• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Sensible Mom

Food, DIY, Chicago Mom Blogger

  • Home
  • About
    • David’s Story
  • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • DIY
    • liquid hand soap
    • deodorant
    • face wash
    • baby wipes
    • air freshener
    • peppermint sea salt foot scrub
    • brown sugar face scrub
    • brown sugar body scrub
    • hair conditioner
    • peppermint sugar body scrub
    • honey sugar facial scrub
  • Homeschool
    • Printables
    • Family Fun
  • Recipes
    • Juicer Recipes
    • Dessert
  • Beauty
    • Essential Oils
    • Breastfeeding
    • Weight Loss
  • Reviews
    • Giveaways
    • Parties
    • Technology
    • Videos
  • Travel
    • Disney World
    • Chicagoland

Sandra

Works for Me Wednesday: Chore Charts

January 12, 2011 by Sandra 1 Comment


chore charts

We recently started using new chore charts for our two older children in order to do two things. First, our last method was no longer working, and second, we wanted a way to begin implementing a weekly allowance for them.

I found these printable charts on Money Savings Mom’s website. I quickly printed them off and thought up seven things for them to do throughout the week as I felt the need to fill up every line. πŸ™‚ So far, they’re working wonderfully, the kids know what is expected of them each day, and we no longer have to try to figure out whose day it is to do what because it’s all written down.

At the end of the week, they each receive a $2.00 allowance, and we are all happy. Except last week when they only got $0.50 each because they owed me $1.50 each for stuffed animals that had been marked down 90% from the Christmas clearance at Meijer. While at the store I told them that if they wanted to get the stuffed animals that they would have to use their own money. They agreed, but when it was time to hand out allowance, and I deducted the $1.50….let’s just say they were none too happy. They’re learning!

Anyway, chore charts work for us.

For more WFMW tips and ideas, please visitΒ We are THAT Family!


Filed Under: Works for Me Wednesday

The Dreaded “Before” Picture….

January 11, 2011 by Sandra 2 Comments


Weight Loss Journey

I had Ruben take my BEFORE picture last night, but the batteries in the camera were about to die and then the kids wanted “before” pictures taken so by the end of that….we had to charge the batteries and get this posted today instead. Β It takes a lot of courage to do what I am about to do because anyone who knows me in real life knows that I lean on the shy side and posting a near full picture of my body is just a bit out of my comfort zone.

Well…deep breath…here you go…this is me…..

 
 
 
 
sandra's before pic

My current weight as of Monday is…..228.5 pounds. Β Can you believe when I met my husband I was 100 pounds lighter? Β Here’s an old picture of us.

ruben and sandra

I’m not planning on losing 100 pounds this year, although, it would be nice! Β My goal is to lose 50 pounds over the next 12 months. Β Anything more than that would be bonus! Β And wonderful! Β I’ve already made up a plan on how I’m (Lord willing) going to accomplish this. Β And I’m happy to say that as of yesterday, I got off to a great start!

I had mentioned previously that another one of my goals was to try one raw foods recipe per week, and yesterday, I made two! Β I made portobello stuffed mushrooms for dinner and vanilla crunch ice kream (misspelling this on purpose because there’s no real cream in it) for dessert. Β The mushrooms were good, but because they were so big, they were a little much for us. Β The pate’ that I made to go in the middle would be great simply with a salad, and I think that’s what I’ll use it for next time.

The ice kream was delicious! Β I will say that I was a bit nervous on how this would turn out, but it was surprisingly close to real vanilla ice cream. Β But healthy! Β And I’m happy to say that I’ve begun to put my ice cream maker to use again. Β From now on, the food processor, blender, and ice cream maker are going to be my best kitchen friends.

Do you want to know what was in the vanilla ice kream? Β Cashews, vanilla extract, spring water, and agave nectar. Β That’s it! Β I did let the kids add a few m&m’s to theirs to make it a little more fun, but we all enjoyed it and I was half a pound lighter this morning. Β Can’t do that with the regular stuff. πŸ˜‰

Okay, back to the point of this post. Β I want to lose 50 pounds this year, and in an effort to keep myself accountable and encourage others to join along, I’m going to be posting my progress here on The Sensible Mom every Monday.

