Monday, May 27, 2013

Mommy Brain

How often do you feel like you can't remember anything to save your life?
We've all been there and hell I'm lucky if I remember what I walked into the room for.

There's this thing and I like to call it mommy brain. Mommy brain is almost as bad as Alzheimer but not as dangerous.  You seem to remember every word to the song The Wiggles just sang but can't remember why you walked into the bathroom.  Mommy brain can cause you to be late to an appointment, simply because you can't remember where you placed your phone that you just had two minutes ago. Mommy brain comes with pregnancy and gets worse with each child after. Symptoms may include forgetfulness, confusion and frustration. Some parents experience forgetfulness of child's name. If you are experiencing these symptoms head to your local store and buy a journal. You might want to write that down now or you just might get a case of MB while shopping and come home with everything except a journal.

I would tell you the cure to MB but I don't remember. I do know that it will come back to me once I'm repeating "Don't forget the bread" over and over on the way to the store. Then I will forget I ever need bread.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Pregnancy Medication Saftey





When you are pregnant you want to make sure whatever you ingest is safe for baby, especially when it comes to medications. I have complied a list of safe medications to use during pregnancy. The sources of my list will be listed below. I have been pregnant twice also, so I know from first hand experience.
<3 Amanda
 








 Safe Medications to use during pregnancy

 

Cold/Flu
 Always check over-the-counter cold medications for alcohol, sugar, caffeine, or aspirin. Medications should be taken as directed and for no longer than seven days. If symptoms persist, call your doctors office.
•Actifed
•Allerest
•Allergy relief medicine (ARM)
•Benadryl (tablet, capsule, and liquid form), Benadryl Plus
•Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Trimeton LA
•Claritin
•Comtrex
•Robitussin DM
•Sine-Off (WITHOUT aspirin)
•Sinutab Extra Strength, Sinutab Maximum Strength (NOT Sinutab Allergy)
•Sudafed (tablet and liquid form), Sudafed Plus, Sudafed 12 Hour
•Throat lozenges
•Triaminic, Triaminic Cold, Triaminic Nite Lite, Triaminic PM, Triaminic 12 Hour
•Tylenol Sinus
 
Constipation
 The following medications can be taken for constipation relief:
•Colace 50mg (one or two, twice daily)
•Fibercon
•Metamucil
 
Other helpful suggestions:
•Increase water intake to 8-10 eight-ounce glasses daily
•Eat plenty of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and fiber
•Get adequate exercise; walking is a good exercise during pregnancy
 
If constipation persists, call your doctors office for further instructions.
 
Diarrhea
 The following medications can be taken for relief of diarrhea:
•Immodium AD (use no longer than 48 hours and no more than four caplets or 8 teaspoons in a 24-hour period)
•Kaopectate
 You might also try the B.R.A.T. diet (banana, rice, applesauce, tea/toast). If diarrhea persists, call your  doctors office for further instructions.
 
Hemorrhoids
 The following medications can be taken for relief of hemorrhoids:
•Anusol
•Preparation H
•Tucks
 Other helpful suggestions:
•Soak in a warm bath
•Take a sitz bath
 
Aches/Pains
 The following medications can be taken for pain relief:
•Datril
•Exprin (by Giant)
•Panadol
•Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol, or generic acetaminophen
 
Heartburn/Indigestion/Upset Stomach
 The following over-the-counter medications can be taken for indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach:
•Gaviscon
•Maalox
•Mylanta, Mylanta II
•Riopan
•Rolaids
•Tums
 
The following prescription medications may be used only on the advice of your physician:
•Pepcid
•Tagament
•Zantac
 
Nausea/Morning Sickness
 The following medications can be taken for relief of nausea:
•Vitamin B6 (50mg twice daily)
 
•Emetrol (don’t use if diabetic)
 
 Other helpful suggestions:
 
•Ginger Root (2 tablets, 2-4 times a day)
 
•Small frequent meals
 
•8-10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day
 

Rashes

The following medications can be used for relief of rashes.
  • Benadryl cream
 
  • Caladryl lotion or cream
 
  • Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
 
  • Oatmeal bath (Aveeno)
 
sources:
 
http://www.aboutwomenobgyn.com/page/medications_pregnancy
http://women.webmd.com/pharmacist-11/pregnancy-medicine

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Saturday, March 2, 2013

SO Saturdays!

