SPONGE WATER BALLS!!!

These have been popping up all over the blogging world!

I didn't want to leave my readers, or my boys for that matter, out of the fun!

I found the sponges, 6 for $3 at Walmart.

I cut each sponge into three pieces lengthwise.

Place the pieces three pieces layered across and stacked three pieces high.

Here is where you can go a couple of different ways. I just grabbed them and tied them with a hair tie. You could also use string, place it under the sponges along the center. Wrap the string around the sponges and pull it tight.  Tie the string in a double knot. 

And there you go!

So much more fun than water balloons and less of a mess!

Small ones were 3x3

Larger ones were 6x3

CROCK POT RIBS!!!

My husband loves RIBS! 

I do too, to be honest with you.

His most favorite rib joint is Texas Roadhouse. The ribs, the house salad and the rolls are all I ever eat while there. I gain 5 pounds just by smelling it!

Well, unfortunately for us, the closest TX Roadhouse is 25 minutes away, plus it's a good $50 every time we go. But I can now make some that taste just as good, if not better, for less than half of that!

And it's not that much work for me!

Here is what you need...

 

3 lbs. pork or beef ribs

1 c. water

1/4 c. liquid smoke

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 c. barbecue sauce

Salt and pepper ribs to taste. Place ribs standing upright in crock pot. Pour in the liquid smoke and water. Sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce. Pour barbecue sauce over ribs. Cook on low approximately 7 - 8 hours. 

After they are complete, put them on a plate or tray and smother on more barbecue sauce. The more the better!

Don't they look yummy?

Note: I have seen a recipe using sherry in lieu of the liquid smoke, I just prefer the LS, to me it gives it that BBQ taste without the grill.

SUMMER FUN WITH THE KIDS!!!

A couple of weeks ago I headed out looking for some things, cheap things I could buy my boys to play with. I usually head over to the summer sections of the stores.

Target is usually in the back corner, while Walmart and Toys R Us usually puts it right in front.

I found the following...

Sizzlin' Cool Golf Caddy for $6 

My boys love sports! Including the husband. Which makes my younger ones love it more!

Update: They had similar ones at Walmart for $5, these ones were just nicer. $1 didn't make a difference to me.

Gazillion Bubble Hurricane Machine for $17

This machine has kept my boys occupied for hours already. I keep the bottle because it's kind of small and I buy the big $1 ones and refill the little bottle. Or I use this recipe for bubbles, here.

Update: I went to Walmart and found it for $10. Yeah, went back and returned the one from Toys R Us.

Stats Bowling Set for $13

I like this! But I say if your kid isn't old enough to set them back up without bumping them down on his own, skip it!

Update: Walmart had a set for $5. I returned this to Toys R Us too.

Sizzlin' Cool Water Wheel Play Table for $25

These are fun. I would say this is best for 2 year olds and older. It's a bit too tall for younger kids. But my 2 year old loves it!

Wading Pool for $8

This is my new favorite thing. I live in Florida and we live outside 11 months of the year. My boys love the water and they really love this pool. It's a great addition to our summer!

Some things I'll be making to help make the summer more fun...

 Sponge Bombs by Inner Child Fun

Chalk Spray by Thirty Handmade Days

Homemade Sand Table via Flickr

Yep. This summer is going to rock! 

What are some ideas you have for outdoor summer fun?

MY BASKET OF FLOWERS!!!

I love summer!

It means... pools, beaches, popsicles, BBQ's, flip flops, baseball, fireworks, parades, rodeos, camp outs, shorts, vacations, my boys birthdays and my anniversary!

I may or may not have mentioned this, but I am a History major, Early American History to be exact.

I also love summer because from Memorial Day weekend until Patriot Day we celebrate this country, which I love, even through all of the ups and downs. 

Here is my first, Patriotic decoration that I worked on this year...

 

I went down to my favorite craft store, Hobby Lobby and picked up a few items to throw together. 

I searched three different craft stores and was unable to find a navy blue hydrangea. So I opted for 2 red. {If anyone knows of where I can find one, please let me know! I think it would make it look even better.}

Tutorial- 

Are you ready, it's really a difficult thing.

Cut the stem and add it to the basket. 

I may or may not add some styrofoam to the bottom of the basket to elevate the flowers a little. I'm just not sure yet. What do you think?

I then added a little extra star to top it off. 

What is your favorite holiday? Why?