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Frugal Outdoor Summer Activities for Families

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Frugal Outdoor Summer Activities for Families

The summer heat is upon us and with it, the familiar refrain “I’m bored!” from the kids. A whole day of nothing to do can quickly turn into an expensive day as you try to entertain the kids with activities, meals out and trips. However, there are numerous activities which are inexpensive or even free.

Library Programs for Kids

Even if you’re kids aren’t big readers yet, the library is awonderful resource for things to do during the summers. You probably already know about story time for the little ones, but libraries often offer numerous programs for older kids, teens and adults during the summer.

Everything from free magic shows to craft classes goes on the schedule at many local libraries. Some libraries even offer clubs and day trips for seniors. Just stop by the librarians’desk for a schedule and suggestions of offerings for different age groups.

Volunteer as a Family

Volunteering is an excellent activity for families to dotogether. The nice thing about volunteering is that there are so many different opportunities out there. Even if they don’t normally take children asvolunteers, they will normally work something out if the parents will be present.

Families can spend the day with animals at shelter, feeding or playing with kids at a shelter or halfway house or even building houses for amazing organizations like Habitat for Humanity. To volunteer as a family unit, callthe main volunteer coordinator for the organization and ask about opportunities.

Free Public Parks

The nice things about public parks are that they are freeand come with built in playmates. Load up the car with the whole family, a homemade lunch and a variety of outdoor toys like bubbles, baseballs and basketballs, Frisbees and the family dog. An entire day can be lazed away lying on the grass with the adults while the kids are kept occupied with their new friends on the playground.

Family activities don’t have to cost a lot; in fact, they really don’t have to cost anything at all. Just the act of spending time, all together, makes those summer days special. If you’re stuck for ideas, think back to what you did as a kid, then pull the kids away from the video games and drag them outside with you!

About the Author

Rhiana Jones is a freelance writer and blogger. Learn more about her on her frugal living blog, A Frugal Life.

*Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.*

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(Almost) Guilt-Free Treats for the 4th of July

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Organic summer snacking at its’ sweetest this 4th of July! For those seeking healthier alternatives to traditional pies, ice cream, and other goodies this holiday, pair gluten-free, vegetarian Organicville Ice Cream with Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie from Wholly Wholesome! These two desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth after all of the corn on the cob and other grilled foods you may be enjoying over the holiday weekend.

Organicville’s new line of certified organic, creamy ice creams is made with skim milk and cream from small organic dairy farms. Available in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and mint, all four varieties are gluten- free, egg-free, vegetarian and kosher. “Mom” can’t believe how rich and full of flavor the vanilla ice cream tastes – hard to believe it is made from skim milk!

Organicville’s new organic ice cream products are available in pint size (473mL) containers at major supermarket chains nationwide, or online at www.OrganicvilleFoods.com.

Vegans’ rejoice! This Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie from Wholly Wholesome features all of the spices and smooth pumpkin flavor you want in a pumpkin pie, but is made without eggs & dairy. Instead, tofu puree is blended with for the same consistency. For those who shun the use of tofu – give this pie a chance! You won’t even notice that the eggs and milk are missing!

To learn more about Wholly Wholesome’s line of delectable, healthy desserts & breads, or to locate a store near you, visit whollywholesome.com.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this review.*

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Games and Activities to Throw a Great 4th of July Party

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Games and Activities to Throw a Great 4th of July Party

Independence Day is a great time to hang out with friends and family, grill some food, and have tons of fun. Throwing a 4th of July party can be a great way to combine all of these things, and in addition to great food, a successful party also needs great party games for everyone to play. Here are a few ideas for Independence Day themed fun for all ages.

1. Pin the Hat on Uncle Sam

If you know how to play “pin the tail on the donkey,” you’ll know what type of game this is. Take some large pieces of construction paper, and fashion yourself a hatless version of the famous bearded icon of America, Uncle Sam. Then create a red, white and blue hat separately that can then be pinned on the old man. Tape Uncle Sam to a wall, and blindfold each player one at a time. Send them over to pin (or tape if you don’t want to risk ruining your wall) the hat on Uncle Sam as best they can without looking. For added fun, spin the contestant after blindfolding him or her. Just be sure to point them in the right direction afterward.

2. Photo Recreations of History

From the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to the Boston Tea Party, there are many historic moments in America’s history. Be creative and have your guests pose as if they were taking part in such historic events. You can look up artists’ depictions of said events, or recreate them from your imagination. Use props, costumes, or anything you can to complete the look. If that’s too much, just have each friend do their best impression of Ben Franklin or George Washington by creatively using whatever props are available. Take plenty of pictures that you can later send to your friends!

