Free or low cost family fun ideas

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty

Free activities for the family. Most are listed online and with a little effort with a search engine you can have a fun without the high expense.

Library

Check out your local library. Many libraries have free programs for every age group and an online posting of those activities. Many have a Facebook page and create events that you can even sign up for and connect to your personal devices' calendars for reminders as well. 

Some cities near metropolitan areas even have share programs with neighboring towns to help you have even easier access to books, movie, audio books and more. The libraries near our locations even have puzzles, games and project/science kits to check out. The Girl Scout troop has even checked out the robotics kit to earn their robotics badges. Don't forget the computer access for both adults and children. 

City Parks & Recreation

Check out with your local area has. Most have parks and events/activities listed online. Check out the municipalities near you as well. many parks are being modified to include free splash pad areas. This is a great fun locale for the kids in the summer.

Does your town or school district have a natatorium? What a great resource! Many have public swim times and activities scheduled there too. Many have swim lessons for children and adults. Some have swim and diving select club teams too. 

Community Centers for municipalities are a great place to have activities and events and many have non-resident access as well.

Senior Citizen Centers are a great place to have activities for older adults. Many have field trips to awesome locations. Some near us have out of state vacation tours and even out of the country!

Have you checked out the large outdoor stores like Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's for free or lost cost activities and/or classes? They have them and even free summer camps in the summer! Most have some sort of range. I know the Bass Pro Shop in Grapevine, TX (DFW area) has a gun range and the Cabela's in far north Fort Worth, TX has an archery and BB range. Many have some interesting displays such as fishing ponds outdoors (must sign a waiver inside), aquariums, "stuffed" animal displays and indoor ponds where you can feed the fish with fish pellets from a coin vending unit. Some even have a fun coin/token arcade shooting gallery.

Restaurants sometimes have free concerts for entertainment while you dine or drink.

Malls (even outlet ones) have some free events for the kids that can make their dreams come true. Super hero appearance, pet adoptions and holiday character appearances are fun for the kiddos. Many have carousels, movies, ice skating rinks, arcades, paint ball and so many more activities that can keep kids occupied. Check out Groupon/memberships or other special events to lower the costs.

War On Bugs Time!

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty

Yep.  It's that time of year again....bug time!  So, what do we do in our home to combat it? Several things are needed for our combat. We start with layering ourselves in Avon's Skin So Soft products.

Skin-So-Soft by AVON is the top resource for our combat team. It has been a product used in our family for generations. I also developed a DEET allergy while serving in the military overseas in Iraq. It causes a severe rash and hives with just the slightest contact. AVON's Skin So Soft products contain no DEET.

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty.

We start with showering and bathing with the original formula of oils and shower body washes in order to coat us with our first layer of defenses. AVON advertises these products as moisturizers and do a wonderful job preventing skin dryness. We like many others believe that layering the original formula products also help as an insect repellent.

After emerging from our cleanliness retreat we coat ourselves in SSS Spray on oil and massage it into our skin as an additional layer of defense from dry skin and insects.

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty

Donna uses Avon's Anew Products for her daily facial skin regimen. After using a cleanser on her face she applies Avon's MagiX Face Protector. She loves this product because not only does it have SPF 20 but it applies as a gel to powder product. It's not messy and it smooths to look of fine lines and pores. She says it help counteract the shine she may normally get throughout the day without using it. It can be used as a primer under foundation but she usually just uses it alone on most days.

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty

Donna was a law enforcement officer prior to being medically retired a few years ago. When she was younger she did not use sunscreen as much as she probably should have. As a result of being outdoors for many years in those button up shirt uniforms, she has some skin damage. She applies the AVON's SSS Firm and Restore Neck & Chest Treatment Cream to her neck and upper chest area to help those problem areas. She has been using it the last couple of years and we have seen tremendous improvement in her neck and upper chest area. This product also has the added benefit of SPF 15.

She then applies the SSS Firm & Restore DD Body Cream which also has SPF 15 coverage or SSS Original Body Lotion to the rest of her body. She says applies it according to her "mood". AVON has a larger SSS Firm & Restore Body Lotion but this does not have SPF protection. Neither does the SS Original Body Lotion. Donna loves the Firm & Restore Product Line because she is convinced it does firm and help the look of her skin tone and fine lines. I have also noticed and difference in her skin.

The rest of us in the family just slathers on the SSS Original Body Lotion whenever we feel we have dry skin developing.

AVON Skin So Soft Bug Guard Product Introduction

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty.

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty

As we emerge into the sunlight of the outdoors we coat ourselves once again but this time in SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition. We prefer the aerosol spray just because it is easier and less likely to spill. It is that it is both an insect repellent and a sunscreen with SPF 28. This product does come in a pump spray with SPF 30 in two different sizes if you prefer that option.

