Pampers Gift to Grow Code

There's a new 20-point Pampers code available! Just head over to Pampers Gifts to Grow and enter HangOn2Summer20.

Thanks Freebies for Mom.

Home Depot Kids Workshop

Saturday, September 4th children from 5 - 12 years old can build a football stand at Home Depot.  The Build. Learn. Create. workshops take place from 9 AM to noon at all Home Depot stores. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.


In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

Groupons Deal of the Day

Repost:  This offer expires today.  So be sure to go ahead and purchase your Fandango code today.  The code will not expire until Feb. 2011 so you have plenty of time to plan your movie night.

Offer expired early due to the high volume of tickets sold.

I snagged this deal yesterday and had my confirmation email this morning. From now, through Sunday night at midnight, you can purchase one Fandango movie ticket (valued up to $12.00) for $4.00 on Groupon! If you aren’t familiar with Fandango, Fandango is a website that you can go to to buy movie tickets that you can use at your local movie theater.
Follow the steps below:
1) Go HERE to login and/or register for a Groupon account. Registration is free!!!

2) After you have logged in, close the Groupon window. I had to do this a few times to get it work for me.

3) Then go HERE to purchase your ticket. This deal is Orange County. However, you DO NOT have to live in Orange County to purchase this deal. Anyone can purchase and use this deal. One deal per account so you can register each family member that has a valid email account.

4) Once you purchase your ticket, you will receive an email from Groupon within 24 hours with a Fandango code. You can then go onto Fandango and put your Groupon code towards a movie ticket worth up to $12.00!  The ticket does not expire until Feb. 28, 2011 so you do not have to use it right away.

So take the family out to see Nanny McPhee Returns or plan a date night with your hubby.

Coupons.com

Remember to print any coupons you want from Coupons.com before they reset at the end of the month.
Click Here for these great offers:
Cold Stone- 2/$5.00, take the kids for a treat or take your hubby on a date
Enfagrow - $5.00 off
Diapers.com - 15% off your order and free shipping
Huggies - diaper and wipes $2.00 off
Vitamins - $1.00 off Disney vitamins or One Day for teens
Lice MD - $1.00 off,  lets hope you don't need this one

Entertainment
$7.00 off tickets to Cedar Point and Knott's Soak City Parks
$4.00 off a Leap Frog tag book over $9.00
Free Portraits and 50% off at Olan Mills

Plus, many of your favorite foods.

Free Blockbuster Express Code

If you didn't score the Groupons Fandango deal ( and you really should) use this code GT18A to pick up a free movie from Blockbuster Express.  This code expires 8/31. 

Parents Magazine Deal

BEST DEAL MAGAZINE DEALS
Deal of the Day August 27th

Parents Magazine, 1 yr subscription on sale for $4.39, use 15% coupon code PXCJ829, makes it $3.73/year

Deals of the Week for Aug 23rd – Aug 29th:
 

Family Fun Magazine, 1 yr subscription on sale $3.75/yr when you use coupon code WKLYSPEC

There deals available for almost everyones interest.

Weekend Events at Michael's

Reminder to check out these great events being held at Michael's for Teachers and for kids this weekend.

Toys R Us Member Night TONIGHT

It is never too early to start shopping for Christmas. If you are a member of Toys R Us rewards program you are in for some deals tonight.  Check out all the special deals here.  If you are not a member be sure to sign up at the store or got to toyrus/rewards.com for your free membership.

Another code from Pampers Gifts to Grow

There’s a new code worth 10 points available, so log into your Pampers Gifts to Grow account and enter the following code: CAREFORNEWBORNS for 10 more free points.

Not a member yet? Sign up now.  Enter this free code plus other codes on this site for FREE points or purchase Pamper Products to get points.

Thanks Hooked on Bargains

Back to School Party

For many around the country summer vacation is winding down and for others school has already started.  Either way a wonderful way to kick off the start of a new school year is to host a back to school party.  Invite the neighborhood kids, new classmates, and old friends to share in the fun.

Invitations:
Tie a note on a real apple and hand deliver.
Attach a note to a pencil
Notepad - Write the invite on the first page

Decorations:
Apples, books, school buses, pencils and other school supplies.
Balloons and streamers in school colors.