 

            Welcome to Another Significant Other Saturday!


 
This week I want to share the ways to keep your relationship hot!


  •  Get out of the house and do something daring together!
Find something you normally wouldn't do. Something daring and full of excitement.When you get your adrenaline going with your SO, you automatically feel more passion towards each other.
  • Get fixed up for your next date!
Just because your comfortable with your SO doesn't mean you should dress in jeans and a hoodie on every date! Try dressing up, put some make up on, jewelry and perfume! Your man will see you are smoking hot and want to show you off! Men, ladies like a man with style and CLEAN nails, I recommend a manicure before your next date!
 
  •  Plan the date in advance
Everyone hates trying to decide what to do 10 minutes before heading out. Plan your next date night at least 24-48 hours in advanced so you know what to expect and wear.
 
  •  Be open to new ideas
Try something new! Go to a sporting event, go wine tasting, go bungee jumping or anything you don't normally do.
 
  • Share something silly your SO doesn't know.
Even if you have been together for 10 years and think you know every possible thing there's always something you can find. It can be a silly memory as a child, embarrassing moment, or something you did yesterday that would make them laugh. Opening up always brings couples closer.
 
  • Leave your SO little notes
Leaving love notes or a simply good morning beautiful, enjoy your day really makes for a happy SO. With technology now a days people forget about hand written notes that have more meaning and power. It's something that can be kept longer.
 
  • Try new things in the bedroom
New things are fun. Try role playing or simply buying a sexy new pair of underware. Don't limit yourself to just the bedroom either. Remember new relationships where you wanted to do it anywhere, well try it again! The more confidence you have the more fun you will have! Try visiting www.cosmopolitan.com for new techniques!


For more Significant Other questions, advice, tips and more visit Mama's Traumas < Click here and come back next week for more SO Saturdays with Amanda!

Friday, March 1, 2013

10 Great Finger Foods



We all have a hard time making those party favors, well if you are like me you do.  Some have a natural talent, however I have come up with a great list of 10 items that work great for finger food parties.  Impress your friends with a variety. Maybe you don't want finger foods for a party but, just for you and the kids!  It is always fun to make them, and eat them with the kids.


1. Spinach Dip and chips - This is a big hit at most parties, and with the kids.  Shhhh dont tell the kids they are eating spinach.  This is a pretty filling dish, with a bit of a kick.

2. Shrimp, Shrimp, Shrimp - Need I say more.  Shrimp can be created in many different ways, you could have a full finger food party only using shrimp I am sure....  A few ideas for shrimp Skewers, Grilled Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Boiled Shrimp, Lemon Pepper Shrimp, Shrimp Cocktail.. Ok Ok... I know I'm starting to sound like Bubba Gump, but you get the idea.  Make a great dip that goes with the shrimp of choice.  This is one of my favorite finger foods.

3. Fruit or Veggie Tray -  Add a variety of veggies and fruits on trays, everyone loves the fresh fruit, and veggies.  There are lots of possibilities to include such as grape or cherry tomatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Celery, Onion, etc.  Some more options include (which seem endless) Pineapple, Grapes, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Apples, Pears, Oranges, etc.

4. Bean Salad - I love bean salad, and It is so easy to make.  Vinegar, Sugar, beans, onion, and bell pepper are my favorite ingredients.  This must sit over night so it must be made ahead of time.

5. Tortilla rolls -  Take a Torilla add some ham, or turkey (any meat you desire) Cheese, lettuce, maybe a little mayo and roll it up.  Cut it into dividing pieces, and it looks quite pretty.  These are also very yummy.  I like to put a little Italian dressing on them.

6. Salsa - Either open a jar of salsa and put it in a bowl, or make some homemade salsa either way it is usually a big hit at parties.  Some children like it and some don't  but It is a great snack!

