Getting Kids Excited to Read: Read Everyday Jar

Summer Reading Ideas

Whether your child loves to read or avoids it...here is an easy way to encourage daily reading.

A Reading Jar.  It's full of simple ideas for making reading fun. Pull out a slip each day to find a fun place or way to read. They might read in the shade, under the table, wearing a hat, eating a snack or with mom...all kinds of little ways to excite them to read each day.

Read Everyday Jar

3 printable pages of ideas.

Reading Printables here.

Print, cut and fill up the jar.

Enjoy!

Budgeting 101: "My" Envelope System

Want to read about the rest of the Budgeting 101 Series? Find it: HERE.

Budgeting 101: Class 1

“My” Envelope System

(Download Printable Envelopes at the Bottom to try yourself.)

Have you ever heard of Dave Ramsey?  

He gives excellent finical advice. 

He's the man behind: Financial Peace University, Seven Babysteps, Total Money Make Over, and more.

 (Want to know more look: here)

After listening to him and going through his budgeting systems I really liked his philosophy and his strategies.  

BUT…It doesn’t completely work for me.  

I know that should be a red flag.  

But, honestly I had to be realistic about how I manage my budget,

because if it is too hard to keep up on, then I won't follow through.

My Issues Were:

-Paying Cash for everything

-Different Envelope of Cash for each category.

-Charting out at the beginning of the month our spending…and accounting for each dollar.

...but everything else I loved!

NOW I Do think these ideas are great.  And if you can, then do them!

BUT...

For me, it was too much stress, with kids in the shopping cart, trying to get the exact amount of cash from one envelope for the food items, then getting some out of the next envelope for household items, and some from another for baby items, …etc.  It was overwhelming and I rarely had the exact cash in each envelope and it was more work trying to count and keep track, that in the end…I PULLED OUT THE DEBIT CARD.  
(I KNOW, exactly what you aren’t supposed to do.)

So here is how I “altered” it to fit my needs.

"MY" ENVELOPE SYSTEM:

(To see the breakdown of my expenses, look at my Monthly Budget found: here).

ENVELOPE 1: ($200)

Groceries

Household Items 

(Including: Hygiene, baby needs, etc)

ENVELOPE 2: ($100)

Food Storage  

(Long Term Items, Basic Staples & Bulk Paper Products)

ENVELOPE 3:

Entertainment

This includes Eating Out, Dates, Babysitting, and Entertainment

ENVELOPE 4: 

Miscellaneous- Anything Else

Husband- Anything he chooses to spend

Wife- Anything I choose to spend

Kids- Clothes, Rewards, School Needs, etc.

My envelopes DON’T include cash.  

Instead my envelopes include a list of what I spend & 

inside the envelopes I keep receipts.

How I use the Envelopes:

On the front of each envelope, is a list: 

1. The Budget Amount  and  2. A Running Total. 

STEP 1: When I get home from the store I write the amount spent on the list, then put the receipt into the envelope.  If the receipt happens to have items in multiple categories, then I put the receipt in whichever envelope that is has more items of that category.  (For example, let's say I buy a toy at Walmart, this would go under "Kids", but I just write down the Toy and its Price on the Envelope 4, but the receipt is kept in Envelope 1.) 

STEP 2: Throughout the month I keep a list of what is spent, this helps me see how much I have left and to ration our spending. (When the designated money from an area is spent...it's gone.  IF I really need something, I can spend from  my MISCELLANEOUS budget.)

STEP 3: Then at the end of the month I total everything up. Take the envelope with its receipts and file it away, in our receipts box. Everything is kept easily organized and takes very little time on my part. (Which means I actually do it, so it works)

I can easily track my spending, see how the budget is going and where our trouble spots are.

NOW HERE IS THE NEXT BIG QUESTION:

What do you do with left over money in each area?  (…if there is any)

Well there are 2 Choices:

1.     Put it into savings and pat your self on the back

2.     Have it Roll over to the next month in the same category.

There are Pro’s & Con’s to both. 

So what I first suggest is pay attention.  Is there an area month after month with money left over?  
Well, then you don’t need to budget so much for that category.

But, there are some areas, like Food Storage that I like my money to roll over.  Some months there are better deals than others and I fluctuate how much I spend.

Also, in some of the more “fun” areas you don’t want to feel like, I have to spend this or I loose it.  In fact, it is a great motivation to teach you to save.  Like entertainment, you can go cheap one month so that you can splurge on an overnight getaway the next month.  Or in my personal budget, I might save up so I can buy a more expensive item.

