How to Survive Black Friday

cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo shared by Steve Rhodes Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? If you’re anything like me, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder that you should probably start that time-honored tradition of schlepping yourself to the mall, and waiting in line for items marked “SALE!” but somehow seem more expensive than ever. With the biggest shopping day of the year … [Read more...]

Holiday Foods for the Family

Are you tired of your standard holiday recipes? Are looking for something new to try this year? Consider one of the following options to change up the routine for your traditional meal. No matter how great your recipe is for a main meat dish, your family may grow weary of it if it never changes from year to year. It is also important to switch up the meat that you serve for different holidays. … [Read more...]

Handy Holiday Craft Ideas For Kids

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Diwali, or Festivus (the holiday "for the rest of us"), here are creative holiday crafts you can make with your hands -- literally. Five-Finger Christmas Trees Grab some finger paint and construction paper and get to work with your children on this one. Using brown paint on the tip of your pointer finger, make a vertical line for the tree's … [Read more...]

Spice Up the Costume this Year!

Halloween Costume Ideas

  Celebrating Halloween does not have to come along with a huge expense. An inexpensive costume does not mean cheap, and an elaborate costume does not necessarily mean expensive. Accessory changes are the key! Costuming Without Breaking the Bank While you may not have the funds to bankroll an entirely new costume this year, you can utilize accessories to enhance last year's costume or turn … [Read more...]

6 Fall Family Activities On A Budget

The leaves are turning colors, the geese are flying south, and there is a briskness in the air that can only mean fall has arrived. There are lots of things to do during the fall, but, if you are like millions of other Americans, your wallet is empty or close to it. The "back to school" season is always a costly one, and if you're self-employed, you just paid your quarterly estimated taxes.  Here … [Read more...]

Apple Recipes For Your Fourth Of July Weekend

apple cupcakes

As American as Apple Pie” – Best Recipes for Your 4th of July Weekend   Debuting on Blu-ray and DVD July 10    American Reunion boasts all of your favorite characters back together for one final hurrah, although a pivotal part of the plot –i.e., the infamous apple pie – doesn't make an appearance in this final installment of the film franchise. However, that didn't stop us from … [Read more...]

Colorful Marshmellow Pops

marshmellow pops

These are super easy and fun! I did these for my daughter's Justin Bieber party. These can be done with any colors so they would be a hit on any occasion. The kids can do these because they are so easy! You need: Marshmellows Kabob sticks or cake pop sticks (found in baking section at Walmart) Cup of cold water Colored cupcake sprinkles ( do a bowl for each color) Easy steps: 1. … [Read more...]

Martin Luther King Grande Parade 2012 In Houston Texas: A look from inside the parade

Monday morning was a beautiful windy, sunny day! The perfect day for a parade. That is exactly what hundreds of thousands of other Houstonians thought as they lined the streets of downtown Houston Monday morning for the 2012 Martin Luther King Grande Parade. I was so excited that my daughter and I were invited to join the Chevy Houston team in the parade. For those of you who have not attended … [Read more...]

SantasHideout.com: A modern take on a timeless tradition

kidsview_full2

I just discovered a new and really awesome site www.santashideout.com . If you have kids that are old enough to be on the computer than this is something you want to check out. Remmeber the days of mailing letters to the North Pole? Well now you can email Santa! And Santa can email your kids. This all happens in a parent controlled, one stop place.  How does this happen?  … [Read more...]

Toys R Us Layaway For ALL Playthings Starting Soon

Today, Toys“R”Us announced that it will offer customers even more convenient, flexible payment options this holiday season. Layaway will be available in Toys“R”Us and Babies “R”Us stores nationwide.( Toys“R”Us Express and Outlet stores do not participate in the company’s layaway program.) Also special limited-time Bill Me Later offers, available online at Toysrus.com and … [Read more...]