Anderson, age 2 of Atlanta, Georgia.

Congratulations Anderson you are our $1,000 prize winner!

Children love to be a helper and nothing is more fun than helping mom in the kitchen.  My daughter and I made a tasty dessert together.  It was so much fun!  Making simple desserts can be kitchen fun as well as family dessert.  Mom gets to plan and the children get to have play time cooking with mom.   You can make homemade popsicles or something a little more advanced like easy southern banana pudding using instant pudding mix, bananas, whipped cream and vanilla wafers.

If cooking isn’t your thing use household items around the kitchen for a little science time.  Be creative.  Make homemade clay with flour and salt.  Make a volcano out of the clay and paint it with food coloring.  Make it erupt and fizz with food coloring vinegar and baking soda.   Kids will love this and so will you.

Contact your community recreation center for arts and crafts, aquatics and maybe even martial arts classes.  Some recreation centers have gyms set up so parents can exercise while the children enjoy a class with their peers.  These classes will allow you a little ‘you’ time.

Don’t underestimate the power of the outdoors.  Outside is still the best playground there is.  Get outside and challenge your little one to a race.  Go down the slides and get on those swings.  Get together with other mothers and challenge the kids to a battle of moms versus kids’ dodge ball game in the park.  Show your kids how you jump rope too.  If available try a little tetherball.

Tap into your inner child.  You’ll be surprised how much fun you will both have just taking it back to the basics.  If you have a backyard plan a trip to the toy store and buy a slip and slide.  Summer will be over before you know it so have fun.  Take pictures of all your summer adventures and at the end of the season sit down with your children and make a 2010 summer memories book.  Let the fun-tastic times begin!

According to Apples 4 the Teacher, here are just a few of those exciting summer season books packed with excitement, fun and sure to get those creative juices flowing:

A Kid’s Summer Ecojournal: With Nature Activities for Exploring the Season by Toni Albert and Margaret Brandt (Illustrator)- This is a journal filled with nature activities for kids from collecting insects to growing a sunflower. This summer season filled book will keep a child busy while being educational and fun.  Ages 3+

Crafts to Make in the Summer by Kathy Ross- This summer fun activity book is bursting at the seams with exciting summer projects (firecracker finger puppet) for all ages to enjoy.

Cooking on a Stick: Campfire Recipes for Kids by Fran Lee, Linda White- Whether your family is taking a camping trip or letting your child camp out in the yard for fun, this book guides you on the highlights of campfire cooking along with recipes.

Summer Fun!: 60 Activities for a Kid-Perfect Summer by Susan Williamson (Editor), Michael P. Cline (Illustrator), Williamson Publishing (Corporate Author) – The kids will not be bored with this exciting summer book filled with thrills and fun, from face painting to backyard fun this amazing book will keep them occupied until the first day back to school.

Trekking on a Trail: Hiking Activities for Kids by Fran Lee, Linda White-This amazing summer fun book is not only perfect for those hiking trips but great for the imagination right in their own backyard.  The type of food to pack and clothing to wear during a hike are just a couple of the things a kid will learn about hiking!

For more great books to keep your child busy during the summer months go to Kids Turn Central.

(Interview with Flaimahmy, Friday, May 21, 2010)

FM:  Amy, you and your husband Todd, lost your son on Halloween night a few years ago.  He was three years old at the time.  He was lost for ten minutes that you described as seeming like an eternity.  Tell us about that incident and what you decided to do as a result of that experience.

AC:  He had been diagnosed with a developmental delay so at that point he was pretty much nonverbal.  We had a lot of family and friends over for Halloween.  The neighborhood was very active on Halloween.  A little girl came up the driveway and fell.  My husband let go of his hand to help her and he just disappeared.  It was pretty terrifying because it was dark and there were cars out.  He wound up being across the street swinging on a swing on a front porch but we had police cruisers out calling his name; we had family, friends, everybody running everywhere to find him.

Since that day and because he was pretty much nonverbal at the time I tried to find a product, even when we would go to the grocery store, or somewhere that we would frequently go to, where I could have my cell phone number on it just in case he ever got lost someone could call.   We tried a couple of other products that are out there that are not bracelets but are temporary fixes.  It didn’t work very well.

That’s when we had dinner with the Tiberias because our kids go to the same school.  We were talking one night and I said, “We’ve thought about this idea,” and they said, “Oh, my gosh, it’s a great idea,” because they had experienced a similar instance with their son.

