being mom

Feed a Kid

2011-12-14T04:55:00.000-08:00

There are many kids that get free school breakfast and lunches. And during the school breaks many just go hungry. There is something you can do. Contact the school administrator and find out if there is a need.
Here is a list of items that will feed a child through a two week break. So with sales tax $31.02 will feed a child. This is local to our county in our state so prices will vary. So go out and feed a kid.

Christmas Break Food Box Items

4 cans of green beans 2.40

4 cans of corn 2.40

5 cans of potatoes 3.00

4 cans of tuna 2.76

1 bag of rice 1.48

2 bags of black beans 2.78

1 package of Tortillas(50) 1.79

1 package w/w spaghetti 1.00

1 jar of spaghetti sauce 0.80

1 jar of peanut butter 4.19

1 jar of grape jelly 1.99

1 carton of easy mac(6) 2.79

1 large bottle of real juice 1.99

1 loaf of bread 1.05

Total Cost with Tax 31.02

Here is another way to make a difference. Please visit this website SPEND LESS 2 GIVE MORE

product testing-Swiffer 360

2011-10-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've have signed up with a website called Vocal Point. They send you products to test with some coupons. I recently just received a Swiffer 360. I wasn't sure about recommending it or not. So here is what I found. It works great, but it gets dirty quick. I have severe dust allergies. I'm very sensitive to dust flying around. So I would have to have a ton of those refills. The 360 part is great and it picks up dust great. It is gentle enough to use on electronics and your finer items without having to move them and doesn't leave smudges. I just can't get a whole room done with just one. So I recommend to have on hand for for a quick dust. But for your regular to heavy duty dusting. I would still use a spray and dust cloth.

Consignmnet Sale: Selling Tips

2011-08-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Consignment Sale: Selling Tips

I've consigned, worked, volunteered and help run a consignment sale. Fall consignment sales are in full swing and I thought I might share some tips that will help with either current sales or getting ready for spring sales. Many consignment sales you cannot enter in your items year round. Which means you have mounds of stuff to enter in all at once. This can be overwhelming which aids in procrastination. A vicious cycle.

Tip 1: I started sorting as my son grew out of things. Donate, Sell, and Toss. Any thing that I wanted to sell I was hanging up in the spare closet. Many of you have a wire rake in a basement. This helps because you will know how many wire hangers you need and keeps the clothes is better shape. (Most sales require wire hangers. So keep it easy and simple and just have everything on wire hangers.)

Tip 2: Keep all your clothes and shoes in size order as much as possible. Trust me it makes it easier to tag and to load in your stuff at time of check in.

Tip 3: Do the same with toys and books. Clean them. Make sure all parts and pieces are gathered together and attach properly with ziplock bags and packing tape. Most veterans to consignment sales do this already.

Tip 4: I took this a step farther. I wrote down as I put items in storage. So I have a handy list of all my items that I'm going to sell. And I sit down with my list and enter in all my information that I need and I don't have pile surrounding me. I also don't have to worry about the cats laying on them or my son getting close with that chocolate ice cream cone.

Tip 5: Your items will sell better if they are neat and tidy. So button, snap and zip everything up, and iron out any wrinkles.

summer fun at splash parks

2011-06-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

I love going to these destinations because the summer heat is stinking hot and it is a quick way to cool down. I usually bring our lunch or supper and and then let my son pick out treats at a concession. I love it when there are play grounds near by to help with changing things up. Always check the playground equipment before your kiddo uses it. Because even semi-shaded equipment can get too hot for little legs. As always bring sun screen and towels, and maybe a change of clothes.

Centennial Park
These fountain are great fun. They have shows 4 times a day.
Daily Shows at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Which the fountains are set to music. The playground is not that far away. If you want to picnic here. I suggest bringing a blanket. The Cost is free. But you will have to pay for parking or ride Marta.

Piedmont Park
Has a new fountain area for the kids to run through.
Promenade at Piedmont Park featuring Legacy Fountain
Admission is free. There are also two playgrounds at the park.
Just have to find parking or use Marta.
Parking can cost up to $15 at the garage.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens
In the Kids Garden the have a fun place for the kiddos to cool off. The price is admission to the park $18.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids ages 3-12. Also they recommend using the Sage Parking Garage which can cost up to $15 to park. Or there is always Marta.

Roswell Parks
Roswell has two splash parks. We have been to both and we have had a blast! There is concession and picnic places and playgrounds nearby.   I recommend bringing your own chairs.
•    Splash ‘n Play at Riverside Park
575 Riverside Road, Roswell, GA, 30075
770-594-6158
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays for maintenance and Private Rentals
•   The Spray Station at East Roswell Park
9000 Fouts Road, Roswell, GA, 30076
770-594-6188
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesdays for maintenance and Private Rentals

Spraygound Fees
•   $1 per person, 1 year old and up (infants are free)
•   $1 - Adult in the water area with infant or child
•   Free - Adult entering with paying child - on deck only
•   $25 per person individual pass* - one sprayground
•   $30 per person individual pass* - both spraygrounds
•   $30 per family pass* - one sprayground
•   $60 per family pass* - both spraygrounds
•   $20 Individual/$40 Families to add both spraygrounds to your RAP pool pass*
*Passes are valid for the 2011 season
Please call 770-594-6134 for more information and to make your reservation.

In addition to these there are fountain or spray parks in the following locations. Suwanee, Duluth, Gainesville and the Mall of Georgia. I found a great article which seems to have links to all these locations here.

$1 Summer Movies

2011-05-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

No more Free Summer Movies only $1 movies, and only two Theater Companies are offing this great deal again. Bummer.
Depending on the location of your theater and the movies offered that day will depend on when you need to get there.

GTC (Georgia Theater Company) also offers special pricing on kid drink and popcorn. $1.50 each. These will be typically shown Tuesday and Thursday Morning, but double check your location.

Regal Theaters are also offering the $1 kids movies, but there is not any specials on food. These are typically shown on Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings, but double check your location.

Most Movies are Rated PG though there are some that are G rated.

Companion Gardening

2011-05-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Companion gardening is not gardening with a friend. But rather pairing two or more plants together that will benefit each other. Mother nature is very wise and has had natural defenses. Unfortunately it is not an exact science and so some say it is mythical. So I would still keep that insect spray. Most gardeners agree that diversity helps your garden. But I'd rather be diverse in ways to keep the insects and disease away then rely on pesticides alone.

Tomatoes are great for your back porch and easy to grow. So here are some plants that are said to help with Tomatoes. I've highlighted some of what I think might be some the top plants to plant with you tomatoes and why.

Marigolds- I've been told is a wonder plant. Helps keep out small animals like rabbits and squirrels and helps keep out many other host of bugs. They will not harm any other plant. They work great as a border plant. It has also been my experience that they are easy to grow from seed. Let the flower die off and brown on the plant then when it is dried out pick it. It contains tons of little seeds. The seed are long sliver in shape. Save for next year or open up and plant for more.

Basil-Is reported to help repel disease and insects, and improves growth and flavor.

Most gardeners agree that flowers that attract pollinating bees and birds are a must. If you don't have those pollinators you will not see fruit.

Here are some other plants that are considered good for tomatoes: oregano, parsley, carrots, Alliums, celery, Geraniums, Petunias, Nasturtium, Borage, any type of onion or chives. But some are only good when the plant is just starting to grow and must removed. Also others are considered "trap crops" which distractes the harmfull bugs to it first. The trick here is that you will need to destroy these plants with the bugs at the right time if harmful bug are going to it. Eekk not sure I'm up for that yet.

Here is the thing. each website has a bit different list and each have a different twist as to what helps what and why. As I said this is not an exact science. But I'm going to share with you some of the links I found that might help your research on what your trying to plant.
Personally it looks like I need to move my chili pepper plant with my tomatoes and get a couple of basil plants. Then get a couple of rosmary plants to plant with my green beans and cucumbers. I've already planted some marigolds and will be transplanting some more once they have sprouted a bit.

Wikipedia, GardenToad, About and Dave's Garden
Here is a paper about orangic growing done by UGA. It doesn't go into companion gardening, but it does go into crop rotation. And gives you a list of "families". From what I can tell ... this is what companion planting is based on.

Based on last year. Marigolds did help. I still had to watch my plants and sometimes apply a soap and water mixer to the plants. This year I did put my old soil in my compost so that next year it might be used again. Also used coffee worked great on my tomatoes as a quick fertilizer. So I'll add some herbs this year. I've added marigolds to my other planting areas. I will still look into fencing and other natural ways of getting ride of pesky or bad bugs for my plants.
I do have to put a quick disclaimer here. I am a novice gardener. As I am researching and having to spend time at the computer, I'm sharing my findings. One thing I've figured out is what works for your garden may or may not work for mine.

Have fun planting!

Allowances and Chores

2011-05-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

Allowances and Chores
This topic seems to be a touchy one, at least the allowance part. We determined for our family right now that we were not going to an allowance per say. But with certain chores done money will be received. Part of this is to find out what chores my son would like to do and what he hates to do. So I've researched and I've looked at tons of charts.
And part of that comes with knowing what chores are appropriate for your child's age. So I developed a responsibility chart.

But many of you like me on other people chore charts will say (or think)... I want your back ground information! Because every family will want to do things differently and you might want to even tailor your list per a child.

My favorite is from Organizing Junkie in this particular blog she has a link to another web-page that has responsibility by age. Brilliant!
Since doing this research I have fallen in love with her blog ( Organizing Junkie) and inch by inch and baby step by baby step I'm be coming more organized.

VBS 2011 and some camps

2011-04-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've looked into the VBS's around me. It is not as easy as I thought it would be. There are gaps in some of this information But after emailing and calling this is what I have come up with. If you have more information or would like to add a church to this list ... feel free to contact me or just add it into the comments. I will be updating as I get more information. I've put these in Alphbetical order since some churches offer more than one VBS and then there is the summer camps.

St Catherine's: Theme: Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus was a Kid June 27-June 30 1pm -4pm, ages?, $? (they have charged in the past)

Cumberland Community Church: Theme: The Great X.periment July 18-21 5:45 pm-8:30 pm age: rising K through rising 5th cost: FREE
Camps: Christian Youth Theatre Summer Camp
Veggie Tales Ages 3-5 June 13-17, 10am-12:30PM Cost $100.00
Annie: Age 5 to 5th Grade June 13-17 10am-3pm Cost $150.00

East Cobb UMC: Theme: Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid!Date June 6-9 Time: 6 pm-8:30pm Ages? Cost: $15 per Child. A snack dinner will be served from 5-6 pm and cost $3 per a person with a $12 family limit.
Camps: Their Light House Academy does have a summer program.

Eastside Baptist: Theme: Son Surf Beach Age Range? Cost: Free

Kick off is Sunday, June 26, 5:00 P.M.

