Local Activities

• Atlanta, Georgia (Metro area)
• Buffalo and surrounding areas, NY
• Chicago, IL (West)
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Columbus, GA, Fort Benning, GA & Phenix City, AL
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Des Moines, IA
• East Valley-Phoenix Area, AZ
  
• Fort Worth, TX
• Hagerstown, Maryland
• Harrisburg & West Shore, PA
• Houston, TX (North)
• Houston, TX
• LaGrange, Westpoint, Hogansville, Pine Mountain, Warm Springs, GA
• Lebanon, PA
• Madison, WI
• Memphis, TN (East Memphis)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
• North Shore MA, NH seacoast and southern ME
• Northeast Ohio
• Omaha, NE
• San Diego, CA
• Seattle, WA & Portland, OR (Northwest)
• Syracuse, NY
• Wichita Falls, TX

If you are a blogger who posts a local round-up of family activities, then feel free to fill out this form to be considered for future posts.

The first time I took my kids on a picnic, they thought it was the greatest thing ever. They enjoyed it so much and our park system was so nice, that we soon found ourselves picnicking most every weekend. After a few weeks I realized we could leave a lot sooner if I just kept a picnic pack stocked and ready to go.

Picnics are a great way to get out of the house for warm weather fun without breaking the bank. Keeping your picnic pack stocked and ready also helps when you find yourself out at mealtimes or needing a snack when you are out and on the go!

When the weather starts warming, I pull out our picnic pack. We love to have things ready to go when the mood strikes us to grab our lunch and head to a park. A lot of these things are handy for a family with children and fit nicely in a small lidded tub to keep in the trunk.

The bonus to picnics is that we don’t have to worry about our toddlers being too loud in a restaurant and we know if we packed our food, that there will be something yummy for them to eat. I try to keep easy-to-pack food at all times in my pantry and refrigerator. We throw a few things in our small cooler and we are all ready to go.

Picnic Pack Supplies

Old blanket

An old blanket comes in handy for many reasons. My kids often get cold in the car and snuggle up in it. We also use it on park days if we want to sit under a tree.

Plastic tablecloth

My kids are messy eaters and a fuzzy-backed, plastic tablecloth works great for easy cleanup on picnics. When on the ground or on a picnic table, it gives us a clean surface to put our food on and makes it a little more special.

Reusable plates, cups, napkins, utensils

Though I loathe plastic, I bought a colorful plastic set for our picnic basket years ago and we still use it. It is better to me than disposables. I hate plastic-ware too and bought a cheap set of metal utensils with fat plastic handles on them. Try thrift stores for an even cheaper option!

Paper towels or rags and a couple of old towels

Kids are just messy. Though I don’t use paper towels at home, I do keep them in my car. Old towels help for the days someone falls in the lake at a park or you get stuck out in the rain.

Bug spray and sunscreen

We live in the south and summers are brutal. We arm ourselves with protection and avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Floppy hats

My youngest is very fair-skinned so floppy hats are part of the wardrobe. We leave one in the car so we always have it available. A bonus to hat wearing is that my kids are easy to find on a crowded playground.

Small first aid kit and hand sanitizer

Hopefully the first aid kit won’t be needed, but if it is, you want to have it.

Bottled water for cleanups

We don’t like to drink bottled water on a regular basis but I do keep some handy for emergencies and cleanups. Did I mention my kids are messy eaters?

Swim bag with beach towels and swimsuits

We are close to several nice state parks with swimming facilities and have several friends who invite us to swim in their personal pools. We keep the swim bag ready for impromptu swimming trips.

Bubbles, Frisbee or other yard games

Sometimes the playground is super crowded or if we have Dad with us, he’ll want to throw the Frisbee. We keep one in our picnic pack so we are always ready to play.

More frugal posts from Dawn

photo credit

Local Activities

• Atlanta, Georgia (Metro area)
• Buffalo and surrounding areas, NY
• Chicago, IL (West)
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Columbus, GA, Fort Benning, GA & Phenix City, AL
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Des Moines, IA
• East Valley-Phoenix Area, AZ
  
• Fort Worth, TX
• Hagerstown, Maryland
• Harrisburg & West Shore, PA
• Houston, TX (North)
• Houston, TX
• LaGrange, Westpoint, Hogansville, Pine Mountain, Warm Springs, GA
• Lebanon, PA
• Madison, WI
• Memphis, TN (East Memphis)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
• North Shore MA, NH seacoast and southern ME
• Northeast Ohio
• Omaha, NE
• San Diego, CA
• Seattle, WA & Portland, OR (Northwest)
• Syracuse, NY
• Wichita Falls, TX

If you are a blogger who posts a local round-up of family activities, then feel free to fill out this form to be considered for future posts.

