Kids in the Kitchen

Summertime can be a great time to introduce kids to fun recipes that are easy to create.  The extra time afforded as kids are out of school is great to begin training them to create snacks and meals on their own.  As parents, we want to see our children learn the life skills they need to succeed. 
Here are a list of websites we found.  If you have some favorite recipes, please share with our readers!

Easy Kids Recipes  Check out their suggestions for great fun foods for the fourth of July!

Kids Health Has a lot of great healthy recipe ideas that kids can create for themselves

Kids Recipes A-Z has fun ideas from Bunny Salad to Octopus dogs.  Great cooking with a little whimsy!

Recipes from Disney Family Fun:  Disney has some great fun ways for kids to get started preparing snacks and special foods. 

Nick Jr. has a wealth of recipes that are fun for kids.

Saving on Food and Groceries

Grocery shopping – you’ve got to do it, right? Going out to eat – you don’t have to, but sometimes it just turns out that way. Believe it or not, the average family of four spends more than $500 on groceries and food each month.

You can easily add another $50 or $100 to your monthly savings by making simple changes:
START by shopping smart at the grocery store:

1. Shop with a list and coupons when purchasing groceries. If you purchase certain items regularly, stock up on them when they are on sale for additional savings.
   
2. Buy in-season produce. Not only is the produce more fresh, but also is substantially cheaper. To find out what’s in season click here.
3. Avoid convenience food. Pre-cooked, pre-sliced or pre-packaged food is more expensive. Buy whole carrots rather than baby ones, and create your own “100 calorie” snack packs.
   SUBSTITUTE and ANTICIPATE for further savings:
4. Eat less meat. Vegetarian meals are often cheaper and healthier than their meat counterparts. Consider substituting beans for meat or enjoy pasta with summer vegetables in a few dinners each week to add to your savings.
5. Don’t just pack your lunch; bring snacks and beverages with you as well. A $2 snack or water bottle adds up over time. If you’re going to be away from home, be prepared.
   
6. Avoid restaurants, but if you must:
   If you’re going to go out to eat, check out the local entertainment section in your newspaper for discount or 2-for-1 coupons. If your favorite restaurant does not offer coupons, consider ordering appetizers rather than entrees.

Make sure to bank your savings! Track your progress towards a savings goal by joining Virginia Saves, and using the America Saves My Savings Tracker for free to record deposits and monitor your progress.