What to cook and what to do this summer

Sigh.....what to do this summer?  What to make for dinner?  (I HATE DINNERTIME) if it was up to me I would have a bowl of cereal or a plain old sandwich.  I live with ultra picky kids and a husband who believes you shouldn't eat breakfast for dinner and has my kids convinced the of the same. 

As for my summer plans.....looks like the backyard and pool it's going to be!  I can't really think of anything thats inexpensive to keep five kids entertained. Two of my own and three I babysit (well I have a few...zoo, park, library, bowling, free movies) but they will tire of that quickly.  I feel depressed already just thinking of not leaving this house.  This is he hardest job in the world I ever had.  I wish I was a kid again.

My family and I are contemplating going o Canada for a few days in August.  Just have to make sure we have the extra funds

Starting to love printable party decor

So lately I have been spending every available minute I have to spare reading blogs.  I love finding coupon deals, freebies and now I have found party and entertining blogs. I am addicted to blogging (more like reading other blogs than writing for my own) I have found some of the cutest free printables to make your party extra special.  Like I have all the free time in the world (I probably would if i didnt sit at this computer reading blogs!) but I cant wait to have a reason to have a party so I can use some of the ideas and printables I have been finding.

I think I am going to try a Welcome to summer vacation shindig for the kids on Monday (their last day of school) I envision cupcakes with yellow, blue and orange icing, ice cream with the toppings, and some burgers and dogs.  Water bottles with custom labels (made by me) and then I am going to try some 4th of July printables for our bbq.  My husband is going to think I am nuts (or as he will call me a LOSER)

So I am giving you the links to some of my fave blogs that have awesome party theme ideas and printables:

paperandcake.blogspot.com     

                                                        tweedledeedesigns.com

               puertabella.blogspot.com

                                                           

tomkatstudio.blogspot.com           

Kids eat free at Applebees 4th of July weekend

Head on over to Applebees July 3rd through July 5th and kids eat free (No Coupon required) check with your local Applebees to see if they are participating. 

Free 2oz lotion from Bath & Body Works

 Head on over to Bath and Body Works facebook page.  Like them and print out a coupon to get a free 2oz bottle of their newest scent Forever Suncshine.  This offer is only available this weekend no purchase necessary.

While you are there check out their amazing sale and clearance items.

Free 8x10 at Walgreens

Head on over to Walgreens to get a free 8 X 10 with this code: GOBIG8X10.  This coupon code is good until June 19th.  Great gift idea for Fathers Day.  You can also get 50 4x6 prints for $5.00 with coupon code: SHARE50. 

Get 35% off at Crocs.com

TODAY ONLY  score 35% off crocs at crocs.com.   Make your selection and at check out enter these codes:   CROCS4SUMMER  TO GET 25% OFF  and you can stack that coupon with this one: STACK15  for an additional 15% off.  There is also free shipping too!!  Can't beat that.

End of the Year Teacher gift ideas

I don't usually go out and buy or make anything for the teachers, bus drivers and crossing guards.  I just give the donation the class mom usually asks for.  This year I feel like being semi crafty and making something or buying something that won't wind up in the trash.  How many apple type things does a teacher need? 

I came across a few websites that have some really nice ideas and free printables:

skip to my lou  has great ideas for last minute gifts for the teacher.  Free printable tags you can attach to flowers or a plant that say   Thanks for helping my child Bloom 

Domesticated Lady I love the free printable water bottle labels...You can even make some type of card out of it and attach it to a re useable bottle  

Our 15th Annivesary

Tomorrow Mr. Amazing and I will be celebrating our 15th wedding Annivesary!!!  The years have flown by in a blink of an eye.  He truly is my best friend and soulmate.  I don't know what I would ever do without him..he keeps me grounded. 

Tonight we are taking the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos for an overnight since they have the day off from school tomorrow.  It may not be a tropical island but I am just happy for the getaway and being able to spend time with each other. 

Mr. Amazing if you ever read my blog I just want to say I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH and can't wait to see what the next 15 years will be like as we will be making that big move to FLorida in 2 years.

I am done with yard sales

So yesterday I had a yard sale.  Of all the days I choose to have a yard sale it turned out to be hotter than hell!!!   Normally my kids and husband help out but it was all me baby.  Well Mr. Amazing did help bring out the tables and make the lemonade for this kids to sell.  He works midnights so he just came home.  Can't fault him for that.  The kids could barely get out of bed and all they were concerned with was their lemonade stand. 

Usuallly I am all gung ho about my yard sale.  I have been doing these for like 10 years.  Trust me I dont do it for the sheer fun of it.  I hate throwing things out and I usually can use the extra bucks.  I even have yard sale clientele as I call them.  The same 10 people or so who now my house, follow my kids in size, or look for my clothing and handbags.  Yesterday probably was the worst sale ever.  I wasn't in the mood to do it (but the ad was already placed) I was hoping for rain like the forecaste said the night before.  You can't believe those weather people  they have no clue I swear all they do is guess.  A monkey can do that!

Total sales were $55.00 (10 of that was from a good friend)  my actual profit was 33 bucks because the ad i placed in the paper and the purchase of lemonade was 22 bucks.  So I think I am calling it quits on having these sales and I am just going to give my stuff away to the Veterans Association.

Free Admission to Museums and Zoos this weekend

The first weekend of  every month is free admission to zoos , museums, science centers, and botanical gardens  in your area with free admission.  All you have to do is show any Bank of America card.  Click on this link here to find a participating museum or zoo in your area.  Courtesy of Museums on Us.  Thanks GAYNYCDAD for posting this reminder

ATTENTION TRI STATE AREA  the Bronx Zoo is one of the zoos listed