Tip of the Day 6/30/11

How can you have a vacation without any time to take off from work and limited funds?  Well the answer is multiple weekend "staycations." 

Let everyone in the family choose something they would like to do within 50 miles of home, set a price limit and choose one "trip" for weekends.  Provide ideas including simple things like camping in the backyard, going to a movie, have summer camp in the backyard with old fashioned games and a campfire complete with songs, go horseback riding, visit a museum, take a nature hike, make kites and fly them, think outside the box.  Use a tourist guide for your area to discover things that tourists come to your town for.  Make the "trip" special by sleeping outside or in the family room, etc. in sleeping bags.  Dividing up the activities over multiple weekends will help financially and still give everyone the break they need from the everyday demands of life.  If you have chosen an outdoor activity and it rains, just choose a different indoor activity for that weekend.  If someone doesn't like the activity chosen for a particular weekend, just remind them that they will have a choice on another weekend.  Placing all the activities in a basket and drawing for which one to do helps diffuse grumbling as well.  Make it a great summer for everyone.   

Tip of the Day 6/29/11

So, you have decided a "Staycation" is the right option for your family this year.  How can you make it into a real vacation without leaving home.  A very important step is to stop the mail for the week, just like you would if you were going out of town.  This will eliminate temptation.  Let your friends know you are on vacation for the week.  The next thing to do is to turn your home into a "hotel" or "campground." 

If you enjoy camping, set up the tent in the backyard and live out there for the week.  The only time you should be in the house is to shower, use the facilities, and use the kitchen if you must.  It will be much more authentic if you treat the back yard just like a campsite and do all of your food prep, cooking, and dish washing outside.  Personally, I would take advantage of the fridge in the house instead of messing with a cooler for a weeks worth of food.  The great thing is if a storm moves in that is beyond safety in the tent you can move indoors.  Otherwise, treat it just like you would at a campground and go inside the tent and play cards.  A screen room or canopy is great to set up as well as the tent.  If you have a nice covered deck you could skip that step.  The key is to treat the week just like you were camping away from home.  Plan activities for the day like a slip 'slide or blow up pool if you don't have one.  Check you're local rental store to see if the have one of the super pools with a slide to rent.  Set up a volleyball or badminton net, horseshoes or croquette and have a tournament for the week.  Plan some day excursions in the area like we talked about yesterday.  By staying home to camp you can use the money you save to purchase the fire pit you have been wanting or a new lawn swing or the pool with the slide.  :) 

If you are like my husband and believe, "roughing it is slow room service," camping is not your favorite activity.  So when we take a "staycation" we move into our 4 season room for the week.  We close the doors to the other rooms in the house and live in the 4 season room, using the kitchen and bathroom as well.  We don't go into the other parts of the house except to get clothes out of the closet.   We close down the rest of the house just like we do for vacation with timers on the lights and the drapes pulled.  We sleep in the 4 season room, just like a vacation away.  If you don't have a family room, basement, etc., just set up in the living room.  The kids will love sleeping in their sleeping bags and not having to make their beds for a whole week.   

Just because you are staying in your home does not mean you should do any of your normal household routines.  I don't do any other laundry than I would if I was on a vacation, so that is very little, no mail delivery eliminates the temptation, closing the doors to the rest of the house helps eliminate the temptation to go in them.  Have your kids pick out the toys they would take on a regular vacation and close the doors to their rooms.  Set up games and activities in the yard like I suggested for "camping," plan your activities for each day before the week begins just like you would a regular vacation.  The only difference will be the money you will save on gas and hotel rooms.  Explain to the children that you will be able to do more during the week because you have saved that money.  This is a great opportunity to teach your children, and yourself, how much fun you can have on a small budget.

 

Tip of the Day 6/28/11

This week we will take a look at options for those of us that can't afford a vacation away from home, commonly called the "Staycation."  We first heard of the concept about 5 years ago and did a full week one and this year are doing weekend ones.  It is a great way to have a vacation, save tons of money, and see the sights close to home. 

Plan the time you have just like you would a regular vacation, just skip the hotel planning.  Let everyone get involved in choosing the activities they would like to do for the week.  Day excursions should be no more than 100 miles from home.  Pick up a visitor's guide to your own area from the Chamber of Commerce and use it for planning.  We live within easy access to 4/5 states, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.  I read the travel section of the Chicago Tribune each week to find ideas for all of those states.  Try the on line version of news papers for large cities near you for events that are happening.

