Affordable Spa Fun

For many gals, nothing is more fun than a day at the spa. Unfortunately, all that pampering can put a real dent in your wallet. If you are living on a tight budget, but want to treat yourself to a relaxing body scrub or facial, head to your kitchen or bathroom. Believe or not, regular household items can be the key to an affordable spa pick-me-up. One of the cheapest ingredients for a DIY spa treatment is sugar. The sweet stuff is inexpensive and versatile. Sugar can be used to cleanse and exfoliate skin with very little effort. What’s more, … Continue reading →

Free Family Entertainment

My 8-year-old is hooked on retro cartoons. I have the Smurfs to thank for that. Ever since the blue guys debuted on the big screen and I told my daughter that I grew up watching them on TV, she’s been obsessed with viewing animated shows from the 70s and 80s, including the Snorks, Hong Kong Phooey, and Heathcliff. Retro cartoons are fun to watch as a family; however, the pleasure can really put a dent in your wallet if you are not careful. When my daughter expressed interest in watching the same cartoons I grew up with I offered to … Continue reading →

Cheap Thrills

Remember the good ol’ days when you could stick a box of Kleenex in front of your baby and he would be entertained for hours pulling tissues out one by one? A box of facial tissue is a cheap way to keep your toddler happy, but then that little guy grows up and starts asking for expensive electronic toys that cost more than your monthly water bill. That’s when you need to get creative. And by creative I mean teach your kids how to embrace old school cheap thrills: simple and safe pranks that don’t require a lot of masterminding … Continue reading →

Cheap Laughs

How do you tell the difference between a chili bean and a green bean? The chilly one wears a jacket. Yes, it’s a barrel of laughs around here. My 8-year-old is currently obsessed with jokes, riddles and all things comical. Her timing and delivery has improved dramatically since her preschool days when she used to give away the punch line at the beginning of the joke. It just goes to prove that you don’t have to spend a ton of money in order to get a good laugh. There are all sorts of cheap ways you can giggle and guffaw … Continue reading →

Free Fun to Battle the Winter Blues

This week, much of the nation has been paralyzed by brutally cold temperatures. In my neck of the woods, several school districts closed because it was simply too dangerous to allow children to be exposed to -35 degree windchills. Old Man Winter’s brutal blast has forced many families indoors where they are spending quality time together watching movies, playing board games and cooking. Fortunately, these activities don’t have to put a strain on your household budget, including the movie-watching. These days there are a slew of simple ways you can avoid paying high fees for movie rentals. One of the … Continue reading →

Spring Ahead

I can’t wait for spring to arrive. Actually, I’d love to fast forward to summer. However, when it’s 2 degrees out with a windchill factor of 25 below zero, I will happily settle for a shot of spring. Since I can’t control Mother Nature, I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands by injecting a little spring fun into our home. My 8-year-old is sick and tired of the snow and cold, but we can’t afford a trip to the Caribbean, so we’re making do with the following budget-conscious spring-themed activities: Spring Art: Let your kids flex their creative … Continue reading →

Spice Up Your Holiday Party

You don’t have to serve alcohol at a holiday party in order for your guests to have a good time. There are plenty of ways you can keep your friends and family members entertained without busting your budget on a bunch of booze. Rather than stocking your bar before your guests arrive, have several games and activities on hand to keep everyone busy. Just be sure to have a variety of fun things to do so all of your guests can participate. Also, game directions should be clear and not overly complicated. Avoid forcing your guests to play long … Continue reading →

Seasonal Fun for Families on a Budget

What family doesn’t enjoy spending quality time in the great outdoors soaking up the fantastic fall weather? Most of us would love to explore the far reaches of the country during this most magnificent time of the year, but not all of us have the financial resources to do so in a grand way. Luckily, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the wealth of natural gems offered this time of year. Instead of dropping hundreds of dollars on a family getaway, consider sticking closer to home and attending free local fall-themed festivals, such as: California: Fortuna’s annual Apple … Continue reading →

Free Fall Festivals

Fall is here and it seems everyone is encouraging you to get out and enjoy Mother Nature. The leaves are glorious, the temperatures are comfortable and the mood is relaxed. But, you’re broke and there are only so many free walks in the woods you can take before you get tired of looking at falling leaves. Fortunately, there are other options for penny-pinching families. Free festivals are amazing places for frugalistas to spend fall weekends. Simply pack up the gang and head out to these kid-friendly events that don’t require you to spend a single dime to partake in seasonal … Continue reading →

Simple and Affordable Seasonal Fun

Summer 2012 officially ends on Friday. However, that doesn’t mean the end of outdoor family fun. Fall marks the start of apple and pumpkin-picking season. Whether you live in the north, south or mid-Atlantic, the nation is teeming with farms that allow visitors of all ages to pick their own produce. These u-pick farms offer fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. What’s more, you will be able to bond with your clan in the great outdoors, which is a priceless experience for most folks. In addition, if you have kids, visiting a farm is a great way to show … Continue reading →