I've decided, once and for all (I'm not getting any younger!) to get rid of the baby fat that has accumulated in the last 9 years. I've always been relatively active, but I find that isn't enough any longer and I have to step it up to have my body look anything like it did pre-baby.
When my husband was deployed to Iraq, I joined a local gym. They have child care and it was basically my only "me time" that I had. It helped, but I just couldn't justify my monthly membership. Plus, my kids were constantly picking up some virus in the child care.
I recently realized that Time Warner Cable's On Demand has a TON of exercise videos to choose from under the "exercise TV" section. They are included with the cost of the monthly cable bill. I guess we could go without cable TV to save money, but that isn't going to happen here. We don't receive any channels via broadcast because of our location... well sometimes, on a clear day we catch a blurry local San Diego station.
For the last week, I have been following Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Slimdown Program. I can already feel a difference!
If I become bored with the Jillian Michaels Series (or they become too easy, as IF!), there are so many more to choose from that I really do not have an excuse.
Sue
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Laundry Day
OK, who am I kidding. EVERY day is laundry day around here. With 3 kids and 3 dogs I almost constantly have a load of laundry in the washer.
I always thought of it as a necessary evil when I would spend $30 (or more) on a big bottle of Tide. I now realize that most of that money went toward colors, dyes and advertising. The homemade stuff works just fine for me.
I read Gail over at the Grocery Cart Challenge, and she has a great tutorial on how to make homemade laundry soap. I can't find the Fels Naptha bar soap around here, I use Zote, and it works well. I fill old, plastic laundry bottles with my soap concoction. When it's time to use it, I shake the bottle a little and use it as I would any other laundry detergent. Because I shake it, I've never had any problem with the soap gelling up and being difficult to use as I have read in other posts around the blogsphere.
This soap works great in my front-loading washer as well.
If you are intimidated about making your own laundry detergent, don't be. The initial investment is less than a single bottle of store-bought detergent. It takes just minutes to whip up a batch. No special tools are needed (I don't even use a food processor to chop the bar soap, I chop by hand).
Borax and Zote can be found easily at most grocery stores and WalMart. The washing soda I found at Albertson's. Most stores around here will order something if it is requested, so try that route if you can't find an ingredient.
By request from my family, I still use regular Downy (although a small amount). I also use Mrs. Stewart's bluing in my white loads. I think the bottle of bluing may last me for the rest of my life. Not bad for a few bucks.
Here are the ingredients, and the costs associated with them:
Borax- Around $3.50 for a large box. enough for over a dozen batches (good for soap and many other uses around the house, including flubber)
Washing Soda- $3.50- enough for over a dozen batches
Zote- $1, enough for 3 batches
Each batch is enough for 64 loads of laundry and costs less than a dollar.
Now I know that I will be making my own laundry soap from now on.
I always thought of it as a necessary evil when I would spend $30 (or more) on a big bottle of Tide. I now realize that most of that money went toward colors, dyes and advertising. The homemade stuff works just fine for me.
I read Gail over at the Grocery Cart Challenge, and she has a great tutorial on how to make homemade laundry soap. I can't find the Fels Naptha bar soap around here, I use Zote, and it works well. I fill old, plastic laundry bottles with my soap concoction. When it's time to use it, I shake the bottle a little and use it as I would any other laundry detergent. Because I shake it, I've never had any problem with the soap gelling up and being difficult to use as I have read in other posts around the blogsphere.
This soap works great in my front-loading washer as well.
If you are intimidated about making your own laundry detergent, don't be. The initial investment is less than a single bottle of store-bought detergent. It takes just minutes to whip up a batch. No special tools are needed (I don't even use a food processor to chop the bar soap, I chop by hand).
Borax and Zote can be found easily at most grocery stores and WalMart. The washing soda I found at Albertson's. Most stores around here will order something if it is requested, so try that route if you can't find an ingredient.
By request from my family, I still use regular Downy (although a small amount). I also use Mrs. Stewart's bluing in my white loads. I think the bottle of bluing may last me for the rest of my life. Not bad for a few bucks.
