Participating in

[@lindabarnes4128]

When I was the age of your children I was fortunate to go on interesting field trips to a dairy processing plant (we all got free ice cream bars!), a farm, a greenhouse growing flowers (we planted seeds in a little pot to take home, one veg and one flower) and a florist shop (we were all given a flower to take home to mom), a light house (might be tricky in Montana...), a historic pioneer home museum, a fire station, and a library. It was the best year for field trips in my entire academic life!

[@bmbc100]

Kindergarten we toured the coca cola plant and potato chip plant in the same day. Got snacks. Yummmm

[@countrymousesfarmhouse497]

Jessica's three rivers pantry challenge, is my favourite time of year . Whether or not I'm doing the challenge or just being conscious of using up items , I just love watching everyone else's journeys and creations during it. Im excited to see what you make and I love your goals . Thank you for sharing lovely ❤

[@ednamyers5760]

I enjoy your channel very much... thanks for being there... Those large coffee mugs would be great for heating up side dishes for a meal.. like a can of corn or green beans... what a nice way to Jazz up a dinner table ..

[@mamabairds]

Oh that is a great idea! I never thought of that!

[@jennifermunn6898]

Great video! Love the new ideas especially interviewing food bank workers! ❤🎉

[@mamabairds]

Thank you! I can't wait for those videos as well!

[@lswest1569]

Wonderful Goals! I've also done the pantry challenge these last couple of years and I was AMAZED at the $$$ I saved. It was a great surprise. First year was a little tough because it was new, but I soon found my rhythm. We also stopped fast food and only try to go for "Special Occasions", and guess what,? I've lost 4 pounds. 😊 Added bonus! Thanks for all the information you have shared this year. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. ❤ Bring On 2024🎉!

[@unitedspiritsvillage]

Fieldtrips I've taken with my second graders are: waste water management (poop plant), 😂. Kids love it, and the plants are very scientific and interesting. Local museums (free days), local manufacturing plants - we have a sticker factory and jelly belly factory nearby. Google cool study trips for school-aged children.❤

[@angelafleming3328]

Hello Carolina sounds like you have a great plan for January! Hope you have a very Happy New Year!

[@charlenereed7813]

You go Carolina I'm with you. Food planning is hard for me, same as when I'm told to count calories. Blah! I manage for a small bit then I'm over it, I think I'm just not made do it.

[@mamabairds]

I hear that. I'm just going to try and eat a little better and get outside more!

[@kimrector8230]

I give a lot of my canning out as gifts to the elderly , friends , family,

[@lisajimenez8639]

I love that challenge! I have followed her for several years now! I’m going to do a semi pantry challenge ❤

[@cleopeifer9912]

As they say: "You go,Girl!" Enjoy your posts.

[@merediths9667]

For taco Tuesday my family is obsessed with copycat Taco Bell crunch wraps. 😋 Can’t wait to see what you do in January!

[@mamabairds]

Oh those sound good! Thank you for the idea!

[@ninas8133]

Does your library have museum passes?? That can be a great resource for ideas and also an inexpensive way to go to lots of places!

[@shannonmcdonald8256]

Carolina I LOVE to see your food bank hauls. But I also understand what you are saying about using up some of the the things that you need to use up. I did that last year and only bought the bare necessities for what I needed for a while. It meant that I was going to the store everyday but I do live in town and I did use up some things that I needed to use up. I probably need a meal planner one that I can write down all of the ingredients that I need for the meal. My husband is a diabetic and trying to follow the diet and recipes that they want us to follow isn’t easy.

[@zoefoustanas2410]

Carolina, wishing you and your sweet family a Happy and healthy New Year🎉

[@RWCLtd3]

I did look up things to do near you and you have a lot of different museums. History, art. Go to a state park and identify trees and plants. Collect shells and what has lived inside them. I loved learning about different rocks we'd find. So much to learn! Talk about those beautiful clouds in your opening shots and what each means. Love those cumulonimbus clouds! Visit your local fire and police departments! You're very lucky to have so much near you - and I live in New York City, so that's saying a lot. Have fun!

