The Desperate Mom’s Guide to Spring Break

Are the kids inside and bored and the weather just isn’t co-operating during spring break? I know what you mean. Although I’ve been trying to push the birdies out of the nest to play outside, it is just too cold here. Add to that the fact that our spring break is really short this year (only three days off), and you have the potential makings of disappointed kids. Sure, we could just throw money at the problem, but then again, that wouldn’t be very frugal. Despite these challenges, I am happy to report that the feedback I got from my … Continue reading

Fun Ideas for a Spring Staycation this Year

  For some families, spring break is almost here.  Having a week or two off from school is the ultimate idea of fun for many kids, but for moms and dads the seasonal vacation can be dreadful, especially if money is tight. Fortunately, you don’t have to drop thousands of dollars to make your child’s spring break memorable.  With the price of gas hitting record highs, millions of families are opting to stay close to home this season.  The idea of taking a staycation is even more tempting when you consider how much money you can save while still having … Continue reading

Scrap Your Magical Spring Break Adventure

If your family’s spring break escape includes a sprinkling of pixie dust, a pair of glass slippers and a castle fit for a princess, then you will likely be documenting every magical moment. No trip to a Disney theme park can take place without snapping at least a few hundred photos and collecting a mountain of memorabilia.  When you return from your fantasy vacation you’ll want create a scrapbook detailing all of the fun had with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and the rest of the crew. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a ton of money crafting a Disney-themed memory … 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

Save on Theme Park Fun

Spring break must be right around the corner given the number of commercials I’ve seen for various theme parks. Traveling to major amusement parks doesn’t come cheap, especially if you are planning to visit with your entire family.  Admission, coupled with parking, meals, and souvenirs can easily cost you hundreds of dollars.  Fortunately, there are ways to save on wholesome theme park fun without breaking the bank. For starters, consider looking for package deals.  Places like Disney and Universal Studios often offer discount tickets to guests bundling airfare, hotel and park admission.  In other cases, using a reputable travel agent … Continue reading

Record-Breaking Baby Daddy

If guys could get pregnant, I’m pretty sure Desmond Hatchett wouldn’t be making headlines for fathering 30 children. And I’m not talking about Duggar-style procreating. The infamous sperm donor, whom Dr. Drew calls a “menace to society,” has 30 children by 11 different women. Hatchett briefly caught the eye of the media back in 2009 when his notorious spawning tally stood at 21 children. Now, the 33-year-old baby daddy is back in the news, and it’s not because he has since added nine more children to his brood. According to reports, Hatchett is begging the state of Tennessee to help … Continue reading

Spring Sanity Savers

On the tenth day of spring break my second grader gave to me… a heart attack when she climbed our neighbor’s Lebanon Cedar tree. Sing it now. On the eleventh day of spring break my second grader gave to me… If your child’s school spring break is pushing the limits on your sanity, then consider the following activities: Spring Blooms: Get out and enjoy the fabulous spring weather by having your child collect a variety of blossoms. Look for daisies, roses or lilacs which can be pressed in between heavy books for a few days. When the flowers are flat … Continue reading

Surviving Spring Break

Day One of spring break and the living is easy. Day Two of spring break and the excitement of being out of school is still fresh. Day Three of spring break and the Easter sugar high is waning. Day Seven of spring break and mommy is ready to carpool… solo. Where are you on the spring break scale? My daughter’s Catholic elementary school breaks for nearly two weeks around the Easter holiday. This is great if you are traveling to Hawaii; not so much if you are stuck home for the entire school recess. If you are looking to preserve … Continue reading

Sweet Easter Fun

Smell that? It’s the sweet scent of Easter. Or, in our house, chocolate and jelly beans. Spring break has given my daughter plenty of time to exercise her creative muscle designing and decorating Easter-themed goodies. The following projects are two of her favorites, though only one is edible: CANDY FLOWERS Materials: Construction paper or cardstock in a variety of colors 8-ounce clear plastic cups Popsicle sticks or craft sticks One bag of jelly beans One bag of Hershey Kisses One bag of Rolos One bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis Craft glue Directions: Use construction paper to cut-out flower … Continue reading

Taking Aim on Spring Break

Where are you headed for spring break? Whether you are jetting off to the slopes or are planning a beach vacation, you don’t want to miss capturing all of the action with your camera. Make the most of your picture-taking device even if you are sticking close to home this Easter. While the price of gas has put a dent in many people’s wallets, it doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on making and documenting fun spring memories. For example, if you are planning to visit a hometown amusement park while your kids are on spring break, aim … Continue reading