Cool Off With This Super Easy Homemade Orange Julius Recipe
Summer is in full swing, and boy is is hot! One nice way to spend the hot days is to sip a nice cool, refreshing drink. This homemade Orange Julius recipe is the perfect option! What makes this recipe so great is you probably have every single ingredient already in your home. Plus, it’s a recipe so easy that even the kids can help make it.
Ingredients
1 Cup Cold Water
1 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
11 Ice Cubes
6 oz Orange Juice Frozen Concentrate –
(Usually half of 1 container- save the other half for next time!)
Directions
Put all the ingredients into a blender. Pulse blend until you no longer hear the sound of ice crushing. Usually just a few seconds. Be careful not to over blend.
Enjoy!
Hopefully this will be a nice, easy drink to add to your fun summer days!
How to Make Easy Kool-Aid Sherbet
If you want an easy, yummy treat that the whole family will enjoy, here you go! This Kool-Aid Serbet takes only 3 ingredients and is super easy to make that even the little kids can help. It’s the perfect quick fix treat that will keep you cool this summer.
Kool-Aid Sherbet
Recipe & Picture by Butter with a Side of Bread
Ingredients:
1 Package Kool-Aid (any flavor)
1 Cup Sugar
3 Cups Milk
Directions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together all three ingredients until the sugar and Kool-Aid mix are dissolved. Pour into a shallow dish, cover and place it in the freezer for about 2 hours, until it’s mostly set.
2. Place the partially frozen sherbet back in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer until smooth. Refreeze in the covered, shallow container until set. I would do it overnight to get it nice and frozen. Set the Sherbet out about 10-15 minutes prior to serving.
Things to Do in Park City, Utah During the Summer
We just got back from a trip to Park City and boy was it fun. Park City has a little of everything which makes it the perfect summer vacation destination. I’ve found over the years there are some great spots to visit that are either free or affordable which makes this easy on the budget.
- Information Center- First you’ll want to head to the information center. There are pamphlets and coupons that you can get to save you money. One coupon you’ll want to grab is the FREE Tanger Outlet Coupon booklet. This coupon is usually just in the coupon holders by the information stands, or you can ask the employee at the booth. This coupon booklet usually costs $5, so that’s a great way to save.
- Utah Olympic Park- Check out their site here for all of the information. One important tip- the Olympic Park is only open from 9am-6pm. We got up there too late to enjoy the park this time. So plan accordingly. One thing you won’t want to miss is the FREE outside Discovery Zone. This is where kids can swing from ropes and maneuver through nets and suspended wires. So fun!
- Biking Trails- Be sure to check out all of the fun bike rides around Park City. This is FREE and a win for the whole family. If you want a nice flat trail check out the trail that goes by the dirt bike jump park which is located at 2392 Holiday Ranch Loop Road Park City, Utah. If you want more challenging ones, then check out these 5 trails.
- Tanger Outlets-Now that you have the FREE Tanger Outlet Coupon booklet, head to the stores and do some shopping. There are playgrounds for the kiddos to keep them entertained while you shop.
- Take a walk down historic main street. This could be a totally free activity as well, unless you want to try out a local restaurant which I highly recommend. I love walking the street as the sun is setting and the lights turn on.
- Alpine Slide and Coaster. This is so fun for older kids and adults. Get an all day pass or just a one-time, but it will definitely be a highlight.
- Attend a summer event or farmer’s market. You can always ask the information center what is going on the days you are in Park City. There are always fun ones during the summer.
Amazon Prime Day 2019: Tips & Tricks You’ll Want to Know to Score the Best Deals
Are you ready for Black Friday in July?? I’ve heard that Prime Day could be better than Black Friday in November. So hold onto your hats, because this will be good. To help you get the best deals this Prime Day you’ll want to check out these tips below.
Tips for Amazon Prime Day
Tip #1: If you’re not a member of Amazon Prime and you want to, you’ll first need to join here. You can also do a family share, those details are here. If you just want a free 30 day trial you can do that here.
Tip #2: Make a list of items you need or want this prime day. Remember, you don’t want to go over board and buy things you don’t need or won’t use. After you make a list, write down how much it’s selling for right now on Amazon.
