Frugal Family Living in Smyrna-Vinings

If you’re one of those granola-loving, natural foods kinds of families, you probably know how expensive it can be to buy organic. Natural foods can sometimes be difficult to unearth in big chain supermarkets. , “Your Natural and Organic Store,” is conveniently located in West Village. Just large enough to house a wide variety of supplements, dry goods, produce and frozen items, Goodness Grocery also has a cozy “Soup Garden” area and a delicious assortment of takeout foods. The personable staff makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. Far from being a mega store, this place makes you feel right at home if you pop in for some soymilk, vitamins, pasta, or to sign up for one of their health seminars. Use this terrific $10 off a $50 purchase coupon by clicking and printing: http://www.goodnessgrocery.com/8coupons.html

Many of us are familiar with the nostalgic childhood memory of heading to after church on Sundays. The lines were long, but the fried shrimp, creamed corn and chocolate pie were oh-so-worth-it. Piccadilly has something for everyone and kids love to see their food and choose it themselves. All day Thursdays and 11a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays are Kids’ Days, which means children under 12 eat for only 99 cents with an adult meal purchase. Kid-friendly entrees include shrimp, fried chicken, roast beef, corn dogs and more. Two side dishes, dessert and beverage are also included. As Piccadilly says, “Everyone’s happy.” 

Kids are experts on teeth when it comes to putting them under a pillow for the Tooth Fairy, but sometimes they aren’t so savvy when it comes to dental care. February is Dental Health Month, which is a perfect opportunity to instruct kids in the proper ways to take care of their pearly whites. The MetLife Oral Health Library has designed free resources and articles from the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Stay informed and aware of the latest in dental care and educate your children in healthy dental habits. Many of the resources included are available in both English and Spanish. MetLife's Healthy Mouth Match Up game and other educational materials can be accessed within the Kid's Dental Health Center in the MetLife Oral Health Library at www.metlife.com/dental

As everyone knows, has a brilliant sandwich, soup, and salad collection and is extremely popular with the lunch crowd. Baked goods also sparkle here: gorgeous loaves of artisan breads such as sourdough, asiago focaccia, honey wheat, ciabatta, sun-dried tomato and more tempt customers from behind the counter. Kids know how yummy the cookies and pastries are as well, so why not treat yours to a deal of a fast casual meal here? Tuesdays after 4 p.m., get one kid’s meal free with adult meal purchase. Atlanta Bread Company also occasionally offers face and cookie painting Tuesdays at 6 p.m., but make sure you call prior to ask.

Moms come in several flavors: those who stay at home, those who work part-time, and those who work full-time. What they all have in common is the goal of achieving balance in their mothering role and the other life roles they play. Mothers Offering Mothers Support (MOMS) Clubs assist mothers in finding like-minded moms for friendship, playgroups, social events and support. These non-profit support groups for mothers have several local chapters: Smyrna-East, Smyrna-Northeast, Smyrna-West, and Smyrna-Vinings West district.