See my time on pinterest IS useful!

Abbie and her complete bracelet

Abbie's duct tape wallet

Alex winding embroidery floss

Yumm!

I want more!

These went FAST

Apparently I decided to put my pinterest addiction to use today.  We started off the day with Banana Baked Oatmeal and since I had the oven heated up I decided to make a batch of granola too. Then the kids and I gave the dogs a bath and headed to the pool.  After the pool we ran a couple errands and then came home and rested.  After that I taught the kids how to make a simple friendship bracelet out of embroidery floss (and had the bonus of teaching my kids how to wind embroidery floss onto those cardboard bobbins).  Next we made yummy cinnamon sugar pretzel bites (which was basically our dinner, just being honest).  Lastly we headed out to Michael's for a free make and take and the kids got to make duct tape wallets.  A very busy but productive day!

** Here is my granola recipe.  I was going to link to the site that I got it from but she has commercialized to so much that I now can't find the recipe anymore.

Brown Sugar Granola

1/2 cup margarine (I use butter)
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups old fashioned oats (not instant)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup dried fruit (optional)
1/2 cup nuts or seeds (optional)

In a large saucepan melt the margarine, sugar and water.  Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.  Add the salt oatmeal and cinnamon. Remove from heat, stir until all the oats are moistened.  Place granola onto a cookie sheet with sides and bake at 375 for 10 minutes (should be golden brown).  Allow granola to cool in pan.  When cool break into chunks and store in an airtight canister (if using add fruit and/or nuts at this point).

This is the best granola, easy to make and tasty.  We like to just it it by the handful but it can also be eaten on top of yogurt or like regular cereal with milk.

Summer Fun

I'm writing this more to remind me of things to do with the kids this summer but thought some others might like this information too.

Summer Reading Programs:

Maricopa County Library District earn a free book when you read 24 plus prizes for every 8 you read

Barnes and Noble get a free book when you read 8

Half Price Books get a $5 gift certificate when you read 300 minutes

Fun Things to Do:

Bookmans Summer Kids Club, at the Mesa store there are free kids events every Wednesday at 1pm, sign up for their kids club and get 10% off your purchase.

Bass Pro Shops Family Summer Camp, free crafts, smores cookout, workshops and activities.  They even have workshops for boy scouts to earn merit badges.  These are on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Michaels, free crafts every Tuesday,Thursday and Saturday from 1-4pm

Harkins Summer Movie Fun 10 weeks of kids movies for $7.  Most of the East Valley sites are sold out but the Chandler Mall one still has passes.

Lowes Build and Grow offers free kids clinics on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year.

Home Depot Kids Workshop is on the first Saturday of every month.

Free Breakfast/Lunch:

These are all free for children 1-18 regardless of income.  The kids and I went today and they thought it was a great treat.

AZ state information

Higley School District

Mesa School District

Chandler School District

Gilbert School District

Queen Creek School District

Can you think of any more free or cheap things to do with the kids this summer?

A small wall quilt

A few weeks ago I saw a cute trip around the world quilt at my friends house and wanted to make one for myself.  I decided to use leftover scraps from making Bonnie Hunter's Carolina Crossroads and came up with this Neapolitan colored wall-hanging.  It's finished size is 12'x12" and is hanging in a spot by my front door. The pattern is "A for Adaminaby" from Australian Patchwork and Quilting (I'm not sure the month or year).