5 Easy After School Snacks for Kids and FREE BOOK CONTEST
Monday, August 18, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers-To enter to win a copy of this week's BOOK OF THE WEEK, "Pirate Parenting" by Tim Bete, simply reply to this e-mail with "Pirate Parenting" in the subject line.
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Sign up by entering your e-mail address in the box at the right of this blog. Read the full book review at my Book of the Week blog.
Now onto the Tip of the Week............
AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS
Yep, quiet mornings are all gone now as the alarm clock starts to ring and the run to the school bus races begin. Back to school time also means that 3:30 snack time since the kids come home famished.
Well, mot to worry. Here are 5 simple after school snacks you can make in a pinch. And they are healthy to boot.
5 Easy After School Snacks
#1 Peanut Butter Roll Ups
Spread peanut butter on a soft tortilla, and top with sliced fresh fruit. Roll up like a jelly roll, and enjoy.
#2 English Muffin Pizzas
Split English muffins in half. Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and any toppings you like. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and enjoy.
#3 Cinnamon Apple Dippers
Cream together 1 cup cream cheese, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp. brown sugar. Place in bowl. Slice apples, and let kids dip in and enjoy.
#4 Popcorn Granola
Pop microwave popcorn as directed on bag. Pour in large bowl and sprinkle with ½ tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp sugar. Toss with raisins (or Crasins), peanuts, and Cheerios. Enjoy.
#5 Fruit Kabobs
Slice fresh fruit, like apples, bananas, strawberries and grapes, then put on wooden skewers, alternating fruit. In bowl cream together 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1 tbsp sugar. Dip fruit and enjoy.
Other recipes for after school snacks can be found at:
Stay at Home Parents Website
All Recipes Website
Nabisco World Website
Enjoy the journey- Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 8:51 AM 1 comments
Labels: After School Snacks, Back to School, Recipes, Snacks
5 Simple Lunch Packing Tips Just in Time for Back to School
Monday, August 11, 2008
Well, back to school time is upon us, and that means early mornings, homework, and packing school lunches.
I want us to share all the BEST tips we have so we can help each other out with school lunches.
5 Tips to Lunch Packing Paradise
1. CHANGE PURSE - Buy an inexpensive change pures to pack the milk money in the lunch box with. Or put the milk money in a Ziploc bag. It will prevent your child from losing it.
2. FREEZE IT - We use Capri Sun drinks and freeze them overnight, putting them in the lunch box in the morning to keep the rest of the lunch cool.
3. DIY LUNCHES – Lunchables seem to be the big craze. But they are expensive and full of fat and sodium. Kids like the assembly part, so make your own. Cut a tortillas into slices (like a pizza) and pack with cheese slices, pepperoni and maybe some lunch meat slices cut small. Kids can assemble their own at school.
4. CLEAN AS A WHISTLE – Pack 2 moist towelettes or baby wipes in a zip loc bag so your child can wash his hands before and after eating. Or purchase those prepackaged handy wipes in bulk for the year.
5. ROLL IT - If you are purchasing milk at lunch time, get a roll of quarters and a roll of dimes to keep on hand at home, so you never have to search the couch cushions at the last minute for the exact change.
***And don't forget to check out my FREE STUFF FOR MOMS page where you can print FREE school notes, lunch box jokes and love notes, and all kinds of stuff to help you simplify motherhood at back to school time!
Enjoy the Journey (Psalm 118:24)
Posted by Trish Berg 6:44 PM 1 comments
Labels: Back to School, Kids, Lunch Packing
Drawing to Win a FREE JAWBONE BLUETOOTH HEADSET
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
This is a very exciting week around the Berg house. This Thursday and Friday, I will be interviewed on FOCUS ON THE FAMILY and will also be participating in their online forum LIVE both days where moms from around the world can log on and ask me questions or just chat.
Just don't ask me where the missing sock is from your dryer...I still have not figured that one out yet.
To listen to the program, you can find your local station at http://www.family.org/. The forums are there as well, and you can register for free, and log on and chat with me.
So, in honor of this amazing week, I wanted to offer a fantastic contest. And I just love giving things away. Feels like Christmas and all.
I am giving away 1 FREE JAWBONE BLUETOOTH HEADSET WORTH $129.99!
All you need to do to enter to win is to post a comment to any of my blogs. Post as many comments as you like since each comment is a new entry into the random drawing.
MY 3 BLOGS ARE:
http://www.simplifyingmotherhood.blogspot.com/
http://www.booksformoms.blogspot.com/
http://www.trishstipoftheweek.blogspot.com/ (right here)
And, if you are not a blogger, and would prefer a simpler method, simply e-mail me via my website contact page and I will enter your name as well. http://www.trishberg.com/.
I will announce the winner right here Monday, August 11th, 2008. And the prize will be mailed directly to the winner
So....without further ado, here goes....
Jawbone Bluetooth (Value $129.99)
When they offered to send me this product to try, I was not sure what to think. I have never used bluetooth with my cell phone.
