Fun with Father’s Day Photos

No matter where you plan to spend Father’s Day, don’t forget to take your camera along to document the memories. The photos you snap at the beach, park, pool or right in your backyard can be transformed into touching mementos of Dad’s special day. Take aim at Dad and the kids frolicking in the waves, burying each other in the sand or searching for bugs along a nature trail. Shoot from unique angles rather than traditional ones and don’t be afraid to experiment with different exposures. More importantly, ditch the posed shots of Dad standing static with Junior and Jane … Continue reading →

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

Nothing says, “Happy Father’s Day!” quite like the smell of fried chicken… or any type of chicken that Dad didn’t have to cook himself. To honor the man of the house on Sunday, consider combining some of his favorite foods in one dish. By incoporating a variety of Dad’s beloved ingredients you are sure to create a winning Father’s Day meal. The following recipes are not only affordable, but they’re also simple enough for even young children to help out with. What’s more, because the ingredients are kid-friendly Dad won’t have to deal with a table full of whining offspring as he digs into dinner on … Continue reading →

Inexpensive Mother’s Day Fun

There’s no better way to show mom how much she is cherished than by giving her a break from the daily grind. For many mothers, a day without having to make a single meal is heavenly… though potentially very expensive. Celebrating Mother’s Day at a restaurant is not cheap, especially if you are treating the entire family to a lavish buffet. To save on a delicious dining experience while still showing mom that she is worth her weight in gold, consider starting the day with breakfast in bed. Gather the kids and have fun in the kitchen making mom these … Continue reading →

Have Fun Toasting Mom

“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Those wise words are courtesy of the late, great Abraham Lincoln. The 16th President of the United States knew a thing or two about waxing poetic, especially when it involved his dearly beloved mother. Lincoln’s mom Nancy died when Abe was just nine years old. Whether your mom is with you physically or in spirit tomorrow is the day set aside to celebrate the blood, sweat and tears she has shed to make you the person you are. Make it a Mother’s Day to remember by … Continue reading →

To Mom With Love

Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Fortunately, you still have enough time to get a memorable gift for mom that will prove just how much you love her. If you don’t have enough cash to say it with diamonds, pearls or an expensive vacuum, consider making the following affordable and heartfelt items that are sure to show mom how priceless she is: SHELL ART If your mom loves the beach, consider making these simple seashell-themed gifts. The items don’t require using your entire shell collection to create; rather, you can pick up a bag of shells from the Dollar Store or … Continue reading →

Simple and Affordable Mother’s Day Fun

If your budget doesn’t allow you to lavish mom with expensive gifts this Mother’s Day, don’t fret. With a little planning and creativity you can make your mom feel like royalty minus the queen’s ransom. The key to creating memorable Mother’s Day gifts is to make them with love. The other requirement is to have fun in the process. The following homemade gift ideas are simple enough for young children to help with; plus, they don’t require a ton of money to make: Pretty Pots Materials: Unglazed terra cotta pot Acrylic paints Paint brushes Craft glue Embellishments (buttons, gems, stickers, … Continue reading →

Save on Spa Fun

Mother’s Day is right around the corner; time to start shopping. The day set aside to honor the most priceless person in the world can put a major dent in your wallet, especially if you plan to shower mom with expensive presents. However, if you are working on a tight budget, there are still plenty of wonderful ways you can show your mom how much she means to you. Rather than send mom to a pricey spa, treat her to a relaxing morning at a home version. The following affordable ideas will allow you to pamper mom without putting your … Continue reading →

Ways to Spice Up Your Easter Party

Add some spring to your step and kick up your upcoming Easter get-together with extended family and friends. The following fun-filled activities are designed to supplement traditional egg hunts without breaking the bank or forcing you to your breaking point: Craft Stations: Before the annual Easter egg hunt gets underway have kids partake in some craft making. This can be done by setting up various stations in your home. Not only do these project centers keep kids busy while the adults mingle, but they also ensure your youngest guests have something to take home besides a bunch of chocolate. An … Continue reading →

Basket Full of Fun

Easter is right around the corner and there is no shortage of egg, chick and bunny-shaped paraphernalia available to cram into your loved ones’ baskets. But what if you don’t want to stick with the traditional basket or fillers this year? For those looking to hop down Bunny Trail with a few unique Easter or spring-themed treats, consider the following: Teacup: Personalize plain, inexpensive teacups for your family members and friends and fill them with foil-covered chocolate Easter eggs. Next, nestle a few artificial flowers inside, and then wrap the entire cup in organza or tulle. Bakery Boxes: Plain, cardboard … Continue reading →

Keep It Simple This Easter

I love Martha Stewart, but I simply don’t have the time or money to execute some of the domestic diva’s most popular Easter projects. For example, Stewart’s blown-out pheasant eggs sparkling with glitter are stunning, but with limited funds, energy and inclination–and the fact that she suggests using canned air to remove the excess glitter (what’s wrong with free air blown from your mouth?)–makes super simple Easter crafts that much more inviting. I’ve made these easy Easter projects with toddlers, preschoolers, and moms with compromised creative skills, on more than one occasion without a single complaint: Egg Container Lambs: All … Continue reading →