On Friday, my family and I are going to tour replicas of the Nina and the Pinta. It is going to be a really neat field trip! In fact, this is a touring field trip, so they might be coming to a bay in your area.  Check at their website, The Nina to find out.

This is a field trip that costs, but it is very inexpensive. If you go with a group, the cost is $4 per person.

However, if you don’t have the money to spend on field trips that cost, why not look around your area for landmarks or historical sites that don’t cost anything to view?

In the past, my kids have viewed a replica of the Round Table and the Sword in the Stone–both of which are in King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (a wonderful book to use as a read aloud for school or bedtime). This is a historical landmark in my town and is free for the public to view.

We live close enough that last year, we visited Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace. It is absolutely stunning–and FREE! The only cost is the gas to drive there.

In my hometown, another free historical landmark is a park that has been dubbed “The Trail of Tears”. It is part of the path that the Cherokee Indians walked on their journey. It’s free too!

This year, my kids and I are going to Nashville, TN to view the Parthenon! This is not a free field trip, but it is another one of the not-so expensive ones.

I am totally amazed at all the different places you can visit for free that have some kind of history involved.

(This is the link we used to find out about Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace. It might come in handy for you as well).

So what kind of field trips have you been on that don’t break your budget?

Today is officially Nationally Toasted Marshmallow Day and with all the hoopla of going to meet my team, I totally forgot to post about this wonderful deal AND this cute tutorial for a marshmallow shooter. (Be sure and check me out on Facebook for some more marshmallow fun!)

Marshmallow shooters have been a big hit the last couple of years and are easy and inexpensive to make. Bonus: This set of instructions comes complete with an amusing story by Terri Camp regarding the evolution of their “no gun” policy. (It sounds strangely familiar!) If Dad cuts the pieces, these guns can be assembled and decorated even by little guys. Pre-teens can make them as a solo project.

Marshmallow Shooter Instructions (Scroll down a bit for the instructions)

Now for the best part!

Molly Goes Camping is on sale for 1/2 price!

For only $4.48, you can grab your copy today! Just click HERE to go the Schoolhouse store and get yours.

Have you ever sent your kids on a camping adventure of their own? I found another neat post earlier today about a camping scavenger hunt.

The Creative Homemaker always has the neatest ideas! She made up this adorable scavenger hunt for her children, printed it off, attached it to the bag with a pen and then sent them off on their own little fun adventure!

If you would like to read more stories like these and learn what you can do to make camping fun and affordable for your family, grab a copy of my latest E-Book, Molly Goes Camping. It is full of tips, recipes, and frugal ideas to make your camping adventure one you will never forget.

This week while catching up on some of my favorite blogs, I ran across a post that reminded me of our current Digest–the one on Summer Fun from A-Z?

If you have little ones that love to build tents, you can help them create this one from Blue Cricket Designs. All you need are three sheets and a hula hoop.

While you are at it, here are a few ideas for Summer Fun from A-Z from my Digest. If you want the complete list of ideas, simply click the Summer fun link above to get your copy today!

• Bus ride: Particularly if your kids are homeschooled, is it possible they’ve never ridden on a bus? The
  next time you’re in the nearest town or city with a bus service, plan on an extra hour or two and treat the
  kids to a bus ride. Especially if the bus is air conditioned, it can be a “cool” way to spend a warm afternoon
  while seeing lots of new sights.
• Bracelets: Making bracelets and other jewelry can keep young girls occupied for hours. Have you
  ever showed your kids how to make a simple daisy chain or dandelion necklace? Pick several flowers
  with stems two to three inches long. Make a small split in the middle of a stem with your fingernail,
  thread another bloom through that hole, . . . and repeat! Embroidery thread or cord can be made into friendship bracelets. I found a website, KnotCool (what a clever name), with lots of free patterns and instructions.
• Clothesline fort: Don’t underestimate how much fun this is, even for older kids. Make a “tent” by
  draping old sheets, tarps, or drop cloths over the regular clothesline or any rope tied between trees,
  across the deck railings, or wherever you can find a spot to string rope. Even teens enjoy this hideaway
  spot to read, listen to their iPods, or do their nails!
• Drive-in movie: There are a few variations on this theme. Of course, if there is a drive-in theater near where you live, this can be a special family treat. I have never been to a drive-in movie in my life! Another option is to create a drive-in theater at home. Some may own a projector that works with a laptop. You have it made! Hang a
  sheet outside and host your own drive-in movie night. However, it’s fun just to roll or carry your own TV or DVD player outside (run an extension cord if necessary), spread a few blankets or set up camp chairs, pop some corn, and let the good times roll!
• Farmer’s markets: Visiting our local Farmer’s Market is something my family really enjoys. Every
  year I think, “I could do this! I could so grow flowers from seed for next to nothing and sell them at this
  market.” I haven’t managed to do it yet, but maybe someday! Get some healthy, homegrown fare, and
  maybe inspire a budding entrepreneur in your family at the same time.
• Lightning bugs: How many of us caught lightning bugs as children? I know I did, more times than I can count! Introduce your kids to this timeless pursuit. The requirements are simple . . . a glass jar with a fitted lid. Punch a few holes in the lid and place a few sticks and leaves inside the jar. For more tips on catching lightning bugs visit Firefly.org.

