Ocean In a Bottle Craft - Summer Bucket List Fun

This is a quick and simple craft you can add to your Summer Bucket list of fun things to do with your kids this summer.  We found easy to follow instructions over at Dealicious Mom.  Click here to go there now.

Free 4th Of July Celebration Printables

 

4th of July Kid Printable games

These Kaboose has a whole list of FUN 4th of July kid games and printables.  Click here to visit Kaboose now.


 



4th of July Snack Cups

These would make perfect cups for kids to fill with their snacks during 4th of July celebrations.  Print and stack a pile next to your chips and snacks on your buffet table.  Skip to my lou created these festive snack cups.  Click here to print yours.

4th of July Art for framing
Landee See, Landee Do create this free 4th of July printable that is perfect for framing and adding to your patriotic decorating.  Click here to get your FREE printable.

4th of July Bingo
Play a fun game of 4th of July Bingo with these fun bingo cards you can download and print free over at bingo card printer.  Click here to get yours now.

4th of July Road Sign Cupcake Toppers

Color Sizzle created these adorable free 4th of July Cupcake Toppers . Click here to get yours now.

Couponing: Savings are Created Before You Shop

Couponing’s benefits, beyond money saved, are the important virtues and skills you’ll learn (or refine) to become a successful couponer.   Contrary to spectacular savings seen on TV in the space of 15 minutes of super shopping, these skills are required before you enter the store.  Simply couponing to get a “good deal” can lead to overspending and a pantry full of ingredients – but no meals. 

Patience is needed both in the store and with your coupons.  Marketers want you to clip the Sunday coupons – and use them sooner than is most valuable to you.  Experience will show you that coupons held until the corresponding sale occurs will save you more money.  You may score further savings with a “Catalina” instant rebate or free item.  That’s patience at work; creating opportunity with your preparation – so you score the best deal.

Proper Organization – Clip your coupons and organize them in a manner which is ready to go with you – where you’ll find them when you need them.  Maintained organization means less work and more value from the time you’ve spent on preparation.  Most couponers do not remain with their initial organization methods, so choose one and be ready to revise as your couponing increases. 

 Organization Possibilities:

 Individual envelopes for each store (with your meal plan and/or shopping list written on the outside)

An index/recipe/shoe box containing separated coupons (in envelopes or other sorts of dividers)

Purse-size coupon file; for longevity, choose plastic files.  File coupons by common grocery categories, alphabetically by brand name, or in order of your most shopped grocery store – it’s your choice. 

Coupon Binder; transform a zipper-closure, 3-ring binder into an ergonomic couponing tool.  Utilize 3-ring folders and page protector sleeves to hold coupon policies, weekly ads, etc.  Pockets are handy for calculators, scissors, pens, envelopes, etc.  Many money-saving couponer websites have photos and narrative instructions on how they organize coupons.

“The Couponizer”;  A ready-to-use tool that is also designed with some custom features.  This visual organizer includes pockets for receipts, grocery list, and savings tracker.  Its design is a combination between a coupon file and a coupon binder.  You can use the included categories or using mailing labels, change the groupings for what you buy most often. 

As space allows, add files, pages or pockets for “RAOCK’s” (Random Acts of Coupon Kindesses), coupons you’ve found along the way but have yet to file, “CheckOut Goodies”, and “Checkout Stack” – and, perhaps a file or pocket for each individual store on your route.

Coupon Insert Files:  As you spread the word you’re couponing, you’ll collect more inserts than you may clip from.  To utilize online coupon databases, you’ll want to organize your inserts chronologically.  An accordion file, filing cabinet drawer or large shoebox works well.  Write the distribution date of the insert in permanent marker on the front cover – as covers can be similar within a month’s time.  The date is found on the spine of the insert.  Where the coupon insert came from is also on the spine, and helpful information if you want to seek out more of that particular insert.

Other Useful Tools:

From the same websites which you printed shopping lists, you can also find “pantry” or “freezer” inventories.  At-a-glance you can see what you have to plan meals with, and what perhaps needs to be added to your shopping list.   Once you find an inventory sheet that you like, expand your forms to include gift-closet lists and other places in your life where important items come and go from.  Use of what you have on hand, (that you already spent your money on) saves you time, money and energy over buying it again at a higher price.  “One-item” trips to the store or last minute holiday buying blitzes we know, can be very damaging to our savings goals.

“Good Meals, Better Deals” is our next discussion, as we talk about how to make great meals out of our shopping trips.  Please share your organization ideas – and stay tuned for July’s series as we continue to share money-saving skills.