Games and Activities
Pencil Box Game

Fill a pencil box with 10 -15 school items: scissors, pencil, erasers, crayon, marker,  notepad, ruler, stickers, pencil sharpner, etc...  Open the box and let the kids look inside for 30 seconds then have them write down as many items as they can remember.

Get ready for school race
Pack lunch bag, collect homework, put on back pack, run to the "bus stop" or "school building" (a designated area)


Show and Tell
Have guest bring an item or picture that represents a favorite summer activity.

Make a bookmark.

Build a Sandwich
Place all the items on the table with directions on how to make their sandwich.  Have a race to see who can build the sandwich correctly the quickest.

Watch a BTS themed movie (older children) such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Serve snack or lunch in a brown bag.

Serve school bus cupcakes or blackboard cupcakes.

                                                                          

Party Favors: Small school supplies - glue sticks, crayons, erasers, pencil sharpner...

Border's Event for Teens

Mockingjay, the third and last installment of The Hunger Games, will be released on August 24. Pick up your copy at this special fan event on Saturday, August 28th at 4:00 PM.  This book/event is for readers ages 14 to 17. NOTE: This is NOT an author event.  Check here for varying dates and times at participating stores.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Going back to school can be fun! Take your child to Lowe's and they can build this school bus! Includes stickers, a secret compartment, chalk and a chalkboard on top!  This workshop take place Saturday, August 28 at 10:00 AM. Sign up  in advance.

Free Healthy Habits Activity Book from Lysol

Here is a fun freebie to help teach our kids to be safe and healthy as they head off to school. Go HERE to request a FREE Lysol Healthy Habits Activity Booklet for your kids! After you request the booklet, when the confirmation screen pops up, you will be able to print out coupons by clicking “Save on Lysol”.



Thanks Addicted to Saving

5 Ways Parents Can Help Children Succeed in School

Parents play a major role in the success of a students school year.  Here are five ways you can be sure this year is successful.
1.  Make sure your child is at school every day unless they are sick.  There is no substitute for attendance.  I taught in the primary grades and 95% of my instructional days was hands on or oral instruction and could not be made up at home.  Some assignments can be sent home but you can't make up what is happening in the classroom.
2. Partner with the teacher.  Communicate with the teacher on a regular basis but don't overdue it.  I had a parent call me every time their child missed anything on an assignment and wanted an explanation as to why, how the lesson had been taught, was he being attentive....   A little overkill especially for kindergarten.  Keep in mind though teachers are more likely to give your child a little more attention if they know you are going to email every few weeks to check on how their child's progress.  Build a positive relationship, compliment or thank the teacher when appropriate (trust me teachers don't hear this often enough) and don't be confrontational.  You want to work together.  Remember, you both have the same goal.
3. Volunteer. Parents who take an active interest in the success of their child's school is one of the biggest contributions to a student's success.  Children of involved parents typically have higher self-esteem, fewer behavior problems and better grades in school.  You are showing your child that you value their education by contributing to their school.  Volunteering does not have to take place in the classroom or during the school day.  You can attend PTO meetings, cut out a project at home, help with a fund raiser, etc...
4. Make homework a priority. This comes before TV, ball practice, or playing with friends.  Establish a homework routine. Be sure to include at least 15 -30 minutes of reading time in the homework schedule.
5. Make time every day to talk with your child about the school day. Give them your full attention and really listen to what they have to say.  Ask open ended questions so they can't give the standard response "nothing".  Example: Your teacher said you were going to do an experiment today.  Tell me the steps you did to complete it.  What story did you read today?  Tell me about your favorite character in the story.

Immunization Schedule

In order to start school whether it is kindergarten, middle school and yes even college your child must show prove of proper immunizations. This is the recommended schedule but check with your physician for an exact immunization schedule that is best for your child.
In pulling this information to write this blog post I am amazed at the number of vaccines children get.  The list is much longer since my children were little. And to be honest I had to look up what some of them prevented. 
Birth

•Hepatitis B

1 to 2 months
•Hepatitis B

2 months
•DTaP
•Hib
•Polio (IPV)
•Pneumococcal (PCV)
•Rotavirus

4 months
•DTaP
•Hib
•Polio (IPV)
•Pneumococcal (PCV)
•Rotavirus

6 months
•DTaP
•Hib
•Pneumococcal (PCV)
•Rotavirus

 6 to 18 months
•Hepatitis B
•Polio (IPV)