Here are the ingredients, and the costs associated with them:
Borax- Around $3.50 for a large box. enough for over a dozen batches (good for soap and many other uses around the house, including flubber)
Washing Soda- $3.50- enough for over a dozen batches
Zote- $1, enough for 3 batches
Each batch is enough for 64 loads of laundry and costs less than a dollar.
Now I know that I will be making my own laundry soap from now on.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Quick Cookies
My family and I love fresh baked cookies. I use to buy the frozen dough from Trader Joe's at $3.99 a box for about a dozen. Not very frugal. They were good just out of the oven but they did not keep well for the next day. I am not an avid baker so fresh baked cookies were a luxury and my kids were more likely to get one from the supermarket than from me. However, one day I did decide to bake some cookies and I thought of making a double patch and freezing them. Well, I lost steam half way through the dough. I decided to just freeze the dough in rounded teaspoons. I placed them on cookie sheets covered in parchment paper. I covered it with another piece of parchment paper and froze them. After they were hard, I put them in a large ziploc bag. Now, whenever I hear: "Cookies, Mom." I pull about a half dozen and in 12 minutes I have fresh baked cookies for my little monsters. It is also great when you have unexpected guests or you are told by your child that he promised cookies for his entire class. Sometimes, I am on the ball. Only Sometimes. Jen
Part of the Works For Me Wednesday- Back to School Themed Edition
Part of the Works For Me Wednesday- Back to School Themed Edition
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thankful for Dr. Laura ?!?
I know it sounds crazy but today I am thankful for Dr. Laura.
My husband and I want a fourth child. We have put a lot of thought into this decision for over five years. (My husband even had a vasectomy reversal.) We had a miscarriage last month and since then I have had many doubts. Am I meant to have another baby? Was this a "sign"? Can we handle another child? Can we afford another child? what about all those childless couples wanting a baby? Do I want to get up again in the middle of the night? Is there too big of an age gap between the youngest and potential newborn (7 years maybe 8)? Will my other children suffer? Aren't I already messing up the first three? It's been 7 years since my last one? Am I being selfish? Am I pushing the envelope? The list can go on and on ....
Soooo.....Today I was running errands and I turned on the car and heard Dr. Laura tell a man that it didn't matter how far apart his children were the only fact that matters is if he was willing to be a parent to another child he and his wife would bring into this world. That's all I heard but if there was a light bulb above my head it would have gone off. I felt tears spring to my eyes and my stomach flip. I wanted to shout out loud. I am willing to be a parent again. I want to do it. I'd do anything for a chance. Wasn't that my answer that I have been looking for? My husband and I are more than willing to love and care for another human being. We want to add to our family. I realized that I am not selfish. I am not taking away from anyone who doesn't have a child. My other children will not suffer. Their lives will all be enriched. I AM WILLING TO BE A PARENT AGAIN.
That was it. Just those couple sentences made a difference to me. All my worries are just worries. I do not have to justify or articulate my desire to have another baby to anyone. I am going to follow my heart and for all of that I am thankful to Dr. Laura. Who would have guessed?
Jen
*linked to Finer Things Friday: Bedtime Prayers*
My husband and I want a fourth child. We have put a lot of thought into this decision for over five years. (My husband even had a vasectomy reversal.) We had a miscarriage last month and since then I have had many doubts. Am I meant to have another baby? Was this a "sign"? Can we handle another child? Can we afford another child? what about all those childless couples wanting a baby? Do I want to get up again in the middle of the night? Is there too big of an age gap between the youngest and potential newborn (7 years maybe 8)? Will my other children suffer? Aren't I already messing up the first three? It's been 7 years since my last one? Am I being selfish? Am I pushing the envelope? The list can go on and on ....
Soooo.....Today I was running errands and I turned on the car and heard Dr. Laura tell a man that it didn't matter how far apart his children were the only fact that matters is if he was willing to be a parent to another child he and his wife would bring into this world. That's all I heard but if there was a light bulb above my head it would have gone off. I felt tears spring to my eyes and my stomach flip. I wanted to shout out loud. I am willing to be a parent again. I want to do it. I'd do anything for a chance. Wasn't that my answer that I have been looking for? My husband and I are more than willing to love and care for another human being. We want to add to our family. I realized that I am not selfish. I am not taking away from anyone who doesn't have a child. My other children will not suffer. Their lives will all be enriched. I AM WILLING TO BE A PARENT AGAIN.