Whatever you do, have lots of fun this summer!

I hope you’re having a great weekend! Here are some great links for you to check out while you “chill”.

Check out this baby food jar spice rack. If you have a baby and use baby food, this is a no-brainer. What a great way to re-use baby food jars, and it looks great!

I’ve read this tip before, but it’s especially helpful if you’ll be making a stop midway to your destination. For instance, we’ll be stopping at a hotel on our way to Yellowstone. Instead of everyone packing in their big suitcases, we’ll just take toiletry bag(s) and ONE bag with the each person’s clothing for the upcoming day. Saves a lot of lugging and frees up a ton of room in your hotel room. And I hadn’t heard of the 2.5 gallon Ziplocs. Interesting.

These “bubble snakes” look like too much fun!

Here’s a great article from Get Rich Slowly on making use of your food dehydrator to extend your harvest. (If this interests you, you won’t want to miss my upcoming August Money-Saving Digest!)

I’m sure all you Molly Members have already hopped over to your member pages and downloaded your July Digest (and free e-books), right? If not, head on over. It’s great!

You will NOT believe the amazing ‘Something Old, Something New’ project his month. I can’t believe she can make such lovely, practical items from grocery sacks!

For those of you who are not members, but would still like the Digest, it’s finally available in the store. I apologize for the delay, but we were awaiting items from our graphics folks. So what’s in this issue? Check it out:

—————————————————-

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.”—Sam Deen

Do you know how to be respectably lazy?
To take some time to observe and appreciate the beauty and miracles in creation around us, reconnect with family and friends, and simply enjoy the company of those closest to us?

From a picnic day for someone special in your child’s life to summer sales, great park activities, oven-less recipes, and more, this edition of Molly’s Money-Saving Digest is superb!

If you love fun—and who doesn’t?—
you will be mesmerized by the information included as July’s monthly feature!

Molly’s Money-Saving Digest’s July feature is . . .
Summer Fun From A to Z

Does summer fun evade you? Or has your family slipped into seasonal habits that need some refreshing? Are you ready for a little excitement this July?

The alphabet takes on a whole new meaning when every letter provides another exciting summertime activity! This month’s special feature can help you learn . . .

• How to make the coolest bracelets ever!
• A new use for a clothesline—they are good for far more than drying a few towels.
• All about the wonders of the Fourth of July—from art to fireworks.
• Great new uses for lots of things, from Frisbees to hula hoops!
• How to find unique places to visit—from national parks to lighthouses and more.
• And you will love what Molly came up with for the last few letters of the alphabet!

Slow down this summer and really consider the many wonderful components that make up Molly’s Money-Saving Digest. Check them out . . .