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Local Activities

• Atlanta, Georgia (Metro area)
• Buffalo and surrounding areas, NY
• Chicago, IL (West)
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Columbus, GA, Fort Benning, GA & Phenix City, AL
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Des Moines, IA
• East Valley-Phoenix Area, AZ
  
• Fort Worth, TX
• Hagerstown, Maryland
• Harrisburg & West Shore, PA
• Houston, TX (North)
• Houston, TX
• LaGrange, Westpoint, Hogansville, Pine Mountain, Warm Springs, GA
• Lebanon, PA
• Madison, WI
• Memphis, TN (East Memphis)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
• North Shore MA, NH seacoast and southern ME
• Northeast Ohio
• Omaha, NE
• San Diego, CA
• Seattle, WA & Portland, OR (Northwest)
• Syracuse, NY
• Wichita Falls, TX

If you are a blogger who posts a local round-up of family activities, then feel free to fill out this form to be considered for future posts.

In March I met Sima Vasa at a blog event. She reached out to me on Twitter and wanted to talk about her company (which does surveys). Given how I usually feel about them I was hesitant, but I decided to meet with her anyway.

When I met her I instantly liked her! She understood blogging and understood moms! After working in Corporate America for nearly 15 years and during her second pregnancy, Sima realized she had to change things in her life to get what she wanted.  She wanted to be with her kids and family more, create a company that respected and valued all kinds of people, and be on the leading of edge of consumer research. With that in mind, Sima co-founded Paradigm Sample in 2008.

Sima has accomplished the goal of being with her family and starting something very new and real. And now she wants other women to benefit from her success by participating in a new and cool ways to have their opinions heard and be rewarded for their feedback.  Depending how much time a person has, they complete as many surveys as they want to receive points that leads to tangible rewards by the way of Amazon giftcodes.

I love it when people are passionate about what they do whether it is teaching Sunday school, homeschooling their children, or creating companies. I’ve signed up for Paradigm  Sample and taken several surveys. It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes per survey.

We all love to share our opinion, so why not get rewarded for doing it? You can learn more and sign up here.

by contributing writer Dawn

Over the years, I have become more and more sensitive to products that contain chemicals. Immediately upon entering a room with candles, air fresheners, or laundry detergent, my head begins to hurt, my eyes burn, and my throat gets dry and scratchy.

As I sought out ways to combat my allergies, I found that organic products were expensive. I soon realized I would not be able to afford the products I desperately needed that would not make me ill. It turns out that making body care products are a huge savings even if you don’t have allergies and sensitivities!

With the rise of Pinterest, there are no shortage of recipes for body care replacements. I have an entire board devoted to homemade bath and beauty care recipes! Quick and easy replacements for everyday items use only a few basic ingredients. Many things I make are created with items I already have in my kitchen!

Body Wash

Making body wash are is a simple way to cut costs on body care products. With a few simple ingredients and a short amount of time, body wash can be created for personal use or gifts!

Lotions and Body Butter

The very first homemade lotion I used was simply extra virgin coconut oil. I use it after showering while I am getting dressed. A little goes a long way. Allow to soak in before you dress to prevent soiling your clothing. For your hands, try this lavender hand cream.

Sugar Scrub

A sugar scrub is merely sugar, a carrier oil and essential oils.  Try this sugar scrub.

Shave Oil

Use straight coconut oil to shave with. After showering, towel off, only gently patting the legs dry. Then slather on coconut oil and shave regularly. Put on a little more coconut oil once finished and allow to soak in before dressing.

Body Sprays

Body sprays are super easy, too. Mixing witch hazel with distilled water, and your favorite essential oils you can have whatever scent you desire!

Deodorant

Simple deodorants can be made from a mixture of coconut oil and baking soda or arrowroot powder. Essential oils are a nice touch for those used to scented products.

Shampoo/Conditioner

Ten years before “no poo” became a hot topic on blogs, the book Curly Girl by Lorraine Massey, had many of us with spiral locks throwing away the shampoo. Recently with the rage of going “’poo free,” I have tried baking soda in place of shampoo and the results are amazing! I only do it about once a week.

Hot Oil Treatments

My favorite hot oil treatment is equal parts extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil with about ten drops of lavender essential oil.

