July Activities at the Library  

Posted by: Julie in


Check out the list below to see all the fun the Greenville Library has planned for July!

Take note that not all activities are offered at every location and some of them have age requirements. Also, for many activities you must to a registered summer reader to attend. Here is more info on the Summer Reading Program. Be sure to register early because spaces fill up early ;-)

**NOTE** Registration for Reading Therapy Dog begins 1 month in advance. If you are interested in this event be sure to register EARLY!

July Events

Game Day
Thursdays (July 9-30) 3:00p-5:00p
Greer (Jean M. Smith) Branch

Rising 4th-6th graders are invited to socialize with friends and play board games and Nintendo® Wii provided by the library. Call 877-8722 for more information.


Twilight Tales
Mondays 7:00p-7:30p
Hughes Main Library, Story Room or *Meeting Rooms A-B

All ages welcome. Adults must be accompanied by children. Call 242-5000 x2248 for details.

  • July 6 Story Time in a Box
    What kinds of things can you make with a box? Hear stories that encourage creative thinking skills.
  • July 13 Eric Litwin*
    Mr. Eric is a guitar-strumming, banjo-picking, story-telling, five-time-national-award-winning, song writing, fun, folksy guy! He’ll perform his new book Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, which will be available for purchase ($18.00) and signing. Must be a registered Summer Reader to attend. Your reading log is your ticket in.
  • July 20 The Happy Circus by Becky’s Box of Puppets*
    Enjoy this unusual puppet show that is entertaining for even very young children. Must be a registered Summer Reader to attend. Your reading log is your ticket in.
  • July 27 Guess Who?
    Guess who is behind the mask. Children will also make a mask of their own to take home.

Summer ReadingTie Dye Party!
3:30p-4:15p Outdoors

Spray a beautiful creation on your own t-shirt! Bring an all-cotton t-shirt washed without fabric softener. Ages 5 and up; ages 5-8 with an adult caregiver. Dress for mess! Registration begins June 16. Program is cancelled in case of rain.


Express Yourself!
Part I: Journal It
Wednesday, July 8 2:00p-3:30p
Augusta Road (Ramsey Family) Branch

Use the papier-mâché technique to transform a composition notebook into a personal journal. Learn about the history of journaling and get writing ideas. Bring safety scissors - all other supplies provided. Ages 11-14. Registration begins June 1. Call 277-0161.


Summer ReadingSquare Dance!
Wednesday, July 8, 3:30p-4:30p
Hughes Main Library, Meeting Rooms A-C

Howdy partners! Get ready for a library hoedown with a square dance and fun western-themed games. Wear your cowboy hats and other western wear. For ages 1- 12; ages 8 and under with adult caregiver.


Miss Trish Presents:Crafty Kids
Thursdays, 3:30p-4:15p
Hughes Main Library, Story Room

School age children hear a story and enjoy a creative activity. Ages 5-11; ages 8 and under with an adult caregiver. Call 242-5000 x2248 to register.


Summer Reading


Summer Reading


Home School Time at the Library: Shakespeare
Thursday, July 9, 9:30a-11:00a
Greer (Jean M. Smith) Branch

Learn the basics of performing a play, then perform a scene from Shakespeare. For students in grades 3 and up. Call 877-8722 or email greer@greenvillelibrary.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to register.


Create a Collage Bookmark
Thursday, July 9, 11:00a- 11:45a
Travelers Rest (Sargent) Branch

Express yourself in color as we create beautiful bookmarks with scraps of paper. All materials are provided. Open to ages 8-14. ;Registration begins June 8. Call 834-3650.


Comic Kids: Graphic Novel Discussion
Thursday, July 9, 3:00p-4:00p
Simpsonville (Hendricks) Branch

Are you hiding a superhero costume under your clothes? Are you secretly a member of the nerdiest group at school? Are you secretly a-gasp-normal kid?! Then join us for a craft and discussion of the graphic novel, The Whole World’s Crazy (Amelia Rules! series) by Jimmy Gownley. Don’t forget to wear your superhero disguise! Open to all kids ages 8-12. Call 242-5000 x2248 or email elammy@greenvillelibrary.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to register.