Do you have any weight loss goals this year?


Filed Under: Fitness, Weight Loss Journey

Make It Happen Monday

January 10, 2011 by Sandra 8 Comments


cleaning

Monday has once again rolled around! Β I would be a little more excited about the new week except that I have a long class today, and I didn’t feel like getting out of bed this morning. Β I had set my alarm clock for 5:00am, and had it been within arms reach I probably would still be under the covers (I’m writing this at 6:04am), but I thought better last night and put it on the dresser where I knew I would physically have to GET UP to turn it off.

And I did exactly that. Β I jumped out of bed when that alarm went off, and once I was up, I was up. Β I forced myself not to lay back down, but rather begin my day so that I wouldn’t end up waking up late and running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to hurry out the door while thinking to myself that this could have been avoided had I simply listened to my alarm.

Okay, enough of that. Β Here is my list of to-do’s for this week:

:: Make a menu plan for our lunches and dinners this week

:: List textbooks to sell on ebay

:: Send two emails that I’m behind on

:: Write out a rough schedule for each day this week (I just started doing this last week, and it’s working well. Β I’ve found that in the season of life that we are in right now, each day can look completely different from the next so a one-size-fits-all schedule doesn’t work. Β Instead, I’m writing a daily schedule, usually the night before or in the morning for each day, and it’s working out very well.)

:: Help Breanna finish making the picture frame project she got for Christmas

:: Make out a list for Whole Foods for Wednesday grocery shopping

:: Finishing clipping and put away coupons

:: Take “before” pictures and post them

And that’s it. Β I’m hoping to get my before pictures taken this evening, and I’ll try to get them posted before I go to bed tonight. Β I wanted to do them last night, but I got lost watching videos on how MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and Aspartame are so unhealthy for us. Β Eye opening for sure!

Happy Monday!

For more Make It Happen Monday or to link-up your own list of to-do’s, please visit Domestically Obsessed!


Filed Under: Make It Happen Monday

Super Savings Saturday: Walgreens!

January 8, 2011 by Sandra 2 Comments


Walgreens trip

I went to Walgreens this week to pick up some of the Register Reward deals and cheap Huggies diapers. Β I’m hoping to make it there again today to pick up some more diapers (I can’t wait for the day when we no longer need these! Β I’m looking to at least 1 to 1.5 more years. πŸ™ ), vitamins, and the children’s homeopathic medicine. Β For now, here are the deals I grabbed in my pic.

$ 6.99 Huggies diapers
-$2.50 Printable Coupon
=$ 4.49

$9.99 Resveratrol MAX Dots
-$10.00 Walgreens IVC
=FREE

$10.00 Omega Factor 3 vitamins
-$3.00 coupon inside the box!
-$10.00 Register Reward wyb one
=FREE plus $3.00 overage

$8.99 Children’s Oscillococcinum
-$2.00 Printable Coupon
-$9 Register Reward wyb one
=FREE plus $2.00 overage

$6.38 for (2) L’Oreal Kohl Eyeliners (original price is around $12.49 each–these were on clearance)
-$5/2 mfgr. cpn. from 1/2 Red Plum (I was a little bummed that this coupon didn’t scan right. Β Instead of taking off $5, it only took off $3.19 –the price of one eyeliner–I’m guessing that it was programmed to scan that way because the clearance price of each one was under $5? Β Oh well, I’ll take it. Β I’m not a big eyeliner girl, but these make great gifts.)
= $0.69 each (I ended up paying $1.60 each because of the coupon not taking off the correct amount. Β Still a great deal, though. Β Oh, and because I bought 4, I did use two $5/2 coupons which both scanned incorrectly. Β You win some, you lose some.)

I was bummed not to be able to find even one single pack of the free after Register Rewards Finish dishwasher detergent. Β I checked at THREE different Walgreens! Β I even went on Sunday, and all the shelves were completely empty. Β Someone got up early! Β Oh well…

What deals did you find this week?


