Bloggy Giveaway - 24/7 MOMS Tote

WIN: The 24/7 MOMS Live Bloggy Giveaway is the 24/7 MOMS Lime Green Tote bag. To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below and you will be signed up for today's giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list (if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber). Winner will be chosen on June 12th.

The Invitation Never Arrived

His eyes welled up, he bit his lip, I could see the disappointment on his face. For the last 3 weeks my son Caleb has arrived home daily from school telling us about an upcoming Birthday party he was going to attend. This Birthday was not just any ones birthday party it was a classmate that Caleb values and Calls his Best Friend.

Let me back up and tell you a bit about Caleb. He would be the child that other moms and even children might consider awkward, odd, disconnected or even uncool. To us he is PERFECT. No, I'm not in denial he is our puzzle child and we have spent many hours and dollars trying to figure out the pieces to our 9 year old puzzle. I have had to learn the definitions of words and acronyms such as Encephalopathy, IEP, NOS, dyssymbolia, bihemispheric dysfunction, EEG, and a slew of other words that I never desired to learn. I have days I think it would be easier to have had a child with a physical handicap so people could SEE why he is who he is.

Not only have I received the unwanted education of medical and other terms, I have also come to the realization that not everyone will accept, love and be as compassionate towards my puzzle as I am. Then there are those Mom emotions that I used to be able to control; until my puzzle arrived into my world and I had to witness my little boys eyes welling up and the biting of his lip. Today was one of those days.

Today we were on a school field trip when Caleb received the news that he was not invited to the PARTY he had been anticipating for the past 3 weeks. You might be thinking yep and life is not fair. But to Caleb this party was HUGE.

So, how do you explain to a 9 year old little boy that life is not always fair even if your friend told you all about his upcoming party and that you would be invited only to discover the reality is that the Invitation will never arrive? How do you handle standing by watching your child experience rejection? Experience the feeling of being left out?

Now, before you start sending me your comments about how he needs to buck up and move on, it was just a birthday party. Let me remind you that this is a little boy who usually doesn't even realize life is not always fair because he just basically does not get IT. He never noticed that the Boy Scout Master forgot to race his pine wood derby car, it does not phase him one bit to sit alone eating his lunch or walking the playground alone but TODAY that is not the case... Today he got IT. He felt the pain of rejection, the pain of disappointment and being left out. And I realized today this is just the FIRST of many more days ahead of the invitation not arriving and Caleb getting IT.

So, what has this mom learned through her little puzzle?

- To be an advocate for Children who just don’t fit the mold. The puzzle children as I like to call them.

-To not judge a mom by her child's melt down moments. Maybe he too is a puzzle and the mom is doing the best job she can.

-To remember to show compassion to EVERY child. God made every piece of their puzzle.

-That every journey in motherhood is different. So, be accepting of others and their journey.

-And as my friend Nancy says - There are plenty of tears ahead with raising kids
especially our puzzle children.

Favorite 7 - Things To Keep In Your Car

MOM Tip: 7 of my favorite things to keep in my car.
1. Blanket
2. Water Bottles
3. Snacks
4. Wet Wipes /Hand Sanitizer
5. Flashlight
6. Plastic bags
7. Activity box for kids/ MOM Bag with book, magazines.

What is your Favorite thing to keep in your car?

24/7 MOMS LIVE Web Cast - New Day New Time

24/7 MOMS Live web show will host more Live MOMversation, Giveaways and Tip Talk along with the new AFTER the show real MOM chatting. Beginning June 2nd right here at www.247moms.com

New Day - TUESDAYS

New Time - 7:00pm PST

Get the MOM Chatter going and Tweet us, Face Book us and Text 24/7 MOMS to all your MOM friends to join us on June 2nd 7:00pm PST for more of 24/7 MOMS Live.


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Potty Training with the Potty Tots - WIN Your Own Kit

Real MOM Review by : Nancy Peterson

The Potty Tots training kit consists of a storybook, animated DVD with bonus music videos, step-by-step illustrated potty chart, progress and rewards game. It features a group of ethnically diverse characters so any child could pick a character and relate.

On their web site You can find a "Parent's Page" with FAQ section, online newsletter and a Parent's Blog, as well as a "Just for Tots" page where you can meet the Potty Tots and have fun while learning about potty training.

My children (all five of them) loved watching the DVD. The only thing that struck me as odd was the child was being taught in a preschool setting and no mom is mentioned. (Preschool teacher- this is a definite one for you.)