Conversation Starters For the 4th of July

Are you hosting a pic-nic or 4th of July BBQ?  then you will love these fun patriotic conversation starters from Happy Home Fairy to get everyone talking and involved in the celebration.  Click here to download and print your FREE conversation starters.

WIN - Sportcraft Foldable Ladderball Game

Foldable Ladderball is the only “fold-n-go” game of-its-kind on the market.  Its easy portability makes it perfect for backyards, picnics, the beach and summer concert tailgating.  Foldable Ladderball comes with two ladders (each 45” X 22” X 36”) and six weighted bolos (three red, three blue) for safe indoor and outdoor play.  Foldable Ladderball includes improved side rail scoring and bases with built in bolo storage, making it a hit at home or on-the-go.  Foldable Ladderball is perfect for ages 6+ and available at Sportcraft's website.

Coupon Code - Sportcraft is offering 25% off the purchase of Foldable Ladderball and all purchases made on Sportcraft's website when the coupon code “SUMMERGAMES” is used at checkout! Expires on August 31^st, 2011.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Sportcraft are giving away a Sportcraft Foldable Ladderball Game.

Enter for your chance to win:

1.  Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address. 

Extra entries for each:

• Like 24/7 MOMS on facebook
• Follow 24/7 MOMS on twitter 
•  

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on July 16, 2011.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

**We received a complimentary Sportcraft Foldable Ladderball Game for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q:Do you read or study best in silence or in a place with background noise? Why?

Riddle:
Q: What would you get if you crossed a canary with a duck.
A: A cheep quacker.


(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

Summer Supplies Organized

By Trisha

Summer is here, and for our family that means lots of park days, pool time, day trips and backyard playing. This also means lots of supplies to pack and keep organized. Over the years I have discovered helpful tips that keep our summer supplies organized and ready for fun.


Click here to read Trisha's tips to organize your summer supplies  at SC Johnson

Be sure to leave me  a comment over at SC Johnson

*Each week Trisha Blogs on SC Johnson Family Economics website as a paid writer be sure to read her weekly articles.

Popsicle Party Celebration Fun - Summer Bucket List

Add a Popsicle party to your Summer Bucket list of fun.

What party could be easier to plan? Simply pick up a variety of inexpensive boxes of Popsicles at your local grocery store, hand out invites to friends and family using the FREE polka dot Popsicle party invites from Party Box Design and you have created the easiest celebration ever.

There are also FREE downloads for favor boxes and tags along with a  sign you can print out.

Click here to get your FREE Popsicle party printables from Party Box Design.

So, why not Celebrate summer, Celebrate end of the school year, Celebrate fun with a Popsicle party and make simple memories with your children.

WIN 5 Boxes of Popsicles to throw your own Popsicle party.  Click here to enter

Patriotic Trail Mix

Sweet and Yummy are what makes this patriotic treat perfect for your 4th of July celebration. Visit Apples to Zucchini for the complete recipe and how to instructions.

DIY MOMS - 4th Of July Poppers

4th of July Poppers
Create some confetti celebration fun with these 4th of July Poppers tat Alpha Mom designed.  Click here for free how to instructions.


*Stop by each week for our DIY MOMS feature.

WIN - Popsicle

Popsicle has partnered with AirHeads, the taffy-like chewy candy, to create new Popsicle AirHeads ice pops. Popsicle AirHeads ice pops are designed to replicate the chew-tastic texture and flavors of AirHeads candy. Each fat-free ice pop contains 50 calories (100 calories per two-pop serving). An 18-pack includes Strawberry, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon and White Mystery flavors.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Popsicle are giving away 5 FREE Popsicle Coupons.

  Enter for your chance to win:

1.  Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address. 

Extra entries for each:

• Like 24/7 MOMS on facebook
• Follow 24/7 MOMS on twitter 

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on July 9, 2011.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

**We received a complimentary Popsicles for review no financial compensation was received.

You Saw It This Week on 24/7 MOMS Live Webcast

Click here to visit Balanzza's Mini Luggage Scale.

Click here to visit Travel-Tot's Travel Childproofing Kit.

Click here to visit TRAYblecloth's Airplane Tray Activity Cover.

Discount Code: Use code 247moms1 at checkout (Amazon.com) and receive 20% off.

 

Click here to visit Melissa and Doug's website.

Click here to visit Games for Competitors website.

