Family Life in Missoula | Missoula Families

Parks and Recreation Hosts Old-Fashioned Family Fest on Oct. 22

It’s fall—time for hayrides, apple cider and old-fashioned harvest celebrations brought to you by the folks at Missoula Parks and Recreation.... more

Delivering Peach of Mind: What does Meals on Wheels Offer?

By WILL SCHULTZ - Meals on Wheels is a part of Missoula Aging Services that helps to deliver food to seniors and to those who are disabled so that they can live an independent life. ... more

Taking a Shakespearean Look at Honoring Volunteers

By WILL SCHULTZ - Last month I got to see a different side of the non-profit world as I attended the MAS’ “Celebration of National Volunteer Week!” event.... more

The Poverello Center is Volunteer Missoula’s Organization of the Month

By WILL SCHULTZ - I recently had the pleasure of working with the Poverello Center and found the experience to be rich and very rewarding.... more

30 Day Declutter Challenge

By ERIN TURNER- February is my month for some serious decluttering--but doing a whole house can be overwhelming. So why not break it down by room?... more

The Missoula Food Bank is Volunteer Missoula’s Organization of the Month

By WILL SCHULTZ - Recently, I worked a shift at the Missoula Food Bank. The Food Bank dedicates it’s time to fighting hunger in the city of Missoula. ... more

Inexpensive Trick for Fresh New Holiday Decor

By ERIN TURNER-I’ve discovered a new little trick for giving my décor some new life while not spending very much money.... more

The Birth of a Pumpkin Patch

By ERIN TURNER - What began 7 years ago out of frustration and desperation has turned into an incredible experience and a blessing for our family...The Turner Farms' Pumpkin Patch. ... more

Managing Screen Time For Kids

By ERIN TURNER - The tech world is here and it’s going to stay--despite thoughts from parents that it might just be passing fad. So how do you manage electronic devices for kids?... more

Mom Help: Top 10 Toddler Hot Spots in Missoula

By KIM S. - Whether you're a new mom and dad, grandparent, or babysitter it’s imperative that you have a go-to list of a couple Toddler Hot Spots here in Missoula.... more

The Great Debate: School Bedtime During the Summer

By ERIN TURNER-There's a debate amongst parents about how to handle the last days of summer with their school aged children. What time is bed time?... more

Mom Help: 16 Things to Prepare for Your Hospital Stay

By KIM S. - As a mom who had 3 C-sections the lists was pretty simple as for what to bring and not bring for our stay at the hospital. Here's my list of 16 MUST haves.... more

This Baby Will Make Three

By CHERY SAYBOL- When Ellen Marceau has her third baby in November, it will be with the confidence of a mother who has already had two very different birthing experiences. ... more

Summertime Is Time to Mess Around

By BOB WIRE - Summer camps. Play dates. Dropping off. Picking up. Enough. The revolution is on. It’s summertime, for cryin’ out loud! It’s the Season of the Kid.... more

By ERIN TURNER - We had friends visiting and their son has Juvenile Diabetes so I wanted to be sure I had appropriate food and snacks for him. Here's one that fits the bill and beats the heat:... more

The Children’s Museum is Volunteer Missoula’s Organization of the Month!

By JENNIFER PEPPROCK- Volunteer Missoula chose The Children’s Museum Missoula as our organization of the month! The Children's Museum has been "Making it Matter" in Missoula since 1994.... more

Somewhere Beyond Lewistown

By ERIN TURNER - Somewhere beyond Lewistown, MT is the heart of “Nowhere” in a quaint little town called Winnett, Montana.... more

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

By ERIN TURNER - Here are some tips for making lifelong memories on your summer vacation without breaking the bank.... more

Organizing Gift Cards in a Binder

By ERIN TURNER - I love gift cards, but I hate when I unexpectedly find myself in a restaurant and realize I've left the gift card for that restaurant at home in the drawer. ... more

Rage Quit? Throw a Fit? You Might Regret it.

