Simply Budgeted

End of Year Cards Using Elmer’s Naturals

May 19, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

NOTE: “I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Elmer’s. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

What is Elmer’s Naturals?

Reinforcing its commitment to innovation and to supporting consumer demand Elmer’s® Products, Inc., makers of America’s favorite school glue, is proud to introduce Elmer’s® School Glue
Naturals™— the FIRST and ONLY school glue made with naturally occurring ingredients and available in recycled packaging.
Elmer’s School Glue Naturals is just as strong, safe, non-toxic and washable as Elmer’s traditional School Glue.
Empty Elmer’s School Glue bottles – both natural and traditional – can be recycled at home by consumers. In schools, the glue bottles and sticks can be recycled through the Elmer’s Glue Crew® Brigade® with TerraCycle, an easy way for teachers and students to recycle and earn monetary donations and other rewards for participating in eco-friendly efforts.

When challenged with making a craft with the kids, I was stumped. They often make little crafts but they seem to just happen and often aren’t fully planned out before the crafts happen. Then I remembered that Sophie and Matthew need to take their teachers their end of year gifts this week so cards were the perfect creation to make! The major issue was that we are redoing the area in the basement has all of the craft supplies. So I dug through stacks and piles to find the items for this project. I was impressed that I found everything that I looked for to be honest!

Supplies Used:

Construction Paper
Stampin’ Up Scallop Circle Punch
Scissors
Fuzzy pom-pom balls
Elmer’s Naturals Glue Sticks
Elmer’s Naturals Glue

Here are the kids starting their cards that say “Thank You … for being my teacher!”

We were testing out the above mentioned Elmer’s Naturals glue stick and bottle of glue. The kids didn’t even notice that these were different. They use glue and glue sticks at school all of the time so they were right at home using these products.

I was hoping the glue was strong enough to hold the puffy balls. I wasn’t sure how it would work out but they stuck really nicely. Itouched some of Matthew’s glue and was surprise how sticky the glue was. Being Elmer’s though, it washed right off my fingers!

The kids love their creations.
Elmer's Natural Teacher Cards Finished

I love that we are able to take an extra step to be green and protect our environment for our kids. I hope to see more of these products out at back to school time. I know I will look for them when I buy new glue sticks for the Girl Scout troop next year for sure! Need some ideas? Check out the Elmer’s Facebook Page.

We are also excited to help announce the Elmer’s “Pin to Win” Sweepstakes where you can win an Elmer’s Naturals Prize pack and $100 gift card!

Have you seen or tried the Elmer’s Natural products yet? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Filed Under: Kids, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Family Tagged With: crafts, Elmer's Naturals, Elmer’s, end of school, glue, kids, review

ARM & HAMMER Tooth Tunes

May 18, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

We are excited to feature a sponsored campaign with ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™!

What is ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™?

Each toothbrush features two minutes of music to encourage longer brushing and ensure that kids achieve the dentist’s recommended brushing time. Two new ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ toothbrushes each feature a chart-topping single from One Direction: “What Makes You Beautiful” performed by One Direction and “One Thing” performed by One Direction.

Out of our three kids, Grace, who is 6, wanted this toothbrush. I will be the first admit that she is horrible at brushing her teeth! Horrible! She complains and complains and complains. It is too long and she wants to be done. Grace loves music though so I was hopeful the ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ toothbrush would work for her. She loved the One Direction: “What Makes You Beautiful” the first time she heard it. I admit we didn’t know the tune before trying the toothbrush but I think I will know the words before long. The only issue is trying to get Grace to not dance around with her toothbrush! She is constantly moving with the Tooth Tunes toothbrush singing to her!

Plus we are excited to help announce that Church & Dwight Co., Inc., is excited to announce the Brush with Tooth Tunes™, Rock with One Direction Sweepstakes! Enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize, four tickets to a One Direction concert in August 2013. 100 First Prize Winners will receive One Direction prize packs, with One Direction merchandise. Visit ToothTunes.com, complete the registration form and click submit to be entered for your chance to win. Enter up to once per week now through 6/30/13. Be sure to check out the ARM & HAMMER Sweepstakes Page to enter!

Want to learn more? Check out the ARM & HAMMER Tooth Tunes Website and ARM & HAMMER’s Facebook Page!