Tip #3: Check out the early deals that are going on now. There are daily prime deals every day. You can check those out here.
Tip #4:
Tip #5: Once you download the App, you can get updates on Prime Day. Just go to your settings and notifications and then turn on your “personal notifications.” You can also set a reminder on Alexa that Amazon Prime Day starts on 12am PT on July 15th.
Tip #6: On the Amazon App you can watch a deal. Watch A Deal notification lets you know when your deal is about to start. In the top left app menu, tap “Today’s Deals”, then the “UPCOMING” tab. Find a deal that you want and tap “Watch this deal” to get notified when it starts. That will save a lot of time and give you instant alerts when yours is ready to go.
Tip #7: Did you know there are new products just in time for Prime Day? So fun! You can see the new products here.
So how do you know if it’s really a Prime Day Deal? To make it more transparent, Amazon has labeled the Amazon Prime Deals with a tag as seen below. This “Prime Day Deal” in blue will appear on all prime deals.
Extra Savings on Prime Day
Amazon App Freebies: You will get a FREE $10 Amazon credit when you sign into the Amazon App for the first time. Plus, you’ll get another $10 credit when you make your first in-app purchase.
Install Amazon Assistant: Receive desktop notifications on deals you are watching. After you install this assistant you will get a $10 off your $50 purchase.
Amazon Gift Card Balance: Earn a $10 bonus when you reload $100 or more onto your Amazon Gift Card Balance for the first time.
Whole Foods Discount: Spend $10 at the Whole Foods Market- either in store or on Amazon Now- between July 3-16 and you’ll get $10 on Amazon for Prime Day.
Need Help with Your Chore Chart? Here are 15 Summer Jobs for Kids
It’s summer time and I feel like I’m slacking in my chore chart. The kids are are starting to run wild, which means I need to get a little more organized and have them work! I need to update the chore chart now that there are some summer chores that can be done. Here are 20 that will help your kids get to work, and they just might enjoy them.
- Car Wash. either for your own cars, or if you have teens, send a flyer around the neighborhood and have them wash cars for the neighbors.
- Clean out gutters. This would need some supervision on the ladders, but our older boys really like to help dad clean out the gutters. The summer is the perfect time to get these ready for the winter precipitation.
- Weed flower beds and around trees. This is easy for all ages and it makes such a different in the curb appeal of a home.
- Spray out garbage and recycle cans. Give the kids a hose or pressure washer and spray out the big cans. Grass can make them stinky!
- Practice musical instruments. Keep up their instrument practicing during the summer and it will do wonders for the new school year. I do have a small “piano prize” for my kids if they practice every day of the week. They have done amazing and look forward to Saturday when they get that prize and I don’t have to yell at them everyday to do it!
- Mow the lawn. My oldest just got to that magical height of lawn mowing. YAY! He actually enjoys it. Give them some earphones and tunes and they will mow longer.
- Window washing. With good weather, this is the perfect time to get it done outside.
- Dust cobwebs and dust from outside doors and small spaces.
- Help organize the garage and sweep it out.
- Go through all of their toys and put into 3 piles: Keep, Donate or Throw Away.
- Go through clothing and do the same piles of: Keep, Donate or Throw Away. Get them ready for the next size up if needed.
- Wipe down bedroom furniture. While you’re going through your toys and clothing, wipes down the furniture and fix it up if needed.
- Vacuum and wipe down kitchen cabinets- yes those ones with flour and sugar all on them.
- Take care of your pets. Give the kids more responsibility on feeding, cleaning out cages and walking the pets.
- Water flower pots. This is an easy one for the younger kids. They enjoy getting their pails and watering the flowers and watching them grow over the summer.
Ways To Save Money On Your Electricity This Summer!
We’ve been pretty fortune to have great weather thus far. But it’s starting to warm up which means your electricity bill will increase. There are some ways you can save money on your electricity this summer and they’re simple!
