Keeping track of all our stuff over summer can be a part-time job. Between trips, camps, activities, and adventures we all need a little extra help keeping organized. Instead of spending time searching for that lost pool toy or hunting down the googles your kid left poolside you can focus on fun with a little […]
Summer “Vacation”
Summer vacation has begun! The kids are thrilled, of course. I’m thrilled that homework is over, end of school year parties and celebrations are done, and there’s no more long morning routine. WOOHOO! We have more time to be active, more time to do fun things, and more time to do things we don’t get […]
Watermelon Salsa
I know what you’re thinking watermelon and salsa? They don’t seem to go together, but they work so well! And now that it is getting warmer out watermelon is always on my shopping list. Not only do I use it to keep the kids hydrated when they’re playing outside, but I also love to try […]
Shorts For Summer
Summer is coming, but hot temperatures are already here. So, it’s time to bust out your summer shorts (after a quick shave of course). Several friends have been discussing where to buy cute, but modest-ish shorts. Most stores have a variety of short shorts, but if you aren’t entirely petite and thin these end up […]
Guide to Saving on Summer Travel
Summer vacation is the best time of year for travel for most families. The kids are off school, Mom and Dad are ready for a vacation, and travel is a little easier with the (mostly) great weather. One of the most affordable options for a summer vacation is a good old-fashioned road trip. Whether your […]
5 Frugal & Fun Activities for Rainy Days
With storms covering most of the country this week I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of our favorite rainy day activities. I know I love a good movie on a rainy day, but with days of rain in the forecast that’s not in the budget every day (even if you […]
25 Ideas for Frugal Summer Fun
I have not started planning for our summer vacation yet. <gulp> I always start with a list of frugal summer fun for the family, though. With these 25 ideas I’m off to a good start for an epic summer. Learning Never Ends 1. Join your library’s summer reading program: It’s free to join, and is […]
Summer Break Best Laid Plans
Summer break is upon the Whalen household and with it the usual juggling of work, home, and life has become more like juggling knives…flaming knives. Planning to work around the kids means either getting up early or going to bed late while sneaking in emails, phone calls, and bits of work here and there. It’s […]
50 Summer Activities For Free (or Nearly Free)
Summer is nearly here. The countdown calendar is slowly ticking down to 0. Cue panicked and frantic last minute plans as parents everywhere realize they have to figure out what summer activities to do with their kids all summer long. Some kids are great about hanging out and going with the flow, but my kids […]
Sleepaway Camp Tips and Packing List
It’s summer time, and as your kids get older the question about sleepaway camps seems to always pop up. This year, after a lot of research on my part regarding various sleepaway camps, their safety records, etc., my kids lucked out and are both getting to go to sleepaway camp for the first time. (I […]