You can get text messages sent to your cell phone. Now you can get a Booty Call too. The Booty Caller is a service that sends you three text messages per menstrual cycle to alert you to when you might want to hop into bed in the hopes of conceiving. The service alerts you to the beginning of you fertile days (and may suggest some method of relaxation to help you avoid getting stressed about your hopes), the last day you have in that cycle to try for a baby, and will even give you tips like having your husband avoid hot tubs. There’s no charge for the service. I think it’s a cute idea although I’m not sure how much good it would do for someone with an irregular cycle. If that’s your case, you’d probably be better... [Read more]

I love to eat cookies and I also love to make cookies that aren’t overly fussy (my late grandmother made some spectacular cookies, particularly at Christmas time, but they usually involved way too much work for me to ever make them). What’s even more fun is making cookies with the kids. These ones are great to make with young children because they don’t have to be all perfect or involve cookie cutters. Be warned though, you might want to make two batches because they tend to disappear quickly. Pumpkin cookies * 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1 teaspoon baking soda * 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon * 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg * 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/2 cup butter, softened *... [Read more]

This is one of those videos that risks offending somebody, but honestly I have always found it hilarious. It doesn’t matter how many years it’s been around or how many times I’ve seen it, it’s pretty much always guaranteed to make me laugh. Oh, the joys sometimes! [Read more]

Hamburger Helper is generally a big hit with families because kids often love it and it’s something fast and easy to make which means it’s perfect for busy week nights. As a bonus, it uses up only one pan so there’s fast clean-up at the end of supper time. The unfortunate drawback is that since it’s pre-packaged, it’s full of stuff that you might not necessarily want to eat on a regular basis, especially when most of it is a list of ingredients that you can’t even pronounce. This super easy beef skillet dinner is just as fast, easy, and tasty as the Hamburger Helper meals but it’s not all from a box. Beef Skillet Dinner - 1 lb. ground beef - Seasonings your family enjoys - 1 package dry onion soup... [Read more]

Halloween was fun and kids love their candy. But now that it’s been a week, the sugar high (and subsequent crash) is getting old and you’re wondering what the heck to do with the leftovers that you don’t want your kids scarfing down. For us, it’s not only a health issue, we’re also really tired of the constant begging and bargaining. It feels wasteful to throw it out, so here are some ideas on how you can deal with the leftovers. Put it away for next year. Hard candy won’t go bad before next Halloween, so save it for trick-or-treaters ringing your bell. (Chocolate is not a good idea.) If you have a birthday party coming up (or know someone who does), you can use your candy for a pinata. Take it to the... [Read more]