(Picture at right is my Jawbone, and the one you can win is black as well, though they offer other color options at www.Jawbone.com)
TRANSLATION: For those moms out there who have no idea what bluetooth is, it is a small ear piece that magically picks up your cell phone signal and lets you talk on your cell phone hands free.
Once I received the JAWBONE, I had fun playing with it, and setting it up. It comes in this fantastic jewel case, and is sleek and fashionable looking.
And low and behold, it WORKED! I can work on the computer, or drive my car and have my Jawbone on, and talk hands free. Perfect for all you busy moms out there who seem to need octopus arms to get through the day.
Here is their promo:
"Whether you re a working mom or a stay at home mom or somewhere in between, what mom couldn't use a third hand or, even better, a hands free device to make our endless multitasking easier?
The hot new Jawbone Bluetooth headset is the perfect answer with its unique ability to eliminate background noise so you can hear and be heard in any environment allowing you to fold laundry and entertain your baby and take that conference call all the while sounding like you re in a quiet office! With the new law requiring a hands free phone device while driving hitting states across the nation, a Bluetooth headset is even more of a must-have.
And the Jawbone won t make you look like a telemarketer either, since the entrepreneurs behind it focused on designing a beautiful and chic headset, comparable to fine jewelry or designer sunglasses. So the Jawbone Bluetooth headset is not only functional, it s earwear.
Benefits of the Jawbone include:
* Patented NoiseAssassin Technology: Jawbone literally feels your speech with its Voice Activity Sensor (VAS) to distinguish the sound of your voice and cancel out background noise.
* Simple to use: Two streamlined Patented NoiseAssassin Technology buttons control all the functions of the headset.
* Design: Made with premium materials and includes customized ear bud fit options to provide a premium visual and ergonomic experience.
The product is available on the Jawbone Web site (www.jawbone.com) for $129.99, as well as AT&T and Best Buy stores nationwide.
You can see pictures here.
You can see a video here.
The Jawbone is perfect for all you multi-tasking moms out there, whether you work outside the home or are a stay-at-home-mom.
And then you will only need octopus arms when you are making supper, folding laundry, helping junior with homework all while knitting.
Just kidding....who has time to knit.
Enjoy the journey - Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 10:27 AM 6 comments
Labels: BLUETOOTH, DRAWING, JAWBONE, PRIZE
Playing the GROCERY GAME and FREE BOOK CONTEST
Monday, August 4, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers-To enter to win a copy of this week's BOOK OF THE WEEK, "Finding Stephanie" a fantastic fiction title by Susan May Warren, simply reply to this e-mail with "Finding Stephanie" in the subject line.
Not yet receiving my FREE Tip of the Week by E-mail ?
Sign up by entering your e-mail address in the box at the right of this blog. Read the full book review at www.BooksForMoms.blogspot.com.
Now onto the Tip of the Week............
PLAYING THE GROCERY GAME
I hate grocery shopping. There, I said it.
But since my family has to eat (and so do I) I have to go grocery shopping.
Well, my sister-in-law, Jen, just shared her SECRET to making grocery shopping FUN, and saving up to 100% on items at the store. (Yes, some items are even FREE) Many are 35% to 60% or more off.
She uses www.TheGroceryGame.com
THE COST
All you do is log on, and for $1 for the first 4 weeks, you can sign in, put in your zip code, and they will tell you which stores they survey. (It is also called "Teri's List.")
After that, it's is just $10 every eight weeks for one store. Most areas offer only one store list. But if you happen to be in an area where more than one list is available, for each additional store list you choose, you'll be billed an extra $5 every eight weeks.
For example, in my area, I can use The Grocery Game for Giant Eagle, CVS or Rite Aid.
So, I chose Giant Eagle, and then whenever I log on, they list the coupons for Giant Eagle, plus in-store discounts, and the final price I would pay. They also tell you which circular to find the coupons in (like your Sunday paper).
COLOR COATED
Items listed in GREEN are FREE! Yep, you end up getting the item for FREE with the coupon and in-store discount.
Items in BLUE are highly discounted, like 50% or more.
Items in BLACK are a good price, but you should only get it if you need it, like maybe 30%off.
OTHER COUPONS
There are also other manufacturer coupons available at the site that you can print out and take to any store.
GET IN THE GAME
I have not always been a coupon cutter. But I am going to give The Grocery Game a try.
Jen swears by it.
So get in the game! And let me know what you think.
As always, enjoy the journey,
Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 11:17 AM 0 comments
Labels: Groceries, Save Money, The Grocery Game
Top 10 Tips for Road Trips with Kids and FREE BOOK CONTEST
Monday, July 28, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers-To enter to win a copy of this week's BOOK OF THE WEEK, "The Forbidden" a fantastic fiction title by bestselling author Beverly Lewis, simply reply to this e-mail with "Forbidden" in the subject line.
Not yet receiving the Tip of the Week E-mail for FREE?
