We're doing the Dave Ramsey thing to the best of our ability. Life circumstances make that difficult at times but we're getting our momentum back. I think. We're always looking for ways to improve; ways to save.
"Date" nights are still watching a favorite movie on Netflix or grabbing a $1.20 Redbox rental (preferably for $0 when we get a free code via text message). We used to play more board games. Sometimes we just chat.
We do our best to keep other costs down. We keep luxuries like cell phones* and internet but we definitely get our use out of them between communicating with family, friends, and coworkers, couponing, paperless billing, swagbucks*, school, budgeting, and banking*.
We made the decision to sell our second vehicle almost 3 years ago. It gets iffy sometimes after being so used to having a car to myself all the time but we make it work. Our current van is definitely solidly into clunker territory. We hope that when we do finally add a second vehicle (soon? maybe?!) again that we can pay 100% crispy, cold cash.
When we did eventually replace our awesome luxuries like the TV, computer, or what have you we waited until what we had was literally not even appealing for parts. Then we find the sales or the unexpected deals. Do you know how much I'd love a new camera to upgrade from my Nikon d40x? A LOT! D you know how I drool when I see the kitchenaid mixers and dyson vacuums? (Hold on a second. I sound like an adult person. When did I start drooling over mixers and vacuums??) All in due time, as they say. Right??
My husband has worked 2-3 jobs at a time and he's donated plasma. We've sold off a lot of junk and even some well loved items to shrink our debt. We rarely buy games or movies new. If we happen to rent and LOVE something then we typically trade-in some stuff for store credit. We've also done the same with the kid's clothes and toys. Soon, I'll step into the world of consigning with the Rhea Lana event coming up this spring. We've got the hang of eBay and craiglist now too.
But, our biggest, craziest leap thus far has been to extend our lease in a <1000 sq ft apartment. Oh, we idealize moving out, having our own yard, owning our own home. No doubt. For now, for just this short time, we can do this though. Five people: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, no walk-in closets. We'll make it work. I'm determined NOT to rent some storage unit for our extras. I'm slowly figuring out how to make the most of our space with its limitations. We'll donate or sell what doesn't fit. When new things come in old things will go out. We could move into a bigger space with a yard and a garage. We have the ability. It's an option. We just aren't taking it.
I'm starting to think we're insane. Hopefully soon we can be crazy AND debt-free.
*Referral links
- Virgin Mobile
- Swagbucks
- Capital One 360
Showing posts with label free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free. Show all posts
Friday, January 10, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
A Quick List of Free Mail and Fun Printables
It's COLD outside! My weather app reads 5 degrees Farenheit right now and that's up a bit from what it was yesterday at this time! If you're reading this I know you have internet access. Maybe you have some spare time on your hands. Maybe you're browsing while nursing a sweet baby. Maybe maybe maybe!
Well, when my husband was gone for a total 7 months when he decided to join the military I got really obsessed with sending and checking the mail. There aren't anymore handwritten letters now from my love because he's home (thank God!) but that was rough. Those days where no letter was there were so disappointing. We wrote a lot to eachother. Bitty Bug was only 2. She didn't understand but whatever I could read to her in those letters, I would. Even if it was simple things, "Daddy loves and misses you." and the like. Now, maybe it's our experience or maybe it's just her age or maybe a combination but she gets excited when I check the mail. She is thrilled to get something of her own or even if I let her open the junk. I started looking for ideas on how to get different things in the mail for her only to found out there's quite a few fun ways to get mail for your kids!
Our current favorite is Lego Club Jr. You input your kiddo's name and info. Lego sends a cool magazine (either the normal Lego Club or the junior version depending on age) full of info on the newest sets, little games or activities, comics and more. The subscription is free and lasts for two years.
Another something, that I just requested recently is the American Girl catalogue. Their beautiful dolls are well known. I never had a doll but I did love the books when I was young. The catalogue was fun to look through. I'm not sure we'll ever splurge on these dolls specifically but I'll definitely be on a search for the books once Bitty Bug and Sweet Pea are ready to read them.