The songs are fun and the chart extremely helpful. I am reminding my "big" kids step five-
FLUSH. We have a phantom potty user in our house.

I'll let you know in a few weeks if the Peterson's are finally out of diaper. After 12 year that would be a huge blessing!

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Potty Tots are giving away one Potty Training Kit. To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below and you will be signed up for today's giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list (if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber). Winner will be chosen on June 15th, 2009.

Deal Of The Day - JC Penney $10.00 Off

Deal of the Day: JC Penney is offering $10.00 off a single purchase of $25.00 or more. Coupon good May 28, 2009 - June 2, 2009. Click here to get your printable coupon http://tinyurl.com/mckxm8

Go Ask the MOM? Summer Ideas

Go Ask the MOM? - Hey moms we know you have TONS of ideas. 24/ 7 MOMS is creating 100 days of SUMMER fun to launch on June 14th.

We want YOUR real MOM ideas for SIMPLE summer fun with your kids.

Email your Summer Fun ideas to us at trisha@247moms.com

MOM Tip: Rosie's Five Tips for Catching Up to Your Internet Savvy Kids

MOM Tip:
Feeling a little "behind" when it comes to the Internet? Is your sixth grade daughter also doubling as your personal tech support? Your kids may be of the Facebook generation but not to worry, you can still catch the train. Get on board now because the train is a fast moving one! Here are five tips to help you get started...

Tip One: Get on Facebook even if your child is too young (less than 13 years old) to be on it. It is a communication site unlike anything you've ever seen. Besides reconnecting or "friending" others, it is a way to share pictures, communicate and have fun. Once reserved for college aged students, it is now expanding across generations. If you have a teenager, it is likely that they have a Facebook or some other type of social networking account. After you've established yourself:

Learn the lingo. A friend of mine couldn't understand why his teenage daughter was so upset after she had been "tagged" on Facebook. Did someone catch her he wondered? He didn't know what being "tagged" meant and it was only days later that he learned an unflattering picture of her had been identified and was seen by many.

Know the privacy settings. While nothing on Facebook is truly private, it is important to understand how the settings work. I keep my privacy settings high meaning only my friends (people I've approved) can view my information.


Tip Two: Know how to do a good Internet search. If your child is interested in learning about something or needs to do research for a school project, the Internet is often the first (and sometimes the only) stop. Learning how to do a good search can help get to the right sites quickly. Hint: using quotation marks and symbols are a must.

Tip Three: The movie screen has shrunk - to less than 3 inches on a web enabled device like an iphone or blackberry. YouTube has allowed anyone to be a movie maker. Movies of all kinds are constantly uploaded to YouTube. Easy to use recording devices have made uploading to YouTube fairly simple and straightforward. Take a spin on YouTube and see what your kids may be watching. Then, once you figure it out ask if they have a favorite channel or what they like to watch.

Tip Four: Communication has gone high tech. Sure, the best communication is still done face to face but other communication techniques are widely used. Standard phone calls and even email are being replaced by Internet video calling and text messaging. Many people use a tiny keypad to send text messages but if I'm at my computer, I'll use that instead since it is free and not as tedious.

Tip Five: Find your music online. The days of buying a CD are winding down and chances are pretty high that your child doesn't even consider buying a CD when they want to listen to music. Pandora is a hit with young and old - essentially a internet radio station you customize. iTunes is a favorite for many wishing to download music and makes a great gift for someone of the Facebook generation.

Today's Guest Blogger was Rosemary Blandford, CEO and Founder of RosieKnows.com be sure to stop by her site and surf all her great Internet resources.

Tyson Simplified my Meal plan - WIN Dinner for your family

CRAZY and BUSY are the two words that best define the last few weeks of my life with a full family schedule along with traveling the last 3 weekends the last thing I want to think about is WHAT'S for Dinner? Why Can't it just magically appear on my kitchen table at 5:30pm ready for my family to sit down and eat? OK, so that is this MOMS dream right now - "Please simplify my meal planning."

Then the email arrived from Tyson foods asking me to check out their Heat "N' Eat Dinner Meals I jumped at the opportunity, I thought at least it would simplify my meal planning and you know how I enjoy trying new things to share with the 24/7 MOMS that simplify our MOM world.

We tried out the Beef Tips in gravy meal. I served it over egg noodles along with steamed carrots, green salad and watermelon balls. SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE is the best way to describe our meal that night. My family enjoyed the yummy new Tyson meal and are definitely ready to try another flavor. Next on the menu for us is Beef Steak tips in burgundy sauce . I will be trying out the New quick recipe idea from Robin in the below video.