By CHERY SABOL - A RESOUNDING RESIGNATION, afire with sturm und drang, can be momentarily satisfying, but damaging for years to come. ... more

Celebrate Kids’ Day at the Carousel

A Carousel for Missoula will be celebrating its 20th birthday on Sat., May 23. Come enjoy FREE rides on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. ... more

Habitat for Humanity is Volunteer Missoula’s Organization of the Month!

By JENNIFER PEPPROCK-Volunteer Missoula is excited to feature Habitat for Humanity as our organization of the Month! Habitat has been "Making it Matter" in Missoula for over 20 years. ... more

Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

By ERIN TURNER - Despite not having a drop of Mexican heritage in my blood, I still love celebrating Cinco De Mayo. Here are 5 of my favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes.... more

Frugal and Delicious: Homemade Refried Beans

By ERIN TURNER - With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, why not some try my recipe for simple, delicious, homemade refried beans. ... more

Celebrate the Carousel’s 20th Birthday on Kids’ Day, May 23

Each year, the Carousel offers free rides on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend as a birthday gift to the community. Extra activities are planned for this year's 20th Birthday party.... more

Sign the Kiddos up for Summer Camp at the Missoula Kids Camp Expo

Come to the 4th Annual Missoula Kids Camp Expo Saturday, Apr. 18th from 1-4 pm. Sign the kids up for camp at one of 20 Missoula summer camp and children’s Activity providers. ... more

Prepare for the Fair: Workshops Available for the April 21 Career Fair

Western Montana’s Largest Career Fair happens only once a year. With close to 100 employers looking for workers, it’s worth it to prepare now for the April 21 event.... more

How To Save Money While Stocking Your Pantry

By ERIN TURNER - People ask us all the time for advice on how to stock up on essential pantry items. They assume we have a Costco membership and buy everything in bulk.... more

You’re a Stand Up Person: You Deserve a Stand Up Desk

By CLAY SPRINGMEYER- Regular exercise and eating right isn’t enough to abolish the detrimental health effects of prolonged butt-resting. If your job requires a lot of sitting, consider getting a standup desk.... more

The Missoula YMCA Hosts Healthy Kids Day, Saturday April 11

The Missoula YMCA encourages kids and their families to come to the Y for Healthy Kids Day--this Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. ... more

Kid Approved, Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe

By ERIN TURNER - In today's world of overly processed food, I love showing the kids how to make homemade and healthy snacks. Here's my recipe for homemade Cheese-Its Crackers.... more

A Night at the Theater: MCT is Volunteer Missoula’s Organization of the Month!

By JENNIFER PEPPROCK-This month, we're exted to feature MCT as Volunteer Missoula’s organization of the month! With a vibrant Volunteer Missoula profile and widely popular opportunities, MCT was an easy choic... more

Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day with Homemade Irish Pasties

By ERIN TURNER- As the great granddaughter of an Irish immigrant, I have to admit my own love of Irish Pasties. It is the perfect meal…meat, potatoes all wrapped up in a flaky crust. ... more

Frugal Gardening Tips

By ERIN TURNER-Planting a garden is one of the best frugal methods of saving money. For just a few dollars, you can raise entire bed of produce which would cost you hundreds in the grocery store. ... more

On the Grill: Colors of the Flag of Ireland…Kebabs

By PAUL SIDORIAK - This year for St. Patrick’s Day, I plan to represent the colors of the flag of Ireland on a shillelagh and make St. Patrick’s Day kebabs.... more

Another Successful Pantry Challenge

By ERIN TURNER-It’s March. What's that mean? If you ask most, they'll say "March Madness" or St. Paddy's Day. If you ask our boys, they'll exclaim it's the "end of the pantry challenge". YEEHAW!... more

The Best Way to Clean a Kitchen Sink

By ERIN TURNER-My kitchen sink is a work horse. It takes a beating almost every day. So I rely on a super dependable, result-guaranteed method of cleaning my porcelain sink.... more

My Most Spectacular Failure Was a Gift

By SHELLI JOHNSON - Former Lady Griz hoopster, Shelli Johsnon tells how getting cut from the team and losing her scholarship was a game changer that led her to an Epic Life! ... more

MakeItMissoula.com Partners with VolunteerMissoula.org to Highlight Local Nonprofits