- Replace your air filters
- Make sure your vents are open
- Don’t turn off your AC, just adjust the temperature
- Consider investing in a programmable thermostat and learn to use it
- Use appliances in off-peak hours if you can (8pm or later)
- Only run full loads in your dishwasher and washer/dryer
- Use cold water to wash your clothing in
- Use a clothes line to dry your clothing
- Skip the heat cycle on your dishwasher
- Keep your curtains closed
- Put up blackout curtains
- Consider installing window AC units in bedrooms
- Unplug devices you’re not using
- Take colder showers
These are all small and simple changes but if you change your energy-consuming habits now, you could save tons on your electricity bill tomorrow.
Party Food Ideas for Your 4th of July BBQ
I love the 4th of July. I love the red, white and blue, and all of the festivities that come with it. You might get together with family or friends and enjoy a BBQ or a picnic, whatever you do, food is usually involved. This year I wanted to make something different, but yummy. I’ve come up with a few different options. Hopefully one will work for you!
MAIN DISHES
- Monterey Chicken with Pico (Chili’s Copycat) by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
- Hawaiin Roll Ham Sliders by Just a Pinch
- Best Burger Ever by the Plain Chicken
SALADS/SIDES
- The Best Creamy Pasta Salad by Six Sister’s Stuff
- 4th of July Fruit Salsa by Your Cup of Cake
- Fresh Salsa with avocado by Freebies2Deals
DESERTS
- Jell-O Patriotic Mini Fruit Tarts by My Food & Family
- Brownie & Fruit Kebabs by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
- Festive Fruited Cheesecake Flag by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (can you tell I love her site??)
DRINKS
- Layered drinks by Like Mother Like Daughter
- Sparkling Berry Punch by The Frugal Girls
- Kid-Friendly Patriotic Punch by Mom Endeavors
10 Screen – Free Summer Activities Your Kids Will Love
How are you doing with kids home all. day. long? I love having my kids home, but I also love having a game plan, otherwise they would be content watching shows and playing video games all day. There is SO much more to do and learn this summer. I’m pretty strict with screens, so I’ve had to be creative finding activities that kids would love. If you need a little help getting your kids up and moving, here are a few ideas that will keep them off the screens.
- Find a variety of places to swim. My kids get tired of the same splash pad or pool. So switch it up! If you live in an area that has a lot of splash pads, pools, rivers, and lakes, then take advantage of it and visit each one. You can also fill up a little blow up pool and put it in the back yard.
- Visit your state Capitol and have a picnic. Most kids have never visited their state Capitol. This summer introduce it to your kids. Call ahead and most Capitols have free tours as well. Pack a lunch and have a picnic on the grounds.
- Sign up for city swim or sporting lessons. This will help break up the summer. If you have the budget, let each of your kids choose one new sport or swim class that they want to learn over the summer. If you go through your city, they usually have cheaper options. My boys love to test out classes like: Lego, Archery, Swim, Super Sport or Bowling.
- Friend swap. Some days it’s just fun to play with friends. Instead of having all the kids at your house all day, do a friend swap! Make a schedule of which hours they will be at your house and which hours they will go to the friends. This will help them from getting bored at each place as well.
- Lemonade stand or snow cone stand. This is a classic summer activity. It actually helps them learn about money too. Have them earn some money for summer activities!
- Visit the Library for activity days. Most libraries will have summer activities or events for the kids. Mine has some scheduled out every Monday and Wednesday. I take note of the ones that my kids are interested in. We went to a magic show last week and the kids had a blast. Best part? It’s FREE! Check your local or even neighboring libraries and put them on the calendar!
- Park Hop. You’ll be surprised at how many parks you have around you that you have NEVER visited. Ask your friends and neighbors where their favorite parks are and go check them out. We’ve found some cool ones recently that my kids love. Instead of going to the same one, switch it up. This will keep their attention and make park day last longer too.
- Service. I always find ways to serve during the summer. This way the kids aren’t focused just on themselves. Look around your community and find a way to help others. You could help out your own family like grandpa and grandma.
- Be a tourist in your city. When we travel to new cities we love doing these scavenger hunts. Why not get one for your own city? You’ll learn new things that the kids will remember every time they walk down that city street, or see that special building. If you don’t want to buy a scavenger hunt, you can always check Trip Advisor for your city and hit the hot spots.