Ever After Stories: Cuba
Thursday, July 9, 7:00p-7:30p
Hughes Main Library, Story Room

Travel to Cuba with us! We’ll learn about the country, enjoy Cuban music and read Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach and Mediopollito=Half Chicken. For ages 7 and up. Call 242-5000 x2248 for more information.


Bilingual Story Time/Cuentos Bilingües
Fridays, 7:00p-7:45p
Hughes Main Library, Story Room

A 45-minute Spanish/English story time for all ages. Cuentos bilingües que durarán 45 minutos en español e inglés para todas las edades. Call 242-5000 x2248 for more information.


Let’s Pretend: Pirates and Mermaids
Friday, July 10, 10:30a and 3:30p
Hughes Main Library, Meeting Room A

We begin with stories and songs that lead to pretend play. Sail the seas on our pirate ship, try some deep-sea fishing and go underwater with the mermaids! Ages 2-5. Space is limited. Registration begins June 12. Call 242-5000 x2248.


Grandbaby Books
Saturdays (every other), 10:00a-10:30a
Hughes Main Library, Story Room

Bring your grandchildren (or children) for stories, singing and dancing. All ages welcome.


Summer ReadingEric Litwin: Special Event

Mr. Eric is a guitar-strumming, banjo-picking, story-telling, five-time-national-award-winning, song writing, fun, folksy guy! He’ll perform his new book Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, which will be available for purchase ($18.00) and signing. Must be a registered Summer Reader to attend. Your reading log is your ticket in.


Summer Reader Event
Monday, July 13 10:30a Travelers Rest
Monday, July 13 7:00p Hughes Main (Twilight Tales)
Tuesday July 14 10:00a Greer 11:00a Greer
Wednesday, July 15 10:00a Pelham 11:00a Pelham
Thursday, July 16 10:00a Simpsonville 11:00a Simpsonville
Friday, July 17 10:00a Taylors 11:00a Taylors


Summer ReadingParachute Play!
Tuesday, July 14, 3:30p-4:15p
Berea (Sarah Dobey Jones) Branch, Outdoors

Lift and hold on! See what fun you can have lifting and rolling a ball on a parachute. Ages 3 and up; ages 3-8 with an adult caregiver. Registration begins June 15. Call 246-1695. Program is cancelled in case of rain.


Express Yourself!
Part II: Rhyme It
Wednesday, July 15, 2:00p-3:30p
Augusta Road (Ramsey Family) Branch

You may not know it, but you are a poet! New and experienced writers will explore what makes a poem a poem and learn easy techniques for writing formulaic poetry. You’ll have the option to share newly created poems with the group. Ages 11-14. Registration begins June 1. Call 277-0161.


Summer ReadingThe Happy Circus by Becky’s Box of Puppets

Run away to the circus with Becky’s Box of Puppets. All sorts of magic and mischief will occur under this “little Big Top.” Even young children will enjoy this unusual puppet show. Must be a registered Summer Reader to attend. Your reading log is your ticket in.


Summer Reader Event
Monday, July 20 10:00a Travelers Rest 11:00a Mauldin
Monday, July 20 7:00p Hughes Main (Twilight Tales)
Tuesday July 21 10:00a Greer 11:00a Greer
Wednesday, July 22 10:00a Pelham 11:00a Pelham
Thursday, July 23 10:00a Simpsonville 11:00a Simpsonville
Friday, July 24 10:00a Taylors 11:00a Taylors


Mosaic Bubble Paper
Tuesday, July 21, 3:00p-3:45p
Travelers Rest (Sargent) Branch

Create beautiful mosaic paper with soap and food coloring. Use it for note cards, scrap booking or decorating. Open to ages 8-14. Registration begins June 22. Call 834-3650.


The Happy Circus by Becky’s Box of Puppets

Run away to the circus with Becky’s Box of Puppets. All sorts of magic and mischief will occur under this “little Big Top.” Even young children will enjoy this unusual puppet show.