That was it. Just those couple sentences made a difference to me. All my worries are just worries. I do not have to justify or articulate my desire to have another baby to anyone. I am going to follow my heart and for all of that I am thankful to Dr. Laura. Who would have guessed?
Jen
*linked to Finer Things Friday: Bedtime Prayers*
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Adventure Playground
Susan and I traveled down to my old neck of the woods (Orange County) and went to Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach (Central Park and Goldenwest). We had a great time. It is basically a pond of muddy water with wooden "rafts." The kids are allowed to stand on the wood and push themselves with sticks. There is also a mud slide down a hill, a rope bridge and a tire swing. On the other side of the park, is an area for the children to build forts with real wood, hammers and nails. The great part for the kids is that they can get as dirty as they want and mom cannot say a thing.
We brought our lunches, beach chairs, towels and a change of clothes. Everyone is required to wear tennis shoes (however if you forget they have a pile of old shoes you can borrow which I had to do). I suggest OLD clothes. The cost is $3 for Huntington Beach residents and $4 for non-residents.
Our kids had a fantastic time. When we arrived, there were a lot of camp children but at around noon they all left to have lunch and we had the place to ourselves. We stayed for about two and a half hours and I still had a hard time getting my chidlren to leave. They explored on their own but I was was still able to keep an eye on them from a distance. It was definetly an Adventure.
We brought our lunches, beach chairs, towels and a change of clothes. Everyone is required to wear tennis shoes (however if you forget they have a pile of old shoes you can borrow which I had to do). I suggest OLD clothes. The cost is $3 for Huntington Beach residents and $4 for non-residents.
Our kids had a fantastic time. When we arrived, there were a lot of camp children but at around noon they all left to have lunch and we had the place to ourselves. We stayed for about two and a half hours and I still had a hard time getting my chidlren to leave. They explored on their own but I was was still able to keep an eye on them from a distance. It was definetly an Adventure.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Plastic Shopping Bags- WFMW
Several years ago, a friend of mine told me this method of storing plastic shopping bags.
I find it handy to have a bag or two in my diaper bag, or purse, or in the car to be used for dirty diapers, wet swimsuits, trash, whatever.
Of course, you can wad up a bag and shove it into your purse, but they take up more room and are easily destroyed that way.
Begin with a regular bag.
Fold it in half lengthwise,
then in half again.
Fold up a triangle
continue folding it flag-style
Tuck in the end and ta-da,
you have a neat little bag ready to tuck into your purse for any use.I do always feel a little bit like the anal-retentive chef when I do this, but it works for me!
Go here for more WFMW tips!
Sue
Monday, July 6, 2009
American Heroes Air Show
Have you ever been to, or heard of, the American Heroes Air Show?
Yes? tell us about your experience in the comments.
No? Now you know about it and you can attend this coming Saturday, July 11th, 9am-4pm at the Hansen Dam Recreation & Sports Complex.
Hansen Dam is located just off of the 210, Osborne exit in Lake View Terrace.
View Larger Map
My family has attended for several years and look forward to it each year. Did I mention that parking and entrance is free?
from heroes-airshow.com:
Established in Los Angeles in 1992, the American Heroes Air Show began as a grass-roots community effort to celebrate the dynamic role of helicopters in law enforcement, fire service, search and rescue, homeland security, communications and national defense. Today, this non-profit event is offered in seven major U.S. cities, enabling spectators from coast-to-coast the rare opportunity to view advanced military and civilian helicopters and meet the pilots who fly them.We always try to arrive early and we pack a lunch. We begin with a tour of the various helicopters around the field. Many are open and you can climb inside. Bring your camera because there are PLENTY of opportunities for photos.The American Heroes Air Show features non-stop aerial demonstrations and excitement, including:
- Helicopter displays, flyovers and tactical demonstrations
- Interactive exhibits and hands-on family activities
- Public safety and emergency preparedness displays
- Helicopter rides
- Live local entertainment
- Public safety career fair
- Concessions
Hope to see you there!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Pickles
My mother is visiting from Minnesota, so I decided that we should make a batch of pickles while she was here. I remember my grandmother doing the same, so I wanted to create those memories for my children.
