Hi Y’all! My name is Tricia and I am a Bariatric Specialist at Clarian Bariatrics. I moved here from Georgia a couple years ago so I bring a touch of Southern hospitality to our center. I’ve been in the Clarian Health system for almost two years now. I graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration and since then I’ve been busy raising three children, aged 18, 14, and 13. My husband, David, and I enjoy cooking together, spending time with friends and family, and geocaching (outdoor treasure hunting with a GPS – the kids love it!) Hi Y’all! My name is Tricia and I am a Bariatric Specialist at Clarian Bariatrics. I moved here from Georgia a couple years ago so I bring a touch of Southern hospitality to our center. I’ve been in the Clarian Health system for almost two years now. I graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration and since then I’ve been busy raising three children, aged 18, 14, and 13. My husband, David, and I enjoy cooking together, spending time with friends and family, and geocaching (outdoor treasure hunting with a GPS – the kids love it!) Eating is a social activity - this can mean trouble for our waistlines. In fact, new research shows that women tend to eat more when feasting with other females, but not when they dine with men.
Guys, on the other hand, are unaffected by whether they dine with dudes or with the ladies. This doesn't mean men are impervious to buddy-inspired bloat, though. Past studies found that people eat more calories when someone else at the table orders seconds, and that people are more likely to be overweight or obese if they have overweight or obese friends.
The bottom line: Regardless of your gender, your dining companion can impact your weight.
Guys, on the other hand, are unaffected by whether they dine with dudes or with the ladies. This doesn't mean men are impervious to buddy-inspired bloat, though. Past studies found that people eat more calories when someone else at the table orders seconds, and that people are more likely to be overweight or obese if they have overweight or obese friends.
The bottom line: Regardless of your gender, your dining companion can impact your weight.
If the entire morbidly obese population of the United States lived in one state, it would be the 12th hightest-populated state, with more people than the state of Virginia.
Just in case you're wondering, the state of Virginia has 7,769,089 folks living there.
Just in case you're wondering, the state of Virginia has 7,769,089 folks living there.
You're probably not gonna believe this one!
Child safety seat manufactures are starting to make bigger models after a recent study showed that over 250,000 U.S. children ages 6 and under are too "chunky" to use them.
What do you think about this change?
Child safety seat manufactures are starting to make bigger models after a recent study showed that over 250,000 U.S. children ages 6 and under are too "chunky" to use them.
What do you think about this change?
This article is just another reminder of how important it is to talk with your dietician to ensure that you are getting all the proper nutrients you need post-operatively. If you ever have a question about supplements, please call us at 317-275-7010.
Full text of this Reuters article can be found by clicking here.
Weight loss surgery can help you lose weight, but it's also likely to leave you unable to absorb iron, a new study suggests: Iron deficiency is a common problem after stomach bypass surgery to treat severe obesity -- and standard iron supplements may not be enough to prevent it in some patients.
Researchers found that among 67 Chilean women who had undergone the most common form of weight-loss surgery, 39 percent developed low blood counts, also known as anemia, within 18 months of surgery. That anemia was most often due to a deficiency in iron, which the body needs to produce healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen.
In contrast, less than two percent of the women had been anemic before surgery, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Full text of this Reuters article can be found by clicking here.
Weight loss surgery can help you lose weight, but it's also likely to leave you unable to absorb iron, a new study suggests: Iron deficiency is a common problem after stomach bypass surgery to treat severe obesity -- and standard iron supplements may not be enough to prevent it in some patients.
Researchers found that among 67 Chilean women who had undergone the most common form of weight-loss surgery, 39 percent developed low blood counts, also known as anemia, within 18 months of surgery. That anemia was most often due to a deficiency in iron, which the body needs to produce healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen.
In contrast, less than two percent of the women had been anemic before surgery, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- Post a copy of the dates and times of the nearest markets on your refrigerator (we have ours taped to one of the kitchen cabinets).
- Have your market kit ready to go: I take all the one dollar bills I can find in the house, some spare change, and recycled bags.
- Introduce yourself to the growers – they’ll give you great advice on how to use products and maybe even a recipe or two.
- Buy in bulk and in season to save money.
- Take the kids and have them interact with the farmers so they’ll learn where their food comes from.