Monday, July 27 10:30a Travelers Rest
Monday, July 28 10:00a Berea
Monday, July 29 10:30a Fountain Inn
Monday, July 30 10:30a Augusta Road
Monday, July 31 10:30a Anderson Road


Reading Therapy Dog

Is your child having trouble reading? Reading aloud to a therapy dog may provide the motivation and self-esteem boost that will make your child want to read. Open to children 6-11 with an adult caregiver. Space is limited. Registration begins 1 month in advance.



June 13 11:00a-12:00p July 11 11:00a-12:00p August 8 11:00a-12:00p
Library Location - Phone Library Location - Phone Library Location - Phone
Main 527-9248 Main 527-9248 Main 527-9248
Augusta 277-0161 Augusta 277-0161 Augusta 277-0161
Berea 246-1695 Berea 246-1695 Berea 246-1695
Fountain Inn 862-2576 Fountain Inn 862-2576 Fountain Inn 862-2576
Greer 877-8722 Greer 877-8722 Greer 877-8722
Mauldin 277-7397 Mauldin 277-7397 Mauldin 277-7397
Pelham Rd 288-6688 Pelham Rd 288-6688 Pelham Rd 288-6688
Travelers Rest 834-3650 Travelers Rest 834-3650 Travelers Rest 834-3650

June Activities at the Library  

Posted by: Julie in


Check out the list below to see all the fun the Greenville Library has planned for the summer!

Take note that not all activities are offered at every location and some of them have age requirements. Also, for many activities you must to a registered summer reader to attend. Here is more info on the Summer Reading Program. Be sure to register early because spaces fill up early ;-)

June Events:

Game Days at the Greer Library
Thursdays, June 4-25, 3:00p-5:00p
Greer (Jean M. Smith) Branch

Rising 4th-6th graders are invited to bring their friends to play board games and Nintendo® Wii at the library. Call 877-8722 for more information. (The Nintendo® Wii will not be available on June 25.)


Twilight Tales: Be Creative
Mondays, 7:00p-7:30p
Hughes Main Library, Story Room or *Meeting Rooms A-B

All ages welcome. Adults must be accompanied by children. Call 242-5000 x2248 for details.


Miss Trish Presents: Crafty Kids
Thursdays, 3:30p-4:15p
Hughes Main Library, Story Room

School age children hear a story and enjoy a creative activity. Ages 5-11; ages 8 and under with an adult caregiver. Call 242-5000 x2248 to register.

  • June 4 Play Day!
    Plan to jump rope, shoot marbles, hopscotch or play dominoes. Jump in and have a blast! Registration begins May 4.
  • June 11 Felt Bracelet
    Bring a 20 oz. plastic bottle and turn it into a bracelet. Sew and bead it as you like! Registration begins June 5.
  • June 18 Painting Special
    Local artist Samantha Bell will teach us how to paint with acrylics. Warning: This may get messy! Meeting Rooms B-C. Registration begins June 12.
  • June 25 Kitty Pillow
    You’ll be sewing and stuffing and purrr-fecting your craft! Registration begins June 19.

Summer ReadingComic Kids: Graphic Novel Discussion
Thursday, June 4, 3:00p-4:00p
Simpsonville (Hendricks) Branch

Join us for the first ever kid’s graphic novel discussion group. We’ll be discussing The Dodgeball Chronicles (Knights of the Lunch Table series) by Frank Cammuso. There will also be a special activity based on the legends of King Arthur. Ages 8-12 welcome. Registration begins May 4. Call 242-5000 x2248 or email elammy@greenvillelibrary.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to register.


Ever After Stories: England
Thursday, June 4, 7:00p-7:30p
Hughes Main Library, Story Room

Join us as we travel to England with The Kitchen Knight: Tales of King Arthur. Other activities include music and a special crossword puzzle. For ages 7 and up.


