It’s Summer time but that doesn’t mean that the learning shouldn’t end during the Summer. There are many things you can do to keep the learning going with your kids, from art projects to science projects, counting snacks and of course Reading.

Reading is very important in our family. My oldest daughter loves to read to her little sister, and bedtime stories are always the highlight of the evening.

A few books we picked up for Sam for the summer is Dork Diaries and various Judy Moody books.

With the Summer Reading Seriesyour child receives books throughout the months for the entire Summer!

It is the perfect gift for kids this summer, while saving up to %50 off Publishers’ Edition prices! Each month they will receive two children’s books geared to their age and interest.

Ages range from 0-12+ and can be geared toward boys or girls. Great gift this summer to keep kids reading! The My Summer Reading Series is presented by the Children’s Book-of-the-Month.

Tell me what your kids are reading this summer for a chance to win a Summer Reading Prize Pack from the Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club!

– Grand Prize ottery Barn Kids’ reading chair and a Marc Jacobs Nylon Tote (for mom!)

– 5 First Prizes: Personalized Pottery Barn Kids’ Beach Tote

EXTRA ENTRY:

– Children’s Book-of-the-Month is now featuring the My Summer Reading Series! Kids receive 2 great books at their door each month all summer. $6.99 a book PLUS a free $25 Restaurant.com gift card! Check out the different book series, find a book you love and tell us the book title in the conversation for an extra entry in the contest!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs June 28 – July 22, 2011. A random winner will be announced July 27, 2011. Official Rules

Although the upcoming long holiday weekend has many dreaming of a beach vacation, small budgets may be keeping people from going away. Staying home during the 4th of July means that you can host a barbecue with beer, hot dogs and fireworks–a true American celebration. So whether you’re planning a celebration with extended family or a few college buds, remember that there are a few tricks to help reduce party costs.

Get your mind off your finances and onto the festivities with these 11 budget-friendly party planning tips:

1. Re-consider Renting
   Why spend tons of money renting chairs, tables or canopies, when you may be able to borrow these items for free from family, friends and/or neighbors? If borrowing isn’t an option however or you can’t find a friend who owns 20 folding chairs, compare rental prices around town before committing to any company’s fee. You may find that some items are cheaper to buy at big-box stores than to renting, so do your homework first. Should you find yourself table and chair-less, set up blankets in a picnic style fitting for any outdoor barbecue get together.
2. Homemade Food
   Supermarket relish and snack trays are mighty tempting, but you’ll save roughly 50 to 60 percent by making these foods at home. The same goes for store made macaroni and potato salads–it’s much cheaper and probably tastier when you make these at home. Rather than trying to doit all yourself, get the family involved in the party prep or consider hosting a potluck barbecue by divvying up the menu. Guests who bring their own alcohol can really help cut your party costs.
3. Coupon It Up
   Don’t forget to break out the coupons for all your party needs, from food and drinks to paper goods and decorations. Print coupons from CouponSherpa.com before heading to the store or use online coupons for instant savings when ordering party goods conveniently from the Internet.
4. Skip the Babysitter
   A holiday party isn’t relaxing for parents who have to watch their children all day. However, there’s no need to order a babysitter for the occasion. Set-up a kid’s play area away from the adults and have parents or grandparents take turns watching the tots or ask an older child or teen to play with the kids in exchange for a few bucks or a gift card to their favorite store.
5. DIY Games
   Keep the kids outdoors and away from the video games without spending extra by creating old-fashioned entertainment. Arrange a scavenger hunt; set-up a game of kick-ball; or use the “That Ain’t It” app for a trivia game both adults and children can play. A great way to keep the kids outdoors and away from the video games without spending extra, is by creating old-fashioned entertainment. Arrange a scavenger hunt; set-up a game of kick-ball; or use the “That Ain’t It” app for a trivia game both adults and children can play. This will keep you from letting your guests suffer through the Game #18 of Apples to Apples while you wander off to play bingo online like the model party host you are.
6. Cheap Decorations
   Tap into your child’s creativity for home-made decorations. Although these may not look professional, they’ll sure be adorable and cheap. Alternately, head to the dollar store for inexpensive seasonal decorations, like festive table clothes, balloons, streamers and beads at prices up to 70-percent off a standard party store.
7. Fireworks Shows
   Instead of driving neighbors and dogs crazy this year with an at-home fireworks, attend a public display which will also save you some cash. If you absolutely must make a big noise, however, check to make sure fireworks are legal in your region, especially if you reside in a dry region, to avoid a hefty fine.
8. Send Invites for Free
   Paper invites are a thing of the past, particularly since free and instant evites make RSVPing a snap. You can also coordinate carpooling from the evite website a bonus for family. Check out their selection of 4th of July invitation designs and you’ll be sold.
9. Reduce the Guest List
   It’s easy to let the guest list get out of hand when everyone seems to be looking for a party. Entertaining family? Aunt Kate likely wants to bring a plus-one (or two). Contain the guest list and you’ll contain the costs…and the amount of clean-up required afterwards. 
10.  Buy In Bulk
    If you weren’t able to contain the guest list and need to lay in extra supplies, shop wholesale stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. If you don’t have a membership, ask to borrow a friend’s card. Consider order the bulk goods online to avoid carrying the oversized and heavy items from the car.
11. Buy a Keg
    Most barbecues call for beer, but the cheap and easiest alcohol route is to buy a keg or boxed wine rather than splurging on six-packs and pricier liquors. You also might pass the hat around to cover the price of the keg.

A month later and the finalists AND winner was announced for the Black & Decker Ultimate Sandwich Recipe Contest.  While MommyMandy was not the Grand Prize Winner we were a FINALIST!  I believe there were around 50 bloggers who participated and MommyMandy was one of four finalists!

Here are the finalists in the Ultimate Sandwich Contest:

• Mommy Living the Life of Riley
• A Year with Mom & Dad
• MommyMandy
• Sweeps4Bloggers

And the winner is . . . 

The Nacho Ordinary Healthy Sandwich from Mommy Living the Life of Riley!

Thank you Black & Decker for the Toaster Oven and allowing us to be apart of this awesome contest. I saw so many yummy recipes and I can’t wait to try out the winners!

We hit Arizona about an hour ago and have another hour or so to Phoenix. Then to Tucson and hopefully Tombstone.

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Location:Salome,United States