Click here to visit Sportcraft's website.
Discount Code: Use code SUMMERGAMES at checkout and receive  25% off the purchase of a Foldable Ladderball and all purchases made on Sportcraft's website. Expires on August 31^st, 2011.

Click here to visit Backyard Safari Outfitters website.

Click here to visit Dr. Drip's website.

Click here to visit Popsicle's website.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q: Which do you prefer: the hustle and bustle of city life or the quiet and serenity of country life? Why?

Riddle:
Q: What did a one knife say to the other knife?
A: Look sharp



(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

My Favorite Patriotic Cookie For The 4th Of July

Two years ago I discovered this recipe from Taste of Home - it has become our families favorite 4th of July cookie.

Make these treats throughout the year by using different cookie cutter and food coloring.

Lemon Nut Star Cookies

SERVINGS: 33
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 25 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons half-and-half cream
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
• 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• GLAZE:
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Red and blue food coloring

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the lemon juice, cream and lemon peel. Combine the flour, almonds, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured star-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
For glaze, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, corn syrup and lemon juice until smooth. Divide into three bowls. Tint one portion red and one portion blue; leave the third portion plain. Spread over cookies; let stand overnight for glaze to harden. Yield: about 5-1/2 dozen.

from:

Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook
Try a FREE ISSUE of Taste of Home!

Teaching Kids to Solve Their Own Problems

Last week 24/7 MOMS Webcast  Show guest Liann Smith from Impact Parenting shared with us the importance of teaching our kids to handle their own problems.  She gave us simple steps to follow using the Love and Logic parenting philosophy.

You can learn about these steps to help your child solve their own problems on the Love and Logic website.  Click here to go to  Love and Logic website and begin helping your kids solve their problems.

Did you miss last weeks Webcast?  Watch it now by clicking the screen below

Video chat by Stickam.com

Dessert Kabobs For The 4th of July

This 4th of July serve your dessert on a stick with this yummy homemade pound cake and fruit kabob.  Click here to go to Taste and Tell for complete recipe and how to instructions for this yummy dessert.

Lemonade Stand FREEbies - Summer Bucket List Fun

Every Summer my kids beg to set up their own Lemonade stand and sell their sweet drink to potential customers in hope of making the big bucks.  This Summer add creating your own Lemonade stand to your Summer Bucket list of fun and to help you out get your FREE lemonade stand printables from Your Life Events.


Click here  to sign-up and get your free Lemonade printables today.

WIN - Kirkland's Acrylic Tumblers

Looking for a way to look a little more stylish when you take your children to the park, sports activities or beach this summer…or while you hang out at the pool yourself? Or, looking for some little goodies to give your HS graduate who is going off to college and needs some “supplies” from home? These cute acrylic tumblers from home décor store Kirkland’s might be a perfect answer for you. 

Click here to purchase Kirkland's Acrylic Tumblers.

Click here to visit My Kirkland’s website.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Kirkland's are giving away one of each – one Pink and one Green Acrylic Tumblers. 

Enter for your chance to win:

1.  Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave  a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address. 

Extra entries for each:

• Like 24/7 MOMS on facebook
• Follow 24/7 MOMS on twitter 

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on July 9, 2011.

Click here to view Kirkland's June Sweepstakes rules.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

**We received a complimentary Kirkland's Acrylic Tumblers for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q:When you confront someone, would you rather communicate in person, on the  phone, by e-mail, or by letter? Why?

Riddle:
Q:What did they use to clean the Star Ship?
A: Spock 'n Span



(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

This week on 24/7 MOMS - Time to Travel, Time to Camp

Get hooked, Get Addicted, Get 24/7 MOMS Live every Tuesday night. Join in the mom fun as moms from all around the country turn on their computers and watch the show created by moms for moms

Tune in to www.247moms.com this Tuesday night at 6pm PST or 8pm PST -  chat, win prizes and be in the MOM know


This Week 24/7 MOMS Live Features: 


-  Kids Can Travel with Amy Savage of  Travel-Tot.com


-  One Dozen Family Camping Adventure tips and tricks. 


- Fun giveaways just for moms 

The weekly mom addiction that once you watch - you will be hooked week after week  So, join us during one of our two shows at  6pm PST or 8pm PST right on your own MOMputer at   www.247moms.com

Join the chat to WIN prizes

Tweet, TXT, Facebook , invite all of your MOM friends to this weeks  24/7 MOMS Live webcast

Make Your Own Drumstick Clowns- Summer Bucket List Fun

There will be lots of "clowning around" when you serve these yummy, fun-to- make ice cream cone clowns! Add this fun yummy treat to your Summer bucket list of things to do with your kiddos this Summer.

