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Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

Having Fun with the Kids for Less

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Is the family home getting a little cramped? You might have considered moving to a bigger home. That, however, can be pricey especially when you have a family. You want to save money for a down payment, but at the same time still have fun with your kids.

Here are some creative ways to still have fun with your kids without breaking the bank.

Staycation

A staycation is like a vacation, but instead of going somewhere exotic, you enjoy your vacation right from home.

Just because you aren’t going somewhere warm and sunny, doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. There are still plenty of fun things you can do if you live in a big city. For example, you could go to the museum or science center.

If you’re looking to save even more money, you might even decide to have a picnic in the park (weather permitting). Get creative and most of all have fun!

Public Library

Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card! Have you visited the local library recently? The public library is a great way to keep your kids entertained. Best of all it’s completely free (as long as you return your borrowed materials on time).

If you haven’t been to the library in recent years, you won’t believe what you’re missing out on. The library is a lot more than just books these days. The library has everything from books to movies and in between. There’s really no reason to spend money at the movies when there are plenty of movies you can watch for free at the library.

Arts and Crafts

Are you someone who’s creative? If you’re looking to tap into the right side of your brain and get your kid’s creative juices flowing, you might try something artsy.

Arts and crafts are the perfect activity whether it’s a nice warm and sunny day outside or it’s raining cats and dogs. There are plenty of books in the library that can help you with arts and crafts. Likewise, there are videos on YouTube you can watch as you play along with your kids.

Fun with Food

Another fun activity to do with your kids is baking. Again, there are plenty of recipes available online and in the library. Choose a recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious to get the most out of it. Instead of buying cookies from the supermarket, why not make your own? If you’re not much into baking, you might consider buying cookies that are already made where all you have to do is put them on the baking sheet.

Something else fun to do is make fruit faces. Fruit faces are faces made of fruit. The smile can be a banana, the eyes can be strawberries, and so on. You get the picture.

Save money, have fun, and buy your dream home sooner.

Brought to you by Sean Cooper

8 Fun Fall Activities for the Family

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Fun fall activities for the family include jumping in the leaves

Copyright Albert Bridge and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons License

Do you love the fall? Can’t get enough of changing leaves, warm sweaters and the smell of soups and baked goods coming from the kitchen? Me neither! I adore autumn. So, if you’re like me, you’ll want to seize the season before it goes by as fast as summer seemed to. The fall is a wonderful time to get in some good old fashion family bonding time!

8 Fun Fall Activities for the Family

Not sure what to do? Ahhhhhh, well then my dear you’re in luck you have come to the right place! Here is a list of some fun fall activities that I’m sure the whole family will enjoy.

1. Visit a pumpkin patch.

Sure you can get pumpkins at your local grocery store and that’s all fine and dandy but there is something really special and fun about visiting a farm and picking your own pumpkins. There are usually hay rides, corn mazes, hot apple cider, animals to pet and/or ride, bags of fresh apples and a ton of opportunities for great photos. My family and I look forward to our visit to the pumpkin patch all year long! It’s one of our favorite fall activities.

2. Make some spooky Halloween or festive harvest treats.

The fall is a great time to get cooking with the kiddos. I actually have Rice Krispie Surprise Pumpkin Treats™ on the agenda for the boys and I next week. Should be fun and easy. Should be.

There are tons of yummy things you can make and kids are almost always eager to help. No matter how small or how great their role is, you can be sure they will be so proud of their creations. Check out FamilyFun.com for some easy fall recipes!

3. Go on a nature walk.

I mentioned this in a previous post and we like to do these a lot. Recently, the boys’ preschool teacher sent them home with a bag they decorated at school. Their homework was to go for a nature walk and put items they found along the way in to their bag. When they took their bag of fall treasures to school the next day, they made a place mat which will be used during their Thanksgiving Feast at school. It was a pretty simple craft and if you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you know that I do love simple crafts!

After the nature walk it’s just 3 easy steps:

  1. The kids chose the color paper they wanted for the base.
  2. Then they emptied out their bag and selected flat items to go on the paper. They arranged them just the way they thought looked best. There were leaves, flowers, grass, pine needles, small twigs, etc.
  3. To finish off the place mat a clear piece of contact paper was laid on top and the kids pushed it down as flat as it would go and…

Voilá! A beautifully unique place mat all their own. Easy peasy!