 12 to 15 months
•Hib
•MMR
•Pneumococcal (PCV)
•Varicella

 12 to 23 months
•Hepatitis A

 15 to 18 months
•DTaP

 4 to 6 years
•Varicella
•DTaP
•Polio (IPV)
•MMR
11 to 12 years
•Tdap (DTaP booster)
•Meningococcal (MCV4)
•HPV (girls)

Pampers Gift to Grow Code

There are two codes available from Pampers.  Just head over to Pampers Gifts to Grow and enter GTG5FREEPTS0810 for 5 points and enter GTGCOUPONPOINTS for 10 points. Remember you don't have to have kids in diapers to participate.  You can rack up free points with these codes.

While you are there you can enter a 5 day Spa Getaway for 30 points. 

Be sure to check out previous post on Pampers Gifts to Grow. Please let me know if any of the codes have expired and I will remove them.

Sandwich on a Stick

My son, a senior (yikes) in high school takes a ham and cheese sandwich to school almost everyday. BORING!  But then again does anyone really have time to create clever lunches and to be honest in high school that would be UNCOOL. 

For you moms out there that like to add a little surprise to your child's lunch that doesn't take a lot of time here is an idea that I saw in Family Fun.  This shouldn't take much time to create and your kids could help put these together the night before. 

Ingredients

bread

cheese
lunch meat - 1/2 inch slices from the deli
grape tomatoes
lettuce
pickles
olive

Instructions

1. Cut up cubes of bread, cheese, and lunch meat.
2. Slide the cubes onto a skewer with other foods your child likes, such as a grape tomato, a piece of lettuce, a pickle, or an olive.
3. Add a small container of mayo, mustard or salad dressing for dipping.

Note: You can get a subscription to Family Fun at Best Deal Magazine for $4.69 a year.  Use this Coupon code PXCJ829 during checkout for additional savings!

Make a Splash!

I don't know about you but this summer heat is getting to me! Anything involving playing outdoors with my daughter must include water. Here are a few new games that will keep your kids cool until the temperatures dip.

DUCK DUCK DOUSE
Play this classic game and instead of tagging the chaser with "goose," let the kids pour a cup of water on their head! It will bring many laughs and will cool the kids off on a hot day! Age: 3+

MAIN SQUEEZE
Setup two small buckets about ten feet apart, one full of water and one empty. Give each player a sponge and have them race to transfer water from the full bucket to the empty one. Age: 3+

YOU'RE IT
Host a game of squirt bottle tag. Draw six-inch circles on construction paper and tape one to each player's back. Once you bull's-eye gets soaked with water, you're out. Age: 4+

TOSS ACROSS
Instead of water balloons fill a small resealable bag with water and see how long you can keep it aloft with the kids. Jazz it up with a few drops of food coloring. Age: 4+

*Ideas from Parenting magazine

Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats BTS Sweepstakes

Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats is giving away 3,000 checks for $250.00.  Just login or register and enter your Back to School Resolution (they give you a list in case you can't come up with one on your own).  It is that easy.  Mine is to spend more quality time with my son.  He is a senior and this could be his last year at home depending on his college choice. Leave a note here and tell us about your school year resolution.
Sweepstakes ends 09/05/2010.

Hooked on Phonics: Learn to Read Kindergarten Program

School is starting back around the country and as we know reading is the skill that will lead to success in all other subjects.  Hooked on Phonics is a program I know many people have used very successfully with their young learners to teach them to read( I have never used it).  They are offering 25% off their Kindergarten Learn to Read Program. Plus, when you use coupon code SLICK55 at checkout to get an additional 55% off the sale price. After the 25% discount and the 55% discount, the complete program is less than $33.00! You can use this code on all sale and clearance merchandise on this site.

Blockbuster Free Rental Codes

Looking for something FREE to do tonight. Locate the nearest  Blockbuster Express  and enter one of these codes to get a free movie rental. Free Rental Code: GT18A (expires 8/30/2010)

Free Rental Code: GT17A (expires 8/30/2010)

The Knack at Michaels Free Family Event- Grandparents Day

Bring the kids to Michaels on 8/28/2010 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM to create this wonderful keepsake that will make the grandparents go gaga. With a little personal touch, you will capture your child's handprints in Crayola® Model Magic®.   Ages 3 and up welcome. While supplies last.
Crayola® Model Magic®. is so cool.  Buy some extra just to play with for fun. 

