Louisburg Cider Mill

What a great field trip for the kids during the Fall. Enjoy the aromas of freshly made apple cider. This is one of my favorite spots to take my kids.

October 2009 Ciderferst & Craft Fair
September 26th & 27th and October 3rd & 4th
Huge Pumpkin Patch - Corn Maze - Craft Fair
Fresh Cider Making - Cider Donuts - Live Music
Food - Picnic Area - Kids Activity Area
Hay Castle- Hayrides

http://www.louisburgcidermill.com/events_calendar/october/

Things to do while its raining

I know its can get so boring with it raining days after days. Here is a list of indoor activities that can keep your dollar the same and your kids from killing each other.


1. Go to a local mall and find the kid play place (in Olathe there is a place called zonkers in the great mall and they have a large free kids play place in the mix of all their other things.)
2. Go the library for a story time or to play on the computers
3. Have a movie day.. Where you pop some popcorn and get into pjs and make it fun... You could even invite some friends to watch too!
4. If there is no lighting and its warm let the kids play in the rain, I know when I was little playing the rain was a blast...
5. Play games indoors
6. Make homemade playdoh and play with it afterwards
7. Make homemade cookies or cakes or brownies
8. Find a craft that you have always wanted to make the kiddos and have fun!
9. Pick a day called yes... This is the day while one kid can ask you to do whatever they want within reason of course. You can make meals of their choice and do it with them. Whether its barbies to movies, to playing games. You will find your childs interests that day and help with bonding
10. Organize and clean out a room, I do this with the kids bedrooms. This allows them to declutter, I rearrange furniture and redecorate and clean the entire room including the ceiling fans and windows. My kids love the look afterward. I ask them to help accordingly, whether its just sorting toys.

Kansas City River Market

This is a free attraction for the whole family to enjoy. The farmers market is a great experience for kids to see all different types of vegetables and maybe you can pick some out to make something wonderfully homemade with your kids. Usually a vendor will work with you on prices which can make this trip a win win for all to enjoy. If this is not close to you then check for a local farmers market however I feel this trip is well worth it. There are also many other attractions there that do cost money however. Totally try to stay in budget! Thats the key, if you want to enjoy have a budget before you go. Here is the link, so you can check out the attraction before you go. Have Fun!

http://www.kcrivermarket.com/index.php

Reasonable priced snacks for kiddos

Yes most of these are homemade. I have found that homemade is much more affordable than buying prepackaged or made for you.

1. Graham crackers with icing
2. Jello (you can even add fruit to make it healthier)
3. Pudding
4. Chocolate chip cookies (homemade of course)
5. Fruits
6. Yogurt
7. Applesauce
8. Icy pops
9. Ice Cream (yes you can make this homemade as well)
10. Saltine crackers with Peanut butter


I would love to hear of more ideas on this... These are my kids favorites so that is why I chose to post them.

10 Saving money tips... Part 1

Some people have been asking how I save money. Here are just some ways I have found to save money.

1. Hang around people that save money. Do not spend time with people who enjoy blowing money, this will make you desire to spend money you do not have...
2. Look at how people that are older saved money. For example hang your clothing outside to dry.
3. Turn off or down the heater when not at home.
4. Use walmart sacks or plastic sacks you get from stores as garbage bags, works great in the bathroom.
5. Make meals at home, when you do double and freeze the other. That way you can have another meal another day.
6. Turn down your water heater.
7. Use cloth diapers when at home with your kids.
8. Garage sales, Garage Sales, Always negotiate the price when shopping there! If they are not willing to haggle move on, somebody else will...
9. Find items that you can fix up on Craigs list, freecycle, etc. That way you do not have much investment in furniture and if you want sell it to make a profit.
10. Coupons, coupons

Making things homemade

Today I made some homemade bread... At first I wondered if this would be cheaper. After I added all the ingredients, it seemed cheaper... However after seeing the result of the bread, maybe 6 pieces. I am not for sure if it is however I know its healthy for my family. And the quality of bread I made I never could have gotten from a store. Yeah I can get cheap bread but is it as good. These are things you need to weigh when making things homemade. Sometimes it maybe more but it could be healthier for your family. We all have choices to make.