Feature Article: 5 Affordable Winter Activities for Children by Sheila Buck

The winter months are cold and, although many parents don’t like being out in the brisk weather, their children usually do. During the colder months it may seem harder to keep your children entertained than it was during the warmer months. Here are some good ideas for keeping your children busy this winter.

• Sledding is a fun activity that children enjoy. Have them get their friends together to have a fun-filled day of sledding at a nearby hill. If no hill is available, children can take turns pulling each other around. You or another parent may offer to take the children sledding someplace where there is a hill if time allows.
• Ice skating is a fun winter activity that children will enjoy as well. Look for a local ice skating rink that the children will be able to go to. There may also be a pond nearby that they are allowed to use. Always make sure the ice is safe for your son or daughter to skate on. If neither of these options is available, have the children level out an area in your yard and let them use the hose to fill it with water. The water will freeze and you will have a rink in your own yard. Ice skates are good to have, but not a necessity. Children have just as much fun skating in their boots.
• One of my favorite winter activities is making snow forts. You make them by using the snow and your hands, or plastic brick molds that can be bought at the store. Old bread pans also make good molds. Place bricks of snow in a row on the ground then repeat, stacking until your child likes the height. Children can make however many walls they want. Holes can even be left for windows and doors.
• Homemade hot chocolate is a great treat for the children when they come inside from a day of playing in the cold. You can have it ready for them when they come in, but it would be a lot more fun for them if you let them help you make it. Most, if not all, of the ingredients can probably be found in your home.
• The school has different sports for each season. If your child is athletic, he or she may want to join a winter sports team.

Even though the winter months are cold, children still need ways to keep busy. With a little help from their parents, they can stay busy all winter long. Sledding, skating and making snow forts are fun activities for kids, but can also be fun for if they give it a try.

Resources:

Cooks.com: Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipes

********************************************************************

Sheila Buck is the single mom of two teenage boys. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Sheila is a freelance writer, and also writes books and short stories in her spare time. Sheila also writes for Frugal Recipes.

Frugal Fun for the Winter Months

Winter weather is cold. But there are plenty of activities for families and singles, no matter the temperature. If you’re looking for fun things to do this winter, check out the lists below.

Activities for more than one person

• Play card games such as Rummy, Canasta, or Go Fish.
• Play board games like Candy Land, Monopoly, The Game of Life, and Triond.
• A movie night, complete with soda and air popped corn, costs little. Watch something on television, or buy DVD’s from Bull Moose for as little as $0.97.
• With a few plastic block makers, your family will have a great time building snow forts.
• You can also spend a day making a snow family.
• Snowball fight!!!! Start one of these as a surprise, when the children are all outside.
• A sledding party is great fun! Bring hot chocolate, and paper cups for everyone. Each family can bring something different such as cookies, or coffee for the parents.
• An ice skating party can be done the same way.
• Read to the children while they play with legos.
• Drive around to see the holiday lights after dark.
• Have a dance party in the living room with the children!

There are ways to save money on the activities listed above. For instance:

• Ice skates can be found cheap at yard sales, or affordably at second-hand sports shops.
• Board games can be purchased throughout the year at thrift shops and yard sales.
• Decks of cards are cheap at a dollar store.
• A sled would make a great gift from grandparents.

Activities for singles

• Walk on days it’s nice enough to be outside.
• Curl up on the sofa or in bed with a cup of tea and a good book.
• Play a game of solitaire while enjoying a hot cocoa.
• Have a favorite winter movie marathon during snow days. I particularly love Storm of the Century, Baby Boom, Little Women, Grumpy Old Men, and Grumpier Old Men.
• Lady’s, take some time to pamper yourselves. The cold is harsh on your skin. A little lotion will be necessary. Men, you can do the same!
• Bake!

What are your favorite frugal activities during the winter months? Share in the comments.

Shannon

Feature Article: Affordable Gifts Children Can Make

By Sheila Buck

Gift giving is a major part of birthdays and holidays. On these occasions, children like to give gifts to their friends and families. Purchasing presents can become expensive, and not all families have a lot of money to spend. The following is a list of gifts that children can make that are easy and affordable.

