Kids

2019 Kid’s Free Summer Reading Programs

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

I am so thankful that my boys have a love of reading! I definitely want to make sure that we keep their mind’s active during these upcoming summer months, and I love that are so many resources which offer Free Summer Reading Programs!

“According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™: 7th Edition, 77% of kids ages 6–17 and 94% of parents believe reading books over the summer helps kids during the school year.”

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge– The Scholastic Read-A-Palooza Summer Reading Challenge is now open! now through September 6, 2019, kids can enter their summer reading minutes online, unlocking digital rewards as they complete weekly reading challenges; and access book excerpts, videos, and other summer-exclusive content.

Kids can read and go online to log their minutes. They will be able to take weekly challenges and earn rewards.

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program– Children in grades 1-6 who read 8 books and track them on the Barnes & Noble reading log, can turn in their reading log for a FREE book! You can download the summer reading journal HERE, or pick up one at your local Barnes and Noble store.

Books-A-Million– Kids who read any four books from the Books-A-Million Summer Reading Challenge selection in-stores or online will receive a FREE Diary of a Wimpy Kid drawstring backpack! You must present the completed reading journal in-store to receive the freebie, while supplies last. 

Chuck E. Cheese When your child reads 2 weeks in a row they can earn 10 FREE tokens! You can see all the details on the website HERE and print your form. This program is valid all

Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge Families can join in on Story Time at your local Pottery Barn Store. Kids will receive a reward for reading all the books on their list. Be sure to sign up to become a Pottery Barn Kids Club member, and you’ll get a special surprise after attending five events! 

LifeWay Summer Reading Adventure Program– Beginning June 3rd through August 31st, LifeWay stores are launching their 2019 Summer Reading Adventure. Kids in grades 1 through 6  (even toddlers, ages 1 to 5) can join in the adventure. Read six books over the course of the summer and memorize six Scripture verses to earn free prizes! Kids can choose from one of nine books, and receive a free Bible, while supplies last!

TD Bank Summer Reading Program– Kids in grades K-5 who read 10 books will receive $10 in their Young Saver account! TD Bank deposits $10 into a new or existing TD Simple Savings account when each child completes their own reading challenge of 10 books. This program has not been yet updated for 2019, so check back for more details! 

Library Story Time Why not check out your local library for story time and other fun activities that are available? When my boys were much younger, I would take them during the week for story time. They loved it, and it was such a nice time for me to meet other moms as well!

Half Price Books– Kids 14 and under can add up their reading minutes and have a parent or guardian initial each week. Once they have reached 300 minutes or more, they can bring their reading log into your local HPB store to claim their Bookworm Bucks on or before August 29, 2019.

DOGObooks Summer Reading Program– Kids can join and add their favorite books to their summer reading log. They will read books and write as many original reviews as possible.The more reviews they write, the higher their chances of winning! The top 10 reviewers will win a book prize pack and the next 25 top reviewers will win a $10 gift card. 

What are some of your kiddos favorite books to read? My son Brady who is 7, absolutely loves the Dog Man Books! I would also recommend the Magic Treehouse Series for both boys and girls!

2019 Florida 529 Savings Plan Promo + Free $50!  

Are you considering opening a Florida 529 Savings Plan? Be sure to check out this Florida 529 Savings Promo where you can save up to $50! This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy)

2019 Florida 529 Savings Plan Promo-Get up to $50 Free! 

I can hardly believe that one week from today my kids will be out of school for the summer. This has been such a fast year! Drew, my oldest son, is in 7th grade, and while it definitely has been a challenging year for him, I am so proud of his excellent grades and the responsible young man that he is becoming. Brady, my youngest son is in 1st grade, and I am amazed at the math problems that he can solve and the books that he can now read. They just underwent extensive end-of-the-year testing at school so I know that they are ready for a much-needed break. (So is mommy!  🙂 )

I am so thankful for the education that my boys are receiving, and that they both have a love for learning. As a former teacher, education is very near and dear to my heart and I never want to underestimate the importance that it will play both now and in the future of my children. It is also important that we keep our kid’s minds active even during the busy summer months.

Are you frantically preparing for summer vacation all while dreaming about all the fun memories that you are going to make with your family? Before we head off to enjoy a fun-filled summer, I wanted to let you know about about a limited-time Florida 529 Savings Plan Promotional offer that you will want to take advantage of and that will allow you to save up to $50 Free towards your child’s future education. Summer is actually the perfect time to put extra money away for college, especially with a jump-start from Florida Prepaid!