I've seen the Disney postcard thing on several sites and blogs but have yet to try it myself. From what I understand you (or your kiddo) send a letter to Disney World or Disneyland and you'll get a "signed" postcard from the princesses or Mickey and his friends.
Geoffrey's Birthday Club is a quick click and sign up for a birthday card (and coupon!) for Toys"R"Us. Check it out, you can also get a birthday phone call and go into the store for a birthday crown and balloon!
There's also the option of having them color a picture or write a letter to a friend or family member. Let it be a surprise or give the person a heads up so they might write back promptly! It's never too early to start learning how to do that.
Aside from all that, it's nasty cold outside across most of the US right now. Coloring is one of the easiest ways I can manage to get my crazies to sit down, calm down, and be slightly more quiet than usual for five minutes. If you're looking for coloring pages or activity worksheets check these out:
Random House Kids
From Eric Carle to Lowly Worm to Thomas the Tank Engine. There are puzzles, crafts, and coloring pages for all those classic favorites.
Crayola Pages
A personal favorite resource. There are coloring pages and craft sheets for almost any subject under (and including) the sun.
Nick Jr.
Offers lots of free printable coloring book pages of all their TV characters. It's easy to find your favorites, like Bubble Guppies or Dora, and print away!
PBS KIDS
Just spin the wheel, select your kid's favorite cartoon, and you're likely to find several printables! Curious George is one my girls love.
National Geographic
This is a really cool "print n go" coloring book of realistic looking animals.
Education.com: Dr. Seuss
A 20 page activity booklet based on the world of Dr. Seuss. Totally free to print at home. It includes math and phonics. This is recommended for kindergarten to first grade and up.
FEMA - Fire Safety Booklet
Here's a printable PDF on fire safety. It's geared towards little kids with some of the adorable Sesame Street characters sharing basic instructions.
Well, when my husband was gone for a total 7 months when he decided to join the military I got really obsessed with sending and checking the mail. There aren't anymore handwritten letters now from my love because he's home (thank God!) but that was rough. Those days where no letter was there were so disappointing. We wrote a lot to eachother. Bitty Bug was only 2. She didn't understand but whatever I could read to her in those letters, I would. Even if it was simple things, "Daddy loves and misses you." and the like. Now, maybe it's our experience or maybe it's just her age or maybe a combination but she gets excited when I check the mail. She is thrilled to get something of her own or even if I let her open the junk. I started looking for ideas on how to get different things in the mail for her only to found out there's quite a few fun ways to get mail for your kids!
Our current favorite is Lego Club Jr. You input your kiddo's name and info. Lego sends a cool magazine (either the normal Lego Club or the junior version depending on age) full of info on the newest sets, little games or activities, comics and more. The subscription is free and lasts for two years.
Another something, that I just requested recently is the American Girl catalogue. Their beautiful dolls are well known. I never had a doll but I did love the books when I was young. The catalogue was fun to look through. I'm not sure we'll ever splurge on these dolls specifically but I'll definitely be on a search for the books once Bitty Bug and Sweet Pea are ready to read them.
I've seen the Disney postcard thing on several sites and blogs but have yet to try it myself. From what I understand you (or your kiddo) send a letter to Disney World or Disneyland and you'll get a "signed" postcard from the princesses or Mickey and his friends.
Geoffrey's Birthday Club is a quick click and sign up for a birthday card (and coupon!) for Toys"R"Us. Check it out, you can also get a birthday phone call and go into the store for a birthday crown and balloon!
There's also the option of having them color a picture or write a letter to a friend or family member. Let it be a surprise or give the person a heads up so they might write back promptly! It's never too early to start learning how to do that.