My kids love pickles, ever since they were babies, even before they had teeth.
I invited Jen and kids to join us as well.
Let's see if I saved any money making my own pickles. (plus a day activity for the kids)
Pickling cucumbers 14.5 lbs, $7.18
Dill $7.90 ( I have enough dill left over to make another batch of pickles, but I'll include the price for the entire amount)
Jar lids $1.50
more jars $7.50 (I can reuse these forever, unless they are broken during moving or remodeling... it happens)
Salt $1.00 (estimate)
Vinegar $1.00 (estimate)
garlic $0.35
Total supplies and ingredients
$26.43
Made 16 quarts of dill pickles for $1.65 a jar.
Not bad. The "good" pickles that I saw in the refrigerator section of the market was over $7.00 for a quart. Whoa. Even the small jar of store brand pickles were on sale for $2.50.
I didn't think that I would actually save any money doing this. My plan was just to pass a memory to my children.
Too bad that I need to wait 2 weeks to taste them.
Sue
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Kids Eat Free
I have a tendency to forget about dinner until about 6:00 when everyone around me is crying out for food then we head out to a restaurant (not very frugal). However, I have been making an effort to have dinner at home and ready by 6:30pm. I started out making menus for the week, progresssed to menus for the month and recently Sue and I have been making freezer meals. (more on this later.) Yesterday, I needed a break. My husband suggested that we go out to dinner.
In the past when we have gone out to dinner, we have dropped over $60.00. Sometimes, our children will eat everything on their plates and other times they will eat nothing. A few weeks a go I drove pass a Coco's and saw Kids Eat for Free on Tuesday and Wednesday. We decided to head there. We all had a meal, drinks and to top it off the kids had a dessert. My husband and I shared the one that came with his meal. The bill came to $29.00. I spend at least $20.00 at McDonald's! We received a child's meal free (10 and under) with each paid adult meal. We splurged on desserts (not included in kids meal) for the kids and we still walked out paying half of what we normally do. I say that is a true frugal moment.
I researched some other restaurants that offer this deal and came up with a list and some websites. (Please call ahead to see if the restaurant in your area offers this deal)
Monday-Applebees, Island's, Joselito's (Tujunga, Ca), Fuddrukers (.99 cent meals)
Tuesday-Islands, Norms, Coco's, Denny's, IHop, Pat and Oscars (Los Feliz, Ca), Ruby's, Bulldog's(Santa Clarita, Ca)
Wednesday-Fainforest Cafe (1.99 meals) Carrows, Cocos, Islands
Thursdays- Carrows
Saturday-El Torito (until 3pm)
Here are some websites I found that offer other suggestions: kidsmealdeals.com , mykidseatfree.com , frugalliving.tv
I realize that most of these are chains but most restaurants do not advertise these specials, so if there are any in your neck of the woods please let us know.
In the past when we have gone out to dinner, we have dropped over $60.00. Sometimes, our children will eat everything on their plates and other times they will eat nothing. A few weeks a go I drove pass a Coco's and saw Kids Eat for Free on Tuesday and Wednesday. We decided to head there. We all had a meal, drinks and to top it off the kids had a dessert. My husband and I shared the one that came with his meal. The bill came to $29.00. I spend at least $20.00 at McDonald's! We received a child's meal free (10 and under) with each paid adult meal. We splurged on desserts (not included in kids meal) for the kids and we still walked out paying half of what we normally do. I say that is a true frugal moment.
I researched some other restaurants that offer this deal and came up with a list and some websites. (Please call ahead to see if the restaurant in your area offers this deal)
Monday-Applebees, Island's, Joselito's (Tujunga, Ca), Fuddrukers (.99 cent meals)
Tuesday-Islands, Norms, Coco's, Denny's, IHop, Pat and Oscars (Los Feliz, Ca), Ruby's, Bulldog's(Santa Clarita, Ca)
Wednesday-Fainforest Cafe (1.99 meals) Carrows, Cocos, Islands
Thursdays- Carrows
Saturday-El Torito (until 3pm)
Here are some websites I found that offer other suggestions: kidsmealdeals.com , mykidseatfree.com , frugalliving.tv
I realize that most of these are chains but most restaurants do not advertise these specials, so if there are any in your neck of the woods please let us know.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Santa Clarita Aquatic Center
Today, Jen and I brought all of the kids to the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center.
