A Hands On Partner

Giving your kiddo a focus has never been so simple!

You know how easily distracted we can get in parking lots. Loading or unloading packages, rifling for keys or tending to the baby can take precious attention away from our children, leaving them vulnerable to a number of dangerous situations. The Parking Pal Magnet is your child's safe spot.

Simply place the magnet on the side of your vehicle and have your kiddo place his hand on top of the hand on the magnet. The magnets are designed with fun bright colors in several designs to keep your child occupied. This is so much better than asking your kiddo to keep his hand on the dirty tire or some other less than exciting spot on the vehicle.

Speaking of exciting... everyone placing an order in the month of July will be put in a drawing to win a $50.00 Toys R Us gift card! Kudos to the Parking Pal for a great product - High Five!

Help for the Rising Grocery Bill

I think we all have seen our grocery bill rise in the past few months... or more accurately in the past 6 months. Around Christmas I was able to buy our favorite ground Starbucks coffee for around $6. After a couple increases since then, we are now paying close to $9 - yikes! And just last week I noticed a 30 cent jump in the price of a can of black beans that I buy weekly. Not to mention eggs and milk have been on the rise - along with most items on the grocery store shelves.

I don't know about you, but being a full time mom means there is one income coming in - my husband's. So, I have started clipping coupons, watching the sales and fixing some vegetarian meals each week. Meat is probably one of the more expensive items on the grocery list. And eating red meat is recommend only once a week for heart health - so you can save money & help your heart! Another saver is to plan meals for the week. Then you know what you need from the store, instead of buying a bunch of stuff and then later realize you still don't have everything to make a complete meal. Also, keep alert to the prices you are seeing. I dread shopping at Walmart, but I can get some of our things cheaper there - but not everything, so beware when you shop. Surprisingly, Target can beat Walmart prices on some things. Of the staples I buy often, I keep a mental note of who has them cheaper. I know, it can be easier to just pick things up all at one store - and sometimes I do that. However, if you know you are going to be driving past another store that has your items less expensive - why not save a little?

Looking for more tricks to help save on your grocery bill? Here are a couple good articles to read. Check out the Coupon Mom and 50 ways to save money on your grocery bill.

Patriotic Play

The fireworks started days ago and the kids are anxious for the real show to start tonight. But whatever are you gonna do to keep them busy until the party starts at 5pm? Besides taking them to the pool, here are some fun crafts that will entertain them. And if you start early enough - they can sport them for the rest of the day.

And if your up for your kiddo giving you a pedicure, have them give your piggies a patriotic make-over, like the ones here!

All craft projects are from FamilyFun.com.

Happy Independence Day!

The Fourth & Food

I can't believe it's just 2 days away. The 4th of July is already here... where did June go?

Since the Fourth usually means food and fun, I'm going to share this great site with you. Kraft Kitchens has already picked out recipes for the holiday; Appetizers, meat dishes, side dishes and desserts - just mix and match your favorites and you have your whole meal already planned. Just click on the desired dish for it's recipe. Most are easy to make and very yummy. What a time saver, and we all could use help with that!

Don't care for what the Patriotic Party Menu has to offer? No problem, the site is filled with tons of recipes that is sure to please.

Happy 4th of July and enjoy!