Filed Under: Super Savings Saturday

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 212
  • Page 213
  • Page 214
  • Page 215
  • Page 216
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 226
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to The Sensible Mom!

My name is Sandra and I’m the author of this blog. I’m also a Christian, wife, home schooling mom of five, pro blogger, vlogger, and YouTube video creator. It's nice to have you here. Read More…

Follow Me

Subscribe for Free Blog Updates & Get My Ebook for Free

Search The Sensible Mom

Subscribe to The Sensible Mom

Subscribe to Fun Playtime Reviews

Subscribe to Family Fun Minecrafters

Privacy Policy

Footer


Visit Sandra Calixto's profile on Pinterest.
Follow @thesensiblemom

Categories

Disclosure

Privacy Policy

We've had lots of great tomato harvests this year We've had lots of great tomato harvests this year but our cucumber harvest was pretty weak. How did your garden grow?

#garden #gardening #tomatoes #growing #summer #growingseason #vegetables #fruit #harvest #harvest2022 #gardeninglife #cucumber #gardeninspiration #summertime #summer2022 #backyardgarden
I love using pesto as a dressing for salad. It's d I love using pesto as a dressing for salad. It's delicious and the @barilla Creamy Genovese is my favorite. A little goes a long way and it makes dishes more delightful to eat. 😁 #yum #salad #ad #BarillaUS #BarillaPesto #creamygenovese #momsmeet @momsmeet #delish #delicious #tasty #pesto #ensalada #lunch #mealtime #mmm #veggies #vegetarian #saladideas #easy #meal #dinner #light #eat #eatplants
Transform and filter your tap water with the @vita Transform and filter your tap water with the @vitapodworld machine πŸ’¦  This is what I'm talking about #ontheblog today 😁
.
.
.
.
#ad @momsmeet #water #DrinkVitapod #VitapodWorld #FilledwithGood #drink #filter #transform #tapwater #agua #tasty #refreshing #clean #fresh #inthekitchen #homemaking #kidfriendly #drinks #pod #flavor #waterfilter
What's your favorite way to eat cherries? I love t What's your favorite way to eat cherries? I love them sliced up or topping fresh pancakes or waffles. Yum! πŸ’πŸ’πŸ’
.
.
.
.
@chelanfresh #ad @momsmeet #cherries # cherryseason #chelanfresh #momsmeet #chelanfreshcherries #snack #fruit #tasty #delicioso #healthy #delicious #cherry #summer2021 #sweet #fresh #fruits
We're transitioning to eating a more plant-based d We're transitioning to eating a more plant-based diet this year and we love it 😁 I'm slowly losing weight and my whole family is experiencing so many benefits to eating plant-based. I'm sharing about @wayfare_foods plant-based puddings on my blog today. They come in 3 delicious flavors: vanilla, butterscotch and chocolate. I'll post the blog post link in the comments.
.
.
.
.
.
#ad #momsmeet #wewantwayfare #wayfareWOW #pudding #plantbased #delicious #vegan #dairyfree #vegetarian #chocolate #vanilla #butterscotch #snack #snacktime #kidfriendly #backtoschool #momlife #delicious #sweet #tasty #treat #yum #delicioso #snacks @momsmeet
We went strawberry picking today.😎 The weather We went strawberry picking today.😎 The weather was perfect and the berries were plentiful but I was surprised to see SO MANY PEOPLE picking berries on a Wednesday afternoon. Apparently, we all decided today was a great day to pick. Anyway, we had a fun time and came home with lots of berries and strawberry donuts for later.😁
.
.
.
.
#memories #familyfun #strawberries #upick #family #familytime #berries #strawberry #summer #summerfun #momlife #fruit #sweet #tasty #yum #berry #remember #illinois #upickstrawberries
Making dairy-free vegan chocolate chip cookies for Making dairy-free vegan chocolate chip cookies for my family today 😁 We started going to a new doctor and found out that my oldest son is actually allergic to dairy. I don't know why none of his other doctors ever thought to check for the most common types of allergies in him especially since he has struggled with eczema and that's a common symptom when you're allergic to dairy products. Anyway, I'm glad to know for sure now. #delicious #plantbased #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #cookies #chocolatechip #chocolate #sweets #family #dessert #treat #delish #delicioso #mmm #yum #sweet #baking #allergies #momlife