Nestle gives us complete simple how to instructions - Click here for how to instructions.

Cupcake In A Jar For The 4th Of July

These Patriotic cupcakes in a jar are perfect for giving as gifts , serving for dessert  or sending home as your party favor at this years 4th of July celebration.  The Tomkat Studio gives complete how to instructions and even offers free cupcake toppers and labels to finish off your spectacular cupcake in a jar creations.  Click here for you how to instructions.

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes For The 4th of July

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes

Ingredients

White cake mix
Food coloring (red, blue, )
Cupcake Baking cups

Instructions

1. Prepare your favorite white cake mix, then divide the batter evenly among three small bowls. Color one bowl of cake mix with red food coloring and one with blue food coloring.
2. Line cupcake pan with baking cups. Evenly distribute the red , white and blue cake mix . As you fill them gently spread each layer of batter with the back of a spoon to cover the color underneath. I then placed a dab of red on top of each cupcake.
   
3. Bake the cupcakes according cake mix directions.
4. Frost and decorate as you choose.

FREE 4th of July Cupcake Toppers

Doll up your 4th of July cupcakes with these spectacular FREE cupcake toppers from Bella Grace Party design.  Click here to get your Freebie downloads.

The Tomkat Studio created these free patriotic cupcake toppers that are perfect for your upcoming celebration.  Click here to get your FREE printables.

Behind the Studio created a festive assortment of free printable 4th of July cupcake toppers. Click here to print yours and add that fun festive touch to your celebration.

Go red, white and blue with these fun cupcake toppers from A Place Out West.  Click here to get your FREE cupcake printables.

Todays 5 HOT Mom Deals

I came across so many great deals today I just had to tell you about these 5 hot mom deals.

#1 - Pay $20 get $40 worth of Play Outdoors gear and clothes from The North Face, Speedo and more.  Click here for this great deal so much to choose from.

#2 - Pay $15 for $30 worth of footwear from Merrell, Sperry, Clarks, Teva and more from PlanetShoes.com.  Click here to get this great deal from Eversave.

#3 - Pay $20 get $40 worth of Quality Bakeware, Cutlery and More from Housewareschocie.com.  Click here to get this useful deal from Mamasoure today.

#4 Tired of cord clutter - you will love this deal.  Organize your cord clutter for $25  and get a $58 value of DOTZ cord organization pack. Click here for full details and to order your deal today.

 

#5 -   If you live in the Pierce County Washington area you will love this deal to help beautify your yard  Get a $40 gift certificate at Rosedale Gardens in Gig Harbor for only $20 from  Mamasource.  Click here to get your Rosedale Gardens deal.

WIN -Skincando's Combat-Ready Balm Magic Organic Potion for Babies + Kids

Skincando’s Combat-Ready Balm Magic Organic Potion for Babies + Kids

After years of pleading from moms, Skincando has specially formulated and packaged a baby and kid-friendly version of its famous Combat-Ready Balm. Combat-Ready Balm for babies + kids is a 100% natural skin cream that quickly soothes diaper rash, eczema, bug bites, beach burn, forest scratches, dry skin, grass itchies, princess pin pricks, and chapped cheeks. Made with only natural and organic ingredients, Combat-Ready Balm’s special formula includes pure distilled water, apricot kernel oil, virgin coconut oil, chamomile tea, fish oil, French lavender, grapefruit seed extract and viamerine. As always, a portion of sales goes to support Operation Sand Flea, a campaign that sends care packages of Combat-Ready Balm to soldiers fighting over seas.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Skincando are giving away 1 - 2oz bottle of Skincando's Combat-Ready Balm Magic Organic Potion for Babies + Kids.

Enter for your chance to win:

1.  Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave  a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address. 

Extra entries for each:

• Like 24/7 MOMS on facebook
• Follow 24/7 MOMS on twitter 

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on July 9, 2011.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

**We received a complimentary Skincando's Combat-Ready Balm Magic Organic Potion for Babies + Kids for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q: What's your all time favorite movie? How many times have you seen it?

Riddle:
Q:What's the worst thing about being a octopus?
A: Washing your hands before dinner.

(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

Frozen Pudding Pops - Summer Bucket List Fun

Who would have thought a box of vanilla pudding and food coloring could make such a spectacular looking frozen treat for eating.  Kids will love creating their own rainbow pattern so add this treat to your Summer bucket list of fun.