7. Sliders -  Either Chicken, Veggie, Burger, or Turkey sliders are always a great idea for a finger food.  Everyone seems to love them.  Having a variety is also a great idea.  Since it is so small everyone has a choice of tasting multiple.

8. Subs - Sub Sandwiches are always a great idea, because not many people dislike them.  Just add meat and cheese to the sub, and let the guests pick their toppings.  I know the sub tray from Subway is an awesome way to go, but making your own is a great option as well.

9. Pizza - Pizza can easily be made into a finger food.  Cut a pizza up into little squares, and you got it finger food.  Pizza is a great idea because when feeding multiple people it is a more filling finger food, which will satisfy hungry guests.  Having light snacks and filling foods as a mixture is always a plus.

10. Wings -  Who doesn't love wings, well I am sure someone doesn't but they are a great party food.  Kids also love them.  Have a variety of flavors with some ranch or blue cheese (ranch is a good option since it can also be used for the veggies).

These are my ideas of this week.  Stay tuned for next week, always a different topic, but always about food on Friday!!!  If you have any questions or want to request a recipe for any of my food posts please write me at our Facebook page Mama's Traumas <<< Just click the link.

Thanks Everyone Hope you Enjoyed and have a fabulous weekend!!!  -Kristen-


Saturday, February 23, 2013

This week I want to talk about the marriage and divorce rate in America and what we can do to keep our relationships intact.

Age has a lot to do with how we handle problems in our relationships.
 
It seems men and women who got married from age 20-24 had the highest rate of divorce in America. Why might this be? Well not speaking for everyone in this age group, but this age is usually when people are finding themselves and just discovering what they want in life. Many people change and if your relationship doesn't change to accommodate it you may just be closer to divorce than you think, as unfortunate as it may seem.
 
                                        5 Tips for surviving your marriage!
 
1) Always include your partner in any life altering decisions.
 
Discussing your plans show you are growing together and not on your own. Shows you are building a life with them not without them.
 
2) Never seek out another person to validate and coddle your hurt feeling.
 
As innocent as this may seem, do not do it. If you are having relationship problems the last thing you need is an emotional affair and or everyone knowing every problem in your relationship.
 
3) Always talk to your partner about your feelings
Yes ladies, we do like to talk about our feelings and our men want to run the opposite direction. Yet there are ways to talk without seeming crazy to our partners. Ease into things, try this for example
 "I feel as if we haven't spent as much time together, what about us having a date night next week just you and me."
 
4) Never compare your husband or wife to a relative
If you want to be married and stay married never ever compare a woman to their mother or your mother unless it is to say "wow, honey your peach cobbler is so much better than your/my moms." women and men are competitive and that's ok but no one wants to be less than someone else.
 
5) Always help with the house work
Whether you work outside the home or not, male or female. You live there and you should help. The stay at home partner is not your maid, butler, chef or secretary just because they choose to be at home. You would be doing everything yourself if it was just you, so do your part and NEVER complain about it! 
 
 
 
 
Here are the statistics I found about marriage and divorce. According to http://www.divorcestatistics.org/



Age at marriage for those who divorce in America
 
AgeWomenMen
Under 20 years old27.6%11.7%
20 to 24 years old36.6%38.8%
25 to 29 years old16.4%22.3%
30 to 34 years old8.5%11.6%
35 to 39 years old5.1%6.5%

Divorce Statistics in America for Marriage
 
MarriageDivorce statistics (in percent)
First Marriage45% to 50% marriages end in divorce
Second Marriage60% to 67% marriages end in divorce
Third Marriage70% to 73% marriages end in divorce
 
Children of Divorce Statistics
 
According to discovery channel, couples with children have a slightly lower rate of divorce than childless couples. Sociologists also believe that childlessness is also a common cause of divorce. The absence of children leads to loneliness and weariness. In the United States, at least 66 per cent of all divorced couples are childless.