4. Rake up a pile of leaves and jump in them.

Okay, I’m not into jumping into leaves but my boys are. You can be sure that as soon as our big tree drops her leaves, the boys will be begging me to make a pile for them to jump into and I will do so happily. My grandparents had several big trees in their yard when I was growing up and my brother and I had hours of fun making piles upon piles to jump into. I want my boys to have fun memories like that too!

5. Feed the birds (and squirrels).

It’s time to make sure your bird feeders are full because soon it will be harder for the birdies to find food. Also, you may have noticed that the squirrels are busy collecting food for the winter. They are all over our yard and driving my dog crazy!

My boys and I do another simple (but slightly messy) craft using pine cones, peanut butter and bird seed. You just coat the pine cone in peanut butter and roll it in bird seed. I usually tie a piece of yarn or string to the top and then we hang them in the trees where we can see them. I’m not sure if any birds ate from them but I do know our squirrels LOVED them. It’s a fall activity that even the animals can share in!

6. Splash in some puddles!

Just put on some old clothes and rubber boots and go for it! It’s fun…

7. Play some games.

I didn’t know that their were really any “fall games” other than football but I decided to search anyway. I didn’t have to look far because once again one of my favorite websites FamilyFun.com had just what I was looking for. Some of the outdoor games that I thought looked interesting were:

8. Make some s’mores.

If you have a wood burning fireplace or a fire pit in the backyard, you can still enjoy some yummy s’mores! You can even make them in your microwave but they aren’t quite the same and don’t put them in very long or the marshmallows will explode. Believe me when I say, don’t try it just take my word for it. I’m not trying to be bossy or anything but I just want to save you from having to clean up a super gooey mess.

There are really so many really fun things to do in the fall! What are some of your family’s favorites? Today our family fun activity is yard work. Not my idea of fun but once this is done we can get to the good stuff!!!

What fall family activities do you enjoy?

Saving Money on Big Family Events

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Bridal Shower cupcake

Photo by Anafuji on DeviantArt

Well my daughters wedding shower was a huge success! We all worked hard to have things go off without a hitch and we had enough food for double the amount of people that were invited. I think people took home more than they actually ate at the shower.

How to save on a bridal shower

Having a big event like a double bridal shower can also be very expensive but there are things that can be done to help save.

  • Make your own invitations. K and I bought the blank invitations at the local large craft supply store. We were EXTREMELY lucky because we have a close friend who loves to make these things. I spent about an hour on the computer and couldn’t get the things lined up right. After about an hour of me trying then breaking out in a cold sweat K took over and that didn’t go so well. So in panic we called a friend.
  • Buy bulk items that are not perishable long before the date. If you can hit the sales even better. Store it away and keep a list handy so that you know what you have and still need.
  • Breathe!
  • Put cash aside for the “little” things that may be needed last minute.
  • Breathe!

Last but not least just remember to stay as relaxed as possible. These events can be very stressful and Moms get VERY tired. After it was all done and over and the kids were happy we are happy with the way it turned out.

The day before the wedding shower was the Royal Wedding. Did I watch? Oh yes, I did! I have a daughter getting married in August. Did I get  emotional all by myself? You betcha! Oh, and Christie, I was thinking about you too. J

Want to know my last words while watching the wedding on my television? If the royal family can do it well then I can too!

Have you ever organized a bridal shower? How did you save money on it?

3 Summertime Activities for Kids that Cost Almost Nothing

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Homemade playdoughIt’s about that time of the year again when the sun is shining the brightest and hottest and kids of all sizes and ages are taking out their swim gear, bikinis, board shorts and goggles. In a tropical country, this may be a funny thing to hear but believe it or not, it is not always summertime in the Philippines. Yes, there are basically two seasons- wet and hot, but around this time of the year (March-May) the sun shines the brightest, school is out, and the kids are raring to be out of the house.

For my kids, the significance of summer vacation has not really hit home yet. They are preschoolers so school is a wonderland of books, crafts, stories, and songs. This is not yet that tough institution created to make knowledgeable and skilled individuals. This is still that enjoyable break from the possible monotony of home, a place to see friends and to talk to older, wiser, people who have so many fun ideas they want to implement. The challenge for me at this time of the year then, is coming up with creative ways to occupy the kids that are also informative and budget-friendly.

