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Tiffany Davis

Ways for Kids to Make Money

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Summer, believe it or not, is just around the corner. Maybe your kids, under 16, are looking for a way to make money this summer. I know my adult kids are pretty entrepreneurial and liked making their own money; now my 13 year old does as well. I want to share some easy ways for kids to make money this summer, or anytime of the year really.

Ways for Kids to Make Money

We Do Not Pay Allowance

We don’t pay for chores. I know, this is controversial to some. But here’s the thing, I don’t get paid to take care of my house or personal responsibilities. I wanted my kids to understand that we do chores because we have the privilege of living in a home and having personal items. Now that doesn’t mean I never give my 13 year old money; but we don’t have a set allowance that she gets regularly.

I think if you want to give your kids money, consider giving them special projects as “side jobs” that you are willing to pay a set amount for.

Why Should a Kid Have a Business?

I know many people will say, let them be kids. I’m all for that; I don’t want to rob anyone child of that short and precious time of childhood. But a business and a job a very different things. A job is working on other people’s schedules and usually involves doing things we don’t like. A business works around your schedule (you don’t see stores opening at your convenience) and doing something you already love.

I also believe that we sell kids short. They have a lot to offer and giving them an opportunity to shine with a money-making business is just one of them.

Honestly, I’d rather my kid be working as an entrepreneur than spending hours playing video games or on a cell phone.

Ways for Kids to Make Money

What are some good ways for kids to earn money? Yes! But before we get into the list of ways kids can make money, let’s talk safety. It should be obvious that you need to make sure that any adult your child “works” for is a safe adult. Personally I think you or your spouse should be with your child during any working situation. Your child’s safety comes first!

Also make sure what laws your city or state has concerning minors and money. For instance, how much money can a minor make before taxes are owed. Most kids are going to make money via cash but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have no tax responsibility.

Kids Making Money Should Save

Talk to you kids about money management before you decide HOW they are going to make money. I personally think you have a huge opportunity to teach life-long financial responsibility with their little side business.

  • Will you require them to save a certain percentage? I’d recommend 10% minimum.
  • Are you tithers? If you tithe to your church then you should definitely talk to you children about tithing. But let them decide, from their heart, if they’ll tithe from their income. The tithe of our finances is 10%, talk to them about that amount and decide if they’ll tithe to the children’s ministry or to the main church tithe.
  • How will kids making money save their money? Opening a savings account can be a great way to teach savings and make younger kids feel especially grown up; they may take the savings more seriously. This also gives older kids an opportunity to learn how to manage a bank account.
  • You may want to consider opening a checking account with older pre-teens as well.

A List of Jobs for Kids to Make Money

This list is just meant to be a jumping off point. Think about what your child is already talented in, excited about, talks about constantly; help them to turn that into a business they can thrive in!

A Service Business for Kids

A Pet Service Business
Pet sitting, cleaning small animal cages, cleaning dog poo from the yard, dog walking, pet grooming (wash, brush, trim nails)
Lawn Care and Weed Pulling
Mowing, trimming bushes, pulling weeds, etc.
Car Cleaning
Washing outside of car, cleaning and detailing the inside of the cars..
House Cleaning
Is your child a great cleaner? This could be a great job for them. Or have them offer “spot” cleaning, like just bathrooms or mopping weekly.
Babysitting
A tried and true way to make money for responsible and mature pre-teens. Consider just offering “mother’s helpers” service when the parents are home but need to get tasks accomplished.
Helping Out of Town Neighbors
Water plants, pick up newspaper and mail, take care of animals
Holiday Helpers
Have a gift wrapping station or help to set up and take down decorations.
Painting
Have a awesome DIY kiddo? Let them offer to do painting.

Sales Based Business for Kids

Lemonade Stand…Coffee Stand?
Why not switch up that old lemonade stand for a coffee stand? If you preteen likes to bake you could offer baked goods too. This works especially well for early bird kiddos.
Yard / Garage Sale
Need to de-clutter? Pay the kids to do that and/or let them sell un-needed items in a garage sale. See How to Have a Awesome Garage Sale

Skills Bases Business for Kids

Arts and Crafts
If your child is artsy let them sell art work, jewelry or other craft projects. Consider opening an Etsy for a larger audience.
Online Business
Start a blog! This can be a way to make an extra income as well as becoming a more proficient writer. This could be a great homeschool subject too!
Tech Jobs
Is your preteen a technically savvy kid? Can they make and edit videos or create a website? What about editing photos? There are so many ways to use the love a technology for a small business.
Sewing and Other Needlework Crafts
If you child can sew, knit or crochet then making small projects like a coffee cozy, aprons or dresses could be a great income. What about a mending business?
Tutor Younger Kids
Help younger kids with reading, math or any subject they have a passion for and are proficient in.