Divorcing CouplesDivorce Rate Statistics (in percent)
Couples With Children40%
Couples Without Children66%
 






Please take these things inconsideration and know these are just statistics and are not set in stone. I'll be back next Saturday with more relationship talk! Until then join us on www.facebook.com/mamastraumas


















Friday, February 22, 2013

8 Ways to Use Leftovers

We have all been in a situation where we have leftovers, but we do not want to eat the same thing the next day.  I have a few ideas to turn leftovers into a whole new meal.  This is a fantastic way to save some money, and cut cooking time.


1.  Roast beef or Pot Roast-  You can take the meat potatoes and veggies from a roast and turn it into vegetable beef soup.  This is one of my favorite things to do with left over roast.  You dont want that expensive meat to go to waste.

2. Steak and Baked potatoes-  Sometimes we go out to dinner and we bring home lots of leftovers. If you take a little butter or olive oil, chop up the leftover steak and potatoes, and saute them together in a skillet.  It is just a heating process, and it tastes great for breakfast or lunch.  You could also serve the leftover steak over salad, or put it in a stir-fry.

3. Leftover Veggies-  You could do many things with leftover veggies, but one of my favorite things to do is make stir-fry...  In my home we never eat the full package of broccoli  and we all know that goes great in stir-fry.  Add a few more veggies to it, or have a broccoli and teriyaki chicken served over white rice.   

4. Chicken-  The possibilities are almost limitless.. One great idea with leftover chicken is chicken pot pie.  Just cut up the leftover chicken and make the pie.  Cheap and easy meal that the family will love.  We all love comfort foods.

5. BBQ Chicken-  If you make BBQ Chicken one night mane BBQ chicken sandwiches the next.  This goes great on just a regular hamburger bun or french bread, add a few pickles and sauce it up. If you have a chopper or food processor it makes for a great sandwich!

6. Baked Chicken Breasts-  We always bake a large amount of breast meat at a time.  Taking the leftovers to make chicken salad is amazing.  Add a little vinegar, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, onion, bell peppers, diced pickles, celery and celery salt.  This is the way I love to make my chicken salad.. Usually with baked or grilled chicken breasts.  Each time it comes out different based on the seasoning used on the chicken itself the night before.  Teriyaki and Lemon Pepper Chicken are my two favorites to add to this recipe.

7. Mashed Potatoes-  You could bake them in little pies, or fry them in a pan.  Add a little onion and a little extra milk to loosen them up again.  Kids love these!!!

8. White rice-  If you have quite a bit of rice left over from the night before, cold rice is the best thing to use for fried rice, and it taste completely different.  Put some butter in a Wok or Frying pan, scramble two eggs, add rice and some veggies (onion, peas, carrots your choice), add soy sauce, onion powder, and a little garlic powder, salt and pepper, and it makes a great cheap fried rice.  I even make it without the veggies if I don't have them on hand.  Just make sure you don't overdo the soy sauce it will be very salty.


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Technology Tuesday Tips

Everyone knows that in this day and age technology is a big role in our lives. So why not use technology to your advantage and make you life a little easier.
 
Here are Amanda's Technology Tips for the busy mama!
 
 
 
  • Are you going to a new doctor for the first time?
 Many doctor offices now have websites. Go on to your doctors website and print out their new patient forms and fill out before you have your visit. This is so much easier than trying to contain a toddler and filling out paperwork with out scribbles all over the page. Some website's even offer the paperless route with Patient Portal. Just Create an account and fill out all the information they need before ever stepping into their office!
 
  • Did you forget to write down in your check book the last thing you spent and now you can't find your recite?
No worries, most banks now have applications for your smartphone! With the banking app you can check your available balance, view recent transactions and transfer funds. This makes life a little less stressful knowing you have a back up incase you lose that recite!
 
  • Do you run around to store after store pricing the same item?
Run around no more, there's an app for that! RedLaser has many features as I have displayed below. You can download the app for free. It's available for Iphone, Android and Windows Phones. http://redlaser.com/ 

Buy it!

Image 1
Easy to buy! Buy directly from your phone, and our partner retailers can have your items waiting for you at a nearby store.

Find local prices

Image 1
RedLaser knows what’s nearby. When you scan with us, we’ll share prices from stores right down the road.

