Events & Holidays

  • Summer Activities: Swimming Pool Set Up & Rules

    Karlie and Brina "helping" set up the swimming pool (wonder if they can even see out of their glasses)!

    We recently set up our swimming pool for the girls.  A couple years ago we bought the pool on clearance at the end of season and it has been a wonderful investment.  The girls, friends and family have enjoyed swimming in the pool and it has held up really well.  When Daddy was ready to set up the pool this year the girls were eager to help!  Once it was starting to fill they dove in glasses and all (see picture above)!

    We enjoy finding inexpensive yet fun summer activities that our girls can do together.  The pool has proven to be a wonderful source of entertainment for our girls who love to be outside on the hot summer days.  One of our concerns with having a pool is safety.  Although our pool is not huge it is very important we go over the rules every summer.  Here are our Pool Rules:

    • No Swimming without Permission of a Parent (or Responsible Adult)
    • No Swimming Unless an Adult is Physically Outside with the Children
    • When People Are Not in the Pool the Tarp Must Be On Top of the Pool at All Times
    • No Children are Allowed on the Colored Mats Around the Pool (unless they are getting into the pool with an adult present)
    • No Children are Allowed to Remove the Tarp from the Pool (they can however, assist an adult in removing the tarp)
    • No Children can Touch the Pool without an Adult Present (touching the pool can result in falling into the pool which can be dangerous)
    • All Children Must Go Potty Prior to Entering the Pool (prevents the accidents or short swim time due to  potty breaks)
    • Feet Must Be Rinsed in the Bucket Prior to Entering the Pool (helps keep down the debris)
    • No Jumping Into the Pool (when kids jump into the pool they can land on another kid or pin a kid down, this prevents these types of accidents)
    • No Leaning Over the Edge of the Pool (a kid could fall in or out of the pool)
    • No Excessive Splashing (the adult in attendance has to use judgment on this one, splashing is normal, however if you have younger and older children in the pool at the same time it may need to be monitored more closely to make sure all kids are safe and having a good time)
    • When a Pool Toy is Thrown or Falls Out of the Pool it will be Picked up by the Adult Present 1 Time (if it is thrown out a second time it can be claimed after the children get out of the pool, this helps cut down on the opps it went out again and the adult spending the next 2 hours chasing and cleaning off pool toys).
    • Once Out of the Pool A Child Cannot Re-enter for At Least An Hour (this prevents the children from getting in and out all the time which increases the risk of extra debris, emptying the pool, falling into the pool, and saves the energy for the adult since the majority of the children will require help getting in and out)

    I realize the rules can seem a little strict but over the last couple of summers we have realize the importance of having rules when it comes to the pool.  The pool is something we want to enjoy but it can quickly become dangerous if the kids don’t respect the rules.  Jake and I have had fun swimming with the girls in the pool too and have to respect the rules as well.

    Some of these rules are more “flexible” then others.  Rules such as swimming without permission or if an adult is not present will result in being band from the pool for several days.  It is not worth the risk and the kids need to know the seriousness of a pool.  We try to remind the girls of the pool rules often especially before having friends over.  Do you have any specific pool rules that I haven’t covered?

  • Family Outings: Family of 4 “Playcation” Package – Greenville Drive, Children’s Museum, Camelot Cinemas, Hotdogs & Drinks ($40)

    The Greenville Drive is offering a “Playcation” Package this week on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.  The package is $40 for a Family of 4 which includes:

    • 4 Tickets to the Greenville Drive’s Game on May 31, 2011
    • 4 Hot Dogs
    • 4 Soft Drinks
    • 4 passes to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate
    • 4 passes to the Camelot Cinemas

    You can order you “Playcation” Package by going by the Fluor Field Box Office or calling them at 864-240-4528 (there is an additional $5 charge for ordering by phone).  For more information please go to the Greenville Drive website.

  • Fresh & Healthy: Community Supported Agriculture (Week 3)

    It is our third week receiving fresh produce from our CSA!  Our family purchased a half of share and will be receiving fresh produce, local honey, eggs and more for 20 weeks.  I plan to give an update on the items we receive from week to week.  The girls and I picked up this weeks goodies at our local farm!  Next week we will not be receiving items from our local CSA because it has been so hot and dry in our area that our local CSA has decided to hold off a week to make sure they have enough produce to provide all the people getting vegetables.