So do you think the ARM & HAMMER Tooth Tunes toothbrush would help your kids brush longer? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Disclaimer: I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom It Forward and ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ partnered in support of this campaign. ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ compensated me for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Health & Beauty, Kids, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Family, Simply Life Tagged With: Arm & Hammer, kids, review, teeth, Tooth Tunes, toothbrush

Today I Saw Her Future

May 14, 2013 By Beth 15 Comments

It is a rare day that I drop our youngest two kids off at preschool. That is normally Brian’s job but today I dropped them off on my way to work since he had an early morning appointment. Sophie had to take her preschool graduation gown back to school today. We had forgotten to take it back and she had to have it for dress rehearsal tomorrow. I impressed myself and even managed to toss it in the dryer with a wet washcloth to get the wrinkles out of the gown. Sophie carried her gown out out the car and smashed it under her book bag. oh well. It was going to get wrinkled and I accepted that.

We got preschool and little man ran ahead to open the door. Daddy has taught him well and that boys should open doors for girls! Sophie insisted on carrying her gown. I reminded her not step on it as I was getting Matthew’s book bag from the car and caught up to them to see this.

A 5 year old getting ready to graduate preschool and go to Kindergarten.

So confident.

So proud of herself.

Her little brother stood there holding the door open for his sister that he loves more than anything even when he fights with her before school.

In 13 years, I pray that I see this again.

A girl (that will always be little to me) getting ready to graduate …

hopefully still so confident and so proud of herself.

So there you have it.

There is my goal … no …. OUR goal as parents is to keep that girl being little in our hearts while she grows and ensure that confidence and pride in herself continues to grows!

We honestly have that goal for all three of our kids but that simple glance up this morning caught me by surprise and made me realize that she won’t always be five. I know that is a fact … a given … part of life but this morning I saw the future she has ahead of her. I couldn’t help but smile and be proud of all we have yet to come in our lives with our three children.

Oh and hopefully our little man will keep opening doors for all of the ladies including both of his big sisters just as daddy taught him!

Have you seen your future in the small every day activities that happen in your life? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Filed Under: Kids, Parenting, Simply Family Tagged With: goal, graduation, growing up, kids, preschool

Preparing your teen for their very first road trip

May 14, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

Post graduation is an exciting time for your teen, and they’re probably going to want to have one final taste of freedom before joining the world of us grownups! If your teen is planning their very first road trip, you’ll probably have your reservations. Whether they’re going away with a big group or a couple of friends, they’ll have a lot to prepare before they set off. If you’ll be the one doing most of the preparation, though, this guide from PassSmart is designed to help you get them, and yourself, ready for the adventure!

Who’s driving?

Credit edenmorrison at Flickr.

Depending on how big the group is, they’ll need to decide on designated drivers and make sure everyone who is planning to drive is insured on the vehicle. It’s important to make sure that more than one or two people going can drive as each driver will need enough resting time between getting behind the wheel.

What they’re driving is another question you should ask. Although we’d all love to be cruising down route 66 in our vintage, classic car, it’s probably not the most sensible of ideas. Make sure the vehicle they’ll be traveling in is reliable and not likely to leave them stranded at the side of the road. This will give you peace of mind and will ensure their journey runs smoothly.

Money saving tips

There’s no doubt that a road trip can be expensive if you don’t budget for it. Make sure your teen has got some money saving tips up their sleeve before they set off, and (hopefully) they won’t overspend whilst they’re away.

Eco-driving

Eco-friendly driving is one of the easiest ways to save fuel. Teach them some simple eco-driving tips like gentle acceleration and braking, and they’ll have to fill up on gas much less frequently.

Eating in

One of the best ways to save money on a road trip is by cutting down on eating out. Depending on how long they’re going for and where they’re going, you might be able to help them pack some supplies. Pick non-perishables so they can carry them in the car with them, making the temptation to dine out much easier to ignore!

Get the App

There are loads of apps out there which are designed to make driving long distances and exploring new places much easier. We know it’s pretty much impossible to keep them off their smartphones, so this is one tip that they’re bound to use. There are lots of free GPS navigation apps out there which they might like to try, and also lots of apps designed to help them find their nearest restaurant, hotel, activity and more.

Hands-free

Sticking to the subject of smartphones, it might be a good idea to buy them a hands-free system to use on the journey. Not only will this be a useful investment for future drives, but it will also stop any temptation to use their phone whilst driving.