BUT, if your budget needs to be tighter and it's hard to make ends meet, then don’t roll it over and instead put it towards the basic needs.

PRINTABLE BUDGETING ENVELOPES found: HERE

 Keep Checking back for more Budgeting 101 posts with more tips and ideas to save money!

Click: HERE for the rest of the Budgeting 101 Series. (It will be continually updated)

And for more on Dave Ramsey Check out Housewife2Hostess, she will walk you through it.

Harry Potter Party Divinations Printables

At our Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party, to create Hogwarts I staged a few of the classrooms.

One of these classes was Divinations.

Some smoke (or fog machine), old tea cups, candles, cobwebs, beads, crystal ball, and some taro cards did the job.

Printable Taro Cards found: here

Wall printables and classroom printables found: here

For the rest of the Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party details, printables, and tutorials look: here

And for our first Harry Potter Party with tons of printables, recipes, and much more look: here

Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Trunk Printables & Sorting Hat Tutorial

Hogwarts wouldn't be official if there wasn't a Sorting Hat.

So for our Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party we had a Sorting Hat.

This was the only picture I remembered to take and you can't hardly see the face.

But it was an inexpensive and relatively simple Hat to make.

And with some Printables, a few plain trunks make perfect wizarding school trunks.

The printables are found at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Harry Potter Sorting Hat:

Materials needed- 

1 yard Muslin 

1 bottle Stiffy

Aluminum Foil

Masking Tape

Hot Glue & Gun

Brown & Back Spray Paint

Hat 

(I used a dress up Hat from the Dollar Store, 

with a large stiff round brim, but a which hat would be ideal)

Instructions

Step 1: Stuff the hat full of aluminum foil. Shaping the foil into a bent hat tip and plenty of wrinkles and ridges. Use masking tape to help secure the foil and its shape.  

(The foil gives the hat support and strength to keeps its shape and stand up under the weight of the fabric.)

*If you choose to make the sorting hat's face, be sure to shape the foil into a mouth, nose and brow bones.

Step 2: Secure the foil to the inside of the hat with the hot glue.

Step 3: Once the hat is sturdy and shaped as desired, 

cut Muslin into 4 inch wide by roughly 1 yard long strips.

Step 4: Dip strips of Muslin into a bowl of Stiffy.  

Then wrap/drape the soaked Muslin around the hat.  Begin with the brim. Then once the brim is covered, start at the top of the hat and work down.

Step 5: Let Muslin dry.  Secure any loose or lifting edges down with hot glue.

Step 6: Spray paint the hat with the brown, getting into all the cracks and folds of the material.

Step 7: Using the black spray paint, lightly spray edges and tips of wrinkles, to "shade" and "distress" the hat. 

*If you shaped a face on the Sorting Hat, use the black spray paint, to highlight the facial features.

For the Harry Potter Trunks:

Luckily, my husband found two trunks at a garage sale for $5 and they were perfect.

I had first considered constructing some out of cardboard boxes, or searching the internet for something inexpensive...but these saved the day.

I just collected some Quiddich, Hogwarts, and other Wizarding Images and trimmed them to size.  Then just print, cut, and glue them to the trunks!

Download Harry Potter Trunk Tag Printables: Here

For the rest of the Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party details, printables, and tutorials look: here

And for our first Harry Potter Party with tons of printables, recipes, and much more look: here

Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Party Hogsmeade Printables

Hogsmeade!

Hogsmeade was a blast. 

For our Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party the main floor of the house was "transformed" into Hogsmeade.

With shops, street signs, street lamps, newspapers, broom parking, and the train station.

For the walls, I thought it would be cool to add Wanted Posters and Newspapers...things around to help set the scene.  So I searched the internet for Daily Prophet Newspaper Images, Harry Potter Movie Posters, Wanted Posters, etc.

Some were amazing, others I had to fix up and/or create...but they added a lot.

So, I uploaded them to share.

The very middle image is a fun poster.  It has tons of facts about the books, movies, J.K. Rowling...and so much more.  Great for the party and for conversation.

Some of these Printables Posters and Signs are two or three pages.  So just print, then trip and paste them together to create large posters and newspapers.

These Newspapers can also be rolled up around a regular newspapers.  Then secure with a rubber band and place them all around Hogsmeade for some "light reading."

Printable Harry Potter Posters, Signs, Wanted Posters & Daily Prophet Newspapers found: Here

For more ideas, details, Murder Mystery Script, printables, tutorials, etc

check out the Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party: here

And for our first Harry Potter Party with tons of printables, recipes, and much more look: here

Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Party Printables

More about the

Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party...

