Colortime Crafts and Markers – Promo Code for 15% Off All Orders
Are you looking for a great gift for a budding artist? Do you have a little one who loves to color? Colortime offers a large assortment of items to color from shirts, pillowcases, tote bags, backpacks, bandanas, headwraps, and more!
If you are looking for a neat gift for a kid or want to do a fun craft for a group of kids (Girl Scouts, Birthday Parties, Sunday School, VBS, etc…) Colortime has the perfect product for you. The kids can use their markers to color a variety of fun items.
Get 15% off all orders using Promo Code: 15USFG
Since 1990, over 5 million children and adults have loved creating t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, tote bags, bandannas, and more for parties, slumber parties, and scout meetings with our permanent fabric markers. We have provided our customers the opportunity to entertain their guests with a creative activity that becomes a permanent keepsake. Also, we are a licensed vendor of the Girl Scouts of America. Check out our wholesale program, great for your organizations.
More fun stuff from Colortime
- FREE Downloadable Coloring Pages from Colortime
- Join Colortime’s Birthday Club to get special incentives
Below is a great Christmas craft you can do with the kids!
Make sure you get 15% off your order by using Promo Code: 15USFG when you check out at Colortime!
A special thanks to U.S. Family Guide and Colortime for sponsoring this post. Any specific product information was provided by Colortime and U.S. Family Guide, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own. Blessings Multiplied will be receiving a free craft for this post.
Ham & Potato Casserole (Regular or Dairy & Egg Free Recipes)
Our family had ham over the Thanksgiving Holiday so we had a little bit leftover to make some more delicious meals. I decided to make a ham casserole recipe and it was a hit with my family. Since I had some ham I was using up I made one casserole to eat right away and put together another one to freeze for a later meal. It was a big hit with the whole family (two thumbs up) from everyone. I made the dairy and egg free recipe, but I included both so you can choose what you want to do for your family. The directions for both are the same only the ingredients between the two recipes vary slightly.
Ham & Potato Casserole (Regular Ingredients Recipe)
- 4 cups frozen shredded Hashbrown Potatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion (or 1/8 cup Dry Minced Onions)
- 8 ounces Ham, cubed
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (or a cheddar blend)
- 1 can (12 fl. oz.) Evaporated Milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Pepper
Ham & Potato Casserole (Dairy & Egg Free Ingredients Recipe)
- 4 cups frozen shredded Hashbrown Potatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion (or 1/8 cup Dry Minced Onions)
- 8 ounces Ham, cubed
- 2 cups shredded Soy Cheddar Cheese
- 16 ounces Soy Milk (boiled down to 12 ounces)
- 1 Egg substitute
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Pepper
Grease 8-inch-square baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
LAYER 1/2 potatoes, 1/2 onion, 1/2 ham and 1/2 cheese (or cheddar or soy cheese) in prepared baking dish and repeat layers. Combine evaporated milk, egg (or egg substitute), pepper, and seasoned salt in small bowl. Pour liquid mixture evenly over the casserole.
Cover and bake for 55 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Layered Ham & Potato Casserole ready to be put in the oven
Although, we ate this casserole for lunch it would be a great breakfast or brunch recipe to use for your family or when you have house guests. Since we have a little one that is not eating dairy or eggs I made the egg and dairy free version for our family, but I also included what you would use for a regular recipe
Fall Scavenger Hunt
We recently held a camp out for our Community Group from church at our house. It was great spending some extra time with friends. The kids all had a blast riding their scooters, bikes, drawing with chalk, blowing bubbles, crafts, going on a scavenger hunt and more.
I am thankful for an opportunity to spend extra time with family and friends. It was a wonderful experience for our girls. I am grateful for a big yard where we can host events and pitch seven tents!
The kids did really well hunting down the items on the list. I gave each kid a grocery bag, the list printed on bright orange paper and set the time for 20 minutes. They were off and running in no time. I was quite amazed at the items they were able to come up with in that short amount of time. Some kids worked independently while others stuck more in groups.
If you are looking for a fun, entertaining, and educational activity to do this weekend here’s a great place to start. There is a one page (with two columns) printable link at the bottom of the post so you can print it out as well.