• Cards are simple to make and the materials are usually very inexpensive to purchase. Many children have most of the materials they need on hand. Materials include: construction paper, crayons, markers, glitter, scissors, and glue. Children can draw pictures and write messages. Decorating with glitter always adds a nice touch to any card.
• Poems can be found for any family member or friend in library books and on the internet. Some children even like to write their own poetry. Have your son or daughter pick out or write a poem and copy it down on a colorful piece of paper. Have him or her decorate the boarder of the paper with a nice design. Grandparents love to hang poems that tell others how wonderful their grandchildren think they are.
• Popsicle stick pencil holders are always a nice gift. The sticks are inexpensive and come with many in a package. You can buy them already colored, or your child can color them him or herself. Have your son or daughter glue the sticks to a washed tin can. Glitter or stickers can be added for extra decoration. Have your child glue a photo of him or herself to the front of the pencil holder.
• Gifts in a jar are a wonderful gift idea for the holidays. Have your child pick out a favorite cookie recipe and put all of the dry ingredients in a canning jar. Layer the ingredients for a pleasant look. Have your child write out tags that list the ingredients the recipient of the gift has to add, and how to cook them. Tie the tag around the cover of the jar. Canning jars can often be found at yard sales at a very cheap price. Many of the jars that we purchase food in can also be used for this purpose. The quart size jars work well. Wash the jars and put them away to use for this purpose.
• Framed photography is a beautiful gift that can be hung and treasured for a life time. Have your child take pictures of the local scenery, family, and friends. If you have a digital camera, photos can usually be printed up fairly cheap at the local drug store. If you have to develop film, it is sometimes less expensive to mail it and have it developed. Frames can be purchased at some stores for around dollar.

Making gifts is an inexpensive way for a child to give all of the meaningful people in his or her life something special. Your son or daughter will have a lot of fun making the gifts, and it gives them a chance to be creative. Friends and family enjoy receiving gifts made from the heart.

*********************************************************************

Sheila Buck is the single mom of two. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Sheila is a freelance writer, and also writes books and short stories in her spare time. Sheila also writes for Frugal Recipes.

Feature Article: Christmas Decorations and Wrapping Supplies for Five Dollars and Under

by Sheila Buck

When you are decorating and wrapping gifts while on a strict budget, it is important to be able to purchase the supplies you need for a reasonable price. If you shop your local Family Dollar, you can find many good quality choices for your holiday decorating and gift wrapping needs. If you are looking for good deals this holiday season, you can find the following items at your local Family Dollar store.

Door Decorations

Many people like to decorate their front doors for the holiday season. The Family Dollar offers some different choices for door decorations. These choices include:

• A three piece door surround that goes around the top and sides of your front door. You can get these with a Santa picture, or a snowman.
• If you like wind-stocks, you can purchase them at one of these stores. You can choose from Santa, a penguin or  a snowman.
• They also offer plastic and foil door covers with a variety of designs.
• They offer bell door hangers at a very reasonable price.
• If you like to hang signs on your front door, you can purchase a variety of wooden signs. They have different holiday characters on them and have different sayings such as: A Santa that has the word “Christmas” and a snowman that has the phrase “Let it snow”.
• You can also find plush door knob hangers.

Garlands and Lights

You can hang garlands and lights on your tree, around your door, around your windows or anywhere else you choose. The Family Dollar store offers different garland and light choices which include:

• Clear lights
• Colored lights
• Fabric ribbon
• Beaded garland
• Tinsel garland
• Foil garland
• Bubble garland

Ornaments

There are also a variety of ornaments available that you can hang on your tree, or wherever else you choose. The ornaments come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. You may find something that meets your needs. Ornament choices include:

• Glitter bulbs
• Bells
• Finial ornaments
• Wooden ornaments
• Glass ornaments
• Snowman and reindeer ornaments
• Ornament hooks

Gift Wrapping Supplies

Wrapping gifts is one of those necessities during the holidays. In some department stores, gift wrapping supplies can be very expensive. The Family Dollar offers everything you need at a very reasonable price. Some gift wrapping supplies offered for purchase include:

• Wrapping paper (single and four pack)
• Gift boxes of many different sizes
• Gift tags
• Tape
• Ribbon
• Bows
• Gift bags in many sizes and different designs
• Glitter boxes
• Buckets
• Baking tins

The Family Dollar store offers many Christmas decorations and wrapping supplies at a very reasonable price. You can purchase everything you need, and it is all priced at five dollars or less. The items are of good quality and are very affordable for those of us on a strict budget.

********************************************************************

Sheila Buck is the single mom of two. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Sheila is a freelance writer, and also writes books and short stories in her spare time. Sheila also writes for Frugal Recipes.