This is one of my very favorite summer salads. Easy, light, fast, refreshing and tastes great with most anything. 
2 ½ cups thinly sliced unpeeled cucumbers
½ cup thinly sliced onions
1/3 cup Splenda
1/3 cup white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Place cucumbers and onions in a non-metallic medium bowl. Combine remaining ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir well. Pour over cucumbers and onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Stir before serving.
Don’t be afraid to throw in other veggies, spices, or herbs that you like. I sometimes add tomatoes to this and fresh dill.
2 ½ cups thinly sliced unpeeled cucumbers
½ cup thinly sliced onions
1/3 cup Splenda
1/3 cup white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Place cucumbers and onions in a non-metallic medium bowl. Combine remaining ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir well. Pour over cucumbers and onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Stir before serving.
Don’t be afraid to throw in other veggies, spices, or herbs that you like. I sometimes add tomatoes to this and fresh dill.
"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” - J.R.R Tolkien
When I lived in Georgia, almost everyone had a garden. Even the “city folk” had a small garden patch in their backyard. In the small town that we lived in, there were a dozen or so veggie stands set up around busy intersections as soon as weather permitted. When I moved to Indiana, I began to go to our local farmer’s market for my family’s fresh veggies.
There are obvious reasons to haunt the farmers’ market. By shopping at the source, you’ll get fresher food, give a boost to the local economy, and support the environment. Simply stated: When you buy food that’s been grown locally it tastes better.
Fruits and vegetables that have been shipped a long distance have been picked earlier than they would have been if they’d been grown in your region, which can have a great impact on flavor.
Encounters at a farmers’ market are bound to be more personal than those at a supermarket where you hand over your money and walk away with a plastic bag of groceries. The driving force behind supermarkets is to make as much money as possible while hard working farmers grow and supply produce in the rain, hail, or shine. Farmers do it for the love of food, not for money.
Time spent in your local farmers’ market is likely to make your meals a bit healthier and may stretch your culinary horizons. You’ll not only become more aware of what you put in the pan when you cook, but you’ll be more likely to experiment with new ingredients. This week I’ll be looking for recipes for Swiss Chard as I’ve never used it before in my life!
And lastly, talking with the farmers is also a learning experience for our children who may not know that vegetables actually come with dirt on them, not from a can on the shelf, and not from a bag in the freezer. To find a farmers’ market in your area, just click here.
“Fitness- If it came in bottle, everybody would have a great body” - Cher
In a national omnibus survey of 1,000 people conducted in March 2009 by the American Heart Association:
“We’ve made dramatic gains in recent years in our fight against heart disease and stroke, but trends like these threaten to reverse these gains. We need to remind people that even in hard times their health is important. Physical activity, in particular, is an easy, inexpensive way for people to prevent heart disease and manage their stress—another byproduct of a tough economy.”
The American Heart Association encourages walking because it’s the most accessible form of physical activity and it has the lowest drop out rate among Americans. The association supports the federal government’s recently revised guidelines for physical activity, which focus more on a cumulative amount of activity over a week, rather than a specific amount each day.
“The message now is that physical activity can be worked in any time, anywhere,” said Gardner. “The important thing is to make sure you are getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. We encourage people to incorporate regular walking into their normal routines, such as during the work day.”
In a national omnibus survey of 1,000 people conducted in March 2009 by the American Heart Association:
- 57 percent said the economy has affected their ability to take care of their health.
- 32 percent have made a change in the last six months to save money, such as delaying preventive care appointments, not taking medications or skipping the dentist.
- 25 percent of those with gym memberships have cancelled in the previous six months.
- 42 percent plan to make changes in the next six months that may impact their health, such as buying fewer fruits and vegetables.
“We’ve made dramatic gains in recent years in our fight against heart disease and stroke, but trends like these threaten to reverse these gains. We need to remind people that even in hard times their health is important. Physical activity, in particular, is an easy, inexpensive way for people to prevent heart disease and manage their stress—another byproduct of a tough economy.”
The American Heart Association encourages walking because it’s the most accessible form of physical activity and it has the lowest drop out rate among Americans. The association supports the federal government’s recently revised guidelines for physical activity, which focus more on a cumulative amount of activity over a week, rather than a specific amount each day.