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty

If we are planning on water activities we simply pull out the AVON SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Lotions.
There are two different choices. The SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Gentle Breeze SPF 30 Lotion and the SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Disappearing Color Lotion. When the kids were little and wiggled around so much in anticipation and excitement we loved the Disappearing Lotion. It goes on blue and dries clear.  Both products are not greasy and basically create a shield against both the insects and the sun. A friend of Donna's once declared that the bug's would bounce off her skin while wearing this product. (I just shook my head when she told me that one.) The product needs to be re-applied every 90 minutes to maintain proper coverage.

Photo provided by Self Made Beauty

When its almost dusk we switch to the SSS Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes. Donna prefers the wipes to apply this product. They are individually wrapped towelettes and come in a resealable bag. She always sends the girls off to camp with this version of the product because it is easy for the kids to keep in their small backpack and apply as it becomes dusk at camp. It's also easier to carry and apply right after they shower in the evenings while camping. It comes in aerosol spray and two different pump sizes. This product does not have SPF protection and is an insect repellent.

At the end of the day we try to get everyone showered again just like we did in the morning to get a head start on the next day.  I hope our experience helps you in your war on bugs!

*Stay Tuned for more uses Donna & I have for some of these products on our pets and other things.*

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Green Tea Smoothie

Here is a yummy smoothie recipe using Avon's  Vanilla Espira Plant Power Protein powder.

AVON Free Shipping for $25+ Orders 10/16/2017

* Free shipping offer valid for mail delivery order only. To redeem, select standard shipping and enter coupon code: TREAT25, expires 11:59 PM PT, 10/17/2017. Offer does not apply to express shipping methods and is valid only for shipping addresses in the contiguous United States.

AVON emergency relief assists hurricane victims

AVON is providing hurricane emergency relief assistance in a couple of ways. The one through American Red Cross is tax deductible and the other through Feed the Children is not. I believe it is because you are actually purchasing products through AVON to be provided to Feed the Children. The AVON website will have more information.

You can choose the quantities of these donations amounts that you want in your shopping bag. No shipping fees will be charges if these are the only items in your shopping bag even though the initial shopping bags states that there are.

AVON Emergency Relief

Dollar Tree Breast Cancer Awareness Products.

I found these great deals at Dollar Tree today in the new Fort Worth Presidio shopping area near N. Tarrant Parkway and I-35W. I absolutely love the bandanas and the fact that I got so many socks for $1 each! They had all sorts of designs for mobile phones of every kind too. The selection was great. I passed on the cookie for cans.  I have plenty of those and bottle cookies from all the Breast Cancer Awareness events in the past.

The glitter tattoos will help the girls with Pink Out day in October at their elementary school too.

I absolutely love Dollar Tree.  I always go there for one thing and end up coming out with bag loads of stuff, lol. I will post the freebies the deals I will be getting there tomorrow from couponing.😃

Ways to Raise a Confident Child by Dorothy Hawley

There are many ways you can raise a confident child. You should start when they are infants. Take time to praise them and tell them how much you love them. When they do something that is new like turning over or trying new foods tell them what a great job they did and make them feel special. Continue these actions as they learn new things. When you praise them and let them know they are doing a great job you as a parent are building their confidence and letting your child know you love them. You also give them value and show them they are doing a great job.

As they grow and start reading let them know how well they read and that you enjoy listening to them read. You can tell them what a great job they are doing with their chores. If they made their bed or picked up their toys let them know how well they did even if they didn't do it exactly the way you want them to do it. Be positive and as they get more confident they will do better. You always want to be patient and show them how to do something. If they say they cannot tie their shoes take time to help them and tell them if they practice they will be able to tie their own shoes very soon. When they are able to tie their own shoes be sure to praise them and let the know what a great job they did.

If you have confidence that your child can do something and let them know it they will be confident each time they accomplish something. They just need to gain confidence and believe in themselves.

Remember how you feel when someone compliments you on your outfit or hair style. It makes you feel better and makes you feel good about yourself and how you look. It is the same with your child. The more confident you are with them the more confident they will be. Tell them how much you love them and what a wonderful person they are everyday. Take every opportunity you have to let them know how well they do things. If they are having trouble with their homework tell them how smart they are and how well they are doing. Every child is smart. They just need to gain confidence and believe in themselves. They will gain confidence every time you let them know how great they are and that they can learn to do whatever they want to learn. Let them know that everyone has trouble learning new things but they are smart and will learn it.

The things parents say to their children have an impact on how they think of themselves. Always tell them how much you love them, how beautiful they are, how smart they are and that they can learn to do anything. As they try new things and find out they can do them their confidence will soar. Parents have the ability to raise child who believe in themselves and are confident in all they do.

Need Sleep?

Here is a great product to help you sleep!