Make a ‘T H A N K F U L’ Banner

I’ve probably mentioned how much I love autumn. This year has been a bit strange though, with such warm temperatures. I do prefer cooler temps in October, but there’s nothing to be done about that. Warmers temps don’t prevent me from celebrating the season.

This year I made a ‘T H A N K F U L’ banner I’d like to show you. The beauty of this banner is that you can resize it to fit the space you have available, so don’t feel forced to use my measurements. This banner can also be spaced differently, bringing the pieces closer or setting them further apart.

Materials

(general materials and amounts; you may need more or less)

paper (to make the pattern)

2 sheets 8×10 orange cardstock (small polka dots)

2 sheets natural colored/patterned cardstock

1 sheet 8×10 orange cardstock (medium polka dots)

pencil

adhesive

twine (measure to account for banner size and spacing)

scissors

paper-cutter

letter stickers

2 tacks for hanging

1. Make a pattern for the orange banner pieces using plain or lined paper. I made mine 3 1/4″ x 4″. Cut the pattern out using a paper-cutter. Use scissors to cut the bottom to look like the banner pieces in the first two pictures above and the feature photo.
2. Trace the pattern onto the back of the orange paper 8 times. Cut these pieces out.
3. Make a pattern for the natural banner pieces using plain or lined paper. I made mine 2 3/4″ x 3 1/2″. Cut the pattern out using a paper-cutter. Use scissors to cut the bottom to look like the banner pieces in the first two pictures above and the feature photo.
4. Trace the pattern onto the back of the natural paper 8 times. Cut these pieces out.
5. Use scissors to cut 8 circles out of the orange cardstock with the medium circles.
6. Using sticker letters that will spell out T H A N K F U L, center one sticker onto each circle.
7. Adhere the top only of the natural banner pieces toward the top of the orange pieces, centering them. The middles and bottoms of the natural pieces should not be adhered.
8. Adhere a circle onto each natural piece, being sure to center these as well.
9. Lay the finished pieces out as you would like them, equal distances between each.
10. Lay a long piece of twin over these, so there is extra twine at each end, and cut to the length you will need.
11. Tie the ends of the twine to make loops for hanging.
12. Tuck the twine string between the orange and natural banner pieces.
13. Hang the banner.

I know it sounds like there is a lot to this project, but there isn’t. It took little time to complete, and I love the look.

Switch Things Up

• Make the banner using triangle, square, diamond, or circle patterns instead, for a different look.
• Try using different autumn-related colors.
• Yarn could be used instead of twine.
• Use different words or phrases, such as Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Wishes, Autumn Fun, or I Am Thankful.

I hope you like the project! Please share your banners.

Happy autumn,

Shannon

Family Day at the Park

A park is a great place to have a family fun day. Take advantage of these free spaces to visit whenever you have the chance. Enjoy the scenery and have fun as a family.

If you are looking to make a trip to the park enjoyable for your family, there are plenty of things to do that won’t cost anything extra. To get you started, why not try some of these:

• Pack a picnic lunch, extra water, snacks, and other items you will need, such as sunblock, towels and bathing suits if there is a water feature and the days are warm enough, a blanket or two, a Frisbee, and sports equipment.
• If allowed, bring fishing poles and tackle boxes.
• Bring your camera so you can take photos for the family album. Let children join in the fun of photographing what they think is important.
• Have the children hang out in the playground area during the morning, while you sit nearby and read or socialize with other adults. (If the children are big enough to be left to their own defenses. Otherwise, join them on the playground. You may wish to regardless.)
• Morning is a good time for children to use the park’s water features as well.
• Set up the picnic lunch and call the children over. Connect with your children about what you’ll all be doing for the rest of the day, and about what is going on in their lives and yours. Discuss upcoming family events, and anything else they should know about. Be silly with them, and answer questions they may have.
• Frisbee and catch are both great after lunch games you can enjoy with the children. Consider a walk through the park, or sitting on the rocks by the river. This should be a fun time spent together as a family.

These park days are wonderful ways to strengthen family bonds. Allow your children to invite a friend along for even more fun. Inviting another family along is also an option. Just be sure that everyone is involved in the fun.

Spring Crafts Children Will Love

Easy craft projects allow children to successfully create decorations and gifts. The ideas below will provide children with the opportunity to celebrate spring, while making things they can gift to others, or decorations for your home.

