My friend Nan has the most fun house of anyone I know. I don't know how she does it, but she is a perfect hostess to not only her adult guests, but the 12-and-under crowd as well. Every time I've been there, she seems to produce, miraculously, a brand-new tub of sidewalk chalk or a new carton of bubbles. And the snacks? She always has the best ones. Sometimes we think about taking the kids to Disney World, and then they say, "Nah, can we just go to Nan's house instead?"
I'm trying to take a cue from my friend and keep some simple and inexpensive goodies on hand for impromptu gatherings with young guests. My new favorite? Glow sticks. I buy them at the dollar store (where you can find a package of 8 for $1). I now buy a handful of packages every time I'm there, and I hide them away in a cabinet to save for a special day.
Because you should never under-estimate the ability of a child to be occupied--endlessly, for hours--by something that glows in the dark.
It's a perfect thing to pull out at the end of a cookout with friends, while the kids run around in the darkened backyard. Not to mention that having a few special treats on-hand is a good idea with your own kids, too. We had an unusually long rainy spell earlier this month, and my stash of glow sticks proved to be a real sanity saver when we started climbing the walls.
See?
And if all else fails, you can use them to spell out distress messages on your roof to passing planes: HELP IT'S BEEN RAINING FOR SIX DAYS AND I'M ALONE WITH THE CHILDREN.
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1. Flibby (Goodbye Aches and Pains!)
2. We are THAT family (Bucket Giveaway)
3. MG (Easy Garden Salsa Recipe)
4. Christa @ No End in Site
5. Amy @ A Day in the Life (Easy hair bow instructions)
6. Amy @ MomsToolbox (popsicles for breakfast)
7. The Diaper Diaries (box tops)
8. The Well-Rounded Woman (Can You Do 100 Push Ups?)
9. The Apron Queen (Easy Cooking Cleanup)
10. OW (free children\'s book)
11. Sarah @Real Life (Homemade Salsa-YUM!)
12. Deal Seeking Mom (Frugal Feeding Tips Vlog)
13. Lady Why (Surviving a Shannon Bloggy Break!)
14. Pass the Torch (School Year\'s Resolutions)
15. Cindy (playground clothes)
16. HeresTheDiehl (Kids and Coupons)
17. What About Mom (Pigs in a Blanket!)
18. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (Black Bean Salsa- YUM!)
19. Domestic Spaz (Literacy)
20. Happy To Be At Home (homeschool flag)
21. Daiquiri (FUN & free game for kids)
22. A Simple Walk (Finding Joy in Folding Laundry)
23. Honey Mommy
24. The Happy Housewife (Homeschool Organization)
25. PENSIEVE ~ HELPFUL tips if you HAVE to iron! :)
26. Honey Mommy (Make adorable Hair clips)
27. Green Baby Guide (Recycled School Supplies)
28. Muthering Heights - Homemade Jar Grabber
29. Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet-Fruit Juice Gelatin (great for lunches)
30. Amy @ By His Grace (Easy Baked Potato Cooking)
31. mzzterry (storing pillows,blankets etc..)
