Frugal Friday!

As I was planning activities for my family to do this Summer, I am always looking for frugal ways to do things we already love. Tonight we went to the Whitecaps baseball game for free, Monday we are going to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago for free, and next weekend we are going to the Zoo for free. And these are just a few...

How? I am always searching and finding different local programs to participate in that have rewards or trade-ins.

Some good ones to participate in:
-Library Summer reading clubs (ours has an adult one, kids, teens, and even a read to me one for preschool age and under. They have hockey tickets, free pizza hut, etc. as prizes)
-Radio Stations (our local Christian radio station has a great program that gives you points for listening that you can trade in for prizes such as baseball tickets, zoo passes, cds, clothing, etc.)
-Grand Opening/Open Houses (They provide lots of fun activities and usually snacks for free)
-Free Days (Check out your local museums, almost all of them have a few set free days throughout the year)
-Membership Exchange (We are members of our local Children's Museum, and in the summer they do a cultural exchange, where you can visit the zoo, Fredrick Meijer gardens, Ford Museum, and Art Museum in our area for free a month of the summer!)
-Beach (In Michigan we are lucky, there are a lot of great beaches and parks in the area that are always free)

What local attractions do you find cheap or free in the Summer?

ABC & 123's Prize Picnic

Summer is almost here, so I am going to join the fun at ABC & 123's Prize Picnic. This is my first time joining something fun like this. I am relatively new to blogging and enjoying getting to know everyone.

I have been reading ABC & 123's since it began, and am in love with their great ideas. I have had the privilege of meeting both the Katie's and know what amazing women they are.

Here's a little bit about me. My husband Randal and I have been married for almost 6 years. We live in Michigan and love being so close to the gorgeous beaches and getting to enjoy all the seasons.

Randal works as a network engineer, and I get to stay home and raise our daughter. I feel so lucky and blessed everyday. Before I stayed at home, I did respite care for autistic twin boys, and was the activities director at a children's fitness/gymnastics center.

We have one daughter, Molly. She is 1 1/2 years old, and full of energy. She loves posing for pictures. This is one of my favorites from Christmas. I love watching her discover and learn something new everyday.

My blog is a little bit of everything that goes on in my life...

-Spotlight Sunday (people, places and things)

-Menu Monday (Muffin tin and weekly)

-Tip Tuesday (from cleaning to cloth diapering)

-Wordless Wednesday (great pictures)

-Toddler Time Thursday (activities and projects)

-Frugal Friday (money saving)

-Sew Something Saturday (great sewing projects)

This summer we are planning on camping, going on PICNICS, lots of swimming, and on Monday we are going to the Harry Potter exhibit is Chicago (notice my friend Sarah and me wearing our Gryffindor and Slytherin scarves).

Wordless Wednesday!

YUMMY! That was a good chocolate chip cookie...

For more great wordless Wednesday pictures, visit 5 minutes for mom.

Tip Tuesday!

Here is my tutorial on how to make a really simple felt board. This is my first tutorial, so bear with me and let me know if you have any questions.

Supplies needed: Foam core poster board, scissors, exacto knife, tape measure, hot glue gun, white felt big enough to cover desired board + 4 inches, and colored felt for cut out pieces. (puff paint optional for outlining pieces) You can get felt for pretty cheap by the yard at fabric and craft stores.


Measure your foam core to desired size. I made mine, 22" by 18" but you can make any size you would like. I cut it using the exacto knife, be careful when you cut that it doesn't go onto the surface below. I cut almost all the way through, and then bent the board so it snapped off. The edges you cut will be rough, don't worry, these will get covered by the felt.


Next, cut your piece of white(can use any color) felt 4 inches bigger than your foam core. My foam core was 22" by 18", so I cut my white felt 26" by 22" Use the scissors to cut the felt.


Next, I laid the foam core on top of the white felt.


Then, snip out the corners of the felt with scissors as shown above.


There should be 2" of felt all the way around the board now, with squares cut out of each corner. Just fold the 2" up onto the back side of the board and hot glue in place.


The finished back should look like this. Now flip over, and your board is done!


All that's left is to cut out pieces to use. I made a shape set here, you can use puff paint to outline your pieces so they can be seen better if you desire.

Then, enjoy! I'm hoping to make some cool sets of shapes to use soon. I am thinking of a fish and ocean set, or a Very Hungry Caterpillar set... who knows. The possibilities are endless.

Let me know what shapes and sets you make!

Menu Monday!

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend, and celebrating Memorial Day by supporting and remembering those who have earned us our freedom. After we all make it through our BBQ's and such, here is what we have planned to eat this week.

Monday- Grilling, with watermelon, chips and ice cream! YEAH!
Tuesday- Sloppy Joes
Wednesday- Fiesta Chicken Pasta
Thursday- Healthified Mexican Pasta Skillet
Friday- Whitecaps game, Velveeta Shells and Cheese before we leave
Saturday- Leave for camping!!!

For more great menu planning ideas, visit orgjunkie.com.

Muffin Tin Monday!

Muffin Tin Monday!

Over at Her Cup Overfloweth I have been wanting to join in on Muffin Tin Monday. I was amazed at how much Molly loved it! We don't have a large muffin tin pan, so here is our version..."Mini Muffin Tin Monday."

(Back: Yogurt for dipping, raisins, bunny shaped marshmallows)

(Middle: Pineapple, Pepperoni, Cheese, Kix)

(Front: Pineapple, Pepperoni, Turkey, Kix)

Sunday's Spotlight!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAISY!!!

My sweet niece Maisy had her birthday party today! She has grown up so fast! She was such a cutie singing and clapping and just enjoying turning 2! Happy birthday Maisy, we love you!

Molly and cousin Maisy playing in the wagon at the party!

Maisy was so gracious, she clapped after all her gifts. It was beyond adorable!