Aside from all that, it's nasty cold outside across most of the US right now. Coloring is one of the easiest ways I can manage to get my crazies to sit down, calm down, and be slightly more quiet than usual for five minutes. If you're looking for coloring pages or activity worksheets check these out:
Random House Kids
From Eric Carle to Lowly Worm to Thomas the Tank Engine. There are puzzles, crafts, and coloring pages for all those classic favorites.
Crayola Pages
A personal favorite resource. There are coloring pages and craft sheets for almost any subject under (and including) the sun.
Nick Jr.
Offers lots of free printable coloring book pages of all their TV characters. It's easy to find your favorites, like Bubble Guppies or Dora, and print away!
PBS KIDS
Just spin the wheel, select your kid's favorite cartoon, and you're likely to find several printables! Curious George is one my girls love.
National Geographic
This is a really cool "print n go" coloring book of realistic looking animals.
Education.com: Dr. Seuss
A 20 page activity booklet based on the world of Dr. Seuss. Totally free to print at home. It includes math and phonics. This is recommended for kindergarten to first grade and up.
FEMA - Fire Safety Booklet
Here's a printable PDF on fire safety. It's geared towards little kids with some of the adorable Sesame Street characters sharing basic instructions.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Love Reading: Find Reading Resources on a Budget
All right, I said I would do these three posts. I'm gonna do it! A lot of this post will be oriented around the local library. I know some people may be in rural areas or their closest library may be small, old, or underfunded. I'm assuming if you are reading this that you have internet access too. I'll do my best to cover all the bases on this topic because I think it's very important for everyone to have access to literature. There are so many free or very cheap resources out there! There is absolutely no need to spend a fortune at Barnes & Noble on new books.
For starters here is a list of awesome online resources:
More than likely, your public library has a website. Google it or call them up and ask. This is going to be your best bet for local resources, reading material you can borrow, and free or cheap programs for your kids. Even our modest library has an incredible selection of books, audio books, DVDs, and research media. Many libraries have story times and art activities for different age groups throughout the week. They may host summer reading contests for kids that anyone in the community can participate in. Here is another example of a sweet reading program at the Rogers Public Library (it involves a dog!). If you need help finding a library in your area go here.
To find low priced books for your own collection go to Goodwill or other local thrift shops; spend one Saturday looking through yard sales; search Craigslist and your local Freecycle group or create an ad with specific requests; call the library or public schools or check the newspaper for information about local book fairs and festivals. Through these avenues you should be able to find lots of books for under one dollar.
This Noob Mom's Tips:
1.) I have found it really easy to do simple things like pointing out letters and sounding out words on signs (and the numbers, colors, shapes, etc) while we're out and about. It's not anything extra in that we don't have to make time for it. I don't have to buy anything. It really turns into quite the game. Now, Bitty Bug (3.5) will even point out signs and colors of things as we drive down the road. She's beginning to recognize familiar logos and signs. This is great since it makes those connections with the words and sounds!
2.) Don't be afraid to read or explain things that are slightly beyond their capability. Adding words into your vocabulary within the context of things they all ready know can be an effortless way to help them learn. The more I think about approaching my kid's reading and writing as if they are learning a brand new language the simpler it seems. It can take a couple years for an adult studying avidly to become fluent in a second language depending on the language itself and the context of their learning. That perspective has helped think about this in a new way.
In the end, the highest expenses you may have will be printer ink, any fees for a library membership, and possibly a few extra bucks in gas if you go to the library often or go in search for new books. Budget accordingly and you'll find it is very easy to access a lot of literature for nearly nothing!
Don't forget to have fun reading with your littles. Reading is not only the key to escaping into whole new worlds but also to being capable of learning about almost anything we can imagine!
And for your convenience (and mine) here are the links to the first two posts of this little series:
Love Reading: Teaching Kids to Respect Literature
Love Reading: Printed Books vs. Electronic Books
For starters here is a list of awesome online resources:
- Scholastic has a wealth of free information for parents as well as free printable activities and coloring pages for kids of all ages. Go here for their information on age-based language and reading development. And click here for a number of book lists and reading challenge plans.