Enjoying the Benihana Vegetable Hibachi Rice meal Enjoying the Benihana Vegetable Hibachi Rice meal for a late lunch today 😁 I found it in the freezer section at Target and it's great for a super quick and easy meal. I have two more in the freezer that I think I'll bulk up even more with some riced cauliflower next time I eat oneπŸ‘#yum #complimentary #mealtime #BenihanaFrozen #BenihanaAtHome #BenihanaFrozenFood @influenster @influenster.eats #lunch #frozenmeals #vegetables #rice #meal #quick #easy #quickandeasymeals #quickandeasyfood #freezermeals #veggies #mealideas
My kids are best friends #familytime #wisconsindel My kids are best friends #familytime #wisconsindells #wisconsin #vacation #funtimes #remember #memories #familyfun #family #zoo #jellybelly #jellybeans #momlife #vacationmode #vacay #simpleliving #spring #bestfriends #bestie
Beautiful day at the zoo #familyfun #familytime #o Beautiful day at the zoo #familyfun #familytime #outdoors #family #zoo #simpleliving #spring #funtimes #remember #memories #wisconsin #wisconsindells #outside #fun #momlife #vacation #vacationmode #makingmemories #animals
I'm sharing how we manage our family's screen time I'm sharing how we manage our family's screen time and keep our kids safe online with the Circle Home Plus device and App on the blog today! 😁  Seriously,  there are SO MANY great features about the Circle and it gives you so much power as a parent to keep your kids safe. Check it out! #ad @meetyourcircle @momsmeet #momsmeet #safe #safetyfirst #meetcircle #snoozeonscreentime #digitalparenting #bedtime #screentime #family #power #control #online #internet #router #homelife #giftideas
I'm really enjoying these chewable tablet pre + pr I'm really enjoying these chewable tablet pre + probiotics 😁 I've been taking them consistently and they've been so gentle on my system. They're the @kyo_dophilus Pro+ Synbiotic chewables that you can take anytime with or without a meal. I wrote about my experience in a recent blog post that I'll link in the comments below. Do you take pre or probiotics?
.
.
.
.
.
.
#ad #momsmeet @momsmeet #prebiotics #probiotics #microbiome #gut #bacteria #health #berrysmoothie #tablets #chewable #momlife #blogger #plantbased #benefit #easy #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #guthealth #immunesupport
We bought two sets of these $37 Knoxhult wall cabi We bought two sets of these $37 Knoxhult wall cabinets to use in our boys' bedroom and they're working out great. They're actually white with gray doors and while they didn't come with any hardware, we were able to add a couple of nice knobs we purchased from a hardware store. Now, the boys have extra space to store their stuff and they've been hanging in their rooms for months now so I thought I'd share in case it might help someone.πŸ‘ #home #organization #ikea #cabinets #boysroom #momlife #solutions #homedecor #homeinspo #homeinterior #room #ikeahome #family
πŸŽ„ Christmas Tree 2020 πŸŽ„ My two youngest kids πŸŽ„ Christmas Tree 2020 πŸŽ„ My two youngest kids had a fun time decorating our tree this year. I hope you're having a lovely holiday season. #christmas2020 #memories #Christmas #Christmastree #tree #Christmasdecor #family #tistheseason #Christmastime #lights #MerryChristmas #funtimes #remember #ornaments
Veggie omelet 😁 #delicious #yum #breakfast #egg Veggie omelet 😁 #delicious #yum #breakfast #eggs #tasty #delicioso #mealtime #mealideas #garden #inthekitchen #eat #eating #mmm
Kitchen is clean 😎 #cleankitchenatnight #cleani Kitchen is clean 😎 #cleankitchenatnight #cleaning #clean #kitchen #momlife #marriedlife #happy #funtimes #happyday #weekend #weekends #simple #simpleliving #cleaningmotivation #inspiration