    Week 3 of Fresh Goodies from our CSA!

    Fresh Garden Veggies from our CSA!


    Items in our Basket this Week:

    • Bundle of Green Lettuce
    • Bundle of another variety of Lettuce Greens
    • Bundle of Carrots (2 Orange, 1 Yellow & 1 Red)
    • Half a Dozen of Fresh Eggs
    • Stock of Collard Greens
    • Bag of Peas
    • Bundle of Bok Choy
    • Bundle of Chards
    • Bundle of Scallions

    I am looking forward to eating these goodies this week!  Thanks everyone for the delicious Recipes!!!  Do you have any amazing recipes to share that use a variety of Bok Choy or Chards?

    To find out how you can be a part of a local CSA check out this post – Fresh & Healthy:  Community Supported Farms

  • Cleaning Up the Yard & Spring Bonfire

    We are blessed to live in a wonderful area with a creek and woods.  While the trees provide shade they also are known for dropping branches occasionally.  Since we had some limbs piled up we decided to clean up the yard by building our first Spring bonfire.  The girls had fun gathering the twigs and branches in the yard and bringing them to the fire.  Once the fire was good and hot was roasted hotdogs, did a little more work collecting branches, followed by relaxing together and roasting marshmallows.

    Sweet Sisters and Best Friends having fun gathering twigs in the yard together!

     

    Brina loves hanging out with her puppy - Skipper!

     

    Karlie telling a story while Daddy cleans the wire for her hotdog.

     

    Bonfire conversations with the family!

     

    Daddy and the girls relaxing around the bonfire!

    Love spending time with my family.  We were able to get some work done in the yard and relax together.  It was awesome having some time to talk and make new memories with the kids!

  • Fresh & Healthy: Our Garden – Fresh Lettuce, Spinach, Broccoli, Dill, Zucchini, Basil, & Radishes!

    We are loving the fresh vegetables from our garden!

    Here are some of the fresh veggies we were able to eat and share this week:

    Fresh from the Garden - Leafy Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, and Broccoli!

    A full dish strainer full of freshly picked goodies from the garden.  A variety of leafy lettuces, spinach, several radishes, and a few small broccoli.

     

    Zucchini, Radishes, and Broccoli from the Garden

    Our first zucchini from the garden!  The broccoli and radishes are done, we put in more radishes and replaced the broccoli with okra, we’ll see how it does.

     

    Lettuce, Basil, Spinach and Dill fresh from the garden!

    A whole colander full of a variety of leafy lettuce, fresh spinach, basil and dill!  Thinking a nice salad is in our near future!

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of May 25 – 31, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   There are a lot of great deals for grilling out, here is a delicious homemade ice cream recipe to go along with your Memorial Weekend activities Blessings Multiplied – Family Recipe:  Grandma’s Homemade Ice Cream, you could pick up the ingredients at Save A Lot this week!  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Beef Spare Ribs – $1.99 per lb

    Holten Beef Patties (24 oz, 6 patties) – $1.99

    Fairgrounds Hot Dogs (12 oz) – $0.69

    Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (14 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1/1 coupon from Hillshire Farms
    $0.99 each after coupon

    Ocean Market (Flounder, Tilapia, Lemon Herb Tilapia, Pollock) (4 oz) – $1.00

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Libby’s Steam Bag Vegetables (12 oz) – $0.69

    Coburn Farms Dozen Large Eggs – $0.99

    Sunny D (48 oz)  – $0.99
    Use $0.25/1 coupon insert from 5/15 Smart Source (Expires 8/31/11)
    $0.74 each with coupon

    Reser’s Potato and Macaroni Salads – $2.99
    Use $1/1 printable coupon from Coupon Web
    $1.99 each with coupon