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners aren’t a body product, but they are needed in the bathroom! A cup of distilled water and essential oils in a spray bottle are all you need to keep your bathroom smelling fresh. Scenting a small bowl of baking soda with essential oils is another good option.

Facial Cleansers and Toner

The oil cleansing method is not only great for your skin, but it is super frugal too! My oldest son is prone to teenage hormonal acne. By using the oil-cleansing method twice a day, we keep it under control. We dab on a little raw apple cider vinegar as toner and follow with extra virgin coconut oil to complete his routine.

More frugal posts from Dawn

Memorial Day Activities

• Digital Storyteller, Sarah Hill will be hosting a virtual tour of the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center that will be narrated by witnesses, victims’ families and veterans.

• Huge list of Free Memorial Day Freebies & Deals (primarily for military members and families, but there are some public offers as well!)

Local Activities

• Atlanta, Georgia (Metro area)
• Buffalo and surrounding areas, NY
• Chicago, IL (West)
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Columbus, GA, Fort Benning, GA & Phenix City, AL
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Des Moines, IA
• East Valley-Phoenix Area, AZ
  
• Fort Worth, TX
• Hagerstown, Maryland
• Harrisburg & West Shore, PA
• Houston, TX (North)
• Houston, TX
• LaGrange, Westpoint, Hogansville, Pine Mountain, Warm Springs, GA
• Lebanon, PA
• Madison, WI
• Memphis, TN (East Memphis)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
• Murfreesboro, TN
• North Shore MA, NH seacoast and southern ME
• Northeast Ohio
• Omaha, NE
• San Diego, CA
• Seattle, WA & Portland, OR (Northwest)
• Syracuse, NY
• Wichita Falls, TX

If you are a blogger who posts a local round-up of family activities, then feel free to fill out this form to be considered for future posts.

Check out the posts below for your favorite city!

Mid Atlantic

NW (or all), Connecticut :: Parenting Miracles
Boston (or all), Massachusetts :: Maven of Savin
Central, New Jersey :: Our Good LIfe
Adirondak Mountains and Central, New York :: For This Season
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York :: Ann’s Entitled Life
Syracuse, New York :: I am THAT lady
Erie, Pennsylvania :: Growing Kids Ministry
Greater Harrisburg, Pennsylvania :: Family Balance Sheet
Hershey, Pennsylvania :: Good Deal Mama
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania :: Beyond the Cover
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania :: The Coupon “High”
Poconos, Pennsylvania :: Bucktown Bargains
Scranton, Pennsylvania :: Bucktown Bargains

Midwest

Des Moines, Iowa :: Make the best of everything
Aurora, Illinois :: A Savings WOW!
Central, Illinois :: The Homeschool Scientist
Chicago, Illinois :: Chicagoland Homeschool Network
Naperville, Illinois :: The Sensible Mom
Schaumburg, Illinois :: Ravings By Rae
Fort Wayne, Indiana :: Simplified Saving
Indianapolis, Indiana (Metro Area) :: In Good Cents
Muncie, Indiana (Central IN) :: the daisyhead
Northern Indiana :: So Dough Savvy
Kansas City Area :: Kansas City Mamas
Metro Detroit, Michigan :: Saving Dollars and Sense
Grand Rapids, Michigan :: Give Me Neither
Oakland County, Michigan :: Bargain Shopper Mom
Minneapolis, Minnesota :: Creative Couponing
Rural Minnesota (either Southern our Lake Country) :: Mommysavers.com
St. Cloud, Minnesota :: Frugal Finders
Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas :: Kosher on a Budget
Springfield, Missouri :: Getting Freedom
Cincinnati, Ohio :: Family Friendly Cincinnati
Columbus, Ohio :: Cleverly Simple
Dayton, Ohio :: Savings Lifestyle: Dayton
Mansfield, Ohio :: The Traveling Praters
NE Ohio :: Raising Lifelong Learners
Northeast Ohio (Canton, Akron, Cleveland) :: Sisters Shopping on a Shoestring
Black Hills, South Dakota :: Little House Living
South Dakota :: Moms Mustard Seeds
Oshkosh, Wisconsin :: Adventures of a Stay at Home Mom

Mountain

Phoenix, Arizona :: Mom Endeavors
Scottsdale, Arizona :: Saving For Someday
Tucson, Arizona :: Desert Chica Ramblings
Colorado Springs, Colorado :: The Greenbacks Gal
Denver, Colorado :: Bargain Blessings
Helena, Montana :: The WiC Project
Omaha, Nebraska :: Mom Endeavors
Reno, Nevada – Lake Tahoe (Northern Nevada) :: Saving in Nevada

