Using Time Wisely

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Thanksgiving: Gobble Gobble Turkey Cups

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Photograph Credit: Sips Etc.

Tricia and Kirstin over at Sips Etc. share detailed instructions for making these adorable turkey cups. Besides being quick and easy, this craft can be done with your children while using time wisely.

When my children help create an inviting space for our guests, they enjoy showing and using these items that “they made.” I enjoy watching their enthusiasm while spending time with them.

If you are looking for a project to keep little ones out of the kitchen, then consider making a craft with them while the turkey is baking in the oven. Then they can use their craft at the dinner table.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving Day, remember to enjoy your family and friends.

Good Grades: First Quarter Rewards – 2011

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With the movement of paperless records, our school has moved from a paper version report card to an on-line accounting of the first quarter grades. Though the school name, student name, subject, and grades are listed, I am curious to know if businesses will accept this copy when granting rewards.

Two establishments we visit for good grade rewards are Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Blockbuster. As we visit these establishments for rewards, I will keep you updated on Using Time Wisely’s Facebook page regarding our success or failure in gaining the good grade rewards.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

For each “A”, “E” (excellent), and “S” (satisfactory), the student will be able to choose one doughnut, up to 6 total doughnuts. Our Krispy Kreme stamps the report card at the time of redemption.

Last time our family visited Krispy Kreme, we arrived while the doughnuts were being made. My kids enjoyed watching the process through the glass windows. For more information on this program, consult Doughnuts for Good Grades.

Blockbuster

If your student has an “A” or “B” average, then he or she can choose a movie from the favorites collection, the older movies available for rental at Blockbuster. With the company change, you might want to check with your local store for any rule changes.

When we arrived with our fourth quarter grades in June, Blockbuster allowed our son to choose one movie for a one-day rental. We chose to use the free movie on a weekend when we would be driving past Blockbuster two days in a row. This way we were not making a special trip to drop off the movie.

For more information on this program and other good grade reward programs, check out free movie for good grades.

As my son does his best and earns good grades, I am thrilled to take him to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Blockbuster for additional rewards. In using time wisely, these rewards are a tangible expression of the hard work accomplished during the first quarter. Hope your little ones enjoy the reward programs offered by your local businesses. Enjoy the time with your family!

Question: What is your family’s favorite good grades reward? Please add your answer to the comments.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Free Coffee on November 9, 2011

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Photograph Credit: Bruegger's Bagels

Are you a coffee drinker? If so and you live near a Bruegger’s Bagels, then here’s a treat for you! Per Bruegger’s Bagels’ Facebook wall:

Planning out your week? Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this Wednesday, November 9th! FREE COFFEE DAY! Stop by before 2PM and get a free cup of coffee in support of Children’s Miracle Network!

Follow this link to find a participating location, and enjoy your cup of joe.

2011 Halloween Adventures

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Amanda Sicard)

With Halloween only 3 days away, the activities are stacking up. In our local vicinity, we have a number of Halloween options:

Church Festivals and Trunk-or-Treats. Do you have trunk-or-treats in your area? This is an event where the church members fill the trunks of their car with candy. Then the kids wander from car to car to fill their buckets, baskets, or bags.

Local Recreational District events. Check your local and county recreational district’s web site for possible Halloween events. Our activity runs Thursday through Saturday in the evenings and includes carnival games, costume contests, inflatables, and treat-or-treating in the forest.

Local mall. Some malls promote treat-or-treating in a safe environment for all the little princesses and pirates.

Local grocery store. Our Publix offers free games to play for prizes, food, and candy throughout their store on Halloween evening.

Local home improvement stores. One year, Paul and I took the kids to the Home Depot where they had candy in each department throughout the store. My kids wore their Home Depot aprons which thrilled the employees. 🙂

Neighborhood. Our subdivision will be flooded with kids. Be sure to know the rules of your neighborhood. On our street, treat-or-treaters are only to go to homes with the outside lights on. If no light is on, then we skip that house and look for another. Most of the kids follow the rules to keep the evening enjoyable and safe for us all.

These are some of the Halloween activities provided in our area. For other Halloween events, be sure to check the event’s page of Using Time Wisely’s Facebook page. All the activities listed include details and links to the event’s web site.

Whether you plan to distribute candy, chaperone kids treat-or-treating, or spend a nice quiet evening at home, I wish you a safe and enjoyable event while using time wisely. Happy Halloween!

Question: What costumes will be worn in your family this Halloween? Be sure to take pictures and upload them to Using Time Wisely’s Facebook page.

Family Activities: 2011 Halloween Weekend Adventures

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Photograph Credit: Lowe's

Besides December and May, I think October is the next busiest month for my family. With field trips, fall festivals, family birthdays, and Halloween events, we stay very busy.

Though we do not participate in every activity offered through the month, we have lots of choices to keep us busy. Here are some of the local and national activities going on this weekend:

Friday, October 21, 2011

6:30 p.m. – Free Movie Night at our local minor league baseball field (entrance on Field Street only).  Bring blankets to sit on to watch Toy Story 3 in the outfield.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  –  Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic: Monster Truck

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Michaels’ Halloween T-shirt Event

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Simon Kidgits’ Halloween Event

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – A.C. Moore’s Halloween Costume Event

There are lots more Halloween events being offered. Be sure to stay updated on continuing family outing opportunities by checking Using Time Wisely’s Facebook Event page. As I hear of different events, I will post them with details on Facebook. If you find other activities, please be sure to add the information in a comment or on a post. Hope you enjoy using time wisely with your family this weekend.

Question: What activities do you plan to attend this weekend?