Keep in touch!

Finally, make sure you keep in touch. It’s important to remember that trips like these are a rite of passage but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to worry. Check in with them every couple of days, even if it’s just a message on Facebook, and you’ll feel much more at ease knowing they’re safe and enjoying their trip!

These hints and tips were provided by PassSmart.com; a British company who work in the driver training industry.

Filed Under: Simply Life Tagged With: driving, raod trip, safety, teens, travel

Lids ‘n Lizards Magnetic Photo Vocabulary Game

May 9, 2013 By Beth 19 Comments

We are excited to feature a sponsored review of the Lids ‘n Lizards Magnetic Photo Vocabulary Game!

Details …

Lids ‘n Lizards® Magnetic Photo Vocabulary Game

Watch kids flip their lids over magnetic photos of ice cream, monkey and toothbrush, as they comprehend that they belong in Food, Animals and Transportation. Grownups place a magnet under each one of the lids and then hide the lizards under the lids. Children flip a lid, name the photo object on the magnet and identify its category (such as Animals, Clothing or Around the Home). The child that finds the most lizards is the winner. Game includes 50 magnets, 20 lids and 12 lizards. (suggested price: $39.95) Recommend Age: Grades PreK – 5

Our Thoughts …

As a refresher, our kids are ages 3 (almost 4), almost 5.5, and 6.5. I wasn’t sure if this game would work for all of them. I was able to unstack the lids easily but the kids had problems unstacking them. I wasn’t sure how the game would go when the kids couldn’t get the magnets separated from each other (they were stacked by categories!) I did get 20 magnets unstacked to go in the bottom of the 20 lids. The kids hid all of the lizards and started playing the the game.

So the version of the game we played was the basic version that all of the kids could play. The kids picked a lid to see if there was a lizard. They got to keep the lizard if they could say what was on the picture of the magnet and then what category the magnet fit in. Some of the categories are Food, Transportation (this was a hard word for all of them!), and Around the House. I was worried Matthew wouldn’t keep up but he did!

Matthew lasted a couple of rounds of the game. The girls wanted to keep playing though. Since we are the younger side of the games, I loved how the kids played this game with very little help.

Ready to go buy this game or another product? We are excited to share that Super Duper is celebrating ”It’s Better Hearing and Speech Month” with 20% off your entire web order with Promo Code BETTER!

We are excited to giveaway a Lids ‘n Lizards Magnetic Photo Vocabulary Game to one of our readers! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaways, Kids, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Family Tagged With: game, giveaway, kids, learning, Lids 'n Lizards, review, vocabulary

Take the Mother’s Day #SocialBlackout Challenge

May 9, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

NOTE: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MetLife. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

What is the #SocialBlackout on Sunday, May 12th?

MetLife has created the #SocialBlackout movement, which challenges everyone to log off of social media on Mother’s Day (May 12th) and give Mom the time and attention she deserves! Be sure to check out MetLife Facebook page for more information!

With Mother’s Day coming up are you ready to give mom all of the attention she deserves? Ever find yourself checking out Facebook or Instagram while someone is chatting with you. Guilty here!

If our kids see a cell phone at the dining room table, they call us on it. They tend to yell “Hey! No phones at the table!” Brian and I have both been caught several times with our phone at the table. You would think we would learn but apparently we need our kids to keep us accountable in this area! I will at this rule don’t just apply to our family. We had extended family over for Christmas this past year and I admit that I laughed when the girls told their uncle that he wasn’t allow to use his phone at the table. He chuckled but you know what, he put it away!

So what rules do you have around how much social media time you have? We don’t normally give ourselves the same rules we give our kids maybe it was time we did. I know the days that my phone is lost in the bottom of my purse, I get way more done. I don’t even miss checking Facebook, Instagram, or even Twitter those days.

On Sunday, Mother’s Day we taking the challenge to join in the #SocialBlackout. I am not sure that we succeed as I am sure at some we will want to share the day of celebration with family and friends. I don’t know what the family has up their sleeves yet but I have seen a lot cards floating around here. Maybe the house will be decorated in cards for Mother’s Day? I promise not to take a picture of each though and hopefully wait until Monday to share the stack.

So are you ready to join? Join the event on Facebook!