It’s kind of a common thread with parents that if your child is lost you want to know that someone is going to be able to contact you as soon as possible so you can be reunited with your child quickly.

FM:  Jennifer, you and your husband Tony, lost your son at a festival.  He was two years old at the time.  He was lost for twenty minutes.  You described feelings of terror and hopelessness.  Tell us about that incident and how you began to search for a solution.

JT:  Yes, it was a situation where I thought he stayed behind with my husband and friends and Tony assumed that he went with my older son and myself.  When I came back neither of us had him.  It was just an instant state of panic in all of us, our friends, there were about ten of us, panicked.  I grabbed my older son by his hand as hard as I could and went to the places I had been with my younger son.  I couldn’t remember what he was wearing.  You panic.  It was very crowded.  There was no “lost and found” set up.  Fortunately, these nice young women saw he was getting ready to cross a busy street and picked him up.  They were searching for where he belonged and looking for a lost and found and didn’t know what to do with him.  Some friends of ours ran into them and found him.

What I did at that point; I still wasn’t clever to think to write the number on their arm like Amy had done.  When we went to Disney World the next year I put them in matching bright orange t-shirts or bright green t-shirts so I would at least remember what they were wearing that time versus the other time when I couldn’t remember what he was wearing.

One night at dinner with Amy and Todd we were sharing our stories and Amy said, “I write my number on my kid’s arm,” and I said, “There has got to be something we can come up with that is a reusable kind of product that our kids can wear.”  It took us a year plus to find the right product that would work that we felt was the perfect product for this application.

FM:  You created arm.ID.illo bandz…I’m not sure I’m pronouncing it correctly…

JT:  …It’s just armadillo, like the animal.  We just spell it a little bit differently; instead of an “ad,” it’s an “id.”

AC:  Armadillo happened when we were going through the branding process we wanted a catchy fun name for kids because we really want children to embrace this along with their parents.  Armadillo is actually the animal of safety…it’s kind of a play on…you wear it on your arm and it’s an i.d…your phone number so that your child will have your cell phone number..so that’s how we came up with arm.ID.illo bandz.

FM:  You also have a Kids Safety Network.  Describe this Network.

JT:  The idea behind the Kids Safety Network is basically every bracelet has a unique i.d. on it so you would go in and register your information on our secure website.  Right now we send out newsletters and updates and just different information that’s going on.   In the upcoming months we are working on launching an IPhone Application where you could log in when you’re at various places.  Like if you go to Six Flags and you’re a member of  arm.ID.illo bandz you would log in that you’re at Six Flags and I would log in with whomever else.  It’s just a fulfilling of a network of you guys all kind of looking out for each other kind of system is what we’re after.  Down the road we’re looking at creating a GPS chip to put into the already existing bracelet so we would already have the IPhone application and this network already built in place so you could easily migrate into the GPS part of the system if you wanted to.

AC:  But, we will always keep this basic product that we have now because we want all children and families to be able to afford it.

JT:  People can afford a $15.00 bracelet but they probably can’t afford an $80.00 bracelet with a GPS chip in it.  At least they would have the $15.00 phone number i.d. security bracelet.  If they wanted to spend the extra money and  have the GPS option in the future they can always do that.

AC:  Our tag line is safety in numbers and we really do feel that with the kids wearing the bracelet there’s a consistent branding.  When people see the orange bracelets they actually do become a part of a network.  People automatically know, even if they’re grandparents and they don’t have their grandchildren with them at that time and a child is separated from his parents at the amusement park, or grocery store or a game, all people will know that they need to look at the number on the child’s arm and call their parents immediately.  That’s what we’re trying to create, that everyone knows exactly the protocol when they see an orange bracelet on a child with an arm.ID.illo logo.

FM:   How did you begin your collaboration?

AC:  Just lots of talking and lots and lots of meetings and discussions about playing out the scenarios of a child being lost.

JT:  We tried to figure out what the right product would be that was cost effective and reusable and works for everybody.  The color being orange and orange is the color of safety and we wanted something that was highly visible.  It took a year of development to figure out what was exactly going to work right.  Then having it manfactured and having the product come in, making sure it worked right and that kids liked it and would wear it and that it was comfortable.  So, we had different friends and various people test it and wear it.  We’ve gotten good feedback and it’s gotten us to this point.

FM:  What made you want to go into business together?