The Knack at Michaels Faculty Free Teacher Appreciation Crop Event

Michael's 8/27/2010 3:00 PM - 8:45 PM -

Create some fun for the classroom. Teachers and friends are invited. Learn to create fun bulletin boards, bookmarks, signs and more. Michaels will provide tools and do all the cleaning. 

Sears Kidvantage Club

I read about this wonderful program at Sears, Kidvantage Club, over on Money Saving Mom and knew I need to check it out.   Kidvantage is easy to join and best of all it is FREE!  Stop by any register the next time you are in the store to join and  begin saving. You will receive a 15% off coupon for every $100.00 you spend. Also, they have a wear out guarantee, if your child's clothes or shoes you buy at Sears wear out before they've  outgrown them, they’ll replace them for free in the same size and style.  You can't beat that!!

Veggie Tale Summer Clearance

BigIdea.com is offer 40% off all DVD's and CD's through 8/24.  For orders over $40.00 enter Coupon Code SHIP225 at checkout to get free shipping.

Free Pregnancy Planner

If you are pregnant or planning to be you can download the NEW HealthyWomen Pregnancy Planner for free.  Use its colorful, easy-to-read pages to help prepare you for each trimester and for when Baby comes home! The 48-page planner includes a 10-month calendar section to record checkups and other notes. Plus, order the Flu-Free and a Mom-to-Be card, offering easy-to-understand flu facts and prevention strategies.

Thanks HealthyWomen

 .

Product Review & Giveaway!

I was given the opportunity to try a new product called Bryton Pick. It is a reusable floss pick that you can easily take with you on the go. At night, after chasing my toddler around all day, the last thing I have energy to do is stand at the mirror and floss all of my teeth. Bryton Pick is great for busy mom's like me, you can stash it in your purse and floss on the go, like in the car! The pick comes with a credit card size carry pouch you can store it in. When I first saw the floss I thought there is no way that will fit in between my tight teeth but after flossing with it for one night it actually fits better than regular floss. When I use regular floss it always seems to get stuck in my teeth and I have to use several pieces for my whole mouth. With Bryton Pick you can reuse it up to 30 days (after using for a few nights it doesn't seem like it would last that long) therefore creating much less waste. All you have to do is rinse it off after each use. The product is a little pricey in my opinion, it cost $19.95 for 12 picks, which should last almost a year if the 30 day use is accurate.

Interested in trying this product out? Enter to win a chance to try this product yourself. Here is how you enter:
1. Leave a comment- simple, huh?
2. Become a follower of our blog and let us know in the comment section.

*All entries must be received by August 28th at 10 pm.

~Ashley

Free Parenting Early Years

Grab this deal QUICK!  It will be gone before you know it.  Sign up here for a complimentary 11 issue subscription to Parenting Early Years .

Enjoy an 11 issue subscription. No strings attached. You'll never receive a bill.

Thanks Mojo Savings

Family Fun Magazine Deal for $3.73 a year

Best Deal Magazine is a great place to find bargain prices on magazine subscriptions. 

Best Deal Magazines Deal of the Day for August 18th

 Family Fun Magazine, 1 yr subscription on sale for $4.39, use 15% coupon code PXCJ822, makes it $3.73/year

  Deal of the Week for Aug 16th – Aug 22nd:

 A 1 yr subscription for Parents Magazine is on sale for $3.75/yr when you use coupon code WKLYSPEC.

There are many other great deals to pick from.

Other Coupon Codes you can use (these all expire 8/22)

Take An Extra 15% Off Most Titles Code: PXCJ822 

TAKE AN EXTRA $5 OFF $30 ORDER COUPON Code: MNDCJ822 
TAKE AN EXTRA $7.50 OFF $40 ORDER COUPON Code: MQQCJ822 
TAKE AN EXTRA $10 OFF $50 ORDER COUPON Code: MQPCJ822 

Carter's Sale

Carter's is having an online sale in which you will save 20% on orders of $25+ , 25% on orders of $50+, and 30% on orders of $75 and up.  The discount will automatically be deducted.  You can get additional discounts with these codes:

Use Coupon code TODDLER For Free Shipping on orders of $40 or more

Use Coupon Code OHRNE3KY for $10 off of $50

Include at least one Osh Kosh Item inorder, you can enter this code GAYGPE30 to get $10 off of $50

You should be able to get a pretty good deal when you stack all these coupons. 