Sign up FOR FREE by entering your e-mail address in the box at the right of this blog. Read the full book review at www.BooksForMoms.blogspot.com.
Now onto the Tip of the Week............
Top 10 Road Trip Tips for Traveling with Kids
1. PACK SNACKS IN A COOLER – Make sure to pack lots of snacks, the kind that won’t leave a legacy of crumbs in the car. Great snacks like Fruit Smileys, fresh apples, grapes, water bottles and hard candy to suck on.
2. PACK FUN – Bring along their favorite small toys they can play with like Polly Pocket dolls, Transformers, things that will keep them busy.
3. DVD PLAYER – If it is a longer road trip, you may want to bring a portable DVD player along. They are fairly inexpensive now, and watching a 2 hour movie can help pass the time for them.
4. LIMIT SCREEN TIME – Letting your kids bring along their Game boys or hand held electronic games or MP3 players is fine, but set time limits. Let them play or listen for 30 minutes, then have a screen free hour or two where you can talk about the sites, and share in the journey.
5. STOP AND GO - Stop every 3-4 hours for a potty break, to stretch your legs and maybe a snack or drink. It will save your sanity.
6. PLAY CAR GAMES – We play “Thinking of a Person” a twist on 20 questions. Or look for the Alphabet in order on signs and license plates. You can also make a list of all the state license plates you see.
7. SOFTEN UP - Bring plenty of pillows and blankets. Children are more likely to sleep in the car if they are comfortable.
8. FREE BREAKFAST – If you plan to stay overnight at a hotel, make sure to choose a hotel that offers kids stay for free and free breakfasts, and yes, a POOL is a MUST!
9. LEAVE EARLY – Depart very early in the morning, before breakfast. This way you can get a few hours under your belt while the kids (hopefully) sleep in the car. Then stop for breakfast at your first rest stop.
10. MAKE THE JOURNEY FUN- Don’t be afraid of side trips, exploring something interesting you see on the road. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones we don’t plan.
Posted by Trish Berg 6:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Travel Tips
Top 10 Travel Tips and FREE Book of the Week Contest
Monday, July 21, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers-To enter to win a copy of this week's BOOK OF THE WEEK, "Lady of Milkweed Manor" a fantastic fiction title by Julie Klassen - Simply reply to this e-mail with "Milkweed Manor" in the subject line.
Not yet receiving the Tip of the Week? Sign up FOR FREE by entering your e-mail address in the box at the right of this blog. Read the full book review at www.BooksForMoms.blogspot.com.
Now onto the Tip of the Week............
With summer in full swing, many of you are taking to the skies for a family vacation. But flying can be stressful and exhausting. So here are my TOP 10 TIPS FOR FLYING:
10 Top Tips for Flying
1. EXIT ROW - Try to get an emergency exit row seat. Some airlines are charging more for them, but some are not. They have a ton more room for your legs. You do have to be willing to help in an emergency, and children are not allowed in this row.
2. AVOID WINDOW SEATS - Window seats are always about 1-2 inches narrower (most people don't know this) then middle and isle seats so they can fit on the aircraft.
3. PICK SEAT ONLINE – Most airlines now have online check in and you can even pick your seat, or switch it, online.
4. ASK FOR SEAT CHANGES - Once you arrive at the airport, don’t be afraid to ask for a seat upgrade or change. Some seats are held empty for last minute travelers, and I have been easily changed to a better seat at the last minute many times.
5. CARRY ON – If you check your bag, it can only weight 5- pounds at most airlines. For every pound over that, you pay a fee. But carry-ons are not weighed. Those pull behind smaller suitcase are perfect. Roll your clothes and stuff them into Ziploc bags to fit more in your smaller carry on.
6. BRING SNACKS – Most airlines are now skipping the snack and beverage or minimizing it. Some are even charging for snacks on the airplane. Since most will serve a beverage, or water, for free, simply pack your own airline snacks, like pretzels, Chex Mix, candy, fruit or granola bars. You will be the envy of all on board.
7. ASK FOR STAND BY – If you are not in a hurry to get where you are going, ask if they need any volunteers to fly stand by. Most of the time, you will get a FREE round trip ticket to anywhere in the US as compensation, and can catch the next flight in an hour or two.
8. JOIN UP – Most airlines have clubs or memberships you can join for free that track your flying miles and give you free trips once you reach a certain mileage.
9. FREE WI FI – Some airports do not offer FREE hot spots, and you must join a service like Boingo for $10 a month to get online there. But, most airlines have first class “clubs” with reserved lounges at the airports. Sit yourself just outside those clubs and you can log onto FREE WiFi.
10. MAKE IT FUN – You will sit at the airport. You will have lay overs. Flights will be delayed and you will sit. So bring a book, a laptop, some snacks, and make it fun. Use that time to relax, talk to the people you meet, and spread Christ’s love.
Next week, I'll share my TOP 10 TIPS FOR ROAD TRIPS - With KIDS! You can survive it, mom!