As a busy working mom, Robin Miller knows the challenges many time-starved parents face when trying to get a quick and nutritious meal on the table each night.
So, Robin has been working on some fantastic recipe demo videos that show how to make, quick, easy and delicious meals using these new Tyson Heat ‘N Eat Dinner Meats varieties.

Robin makes amazing entrees, like a Brisket Caprese Salad, Cuban Pulled Pork Panini Sandwiches and Angel Hair Pesto with Beef Steak Tips. Simple step-by-step videos to put together delicious meals in a snap, which is what every busy mommy needs!

Angel Hair Pesto with Beef Steak Tips in Burgundy:

Tyson refrigerated dinner meats are made with high quality Tyson chicken, beef, and pork that is perfectly seasoned and slow cooked, ready to heat in the microwave or oven. They come in a variety of flavors. Check our the entire selection on the Tyson web site.

End Result - Tyson Heat 'N' Eat Dinner Meals get my 24/7 MOMS stamp of approval.


WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Tyson are giving away FREEbie coupons good for one FREE Tyson Heat"N" Eat entree to 4 moms. To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below and you will be signed up for today's giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list (if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber). Winner will be chosen on June 15th, 2009.

Deal of the Day - Qdoba FREEbies

Deal of the Day: Get a FREEbie voucher for an order of Qdoba chips and Salsa when you join the Qdoba e-Club. It's free to join. Plus, you can look forward to a big surprise on your birthday. (Hint: It's fast, fresh and made right in front of you.) along with cool stuff like exclusive discounts, invitations to special event parties, and, of course, free Qdoba food.

Click here to join Qdoba e-Club today.

Favorite 7 - Summer Shoe Tips

Being a Mom is a full time job, so who has time for fashion..right! Wrong! You can be a Mom and still show the "Fashionista" inside of you. "Fashionable, yet functional" is the phrase that busy Moms like to hear. So, here are (7) Fashion Tips that will keep your feet "en vogue" this Summer:

1. Flats are back! Invest in a great pair of flats this spring. But not just any pair, pick one in a fun spring color like PANTONE(r)'s color of the year "Mimosa." Flats are fashionable and can be found almost anywhere for as low as $16.99 a pair!

2. Nude is the new black! Invest in a pair of nude colored shoes for spring and summer and you'll be right on trend. Also, if you chose the right pair, they can be worn year-round, which can be a huge cost savings when it comes to investing in shoes.

3. Comfortable but cute. "Born" shoes have been re-invented this spring. They are not only ultra comfortable, but now come with feminine flowers and even dainty jewels! These are the best when it comes to "fashionable yet functional" footwear.

4. Be "fashionably clad..." Pick up a great pair of "Glads." Gladiators sandals are HOT, HOT, HOT this spring. They are back again this year and are guaranteed to be one of the season's biggest fashion trends. Most glads are flat or have very low heels, so they will provide a comfortable fit as well as keep you in style.

5. Invest in a great pair of black and white sandals. They are classic and can be worn with almost any color combination. Test it out and see for yourself.

6. Pamper those "Pinkies!" Busy Moms sometime feel that they do not have time for themselves. Don't forget to put yourself on the "to-do list" and make time to get a pedicure. Pedis take care of your feet and are very relaxing! Best of all, some salons charge as little as $25.00!

7. Last but not least, choose wisely and take care of your shoes! Invest in a good leather moisturizer for your leather shoes, a suede brush, fabric protector and shoe trees! These 4 little items will lengthen the life of your shoes and keep them looking like new!

So there you go, girls! News you can use from the ShuAddikt Style Team. Check out www.ShuAddikt.com for more helpful hints, fashion news and a great selection of spring and summer must-haves!

Write the NEXT necco Sweethearts Message

Do you have childhood memories of digging through your box of necco Sweethearts, to read each and every message printed on them? Have you ever thought of the perfect saying that necco should print on their Sweethearts? Now is your chance.

If you could write the Sweethearts® messages, what would you say?

Now it's your turn! necco is seeking 80 new sayings for their next Valentine's Day Sweethearts. Create your own sweet sayings before May 31, and you could win a run of customized hearts worth $8,000 or other great prizes.

Enter today at : www.mysweethearts.com

Deal of the Day - Arby's Weekly Deals

Deal of the Day:
Each Wednesday Arby's is giving away free food or drinks at participating locations. No Coupons needed.

May 27th - Free Regular Roast Beef sandwich with any soft drink purchase.