Fall Scavenger Hunt
- Large Red Leaf
- Smallest Yellow Leaf
- Dry Brown Leaf
- Evergreen Leaf
- Jagged Edged Orange Leaf
- Bird Feather
- Rough Bark
- Smooth Bark
- 2 Different Types of Grass
- Smooth Pebble
- 4 Acorns
- Flower
- Most Beautiful Item
- Stick Shaped like a Letter
- Piece of Litter
- Ladybug
- Tiny bit of Moss
- Pine Cone
- Wood Shavings
- Caterpillar
- Coins
- Wiggly Worm
- 3 Leaf Clover
- Seed
- Dog Toy
- Piece of a Thorny Bush
- Animal Fur
- Aluminum Can
- Piece of Plastic
- Bug (any type)
- A Circular Item
- A Square Item
- A Triangular Item
- An Oval Item
- A Heart Shaped Item
- An Octagon Item
- A Soft Item
- A Fluffy Item
- A Fuzzy Item
- A Furry Item
- A Hard Item
- Something Blue
- Something Purple
- Something Black
- Something Gray
- Something Pink
- Something White
- Kids Toy
I have been asked by a number of people for a printable version of the Fall Scavenger Hunt so here it is for your family to enjoy as well:
- Fall Scavenger Hunt – I printed ours out on bright orange paper and let the kids have a blast searching for the various items on the list! 🙂
Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
Chalkboard notes to my sweet girls!
The girls lunches are all packed up and ready to be taken to school. Today Brina’s says “Have a super day!” and Karlie’s “Have a great day!” Even though it takes an extra minute or two of my time to write a note or draw a picture it is so worth it.
Lunch box goodies!
Lunch Box Meal:
- Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Fresh Broccoli
- Fresh Carrots
- Fresh Snow Peas
- Fresh Plum Slices
- Fruit & Grain Mixed Berry
- Madagascar Fruit Snacks
- Ritz Snack Mix or Animal Crackers
- Strawberry Yogurt
- Mini Oreo’s or Chocolate Cream Cookies
- Water Bottle with 3/4 Water and 1/4 Fruit Juice
Fresh veggies, Chicken Salad Sandwich, and more!
Love hearing the girls comments to the various notes and drawings. Sometimes after an exhausting day it is hard to come up with a creative message but it’s the thought that counts more than anything else, right. What creative notes, drawings, or messages do you put in your kids lunch?
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 28)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 28
Who: Jazz Instructor
A few months ago I got a Living Social deal for the girls to take Jazz lessons. We were within a couple miles of the studio several times a week already so we decided to try it out. They LOVED jazz and look forward to it every week. It is great exercise and has taught them some neat skills. In the spirit of the Holidays (Thanksgiving) the girls wrote their instructor a note of thanks and I picked up some sweet treats for them to give to her. She makes it a lot of fun and both of our girls really enjoy going to her class!
Day 27
Who: Clients
I am thankful for so many things in my life. One of the fun activities I get to do throughout the month is work for various clients on projects. Some of the people I do work for on a regular basis while others are more on a project by project basis at various times throughout the year. While I do get compensated for the work I do, there is a lot more to it, I really enjoy the people that I have had the privilege to work alongside. It has been neat getting know them and their families better while helping them tackle business projects. I am thankful for my clients and their willingness to let me be an active part of their lives and businesses. Today, I wrote a “I’m Thankful for you….” note as well as delivered a special treat for the ones I help regularly.
Day 26
Who: Waitress
Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch. I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit. One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses. I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting. After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry. As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us.
Way to GO!
So proud of my man! XO
My husband has to travel occasionally for work since he has teams he manages in various areas. Sometimes the traveling is due to speaking engagements as well. Earlier this year he had to travel for a Technology Summit speaking engagement where he was a keynote speaker.
I am so proud of him and thankful for all his hard work! He is a great provider for our family. God has truly blessed us with many great opportunities.
When he came home from this speaking engagement I had a case of Orange Crush waiting for him in the fridge. On the carton was a note from me “Jake, Way to Go on your presentation! I love you! XOXO – Bridgette”
Taking the time to pick up a special item, write a note, or some other activity to show appreciation for someone only takes a few minutes of your time, but the positive impact of your action is usually much greater. Spend a few minutes coming up with a way to show someone you love how much you appreciate them today! You and the one on the receiving end will be blessed by this thoughtful action.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of November 28 – December 4, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meat and Seafood
Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 lb
Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb
Chicken Drums or Thighs – $0.99 lb
Ground Beef – $1.99 lb
Pork Sirloin Roast – $1.69 lb
*Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.