Coupons

Coupons are a great way to save money.  Click here to print any of these offers plus many more.

Take the family out to ColdStone 2/$5.00.

Free Frutista from Taco Bell when you buy a menu item.  Think a $1.00 or less item for a cheap meal out.

Huggies Wipes $2.00 off, diapers $2.00 - 2.50 off

$5.00 off Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail

Free portrait package from Olan Mills

$4.00 off Leap Frog Tag $9.00 and up

Cedar Point, $7.00 off

Enfamil $5.00 off

15% off at diapers.com plus free shipping

Homework

If your like me you know homework time can be torture but we also know that it is an important part of our child's  education.  Homework is not only an opportunity for your child to learn but also is a chance for you to get involved in your child's education. Teaching your child good homework habits early on will prepare your child for more challenging work assignments in later years. Here are 13 tips on how to get started from parents, teachers, the National Education Association, and the U.S. Department of Education:


1. Ask the teacher about the homework policy for the class.  How does she use homework — to prepare for upcoming lessons, to reinforce work in class, to test ability levels, is it graded? Children should receive no more then15 -20 minutes of homework per grade level and in my opinion it should NOT be graded.  When homework is graded parents tend to offer too much assistance and it is not a fair assessment of the child's ability.  
2. Set up a regular time for homework. Some children work best right after school, before they lose focus. Others are restless and need to work off energy before they can concentrate. Some need to eat dinner first. Find a time that works for you and your child and stick to it.
3. Keep track of assignments. Most young children need help staying organized. Most teachers send home an assignment list, but if your child's teacher doesn't, make your own calendar and ask the teacher to fill in assignments and due dates. Keep a homework folder and make sure all papers are in the right place each night.
4. Give your child a work space for homework. A desk or table works best. Provide a comfortable chair — one that's high enough for your child to write comfortably — and ample lighting. If you have a separate space for working, decorate the area with your child's favorite artwork.
5. Provide all the supplies. Pencils, pens, rulers, paper, dictionary— whatever your child needs for each assignment.
6. Turn off everything.  Give your child enough quiet time to finish the assignment. Your child may perform best if everyone in the family reads or writes during homework time. Some children work best with soft instrumental music playing in the background. Remember what homework was like: It's hard to work in the bedroom if everyone else is having fun watching television in the den.

7. Go over the assignments together. Before your child begins working, talk about the homework. Make sure your child understands the directions. Ask questions: "Have you done this work before?" "Do you have everything you need for the assignment?" "When is this due?"
8. Help when appropriate. Talk to the teacher first, and find out how much you should help with homework. If she introduces new material in homework assignments, she might want you to work closely with your child but give hints, not answers.  Remember, the person who does the work is the person who does the learning. If she uses homework to reinforce material already covered, she might want your child to work alone. Either way let your child know you're interested in the work, and ask to see the finished assignment.
9. Check completed homework to make sure the work is finished. If you aren't home when your child finishes an assignment, ask to see it when you get home (and check the homework folder regularly). Depending on the teacher's request, you might not need to correct work or discuss mistakes, but you should stay aware of your child's progress and make sure all the assignments are completed on time.
10. Ask to see corrected homework. Get your child into the routine of showing you homework at every stage, even after the teacher has marked on it. You'll get a chance to praise the great work, and you'll be aware of which subjects are difficult for your child.
11. Call the teacher as soon as you notice a homework problem. If work is too difficult or too easy, or your child is having trouble concentrating, let the teacher know, and discuss ways you can work together to help. You need to talk to the teacher if your child regularly refuses to do homework, if you can't provide the materials necessary to complete an assignment, if you and your child don't understand the instructions, or if the work seems to take too long.
12. Praise good work. Point out specific things you like about it ("Your writing is really neat" means a lot more than a simple "Good job"). Frame it. Laminate it. Hang it up. This will show your child that homework matters, and regular praise will boost your child's ego.
13. Set a good example. Read and write in the evenings. If you're reading the paper, putting together a shopping list, or writing a letter, you'll demonstrate the importance of reading and writing.