- Buy a Membership to a local museum or attraction. This is something I like to do every summer. I find a new place to buy a membership to. This way on those days you have a few hours with nothing to do, you can head to that place and not have to pay a penny!
How to Stay Organized When Traveling with Kids
Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I love traveling with my spouse, friends and family. However, when traveling with kids, more patience, food, and organization is required. I’ve noticed when I am organized, then I feel more at peace and can have fun. There are a few tips I’ve learned while traveling with 4 young kids. Hopefully these will help you out as well.
- Each person carries their own items. If your kids are old enough to roll their own suitcase then let them do it! I feel like we try and carry or roll everything on our own and forget that kids are totally capable. We have a carry on suitcase for each kid in our family. That way we aren’t paying for extra luggage fees and it’s light enough that each kid can roll it on their own. We also have each person wear their own back pack. Inside are items they feel are important for the trip. They have to remember they will be the ones carrying it. So heavy and bulky items are usually out. We bought these Amazon Basic Carry on suitcases for each person in our family.
- Have one toiletry bag with essentials for the family. A good friend told me about this Personal Toiletry Bag and it’s amazing. There is room for all of your essentials like shampoo/conditioner, razors, nail clippers, band aids, makeup/face wash, toothbrushes and paste, brushes and hair clips, and so much more. It’s SO nice to have all of your toiletry items in one spot. Instead of saying, “Okay, go find your toothbrushes!” You know exactly where they are.
- Have one spot for electronics and chargers. Just like the toiletry bag, we have a small bag for electronics, cords, and chargers. It’s helpful to have them together when you have to go through security at the airport. They make you take out all of the electronics. If they are spread out in different bags, that would take a lot of time. This way it’s all in one spot.
- Color code bags and organizers for each person. I love having a color for each person. I know green will be for my youngest boy, and red is always my oldest. We color code our suitcases and water bottles. If you use organizational cubes, then choose different colors for those as well. That way you know just buy looking at something whose they belong to.
- Unpack when you reach your destination. If you are staying in a hotel or a place with a dresser, then use it! We like to unpack our clothing and stick our suitcases in the closet so we have room and know where our items are. Hang up the toiletry bag by the bathroom and you are set for your vacation. It’s so nice to know where things are and have a spot for everything to go. If everything is in disarray, you might get a little on edge.
- Pack Light. This might be obvious, but I hear people that pack huge packs of diapers, or full bottles of shampoo, when they really don’t need to. Pack as light as you can. Plan out your trip and plan outfits, shoes, and personal items you definitely need. If we are at a hotel for an extended period of time, we do a load of laundry. I love having less clothing and doing one load, instead of having so many clothes and items that clothes get everywhere in the hotel. Less is best when traveling. Most likely you will be by stores if you forget or absolutely need something.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas Your Dad Will Love
Father’s Day is coming soon, are you ready? Maybe it’s just me, but Father’s Day is hard! I never know what to get my dad or father-in-law. This year I’ve done a little research and found some great ideas that they both will surely enjoy. Hopefully one of these ideas will be perfect for your dad as well!
Lawn Games. If your dad likes be outside or camp, these would be fun. Check out Amazon and grab a fun lawn game. The one I got for my dad this year is the Kubb Set. It’s fun for the whole family. You could also do bat mitten, spike ball, ladder ball and more.
Ticket to a Sporting Event. My father-in-law is all into sports. This is something that he would absolutely love. Check out the different teams that are playing and buy some tickets to the game. It would be fun to bring the whole family along as well. I mean grandkids and sports, what else do you need? 
Make your own Service Coupons. This is a great idea for the kids to give their dad or grandpa. Have them make coupons for a free service like: washing the car, cleaning out the garage, vacuuming a car, mowing the lawn or making him breakfast.
Date Night at a New Place. This is something that my dad and my husband would love to get. Think of what they love to do and plan a night out just for them. If they love sports then go to the batting cages, or Top Golf, find when a local team is playing and sit outside and watch a game. If food is their thing then make reservations at a new restaurant.
Give a Fun Toy. Boys will be boys, right? Why not get a fun toy for them to play? I’m thinking a remote control car or drone would be fun. You could also get a RC helicopter or water boat. Anything RC would be a blast. Check out Amazon here.