Summer ReadingDog Days of Summer
Friday, June 5, 10:00a-11:00a
Mauldin (W. Jack Greer) Branch, Outside

Enter your dog in one (or more!) of many contests: best costume, best pet trick, largest dog, smallest dog, longest tail and shortest tail. Prizes and certificates! Presentations and demonstrations, including a therapy dog, will be offered courtesy of the Greenville Humane Society. Limit of 30 participants. Parent or legal guardian must sign a release and provide proof of current dog immunizations. Release is available at www.greenvillelibrary.org. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show – spectators welcome! Call 277-7397 to register. Event is cancelled in case of rain.


Bilingual Story Time/Cuentos Bilingües
Fridays, 7:00p-7:45p
Hughes Main Library, Story Room

A 45-minute Spanish/English story time for all ages. Cuentos bilingües que durarán 45 minutos en español e inglés para todas las edades.


Create a Twin

Always wanted a twin brother or sister? Trace, color and stuff to make one of your own! Ages 5 and up; ages 5-8 with an adult caregiver.


Summer ReadingMad Science: Up, Up and Away

Enjoy this fast-paced, high energy program about air pressure.
Must be a registered Summer Reader to attend. Your reading log is your ticket in.


Summer Reader Event
Monday, June 8 10:00a Mauldin 11:00a Mauldin
Monday, June 8 7:00p Hughes Main (Twilight Tales)
Tuesday June 9 11:00a Greer 11:00a Greer
Wednesday, June 10 11:00a Pelham 11:00a Pelham
Thursday, June 13 11:00a Simpsonville 11:00a Simpsonville
Friday, June 12 10:00a Taylors 11:00a Taylors


Home School Time at the Library: Shakespeare
Thursday, June 11, 9:30a-11:00a
Greer (Jean M. Smith) Branch

Learn the basics of performing a play, then perform a scene from Shakespeare. For students in grades 3 and up. Registration begins May 11. Call 877-8722 or email greer@greenvillelibrary.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Pretty Planters
Friday, June 12, 11:00a-11:45a
Travelers Rest (Sargent) Branch

Join us for earth friendly gardening as we recycle yogurt cups into plant holders. We’ll glue and paint, then plant a flower. All materials are provided. Open to ages 8-14. Registration begins May11. Call 834-3650.


Grandbaby Books
Saturdays (every other), 10:00a-10:30a
Hughes Main Library, Story Room

Bring your grandchildren (or children) for stories, singing and dancing. All ages welcome.

  • June 13 Animal Folly
    Visit the zoo through music and books. Bring your favorite stuffed animal.
  • June 27 Beach Bags
    Pack your bag with your favorite beach towel and beach toy and join us at the library! Spread out your towel and enjoy beach stories and music.

Summer ReadingPorkchop Productions Presents: Little Red Riding Hood

Join us for a rollicking adaptation of this classic fairy tale as Porkchop Productions brings all of your favorite characters (plus a few new ones) to life! Big laughs, audience participation and a lesson in following the rules highlight this fanciful performance. Must be a registered Summer Reader to attend. Your reading log is your ticket in.


Summer Reader Event
Monday, June 15 10:00a Mauldin 11:00a Mauldin
Monday, June 15 7:00p Hughes Main (Twilight Tales)
Tuesday June 16 10:00a Greer 11:00a Greer
Wednesday, June 17 10:00a Pelham 11:00a Pelham
Thursday, June 18 10:00a Simpsonville 11:00a Simpsonville
Friday, June 19 10:00a Taylors 11:00a Taylors


Summer ReadingChildren’s Writing Workshop

Join award winning author Vonda Skinner Skelton for a high energy writing workshop. Her books for middle readers will be available for purchase. For ages 8-12.



Summer ReadingLet’s Pretend: Art Studio
Friday, June 19 10:30a and 3:30p
Hughes Main Library, Meeting Room A

We begin with stories and songs that lead to pretend play. Let’s see how creative your little ones can be. We’ll color, paint, sculpt and create masterpieces for the fridge! Ages 2-5. Space is limited. Registration begins May 15. Call 242-5000 x2248.


Mad Science: Up, Up and Away

Enjoy this fast-paced, high energy program about air pressure. Must be a registered Summer Reader to attend. Your reading log is your ticket in.