- The International Children's Digital Library and We Give Books are free websites "stocked" with hundreds of books that you and your kids can read online.
- The Veggie Tales (I love them!) website has digital books with fantastic moral stories.
- There is an incredible assortment of free educational material on almost any topic you can imagine (Biology, Civics, Weather, etc) for PreK up to 12th grade on the PBS LearningMedia website. There are videos, learning modules, and printable labs and worksheets.
- Crayola also has a ton of free printable pages. You can find anything from basic letters and numbers to Presidents of the United States.
- Jump Start has several resources available for new readers. You'll find a lot of school curriculum possibilities here from spelling to public speaking. There are worksheets and short stories as well.
- Go here on Read.gov to search for local book fairs and related events in your area.
- World Book Online and Brittanica.com have kid's encyclopedias.
- Don't forget to look through Amazon's Kindle eBooks, Barnes and Noble's Nook, and Apple's iBooks websites or apps for very cheap or free digital books.
More than likely, your public library has a website. Google it or call them up and ask. This is going to be your best bet for local resources, reading material you can borrow, and free or cheap programs for your kids. Even our modest library has an incredible selection of books, audio books, DVDs, and research media. Many libraries have story times and art activities for different age groups throughout the week. They may host summer reading contests for kids that anyone in the community can participate in. Here is another example of a sweet reading program at the Rogers Public Library (it involves a dog!). If you need help finding a library in your area go here.
To find low priced books for your own collection go to Goodwill or other local thrift shops; spend one Saturday looking through yard sales; search Craigslist and your local Freecycle group or create an ad with specific requests; call the library or public schools or check the newspaper for information about local book fairs and festivals. Through these avenues you should be able to find lots of books for under one dollar.
This Noob Mom's Tips:
1.) I have found it really easy to do simple things like pointing out letters and sounding out words on signs (and the numbers, colors, shapes, etc) while we're out and about. It's not anything extra in that we don't have to make time for it. I don't have to buy anything. It really turns into quite the game. Now, Bitty Bug (3.5) will even point out signs and colors of things as we drive down the road. She's beginning to recognize familiar logos and signs. This is great since it makes those connections with the words and sounds!
2.) Don't be afraid to read or explain things that are slightly beyond their capability. Adding words into your vocabulary within the context of things they all ready know can be an effortless way to help them learn. The more I think about approaching my kid's reading and writing as if they are learning a brand new language the simpler it seems. It can take a couple years for an adult studying avidly to become fluent in a second language depending on the language itself and the context of their learning. That perspective has helped think about this in a new way.
In the end, the highest expenses you may have will be printer ink, any fees for a library membership, and possibly a few extra bucks in gas if you go to the library often or go in search for new books. Budget accordingly and you'll find it is very easy to access a lot of literature for nearly nothing!
Don't forget to have fun reading with your littles. Reading is not only the key to escaping into whole new worlds but also to being capable of learning about almost anything we can imagine!
And for your convenience (and mine) here are the links to the first two posts of this little series:
Love Reading: Teaching Kids to Respect Literature
Love Reading: Printed Books vs. Electronic Books
Friday, August 2, 2013
Deal$ on . . . guess! guess!
Books. Ebooks. I have no agenda here. I'm just sharing the love. I don't pay enough attention so I've just discovered that Amazon has monthly deals on Kindle books. This month happens to be quite snazzy! I normally just peak through the sidebar list of free books on the website or just search for whatever with "free" somewhere in the search bar. All of these are on sale for less than THREE dollars.
For the kids:
Amelia Bedelia
Judy Moody
Don't Wake Up the Bear
1-2-3 Va-Va-Vroom
When We Go Walking
Alice in Wonderland (free!)
Lily Lemon Blossom (free!)
For the adults:
Black by Ted Dekker
Tales of the Jazz Age by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Berry Bible
House Mommy's Boredom Busters (free!)