AC:  I don’t know.  [Laughter from both].  I think we both have a corporate background and it’s kind of been the yin and the yang of what we could bring to the table.

JT:  My husband and I are kind of entrepreneurial and Amy has an extensive marketing background.  She’s the one who was writing the kids numbers on their arms and we just said, “Ok, let’s do it.”  I think it was the two different types of  business backgrounds coming together to make it work.  We each bring something unique to the table.

AC:  My husband has a financial background.  We all bring something different to the table but yet we’re all parents with very active boys  and we’re always on the go.  There’s definitely some consistencies with all parents that we feel like we’re touching.

FM:  What is your working style?  Who is more creative?  Who is more responsible for day-to-day administrative responsibilities?

JT:  I think Amy and I are probably more…well, I don’t know.  Tony kind of created the whole bracelet idea with the holes in it.  But, he does a lot more of the administrative stuff and does all the website background whereas Todd manages the accounting end of it.  Amy did the branding and the logo.  We all kind of do a little bit of everything right now.  I think all four people are very creative when we sit down and talk and try to work things out.

AC:  We have weekly meetings with our marketing and p.r. people.  We’ve actually been able to delegate a lot of  that to them.   At times it’s been a grass roots effort that we’ve been building on and now we’re at the point where we have launched it and starting to get out to festivals and talk to retailers.  We are getting a really good response.

FM:  How do you balance the roles of wife, mom and entrepreneur?

AC:  No sleep.  [Laughter]

FM:  I know the feeling.

JT:  I don’t know, I think if it’s something that is important to you and you feel it’s a great product and you feel you really want to do it and be successful, then obviously you find ways to make it work.  Obviously, it takes time away from your family.  I had to go to New York to do a media tour.  We went to New York to do a toy fair.  It does pull some time away.  I’m not the the stay-at-home mom; I like to do a lot of activities with my kids, but I also like to work into my own sense of  what I am and I think Amy’s the same way.  We both do a tremendous amount of things with our kids and are very involved with our kids.  We are not one of those working moms that you never see.  We also pride ourselves in the product that we have developed and the other work that we do as well.

FM: You mentioned that your husbands are involved in the business.  What about your children, are they involved?

JT:  We make them do the photo shoots and wear the product. When we did our photo shoot they went out and did the pictures.  They all know what’s going on with it and ask questions and they love wearing the bracelet and tell their friends about it.  Their friends at school like to wear it.

AC:  They constantly keep us on our toes.  That’s for sure.

FM:  Are your kids and your husbands proud of you?

JT:  I hope so; I’m sure they are and our husbands are pretty involved with the product as well.  I think everyone sees how much work it takes.

AC:  Absolutely, from the get-go my husband said that this was a great idea.  It’s definitely needed.  I think that’s where all businesses start; there is a need.  We feel that we are fulfilling this need and at the same time creating peace of mind for parents.  Even if you’re going to the grocery store, just slipping this little silicone bracelet on that is very comfortable for children to wear is becoming a part of daily life.  We believe in the product and we feel like it is going to be successful because it is a good product.

JT:  You were just talking about the grocery store.  We have a guy who’s working on our house.  He said, “So, I saw something about your product.  I have a son with Downs Syndrome.  When I go to the grocery store he takes off and we lose him.  I really want to get one for my son.”  We tried to make it for kids that do have special needs and who sometimes it may be a little more difficult for parents.  It is the type of product that those kids would wear.  It would be useful to them as well.  He was excited to take it home and give it to his son.  He said that it will make him feel better that even if he runs off in the store at least he will have his phone number on him.

FM:  What would be your perfect vacation?

JT:  It used to be that I’d like to go to Europe and sightsee, but now I’ve worked so much that I like to go to the beach with my kids at an all inclusive resort where there are fun things for the kids to do and I can sit by the pool or in the sand, do nothing and read a book.

AC:  I would say the same, just somewhere relaxing.  My only requirement, especially for my seven year old son; he’s very, very active, just having somewhere we can relax but also where I can keep my eye on him.

FM:  We consider you both to be Fly Mommies.  Tell us in your own words what makes you Fly Mommys?

AC:  I can fly by the seat of my pants…[laughter]…I think that’s what probably makes me a Fly Mommy.  I wish I could sprout wings.

JT:  I think just having kids and being actually involved in your children’s lives.  Amy and I are both involved in our children’s schools; we’re on the PTA board at our kids’ schools.  Doing that and working and trying to create our kids product that is much needed…makes us Fly Mommys.