3. Roast Marshmallows: American Style

Roasting marshmallows on a grill or fire pit is a great way to have fun, socialize, and have a tasty treat all at the same time. Instead of roasting just plain old marshmallows, you’ll want to use food coloring to dye some of the marshmallows red and blue. Place one of each color on a stick or other roasting skewer, and you’re ready for toasting American’s independence with a toasty snack. You can get more creative by placing red and blue marshmallows on a piece of white chocolate. Add a graham cracker, and you have a unique twist on an old favorite.

4. Fireworks

While most states have restrictions on what kind of fireworks you can set off, a Fourth of July party just doesn’t seem complete without at least some kind of fireworks. Purchase sparklers, poppers, and whatever else you can legally get and take turns firing them off. Always use good judgment when handling fireworks around children, and follow all safety precautions to insure you and your guests do not get injured. If your area prohibits all fireworks, find out when your city sets off their public fireworks and huddle up and watch them together.

Hosting a great party can be easy with great food, fun games, and memorable stories. Don’t just follow these tips, though. Get creative and make your party truly unique. Also remember that what really makes a great party are the people you invite.

About the Author

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging for three years; she is constantly finding new ways to entertain her kids and her most recent success was to make funny t-shirts together. After running around with the kids all day, she also likes to spend a little time and money on herself by going out and buying designer eyeglasses.

*Image: nixxphotography / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.*

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5 Fabulous Tips for an Eco-Friendly 4th of July Celebration

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5 Fabulous Tips for an Eco-Friendly 4th of July Celebration

The 4th of July is a great time to declare your independence from landfill waste, pesticides, and foreign fuel sources while celebrating in eco-friendly style with your family and friends. Here are some tips and ideas for making your 4th of July celebration festive and eco-friendly:

1. Have a BYOB neighborhood block party.

Invite your neighbors and friends to a ‘Bring Your Own Bike’ party. Instead of driving gas guzzling SUV’s, have everyone decorate their bikes and ride them to your party. Give prizes for the ‘most eco-friendly’ decorated bike and the ‘most patriotic’ bike design. Award prizes for children and adults. Celebrate the holiday in grand style by having a neighborhood bike parade down your street. Don’t forget to bring the tots out in strollers. Invite parade spectators to waive the flag, or other eco-friendly streamers as your riders pass by.

2. Go on a ‘Fruits and Berry Happy 4th of July’ outing.

Grab your gang and car pool out to a local farm to pick all kinds of seasonal patriotic berries, like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Gather an assortment to be used as party decorations for your table, and to top off all of your Yankee Doodle desserts. Don’t forget the watermelon!

3. Host an eco-friendly BBQ.

Cut your lawn with a push mower or an electric mower so that your friends and family can smell your fresh cut grass. Serve veggie burgers or burgers made from grass fed organic beef. Expand your menu offerings with fresh corn on the cob, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, peaches, and other local favorites from your nearby farmer’s market. If your BBQ goes toward dusk or into the evening, have on hand DEET-free bug spray or patriotic citronella lanterns, available at many natural food stores. These handy, dandy lanterns are just the thing to chase away the skeeters and the no-see-ums, who might decide to crash your red, white, and blue extravaganza.

4. Host an organic beer and fruity drink tasting event.

If you want to raise a glass in honor of the 4th, consider stocking up on organic beer. Make apple or watermelon martinis and vodka watermelon for the ladies. For those patriots, who prefer non-alcoholic beverages; offer them a simple, yet tasty, 4th of July cooler which is a real thirst quencher. In a gallon pitcher combine, 2 parts purple grape juice to 1 part lemonade. This drink looks great in a punch bowl with an ice ring.

5. Have a beach blanket blowout.

If it’s too far to head to the beach, save the ozone, and host a beach party. Invite your guests to bring their beach blankets to spread out on your lawn. They will agree there is nothing which says, ‘Americana,’ more than old Frankie Valley/Annette Funicello, and Elvis beach movies projected onto an outdoor screen or your outdoor flat screen. When the time arrives, switch over to the Boston Pops, or watch the night sky to catch a glimpse of local fireworks displays in your area. End the evening by gathering around your fire pit to start a ‘sing along’ of your favorite patriotic songs such as, America the Beautiful, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, God Bless America, and I’m Proud to Be an American.

Our country has a proud heritage of independence, hard work, and family values. No matter how you decide to celebrate the 4th, encourage your family and friends to celebrate the earth at the same time by being eco conscious. So whatever you do, have an environmentally friendly, happy, 4th of July!

About the Author

Susan Singleton is a freelance writer and executive coach. She is also a staff writer for rangehoodhq.com, a site with advice and reviews on Bertazzoni Range Hoods and Thermador Range Hoods.

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Tiny Green Mom’s Latest Feature on SheKnows.com

Heading to the beach this summer? Step out in eco-friendly style with these top picks for the planet-conscious beach gal on SheKnows.com! “Mom’s” article on Planet-Friendly Beach Finds was featured this week! Visit SheKnows.com.

*Image provided by Coolibar.*

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