Tuesday, August 9, 2011

It's Not Too Hot for Summer Fun!!

Wow, we have definitely been seeing scorchers this summer!! What is normally a great, hot season, has become a truly sizzling summer. Some think the heat is great, others find it to be unbearable. I’m one of those in the latter group. I would much rather be cold than hot. It's almost too hot to have fun...almost!! There are still some awesome summer fun you can have, even when the temperatures reach near or above 100s.

Pretend it’s a snow day. Since it’s too hot to go out, then use this day as a way to complete those home projects you’ve been putting off. Clean up your basement, repair your favorite piece of furniture, mend your clothing, dust and water the plants, re-caulk the bathtub. They may not be the most pleasant activities, but if you pop in your favorite CD, the day will go by quicker. The bonus is that you’ve marked several items off your Overdue To Do list.

Backyard Games!! (Even if it’s not your backyard) Set up a tent in your backyard or go to a free air conditioned place and break out your old goodies. Board games, card games and any other favorite tabletop games will do. Set up a food table, add music and enjoy the day. You will still feel the warm air, but it with the tent, it will not beam on your back, making outside play unbearable. Spend the day with family and friends, virtually for free!!

Take a bus tour!! Do you have any great art galleries or museums in your area? Check with your local art community and see if your city has a shuttle service that will take you around town. You are sure to discover a new world, right there in your hometown. You can take your whole family, learn about a new culture, and maybe even spark a new interest or talent in you or your children. It will be like traveling to a foreign country and studying abroad, without the expensive fees. It's also a great air-conditioned, cultural experience that is easy on the pockets.

Give your teens a challenge!! If they think it’s too hot to go outside, challenge them to entertain them inside. You can even get them to do some chores and possibly like it. Have them defrost the freezer for you. Then challenge them to use whatever you have on hand to cook a full course menu for the entire day. That means breakfast, lunch and dinner! They can do their food and ingredient search in the refrigerator, the freezer, the pantry, and cupboards. Get some use out of those expensive kitchen gadgets you never use!! It will be their responsibility to plan and cook (or not cook) the menu. This will teach them a creative lesson in responsibility as well as a frugal living: you can always make something!!

I gave you just a few frugal ideas, but there are plenty of activities available for kids and adults this summer. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to keep yourself hydrated. Bring water and snacks to every outing possible. If you think plain water is boring then add a little lemon or other fruit like strawberries, oranges or pineapple. Another idea is to eat your water. Fruit and veggies like watermelon, citrus fruits, celery and cucumbers are a good way to get your water in and be refreshed. Enjoy!!
Frugal wishes to you!!
Frugalicious Diva

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