Dress them in Style. This weekend is a great time to grab some clothes for great prices. Be specific and notice an item that they need. Whether is be new shoes or a sporting jacket. If it’s something you know they need and want, they will be more excited. If it’s another graphic tee, they may not be.
Personalized Items. If your dad likes more personalized items, then create a photo book or picture. Somethings like this awesome deal for a free photo phone case. Something personal would be super sweet to give.
How to Plan Your Family Summer Fun on a Budget
Are you ready for summer? I’m starting to get my summer organized and on budget. If you are on a tight budget then you probably know about how much money you have to work with each month this summer. Really, there are SO many things you could do and not pay one penny. So here are some tips on how to start planning your summer that will save you money too.
- Go through your budget with your spouse and decide how much you want to spend each week/month on fun or extra family activities and then get your calendar out and start planning.
- First, I would put in any activity that you already have planned, like vacations or events, and put them in your calendar and get an estimate on how much each will cost.
- Next, check your local city website for FREE activities and events going on. This is a huge money saver and they are so fun. You can put those on your calendar and know that those will be free. Many cities around will have plays, fireworks, and other events that the kids just love.
- Then, check with your family and friends and plan on cousin days, grandparent overnights, park days and more. This again, can be totally free and so much fun to be with family and friends. I like to plan a day each week to get together with my sister and their kids. I would say 95% of the time we don’t spend any money. Some days we do go get a snowcone or some treat, but can budget for that.
- If you have some money to spend on camps or classes, then first check your local city. They are SO much cheaper there. My city has so many different camps and classes offered through the summer like- swimming lessons, archery, tennis, soccer, super sports, and so much more. Check the prices and see if it’s in your budget. These are always so fun for the kids to be outside and be active.
- If you have money left over each month, then add in those little extras like waterparks, mini golf, ice cream and snowcones. If you’ve spent your money, then go to parks, free movies and events. There is so much to do even if you have a small budget this summer. My kids would be happy with sprinklers in the back yard and otter pops. Keep this summer simple and on budget.
Inexpensive End-of-Year Teacher Gift Ideas
It’s almost summer break, can you believe it? This school year has seriously flown by. However, I’m excited for those lazy summer mornings again. If you have a few more days or weeks left of school, you’re probably getting those last minute teacher gifts. I’ve found over the years that I never do the same gift twice. I usually switch it up every year depending on my teachers personalities and likes. It doesn’t take a lot of money to show your appreciation for your teachers. Here are a few ideas that will help you out.
Hand written notes from student AND parent. I’ve heard time and time again that this is a teacher favorite. Most teachers will keep these notes and maybe read them again on those challenging days. Have your student write a specific experience or quality that they have enjoyed this year, and you do the same.
Gift Cards or Attraction Pass. As the year goes on you probably get to know your teacher pretty well. You’ll know if he likes his diet coke or if she gets her nails done regularly. Why not get a gift card to a specific place they will actually use? If you want to switch it up and think outside of the box, then why not a few passes to an attraction near you. If your teacher has kids, look into your local zoo, aquarium or museums.
Spa in a Bag. This can definitely be on a budget. Think of how much you want to spend and then put in as many items as you can on your budget. Just grab a bag from the dollar store and add in some of these ideas. Some fun ideas could include: bath bombs, lotions, bath candles, bath salt, nail polish, nail clippers, travel size hand sanitizer or lotions, cotton balls, lip scrub, lip gloss, face mask/scrub, hair scrunchies, hair conditioners, hair clips, or brushes.
Customized stationary and new pens. Believe it or not, this is something teachers love. Get some fun pens for the teacher to use and make the stationary with their name on it or favorite quote.
Food. Yes, it’s true. Most teachers have their favorite treats and drinks. Grab a few of their favorites and put a bow on it. Write a cute letter and done! I’ve heard of people grabbing Chili’s fresh salsa and a bag of their chips. Or, find a fun local restaurant and grab a unique dessert. As long as you know their food restrictions, food is always a win-win.
Simple & Easy Camping Meal Ideas!
