Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tuesday, May 31

Help your kids make the most of summer!

One of the biggest challenges a parent has during the summer is making peace with electronics! Since the American Academy of Pediatrics tell us that we should only spend two hours entertained by a screen (TV, cell phone games, computer, etc.) that leaves a lot of daytime to fill. Check out this article from Good Housekeeping for some great ideas!

And if you're looking to encourage your kids to read this summer, check this out...

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wednesday, May 18

Spring and Summer are such fun, but a real pain when it comes to figuring out what to wear! Sure t-shirts and shorts are everywhere, but what can a woman wear to dress her age and in a modest fashion? Here are a few thoughts to get you started:

*Try long shorts- those that come just above the knee in classy materials such as linen
*Wear sleeveless tops with blousy-sleeved jackets (which flatter any arms)
*If it's not unbearably hot, short-sleeved sweaters are always in fashion
*Wear comfortable capris with strappy, heeled sandals

What not to wear: Multiple layers of tank tops, short shorts, and t-shirts that are too short to be tucked in. (Actually, these items don't really flatter any woman, regardless of age!)

Kids getting ready for end of the year tests? Here are a few things you can do as a parent to help them out:

*Make sure that the kids are on their normal sleep schedule
*Serve healthy "brain food!"
*Review test skills over the course of several days, not all at once, to lessen anxiety

Monday, May 16, 2011

Monday, May 16

On today's show, I talked about throwing a graduation party on a budget. Here are a few ideas from eHow.com:

-Once you have your time, date, and guest list, you will need to send out graduation invitations. This could be your biggest money saver when throwing a graduation party on a budget. If most of the guests are technologically inclined, you can use a website like evite.com, or create an event on Facebook. The best things about using these websites is that they are free, they will keep track of RSVPs, and they are easy to create. For the less technologically minded guests, you could send traditional invitations. Go to a place like Target or Wal-Mart. You don't have to spend a lot of money on invitations that will eventually wind up in the trash.

-Another way to save when throwing a graduation party on budget is to be smart when buying party supplies. Take pictures of your graduate from birth to graduation and place them all around the party site. People will have much more fun looking at the photographs than anything else. Don't spend a lot of money on special graduation cups, napkins, and plates. Instead, buy plain supplies in the graduate's school colors. The same goes for any balloons or streamers.

-You can easily throw your graduation party on a budget and sill have plenty to eat. Try to have your party at an hour where guests won't be expecting a lunch or dinner. Have little snack foods that you can buy in bulk from a place like Sam's or Costco. Instead of a big expensive cake, think about having cupcakes frosted in the school's colors. If you plan to have carbonated beverages, buy the generic, or, better yet, don't serve sodas at all. Try homemade tea or punch which can be cheaper.
Read more here.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Friday, May 13

There has been so much talk about the Rapture happening on May 21st. Across the nation, billboard signs, pamphlets, and news articles have caused people to question, "Can we really know when Jesus will return?"

The best thing we can do as followers of Jesus Christ is to look at Scripture and do research on the people and organizations associated with this assertion. Here are some resources I have found helpful:



Friday, May 6, 2011

Friday, May 6

What are kids able to do around the house? Our elemenatry-aged children may be more capable than we give them credit! Check out this chore chart to see what your child may be able to do to help you out this weekend...

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Thursday, May 5

*Today is the 60th Annual National Day of Prayer. Check out info on local events here.

*Here's something to get you thinking! Fill in the blank: "I remember life before..."
Add your response here on the Midday Joy Blog!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Tuesday, May 3

We usually budget for the holidays, but summer can sneak up on us and break the bank as well.

Five of the biggest spending blunders:

*Spending money on overpriced outdoor sporting equipment
*Traveling to and attending wedding and graduations
*Major League Baseball games (It's just as "American" to go out to the 'ol [high school] ballgame!)
*Using a credit card on vacation

For more, read this.

Monday, May 2

Struggling with where God is in the midst of so many disasters--tornadoes, earthquakes, wars, and financial worries? I read a wonderful (and very challenging) book on this subject. It's Jerry Bridges' book called Trusting God. I was challenged to remember that God is always trustworthy and I must have a heart that is willing to trust.

*Who would've thought... Coffee grounds are good for the soil! Combine coffee grounds, manure (Ewww!) and rotten hay for a lovely lawn. (Actually, your lawn may look nicer because NO ONE would want to get anywhere near the smell of it!)