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (free!)
and
Here is the page with all the free fiction classics from Anna Karenina to Treasure Island! I have several of these all ready.
and
Here is the page with a ton of free recipe and cookbooks on anything from canning to paleo!
Enjoy! :)
For the kids:
Amelia Bedelia
Judy Moody
Don't Wake Up the Bear
1-2-3 Va-Va-Vroom
When We Go Walking
Alice in Wonderland (free!)
Lily Lemon Blossom (free!)
For the adults:
Black by Ted Dekker
Tales of the Jazz Age by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Berry Bible
House Mommy's Boredom Busters (free!)
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (free!)
and
Here is the page with all the free fiction classics from Anna Karenina to Treasure Island! I have several of these all ready.
and
Here is the page with a ton of free recipe and cookbooks on anything from canning to paleo!
Enjoy! :)
Thursday, July 11, 2013
The App Store is Celebrating Itself
Dearest owners and lovers of the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch:
Apparently, it's the Fifth Anniversary of the Apple App Store. This means there are several pretty cool free apps available right now! They've shot up to the tippy top of the Top Charts list so go into the App Store, click on the "5 Years of the App Store" at the top of the featured page or navigate to the Top Charts page and check out the list of free apps.
There is one in particular that I think is awesome for the kiddos called Barefoot World Atlas! I all ready have it on our iPad 2 and I'm installing it on the iPad mini right now while the kiddos are sleeping.
It is chock full of info about several different cultures from around the globe and some fascinating geography facts. It navigates just like Google Earth. You can scroll through a list of countries to get specific content or just hop around the globe clicking on different native animals, flags, or landmarks.
Where's My Water and Tiny Wings might also be fun for the kids (and you) plus there are several other non-kid things for anyone who just happens to love cool stuff on their iPad.
These are also available and many are normally priced over 2-3 bucks. Click to find out more about each app on the iTunes website:
How to Cook Everything
Tiny Wings
BADLAND
Traktor DJ
Infinity Blade 2
Where's My Water?
Over
Superbrothers: Sword and Sorcery EP
Day One (Journal/Diary)
AND to add a huge whopping pile of sprinkles to the icing on the cake Angry Birds Star Wars just so happens to be free temporarily as well!! It's AWESOME. I finished the free version way back when it first came out so the moment I heard the full game was free I got a little too excited. As if I don't waste enough time on such things all ready.
Apparently, it's the Fifth Anniversary of the Apple App Store. This means there are several pretty cool free apps available right now! They've shot up to the tippy top of the Top Charts list so go into the App Store, click on the "5 Years of the App Store" at the top of the featured page or navigate to the Top Charts page and check out the list of free apps.
 |
| App Store Screenshot |
There is one in particular that I think is awesome for the kiddos called Barefoot World Atlas! I all ready have it on our iPad 2 and I'm installing it on the iPad mini right now while the kiddos are sleeping.
It is chock full of info about several different cultures from around the globe and some fascinating geography facts. It navigates just like Google Earth. You can scroll through a list of countries to get specific content or just hop around the globe clicking on different native animals, flags, or landmarks.
Where's My Water and Tiny Wings might also be fun for the kids (and you) plus there are several other non-kid things for anyone who just happens to love cool stuff on their iPad.
These are also available and many are normally priced over 2-3 bucks. Click to find out more about each app on the iTunes website:
How to Cook Everything
Tiny Wings
BADLAND
Traktor DJ
Infinity Blade 2
Where's My Water?
Over
Superbrothers: Sword and Sorcery EP
Day One (Journal/Diary)
AND to add a huge whopping pile of sprinkles to the icing on the cake Angry Birds Star Wars just so happens to be free temporarily as well!! It's AWESOME. I finished the free version way back when it first came out so the moment I heard the full game was free I got a little too excited. As if I don't waste enough time on such things all ready.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Two Awesome Apps for Little Kids
I decided to go switch out some of the games for the girls on my iPad. It's really an awesome tool for quiet time or traveling. I went searching through the app store for some new stuff and found two really great games!