June 3rd - Free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase.
June 10th - Free Roast Chicken club with any soft drink purchase.
June 17th - Free Regular Sidekicker with any sandwich purchase.
June 24th - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase.

July 1st - Free Regular Beef ‘n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase.
July 8th - Free Orange Cream Swirl shake with any sandwich purchase.
July 15th - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase.
July 22nd - Free Roastburger with any soft drink purchase.
July 29th - Free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase.

August 5th - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase.
August 12th - Free Roast Chicken Club with any soft drink purchase.
August 19th - Free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase.
August 26th - Free Regular Beef ‘n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase.

Share your Deal of the Day with us.

Free Camp APPLE - Mac Workshops for kids

SUMMER FUN: This could be the best summer yet. Fun, Free APPLE summer workshops where kids learn how to make great stuff on a mac.

This summer, your kid could make a movie, create a photo slide show, write and record a song, put on a show for everyone, and have a blast doing it all. At Apple Camp, kids learn how to do cool stuff on a Mac and discover their hidden talents along the way. Apple Camp occurs at selected Apple Retail Store, and each free workshop lasts three hours.* Sign up your kid today and get ready for an adventure.

Get the full workshop details and registration information by clicking here.

MOM Tip - Chalk it up kindness week

MOM Tip: Teaching random acts of kindness to your kids with fun.

Head outside with your kids and chalk it up with a random act of kindness this week by drawing a picture or writing a kind message for a relative or friend in front of their home, parked car or sidewalk. Write or draw happy faces, encouraging words, personal messages or other inspiring words and pictures. Who knows maybe you will start a new trend in your city.

This MOM tip was found in the May/June Kiwi Magazine.

I MOM Dare you - Frigidaire's Daily Dare

I Mom Dare you to take the Frigidaire Daily Dare for your chance to WIN Frigidaire's NEW Affinity front-load washer and dryer.

2 weeks and the truck arrives with the Novotny's new RED Affinity front-load washer and dryer and I can't wait to begin saving time when it comes to doing the laundry. Stay tuned for the arrival and review of our new Frigidaire appliances.

So, do you accept my MOM Dare? click here to accept the dare.

The Skinny Cow Giveaway

Have you discovered THE SKINNY COW? Rich, Creamy and Low Fat are the words that explain these YUMMY frozen snacks. The Novotny's are hooked on The Skinny Cow Ice Cream sandwiches that come in vanilla, chocolate, mint, cookies 'N cream, chocolate peanut butter and strawberry shortcake. My personal favorite is mint. These yummy treats are only 140 - 150 calories each.

Thanks to Mom Central asking me to review The Skinny Cow I was able to bring along The Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches on our camping trip this past weekend as they make the perfect after dinner desert or cool treat during the heat of the day. The best deal I have found on them is at my local Costco so if you are a Costco shopper check your frozen section for the COSTCO size box of The Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches.

Check out The Skinny Cow website to read about their other great frozen treats and sign-up for their E-news letter to get money saving offers in the future.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS is giving away ONE freebie coupon so you can try out The Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches and taste for your self these amazing yummy treats. To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below and you will be signed up for today's giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list (if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber). Winner will be chosen on May 31st, 2009.

Making Life Better MOM Tip

MOM TIP: Making Life Better is the brand new web site created by Unilever full of great articles and tips on topics such as health, beauty, style and recipes.

Today I discovered on the Making Life Better site great articles on "The Top Fashion Don'ts" , "6 Fun Outings for Kids" , along with whole list of " Favorite Casual Cook Out Recipes" and I even signed up to be on their E-list so I can stay in the Making Life Better know. Check it out.

The coolest thing I discovered are their You Tube how to videos with the Kitchen Coach.

Mom Central recently asked me to try out some of Unilever's great products which included Ragu Old World Sauce, Lipton Recipe Secrets, Beyer's Ice Cream, Knorr Sides, Country Crock and Best Foods all of which were not only quality foods but assisted in creating simple meals for my family.

Stop by the new Making Life Better site and find great stuff for us MOMS as we travel the Mom journey.

Summer Time Fun for $1.00 or less ( Almost FREE)

Looking for Free or almost Free things to do with your kids this Summer? Try one or two of these FUN kid friendly ideas.