Modified from Baby Center

Learning Resources BTS Bargains

Whether you are a parent, homeschooler or a teacher Learning Resources

has a great deal on educational games, materials, and teaching resources.  As a teacher I purchased many of my classroom materials from them and found them to be a wonderful customer service oriented company.  Right now they are offer 40% off all clearance items when you use this coupon code "PAR40" at checkout.

Lowe' Build and Grow

Take your child to Lowe's Saturday, August 14th at 10:00 AM where they will love building this awesome beetle shaped bug box! Sign them up today!

Dora's Birthday Celebration

Do you love birthday parties? On Saturday, August 14th, select Walmarts are hosting a BIG birthday bash for Dora! When you (Dora's guest) arrive at Walmart you are invited to join the adventure at the Bright Ideas event station in Toys, where you will get party favors like cupcakes and a free photo print with Dora in her special birthday dress. (don’t forget to bring a camera!). Go HERE to find a Walmart near you that is participating!

Lands End 25%off

Now thru Monday, August 16th Lands End is offering 25% off back to school clothes.  Enter Promo code: LUNCHBOX and PIN 7074 at checkout.  Go to Lands End for details and to shop.

Creating Routines for a Stress Free Morning

Get up! Let's go! Come on … we're late! I don't know where your homework is; it's not my responsibility. Where are my shoes? I can't find them.  Do you have lunch money?  Let's go! NOW! 
Does this sound like your morning?  I hope not but if it does it is not too late to change. Mornings can be the most hectic time of the day but by establishing clear and consistent routines you should be able to get out the door without feeling frazzled. 

Here are a few tips:
Start New Routines Before School Starts:
Routines get lax and bedtimes get later in summer.  You will want to ease your children back into routines a week to two before school starts. That means slowly pushing back bedtime and getting up earlier. 

Do it Before Morning
Do whatever you can the night before. Pack backpack, pick out clothes, make lunches, check homework, sign permission slip, take showers and set the alarm clock. I use to place lunch money in envelopes on the weekend so it was ready for the week. This was a lifesaver when they decided they wanted to buy lunch. 

Assign a Place for Everything
Make a place for everything, notes, homework, backpacks etc.. keep everything where it belongs and accessible.

Make a Routine Checklist
Once you have set a routine that works for your family make a visual chart and post it in a central location. This can serve as reminder for them what they need to do and they want forget to do something. Include pictures for preschoolers.

Get Dressed First
Teach kids to dress first.  The night before, have them lay their clothes out on the floor, from head to toe so they can be sure they have everything.For young children  buy clothes that can put on by themselves.  They will be self-reliant and free up your time.

Easy to Fix Breakfast
Have quick, easy to grab breakfast foods available.  Cereal, breakfast bars, yogurt, fresh fruit.  If you have time for a hot breakfast GREAT but if not you will have food available to grab and go. 

Play Music
Turn on the tunes.  Play energetic, get up and go music.  It will put everyone in a good mood and get them up and moving.

Get up Earlier
Wake up 15- 30 minutes before the children.  This will give you a chance to get ready before they are a wake and then you can focus on them. 

Leave it Off
Do not allow the kids to turn on the TV or get on the computer in the morning.  These are distractions and will slow them down. 

Stay Calm
No yelling, raising your voice.  The more frazzled you are the more you will upset them and slow the process down.  When you are running late it is easy to let the situation get out of control.  Give singular instructions in a calm manner to move things along.

Set Consequences and Stick to Them
If you saying you are leaving at 8:00 then stick to it.  let them know you will be leaving whether they are ready or not. Sending a 10 year old to school with uncombed hair, no shoe or without breakfast may be just what they need to change their habits. 

Remember, a great start for the day will make everyone have better day.

FREE Kids Meal at IHOP

IHOP is celebrating August with FREE kids meals for all children 12 and under with every adult entree purchased.

Birthday Banner ALMOST FREE

Now through 8/12/10 at 11:59p EST you can purchase one 18×54-inch personalized vinyl banner from Shindigz.com for JUST ONE PENNY using coupon code SS2R3M at checkout online at ShindigZ.com! These are fabulous and you pay around $8 for a GREAT quality banner!! 