Avoid allergens

Image 1
RedLaser can help identify allergens! Scan a food with RedLaser, and we’ll let you know about many allergens.

Price Comparison

Image 1
RedLaser can save you money! Scan a barcode (or search by voice or image), and then compare prices between thousands of online and offline retailers.
 
  • Are you making trips to the grocery storing and realizing you forgot your list at home?
 
Don't fret there are many free apps for your phone that can make grocery list and you can check the items off as you shop. I personally use MobisleNotes and absolutely love it! Go to https://mobislenotes.com/ and download the app for free. Create an account and you can add to your notes from anywhere! Does the husband keep asking for a million things while you're at the store? He can simply log into the MobisleNotes account and add to the list and you have it instantly!
 
 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Makeover Monday

As busy mom's we don't have all the time in the world to get beautiful every morning like a Kardashian does. So I have some tips and tricks to make your morning/ afternoon and or night time preparations just a tab bit easier!


Morning:

  • If you shower in the mornings put your toothbrush and toothpaste in the shower. It becomes part of your daily shower routine and you wont be pondering "did I brush my teeth this morning?"
  • You have bed head but not enough time to wash your hair but want your hair to look better. Section hair into 5-10 big sections then braid each in a loose braid. Run a flatiron over each braid, let them cool down, spray hairspray and undo the braids.....Wave's in 15 minutes!

  • While your hair is cooling down start applying your makeup. Remember the basic essentials: Eyelash curler, Eye liner, Mascara and some lipstick or gloss. Those few things spruce up the natural look with less than 5 minutes to apply.
Afternoon:

  • Before heading any where take a swig of mouthwash and rinse. Clean breath and sparkling teeth.
  • Touch up your make up on the go. Always have lip gloss and eyeliner in your purse!
  • Has your hair lost luster throughout the day? Take and pull your hair to the side and put it in a lose braid, less than 2 minutes to do!
Nightime:

  • Going out for dinner and in a rush? Take your daytime look to night by applying a darker shade of lipstick, throw on some earrings and change your shoes! A little bit adjustments that take less than 5 minutes can do wonders!
  • Before going to bed at night time pick out your outfit for the next day. This is a life saving tip for mom's. Have all accessories, shoes, socks/pantyhose and clothing together so you aren't searching the house for your missing shoe in the morning!
  • Make up and utensils you plan on using the next morning take and sit together in a pile on your sink counter before going to sleep.

These are just a few tips for getting ready in less than an hour. As a mom I know getting the kids ready is already time consuming and I would rather my part take just a few moments because I'm already exhausted by time I need to get ready.

Next Monday I'll have more tips & tricks to try in less than 1 hour! Until then visit us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/mamastraumas

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Sunday Funday DIY Ideas for the Kids

There are a lot of great DIY projects that will help save some money, and the kids will love them!!  I have listed 5 great ideas which when I were a kid I know I would have liked.  Check them out!!

1. Did you know you can turn that old pack-in-play into a tent.  I am a huge pinterest fan, and I came across a great idea there which I know that many little ones would love.  A tent!!  Customize the fabric and blankets to satisfy your child.  There are so many options Barbie or Spider-man, Dora or Diago, or any other character your child loves.  Universal fabric such as in the photo also looks great.  Just remove the mesh from one side and use a fitted sheet on top!! 

Pack  Play repurpose! Cut the mesh from one side, cover the top with fitted sheet, throw in some pillows... reading tent!
2. For the Girls...  Make your own Tutus.  I came accross this idea on a website which I will list, but the little girls I am sure would be so excited about this project.  Make a Colorful tutu or just solid, so many possibilities.  This is a very easy method!! It could save you a lot of time and money!! 
Go to Treasures for Tots for step by step instructions.  These little tutus should keep your little one busy for hours.