V.B.S. is Monday, June 27 – Thursday, June 30, 9:15 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

The finale is Thursday evening.

Faith Lutheran : Theme ? Date June 6- 10 Time: ? Cost?
Summer Camps is through the schools Daycare. Cost Varies.

Holt Road Baptist Church: Currently, they are planning on VBS on Sunday nights for the month of July - all ages.

John Knox Presbyterian Theme: Shake it Cafe Date:June 13-17 Time: 9-12 Ages: PreK through 5th Grade. Will sometimes accept 3 yr olds. Cost$10 To Register Call the Church 770-973-5050 ext 21.
Camps: They have 9 weeks of summer camp called CASA. $150 a week. Here is a link to their flyer.

Johnson Ferry Baptist
Sort of has a VBS... they call it Playcation. and it is June 20-23 I takes place at various Apartment Complexes and Parks. Time: ? This year theme is Superhero. Thursday Night there will be a special by Team Impact. Cost: FREE

Camps: So many variations of age and cost... check out the links.
Overnight Camp

Tennis Camp

Worship Through Dance Camp

British Soccer Camp

Children's Camp

Impact Cheerleading Camp

Rising Stars Hoops Clinic

Summer Show-Offs Camp

WinShape Camps C3

King Springs Baptist Theme: Big Apple Adventure Date: June 6-10 Time 6-9 pm, Ages 3-12th grade (3/4 yr. has a limit), Cost is FREE

Mt Bethal: 2 VBS's and various camps
Theme: Shake it Up! Date: June 6-June 10 Time: 12:30- 3:30pm Ages: 4 (turning 4 before 9/1/2011) thru rising 6th graders. Cost: $20 if the parent teaches all week, $25 for members, $30 for non members.
Theme: PandaMania Date: July 11-15 Time 9:30-12:30pm Ages: 4 (turning 4 before 9/1/2011) thru rising 6th graders. Cost $20 if the parent teaches all week, $25 for members, $30 for non members.
Summer Camps:
Infusion: June 19-24 Overnight Camp to Lake Burton for Rising 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders Cost $400-$425 depending on when you register.
Sports Camps. Date, Cost and Ages varies.
Music Week: July 18-22, 9am- 1pm, This year we are doing 101 Dalmatians. Open to rising 1st through 6th graders. T-shirt and lunch provided each day. Performance is Friday, July 22 at 7pm. Cost ?
PreSchool Camps: Date, Cost and Ages Varies

Mt Paran North They have two camps the same week. One is for Preschoolers/ Kindergartners and one is for Grade School Kids.
PreSchool: Theme Pandamania Date June 13-17 Time: 9:00am-noon Ages 3-K graduates Cost $25
After care is available: 12 noon-3:30 p.m. $5 per day per child , 12 noon- 6 p.m. $8 per day per child

Grade Schoolers: Theme: Performing Arts Camp “GPS- God's Plan of Salvation,” Date June 13-17 Time: 9:00am-3:30pm, Ages: completed grades 1-5. Performance of GPS is on Friday, June 17 at 7 P.M. Cost: $50 per child includes lunch and a snack each day and camp shirt.
After care is available from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for $5 per day per child.

There is a Summer Camp called Mountain Top Summer Camp. There are 10 weeks of camp.
The cost is $100.00 a week. A one time $50.00 non-refundable activity fee for each child. The camp is open from 8:00 am until 6:00pm. You will need to pack a lunch for your child. There will be some food items sold at the concession stand.

Powers Ferry UMC: Theme: PandaMania Date:June 6-10 Time: 9:30- 12:30 Ages 3- 5th grade

Smyrna 1st UMC This Church several things going on, but there is not much information regarding their camps.
VBS is June 20-24 9-12noon and have different themes by age groups. Cost ?
For Rising 4 yr olds thru rising 4th Graders: Shake It Up Cafe
For Rising 5th & 6th Graders: Xtreme VBS
Camps: I'll give you the links for registration and once I have more info I will post.
Camp for 3 yr olds
5 Day Camps (Rising 4 yrs thru rising 4th grade)

VBS's and Day Camps

2011-04-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

The search has started. I know of one VBS that my son loves and we will go to again. Powers Ferry UMC VBS is June 6-10 in the mornings and is free.

Since he is now 5 there are more options, and honestly I'm a tad overwhelmed. So here is a chance to post your favorite VBS's or day camps. Please add dates, times, cost, and links as applicable.

Thanks Fellow Moms!

Spring Break

2011-04-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Our first Spring Break!
And what to do. Well the week has filled up fast. And I thought I was going to get bored.
The first part of the week we are going to go to Stone Mountain.

I highly recommend looking into Stone Mountain Annual Passes. We really have a blast there. And in the second trip they pay for themselves. But there is a special offer on-line right now for 30% off a family of 4 day pass. Admission Ticket info. Some of the regular fun things is the Sky Hike, miniature golf, train rides, antebellum village (which has some animal shows), and 4D Theater. They have an awesome playground. There are also some museum type stuff too. Oh and of course there is the mountain. Going to the top is quite cool. If you choose to walk bring lots of water, wear tennis shoe, and be ready to carry your kiddos. Bringing your own food and drinks will save you a ton of money!

Next on the Agenda is Lego Store. The Lego Store is at Discovery Mill Mall in Lawrenceville.

Every 1st Tuesday of the month they have a free mini model build. It starts at 5pm and will go until supplies last, which around 250 models per a store. Even though this is free, I except I will be buying something. The Mini model this month is a watering can.

Last but not least. Nashville. My husband has a business trip at the end of the week and we will be tagging along. I've not really figured out what we will do there yet. So if you have going with kids and have an inexpensive ideas. I think the Parthenon is something to check out.

Chicken and Corn Chili

2011-02-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

( I actually made this using turkey that was left over. I am always cautious about using magazine recipes. This one turned out soo good! And is definitely on my rotation now for using left over chicken or turkey. )
Chicken and Corn Chili

From Family Circle Feb 2011

Makes 8 servings, Prep 15 min, cook 16 Min

2 T olive oil
1 Large Onion (I used dried onions and onion powder)
1 green bell Pepper, cored and chopped ( I finely chopped mine)
1 t ground cumin(I added a bit more)
½ t ground coriander (I didn’t have any so I left this off)
½ t chili powder(this is not a lot of heat, very very mild.)
1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained.(since I was crock potting I did not drain)
1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bit size pieces.
1 box (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed (if using canned, drain)
2 cans (15 ounces each) Cannellini (or white kidney beans) beans, drained and rinsed
¾ t salt
Shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat, add onion and green pepper. Cook stirring, 5 min.Stir in spices, cook for 1 min.
2. Stir in chicken broth and tomatoes.Bring to a simmer. Add chicken. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Stir in corn, beans and salt into pot. Heat through. Spoon into bowls and top with shredded cheese.

If you are using left over chicken and want to us a Crockpot...do step 1.Then add to a crockpot.Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes (I did not drain), chicken. Covered and put on low for about 30 min to an 1 hr. Then I stirred in the corn, beans and salt. Covered it and kept it on low for about 30 min. Then spooned into bowls with cheese on top and served with corn bread and crackers… so good.

painting classes?

2011-02-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

So if you have read blog ... you know I love to paint. But I don't have much time to do this...

Recently it came to my attention that there are these new "classes" that you paint on canvas or wine glasses and you get to take it home right away. brilliant! I asked my hubby for this form my Christmas gift. Here is the place I went to. Cork and Canvas in Roswell, GA
Here is my tree that I painted and the tree that my friend painted. The cost is $35 a canvas. They also have a kids program on certain afternoons.

Indoor activity

2011-02-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Here is an indoor activity that will help take out some of the wiggles kids get when it has been rainy and cold for three days straight.

I have a long hallway some tape and beanbags. It doesn't take out all of a boy's wiggles, but it helps. Not shown here, but I also taped out a tic, tac toe board. I taped a big x on one side of the bean bag and the other side is the o side.
Making obstacle courses with pillows and such is another great indoor activity. Especially when they are old enough to help with putting it together.

PNO- Parents Night Out

2011-01-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

One of our local Churches is holding their Parent's Night Out this Friday. We so take advantage of these. They are usually inexpensive and great childcare. We call them Kid's Night Out in house.
Make your reservation. They do fill up. Here is the info.

Friday, January 21^st
6:30-10:00

Ages: Infants through 5^th grade.
Bible Lessons - Music - Snacks - Games
Cost is $5 per child, $15 max per family.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Limited space.
New Family Registration Returning Family Registration (2010)

Phone:
  (770) 971-3052
Location:
  675 Holt Road NE
  Marietta, GA 30068

a homemade christmas gift

2011-01-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

So last year I created one that said love in bright yellow. This year I did joy... next year peace or hope.

These are quite simple and quite complicated at the same time. I've used pre-painted white mdf board. I get the larger size and cut them into the correct sizes.
Then I spray paint them white. The ends don't take well to the spray paint so I paint them with craft paint. This give it a nice glossy finish.

Next I tape out a border and the lettering (once the white paint is dry first of course). I've noticed other artist are using a screen printed method to do this. Since I'm not mass producing I just reuse the lettering. Sticking it on wax paper when I'm not using it.

To achieve the lettering I first did the letters on the computer and printed them out. Since Joy was a short word I was able to fit it on one sheet. I then put the blue painters tape on wax paper and then taped the page to the wax paper. (I taped mine together) then cut out both paper and wax paper with tape at the same time.

Next I spray paint on the final color. Usually 2 coats. Once the paint is fully dry you can remove the tape. The kicker is if you mess up you have to throw out the board and start over. With mdf you can sand it down and redo.

GA Aquarium tickets $15

2011-01-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Georgia Aquarium tickets for $15 a person. This deal is not quite as good as mommy and me passes, but there are less restrictions. Like you can go on weekends and there are less blackout dates. So we can go as a family. But you have to us them by March 13th. These type of passes that you buy online are great, because you print it out at home and you don't have to wait in the really long line, just the short line. Have fun fishy looking.

Psst… want to save up to $46?

2010-12-18T11:39:00.001-08:00

Hey! I just learned a clean little secret about Lowe’s. They have quite the selection of cleaning products plus air and water filters to help keep your home spic and span inside and out. And they’re sending out up to $46 in savings so you can really clean up. Get your coupons before they’re gone! Go to vocalpoint.com/Lowes.

advent calendar

2010-12-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

This season has already been different enough to get my schedule out of whack. My dear brother and his sweet family has move from the Iowa to here to Georgia. And most of my spare time has been in helping them move. The other is finding deal for Christmas. Way tight budget this year. I always loved advent calendars. espeically the ones you one up and find a surprise.
So when I saw a post from my favorite coupon blogger, Jenny at Southern Savers about an advent calendar she did. Here is the link to the project.