Filed Under: Simply Life Tagged With: #socialblackout, life, metlife, mother's day, social media

Easy Ways to Save Using the Internet

May 9, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

We use the internet for all sorts of things including shopping (price comparisons) and purchasing. The World Wide Web is chock-full of money saving opportunities right there at your fingertips at any time of night or day. You do not need to wait for the Sunday paper or the next round of advertisements and junk mail, instead you can hop on any computer or smart device right now!

It’s easy and there’s no big secret, but many people still don’t know how many ways they can save or even what to look for. Here are just a few ways to save using the Internet…

Not So Extreme Couponing

Grocery stores rolled out their club cards years ago and as they data mine your digits they discount your ding dongs. Fair trade for most, but the new thing with grocery stores is their online coupons. You can log-in to their website and choose which coupons you want to use and they automatically load them onto your stores club card. When you check out and slide your card the coupon savings will automatically be calculated and removed from your total.

No more clipping coupons and trying to keep them organized. Nice!

Promo and Coupon Codes For Everything!

Have you noticed the little promo code box when you are ordering things online? It is quite amazing how wide a variety of products and services you can save money on just by seeking out and using promo or coupon codes. Whether you are looking for a Crate and Barrel coupon code or a rental car promo, you can save a ton of money looking for offers online, but you do need to look for them. Not everything comes to you automatically wrapped in a Groupon. Small businesses are looking for more and more ways to reach you and promo codes are hot right not.

Shipping Vs. Delivery Charges

For large item purchases ordered online, shipping can often be less expensive than if you were to make your purchase on-site and have it delivered. Another thing to consider, if you purchase a sofa at a furniture store and they do not carry it in stock they have to order it anyway. If you make the same purchase online, chances are you will get it much faster.

In addition – depending on the bulk of your online purchases in general, you can sometimes negotiate free shipping across the board. This comes in handy when you are doing holiday shopping for a lot of people. You can also have items sent directly to the receiver’s home versus have the additional cost of re-mailing it to them.

Saving Time & Gas Counts Too

The ease and speed with which you can find discounts or perks and make purchases online is incredible, but we often overlook how much time it saves us as well. You can get information on airports or flights, traffic updates, road closures and so much more which allows you to avoid things that cost you time. This kind of information is valuable.

In addition, think of the fuel savings you will rack up on when you don’t have to drive everywhere or get caught up and delayed in traffic.

Every dollar saved is another dollar towards tackling your bucket list or adding to the college fund. Make your every dollar count!

NOTE: Sam Peters backed and provided information for this post.

Filed Under: SimplySaving Tagged With: couponing, online shopping, saving, shopping

Mother’s Day Shopping at NOVICA

May 7, 2013 By Beth 70 Comments

Last minute shopping for mom? We are excited to work with NOVICA on a sponsored review and help suggest some Mother’s Day gift ideas. Check out these following categories …

Handmade Mother’s Day Gifts, Mother’s Day Necklaces, or Mother’s Day Handbags!

When I saw these suggestions, I went straight to the Mother’s Day Necklaces suggestion. I saw an elephant necklace in the suggestions and kept look. I then came across the … necklace. Matthew loves elephants and since we have three kids, I thought this was a perfect Mother’s Day necklace pick for myself.

I kept look around the NOVICA website and saw the scarves. I was hoping to find one that was big enough to use as a should shrug and I did. I found this beautiful print. What do you think? I thought it would be great with black slacks and a solid color top since I am always freezing. Always.

About NOVICA …

We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.
At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.
We want you to know about who you’re buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.
In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together.
NOVICA. The World is Your Market.

What is your favorite gift to give for Mother’s Day? Would the Mother’s Day’s gift suggestions help you in your gift hunt? Go check out the links and look around so you can pick your favorite item. Why? We are excited to offer one of our readers a $40 gift code in a giveaway so you can purchase a gift for yourself or for your mother! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaways, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Life Tagged With: giveaway, jewelry, NOVICA, review, scarf

Sweet Corn Black Bean Salsa Featuring Sunshine Sweet Corn

May 6, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

Is there anything better than fresh, local sweet summer corn right off of the stalk? What can beat a freshly shucked ear of corn cooked for about 3 minutes and topped with a pat of butter? How about a little dusting of cayenne to spice things up a bit? Maybe instead of boiling them in water, you can coat them in a little olive oil and char them up over the the grill. That smoky, charred flavor is just incredible.