Enjoy the journey-Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 5:00 AM 1 comments
Labels: Flying, Summer Vacation, Travel Tips
10 Must Have's in Your On-The-Go First Aid Kit & FREE Book of the Week Contest
Monday, July 14, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers-To enter to win a copy of this week's BOOK OF THE WEEK, "Copper Fire" a fantastic fiction title by Suzanne Woods Fisher, simply reply to this e-mail with "Copper Fire" in the subject line.
Not yet receiving the Tip of the Week? Simply sign up FOR FREE by entering your e-mail address in the box at the right. Read the full book review at www.BooksForMoms.blogspot.com.
Now onto the Tip of the Week............
With summer in full swing, kids are, well, getting bruised. And bumped. And scraped. And stung.
Yep, if you are a mom,m summer means injuries for your kids. Most of the time, they are minor, and you can handle them yourself, if you have what you need.
Here is a tip my sister shared with me. She has 2 kids in soccer, and with all the bumps and scrapes they get, she has learned to keep a homemade first aid kit in her minivan all the time. It is cheaper to assemble the kit yourself than to purchase a ready-made one. But what should you have inside?
Well, purchase a small Sterlite box with a snap on lid and load it with these must haves:
10 Must Haves for Your On The Go First Aid Kit
- Disinfectant wipes - Or Hand sanitizer - You will need to clean your own hands before bandaging any wound.
- Band-aids - All sizes.
- Tweezers- To pull out those stingers, splinters and ticks.
- Hydrogen Peroxide - A must have to clean wounds. You can purchase a very small bottle to slip in your kit.
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen -For when those hurts need help. Keep Kid strength and adult (because if you do end up with a kid in the ER for an ankle x-ray, you will need it, too!)
- Benadryl-For those bug bites. Keeps the allergic reaction down. They come in handy dandy chewables now.
- Gauze, tape and small scissors - For those larger wounds that band aids won't fit.
- Ace bandage - For a sprain you didn't see coming.
- Antibiotic ointment - to begin healing right away.
- Pen and paper - Just in case you need to write down some important information.
Hope you never need these things, but better to be prepared.
Enjoy the journey, Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 3:38 PM 0 comments
Labels: First Aid Kit, Summer Vacation
9 Tips to Save Money on Your Heating Bill & FREE Book of the Week Contest
Monday, July 7, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers-To enter to win a copy of this week's BOOK OF THE WEEK, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World," by JoAnna Weaver, simply reply to this e-mail with "Mary" in the subject line. Not yet receiving the Tip of the Week? Simply sign up FOR FREE by entering your e-mail address in the box at the right......Read the full book review at www.BooksForMoms.blogspot.com.......No onto the Tip of the Week....
This question came in from Tipper Barb. " How do U heat your home? Can you put out some suggestions on how to save on heating costs this coming season? THANKS! Barb"
Well, that got me thinking about heating, even though it's July and 90 degrees. Fall is coming, and so are huge heating bills.
9 Tips to Save Money on Heating Your Home
1. ENERGY AUDIT - Do an energy audit of your house, find drafty areas where airs is escaping. Use caulk and weather stripping to fill those.
2.FREE ENERGY ASSESSMENT - Do your own assessment You can do an assessment yourself. Log on to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new ENERGY STAR Home Advisor Web site (www.energystar.gov/homeadvisor) for tips the agency says could help you reduce your energy bills by up to 25 percent.
Just put in your ZIP code and the type of heating, cooling system and water heater you have, and you'll get a customized list of recommendations — from caulking doorways to adding more insulation to the attic.
3. TAX CREDIT - File for an energy tax credit. Replacing an old furnace, boiler, or water heater with energy-efficient units can save you money on your taxes, too. Installing new storm windows and insulation can also help keep your house warmer. Look for products with the ENERGY STAR logo.
File Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, with your Federal Income Tax Return.
Here are the tax credits that you may receive for installing a more energy-efficient product:
Energy Tax Credits:
Furnace/boiler: $150
Water heater: $300
Storm windows: up to $200
Storm doors: up to $500
Insulation: up to $500
Source: www.energystar.gov
4. NO BATHROOM FANS - Vibration fans, such as the one in your bathroom, can suck all the heated air out of the average house in little more than an hour, and throw it outside, wasted.
5. UN-HEAT SOME ROOMS - Do not heat rooms you don;t use, like guest rooms. Close the heating vents there, shut those doors, and turn back thermostats in those rooms (if separate).
6. CLEAN FILTERS - Keep your furnace, heat pump, and vents all clean and maintained. Poorly tuned units are inefficient and use more fuel.
7. LOWER HOT WATER HEATER - Lower the temperature on your hot water heater, around 120 degrees if you have a dishwasher.
8. TAKE QUICK SHOWERS - Cutting your shower time in half can save up to 33% on your hot water heating costs.
9. OPEN BLINDS - in the winter, open the blinds and curtains and let the sun shine in, helping heat your home naturally.
Thanks, Barb! Now we can all get ready for those cooler temps and lower bills!!!