Today's garden haul #garden #gardening #summer2020 Today's garden haul #garden #gardening #summer2020 #summer #tomatoes #tomato #cucumber #jalapeno #greenpepper #bellpeppers #healthyfood #healthy #vegetables #veggies #raw #delicious #tasty #gardenhaul #haul #momlife
Hubby made super fresh green salsa with jalapeños Hubby made super fresh green salsa with jalapeños from our garden 😁 We had to buy tomatillos to make the salsa from the store. Next year, Lord willing, we'll grow our own. I hope you're enjoying your summer. I'm not ready for fall - lol. Are you? #salsa #mexicanfood #garden #gardening #yum #delicioso #delicious #summer #fall #summertime #summer2020 #food #mexican #jalapeno  #salsaverde #greensalsa #fresh #freshfood
Happy 4th of July! πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ We're Happy 4th of July! πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ We're celebrating with @country_donuts 😁 #independenceday #4thofjuly #july4th #freedom #free #usa #independence
Spicy bacon-wrapped sausages in the air fryer 😁 Spicy bacon-wrapped sausages in the air fryer 😁 We stocked up on mild and hot Buona Beef sausages at the grocery store and decided to try making the spicy ones wrapped in baconπŸ‘ So good! For the process, hubby cooked the sausages a bit in the air fryer first and then wrapped them in the bacon. These were from over the weekend. Hubby made more last night.πŸ˜„ I hope you guys are doing well! If you want to see the specific sausages we used, they're in the most recent grocery haul on my YouTube channel. #dinner #sausages #bacon #baconsausage #lunch #meals #mealideas #airfryer #buonabeef #momlife #airfryerrecipes #easy #whatsfordinner #delicious #yum #tasty #spicy #food #savory #delicioso #baconwrapped
I made tempeh for the first time ever yesterday. I I made tempeh for the first time ever yesterday. It was @lightlifefoods Organic Original Tempeh, which happens to be a great source of plant protein. Have you tried tempeh? What's your favorite way to eat it? I'd love to know! 😁 #momsmeet #ad @momsmeet #tempeh #vegan #vegetarian #savory #nongmo #organic #protein #plantbased #food #soy #meatless #nomeat #meatlessmeals
I'm using these products to try to look younger πŸ˜‚ I think they're making a difference. They one thing I'm not crazy about is the light fragrance in the moisturizer but I love the Revitalift Ampoules πŸ˜πŸ‘ They're very moisturizing πŸ‘© #Revitalift #DermIntensives #complimentary @lorealparis @Influenster #antiaging #loreal #beauty #beautytips #aging #moisturizer #cream #youngerskin #momlife #lotion #lorealparis #lookyourbest
Thank you @calsangels for the fantastic care packa Thank you @calsangels for the fantastic care package full of toys and activities for my three youngest kids! 😁 They had no idea a package was coming and loved getting new toys and games to play with. I truly appreciate it! πŸ’› For those not familiar with Cal's Angel's, they're a fantastic organization that grants wishes for kids who are sick and fighting for their lives. They granted a wish for our son, David, when he was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia and needed a bone marrow transplant. #thankyou #calscares #aplasticanemia #survivor #bmt #bonemarrowtransplant #live #blessed #blessings #saa #toys #family #surprise #love #wow #calsangels #severeaplasticanemia #wishes
Love my little Magic Bullet for making a quick smo Love my little Magic Bullet for making a quick smoothie πŸ˜„ We bought ours maybe a year ago from Bestbuy and I like that I don't have to pull out a big blender for smoothies.πŸ‘ Quick and easy! #simpleliving #simplelife #momlife #smoothie #smoothies #drinks #mangosmoothie #mango #magicbullet #tasty #easy #quick #snack #mmm #worksforme #momsofinstagram #drink #bestbuy #magicbulletsmoothie
