Friday Favorites and Freebies: Living Well and Frugal Tips

I've bumped into some great blogs about living well and living within your means this past week.

 

I feel like I've been through a mini Earth Day week mixed with a financial boot camp at my house with these fantastic reads.  A fresh start is always nice!

Here are some of my favorites that I had to share:

A whole series of fantastic articles on careful living.  Loved these!

 

Save money and eat organically and sustainably?  Count me in!

Fun, Cheap, or Free is the idea here-with a how-to for tracking that budget, that's easy!

 

How to shop for 2 weeks at a time and spend less than $100/week on groceries! Great planning tips!

This girl has ideas for how to replace every plastic item you use with something not disposable.  We can all pick up a few tips here!

I love the ideas here about how to shop without bringing home so much waste.  Again, lots of ideas and we can all start somewhere.

Whew!  So many great things to learn.  

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

Friday Favorites and Freebies!

Happy Friday!   With summer upon us, I want to start off by sharing a few favorite freebies for summer learning fun.  With our Book It! pizza program ending, I was thinking about how our summer reading goals would work.  Did you know that Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program where the kids can earn a {free} book? Check it out here.



And since we're on the subject of reading, if you're hoping your kiddos remember what they've learned at school during the summer break, you may want to check out classroomfreebies.com.  There are lots of great teaching and learning tools there for teachers and parents alike so you can keep their skills fresh.
 
 I read the most interesting article about animal fats this week.  I don't consider myself a health nut at all, but I do like to learn about how food interacts with the body so I can make healthy choices for our family. 
If you're interested in learning about different kinds fats and which kinds are good for you, check out this article.  You'll find lots of interesting side-links inside the article if you want to explore more...it's certainly "food for thought."

And, while we are on the subject of food, I have a yummy summer breakfast recipe to share and a tip I learned this week at a friend's Pampered Chef party.  Did you know that cheese in the block form is way better for you than shredded cheese from the store?  Compare the labels.  I'll be shredding my own from now on :)

And, now that it's finally warming up here I'm so excited to try out this recipe for yummy Refridgerator Oatmeal.

Go check it out! 
Yum, easy, and good for you too!
 

Have a great weekend!
 

Friday Favorites and Freebies: General Conference Ideas

Our family really looks forward to the first weekend of April (and October!) for the special broadcast of General Conference.
Confessions of a Slacker Mom has put together a very comprehensive pinterest board for General Conference of outstanding ideas of ways to keep even the {littlest} of viewers excited and learning.
I'm also a big fan of her Walk Beside Me preschool curriculum that she creates and shares for free for our {little} people like this one:

This article has more great ideas about how to make Conference meaningful before, during, and after with some great ideas of traditions to start in your own family.
So many fun things to learn...so {little} time!  Enjoy!
Happy Weekend!

Friday Favorites and Freebies-Teaching Resources

Happy Friday!  I've been enjoying some of these great resources with my kids this week and thought some of you may enjoy them too!
Jay is really into learning to type right now-the right way-on the computer.  He loves to be on the computer, so I look for fun ways for him to learn something while he's there!  He sat down and whipped out 3 lessons of this typing game in about an hour.  I couldn't believe how much he liked it.  I found it courtesy of this post where you can find other typing games as well.


Enchanted Learning is another go-to place for me.  Kay loves to make little books.  So these mini books on all kinds of subjects are awesome for her.  There are so many great resources there!



















The other great resources we use a lot is teacherspayteachers.com.  It's an amazing marketplace of talented teachers sharing the resources they have created to teach something.  There are tons that are free to print or download and tons that are just a few dollars--in all the subjects and languages you can imagine!  So fun!

So have a fun time learning or teaching something new with this week's favorites and freebies!

Happy Weekend to you!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

Happy Friday! 

I have some favorites and freebies to share with you today to help you enjoy your weekend!

The first is a free download of the Chronicles of Narnia.  The recordings are down by Chrissi Hart and have a wonderful British accent too!  Lots of great listening--I'm thinking perfect for a road trip.  You can find all the details at HomeSchoolFreebieOfTheDay.  This resource may really only be available today-FRIDAY-so go check it out now so you don't miss out.  Sometimes these last longer than a day, sometimes not...

We have a favorite video channel on YouTube recently.  We've spent hours watching these fascinating stop-photography videos of plants growing and changing.  My kids love these and so do my husband and I!  They really are great for any age.  Try out a few of them by Neil Bromhall.  He also has a neat website for gardening questions.

Ok ruffle lovers: this is for you.   Take a look at this darling ruffle idea for a party--so darling!  Get the details at GritsAndGiggles.

And if you have been going blueberry picking every week like us or making some yummies to share, you will love these free printables from BrownPaperPackages.