The details were what made this party so much fun.

Lots of late nights, and random projects all coming together.

For the Dining Hall we decorated the table with dusty, old, antique books, lots of candles, and cascading fruit and vegetables...and a few rat and birds.

The ceiling was covered in lights and tulle to give the feel of an "Enchanted Ceiling".

I tried several ideas for floating candles, all of which failed or wavered on a fire hazard.

And with a fog machine, some Hogwarts House banners, sconces, and a roaring fireplace...it seemed magical!

But my favorite room had to be the bathroom.

It wasn't much...a trail of spiders to the faucet with little sign, plenty of cobwebs and a Ministry of Magic Sign on the toilet lid.  BUT MY FAVORITE DETAIL, was the hidden ipod with clips of Moaning Murtle playing on repeat.  Just a little surprise for any guests coming into the restroom.

The house had plenty of signs and printable labels all around.

And of course Hogsmeade was full of Printable Labels.  So find the download link below.

But for all of the party details check the post: Here

Download Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Party Printables: Here

Ministry of Magic Download found: Here

This download also includes other Signs and the Food Labels. 

As seen in the pictures below.

Tons of ideas, tutorials, printables, recipes, invitations, Murder Mystery Script and more...
The Original Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party post found: here

And for our first Harry Potter Party with tons of printables, recipes, and much more look: here

Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Party Hogwarts Printables

To Decorate for the Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party we had, 

I collected and made a bunch of Printables.  

These Printables include, Hogwarts Signs, Classroom Labels, Potion Directs, Potion Labels,

Herbology Pictures, etc.

Download Harry Potter Hogwarts Printables: Here

Hogwarts Class Printables from Frosted Events found: Here

Additional Potion Printables found at these links:

Over the Big Moon has these Harry Potter Potion Printables: Here

Fantasy Jr has these Harry Potter Potion Printables: Here

For Tons more Harry Potter Party Printables, Details, Recipes, and Murder Mystery Script

check this post: Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Party

And for our first Harry Potter Party with tons of printables, recipes, and much more look: here

Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Script & Parts

Thanks to a few comments requesting the Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Party Script...I got it all edited and uploaded.  With the business of the holidays, I had taken a little break from all the Harry Potter Tutorials, but now I am finishing them. Everything should be added this week, so keep checking back.

Here is the Mystery Dinner Party "Script."

To Download, click on links at the bottom of page.

Included is:

-the Part of the Host (Professor McGonagall)

-the "Script" of all the parts

-Printable Parchments for each Character of their Parts

(includes Interdepartmental Memos, Parchments for each Course of the Meal)

-Printables of the Evidence documents

This Mystery Dinner is totally family friendly, no adult or suggestive content.

This was a fun party we used for Halloween, but you could use it anytime of year.

Note: These are free.  They are not perfect, sorry for any typos, and I do not own the rights to any Harry Potter Material, so these are just a homemade Mystery Dinner for personal use. Not Professional.

In this Mystery Dinner, the Characters include:

1 host and 14 characters.
Plus 2 optional helpers.

Host: Professor McGonagall

Guests: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Draco Malfoy, Professor Snape, Mundungus Fletcher, Gilderoy Lockheart, Rita Skeeter, Doloras Umbridge, Bellatrix Lestrange

Kitchen Help: Filch (caretaker) & Mrs. Weasly

*Guest Characters could swap names for the sake of gender, or number of guests, etc

*Kitchen Help Characters are totally optional and not needed for the Plot.

Free Mystery Dinner Printables and Parts:

                                  Harry Potter Mystery Dinner: Host Part     (*updated to PDF 1/13)
                                  Harry Potter Mystery Dinner: Parts/Scripts     (*updated to PDF 1/13)
Harry Potter Mystery Dinner: Interdepartmental Memos
Harry Potter Mystery Dinner: Parchments Set 1
Harry Potter Mystery Dinner: Parchments Set 2
Harry Potter Mystery Dinner: Parchments Set 3
Harry Potter Mystery Dinner: Evidence Printables

You need ALL of the Downloads above for the complete Mystery Dinner.

The Memos and Parchments are Printables to hand to the guest for each of the 4 courses of the meal.
Some of these are seen in the pictures above.
(You can simplify this and not do separate courses, but that is just how I had it set up)
The Host Part comes with a schedule, directions and tips for conducting the Mystery Dinner.