[@mamabairds]

Thank you for all the ideas!

[@tinarice8051]

It's great to see you making goals and plans for you and your family for this coming year. Best of luck with your pantry challenge and your meal planner, Carolina!

[@kimberlyroberts2415]

Looking forward to your challenge. 😊

[@dlessard69]

Our local schools have a month were they take kids once a week to a local museum. Also, kids get to go the the capital building during legislative session.

[@apriljohnson1514]

This might be too much of a field trip. Back in the 70s my family went to the original Govenor's mansion tour in Helena and I still remember it! In 2012 my sister and I did the Governor's tour again it was just as impressive. We also went to the Battle of the Little Bighorn National Park plus Yellowstone before heading back to Washington state.

[@cambriaperez2865]

Hope you have a Happy New Year! 💝 I have enjoyed all of your videos and you and your family 💝

[@melodyshaw9329]

Seems to me like you have already gotten a great start on being the "best version of Carolina". Rock solid foundation sister! Build on it with care! ❤

[@mamabairds]

Aw thank you so much!

[@lindabyrnes4356]

I feel like I hold myself back too. Going to try and push through that this year.😊

[@sallygordin2869]

These are great ideas!! I look forward to 2024!! Blessings 😊

[@mamabairds]

Thank you!

[@gayhoover3826]

learn them to forsge for food medicine in eoods

[@gayhoover3826]

forage

[@mamabairds]

Great idea!

[@sandytmobile4467]

Columbia Falls is our family best time ever but it does add up. And then the lake's are incredible you can even see yourself in water. I bought everyone new paddle board set's with water sock shoes for Christmas. We stay close enough to home area but travel to get in different. My home stays clean. I make foods ready to go. A little heat up and my camping is fun and no fast food along the way. Rolled up breakfast burrito, baked potatos cooked cut in half then heat and can of chili removed lid heated then greated cheese dinner, rice wraps with veggies and chicken for a lunch.

[@katiesinthekitchen]

Gosh darnit! I missed it because I was organizing my pantry...

[@JohnnieOsborne-s6s]

Love what you do mama Baird

[@mamabairds]

Thank you so much!

[@lisacarter7426]

I have made chicken pot pie in my air fryer and it turned out amazing. I used two pans to make it. Cooked one and then the other. When first one was done my family of 4 ate on that first dish and when second was done everyone was ready for seconds. Also did chicken breast,potatoes and carrots all in air fryer at sometime and that was good as well. Hope you make some great meals in your air fryer .

[@melindaridinger3008]

I find it's easier to have a meal plan and a list of what's in my freezer. Also when I get produce, I always prep it. Shredding my cheeses too. It makes it easier for us to eat it before it goes bad. Hope that helps.

[@TheInquisitiveFarmwife]

You have so much fun with your product reviews.... I have started doing them also and they are fun to try and ya know... it's a no pressure thing, right? More Food Bank interviews will be nice! You know I like the food theme ideas... I am silly like that too! Nice meal planner.... it's my weakness... I am terrible about planning far ahead on meals!

[@homeboundmama9968]

Hey little mama

[@bridgetmarden3345]

Sorry I've missed several of your videos. I've been 8n the hospital very sick for the last 12 days. Love these goals, you, your family, and your channel ❤

[@carolynmills513]

Hope you are recovering from your illness! Prayers!!

[@frugalcampermama]

I usually do the pantry challenge in January but my husband and I have decided to go on the road for a few months. We were going to start in March when we have to travel to Arizona for my nieces wedding but my sister needs me in California for a couple weeks (I’m in NJ), so we decided to go now. This should be interesting (meal wise) as we don’t have a camper, yet. Anyway, look into your local libraries active as well as your recreation department. They usually have an outing from time to time that is relatively inexpensive. Not sure if you have a flea market but they may be a fun thing to do, give the kids a scavenger hunt for things you may need. Some farms in my area also have activities such as petting zoos. If you have a Michaels craft store, check to see if they offer class for the kids.