Are you getting your kids ready to go back to school?  You will enjoy these sweet lunch printables--such a fun way to send some love in their lunch!  See them at FreshPickedWhimsy.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

oh, and if you were featured, feel free to grab a "featured" button from the sidebar!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

I hope you are having a fabulous Friday!  I have some fun things to share with you:


I like making soaps and trying different ways of doing it.  Here is a recipe for how to make your own dishwaher soap.

I think I'm going to have to get a couple of these solar power lanterns.  They are the perfect combination of cute and cool for our backyard porch!

I love the Smart Summer Challenge going on at Naturally Educational.  There is even a great calendar of activities that they've created to follow along that you can print out.

Speaking of fun things to do with your kids, I love this list from Whip Up of 80 things to do with your kids!

I have one more favorite shop to share with you: LilyGene has the cutest Map gifts!  I have been working on a map shelf for one of my {little projects} lately and she has great designs.  Check out this fun anniversary one!  I love the circle stamp!

Have a great weekend!

Friday Favorites and Freebies-Easter!

Since the coming week is the celebration of sacred events, I thought I would share some printables to set the mood.

{Little Project Tip:} My color printer isn't fantastic so I take my printables like these to Staples for 50 cent color copies.  They look beautiful all framed and they don't cost as much as printing them as photos.

Here's a free printable with lots of color choices for you from todaysfabulousfinds.

This is beautiful too! Find it at ladybirdin.

This one is a mix-up.  Lots of fun at valfrazier.

Love this Amazing Grace, also available in other colors at madiganmade.

Love this printable from autielolocrafts! And there are lots of color choices!

Many thanks to dollarstorecrafts for great printable links!

Happy Friday!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

I hope your first weekend in November is looking to be fantastic! Enjoy these fun favorites and freebies!

I have been wanting to have a "ball" with my stash of styrofoam balls. These are beautiful! And I can't wait to try one!

Tis the season to fall in love with your slow cooker. Here's a a yummy blog and recipe to try!

This is a clever way to personalize a t-shirt!

If you haven't tried making your own crayons yet, these pumpkin ones are perfect!

And finally, a fun way to play with your food-check out these AMAZING pancakes!

Happy Weekend to you!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

Happy Friday-enjoy this line-up of Favorites and Freebies ;)

I'm loving this school supplies art work holder! from Oh so Happy Together.

Check out this wall art made with Pez holders-genius by stephanielynn.

I think you'll find this journal idea refreshing! By graceisoverrated.

If you to read, like me, or have a reading friend to share a great bookmark with. Be sure to check these cute ones out.

I'm wishing I could spend more time in my kitchen. If you like yours, check out this fun list of kitchen yummies at Angry Chicken.

Have a Happy Weekend!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

It's time for more FAVORITES

to celebrate it being FRIDAY!

If you have a little one who loves to play in the kitchen, check out this FREE pattern for an apron and oven mitts (I can't wait to make these!) at Living with Punks.

Make a sailor's knot bracelet for a friend with this tutorial from Etsy.

We all know that ruffles are super cute on babies-check out this tutorial for adding them onto your favorite baby onsie at the Homemade Diva.

I want to put these vintage labels on everything! Print them out and pretty up and organize something-pantry jars maybe?

And finally, I LOVE tetris and so when I found a way to work on geography too I was thrilled. Here you can play states and countries too-tetris-like. It's different but fun-and great for kids!

Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is Fantastic-and that you find time for all your Little Projects!

Friday Favorites and Freebies-Father's Day Edition

Well, we're mostly unpacked and loving being homeowners for the first time! I'm coming out of the mess of packing paper and boxes to share some fun ideas for Father's Day with you from around the web. Enjoy!

This is an easy and fun way to do hand prints with your kiddos.

We all know that our men love yumminess. Here is a great recipe for frosting a cake to celebrate the big day.

Try out these sweet versions of hamburgers and fries for a fun twist!

We're doing a variation on this idea for Father's Day-a cute photo holder just for Dad!

I love this T-shirt design for Me and Mini Me. Check it out to order or make :)

Happy Friday!

Friday Favorites and Freebies-baby edition

To celebrate our new little arrival "Elle" I've collected a few free baby favorites for you to enjoy this weekend :)

Have a T-shirt? Make it into a baby shirt here!

If you have a baby boy you know what tee pee you can make here :)

Want to make your own soft baby blocks, here is a pattern.

A great tutorial for making a diaper bag.

These Bitty Booties are SEW CUTE!

Have fun spoiling a little one with these fun Little Projects!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

Celebrate the weekend with some fun {Little Projects} from around

the web-they're free and FUN!

Have you ever wondered how to dry your own apples? Here's the how-to.

Need a fun INSIDE activity? Try these scented paints you can make right in your kitchen for kiddos to enjoy.