Let’s Go Build a Kite!
Monday, June 22 3:00p- 3:45p
Travelers Rest (Sargent) Branch

Join us as we build kites out of paper, ribbon, and string. Open to ages 8-14. Registration begins May 18. Call 834-3650.

It's Time for Summer Reading  

Posted by: Julie in



Do your kids LOVE to read? Do you wish your kids would read more? The Greenville Library has a great summer reading program to encourage our children to read more while they earn prizes!

Kick off for the program is TODAY!!! We've been participating for a few years now and I've learned a few things.

  • Register early. Like today or tomorrow

  • School summer reading list books get gone FAST. If you don't find the books you want at your library, put it on the request list. If you don't get on the list, you may never see the book you're looking for

  • Read, Read, Read! The prizes go FAST. If your child wants the reward from the library, they won't want to wait till the last week to redeem their list for a prize. We redeem our prizes as we earn them. When we read 10 books, we get our prize. When our total hits 25, we get our 2nd prize, and finally when we reach 45 we pick up the last prizes. If you wait until you read all 45 books or chapters, lots of the prizes are gone and who wants to miss out on a FREE Chick Fil A ice cream cone?

  • Work your library trip around other FREE activities at the library. They have some really cool things to do this summer. Many of the activities are for registered Summer Readers only and you will need to take your reading log with you to attend the activity (Click June, or July for more info on activities going on that month)

  • Yes, even non-readers can earn prizes. Read books to your baby or pre-schooler. Let your older children read to them. They can count those books towards their goals.

  • Read books aloud to all the children at once. For example, you can read chapters of "Little House on the Prairie" aloud every night to all your children. Let them take turns reading aloud. Those chapters count, too, and you have a great time together reading as a family. (In larger books, 25 pages read count as a long chapter. My kids like to read "The Magic Tree House" books and we usually count those as 2 books read.)

  • Set aside time EVERY DAY to read. My children like to read BUT if I don't set aside the time consistently, they get busy with other things and tend to over look doing it.

  • HAVE FUN!
Here are the details:



Join Be Creative @ Your Library
Children ages 12 and younger are invited to participate in the Greenville County Library System (GCLS) summer reading program: Be Creative @ Your Library. Receive a reading log and bookmark when you join. Prizes are not recommended for children under 5 years of age

Rewards

You’re a Reader! You have read or listened to 10 books or long chapters.
Chick-fil-A® Icedream® coupon
Pavilion ice skating pass

You’re a Great Reader! You have read or listened to 25 books or long chapters.
Chick-fil-A® Kids Meal coupon
Be Creative paint sheet

You’re a Super Reader! You have read or listened to 45 books or long chapters.
Certificate of Completion
Toy mini video camera
Voucher to a Greenville Drive baseball game including the opportunity to walk on the field and see your name on DriveVision.

*A long chapter is at least 25 pages.

School Credit

When you have read 10, 25 or 45 books or long chapters, take the instructions page and your reading log to the GCLS location where you registered. We will give you a Reader, Great Reader or Super Reader stamp. If your school honors summer readers, show your stamped log to your teacher.

It's a Fancy Nancy Party!!!  

Posted by: Julie in

Here's a frugal and fun event for all the little ladies ages 3 to 12....




Fancy Nancy Ice Cream Social
Friday, May 22, 3:30p and 7:00p
Hughes Main Library, Meeting Room A

Bonjour fans of Fancy Nancy! Come dressed in your finest, fanciest clothes for a fabulous afternoon or evening party. We’ll read Fancy Nancy stories and make marvelous ice cream sundaes, (or “parfaits,” as Nancy would say). We’ll also create a stupendous craft to take home. Ooo-la-la! This program is open to fancy ladies ages 3-12. Registration begins April 20.
Call 242-5000 extension 2248.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The library is a great resource for frugal fun!
Coming up May 29 is the Summer Reading kick off!
I'll be posting more about it soon.

Because He Lives  

Posted by: Julie in



God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a new born baby
And feel the pride, a joy he gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then as death gives way to vict'ry
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives...