Choose some things to do in your own town that you just never get around to.  Visit your own town like a tourist would. 

Plan the days just like you would a vacation away from home to make it a real vacation, without the temptations of regular time around the house.  Over the next few days I will give you some more pointers on how to make that happen. 

Tip of the Day 6/25/11

A few final travel tips to end our week of travel preparedness before we all head out for the most awesome vacation ever!

• Go through your wallet and remove anything unneccesary.  You really don't need your Library card with.
• Save your latest issues of magazines when they arrive to take with.  They take up less room than books and you can leave behind in the hotel for the next guest.
• Limit the number of books you take with and choose paperbacks.  Or this is the best time for an e-reader.
• Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane instead of packing them.
• Don't over pack!
• Pre-plan only the necessary things and wing the rest. 
• Give everyone a voice in the activities of the day.

Happy traveling!!!

Tip of the Day 6/24/11

Hooray, we have arrived at our vacation destination.  How can we make it a dream vacation.  Whether visiting family, staying with friends, a family vacation, or your dream couple vacation, one of the most important things to remember is not to pack too much into each day.  If you do, you will end up with cranky kids or spouse, not to mention yourself, and cranky hosts.

Choose a reasonable amount of activities each day and plan breaks between them.  If you are visiting a theme park with a day pass, head out for the morning when everyone is fresh, return to your hotel for lunch and a nap in the heat of the day, and then head back out for the evening.  If you are visiting sites close to your hotel, consider going back for a late afternoon nap before dinner.  Everyone will feel refreshed.  If staying with friends and they are not participating in all of your activities, be considerate of their schedules.

Do not expect your hosts to feed you every meal.  Offer to take them out to dinner at least once during your visit.  Pick up some items at the store to treat your host.  Last year we had wonderful friends visit that walked to the store early one morning and came home with delightful breakfast foods that we enjoyed together.  It was a treat for me as their host.  If you need special foods, buy them yourself, do not expect your host to supply them.

Be a clean guest.  Keep your room picked up and the bed made, do not leave the bathroom a mess, wipe down the shower, ask where wet towels should be placed if your host has not shown you already.  Be considerate of personal space and time of your hosts.  Often they have to work some of the days you are visiting, remember it is your vacation, not necessarily theirs.  A thank you note and gift are a great gesture at the end of your stay.

Remember that hotel maids are there to clean the room only, not pick up your mess.  If you want your room cleaned, they need access to the floor, bathroom, and bed.  If they are having to work around all of your belongings they will not be able to clean efficiently.

If staying in a hotel or a guest room with closet or drawer space available, use the space.  It will make your trip more enjoyable and easier to pack to go home.  In a hotel give each child their own drawer or 2 children to a drawer with a rolled up towel between to divide their space.  Do bring an empty bag/pillow case for dirty laundry.  The ones provided in hotels are not large enough for more than one or 2 days clothing and if you have a large family they will not work at all.  Store empty suitcases inside each other in the closet or a corner of the room.  I don't not recommend unpacking if your stay is less than 3 nights in one location.  When packing to return home check every drawer, closet, under furniture and cushions, behind the bathroom door, every conceivable space an item could have fallen.  After you have checked the room, have your spouse or traveling companion check it again.  An easy item to leave behind is a pillow or blanket because the beds have not been made.  By placing brightly colored pillow cases on ones you bring with you will spot them easily in the bed.  Check outlets for phone chargers or computer cords.  Refer to your outgoing list of what you packed to bring with and make sure you have every item on the list to return home with.

Take time to smell the roses and watch the sunsets.  Remember this is a vacation.  Enjoy!!!    

Tip of the Day 6/23/11

The day has arrived and it is time to load the car to head out for the long anticipated vacation.  If you live in a big city or have a ways to drive to the airport or train station allow yourself an hour extra over the arrival time required by the airlines.  This will account for unexpected traffic, etc.  If you are traveling with small children you will need extra time for potty breaks and managing all the extra items you are traveling with.  Remember start the trip on a good note by not cutting it too close.

Feed everyone before heading to the airport, or at least before going into the airport or train station.  The prices are triple what you would pay for the same thing outside and not nearly as healthy.  Be sure to have healthy snakes in your carry on bag.  A correction to yesterday's note about a water bottle, you cannot take a full water bottle through security.  Pack an empty one in your checked baggage, but you will have to purchase a full one inside security to take on the plane.  Also check the TSA site regarding sippy cups, drink boxes, etc.  Having these items taken away will only add to the cost and frustration of your trip.