Now she has a hand machine that cuts it all out for her. None of which I have... but I do have a computer and a printer and scissors. I have yet to finish cutting out my boxes. So my project is yet to be finished. I also found another Blogger who has done advent calender and has ready made stuff about Christmas from her advent calendar which I will copy from also. Her blog is shannonmakesstuff.blogspot.com and her is her final advent calendar. And her is a link this blog posting.

And then I have a dear friend from my MOPS group who came up with a wonderful advent calender and her pockets are full of wonderful biblical stuff (for lack of better words on less than a cup of coffee.) I spent some time yesterday copying these down. So I'm hoping that I can finish my project soon. So I can post the final project. I found a template to make a box. Here is that template. And I'm still working out how to make the star. Hopefully I will be able to show you the final project soon and content of boxes.
Here are a couple more links of some advent calendar. http://impressyourkids.org/advent-calendars-beyond/
and http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2010/12/advent-boxes.html and http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/11/advent-activities.html. Would love to know if you have any other blogs that have advent ideas.

sweet lovely "yumo" pumpkin bread

2010-11-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

This is a family favorite! Caleb has declared this to be "yumo", especially the cookies.

But not only am I going to give you the recipe I use, but if you painted your pumpkins like I did mine you can cut them up and use that instead of buying the can stuff. Most canned Pumpkin is 16 oz which equals 2 cups.

This is how you do that... cut pumpkin half, take out seed and stringy stuff, place on cookie sheet. Cook in oven at 350 for at least an hr. (The bigger the pumpkin the longer. I had one big one that each half I cooked for 1hr 45 min.) Drain as much as the clear liquid as possible.
Place in blender or mixer until it is pureed. A quick mixer tip. "Place a lint free towel over your mixer and bowl to help cut down on having to clean up splatter."

From here you can use or freeze.

side tip. I often have batter left over and I make drop cookies from the batter. cook for about 8-10 min at 350.

Pumpkin Bread (from Betty Crocker's)
Pre-heat oven to 350.
1 can (16 ounces or two cups) (I use a touch more than this. probably 2 1/2 cups)
1 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla (my vanilla is stronger than most... add 3-4 teaspoons to equal my 2)
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour) (mine uses all-purpose)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt (or less)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more)
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoons baking powder
optional: 1/2 cup nuts and/ or raisins. (Mine has neither.)

I will give you their directions and mine. Since I cook 4-6 batches I do mine so I'm out of the kitchen a bit quicker. My bowls are not big enough to hold two batches. This will yield around 3-4 large loaf pans.

Instructions:
1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. (very important! I take out one of my racks and place it over the sink for a "dryer rack") Heat oven to 350. Grease bottoms of loaf pans with shortening. (I use spray canola oil.)
2. Mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla, and eggs in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pans. (Here I differ quite a bit. I do all the dry ingredients in as many bowls as I'm doing batches. Then as I'm mixing I add in liquid ingredients that I whip as needed. That way raw eggs are sitting out a much less time. You will have to mix on a higher speed for longer. And I'm not in the kitchen that long. It does mean more dishes, but that is what dishwashers are for.)
3. Bake 8-inch loaves 50-60 min, 9 inch loaf 1hr10min- 1hr20min, until toothpick comes out clean. Coll 10 min in pans on wire rack. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; removes from pans and place top side up on wire rack. Cool completely before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days. (This is easily frozen. Thaw in the fridge)

Baking time for mini loaves:
Amount of batter:               approximate time bake time at 350.
1/4 cup                                             15-20 min
1/3 cup                                             15-20 min
1/2 cup                                             25-35 min
3/4 cup                                             35-40 min

Food Storage

2010-11-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Many of you know I am a huge couponer. In order to take advantage of the best price, I often have to "stock up". Many people say they don't have room for this. And as far a fresh, refrigerated, and freezer foods. This maybe true. I did get a half chest freezer because my little side by side did not have enough room to store much at all. I like to freeze a lot of things. Some things that may surprise you that freeze well is cheese and liquid non dairy creamer. Some kids yogurts freeze well, but most yogurts do not.

I found this great brochure at Publix a while back and just refound it while I was going through stuff. I hoped that I could find it online to share with you but it looks like no one has it. It is called "The Food Keeper, A Consumer Guide To Food Quality And Safe Handling" It is developed by Food Marketing Institute. It has so much great information in one place. If you go to Publix ask for it! But on their website it does have a place where you can search by food product.
http://www.fmi.org/consumer/foodkeeper/
In a yellow area you can put in your food product and out pops how long and where it should be stored.
Looks like this:
To search for a specific food, enter a search word here:

Once you have done your search it may
Like this:

Food	Refrigerator	Pantry	Freezer	Special
Dips, sour cream based	2 weeks		Do not freeze
Sour cream	7 to 21 days		Doesn't freeze well	Cover tightly. To prevent bacteria from spreading to leftover cream, don't return unused cream to original container. Keep covered.

But here are some other helpful links
Cornell University links and USDA links seem to be the most helpful.
Cornell University:
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/chemung/nutrition/#safety

http://blogs.cce.cornell.edu/herkimer/files/2009/04/Web-Sites-for-the-Home-Preserver-20091.pdf
USDA:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/fact_sheets/Focus_On_Freezing/index.asp#8
Food Safety.gov
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/preparing/index.html
Fight Bac!
http://www.fightbac.org/
UGA
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/freeze.html
FDA
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm093704.htm#basics

Our Jack-o-lantern House

2010-10-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

This is the second year we have made our house look like a jack-o-lantern. I got the idea from Family Fun Magazine. Here it is on there website. But we executed it differently. We used the whole house instead of two windows.
I used orange and yellow plastic table clothes (you know the kind you find at the dollar store. Behind the orange I used brown paper. You can use either craft paper or the paper that you use to wrap packages to ship them. Another idea is using black trash bags. Then we just taped it all together and then on the windows. It is not the prettiest looking inside.

But it is getting the job done. We used both duck tape and scotch tape. Last year I just used scotch tape. Next year I'll think ahead and get some painters tape.

Here is what it looks like during the day. Because of using the orange and yellow you can still see it during the day.

Airshow at Dobbins this weekend

2010-10-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

We did this a couple of years ago. We had a blast. They do have free parking at Whitewater. But if it like years past waiting for the shuttle took way to long. So we paid $5 to $10 to park across the street and walked. Pack food and snacks and water. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Last time we went there were jumpys but they do cost. There is a ton of free stuff to do and see. First Act starts at 10 am. For more info go here.

Pedialyte Coupon

2010-10-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

With cold and flu season already starting, this is a great coupon. $1.50 off any pedialyte product. They have new singles out that look like juice boxes. That means you don't have to throw way over half the bottle! Sweet! See Pedialyte's website to view all varieties and flavors. Big Thanks to my friend Maggie for sharing.

Free Museum Day

2010-09-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

I saw this on one of my most favorite blogs Southern Savers. And thought I would share.
On Saturday, September 25th Smithsonian Magazine is sponcering it's 6th annual FREE Museum day!
There are tons of Museums that are a part of this. To find out which museums that are near you go here, and fill out your address. To get your free ticket go here. Fill out the form and you will be emailed a ticket. Remember to print out your ticket and take it with you! Some museums it is free per a household and some it is only 2 admission free.
To get updates follow them on twitter and facebook.

Parents Night Out

2010-09-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Holt Road Baptist is doing their Parents Night Out this Friday 6:30-10. for $5 a child and $15 max per a family.
I strongly suggest making a reservation since last time they did fill up.

Yellow Daisy Festival

2010-09-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain.
If you don't have a yearly pass the car admission it $10. It is an massive Arts and Crafts Festival.
A lot of people go to this. So if your not very good with crowds then I would skip it. Here are the dates and times. There are other great things to do in the park and plenty of places to picnic. They have a great playground on the on back side of the park.
Dates: Sept 9-12
September 9 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
September 10 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
September 11 - 10:00 am - 7:30 pm
September 12 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thomas Play Date At Toys R Us

2010-09-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

Here is something to do this weekend. A Thomas Play date at Toys R Us Saturday the 11th from 11-1. It is free and you do get freebies and a story time. It is just making it our of Toys R Us not making any other purchases that can be hard. But hey that is why they do it.

Y block Party is open to everyone.

2010-08-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

FAMILY NIGHT BLOCK PARTY!!
Saturday, August 28th
6pm to 9pm
McCleskey-East Cobb Family Y
Front Soccer Fields
FREE Event for you and your family!
We are providing you with a night of fun to include................

A LIVE Band to rock out to!!!
A 22' Dual Action Inflatable Slide!
The Insane Rock Climb Obstacle Course!
and ...A Primary Castle Moon Bounce!
The Balloon Lady will be there to make a special creation
just for you!!!!
We'll throw in some free popcorn to munch on!
Ice Cream and Drinks will be available for purchase
(all proceeds benefit PWY)
Come join us and bring the family!

Crape Myrtles

2010-08-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you are like us or not. But we inherited a very overgrown yard. We have several Crape Myrtles in our yard. And some of them are so tall you don't see the flowers until they are dropping onto the yard. I'm clueless about plants.
I got this article from Walter Reeves blog and it has a great link to UGA article on Crape Myrtles.
How and when to prune and how to start a new tree. Right now is the time if you are wanting to start a seedling. And winter to early spring is the best time to prune. Read the articles to know more.

Parents Magazine Subscription $4 (Coupons!)- from Deal Seeking Mom

2010-08-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Deal Seeking Mom had this on her blog and I thought I would share. Read more about the deal and the coupons in this magazine here on her blog. This is a great Magazine and a great deal!

New Garbage Company in Town

2010-08-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

There is a new garbage company in town. American Disposal Services. We saved over half of what we were paying quarterly. We did have to sign a 1yr contract which keeps our rate at the same price for a year. There was a solicitor going door to door in our neighborhood. We double checked all info and decided to try them. We also had to pay for the 1st quarter up front. We are hoping that their price doesn't go up to match what we had, but hey this year we are saving a good deal of money. They pick up the trash once a week on the same it was before. We love having the 64 gallon recycling container. We have used their service for about a month now. They don't seem to have gotten a schedule down yet. Each week they have come a different times. But at the end of the the day the trash and recycling has been picked up.
Individual Subscription Services include:

96 gallon trash containers (Toters)
64 gallon Single Stream Recycling containers (Toters)
Yard debris collection
Bulk item collection upon request *
Pay your bill online, over the phone or by mail

* Indicates fee when applicable.

