Using Time Wisely

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Home Depot: Savings Shed

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Photograph Credit: The Home Depot

On the first Saturday of every month, The Home Depot hosts a free Kids Workshop. At the workshop, each child is given the monthly kit to build and keep, a free Kids Workshop apron, a commemorative pin for that project, and a certificate of achievement.

The January workshop provides a tool to help our children take control of their money by telling it where to go . . . in a savings shed. 🙂

Photograph Credit: The Home Depot

What: Savings Shed

When: Saturday, January 7, 2012

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Where: Your local Home Depot store

 

Though recommended for children ages 5 – 12, my children have attended since my oldest was 2 years old. Some projects are easier to assemble than others, but all the workshops offer a great opportunity for family fun.

To find more family activities, visit Using Time Wisely’s event page on Facebook. Wishing you special time with your family this weekend while using time wisely. Enjoy!

Burger King: Free Fries Friday on December 16, 2011

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Photograph Credit: Burger King

It’s Free Fries Friday today at Burger King. To celebrate their new and improved fries, Burger King is giving away:

  • One free value-size French fry per person per visit
  • With no purchase necessary
  • While supplies last
  • Valid only today, December 16, 2011

You can also “like” Burger King’s Facebook page and enter your guess of how many fries Burger King will be giving away today. If your guess is the closest correct answer, you will win a year’s supply of fries. (Don’t tell your doctor if you win. :-))

If you will be passing by a Burger King today, be sure to stop in to try a free fry and enjoy your Friday!

Lowe’s Build and Grow: Coal Car

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Photograph Credit: Lowe's

After attending the Home Depot Kids Workshop last weekend, our family should have stopped across the street at Lowe’s. Branching out of their normal second- and fourth-week of the month projects, Lowe’s began a three-week project: a train.

Last week, the project was the caboose. If you missed it, like our family, do not fret. There are still 2 additional sections to make for your train.

What: Coal Car

When: Saturday, December 10, 2011

Where: Your local Lowe’s home improvement store

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

These clinics fill up quickly. Be sure to register your attendance at your local Lowe’s and arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. to the event. For other tips and details on the Lowe’s Build and Grow clinics, refer to my detailed post here.

Photograph Credit: Lowe's

After this Saturday’s event, the next Lowe’s Build and Grow project will be on Saturday, December 17, 2011, building the engine.

You can register for both the December 10 and 17 events through Lowe’s web site. These events are filling up fast in our area. Hope you can still get a spot.

To preview more upcoming events, be sure to check Using Time Wisely’s Facebook events page. New activities are added periodically, so check back often.

Enjoy your family activities this weekend!

Home Depot: Snowman Napkin Holder

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Photograph Credit: The Home Depot

On Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at your local Home Depot store, children (ages 5-12) can build a snowman napkin holder. At the Kids Workshop, all kids get to keep their craft, receive a free Kids Workshop apron, earn a commemorative pin, and obtain a certificate of achievement.

If your child is not interested in making this craft to display at your home, remember that grandparents would welcome handmade gifts from their grandchildren. 🙂

As the weekend is drawing near, I wish you special time with your family while using time wisely. Enjoy your family!

Black Friday: Family Shopping Trip

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Mills Apartments)

Before Paul and I had children, we could be found waiting in line at Best Buy at about 3 a.m. on Black Friday morning. We enjoyed mapping out our plan of attack and working together to gather our savings. Though I still enjoy the deep discounts found on Black Friday, I find spending time with my family more valuable than shopping.

As you know, shopping is not one of my hobbies. I shop to feed and clothe my family. With that said, I really love the deals and steals found on Black Friday and now Cyber Monday. What I do not love is the move to choke out Thanksgiving to make room for another shopping day. Though the stores are opening earlier and offering scattered discounts, our family will not be standing in the lines, protecting each other from the rush, or staying up all night for that big deal.

Though the initial shopping is NOT for children, Black Friday shopping can be a great family activity at about 10:00 a.m. By that time, the rush is over, the big ticket items will be gone, and the checkout process calm. Two years ago, our family ventured out to Wal-mart with our list in hand. Though the store had been open for 5 hours, we found every item on our list. Of course, we were looking for toys, games, clothing, and household items. The trip was successful without the mayhem.

Though I do not recommend taking children to the rush, Black Friday can be a fun family shopping activity. If you venture out, I hope you find those deep savings while using time wisely with your family! Enjoy your weekend!

Question: How early did you venture out on Black Friday? Please add your answer to the comments.