When traveling by air or train be sure to plan for delays once you have arrived at the airport.  Pre-planning will help everyone stay calm.

Traveling by car is a whole different experience.  There are 2 types of road trips, 1) heading to the destination of the actual vacation or 2) the trip is the vacation, a new place every day or two.  No matter what, being prepared will help make for a fun filled vacation.

You have packed a cooler with healthy food and drinks, packed prizes for the kids, they have back packs full of fun things to do, they have picked out special snacks, but 2 hours down the road and the whining. etc. has already begun.  Once again you can be prepared and not with just DVD's for them to watch.  Look up on the internet fun car ride games, have some books on CD for the family to listen to together, have information about the places you will be visiting to look at and talk about, talk about the places you visited as a child, have a silly song CD with hand motions that everyone (except the driver) can participate in, take an atlas with and let the kids follow the route you are taking.  Remember this is a Family Vacation from the start. 

Plan specific times you will be stopping and when you get close start watching road signs to choose where you will eat next or if there is someplace that looks like a fun quick break besides the rest area.  Picnic lunches are great to take with instead of fast food.  Everyone can stretch and have a healthier meal.  Be sure to take a football, soccer ball, frizbee, jump rope, etc. for some exercise.  

Plan ahead for seating arrangements.  If the kids know they are in one spot today and tomorrow will be their turn in another spot this will help.  Make sure everyone has a small travel pillow.  Let everyone get in the car and try it out before you head down the road.  Make adjustments if needed.  I like to take a small box to elevate my feet.  Look for ways to make the ride comfortable for everyone.  Plan on stopping early enough for everyone to have a good dinner and time in the pool if you are staying in a hotel.  Do not push everyone to go just a little farther, it just isn't worth it.

When stopping at a hotel even for only one night consider taking pretty much everything you have with into the hotel.  Hotel parking lot thefts are rampant and it doesn't matter where the hotel is located.  In the summer the lots are so full that many cars are parked where someone can easily break in.  If nothing can be seen in the car your chances of a break in are much lower, but don't think just because it is in a closed trunk they won't try anyway. 

Stay hydrated and eat healthy as much as possible.  You will all feel better.  More stops are better than fewer.  If you have cut your travel time to a destination too short your vacation will start off on the wrong foot.  It is worth the extra time to arrive safe and happy.

Are you ready to load the car?

Tip of the Day 6/22/11

Vacation is just days away and it is time to pack.  Everyone in the family should have their own suitcase.  This is much easier for kids to be able to get dressed each day and to eliminate arguments if you have children that share clothing.  Everyone knows what is theirs for the trip.  I use a rolling duffel bag style with a big compartment on the bottom perfect for shoes and purses, clothing in the main compartment, and the small pockets on each end are perfect for under clothing and small items.  Some people prefer a regular suitcase style and shape which works great as well.  When purchasing luggage always try walking with it to ensure it rolls well and "fits" you.

Think through all you are packing and look for interchangeable outfits. A good rule of thumb is one outfit per day for adults and older children.  This can be one pair of shorts for every two shirts.  For younger children you will want a couple of back up sets of clothing.  If you are headed to the beach take 2 bathing suits per person; no one wants to put on a wet suit.  For woman or older girls a couple of solid black or other neutral dresses are perfect for dinner out.  Just pack different jewelry to create the ensemble.  For men 1 or 2 pair of dress pants with different shirts and ties (if desired) are plenty depending on the length of the vacation and destination.  Adjust your needs according to the type of trip you are taking, a cruise will require different evening wear than a family vacation to a cabin on the lake.  Learn to be selective as you pack and always leave room to bring home anything new you happen to purchase along the way.

Shoes are a great accessory and some of us LOVE to wear different shoes with every outfit.  However, they do take a lot of space when packing.  My shoes are small enough that they actually fit inside Richards so I am able to get two pair in the space of one.  This is a great way to pack the kids shoes.  When packing shoes place them heel to toe with the bottoms facing each other.  This helps eliminate dirt or marks on other items.  Always wipe off the shoes, especially the bottom, before placing in the suitcase. 

Consider only one or two pair of heels to be worn in the evening for dinner and easy to pack flip-flops or sandals in lots of colors for the day time.  You can easily fit 3 pair of flip-flops in the space of one pair of heels.  Last year I was gifted with a pair of Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops.  These are wonderful to travel with.  There are lots of styles available including regular flip-flops with interchangeable ornamentation for the top, kitten heel style perfect for evening wear with interchangeable straps, etc.  You can purchase one pair in a neutral color and have dozens of options with the snap on pieces.  You can order online or check the web for stores in your area that carry them.   There are also purses with changeable covers that are great for those that love to coordinate purses to the outfits.    