House Party, Kleenex Hand Towels, and Soap Making

2010-07-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard about House Party, you are so missing out. Their Web Site http://houseparty.com/
Manufactures have realized that the home parties by the various multi-level companies is a great a to Marketing tool. That being said. You will not be asked to buy anything at a party or asked to sign up and join anything. This is Manufactures promoting a new product. You have to sign up for every party and fill out a questionair. Then they will contact you via email to let you know if you a finalist. Be quick on the draw at this stage. If you get this email you will need to to reply quickly. There are only a certain number of parties. Here are some up coming parties: Spartan Sagas Tailgate House Party Sponsored by Michigan State University September 18, 2010 My Thai Kitchen® House Party Sponsored by Simply Asia Foods September 25, 2010 Beyblade Let It Rip House Party Sponsored by Hasbro September 25th, 2010 Sabra "Share The World" House Party Sponsored by Sabra November 13, 2010

This weekend I got to host a Kleenex Hand Towels House Party. They sent me full size products to give out, an artist portfolio with kid art supplies watercolors, markers, and crayons. And a $10 dollar Visa Card. I opted to make soap for my craft for the party. And while the soap was setting we played lego rock band. The menu consisted of jello jigglers, oreo pudding, cookies and gold fish. (all boxed made stuff). Below is the recipe for the soap craft. The Kleenex Hand Towels work great. They are soft and very absorbent. Below is the Soap recipe they gave me and some picture of the soap we made.

Soapmaking

Letting kids make their own soap to use during bath time isone way to give them ownership over their hygiene habits. Using soap flakes, mix about 11⁄2 cups of flakes with 3⁄4 cup water. This will be the base of your soap bar. Add food coloring of your choice and mix until the soap reaches a color you’re happy with. When correctly mixed, the soap should resemble play dough. When it reaches this stage you can shape it. Allow the kids to hand-shape the soap, making small bricks and using cookie cutters to create shapes, or allow them to press the soap into candy molds with fun shapes such as cars, animals, snowmen etc. Use vegetable oil on your hands and pan spray on molds to keep the soap from sticking.

A couple of hints. They no longer make Ivory soap flakes. I had to buy Ivory and make my own by using a cheese grater. There are soap flakes out there, supposedly Hispanic stores may carry. It takes about a 1/2 hr for soap to set and come out of the molds. You will want to them to set again for a day before using or packaging.

Below are some of the soap creations from the party.

Free Movie- Kung Fu Panda

2010-07-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Powers Ferry UMC
is having a movie afternoon showing of Kung Fu Panda
Thursday July 22 1:30- 3:-30
RSVP by July 19th to Michelle 770-973-5271
michelle@powerumc.com
(popcorn and Sno-Cones after the movie)

A Day out with Thomas

2010-07-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Great Smokey Mountains Railroad
Bryson City, NC
A Day out with Thomas
July 23-27 & July 29-August 1
Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up
Event is rain or shine.
Train rides are approximately 25-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every 45 minutes.

Other Activities are:

The opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway
A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station; featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts and crafts activities and coloring sheets.
Storytelling, video viewing and live music
A special display at every DOWT location celebrating 65 years of Thomas the Tank Engine
2010 commemorative merchandise and giveaways, including a mini-view finder giveaway that tells the story of Thomas’ upcoming adventure, Misty Island Rescue

We did this a couple of years ago in TN. It was a blast. So if your child is Thomas Crazy it is definatly woth the money. Bring your own snack to help offset some cost.

This time of year just crazy

2010-07-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

So again... I really need to make back up post... This time of year is just crazy for me. My son's birthday. And family beach trip. The planning for these two events seems to take most of my time. Last year I didn't sleep for two days before his party. (I was also working on a VBS too last yr.)

I have many post that I have to write: Responsibilities for kids according to age. Birthday party planning. Cake decorating. Planning vacations with family. Stenciling plastic. Making Superhero capes.I'm hoping to get caught up when we are at the beach. :)

This weekend at Toys R Us they are having a Thomas Playdate, this Saturday 11-1pm We won't be able to make it. But these events at Toys R Us are great. They are free and usually you get a freebie. We won't be able to make it.

4th of July

2010-06-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not entirely sure what we are doing for the 4th. It depends on other family members.
Atlanta on the Cheap has a great list of the big 4th of July events this year.
Last year we did a couple of things. City of Marietta for day events, ate dinner at the Varsity, and then went to the fireworks in Alpharetta at Wills Park. The fireworks last year were perfect!
This year the City of Marietta's parade and fireworks is on Saturday the 3rd. The parade is at 10am. Get there early so you can park and walk to the square.
Alpharetta's festivities start at 3pm on the 4th and end with the fireworks at Wills Park. They do have a swimming pool at the park $3 admission. But it seems that most of the other children activities are free. Bring a meal or buy from the vendors.

Let me know if you all have other places you like to go to for the 4th of July.

Yummy Strawberry Glaze

2010-06-29T23:14:00.000-07:00

My favorite Aunt in Florida made this wonderful pork loin for us with a Guava Glaze.
She took her recipe from a recipe from Bobby Flay. Bobby's is Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Guava Glaze and Orange-Habanero Mojo. But she does not do the Mojo or mint. It is soooo good!

I in turn changed up this glaze to a Strawberry Glaze.

I will give you both recipes.

Guava Glaze

Heat grill to high. Brush pork with oil and season with salt, pepper, and cumin, to taste. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the tenderloins over and brush with guava glaze and cook another 4 to 5 minutes, brushing with the glaze every few minutes. Remove from the grill, brush with more of the glaze and let rest for 10 minutes.

Guava Glaze:
1 cup guava marmalade
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons orange juice or water
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Strawberry Glaze
Use on chicken or pork. I used mine on Chicken.
Rubbed chicken with salt, pepper and cumin to taste. brush on glaze. grill. brush on glaze as you turn.
(I'm not 100% on quantities here since I just added and mixed things together. Sorry)
1 cup strawberry jam (mine is homemade... see freezer jam recipe)
1 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lime juice
pepper to taste

All Natrual weed and bug Product

2010-06-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

Really I need to to start on my back up of blogs, but that will happen later.
But for right now I will tell you about an amazing product(s) out there for gardening.
The product line is called

Pharm Solutions

Worlds First USDA / National Organic Program Certified Organic Pesticides
Non Toxic Weed and Grass Killer Organic Horticultural Oil Organic Deer Repellent; Organic Fungicide

http://pharmsolutions.com

When Smith & Hawkins stores were around I got this great product from them called Indoor Pharm. It is meant for your indoor plants to helps with fungus and spiders etc. But I used it on my outdoor container plants. It worked great for two year until I ran out. I have tried the stuff they sold at stores and have not liked the results as much as this product. That being said. They have a whole line of products mainly all for gardening.

Not sure the shipping cost but the 1 Liter product ready to use is around $13.
I think that this next time I might get the Veggie Pharm.

Other products they sell are Organic Weed Killer, Weed Pharm, Rose Pharm, Flower Pharm, Garlic Pharm, Oil Pharm, Deer Pharm, Fungus Pharm, and Fish Pharm.

Bedtime and Morning Routines

2010-06-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Recently I ask on Facebook about age appropriate chores, and did you have any favorite resources. I have gotten a few comments and am still doing a bit more research. I really do believe that chores are essential in a child's development and many others do to, but alias the only thing most people can agree on. And I will say this parenting can be so different for each child and family situation. So what I am about to post may or may not work for you and yours.
My son did real well with the Bedtime Routine Chart that I made him while in preschool. I needed to tweak and add to it since he will be going to Kindergarten and add a Morning Routine Chart. I laminated it with contact paper and hung it on his wall in his bedroom. I hung it low so he could take a dry erase marker and check what finished. Now he will just go to the list and make sure he has done everything.
The charts I just put together quickly in word and added their clip art. Feel free to copy, adjust, and change wording.

Trader Joe's: Now Accepting Coupons & Here are Some Coupon Matches

2010-06-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Trader Joe's: Now Accepting Coupons & Here are Some Coupon Matches

Here is a link to one of the blogs I follow. The Thrifty Mama. This a great post about Trader Joe's!

Cellfire Cinderella Free Money on your Kroger Card

2010-06-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

Thursday June 17 at 3pm eastern you can get your free money. Last week I got a $1 off my shopping. Which is great for produce and milk. I believe you can win up to $10 dollars. Just register your Kroger Card at Cellfire.

Lego Build at Toys R Us - Saturday

2010-06-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

My son is just getting into legos and this look like it could be fun. Particicapting Toys R Us is having a Lego build. It is this Saturday the 19th, 12-2pm. There will be prizes and giveaways.

Run for Recovery 5k

2010-06-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Feeling nervous about saying I'm going to do this. It is for a good cause.. or should I say two good causes. Helping those recovery from addiction and my health.

Date:	Saturday, September 11, 2010
Time:	9:30am - 12:30pm
Location:	Kennesaw State University
Street:	1000 Chastain Road
City/Town:	Kennesaw, GA

Run or walk this scenic 1 mile loop three times to complete this course; see the growth and progress on the third largest state campus in Georgia.

All proceeds benefit the KSU Collegiate Recovery Center where students in recovery from addiction can find a peer community of abstinence and academic support.

Here is the Website and here is the Facebook page.

Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin

2010-06-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin
I don't remember where I found this recipe but it is quite yummy! I think I might try grilling this today.

Ingredients
1 lb. pork tenderloin
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil, plus additional for baking sheet

Directions
1. Rinse pork and pat dry. Stir together vinegar, garlic, and pepper in a cup. Place in a large heavy-duty resealable plastic bag with pork and seal, turning until coated well. Marinate at room temperature, turning bag occasionally, 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 450 degree F. Arrange rack in middle of oven. Lightly oil a baking sheet.
3. Remove pork from marinade and place in pan. Pour marinade over pork; season with salt. Roast, turning pork halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of pork registers 150 degree F and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Let pork stand in pan 10 minutes before carving into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Makes 4 servings.

Free Movie at the Y- East Cobb

2010-06-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

McCleakey - East Cobb YMCA is showing
"Alvin & the Chipmunks the Squeakel" Saturday, June 19th at 7:00 PM

Bring your family, Friends and neighbors along with your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a fun evening of delightful enterainment and comaraderie.

Concessions will be available for purchase.

McCleakey - East Cobb YMCA
1055 East Piedmont Rd
Marietta, GA 30062
770-977-5991

Skinny Cow $1 printable

2010-06-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

Skinny Cow has a $1 off any product on their Facebook Fan site. After you click the Like button go to Fan Exclusive tab. Click the picture to print your coupon. Don't forget to hit your back button to get a second coupon. CVS had the one cupper on sale for $1 last week. We will see if they or Walgreens will this week.