Enjoy the journey, Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 8:43 AM 0 comments
Labels: Save Money, Save Money on Heating Bill
10 Tips to the Perfect Picnic & Free Book Contest
Monday, June 30, 2008
Note to E-Mail subscribers: This week's FREE book of the week contest is for Skizzer, a fantastic fiction story about faith, family, and secrets. To enter to win a FREE copy of Skizzer by A.J. Kiesling, simply reply to this e-mail with "Skizzer" in the subject line by Sunday night, June 29th, 2008......to read the book review go to www.BooksForMoms.Blogspot.com
To subscribe to my TIP OF THE WEEK for FREE, enter your e-mail address at the right......
Now onto the TIP OF THE WEEK.......
Summer means picnics, but how do you pack the perfect picnic? With these 10 tips:
10 Tips to the Perfect Picnic
1. CHAIRS & BLANKETS – Pack your folding chairs, which are much more comfortable than park benches, and blankets to sit on.
2. PLATES – Pack lightweight, disposable plates, napkins and forks, making clean up easy as 1-2-3.
3. TRASH BAG – Pack a trash bag for easy clean up in case a trash can is not nearby.
4. TRAVEL SIZES – Next time you are at the drive thru, ask for ketchup. Start keeping those fast food ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard packs. They are perfect to pack for your next picnic.
5. SANITIZE & SUN BLOCK - Pack hand sanitizer and sun block. I use the sanitizing wipes instead of liquid so I can scrub the dirt off their hands as well as sanitize them. And even on cloudy days, be sure to use sun block.
6. INSTANT ICE PACK – Put ice cubes from your ice maker in Ziploc bags and store them in your freezer now. Build up your stock of ice packs. They are great for last minute picnics keeping your cooler cold, and ease the pain on those bumped knees as well.
7. FREEZE CAPRI SUN – I like to freeze my Capri Sun juice packs. They can help keep the food cool, and thaw fairly quickly into a nice cold drink.
8. PACK IN REVERSE – Pack your cooler in reverse, layering desserts in first, then sandwiches, then drinks and fruits. That makes for easier access.
9. PACK FUN – Don’t forget to pack Frisbees, baseballs and gloves, wiffle balls, and any back yard toys or games your kids enjoy.
10. SCAVENGER HUNT – Make a list of things your kids can find in the park, like smooth or rough rocks, leaves and sticks. Or things they might see like birds, evergreen trees and ducks. They will have a great time checking off their scavenger hunt list as they explore the park.
Enjoy the journey,
Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 6:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: picnics, Summer Vacation
5 Tips to Keeping Fruit Fresher Longer & FREE Book of the Week Contest
Monday, June 23, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers:Enter to win this week's BOOK OF THE WEEK "Truffles by the Sea" by Julie Carobini by replying to this E-mail with "TRUFFLES" in the subject line. If you want to subscribe to my FREE Tip of the Week, sign up in the box at the right. Now onto this week's tip.....
Summer is in full swing, and the fresh fruits is amazing! But how do you keep fresh fruit from going bad and wasting money throwing it away?
5 Tips to Keeping Fruit Fresher Longer
1. TO RIPEN FRUIT - Keep fruits at room temperature to ripen them.
2. TO KEEP FRUIT LONGER – To keep fresh fruit longer, store fruits in your refrigerator to slow the ripening process.
3. STORING APPLES - The best place to store apples is in your refrigerator. Make sure air circulates around them.
4. STORING STRAWBERRIES – Remove soft, overripe berries, then store in the rest in a colander in the refrigerator, allowing air to circulate around them. Wash with caps on, remove caps, and serve. (Leave caps on while storing - The caps keep them fresher.)
5. STORING GRAPES -Store grapes in the perforated bag you purchased them in and refrigerate for freshness.
As Always, enjoy the journey,
Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 9:33 AM 1 comments
Labels: Fresh Fruit
3 Tips for Water Bottles and Kids & FREE Book of the Week Contest
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Note to e-mail subscribers: To enter to win this week's BOOK OF THE WEEK "The Reluctant Smuggler" by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, simply reply to this e-mail with "SMUGGLER" in the subject line. Read the review at www.BooksForMoms.blogspot.com. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can subscribe for FREE at the right of this blog.
Now onto your Tip of the Week.....
YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST-
Moms and dads, you are the BEST at coming up with creative ways to simplify things.
While at a graduation party last week, my three year old nephew, Ethan, needed a bottle of water. My broth-in-law, Chad, genius that he is, quickly took his key and punched a hole in the top of a bottle of water with the cap still screwed on.
All rough edges were on the inside, safely away from little lips. Ethan was able to drink the water without spilling any, or knocking it over and causing a big mess.
So that got me on the path to some great water bottle tips for kids.
4 Tips for Water Bottles and Kids
1. PUNCH IT - Take a sealed bottle of water, and punch a hole in the top with a key, turning a regular old bottle into an instant semi-spill proof sippy cup.
