Free or Super Cheap Activities With Kids [2019 Edition]

Every year, I do my best to put together a guide to a free/frugal (at least) guide for summer! My mission is really just putting everything kind of in one place for you guys. You could even just print it out, and have it on hand for some inspiration. Share it with your friends, and see what piques your interest, add or take away. Now, I will also give the disclaimer that each community is different so you may have more…

MOSH Jacksonville new Dinosaur Exhibition Opens May 25! [+ a giveaway!]

Disclosure: We were invited to a media preview of the new Expedition: Dinosaur Exhibition that opens to the public on May 25thWe were so excited to be included in this media day, my boys are huge dinosaur fans. Specifically, my youngest son! He is still very much into dinosaurs! We've been fully intending to visit the MOSH- Jacksonville's Museum of Science and History since we moved here, but the timing hasn't worked out. As we approach our summer vacation, it…

Let’s Get A Jump Start On That Summer Reading List!

I like to share what I've read/what I'm reading for two reasons: 1) accountability 2) in hopes it helps you guys put together your reading lists! Since I read so much, I have to get the bulk of my reading materials at the library. I suggest placing items on hold, so you can just pick things up. Instead of needing to look through items with the kids in tow. I've found it really simplifies the process, and simplifying always equals…

Date Ideas!

Maybe you've been saying that you need make dates a more regular thing or you have a regular date night already, but always end up doing the same thing over and over. (For us, it always ends up being go out to eat, which is so spendy!) There comes a time when we all need some inspiration for dating! So, Mrs. Bishop & I decided we should put together a list for ourselves and also for you guys. She's got…

Jacksonville, Florida Kiddos- There’s A Cupcake Competition Coming!

If you've got a little baker at your house ages 8-12 at your house, I wanted to share an exciting opportunity that was passed along to me! The wonderful ladies behind Womens Food Alliance and a host of area sponsors have put together an incredible event for kids here in the Jacksonville area. Seriously, the grand prize winning child of the "“Why I Like to Bake For My Family” cupcake competition will take up to three guests with him on…

Tuesday Top 10: Thrift Edition[+ a challenge for you!]

This week for my Tuesday top ten challenge, I thought it would be fun to share ten things I recently found at local thrift stores or yard sales. I also wanted to challenge ya'll to get out and thrift yourselves. It's cheaper, better for the planet, and always really fun! I love to grab a coffee, or a friend, and go browse for some good bargains! Here are ten things I found and loved this week.1) This shirt- I snagged…

Detective Pikachu: What You Need To Know

I don't know about you guys, but I've got two little Pokemon enthusiasts living under my roof. Naturally, they are over the moon about the new movie, Detective Pikachu, coming starring Ryan Reynolds (who will be bringing Pikachu to life!) The preview actually looks hilarious, because only 21 year old Tim can even understand Pikachu. The duo work together in an effort to solve the disappearance of Harry, Tim's father. One thing I've found to be so interesting is how…

thismessyseason.com pen pal kit

Pen Pal Kit favors.

So, you've probably figured out by now that my family is going on a three month trip over the summer.  I'm beyond excited for this adventure and the opportunity for my husband's career; but I would be lying if I said I wasn't going to miss my squad like crazy.  Squad isn't even appropriate, my village is more like it.  The people who inspire me and keep me sane during this crazy mothering ride.  I know I'll see them before…

Tuesday Top 10: Simplified Family Resources

As my journey to a more simplified life continues, I love being able to share some hacks and resources that have helped me as a homemaker. This Tuesday, I'm talking about some of my favorite apps and tools to keep the family machine running!1) Cozi App- We use the free version of this app, and it has been such a sanity saver. I honestly prefer to keep everything written on paper, but what kept happening is that it wasn't making…

The New Lightning McQueen Racing Academy In Hollywood Studios!

Disclosure: Thanks to Disney for allowing us to visit the parks for the day to experience this new attraction & write about it here for you guys! All opinions expressed are my own. We had the opportunity to check out the new Lightning McQueen Racing Academy inside of Hollywood Studios. (Located near the Rock n' Roll Rollercoaster!) My boys have loved Cars for years, so I knew this was an opportunity we wouldn't be able to turn down! This is…

My Favorite Family & Parenting Books!

I don't really know when I got into the habit of reading parenting and family books on a pretty regular basis, but these days I usually read one of two parenting books a month. What I've learned is that you absolutely have to take them with a grain of salt. I kind of look at reading them as my continuing education as a stay at home mother. I recognize that not every single thing will be applicable in my home,…