32. Anna - decorating our bedroom
33. Motherhood For Dummies
34. Rena @ insertgracehere (Eye Masks & Ear Plugs)
35. Jeni (Budget Vacationing)
36. GROCERY CART CHALLENGE (get eggs for 75cents per dozen)
37. Kim @ Up North Mommy (Salt Scrubs)
38. Many Little Blessings (Signing with Kids - Includes Links)
39. Amy @ Finer Things (veggie ice pack)
40. Ginger @ heresmycuplord (Coffee, Coffee, Coffee...)
41. Audra Krell (Brotherly Love)
42. Mothers Precious Gems - Get Your Mammorgrams Ladies!
43. Amber-choc. chip pancakes that are good for you!
44. Amanda (a place for necklaces)
45. Jill (Chore Charts)
46. Buzzings of a Queen Bee (Organizing Spice Cupboards!)
47. Kim @ Beanish & Other Languages I\'m Learning - early learning workbooks
48. Healthy Kid Snack
49. Maren - powdered drink mix
50. KnappKnotes (baking soda useage in laundry!)
51. Megan (early to bed - tell me how?!)
52. LeeAnn (AKA FrazzMom) hands free cell phone for cheap!
53. Stretch Mark Mama (Microwave Corn on the Cob)
54. Lisa@blessedwithgrace(Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
55. Amy - neater ice cream cones
56. Mindy Said - Teaching Responsibility
57. Kristin (Hot Iron Sleeves)
58. Miracle Mornings, getting your kids ready easy and happy!
59. Apple Fries
60. Jenn @ Casa de Castro (Amazing Hangers for Hand Wash/Gentle Cycle clothes)
61. Felicity (Canned Soup!)
62. Homeschool Classroom (Encouraging Participation by Example)
63. Donna @TheFrugalMomBlog(Are you a BzzAgent? Free Products!)
64. Mrs Organic (choc. zucchini cake - trust me)
65. Rachel (Cherry Pitter)
66. Thrifty Jinxy (Find Lost Savings Bonds)
67. Mother Hen (Pirate Homeschool)
68. Shawna (Separation Anxiety)
69. Headless Mom
70. Mammarino - (Finding a Sitter!)
71. Karen of Sillymonkeez (Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs)
72. Hotomom - Potty Training
73. mom2my9 (dressing a squirming baby)
74. mombrud (bubbles, bubbles, everywhere)
75. Owlhaven (cooking with ginger)
76. Proud SAHM (bestime/sick)
77. Ewokgirl (What to Do with Excess Chili Peppers)
78. Fruitfulwords (caution with online cookbooks)
79. Crayl, REAL money surveys
80. My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving (chicken spaghetti)
81. Jennifer (Lunch Sack Quickies)
82. Lori ~ Simple Life at Home (No Soggy Sandwiches)
83. Wife and Mommy (indoor game for kids!)
84. Mandy (cutting food with pizza cutter)
85. Linda
86. Chel\'s Leaving a Legacy
87. Shan-Always Look Your Sharp(i)est!
88. Cyn (lunch time blues)
89. Chel (fast meal planning!)
90. Lee (potty training tips)
91. Michele (Mini Sweeper)
92. Lee (asking for help)
93. Lee (getting out the door)
94. Amy@Experience Imagination (get closer to your family)
95. Elizabeth (kids listening pleasure!)
96. Donna @ Thirsty? (Great Present Idea)
97. Deb (Ped Egg)
98. Brenda (parchment paper)
99. Ranee @ Arabian Knits (Keeping Hydrated)
100. Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates (Homemade Shower Cleaner)
101. Jane-Holly [liquid baby powder]
102. Mrs. Who (hard-boiled eggs)
103. SeetheWoods - Blazing Bloggy Trails
104. Ann (kids fighting)
105. momsfrugal (rhubarb shortcake)
106. Miche@Coordinated Chaos -traveling long distances with kids
107. Organising Queen (dealing with overwhelm)
108. Kim (kitchen gadget)
109. Handmade Daily (avoiding meltdown)
110. Mom\'s Marbles (Giving Children Chores)
111. Ames (keeping kids safe online)
112. Will (Honesty)
113. flexible dreams (breakfast solutions)
114. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (Photos HELP!)