Neither of us had ever been there. We didn't even know that we practically passed right by it on our trips to Wal-Mart Supercenter.
We had a blast. It cost $9 for entry for me and my 3 kids ($2 per kid, $3 for me). Well worth the price.
My littlest (3) was asking to go back "real soon" tonight at dinner. We arrived at 12:30 and stayed until 3:30. A bonus, my skin isn't all itchy and my eyes are not bloodshot like they usually are after I visit a public pool. The water must be chemically well maintained .
My oldest (8) was able to pass the swim test and jump off of the high dive in the adjacent pool. made. her. day.
There is a 160 foot water slide (kids need to be 48 inches tall) that is "awesome" according to the kids. A giant wading pool is filled with water activities and a smaller slide that my 3 yr-old must have gone down fifty times.
I know that this will be a frequent destination this summer. It was a last minute trip today so next time we will be able to plan a little better:
Neither of us had ever been there. We didn't even know that we practically passed right by it on our trips to Wal-Mart Supercenter.
We had a blast. It cost $9 for entry for me and my 3 kids ($2 per kid, $3 for me). Well worth the price.
My littlest (3) was asking to go back "real soon" tonight at dinner. We arrived at 12:30 and stayed until 3:30. A bonus, my skin isn't all itchy and my eyes are not bloodshot like they usually are after I visit a public pool. The water must be chemically well maintained .
My oldest (8) was able to pass the swim test and jump off of the high dive in the adjacent pool. made. her. day.
There is a 160 foot water slide (kids need to be 48 inches tall) that is "awesome" according to the kids. A giant wading pool is filled with water activities and a smaller slide that my 3 yr-old must have gone down fifty times.
I know that this will be a frequent destination this summer. It was a last minute trip today so next time we will be able to plan a little better:
- Outside food is not allowed, we will pack a lunch and eat it prior to entering the facility
- There are limited shady areas so maybe we will arrive an hour or so before opening to try to snag a spot at the front of the line (good time to eat lunch)
- It's right around the corner from WalMart Supercenter, so we will do our WalMart shopping after swimming next time to save on gas
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers - WFMW
I've been reading the different Works for Me Wednesday posts for a while now, but this is the first time that I have my own WFMW. Yea!
The special theme this week is "Summer Recipe Edition"
Truth be told, I use this recipe any month of the year because it's SoCal. When is it not time to fire up the grill?
This is a favorite of mine as an appetizer while I'm waiting for everything else to be finished cooking... or just as a snack (frozen margarita optional).
OK, 3 ingredients, easy peasy;
- fresh jalapeno peppers (however many you want)
- cream cheese, flavored(such as chive), or add your own seasoning, or just plain-it's up to you
- bacon
Since this is a blog about frugality, here is my cost breakdown for these 25 (more or less) jalapeno poppers;
peppers, 65 cents
2 packages of cream cheese, $3.98
1 package bacon $3.99
Cheaper than the store-bought version of poppers, and much tastier.
Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator to soften.
Clean the jalapenos by slicing off the top of the pepper and then removing all of the seeds and as much of the ribs as you can without destroying the pepper.
The seeds and ribs contain the and please, do as I say, not as I do, and wear gloves when cleaning the peppers. If you itch your eye, any time in the next 12 hours after cleaning the peppers you will be sorry. I was.
Once the cream cheese is softened, put it into a sturdy zipper bag, snip off one corner and pipe the cream cheese into each pepper.
Now it's time to wrap the bacon around the pepper to seal the cheese in the pepper.
I find it easiest to lay the bacon across the open portion of the pepper, covering the cheese with at least an inch overhang or "tail" of bacon on the end. Then, begin wrapping the bacon around the pepper, covering up the tail end of the bacon and encircling the pepper in bacon.Is your grill preheated? If not, do so, or the bacon will stick and you will just have a mess on your hands.