Upon entering the car, my husband and I began the same discussion we always have on this occasion: do we go to the superstore a few miles away and take advantage of the large sales they provide?  Or, do we head a few miles farther to the locally owned market, which features predominantly local products?

Occasionally, when we need non-perishable items in more abundance, the superstore will win out.  However, over the last five years we have been choosing the local market more and more.  This isn’t due to loyalty to our state, the store, or even a youthful desire to stick it to the corporate dominance that permeates our society.  It is based on one simple fact: the food is better.

Every time we have gone to the local market, we have picked up food that is fresher, tastier and containing less chemicals.  It hasn’t been frozen for transport.  This fact is especially apparent when you look at the local produce sitting next to the imported foods.  They are riper and the colors are twice as vibrant.  I know from experience that the taste is much better as well.

This has put me solidly on the side of  the Local vs. Imported argument.  The debate over whether or not there is any real benefit to eating locally obviously involves the argument for boosting the local economy, but that isn’t the biggest issue for me.

The most pressing questions in my mind are:  What are the health benefits and what do they do for my wallet?

Local Food and Your Health

One of the biggest rules of produce is that the longer it has been separated from the earth, the less nutrients it will hold.  The moment a vegetable or fruit is picked it will begin to lose its’ nutrients, vitamins and minerals.  Imported food is frozen during transport to minimize this process, slowing it down while the produce is sent between states, or across borders.

This is fine when dealing with things you wouldn’t normally be able to buy in your region, or when something is out of season.  But, why settle for less nutritious foods that are not as good for your health when they grow the same thing in the next town?  You can buy fresh produce straight from the farms and markets, or from stores that specialize in local wares.

This will ultimately prove better for you and your family and not just because of the vitamin-packed nature of healthy foods.  You are also less likely to find fat-filled, preservative-ridden, cardboard cut out meals in your frozen food section that are packaged nearby.  This can only improve your dietary habits, as even so-called “healthy” meals in this form are usually the closest thing to rubbish you can find without eating the packaging it came in.

Local Food and Your Budget

One of the most common reasons I hear from people about why they go with non-local food is that they can’t afford to do otherwise.  This is strange logic.  I believe it is often created by the mentality that “good food” is more costly.  In this case, it really isn’t the case.

Organic food can be more expensive, locally grown or not.   However, produce that has been grown in your home state and sold at small markets or state-specific chains are actually very cheap.  The market my family and I go  to is so affordable that we have cut $200 a month from our original shopping bill.  We even buy local canned and bottled foods and bread that is made in-store, which gives us the same benefits as all local food… and is better on our bank account.

Local Food, the Economy and the Environment

Local food has a serious effect on your state’s finances, which is something people don’t always take into account.  States that have more options for regional farmers to sell in cities and towns will fare better because they have their own trade industry.  This also keeps huge chains from taking over completely, which can be bad for small business.

The environment is another positive of local foods.  Less transport means less fossil fuels.  This means the reduction of pollution in the air,  less drain on natural resources and fewer vehicles on the road.  With global warming, one of the highly debated issues of the day and the Gulf Coast oil spill becoming one of the worst environmental disasters in history, buying local is a major plus.

The Bottom Line

Is local food better?  It depends on who you ask.  If I am the one giving the opinion, I would say absolutely.  Whether you are buying organic or not, there is no denying that there are major pros to the purchase and consumption of produce grown in your area.

If you have been considering buying local, start looking around your city.  I am sure you will find plenty of open markets, local stores and even co-ops that will allow you to fill up your basket for a few bucks.

It is certainly worth looking into.

Here is the brief version of my story.  After a short relationship full of warning signs which I failed to pick up on, I married Ted.  What were the warning signs?  He had a temper, got irritated and angry very easily and spoke to me in impolite ways.  But, since it was relatively infrequent, at the time I somehow managed to overlook it.

Once married the verbal and emotional abuse began full force.  Ted would scream and yell at me for no apparent reason.  He would foam around his mouth.  Drops of saliva would “accidentally” hit my face.  He would invade my personal space, stand big and strong in front of me, screaming to the top of his voice.  The triggers?  Any suggestion I would make and I literally mean “suggestion” — e.g., “Maybe we should pay the bills tonight” or “Should we do take-out tonight?” or “Your mother called.  Maybe you should call her back.”  While he screamed, I would stand and listen passively, not knowing what to do, until I learned to leave the room, years later.