“The message now is that physical activity can be worked in any time, anywhere,” said Gardner. “The important thing is to make sure you are getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. We encourage people to incorporate regular walking into their normal routines, such as during the work day.”
In an earlier blog post, I reported our First Lady creating a White House garden patch on the South Lawn.
Involving the students in the White House garden was more than just digging in the dirt. The children have learned lessons about nutrition, and making different food choices because they’re part of the process of planting and tilling the soil and pulling up the vegetables.
“It has inspirited us to eat better, work harder, and grow more vegetables, “said fifth-grader David Martinez.
To learn more about the White House garden and healthy eating, just click on the link.
Involving the students in the White House garden was more than just digging in the dirt. The children have learned lessons about nutrition, and making different food choices because they’re part of the process of planting and tilling the soil and pulling up the vegetables.
“It has inspirited us to eat better, work harder, and grow more vegetables, “said fifth-grader David Martinez.
To learn more about the White House garden and healthy eating, just click on the link.
Welcome to summertime! Am I the only person who remembers these? 
I have yet another confession to make – I absolutely love Kool-Aid. I loved it as a child, and I love it to this very day. I love to see my youngest son smiling his “Kool-Aid smile." Fortunately for us, Kool-Aid has come up with Unsweetened Mixes that can be used in drinks or Kool Pops.
1 (.23 ox) envelope Kool-Aid Invisible Watermelon Kiwi Flavor Unsweetened Soft Drink Mix
1 Cup Splenda
Water
16 (5 oz) paper or plastic cups
16 ice cream sticks
Empty contents of envelope into large pitcher. Add Splenda. Add cold water to equal 2 quarts. Stir to dissolve. Pour drink mix evenly into cups. Freeze 1 ½ hours or until almost firm. Insert ice cream stick into center of each cup. Freeze an additional 1 ½ hours or until firm. Store in freezer.
Enjoy and save some for the kids too!
I have yet another confession to make – I absolutely love Kool-Aid. I loved it as a child, and I love it to this very day. I love to see my youngest son smiling his “Kool-Aid smile." Fortunately for us, Kool-Aid has come up with Unsweetened Mixes that can be used in drinks or Kool Pops.
1 (.23 ox) envelope Kool-Aid Invisible Watermelon Kiwi Flavor Unsweetened Soft Drink Mix
1 Cup Splenda
Water
16 (5 oz) paper or plastic cups
16 ice cream sticks
Empty contents of envelope into large pitcher. Add Splenda. Add cold water to equal 2 quarts. Stir to dissolve. Pour drink mix evenly into cups. Freeze 1 ½ hours or until almost firm. Insert ice cream stick into center of each cup. Freeze an additional 1 ½ hours or until firm. Store in freezer. Enjoy and save some for the kids too!
Try these ideas:
Use it on top of your cottage cheese
Use it as a dip for veggies
Use it on top of burgers and meatloaf, or in sloppy joes, and in spaghetti or pizza sauce.
Use it on scrambled eggs.
Use it on top of grilled chicken, fish or lean beef.
Use it in place of ketchup in things like shrimp cocktail.
Use it on your wraps.
Use it on grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
Use it on your spaghetti squash.
I love to use salsa on my food in place of fatty salad dressings, mayo, or oil.
Other ideas include mixing Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges with salsa. Post surgery patients can cut up some Flat-Out bread, spray with Pam, sprinkle with your favorite seasons and bake in the oven. Watch them closely because the edges burn quickly.
One of my favorite things to do is to slice zucchini and place it in an oven proof dish. I mix in grated low fat Mozzarella cheese and pour salsa over it. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. This makes a great side dish.
Use it on top of your cottage cheese
Use it as a dip for veggies
Use it on top of burgers and meatloaf, or in sloppy joes, and in spaghetti or pizza sauce.
Use it on scrambled eggs.
Use it on top of grilled chicken, fish or lean beef.
Use it in place of ketchup in things like shrimp cocktail.
Use it on your wraps.
Use it on grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
Use it on your spaghetti squash.
I love to use salsa on my food in place of fatty salad dressings, mayo, or oil.
Other ideas include mixing Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges with salsa. Post surgery patients can cut up some Flat-Out bread, spray with Pam, sprinkle with your favorite seasons and bake in the oven. Watch them closely because the edges burn quickly.