Place the bacon-wrapped peppers on the grill. it helps to have the loose end of the bacon on the bottom so as it begins cooking it cooks together instead of unraveling. Don't fool around with these too much or they can unravel. Don't be tempted to roll them around constantly. Move them only 2-3 times to get all the sides of bacon nice and crisp. Using tongs, remove them when the bacon is cooked to your liking. Let them sit for a few minutes to cool. Eat. enjoy.
You may notice that I don't have any photos of these cooking, or completed. I can explain.
I usually whip up a small batch of these, say 5-10. This time I made over double that because I was having a lot of guests over for my son's birthday party. (The poppers were for the parents, not the 3 year olds)
I learned a few things:
- Use my regular, center-cut bacon that is less fatty. If the store is out of it, try turkey bacon or something.
- Don't grill more than 5 at a time.
- Bacon contains a LOT of grease
- Grease can produce flames that are over a foot high
- The firefighter at your party may laugh at you
- Always keep water nearby when grilling.
- My BIL's will eat anything (they're bachelors and like home-cooking even if it is flame-grilled)
Sue
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Shoes
My kids needed shoes, bad... all three of them.
That could mean that I could spend several hundred dollars, easily.
A friend of mine has mentioned the Skechers outlet to me in the past, but I had never been there, until today. Since my kids (and I) usually choose Skechers even when there is a huge selection of brands, I figured that the Skechers Outlet would be perfect for us. It was.
TONS of Skechers shoes, all sizes and colors. All on sale... for real sale, not the phony mark up 30% so they can take off 30% later.
I purchased eight pairs of shoes for around $140 including tax. That includes a pair of "school shoes" for each of the girls. Their school has a strict dress code that requires white shoes. Girls sporty shoes that have only white (not pink, not green, not other neon color trim) can be difficult to find. Last year, I paid over $120 for two pair of almost the exact same shoe that the girls chose today.
We went to Skechers USA Warehouse Outlet 27 in Van Nuys, but there are others around Los Angeles.
To make room for the new shoes, I instructed each child to go to their room and return with 4 pairs of shoes that no longer fit, or that they do not wear. We are donating the nearly new and gently worn shoes to Soles4Souls. I see that there is a drop-off nearby. I'm sure there is one near you as well.
Sue
That could mean that I could spend several hundred dollars, easily.
A friend of mine has mentioned the Skechers outlet to me in the past, but I had never been there, until today. Since my kids (and I) usually choose Skechers even when there is a huge selection of brands, I figured that the Skechers Outlet would be perfect for us. It was.
TONS of Skechers shoes, all sizes and colors. All on sale... for real sale, not the phony mark up 30% so they can take off 30% later.
I purchased eight pairs of shoes for around $140 including tax. That includes a pair of "school shoes" for each of the girls. Their school has a strict dress code that requires white shoes. Girls sporty shoes that have only white (not pink, not green, not other neon color trim) can be difficult to find. Last year, I paid over $120 for two pair of almost the exact same shoe that the girls chose today.
We went to Skechers USA Warehouse Outlet 27 in Van Nuys, but there are others around Los Angeles.
To make room for the new shoes, I instructed each child to go to their room and return with 4 pairs of shoes that no longer fit, or that they do not wear. We are donating the nearly new and gently worn shoes to Soles4Souls. I see that there is a drop-off nearby. I'm sure there is one near you as well.
Sue
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Lazy Days of Summer !?!
I find the pressure to have my children involved in after-school activities to be overwhelming. I watch other families and I am just amazed at how over-scheduled their children are. Club soccer, tournament baseball, dance, after-school enrichment classes, piano, guitar, etc. The list can go on and on. It is not that their children do one or two things at a time, sometimes it is all of the above. Their weekends are filled with their children activities.
The summer is worse. I understand working parents need summer camps and other activities to occupy thier children while they are at work but whatever happened to the lazy days of summer. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home and be with my children but there is still that pressure to have my children in these camps. I allowed each of them to pick two camps each. For the rest of the summer, we chose to create our own "camp."