The Invitations and Character Invitations can be downloaded:
Here and Here,
but for Details and Instructions/Tutorial for the Invitations check this post:
Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Invitations

For the rest of the Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party details, printables, and tutorials look: here

And for our first Harry Potter Party with tons of printables, recipes, and much more look: here

Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Party Invitations

For the Harry Potter Mystery Dinner Party I had two rounds of invitations.

The first set, was delivered as an Owl Post invitation.  

This invite was general, inviting them to a Murder Mystery Dinner with the Date and Time and asking for a quick RSVP.

Then once I received their RSVP they were sent an official Murder Mystery Dinner Invitation.

This had their new "Identity", or character,  for the party.  

It also instructed them on their part, costume suggestions, and where to find more information about their role.

Inside this invitation was an Insert with instructions on their arrival, a Hogwarts Express Ticket, Polyjuice Potion, and some Fingernail Clippings or Ear Wax of the Identity/Character they were to become.

Here are the Printable Invitations & Instructions.

For the first set of invitations, 

Download Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Owl Post Invites: Here 

1. Just add your information in the blanks.

Then Print (both sides), cut, and seal.

2. Two owl pictures are also included.

Cut them out, glue to balloon with string.

Attach the invite to the end of the string

And deliver!

For the second set of invitations.

Download Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Character Invitations: Here 

1. Add their name to the outside.

2. Print (both sides) invite, ticket, insert, etc.

3. Cut and assemble

For More ideas, Printables & Tutorials and the Murder Mystery Script

Check the original post: 

Harry Potter Murder Mystery Dinner Party

And for our first Harry Potter Party with tons of printables, recipes, and much more look: here

Valentine Printables

Time is flying...and to think the Valentine's Day preparations are beginning!

 I am determined to be on top of things this year...one of many new year resolutions.

So here is a simple Valentine's Day Printable for you:

Click on the image to download the free Valentine Printable.

The download comes with two pages, one as Valentines (with the the "to & from")

and one as Valentine Tags.

For more Valentine's Day ideas check: here.

Linked to these Parties: Here

Check out all the projects they have to share.

Preschool Resources

Looking for good Preschool-Kindergarten teaching resources?

 I was and am so excited with all I found.

The teacher in my has been itching for these years to come and now with a very interested 4 year old, we have started Preschool.  

He loves it and he loves "practicing" at home.  

So I have searched all over the internet and Pinterest to find free and quality printables for Toddlers, Preschool and Kindergarten work.

And these were some of my favorites. 

Oopsey Daisy Blog 

This Site is full of great Learning Packets.  They include printables, activities, songs, snacks, and so much more.  It plans everything for you!

1 Plus 1 Plus 1 Equals 1 

has a For Tots page, with great resources. The Totally Tots section is full of printables and units for every letter and lots of fun themes.

Confessions of a Slacker Mom 

This site has tons of great printable units full of worksheets that also integrate religion.

Preschool Printables from Owens Family-Gwyn

has creative printables from books, by season, and topic. It makes planning the year simple and fun.

Preschool Alphabet  

This site has great printables and units, as well as, a year plan, with calendars and simple lesson plans already laid out.

Living Life Intentionally 

has tons of fun free preschool packs.  All types of homeschooling ideas.  It is an excellent resource.

Confessions of a Homeschooler.  

Her title says it best.  She has all kinds of great ideas and printables, with plenty of experience.

Mine for the Making  

a great site with lots of toddler and preschool printables.

Wild About Teaching 

has fun printables, projects, book based lessons for free.

But she also offers Large Packets for purchase.

Creative Preschool Resources 

great collections of printables.  Fun units with letter practice, sorting, cutting, numbers and much more.

Super Mom Moments 

has free worksheets, fun activities and printables for everything even kid parties.

Education.com 

offers tons of worksheets & activities or all ages and subjects.  The one drawback, you must register.  Registration is free, but it is just less convenient than some other sites.  But the quality and selection of the resources, makes it worthwhile.

Kids Learning Station 

has tons of great worksheets, varying levels and subjects.

Amazing Worksheets 

This site is full of worksheets for every subject and level...not just preschool.  A wonderful resource for all of your kids.

Rockabye Butterfly 

is great for young learners, lots of hands on learning, with printables and activities to teach beginning basics and discovery.

Little Family Fun 

has great learning games, art, and projects for Toddlers and Preschoolers.

Lessonpix Blog 

is a great website with lots of resources.  Their blog has free ideas, lesson plans, activities and printables, and if you want to be a member of their website, they only have a small membership fee.

I hope these are helpful and be sure to let me know if you have any great sources you love for Preschool ideas, resources or printables!