One of my favorite things to do is to slice zucchini and place it in an oven proof dish. I mix in grated low fat Mozzarella cheese and pour salsa over it. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. This makes a great side dish.
I lived in Puerto Rico for several years, and we typically had salsa with our meals several times a week. The prepared salsas are so good, that I usually don’t make fresh salsa or “Salsa Fresca” or “Pico de Gallo” except for special occasions, such as Cinco de Mayo. I don’t make this but a few hours in advance because I like the ingredients to be on firmer side. It gets a bit soggy if this sits in the refrigerator for more than a few hours.
The nice thing about salsa is that you can add more or less of the ingredients depending on your taste. My family really enjoys both cilantro and jalapenos, so I always add more of these ingredients. Please remember to wear gloves while handling the jalapenos, wash your hands with hot water and soap, and avoid touching your face.
2-3 medium sized fresh tomatoes (I use Beef Steak, Roma, or Better Boy), diced
½ red onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper with the stems, ribs, and seeds removed, diced (the jar jalapenos will work fine too)
Juice of one fresh lime
½ cup chopped cilantro
Salt and Pepper to taste
Start with chopping up the tomatoes. Prepare the jalapeno. Set aside some of the seeds from the jalapeno. Combine all the ingredients in a medium sized bowl and taste. If it is too hot, add more chopped tomato. If it’s not hot enough, add a couple of the reserved jalapeno seeds or some ground cumin. Let your salsa sit for an hour to allow the flavors to combine.
In my next blog, I’ll be sharing a few new ideas on how to use your “Salsa Fresca."
The nice thing about salsa is that you can add more or less of the ingredients depending on your taste. My family really enjoys both cilantro and jalapenos, so I always add more of these ingredients. Please remember to wear gloves while handling the jalapenos, wash your hands with hot water and soap, and avoid touching your face.
2-3 medium sized fresh tomatoes (I use Beef Steak, Roma, or Better Boy), diced
½ red onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper with the stems, ribs, and seeds removed, diced (the jar jalapenos will work fine too)
Juice of one fresh lime
½ cup chopped cilantro
Salt and Pepper to taste
Start with chopping up the tomatoes. Prepare the jalapeno. Set aside some of the seeds from the jalapeno. Combine all the ingredients in a medium sized bowl and taste. If it is too hot, add more chopped tomato. If it’s not hot enough, add a couple of the reserved jalapeno seeds or some ground cumin. Let your salsa sit for an hour to allow the flavors to combine.
In my next blog, I’ll be sharing a few new ideas on how to use your “Salsa Fresca."
Did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo yesterday? Did you know that Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more enthusiastically by Mexican descendants in the United States than in its native Mexico. The day celebrates the victory of the Mexican Army versus the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Often it is mistakenly called Mexican Independence Day. Mexico actually declared its independence on September 16, 1810, fifty years earlier.
Celebrations include not only wonderful Mexican foods, but also parades, mariachi music, beauty contests, sporting events, and folk dancing. Decorate your home with plenty of flowers, and add the colors from the flag of Mexico – green white and red. There is no set traditional food for Cinco de Mayo, as foods vary between the families and the regions of Mexico, combining native Aztec foodstuffs, with a rich variety of items brought by Spanish conquistadors and settlers.
A standard and almost necessary accompaniment to most Mexican food is salsa. Salsa (meaning “sauce” in Spanish) comes in many different ways, the most common being chopped tomatoes, onions, and chilies. I lived in Puerto Rico for several years, and we typically had salsa with our meals several times a week. The prepared salsas are so good, that I usually don’t make fresh salsa or “Salsa Fresca” except for special occasions, such as Cinco de Mayo. Stay tuned for my salsa recipe and several different ways to use salsa.
Celebrations include not only wonderful Mexican foods, but also parades, mariachi music, beauty contests, sporting events, and folk dancing. Decorate your home with plenty of flowers, and add the colors from the flag of Mexico – green white and red. There is no set traditional food for Cinco de Mayo, as foods vary between the families and the regions of Mexico, combining native Aztec foodstuffs, with a rich variety of items brought by Spanish conquistadors and settlers.