There was name-calling: “bitch,” “cunt,” “child,” “victim,” “whore.” Those words and phrases felt like knives slitting open my chest.  Sarcasm was very frequent and his natural way of communicating…”You are such a victim, aren’t you? You cleaned up this place real good while I was away, didn’t you?  How great of you stopping on your way home from work to actually get us something to eat!  You know how busy I am.  What were you thinking?  You are such a pretty little girl, aren’t you?”  I felt as though I was being punched hard in my stomach.

Then there was the emotional abuse: e.g., failure to inform me about his plans for the night; he would stay out until 2 AM without informing me where he was or when I could expect him back.  This continued even after our only child was born.

When I was 20 weeks pregnant, Ted threatened to leave me.  I was terrified and stupidly begged him to stay, promising that I would change, though I had no idea what he expected of me.  I didn’t know what was wrong with me.  I didn’t know how I could change.  I was already walking on eggshells.  Of course, I should have let him go.  I picked up several books on verbal abuse.  He threw them out.  I had to hide them.

The abuse was only rarely physical.  He once poured a 2-Gallon pot of cold water over me while I was sitting on the floor crying after one of his angry outbursts.  Another time he slapped my face.  But, he would throw stuff: books, computers, furniture, dishes, my new sun glasses; he would throw it through the room or against the wall.

After my daughter was born I thought about leaving every day.  I also thought I couldn’t.  I thought, “You have to stay for her sake.”  I couldn’t have been more wrong.  She lived through the first few important years of her life being yelled at by her own father.

I finally realized it couldn’t go on this way.  I am divorced now.  My daughter, who is now 6, is much happier.  It just isn’t true that you should always stay for the sake of the children.

Verbal and emotional abuse can leave deep emotional marks.  Despite having an appointment in a psychology department and despite knowing all the psychological theories behind this, his mother abandoned him, etc., I had to get professional counseling to deal with the aftermath.

I am constantly on guard now.  I am hyper-sensitive to the littlest sign of potential verbal or emotional abuse.  I didn’t see the signs when I was in the middle of it but I see them now.  They are not hard to spot once you have gone through years of maltreatment.  A few examples:

1) Name calling is not ok.

2) Sarcasm is not ok.

3) Evil eye-looks are not ok.

4) Making fun of how your partner walks or talks is not ok.

5) Telling your partner that she is not exactly a sex goddess is not ok.

6) Telling your partner that she is worthless and can’t handle being on her own is not ok.

7) Belittling your partner in any way is not ok.

8) Threatening your partner is not ok.

9) Arguing against your partner’s inner feelings is not ok.

10) Ignoring a person who is politely asking an innocent question is not ok.

11) Extreme anger, yelling and screaming are not ok.

12) Throwing stuff through the room or against the wall on purpose is not ok.

13) Staying out of contact with your partner for extended periods of time if you are in a serious relationship is not ok.

If you are frequently exposed to this kind of behavior, my best advice to you is to do what I failed to do for a very long time: leave immediately.  He is not going to change.

The first incident wasn’t physical so much as emotional.  Imagine being a seventeen year old girl trying to get over the fact that the one you loved didn’t want to be seen with you unless you were with your best friend.  Then imagine how it would feel if your best friend of over ten years didn’t even bother to tell you that they made out. That was mistake number one.

Now imagine, a little over a year later, the emotional conflict that started it all turned physical.  There is no feeling worse than a size thirteen boot being thrust into your stomach.  Correction.  I take that back.  It’s even worse when you’re trying to protect your baby.  Two months pregnant and I was the brunt of his aggression.  I was trying to save a relationship that shouldn’t have been in existence anyway.   That was mistake number two.

Further, our primary belief systems were different.  I was more spiritual.  He was hard core into his religion.  Based on his beliefs, it was okay to “discipline” your woman if she disagreed with you.  Being that I’d never been the one to go against another person’s beliefs I accepted this reasoning for his behavior.  That was mistake number three.

There were a lot more mistakes made, too many to count.  They all led to the same conclusion, abuse; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and financial.  Compounding  the black eye,  broken nose or bruised rib were low to no self-esteem, not being able to be who I was and being so broken that I could not live my life without his voice in my head telling me  that I was worthless, ugly, useless and would never amount to anything.