Always pack a few "just in case" items, i.e. a travel size umbrella, sweater or light jacket for each family member, a pair of tennis shoes for surprise hiking excursions or rain, a ball cap or floppy hat for those extra sunny days, etc.  The same friend that gifted me with the Switch Flops (Kathy is a former Travel Agent like me) suggested a nice sized light weight shawl for women instead of a sweater or jacket.  Again choose a neutral color that can be worn with anything.  I have a black one and a pink one I travel with.  These are perfect to use on a plane or in the car when the driver needs the air on high and you are freezing.  :)  They work great to cover up with for a nap on the hotel bed or lounge chair on a cool evening.  They are also perfect for a chilly restaurant or theater, to dress up any outfit for a nice evening on the town or when taking a late evening stroll on the beach.  

To pack a duffel style bag I recommend rolling the clothing.  Lay the item on a flat surface, smooth out all wrinkles, button every other button of shirts, fold item in half length wise to a width of approximately 10 - 12 inches, fold in half again if an extra wide item, beginning at the widest end of the garment (bottom for shirts, top for pants and shorts) begin tightly rolling the item smoothing wrinkles and creases as you go.  Place like items together in the bag.  For children, stack an outfit a day--place the largest item on the bottom (pants or shorts), lay a top on next, then place socks and underwear on top of these items and again roll tightly.  This will help the children easily dress before that big day at the museum or zoo without you having to dig out matching clothes for them.  Allow children to pick out clothing they want to wear on the trip.  

To pack a regular suitcase lay clothing out flat in the suitcase, smoothing wrinkles and buttoning every other button of shirts, let arms or legs of pieces hang over the edges.  Once everything is in, put socks and underwear, shoes or anything fragile right in the center,  then fold arms and legs over just to the edge of the suitcase. This eliminates a lot of wrinkles and uses every inch of space.You can easily stack "outfits" using this method.  (Thanks for this great tip Kathy.)

For cosmetics, meds, flat irons, etc., I recommend a separate suitcase.  If traveling by air these are the items you want to carry on including a change of underclothing.  Be sure to check regulations for proper sizes and items allowed in your carry on.  Log on to the TSA website to find out if you can carry on wrapped gifts, etc.  If in doubt check it out and if you can't get an answer, don't try to carry it on unless you are willing to give it up.   If possible place all of the family's items in no more than one carry on size bag per adult.  Children should each have a back-pack filled with busy items whether traveling by car, train, or air.  Do not expect small children to handle a suitcase even if it rolls.  Women are allowed to carry on a large purse as well as a carry on in most cases.  Again check with the carrier to make sure.  I normally carry on a large purse with a magazine, Kindle, or book, my shawl and a water bottle along with my suitcase.  A back-pack or diaper bag will count as your carry on even if you do not have a purse with.  So, if you want a back-pack during your vacation, pack an empty one in your suitcase.  Regulations have also recently changed for car seats, strollers, etc.  Be sure to check before hauling the items to the airport.  Remember the less you have to lug through the airport or train station, the happier everyone will be.       

Remember it is a vacation so eliminate as much stress as possible in advance.

So, get packing, vacation is just around the corner. 

Tip of the Day 6/21/11

Now that you know where you are going on vacation and how you are getting there it is time to start planning what you will take with.  Once I know about a trip I begin a running list of items to take with, purchase, pack, etc.  If something comes to mind I just add it to the list and I know I won't forget it.  It is also great to start setting aside those things you will be taking with that you don't need before the trip.  We are taking a car trip to visit family in a few weeks so I have started setting aside things like gifts I have for birthdays and even Christmas.  This saves a lot on postage.  If you have young children pick up a few "new" toys or activity items that you see on sale or at garage sales.  These can be used as rewards, to stop sibling arguments, to stave off boredom,  etc. as you are traveling.  Set these items aside and do not let the children see them in advance so they will be excited as they receive each item.  Purchase non-perishable snacks and drinks for the trip ahead of time as well.  Make sure all of your prescription medications are filled and purchase medicinal items that could be needed related to the trip, aspirin, bandaids, Off, after bite relief cream, aloe vera, etc.  If traveling by car a medical emergency kit is essential.  If traveling by air, train, or ship be sure to check the regulations on what size containers you can carry on board.  No one likes to have to hand over that $20 bottle of favorite shampoo to the TSA.   All of these advance steps will help on the actual packing day.  And remember, if your forgot an item there is always a Wal-Mart near by.