Thanks I Heart Publix!

The Knack Faculty at Michaels Sentence Blocks Demo

Michael's 8/14/2010 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Embrace the building blocks of education and fun. Learn how to make an easy, playful sentence block project for your classroom.  This is an event for teachers but it would be a great project for home, too.

Teacher Appreciation Day

Teachers mark your calendars.  Many retailers are helping you get the school year started with discounts and free gifts.  Added bonus if it is tax free weekend in your state. Be sure to check your local stores to verify dates and times.  ID is required.  If you are a homeschool parent check with local store to see if they will let you participate. 

Ann Taylor Loft:  Get 15% off your back to school wardrobe or any purchase you make throughout the year.


JoAnn Fabrics: August 14 & 15, 2010, get 20% off all purchases plus a free tote bag (while supplies last).

Michael's: Every Friday through September 24, 2010, take an additional 10% off your purchase, including sale items.

Office Depot: Save 10% on all in-store purchases and receive 50% in-store rewards when you buy selected brands along with teacher breakfasts and fun door prizes. Dates vary by region.

Staples: During the month of August, Staples will be holding teacher appreciation days with a free gift for the first 100 teachers, product previews and more.  They will also let you exceed the limit on most items.

Office Max: Pick up a FREE reusable bag and 20% off everything you can fit in it on August 15th!

Barnes and Noble: Enjoy FREE snacks from the cafe, raffles, FREE gifts and a tour of the new Barnes & Noble @ School section. Dates vary by region.

Big Lots: Saturday, August 14th, by taking an extra 10% off total purchase when shown a valid School ID.

L.L.Bean 20% of Backpacks

I wish I had known about L.L. Bean backpacks when my children were little.  Did you know that they are 100%guaranteed?  My sister bought these for  each of her children when they started kindergarten and she never had to buy another one.  L.L. Bean will replace them if they rip, tear, zipper breaks or for any other reason at any time.  Right now they are on sale for 20% off.  Prices start under $20.00.  Now where can you get a better deal?

Buy Sunny D and Support your Schools

If you drink SunnyD you need to start collecting the labels. For every 20 labels you collect your school will get 20 books thanks to the Sunny D Book Spree Program!  The 10 schools receive hundreds of free books.  Check with your PTO to be sure your school is participating in this program or volunteer to start this program at your school.


While you are visiting the site be sure and print your coupons.

Keeping Kids (and ourselves) Fit

As we all know keeping fit is tough.  We can always come  up with excuses to put it off.  It is important for us to set a good example for our children and a great way to do that is to make fitness a family event.  How much activity is enough? According to the National Association of Sports and Physical Education, preschool and elementary aged children should get at least 30 - 60 minutes of adult-supervised physical activity and 60 minutes of free play, daily. 

 One way to get all that activity in is to create fun active challenges for you and your kids to try together. 

Preschool Age:  Kids in this age range are developing large muscle and are beginning to master physical activities.  Try out this ideas:

Kick a ball around the house.

Count how many times you can jump up and down the driveway in 1 minute.

Play follow the leader.

Make an obstacle course under/over/around tables, beds, chair.

Take a walk, go to the playground, dance to music.

K- 3rd grade: Children at this age are ready for more complex task and have a tendency to be more active. They also love competition so you might hold a family contest to see who can do the most sit ups, jumping jacks, squats... Other activities could include:

A bike ride around the block.

Playing catch.

Frisbee.

Jumping rope.
Tug of war.

3rd - 6th grade:  This age child is building muscle, strength and self esteem.  They love sports and group activities.
Become a member of a sports team.

Walk a mile and try to improve your time.

Rope climbing.

Visit a fitness trail.

Play basketball, soccer,football together.

Go kayaking, skiing.

Keep it FUN!  Use your imagination and create challenges that are unique to your family.  You do not want to be the fitness police.  Forcing your child to go out and play may increase resentment and resistance. Instead, reward their efforts with praise, and look for ways to incorporate your fitness ideas into everyday routines.

Kids who are active at a young age, rather than plopped in front of the computer or TV, tend to stay active throughout their lives. Your challenges don’t have to be complicated, just something that gets the body moving and the heart rate up. You’ll have fun and enjoy quality time with your kids.

