Search Results for: blog how to have fun without breaking the bank

Wet and Wild Summer Fun

Splurging on a summer pass to the community pool may not be an affordable option for some families.  Fortunately, there are a number of ways to keep cool when the mercury soars without breaking the bank. The following simple projects prove that splashtastic fun can be had by kids of all ages with a simple garden hose and a few inexpensive household items: Water Balloon Piñata Materials: Package of water balloons String Garden hose Small plastic funnel Plastic baseball bat Directions: Fill up the water balloons using the funnel and hose.  Keep in mind that the more water you add … Continue reading →

More Treasury Fun

When was the last time you got a whole lotta fancy on a frugalista’s budget? Right now you can gift your favorite young reader with a double dose of Fancy Nancy treasuries without breaking the bank. Best-selling author Jane O’Connor teams up with ultra-talented illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser to once again take youngsters on a resplendent ride to Fancyville. At the helm of the grandiose getaway is the one and only Fancy Nancy.  The girl with the vibrant vocabulary and whimsical wardrobe is back in Fancy Nancy Storybook Treasury.  The sturdy hardcover book features six stupendous stories filled with teachable … Continue reading →

Save on Spa Fun

Mother’s Day is right around the corner; time to start shopping. The day set aside to honor the most priceless person in the world can put a major dent in your wallet, especially if you plan to shower mom with expensive presents.   However, if you are working on a tight budget, there are still plenty of wonderful ways you can show your mom how much she means to you. Rather than send mom to a pricey spa, treat her to a relaxing morning at a home version.  The following affordable ideas will allow you to pamper mom without putting your … Continue reading →

SoCal Spring Break Without Breaking the Bank

Are you ready for spring break 2013? I’ve been ready since November 2012. I would do just about anything to escape the brutal cold and ever-present snow that has smothered our neck of the woods for the past four months. Are you with me? If you need a reprieve from Old Man Winter, but don’t have a ton of cash to fund a luxurious spring break getaway, consider the plethora of travel deals being offered in sunny Southern California: March 7-10, 2013:  Enjoy the magic of Oz on picturesque Coronado Island.  Next month, the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission is presenting … Continue reading →

Fun Christmas Competitions Among Friends

What’s a little competition amongst friends? If you can maintain some perspective, a little friendly rivalry during the holiday season can be fun. This is especially true if you are hosting a Christmas party.  Playing games and setting up a few holiday-themed contests allow you to keep spirits high.  Your guests will surely leave your home smiling after participating in the following festive activities: Scavenger Hunt:  Use a bunch of holiday items, such as tree ornaments, stuffed snowmen, and jarred holiday spices as the objects your guests have to hunt for in and around your home. Santa Scamper:  Players race … Continue reading →

Fall Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Forget about combing the aisles of Michaels or Hobby Lobby for unique fall decorations. Instead, head outside for inspiration… and super cheap materials. And by super cheap I mean free. Yes, Mother Nature’s got Michaels beat in regards to price and accessibility. From gorgeous colored leaves to acorns, gourds and whimsically-shaped branches, you can gather an entire room’s worth of natural items from your own backyard, and then flex your creative muscle to design one-of-a-kind fall decorations. Here are some simple ideas that even your kids can make: LEAF PEOPLE: Lay out a large piece of craft paper and trace … Continue reading →

Double the Fun

Experts predict the weak economy will continue to affect the travel industry well into 2012. Fortunately, there are ways you can escape with the entire clan without breaking the bank. One option that has seen tremendous growth in the past couple of years is traveling with another family. If you love spending time with your BFF and her family, then consider doubling the fun by combining your broods and jetting off on a getaway the whole group will enjoy. Depending on the size of your collective crew, you can save a bundle by taking advantage of group travel discounts. To … Continue reading →

Holiday Decoration Family Fun

Who says you have to spend a fortune creating festive holiday decorations for your home? With a little effort and some creativity you can make a variety of seasonal decorations without breaking the bank. Here’s how: Christmas Card Collage: During the holidays, most people receive dozens of Christmas greeting cards. Instead of stacking the cards in a pile or tossing them into a basket, consider cutting out your favorite images, and creating a collage. You can even add small embellishments such as buttons, ribbons or silk flowers for a one-of-a-kind piece of holiday artwork. Gift Stacks: Fake out your kids … Continue reading →

Educational Summer Fun for the Whole Family

Just because school is out for the summer doesn’t mean that your kids have to take a 3-month hiatus from learning. If you are planning a summer road trip across the United States, then consider making a pit stop at some of these educational destinations: WASHINGTON Give your kids a crash course in culture in Tacoma. That’s where you’ll find the 500-foot Chihuly Bridge of Glass, built by native glass artist Dale Chihuly. The one-of-a-kind stunning blue art piece spans the Thea Foss Waterway and connects the city’s three museums —Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum … Continue reading →

Fun Outdoor Activities for Families

Good news for cash-strapped families: You don’t need to put the brakes on your summer road trip because you’re pinching pennies. Dozens of cities across the country are offering free family fun in the sun this summer. Take a look at these outdoor adventures that won’t cost you a penny to partake in: VIRGINIA Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is best known for its wild pony round-ups that take place each July. However, the 14,000-acre park also features dozens of other free activities, including bird watching, kayaking, and fishing. The refuge is filled with dunes, marshes and maritime forests. You can … Continue reading →