Be sure to see Homestead Kids Businesses Too!

I hope this helps get you and your kiddo started on a business idea that can make a little income. Remember instilling a entrepreneurial spirit now can mean great things for your son or daughter in the future!

Have you help you kid make money with a business of their own? Tell us about it in the comments!

Gardening Gifts for Mom

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Mother’s Days 2019 is Sunday May 12. That means we are less than a month out from mom’s BIG day. If your mom is a gardener I have some fantastic gardening gifts for mom to help you out. Or maybe YOU are the gardening mom and want to give your family some ideas this year. Just send them this article and let them go crazy!

gardening gifts for mom for mother's day

My family often gives me gardening gifts and I have created a “wish list” on Amazon to help them out. I know my family has appreciated that and I absolutely love that they aren’t wasting their money on another bottle of perfume! How many years did you get a Christmas or birthday wish list from your kiddos? This is your big day, so it is ok to tell them what you’d like.

Now if your mom isn’t one to ask but you know she loves her garden; these are all solid choices for her gift this year.

Gardening Gifts for Mom

Why does every mother deserve gifts on Mother’s Day?

gardening gifts for mother's day

Well I am not going to tell you that EVERY mother deserves a gift on Mother’s Day; but most sure do. Most moms are the super heroes of their home; juggle it all (not discounting dads, just different). They shop, clean, micro-mange appointments and laundry while trying to do homework (or homeschool) and provide healthy meals for their loved ones.

And most of them gave you life. Even if you’re adopted, she poured life into you, right?

Mom deserves her special day and a gift or gifts that you can afford and she’ll love.

What’s the best gift for your mom?

Every mom is different but today we are going to go over gardening gifts for your mom. I’m going to assume if you’re still reading this that your mom loves to garden; so getting a gift that celebrates her passion is always going to be appreciated.

Mom’s That Grow Vegetables

For this article I’m going to focus on moms that have vegetable gardens, in terms of recommendations for her gifts. Now let’s talk gifts for garden people!

Mother’s Day Gifts for Gardeners

Gardening Tools for Mom

Help your gardener mom have the best success with any or all of these gardening tools for Mother’s Day.

If you really want to go all-out you could put all of this in the garden wagon for the ULTIMATE Mother’s Day Gift!

Garden Kits for Mom

Composting Gifts for Gardening Moms

Every vegetable gardener knows the importance of soil and how composting is part of that. These garden gifts are great for composting moms or those who’d like to be composting.

Garden Decor for Your Gardener Mom

A few items to help spruce up mom’s garden.

Garden Moms – Gifts She Can Wear

Gardening Gifts for Moms Who Love Coffee Too

Check out all these awesome gardener’s coffee mugs!

Gardening Books and Magazines for Mom

Some of my favorite books and magazines for vegetable gardeners.

DIY Gardening Gifts You Can Make for Mom

Here are a few of my DIY projects that would be great to make for you garden-loving moms this year!

I hope these gardening gift ideas help you pick out something (or make something) amazing for your mom!

Basic Manners for Modern Kids

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Basic manners for modern kids has been on my mind a lot. I have raised 4 children, 2 nieces and several foster children over the years. I can tell you each and every one of the kids that lived in my home were taught basic manners (and some additional ones too).

One thing people comment on the most with my kids, especially my youngest who is 13, is how polite they are. This didn’t just happen! I not only taught manners, I modeled them. Both modern kids and adults seem to have lost the art of being polite.

basic manners for modern kids

Now maybe manners were never a thing YOU were taught so you struggle to know what is appropriate to teach your kids (and teens). I have a basic manners for modern kids list that will help you.

