There are lots of great savings opportunities at shutterfly right now with their summer sale. You can also get free shipping on orders over $30 with coupon code SHIP30. Check out these and other great offers at shutterfly.com

You can also take your pictures from facebook and turn them into a keepsake photobook.  

Don't miss out on these great savings. Many of these sales will be gone in September.

August is Breast Feeding Awareness month. Diapers.com is offering several specials through August 15th on their website. Some of these specials include:

•Buy 2 or More Nursing Bras or Tanks from Bravado Designs, Save 20% on your purchases
Code: AUGUST20PCT
End Date: August 15th, 2010

•FREE Lansinoh Manual Pump with purchase of a Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Pump
Code: AUGUST20PCT
End Date: August 15th, 2010

•Save $5 on The First Years Nursing Comfort Instant Relief System
Code: AUGUST20PCT
End Date: August 31st, 2010

Don't forget Diapers.com always offers free 2-day shipping on orders over $49 with no coupon code needed.

Camping can be a bonding and inexpensive family activity. There is nothing like sleeping in the fresh air, spending some time in nature, and cooking over a fire. If you haven't tried it yet or think you can't do it with kids then read on. There can be several different levels of camping. Here are some ideas.

Backyard Camping - If you are a complete camping novice then you should start by sleeping in a tent in your own backyard. Even if you have camped before this might be a good idea to give your kids a chance to try it out before you are away from home. If you don't have a tent you may have a friend that has one and will let you borrow it for the weekend. If you don't have a backyard maybe you can try out grandma's house or a friend that has a bigger yard. It can be a lot of fun to sleep outside even at your own house and if the kids don't like it you can always head back inside. This will also be a good idea if you don't have a lot of other camping equipment since all the food can be prepared in the house.

Easy Camping - This is what my family is doing this weekend. We love to camp but don't always want to do all the work of cooking outside and packing all the gear. We booked a campsite in Lancaster Pennsylvania right near some amusement parks and outlet centers. The campsite is wooded and rustic but it is near lots of restaurants and attractions. We will bring a little bit of food for snacks and sandwiches. We will probably have a campfire at night to roast marshmallows and enjoy each others company. The majority of our meals will be from restaurants. There is everything from fast food, sandwich places, to sit down restaurants. Packing will be minimal since we will just need our sleeping supplies and we can have a quick get away for a few nights. If you want to do this type of camping then check out a local area that has attractions and is developed with restaurants and find a campground near there.

Family Camping - This is our traditional Labor Day weekend camping trip. This is our third year going and we have 3 children 5 and under. We get together with two other families (who also have 3 kids each) and get a few sites at a state park campground. We bring everything we need to cook our meals over the fire and sleep. There is a lake at our campground as well as hiking trails. Since there are 3 families going on the trip we can divide up the meals as well as the needed supplies. Everyone doesn't need to bring a camping stove and cooking gear. This can help out if you don't own everything already. We have some basics and share with our friends some of the community items like cookware. There are areas that are so rustic there is no bathrooms and there are some with bath houses. Some state parks even offer cabins which can be great if you don't have tents. Besides, it is a lot of fun to visit with friends and be in the outdoors. Check your local state parks for availability.

Here are some pictures from our last camping trip. We made some great memories at Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania.

Above all remember that camping doesn't have to be uncomfortable. We bring our air mattresses and bedding. We always get a good night sleep and are quite comfortable.

Rustic Camping - This is the kind of camping my husband loves and we may try when our kids are older. You can go hiking or canoeing and then find a spot to set up camp. You have to carry everything in with you so this is not for the faint of heart.

If you are not the camping type but your husband is then consider sending your husband with another dad and the kids. They can go to a state park and enjoy the outdoors while you enjoy some time to yourself. Of course it can always be a little scary to send the boys off on their own with the kids but with cell phones you are only a phone call away.

This is a great time of year to get some new camping supplies or replace some older ones. Most stores are having big sales this time of year. Check out Campmor's hot deals. Walmart is also having great deals right now.

Get out in the great outdoors and give camping a try. Even if its just one night in your backyard. You might like it more than you think. What type of camping trips have you taken your family on? Are you a family camper, easy camper, or into rustic camping? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below.

Encouraging Words

The summer goes fast, at least it feels like it does. A week ago a friend said, "I can't believe the summer is almost over" I laughed and said, "It is still July so its not even halfway yet" Why does it seem like it goes so fast? Perhaps it is the school supplies that have taken over. Back to school sales are in every store and we have already purchased our backpacks. Of course, they have to get the school supplies out in July so that they will have room for Halloween in August and Christmas in October. They really push us along! Anyway, most of us still have half the summer left to enjoy time with our kids, go to the pool, and do some summer reading.

In about a month school will start and the scheduled bedtime must be adhered too, healthy meals and lunches must be made, and homework will have to be done... BUT not yet. Take some time to enjoy the calm before the storm. If you have had a crazy and busy summer try to free yourself up for a few days and relax. Do something fun and unexpected with the kids like make ice cream. Try to take advantage of the lack of schedule and have the kids watch a movie with popcorn in the middle of the week.

What goals have you set for yourself this summer. Did you plan on taking the kids to the library, go camping, hit a local amusement park, see a free movie, other fun activities or our "Cool Summer Activities" ideas. There is still time.

Maybe you can do something for yourself. You may not have as much time to yourself during the summer when the kids are home. Talk to a friend about swapping kids so you can each have a turn to get a pedicure. There is nothing like nice looking toes in the summer.

As crazy as the summer can get it is still more relaxed then the school schedule in the fall. Take advantage of this second month of summer. Don't throw in the towel and think its all over. We are only half way there.