Zoo Membership = Frugal Fun  

Posted by: Julie in


In just a few short days school will be out for summer. I am truly looking forward to it. I love having the kids home, even if they do bicker from time to time ;-)

I love not having a set schedule that we have to follow. The days are laid back and easy going. However, what fun is summer break if all you do it stay home...all day...every day....for weeks?

We need a few fun activities to keep things interesting. For us, a BIG family vacation is out of the question most years. We own an ice company so this is a busy, busy, super busy time for our business. That means Dad works 7 days per week with little time for getaways.

Another draw back to that BIG family vacation is the cost. With a family of 6 just eating at McDonald's is expensive! Going to an amusement park? Not in our budget.

So what is a mom to do? Find some really fun, local and frugal alternatives.
Here's an idea for frugal fun I came upon today.


Greenville Zoo Memberships!!!

(picture taken at Greenville Zoo Hot Dog Day 2008)


A Household membership is $49.00 per year. Okay, I realize that it sounds like a nice chunk of change but let's look a little closer:

"Annual admission for two named adults living at the same address, plus their accompanying children under age 18. In addition, you'll receive six guest tickets

If my family of 6 goes to the Zoo just 1 time in a year it will cost us $24.00. Well, right there that is 1/2 of the price for a yearly pass. Go 2 times a year and the pass is paid for. Go 3 or more and we're saving money.

But...it gets better! Your membership also includes:
  • FREE Year-Round Zoo Admission

  • Early sign-up and discounts on all Education Programs, including Zoo Camp!

  • FREE or Discounted Admission to Riverbanks, Zoo Atlanta and more than 130 other zoos around the country. Click here to see the complete list.

  • FREE or Discounted Admission to Special Events such as Boo in the Zoo and Hot Dog Day.

  • 10 percent discount in the gift shop

  • Quarterly Newsletters, Updates and Notices of Special Events

  • Guest Tickets that are good for an admission to the Greenville Zoo


(picture taken at Greenville Zoo 2008)

We were already planning a day trip the the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC this summer. The cost of 1 trip for the 6 of us will cost $48.50. Not if we are members of the Greenville Zoo! With our membership we can go to Riverbanks Zoo for FREE!!! How great is that?

How about another FREE trip? I found a very interesting zoo in Asheville, NC called Western North Carolina Nature Center and was considering a day trip to visit. The cost for the 6 of us will be $26.00. With our Zoo membership the cost of admission is FREE!!!



(picture taken at Greenville Zoo 2008)

Are you planning on going to Atlanta, GA this summer? If you plan to visit Zoo Atlanta while you are there, the price of admission is $18.99 for 12 and up and $11.99 for 11 and under. With your Zoo membership you would get a 50% off discount.

The Free and Discounted Rates apply to many Aquariums, too. Click HERE to see the entire list of Zoos that offer Free or Discounted rates with your membership.


(picture taken at Greenville Zoo 2008)


Let's do the math:

1 trip to Greenville Zoo = $24.00
1 trip to Riverbanks Zoo =$48.50
1 trip to WNC Nature Center = $26.00
Total: $98.50

Cost of Zoo Membership:
$49.00

That's a savings of almost 50%!

(picture taken at Greenville Zoo 2008)

And by having a year round pass to the zoo, we'll be more likely to pick up and visit one day "just because". Pack a picnic lunch and you've got a great, fun, frugal afternoon.

Lot's more ideas for frugal fun coming!

Happy Mother's Day  

Posted by: Julie in ,

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus  

Posted by: Julie in ,




O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Ingles Bargain Meal Week of 05/03/09  

Posted by: Julie in

Bargain Meal of the Week


Okay Dad, this Sunday is Mother's Day and she deserves a break from cooking, right?
With money tight for so many people, taking Mom out for lunch or dinner may not be in the budget. Well, here is an easy recipe for you so you and the kids can make an easy but yummy dinner for Mom.

Angel Chicken
(Since Mom is such an Angel!)