Veggie Garden

2010-06-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like bumping around in the dark and stubbing your toes. That is what I am doing with a veggie "garden" this year. All of this was started from my son wanting to plant some things. I don't think our crops will have a high yield this year.
(warning tangent) But if your like me and are experimenting with growing your own produce. Not a bad idea. I've read several blogs about cost analysis about growing your own veggie garden (none of which I can find now) and it gets cheaper the longer you do it. The first year you still save but the amount is minimal. But it is a great way to eat healthy. (now back to point)
Since this is my first year doing more than a tomato plant I have been well bumping around in the dark as to when (and some hows) of growing veggie. Thanks to my Aunt Sandy, here is a Vegetable garden calender for Georgia. It was done by UGA. It is a pdf. so print and put with gardening stuff. I might just input stuff on my google calender (geek alert). Happy Growing!

$4 AMC tickets- KGB like Groupon

2010-06-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

So I saw this on Southern Savers blog and I thought just in case you didn't see it there I would also post it since it is such a lovely deal.
$4 for a movie ticket instead of $12.50 at AMC on kgb. Sweet! I don't know about you, but we love going to the movies. The catch, you can only get one ticket, it is only good for Atlanta and metro areas, and it will be mailed to you... allow 2-4 weeks of delivery. Last time I checked there were just under 2000 tickets left. and just over 3 days.

Kraft Coupons... from First Taste

2010-06-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is a great website, Kraft first taste. They have coupons just for new Kraft products. You can only print each coupon once. Here are the 6 coupons I just got. They do like getting feed back on their products. And their surveys are short and to the point, usually 3 to 5 questions.

New KOOL-AID Fun Fizz Drink Drops. A fun and delicious way to get kids to drink water. Plus, it's just 5 calories. Each drink drop dissolves into a fizz kids will love to watch and then drink! Drop it! Watch it! Drink it! Get $1.00 off

New KRAFT HOMESTYLE DELUXE Macaroni & Cheese Dinner. Delivers homemade taste in every bite. Its rich and creamy cheese sauce finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping will make it a new family favorite. Get $1.50 off.

New KRAFT 100 CALORIE PACKS CHEESE BITES. Lets you savor cheese bites with big flavor in perfectly satisfying, 100 calorie portions. Enjoy this wholesome snack anywhere, anytime. Get $1.50 off.

New DIGIORNO® Deep Dish Pizza. Great at lunch time with a taste experience you'd expect from a restaurant. It's microwaveable with a delicious buttery and flaky crust and juicy toppings. Get $1.50 off.

OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Shaved Meats. Sliced, packed and sealed at the peak of freshness. Get $1.50 off.

Free Taco Bell Limeade Sparkler

2010-06-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

I saw this and thought that other would like too! It is a free Taco Bell Limeade Sparkler your choice of cherry or classic. It is a regular 16 oz drink and no other purchase required. It is limited one per a person. You have 6 days to use and can print out 2. A little patience is needed it is a smartsource coupon and takes a little while to print. What a good way to cool down.

Vaca in Sunny Flordia

2010-06-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

   So some of you may know that we have been on vacation in sunny Florida. Thanks to our gracious family giving us some of their timeshare point allotment. And some of you may know that we used to live in the Tampa Bay area so it has been nice to see some old friends and family. And some of you are saying and what is the point of this post. Boy she is rambling and why do we care. One.. that is the reason ... not so many post on the blog. And mainly ...here is it is... most of moms have to deal with "vacations" a time when really our work is doubled. And we need a quite hotel room for a day and night after our "vacation". I've figured out that a lot of that is due that we feel like it is on our shoulders to make it a perfect experience for everyone else. (Cue "awh" music)
   This vacation was very impromtu and because most of the planning time that I had landed on the last several days of school, had to finish my cake decorating class, Dr visits and other errands time was not on my side.
   If I had one more day I think I would be coming home to a nice clean house, but oh well. It looks more like a tornado hit. What really was a life saver was all my "stocking up" from my couponing and freezer meals. We still had to buy things while we have been here. But meal planning has been supper easy and cost effective.   So to the relaxing part. ( I know right three paragraphs later and she is finally making a point.) Keep meal time easy. Frozen meals are great for this, just like at home. Get your family involved with meal time. It was so nice to grill out and let the boys do most of the work. Lunch was a couple of sandwich choice or leftovers. Also so many times we over plan things to do on our vacations. Which almost became the case here. Instead we are using our traveling days to double as "site seeing" (or people seeing) days. I did do research on local parks. That way if we needs times to stretch our legs some where else there was a quick inexpensive option. My hubby loved being able to scope out some of the places just in case.

Canning Adventure Plus Coupons for You

2010-06-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of years I've been doing the freezer jam. Kind of like canning but not quite.

Today I went to a House Party Sponsored by Ball. (Thanks Tracey for the invite! Had a blast!)

We made Salsa and Pineapple Upside Down Cake Freezer Jam. With our wonderful goody bag that we got to take home we have $2.00 coupons for Ball New Canning Discovery Kit. It is $10.00 at Walmart. There should be Coupons for this and other Ball products in the June 6th paper. I havn't gotten this yet. I did get the utensil Set and the Blue Book guide to preserving. The book it great! It has information on every method of food preserving and recipes.

But here it is. I have 5 to 6 extra $2 coupons for those of you who think they want to start canning. Let me know if you want them.

Product Description Foodies who love new cooking techniques will appreciate this low-cost starter set. A modern product design/ trendy recipes attract new consumers to trial using existing kitchenware. Kit Inclusions:

Polypropylene rack with separate, fitted lifter that works in standard stockpot
3 Pint jars
Illustrated, simplified canning instruction Recipe book
Bounce-back coupons for additional jars

I think is it great. Grow your own tomatoes and have too many. Can 3 to 5 jars of salsa. Fresh all Natural. Careful. You might get hooked!

Crystal Light at Vocal Point

2010-05-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

This is a site I have not been disappointed in, Vocalpoint. They send samples and coupons and and leave a comment on their website about the product. I can't wait to get my free samples of Crystal Light, and find out what coupons that I get. Register and get your free Crystal Light.

Hair Glorious Hair

2010-05-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

So many of you know I've trying to find a salon that would donate hair to the oil spill. I got tired of having to grow it out for locks of love. I had a few more inches and that would take most of the summer. Well today I found one and one that wouldn't brake the bank. Great Clips. Not all Great Clips are recycling hair so call.
This Great Clips is in the Merchant's Exchange Shopping Center. (on the other side of the dollar theater) Their phone number is 770-578-0929. A cut and shampoo $18(before tip)! Always remember to tip your hair stylist. My stylist was Charlotte. She is awesome! She does a great shampoo and and a great cut!

Parent's Night Outs

2010-05-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Holt Road Baptist Church is having their Parent's Night Out tonight. Register on Website. $5 per a child from 6:30-10 pm. Pizza, crafts, games, and a movie.

East Cobb United Methodist is having their Parent's/ Kids Night out Tomorrow Night. May 22nd 6:30- 10pm at the fellowship hall. It is a project of Girl Scout Troop #2451. (ages 18 months—8 years) An evening of fun and games, movie & snacks. Reservations are not necessary. Contact: Jody, Co-leader at 404/308-7057
There is a lot I don't know about this. I've put in a call. I don't know if there is cost or what kind of food is being served. But here are my assumptions, Since it is for a Girl scout project it is most likely free. Since it says snacks I would feed your children supper before they go.
Update: I have gotten a call back form Jody and it is a donation based. And it is just snacks.. so feed the kiddos supper before they go.

Ravocs in Target $ spot

2010-05-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

I spotted Rayovac Batteries in the $ spot at Target today. They are going quickly. Bring your coupons to make them free or nearly free.

Atlanta Jazz Fest 2010

2010-05-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Jazz Fest is Memoral Weekend May 29th and 30th at Piedmont Park. Go to there website for the list of performers, directions, parking and more. Below is their flier of attractions this year. Remember taking your own food and drink is much cheaper than using the vendors.

Summer Reading

2010-05-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Cobb County Library has an excellent Summer Reading Program. Also there has been vast improvements to their website. Check out the kids section.
Make a Splash @ Your Library
You can pick up your folder at your library starting June 1st. Each week has a different theme related to water (except for the week of the 4th the library is in the Marietta 4th of July Parade). Near the end of July bring your folder in and they give you a certificate of participation and will let your school know what a great job you did of reading this Summer.
Saturday, August 7th 10 am is a "Splash Bash". Each Library will have their own schedules of story times and fun activities. At the Central Library (Downtown Marietta) here is their schedule. Mondays @3pm Ages 6-10 activities, stories and crafts, Tuesdays @ 11am Ages 3-5 Stories and Songs, Wednesday @ 10am Ages Birth to 17 mo Rhymes and songs, Wednesday @ 11am Ages 18 mo-2yrs stories and songs, Wednesdays @ 3 pm Movie Matinee and Saturdays @ 11 am Stories and songs for whole family! The Central Library is at 266 Roswell Street Marietta, GA 30060 you can also call them at 770-528-2331.

Freebies 4 Mom has blogged about a bunch of other Summer Reading Programs with places like Borders. has done a great job with it. So just follow the link for more information on this.

Have Fun Reading!

2010 Garden Tour and Plant Sale

2010-05-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

2010 Garden Tour presented by Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County
Probably won't go on the tour. But just might have to swing by and see what plants they have for sale.
May 15^th 10am to 5pm
TICKET PURCHASE
Admission: $10 per person in advance. $12 per person at the gardens and the Plant Sale.
Plant Sale open to the public at Holt Road Baptist Church, 675 Holt Road, Marietta, GA 30068

For tickets or additional information, contact the Cobb Extension office: 770-528-4070, or visit http://www.cobbestension.com.

Free Veggie Garden Guide

2010-05-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for posting this. A Free Vegetable Garden Guide thanks to Burpee. I signed up for mine, because I am starting a bit of my own edible garden and am clueless. My mom who is a great gardener is helping me a bit and I am doing lots (well as much as time allows) of research. My son has really inspired and spurred this along. He is having so much fun watching things grow and watering them.

Around Town This Weekend

2010-05-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Georgia Kite Festival

Saturday May 15th 11 am – 7 pm
There will be a Kids Zone, A Sound Stage, The Kite Construction Corner, The Humana Markert Point Health Zone, and a Vendor Village

Admission for the Georgia Kite Festival is free and open to the public, but tickets are required for entry and can be printed here. Directions to Centennial Olympic Park by car or MARTA can be found by visiting www.centennialpark.com

Marietta Greek Festival

Dates & Times

Friday, May 14, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday, May 15, 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Stop by for great food, entertainment, and shopping!

Please note: no animals or pets are allowed, except those registered for the disabled.

Location

The Festival will take place on the grounds of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. We are located at:

3431 Trickum Road
Marietta, Georgia 30066
770.924.8080

For a map and directions from your location, click here.