With 1+ months of summer left, here's a good article that emphasizes that drowning is silent & that we need to watch our children (even if they can swim) closely around water.  Read this article to know better the signs of drowning.

Item of the Week

 A waterproof picnic blanket is an essential item for every family. It has so many uses. Whether you are planning a romantic picnic with your husband or a family picnic with the kids you will need a great picnic blanket. It is also great for the beach, camping, bleachers, or your lawn.

This is a great blanket for many reasons. The first is the size. It is 50x60 which is a decent size. It is also made of an anti-pill fleece that is very soft and comfortable. It is lightweight at only 13oz and has a carrying case with straps. There are six options for color such as navy, black watch plaid, forest green, red, royal blue, and red buffalo plaid.

This is a great blanket to keep in your car for the park and your kid's sporting events. The waterproof backing allows you to sit on wet bleachers or the damp grass without getting wet. That is why it can be great for a camping trip. It has so many uses.

One of the best things about this blanket is the price. It is on sale for $12.99. Order this picnic blanket for all your summer activities and you won't be sorry.

CafePress.com is having several sales right now. The best sale is 30% off any order of $40 or more with coupon code 30SAVINGS. This is a great opportunity to do some back to school shopping or even shop ahead for the holidays.  Cafepress is well known for its wide variety of T-shirts on many different subjects. You can find T-shirts to announce your pregnancy or announce that you will be a new grandma. You can find many unique shirts for gifts for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, etc.

Don't miss out on this discount. It is for this week only and ends Friday, July 30th.

There are lots of great ways to spend a mini vacation with your husband. The summer is a great time to do it because there is no school to deal with. You can have someone come to your house to watch your kids or drop your kids off at grandmas to stay while you are away. Here are some ideas from the affordable to the extravagant. All these trips can be as short as a long weekend or extended to a longer trip.

A Stay-cation - This is definitely the most affordable option. Take your kids to Grandma's house and stay home. You can go out to dinner, bring dinner in, or buy some lobster and steak and cook it yourself. You can go out to a movie or rent one. Don't forget to visit some of the local places you never go with the kids; a winery, museum, fair, antique shop, or farmers market. Sleep in, relax and enjoy your time with each other as if you were out at a hotel.

Go Camping - Now I know this may not appeal to many women, and it never did to me, but since we have had kids we have gone camping a bunch of times and now I wish we would have done it before we had kids. It can be romantic to be out in nature, picnicking, and cuddling around a campfire. This can be very affordable if you have some equipment. If not then you may be able to borrow a tent from a friend and grab local takeout instead of cooking your own food. Your husband might be into this idea too which can help a lot if he was reluctant to do something before.

Bed and Breakfast - Head out to a local bed and breakfast for a long weekend. This can be a nice quiet getaway. This is also affordable and can be a good option if you have younger children and you don't want to go too far. Look around within a couple hours of your home and you can have a little getaway but know that you can get home if needed.

Hotel in the Big City - Drive to a nearby big city and enjoy some culture. Head out to NY, Vegas, Miami, Niagra Falls, or another big city. Stay in a nice hotel, see a show, do some gambling, or another activity common in that city.

Cruise - If you live near the coast this can be a good option. If you don't live near the coast then you'd have to add in a flight. Some cruises are as short as 4 nights. It can be a great way to get pampered and enjoy some alone time. I have enjoyed several cruises on Royal Caribbean and would recommend them.

Head to the Tropics - There is nothing like a few nights in paradise. Hop a plane to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, or another exotic location. This is one of the more extravagant options but if you can swing it, go for it. There are lots of all inclusive resorts like Sandals that offer luxury vacations and have great sales promotions.

Leaving your kids behind can be a bit stressful if you have never done it before but getting organized for the babysitter can really help. Also, you may feel like its going to be weird spending all that time alone together without the kids. There are lots of great resources and ideas to help you along. Check out our article on great relationships for ideas.

Call grandma and grandpa or a close friend and set up a mini-vacation with your husband soon. No matter what your budget you can find something fun to do together.

Encouraging Words

Over the summer people are often thinking about taking a family vacation. Have you considered taking a vacation alone with your spouse? When was the last time you had some time together that lasted more than a few hours?

It is so important for your relationship to take some time to be husband and wife and not just mom and dad. Recently, my husband and I went away for a few night alone together. It was the first time we left the kids and had some time to ourselves since our daughter was born 5 years ago. It was such a great time for us. We reconnected in a way we haven't done in so long. I got to get dressed up and put together and feel more like a woman than a mom. By the end of the trip we were walking around, holding hands like when we were dating.

All too often we put our kids ahead of ourselves, spouses and marriage. Of course there is a place to put them first but sometimes you need to work on your relationship with your spouse too. The best gift you can give your children is a happy home with two parents who love each other, work as a team, and are happily married.

Check back this week as we discuss ways to reconnect with your husband and spend some extra time together.

What are some fun things you have done with your spouse that helped to rejuvenate your marriage? Leave us a comment and let us know. We would love to hear about it.

Shop at Childrensplace.com for great savings. Get a head start on your back to school shopping or get your kid's summer wardrobe for next year. 

Today only you will receive 25% off your entire order of $75 or more with coupon code FRIDAY25.

Saturday, July 24th you will receive 20% off your entire order of $50 or more with coupon code SATURDAY20.

Sunday, July 25th you will receive 15% off your entire order when you spend $40 or more with coupon code SUNDAY15

Don't forget Childrensplace.com ships every order for only $5 every day. No coupon code required.