Thank you Karen!!

I would like to thank Karen from SimplyAmusingDesigns.

She did an amazing job on the new header for this blog! So, head on over there and order yours today!!!

Also, there will be a new post coming soon- so keep your eyes peeled out for it!

The Summer Frontier

Ahh... summer will soon be here, and kids across the nation will be wanting to do something during their Summer Break. However, let's face it- with food and gas prices on the rise, we simply cannot afford to give them money to go shopping every day. Who wouldn't want a little help by saving money? So, these monehy-saving ideas allow the little ones, as well as the adults, to have alot of fun:

- Have water balloon fights! You get to become the referee and make the rules. Fill up as many water balloons as you see fit. Then, hand them out evenly (saving a few for yourself), and let loose! This saves monehy on your water bill, and allows the familiy to hang out and have fun together. You can buy water balloons at any dollar store or Wal-Mart for just a few dollars.

- Make your own popsicles! This is a great one to let the little ones help with! If you have powdered Kool-Aid, sugar, and ice cube trays, then you are ready for this! Oh yeah, don't forget popsicle sticks! Make the Kool-Aid how you normally would. After the Kool-Aid tastes the way you (or the kids) like it, get out the ice cube trays. Now, this part can get messy, so hav eplenty of paper towels on hand. Let the little ones pour (slowly!) the Kool-Aid into the trays. Grab the popsicle sticks and let the little ones put them into the trays. Put the trays into the freezer, and let the Kool-Aid become popsicles. It's a quick and sugary treat without having to spend alot of money on ice cream.

- Allow your teenager to make some money of their own! If your teenager is of working age, allow him/her to get a part time summer job. There are many companies out there that may be looking for summer help, and this would be a great way for you to save money. Allowing them to get a part-time summer job will give them spending money of their own (see how this benefits you?) and it will build up their resumes for future jobs.

- Glue this, glue that! Crafts allow any person of any age to let their imagination and creativity to run wild. Set aside one full day for Crafts Day! There are many websites that give ideas for any age:

FamilyFun: Arts and Crafts: http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/
FamilyFun: Crafts For Kids of All Ages: http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/crafts-by-age/
FamilyCorner.com: http://www.familycorner.com/dir/Kitchen_and_Home/Crafts/
AllCrafts.net: http://www.allcrafts.net/kids.htm

This is great for kids with ADD as well. It allows their concentration to be set on something they can proudly show! Once all the glue dries from whatever craft you have picked, take them all into the kitchen and hang them on the refrigerator! Anyone who walks through that room will see how great artists your kids are!

-Visit nature and museums! Since gas prices seem to be rising (as i've previously mentioned), going on long, 4 day trips may be out of the budget. Are there parks or museums in your city that you would love to visit? If that's the case, the go ahead and visit!!! If your kids want to come along for the ride, that's even better. Visit your city's website for prices into the museums, and where to find the best parks. By going to the museums, you and your kids get to learn alot about history, and it'll give you something to talk about! Also, check your city's website just in case there's a day where a kid/adult/senior may get in free- which keeps costs down when you have to pay $8 per person.

When going to parks, make sure you pack a lunch! This is a great way to give the kids exercise, and you get some sun! Who knows? You and/or your kids may meet some new friends!


So, there are ways to save money. Now, it's your turn to think of some ways!! Be sure to include your kids in on the fun!!

Sweeping The Nation

sweep·stakes

Pronunciation: \-ˌstāks\

1 a: a race or contest in which the entire prize may be awarded to the winner; specifically : stakes race b: contest, competition

You can see where this is going due to the definitions above. People all across the world are beginning a new trend: Sweepstakes entering. Actually, it's not a new trend. People have been entering contests and sweepstakes for years and years- but it has recently become popular again. There are several reasons why one may "sweep:"

• Some may be on a low, fixed income, and the prizes they will help them in that.
• It's a hobby to some. Other people have hobbies like golf or scrapbooking. "Sweepers" have contests!

You may be wondering what "sweep" and "Sweepers" mean. Both of those refer to contests/sweepstakes. "Sweepers" are those who enter sweepstakes on a daily basis. "Sweeps" means to do the action of entering.

Here are a few things you must/can consider if you want to become a sweeper.

1. It takes a while for some to win. Just keep a positive attitude and you'll become successful in your wins!
2. You can join sweeping communities (like http://www.online-sweepstakes.com) where you can meet other contest lovers like yourself and get to enter all the contests you like!
3. Pick and choose your sweepstakes carefully. If a specific one doesn't feel right to you- don't enter. There's plenty of others that may tickle your fancy.
4. It would be a good idea to create a separate e-mail account if possible. Entering contests can sometimes generate alot of e-mails and this specific e-mail can help you weed out the wanted from the unwanted messages.
5. Be truthful when entering your address. If you win a prize over $500 (and it does happen), they will need to verify where to send your prize.

Now, you are all set! You can enter as many or as little sweepstakes as you like. So go ahead- start entering and good luck!!!