Summer has begun!

Today is the last day of school for my son.  I have all of our summer things ready for the summer. I created a Summer Things to do List for the kids. Here is where I got that idea from: http://thebuentes.blogspot.com/2012/06/ready-for-summer-diy-project.html?showComment=1339391253608

I also have my son in quite a bit of activities this summer, so to get this all organized I printed out everything onto a calendar and I signed up for a free application called Cozi that I am in LOVE with it. It keeps everyone's activities/schedules together in one place to keep the entire family organized. My husband and I both downloaded the free app and I entered all of the activities and events that we are attending on the computer and it updates automatically to our app on the phone.  I really like the app especially because if your child has the same class every Thursday or even every other Thursday, you are able to choose the different options for repeating the event on the calendar and you can also put a stop date for that particular activity.

You can go to www.cozi.com to see what I'm talking about.  I have not had a chance to use all of its features but the calendar is great. It also shows a recipe database to be able to setup your own menu plan.  I also started doing a weekly menu plan for the family, which has worked out amazingly well.  I will write about the weekly menu plan soon!

Teacher Appreciation Gift

I gave the teachers a form to fill out shown in the earlier post, so I can get idea of what they like.

Here is a picture what I came up with from what they wrote on the form. I found the pink polka dot insulated lunch totes for $5 at HomeGoods. Then I put the teacher's favorite candy along with a bookmark that I made and a favorite item of theirs from the list. The bookmark and tags I found on Pinterest.

Teacher Appreciation Day Gifts

Teacher Appreciation Day is May 7.  I started thinking about this last week and in the midst of trying to figure out what am I going to give this time....I remembered seeing a form that I could give the teachers to figure out what it is that they like.

So, I went to pintrest and looked up Teacher Appreciation.  I am a big believer in giving gifts that people would actually use because I personally am not a collector of things that do not have a purpose or use by me or by a family member.  Hence, I do not like to give party favors that are going to be a waste for someone to take home and never be used.

There are quite a few forms online that you can print out and give to your teacher, but this is the one that I liked and used.

When you click on the above picture, you will also find some teacher appreciation gift ideas as well as a link to download this form.

I do have a few teacher friends and I do know that they personally don't like getting gifts that just keep collecting around the house and really don't have any use or purpose. Even if you can not afford to give an extravagant gift, they have such cute ideas out there that you can do.  You can bring them a cup of their favorite coffee, a bag of their favorite candy, or even just a homemade card from your child to the teacher.  It's the thought that counts the most.

I haven't decided what I am going to give them just yet, but once I do I will post it.  Good Luck with your Teacher Appreciation gifts this year. 

Teaching your child Money: Age by Age Guide

There's a great guide by age for teaching your child about Money. 

http://www.parents.com/kids/responsibility/money-management/money-milestones-for-kids/?sssdmh=dm17.651405&esrc=nwpce021113

National Geographic Kids Magazine Sale

You can get a 1 year subscription to the National Geographic Kids Magazine for only $12.

http://www.plumdistrict.com/moms/discount/everywhere/deals

Free Valentine's Day Bingo Printable

Kids love parties and my kids are still young (5 and 2), so they have parties in their classroom for every holiday.  My kids are getting really excited for Valentine's Day now and when I saw this Bingo Printable, I had to post it for everyone.

http://preschoolprintables.info/2896/valentines-day-bingo/

Free Valentine's Day School Lunch Notes

Make your Child's Lunch special on Valentine's Day by adding a special Lunch note in it!  Download these free Valentine's Day School Lunch Notes.

http://www.chickabug.com/blog/2013/01/free-printable-valentines-day-school-lunch-notes.html