We’re looking forward to camping this summer! It’s one of the best ways for us to unwind and get away from everything as a family. But being mom I still need to cook and make sure everyone has full tummies, so I’ve put together some easy meals you can plan for when camping!
Hotdogs – maybe a no brainer but hotdogs with buns, chips and maybe some fruit is a great meal to plan for while camping. You can roast them over the fire or just boil them in water. Don’t forget about pigs in a blanket as well. A great alternative to regular hot dogs.
Breakfast Burritos – you can easily make these ahead of time and take them frozen or assemble them the morning of. Either way it’s a great way to wake up to something yummy.
Bagels – we love having cream cheese and bagels in the morning. We’ll get a variety bag so everyone has one they’ll like. If you’re not having bagels in the morning it’s usually cereal.
BBQ Sandwiches – This is another great make ahead meal you can plan for either lunch or dinner. I just cook the meat in the crock pot before we go and store it in an airtight container. Then slap it on some buns and you’re good to go.
Kebabs – These are perfect to cook over a campfire. You can even have everyone make their own with everything you’ve brought already chopped up and ready to poke. We’ll put peppers, chicken, pineapple, mushrooms and more on each stick.
Chili – If you’re headed somewhere cold, this is a must. I will usually cook my meat at home and then bring everything to dump in the pot together and heat up. We’ll serve it with rolls or corn bread, which ever I have on hand or time to make.
Salsa and Chips – don’t forget about the snacks. We usually go hiking or walking while we’re out camping which means often times when we get back we’re hungry but it’s between meals. So a fun and easy snack to have on hand is some salsa and chips.
Walking Tacos – If you haven’t heard of these before they’re awesome for so many different reasons! Just get those one person chip bags and add your taco toppings to the bag! We’ll usually have sliced tomatoes, cheese, olives, lettuces, sour cream and salsa.
Pasta Salad – I have a cold pasta salad recipe that’s yummy to have ready to eat. It’s simple to throw together and honestly, it’s better the next day because it’s been marinading all night.
Watch Out Amazon! Walmart to Offer Free Next Day Delivery
Have you heard the news? Walmart will be offering FREE next day delivery to 75% of American consumers by the end of the year. They are starting out in Phoenix and Las Vegas and then moving into Southern California in the next few days. Next day delivery will be available with NO membership fees (unlike Amazon) and on 220,000 commonly purchased items. So what’s the catch?
There is a minimum purchase of $35 to get your FREE next day delivery. Competitor, Amazon has free shipping on most items with your purchase of $25 or more but it takes longer to get to your home. So which one is better? Which one will you choose? The big perk for buying from Walmart is the return policy. Most items can be returned to your local Walmart without any hassle. Whereas, Amazon requires any return to be mailed, which honestly is a pain.
Walmart has stepped up their game with this FREE no membership option that could save us a lot of money. You might think again about paying that $119 annual fee for Amazon. So what do you think? When it rolls into your city will you try it out?
How to Still Breathe When You’re Overwhelmed with Debt!
Debt is something that’s hard to get off your mind. From getting the mail from your mail box and seeing those incoming bills to going to the grocery store and hoping you can stay on budget. But even if you’re working on paying off as much debt as possible, you still need to breathe. Here’s some things to think about if you’re overwhelmed with debt.
Start a spending freeze – this is one thing you can have control over and a great way to save even more money. Try just one week. Then when you’ve mastered that move it to 2 weeks or even a month. You’ll give yourself some breathing room if you give it a go.
Contact your creditors – keep your creditors informed, don’t ignore their calls or better yet, give them a call. Many companies and creditors have programs to help people like you and me when we’re in a tight spot. From getting a month off, to lowering your interest rate, reduce or no fees and more. But you won’t know if you don’t pick up the phone and call.
Figure out what you can live without – maybe that morning run to Starbucks or swig needs to be put on hold. Or decide to give up your cable to save each month. Stop buying junk food and paying for that monthly gym membership. There are tons of things you can stop buying and paying for until your debt is paid off. It will take sacrifice but I know it’s possible and you can do it.
Keep track of your spending – it may sound like a big task but just the simple act of writing down everything you spend your money on, will help you recognize where your money is going and think twice before you swipe your card.