[@judithwilson8646]

I enjoy your thrift shop deals you find

[@toofewacres5690]

I've been doing that recently. It's fun and financially helpful. 2024 I'm trying to make keto meals with what I have and put it on my channel. Make sure you have fun with it.

[@InternetPersond]

This is exciting - I can’t wait to see what you pull out of your pantry and how your low shop weeks go. My second grade teacher issued a challenge to the class to learn the name of every natural thing on the piece of property we lived on and I lived on a large one. It would have been so much easier with google but somehow we managed and it was a good exercise that you and your kids might enjoy. Good luck with your goals for 2024 and thank you for sharing them.

[@rettahenry6362]

like the scientific name? Taraxacum = Dandelion ! Cant believe i still remember that one!!!!! Just looked up the full name, Taraxacum official Asterales from the Daisy family, you are right, google makes it much easier than when we were doing this in the 80's !

[@citygirlhomestead]

great ideas I am gonna do her channel here and there. I don't take Jack much to the food bank anymore he is getting so many canned goods gotta get them used up lol

[@tinarosenberg5781]

Museums are usually cheap or free and are very educational some have programs for kids

[@abcjerilee]

I am so excited to learn how to meal plan! I always just fly by the seat of my pants.

[@suzieb8012]

Beautiful views.

[@mamabairds]

They are!

[@rettahenry6362]

Congrats on hitting over 20K subscribers!!! here's to growth!!! as for field trips, I grew up spending my summers in Polson which is an hour north of Missoula, check out boat tours on Flathead lake for this summer, beautiful, and you can tie some geology to it with the story of "Lake Missoula" from prehistoric times, and legend has it Flathead lake has its own "loch nest monster" we used to scare each other when we would swim in the lake at night.... I think the "monster" is really just a big sturgeon.... but who knows?

[@mamabairds]

Thank you so much!! Those are great ideas! Thank you! I have no problem with getting to Polson more! It really is so beautiful there!

[@HollyHobbie-ll8nq]

Hey Carolina, I did not get the notification on this one. I like your goals for the new year. I do have a few ideas for you but I will email instead. See you tomorrow night.

[@melodytallmage532]

Love the cup

[@queenbear4581]

Does the Lewis & Clark trails go through your area. A history for the children.

[@lisakemplin5062]

They do food around the world and you can find local places that source the stuff from

[@ednashaver3011]

I took my kids to airport and fire department. Story time at the local library.

[@voicereason3380]

Say! Check out your local library. Not sure what MT has but in MN, you can check out zoo passes, science museum passes and the like!!

[@alinewright1093]

As kids we went to the local library. Sometimes they activities.

[@midwestadventures1975]

For your taco Tuesday. Mexican pulled pork or carnitas. Yummy

[@melodytallmage532]

❤ hellos

[@GardeningWarrior]

I am so excited to see you in this pantry challenge. Just dive into those home-canned goods lady! You can do this! I have a question about your product reviews- how do you get involved in these things? Is there a website or something?

[@mamabairds]

The product reviews, someone emails me and asks me to do a review on them. I don't actively seek them out.