4 oz (1/2 of 8 oz pkg) cream cheese, softened ($0.50)
1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup ($.80)
1/4 cup Italian dressing (pennies)
1/4 dry white wine (or you can use chicken broth) (cost of broth = pennies)
1-1/2 lb chicken cut into bite-size pieces ($1.47* or $4.47*)
1/2 pound angel hair pasta, uncooked ($0.50)
2 Tbs chopped fresh parsley, optional


Beat cream cheese, soup, dressing and wine (or chicken broth) with a whisk until blended; pour over chicken in a slow cooker (Crock Pot). Cover. Cook on HIGH 2 to 3 hours or on LOW 4 to 5 hours.

Cook pasta as directed on package about 15 minutes before chicken is done; drain. Serve topped with chicken mixture and parsley.

*This week Ingles has bone-in split chicken breast on sale for $0.98 per lb. You will need to de-done the breast, remove the skin and cut into bite size pieces. They also have Tyson trimmed and ready chicken breast for $2.98 per lb. These will just need to be cut into bite size pieces.

Total Cost for Angel Chicken = $3.27 or $6.27 depending on the chicken you decide to buy

Broccoli makes a nice side dish. Ingles has Tanimura & Antle Fresh Broccoli on sale 2/$3. Dice them up into bite size pieces and place into a pot of boiling water until tender or microwave until tender.

Total:$6.27 or $9.27 (again, depending on your chicken price)

You may even find a little extra in your budget for dessert. How about strawberries ($2.50 per lb) and Reddi Whip ($2.00) for a light and sweet ending to your Mother's Day dinner?


Be sure to visit The Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap for lots more great recipes!








Bargain Meal - Bi Lo (05/06/09)  

Posted by: Julie in

Bargain Meal of the Week


Welcome to the "Give Mom a Break" edition of Bargain Meals! LOL!

Mother's Day is on Sunday and it's a great time for Dad to take charge of the kitchen.
Bi-Lo has made that easy for you.
They are offering a $9.99 Meal Deal

Here are the details:

Buy One Stouffer's Family Size Entree (57-76 oz assorted varieties)

Get the following FREE:
(1) Cole's breadsticks 10.5 oz
(1) Mrs. Smith's Cobbler 32 oz.
(1) Southern Home Whipped Topping 8 oz
(1) 6 pk Coke cans (12 oz assorted varieties)

You can even pick up a bagged salad and a bottle of salad dressing as a side item.

For $9.99 + tax you've got dinner for 4 + dessert and Mom has gotten a well deserved break from kitchen duty. Just make sure Dad and the kids do the cooking and clean up the kitchen when dinner is done. ;-)

Happy Mother's Day!

Free Family Film Festival ~ Summer 2009  

Posted by: Julie in

Can you believe it's already time to start planning for summer activities? I mean really, wasn't it just yesterday we were all dressing up like cows for free Chick Fil A meals? We had a really fun and frugal summer last year by taking advantage of inexpensive activities like the Family Free Film Festival.

We LOVE to go to the summer movies! It's a big treat for us because we certainly don't got to the full price movies.

There are a few things to note:

These movies fill up FAST! Especially the Hollywood 20 theatre. No kidding! We usually go the the Cherrydale Cinemas but there was a certain movie showing at Hollywood 20 that we wanted to see last summer. When we got there, there was a line almost AROUND THE BUILDING!!

Lots of day cares take advantage of these movies so it's best if you get there early and get your snacks early. At Cherrydale they have drinks for $1 and small popcorn for $1. It might be slightly different at Hollywood 20, I can't remember for sure since we don't frequent that theatre.

So, get that calendar out and start planning your own fun and frugal summer!




REG Free Family Film Festival Beginning June 2009!
When school’s out, kids around the country visit selected Regal
theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It’s a fun-filled nine
weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has
provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!
Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and
Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating
is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival
is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday
morning in the summer.
Tickets for our 2009 Free Family Film Festival
are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office
on the day of the show.