Free Movies at Regal cinemas Family Fun festival
$1.00 Movies at AMC Movies – Summer Movie Camp
Kids Bowl Free all summer long www.kidsbowlfree.com
Attend local art festivals
Attend local farmers markets
Go to the local sprinkler park
Visit your local parks – take along a pic-nic
Visit your local school playgrounds
Attend Free Concerts in your local parks
Attend Free Movie nights in your local parks
Camp out in your backyard under the stars or in a tent
Go berry picking
Go Beach combing on low tide
Take a Bike Ride in your neighborhood or local public bike trails
Go to the Library and check out books and DVD’s
Take a day hike – local trails
Host a Backyard water fun day – Sprinklers, slip-n-slide, kiddie pool
Make BOX forts in the backyard out of appliance boxes
Go Letterboxing www.letterboxing.org
Geocaching www.geocaching.com
Have a Backyard campfire – make s’mores
Go Feed the ducks at a local pond
Go to a Fast food restaurant ( Mc Donald’s) for an Ice Cream or French Fries
Visit your local Pet Store
Have Water gun fights
Bubble blowing
Create Chalk drawings outside
Create an outdoor treasure/scavenger hunt
Host a neighborhood Backyard Olympics
Create crafts with things from around the house.
Have Theme days: Cowboy day, serve BBQ lunch; Circus day; Backwards or Beach day
Hold a neighborhood talent show
Let your Finger paint with pudding
Go Fly kites
Have a garage sale
Paint faces
Make homemade Popsicles, snow cones or ice cream.
Bake some yummy treats.

Krispy Kreme 99 cents a Dozen

Dozen Deal of the Day - On May 23rd stop into a participating Krispy Kreme Donut store and pick up a dozen original glazed doughnuts for .99 cents. Limit 1 Dozen per customer.
( Call ahead to be sure your local Krispy Kreme is participating)

$1.00 Old Navy Flip Flops

Deal of the Day - Old Navy kids and adults Flip Flops will be $1.00 on May 23, 2009. Limited to 6 pairs per person. HURRY and grab your favorite colors they will go FAST.

From the Bump to the Tot Mommy Dinner

Calling all Southern California MOMS -

Are you pregnant or a new Mommy and looking for the new Hot or Best stroller or maybe you want to know the safest car seat? Are you overwhelmed with all the choices of baby products and have NO idea which product is best for you and the safest for you baby? Is your toddler still playing with an infant toy?

The Mommy Dinner will put all of the Hottest, Safest, & Best Baby & Toddler products together for you and also give you the info on why they are the best, over a Yummy Dinner. Oh, and I forgot to mention a chance to have dinner with some celebrity mommies.

Jayneoni Moore presents to you;

From the Bump to the Tot Mommy Dinner

A presentation of the best baby & toddler products over a delicious dinner for expectant mommies and new mommies.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 7:30pm - 9:00pm
at Giggles n Hugs, Los Angeles, CA

Hosted By Celebrity Nursery Designer & Baby Lifestyle Expert Jayneoni Moore with special guest host Celebrity Mommy & Actress Ali Landry.

Showcasing everything from the perfect bottle, to strollers to car seats to toys to high chairs and everything in between.

Looking for the new must have baby item, or trying to find the safest products for your baby or the right toy for a toddler?

This is a dinner every mommy should attend!.

Every Mommy attending the dinner will leave with one of the products from the presentation and an overflowing baby gift bag valued over $200.00

click here for additional details tickets Breakfast Club Mommies

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Jayneoni Moore are giving away ONE ticket to this AMAZING Mommy Dinner. To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below and you will be signed up for today's giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list (if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber). Winner will be chosen on May 25th using random.org.

10 TIPS for Celebrating the End of the School Year

Why not kick off the summer with FUN? 10 TIPS to help you be the COOL summer mom.


1. Bus Stop Celebrations
Greet with a balloon
Greet with a Popsicle
Create a large banner and allow kids to run through sign.

2. Mom and Me
Take your daughters for Pedicures
Take kids out for ice cream either right after school or dinner
Go shopping for swim suits or even flip flops/sandals
Go out for a movie, or putt putt golf
SURPRISE – treat them each year to a fun “school’s out” activity. Give them clues before leaving home. (I.E.-Movie, putt golf, local activity part, laser tag, Chuckie Cheese) Change up each year for an added surprise, invite friends.

3. Kick off the Summer Party
Host a neighborhood or friend party (send out summer themed invites such as on beach balls or message in a bottle)
Water gun fight and balloons
Rent a jumpy house and serve simple food
Outdoor treasure hunt
Musical beach blankets
Limbo
Watermelon eating contest'


4. Give “Celebration” Gifts (stuff you will buy anyways)
Reusable water bottle for summer
Flip flops
Sunglasses, sunscreen or lipstick with spf 15 or higher
Gift card to McDonalds or bookstore
Spa kits for DIY night ( Do It Yourself)
Bubbles for younger ones or sidewalk chalk.