Tip of the Day 6/20/11

By now you probably have your summer vacation trip planned, but have you really "planned" for a great trip?  After choosing your destination, there are still plenty of things to do to make the trip an awesome experience for everyone.  This week will look at the ways you can have a relaxing, stress-free vacation that will Dee-Clutter your mind.  Online sites for booking discount trips are great, but be sure you read all the information completely before hitting that confirm key.  Once you have hit the key there really is no turning back.  Week after week I read a column in the Travel Section of the Chicago Tribune where people write in and ask for help to fix a problem because they booked on one of the online sites and did not fully read, or understand, what they were agreeing to.  When planning an extensive, and expensive, trip your safest course of action is a Travel Agent.  Unlike the days when I was an agent years ago there are booking fees now, but it is so worth it for the peace of mind that comes by using a professional to plan a trip that may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.  There are many reputable agencies including AAA which can help you plan a car trip as well as air, train, or ship.  Be realistic in your plans.  Always plan for unexpected delays.  We all want to stay until the last minute, but it is better to take an extra days vacation and give yourself plenty of travel time rather than spending a stressful time in the airport or on the highway thinking, "I HAVE to be back at work at 8:00AM tomorrow!"  By allowing yourself the extra time you might even be able to take advantage of the common offer of free air miles or a free ticket from the airlines when they overbook (they all do!) by giving up your seat/seats for a later flight. This is not a good thing to attempt with small children to entertain, but with teenagers or just adults it is a great way to earn a free flight.  So start your planning with a practical time schedule and a secure way of booking the trip.  

Tip of the Day 6/18/11

To keep track of what I have read and new books that come along I keep a running list on the computer. When I read a review or someone mentions a great read I add it to the list. I keep a printed copy in my purse so I know what I want to look for at the Library or Store. Take advantage of your Libraries online services to see if a book is in and to reserve new books.  Now let's get reading!

Tip of the Day 6/17/11

A great way to motivate and develop good reading habits is to participate in your Libraries summer reading program.  The majority of Libraries have a program.  Most of the time it involves reading a certain number of books and earn a prize.  Most have a grand prize drawing at the end of the summer.  Our Library even has a program for adults.  If your Library doesn't have a program make one up for your family.  Include yourself and treat yourself and the kids to something SMALL (a DQ Blizzard, etc.) for every 5 books you read.  We are encouraging one of our grandsons to read more by offering to buy a book he mentioned if he reads 5 books over the summer.  Also check your local Book Store as many of them also offer a summer program.  Check out the books from your Library, buy books at yard sales, buy books from your local Book Store!  I still have the books I was given as a child and reread several of them every summer and have shared them with my children and grandchildren.  They evoke such happy memories.  When my girls were little I would purchase huge stacks of books each week at yard sales and they would zip through them, choose the ones they wanted to keep, donate the others to a resale shop or for a Library Book sale and then we would do it all over again.  I would offer the seller at yard sales $5 to fill up a bag just like at Library Book sales and often they would except my offer.  Attend your Libraries annual Book Sale or check with your local Book Store to see what types of sales they are having for the summer.  Our local Store is offering buy 3, get 1 free this month.  Happy reading.     

Tip of the Day 6/16/11

A great practice to start in your home is a 30 minute reading time before bed each night.  Many of us are old enough to remember not having endless TV Channels and our parents telling us to "go read a book."  As our children were growing up we instituted the practice of a 30 minute reading time each evening.  The girls would get ready for bed, we would say goodnight, and they would read for 30 minutes before turning out their lights.  Of course many nights we had to remind them the 30 minutes was up.  I remember evenings we were home too late from an outing and they were not able to have their time.  They were always disappointed to not have the reading time.  We never had to argue about bedtime because they were anxious to get to their books.  All of our girls are still readers and are passing that love on to their children.  I have always loved reading and also spend at least 30 minutes most evenings reading before going to sleep.  Now that summer is here a great practice is each afternoon set aside a quiet reading time as well.  We can all benefit from that "siesta" in the afternoon.  What are you reading today? 