    Fudgsicles or Popsicles – $1.00

    Borden Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.50

    McClary’s American Singles – $0.99

    World’s Fair Junior Pops – $0.99

    Coburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.29

    Coburn Farms Dip (16 oz) – $1.39

    Coburn Farms Yogurt – $0.50

    Household

    Wrightware Foam Plates (100 count) – $2.00

    Pert Paper Towels – $0.69

    First Force Pine Cleaner – $1.00

    Produce

    Idaho Potatoes (5 lbs) – $1.49

    Jumbo Vine Ripe Tomatoes – $0.99 per lb

    Jumbo Vidalio Onions – $0.59 per lb

    Grocery

    Summerset Tagless Ice Tea Bags (100 Count) – $1.19

    Kool-Aide (assorted variety) – $0.20 each

    Cowboy Billy’s Baked Beans (16 oz) – $0.79

    Cowboy Billy’s Pork & Beans (16 oz) – $0.50

    Kurtz Dill Pickles (32 oz) – $1.59

    Kurtz Yellow Mustard – $0.69

    Kurtz Ketchup – $0.89

    J Higg’s Butter Round Crackers – $1.69

    Port Side Chunk Light Tuna – $0.53

    Del Pino’s Canned Pasta – $0.69

    Hargis House Beans & Franks – $0.69

    O Days Mac & Cheese – $0.39

    Maruchan Ramon Noodles – $0.89

    Portmann’s Salad Dressing – $1.29

    Save-A-Lot Brand Soda – $0.69

    Crisp Lemonade – $0.99

    Thirst Quench’r Drink Sticks – $1.19

    J. Higg’s Cornies Corn Chips – $1.29

    J Higg’s Potato Chips – $1.19

    J Higg’s Cheezie Puffs – $1.29

    Gourmet Onion Rings – $0.99

    CK Cheese Balls – $1.29

    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.

  • Life Simplified: Old Boots Transformed into Flower Pots

    Boots transformed into a decorative Flower Pot!

    I love being able to creatively recycle items that have been around our house for awhile.  My husband used to wear these boots!  Now that they are worn out (and covered in specks of paint) I have found another use for them on my front porch….as a flower pot.  The boots are a unique decoration to have on the front porch.  I love seeing peoples reactions the first time they see them!  I get a lot of comments like “That’s a great idea!  Honey can I use your old boots once your done with them!”

    Flowers Planted in Jake's Old Boots!

    It’s super easy to do!  Find an old pair of boots, fill them with potting soil, and add a couple plants to each one and you has an inexpensive masterpiece that will be a colorful welcome to those visiting your home.  I typically do seasonal flowers so I can give a fresh look to the boots in the Spring and Fall.  Do you items that you recycle within your home?

  • Family Recipe: Grandma’s Homemade Ice Cream

    It is the season for Homemade Ice Cream! There is something about spending time with family and friends followed by homemade ice cream.  The fellowship is enjoyable and the food delicious!  I am looking forward to dusting off my ice cream maker, picking up the ingredients and eating the tasty ice cream.  The recipe I am sharing is one that my Grandma Willa has made for years.  We used to make this recipe in the hand cranked ice cream maker, the one you got a work out from before eating the ice cream.  We are spoiled now with electric ice cream makers!

    Homemade Ice Cream Recipe: (makes 1 Gallon)

    • 5 Eggs
    • 1 1/2 Cup Sugar
    • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
    • (beat together)
    • Add: 2 cans of can milk (or use 2 cups cream and 1 carton 1/2 & 1/2 in place of can milk)
    • Pour mixture in container and fill to the line with whole milk
    • Freeze

    If you want a specific flavor instead of vanilla add it to the cream before freezing.  We have added fresh fruit, crashed up candy bars, cookies, peanut butter, or chocolate syrup to the ice cream (strawberries, peaches, butter finger bars, snickers, oreos and more)!  When you are serving a large crowd I have found it is easier to do vanilla ice cream and offer a variety of toppings – hot fudge, fresh fruit (blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, etc…), crushed candy bars, cookies, caramel, sprinkles and whatever else you want to add.

    Now I just need to find a good “excuse” to make homemade ice cream!  Anyone having a party soon?

    Photo by jeffreyw