Monday- Library and Park Day (We researched parks we haven't been to and wrote them on sheets of paper and added a few that we really love. Each child got to pick one out of the hat until the Mondays of summer were filled.)
Tuesday-Beach Day
Wednesday-Chore Day/Water Play (We agreed on a few things that we need to get done around the house. i.e clean out their drawers.)
Thursday-Field Trip (We wrote down local places we would like to visit)
Friday- FREE DAY
The best thing is that if there is a day we wake up and we feel like doing nothing-we don't have to! Before I know it, my children (9, 8,6) will not want to spend the summer with me anymore. This time we have with them goes by so fast and I do not want to miss a single moment.
Frugal Activity Tip: The AMC Movie Theatres are offering $1 movies throughout the summer on Wednesday at 10am. Go to their website to find a theatre near you.
http://amcentertainment.com
Jen
The summer is worse. I understand working parents need summer camps and other activities to occupy thier children while they are at work but whatever happened to the lazy days of summer. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home and be with my children but there is still that pressure to have my children in these camps. I allowed each of them to pick two camps each. For the rest of the summer, we chose to create our own "camp."
Monday- Library and Park Day (We researched parks we haven't been to and wrote them on sheets of paper and added a few that we really love. Each child got to pick one out of the hat until the Mondays of summer were filled.)
Tuesday-Beach Day
Wednesday-Chore Day/Water Play (We agreed on a few things that we need to get done around the house. i.e clean out their drawers.)
Thursday-Field Trip (We wrote down local places we would like to visit)
Friday- FREE DAY
The best thing is that if there is a day we wake up and we feel like doing nothing-we don't have to! Before I know it, my children (9, 8,6) will not want to spend the summer with me anymore. This time we have with them goes by so fast and I do not want to miss a single moment.
Frugal Activity Tip: The AMC Movie Theatres are offering $1 movies throughout the summer on Wednesday at 10am. Go to their website to find a theatre near you.
http://amcentertainment.com
Jen
Friday, June 19, 2009
Free Parenting Programs
I was standing in line at the market, my 6-month-old first-born child in the Bjorn on my chest, and a nice lady in line mentioned Glendale College’s Parent Ed program to me. I had never heard of it. She said how she had participated in the program with all of her now grown children.
I looked into it. By now, I have taken many of the classes, from infant to 3-4 year old, and they are great. Not to mention, that they are free. Yes, FREE.
The classes usually begin with playtime for the children, then story time or music time, arts and crafts, class snack and parent discussion. Parent discussion can be anything from potty training to choosing a preschool. Classes are usually 2-3 hours long and meet once a week.
I am most familiar with the classes at Glendale College, but I know moms that have attended a similar program at Pasadena City College. Check your local college to see if one is available in your area. Ask is they have a parent education program.
Many of the classes fill quickly. I was on the waiting list for a while when I first inquired, but I did eventually find a spot.
If you are new to the area, it is a great way to meet other parents and playmates. I have met great friends that would have never met without attending GCC.
Sue
I looked into it. By now, I have taken many of the classes, from infant to 3-4 year old, and they are great. Not to mention, that they are free. Yes, FREE.
The classes usually begin with playtime for the children, then story time or music time, arts and crafts, class snack and parent discussion. Parent discussion can be anything from potty training to choosing a preschool. Classes are usually 2-3 hours long and meet once a week.
I am most familiar with the classes at Glendale College, but I know moms that have attended a similar program at Pasadena City College. Check your local college to see if one is available in your area. Ask is they have a parent education program.
Many of the classes fill quickly. I was on the waiting list for a while when I first inquired, but I did eventually find a spot.
If you are new to the area, it is a great way to meet other parents and playmates. I have met great friends that would have never met without attending GCC.
Sue
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Post One
This blog is a work in progress.
We will add the following information soon;
Stay Tuned!!
Jen and Sue
We will add the following information soon;
- Cheap or free things to keep your kids busy and have fun in the summer in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, San Fernando valley, etc.,
- How to keep your food budget under control without sacrificing taste
- Where to shop in Los Angeles for food, children's clothing, etc.,
- Links to sites that will help you in your frugal journey.
Stay Tuned!!
Jen and Sue
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