Family Outings

  • Giveaway: $10 Baskin Robbins Gift Card

    I am doing another giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!!!  The winner of this giveaway will receive a $10 Baskin Robbins Gift Card!  As a Mom of fraternal twin daughters I am always looking for ways to save a little extra while planing regular fun summer activities to do together as a family.  One of our favorite special treats during the summer is to go out for ice cream.  Baskin Robbins is a wonderful place to get a sweet summer ice cream treat for your family.

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.
    2. You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing one of your favorite flavors of Baskin Robbins ice cream!

    All comments must be made by June 30th at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.  On June 30th  I will randomly draw a winner from those who have entered the giveaway.

  • Red Lobster: 4 Course Seafood Special

    Red Lobster currently has a 4 Course Seafood Feast for only $14.99 for a limited time.

    You get unlimited biscuits plus a choice of Soup, Salad, Entree, and Dessert.

    Soups:
    • New England Chowder
    • Potato Bacon Soup

    Salads:

    • Fresh Garden Salad
    • Caesar Salad

    Entrees:

    • Garlic Alfredo Shrimp & Scallop Pasta
    • Garlic Herb Shrimp & Chicken
    • Spicy Habanero Coconut Shrimp Bites
    • Sweet Citrus Grilled Shrimp
    • And MORE Classic Favorites

    Desserts:

    • Sweet Cinnamon Doughnut Bites
    • Triple Chocolate Brownie a la Mode
    • Key Lime Pie

    The portion sizes are the same as their regular entrees.  Look for Red Lobster coupons in your newspapers coupon section, can usually get a $4.00 off 2 Dinner Entree Coupons to make this an even better deal!  Locate a Red Lobster near you!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Twice As Nice: Proud of My Girls

    I love those moments when your heart bursts with joy at seeing your kids demonstrate wonderful positive characteristics that make them stand out among the crowd.  As a parent it is essential that I continue to teach my children about life.   I catch them (and yes I am bias) showing these positive characteristics as they continue to mature but sometimes I wonder if anyone else sees these precious moments in their lives as well.

    Throughout the school year Brina and Karlie get random “rewards” for being a good example.  One of my favorite ones to see come home in their book bags is the one that gets awarded when a student shows positive characteristics when the other students are disobeying the rules.  It is nice to know that they can be polite and respectful even when their sister (in many cases) and friends are not.  The coupon is for a Free Chick-fil-A Kid’s Meal and is awarded when a student shows on of the following Core Essentials:

    • Respect
    • Initiative
    • Uniqueness
    • Joy
    • Determination
    • Kindness
    • Courage
    • Humility
    • Forgiveness

    There is no such thing as a perfect parent (or a perfect person for that matter) so when I catch my girls doing right, it truly makes me proud.  Nothing I do will force them to be good, kind, or considerate, however, the words I speak (and more importantly) my actions are showing the girls what is expected.  I cannot count the number of times, even in the last week, how they can innocently ask me a question that really makes me think about my actions and in many cases the questions can be quite convicting.

    For example, not long ago I was driving with the girls in the van when another car cut in front of us nearly side swiping our van which resulted in a honk from me……from the back seat I hear Brina say “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear for the Father Up Above is Looking Down…….”  Wow, even though in my mind I was “justified” by making the car aware of our presence through the honk, but having her say those words made me really think about how I was reacting in a tense situation.  There is a great responsibility when you children daily watching your words and actions.  I know I cannot do it in my own strength which makes me even more grateful for a heavenly Father who helps guide and direct not only my steps but my kids as well.  They know I am not perfect, but thankfully they do know someone who is and He is much better example of how we should live.

    Twice as Fun is a series on raising Twins and all the joy that comes with it.  We have been richly blessed to have twin daughters in our lives and want to share with you our thoughts, challenges, wisdom and love for raising multiples.  Our girls have different interests and hobbies but they both know how to add excitement to our lives and make us chuckle.

  • Fresh & Healthy: Our Garden – Fresh Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, & Broccoli

    Directly from the garden to the table! Fresh Spinach, Broccoli, and Radishes . Love Garden Veggies!

    I have been enjoying our Vegetable Garden this year. Many thanks to my amazing husband for putting in the time and energy to help get it started for me.  The girls are thrilled to help me pick veggies.  The vegetables are fresh, delicious and they can be taken directly in to eat at dinner.  This week we picked A LOT of lettuce (a variety of leafy lettuce), some spinach, a few radishes, and a couple small broccoli heads.  My broccoli doesn’t get as big as the ones in the grocery store but they taste good!  I even made homemade White Pie Pizza topped with fresh spinach from the garden, black olives (from the box sale), and mushrooms.  All the neighbors and some of their family members have received lettuce from our garden already this year.  It is amazing how having a garden will encourage your neighbors to come over and visit for a few minutes every week.  The girls helped me deliver lettuce to those who haven’t had the chance to stop by the house this week.  I am thankful that we have been blessed with a garden this year, I LOVE being able to eat fresh veggies and share with others.  It has been a wonderful adventure and has already been a great venue for teaching the girls about giving to others and how to cook what we grow.

     

    Fresh Garden Vegetables we picked this week! We were able to take lettuce around to the neighbors this week, we had a great time catching up with everyone!