2. TOP IT – Purchase a few bottles of water with the pop tops that you pull to drink. When the water is gone, save the pop tops. Keep a few in your diaper bag. They will fit on any standard water bottle and you will always be prepared wherever you go.
3. RE-USE IT – We purchase a few of the $1 bottles of Propel flavored water. Once the drink is gone, we save the bottles and re-use them for many months, filling them with fresh ice water again and again. They are perfect for those summer picnics and softball games. And if you lose it, no biggie. Easily replaced.
4. FLAVOR IT - This tip comes from my sister, Liz. She keeps several packets of those water flavor pouches in the glove box of her minivan. Anytime they have bottled water at a soccer game, she can flavor her kids water with an assortment of Crystal Light flavors, calorie free.
Thanks, Chad and Liz, for these GREAT tips!!!
Enjoy the journey, Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 10:12 PM 2 comments
Labels: picnics, Water Bottles
5 Fun Father’s Day Gift Ideas & FREE Book of the Week Contest
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers - To enter to win a copy of this week's Book of the Week The SmartStepfamily by Ron L. Deal, reply to this e-mail with "Stepfamily" in the subject line. If you want to subscribe for FREE, sign up at the right of this blog.
Now onto this week's tip....
Father’s Day is this week, and I know my husband has enough ties to dress and army of men. So what do you get the man in your life for Father’s Day? Here are 5 fun gift ideas that you won’t see anywhere else.
8 Fun Father’s Day Gift Ideas
1. DAY OUT – Call a few of your husband’s guy friends, and set up a guy’s day out for your hubby. If they like to golf together, plan a golfing trip. If they prefer baseball, get him tickets to a game and arrange for his friends to go with him.
2. DATE NIGHTS – Have each of your kids plan an individual date night (or day) with dad. Over the next month, have each of your children take dad out for a one on one evening of fun. It doesn’t have to be expensive and can be as simple as a bike ride in the park, a few swings at the batting cages or ice cream at the local DQ. What matters here is the one on one time your kids will have with their dad.
3. DAY WITH HIS DAD – If your husband’s father is around, plan a day for the two of them to go out together. Call your mother-in-law and plan together to send the two guys out somewhere special, like a ball game or dinner. When was the last time your hubby had one on one time with his own dad?
4. LOVE NOTES – Write your husband a love note, and have each of your children write one as well. Tell him how much you appreciate him, and how much he means to each of you. If your kids are too young to write, have them dictate it to you, and you write it down word for word. These will be true keepers!
5. HAND MADE CHANGE JAR – Take an empty glass jar, like from spaghetti sauce, and have your children paint it and decorate it. Then print on it “I wouldn’t change a thing about my dad.” And give it to your hubby to use as a change jar on his dresser. A daily reminder of how much he is loved.
6. HAND MADE T-SHIRT – Purchase a white t-shirt, and some fabric paint. Dip each child’s hand in the paint, and make neat hand prints on the shirt. Then you can get write on it with stamps or paint “Hand made by ___” and insert your children’s names.
7. KING FOR A DAY – Have your kids make their dad a crown to wear, out of paper or cardboard, and crown him king for the day. He gets to pick what to eat at each meal, what to watch on TV, what to do for fun, and on it goes. He will have fun being king and your kids will have too.
8. FUN JAR – If there is something your husband really wants to buy, but money is too tight for now, make him savings jar. If he wants a new car, or boat, or a family trip, write that on the jar, “Dad’s Car Jar” and start putting all your spare change in there. When it is full, open a savings account, and start filling the jar again. You might be surprised how fast you can save when you put your heart in it.
Posted by Trish Berg 6:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Father's Day, Gift GIving
New Use for Flower Flats & FREE Weekly Book Contest
Monday, June 2, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers - The FREE Book contest this week is for a wonderful fiction book titled Chocolate Beach by Julie Carobini. To enter, simply reply to this e-mail with "Chocolate" in the subject line. Now onto this week's Tip.
PLANTING SUMMER FLOWERS......
DON'T THROW AWAY THOSE EMPTY FLATS!
I spent this week planting Impatiens around my flower beds, and new plants and seeds in my vegetable garden.
And I discovered a new use for the plastic flat containers once I was done with them.
NEW USE - A Minivan organizer.
I rinsed the plastic flat off well, and put it on the floor between the two front seats in our minivan. It fits perfectly.
Now I can place the sun block I carry around, the hand wipes, Kleenex, and other assorted sundries in the flat, and they don't roll around the minivan floor.
I have 2 flats left. I think I will rinse those out and slide them under the back seat of the minivan to place other small things that usually clutter my life.
So, don't throw away those plastic flower flats. Rinse them off, and start getting your minivan organized as well!
**BONUS TIP - The flower flats also slide easily under a bed or couch, to organize small toys, out of season sweaters, or other misc. things.