Would you like a free recipe delivered to your inbox-I'm thinking a cute cupcake in mine would brighten my day-but you can choose from a variety of recipes from dinners to cookies and soups. Check it out HERE.

I think this is such a fun looking Little Project. If you've got a boy at your house he may love this.

Here is some international fun for kids: songs and nursery rhymes from around the world!

Happy Friday to you all!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

Welcome to this week's list. Enjoy these features!

Send 12 roses-Origami that is! They'll never die that way :)

Make yourself a little chocolate cake-you deserve this-make it in a mug!

For romance ideas on a budget, check this out.

Check out these sweet little hearts made from STRAWS :)

Speaking of origami, these are AMAZING!

I love this list of 100 songs to sing with your child-enjoy it with someone you love!

Happy Friday!!!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

Happy Friday to YOU!!!

Want to keep those fingers warm? Check out this tutorial for making your own Hand Warmers. They would also make a great gift!

These Clothespin Valentines are darling, easy to make and USEFUL-go check them out!

If you crochet you've got to check this out-how about using plastic bags or t-shirts for yarn?

If you love fun and free graphics, clip art, or bloggy stuff be sure to stop by and see this vintage valentine and other goodies.

And since it's that organizing time of the year, check this out for ribbon organizing.

Friday Favorites and Freebies

Welcome to Friday Favorites and Freebies. Be sure to grab an "I've been featured" button from the left sidebar if you made the list today. There are lots of holiday choices for you to enjoy!

Are you familiar with Jan Brett? If not, take a look around her site and enjoy her work and send a free postcard too!

These easy-to-make gift bags are darling!

Try these handmade button snowflakes!

If you like to sew and have a little one that likes to cook these would make a great gift! Lots of great patterns and tuts to check out!

If you like free digital clip art, I just bumped into this site that you might enjoy :)

Happy Friday!

Friday Favorites and Freebies-Thanksgiving Edition!

Enjoy this extended list of Thanksgiving Favorites and Freebies. I hope you find something to fit your fancy. If your blog "made the list" today be sure to grab an "I've been featured" button from the left sidebar. Note: if you were featured in the past and have an older button, grab the new code!
Wishing you a Fantastic Friday!

I LOVE this turkey softie idea!

A fun group game for Thanksgiving here.

Learn more about Thanksgiving history here.

This is a simple and sweet kids craft for Thanksgiving.

Another fun way to count your blessings.

This hand print shirt is a precious too!

Take a look at these pretty printable napkin bands.

This is a great way to give a new look to your decor/table setting without spending much-all thanks to some paper!

Looking for a fun way to do Thanksgiving breakfast-without a lot of work? These will be on our table :)

A beautiful way to put the "thanks" and the "giving" together here.

Friday Favorites and Freebies

Hope find something that fits your fancy on this fantastic Friday!

Bring on the pumpkin pie-scicles-frozen is always fun!

Here is a fun site that has a lot of resources for Little Projects with your kids-Have fun!

Looking for some fun sewing projects to do? These have free patterns so you can get a start on holiday gift-giving :)

Make some fun alphabet cards from leaves with these directions.

If you've ever wondered how to do things on you blog like slash through text, try these tips.

Grab a"featured" button from the left sidebar if you made the list today! Happy Friday!

Friday Favorites and Freebies-Halloween Edition

There are so many great ideas to celebrate right now. I'm not big into Halloween but I love the leaves, the colors, and the treats that come along with this time of year. Have a Fantastic Friday!

These "Monster Gift" Treats are so cute-a great neighbor gift!

A great recycling craft for the season to do with the kids that looks GREAT!

So many great Halloween ideas to be found from this great set of sisters. Go check them out-decor, eats, games, crafts for the kids, etc.

Lots of great fun with faces for little ones who might not be ready for a pumpkin carving knife here!

So many yummy treats to make and share-I can't decide which to first-This one or That one? Both would be better!

Grab an "I've been featured" button if you made the Favorites today!

Friday Favorites and Freebies

Happy Friday! I hope you find something to fit your fancy on this fine Friday!

We finally tried out Jitterbug this week. It's a kid-friendly web site with great music options (minus the occasion ads on the videos). The kids loved the videos and I loved that I got some sewing done while they watched since the computer happens to be next to the sewing machine!

Want an easy way to monogram or a unique way to put your child's name up on the wall? Check this out-so easy to personalize it!

Thecolor.com lets kids color online. It's always a fun variation for preschoolers who think they are big enough to have some computer time :)

Are you looking for a free way to budget better? Check out mint.com. It has been highly recommended and is easy to use.

And these Halloween spinners look so fun for a party!

Grab an "I've been featured" button from the left side-bar if you made the list today!