Basic Manners for Modern Kids

Basic Manners for Modern Kids

This lists are my top basic manners that need to still be practiced and taught to kids, teens and sometimes to adults.

basic etiquette for kids
  1. Say please, thank you and you’re welcome. Practice using them in your family, then they’ll be 2nd nature when they are out and about.
  2. Hold the door open. This is NOT just for boys. If someone is coming in or out at the same time as your kid, encourage them to hold the door.
  3. Make eye contact!!! For the love of Pete, we need to teach our children to look people in the face and make eye contact during conversation. Frankly, I know a lot of adults that could use this skill to.
  4. A firm handshake – teach both girls and boys how to greet with a firm handshake. I know “the hug” is really modern and that’s great; but let’s not forget how to greet a stranger.
  5. Table manners (let’s start eating at a table again). Too many of us are eating in front of the TV or computer these days. How can you teach table manners like that!
  6. Send a thank you note. Let me be honest, this was something I didn’t do as a younger woman. But there is so much to be said for a handwritten note or card to thank someone. Teach it! Live it! See The Lost Art of Letter Writing.
  7. Learn how to use the phrase, “excuse me”. Do you need someone’s attention? Do you need to interrupt a conversation? Wait patiently and use the words, “excuse me”. This is also one to use when you bump into someone by accident.
  8. Knock on closed doors, not just locked ones. I know this seems so obvious but I’m telling you, it isn’t for everyone.
  9. Ask how you can help. When you are at someone’s house or out and about in life, look for opportunities to offer help and service. For example after a meal at someone’s house, offer to do the dishes!
  10. Stand to show respect. Not going to go into a huge diatribe here but this is a life skill everyone seems to be lacking these days.
  11. Show respect to your elders. Most of them have earned it! Now this will vary by culture and even location, so I’ll leave that up to you.
  12. Addressing people by their names. Ok, first off children should be taught to use Miss / Mrs / Mr followed by last name always when addressing an adult. Not until said adult has asked to be called by a first name or another version should that be used. This is also a form of respect.

What are some basic etiquette kids need?

Etiquette is defined as the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

manners at the dinner table

My list of basic manners had to include basic etiquette. These are based on the past and current standards in the USA. You can adjust for your country and culture. I’m mainly covering table etiquette which is sorely lacking these days.

  1. Put your napkin on your lap at the start of a meal.
  2. Don’t start eating until everyone has their food.
  3. Keep your crap off the table (purses, keys, cell phones, feet, etc.)
  4. Chew with your mouth shut.
  5. Don’t talk with your mouth full.
  6. On that note, take small bites – if you have to open your mouth unnaturally to take a bite , it is TOO BIG!
  7. Push your chair in when you leave the table, even if you’re coming back.
  8. Ask for things to be passed – do not reach over people to grab things on the table.

See Top Table Manners by Emily Post

Basic Social Skills to Teach Your Kids

Social skills are in serious lack, along with manners.

basic manners kids need
  • BE ON TIME! BE ON TIME EVERY TIME. Being late is rude, selfish and self-serving. If you know that YOU have a problem with it, your kids probably will too. Treat other people’s time with respect and arrive a little early.
  • Foul language and curse words are not appropriate in public and that includes social media. Look I’m not trying to be preachy or a prude but you need to think about how that is perceived by others and younger children.
  • Not looking at your phone, computer, tablet, smart watch, etc when someone is talking to you.
  • Teach your kids stranger danger but also teach them to have a decent conversation with safe adults. Most kids mumble, don’t make eye contact and do not participate in a volley of conversation with adults (see above).
  • Don’t interrupt.
  • Be an active listener – meaning give verbal or physical cues that you are actually listening.
  • Learn to “fight fair”. No I am not talking about fist fighting here. I mean that today most people think having a verbal debate is equal to hatred. We need to teach our kids to have debates or even heated conversations without making it or taking it personally.
  • It is OK not to want to hug someone. Ok this one isn’t basic but I feel I need to include it. I see WAY too many parents forcing physical affection on their kids with distant relatives, friends, even close family members. If your kid doesn’t want to hug or kiss someone, it is ok. Teach them to be secure in saying NO to unwanted physical touch. Your family and friends will get over it when a firm handshake, eye contact and verbal acknowledgement is there.

Ok I think I’ve probably given you enough of, what I consider, basic manners for kids (teens and adults too). I hope you’re already doing this and it won’t be too overwhelming.

Do you think I missed anything? Let me know if the comments!