Picture Flowers

Materials: Flower-shaped cookie cutter(s), pencil, scissors, pictures, wooden skewers, paper (plain or patterned), glue, a vase

Have your child use a pencil and a cookie cutter to trace flower-head shapes onto paper. Ask him/her to cut out 2 shapes for each flower they wish to make. Provide him/her with small pictures of themselves or others that you have cut into circles to fit the center of each flower, and have your child glue these onto their flowers. Have him/or glue a wooden skewer to the backs of half of the flowers, then to glue the other half of the flowers to the backs of these and set aside to dry.

Once the flowers are dry, allow him/her to create an arrangement in a vase.

Glittery Planters

Materials: Glitter glue pens, a small planter, organic potting soil, seeds/seeding, water

Give your child a set of glitter glue pens, and a planter that has been washed and dried thoroughly. Ask him/her to create designs or spring scenes on the outside of the planter with the pens, and then set them aside to dry.

Once dry, have him/her fill the planters with soil and plant a seed or seedling in it. Have them add a little water and place it in a sunny window. Explain that water and sunlight are important to the plants but too much water will kill them, and ask them to only water the plants when they start to dry out. Explain the type of plant that was started and, if giving as a gift, let him/her watch it grow some first.

Tulips in a Vase

Materials: Egg cartons, scissors, paints in spring colors, paint brushes, pipe cleaners, vases, ribbon

Often, the first flowers we notice in the spring are tulips. Many people plant them around trees or in front of their homes. These vividly colored flowers bring happiness into the hearts of the people who most anxiously await the first signs of spring.

Cut the cups out of egg cartons, and cut each of these along the sides, 2/3 of the way down. Poke a hole in the bottom of each. Have your child paint with vibrant colors and some brushes, and allow the tulips to dry.

Once dry, have your child poke pipe cleaners up through the holes to form the stems, and place his/her tulips into vases. Then have him/her tie a bow around vase.

Painted Frames

Materials: Wooden picture frame, paint, paint brushes, photographs

Give your child a frame, minus the glass, inserts, and back, if possible. Have him/her paint the frame with spring-time things such as eggs, grass, flowers, and birds.

When dry give, him/her a photograph of him or her self, as well as the other frame parts, and demonstrate how to put the frame back together.

DIY: Easy Pencil Holder

We’ve been discussing how to organize your space in attractive ways, without breaking the bank. You’ve already been introduced to my ideas for creating labels, and now I want to explain an easy way to organize pencils and other things in your hobby room or home office.

These holders will organize pencils, pens, highlighter, markers, and more, allowing for display in a pleasing manner. Because they are so easy and affordable to make, you can have a separate holder for each group of items. A pencil holder will add charm to your workspace, especially when created to match the décor of the room.

Alternatively, a pencil holder can be made as a way to decorate your work space for a holiday or season.

Materials

Aluminum can, cleaned and dried, with a smooth edge
Tape measure
Paper cutter
Decorative edged scissors (optional)
Scrapbook paper, 2 colors
Adhesive
Stickers or other embellishments

1. Choose paper colors to match the decor in the area where the holder will be used, or the occasion you’ll be celebrating. One sheet should be light, the other a medium to dark color.
2. Measure the can height, and then measure around it. Add ¼ inch to the second number.
3. Use the paper-cutter to measure and cut the light-colored sheet of paper to size.
4. Glue this sheet of paper around the can by first gluing one end to the can, then overlapping the other end and gluing it in place.
5. Allow to dry completely.
6. Using the second number again, cut 2 pieces of dark-colored paper to a ½ inch height using the paper-cutter or decorative edged scissors.
7. Adhere these to the top and bottom edges of the light-colored paper that was glued to the can, using the same method as above.
8. Allow to dry thoroughly.
9. Choose stickers and/or other embellishments to match your décor, an upcoming holiday, or the season.
10. Look at the can and decide where you want to place each item.
11. Adhere them in a flattering manner to the areas of your choice.
12. Place the pencils or other items into the pencil holder, and place it on the desk.

Example: A spring-themed pencil holder may include stickers depicting grass, flowers, and the sun, or butterflies and dragonflies above a pond. An ocean theme would include sand, waves, and seashells.

Alternatively: Use patterned paper rather than embellishments, or paint decorations onto the paper.

 

DIY: Simple Drawer Labels

Are you working to get your hobby room, home office, or another area of your home  organized? For me, it’s the kitchen. An organized space is a tidy space, and provides easy access to whatever is needed.

If you are a scrapbooker or are into other paper crafts, you likely have paper scraps that you can use to make the labels with. Attach labels to boxes, binders, and more. I’m going to make mine for labeling the herbs I dry and put into jars.

