change that may not stick. It really does work. I think we all have areas in our lives that we would like to change. Instead of a big sweeping change, work …

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Dealing with Dinner Dynamics

Heather says: While I am concentrating on food in this particular essay, the general sentiment can be applied to life in general.  Secondly there are no special needs in my household, with the exception of an intolerance to red dye #40.  If you are dealing with special needs, whether physical or psychological, I advise you …

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Should You Go Whole Hog?

Heather says: With the state of the economy providing plenty of fodder for the evening news frugality is getting a lot of attention.  CNN recently did a story on The Economides: America’s Cheapest Family. For those looking to pinch a few pennies and increase their savings, is jumping feet first into a completely frugal lifestyle …

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Quick Parenting Tip: Don’t Fear a Schedule

Heather says: If there is anything this week has taught me, it is that my young children thrive on a schedule.  When it gets thrown out of whack someone steals my children and replaces them with cranky, irritable, tantrum throwing, ill -tempered beasts.  When I first had my son I naively thought, “Schedules are so …

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Dont beat yourself up over non-productiveness

Ivy says: Darling Home-Eccers, I would like to apologize about the lack of updates this week. Heather has family in town all week, and while I was totally planning on covering everything this week, I have managed to hit the trifecta of feeling crappy. First, my hidradenitis suppurativa has had a very major flare-up, leading …

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The economy: What are you doing about it?

Ivy says: The times, they are a-changin’ and not necessarily for the better. I have a lot of hope for the future of the economy, but I’m also taking a very cautious view of things. I think now is the time for us to buckle down and really take stock of our spending. We need …

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Dealing With Thanksgiving Travel

Ivy says: More Americans travel for Thanksgiving than for any other holiday. So here are some handy holiday travel trips! If you’re driving: Plan to take lots of breaks. Kids just can’t sit still as long as adults can. (Well, most adults. I don’t think I’ve seen Heather sit still while awake for more than …

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And when Mama’s happy, everyone’s happy

Ivy says: I remember when I was in college, I didn’t feel like I had time or energy to deal with cleaning, so my house was constantly messy. My mom was constantly on me about making sure my house was clean. I’d get depressed for long stretches of time, and she told me if I’d …

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