5. Picnic Celebration
Have a picnic at your kids’ school on the play grounds
Picnic at local park
If all else fails –picnic in the backyard

6. HOME SWEET HOME
Have graduation theme music playing when they arrive home
Make a sign that says welcome home (grader); put the grade they will be entering in the fall
Family MOVIE night- bring TV outside and have a home “drive in”
Sleepover outside under the stars.


7. Summer Reading Fun
Take kids to library check out books for free
Go to half price books or thrift store to purchase used books
Take kids to local bookstore and purchase a NEW summer reading book
Don’t forget magazines, comic books or crossword puzzles for FUN reads.

8. Special Eats/Treats
Special Breakfast in the AM smoothies etc
Make homemade ice cream or Popsicles
Eat “grad hats”- mini peanut butter cup, top with chocolate graham cracker and add fruit leather as tassel
Make favorite summer lunch/dinner (hot dogs, hamburgers and s’mores)
Special dinner - decorate table (celebration style) and serve special dessert
Serve chocolate dipped strawberries, fresh fruit salad or fruit kabobs
Bake favorite cookies and serve fresh out of the oven.

9. Backyard Surprise
Create SPA experience, lounge chairs, water with lemons
Set up badminton, crochet or other favorite outdoor game
Set up slip and slide, squirt guns or water experience
Decorate party style with balloons, streamers and cake
Reorganize the backyard with new outdoor toys (check thrift stores).

10. Morning After- celebrate the first day off from school
PJ day- stay in jammies all day
Eat sugary cereal
Throw or put away all items that resemble school (papers, lunch boxes, school clothes)
Go out for a morning breakfast or brunch
Drag out summer clothes
Rearrange bedroom- give it a new feel
Celebrate “extended bedtime” (I.E. move bedtime 15 mins. to 1 hour).


These Tips are from the 24/7 MOMS Live weekly TIP TALK

What are you doing to celebrate the end of the school year with your children? Share your ideas with us.

BOGO Wendy's Frosty

Deal of the Day - BOGO Wendy's Frosty. Sign-up to get a coupon for a BOGO ( buy one get one free) Wendy's Frosty.

Summer Fun Staycations

Last summer the vacation buzz word became “Staycations” probably due to sky-rocketed gasoline prices. We were all trying to figure out how to vacation with out all those traveling expenses. Today our economy is still affecting our travel plans and once again this summer many of us are planning Staycations, Daycations or Backyardcations. It’s a way to still “vacation” yet not break the pocket book.


There are TWO types of Staycations:
1. Daycations - When we take day trips to local tourist attractions and events.

2 .Backyardcations - When we physically stay home and do FUN things right in our own backyards and homes as a family.

Steps to planning fun filled Staycations:

1. Gather and List: The first thing to do is make a list of the LOCAL places you can visit. Gather local activities ideas and events, check out local tourist books from the library, collect magazine articles, search the Internet, stop by your local chamber of commerce and pick up visitors guides. Don’t forget to ask your children and husband thoughts and ideas for their Staycation. (I.E.- places to see, activities to do, etc.)
2. Make a Plan: Now take a empty calendar for June/July and August and begin filling in (don’t for get to look and see what else you have already on your calendars). Write in all the events and things you want to attend. Remember you are in control of your calendar. Summer should be relaxing and fun. Not stressful.
3. Take Action: Now you have come up with the ideas, you have scheduled them in its time to take action on them-
Get Organized
Make your reservations
Buy tickets if needed
Make a shopping list for items needed
Plan a time to shop
4. ENJOY: We are making family memories to last a life time…. Sit back and enjoy your planned summer and remember summer is time for a break…unhurried schedules…time to relax and enjoy watching your children, play for those endless hours.

Daycation Ideas:

Visit local Parks. How about a picnic or a scavenger hunt while you are there.
Zoo, Aquarium or local Farms
Bowling
Putt Putt Golf
Imax or outdoor movie or drive in www.driveinmovie.com
Bicycling, Ice Skating, roller skating or roller blading
Plan a day hike
Explore The CITY - which ever large city is near you
Children’s Museum and/or Museums
Visit state parks - Find a state park (here's a list of all U.S. state parks http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_parks) with a lake and beach.
Swimming at local indoor or outdoor pool
Beach -check on low tide day
Letterboxing - Try letterboxing http://www.letterboxing.org/. If you've got a rubber stamp and a sense of adventure, follow clues to a secret treasure box, and leave your mark
Geocaching - Grab your handheld GPS and go Geocaching http://www.geocaching.com/. Using your GPS, follow the signal to a hidden cache, where you leave a trinket and take a trinket.
Farmers Markets, swap meets or garage sales
Historical sites
Pick Berries
Fishing
Attend Baseball games - minor leagues www.minorleaguebaseball.com.