You might also like Vintage Skills Modern Kids Need

Flowers to Plant in Vegetable Gardens

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Flowers for vegetable gardens? Yes, you read that right! Flowers are not only beautiful but are amazing companion plants for your vegetables. Flowers can deter bugs, attract beneficial insects like pollinators, enrich the soil and even improve the flavor of the vegetables in your garden. I have 7 flowers that you should consider planting in your veggie garden!

flowers to plant in vegetable gardens

What are some tips on gardening for beginners?

Maybe you’re just starting your first vegetable gardening and this whole companion planting thing seems a bit much. Don’t fret! I have some great tips for beginning vegetable gardeners to get you started right from the get-go!

Know your planting zone. This is KEY for planting the right vegetables at the right time. Trust me if you live in Augusta, Maine then you won’t be planting at the same time those here in Phoenix, AZ! Find your planting zone here!

Start Small! The biggest mistake I see in new gardeners is trying to go too big right from the start. When I started my vegetable garden it was ONE 4×4 bed. Yep, just one. Add one each season or each year as you feel more comfortable and have success.

Plant what you eat. Don’t start planting crazy veggies, just plant what you already know you and your family enjoy eating. This will make the most out of your garden and garden experience.

Pick seeds and transplants that work for your area. Again, zones / areas come into play when picking the right variety of any vegetables. SeedsNow does a great job of offering varieties by gardening zones.

For More Tips See – Advice for New Gardeners

How should I prepare soil for a vegetable garden?

This is a great, and very important, question. Your soil is the foundation for your garden. If it isn’t rich, healthy and full of life, your garden won’t be either. Compost is really the key here. Either you need to be composting or you need to find a good source for your compost.

More on Vegetable Garden Soil

What is your favorite vegetable to grow?

I have 10 vegetables that I plant every year because they are delicious and VERY easy to grow.

  1. Radishes
  2. Carrots
  3. Tomatoes – See my guide to growing tomatoes at home.
  4. Swiss Chard
  5. Sweet Potatoes – How to grow sweet potatoes.
  6. Peppers – especially Bell Peppers
  7. Lettuce
  8. Beets
  9. Onions
  10. Zucchini – Tips on growing summer squash.

You can read more about easy to grow vegetables here!

Flowers to Plant in Vegetable Gardens

Ok now that we’ve gone over some gardening basics let’s get down to those flowers you want to plant in your vegetable garden!

Borage in the Vegetable Garden

Often referred to as the “bee plant”, borage is a great at attracting bees to your garden. Without bees and other pollinators we wouldn’t have any growth! Borage will also attract other beneficial bugs to your garden. Borage will also repel pests like horn or tomato worms and cabbage moths! And if that wasn’t enough for you, borage planted near your squash will actually improve its flavor.

Find out more about Growing Borage for Health and Home.

Add Some Marigolds

When it comes to planting flowers in the vegetable garden, NOTHING beats the marigold. Marigolds are a beautiful and powerful companion plant for your vegetables. They will attract pollinators and repel pests. Marigolds are especially good at protecting your tomatoes from nematodes (nematodes), slugs and tomato horn worms. They will also keep beetles, slugs and leaf hoppers at bay.

See more about Marigolds in Your Garden here/

Calendula in Your Vegetable Garden

Calendula is a wonderful medicinal herb as well as a companion plant. However it is important to plant it strategically. Calendula will repel beetles and horn worms but can attract the dreaded aphids. However, t is a great “trap crop” to plant next to vegetables that are often plagued by aphids; the aphids will munch on the calendula and leave your peas alone.

How to Make & Use Calendula Oil

Lavender as a Companion Plant

Lavender is one of the most universally wonderful plants around. But let’s just keep the talk to lavender in your vegetable garden. Lavender will work to repel bugs like cabbage moths. But it will also help to keep deer, mice and rabbits away as well; they don’t like how aromatic it is. Lavender is particularly good for Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and celery.

Planting Nasturtiums in a Vegetable Garden

Nasturtiums are another great trap crop for aphids and do well in cooler fall temperatures. Planted with squash they will give them protection from squash bugs and beetles.

Try planting your nasturtiums with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, pumpkins, radish, squash, tomato, and potatoes.

BONUS: Nasturtiums are edible!

Are Sunflowers Good Vegetable Companions?

Sunflowers aren’t often listed as a companion plant for vegetable gardens but you really should give them a look. They offer shade for crops like lettuce as well as attracting pollinators. They can attract aphids too so planting them with chives can help to repel them and still get the benefit of the sunflower.