[@KOOP1978]

WE ARE FIRST TIME CANNERS TOO AND WE ALSO NEED TO EAT EM UP LOL WE WAS THINKING THE SAME THING

[@cambriaperez2865]

I literally was just talking to my family today saying that I'm doing a No spend/ low spend for Jan. I have a lot of canned goods/ foods that need rotated out so I can get new ones. I told them that I'd go to get milk, eggs, bread etc bare essentials, but not a big grocery shop. Bc we need to eat some food down. My kids were going through the new(er) foods first instead of getting the older foods. And then we'd buy more and same thing. So I'm like some of this stuff has to go through. Hard bc they don't like trying too much new foods/ recipes. We are a large family & 2 of our kids have special needs & 1 other has food aversions.. So I'm like just Try something. I also got a new job so it's hard to figure out dinner times when we're all coming home from school/ work and then heading to after school activities like Boy scouts and girl scouts etc. I also don't want to have Zero food bc ya know pandemic stuff, but I feel like we'd literally have to have No food options for them to try to eat stuff

[@cleopeifer9912]

Im trying to organize my food into a pantry. First I'm inventoring what I've got on hand! Live in a motorhome right now so basement shelves are not an option.

[@shimmerysummersun]

I'm not sure how close you are, but I think Glacier and Yellowstone national parks would be great field trips!

[@alinewright1093]

What about freezer burritos. Just dont fill them too much. Flour tortillas, beans with cheese add a little meat if you have some.

[@kimrector8230]

I cooked spaghetti squash in my air fryer it was awesome

[@melodytallmage532]

U no I've allready got all of the coffee cups

[@laurac5451]

change taco tuesday to mexican tuesday tons of recipes from mexico, it's easy to throw together some sandwiches before you go out or to take with you as you go out. If you go visit historic sites around you my mom used to freeze sodas and give us fried chicken and I don't know what else so by lunch time the soda was thawed out. that was for field trips other things that can be frozen would be bottled water

[@michellemasri3276]

My kiss loved dollar zoo Wednesday and pinics. We made a day of it in summer

[@JayneLarson-u2d]

If you are studying wildlife conservation or wildlife of the area, the Missoula Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has a visitor center, it’s free, life size taxidermy animals and is very informative. Here we have a Cabellas store that has a huge fish tank exhibit and wildlife. My grandkids are fascinated by it.

[@rebeckia2902]

We don't homeschool, but when there are days off, my son loves hitting small zoos, or the aquarium (SeaQuest), or the fish hatchery a couple hrs away. Being in Montana, are there any mining type places? I bet there are homeschool groups in your area that go on field-trips. That could be a great resource for the kids and for you. Best wishes in 2024. I can't wait to see how your channel grows.

[@mamabairds]

Thank you so much for all the ideas and the love!

[@ginahardman3573]

Taco soup on Taco Tuesday Air Fryer Friday Pizza Monday Leftover Wednesday Thursday pasta

[@ednamyers5760]

Loved your ideas...LOL how about salad Saturday and something good Sunday... I just ask the family.. what sounds good to you for Sunday..helps with coming up with ideas of what to fix when nothing else sounds good... thanks so much for posting

[@katibatty4108]

We have a few hands on science centers here in NY that the kids love maybe they have one out there somewhere

[@mamabairds]

Great idea! Thank you for sharing it!

[@Amanda-ev3lg]

i think i can def try this challenge, ill go sub to her channel

[@mamabairds]

You'll really like her!

[@violetvillard1347]

Good Morning Carolina!! ☕ I like how you are setting goals for yourself rather making resolutions. I stopped making resolutions back before I graduated HS in '96. With the receipt of the "non-renewl of lease" letter in April & the unanticipated move in June 2023 kinda went off the rails for me. So this year my main goal is get my new tiny apt organized so that I can use it w/ ease in my wheelchair. Also I'm gonna restart my "Build up my seasonings pantry" with at least 2 a month to go along with my $10/bi-weekly pantry stock up challenge. There you have it my Goals for 2024. What do think? Any basic seasonings I should add to my pantry? (Please keep in mind I can't handle really spicy or hot food.) Thanks!! Happy New Year!! 🎊 🎆 🎉

[@mamabairds]

Those are great goals as well! I would suggest garlic and onion powder and Italian seasonings! I always seem to go through those a lot! And salt, you never want to run out of salt!