Free or $1 Summer Movies

2010-05-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Summer Movie "Camps" Will be starting the first week or June and will go until the last week of July. (At least in the Atlanta Area) There are three movie houses that usually do this. AMC, Regal, and GTC (Georgia Theater Company). These are all G or PG rated movies. (Like Horton Hears a Who) Tickets at the door. The more popular the movie the sooner you need to get there to get your ticket. AMC has not released their schedule yet. Last year they were a $1 for tickets(snacks regular price), Regal is FREE (last year snacks were regular price), and GTC is $1 admin (if you want)$1.50 kids popcorn size, $1.50 kids drink sizes. So if you want to go all in for popcorn and drink it was cheaper last year to go to a GTC. Movies start at 10 am. Doors open to buy tickets ... depends on theater. Regal movies are on Tuesday and Wednesday and GTC movies are on Tuesday and Thursday. These are great on those days when it is rainy and you need to get out. And don't worry if your wiggle worm does not have great movie etiquette, you will be in good company.
.

Chattahoochee Events

2010-05-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Chattahoochee is right around the corner and they have some really cool events. That cost only the price for parking $3.. or if your like me who has a parking pass, nothing. All it takes is a bit pre-planning because you need to make reservations because space is limited. But what cool ways to get out and into nature and help build appreciation for nature in our kids.

This Friday Night (this might be for more elementary kids)
Frog Frolics at Cochran Shoals
Date: Every Friday Weekly from 4/30/2010 to 5/14/2010
Time: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Location: Cochran Shoals - Interstate North
Contact: Island Ford Visitor Contact Station
678-538-1200

This Saturday
Paddle With A Ranger - Palisades Canoe Float 1
(this one does require that you have a canoe)
Date: May 15, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cochran Shoals - Powers Island to Palisades - Paces Mill
Contact: Island Ford Visitor Contact Station
678-538-1200

Next Week
Kids Fishing Event - Schools Out!
(make and take your own fishing pole)
Date: May 22, 2010
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Island Ford Pond
Contact: Island Ford Visitor Contact Station
678-538-1200

Last Event in May
Spring Wildflower Walk 6
Date: May 26, 2010
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Cochran Shoals - Interstate North
Contact: Island Ford Visitor Contact Station
678-538-1200

Strawberries...recipes.

2010-05-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Strawberry picking is such a great family bonding activity! and now your home faced with gallons of strawberries. :) never fear there are some great things to do with strawberries. My favorite is freezer strawberry jam. This recipe I got from Recipezaar.

If you want to freeze your Strawberries until you can use them in smoothies or pie recipes. You need to spread them on a cookie sheet unwashed and not touching each other. Freeze. Wash quickly, put back in freezer and then put freezer bags.

Here is our Family Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Recipe very yummy.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

8-inch Pastry for 8-inch 2 crust pie
1 - 1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 t. grated orange peel (optional)
1 1/2 cups cut up rhubarb (1/2 inch pieces)
1 1/2 cups cut up Strawberries
1 Tablespoon butter

9-inch Pastry for 9-inch 2 crust
1 1/3 to 1 2/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 cups cut up fresh rhubarb
2 cups cut up Strawberries
2 T. butter

10- inch Pastry for 10-inch 2 crust pie
1 3/4 to 2 cups sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel, if desired
2 1/2 cups cut up fresh rhubarb (1/2 inch pieces)
2 1/2 cups cut up Strawberries
3 Tablespoons butter or margarine

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare pastry. Stir together sugar, flour
and orange peel. Turn half the rhubarb into pastry lined pie pan;
sprinkle with half the sugar mixture. Repeat with remaining rhubarb
and sugar; dot with butter.Cover with top crust which has slits cut
in it; seal and flute.Sprinkle with sugar. Cover edge with 2 to 3
inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil
last 15 minutes of baking.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until crust is brown and juice begins to
bubble through slits in crust.

Weekend Happenings

2010-05-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Unlike last week there are many choices of things to do, if your itching to get out of the house.

Usual free workshops Micheals, Lowes, and Lakeshore.

Let me know if there is anything that I'm missing, because I know I am.

Festivals:

Sweet Auburn SpringFest 2010
May 7-9, 2010 - Auburn Avenue in Downtown Atlanta Georgia

Attracting more than 500,000 people ... Sweet Auburn SpringFest is the largest street festival in the Southeast. In 2009, SpringFest featured 7 stages of live entertainment... Fantastic Fun Zone for the kids, a Technology Expo, an International Craft Marketplace, the Sweet Auburn Film Festival and more. The 2009 SpringFest expanded to a 2-mile radius and included Centennial Olympic Park.

Sweet Auburn SpringFest 2010 times: Fri. 5 PM - 11 PM, Sat. 11 AM -9 PM, Sun. 2 PM - 8 PM. Admission is free.

6th Annual Barefoot in the Park

May 8th 10:00AM to 6:00PM and 9th 12:00PM to 5:00PM Town Green in downtown Duluth, GA (metro Atlanta/Gwinnett County)
3167 Main Street
Duluth, GA
678.475.3506

Festival-goers can enjoy a full day of free performances by a great mix of local, regional and international performers. The Duluth Town Green amphitheater stage will play host to a full weekend of dance, live music, jazz and the performing arts. 2008 performers included: Phusion Performing Arts Alliance, Chappelle Rock band, Metro Jazz Club featuring Maxine Cummins, the popular Celtic band Collateral Relations, the Atlanta Harmony Chorus, Atlanta Chinese Dance Company and many more.

PARKING/TRANSPORTATION
Free Parking is available on Hill Street, behind the Town Green. Limited street parking is also available in and around downtown Duluth.

Tucker Day

CELEBRATING TUCKER DAY - AND NEW STREETSCAPES
"Breaking Ground in Our Home Town"

Downtown Tucker

In what has become the official commencement of summer fun and community pride, the 58th annual Tucker Day parade and celebration is set to take place Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parade is at 10am.

Park at Tucker High and walk around. An insider bit. The highschool serves breakfast as a fundraiser for the football team. Due to construction at the school it is at the 1st Baptist Fellowship Hall is $5 and is from 5am to 11 am. If you go to this go to this I recommend getting there right before 9am eat breakfast walk around (there is usually lots of free stuff) watch the parade then go to St. Mountain. I recommend packing a picnic lunch. or bring burgers/hotdogs to grill.

Other Events:

National Train Day

May 8th
10:00AM to 5:00PM

Southeastern Railway Museum
3595 Buford Hwy
Duluth, GA
770-473-2013

The Southeastern Railway Museum is happy to support the 3rd annual National Train Day by offering free caboose train rides with admission to the museum. National Train Day celebrates America's love for trains with events around the country. This year, National Train Day marks 141 years of travlers connecting coast to coast by rail.

Marietta Farmers Market

It is suppose to be the first Saturday of this great farmers market. I know there is construction going on and their website say that it will open in May. Not 100% it will be open from the look of the website. I also tried to call, but no answer.

The Market is open Saturday morning from 9 am to 12 pm.

Wilton at Micheal's Deal

2010-05-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Ok so some of you know I am taking a cake decorating class at Micheal's. They teach the Wilton method. Well I needed to buy supplies and the kits for the classes are on clearance for $9.99 instead of $24.99. They are changing their classes in June and are selling the current kits for a steal. Each store will very with what they have. I know the Smyrna store only had course one, and the East Cobb store had course one and two. So if you are looking to invest in some stuff for cake decorating call ahead and see if they will hold it for you.

Buying Clothes On-Line

2010-05-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I don't really buy my clothes on-line because of the fit issues. I like to try mine on before I buy. Well here is a Website that takes the guess work out, SizeWize.com.
You can enter your measurements or enter in the clothing that you have by size and brand. Once you have created your free account, your measurements are saved for future uses. SizeWize has a selection of 150 brands and 50 major retailers.

Lane Bryant Freebies

2010-05-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Right now get your free Lane Bryant Cami. This Coupon is good until 5/10. You will have to Register. I missed the previous give away. It looks like there might be two more after this coupon. So here is to getting free big girl stuff. :)

Thanks to The Freebie Blogger for spotting this.

Some VBS's around town

2010-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a small collection of VBS(es) (however you make that plural).
I am going to list the Church and date and have a link to their website. Some websites have a registration page and some do not. As far as I know all these VBS(es) are free.
Let me know if you know of other VBS(es) around town.

June 7-11 9:30-12:30 Powers Ferry United Methodist Church
June 7-11 (Sent flier home from Parent's Night Out but cannot confirm with website. Last year theirs was in July.) Holt Road Baptist Church
June 21- 25 (tentative date and in past years there seems to have been a fee in past years) St. Catherine's Episcopal
June 27- July 1 time varies depending on day Eastside Baptist Church
July 19-22 5:45-8:30pm (dinner is included) Cumberland Community Church

Many are excepting registrations now. Some churches will only take a certain amount and others will make room. So if there is a VBS you know you want your child to go to, register early.

Edible Garden

2010-05-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have started an edible garden of sorts. Prompted by my son. I have some pictures here to show you. I am really proud of how everything is going so far because I am a self proclaimed black thumb. no really.... I can kill the unkillable plants. Sunflowers that we first planted ... well died. The Carrots that we planted at the same time have taken off.

carrots

the lettuce, bell peppers and tomatoes are coming in nicely.

bell peppers or tomatoes or both

lettuce

The Strawberries in the planting bed ... I've not seen a sprout for, but did get some actual plants to put in the Topsy Turvy strawberry holder. And one watermelon plant.
We tried digging an area to plant the carrots, lettuce and lone watermelon plant, but red clay roots, rock and rain have gotton the better of us. Before the rain it was 6" deep. Need it to be a foot deep.
So how many of you are trying to plant edible gardens this year? And how are yours doing?

What you doing this weekend?

2010-04-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

ok so this is my usual Friday post. There does not seem to be much going on.
Tonight is Parent's Night Out
Holt Road Baptist Church- East Cobb
Milford Church of God- Austell
(see previous post for more info)

Lowes has their kids workshops. A school house I believe. Must register on their website.

Home Depot is having a work shop. Must register in person.

Micheal's is having a bunch of crafts some you have to pay for. Almost every day this next week.

Lakeshore Learning Center has their usual free craft.

So what are we doing. Parent's Night Out at Holt Rd Baptist. We might go to the Home Depot one if I get there today and if there is any room left. Yard work. (I need to get some ground dig up a bed for planting the lettuce and carrots that have sprung up. and spread mulch on the playground.) We will see how much of that happens with the forcast. And well we are going rearrange a room.
What does your weekend look like?
Do you know of any other events?

Wood Chips Here

2010-04-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am re-posting. Mainly because our free wood chips arrived. Yeah! and Mr. Lamar Darby was great! He is even going to be able to take down a tree and cut some back. Yeah! that will save us a couple thousand dollars! Cutting trees down these days cost a ton. We got a quote for our back yard and it was around $10,000. Needless to say we did not go that route. So we still have a TON of trees in our back yard.

This will vary depending on what area you are in. But here our power company will deliver and you can pick wood chips at no cost. Free! Check with your county or your power company and they might do the same. This is great for back yard play grounds!