Cherrydale Stadium 16

3221 N. Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville ,SC 29609
864-232-9550
06/09/2009-06/11/2009Everyone's Hero (G)

Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)
06/16/2009-06/18/2009Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)

Kung Fu Panda (PG)
06/23/2009-06/25/2009Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)

Shrek The Third (PG)
06/30/2009-07/02/2009The Tale Of Despereaux (G)

Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
07/07/2009-07/09/2009Charlotte's Web (G)

Surf's Up (PG)
07/14/2009-07/16/2009Horton Hears A Who (G)

Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)
07/21/2009-07/23/2009Space Chimps (G)

Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)
07/28/2009-07/30/2009Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)

Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
08/04/2009-08/06/2009Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)

Nim's Island (PG)



Hollywood Stadium 20
1029 Woodruff Road
Greenville ,SC 29607
864-288-9803
06/09/2009-06/11/2009Everyone's Hero (G)

Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)
06/16/2009-06/18/2009Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)

Kung Fu Panda (PG)
06/23/2009-06/25/2009Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)

Shrek The Third (PG)
06/30/2009-07/02/2009The Tale Of Despereaux (G)

Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
07/07/2009-07/09/2009Charlotte's Web (G)

Surf's Up (PG)
07/14/2009-07/16/2009Horton Hears A Who (G)

Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)
07/21/2009-07/23/2009Space Chimps (G)

Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)
07/28/2009-07/30/2009Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)

Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
08/04/2009-08/06/2009Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)

Nim's Island (PG)

Click to give free mammograms  

Posted by: Julie


The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to
click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating
at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged
woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and
click on 'donating a mammogram' for free (pink
window in the middle).

This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate
sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to
donate mammogram in exchange! for advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.


http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

Whole Foods Local Farmer's Market Grand Opening  

Posted by: Julie in


  • Tuesday Local Farmers' Market - Grand Opening Day! May 5,2009

    3-7pm Cash or Check Only

    We're starting a weekly, all local farmers' market!
Come out and enjoy all of the opening day festivities including:
cooking demonstrations,
samples,
live music with Charlie McDaniel and Friends,
face painting and
balloon art.

Meet some of the wonderful folks who are growing and making delicious food right here in the Upstate.

The market features a dozen local sellers offering all-natural meats, organic produce, milk, eggs, cheese, flowers, homemade canned goods and much more.

Stock up for your own garden today and support Greenville Organic Foods Organization's organic starter plant sale at the Booth with a Cause.

Rain or shine. Parking lot of Whole Foods Market.

(Thanks to Diana Watson from Fox 21 for sharing this information)

Great is Thy Faithfulness  

Posted by: Julie



Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Harris Teeter Triple Total  

Posted by: Julie in


Harris Teeter is having triple coupons for an entire week! I made a trip on Wednesday. Here are my totals. I hope to go again once I get this Sunday's coupons. Triple Coupons will be going on until Tuesday night!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(4) Mahatma Rice Yellow @ $0.89 each - $0.75/2 x 3 = FREE each

(2) Mahatma Rice l1 lb @ $1.49 each - $0.50 x 3 = FREE each

(1) Lysol Cling $2.50 sale ($3.29 reg) - $0.75 x 3 = $0.25 each

(4) Lipton Noodles @ $1.59 each - $0.75 / 2 x 3 = $0.47 each

(4) Electasol @ 3.50 each sale ($5.99 reg) - $2.50 Q = $1.00 each

(1) McCormik chili powder @ $2.26 - $0.75 x 3 = $0.01 each

(1) McCormilk paprika @ $2.49 - $0.75 x 3 = $0.24 each

(2) Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice @ $2.29 each - $0.75 = $0.04 each

(2) Colgate Toothpaste $1.26 each sale ($2.76 reg) - $0.75 x 3 = FREE each

(1) No Yolk Noodles $1.99 - $0.75 x 3 = FREE each

Total OOP $7.75
(Total VIC Savings $13.27)
(Total Coupon Savings $50.55)
Total Savings $63.82

For more saving stories visit Money Saving Mom

A "MUST" read  

Posted by: Julie

I Have Been Ridiculed and Lied To : at Bring the Rain