[@susanpontow-lopez2800]

Garlic powder is a must in my opinion 😅

[@violetvillard1347]

@@susanpontow-lopez2800: Thank you both. Both onion & garlic powders are a staple in my pantry due to my onion family sensitivity. I can handle dried powdered versions but not fresh. Anyways I'm looking for different ways to diversify my spice pantry to give my food different flavors w/o busting my SSI (disability) budget.

[@carolynmills513]

Smoked paprika, bay leaves, Kinder butter onion seasoning.

[@rachaelsupadventures]

Hey pretty Carolina ❤ My personal goal for 2024 is to finally get a video on my channel lol but we will be doing no spend January and only buying perishables like milk, creamer, heavy cream, eggs, fruits and veggies! Hubby has surgery on January 17th for a total Knee Replacement!

[@rebeccakerr652]

Tell hubby to take his medicine on schedule and make ice his new best friend. I’ve had both knees replaced, may he have a speedy recovery.

[@rachaelsupadventures]

@@rebeccakerr652 He had his Right knee done March 17th 2020 at 45! He is an electrician by trade and went back to work full time 2 months later. Said it was the best thing he ever did. He is looking forward to this one! The last time they gave him a machine that looked like an ice chest with a tube that attached to his knee to cycle ice water to his knee and back again.

[@glendabenard3772]

I think it would be great to teach us how to incorporate veggies into unexpected places like some kind of vegetable in your cake or in your brownies. How to just make these things a bit more healthier.

[@carolynmills513]

I had a bag of shredded carrots needing used. I put some in sloppy joes. My DIL came over and I warmed up leftovers and she was surprised, but said she couldn't really taste them. 😂

[@melodytallmage532]

Brocle salad

[@clotildadcunha633]

I want to see your family in a slimmer version

[@mamabairds]

haha! RUDE!

[@clotildadcunha633]

@@mamabairds Dear Mama Baird I'm not rude but concerned You all are beautiful looking and you all will look much more beautiful than before I like to see your vedioes just because you are a beautiful person inside too Sorry to offend you in my earlier comment but is it not worth trying along with pantry challenge?

[@mamabairds]

Well, I appreciate that, but my goal isn't to be more beautiful on the outside. Just to use up some of my older pantry items! No offense taken though, I've had my weight pointed out to me my whole life. It would be nice to lose weight, but I'm not focusing on that at this time! Thank you though for your concern! @@clotildadcunha633

[@ruthlilley2080]

Carolina are you close to Bozeman? I had the pleasure of vacationing in Montana this year and stopped at Museum of the Rockies on our way home. I love the place and plan to go again next time I am in the area.

[@mamabairds]

Yes! Bozeman isn't that far from me at all! Thanks for the idea!

[@MarshaStindt]

Have you been to Fort Missoula museum. It’s very interesting

[@trishthedish2790]

Oh I don’t know if I could do this but we do have a huge freezer full of meat maybe 😂

[@mamabairds]

I feel that! At least get it organized if you don't know what meat is all in there and for how long it's been in there!

[@katibatty4108]

My kids and I do a muchie night with like cheese and crackers and veggies platter and chocolate fondue with snacky things. I do that as a prize for good grades

[@mamabairds]

I like that idea! Very low key and the kids could even help pick the snacks and plate it up!

[@reno5964]

Do a nature walk and try to spell a word or the entire alphabet. For "nature" you gather a nut for the n. you see an apple tree for the a and t! and so on.

[@Amanda-ev3lg]

Mama, what would you do with a big fatty lamb chop on bone? make a stock? given to me by my lovely pantry neighbor

[@mamabairds]

You could roast it or put it in the crock pot! Id take off the meat and then use the bone for a stock! How exciting for you!

[@Amanda-ev3lg]

@@mamabairds she dropped off atleast 50lbs of meats of all varieties, on Tuesday. what a blessing

[@cheriland7461]

Put a list of your rules on the cupboard in front of you.

[@mamabairds]

Good thinking!!