Frugal Friday -- Summer Fun Pack

In this region gardening is a challenge. The growing season is short and even in the middle of summer we have to worry about frost. This year the cold extended well into June and my vegetable garden has been a bust. But one thing that thrives despite the weather is lavender.

Last year we made lavender sugar and lavender sachets. This year we tried our hand at lavender wands. The lavender, of course, was free. And the ribbon thrifted. Overall this project cost, maybe, a dollar.

This project completes our summer birthday fun pack. It seems we know quite a few kids born in the summer months. And now we are able to celebrate with fun yet frugal gifts.

Our fun pack includes: a hula hoop, homemade bubbles (with attached pancake shaper/bubble blower) and a lavender wand.

Good for the gifter and good for the giftee. What more could a person want?!!

Here's hoping your summer is also full of fun!

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A Great Way to Pass a Summer Afternoon - Monday

This is our summer to decompress. We have no scheduled activities and instead are following our bliss. We're roasting marshmallows, going to bed late and sleeping in. We're selling lemonade, walking to the library and visiting the ducks at the park. We're unearthing all kinds of fun yet frugal family activities and I can tell you this: I'm going to be all kinds of wistful when summer finally ends.

In the meantime I thought I'd take this week and share with you a bit of what we've been doing. One special activity per day -- "A Great Way to Pass a Summer Afternoon."

Here's today's contribution:

• First go thrifting. Be sure to pick up an old board game (or two).
• After you get home make a batch of lemonade and brew up a pot of tea.
• Set up the game in the back yard.
• Bring out lemonade for the kids and half lemonade/half tea for Mama and/or Papa.
• Lift up your head, feel the sun on your face and the gentle breeze tousling your hair.
• Then determine whether or not it truly was Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick.

Trust me. It's a great way to pass a summer afternoon!

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