SleepWorks® helps produce sound and restful sleep on occasional sleepless nights to help you awaken refreshed* through these key ingredients:
Vitamins and Minerals
With niacin, vitamin B-6, magnesium and zinc, SleepWorks helps you naturally relax and get to sleep more rapidly. Niacin contributes to calming the body and magnesium is also known to aid in addressing sleeplessness. Research suggests that obtaining recommended daily dietary intake of magnesium can contribute to improved quality of sleep.
Relaxation and Sleep Aid Botanicals
Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since the time of ancient Greece and Rome. It has been used to treat insomnia, nervousness, and to relieve stress. Passion Flower has also traditionally been used as a calming botanical, lowering the activity of some brain cells and providing a relaxed feeling. Lemon balm and Hops are known to help reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
Neurotransmitters
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced within the body and is involved in a complex process that regulates the body’s circadian rhythm. A large analysis revealed several of melatonin’s sleep-enhancing benefits. Reviewing 15 sleep studies in healthy adults, scientists noted that melatonin administration significantly reduced the amount of time needed to fall asleep, while boosting sleep efficiency and increasing total sleep duration. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, has been proven to be effective in improving sleep cycles because of its ability to bring calm and rest to bodily functions.
Is this you?

• Someone looking for a restful good night’s sleep
• Someone who wakes up during the night
• Someone who has difficulty falling asleep

DIRECTIONS

Drink contents of one 2 oz. bottle approximately 30 minutes before bedtime.
Consult your healthcare professional before taking SleepWorks or if sleeplessness persists after taking SleepWorks. Do not combine with other sleep aids, sedatives, tranquilizers or alcohol. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking.
This product is not intended for pregnant or nursing women or persons under 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children.

KEY INGREDIENTS

magnesium, Beta-phenyl-Gamma-aminobutyric acid (phenibut), L-theanine, valerian, passion flower, lemon balm,hops, 5-HTP

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Eyelash Repair

Want to grow you eyelashes and repair them? Simply dab a little flax seed oil on your eyelash line every night. Flax seeds contain Omega 3, 6 and 9 along with B vitamins and lecithin that repairs lash damage and stimulates their growth.

For more great beauty tips go to SelfMadeBeauty.com

Shop my AVON store!

Shop my AVON store!: Here's a sneak peak at some of the latest products available at Avon. Be sure to click

Tips For Starting Your Garden With Seeds

Author: Jamie
Many gardeners want to get started from the earliest stage of the process. This involves planting flowers and vegetables from seeds. Starting a garden from scratch is possible, as long as you follow all the basics.
Flowers and the majority of garden plants are divided into three groups: annual, biennial and perennial. These are started from seeds. The seeds would grow into seedlings, which can be planted in the garden.

Preconditions

To get plants started from seeds, you will have to consider several factors. The first thing to plan is
the type of soil. You may want to plant the seeds in pots and then to move the seedlings to the garden.
Go to a garden store, where you will be advised about the best type of soil for the needs of the specific plant.
The water that you use for the plants should contain no chlorine or salts. Fill a container and let it stay overnight before watering the plants.
When it comes to light, you will have to be more careful. Some seeds need darkness to germinate. These seeds should be covered by soil. Others need sunlight and have to be placed on the surface of the soil (petunias, for example).
The optimum temperature for the germination of the majority of seeds is 15 to 18 degrees Celsius during the night and 21 to 23 degrees Celsius during the day.

Planting the Seeds

For best results, you will have to plant seeds into pots before moving them in the garden. Fill a pot with soil and get it wet. Press the soil slightly with your hands so that it becomes more compact.
Put the seeds on the surface of the soil and use some more soil to cover them. Sprinkle water over the seeds. Place the pot on an even surface and cover the pot with plastic foil, which should not touch the soil.
Maintain the soil wet until the seeds germinate. Once the young plants sprout, the amount of moisture can decrease. The surface of the soil should be dry before you water the plants once again.

Fertilizing Seedlings

To grow, the plants use the nutrients and energy stored in the seeds. You will have to start fertilizing the plants only after several leaves get formed.
Fertilize the plants once a week. Choose a proper water-soluble fertilizer. You can also choose an organic fertilizer, in case you are planting vegetables and you want to keep the plant production ecological.
If the seedlings grow to be too tall before you plant them in the garden, you can cut off the top. Always cut the area above a leaf or above the place where a branch has formed.

Moving the Seedlings to the Garden

In order to get the plants naturalized, you should start taking the pots outside one or two weeks after the seed germination. Maintain the soil moist.
In the first few days, take the plants to a shady part of the garden. After that, you can position the pots in a sunny place. Before you plant the seedlings in the garden, you need to keep them outside at least two times overnight.

Plants That Can be Started from Seeds

Which types of plants can be started from seeds?
You can give various flowers and vegetables from seed. These are easy to take care of and grow.
Try some of the plants which are best for beginners. You can try more difficult tasks once you gain some experience and get acquainted to more complicated planting procedures.
Some of the flowers that you can grow from seeds include marigold, convolvulus, dahlia, petunia, nasturtium, cyclamen, primrose, mimosa and aster.
Other plants that are easy to start from seeds include hibiscus, mountain ash, juniper, chestnut and sycamore.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/tips-for-starting-your-garden-with-seeds-4911409.html

About the Author
Jamie Highland is an article writer and enjoys plants and gardening as a hobby. If you enjoy gardening, then check out these baby shower seed packets, the perfect baby shower gift for gardening enthusiasts.

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