Cha-Ching on a Shoestring™

Living Large on a Limited Budget

My Project Summer Plans this Week: Packing, Playing and More!

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

This summer I am sharing my goals for making summer meaningful, memorable and fun through my Project Summer series.  I’d love for you to join me!

We had a full week this week.

It was a hot one, so there was lots of playing in sprinklers and swimming.

We also went to our town’s 125th Anniversary parade with some friends.  Is there anything more fun than a parade with friends?

Our Chore Chart continues to be a success.

He even looks like he’s having fun, doesn’t he?

We also had jumping in our van last night and heading to the fireworks that were part of our town’s anniversary celebration.  I love me some fireworks!

Here are some of our Project Summer goals this week:

  • We may head to the $1 movies again this week.  (Last week we accidentally showed up on the wrong day! Guess I should have consulted my Project Summer Planner.)
  • Training continues for my 5k next month.  I plan on running at least 2 more times this week.
  • I hope to re-focus on using the timer cleaning method this week.  I’ve kind of forgotten about that one!
  • Our family is going on vacation next week, so we’ll have LOTS of prep for that.  I might need to print some of those Travel Games printables for the long car ride!

How about you?  What plans do you have for Project Summer this week?  Be sure to check out my LONG list of free and cheap activities if you need some inspiration!

My Project Summer Plans this Week: Reading, Running and More!

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

This summer I am sharing my goals for making summer meaningful, memorable and fun through my Project Summer series.  I’d love for you to join me!

Project Summer has begun and so far, so GOOD!

On Wednesday last week, we jumped in our van with a few friends and headed to the $1 movies at our local Regal.  We saw Kitt Kittredge, which was fun for all in spite of the male majority of our viewers.  :)  This was also Cade’s first movie.  He slept like a champ through the whole thing…just what Momma hoped!

We also started our chore chart this week.  I am really proud of the enthusiasm my boys have shown for their chores so far.  I’m guessing their passion may dim over the upcoming months, but I sure do love watching the way they have jumped right in with both feet.

Today we took our first walk/bike ride to our local library.  I’m confident it will be the first of many.  (And can I just say that I LOVE that we live walking distance from a library?  LOVE it.)

Here are some of our Project Summer goals this week:

  • Begin working on our Reading Rewards programs.
  • It’s going to be a HOT week, so there will be some swimming for sure.
  • I ran three times last week in training for my 5k next month.  I plan on running at least 2 more times this week.
  • I’ve also stepped out of the stone age and joined Pinterest.  I’ve been pinning some fun summer ideas.  Feel free to follow me if you’re on Pinterest too!

How about you?  What plans do you have for Project Summer this week?  Be sure to check out my LONG list of free and cheap activities if you need some inspiration!

My Project Summer Plans this Week

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

With my oldest son’s last day of Kindergarten this past week came the sudden sense that Summer is HERE!

I’m excited about that.  How about you?

On my son’s last day of school, we headed to a local Pretzel Shop and pulled out our Project Summer Downloadable Planner.  This was our chance to do a little dreaming about what fun things we’d like to do this summer.  Just a few of the activities that made the list: play on the playground, have campfires, go fishing, learn to swim, read, and play baseball better, and eat ice cream (of course!).

We discussed the fact that just because it made the list doesn’t guarantee that it will happen.  But it’s fun to dream about what summer could bring, isn’t it?

We also chatted about the Chores Chart that we will be using and how we can’t plan on having fun if we don’t plan on working too.  I *think* they are onboard with that.  Time will tell!

So with that said, here are some of our Project Summer goals this week:

  • Begin using our Chore Chart each morning.
  • It’s going to be a beautiful week, so lots of time outside.  We’ll be heading to the playground for sure.
  • As for me, I’ve begun running in training for my 5k next month.  I plan on running at least 2 more times this week.
  • I’ll also continue to inspire daily cleaning using the timer method.  It’s what works for me during this busy season of life!
  • I’m guessing we’ll fit some ice cream eating in somewhere too. :)

How about you?  What plans do you have for Project Summer this week?  Be sure to check out my LONG list of free and cheap activities if you need some inspiration!

FREE Admission to Local Public Gardens on May 11th

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Tomorrow (Friday, May 11th) is National Public Gardens Day, and many public gardens nationwide are offering FREE admission!

You can get free admission for up to 10 people in one group. Head over here to see if a local garden near you is participating, fill out the form, and you’ll get your free admission voucher.

Sounds like a fun family outing day!

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Bath & Body Works Event This Saturday (3/17/12)

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Bath & Body Works is having a fun event this Saturday (3/17/12) from 10 am to 4 pm. Stop by to try out some samples, enter to win prizes, and more.

You can also get a FREE gift with any home fragrance purchase. The free gift is a Market Day Tote and Foaming Hand Soap! You get to choose between peaches or raspberries scent on the soap.

Have fun!

PROJECT SUMMER 2011: Your Frugal Fun Guide!

By
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Update: Make sure to print out my downloadable Project Summer Planner to help you make the most of this list!

I am SO excited to reveal to you a little project I’ve been working on behind the scenes.

Summer is HERE and I have YOUR guide to all things free and fun for the whole family.  Grab your calendar and start penciling in your Summer Fun Plan!

Reading Rewards Programs:

Free or Cheap Movie Admission:

  • Regal Free Family Film Festival: Beginning in June, select Regal Theaters will be offering $1.00 G and PG rated movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning at 10 am.  Click here to find a participating theater near you.
  • National Amusements Bookworm Wednesdays: Kids can get free admission to a select children’s film every Wednesday at 10 a.m. when they present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas, Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six also receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report. Program begins July 6 and ends August 10.
  • Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Participating Cinemark theaters are offering $1 family-friendly movies on select weekday mornings throughout the summer. You can opt to  purchase an advance pass for all ten movies for just $5 making them only $0.50 each! Find a list of participating locations, dates and times here.
  • Local Theaters: You also may want to contact your local theater to find out if they are offering any special admission events.

Free Craft Projects:

  • Lowe’s Free Build and Grow Clinics: Workshops are offered every other Saturday at 10 a.m.  Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.
  • Home Depot Free Kid’s Workshops: Workshops are designed for children ages 5-12 and are offered on the first Saturday of the month between 9 a.m. and noon at all Home Depot stores.
  • Michaels Craft Workshops: Children ages 3 and up can participate in a variety of craft workshops this summer.  Some are free and others require a purchase.  Click here to check out their summer schedule.
  • A.C. Moore Make and Takes: Every Wednesday from 3-5 pm, A.C. Moore offers free make and take projects.  Check out the summer schedule here and learn more about recommended ages.
  • Bass Pro Shops: From June 4-July 10, Bass Pro Shops are offering a different craft for your child to create.  Click here to learn more about times and crafts being offered.

Free Activities:

Reading Programs for YOU!

Are you aware of any other free fun this summer?  Leave a comment and let us know!