Year of Little Lesson Plans

Okay parents....how much time do you spend each day waiting in carpool lines or waiting for baseball practice to end?  There are so many days where it seems like all I do is hurry, hurry, hurry to get somewhere and then end up waiting once I am there.  Crazy, huh?  And then...if you have younger kids in the car with you...well...you know how much fun that can be.  :)

If you are nodding your head and understand the plight of the "hurry up & wait" parent, I have the perfect book for you.  Year of Little Lesson Plans by Courtney Loquasto is an entire year of 10 minute, smart, fun things to teach your child each weekday.  The activities are quick and easy.  You can do many of them in the carpool line or while you are waiting for supper to finish cooking.  Basically, it's your best friend when you have a few extra minutes and  want to do something meaningful with your child.

The activities in Year of Little Lesson Plans are geared toward  kids ages 3 - 8.  (Although, many of the plans can be discussed with older kids too!).  Each calendar week has a theme and the daily activities or discussions center around that theme.  Some of the themes include:  Family Tree, Planting a Garden, Bugs, Musical Instruments, Manners, Apples and Money.

Courtney also has a website, Carpool Ninja, where you can get additional tips for family life and making the most out of the time you spend at home.

Courtney and I met on Twitter last year and soon discovered that not only did we share parenting interests, but that we live in the same area.  Small world, right?  We are big fans of each other's work so she graciously sent me a copy of Year of Little Lesson Plans.  If you are a busy parent, trying to squeeze quality activities into your daily life, you will love this book.  And, guess what.....you can enter to win a copy!  The Whole Lotta Family Love Giveaway includes a copy of Year of Little Lesson Plans.  The giveaway ends on Friday, February 22, 2013 so what are you waiting for?  Click on over here and enter the giveaway!

Whole Lotta Family Love Giveaway

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Whole Lotta Family Love Giveaway

February is a great month to share some love!  What kind of love, you ask?  The Whole Lotta Family Love Giveaway!!  I recently met up with some new blogging and writing friends.  We decided to celebrate our new friendship by hosting a huge giveaway!

Please say "hello" to my new mom friends....

• Courtney from Carpool Ninja
• Erica from Spoonful of Imagination
• Erin from DIY on the Cheap

We are giving away a whole bucket full prizes!  Take a look at what you could win....

• $40 Amazon Giftcard - emailed straight to you!
• A MoneyTrail App from the iTunes Appstore - Use this to keep up with your child's allowances and IOUs.
• A copy of "Year of Little Lesson Plans" by Courtney Loquasto - Learn how to enrich your child's education in just a few minutes a day.
• A Handmade, Personalized Wreath from DIY on the Cheap - Erin will make you a beautiful wreath, personalized with the initial of your choice.
• A "Love" Sign and handmade teal earrings from Spoonful of Imagination - Dress up your home with the sign and dress up yourself with the beautiful earrings!

Follow the directions below to enter the Whole Lotta Family Love Giveaway!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Family Valentines on a Budget

My youngest son gave me this Valentine last year.  I'm still not quite sure how he came up with "Best supervisor ever" but it is just cute enough and just sweet enough to tug at my heart strings.  And, it didn't cost a thing.

Valentine's Day costs can really add up.  A gift for your spouse, a nice dinner and cards & candy for your child to exchange with his classmates can put your budget over the top.   Want to celebrate Valentine's Day this year without busting your budget?

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