Tag: measure (Page 1 of 2)

What to Look For in a Coop Kit for Backyard Chickens

April 24, 2023 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Hi! I am Sarah, the Real Simple Mama, and I’ve been a chicken tender for six years now. (No this isn’t the beginning of a Chicken Addicts Anonymous meeting!) I’m actually to here to talk about how to buy a coop kit for your flock.

My family and I got chickens six years ago in a semi urban Texas neighborhood; while we’ve moved quite a few times in this six years, we’ve almost always had a “coop kit.” I define this as a coop that comes in a box with instructions, pre-measured materials, and a plan. You’re paying for the convenience and the work it took for someone to design and package a coop – just build the kit and you’re ready for chickens!

But coop kits are sometimes less-than-easy to shop for, and I’ve had my share of bad experiences. Read on for all of my recommendations – what to look for in a coop kit for backyard chickens!

And hey for your shopping convenience, click on the free downloadable printable towards the end – it’s a short-and-sweet copy of my list so you can take it with you when you go to buy your own coop kit! Plus check out the video tour on YouTube, linked at the very bottom of this article.

What Sucks About Counting Macros

April 30, 2020 / The Mama / 0 Comments

I am a fan of counting macros. This calorie deficit system uses the science of the macronutrients our body needs to help us lose fat without losing muscle mass. It makes sense and it’s working for me! But I wanted to be fair to anyone who’s looking at tracking this way, and tell you about what sucks about counting macros. Look for the YouTube video version of this content at the end of the article, too!

title image real simple mama dot com an intro to counting macros

An Introduction to Counting Macros

March 30, 2020 / The Mama / 0 Comments

I have been working on losing weight and being healthier for over three years. At first, I was a Weight Watcher and I loved the plan. While it’s not the worst option out there for learning about nutrition, though, I got stuck after about two years and felt that I needed to do something more. So now I am counting macros. This is a great introductory article to what are macros, and things to keep in mind if you’re considering making the switch.

Review: Pixie Menstrual Cup

August 27, 2018 / The Mama / 2 Comments

I have always wanted to try a menstrual cup. The concept makes sense: save the planet, save some cash, and maybe even help yourself lessen those damn period cramps! But are menstrual cups really beneficial, or are they an awkward and gross alternative to pads and tampons? Check out my honest, unbiased review of the Pixie Cup menstrual cup along with photos, tips, and a demo video (all G-rated, of course). Continue reading

How to Build a Chicken Run

May 24, 2018 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Who really rules the roost at your place? We’ve had backyard chickens for about a year and decided we needed to build them their own chicken run instead of letting them free range in our entire yard. Our build is working beautifully and so I’m passing on the information to you! Read on for how to build a chicken run which is functional, affordable, and versatile! Bonus YouTube videos and photos throughout, of course! Continue reading

Review: Baby Trend Expedition Jogging Stroller

May 7, 2018 / The Mama / 0 Comments

I like to call myself a runner. I’ve been working hard but it’s nearly impossible to go on a run alone when you have two young kids. So my little freeloader gets to lounge in her BabyTrend Expedition jogging stroller while I do all the work! Here’s my honest review of this lifesaving product, complete with lots of photos and a video demo at the end! Continue reading

My Favorite Weight Watchers Snacks

March 5, 2018 / The Mama / 0 Comments

I am loving Weight Watchers! As a busy mom who’s on a budget (money wise and time wise), it’s really the only weight loss plan that makes any kind of realistic sense. Though don’t let me call it a diet – it’s a lifestyle! The beauty of WW is that it’s sustainable, even if you’re cooking for little kids and a healthy husband. But if I’m going to make this plan work for life, I gotta have some go-to snacks that satisfy me, and are enjoyable too. Viola! Here is the list of my favorite Weight Watchers snacks: Smart Points-friendly, easy to make, and friggin’ good. Each suggestion includes serving size and Smart Points value, and as always I have tons of photos! Continue reading

The Ultimate Digital Thermometer Comparison Review

February 22, 2018 / The Mama / 2 Comments

No one likes to have a sick kid. There’s of course the fact that your child doesn’t feel well, but then there’s also the stress of what to do: do you go to the doctor straightaway, call and see what Doc suggests, or try to wait it out at home? One of the main variables that parents use to make this decision is to get their child’s temperature. And an accurate reading is absolutely essential when speaking to your medical professional; that’s the first thing that our pediatrician wants to know! We have had such bad luck with thermometer after thermometer – and we’ve accumulated quite a few over the years! – that it only made sense to do a comparison of all our thermometers. Look for photos, manufacturer information, and a demonstration video at the end of the article which goes through all of them and how they’re used! This is the official Real Simple Mama Ultimate Thermometer Comparison Review. Continue reading

title image backyard Review: Innovation Pet Chicken Coop - Real Simple Mama

Review: Innovation Pet Deluxe Chicken Coop Kit

August 21, 2017 / The Mama / 2 Comments

We are new to the world of backyard chickens, and we’re loving it! The single biggest expense we had to research, however, was the chicken coop. Now that our girls are living outside full-time, I wanted to give you an honest review of our chicken coop kit: the good, the bad, and some tricks to help you love it as much as we do! This is my review of the Innovation Pet Deluxe Chicken Coop, complete with a video tour at the end! Continue reading

What’s the Fuss with Amber Teething Necklaces?

March 20, 2017 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Many moms swear by amber teething necklaces for their toddlers, claiming that the amber drastically reduces fussiness and pain associated with teething. Others say that the concept of amber makes no sense and that the jewelry is a waste of money. So what’s the fuss with amber teething necklaces, anyway?

I’ve been secretly dying to get my daughter a teething necklace and I finally did it! Now I’m here to share everything I’ve learned and observed. Continue reading