• Molly’s Minute always shares a few words from her heart. This month her goal is to help every family get out in their bare feet and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer!
• Begin With the Basics covers a basic skill to help with your everyday household tasks. Plenty of picnicking help is packed into this edition of Molly’s Money-Saving Digest!
• On Sale This Month helps you get ready for the bargains so you can shop more frugally. July is the time for everything hot to go on sale and more dollars to stay in your wallet!
• Special Dates This Month keeps you on track for holidays, but it covers little-known special dates as well. No one should miss “Cheer Up the Lonely Day”!
• Tips and Tools for Organization offers ideas to be more frugal with your time and space. Molly provides several forms to help you have a “summer of discovery!”
• Feather Your Nest Frugally whether fancy, fanciful, fashionable, or just family-friendly, home décor has never looked better. Molly keeps you thinking green!
• In the Kitchen With Molly guides you through cooking with the too-often shrinking family dollar in mind. This month in the midst of the heat, she gets you out of the kitchen faster! Molly gives you a week of menus focusing on oven-less recipes. Complete with recipes and grocery shopping list!
• Kids’ Corner brings you amazing things for your children each month! July brings great science experiments that will help you beat the summer heat—and have fun!
• Something Old, Something New helps you repurpose items for your home. With all of the park trips and picnics of summer, Molly brings you a day pack for your children made from an incredibly lightweight, waterproof material that will truly astound you! Seriously, you will never look at simple bags for children the same way again!
• July’s Feature: Summer Fun From A-Z provides an AmaZing list of activities, ideas, and tips for filling this summer with plenty of fun for the entire family!
• This Is My Story shares a bit of the life of a fellow Molly’s Money-Saving Digest reader. This month introduces a family listening to God’s call to be debt free, through medical problems and tough times—even today. Learn about living an abundant lifestyle!
• From My Mailbox—Molly passes along what readers have shared as they fill her inbox. This month, July turns the tables as she asks her readers to tell her what they want to see in future Digests. What is she looking for? Find out. And help her find answers!

So many captivating components—all designed to help you live more frugally, enjoy your family, and stretch your family dollar! And Molly wraps it all up with her always-encouraging In Closing remarks, followed by the mind-boggling Directory of Links.

Summer is filled with opportune moments—don’t miss a single occasion for fun! With Molly’s tips, lists of activities, delectable recipes, frugal decorating, science experiments, and so much more—the entire family will enjoy summer fun!

With Summer Fun From A to Z, this summer will be AmaZing—to the letter!

Molly makes it easier to be frugal! And it’s fun!
For just $4.95, buy the July Molly’s Money-Saving Digest now.

And if you are mesmerized by Molly, become a monthly subscriber! Only $3.95 per month!

See a sample of July’s Molly’s Money-Saving Digest HERE.

Since I talked about my daughter’s camp episode last week, I began thinking last night about something I read recently in a book.

If your budgets are tight and you cannot afford to send your kids to camp, why not create one in your neighborhood? Get together with other moms and plan a week of camp! Come up with a theme similar to VBS and then build on that. One day, one mother can lead the activities while another one takes care of the snacks. Team up with another mother and tag -team certain events.

At the end of the week, have a grill out or BBQ and let the kids stand up and tell what they liked best about camp, or even have them sing songs together.

A few ideas you might could use for a theme:

~Beach Buddies

~Ranch Hands

~Cross Country Road Trip

~My Body (A Science related camp)

What ideas would you have?

Dear Molly,

While recently visiting my daughter and family in Toronto I read your Spring 2010 issue of The Old Schoolhouse magazine. As I read several of the camping stories I was reminded of the Biblical statement about laughter being good for the soul. It has been a long time since I have laughed so heartily.You asked your readers to relate some of their camping stories. I hope your soul will be lightened as you read the following account.

We camped often with our daughters when they were young and had wonderful, usually VERY eventful camping trips. It had been a while since we had camped. Our girls had gone off to college and then they were married. Now, mind you, we were tent campers, we didn’t have a big, fancy motor home. Is that really camping??

Several years ago Mike and I decided we would go to Virginia Beach for a couple of days. We got everything in our van and headed out. When we got to our destination and got our “stuff” out we began to set up our tent. We had decided, since it was a short trip, that we would just take our little 2 man tent. So we laid everything out and
proceeded to set up the tent. Much to our dismay, we did not have the two long poles to hold up the tent. What to do? Well, fortunately, my husband had packed his golf clubs Yes, two of the clubs were almost the right length. So the tent was looking almost normal, except for the sagging roof line. Oh well!