Every summer we wind up getting dozens of ears of corn from our local farmers. We eat it fresh or prepare it and freeze it for use all winter long. We even freeze the cobs so that we can make corn broth! What happens when we run out, though? You can always buy corn in the frozen section for cooking up as a side dish. A little salt and pepper and some butter and you are all set. In the early spring, though, fresh corn can be pretty hard to come by.

Still, knowing that summer is coming up has me ready for just a little taste of fresh corn. You can buy packaged corn in the produce section of most supermarkets and that can be a pretty close approximation, especially if you are using it in dish that calls for fresh corn, like our Sweet Corn Black Bean Salsa. Serve this up with crispy tortilla chips and taste the sweetness from the corn, the creaminess of the black beans, the sharpness of the red onion, and the tang of the lime. As easy as this recipe is, why would you buy anything in a jar?

Sweet Corn Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients

4 ears of corn, shucked
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1-15.25 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
juice and zest of 2 limes
1 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Fill a pot 3/4 full of well salted water. Bring the water to a boil and add the corn. Keep on a low boil for about 5 minutes. Remove to an ice water bath and set aside to cool. Slice the kernels off of the cob and move into a large mixing bowl. Combine all other ingredients into the mixing bowl and stir well. Allow to sit for a couple of hours before serving. Enjoy!

Ready for a chance to win? Sunshine Sweet Corn is hosting the “Livin’ The Sweet Life” contest with chances to win one of 3 prize packs worth over $200!

Check out Sunshine Sweet Corn’s website!

What is your favorite sweet corn recipe? Leave us a comment and let us know what you love to make or what you think about this recipe!

NOTE: “I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Sunshine Sweet Corn. I received a gift card to purchase a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

Filed Under: Promotional, Recipes, Reviews, Simply Food Tagged With: corn, recipe, review, salsa. Mexican, Sunshine Sweet Corn, Sweet Corn Black Bean Salsa

The Real Kettle Brand Chips! #TheRealKettleChips

May 3, 2013 By Beth

Did you know? …

Kettle Brand uses only real, all-natural ingredients!
Kettle Brand is the first potato chip to be verified by the NonGMO Project! They started selling the market’s first Non-GMO Project Verified potato chip earlier this year, and will soon have 16 verified products with the Non-GMO label featured on front of their packages in the marketplace. They are working diligently to achieve verification on all of their products.
Kettly Brand has 24 delicious all-natural chip flavors!
What exactly does “kettle-style” mean?All we really know is we’ve been cooking up real chips made with real ingredients
by real people in Oregon’s Willamette Valley for over 30 years.
Kettle isn’t just a style. It’s our name.”

Check out the Kettle Brand website for more details! You can also find Kettle Brand on Twitter @KettleChips! #TheRealKettleChips

I want to share a few pairing ideas to help inspire you to add Kettle Brand Chips to your recipes this Spring and Summer.

Chicken + Kettle Brand Salt & Pepper Chips

Crush up the Kettle Brand Salt & Pepper Chips as your breading for chicken. But don’t stop there … chop up the chicken for a chicken salad based on what your family loves in chicken salad and enjoy the extra crunch!

Fish + Chips

Chips that are paired with Fish for Fish and Chips are generally french fries. Make sure your “chips” are all natural by pairing Kettle Brand Sea Salt & Vinegar Chips with your fresh Fish this Summer!

Movie and … Chips

Forget the popcorn as you host family movie night or an at home date night but keep the salt snack with Kettle Brand Sea Salt Chips. Your all natural snack choice will still give you the sanctification of snacking during the movie and maybe even make you feel a little less guilty about that late night snacking!

Guess you can tell that the favorite flavors around here involve salt, huh? Kettle Brand Sea Salt & Vinegar Chips, Kettle Brand Sea Salt Chips, and Kettle Brand Salt & Pepper Chips … mmmm. (I will add that we had the Kettle Brand Backyard Barbeque® Chips too but they were gone before we could even snap a picture. oops!)

Remember to answer the question about why REAL ingredients matter to you and your family to be entered to win $250!

Why are real ingredients important in your recipes?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kettle Brand. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Promotional, Simply Food Tagged With: chips, cooking, Kettle Brand Chips, natural, NonGMO, snacking, tips