You can make labels to put on a number of organizers, including baskets, photo boxes, file cabinets, hat boxes, plastic storage totes, and pencil boxes, that will allow you to organize each space in your home.

NOTE: You do not have to laminate these if you don’t want. Simply delete that item from the materials list, and leave out that step in the directions.

Materials

Measuring tape
Card stock
Paper cutter
Adhesive
Stickers and/or other embellishments
Markers in your choice of colors
Laminate

1. Measure the front of the container you’ll be making the label for, to determine the size you want to make.
2. Decide on a card stock size big enough to adhere a sticker or other embellishment to the front of, and that will allow you to write in letters big enough to be read easily.
3. Choose a light-colored card stock to match the room the organizers will be placed in.
4. Use a paper-cutter to measure and cut out however many labels you’ll need, in the size you want. Make sure the blade of the cutter is sharp enough so that the cuts are clean.
5. Use a dark-colored card stock that will also go with the area as a background. Use the paper-cutter again, this time to measure and cut the card stock ¼ to 1/3 inches bigger around than the labels you just cut out.
6. Glue the light-colored labels to the dark-colored backgrounds, making sure the labels are centered onto each of the darker-colored pieces of card stock.
7. Allow these to dry thoroughly.
8. Adhere a sticker or other embellishment to each card. Mix these up so you have some labels with an embellishment on either the left or the right, or keep them uniform by placing one on the same side of each label. Or place a small embellishment to each edge. Whatever you prefer.
9. Choose a dark-colored marker, such as green, black, or blue, to finish the labels. Write the name of the item for each container on its’ corresponding label. Use clear print or script, so the labels are easy to read.
10. Cut two pieces of laminate for each label. Cover the front of each with one piece, and adhere the second piece to the back, so the edges stick together. Trim around the edges of the laminate to be sure everything is even.
11. Adhere a label to each drawer with tape or another adhesive.

Using Scraps from Your Scrappin’ Hobby

Scrapbooking is a fun activity that generates a great deal of scrap material in the form of stickers, paper, embellishments, and more. Use these leftover items for other projects and you will not only be eliminating waste – you’ll also save money.

Scraps can be used in a number of ways, including the ones mentioned below. The end result of any one of these projects will make a pleasing gift for anyone. They might also be used to decorate your home. If you’re good at what you do, you will be able to generate extra income from the items you make.

Little Albums

Use small scraps of paper, stickers, and other embellishments to make little scrap or tag books. Choose color themes, or themes of cartoon characters for a child, flowers for a gardener, or sports stickers for a fan.

Scrap Frames

Use the cardboard insert of a picture frame, or a piece of cardstock or thin cardboard, to create a scrapped collage. Use a picture and scraps from your hobby to decorate the insert, and frame the finished collage. Use color themes, stickers, or other embellishments to add some flair.

Make Cards

Half-sheets of scrapbook paper or card stock can be used to make greeting cards for a variety of occasions. Fold the partial sheets of paper in half and decorate. Use smaller scraps of paper and embellishments to create unique cards for loved ones. Use quotes as sayings, being sure to credit the person who said the quote.

Create Your Own Gift Tags

If you have tiny scraps left over from your scrapbook hobby, these are great for making tags for any occasion. Cut circles, hearts, rectangles, or other shapes from paper and add a sticker to each, leaving room for the “To” and “From” fields. Use can use tag templates, or do it freehand.

Do Decoupage

Adhere sticker, paper, photograph sections, and ribbon scraps to objects using a decoupage medium. A great many items can be decorated this way, including hat boxes, mirror frames, bulletin board frames, planters, and jewelry boxes. You might also decoupage the top of an old table or dresser.

Let the Kids Get Crafty

Keep scraps in a plastic tote for a rainy day, or any time children want to make gifts.  They can make scrapbooks using paper bags that have been folded in half and tied together with ribbon. They might make ornaments, cards, or even story books.

The possibilities are endless.

~ Shannon

 

Plan a Toy Swap

One way to recycle used toys is by getting together with other families to have a community toy swap. You’ll be able to hand over your child’s’ old toys get them ‘new’ ones.

This event can take place outside during good weather, but can also be done in a large room or the garage. Whatever is convenient.

Some things to consider when planning one of these events:

• Signs and other types of ads should be in place at least 4 weeks in advance, 6 weeks would be better.

• Fliers can be placed at most libraries, as well as on community bulletin boards. Information to provide includes the date or dates the event will take place, times, and the intended location. Include a number for people to call to register for the toy swap, as well as a rain date… just in case.