You have heard me mention Florida Prepaid College Plans recently here on the blog, and you know how much that our family believes in this remarkable program. Let me explain to you the difference between a Florida Prepaid College Plan and a Florida 529 Savings Plan. 

Why Should I Open a Florida 529 Savings Plan? 

Both plans are available through Florida Prepaid College Plans and offer savings towards college education. The Florida 529 Savings Plan is known for it’s flexibility, allows you to save at your own pace for college, and lets you choose your investment options. I love this approach as you can contribute what you can, as often as you’d like! In addition, a Florida 529 Savings Plan can be opened any time of the year and at any student age. In addition, 529 Savings Plans can also be used to help cover qualified educational expenses and fees. (We all know that those can get pricey!) 

-There is no minimum contribution to get started with a Florida 529 Savings Plan and you can contribute as much or as little as your budget allows. There is no family income limit, and it is super easy to set up monthly contributions and change them at any time. I also appreciate that you can invite family and friends to contribute toward your college savings goals! 

-Florida 529 Savings Plans are not guaranteed by the State of Florida so there is a little bit more risk involved. (investments can fluctuate based on the market) With that being said, I appreciate the flexibility of this plan as it allows you to choose your investment option and to save for your children’s college education at your own pace.

-You will be happy to know that the Florida 529 Savings Plans can be used in conjunction with your Florida Prepaid College Plan. In fact, they work very well together. While your Prepaid College Plan can be used to pay for tuition and other fees, the Florida 529 Savings Plan can be used to help cover fees, room and board, the cost of books, supplies and equipment. 

-Did I mention that Florida 529 Savings Plans are tax-free? Unlike a savings account or mutual fund that is going to get hit with income taxes, your contributions towards your 529 Savings Plan will earn interest and will not be taxed when the money is taken out to pay for college.

-You don’t have to attend a Florida school to use your Florida 529 Savings Plan. As with Florida Prepaid Plans, your contributions and earnings towards your 529 Savings Plan are eligible for use at any eligible public or private college. 

Are You Ready to Get a Jump-Start on Your College Savings this May? Save up to $50! 

-Through May 29, if you open a Florida 529 Savings Plan, Florida Prepaid will seed your account with $25.

-If you set up an automatic monthly contribution of $25 or more, they will seed your account with another $25. 

If you don’t have money set aside for your children’s future education, why not start now with a Florida 529 Savings Plan? It is such an easy and flexible option, and the money will quickly grow! With the Florida 529 Savings Plan $50 promotion, there is no reason to not start saving today! 

This all sounds super easy, right? It is! You can apply in as little as 10 minutes! But, you have to HURRY as this promo is only good through May 29!

Get a jump-start on your children’s college savings plan before the summer begins with up to $50 for FREE! This will allow you to check that off your list and to join in the summer fun with the kids and to make memories that will last a lifetime!

Be sure to follow Florida Prepaid College Plans on FacebookTwitterInstagram and  YouTube to stay up to date with information on open enrollment, tips and promotional offers.

AMC Movie Theaters Summer Camp: Kid’s Movie Ticket, Popcorn, Drink AND Snack Only $4!

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Summer break is almost here! If you are looking for a frugal and fun way to keep the kids entertained this summer, be sure to check out this awesome deal from AMC Movie Theaters!

Starting  June 5, and running through the summer months, every Wednesday at 10am, AMC is hosting their Summer Movie Camp! You can score a Kid’s movie ticket, popcorn, drink and snack ALL for only $4! ( I have been told that this price includes parents but have not yet confirmed that)

Movies selections will include: The LEGO Movie 2, Peter Rabbit, Angry Birds 2, Small Foot + more! 

GO HERE for more details and to find a participating AMC Theater near you.

Kids Crocs Only $10.39 Shipped!

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

If you love Crocs as much as we do, then you will want to jump on this sale! My boys have been wearing Crocs for as long as I can remember! They love to live in them especially during the hot, summer months here in Florida! Right now when you head over to Rakuten.com, select Crocs are on sale for $12.99. BUT, you can use promo code APPAREL20 (20% off). Shipping is free on your order so you will pay just $10.39 per pair shipped!

Hooded Beach Towels for Kids Only $14.99 + Free Shipping!