Someone just saved me SO much time on making tutus.
3. Have you ever thought of all the possibilities using chalkboard paint?  Well someone has paint a table, an old picture frame with a board in the center, a wall, a door, an old chair.  There are many possibilities, and if you take yourself back in time do you remember how fun it was to draw on a chalk board?  I use to spend a lot of time playing school, and practicing my writing on a chalk board.  Check out more ideas here.  I love the table idea!! 
things to do with an ikea table - paint with chalkboard paint, cut hole, insert chalk bin, have fun
4. Have you ever thought about making a kitchen play set out of an old table or nightstand!!  There are so many possibilities, let your imagination run wild.  You could also use multiple tables and come up with a whole kitchen area.  That sould keep the little ones busy for hours! 
Old Table
Child's Kitchenette - a must have!
Old Night Stand
Play kitchen from night stand
Old Entertainment Center
old TV stand-AMAZING!  My daughter must have one
5. When I was searching for DIY projects I came accross a website which has 100 things you can purchase at the dollar store for play!  There are a lot of great ideas at Growing a Jeweled Rose
Well that is all for now, I hope that you have enjoyed this weeks DIY projects and Ideas with Kristen.  I will have more for next week!!  If you havent done so already please check out Mama's Traumas face book page www.facebook.com/mamastraumas Later Mamas!! 


Saturday, February 16, 2013

Significant Other Saturday

Significant Other Saturday is all about providing you with relationship advice, venting and us answering your questions!

Amanda's 10 do's and don'ts in a relationship....

  1. Never go to bed angry. No matter how pissed off you are it's always better to resolve your issue before falling asleep and waking up pissed off.
  2. Never EVER bring up the ex unless it's a baby mama/daddy and it's an important conversation.
  3. Always tell your significant other that you are proud of them. Even if its " hey honey, I'm so proud of you for not riding on the bumper of that guys car when he cut you off!"
  4. Always compliment your significant other. The smallest thing can make their day. Try saying "Those jeans really make your butt look nice" or "You smell good."
  5. Always be honest. Yes this may seem like a tricky one but there's different ways to be honest. The rude way and the polite way. If your SO asks "do I look ugly today" there's 2 ways to respond... The rude way " Unfortunately yes, but blame your mother." or The polite way "I think you're handsome/beautiful even when you are at your worst."
  6. Never tell your SO that they can't do something. Telling people you can't is like saying "hey, I double dog dare you to run into traffic blindfolded or i'll shoot you." If there is something you don't want them to do rephrase the way you say it. For example instead of saying "No you can't buy a motorcycle." say "I would rather you not buy that and hurt yourself. Plus is that really financial responsible right now?"
  7. Never EVER compare your SO to anyone, Famous or not don't do it! Comparison at the time can seem innocent or playful but really all it does is make the other person jealous and angry.
  8. Never say "I hate you" or "I regret ever dating/marring  you" when in a fight. This my friends will come back to bight you in the butt later on. Once those words are said they can not be taken back no matter how much butt kissing you do. So never say them, ever!
  9. Always ask for your SO's advice whether you need it or not! Asking for advice make's the other person feel important in your life. The simple "I need your advice, which shirt looks better with these pants?" will work.
  10. Always treat your SO with respect. Would you like to be put down and called a lot of nasty names? No, most likely not. It's the golden rule effect.

I hope these can help your relationship blossom and not wilt! Next week I'll have more Do's and Don'ts for you love birds!

Don't forget to Like us on facebook! www.facebook.com/mamastraumas

Friday, February 15, 2013

Shepherds Pie

Shepherds Pie


1 lb ground beef
2 cans of corn drained
About 6-7 large Potatoes boiled and mashed (add milk, butter, salt and pepper)
1 bag of shredded cheese (I use sharp)

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet 
3. Peel, boil, and mash potatoes (however you personally make mashed potatoes)
4. Put one layer of mashed potatoes on the bottom of a large rectangle cake pan (about 1/2 of the potatoes)
5. Put ground beef on top of the potatoes (spread out)
6. Add corn layer on top of the meat layer (or other veggies)
7. Spread the rest of the potatoes over the top 
8. Cheese is optional but it is great with the cheese. Sprinkle cheese over the top layer
9. Bake until cheese melts and begins to brown. 
10. Serve and enjoy!!

