I’m excited to announce that you can get a year’s subscription to Disney’s Family Fun magazine just by registering with the Party City website.  The Family Fun magazine has lots of great ideas for crafts, games, recipes, and other great family friendly fun.  Click here for the free subscription. Thanks for my friend Jennifer at iMommies for this great tip.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Kerrie Flanagan’s 8-year-old daughter, Delaney, wanted a birthday party at Fun Factory and she wanted to invite her 10 friends.  Kerrie was confused about what to do because the party would cost so much money, but her husband suggested giving their daughter a $50 budget. Kerrie wondered if her daughter could make a birthday party work for $50, especially since she was just 8-years-old. 

Kerrie and her daughter Delaney worked together to plan a birthday party that was within budget. Delaney declared it her best birthday ever.  She was proud of what she’d organized and of how much fun her friends had following her plans.

Kerrie also learned from the experiment.  She was reminded of how important it is to give kids the chance to learn the skills they’ll need later in life, even when it isn’t easy. 

Click here to read Kerrie’s entire article.  I hope this article inspires you to know that kids can be thrifty too.  Sometimes they just little need a little encouragement and guidance.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

With childhood obesity on the rise, it is important to make time to exercise with your children.  Now is the time to teach them the value of an active lifestyle and I’m sure your family will have fun in the process.  Here’s some of my exercising suggestions.  Many of them are thrifty ideas. 

1.  Go to a skating rink.  This could be roller skating or ice skating.  It’s getting cold outside and either of these would be a good choice.

2.  Take a theme walk with your kids.  One time your theme could be pointing out birds, another time cars, another time it could be different kinds of trees, and so on.  Make it an interesting learning experience.  Don’t forget to include the dog.  He could use the exercise too.

3.  Play a game of touch football, soccer, basketball or some other sport that will be fun and get your heart moving.

4.  Build an outdoor obstacle course in the backyard that includes running, climbing, jumping, rolling, and swinging.  The kids will think its fun that you are competing against them and everyone will get a workout. 

5.  Have a jump rope or hula hoop contest.

6.  If you’re watching tv, exercise with your kids during commercials. 

7.  Join a family gym such as the YMCA.  This will enable everyone to workout all year long, no matter how hot or cold it is outside.  Many family oriented places offer family swimming and other family friendly activities.

8.  Ride a stationary bicycle, do stretches, push ups, etc while watching your favorite tv program.

9.  Get outside and rollerblade or ride your bikes.

10.  Play capture the flag, kickball, or tag.

It’s also important to keep a positive attitude about exercising together.  Instead of using the word “exercise” maybe you could say “Let’s go outside and play together.  What would you like to play?”

What activities do you do with your children?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Have you tried looking online for thrifty costume ideas?  I visited a few free sites today that I wanted to share with you frugal moms. 

Michaels has pages of costume ideas.  Each idea includes a picture, the amount of time each one should take to create, the level of skill required, directions, reviews of the idea from other crafters, and a list of materials needed for each project.   

Family Fun also has a variety of ideas.  I found uniques ideas such as a pizza slice, flower fairy, bubble bather, slime bucket, and many, many more.  If you want your child to have a costume different from everyone else, you should definitely check out this site.  Family Fun also includes a list of materials, directions, and crafter’s comments.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy