Frugal Fun For Kids

Summer is nearing and the kids wants to play and have fun. Of course you want them too and spending time with them can be great, but it can also be redundant. The zoo and the park are always the classic kid friendly experience- but lets kick it up a notch. I like the following for being unique,easy and creative.
Many old-fashioned activities and outdoor games are making a comeback, but with a fresh twist. They’re homemade and often with materials you already have at home. Coincidentally, they’re frugal, too. What types of frugal activities can you do?

Here are a few fun ideas:

SENSORY BAG: You can make a sensory bag that kids (and you) will love to squish. You’ll need a plastic zip-closure baggie, hair gel, craft foamies, glitter and clear Contac paper. Fill the bag with the craft supplies and gel. Seal the bag closed and then sandwich the bag between two pieces of Contac paper. This will prevent leaking.

SIDEWALK PAINT: You’ll need ¼ cup of cornstarch, ½ cup water and food coloring. Combine the cornstarch and water. Using a small container, mix until smooth. Add a few drops of food coloring. You can make a few batches of different colors. Kids can use paintbrushes, foam paint rollers or sponges to paint the sidewalk.

WINDOW PAINT: Mix together equal parts dishwashing liquid and washable liquid paint or powdered tempera. Mix until it’s a creamy consistency. Use paintbrushes. Easy to clean from windows with a moist paper towel, too.

FLUBBER: This makes oozing, gooey, cold and wet play goop.

2⅓ cups warm water

Food coloring, optional

2 cups Elmer’s school glue

3 tablespoons borax

In one container, mix 2 cups warm water, food coloring and glue. Stir until glue has dissolved. In a separate container, combine ⅓ cup warm water and borax. Stir until borax has dissolved. Add borax solution to glue mixture, and mix with hands for about 5 minutes. Pour out extra water. Let sit for a few minutes on a tray before playing. Store in airtight container.

Best (FRUGAL) Vacation Ever!

Summer is basically here and the time is right to plan a vacation for two, or the whole family. Tight budget? Last vacation still in your heart and on your credit card? Dying to go somewhere special,great or amazing? Don't think it's possible THIS year?? Relax...I have the solution! Trust me these sites have very good budget-friendly tips and options- remember anything is possible and there's no cure for the summertime blues. From camping to skiing look below to see how much you and family can save and where you can go:

1.Incredible travel packages http://www.budgettravel.com
2.Farm stays (Pennsylvania,Vermont) http://www.pafarmstay.com http:/www.vtfarms.org ** Also you can google any state's name under "farmstay"
3.Short road trips http://www.budgettravel.com
4.Ski Resorts http://www.homeaway.com (really good for vacation rentals)
5. State park lodges http://www.sdparks.info (South Dakota)** Also google any state under "state park" and look for lodging
6. City visits and short road trips http://www.budgettravel.com
7. Family camps http://www.budgettravel.com ** Also google your state and "family camp"


OTHER MONEY SAVING TRAVEL SITES
http://www.orbitz.com
http://www.cheaptickets.com
http://www.hotels.com
http://www.lastminute.com
http:/www.expedia.com
http://www.travelocity.com
http://www.cheapcarribbean.com
http://www.go-today.com
http://www.cruisedeals.com
http://www.farecast.com
http://www.bookingbuddy.com
http://www.cheapoair.com
http://www.tripmama.com
http://www.priceline.com


Have a great frugal vacation!