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Aren’t these hooded towels adorable? Your kiddos will have so much fun at the beach and pool this summer with these Character Hooded Beach Towels on sale for $14.99 + Free Shipping at Jane! One size fits most. For ages 2-7.

Choose from:

  • Pirate
  • Princess
  • Shark 1
  • Shark 2
  • Diver
  • Mermaid
  • Hula Girl

Michaels: Baseball Slime Event on May 18

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

This looks like so much for the kiddos! On Saturday, May 18, from 1:00-3:00pm, Michaels Stores will be hosting a Baseball Slime event! You will need to purchase the jar, but from what I can tell it is only $1. The supplies to decorate and pre-made slime will be provided.

GO HERE to register and for more details.

Enter to WIN a Spring Prize Pack from TCG Toys!

Disclosure: I was provided with product to facilitate this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy)

UPDATE: The winner is Bonnie L.

Hopefully the weather is warming up where you live and you are enjoying this gorgeous spring weather that we are having across most parts of the country!

I have teamed up with TCG Toys to bring you a spring prize pack filled with 3 fun toys for kids of all ages! Included in the prize pack will be the following items: TCG spring-themed puzzle, a Yo-Yo and the Classic Checkers Game. My son Brady has been playing with the checkers and Yo-Yo and having a great time with them! I am waiting on the perfect time to start putting together the lovely puzzle! Puzzles are so much fun and a great way to spend time together as a family! 

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite thing about spring is. I will pick a winner at random on Thursday April 30. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age or older and a US resident. 

Good luck everyone!

Give Your Children the Lasting Legacy of Education with Florida Prepaid College Plans + Open Enrollment Promo Code

This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans. Use Florida Prepaid College Plans promo code SWEET1920 to save on your application fee. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is ending soon! April 30 is less than 2 weeks away, and I don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to give your children the lasting legacy of an education thanks to help from a Florida Prepaid College Plan! You can use Florida Prepaid College Plans promo code SWEET1920 to save $30 off your enrollment fee!

For my husband and I, there are many things that we want to pass along to our children. One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities for us to pass on to them is education. We feel that with a great education, you can certainly do anything that you put your mind to! Invest in the gift of education with a Florida Prepaid College Plan and let your children be the leaders of tomorrow!

Are you still uncertain about whether or not Florida Prepaid is right for your family? Is your head spinning and you are in information overload with questions? Do you feel that it is too expensive? Which plan is the best one for my child? I am here to answer your questions! Trust me, I totally understand how you feel…overwhelmed, nervous, anxious, stressed. I felt those same exact feelings before we signed up Brady during this enrollment period! My husband and I did a lot of research, number crunching and planning before making this BIG decision.

Should We Invest in a Florida Prepaid College Plan?

I am here to encourage you and to tell you that Florida Prepaid College Plans is the best investment that your family can make! It is a worry-free investment that you will feel good about. As a parent, it is important for me that my children are able to pursue their goals and to dream BIG. When it comes to college and their future careers, I want to give them the BEST education possible. Thanks to a plan from Florida Prepaid, I can help to make those dreams a reality! Florida Prepaid College Plans are guaranteed by the State of Florida. When you sign up today as a new plan holder, your child’s future college education cost will be LOCKED IN at a low rate. You will never lose your investment! That is why it is SO important to sign up during Open Enrollment! There is a reason that over one million people and counting have purchased Florida Prepaid Plans since 1988! I am so glad to be one of those families!

Are Florida Prepaid College Plans Affordable?

As someone who lives a frugal lifestyle and tries to budget and plan my money, I appreciate that Florida Prepaid College Plans is very affordable. You really CANNOT afford to save for your child’s education! You can prepay for your child’s future college either through a monthly or lump-sum payment. And, you can even invite friends and family members to contribute along the way! I think it would be a wonderful idea to have family members to contribute for birthdays and holidays!

Which Florida Prepaid Plan is Best for my Family?

You will first want to look at your family’s budget to see how much that you can spend each month towards your children’s education. I would also highly suggest that you use the Florida Prepaid Pricing Tool. This tool is a fantastic resource that will help you calculate exactly how much your monthly payments will be for each plan. You simply enter the child’s date of birth and it will give you the monthly cost for each plan!