By JENNIFER PEPPROCK-With over 600 nonprofit charitable organizations, Missoula is an exceptionally giving community. But many Missoulians like me don’t know where to begin in their volunteering endeavors.... more

DIY Pantry: Homemade Condiments are Healthy and Frugal

By ERIN TURNER- I recently taught a class called “Homemade Instead” where we talked about making things at home instead of purchasing them commercially--including condiments.... more

Soup: The Frugal Friendly Meal

By ERIN TURNER- Soup is one of those dishes which I don’t think receives enough credit. It's easy, frugal, freezes well and is nutritious. And, it's perfect for the pantry challenge.... more

Office of Emergency Management: Be Prepared, Make a Plan

The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management reminds us to be prepared and to have a plan--including an emergency kit in the event something unexpected occurs.... more

Benefits of a Pantry Challenge

By ERIN TURNER- If the idea of cleaning up and eating up your pantry appeals to you then you are ready for a Pantry Challenge! ... more

Frugal Diamond Ring Cleaner

By ERIN TURNER- Here is a quick, easy and frugal way to clean diamond rings at home!... more

Fire and Ice–Wildland Firefighting Recruitment Begins Mid-Winter

By CHERY SABOL - If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to explore work as a wildland firefighter this summer, hopefully another resolution was to not procrastinate.... more

Restoring Household Order

By ERIN TURNER- This last week I spent packing up the Christmas decorations, cleaning the house after all the holiday parties and of course, hitting all the after Christmas clearance sales.... more

A Delicious Way to support the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Montana

This month Mothers' Milk Bank of Montana is teaming up with Liquid Planet offering "Liquid Gold" as a way of supporting the Milk Bank. Check it out!... more

Couponing in 2015

By ERIN TURNER- While I still am passionate about saving money and getting the very best deal available, how I save money looks different than it did 5 years ago. ... more

After Christmas Savings Ideas

By ERIN TURNER- Afraid you've missed all post-Christmas sales? Not to worry. There are still many good sales opportunities and over the next two weeks the sales will get better and better.... more

Roundup of Christmas Savings Ideas

By ERIN TURNER- I’ve compiled a list of various blogs/websites which provide some fantastic ideas on how to be frugal while still getting the most out of the holidays! ... more

Simple Homemade Caramel Sauce

By ERIN TURNER- Every Christmas I like to make homemade gifts for family and friends. This year I am excited to be making up batches of Homemade Caramel Sauce. It's Heavenly!... more

New Money Saving App–FAVADO!

By ERIN TURNER- I recently discovered FAVADO--an app that can save you both TIME and MONEY--and just in time for the holiday shopping season! ... more

The Mothers’ Milk Bank of Montana is Critically Low on Donor Milk

To all the nursing mothers: the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Montana is critically low on donor milk. We are looking for mothers who have extra milk to be used to help premature and sick infants thrive. ... more

Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe

By ERIN TURNER- If you have kids, then you know that Ranch Dip has far surpassed ketchup in the world of condiments. Here's my recipe for Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.... more

The Benefits of a Water Softener

Hard water can make you spend more on repairs, maintenance and energy. Did you know A water softener can improve your skin, make your clothes and appliances last longer, and soft water heats quicker.... more

Reconditioning and Re-Purposing Old Shoes

By ERIN TURNER- Imagine my delight recently when I discovered this adorable pair of Converse tennis shoes in my son’s size at a Missoula Thrift Store. I paid $3 bucks, and check em out!... more

Homesteading Basics: How to Make Your Own Lard

By ERIN TURNER- Thinking about adding lard to your baking regimen? Consider making your own. With the help of a crockpot, it's super easy and it's perfect for melt-in-your-mouth pie crusts, cookies, and and mor... more

Early Preparation for Christmas is the key to Savings

By ERIN TURNER- There are only EIGHT Saturdays left before Christmas? Take a deep breath and relax because if you start your planning now, you’ll be the most relaxed, calm person come December!... more

Missoula Parks & Rec Hosts Old-Fashioned Fall Family Fest Oct 18

Fall is here… it’s time for hayrides, apple cider and old-fashioned harvest festivals at the 14th Annual Fall Family Fest Oct 18, at McCormick Park. ... more

What Are You Cookin’ up for Crocktober Fest?