Backyardcation Ideas:

Use national celebrations
June 27th...is Happy Birthday Song Day….Celebrate with cupcakes
July 3rd National Hot Dog Day. Serve hot dogs
Aug 7th National Smile week…but new toothbrushes
Turn your home/backyard into a spa.
Plant a garden…even in a pot
Buy kiddie pool, above the ground pool, slip and slide and/or sprinkler
Art Day- bring out the water colors, paint and paper.
Create a “water play” area with plastic tub of water
Make Bubbles
Make Playdoh
Finger paint with pudding
Chalk your neighborhood streets
Water Games (fill the bucket or don’t spill the glass), water balloon toss
Start a club…craft, cooking, game, book….American Girl
Tea Party
Make homemade Ice cream or Popsicles
Paint faces
Paint Nails
Paint sidewalk (with water, chalk or water colors)
Read books Do activities along with reading …read stone soup/make soup
Do Nothing DAY
Treasure Hunt
Make a fort
Sleep under the stars, camp in your own yard
Family indoor slumber party
Pitch a tent in the backyard (Don't forget the S'mores)
Fly kites
Bike Parade
Theme days: Cowboy Day, dress up for BBQ lunch /Beach Day- play beach music, lather up and soak in the sun? Pirate Day, etc.
Circus in the backyard
Plan a TV/movie night.
Have a talent show or play don’t forget to video tape
Invite Friends over for a pizza/movie night
Host a Backyard Olympics
Have a field day. Rediscover freeze tag, red rover, and other games
Organize a block party. Host a neighborhood get-together and create lasting friendships -- all within a few steps from your own front door.
Throw a Hawaiian luau- complete with invitation, decoration, and recipe ideas.

Whether you Daycation or just Backyardcation, don’t let money get in the way of creating a family bond and family memories. All it takes is a little planning on our part to make summer FUN! Let the games begin!

Do you have a FUN Daycation or Backyardcation idea? Share it with us here at 24/7 MOMS.

TAKE 7 - The 24/7 Challenge

7 Things to TEACH your Kids this Summer
As Talked about on 24/7 MOMS Live

All those things we don’t seem to have time teach our kids during the school year.

1. TEACH Generosity - Watch neighbor’s pet, offer to water lawns, deliver cookies or dinner to someone in need, offer to mow neighbor’s grass…

2. TEACH Independence- Tie shoes, potty training, riding a bike, expand boundaries; take a babysitting course, Drivers Education.

3. TEACH Practical Life Skills- Learn to cook/ clean/ sew (sewing on a button), gardening, open a checking account.


4. TEACH Responsibility- Learn to pick up after themselves, create homes for belongings, give weekly responsibilities to help things run smoothly-laundry, cooking dinner, cleaning up backyard/bedroom.

5. TEACH Family Values- Implement a Family Night, game night or devotional night as a family.

6. TEACH Fun- do the unexpected, ice cream for lunch or dinner or backwards dinner- dessert first then main meal, flashlight tag, play practical trick-rearrange bedrooms, or do something fun together -take a pottery painting class, learn to bowl, take tennis lessons together, go on a girls’ day out or date your sons.

7. TEACH to the Imagination- schedule uninterrupted play….one day without TV, games, electronic devices… bring out the paper, colored pencils, paint. Prepare a dress up box. Read a book together about pirates or Christopher Columbia and sail away on a boat…the sky is the limit, create a high school memory book, or learn a new craft- knitting or beading.

What do you want to TEACH your child this summer?

Deal of The Day - Quiznos

Deal of the Day: Have you tried the NEW Quiznos Torpedo's? They are EXTREME YUMMY in my opinion and what a deal only $4.

Join the Quiznos Q Club and get Quiznos updated and access to coupons.

Click here to join.

FREEbie Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs

FREEbie Of The Day: On Wednesday May 20 , 2009 - from 9:00am EST to midnight Oscar Meyer is giving away coupons for FREE beef hot dogs on their web site. Click here to get your FREEbie hot dogs.