We went off to town to do some sightseeing and shopping, and enjoyed the time. While we were gone a storm blew up where we were. Hopefully it had not hit our campground too. With fear and trepidation we returned to the campsite. Horror of horrors, the tent had collapsed and everything inside was soaked, including our foam mattresses. Several hours in the local laundromat left us somewhat discouraged.

Since there was several inches of water in the bottom of the tent we knew we could not sleep there. Well I always had wanted a conversion van for such occasions. However, our van was just a plain old van.

By now it is way past midnight and all of our neighbors were enjoying their nice, dry motor homes. Well, we moved some stuff around in the van to make room for sleeping. There was only enough room for one in the back. So my husband reclined the driver’s seat and I got the back of the van. Because it was still raining we had to have the windows up. The heat and mugginess were unbearable. So, we put the windows down….but the mosquitos had arrived due to all the rain and they were also looking for a dry spot! So we decided to hang some towels in the windows, hoping that would let air in and those pesky mosquitos out. Nope, didn’t work.

Then, of course, we had to use the restroom. At least the mosquitoes weren’t attacking us while we were walking in the rain. Back to the van, what to do next? The only solution was to roll up the windows, try to sleep for a bit, then turn the engine and AC on for a bit, turn it off, and continually repeat this scenario. Sleep was sparce and morning could not come soon enough!!

Guess what, we are still tent campers. We plan to take our 16 year old grandson on a camping trip to Michigan in a couple of weeks. So, do you suppose he might think we are a little old-fashioned? Probably! Will we have a good time? For sure! Will we have stories to tell? You bet—-but we WILL be making NEW memories!

THANKS FOR LETTING ME RELATE THIS MEMORABLE TRIP.

SINCERELY,

DIANNE

If you want tips for making your camping trip fun, organized and as hassle free as possible, check out my new E-book, Molly Goes Camping!

Memorial Day is right around the corner and if your family is like mine, we will be picnicking somewhere. With the temperatures beginning to soar in my region, I find myself trying to find a way to serve my family delicious meals, but yet stay on the frugal side.

Here are a few of my tried and true tips!

• If you do not have the gas to drive somewhere, instead of fretting, plan a fabulous picnic right in your own backyard. End the day playing Frisbee or just throw the ball back and forth together.
• If you are into decorating your picnic table with a cloth or need a blanket to sit on, why not make your own? Purchase clearance fabric and design a beautiful picnic blanket. You can use this design that I posted about in last year’s newsletter. Another option is to visit your local dollar store. Many of them have the gingham look table cloths for only $1.00.
• If you want to cut down on food waste and avoid having to pack tons of food, make everyone their very own special lunch pail. We have used beach pails before and packed them with a special sandwich, dessert, chips, and a drink. When lunch is finished, they have a toy to play with!
• If you are traveling, Picnic Recipes and Games offers a listing of picnic areas in the United States.  They have over 109 listed!
• Organized Home has a Picnic Planner Checklist that will help you organize all those picnic staples!

Those are just a few of the things I do when I picnic. I look for any opportunity to spend time with my family, making it special for them–and still keeping things frugal!

What are your plans for this weekend?

If you haven’t yet entered my Camping Tips contest (to celebrate the arrival of my new Molly Goes Camping E-book), you’ll want to be sure and do so. Who doesn’t want $50 to put toward camping gear? And be sure and read all the great comments as there are some really excellent tips to be gleaned.

We took our first camp outing of the season this weekend and tested our “new to us” pop-up tent trailer. (You’ll see a picture of it in the Book) We kept meals intentionally quick and simple as we were attending a Scouting Centennial Celebration and there was lots going on.   Kristi’s “Breakfast in a Bag” suggestion left in the comments on the Camping Contest post, was a perfect fit. And just so everyone in the family would think I was especially odd, I remembered to take pictures for you before I ate!

I had fried up some sausages at home and placed them, onions and green peppers in separate Ziploc bags, which I put in the cooler. For breakfast this morning, I simply cracked a couple of eggs in a bag and threw in some sausage, peppers and onions. I squished it all up, squeezed out the air, and plopped it in a pot of boiling water. A few minutes later we had a hearty omelet-type breakfast. Those of us that like cheese sprinkled some over the top of our bowls to make it extra yummy. It was quick and easy, with minimal cleanup. I definitely recommend this as a top notch camping trick.