The first is Injini: Child Development Game Suite by NCSOFT.
We've only had it open for a couple minutes and my almost-3 year old is enthralled. We started with the free version because I don't buy any apps without trying them first if I can help it. The full version is on the higher end for kid's game apps for iOS at $29.99 so I may never drop that much $$$ for it but the "lite" version still has plenty of activities. There's tracing, matching, puzzles, and lots of other cute activities. The look of it is very warm and colorful. Most of the voices and sounds aren't terribly obnoxious but there is some beeping. Of course, that's why we have volume control and/or headphones. The only downside is that it only looks to be compatible with the iPad.
The other is Endless Alphabet by Callaway Digital Arts, Inc. This game is for the iPad, iPod, and iPhone. It just so happens that today you can get it FREE!!
Go to the app store and download it ASAP. If you hate it, delete it but I think it's adorable. It's a word game with a puzzle-like template. It's very interactive. As the letters are moved they make the relative sound (so Luh Luh Luh for the L and Ah Ah Ah for A). My favorite thing is that it's a bunch of very cute monster characters. I can't resist cute, colorful monsters.
Enjoy!!
The first is Injini: Child Development Game Suite by NCSOFT.
The other is Endless Alphabet by Callaway Digital Arts, Inc. This game is for the iPad, iPod, and iPhone. It just so happens that today you can get it FREE!!
Go to the app store and download it ASAP. If you hate it, delete it but I think it's adorable. It's a word game with a puzzle-like template. It's very interactive. As the letters are moved they make the relative sound (so Luh Luh Luh for the L and Ah Ah Ah for A). My favorite thing is that it's a bunch of very cute monster characters. I can't resist cute, colorful monsters.
Enjoy!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Go to the Library
FYI, if you're ever looking for something free and fun for your littles check out the local libraries!! I always forget how much there is for kids to do.
Rogers Public Library and Springdale Public Library have lots of reading and craft events for all ages (babies and toddlers up to teens). They also have storytimes for families in English AND in Spanish.
Bentonville Library has come a long way since opening not quite 2 years ago. They host several clubs like Kid's Chess in addition to storytimes and group lessons or workshops.
The Fayetteville Library makes these others feel teeny tiny. They have almost every service imaginable (for a library). They even have a game center (think xbox) which I personally think is absurd but whatever. There are LOTS of resources available here for studying, learning, researching, or socializing.
We just got back from the library in Rogers last night. I have to recommend these cute books:
Rogers Public Library and Springdale Public Library have lots of reading and craft events for all ages (babies and toddlers up to teens). They also have storytimes for families in English AND in Spanish.
Bentonville Library has come a long way since opening not quite 2 years ago. They host several clubs like Kid's Chess in addition to storytimes and group lessons or workshops.
The Fayetteville Library makes these others feel teeny tiny. They have almost every service imaginable (for a library). They even have a game center (think xbox) which I personally think is absurd but whatever. There are LOTS of resources available here for studying, learning, researching, or socializing.
We just got back from the library in Rogers last night. I have to recommend these cute books:
All of the books about Olivia (a very prissy, sometimes mischievous little pig) are adorable. My almost older toddler absolutely adores this character. That may be because she is the real life Olivia. ha!
This is one of those sweet, simple books with a key message: people (ooor . . . animals) that are different can be the best people. Differences are good, not bad! I've rented this one so many times I don't know why I haven't just bought it yet (maybe because we all ready have over 300 kid's books, maybe)
This is a very colorful book. I had to read it slowly so my littles could soak in all the beautiful imagery. The story seems silly at first but in the end it follows these seven sisters through an adventure where each one uses their particular talent or strength to make it through a bad situation. These are exactly the kinds of books I look for to read to my girls. It shows how every single person (sisters, as the case may be) is unique and important. They get a sweet seed planted in their minds and a tiny taste of another world all at the same time. Definitely look for this one!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Tanyard Creek Trail + a Hello
There's been NO extra time for this blog with all we've had going on.