 I always use corn but some people use green beans or carrots or mixed veggies. 

Thank You Christiine for asking about the recipe! 

Cheap Meal Ideas

In my family we are always looking for ways to save money.. Cheap meals means cheaper grocery bills.  In my house we try to eat foods that are healthy, yet sometimes we slip up.  I have come up with a few meal ideas that are cheap on the pocket.  If you create cheap meals a few times a week, you will be amazed at the amount of money you will save at the grocery store.

1. Hamburgers 1 time a week (I use very lean meat).  Add a side of veggies, or baked potatoes.  We use romaine lettuce in place of iceberg as well.  This can be healthy and cost effective.

2.Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup.  We like to add a meat to our grilled cheese sometimes.

3. Beans Beans and more Beans-  Beans and rice is a great cheap meal, add some chicken in the beans and you have a full meal (or whatever meat your heard desires).

4. Salad- I know most people do not want salad for dinner however there are so many salad ideas.  You will find one you like.  Top it off with some grilled chicken.  We like to use leftover grilled Chicken or Steak.  You can also do a wrap instead of salad same ingredients you just need the wrap.

5. Chicken and Rice soup- This is a very easy meal.  Boil some chicken, add low sodium broth and cooked rice.  Boil some carrots, celery, etc to add also.

6. Breakfast for dinner- Have some pancakes on hand they are very cheap, eggs, toast, bacon, etc.  Very good idea once a week.

7. Shepherds Pie- This is one of our family favorites, everyone adds their choice of veggies, mashed potatoes, and hamburger meat.  Not expensive especially if you buy 10 lbs of potatoes from Aldi, they are usually under $3 and I save a lot of money shopping there.

8.Frozen Pizza- We often like to add some toppings, but that depends on the pizza we buy.  Aldi has pizzas that are very similar to tombstone for $1.99 each.  These save us a lot of money!  1 time a week feed your family for under $5.  You can also make small pizzas with bagels or english muffins for something different.

9. Veggie Night- If your family loves veggies have a no meat night.

10. Chicken Salad Sandwiches- I like to make a large amount of chicken at times and used the leftovers for dinner the following night.  You could also use the chicken salad on salad as well.

Well, that is a few of my ideas I will work on a list for next Friday.  Enjoy your weekend, and dont forget to "like" us on Facebook.  Facebook Link (click here)

Gevalia Coffee Freebie!!

It is food Friday and I found a great deal!!  Get them while they last!!  Just like their Facebook page and answer a few short questions.  Click here to get your free 4 pack Sample ..  Limit 1 sample per address.

Just a bit about Mama's Traumas

Mama's Traumas was started by Admin Amanda, and she was joined by Admin Kristen in order to help other mothers with questions, concerns, and just everyday Mama life.  We may not be the kind of page everyone likes, however we really enjoy our fans, and the support of our other admins.  Each parent goes through different difficulties in everyday life.  We all want to know about that, and we want to help our fans if they have ANY questions regardless of what they may be.  We love to share stories, ask our fans questions, play games, have a daily subject, and photo contests.  You will find no other Mama's page like ours.  Our blog will also be for venting, or sharing stories.  We do have a daily subject which includes:

Makeover Monday's- All about beauty tips, makeup, nails, hair, clothing etc.. 

Technology Tuesday's- The inside scoops on the best baby technology, gaming systems, games, cell phones,  movies, music,  and more!! All Techno! 

Whatcha Think Wednesdays- This is a day dedicated to fans questions, opinions, and shares.. This or That questions.  Whatcha think about that??

Trauma Thursdays- A day for sharing traumatic events in our lives, or others lives, such as in the news.  

Food Friday- It is all about food... Food Allergies, Recipes, Diets, etc.  

Significant Other Saturday-  Relationship advice, questions, and issues with your significant other.  

Sunday Funday- We share DIY projects, Fun things to do with the kids, and other family related topics.  It is all about the fun!!  

If you have not done so please like us on facebook.  We always keep an open mind and hope that you will too!  www.facebook.com/mamastraumas