Funky Frugal Mommy

Potty training is by far one of my least favourite things to do as a parent and caregiver. Kids are usually not interested in doing the deed and it is one of the messy and smelly portions of life that is kept private and now your being forced to share in the “joy”. I have learned some very interesting things that have helped me to potty train dozens of kids in my daycare and my own 3 kids as well.  Every kid is a little different and not the same in any way shape or form so what may work for one may not work for the other. So what should you watch for to know when to start potty training? Is your child hiding when they poop? Can they tell you when they have to go? Are they physically able to pull their pants up on their own? Is your child performing routine poops?  Are they not wetting many diapers? Kids can potty train at different ages but it doesn’t make a lot of sense to start too early as you will be the one pulling up and down the pants and it kind of defeats the purpose. Most ki

Sometimes, our minds can be our own worst enemies when it comes to getting a full-night’s sleep. The stresses from the day can leak into our nights, resulting in hours wasted laying in bed, thinking about how tired we will be the following morning. The cycle continues until we exist in a perpetual state of exhaustion, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Dr. Gail Gazelle MD , Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Master Certified Coach for physicians, offers insight on how insomnia can be harmful to people in many ways, and how practicing mindfulness can help us improve our relationship with sleep. “ Insomnia affects 30-60% of adults, and is estimated to cost the US economy $63.2 billion per year. At the same time, the US sleep industry nets ~$28 billion/year and yet the problem, for many, persists. Sleep is critically important for all of us, as it has wide-reaching impact on brain, cardiac, and immune function, risk of obesity and diabetes, as well as emotiona

Salt-rimmed cocktails are all the rage for Cinco de Mayo (margs, anyone?) but this year, we’re celebrating with another kind of salt, beer salt! Twang is a San Antonio-based Latino-owned company that has pioneered beer salt’s acceptance for people all over the US, making “dressing your beer” a common practice. Well-known in border towns, it wasn't until Twang launched that it grew in popularity throughout the Lone Star State and beyond.  Edmundo Macias, the Director of Marketing at Twang Partners says, “The ritual of putting salt and lime in your beer is well-known in Latino communities and a longstanding Mexican-inspired tradition. Instead of putting it inside,  Twang combined it in their citrus beer salt and placed it on the rim of the drink, calling it "dressing your beer". Twang beer salts to add to the beer drinking experience and is especially good with Mexican beer and domestic lager. The "dressing your beer" ritual is quickly gaining popularity throug

We love to explore everything our beautiful Okanagan home has to offer. We have gorgeous weather, huge mountain ranges, lots of wildlife, and plenty of other sites and sounds to discover around West Kelowna and the surrounding areas.  There are literally hundreds of different hiking trails we can explore every weekend and we try to get out as much as we can.  Our latest adventure was near Rose Valley in West Kelowna on a trail called The City on The Edge Of Forever! It was about 3.5 hours with kids ranging from 7 to 12 years old. We packed a bunch of snacks and some drinks and made it up and back down without any issues.  You can see the entire city of Kelowna from the peak and the Rose Valley reservoir. The weather was beautiful but it does get quite windy all around the mountain. We did have at least one tick on us during our hike so always do a check when your done as well as while your hiking and stopping for breaks.  There is a vet near rock arch you walk under on this trail as we

We can agree that Colorado has a lot to offer! It is a state known for its breathtaking landscapes. Everyone who enjoys spending time in nature will be amazed by its forests, mountains, dunes, and hot springs. Whether you want to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park or ski in Vail, you’ll have an unforgettable experience! So, if you are a family with a taste for adventure, many places in Colorado will check at least one of your boxes. However, we know that when choosing a place to raise a family, there is a lot more to consider. Crime rates, education, affordability, and cultural scene determine whether an area is family-friendly or not. If we consider all of these factors, several towns and cities will appear suitable. So, what are the best places to raise a family in Colorado ? In this article, we are going to present you with several choices.  Caption: The state of Colorado is known for its breathtaking landscapes! Our top picks of the best places to raise a family in Colorado When

Mother’s Day is May 8th , and you can’t go wrong with flowers. However, ordering flowers online can be expensive and it's sometimes difficult to know if the flowers being delivered are as beautiful as the picture on your screen. Shannon Dwyer from RetailMeNot is sharing the best online delivery services for flowers and plants, but also deals you can snag for each! Sharing them all below.  1-800-Flowers.com For over 40 years, 1-800-Flowers.com has been making people smile on a birthday, anniversary or Mother’s Day with lovely, prompt delivery of flowers and small gifts. This company works with local florists in the delivery area, so the flowers are fresh. Floral arrangements fit any budget from as little as $15 to $20 up to enormous sprays into the hundreds.  1-800-Flowers.com also has gift baskets with candies and small stuffed animals, either as a standalone package or part of a floral gift. One of the best things about 1-800-Flowers.com is their selection of plantable flowers,