Enjoy the journey - Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 6:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Gardening, Organizing Things
Find the LOWEST Gas Prices in YOUR ZIP CODE & Free Book Contest
Monday, May 26, 2008
Note to E-mail subscribers-Simply reply to this e-mail with "MEN" in the subject line to enter your name in the drawing to win a FREE copy of this week's FREE BOOK CONTEST For Men Only by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn. Enter a 2nd time by posting a comment to my blog, and read the full review at www.BooksForMoms.blogspot.com.
Are we all freaking out about the high gas prices????
Yep - I know I am. I am re-thinking any and every car trip I take; doubling up errands; and trying to cut down on as much driving as possible.
So, as you do your best to spend less on gas, here is a great site to use. Simply log onto this site, type in your zip code, and you will get a list of all the lowest gas prices in your neck of the woods.
This site is updated every day with over 90,000 gas stations nationwide.
http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx
Be a good neighbor and pass this along to as many people as you know.
And together, we can save some money on gas.
Enjoy the journey,
Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 6:00 AM 3 comments
Labels: Save Money
5 Simple Discipline Tips to Save Your Sanity & FREE Book Contest
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Note to E-Mail Subscribers - To enter this week's FREE book contest for a copy of Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck, simply reply to this e-mail with "Sweet" in the subject line. You can see the book review at www.BooksForMoms.blogspot.com.
5 Simple Discipline Tips to Save Your Sanity
- EYE TO EYE - When addressing a discipline issue with your child, get down on his eye level and look him in the eye. He will listen more intently and take you more seriously.
- STAY CALM - The minute you raise your voice, your child wins. Stay calm, even if you have to fake it. Even if there is a tornado on your insides, stay calm on the outside, using a low, calm voice.
- TIME OUT FOR YOU - If you feel your anger on the rise and temper flaring, give yourself a time out. Walk away. Go out on the porch, or lock yourself in the bathroom for ten minutes. Take a deep breath and think through how you want to handle the situation and what outcome is most important to you.
- LEARN TO LAUGH - Life with kids is down right hilarious, if you learn to let yourself laugh at the small stuff. Teddy bear in the toilet? Of course! Pierce your toe on a stale Cheerio? Yep. And laughter is good for your body, mind and soul.
- TELL DON'T ASK - Instead of asking like "Would you please clean your room?" Tell your child like "I need you to clean your room in the next thirty minutes." Be specific. Be clear. Set a time limit. And tell, don't ask.
In everything you do, put God first, he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.
- Proverbs 3:6 TLB
Posted by Trish Berg 12:16 PM 2 comments
Labels: Discipline
Trish On Midday Connection
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Just a quick note, in case you wanted to tune in.
I will be interviewed on Moody’s radio program Midday Connection Monday, May 19th at 1:00 EST.
In northern Ohio it plays LIVE on 103.3 FM 1-2 pm.
You can check your local Moody station for your local times nationwide, or listen LIVE (or after the hsow) online at:
http://www.moodyradio.org/middayconnection.aspx
Click on the “Listen Live” button on the right.
Hope you have a great Monday – and start to your week - Trish
Posted by Trish Berg 9:24 PM 0 comments
5 Grilling Tips
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Now that spring is here, it's time to break out the grill...
To get you started, here are some basic grilling tips.
5 Grilling Tips for Your Next Cookout
- MARINATE - Marinate over night for the flavor to soak in. Use 1 to 2 cups of marinade for every 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of meat.
- FORK FREE - Whenever grilling, never use a fork to turn the meat because the holes it punches allow the natural juices to escape, causing the meat to lose flavor and become chewy. Use tongs.
- TURN ONE TIME - Try to only turn meat once during grilling, keeping more juices in and more flavor in.
- SAUCE IT - If you are using barbecue sauce, wait until the last few minutes to add it since sugar and tomato based sauces burn easily and don't soak into the meat.
- STAY PUT - Never walk away from your grill because that is when the meat will burn. Pull up a folding chair, a cold glass of iced tea, sit down and relax as you cook. Make it fun.
Posted by Trish Berg 10:06 AM 0 comments
5 Tips for the Perfect Purse & FREE Book Contest
Monday, May 12, 2008
BOOK CONTEST - Hit reply (Feedburner subscribers) or post a comment to any of my 3 blogs to enter to win a copy of this weeks Book of the Week Whisper of Freedom by Tricia Goyer.
TIP OF THE WEEK
There is nothing more cluttered than a woman's purse. So how do you keep all that stuff organized? Which purse do we choose - what color, size, style. Whew, that's a lot of pressure.
Don't stress, because here are 5 tips for the perfect purse.
5 Tips for the Perfect Purse
- SIZE - Choose a purse that us in proportion to your size. If yo are very petite, carry a smaller purse. If you are taller, carry a larger purse.
- BLACK ALWAYS WORKS- If you only buy one purse, buy black. It goes with everything and is always a classic.
- DIAPER BAG IT - Forget the purse section, find the perfect hand bag in the diaper bag section. They are making amazing, beautiful, cool diaper bags these days, and they have tons of pockets and inserts for your cell phone, hair brush, and everything!