Fridge and Freezer
Home Churned Butter Quarters (16 oz) – $1.99
Redi-Serve Chicken Patties (35 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Signature Pick 5 Pizzas (26 – 28 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Signature Pick 5 Onion Rings (2 pounds) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Signature Pick 5 Corn Dogs (25.6 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Redi-Serve Chicken Strips (36 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Signature Pick 5 Shrimp Poppers (24 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Signature Pick 5 Seasoned Potato Wedges (2.5 pounds) – 5 for $19.99 special*
Banquet Frozen Dinners – $0.99
Produce
Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb
Sweet Potatoes – $0.25 lb
Potatoes (8 pounds) – $1.99
Celery – $0.49 each
Household
Save A Lot Today Paper Towels (1 roll) – $0.50
Grocery
Save A Lot Today Mashed Potatoes – $0.79
Save A Lot Today Apple Juice Cocktail – $1.49
Save A Lot Today Buttermilk Pancakes – $0.49
Save A Lot Today Cereal – $1.00
Save A Lot Today Toaster Pastries – $0.99
Wylwood Canned Vegetables – $0.59
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – $0.49
Ginger Evans Granulated Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99
Westcott Vegetable or Canola Oil (48 oz) – $2.69
Kaskey’s Broth – $0.50
Kaskey’s Condensed Cream Soups – $0.50
Colburn Farms Evaporated Milk (12 oz) – $0.69
Colburn Farms Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz) – $1.19
Ginger Evans Sweet Chocolate Chips (11.5 oz) – $1.79
Ginger Evans Light Brown Sugar (32 oz) – $1.49
Ginger Evans Powdered Sugar (32 oz) – $1.49
Grissom’s Brown & Serve Dinner Rolls (12 oz) – $0.99
Tipton Grove Jelly or Whole Cranberry Sauce (14 oz) – $0.89
Crystal 2.0 Purified Drinking Water (24 count – 16.9 oz bottles) – $2.69
Stuffing on the Side (6 oz) – $0.79
Save A Lot Soft Drinks (2 liters) – $0.69
Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends. For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list. Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 27)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 27
Who: Clients
I am thankful for so many things in my life. One of the fun activities I get to do throughout the month is work for various clients on projects. Some of the people are work for I do work for on a regular basis while others are more on a project by project basis at various times throughout the year. While I do get compensated for the work I do, there is a lot more to it, I really enjoy the people that I have had the privilege to work alongside. It has been neat getting know them and their families better while helping them tackle business projects. I am thankful for my clients and their willingness to let me be an active part of their lives and businesses. Today, I wrote a “I’m Thankful for you….” note as well as delivered a special treat for the ones I help regularly.
Day 26
Who: Waitress
Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch. I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit. One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses. I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting. After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry. As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us.
Day 25
Who: Ministry Team Leaders
There are some people within the church and community who spend a lot of their time and energy helping others. They are involved in several ministries and their dedication to the body as well as outreach shines. I am part of a ministry at church called Alms & Legs, we do multiple activities within our church and community from providing a food pantry for people in need, clothing, helping with bills, repairs, free GED tutoring, Operation Christmas Child, Heart of Christmas, Shoes for kids in need, and many more activities. The person who leads this group has a real passion for others and it shows. I feel like it is important to say thanks to those in ministry leadership positions because they volunteer to do the work and often go above and beyond in their service to others. Today I wrote a note of thanks to the person (and her family) who leads this great ministry. She does a lot to make this ministry a success so we can make a positive impact on the lives of many within our body and community.
Squeezing in a Little Fun
Sometimes we need to get out for a little bit and have fun! Our family loves our time at home and on road trips but every once in awhile it is nice going out for a special treat. On this particular day the girls were being troopers while we were on a short road trip so we decided to stop for a few minutes for a quit treat at McDonald’s.
While Jake ordered the girls and I headed to the play area. The girls burned off some extra energy for a few minutes. They were all smiles when we returned to the van. Thankfully the girls travel well and were content spending only a few moments playing. Even though the difference between going through the drive through and walking into the restaurant probably only was a few minutes (if that) it was worth it to allow our girls some time to run around.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 25 – 26)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 26
Who: Waitress
Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch. I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit. One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses. I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting. After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry. As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us.
Day 25
Who: Ministry Team Leaders
There are some people within the church and community who spend a lot of their time and energy helping others. They are involved in several ministries and their dedication to the body as well as outreach shines. I am part of a ministry at church called Alms & Legs, we do multiple activities within our church and community from providing a food pantry for people in need, clothing, helping with bills, repairs, free GED tutoring, Operation Christmas Child, Heart of Christmas, Shoes for kids in need, and many more activities. The person who leads this group has a real passion for others and it shows. I feel like it is important to say thanks to those in ministry leadership positions because they volunteer to do the work and often go above and beyond in their service to others. Today I wrote a note of thanks to the person (and her family) who leads this great ministry. She does a lot to make this ministry a success so we can make a positive impact on the lives of many within our body and community.
Day 24
Who: Mailman
We have lived in our house now for ten years and during those ten years we have had the same mailman. His name is Sam, he has two black labs, and he only lives a few streets away from us. How do we know all this information about our mailman you ask? Well, first we try to make a point to talk with him whenever we see him and leave random gifts / notes of appreciation for him during special Holidays. We figured out where he lived, quite by accident, when we were out going to garage sales one Saturday morning and happened to go to one at his house! He stays busy delivering mail so the best way to show our thanks for all the mail he has delivered to our house is to stick a note of thanks and goodies directly in our mailbox for him to pick up when he drops off the mail that day. We try to do something little around the Christmas Holidays for him as well. It only takes a few moments to write a note of thanks and/or put something nice in the mail yet it brightens the day of the person who comes to our house almost every day to deliver our mail.
