Frugal Tips for Summer Activities

Summer vacation is a great time for families to go out and do things together. Visiting amusement parks, dining out, and staying in hotels can end up costing a lot of money. Travel expenses can quickly add up, too. Here are some frugal tips that will help your family enjoy summer vacation without having to go into a lot of debt. Pack some snacks. Make use of your child’s lunchbox this summer. It is the perfect container for easy to eat snacks that your family can bring along on car trips. Instead of stopping the car at the nearest fast … Continue reading

Free Boredom Busters for Summer

Monday was the last day of school for our kids, and they “escaped” school, eager for some fun. While their friends all headed off the camp the very next day, it was left to me to make sure that each day had some new adventure planned, all while keeping house and working from home. Fortunately, there are a lot of great resources to help me. Our local community, for example, provides a number of free and low-cost activities. On Tuesday, the kids learned about cave painting and created their own art through a library program, and they also got to … Continue reading

Back to School Frugal Fun and a Free Owl

Two of the kids are back in school starting today, and my Kindergartener starts on Thursday. It is hard to believe that the summer vacation is already at an end. If I still had any doubts, though, the early morning alarm shocked me back into reality. Back to school is a celebration, not only for the parents, who may be experiencing a mix of excitement that may be able to visit the bathroom without five separate interruptions, and a little sadness to see their babies one year older and off to adventures without them. Many parents plan a celebration for … Continue reading

Back-to-School Breakfast Ideas

Now that the new school year is underway, my days as a short order cook are over… at least when it comes to breakfast. This summer, I could have easily earned employee of the month honors as a flapjack flipper at IHOP, but instead chose to use my pancake-making skills to keep my 7-year-old happy and full. Kids need a healthy breakfast in order for their bodies and brains to function properly. However, during the school year, this important morning meal often gets skipped in the interest of saving time or scoring a few more minutes of sleep. Ironically, eating … Continue reading

Nutritious Summer Foods For Toddlers

Parents of toddlers often have a dilemma on their hands at meal time and snack time. There’s a hungry little person who needs something to eat. That hungry little person may regularly change what he or she will and won’t eat. Also, as the person responsible for the health of that hungry little person you have your own ideas and plans for what kinds of things you will serve. Feeding your toddler right can be a challenge. Fortunately, summer time is here and there are quite a few nutritious foods available that most toddlers love to sink their teeth into. … Continue reading

Back-to-School Breakfast Battle

Along with fighting about what to wear, arguing about acceptable hairstyles, and nagging about homework, moms face another daily back-to-school battle with straggler kids: breakfast. My soon-to-be second grader is used to taking her sweet time at the breakfast table methodically chipping away at her favorite dishes. Her leisurely pace is not an issue on weekends and during the summer months, but once the school year starts her routine gets a serious jolt. I’ve told her a thousand times that she has two choices when it comes to back-to-school breakfasts: She can either wake-up 30 minutes earlier than normal, and … Continue reading

Educational Summer Fun

Here’s a fun way to put your kid’s high tech skills to good use: Computer Summer Camp. If you have a hard time prying your son or daughter away from the computer at breakfast time, bedtime and every hour in between, then you might consider sending him or her to Digital Media Academy. The award-winning camp accredited by Stanford University is one of the most popular media programs in North America and is ideal for teens looking to get their hands on the most relevant software used in the entertainment industry. The summer camp sessions run from mid-June through August … Continue reading

Fun for Kids on the High Seas

Pint-sized SpongeBob SquarePants fans don’t have to travel to a pineapple under the sea to get up close and personal with their favorite Nickelodeon character. Thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line, kids can have a blast with SpongeBob and the rest of his watery friends while floating on the open sea. Earlier this month the cruise line announced that it will be partnering with Nickelodeon to bring SpongeBob and other well-known Nickelodeon characters to at least two of its ships in time for Spring Break 2010. The first Nick and Friends cruise will depart in April on the Norwegian Jewel. It … Continue reading

Summer Deals for a Steal

With summer fading fast, many hotels and resorts are trying to make the most of last-minute family vacations by offering unbeatable seasonal rates. The following are sample savings found at some of the most popular family-friendly vacation destinations: MEXICO Mexico’s Riviera Maya boasts sparkling white-sand beaches and picturesque ancient ruins. It’s also home to the Maroma Resort and Spa, which features 65 spacious, sunlit guestrooms and suites featuring king-sized beds, handcrafted mahogany furniture, and hand-painted tiles. Right now you can book a 3-night weekend stay for just $395 per night. The Best Deal Days offer includes complimentary inclusions valued at … Continue reading

Affordable Memorial Day Fun

There’s no need to drain your family’s bank account to pay for an ultra-luxe Memorial Day weekend getaway when there are dozens of affordable options available. Big fun doesn’t necessarily have to put a big dent in your wallet. Take a look at these kid-friendly activities that are ideal for the long holiday weekend: *Visit a local museum or arts center, some may be offering holiday discounts. *Many local malls, craft and garden stores will be sponsoring free demonstrations or workshops during the holiday weekend. *Check out local bookstores and coffee shops, which often hold author readings or feature live … Continue reading