By ERIN TURNER- Time to pull out the crockpot for 'CROCKTOBER Fest'. Cooking in a crockpot offers the benefits of convenience and ease. Here are a couple of 'must make' crockpot recipes. ... more

Harvest Season Means Savings

By ERIN TURNER-I dedicate this week’s blog to this beautiful season we call “The Harvest”. Anyone who claims they are frugal loves this season. This is what we frugalites live for--ABUNDANCE!... more

Ice Cube Trays–a Frugal Gadget for Every Kitchen

By ERIN TURNER-Ever wonder what to do with leftover wine, buttermilk and other liquid items? Hate the thought of throwing them out? HELLO ice cube trays. It's a no-brainer and frugal way to save!... more

Activities for Kids in Missoula: The Missoula Taekwondo Center

By KIM S. - In a building off South Avenue here in Missoula is a unique opportunity for you and your children to learn the art of Taekwondo. ... more

Save Money at Missoula’s TJ Maxx and Ross

By ERIN TURNER-This past week I was reminded of two stores that aren't always on my "Deal Radar" but they're practically next door to one and other and this week they offered up some one-stop- savings!... more

Ladies (and gentlemen) — Apply Yourselves!

By CHERY SABOL - A recent study found that women applied for jobs only if they met every single requirement on the job description. Men applied if they met just 60 percent of the requirements.... more

Easy, Healthy, and Homemade Chocolate Sauce

By ERIN TURNER-Yesterday was my son’s birthday and when I asked him what menu he wanted for his birthday dinner, he requested ice cream--and that means chocolate sauce! Here's an easy, healthy and frugal reci... more

Missoula YMCA Spearheads Fundraising Effort for Sierra Leone Ebola Outbreak

The Missoula YMCA is spearheading a fundraising effort to help the Sierra Leone YMCA purchase much needed disinfectant supplies, chlorine, bleach and buckets to battle the Ebola outbreak.... more

Fresh, Frugal, Back to School Lunch Ideas

By ERIN TURNER-Are you ready to dust off the lunch box as your kids head back to school this week? Here are some for packing fresh, healthy and frugal lunches for your kids!... more

Stuffed Zucchini–A Frugal Seasonal Meal

By ERIN TURNER-The season of zucchini jokes has arrived. The gardens are knocking out zucchini like crazy and people are finding them on their doorsteps.... more

Homemade Pie Crust

By ERIN TURNER- It's western Montana Fair Time and with raspberries, huckleberries and strawberries all in season right now, it seems the perfect time for a pie! ... more

Save Money With DIY Haircuts

By ERIN TURNER- With 3 boys, haircuts occur quite frequently around our house. Even if we just went to Cost Cutters we'd spend a fortune every month. Instead, here's a frugal, DIY haircut option. ... more

Kidsfest 2014 Slated for July 29 at Caras Park

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for Kidsfest 2014, a free summer celebration for Missoula families at Caras Park on Tuesday, July 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.... more

Budget Friendly Fruit Fly Killer

By ERIN TURNER-Love having the fruit sitting out for a quick walk-by snack for the kids but hate the the fruit flies? Here's a sure-fire and frugal way of killing them:... more

Families Invited to play All-Abilities Baseball at McCormick Park

Missoula Parks & Rec is teaming up with the All-Abilities Playground Project to host free baseball games for people with and without disabilities on 7/19 and 8/2.... more

Healthy, Frugal Spinach Smoothies

By ERIN TURNER-I’ve had lots of people asking me for my recipe for Green Smoothies. Since spinach season is at its peak right now, I thought I'd share my recipe.... more

Staying Motivated And Avoiding Coupon Burnout

By ERIN TURNER- Have you hit burn out in your couponing? Does the thought of clipping another coupon cause you to have a melt down? ... more

What to do About Workplace Washout?