115. Tara @ Feels like home (making oatmeal)
116. The Organizing Blog (home camping manual)
117. Fried Chicken and Cheesesteaks (kitchen organization tips)
118. Lynne @Our Happy Home (Star Chart for Positive Behavior)
119. Mrs. Sprinkles (How to use Dried Beans)
120. Catherine (make maternity clothes last)
121. Maria (cheap, improvised dust ruffle)
122. AmyDe (Me working THIS Wed)
123. JessieLeigh (Organizing Medical Paperwork)
124. Amy - Better Gas Mileage!
125. Peggie (humor)
126. Shannon (FREE Chilis gift card!)
127. The Apron Queen (Free Entertainment)
128. The Stepford Wife (Keeping Solicitors Away From Your Door)
129. The Stepford Wife (Ocean in a Bottle)
130. Linda at 2nd Cup (posting videos)
131. Jen (Cradle Cap Solution)
132. Gretchen (caring for your Bedroom)
133. Amy Andrews (SIDS prevention)
134. $5 Dinner Mom (Monthly Menu Plans)
135. Tara (pedialyte recipe)
136. Its All for the Best
137. The Fat Bottomed Girl (Double Duty Grilling)
138. Heather @ Not a DIY Life (travel tips)
139. Mary@notbefore7 (grow long nails)
140. Olivia(Daisy Crazy)
141. Deanna (Frozen Fruit Kabobs) |
142. Miss Mommy (Shrek Bag)
143. Jen (Blog Pictures)
144. Traci (no training wheels)
145. Sherry (Fundays calendar)
146. Playful Professional (Best Rewards Card)
147. Caroline (yummy, fun, and easy activity with kids!)
148. Rookie Mom 101 (PICTURE PEOPLE)
149. Smellyann (warm fuzzies)
150. Summer (the EASIEST way to wash a bra)
151. Sandra (canning and freezing)
152. aunt mommy (sticky notes and markers)
153. Mommin\'t It Up! (breastfeeding tips)
154. twomomsand a little lady (back to school paperwork)
155. Lisa@ Hopewell (sorter bags)
156. Emily @ Little Home (online Child Health Guide)
157. Scott@HoneyIFedTheKids
158. Christine (how we handle - ugh - CHORES!)
159. Full of Boys (reuseable bags)
160. Muses of Megret (menu display)
161. Delighting in the Days(Super Scone Recipe)
162. Fuschia (Neat and tidy pantry)
163. Polly (Homemade wipe solution)
164. Tons of Sons ~ hospitality
165. Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
166. Enjoyer of the Journey (Clear Hairties)
167. Memarie Lane (recipes)
168. Lynn (potato salad)
169. Melanie (best bibs!)
170. Katie (milk jug toliet plunger holders)
171. Lori (favorite kitchen tool)
172. Pamela - Keeping the kids awake
173. Slacker Mom (Anti-Slacker Cleaning Schedule)
174. Susan (remote control organizer)
175. Motley Moms - Progressive Make-up
176. Octamom (School Daze 101)
177. Penny Raine - apron give away
178. The Gluten-Free Homemaker (use for hair conditioner)
179. AmyB - Easy Garlic
180. Kate @ Ambrose Home (Camera Access)
181. Amber @ BGH (cold soda in 2 min)
182. Milehimama
183. Abbi (easy dirty clothes bag)
184. Kerri (Preschooler storytime)
185. 3cookieday (baby wipes)
186. Kaye (super website find!)
187. Totallyscrappy- photo reminder
188. Jennifer (McDonald\'s Vanilla Iced Coffee)
189. Minnesota Mama (Know which books to borrow from your library!)
190. Tanya (Hobby Lobby)
191. Life with Three (Laptop Lunch Alternative)
192. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (Free Ink WFM!)
