I love having backyard chickens. They are so hilarious and beautiful, and they really improve my quality of life. But being a chicken tender means that inevitably you will have to deal with your pets aging. Here is my list for how to care for your aging flock, so you can give them the quality life that they deserve.
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If you have chickens, you need a chicken journal. I’m a firm believer that you should get a central place to keep all of your flock-related data, expenses, and observations. So I’m here to advocate for chicken journals everywhere, and how to set one up! Hey I’ll even include a free PDF Table of Contents and a video demo!
Continue readingWe have upgraded to a new chicken coop for Jurasschic Park 2.0! While we deliberated for a few months on whether to build one ourselves from scratch, hire/pay someone to do it, or get another coop kit, we found the Omaha Chicken Coop by Rugged Ranch online. I thought it was cute and well-designed but we weren’t crazy about the price.
Imagine our surprise when we find a local antique shop selling one, still in its box, for almost half the price!
So now we bring the review to you here at Real Simple Mama. We’re paying customers and want to share all the stats, loves, and hates with the Omaha Chicken Coop Kit from Rugged Ranch.
Continue readingProtein is an essential macronutrient for anyone, but particularly someone who is working on building muscle and managing a healthy weight. I’ve been on a weight loss and fitness journey for over two years, and I don’t even want to think about how many protein bars I’ve consumed in that time! As I look for the best flavors, and the best bang for your buck nutrient-wise, I’ve put together a side by side review of tons of brands, complete with a nutrient chart and tons of photos. Read on for the ultimate protein bar comparison!
Continue readingWatching your child start school is so beautiful. And so stressful. And so terrifying. My oldest child is going into first grade this year, and I have one more who will head to kindergarten in 2020. Here are all of my suggestions for how to survive the first week of kindergarten, both from the perspective of the child and from a mother’s heart.
Continue readingI’m one of those people you call a “turtle” because I lose weight incredibly slowly. My journey is almost two and a half years long at this point, and while I’m down over 65 pounds, I’m not done yet! Oh yeah, I’m also a stay-at-home mom with two young children. With such a long-term goal, and so much mental and emotional (and physical) work that goes into reaching it, we can get frustrated. Here are some mental strategies that help with weight loss – and trust me, I’ve been there!
Continue readingDo you pack a lunch for your kids? This is a task which drains years off of my life, and yet it’s something I gotta do five times a week. With our oldest child heading to kindergarten this year, I asked some veteran mom friends for a lunch box recommendation. Without a doubt, the masses shouted “Bentgo!” So of course we had to try one out. Here’s my honest review of the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box System, complete with photos and a video demo at the end. Continue reading
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
I am having a fantastic experience with Weight Watchers. I can honestly say that it’s a plan I find affordable, effective, and sustainable. But I want to write about the misconceptions of WW because it’s not perfect. This is about the hard truths, the worst things, and what sucks about Weight Watchers. Continue reading
Happy fifth birthday to my son! He is such a special human being, a calm considerate gift from God. This year is also significant because my baby, my oldest child, my firstborn, is going to kindergarten in the fall. It’s a strange phase that we’re in, because in some ways my son is so obviously a big boy. But in other ways, he reminds me that he is still so little. And as his mother, I’m going through all of these “firsts” for the first time, too. I hope that you enjoy a letter to my son on his fifth birthday. Continue reading