The fact that they are not yet so into going out of town to the beach or nagging me to go take that six hour derive to the mountain province that is a popular destination during summertime is a great thing because this means I have the freedom to think up things that are not expensive. So, here are the things I’ve come up with so far.
The old-fashioned games of kids

Remember way back when, when there were no Nintendo’s or PS3’s or X-boxes or Wii’s? Yes, there was a time before Atari decided to change it all for kids forever. During these times, the TV was just a box to watch a show on; Or a movie on Betamax or VHS. Back then, kids took their trusty bike’s or roller blades, or if they didn’t have either, a rock and a piece of chalk, and could pass the time in joyful, gleeful, outdoor play.

My favorite outdoor games were hopscotch, Chinese garter, tag, and hide and seek. I really think there is a lot to be said about these games and about outdoor play in general. I really believe it strengthens the kids physically, gets them in touch with nature, and really builds more character. Plus, the great thing about this is that there are so many places to go that are free. You can take you pick of parks, football fields, picnic areas, or even the handy sidewalk right outside your house. I have so many memories of meeting friends for outdoor play and I really am thrilled that my kids can experience the same thing today. Of course, they still want their Wii but I can hold off for some time on that still.

Making clay from scratch for play inside or outside

I loved Play dough when I was a kid. Now, before anyone starts to say I am transferring what I liked to my kids and I am ignoring what THEY like, know that they do really love play dough themselves. In fact, at times when I have to take them out to stay with generous friends while I do an errand or a job, I pack a jar of play dough each and that keeps the super occupied, and super sociable with other kids as well. The thing is though, that buying jars and jars of Play dough builds up in expense. It is a good thing that there is a way to make play dough from scratch. This way, you will always have play do when you need it and the kids can get in on the fun as well as this version is a non-cook one. Here it is;

No-Cook Play Dough recipe

Ingredients
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 7-8 drops of food coloring
  • Water
Step by Step Method
  1. Mix the flour and salt.
  2. Add oil and food coloring to water.
  3. Add water until desired consistency is reached.
  4. Mix well.

Storing the No cook Play Dough

This play dough will keep for about 1 week if kept in a sealed plastic bag or container and slightly longer if stored in the refrigerator.

“Cooked” Play dough recipe

If you want to have Play dough that lasts longer, and you don’t mind making this yourself, here is a recipe for ‘cooked’ play dough;

Ingredients
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cooking oil
  • 7-8 drops of food coloring
Step by Step Method
  1. Mix the flour and salt.
  2. Add the cream of tartar, water, and oil.
  3. Add some food coloring.
  4. Mix well.
  5. Cook over medium heat until ingredients form a ball. This process almost automatically forms a ball of the dough on the stove and its not to hot to touch. (Does not take more than a minute on stove).
  6. Turn out and knead until smooth, about 1 minute, and let it cool.

Storing Play Dough

This play dough recipe will make play dough that will keep for at least two months if kept in a sealed plastic bag or container and longer if you store it in the refrigerator.

Play dough can be used for so many creative activities inside and outside the house. You can even think of this as combining point number one and this points. In a nutshell, the material here is supposed to be something used for learning and fun during summertime downtime.

Cook

I am so impressed by the Junior Masterchef show from Australia. The youngest contestant was 8 years old! And these kids made real good dishes! Not your simple boiled egg. These were dishes with French names and showing a lot of technique.

Now, my kids loved the show as well and now they want to be chefs as well. This is great. In my country, the kids used to be taught how to cook very young as they were tasked to help their moms prepare meals. This also came from the fact that families were so much bigger then. My grandmother had nine kids and so my mom learned how to cook when she was 7. I know my kids are a couple of years too young for serious cooking but helping out in preparing dishes and helping me when baking is something they can do, and have done, and really enjoy at that.

If you already bake a lot then there is no additional expense. In fact, since you already cook anyway, the bonus here is that you have little helpers. Just be careful that you cook simple dishes when you involve them and always take care around the oven. This will surely keep them occupied for some hours during summertime.

So far, these are the things I have come up with. I am sure there are heaps more ideas there for summertime activities that are learning experiences and budget friendly as well.

What are your ideas for free summertime activities?