A standard and almost necessary accompaniment to most Mexican food is salsa. Salsa (meaning “sauce” in Spanish) comes in many different ways, the most common being chopped tomatoes, onions, and chilies. I lived in Puerto Rico for several years, and we typically had salsa with our meals several times a week. The prepared salsas are so good, that I usually don’t make fresh salsa or “Salsa Fresca” except for special occasions, such as Cinco de Mayo. Stay tuned for my salsa recipe and several different ways to use salsa.
Did you watch the Kentucky Derby on Saturday? It is one of my favorite sporting events each year. I love that it is a stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, staged yearly in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May.
In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions have played a large role in the Derby atmosphere. Burgoo, typically a thick stew of meat and
vegetables is served from iron pots sometimes 10 feet in diameter. Burgoo has long been standard fare at Kentucky political rallies and events. Some say it’s a misspelling or mispronunciation of “burgot”, which is close to the French “ragout”. Whatever its origin, it’s one of the most popular dishes in the state.
When I lived in Georgia, the Kentucky Derby was a big celebration and I have continued the tradition here in Indiana. Below is a bari-friendly crockpot Burgoo that I typically fix for our family to feast on during the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." Keep this recipe handy for your own Derby party next year!
I also add whatever veggies I can find around the kitchen – cabbage, carrots, celery, and/or green peppers. You’ll want to add more chicken stock depending on the amount of extra veggies that are added. For some extra zest, add Old Bay seasoning or a bit of Worchestershire sauce. I have doubled and even tripled this recipe depending on the number of family and friends coming over.
In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions have played a large role in the Derby atmosphere. Burgoo, typically a thick stew of meat and
vegetables is served from iron pots sometimes 10 feet in diameter. Burgoo has long been standard fare at Kentucky political rallies and events. Some say it’s a misspelling or mispronunciation of “burgot”, which is close to the French “ragout”. Whatever its origin, it’s one of the most popular dishes in the state.When I lived in Georgia, the Kentucky Derby was a big celebration and I have continued the tradition here in Indiana. Below is a bari-friendly crockpot Burgoo that I typically fix for our family to feast on during the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." Keep this recipe handy for your own Derby party next year!
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato paste, (6 oz.)
- 3 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups frozen sliced okra, thawed
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 dash ground cloves
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
I also add whatever veggies I can find around the kitchen – cabbage, carrots, celery, and/or green peppers. You’ll want to add more chicken stock depending on the amount of extra veggies that are added. For some extra zest, add Old Bay seasoning or a bit of Worchestershire sauce. I have doubled and even tripled this recipe depending on the number of family and friends coming over.
Just yesterday I took a pound of ground turkey out of the freezer and placed it in the fridge to thaw for dinner. By the time I arrived home, I had forgotten all about dinner and I had absolutely no idea with to do with the turkey.
With Spring Break and Easter recently, our family had been traveling a bunch and we didn’t have the usual surplus of food in the house. So, I started rifling through the cabinets and the fridge trying to come up with something
healthy, hearty, quick and kid-friendly for dinner. The following recipe was the final outcome, and it was delicious. I didn’t measure any ingredients – I just used what I had and threw it all together.
I had prepared taco salad before and always used chips (a big no-no on the LRD and for post op patients). This salad was so good that even the kids didn’t miss the chips! I went heavy on the cilantro because my family really enjoys the taste, but feel free to add and subtract ingredients.
With Spring Break and Easter recently, our family had been traveling a bunch and we didn’t have the usual surplus of food in the house. So, I started rifling through the cabinets and the fridge trying to come up with something
healthy, hearty, quick and kid-friendly for dinner. The following recipe was the final outcome, and it was delicious. I didn’t measure any ingredients – I just used what I had and threw it all together. - Chop onion and place it in frying pan with ground turkey.
- Add spices to taste (I used taco seasoning, garlic and hot pepper). Add a bit of water while cooking to keep the turkey moist.
- Add a can of beans (I used black beans – not drained – don’t use the beans if you’re on the LRD).
- While the turkey is cooking, chop romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro (the secret ingredient!)
- When turkey is done cooking, drain it (if necessary) and place it on top of the salad greens.
- Top with reduced fat cheddar cheese.
- Serve with salsa and jalapeno peppers.
I had prepared taco salad before and always used chips (a big no-no on the LRD and for post op patients). This salad was so good that even the kids didn’t miss the chips! I went heavy on the cilantro because my family really enjoys the taste, but feel free to add and subtract ingredients.