Details for Marietta Power and Water:

Wood chips are available to Marietta Power customers at no cost. We will deliver within the service area. We have a stock pile area at the North Marietta Parkway Board of Lights and Water office complex that is open to our customers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week. The stock pile is located behind the Marietta Power and Water building.
For further information or detailed directions, contact Lamar Darby at 770-794-5244.

Mod Podge

2010-04-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you thrifty crafters that love Mod Podge but don't love the price. Here is a formula that is close to Mod Podge. 3 parts white glue (like Elmer's) and one part water. This solution will not hold up in watery places. So if it is for something outside or in the bathroom not your solution. I did run across this recipe that is suppose to be just like Mod Podge by a blog called Crafts On-Line not sure if it is. I've never tried it.
Just Like Modge Podge
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. non-self rising flour
1/2 tsp. powdered alum
1 3/4 c. water
1/4 tsp. oil of cinnamon
In medium size pan, mix together sugar, flour and alum.
Gradually add 1 cup water, stirring vigourously to break up lumps.
Boil until clear and smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Add remaining water and oil. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Put into container with screw on lid.

Parent Night Outs

2010-04-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Parent's Night Outs here are a couple I know of this weekend. With the cost of what baby sitters, these are great ways to a date night and it not cost an arm and leg.

Holt Road Baptist Church. Marietta, East Cobb Has theirs this Friday, April 30^th - 6:30 to 10pm. Usually these are once a month.
Ages: Infants through 5^th grade. Bible Lessons - Music - Snacks - Games. Cost is $5 per child, $15 max per family. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Limited space.

Milford Church of God. Austell This is weekly on Fridays, 6:45-10:30 exceptions noted on their website.

Ages: Birth to 6th Grade, Cost: $10 includes pizza , $7 is without pizza, Call by Thursday 5 pm for reservation 770-432-5459

If you know of a Parents Night Out let me know.

Strawberries

2010-04-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Season has started. We are growing our own. But I've not seen any sprout yet. We did plant late. Crossing our fingers. But some of the U pick farms have started to open up. This is a great outing with the family. Check websites and sometimes you might need to call ahead before you make the trip. Happy picking. I will post my strawberry jam recipe later.

Washington Farms in Loganville just opened for weekend picking.

Harry Stacy Farms in Dallas have not opened yet. But are hoping to this weekend.

Activities this weekend

2010-04-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if we will be doing any of these but there are a lot of fun options this weekend. Let me know if I have missed some special event. The closer to free the better.

Spring Jonquil Festival

Sat., April 24 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sun., April 25 from Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Arts & Crafts Festival with over 150 booths, food, live entertainment and a children's area - all on the Village Green. (Use 2800 King Street, Smyrna, GA 30080 or 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, GA 30080 for web delivered driving directions.)
Puppet shows and more live music along with the Featured Artists Market.

Free Crafts at Michael's: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Free Family Event. Pluffy Clay Magnet

Lowe's Free Build and Grow Clinic: I think it is a bird feeder. Check your local store.

Touch-A-Truck
Alpharetta- North Park Football Fields Saturday, April 24, 2010 10:00 AM (maybe rescheduled due to weather. please call 678-297-6130)

Ok so this is not an event per say. But I thought this deal was worth putting up. Sat and Sun Ikea is offering there 10 meatball plate for $1 after 11am.

I saw a sign for this while I was out driving. I don't know if this is a great event or if the kid stuff is free. But I thought I would list it. This is an art festival. So if you are in East Cobb it might be worth a drive by.

Meat Mania and Gallon Milk for $1.88

2010-04-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Today only Will these deals be going on the same day. Meat Mania. Lots of meat at great prices. I got Tilapia pork loin, chicken leg quarters and bologna . There is a a sale on their Tyson all Natural Chicken. Also the milk will be on sale for $1.88 a gallon limit 4. This is only for a few days. Look like I will be doing a lot of food prep in the next few days.

Free Wood Chips

2010-04-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

This will vary depending on what area you are in. But here our power company will deliver and you can pick wood chips at no cost. Free! Check with your county or your power company and they might do the same. This is great for back yard play grounds!

Details for Marietta Power and Water:

Wood chips are available to Marietta Power customers at no cost. We will deliver within the service area. We have a stock pile area at the North Marietta Parkway Board of Lights and Water office complex that is open to our customers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week. The stock pile is located behind the Marietta Power and Water building.
For further information or detailed directions, contact Lamar Darby at 770-794-5244.

Garding Calender for Georgia

2010-04-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

From what I can gather Walter Reeves is the Man when it comes to gardening and keeping a lawn here in Georgia. I ran across this and thought I would share. It is a gardening calender for Georgia. I know most of you probably know about this site inside and out, but I'm just starting on this gardening thing. I am allergic to so much that is green outside so I just stuck my head into the ground.
So cool. Now if I could just link it with my google calender... even cooler. Maybe you all whom are tech savvy and garden savvy already know of a such a thing. Please let me know.

Making seeding pots out of Newspaper

2010-04-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this in Nana's Birds & Bloom Magazine April/ May 2010. I think this is brilliant way to reuse all those newspapers from couponing.
What you need is newspaper and maybe a bit of masking tape.
1. Take a sheet of newpaper and cut into fourth. You will only need to use one layer of paper. Also to save time you can cut many layers at once.
2. Use a small round container like a spice jar and roll the paper around it, leaving about an inch overhanging at one end. Don't roll to tightly, or it will be hard to get the jar out later.
3. Fold the overhang in as if you were wrapping a present. Then seal with masking tape.
4. Remove the jar and then fold the edges all around the top. This helps with stability and gives you a shorter pot.
5. Repeat until you have all the pots you want.

Also on this page, in the magazine, it had other uses for Newspaper like: line you compost pail with newspaper, add 4 layers to ground before adding mulch to help keep out weeds, and donate to animal shelter. There were 10 tips in all.

Free Toby the Train

2010-04-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

Free Toby the Train Coloring Book. This is from Norfolk Southern. If we are ever in Norfolk their museum will be at the top of our to do list.
Thanks Deal Seeking Mom

Weekend Plans Dogwood Festival, Thomas, Yard Sales

2010-04-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

So many things to do this weekend. And not enough time.

First if your child is into trains then Toys R Us is having a special playdate with Thomas the Train 11am to 1pm. Thomas story time, games, trivia, coloring and free gifts. I'm not sure that we will go to this because we defiantly want to to the next thing.

Second if your in the Atlanta Area Dogwood Festival starts today at Noon. There is lots of free stuff to do and not so free stuff. Pack snacks, water bottles and some sandwiches, and a blanket. The dog shows were great! the live music great! The playgrounds are great! Last year we brought lunch and then bought food vendor stuff for an early dinner. Also I highly recommend taking Marta. A Single One-way Fare is $2.00 Children 46" & under ride free, maximum four per paying adult; check at Breeze Vending Machines, faregates and entrances of bus doors to measure height of child. If your not familiar with the stops check their website. Also this weekend is a busy weekend for Atlanta you might want to check schedules. (Trust me so much less hassle to take Marta.)

Lastly. Start looking around. I noticed there were lots of church and neighborhood garage/ yard sales. These are great to go to. Go early or late to get the best deals and finds. If you are wanting furniture go early. To get the best deals and to stay on track. Make a list and have dimensions on the items you want and bring a tape measure. If you go at the end you are more likely be able to bargain more. Like I'll take the lot for x amount. My list consist of legos, containers for planting, maybe even seedlings of plants (much easier for me to grow from seedlings instead of seeds), and a few glass jars. I found this neat craft that I want to try out. for making tinted glass lanterns. When I do it I will post it. Also an outdoor planting bench/table. I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Big Lots Reward System

2010-04-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you there are times I seem to frequent Big Lots and then I go for a long time not going.
But I was just in look for a bird bath. Didn't get one. Very flimsy and very white. (Very white would not be good on GA red clay.) So I skipped, but I did find out that they have a rewards system.

Buzz Club
They email you the sales a couple of days early. And make 10 Qualifying Purchases of $20 or more in 12 months and earn a 20% discount.* You can "pre-register" online. Not really sure what them means. But hey a 20% discount at Big Lots is a good deal.

Strawberry Salad Dressing

2010-04-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

My Community Group from my church has been so great to try recipes on. So far everything has turned out great. Knock on wood.
This recipe I modified from Saving Dinner.

They send out emails and on their Tuesday Emails there is a recipe. This week was about Raspberries. Well strawberries were on sale. So I used them instead. Also I had dried parsley so I did not quite use a tablespoon.

DRESSING:
3/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons of mashed Strawberries
2-3 tablespoons of honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

Mash Strawberries in bowl.
Add all other ingredients and whisk. If tossing with salad toss and serve right away. Store in Refrigerator.

$17 Tickets to GA Aquarium

2010-04-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

$17 Tickets to the Georgia Aquarium

Do you volunteer? If so, the Georgia Aquarium wants to thank you with an awesome ticket offer: You can buy $17 tickets during Volunteer Appreciation Week. The only downside is that you need to use them by April 17, 2010.
The deal is meant for volunteers, but it’s good for their family & friends, too, so you’re set even if you haven’t worked volunteerism into your life yet (not to be preachy, but you should give some of your time if you don’t already…).
The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000.

This is directly from Atlanta on the Cheap. It was quicker for me to copy and past then to figure out how to Facebook or Tweet just this deal.

the planting itch

2010-04-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

So I don't know about you, but I've gotten the planting itch. I am a self declared black thumb gardener. But I love plants, and flowers. Even though I am allergic to all types of pollen imaginable. So maybe it is just spring or the allergy drugs but I've started to garden. Sort of. Most of my plants are in containers.
I am starting to cure my black thumb. I think it might be brown at this point. I don't really know the in between thumb colors. A couple of years now at our MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) group we had a master gardener come. Also I went to a Ladies Night Out at a Smith & Hawken (These stores seemed to have all disappeared.) where we got do do some hands on gardening. (If you are a to-be mom up to kindergarten age I so recommend you look into a local MOPS group.)

Sorry for the side trek. Back to Gardening.
I am trying to do a lot of things by seed this year. So we shall see. I'm also trying strawberries. (Per request of my son.) So what I have learned it is better to get your plants and seed from your local nurseries. I've had good luck with Pikes , freecycle and a local nursery called Grower's Outlet. This year I am planting marigolds early. They did help keep the squirrels for taking my tomatoes last year. We have very "friendly" squirrels. And also make sure there is the right amount or drainage under your roots. This might mean you need to dig deeper here in red clay land add soil before plant. And if you did not get the fertilize soil remember to add some fertilizer. Read the packaging and ask LOTS of questions. That is my wisdom on planting.

Lindsay Olives BOGO coupon + on sale at Walgreens next week.