“I’m Bored” Activity Ideas

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For some reason, my children always wait until the moment that I am overwhelmed with things to do before saying those awful words: “I’m bored.”  In my household, “I’m bored,” means “Please stop the very important things you are doing and hang out with me.”

It would be wonderful if they asked me when I didn’t have ten thousand things to do. What a dream world, where every time your children want your attention you can simply set down what you are doing and play with them.

Tips to beat "I'm bored"

Image on DeviantArt

Keeping a list of “I’m Bored” activities is a great way to occupy your children when you can’t stop and play with them at the moment. These activities should keep them busy long enough for you to finish dinner or washing the dishes.

To start gathering ideas, brainstorm using different objects in your home. What afghan would work best as a cape? What cooking pot would make the best base drum? Or, think about objects that are pretty easy to obtain. Cardboard boxes could be a castle or a fort. Keep a couple of boxes in the back of a closet.

Here are a two more ideas to jump-start your list:

Hide Things

This is a very easy game that you can do while you are doing other things. Get a few things that are all the same: like pieces of green construction paper or black socks. Have your children sit on the couch and cover their eyes while you hide ten or fifteen around the house. Then, they are in charge of finding them. Make it a competition or see if they can find them all in a set amount of time.

Scavenger Hunt

Similar to “hide things,” a scavenger hunt sends your children all over the house looking for things. Instead of finding objects that you have hidden, have them bring things to you that have a certain quality: things that are green, things that are round, things that are soft. You might have a pile of things to put away when the game is over, but it keeps them busy and can be a lot of fun. If you are really creative you can play this game in such a way that it actually helps you do your work: try “bring all the clothes to the hamper” or “all the dirty dishes to the sink.”

How do you avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” from your kids?

Year-round Money Saving and Fun Activites for Parents and Kids

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Arts & crafts are just one money saving family activityMore and more parents are having to work harder to make that extra buck so not only is saving money a concern but also making sure the time you have to spend with your family is maximized. As a parent, I am constantly challenged to find interesting and cost-effective ways to have fun with the kids. This can be tough considering how technology makes it tempting to spend and use expensive outlets for fun. All is not lost though as there are still lots of ways to spend qulity time with the kids and save at the same time

Here are some year-round activities you can engage in that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

For the indoors:

1. You can build your kids’ creativity and imagination by creating an art wall that can display artwork made all times of the year. First, allocate a part of the wall in your kids room for this. Mark it off by sticking letter cut-outs of thier names. You can make this from old magazines or use stencils to cut out handy art paper. Have your kids join the fun by having them sitck their names themselves. This can be educational too! Next, have them draw anything they want to display on the wall. It can be a drawing of your family, a cartoon character, a lesson in school, the ideas are limitless. And you can recycle these works of art to keep it fresh.

2. Have a rewards chart that you can make a household activity fun and a lesson at the same time. You can use old cardboard and markers to create a billboard that you can prop on the side, hang on the wall, or stick near your art center. Take a photo of each child and place it on the top and bottom or left and right side of the chart. Decorate the chart sides to match the personalities of each child. You can again use handy art material or old magazines. Every day, set aside times where you have them do easy chores like fixing their toys, or cleaning their room. Activities done successfully can be rewarded by a star or a picture tacked to the chart. At the end of the week you will have collected a number of markers. Set a limit and make this limit rewardable with a favorite snack or a favorite show or a favorite outdoor activity. Your kids learn how to be responsible, you have fun with them while doing chores, and you save money.

For the outdoors:

You can extend the rewards to the outside and make these money saving activities as well by choosing the places you visit.

1. You can have a picnic in the park on nice, sunny days. You have full control over what food you bring and the kids have access to a free playground.

2. You can visit the bookstore and take advantage of the kids section which allows free reading of kids books.

3. You can go to the local indoor pool for cold and overcast days and have a small swimming party.

4. And, if you really want to keep it simple, and multi-purpose, you can go grocery shopping and make it an adventure by having your kids help choose your grocery items. They will learn all about “good” food and how to budget as well. My kids love our Saturday afternoon grocery trips.

Remember that kids don’t mind simple activities as long as they are able to spend fun, quality-time with you. So saving and being with your kids need not be opposing activities.

Make the most of the simple things offered out there and you can’t go wrong!

What cheap and fun activities do you do with your kids?