Pacific

Fresno, California (Central Valley) :: NerdFamily Blog
Los Angeles, California :: Savings.com
San Diego, California :: Good Cheap Eats
San Diego, California :: Life as MOM
Portland, Oregon :: Frugal Living NW
Seattle, Washington :: Thrifty NW Mom

South Atlantic

Arkansas :: Discovering Arkansas
Washington, DC :: Kidventurous
Clearwater Beach, Florida :: Bargain Briana
Jacksonville, Florida :: Saving The Family Money
Southwest Florida (Ft. Myers area) :: Chaos Is Bliss
St. Augustine, Florida :: Simply St. Augustine
Tallahassee, Florida :: SwagGrabber
Atlanta, Georgia (metro area) :: Hodgepodge
Atlanta, Georgia (metro area) :: The Couponing Couple
Annapolis, Maryland :: The Happy Housewife
Hagerstown, Maryland :: Cheryl Pitt
Asheville, North Carolina :: Paradise Praises
Charlotte, North Carolina :: from our front porch lookin’ in…
Raleigh/Southeastern, North Carolina :: Upside Down Homeschooling
Upstate South Carolina :: The Tween & Me
Charlottesville, Virginia :: How to Have it All
Richmond, Virginia :: Teachers of Good Things
Smithfield, Virginia :: Walking in High Cotton
Virginia Beach, Virginia :: The Coupon Challenge

South Central

Coastal Alabama :: Meet Penny
Huntsville, Alabama :: The Traveling Praters
Northern Kentucky :: Simply Sherryl
Chattanooga, Tennessee :: Living Chic on the Cheap
East Tennessee (Smoky Mountains, Knoxville) :: Finding Joy on the Journey
Nashville, Tennessee :: Montessori Tidbits
Arlington, Texas :: Grocery Shop For FREE
Austin, Texas (Hill Country) :: Ponder the Path
College Station, Texas :: How to Homeschool My Child
Dallas, Texas :: Surviving The Stores
East Dallas, Texas :: Funky Faith Girl
Fort Worth, Texas :: Coupons & Freebies Mom
Houston, Texas :: MomsToolbox
Houston, Texas :: MyLitter
Katy, Texas :: Moms Confession
McAllen, Texas (Rio Grande Valley) :: iLoveMy5Kids
San Antonio, Texas :: Melissa’s Bargains

Staycations are a great way to have family fun without the high cost of gas or hotel expenses.  Here are a few things to consider when planning a staycation in your city.

Camping

Camping in s great way to get away from home and spend very little money. If you don’t have a tent, ask a friend if your can borrow theirs.  Check for local parks that offer camping spots for minimal nightly fees.  You can bring your own cooler and even cook over an open fire or on a propane stove.  Our kids love camping, collecting sticks for the campfire and roasting marshmallows.

National Parks

There are several specific dates that you can get free entrance to National Parks. Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees.  If you live near a national park, this is a great way to save.

Summer Kids Movies

Check with your local movie theaters.  Some offer free summer kids movies and some charge a minimal fee per person.  These are usually older movies, but seeing them in a theater is a great way to experience it again.  Also check with your theater for concession stand deals during these events.  It’s a great way to get out of the summer heat.

Craft Classes

Many craft stores offer craft classes for kids with make-and-take crafts.  Summer time is a great time to take advantage of these and have some craft fun with the kids.  Be sure to also check with your local home improvement stores for free workshops.

Art Markets

There are several local Art Markets in my city and many cities have these.  You can enjoy the outdoors and experience local artists, music and even shop local farmers stands for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vacation Bible Schools

My kids love to attend Vacation Bible schools and there are several to choose from in our area.  If they are not free, the fee is usually minimal to cover the cost of supplies.

Sports

Baseball teams and even soccer teams maybe playing in your local area during the summer.  Check with your city for family nights or buy 1 get 1 ticket free nights.  These are great times to attend the event and not spend as much money.

Local Museums

Some Museums have teamed up with local banks to offer free admission on specific days of the month.  Check with your banks and museums for more information.

Community Pools

Local School and community centers typically open up their pools to the public during the summer.

Free Bowling

Check with Kids Bowl Free to see if there is a bowling alley near you participating.  Registered kids receive 2 free games for the summer.

What is your favorite frugal summer activity or staycation idea?

More frugal posts from Karen

photo credit