Getting in an abusive relationship is easy.  Most victims usually don’t know they’re with an abuser until it’s too late.  It’s getting out that seems to be the hard part and while it is quite difficult, it isn’t impossible.

One way to leave an abusive relationship is to form an alliance.  Choose three of your closest allies, friends, family or associates and let them know just enough to enable them to help you.  You don’t have to tell them about every hit, scratch or name-calling incident.  Just be sure these people can…and will…be there for you when you are ready to go.

Another thing you must do is plan an escape route.  Sometimes the abuser strikes at will and you may be put in a position of fight or flight.  If you have to get out immediately have these things readily accessible to you:

• Pre-paid cell phone that’s fully charged so you can call one of your alliances or 9-1-1 if need be.
• Some extra money or a bank card to an account that only you have access to.
• An extra set of keys if you and the abuser live together so you can access your things at a later time…with the police escorting you, of course.
• A set destination that your abuser can’t trace back to you.

Finally, once you’ve left an abuser DO NOT GO BACK!  They will try every tactic in the book from crying, pleading and begging for you to stay, to being real “generous” with gifts, time and affection.  Know that none of these things will last long.  It’s all for the abusers benefit to lure you back in.  They need to be in control at all times and will do whatever they have to in order to regain that control.  They may even try to scare you into coming back.  Keep your distance until you are mentally strong enough to stay away.

I was fortunate enough to get out of a bad relationship.  It took the police, an ambulance, my head being slammed against my car door and a severe reality check but I did it.  I also know of women who weren’t as lucky.  It is for them that I am so passionate about saving as many lives as I can.  If you know you’re in an abusive relationship or suspect that you are, now is the time to GET OUT!

You don’t have to go through this alone.  You deserve to be happy and you deserve to be with someone who will make you happy. Your children also deserve to grow up in a safe and loving household.  Take it from someone who has been on both sides of the fence.  Love does NOT hurt.  Get out now before it’s too late.  If you know of or suspect that someone you know is in an abusive relationship do all that you can to help them.

If you don’t know where to start visit www.ncadv.org, www.stopfamilyviolence.org (these sites are protected and will give you the option to do a “quick escape” if needed), or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

While all of these priorities inevitably take away from the time and commitment we are able to give our girl friends, we still need those bonds of sisterhood.  We still need to nurture, cultivate and protect those bonds only women understand.  An occasional girls night out may do the trick, but there are times when it takes a little more time and effort to reinforce those very important bonds of sisterhood.  After all, it is a fact women live longer than their husbands and our children will grow and create families of their own.  Our girlfriends may be all we have left when we need that closeness the most.

One way to ensure those unbreakable bonds stay relevant through the tough times is to take a vacation together.  While most of us typically think of family vacations when we have the time and money to escape, a girl friend vacation is much deserved also.  It doesn’t have to be a two week cruise or a hike across Europe either.  A girl friend vacation can be the perfect reason to spend a weekend somewhere your group of ladies has always talked about visiting.

If you and your girlfriends are spa crazy, book a suite at an exclusive spa resort, sharing the cost between you makes this even more affordable.  Book the treatments that you otherwise would feel are too indulgent.  Spend the weekend relishing in the pampering and the renewal of your bodies and friendship.

Wineries are also ideal for a weekend getaway with the girls.  Walking through the vineyard, sipping samples of your favorite vino will surely get the conversations flowing again between the people who know you inside and out.  You will have the chance to explore varieties of wines you may never have purchased and also learn a lot about the wine making process.  There are usually affordable and picturesque accommodations close to many wineries.

If you and the girls like to take risks and long for something more exciting than chardonnay or Bordeaux, a weekend of gambling may be what you and the girls need to get you bonding again, laughing and chanting lucky mantras while blowing on dice.  If Vegas isn’t doable as a weekend getaway, there are other options. Find a casino resort within a day’s drive and let the chips fall where they may!

Maybe the big city beckons you and your friends.  You can take a bus to the nearest urban jungle and make a weekend out of shopping all of those designer label stores that just are not found in your local mall.  If you do a weekend in the city, consider taking in a show that you have all always wanted to see or splurge on a restaurant you have always heard about but never thought you would have the chance to visit.

Regardless of where you live or what your budget is, you and your girlfriends can find the perfect weekend adventure.  Remember, the more the merrier and the more the cheaper!  Splitting the cost of a luxurious suite or even a modest room in an exclusive hotel will help all of you afford a little vacation.  Even though we women are tempted to schedule and plan each moment of our days, remember the reason you are going in the first place is to relax, rekindle, and rejuvenate cherished bonds.

