Inexpensive (and Easy) Summer Meals

For my family, summer is not all about cooking, unlike during the winter holidays. Instead, it is about spending time outdoors, going on summer adventures, visiting with friends and family, days at the park or pool, and nights on the grass watching a movie or music concert under the stars.  It is about inviting the neighbors over for a campfire and smores, catching lighting bugs, trying to get all of the ice cream drips before they run down your arm, and re-experiencing the feel of a light breeze coming off of the ocean. Still, we all have to eat, so … Continue reading

Spring Into Summer for Free

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer; a time when most families hit the road in search of sun and fun.  Whether you are heading to the Jersey Shore, making tracks to Florida’s coastal communities or cruising to California, you can experience sun, sand, and surf without sacrificing your entire summer travel budget. The trick is to take advantage of the free activities and amenities offered at your vacation destination. For example, if you are planning to travel to San Diego this summer, there are a slew of family-friendly options that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy, including: … Continue reading

Kids Skate for Free!

I’m always looking for new and free things to keep my kids entertained for the summer. We take advantage of free summer movies, free music concerts, library programs and more. Now, there is a new activity that my family may be able to enjoy, free skating! Through the Kids Skate Free Program, participating roller rinks are offering free skating for kids this summer. I like this idea, because skating is so active, just what kids need. During the hottest months, it is sometimes hard to make sure kids get enough exercise. Exercise helps keep a healthy weight, burns off extra … Continue reading

20 Ways to Get Free Entertainment

Free Entertainment is all around us. We just have to reach out for it. 1. Free movie rentals from Redbox. Search for “Redbox codes” online. You’ll get at least one free movie rental a week when using the Redbox video machines. 2. Free Lego Build Event. Each month Lego stores sponsor free building events for ages 6 through 14. Kids can build a new Lego model each month (this month it is a log cabin) and then take it home. 3. Free video games from the library. Chances are that your library is stocked with video games for current systems. … Continue reading

Seven Things to Get at the Library for Free

If you haven’t visited your local library in a while, you might want to plan a visit sometime soon. The library is a very different place than it was just ten years ago, thanks in part to current technology. Plus, with the economy, there is a new need for additional services, all of which most community libraries are trying to provide. They are doing a very good job of it, too. So get that library card out (or sign up for one) and start saving. Here are seven things that you can get at the library for free. • Free … Continue reading

How to Use Freebies for Family Fun

It is possible to have a year full of family fun for free or nearly free. It is all in what you know and how you do your research. Take advantage of the following free family fun opportunities. Free Movies There are a number of ways that you and your family can enjoy free movies. The first is through free movie screenings. Movie studios like to test out an audience’s reaction before a film is released to the general public. To do this, they offer free movie screenings. Sometimes you will be asked for your opinion, usually by filling out … Continue reading

Get Free Music, Free Hand Sanitizers, and Free Sunscreen

Ready for a random roundup of freebies? Once in a while, the freebies that I can find scattered across the internet seem to fit a theme. This week, there is no specific category that would describe all of these freebies. Enjoy the “grab bag” of free stuff! Target has a free sample of Bear Naked Cereal. To get this freebie, you need to go to the Target website and click the button that says “request sample”. Next, you need to fill out the survey that pops up. There are eight questions in the survey. Eventually, you will be able to … Continue reading

Late Summer Travel Bargains

Sometimes it pays to procrastinate. If you waited until the end of the summer to escape on a seasonal getaway, you’re in luck. Turns out the travel industry held out on some super savings for those willing to vacation in late August and early September. Among the best deals are: Colorado: Whether you are heading to Denver over the Labor Day weekend to gorge yourself during A Taste of Colorado or you are simply looking to explore the state’s amazing natural wonders, several hotels are offering outstanding late summer deals. For example, rates at the Denver Marriott City Center are … Continue reading

End of Summer Budget Savers

Labor Day is fast approaching. For many families the holiday weekend is the last chance for them to soak up summer fun before the new school year begins. However, when you are working on a tight budget, it can be challenging to commit to a high-priced weekend getaway. Fortunately, there are a number of affordable end of the summer travel options available across the country for clans to consider, including: Outdoor Adventures: Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to stretch their end of the summer dollar by taking advantage of the Labor Day Overland AdvenTour sale. The deal includes 40% off … Continue reading

Get a Free Drink from Peet’s Coffee & Tea

One of the wonderful things about signing up with, or clicking “like” on, your favorite stores and brands is that you get to find out about deals, sales, and freebies before anyone else does! Here are a bunch of great deals that I found in my inbox. Peet’s Coffee & Tea is giving away a free medium iced or blended beverage, today only, August 1, 2012. To get this freebie, you have to print out the coupon, or put it on your mobile device, and show it to the barista. You also have to arrive at a Peet’s Tea & … Continue reading