Tip of the Day 6/15/11

As we look at the summer joys of reading, today I want to encourage you to consider joining or starting a Book Club. It is fun to read and discuss books with others and get their insights. Most libraries have a Club. Check your local book stores. I belong to 3 clubs and have read many books I never would have picked up otherwise.  It is easy to start your own club since so many books include a Discussion Guide now.

The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough is a look at Americans that lived in Paris in the late 1800's - early 1900's including many famous artists.  I would like to share reading this book with as many of you that would be interested and to have you post your comments.  A great book to read in conjunction would be Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper.  Lydia is the model in many of Mary Cassatt's paintings and Mary is discussed in the David McCullough book. I hope some of you will join me.

Tip of the Day 6/14/11

Summertime is a great opportunity to expand our reading base.  Every summer I set a goal of reading something specific besides my normal pursuits and interests.  One summer I read The Complete Works of Shakespeare, another summer I read Emily Dickinson, and another summer I read The Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew books.  This summer I have chosen biographies/diaries of women; the first one is Louisa May Alcott and then Anne Morrow Lindberg.  I continue reading the things I normally do and between each of those books I read one of the special summer category.  It has been a great way to re-read favorites and expand my horizons.  This is a great way to get children to read something they normally wouldn't pick up. 

Tip of the Day 6/13/11

Summertime and reading go hand-in-hand.  How do you stop the frustration of lost and overdue Library books and DVD's?  Place a bag or basket by the door you use to enter and exit the house.  All items stay in the container unless being read or watched and only one item per person can be removed from the basket at a time.  As soon as the book is read or DVD is watched, return it to the basket.  Keep a printout of the items with the due date and a pencil in the basket, when the item is removed initial the item, mark it off when returned.  This will help in the search if the item is missing .  

Tip of the Day 6/7/11

Now that all the cobwebs are knocked down and swept away let's sweep those decks and patios and sidewalks and porches.  Create a clean and inviting area around your home that people will want to spend time in and enjoy.  A clean deck draws people outside.  Everyone likes to drive up to their home and see a clean front porch and sidewalk.  Set a standard in your neighborhood, you might inspire the neighbors to "keep up with the Jonses."  The outside is still a part of your home and requires cleaning just like the inside.  Make it a clean place to be.

Tip of the Day 6/6/11

Summer and warmer weather means cobwebs, inside and outside our homes.  No one likes to sit down on the deck or walk out the door into a cobweb.  To avoid this ugly incident from happening to you or you friends and family take a broom and sweep all the edges of the doorways and under the awnings and pergolas around your home.  Sweep under your outdoor furniture and around the back of the seating.  Sweep the broom through the air under trees and other overhangs, anywhere there might be the chance a web has formed.  This will lead to a much more pleasant outdoor experience for everyone.

Tip of the Day 6/4/11

Let's head to the nearest Farmer's Market today and plan our menu for the next week.  This time of year it is great to go to the market and choose the freshest in season produce and plan your menu based on what it is instead of planning a menu then shopping for the needed ingredients.  Experiment and substitute with different herbs and vegetables.  If the recipe calls for potatoes, try a rutabaga instead.  Salads topped with fresh crisp veges and fruit with just a little steak, chicken, or seafood are perfect.  Grill the meat one night cooking an extra serving to cut up the next night and serve in a salad.  Cook a big pot of fresh green beans, new potatoes, and onions with a little ham or bacon and you have a meal with cornbread or other crusty bread.  Simple is the key to summer meals.  Be daring at the Farmer's Market.  I always ask the woman at our vege stand (we have them on almost every corner) what she would recommend doing with certain produce.  The seller is always willing to make a recommendation.  Enjoy the bounty of the season.

Tip of the Day 6/2/11

Another great money tip:  Every time you pay for an item using cash (which I hope is the majority of the time) break a new bill.  Never use your change in a store except for pennies.  Save ALL of your change and it will add up very quickly.  Designate it for a specific purpose and it will motivate you to save it all.  Set it aside for your monthly pedicure or use it to treat yourself once a week to that Starbucks you are craving.  I set mine aside and use it to garage sale every week during the summer.  In the winter I just keep saving it and then when garage sales start in the Spring I have plenty to shop with.  Start a good habit today.  

Tip of the Day 6/1/11

As we begin a new month it is a great time to begin a new habit.  For the next month write down every penny you and everyone in your household spends each day.  Note the amount and what it was spent on.  At the end of the month examine the purchases and evaluate where you could have saved over the month.  You will be astounded at the results.  It is a great motivator to really pay attention to where your money goes and how you could do a better job saving toward those things that really matter.