- CLUTCH NO MORE - Carrying a clutch bag may make you a target for purse snatchers, since they are easy to set down, forget about, or grab.
- WEAR IT - Always wear your purse when you are out and about, since they are easily snatched in the blink of an eye from grocery carts or off of benches. If you need to set it down on the floor at a restaurant, wrap the strap around your ankle as you sit there, so a purse snatcher can;t grab it without you feeling it being tugged away.
Posted by Trish Berg 9:29 AM 3 comments
Labels: Fashion
7 Simple Travel Tips for Flying
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
This Week's Tip - 7 Simple Travel Tips & FREE Book Contest
Be sure to check out and enter the FREE book contest this week at www.BooksforMoms.blogspot.com by either posting a comment to any of my 3 blogs, or sending me an e-mail via my website contact page.
I am not a world traveler. But this writing and speaking career has forced me to learn a few things about traveling. And as I embark on my next 3 day trip, I wanted to share a few quick travel tips with you.
6 Simple Travel Tips for Flying
- GET ONLINE - Even if you are not a web-savvy person, get online 24 hours prior to your flight to check the status and check in. You can even change your seat assignment online and print out your boarding pass.
- GET AN EXIT ROW - When choosing your seat online, try to get an exit row seat, they have the most room. (Though children are not allowed in the exit row, and some carriers are now charging a fee to sit there.)
- AVOID WINDOW SEATS - Window seats are always about 1-2 inches narrower (most people don't know this) then middle and isle seats so they can fit on the aircraft. SO try to get an aisle or middle seat.
- CHECK BAGGAGE POLICIES - Some carriers are now only allowing 1 checked bag per ticket, and charging a fee (like $25.00) for a 2nd bag. If you are flying business or first class, you can usually check 2-3 bags.
- WEIGHT - No not yours, your bags. Be sure to weigh your bag before you leave. Most carriers only allow 50 pounds per checked bag, and charge fees for every pound beyond that. Unless you fly business or first class, then your weight allowance goes up.
- SNACKS - Pack a few snacks for yourself. The airline may only give you a small bag of nuts and a drink. And if you purchase a snack at the airport, you may need a 2nd mortgage on your home to pay for it! I like to bring Nutri-grain bars, granola, gum and mints.
- GET BUMPED - If you are not in a hurry to get to your destination, ask at the ticket counter if they have overbooked the flight and need someone to get bumped to a later flight. If you offer to be that person, you typically get a free round trip ticket anywhere in the US as a thank you. Usually the next flight is only an hour or so later, but sometimes it may be the next day, and they will pay for your hotel and meals, and make it well worth your while.
Most of all, relax and enjoy the journey. When you are delayed or have a layover at an airport, just find a great cup of coffee, a comfy seat near your gate, sit back and relax. Make the journey part of the adventure.
Blessings -
Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 5:02 AM 1 comments
Labels: Travel Tips
Trish on TV May 8th and 9th
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Just a quick update on the publicity tour this month.
Some authors may fly from New York to LA, but not me....
I am on a whirlwind book tour this week for Rattled - 2 Countries in 3 days!
OK, to be honest, it's just Canada. But hey, I had to get a passport and everything!
So here is the scoop.
I will be flying to South Bend, Indiana to be a guest on The Harvest Show, a national Christian talk show on Direct TV channel 327. I think my segment will be about 4-5 minutes long.
From there, my publisher is flying me to Canada to be on a national Canadian show called 100 Huntley Street. (Kind of like The View, but for Christians.) And get this. I am scheduled to be on for 20 minutes! Woooo Hooo!!! I just hope I don't say something dumb. That's a lot of time on live TV for someone like me....who regularly eats her foot for breakfast, lunch and dinner...
I am going to try and post blogs throughout the trip and keep you all updated, and maybe even upload some photos. And I would love it if some of you could catch the shows. If you don;t have Direct TV, and for 100 Huntley, you can watch them online. The links are below.
I will also try to upload the segments to my website within the next month, so anyone can see them anytime.
And, rounding out the month is a fantastic interview on the national Moody radio program, Midday Connection, whcih you can also listen to online. (In Northern Ohio it is on 103.3 WCRF FM.)
And, if you get the chance top see or hear me, let me know. (Unless I had green spinach between my 2 front teeth and looked like an idiot. Then just don't tell me.)
TRISH'S 2 COUNTRY PUBLICITY TOUR
May 8th The Harvest Show
I will be a guest on The Harvest Show (You can view it online at http://www.harvest-tv.com/)
May 9th 100 Huntley Street
I will be a guest on 100 Huntley Street (You can view it online at http://www.crossroads.ca/index.html)
May 19th Midday Connection
I will be interviewed on Midday Connection (http://www.moodyradio.org/middayconnection.aspx
Many blessings in Christ,
Trish
Psalm 118:24
Posted by Trish Berg 5:02 PM 1 comments
Labels: Trish's Publicity Tour