I ran across a recent New York Times article about our new president and his family tending a garden patch on the South Lawn of the White House. Apparently there hasn’t been a garden at the White House since World War II. The garden will include vegetables, berries, and herbs, but no 
beets since the president doesn’t like them.
Mrs. Obama states that the garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and for formal dinners, but its most important role will be to “educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern."
The total cost for the White House garden (1,100 square foot plot) is $200. To me, that’s money well spent. To read the entire article, just click here. Now try making one for you and your family!
Here is another last minute recipe from my kitchen. I found organic radishes on sale at the market this weekend for a really great price, but I didn’t have anything special to do with them expect eat them raw or put them in a tossed salad.
This is what I came up with; I marinated and then grilled shrimp outdoors and served it on romaine lettuce leaves with this salsa/salad over top. It tasted like summertime to me!
Yield: 3 cups
2 cucumbers, chopped (I used the English cucs)
1 (6-ounce) package radishes, chopped
1 small onion, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (I use more)
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper or black pepper
Preparation
Stir together; cover and chill, if desired. Next time I make this I’m thinking about adding about ½ teaspoon of dried or fresh dill if desired. Let me know what you think!
Almost 32 percent of children in the U.S. between the ages of 2 and 19 are overweight or obese, and obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults.
Instead of giving your children a big basket of candy for Easter, consider giving them a healthy basket instead. Don’t forget candy is a big contributor to tooth decay which can result in expensive dental bills in your children’s future.
Why not try:
I like to check out Wild Oats or Trader Joes for yummy healthy goodies as well.
Instead of giving your children a big basket of candy for Easter, consider giving them a healthy basket instead. Don’t forget candy is a big contributor to tooth decay which can result in expensive dental bills in your children’s future.
Why not try:
- Yogurt covered raisins
- Trailmix – you can even make you own with Chex or Cherios.
- Sugar free bubblegum
- 100 calorie snack packs
- Gummy bears
- Natural fruit leathers
- Pretzels
- Graham cracker bears
- Licorice
- Nuts
- Beef Jerkey
- And don’t forget the hard boiled eggs!
I like to check out Wild Oats or Trader Joes for yummy healthy goodies as well.
Rather than giving your children a big basket of candy for Easter, to save money in the long term consider some inexpensive treats instead. Remember that sweets are consumed right away, so Easter baskets filled with only candy will be gone in just a few days. Your children will be getting more hours of fun with these gifts which mean you’ll be getting more value for your money.
Books – I stock up on books at sales after the holidays - store them away in a closet then add to baskets and stockings.
Don’t forget your local dollar store – stock up on crayons, coloring books, modeling clay, pencils/erasers/art supplies, play makeup and stuffed animals for the girls and trucks and toys for the boys. It will be getting warm soon so don’t forget the sidewalk chalk, kites, bubbles, and jump ropes.
I used to live close to the beach so instead of an Easter basket each year my son would always receive a beach pail, shovel and assorted sand toys. How about some child sized gardening tools, gloves, and packets of vegetable seeds for your young gardener? What a great way to teach them how to grow their own food!
Check party stores for big grab bags of marked down novelty items for sale. When the kids were little, I used to buy several for a few dollars each. You can use these for rewards for good behavior, special gifts on trips, and for baskets and stockings.
Also, remember the bubble bath and bath toys. It makes for a nice way to end the day!
Books – I stock up on books at sales after the holidays - store them away in a closet then add to baskets and stockings.
Don’t forget your local dollar store – stock up on crayons, coloring books, modeling clay, pencils/erasers/art supplies, play makeup and stuffed animals for the girls and trucks and toys for the boys. It will be getting warm soon so don’t forget the sidewalk chalk, kites, bubbles, and jump ropes.
I used to live close to the beach so instead of an Easter basket each year my son would always receive a beach pail, shovel and assorted sand toys. How about some child sized gardening tools, gloves, and packets of vegetable seeds for your young gardener? What a great way to teach them how to grow their own food!
Check party stores for big grab bags of marked down novelty items for sale. When the kids were little, I used to buy several for a few dollars each. You can use these for rewards for good behavior, special gifts on trips, and for baskets and stockings.
Also, remember the bubble bath and bath toys. It makes for a nice way to end the day!
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