Ten Fun and Frugal Summer Activities We did with the Grandkids!

 

Our fun thing to do where we live is feed the horse of course.

And you can always take a little drive into the country to feed one a little roadside grass...even if he isn't yours. :o)

The library is our very favorite spot though. Nice and cool. They have a million activities for every age from babies to adults!  Don't just go to your favorite library. Check our your county's calendar!  This picture is of the park behind the library. Parks are always a great frugal place to go too!

 

We drove about 30 minutes to Montgomery to their library to hear a great band called The Non-toxic Band. They were fabulous and write music just for kids! The kids laughed, sang, cheered and danced to every style of music imaginable!

 

Of course we also checked out books and played with the stuffed animals. :o)

Feed the Ducks--  Thank goodness..we live near the lake..but do you have a pond nearby? I don't think we've ever lived somewhere where you couldn't feed ducks.

Amanda with the boys...

 Grandma (me!) with my three grandsons, Colin, Brennan, and Nikolai Rodgers

Swimming is a great option whether you do it in a tub, a wading pool, or your local rec center!

Nikolai, my newest grandson (born on my birthday--Feb. 2nd!), swam in the tummy tub. I took him in the big pool too. He seems to like water an awful lot. :o)

Lena, my granddaughter, is a beach bum just like her mom and dad. We had such a great time Saturday swimming with all four grandkids and their parents. :o)


Lena in her bathing suit.



 How about some art? Drawing, Coloring, and Stamping are good for at least 15 minutes...

You can color, draw, or play with stamp sets.

How about a puppet show! Check out the internet for easy patterns for homemade puppets.

You can have a puppet show!  I bought this whole set with 15 puppets for $30.00 off of Craig's list!

 Playdough never gets old!

Refrigerator Magnets are fun even if you can't spell yet...

Or you can play with puzzles, magnet letters or playdough!

 

Or..you can try my most favorite summer activity of all...playing with the grandchildren!

Shabby Chic's Huge Giveaway Event!! I'm giving a way a hand-quilted 1920's reproduction wallhanging..Come and See!

It's almost that time again - Giveaway Day time!

From Gina: Our last event, The Spring Fling, was a HUGE success! With over 20,000 hits in 2 days, you all made it clear that you LOVE giveaways. So, let's get ready and do one for summer!  Gina at Shabby Chic.

Ladies..we are talking about FABULOUS giveaways!! Lots of them! So stop by Gina's today to learn how to participate. CLICK HERE TO ENTER.

And for a good Monday Challenge...here's my favorite!! I'm SOOOO going to be doing this!!  Read this challenge from Gina...

Last year I issued a challenge to all my readers: Find ten tasks that need to be finished, and complete them in ten days. It's a steep challenge - but if you need a kick to break through procrasinating it's a GREAT way to get going.

So we're going to do it again! You have one week to decide which 10 tasks you'd like to complete, then list them on your side bar. I will do a linky at the 5 day mark to show your progress and the 10 day mark to show your results. If you need a cheerleader to keep motivated, then your challenge buddies will help you out! Your tasks can be as simple as decluttering a drawer or as big as sewing a slipcover. It's all up to you.


The challenge will begin next Wednesday, June 23rd and end Friday, July 2nd.
The 5 day link up will be on Sunday, June 27th.
Are you game?

Well, You bet Gina!! Here's my list of Ten Things:

1. Finish Mom's couch cushion covers
2. Help son get driver's permit.
3. De-clutter dear hubby's closet.
4. Finish purple square dance skirt.
5. Lose five pounds.
6. Learn to sell on Ebay!
7. Ship Dad's mementos to distant family.
8. Get finances completely up- to-date.
9. Write Christian's lesson plans for summer school.
10. Add ruffle to checkered square dance skirt.

 Happy Homemaking!

Frugal Snack Ideas and How to Make Your Own Microwave Popcorn!

 

Hi Ladies…How would you like to save a ton of money and still make healthy and easy snacks?  

For starters…how about a great frugal drink…like Sun Tea or Homemade Lemonade?  My secret sister blessed me with a box of Lipton and a gorgeous Sun Tea Jar. (Giant pickle jars work great too.)  I’m assuming you all know how to make sun tea…but if you haven’t tried homemade lemonade you are in for a treat.  I’m not talking about using lemons either because that’s not convenient. I mean just buy a big bottle of lemon juice and sugar or stevia.  My family goes through tons of this, so I buy the double giant bottle pack of Real Lemon juice at Sam’s. 

 

 photo credit

OK..here’s the recipe…1 Cup Lemon Juice and 1 Cup Sugar plus enough water to fill a 2 qt. pitcher.  That’s it. Please try this!! You will be amazed! 

I do five gallons at a time for a big get together in our cooler. Every kid I’ve ever known was amazed at how wonderful it tasted. Get rid of that powdered stuff..yuck!!!  It costs too much and doesn’t taste even a fraction as good. And when you make your own..you control how much sugar goes in too.!

Frozen Lemonade in 2 Qt. Juice Bottles for Ice Cold Lemonade on the Road! And to save more money, pour your lemonade in a 2qt juice bottle and freeze it! Take it with you on the road and in no time at all, it will be defrosting. By the time you get to your first stop..and the kids are getting hot and thirsty…the ice cold lemonade will be ready for them. (Take some cups along of course!) We keep several bottles in our mini deep freezer. It’s way better than sodas and cheaper…and  it’s more appealing than water sometimes.

Microwave Popcorn: Home made, cheap and easy - More DIY How To Projects

I discovered this two years ago but don’t have time to take my own photos…and why bother? This  video shows exactly how to do it! To read more click here. Hoopajoo did a great job..so I’ll let her show you what I do.   We stocked up on the paper bags and cheap real popcorn last year..and still have plenty left. The kids thought this was super fun to do. :o)

  

And of course..don’t forget the watermelon! One big watermelon goes a long way! My kids live on it during the summer!  We spent such a fun week with our friends, The Robisons, in Galveston and the kids sure did enjoy their watermelon. It’s a healthy snack that really helps beat the heat!

Happy Homemaking!