Search Results for: blog simple ways to save this summer

Summer Entertaining on the Cheap

Save money when you use the following strategies for summer entertaining on the cheap. Keep the Food Simple Food and drinks are one of the biggest expenses when it comes to summer entertaining. You can reduce this expense in several ways, most notably by keeping everything simple. Do summer favorites, such as hot dogs and burgers with some salad and pasta or pasta salad to round things out. Desert can be inexpensive, too, from freezer pops for the kids to fresh cut watermelon. Reduce the Meat Kabobs on the grill are great because they reduce the amount of expensive meat … Continue reading →

Savor Summer

School’s out for the summer; time to savor the season beloved by kids and parents alike. Summer’s lazy days are highlighted by picnics, beach bonfires, backyard barbeques, stargazing and firefly catching. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to choose from in order to max out your summer fun. However, there are ways you can enhance the popular season. The following projects are simple ways you can infuse a little whimsy into your sunny summer days: PICNIC POT This craft is easy enough for kids to make on their own. All you need is a medium to large size terracotta pot … Continue reading →

Summer Grilling Fun

The intoxicating aroma, the mouthwatering flavors and the dancing flames of an outdoor cookout; is there anything more fun than firing up the grill on a summer weekend? I know. Having Bobby Flay do the grilling for you. Okay, maybe’s that just my idea of fun. Whether you are grilling and chilling for Pops on Father’s Day or you’re celebrating graduation day with family and friends, the following simple recipes are sure to bring a smile to your face: CITRUS SHRIMP SKEWERS Ingredients: 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro … Continue reading →

Summer Cash Savers

Don’t let the calendar fool you—summer is officially here, at least in my neck of the woods. We have been sizzling in 90-degree (plus) heat for more than a week. Despite the crazy hot temperatures, my daughter and I saw a man cutting his lawn with a push mower at 11 a.m. yesterday when the mercury had to be pushing 89 degrees. Come to find out, the guy is not as nutty as I thought. In fact, he’s probably smarter and richer than most of us who use a power mower to cut our grass. According to the Environmental Protection … Continue reading →

Simple Ways to Save This Summer

Be happy with what you have. That’s one of the best ways to save money, according to my dad. He used to employ that line a lot when I was in high school trying to pump him for money to buy designer jeans. Twenty years later, I see his point. When you stop looking for fulfillment in material things, it’s much easier to spend less money and find contentment in the items you already have. Of course, if you just lost 20 pounds and your pants don’t fit any more, then by all means, spend, spend, spend. Now that summer … Continue reading →

Simple Family Fun

If you tuned into NBC’s “Weekend Today” this morning, you may have noticed what a big deal meteorologist Bill Karins made amount the gorgeous weather the entire nation is basking in right now. It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the Mother Nature at her best. Don’t stress about minor details; rather, use this window of opportunity to have fun with your family by taking a walk in the park, hosting a backyard barbeque, or creating a garden party for the girls. If you live near the ocean, a lake or public pond, then set-up shop in a … Continue reading →

Simple Summer Fun

In just a few weeks, schools across the country will be out and kids of all ages will be looking for summer fun. For many parents that means draining their wallets to pay for expensive overnight camps or organized sports’ activities, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to put a strain on your household budget. After all, activities such as hiking, biking and picnicking are extremely affordable if not flat out free. Just take precautions so that your outdoor fun doesn’t turn into a summer disaster. For example, there are tens of thousands … Continue reading →

Simple Summer Shindigs

Who says you have to hire a DJ, a caterer and massive tents to host a summer get-together at your home? When it comes to throwing a memorable party, keep it simple and concentrate on having fun. You don’t need to drain your wallet purchasing elaborate decorations and expensive party favors. Rather, use what you already have and add some pizzazz by exercising some creativity. For example, instead of rigging up a series of spotlights to illuminate a backyard BBQ, adorn a fence with strings of Christmas lights. If you are having an afternoon bash, skip the lights and use … Continue reading →

More Ways to Save on Your Summer Vay-Cay

Thankfully, the price of gas has gone down in the last two weeks. Now, instead of getting just a couple of gallons of gas for 10 bucks, I can get nearly three. Woohoo! Truth… ahem! I mean… sarcasm aside, the cost of hitting the road on a summer road trip with the family has gotten a bit more manageable in the last month or so. However, there are many other ways you can help stretch your travel dollar while putting the pedal to the metal on your summer highway adventure. For starters, don’t put the pedal to the metal. Putting … Continue reading →

More Ways to Scrap Your Spring Break Adventures

Making a spring break travel scrapbook is fairly simple. After all, it doesn’t take much to add photos and memorabilia to layouts. However, if you are looking for ways to make your pages pop, then consider the types of embellishments you use. For example, for a beach-themed page, instead of using a slew of store-bought stamps and stickers for added effect, why not create an ocean and sand setting as a backdrop for favorite photos of your kids frolicking in the waves? You can use chalk to draw the water and sandpaper for the sand. Or, use fine art sand … Continue reading →