#1 MY HUSBAND (mine, my man!!) is now a United States Marine. That's right. With a heck of a lot of determination, support from my family and our friends, and lots of hand written letters we BOTH made it through the crazy three months of boot camp. He graduated Private First Class. I didn't die. Pretty awesome. There were lots of obstacles for both of us -- mental, physical, emotional -- but we did it. He graduated from Parris Island at the end of June. The whole experience has been pretty incredible.
In other news, if you're looking to go back to school I need to recommend looking into NWACC. Northwest Arkansas Community College has been pretty amazing for me. If there are no surprise bumps in the road I'll graduate from there next year with my associate's degree. Best part: It's ALL been online. I had a lot of support there while my husband was gone (he left in the middle of spring semester and I started a couple of summer classes before he was done). It's honestly got to be one of the best opportunities for people going back to school, with family's, or with other important obligations (military or full time job or stay at home mama for example). I just have to slide that recommendation in there.
In more recent, less crazy . . . I did some googling trying to find something fun and FREE for us to do around here on a Sunday. Eureka Springs is on our list of places we want to go back to but gas + food + spending money wasn't going to fit into our budget. We've been to the new art museum in Bentonville once, kids in tow. Um, no. Not doing that again. We'd all ready been to the drive-in and the same feature was showing as before. The pool at our complex was crawling with teenagers. No thanks. Anyway, I did some googling. Honestly I don't remember how I came across it but there was a link for a nature trail in Bella Vista. Oh ok, quaint little walk. Why not?
Who knew THIS was in Bella Vista?
Whoever did know, you totally suck for not telling me. There is a simple route but there's also an easy hike of about 2 miles with lots of overlooks, a couple waterfalls, and plenty of swimming holes. Beware, we definitely saw at least one cottonmouth and one copperhead sunning. Don't let them stop you from seeing this hidden Arkansas site though.
If you take the main Bella Vista exit (town center) going north turn left and keep driving. It's on the left near a set of little homes and a golf course. You should be able to see a sign for "Tanyard Creek Nature Trail". There's a parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms, and even a dog water station. (Yes, it's also good-dog friendly. Dogs on leashes who are cleaned up after are totally welcome. Our new pup enjoyed himself.)
Total win.
We're looking forward to going back this fall after some rain has filled the creeks back up.
I make fun of Arkansas all the time but sometimes the Natural state shows me a thing or two.
<3
#1 MY HUSBAND (mine, my man!!) is now a United States Marine. That's right. With a heck of a lot of determination, support from my family and our friends, and lots of hand written letters we BOTH made it through the crazy three months of boot camp. He graduated Private First Class. I didn't die. Pretty awesome. There were lots of obstacles for both of us -- mental, physical, emotional -- but we did it. He graduated from Parris Island at the end of June. The whole experience has been pretty incredible.
In other news, if you're looking to go back to school I need to recommend looking into NWACC. Northwest Arkansas Community College has been pretty amazing for me. If there are no surprise bumps in the road I'll graduate from there next year with my associate's degree. Best part: It's ALL been online. I had a lot of support there while my husband was gone (he left in the middle of spring semester and I started a couple of summer classes before he was done). It's honestly got to be one of the best opportunities for people going back to school, with family's, or with other important obligations (military or full time job or stay at home mama for example). I just have to slide that recommendation in there.
In more recent, less crazy . . . I did some googling trying to find something fun and FREE for us to do around here on a Sunday. Eureka Springs is on our list of places we want to go back to but gas + food + spending money wasn't going to fit into our budget. We've been to the new art museum in Bentonville once, kids in tow. Um, no. Not doing that again. We'd all ready been to the drive-in and the same feature was showing as before. The pool at our complex was crawling with teenagers. No thanks. Anyway, I did some googling. Honestly I don't remember how I came across it but there was a link for a nature trail in Bella Vista. Oh ok, quaint little walk. Why not?