More on How Sunflowers Help at Garden

Zinnias in a Vegetable Garden

Zinnias are master magnets for bees and hummingbirds. You know why bees are good but did you know that hummingbirds eat nasty pests from your garden too? I love them because they’ll eat whiteflies which have been an issue for us in the past.! The zinnia will deter cucumber beetles and horn worms but attract predatory wasps that feast on aphids, caterpillars, beetles, scale, and flies!

I love to plant flowers for their beauty and scent; and I did this long before I became a vegetable gardener. Now I choose beauty with the power of companion planting – that is a win-win for me.

What are you favorite flowers to plant in vegetable garden?

See my list for the Top 10 Companion Plants

Also see 6 Flowers to Grow in the Vegetable Garden

Ground Beef Recipes

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I’ll be honest, I love ground beef; I prefer it to almost any meat. I have a lot of ground beef recipes that I’ve been making for 24 years as a wife and mother. But I am not going to share ALL of my ground beef recipes today, just the ones that have been family favorites over the years. These recipes use ground beef but you can certainly use ground turkey, ground pork or ground chicken as a replacement.

ground beef recipes

Our Favorite Ground Beef Recipes

How to Cook A Lot of Ground Beef Fast

If you have a busy week coming up you can prepare your ground beef ahead of time and it will be ready for your ground beef recipes when you get home. I like to cook a large amount of ground beef in my oven at 400°F.

Can I Freeze Cooked Ground Beef?

Yes, you can freeze ground beef after you cook it. It is a great way to meal prep for busing weeks. Here’s how you want to freeze cooked ground beef:

  1. Fully cook your ground beef, drain liquid.
  2. Place in a bow and allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator.
  3. Once the ground beef has cooled you can use a Food Saver or reusable freezer bags to make one large bag to use in a big recipe or weigh and separate into smaller portions. If you aren’t using a Food Saver make sure you get all the air out of your bag!
  4. Make sure to label your ground beef – it will be good to use up to 4 months in the freezer according to the USDA.
  5. To thaw your cooked ground beef you’ll want to take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to prepare ground beef in a slow cooker.

You can use your crock pot or slow cooker to cook ground beef! Depending on the size of your crock pot you can cook 3 – 5 pounds at a time.

  1. Add your ground beef to the slow cooker and break it up; I like to use this ground meat chopper tool.
  2. Add 1/2 cup of water or broth per pound of beef (so 3 lbs beef, 1.5 cups liquid).
  3. Cook low for 4 – 6 hours or high 2 – 3 hours (more meat, more time). You want to make sure the beef is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 160 °F.
  4. If you are able to stir the meat during cooking 1 or 2 times, this will help the cooking process.
  5. Once the ground beef is cooked you can use it in a recipe immediately or freeze (per instructions above) or refrigerate up to 3 days.

How to prepare ground beef in an instant pot.

You can also prepare your ground beef in an Instant Pot. This a quick an easy way to get your ground beef cooked, completely hands off.

  1. Add 1 cup of water or broth to your Instant Pot.
  2. Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot into the pot.
  3. Add 1 – 2 pounds of ground beef to your trivet (do not break up).
  4. Seal the vent.
  5. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
  6. Do a quick release.
  7. Make sure the internal temperature has reached 160 °F
  8. Remove your meat and break up in a bowl to use in your recipes.
  9. Discard any liquid and fat at the bottom of your Instant Pot.

Can ground beef be cooked in a microwave oven?

Yes you can but this is not the best way to get your ground beef cooked. I would not recommend it. However there are some good tips on cooking raw ground beef in the microwave on Thrifty Fun.

What Are Some Simple Ground Beef Recipes?

There are countless simple ground beef recipes. Many are fast and can be made ahead of time for convenience. I’ve included some of my favorites below.

Sloppy Joe’s Recipe

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Taco Meat Recipes

We love a Taco Tuesday in our house. I would recommend making your own taco seasoning to avoid all the junk in the pre-made options.
See my Taco Seasoning Recipe.

We love making Taco Salads too! All the taco fixings on top of a bed of lettuce and other salad veggies.

Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

A ground beef stir fry is a great way to change up your ground beef game! Here are a few recipes to get you started!

More Easy Ground Beef Recipes for You to Try