Click here to get recipe and instructions from RACKS and Mooby blog.

Real Friends Push

By: Stephanie Fink

Our oldest son, Jake, exited his school bus that sunny Friday afternoon, deflated and defeated. This was entirely different from his normal exit which typically included a big smile, hug and the challenge of a race home. 

I inquired, “What’s up bud?” Hesitantly, he told me that on his five minute bus ride home from school, his “friend” closed-fist punched him at least ten times as he was pretending to be a robot.

Jake asked his friend to stop hitting him but his friend continued.  I asked Jake why he didn’t move to another seat.  He was afraid that his bus driver would yell at him since they have assigned seats.  I feared the answer to my next question, “Well, how did that make you feel honey?”

His sad eyes spoke louder than his words, “Scared.”

I lifted Jake’s shirt and observed the numerous red marks on his milky-white core.  My insides were more explosive than a fourth of July sky.  Silently, I cried out to the Lord, “Father, why? Help!”

Confused and hurt Jake asked, “Why’d my friend hit me?” I embraced him tightly, “Honey, real friends don’t punch.” Jake balled up on my lap like a cat in a sun spot and cried. I felt powerless that I was not able to protect him there on that bus.

To add to the moment, my anchor of a husband was working overseas.  If there ever was I time that I needed to not just be the adult, but also act like one…it was now.  

Jake and I prayed and came up with a plan of action.  He agreed that after I talked to this boy’s parents, he was going to talk to his friend too.

I called the boy's mother and told her what happened and if after she talked with her son, if Jake could speak with him.  She agreed. When she called back, Jake courageously asked his friend, “Why did you punch me?  You made me feel sad.” The boy replied, “I didn’t hit you.”

Jake dropped the phone and went to cry.  Over the span of the weekend, the boy's parents called three more times, to tell me that their son didn’t budge and that he “didn’t hit Jake.”

Confused and hurt, Jake asked, “Why would my friend lie?” Embracing his little body, I whispered, “Honey, real friends don’t punch and real friends don’t lie. He is not a real friend.” Jake balled hysterically. 

Our Saturday morning devotion theme was this, to P-U-S-H.

P -ray
U-ntil
S-omething
H-appens

I asked our sons who they wanted to "p-u-s-h" for.  Without hesitation, Jake said this little boy, “that God would make him my friend.” I put on a poker face, knowing Jake was right, but I won’t lie, I wanted this little boy to pay for what he did to my son.

“What an awesome idea Jake.  Let’s pray right now.” So we lifted our heavy hearts and prayers to the most real friend I’ve ever known, Jesus.

During my Sunday morning private time, I can across this verse, “If someone strikes you, don’t hit back. Love your friend and love your enemies. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer.”

I shared Matthew 5:32-48, (Message) over breakfast and told him, "That’s what God told us to do - respond with prayer - and you did it! You are a great friend to God and this boy. Mom and Dad are so proud of you, and most importantly God IS proud of you son!"

Again, Jake decided right there and then to pray for this boy to, “make a thumbs up choice” and tell the truth.

Again, he p-u-s-h-ed and again, my heart pulled. 

Monday morning arrived.  Jake knew I was contacting school administration because being hit is not okay.  I learned three things that day: 1. the boy's father went in before school started.  2.  the boy not only admitted but apologized for punching Jake.  3.  that real friends don’t punch, they push. 

Jake’s bedtime prayer that night which was just like him; short and sweet, “God, thank you for answering my prayers.” With misted eyes, I said a hearty, “Amen!”

One year later, the very same boy that punched Jake, stood up for him when a lunchbox inadvertently hit Jake in the back of his head. This boy found told the teacher, and stood up for Jake, cause that’s what real friends, like God, do.  They show up for you when you have no words to speak. 

Navigating through life's pulls, pushes and punches are difficult. Impossible if it wasn't for God.  God used my elementary aged son to teach me that true friends don’t punch, no - they push.  They pray until something happens.


Steph's writing has appeared in Proverbs 31 Ministry, P31 Woman magazine.  In her free time she can be found encouraging numerous MOPS group in the northern Virginia area on the "Colorful Art of Friendship - Allowing God to Paint the Masterpieces" and MOPS leaders on "Being a Bright Light".


Steph can be found blogging at www.encouragedinheart.org or on Facebook at Stephanie Fink or on her Facebook page Encouraged in Heart - Stephanie Fink.  She loves big hair, big cups of coffee and big bear hugs.