What to do with extra school supplies?

The stores are still practically giving away school supplies this week. Here are 3 things you can do with the extra school supplies you bought.

1. Donate them to a food pantry. Food pantries often give out school supplies this time of year.
2. Donate them to a local school. Each year teachers spend hundreds of dollars of their own money to buy school supplies for their classrooms.
3. Save them to put in a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child- coming in November.

$1 clearance girls clothes at Walmart

I got a bunch of cute girls back-to-school clothes at Walmart today reduced to $1 each! One hooded tunic top, one pair black pants, two dresses, one 3-piece outfit (top, skirt, pants) for $5 total (plus tax)!

Frugal Friday: kid's activities

Here's a few free or nearly free activities we have done so far this summer- with more on the way. (Also check out my other blog.)

1. Check out a State Park or National Park- we happen to live right next to a National Park.
2. Go berry picking- fun for the kids to see where fruit comes from beside the grocery store.
3. Find a friend with a pool- bring your own lunch and snacks.
4. Arrange for a tour of your local fire station- they are happy to oblige.
5. Visit a farm- we are going to visit a local farm next week.
6. Have a picnic lunch on the front lawn.

Check out more Frugal Friday at Life As Mom.

WFMW: Always Be Prepared

Isn't that the Boyscout motto or something? Well anyway, when you have young children- always be prepared- for messes! My Works For Me Wednesday tip is always have an extra change of clothes. Either in your bag or in the car- it will be a lifesaver! When my daughter was very young I would stash an emergency diaper in the seat storage bins in the van- for just in case! We were at the zoo this weekend and a desperate looking dad approached me and asked if I had a spare diaper- well I don't carry them any more but I bet there is still one in the van!

More WFMW at We Are THAT Family.

Garage Sale Season!

Garage Sale season is in full swing here! Today I scored a bunch of kids toys for $5 total. A Little Tikes picnic table like this one-

and a red plastic kids wheelbarrow complete with little gardening tools, and a sack full of sand toys (shovels, pails, rakes, etc.) Did I say all for $5?

How I got my early-bird daughter to stay in bed!

Works For Me Wednesday: How I got my early-bird daughter to stay in bed!

I have a 3 1/3 year old pre-schooler who likes to get up at the crack of dawn. First it was 6:30am- then 6:00am- then 5:30am- and she would get up and wander around the house. I finally had enough! Right around when the time changed I got her a small digital travel alarm clock. I covered the numbers with tape so only the first number shows. I told her she could get out of bed when the clock said "7". I also drew a number 7 on a piece of paper and put it next to the clock on her bedside table. I told her very morning she waited until the clock said "7" and she called mom or dad to come get her- she could put a marble in a jar. I got a small bag of marbles and a medium baby food jar. I put them on top of her dresser where she could see them but not reach. When the marble jar is full I told her she could shop for a small prize at Walmart or Target. For a couple weeks now I would say she has stayed in her room every morning except one or two times. She is excited to be close to getting her prize!

Check out more WFMW at We Are THAT Family.

Free Kid's Books Downloads

Go to AudibleKids for free kid's books downloads- titles like Rapunzel, Gift of the Magi, The Emperor's New Clothes.

Free Mini-flashlight

Go to AgriGenius and take a quiz and win a free mini-Maglite flashlight. thanks Carol!