There are countless benefits to growing a small herb garden with the kids this summer.  First, it will give all of you something to do and take care of together.  Secondly, it will teach them and maybe even you how to care for and cultivate a garden.  Finally, it will result in fresh, aromatic and healthy herbs to use all summer long.  Using naturally grown herbs that your family has cared for is a much healthier way to spice up summer meals.  The herbs you will add to summer dishes are also full of vitamins and anti-oxidants.

It can be very easy to get started.  You can use one large pot to plant several different herb plants together or you can plant individual plants in smaller pots.  You and the kids can have some fun painting and decorating pots and arranging them all around the back porch.  Or, assign certain plants to certain children to be responsible for.  All you need to do to prepare them is to fill the pots with rich potting soil, leaving an inch or two of space at the top.  Then, plant the herb plants according to the directions given and water when needed.  Most herbs, but not all, thrive in full sun and require moderate watering.

Buying the herbs is the fun part.  The only real rule is to buy what you either love to taste or smell.  Ruffling the leaves and even tasting a nibble before you buy can help you decide which will suit your needs.  If you keep them watered properly, you should be able to snip herbs for use all summer, as long you do not damage the plant by snipping too much.  Some of the most simple to grow and versatile to use herbs include oregano, basil, parsley, mint, thyme, and rosemary.  Aside from tasting and smelling appealing, certain herbs such as mint act as a natural insect repellant.  A small pot of mint on your patio table will help keep mosquitoes at bay.

You and the kids can experiement with different uses all summer long.  When making homemade pizza, toss some oregano, basil and parsley right on top for an authentic gourmet Italian meal.  The herbs also add an extra punch tossed right into salads and sauces.  Putting various herb leaves, especially rosemary and thyme, right on top of fish or chicken for the grill also adds flare, both visually and for your tastebuds.  Mint is perfect for sprucing up iced tea and desserts.  Whenever you have a summer cookout, don’t forget to throw fresh mint leaves in the mojitos.

Once you and kids see how versitile and easy growing a few herb plants in pots can be, you may wonder how you ever cooked without them.

It can be quite tricky to find a gift which really expresses how much you appreciate that special mom in your life.  Don’t worry.  There is a way to make that gift extra special.  How?  Make it yourself.  Wow your mom with a specially created gift just for her.  She’ll cherish the investment of thoughfulness and time.

Here are a couple homemade Mother’s Day gift ideas for that special mom in your life.

crafts.kaboose.com

Handbag Card

What you’ll need:

Colored cardstock paper

Designer scrapbook paper

Beads, buttons, rhinestones, etc.

Scissors

Any pastel colored ribbon 1/8”

Glue or glue gun

Clear tape (scotch)

Hole puncher

How to make it:

Take 2 pieces of colored cardstock and tape or glue them end to end.  Now fold it (as if it is one large piece of paper), in half, length wise.

Take the top portion of the paper and fold it triangularly downward like you would see on an envelope.  (You may have to cut off excess paper to make it line up with the rest of the paper evenly).  Fold that over the front of the card.  It should now resemble a large envelope.

Now, with your glue gun, glue the left side then the right.  This will make it look like a handbag without any open edges.

Select the designer scrapbook paper of your choice and glue it evenly over all sections of the card until you have a desired design.

Select buttons, rhinestones etc. to decorate the card.  The glue gun will work best with the craft accessories.  Allow to dry completely.

Select your ribbon (thin ribbon is recommended) and punch a hole on each side of the card.  Loosely tie each end into the hole making a tight knot.  You should now have a cute little handle resembling a handbag handle.

When the card is finished you can put light items inside the card like a spa gift card, makeup samples, candy, etc.

This makes a wonderful homemade gift and will definitely be a hit!

Mother’s Day Mini Flower Pots

What you’ll need:

Fake flowers, small ones

Mini flower pots

Fake grass or moss

Glue

Tempura paints

Paintbrushes

How to make it:

First, paint the flower pot in whatever colors you desire and let dry completely.  When the pots are dry you can add the fake grass or moss.  (Tip- Glue the grass or moss inside of the pot so that it stays securely in the pot).

Lastly, you can stick and glue the flowers into the pot.  If you wish cut out photos to glue on the outside of the pot to make it extra special.

For more homemade gift ideas go to AmazingMoms.com