Summer Freebies

It's almost here...3 months-no school. Just fun, water parks, picnics, vacations and relaxation. (See I'm hoping if I put positive thinking out there...it may become reality.)

I am really excited to spend some time outside of a school building, since I got to spend so much time inside one this year. I am now completing my year long service as the local PTO president, and I had an amazing year. It was fun to see the students grow, and get new opportunities. It was fun to see my kids a lot in their environment. It was awesome to renew my own personal friendships, and make new ones. All in all--an Extraordinary year!

So now we've got summer... and I needed a few ideas to keep my crew busy.

Reading is still important even if we're not in school. Barnes & Noble has a great summer reading program where kids can earn a free book. Click Here for the form and details.

Check out the local library for weekly reading times, shows and other special events. If you live in my locale go Here for the latest and greatest info.

June 5th is free fishing day. Check out this link for more info. If you like the outdoors there are hundreds of National Parks (click on link) or State Parks (click on link). At the SL County Libraries you can get a free 1 week pass to the State Parks--you have to have a card and check it out from the library, but a great money saving idea for a family vacation.

Don't miss the Kids Bowl Free program. Or the Kids Skate Free program. Info can be found by clicking the highlighted link above. Also many movie theaters have a kids summer program. Click Here for Details. You could also make your own movie, or take video clips along the way of each adventure you have and make it into a video journal of your awesome summer adventures.

If you live in Utah here's another link of Free Days at local attractions funded by our ZAP (Zoo, Arts and Park) tax. As a part of this grant, these locations have to sponsor free days to the public. More info. can be found Here.

Happy Adventures!

Redesign on less than a Dime!

I told you I was getting busy repainting and re-purposing our interior decor. I am working on a new design for the dining room table, but until I figure that out (I hate math--and it takes math to figure out what I need) I worked on these...

 These cute dressers were my mom's and have been well loved by many little girls.

 They are in great shape and really solid. After some prep work and some inspiration from a girl in my Garden Club I had some ideas.

Their walls in my little girls' room are this fun Raspberry pink (above). Since I had some paint left over...I repainted the dressers and a matching desk. And below is the final result. I used what I had, and recreated this lovely dresser. Now when they put away the clothes they know white drawer-socks; pink drawer shirts & pants; Raspberry drawer pj's and seasonal gear. Thanks to my left handed husband for the color design on the dual tone drawers--both the idea and labor were all him.

Amdro Pest and Weed Control

I recently had the opportunity to try out Amdro Weed and Pest Control. I am a Bzzagent and have opportunities to review many products and give my opinion--I know right, perfect job!

I have weeds...lots of weeds...and sometimes spiders and ants and I have to say so far I am impressed with the Amdro system.

Here's what I am hoping actually dies in my yard.

 The system consists of a one gallon bottle with attached sprayer and Weed & Lawn Killer, Grass Killer, Indoor Pest Control and Outdoor Pest Control. Fill the bottle with water, attach the sprayer and in the bottom of the sprayer you attach whichever control solution needed. Super easy to use, and so far looks like there's promise that this is on it's way out of my yard!

I have coupons to share--let me know if you want to try it out!

Triumphant Return...or Something Like That

College Finals over-check
PTO Fundraiser successful- check
Kids Homework winding down- check
15 loads of laundry cleaned & put away- check
Garden planted- check
Sanity restored-----Wishful thinking :)

Summer is almost here! What am I going to do with all this new found time? I am going to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts; hang out with my kids at the splash pad; and read a good book poolside on our vacations. I think I've earned it ...so have you.

As a celebration treat the hubs bought me my favorite Mousse Dome from our favorite local bakery,  Kneaders. If you haven't tried them --the dome or the bakery, it is a MUST. He tried their Raspberry Bread Pudding--and Oh My Gosh! Good stuff--and I am not a Bread Pudding person. So of course I have to try it. Here's one version of the recipe that I like--it uses less cream and sugar. I also have the luxury of going to my garden to get the raspberries so this may be the hit of the summer. I am also going to try making the Chocolate Mousse Domes, one recipe version is found here.

Since we will have lots of free time I found this handy link of 75 Free (or nearly free) Summer Fun Ideas. Thanks Melea for putting this together so I didn't have to!

With the time that's left for the summer I am going to finish "remodeling" and "refinishing" our house and the crap that fills it. They'll be some room re-purposing, repainting and redistribution of worldly wealth house wide this summer. And I will be magically figuring out how and when to get us on a vacation for Christmas--skipping presents and opting for making memories.....it will be an experiment on many levels--I'll keep ya posted.

Enjoy Summer!