Who knew THIS was in Bella Vista?
Whoever did know, you totally suck for not telling me. There is a simple route but there's also an easy hike of about 2 miles with lots of overlooks, a couple waterfalls, and plenty of swimming holes. Beware, we definitely saw at least one cottonmouth and one copperhead sunning. Don't let them stop you from seeing this hidden Arkansas site though.
If you take the main Bella Vista exit (town center) going north turn left and keep driving. It's on the left near a set of little homes and a golf course. You should be able to see a sign for "Tanyard Creek Nature Trail". There's a parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms, and even a dog water station. (Yes, it's also good-dog friendly. Dogs on leashes who are cleaned up after are totally welcome. Our new pup enjoyed himself.)
Total win.
We're looking forward to going back this fall after some rain has filled the creeks back up.
I make fun of Arkansas all the time but sometimes the Natural state shows me a thing or two.
<3
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Toddler Activities
I've been searching all over for ideas to keep my toddler occupied. Color wonder and puzzles are life savers. My toddler loves them. But, this spring and summer I want to be out of the house or outdoors as much as possible. Here is what I've found:
The Splash Park in Rogers (near the recreation center)
The Park on Horsebarn Road (Rogers) -- this is our favorite park all ready
Crystal Bridges - Art Days (supposed to be offered starting in April)
Storytime at a local library (Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, Fayetteville) -- Check their websites or calendars for details
I've been looking for a not-too-expensive class to enroll my almost-2-year-old in but it look like anything worthwhile will have to wait until she is 3 or 4. All of the above are FREE.
The Splash Park in Rogers (near the recreation center)
The Park on Horsebarn Road (Rogers) -- this is our favorite park all ready
Crystal Bridges - Art Days (supposed to be offered starting in April)
Storytime at a local library (Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, Fayetteville) -- Check their websites or calendars for details
I've been looking for a not-too-expensive class to enroll my almost-2-year-old in but it look like anything worthwhile will have to wait until she is 3 or 4. All of the above are FREE.
Monday, February 13, 2012
iPad. Yes Ma'am.
Love. I use it for my online classes(everything from writing assignments to reading etextbooks), sharing on facebook and twitter, teaching and entertaining the toddler, and even getting the baby to sleep with white noise app.
Here is a master list of my FAVORITE free Apps for iPad!
Education
Coursesmart
Kno
Flashcards
LS2 Mobile
Dropbox
Evernote
Idea Sketch
Dictionary.com
Blackboard Mobile Learn
Social & Entertainment
Netflix
HuluPlus
Pandora
Kindle
Facebook
Twitter
Skype
Groupon
Epicurious
StumbleUpon
Toddlers and Kids
Fisher Price Animal Sounds
Fisher Price Shapes and Colors
Fisher Price Where's Puppy's Nose
Fisher Price Let's Count
Toy Story
PBS Kids
DUPLO Jams
Art of Glow
Splatter
Play123
Elmo ABCs Lite
Talking Tom
NatureTap
Seek & Find
MusicSparkle
Candy Train
See Touch Learn
Here is a master list of my FAVORITE free Apps for iPad!
Education
Coursesmart
Kno
Flashcards
LS2 Mobile
Dropbox
Evernote
Idea Sketch
Dictionary.com
Blackboard Mobile Learn
Social & Entertainment
Netflix
HuluPlus
Pandora
Kindle
Skype
Groupon
Epicurious
StumbleUpon
Toddlers and Kids
Fisher Price Animal Sounds
Fisher Price Shapes and Colors
Fisher Price Where's Puppy's Nose
Fisher Price Let's Count
Toy Story
PBS Kids
DUPLO Jams
Art of Glow
Splatter
Play123
Elmo ABCs Lite
Talking Tom
NatureTap
Seek & Find
MusicSparkle
Candy Train
See Touch Learn
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