• Be clear in the ad that each family wishing to join in on the swap will be asked to bring a refreshment or something else that will be helpful, to be determined at the time of registration. Make note of possibilities before the fliers are posted so you have an idea of what you want.

• How will you keep foods and beverages cold? Where will you set up tables for food placement? Look at the intended location to be sure these can be set up out of direct sunlight.

• How will you acquire the tables and chairs that will be used in the food area? It’s okay to ask people working the swap to bring a blanket for a picnic.

• Where will families place items they no longer want when they arrive?

• Ask those who will not be attending if they would prefer to drop their old toys off. This will give you a chance to get some things set up ahead of time.

• Contact local radio stations to see if they’ll mention the event on air. Post to newspapers.

• Decide what guidelines to give when people register, such as only toys and games with all their pieces and that are in good condition, and consider whether people will be able to exchange on a toy to toy basis, a box or bag of toys exchanged for another, or some other way. Explain that leftover toys will be donated.

• Will the toys be separated by vendor or category? How will they be displayed/set up? Ask each family to sort them beforehand according to how they will be set up.

• Ask people to bring their own bags and boxes to put their findings in, but have extras available.

• Are there local businesses that will donate food or other items? Explain that the event is being put on for charitable purposes.

• Decide how any leftover toys to be donated will be delivered to whomever they will be going to. Items should be delivered within a two or three days of the event. Call the library, daycare centers and childcare homes, and thrift shops in your area.

Be sure you know who will be responsible for these deliveries in advance.

See if there is anyone who will donate the space required.

Fun, Affordable Get-Togethers: New Years’ Eve

Get-togethers are so much fun! Hanging out with family and friends aids in strengthening bonds, and helps you to destress during the holiday season.

There are many options for get-togethers on New Year’s Eve that will be enjoyed by all who attend. Don’t go over board on the number of guests, or the refreshments you’ll be serving. Keep things casual and enjoyable.

I have only 1 idea for this holiday 🙂

Make it a family event. Play a long running game, such as Monopoly, with the children. Then turn on the television for the festivities. The children may or may not make it to see the ball drop, but you can set up ‘beds’ on the living room floor so they can fall asleep any time. The adults can play cards at the table once the children are settled.

A pasta meal, complete with a tossed salad and garlic bread can be served. And a New Year cake for dessert, that the children helped to make early in the day, will be the hit if the party.

To save money:

• Bake from scratch.

• Purchase needed items on sale, with a coupon, or using both methods.

• Have others help with the cost, or just do a potluck.

• Check out the local dollar store to see what deals they might have.

• Use ingredients you have on hand.

• Use pasta sauce made and preserved using your own garden produce.

Enjoy!

Shannon

Quick Tip: Use Crayon Scraps to Make New Crayons

Be sure you’re saving all of those broken crayons. Take the paper off and reuse them to make new crayons. These make great gifts.

Use muffin tins, or baking pans with small, decorative sections.

Simply spray each section with nonstick spray, and place the crayon bits in them. Break up any that are too big for what you want.

Then melt in the oven at a low temperature. Cool. Pop out, and wrap up!

Shannon

Goal Setting for the Frugal Family

Setting goals as a family, for the new year or at any time, is an important aspect of family togetherness. You want to set goals that the entire family can work on and, after a meeting or two over dinner to work out the details, you should be able to implement your goal(s) right off.

Goal setting and implementation does not have to cost a great deal of money. Below, find a list of goals and how they can be implemented frugally.

1. Create More Family Time: Your family might not be able to afford ski’s or a snowmobile, but you can buy sleds at fairly good prices this time of year. Keep a look out. Stores are looking to get rid of winter and holiday type items to make room for their spring lineups. If you have no budget to work with, that is fine. Build snow forts and have snowball fights. Some other ideas include having a winter picnic, getting a head start on next Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries by making gifts with materials you already have on hand, and reading together as a family. Don’t forget about board and card games!
2. Spend More Time with Extended Family and Friends: You might invite a couple of friends or close family members to join you at your winter picnic, and then to play games. You can meet up with people for a winter walk on a less cold day, or invite people over for a movie marathon.
3. Spend More One-on-One Time with Your Children: Once a week, do something special with one of your children. It doesn’t have to cost money. Go for a walk. Play a board game. Play Mad Libs (my children used to love this!). Have tea or hot cocoa and chat, or cook a new meal together. Each week, do this with a different child. Keep up the routine so you all have something to look forward to.

Happy New Year!

Shannon