Using Time Wisely

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Beat the Summer Heat: Bake at Night and Oven-free Meals

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Beating the summer heat - oven-free options

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

The temperatures here in South Carolina have dropped to the high 80s. The “cooler” weather is a welcome change from the low 100s we have experienced already. In using time wisely to feed my family, these two solutions beat the summer heat.

Bake at Night

With the cooler temperatures in the evening, I bake before going to bed. This way, I escape upstairs to bed while the heat dissipates downstairs. Also, the heat from the oven does not seem to warm up the house as much at night as it does at dinner time.

Create Oven-free Meals

Using a crock pot, the grill, and stove to create meals minimizes the amount of heat needed to feed my family. I also like the free printable oven-free menu options from Penny at MeetPenny.com for June and July. Sometimes viewing someone else’s menu jump starts my creativity when planning our summer meals.

By baking at night and creating oven-free meals, my family can enjoy dinner without extra heat. In planning and using time wisely, you can save money, energy, and time while feeding your family. Stay cool!

Question: How are you beating the summer heat?

Packing for Summer Camp

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Packing for Summer Camp

Photograph Credit: iStockphoto

Though my little ones are too young for summer camp, many are getting ready for a week of fun away from home. In preparing to travel to a land with fresh air, running water, and plenty of activities, Good Housing offers 15 Thing to Pack for Camp.

Though I would bypass the first aid kit, if a camp nurse is on-call, I agree with this list of necessities for a comfortable camp week. In using time wisely, I would add the following to the list:

Free Samples

In requesting freebies and samples, camp is a wonderful opportunity to use those toothpaste, shampoo, soap, body wash, deodorant, makeup, hand sanitizer, and sunscreens samples.

Plastic Bags

Having been a camp counselor, I remember weeks where it rained every day. Keeping clothing dry was impossible. To prepare for wet clothes and towels coming home, pack a large plastic garbage bag or a number of plastic grocery bags. This way, the plastic bag prevents mildew from growing inside your child’s suitcase.

Notes of Love

From the time I was a junior camper through high school camp, my mom hid little notes throughout my luggage to remind me that she loved me. I still remember the little note I got wet because she hid it in my soap container that I opened in the shower. I was really disappointed that I could not read it, but I will never forget those tokens of love.

When I got homesick, those little notes reminded me of home and encouraged my heart. One day, when my own children head to camp, I plan to pass down these little notes of encouragement as my tokens of love for them.

Packing for summer camp is exciting. By adding free samples, plastic bags, and notes of love along with the other essential items, your camper will arrive ready for fun. Happy packing!

Question: What would you add to or drop from the list?

Microsoft: Free 5-day Summer Camps for Kids, Ages 8-13

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2012 Microsoft Summer Camps

Photograph Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft is offering the following 4 different summer camps:

1. Digital Movie Madness Camp

2. Digital Art Smarts Camp

3. Office Unleashed Camp

4. Game Masters Camp

Though these camps are free to children ages 8-13, registration is required. Also, the child’s parent must stay at the Microsoft site during each 2-hour session.

If you have a tech-savvy young person and live near a participating Microsoft store, then sign up quickly. Space is limited.

2012: Summer Bowling Programs

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Photograph Credit: Kids Bowl Free

Happy summer!

As summer officially began this week and the heat sets in, you might start looking for some cool indoor activities to keep your family active this summer.

With two bowling options, you might find multiple locations for some bowling fun.

Kids Bowl Free Program

This nationally recognized bowling program gives registered children 2 free games everyday this summer from May 1 to September 30. Though registration is free, the Kids Bowl Free program requirements vary by location. Click here to find a participating alley near you.

Shoe Rental

Shoe rental is not included with the program. If you plan to bowl often, you might consider purchasing bowling shoes. Paul and I found our bowling shoes on sale (of course) and paid around $25 each.

If you plan to bowl more than one time a week for 6 weeks, then you might save money by purchasing your own shoes. Shoe rentals run between $4-5 per visit.

Family Pass

In addition to the free children’s program, you can purchase a Family Pass for $24.95. This pass allows up to 4 adult family members to bowl 2 free games per person everyday all summer.

The Family Pass is available for purchase from May 1 to September 30, so you can purchase this pass when you plan your visit to the bowling alley.

With a little forethought and planning, your family can enjoy inexpensive to free bowling through the Kids Bowl Free Program.

AMF’s Summer Unplugged Bowling Program

Photograph Credit: AMF

The AMF Summer Unplugged Bowling Program offers registered children, ages 15 and younger, the opportunity to bowl 2 free games each day from May 14 to September 3, 2012.

Shoe rental is not included, but registration is free. For more information, visit my 2012: AMF’s Summer Unplugged Bowling Program post from April 27, 2012.

By registering for the Kids Bowl Free Program and the AMF’s Summer Unplugged Bowling Program, you can spend time indoors while using time wisely with your family. These programs offer free games of bowling resulting in lots of teachable moments. In using time wisely, enjoy your summer while beating the heat. Happy planning!

Question: How often does your family visit the bowling alley?