Just peeked πŸ‘€ at the pork roast for dinner and Just peeked πŸ‘€ at the pork roast for dinner and it's looking goodπŸ‘I'm cooking it low and slow and going to shred it and make barbecue pulled pork sandwiches 😁 What's for dinner at your house? #inthekitchen #momlife #weekend #mealideas #dinner #dinnertime #mealtime #meal #pork #porkroast #weekendfun #marriedlife #whatsfordinner #dinnerideas #mmm #yum #delicious #delish #sogood #food #foodstagram #meat #delicioso #flavor #sabroso #tasty #tastyfood
We went to IKEA and picked up a new dresser for me We went to IKEA and picked up a new dresser for me. I ❀ it. We have a super small bedroom because we gave the master bedroom to our 3 boys, and the dresser fit perfectly in the spot next to our bed. It's tall, yes, but not too tall.πŸ‘ My old dresser became hubby's because he gave his dresser to my oldest daughter. Lol - It's musical dressers around here.πŸ˜‚ #yay #momlife #ikea #new #dresser #white #furniture #bedroom #ikeahome #dressers #bedroomideas
I haven't shared a #cleankitchenatnight picture in I haven't shared a #cleankitchenatnight picture in ages so here's my kitchen tonight. Dinner is done, the kitchen is clean and I'm about to make myself an iced coffee.πŸ‘ #momlife #cleaning #kitchen #marriedlife #momof5 #simpleliving #simplelife #clean #inthekitchen #inspiration #mom #motherhood #tired #cleankitchen #motivation #blessed #thankful #done
Mexican Meatball (Albondigas) Soup is one of my ve Mexican Meatball (Albondigas) Soup is one of my very favorite soups and takes me back to my childhood 😊 Is there a soup that brings back childhood memories for you? #remember #memories #soup #meatballs #meatballsoup #albondigas #albondigassoup #momlife #mexican #inthekitchen #food #foodstagram #eat #eats #dinner #delicious #delicioso #delish #tasty #tastyfood #flavor #yum #mmm #mexicanfood #comida #comidamexicana #childhood
Mango smoothie made with frozen mango chunks from Mango smoothie made with frozen mango chunks from @costco and sparkling water 😁 I made it in my little Magic BulletπŸ‘ #easy #momlife #mango #yum #smoothie #smoothies #delicious #healthy #simpleliving #simplelife #snack #snacktime #drinks #mangosmoothie #inthekitchen #magicbullet #healthysmoothies #costco #funtimes #mmm #drink
I can only have these Costco praline pecans in the I can only have these Costco praline pecans in the house once or twice a year because it's so hard to be self-controlled when they're around. They're so sweet and delicious that I can't eat just one or a couple. 😱 Lol - Hubby knows this so he bought me some for Valentine's Day and the container is already halfway empty.😳 Oh well! I'm enjoying them! 😁 Do you have a favorite food you can't keep in the house much? #pecans #delicious #snacks #sweets #sogood #yum #selfcontrol #valentines #valentinesday #love #praline #nuts #momlife #snack #delish #delicioso #eatsandtreats #treat #eats #costco #kirkland #good #foodstagram #pecan
Homemade m&m cookies 😁 My daughter, Breanna, ma Homemade m&m cookies 😁 My daughter, Breanna, made these for homeschool this week. I found the m&ms on clearance after Christmas hence the red and green πŸ˜‰ #cookies #homemade #homeschool #homeschooling #baking #inthekitchen #sweet #treats #delicious #delish #delicioso #yum #eatsandtreats #momlife #homeschoollife #home #simpleliving #simplelife #sweets #christmas
I did my taxes this week and I'm so happy to have I did my taxes this week and I'm so happy to have that task done! I was pretty happy to see that we finally didn't owe the State this year and instead we're getting back $1. Lol πŸ˜‚ I'll take it! I love doing my taxes using @turbotax It's super easy and not intimidating because the TurboTax program is so intuitive and walks you through everythingπŸ‘ Seriously, I've used TurboTax MANY times and it keeps getting better. Do you use TurboTax? πŸ€“ Thanks to @influenster for a #complimentary code they sent me to try out #TurboTaxLiveExperts #contest #taxes #momlife #selfemployed #tax #taxtime #turbotax #money #todolist #refund #taxseason #simpleliving #simplelife #breakfast #done #coffee #taxrefund
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress