tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:37:02 +0000All you ever wanted to know about saving money and feeding the family on a shoestring budget.http://www.momadvice.com/blog/index.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)Blogger1584125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-3012434278226582962Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +00002009-06-09T21:12:05.254-04:00GiveawaysSygent Creations, $35Welcome to An Apron Full of Giveaways linky list, where we share all of the great contests happening all over the web.This week, we are starting our second week of the Water Way Challenge with Crystal Light and sharing another $50 for one lucky reader. I will be doing four posts in all so be sure to enter each of the giveaways to increase your chances of winning that $50 http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/apron-full-of-giveaways-060909.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-382852140884035512Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-06-09T07:00:01.695-04:00FamilyKid CraftsFrugalThings To DoEntertainmentIt has been a tradition in our family to visit the fire station at Christmas and make special treats for the firefighters. This year our mom's group had it on the calendar to make a summer visit and the kids were so excited to visit the fire station again. I don't know why I had not thought to do this in the summer before!I get a lot of promotional stuff from different companies and I had saved http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/summer-activity-visit-to-fire-station.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-5108505782670048672Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:36:00 +00002009-06-08T08:43:01.490-04:00MomAdvice NewsI do feel a little lame asking, but if you have a couple of seconds, would you vote for my blog for the BlogLuxe Awards? I would be ever so grateful! Our site is up for the Cleanest Blog Award and the Blog You've Learned the Most From. You can enter once daily for the blog of your choice.It would mean the world to me! Thank you to whoever put our name in that hat- we appreciate it!http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/i-feel-lame-asking.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-4610471084073081725Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-06-08T07:00:07.338-04:00RecipesRice is truly one of my favorite side dishes. It goes perfectly with everything and it is frugal to boot! I love white rice, but have been working lately on adding more whole grains to our family's diet. The problem with my family is that they are really resisting the whole grain switch. It seems to be all about texture with them so it takes a really great recipe to get them on board with the http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/perfectly-baked-brown-rice.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-1047814256139028441Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-06-05T07:00:01.092-04:00FreebiesHappy Freebie Friday, everyone! A huge thanks to Heather, from Freebies 4 Mom, for rounding up all the latest & greatest freebies for our readers each week. I love Heather's Money 4 Mom entries and she has a good one this week on the Pinecone Research Panel. Thanks, Heather, for all you do!Don't forget to enter our $50 giveaway each week (for the next four weeks) sponsored by Crystal Light. You http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/freebie-friday-june-5-2009.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-4641289728006402557Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:36:00 +00002009-06-04T15:45:07.838-04:00Guest PostsI was so excited and honored to be asked to guest blog for Kimba at, "A Soft Place to Land." Kimba is one of my favorite blogging friends and she has been contemplating taking on a No Spend Challenge of her own. She asked me to share my thoughts on our family's No Spend Challenge to share with her readers today.I am so thankful for the opportunity and I hope you can explore her beautiful blog http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/guest-bloggingtoday-at-soft-place-to.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-6560138396636515788Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-06-04T07:00:00.607-04:00Cleaning RecipesCleaningI like to keep a little dish by my sink to put my jewelry in while I am doing the dishes. I also love to thrift shop so I put my love for thrift and my little dish together and came up with this cute little idea.I use a thrifted candle holder to put my jewels in. They look so pretty and, if the edge has a nice lip on it, it is a safe way to keep your jewels out of harms way. It also makes your http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/play-it-again-momma-homemade-gold.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-191498787333102946Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:05:00 +00002009-06-03T07:05:00.520-04:00Things To DoNotebook ExperimentsThis notebook experiment is a lovely little repeat and I plan to do this again with my son this summer. It is a handy little rainy day activity to keep in your back pocket! Experiment: Can a few printed out zoo maps keep my child busy for an afternoon?Experiment Taken From: Notebook Entry 06.19.08Materials Needed: Please see Let's Explore for specific directions on how to complete this experimenthttp://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/notebook-experiments-will-zoo-maps-keep.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-5949238420160110900Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-06-03T07:00:00.925-04:00NotebookFavoritesI am going to have to try making these sweet little felt flower hair clips (@ koala brain)I have been inspired to make some homemade Pop-Tarts today (@ The Idea Room)I like this list of things to pack when traveling with kids (@ Make & Takes)These strawberry butter looks like a delicious summer treat (@ The Kitchn)I have a feeling I could polish off a couple of these stuffed grilled portobello http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/amys-notebook-060309.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-1759794525591257357Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-06-02T07:00:01.937-04:00CraftingPattern: Ruffled Shawl by Gail TanquaryNeedle Size: US 10 NeedlesYarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Violet (5 skeins)Notes: I could not wait to show you my latest knitted project. I am so proud of this, in fact, that I carry it around in a tote bag with me to showcase to anyone who will talk to me. This truly is my proudest knitting moment to date and I would like to introduce you to my new summer http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/all-knitted-up-violet-ruffled-shawl.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-3280874094930317908Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:55:00 +00002009-06-02T08:57:05.643-04:00GiveawaysIt occurred to me this past week that never in the history of An Apron Full of Giveaways have I actually shown you any from my own collection. A collector of aprons, a showing of none! What in the world is wrong with me?When I went to California last year, the only thing that I came home with were two aprons and a set of measuring spoons from Anthropologie. If I had a million dollars, it is wherehttp://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/apron-full-of-giveaways-060209.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-2642179453285522980Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-06-01T09:12:10.377-04:00RecipesI think the best part about the summer season is all of the outdoor eating and grilling. I can admit, we are still getting the hang of grilling and learning about all of the fun things we can eat out on our grill. I am determined to try new marinades, sides, and even grilling some pizza this year. We have a full summer of learning ahead of us!One thing that has been helping me get the hang of http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/my-favorite-zesty-chicken-marinade.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-3717620658546845727Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:55:00 +00002009-06-01T06:55:00.882-04:00Monthly RecapsI just want to say a special thank you to each of you for visiting my website and sharing it with your friends, family, and your own readers. We had another great month and it is all thanks to you. I hope to continue offering support through our site, lots of giveaways for our readers, and a place where you feel valued and cared for. If there is anything you would like to see on here, please http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/06/momadvice-monthly-recap-may-09.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-6151776878830960673Fri, 29 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-29T07:00:01.026-04:00FreebiesThank you all for visiting each week for all of your freebie needs. This would not be possible without the fabulous Heather, from Freebies 4 Mom, and her assistance creating this list. This week Heather has a great round-up of her coupon sources and you can catch her today on the Tyra Bank Show sharing about ways to score freebies. Way to go, Heather!Don't forget to swing by and enter for a http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/freebie-friday-may-29-2009.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-8459355680220909897Thu, 28 May 2009 14:30:00 +00002009-05-28T10:30:38.008-04:00FrugalHomemaking When we moved into our house, one of the things that I really wanted to change about our house was the landscaping. There were, however, many more pressing concerns though that required our funds and attention- a leaking roof, a monstrosity of an air-conditioner, cosmetic updating that made the space more livable. All of these repairs have trumped the landscaping funds for now and we have been http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/play-it-again-momma-finding-beauty-in.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-5907786919549367790Wed, 27 May 2009 11:05:00 +00002009-05-27T07:05:00.304-04:00Things To DoNotebook ExperimentsExperiment: Can we make a fun summer list?Experiment Taken From: Notebook Entry 06.05.08Materials Needed: Please see whatever for instructions on making a summer list. We bought a sheet of poster board and used a Sharpie to make ours. Our kids decorated the list by coloring on it. Results: We absolutely loved making our summer list last year and it gave us all something to look forward to. Last http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/notebook-experiments-can-we-make-fun.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-5703934797042133341Wed, 27 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-27T07:00:01.522-04:00NotebookThis is a wonderful list of 20 scrapbooking tips (@ {A})These lemon butter cookies look delicious (@ Sweet Life in the Valley)I like this tutorial on how to shape pretzels (@ The Kitchn)My children & I are going to have to make some of these sweet little garden markers (@ Crafty Crow)This buttermilk white bread looks like it would be wonderful for toast in the mornings (@ Wise Craft)I would neverhttp://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/amys-notebook-052709.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-8182425103283892742Tue, 26 May 2009 11:30:00 +00002009-05-26T08:29:26.776-04:00GiveawaysRetro apron pattern $6, from leilaandbenWelcome to our weekly list of giveaways. As we do each week, we hope that you can list your giveaways and contest with us. In return, we hope our visitors will come visit your site and that we can showcase all the great giveaways on the web.This week we will be closing out our giveaway of the Wisebread book, "10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget." http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/apron-full-of-giveaways-052609.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-8483519927041004300Tue, 26 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-30T21:43:22.544-04:00ParentingFamilyFrugalThings To DoHolidaysI decided to start a new family tradition in celebration of our son's last day of school... a campfire family night. What better way could you end your school year than a fun night of being together over toasted foods!We have had this fire pit for years, but have not attempted any cooking on it until now. Sitting by this little fire pit is one of my favorite things about the summer though and ithttp://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/new-family-tradition-campfire-night.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-4273228531747001978Mon, 25 May 2009 11:05:00 +00002009-05-25T07:05:00.550-04:00ParentingMotherhoodFamilyEthan,We are so proud of you, Ethan! You did it! You graduated kindergarten with flying colors and wowed us all this year. I can't believe you are reading, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and doing it all with that boundless energy that we so admire!I was sad to see you on that big yellow school bus on your first day of school. I clung to the side of the bus as you assured me that it was all http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/graduation-day.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-1242157809707015868Mon, 25 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-25T07:00:01.259-04:00RecipesI stumbled upon a technique for cooking corn on the cob that I had never thought to do before. As I state in the title though, this is the only way I will ever make corn on the cob again so you should definitely try it.I will began by openly admit that I don't always buy the best quality corn that I could buy. Maybe that is why I am more open to splurging on these additional ingredients to http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/only-corn-on-cob-i-will-ever-make-again.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-1489958882974666812Fri, 22 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-22T07:00:01.722-04:00FreebiesHappy Freebie Friday, everyone! A huge thanks to Heather, from Freebies 4 Mom, for her assistance each week with our freebie list. On Heather's blog this week, you can enter to win a Skype Pack (worth over $100) and the new round of Cellfire coupons. Be sure to head over there today and check it out!Enjoy your freebies this week and have a wonderful weekend, everyone!Health & Beautyhttp://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/freebie-friday-may-22-2009.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-7718283087954256671Thu, 21 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-21T07:00:00.433-04:00Kid CraftsFrugalCraftingThings To DoEntertainmentIt is that time of year again and I will be making another batch of these little sponge balls for the kids. If you don't have a clothesline, these are fun to just squish in a bucket of water or play with in your child's water activity table. My once-a-year Martha Moment is here! These sponge balls are courtesy of Martha Stewart Kids Magazine (and a double inspiration from Betz White who was http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/play-it-again-momma-sponge-ball-fun.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-6483336820179851113Wed, 20 May 2009 11:05:00 +00002009-05-20T07:05:00.706-04:00GiftsCraftingNotebook ExperimentsExperiment: Can I Give the Gift of Homemade Cleaners?Experiment Taken From: Notebook Entry 01.15.09Materials Needed: Please see Jolly Mom for cleaning recipe ideas and supplies needed.For each of these little kits I bought two empty spray bottles, a little feather duster, a microfiber mitt for additional dusting, a mini-brush set, and a bill organizer. For making the cleaners, you need only http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/notebook-experiments-can-i-give-gift-of.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8068320.post-416145450748324372Wed, 20 May 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-05-20T08:20:57.430-04:00NotebookI love this small garden inspiration (@ shelterrific)These watermelon jigglers look so delicious (@ Gourmet Mom On-The-Go)I am going to have to try these peanut butter banana oatmeal cookies (@ Baking Bites)This headboard makeover is great (@ A Soft Place to Land)I really like these tips for throwing a homemade pizza party and I adore this chalkboard fridge (@ The Kitchn)This crustless quiche http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/05/amys-notebook-052009.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Amy)8