  • 1-Year Florida University Plan – if you are looking to start small, this is the plan for you! This is the plan that we enrolled Brady with and I could not be more excited! It is such a flexible option and allows for different family members to purchase an additional year if they want to, adding up to 4 years! We are paying just over $60 a month for 30 credit hours, which is very affordable!
  • 4-Year Florida University Plan– this is the most popular plan and offers the widest variety of bachelor’s degree options from one of Florida’s 12 State Universities with 120 credit hours.
  • 2+2 Florida Plan– this plan covers 60 credit hours at a Florida State University and 60 credit hours at a Florida State College. You get the best of both worlds with this plan!
  • 4-Year College Plan– this convenient and affordable plan covers 120 credit hours at any Florida State College.
  • 2-Year Florida College Plan– this plan is an affordable way for your child to earn an AA degree from a Florida State College and guarantees admission to a Florida State University. Covers 60 credit hours.
  • 1Year Dormitory Plan– Florida Prepaid also offers a dormitory plan, which is a great option to add on to your Prepaid Plan! You may add dormitory housing coverage to a Florida Prepaid Plan with university tuition coverage at the time you enroll, or during a later enrollment period. A maximum of two semesters of dormitory fees may be prepaid for each year of State University coverage.

Can a Florida Prepaid College Plan be used at a Private College or University?

With your Florida Prepaid Plan, the value you pay to the other schools is the same you would have paid to a Florida school. While Florida Prepaid Plans are designed to be used at a Florida College or State University, the plans can also be applied at other schools nationwide. If your child attends an out-of-state college or private college, the plan will pay the same amount as it would pay at a public college or university in Florida. You would just be responsible if there is a difference.

What if My Child Receives a Scholarship?

You can use scholarships in conjunction with a Florida Prepaid Plan. In fact, I think that it is important to encourage your children to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Having a scholarship in conjunction with a Florida Prepaid Plan will cover even more college expenses. If for some reason the scholarship covers all tuition costs, you can get a refund on your plan and use that for housing, supplies, etc. or transfer the plan to another family member. Remember, you will never lose your investment!

Is there a deadline for my child to use their Florida Prepaid Plan?

Depending on which plan that you purchase, you generally have up to 10 years after the projected year of college enrollment listed in your prepaid application. I appreciate that Florida Prepaid has taken this into consideration! Sometimes kids like to take a year off to decide which career that they want to pursue or perhaps they would like to travel abroad. This is fantastic news for us as parents!

Save $30 off Open Enrollment With Florida Prepaid College Plans Promo Code

Today is the day to change your child’s life forever! Give Your Children the Lasting Legacy of Education with Florida Prepaid College Plans! Lock in your low rate while saving towards your child’s education– You won’t regret it! Remember to use Florida Prepaid College Plans promo code SWEET1920 to save $30 off your application fee.

Be sure to follow Florida Prepaid College Plans on FacebookTwitterInstagram and  YouTube to stay up to date with information on open enrollment, tips and promotional offers.

Do you Still Have Questions About Florida Prepaid College Plans?

Be sure to check out my posts HERE and HERE that may help to answer any other questions that you have.

With Florida College Prepaid Plans, Starting is Believing!

Save up to 69% off Hasbro Toys and Games!

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

If you like to give your kiddos things other than candy for Easter, hop over to Amazon where today only they are offering Hasbro Toys and Games for up to 69% off! Choose from Nerf, Marvel, Play-Doh, Hasbro Games and so much more! Prices start at just $4.82. Shop early for the best selection!

Rice Krispies Bird’s Nest Treats

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)  

Easter is quickly approaching and these Rice Krispies Bird’s Nest Treats are always a hit at my house. The boys love to help me make them and they are very yummy! You can change out the candies inside if you prefer something else over M&M’s.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
  • 4 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
  • Bag of Speckled Easter Egg M&M’s

DIRECTIONS:

Melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute.

Add in the marshmallows and stir with the butter. Place back in the microwave for about 1 minute and 45 seconds. Stir together until completely melted together and smooth.

Place the Rice Krispies in the mixture and stir completely.

Have a 12-count Muffin pan already sprayed with Cooking Spray ready to go.

Take a generous amount of the mixture and place in each Cupcake slot.

While the slots are still soft, take a spoon and create a small hole in the middle of each one to form a nest or basket.

Let the nests harden for about 10-15 minutes. You can also go back at this time to adjust your nests and take out more of the mixture if needed.

Add in the speckled M&M’s to your nests.

Eat and Enjoy!

You could really use whatever candies that you like in the middle of the nests but I love these speckled M&M’s for Easter!  

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