By CHERY SABOL - Most everyone has encountered an underachiever. These are the bounced checks of the work force. The Missoula Job service offers three ways to avoid them.... more

Registration Open for Mollie Summer Adventures for kids and +50 Grandparents

Register now for MOLLI Summer Adventures Grandparent/Grandchild Camp will taking place on Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25.... more

Families Invited to Play All-Abilities Baseball at McCormick Park

Parks & Rec and the All-Abilities Playground Project to host Missoula’s first adaptive baseball league for people with and without disabilities beginning Saturday, June 14.... more

Easy Batch Eggs

By ERIN TURNER- Here's my new favorite way to cook a large batch of eggs. It's quick and easy!... more

How Different Would the World Be if Everyone Ran?

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Distance Masters Runner of Year, Anne Audain reflects on the impact of running in our world: “Running gave me the courage to fight the great fight".... more

Quick and Easy Shower Cleaning

By ERIN TURNER- I have a secret weapon that helps me maintain a sparkling clean shower--it involves one small tool and two ingredients you'll find around the house.... more

Inexpensive Heat Mat for Seedlings

By ERIN TURNER- Soil temperature is critical for the sprouting of any seeds. If it is too cold, seeds will sit dormant and eventually rot. Here's a frugal alternative to a seedling heat mats: ... more

Safe, Easy and Inexpensive Toilet Cleaner

By ERIN TURNER- Missoula's hard water has left deposits, lime scale and the occasional mineral/rust stains in my toilets. Here's a safe, easy, and frugal way to clean your toilets:... more

My Deal of the Week: Chick Days

By ERIN TURNER-I always like to look back over my week and determine my best deal. This week, hands down, it had to be Chick Days at the local feed store--60% off ducks and 2-for-1 geese. ... more

Dessert for Breakfast: Dutch Babies

By ERIN TURNER- Tonight I made this recipe for Dutch Babies, nope not as “breakfast for dinner” but I made it for dessert. Yup, it is that good and that versatile. Here's how:... more

Women Bike Missoula Inaugural Celebration Ride, April 25

ATTENTION Missoula area women of all ages, abilities and biking experience--Join Women Bike Missoula on their Inaugural Celebration Ride around town on Friday, April 25 at 5:15 PM.... more

My Favorite List of Frugal Spring Cleaning Methods

By ERIN TURNER- It's spring cleaning time. Here is a list of some of my favorite ways to clean and refresh the house without breaking the bank this spring: ... more

How to Remove Pilling and Make Sweaters New Again

By ERIN TURNER- Here's an easy, do-it-yourself way of removing pilling from sweaters and fleece coats. ... more

Silver Summit: A Playground For Everyone, Makes Fundraising Push for Phase II

By Julie Emnett, Development Director, Child Care Resources It kind of started with a yellow swing. Jenny Montgomery, who is the Owner/Tasting Room Director of Montgomery Distillery, remembers coming to Mi... more

Celebrate Arbor Month with 22nd Annual Run for the Trees April 12

Register for the 22nd annual Run for The Trees on Saturday, April 12, at 9 a.m. 1-mile, 5K or 10K, races with proceeds used to help plant new trees in Missoula parks and schools.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended to April 7

To protect wintering elk, most of Mount Jumbo’s south zone will remain closed through Sunday, April 6. However, the “L” trail will re-open to the public on Tuesday, April 1. ... more

Budget Friendly Overnight Oatmeal

By ERIN TURNER- I am always searching for fun, healthy and frugal breakfast foods so when a friend mentioned a no-cook oatmeal made with various fruits, nuts and seeds I had to try it!... more

406 Mom: Mommy and Me Book Club

By KIM S. - Prior to having kids I used to read a book every now and again. I was even in a book club. This winter I decided to restart the club but as a mommy and me book club. ... more

Frugal Living: Using Amazon to Save Money

By ERIN TURNER- Want to save money and living frugally, but not necessarily a fan of coupons? Here are some tips on saving money using Amazon.com... more

406 Mom: My Kids’ Obsession with FROZEN

By KIM S.- I might be the only parent out there who was sort of dreading the release of Disney’s Frozen on DVD. Now, my 4 and 5 year old's obsession has gone into overdrive.... more

