With me working part-time from home and having three little kids, my husband and I are looking for ways to save money on dates.  We need some time alone!

Here are few ways to save on babysitting.
1)  Go on a lunch date. This is our newest way to save.  Our three oldest children are in school and our youngest is in preschool part-time.  We finally have a consistent time that we can get out together.
2)  Trade babysitting with others.  If you know of other parents that have kids, offer to trade with them.  Everyone needs some time alone and they would …read more

Last year, after being totally frustrated over numerous fundraisers, I wrote a little rant with 10 reasons why I can’t stand school fundraisers.  I understand though that schools need to raise money for things that our kids can enjoy such as playgrounds, picnic tables, and media items.  After speaking with some parents and personally critiquing some fundraisers, I’ve come up with a list of parent-approved fundraisers.  I know that you won’t agree with every suggestion on the list, but hopefully you’ll find an idea that you like.

1)  Grocery store customer cards – Some stores, such as Food Lion have a program for …read more

Halloween is right around the corner! This year, be sure to capture your little ghost or goblin’s memories in a unique way. An expert in children’s photography, Linda Russell offers 5 tips for parents to take perfect Halloween pictures.  

 1)  Utilize available light: Turn off your flash and use a tripod or even the back of a chair to stabilize your camera and use a slow shutter speed to photograph your child by jack- o- lantern or candle light.
2)  Light your child from below: For a really “haunting” photo, have them hold a flashlight below their face pointed up. Under-lighting is sinister …read more

Michael’s is hosting a free family back to school Knack event.  At the event, your kids will be able to use stickers and paint to decorate a metal pencil box.

The event is on August 15, 2009 from 10 am until 1 pm and is available while supplies last.  For more information, visit The Knack website.

Shoney’s is offering a printable coupon for a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal.  The meal includes also includes a drink and dessert.  This offer expires July 15, 2009.

Click here to find a Shoney’s near you.
Thanks Bargain Briana.

Fisher Price is giving away another free DVD with four animated GeoTrax episodes.  This one is Steamer & Samuel Save the Day.  Order now and receive your free dvd in 12-14 weeks.

I have received several free Fisher Price dvds and have found them to be a great addition to our dvd collection. 
Thanks to iMommies for the tip.  Image from Fisher Price.

It’s time for the free song of the month from Charity & the JAMband.  This month’s song is “Beach”.

“Beach” is an upbeat and fun tune that tells of magical treasure maps, dolphins playing in the surf, and dancing in the sand.  As always, Charity has included the lyrics and chords for the song.
It’s ok if you’ve missed out on the other free downloads.  Check out Charity’s free song of the month archive and you can still have them for free.  There are currently seven songs in the archive.
I hope that you’ll drop in and listen to a few other tunes and …read more

Each month, Charity & the JAMband offer a free children’s song download.  Just in time for Mother’s Day, you can download Rock-a-Bye.  Charity is also including the lyrics and chords so that you can play and sing along.
 
In honor of Mother’s Day, our May song is a reworking of the age-old Rock-a-Bye Baby. I’ve always felt the traditional version lacked the comfort of a lullaby, with the baby falling out of the tree and all. So here’s an adaptation that sings about the manifestations of unconditional mother love and safety available to us in every moment, no matter who or …read more

As mentioned before, Earth Day is this month and so we at Blisstree are providing you with some tips to become more envionmentally friendly.  PBS is also helping to teach children with Earth Day episodes.
Maya & Miguel special on PBS Kids Go!

Everyday is Earth Day – For a school Earth Day project, the kids decide to clean up an old lot and plant a community garden.  But as the deadline approaches, a rainstorm hits, turning the patch of dirt into a muddy mess.  How will Maya get her friends out of the muck this time?
Clifford the Big Red Dog has …read more

Michaels is having another free family ”The Knack” event from 10 am-1pm this Saturday, April 18.  Kids will create their own bunny or spring chick for some sunny spring fun.  One page I read said that this was for all ages and another said that it was for ages 5-12.  Honestly, this looks like a very easy craft, so it may be for the younger ones too. 
You can stop by The Knack website for free printables.  There are over 200 to choose from.  There are also loads of project ideas.  Click on the spring project idea list and you’ll have plenty …read more