     

    Fresh Garden Radishes, the girls comment on their taste was "SPICY"!

     

    Fresh Homemade White Pie Pizza with Fresh Spinach from the Garden, Olives and Mushrooms!

  • Family Outings: FREE Downtown Greenville Activities (Weekly)

    We live in an area with a beautiful downtown and plenty of fun free family activities.  Below are some weekly free family activities you can enjoy.

    Free Wednesday Night Activity

    Last week I introduced the Moonlight Movie series they are doing downtown Greenville throughout the month of May. If you are looking for a fun family activity tonight and you live near Greenville, SC?  The “Moonlight Movies” Series is at The Peace Center Amphitheater on Wednesday nights sponsored by Fidelity Investments!

    Event Details:
    • When – 8:00 PM (at sundown) on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
    • Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater & Wyche Pavilion (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
    • What’s Showing – “Batman”
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity (movies will be rated G or PG or family friendly Not Rated)
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or you can buy a wristband
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – Greenville Moonlight Movies / Phone:  864-467-5741

    If you cannot make it out to the movie tonight there will be more “Moonlight Movies” events coming!

    Future “Moonlight Movies”:

    • Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Winchester”
    • Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 8:00 PM – Viewer’s Choice

    Even if you do not live in the Greenville area I encourage you to check out events in your local city.  Many towns offer free events that your family can enjoy.

    Free Wednesday Night Activity

     

    Bring your family and a picnic while listening to music on the Reedy River on Wednesday nights starting June 1st through August 31, 2011.

    Event Details:
    • When – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM starting Wednesday, June 1st to August 31st
    • Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Country, Patriotic, Rock & Roll, Blues, Reggae)
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Reedy River Concerts / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Free Thursday Night Activity

    On Thursday nights starting in March through August Greenville has Downtown Alive featuring live music.
    Event Details:
    • When – starting Thursday, March 17 to August 25
    • Where – Downtown Main Street
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Rock & Roll, Blues, Funk and Cover Bands) Local, Regional and National Bands
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
    • What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Downtown Alive / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Free Friday Night Activity

    Bring your family to Downtown Greenville for Main Street Fridays featuring music, children’s activities and other special activities throughout the season.  Main Street Fridays start in March and goes through September.  Enjoy a meal at one of Greenville’s downtown restaurants, take a walk and enjoy the entertainment.

    Event Details:
    • When – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM starting Friday, March 18 to September 30, 2011
    • Where – Downtown Main Street
    • What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Blues, Oldies, and Soul)
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
    • What to Bring – Your Family
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Main Street Fridays / Phone:  864-467-5741

     

    Free Week Day & Weekend Activity

    Shakespeare in the Park

    Upstate Shakespeare Festival Events

    Bring your family and a picnic to Shakespeare in the Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater starting in May.  The plays are presented by Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks & Recreation.

    May through August
    The Carolina First Amphitheater in Falls Park
    The Upstate Shakespeare Festival (USF) celebrates its eleventh summer of presenting free productions of Shakespeare’s classic plays in beautiful Falls Park. These imaginative stagings exhibit the best of regional talent in productions that entertain the entire family. Bring a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy exciting theater under the stars. USF is presented by the Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks and Recreation

    Event Details:
    • When – 7:00 PM Thursday – Sunday
    • Where – Falls Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater
    • What Type Plays – Shakespeare Plays
    • Cost – FREE
    • Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
    • Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
    • What to Bring – Your Family, a Picnic,  Lawn Chair, Food, Drinks & Snacks
    • For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Upstate Shakespeare Festivals / Phone:  864-467-5741

    Upcoming Events:

    • May 26 – 29: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 2 – 5: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 9 – 12: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • June 16, 18, 19: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan (NOTE: no performance on June 17th)
    • July 14 – 17: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • July 21 – 24: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • July 28 – 31: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
    • August 4 – 7: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan

    Downtown Greenville has a lot of other great activities going on throughout the week and weekend.  If you are looking for a fresh produce and homemade goods you should check out their Saturday Farmers Market.

  • Family Outings: Teaching About Gun Safety & Target Practice

    Daddy with his two little girls following him!

    We have been teaching the girls about gun safety because we have a lot of family members who hunt, fish, and target practice.  Recently we took the girls to the Shooting Range to teach them a little more about gun safety and to target practice.  We think it’s important to demonstrate to the kids safety with the serious items such as guns.  It was quite the fun adventure for the family.  Daddy was patient and good with showing the girls the basics.  Karlie was ready to put up a target in the house for practicing with her nerf gun.  They both wanted to know if Daddy would take them back to the range again.  Glad they had fun.  The range was a busy place and great opportunity to spend quality time with the family.  It was pretty cute seeing Jake in hot pink ear plugs too.

     

    Here are a few pictures from our Family Outing to the Shooting Range:

     

    Remember to bring your ear plugs!

     

    Daddy and the Girls!

     

    Daddy getting set up!

     

    Targets are Ready!

     

    Going over all the gun details and steps with Karlie!

     

    Daddy helping Brina reload the gun.

     

     

    Karlie getting into target practice!

     

     

    Brina getting her practice at target shooting.