193. Melanie (Moving Tips)
194. Amanda (shaving)
195. The Not Quite Crunchy Parent (Gettting Your Child to Read)
196. Mom at Home (old phonebook shuffle)
197. Superchikk (Clean Toddler Outfits)
198. Amy W (ultra-cheap gourmet coffee)
199. a suburban housewife (diaper wipes stash)
200. Wani (applying boundaries)
201. Jen M (convenient drinking water)
202. Jen Zug (spill proof burritos)
203. Mandy - Secretly Teaching my 5 year old Math
204. Blessed Quietness (Itunes for composer study)
205. My Precious Pennies {Puppy Pads for Diaper Changes}
206. Kirstin: Ebay
207. Maria @ Thrifty Ways and Ideas
208. Lorie (All You Magazine)
209. Jenna @ Living Richly (Free Chick Fil A on 9/1!)
210. Audrey (Reward Program)
211. Jane Anne (music makers)
212. Jenny (cheap activity for 2 yr old)
213. Soy (Make Your Own Candles)
214. Amy Halleran (Teaching Tolerance)
215. Tropical Twister (Tri-Loom Shawls)
216. Kirsty @ Momedy: Funky drains and Ballpoint Stains
217. Peggie (credit card disputes)
218. If Only I Had Super Powers (wireless mouse)
219. Keeping Up With the Kays (veggie dip for kids)
220. Weighing In (easy chicken salad)
221. BecauseImTheMommy (ebay)
222. Lines From The Vine (Two Tips)
223. Kelly (Keep a cut apple from turning brown)
224. Kara (cooler luggage)
225. Koekje Mom (Handipooints)
226. AmyK (milk crates to store backpacks)
227. Mandi (Cleaning Microwave...Maybe)
228. Tania-Crafty gift-making with chilren!
229. SuburbanMatron (skincare splurge)
230. Tiffany (Remove Moisture from a Watch)
231. Alexandra(Curly Hair Care)
232. Katie (keeping the house clean from the start)
233. Starting to Save (Naked Breakfast)
234. Jacquelyn: Because I Said So! (keeping kids\' water cold!)
235. Wild Squirrel (Resusable Homemade Worksheets)
236. April(keeping track of diaper cream)
237. elaine@bloginmyeye (boss yr floss)
238. Lisa (Cream in my Coffee
239. KimC (holding kids\' money)
240. Mary Ann(organizing small home)
241. Stephanie (helping preschooler use computer mouse)
242. Tara@Not So Perfect(diaperbag)
243. Rachael @ Beans & Rice (Beans!)
244. Mark Salinas
245. Amy @ Tiny Blessings (cure rough feet)
246. Christrine @ Lily of the Valley (Easier Menu Planning)
247. Rachel (smoothie savings)
248. The Messy Mom
249. Michelle (cheap junk drawer organizing)
250. Lisa (Reusable Swiffer Dusters)
251. Lynley (Entertaining Toddlers Indoors)
252. Amy (Tackling your Monday!)
253. Ms. Tee (easy sweet little presents)
254. Julie-Calendula
255. warillever (daily routine)
256. Dog Poop in Bedroom Cleanup Tips--Humor (The Building Brows)
257. Laura@StorytellinMama (Grassroots Campaign)
258. Niffer @ Munchkinland
259. Katie (printing blog posts to read later)
260. Becca (lunchbox strategies)
261. Nerd Family Food (Cheap and Easy White Sauce)
262. Making Money Keeping Money(The Ultimate Bargain: Mystery Shopping)
263. The Bargain Shopper Lady (An Interview with CVS!)
264. Jen @ JenuineJen (green clean or bleach?)
265. Jen (kids & chores)
266. Kaitlin
267. Mel @ A Box of Chocolates
268. Suzanne
269. Heidi (Packing lunches)
270. Joanna @ OneKrustyMama Nail Polish
271. Kim ~ My Journey (Craft Table)
272. Kristine (crafts)
273. Kristin - The Goat (Painting Supplies & Tips)
274. Veggiemomof2 (recycling paper)
275. Aunt LoLo (using up bananas in the summer)
276. Steph @ Problem Solvin Mom (teething relief)
277. Katie (milk jug plunger holder, updated with working link!)
278. Munchkins and Music (getting kids to practice)
279. Meredith@WrittenByHerself (Brow Grooming)
280. KnappKnotes (baking soda useage in laundry--continued!)
281. Sandy Toes(Big Binder) |
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