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“Garage Sale-ing” Rules and Tips for the Money-Saving Weekend Sport

“Garage Sale-ing” Rules and Tips for the Money-Saving Weekend Sport:
By: Amy Hannold, of SavingCentsEveryday.com

You see the signs and if you know the game, you follow them. This is a sport like any other. It requires speed, knowledge, determination and – cash?? Termed “Garage Sale-ing”, as it is known to seasoned competitors, it adequately defines this game of buying and selling. Like any other sport, those who are successful veterans arrive prepared each week and usually walk away as winners. You can see them around 2pm on Saturday, a little spring in their step and grinning as they head home with their scores of great deals. How do they do it week after week – and just what are the rules of this (usually) non-contact sport? Let’s take a look at what the great sale-rs know.

One: Fuel Up: You’ve heard that “Early to bed, early to rise…” saying. With garage sale-ing, it’s a must. The night before is crucial for vehicle and physical preparation. Making sure that all of your gauges are on “F” for full will ensure you an edge on beating out the competition at the first sales. For proper pre-game fueling, fill the car, set out breakfast, pack snacks, a lunch if desired and get to bed early.

Two: In God We Trust: This means carry cash and coin. Exact change speeds up the payment process and enables you to better present your final offer. How can you offer only $5 for a $7 item when you’ve just flashed them a ten or twenty? Cash is good; checks are time consuming and increasingly unaccepted.

Three: Mind Your Manners: Garage sale-ing is as much of a social affair as it is a sport. Remember those out there are often people you will see again, long past the possible score of a great deal. Good manners and sportsmanship go along way toward netting you not only new treasures, but new friends as well. Be respectful of others’ belongings. Listen politely to them about their prized possessions (and how much they can’t bear to part with them…”. Make an offer that is reasonable, leaving room for their inevitable rebuttal. If you are a prepared, cash-carrying competitor, you’ll win the deals. Fighting over plates or digging through someone else’s stash of finds won’t earn you any points with your fellow sale-rs (neighbors).

Four: Love Thy Neighbors: Those would include the neighbors of those who are holding the sale. Be patient and courteous with long, narrow driveways. Be mindful of whose lawn you may be parking on. Respect the property of others! Even if it means walking the extra steps up the driveway, instead of across the driveway, do go the extra mile. Neighbors also include our honorable mail carriers. Please do not park in front of mailboxes. After the sale is over, whomever you are buying from will appreciate a peaceful rest from their undisturbed neighbors.
Five: Map Your Course: I have to hand it to my Dad here. He’s a seasoned sale-r (sailor) through both the high seas and the garage sale-ing game. Dad knows how to map a route and he’s got his map book in the car. (Great maps can be found in your local phone directories or by contacting your chamber of commerce). Dad numbers the sales by time and location (or sometimes by items listed in the ad he’s particularly interested in). Charting a course before you set off saves you time and prepares you mentally for the game ahead. When you know where you’re going, you can get there faster.

Six: Networking, Networking, Networking: Though this “hobby” may be seen as a sport to some, it really is about people helping people. With this in mind, exchange information with those you see regularly out on the trail. Get to know the folks and let them know what you are looking for. While you are seeking the deals, seek information about what the other sales are like today or about an unknown address. Networking pays here- you may even find your next job, home or best friend while garage sale-ing.

Seven: Know your goals, Seek your Goals (or “Look Quick, Grab Fast!)”:. There are sale-rs out there who are very quick on the draw! Some write lists, some take orders and others are seeking specific things (bookworms, antique collectors, handymen, ebay-ers, ect). Do your homework. When you see something you like, grab it fast! Items move very fast and so should you! By knowing what you’re looking for, you know whether a sale is for you – or whether you should cruise on down to the next one.

Garage sale-ing, whether for sport or for keeping the cost of living within a reasonable budget, is great fun—and adventure. Once you’ve been out there, seeking the treasures and finding great deals, it can become addictive. Garage sale-ing fits in well with the rising popularity of living simple and recycling. Many local organizations also, hold great sales, as fundraising events.

My hometown is home to the best garage sales seen in our region—and your community may be as well. Our neighbors hold the best sales—and the best stuff. The sale-ing folks believe that perhaps nothing new comes onto our island, we just move it from house to house, from year to year. This can be illustrated by the reappearance of my own highchair, coming back into my family just in time for my son’s use – 15 years after my parents sold it at their garage sale. There are many other stories like ours. Many happy reunions of old things once owned, super deals made and neighbors met when someone else’s discards become someone else’s treasure.

Share your Garage Sale-ing Tips