2010-04-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Olives are going to be one sale next week at Walgreen's for .99. Here is a BOGO (Buy one Get one Free) Coupon. I'm not sure if they will have the new packaging. But I love Olives! So I printed my two and will find next week.

Fruit Pie

2010-03-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

This looks good if nothing else. Will let you know how it tasted after tonight.
I changed the "crust" from sugar cookie dough to cinnamon roll dough. Baked at 350 for 12 min.
For the filling I Mixed or whipped the frosting, cream cheese (8 oz) added some powered sugar to taste (1/4th to 1/3rd cup).
Put filling on after it comes out of oven.
Let cool then refrigerate.
Cut and added fruit.
Refrigerate till serving time.

Electronics for less on-line. Try New Egg!

2010-03-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

If your in the market for something electronic and can wait 3 business days for your purchase. Take a look at New Egg. We just bought a printer through New Egg. They are 99% the lowest cost on-line. And their shipping is very reasonable! On our printer for 3 day UPS it was $2.99. My husband uses them all the time for his IT work and according to him they have excellent customer service.

Easter Weekend

2010-03-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

For you Semi-Planners. If you missed Easter Egg Hunts this past weekend. Many Local Churches are hosting Events on Saturday. Here are some in my area.

Eastside Baptist

2450 Lower Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 30068

Phone: 770-971-2323
Fax: 770-977-7850

Spring Fling Egg Hunt and Family Fun

Saturday April 3rd 11 am - 1pm

Powers Ferry United Methodist Church

245 Powers Ferry Road -- Marietta, GA 30067

770.973.5271 Phone 770.973.5958 Fax

Easter Eggstravaganza

Saturday April 3rd 2-4:30
2-2:30 Egg Hunt
2:30-4:30 Inflatables, sno-cones, popcorn, face painting and fun.

Parents Night Out 3 1/2 hr for $5 per child Tonight

2010-03-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Parent's Night Out Tonight! At Holt Road Baptist Church.
6:30- 10:00. Make your reservations on-line. $5 per a child, $15 max per a family.
They usually serve your kids Pizza. Do a craft and have a movie for the kids to watch.

Weekly Round Ups Rite-Aid $3.67 for $60.43

2010-03-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

How did you do this week?
I did the best at Kroger and Rite-Aid.

Here is my Rite-Aid coupon match up. You still have time to get your deal.

Rite-Aid Total OOP (Out Of Pocket) $3.67 Regular Price $60.43 Sale Price $35.41

Transaction #1

(2)Herbal Essence Shampoo,Conditioner or Stylers $2.99

-$1 off Herbal Essences RP 3/14

B1G1 Herbal Essences PG 2/7

(buy 2, use both coupons makes it makes it 99¢ ea)
(2)Right Guard Extreme 2.6-4 oz B1G1 (reg. $3.99-4.49)

-$2 off Right Guard printable (store coupon)

-2/2 Right Guard printable

(buy 2, use both coupons, makes both FREE or .25 each)
(3)Puffs Facial Tissue 60 or 108 ct 79¢

-.25/3 Puffs Tissues PG 2/21, 3/07

(2) Trident Layers Gum 99¢

-.75/1 Trident Gum SS 2/07

-.25/1 Trident Gum (Store coupon) was at the store don't know where it came from.

(store and manufacture coupon makes it FREE )

Use $3 off $15 Store coupon first. Then the rest of your coupons.

My bill was $2.45 after tax. Regular price $22.42 (before tax)
It could have been .75 less if they still had the $3.99 Right Guard and if I had gotten greedy with the Trident store coupons left out.

Transaction #2

(1)Purina Dog or Cat Food 3-4.8 lbs, Fresh Step 14 lbs $4.99

-$3 off Purina One Dry dog or cat food SS 2/28

(3)Hershey’s Easter Candy 8-10 oz $1.99

-$2/3 Hershey's Easter Candy SS 3/14

-$2/3 Hershey's Easter Candy (in weekly flyer and is a store coupon)

(Get three bags use both store and manufacture coupon make it .66 a bag )

(2)Post Cereal 15-24 oz $1.88

-$1/2 Post cereals SS 2/28

(3)Trident Layers Gum 99¢

-.75/1 Trident Gum SS 2/07

-.25/1 Trident Gum (Store coupon) was at the store don't know where it came from.

(store and manufacture coupon makes it FREE )

Use $3 off $15 store coupon first. Had a $5 off any purchase from Rite-Aid. (They mailed this out in January. Sign up on their site.)

Total with tax $1.22 Regular price $38.01 (before tax)
This could have been less (almost free) if I could have printed the $2 Post Cereal Coupon and gotten greedy with the store Trident coupons left behind.

Tell where your favorite store is.

2010-03-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Tell me where your favorite store is. I have know from experience that there are some stores that are not so friendly to couponers and others that are great. I only want the great ones posted. Here are some of mine.

Publix - at the corner of East Piedmont and Roswell.
Piedmont Commons SC (Store #00280)
1050 E Piedmont Rd Ste P
Marietta, GA 30062-4744
Main: (770) 509-3980
(They keep their coupon books at Customer Service. Can't find something there is always someone who helpful right around the corner. I've even had someone check on delivery times for me. Most cashiers cheer you on.)

Walgreens- at Delk Rd and Terrill Mill Rd
2975 Delk Road SE
Marietta, GA 30067
770-933-9782
(So helpful at helping you find the right product and coupon match ups.)

Rite-Aid- at Scufflegrit Rd and Sandy Plains Rd
1900 Sandy Plains Road
Marietta, GA 30066
Phone: (678) 560-0229
(This store is truly couponer friendly! they have stacks of coupons with each product on the shelves. Someone has clipped and printed out coupons and even matched up store coupons with manufacture coupons. Cashiers cheer you on and are helpful with multi-transactions)

Cheerios $1/1 coupon

2010-03-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

Cheerios $1/1 coupon. This is for the yellow box.
Also sign-up here and to get more coupons and a chance to win a free box.

Purex 3-in-1

2010-03-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ok this product is awesome on many levels.
It make Laundry a bit more easy. All you need is one item. I did a cost annalist the fist time I used it and the cost was about the same and most the time less then buying detergent and fabric softener. So with the amazing coupons and sales. (Right now CVS has it on sale for BOGO.) You can often get this for a very low price. And if that is not enough they are also helping other woman. Help a woman in need start her business. For every barcode you enter that woman gets $1.

40th Day

2010-03-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Ok so today is the 40th day since I started blogging. And I would love some feed back! Because there are some things I am thinking about changing on my blog, but I wanted to get some input back. What would you like to see more of, less of, content, format, and ways that you get updated. I wish I had a fabulous freebie to give away. If I use your idea I can put you on an I owe you list and see if there is something I can work out with you.

Free Legos

2010-03-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

So Caleb has started to love Legos. And another blogger was blogging about free legos this week. And checking into it not so here in the Atlanta Area. The Lego Store, for those like me who did not know, is at Discovery Mill in Lawrenceville and once a month they have a build a mini and take it. It is the First Tuesday of each month and starts at 5:00pm. And is first come. We might try it in April.

Thanks Wendi, a.k.a. The Freebie Blogger

Touch a Truck- FREE

2010-03-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 20 is Touch-A-Truck in Downtown Kennesaw, GA. My little boy will act like he has gone to heaven.
Thanks Anne S for sharing!

Painting growth charts

2010-03-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

I love to paint. And creating growth charts for some kiddos that are close to my heart was an easy reason to break out the paints. I tried to base it on things that they love. I do have to confess that I did use some stencils for these.

Facebook Coupons have been Awesome

2010-03-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

Here is another great coupon via Facebook.

Rayovoc Batteries. $1 off any pack. So when Target has them for sale for $1. Free batteries!

being mom

Feed a Kid

product testing-Swiffer 360

Consignmnet Sale: Selling Tips

summer fun at splash parks

$1 Summer Movies

Companion Gardening

Allowances and Chores

VBS 2011 and some camps

VBS's and Day Camps

Spring Break

Chicken and Corn Chili

painting classes?

Indoor activity

PNO- Parents Night Out

a homemade christmas gift

GA Aquarium tickets $15

Psst… want to save up to $46?

advent calendar

sweet lovely "yumo" pumpkin bread

Food Storage

Our Jack-o-lantern House

Airshow at Dobbins this weekend

Pedialyte Coupon

Free Museum Day

Parents Night Out

Yellow Daisy Festival

Thomas Play Date At Toys R Us

Y block Party is open to everyone.

FAMILY NIGHT BLOCK PARTY!!Saturday, August 28th6pm to 9pmMcCleskey-East Cobb Family YFront Soccer FieldsFREE Event for you and your family!We are providing you with a night of fun to include................

Crape Myrtles

Parents Magazine Subscription $4 (Coupons!)- from Deal Seeking Mom

New Garbage Company in Town

House Party, Kleenex Hand Towels, and Soap Making

Free Movie- Kung Fu Panda

A Day out with Thomas

This time of year just crazy

4th of July

Yummy Strawberry Glaze

All Natrual weed and bug Product

Bedtime and Morning Routines

Trader Joe's: Now Accepting Coupons & Here are Some Coupon Matches

Cellfire Cinderella Free Money on your Kroger Card

Lego Build at Toys R Us - Saturday

Run for Recovery 5k

Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin

Free Movie at the Y- East Cobb

Skinny Cow $1 printable

Veggie Garden

$4 AMC tickets- KGB like Groupon

Kraft Coupons... from First Taste

Free Taco Bell Limeade Sparkler

Vaca in Sunny Flordia

Canning Adventure Plus Coupons for You

Product Description Foodies who love new cooking techniques will appreciate this low-cost starter set. A modern product design/ trendy recipes attract new consumers to trial using existing kitchenware. Kit Inclusions:

I think is it great. Grow your own tomatoes and have too many. Can 3 to 5 jars of salsa. Fresh all Natural. Careful. You might get hooked!

Crystal Light at Vocal Point

Hair Glorious Hair

Parent's Night Outs

Ravocs in Target $ spot

Atlanta Jazz Fest 2010

Summer Reading

2010 Garden Tour and Plant Sale

Free Veggie Garden Guide

Around Town This Weekend

Free or $1 Summer Movies

Chattahoochee Events

Strawberries...recipes.

Weekend Happenings

6th Annual Barefoot in the Park

National Train Day

Wilton at Micheal's Deal

Buying Clothes On-Line

Lane Bryant Freebies

Some VBS's around town

Edible Garden

What you doing this weekend?

Wood Chips Here

Mod Podge

Parent Night Outs

FAMILY NIGHT BLOCK PARTY!!
Saturday, August 28th
6pm to 9pm
McCleskey-East Cobb Family Y
Front Soccer Fields
FREE Event for you and your family!
We are providing you with a night of fun to include................