40 Days of Decluttering

By ERIN TURNER- This new challenge tackles all the “stuff” that seems to accumulate around the house. Clutter gets in the way emotionally and spiritually and binds us to those "things".... more

4 Ways to Save Big Bucks at Target

By ERIN TURNER- Okay you smart shoppers--today I’m going to share with you why I love Target and four ways how you can save big bucks when you shop there!... more

Recreation Program Cancellations and Currents Aquatics Center Closure

Due to severe weather conditions, Parks and Recreation and Currents Aquatics Center announce the following schedule changes. Please check local media or the City of Missoula website for updates.... more

Before There’s Smoke, There’s Fire (Fighters)

By CHERY SABOL - Training for forest firefighting jobs begins months before the first whiff of smoke in mid-summer and is over long before ash starts to fall--so plan NOW!... more

Frugal Living: The Freezer Challenge Continues

By ERIN TURNER- We're waiting for a major winter snow storm to hit here in Missoula. But you won't see me running out to stock-up...we're in the middle of a Freezer Challenge!... more

The Freezer Challenge

By ERIN TURNER- This year we decided to shake things up a bit from our traditional Pantry Challenge and we're doing a Freezer Challenge instead. Here's what it entails: ... more

A Rice Cooker Makes Healthy, Frugal Meals

By ERIN TURNER-So I didn't own a rice cooker--what's the big deal? Answer: rice cookers are a super time and money saving gadget for your kitchen! So now I own one. You should too.... more

Turn Down The Thermostat And Save

By ERIN TURNER - During a recent cold-snap in Montana, we moved our thermostat down to a “balmy” 64 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night and saved!... more

MISA Offers Toddler Time Soccer Basics

By KIM S. - Since moving to Missoula am still trying to learn all the new “places” to take my kids. This week I was excited to find MISA - the Missoula Indoor Soccer Arena.... more

Keep Working After the Lottery

By CHERY SABOL - According to a Gallup survey of U.S. workers, two thirds of those surveyed would continue to show for work even if they won the lottery. Would you?... more

Seasonal Fruit Plus Juicing Adds Up To Healthy and Frugal Living

By ERIN TURNER - I can, freeze and dry seasonal fresh produce, but lately my family and I are into juicing--it's a frugal, healthy and delicious way to enjoy this season's citrus fruits.... more

Are You Up For the 52-Week Savings Challenge?

By ERIN TURNER - Wanna save $1,378 by this time next year? Why not Join me and my family in the 52-week Challenge? It's easy and fairly painless. Here's how it works: ... more

New Year’s Food Rituals

By ERIN TURNER - Ever wonder why certain foods grace our tables for certain holidays? Here's a rundown of some our New Year's Food Rituals.... more

A Collection of Frugal Christmas Ideas

By ERIN TURNER - Since I've been writing this blog for 3 years now, I thought it would be nice to put together a collection of blogs with ideas for the holidays...so here they are!... more

Get Out of the Cold at the Indoor New Year’s Eve Two-Mile Prediction Run

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Get an early start on your New Year’s resolutions with Run Wild Missoula’s New Year’s Eve Two-Mile Prediction Run on Tues., Dec.31 at 6 p.m. at the PEAK's indoor track.... more

5 Tools for Saving Money Online This Christmas

By ERIN TURNER - All week I’ve had people asking me for tips on saving money while Christmas shopping online so here are my top 5 tools and tips for saving money online this season.... more

Run through the Winter with RWM’s Boston/Spring Marathon Training Class

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Local runners can stay motivated to run all winter and train for the Boston Marathon with Run Wild MIssoula's Boston / Spring Marathon Training Class.... more

Looking for the Purple Squirrel? Training Might be Easier

By CHERY SABOL - The weak job market has many companies feeling that they can demand a top-notch candidate who is willing to take a temporary job for relatively low pay-- a purple squirrel.... more

Tips for Cleaning and Staying Organized This Holiday Season

By ERIN TURNER -The holiday season has a huge impact on our houses and schedules. Here are some tips for maintaining our schedules, entertaining and managing the unexpected drop-bys from family and friends.... more

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