Modified from Nestles.

Parents Magazine Deal

You can subscribe to Parents magazine on Amazon.com for only $4 per year right now. This is also the renewal rate if you are currently a subscriber.
Or if you need to purchase a lunchbox for your child you can buy a lunchbox at WalMart for$6.00 and get a coupon for 6 issues of Parent magazine FREE.  It also includes coupons for Gogurt, vitamins, Dole fruit cups and more.
Each issue of Parents magazine usually has a few coupons for food, diapers and other items. These should help you save enough to  cover the cost of the subscription.

Card Table Playhouse

As I was browsing the internet I ran across these cute playhouses.  Has anyone ever made one?   I think I may have to try one of these for my grandaughters.  They are just too cute.

This and That

Sew Much Ado

Amazon 60% off Toy Sale

50% off

great for addition practice

Only $2.49

This is a great time to pick up some bargains on toys during summer clearance events.  Amazon has up to 60% off Summer Fun Sale.  If you belong to Swagbucks you can pay with your $5.00 Amazon gift cards and spend no money out of pocket.  If you are not a member of Swagbucks sign up now. It  is a great way to earn a little cash without much effort.

National Geographic Kids Big Book Of Fun Free With Purchase

When you purchase four products from Popsicle, Skippy or Suave Kids National Geographic Kids is offering you a FREE 80 page “Big Book of Fun” filled with games and puzzles.  Head over HERE to download the form to record UPC codes and to receive your Small Book of Big Fun. 


This offer is valid until 9/30/10 or while supplies last.

Free Bowling Today

Looking for a fun family activity?   In honor of National Bowling Week, today August 7th you can print out a FREE Game of Bowling coupon!   Look here to find a participating bowling center near you and then print out your free coupon.

Free Lunch Kit at Old Navy

I love getting something I need for free.  Through August 19th, at Old Navy if you buy a backpack for $10.00, you will receive a FREE Lunch Kit! The backpacks are regularly priced between $14.50 – $19.50 and the Lunch Kits are regularly priced at $7.50! Now that is a GREAT DEAL!

Children Place Last Chance Sale

Children’s Place is having their Last Chance Summer Sale with items starting as low as  $2.99. PLUS get an additional 15% off with the code BTSA7A. Children’s Place always offers flat rate shipping of $5, you should be able to get some good prices on clothes for back to school.

Easy Boredom Busters

As we near the last days of summer are you running out of ideas to keep them busy and from hearing those dreaded words "I'M BORED"!
Here is a simple rainy day (or any time) boredom buster for kids of all ages.
Materials:
Cardstock or heavy paper
Washable Markers ( you know you have picked some up for the kids supply list if not grab some now while they are on sale)
* optional squirt gun or bottle

Instructions:

Draw on card stock with washable markers, then place the papers outdoors in the rain until the colors have run. It only takes a few seconds depending on how hard it is raining.
Bring the paintings back inside and put them on a flat surface to dry.  Now you have a impressionist style piece of art.  This is a good time to share some famous impressionist (Monet, Renoir) art work with you kids.  A little summer learning is always a great thing.

* If it is not raining outside they can use the squirt gun or bottle to spray the painting.

BOGO at Sea World Orlando

Starting today, August 5th a one-day, one-park adult ticket price at Disney World will cost $82. That's almost a 4%  price increase Disney put into place just a year ago.  Children under the age 10 (over ten and you are an adult at Disney) will now pay $74. The price increases are for all Disney theme parks, which in Orlando are the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. 

Don't fear though another Orlando attraction is offering you a chance to visit their park on the cheap. Sea World is in Orlando and they are offering BOGO during the month of August.  You must purchase your Sea World tickets online AND you use coupon code PepsiExclusive, you will get two tickets for the price of one!   **You must purchase by 8/31/10  but you have until  12/21/10 to redeem your tickets. Limit one free ticket with each paid ticket purchase. Valid on online purchases only and valid only at Sea World Orlando admission.  Go here to purchase your tickets.

If you can combine this offer with the $5.00 children's ticket offer here you could have an inexpensive trip to Sea World.  Remember, if you are a teacher or in the military you get in FREE once a year.