Next week starts Spring Break for my kids.  One full week of no school and if we're lucky maybe a trip for a night or two a few hours away. What to do with all that free time so there is no blood shed by the following Monday? Here is some ideas that I will be implementing during next week. Keeping my fingers crossed the kids will be as excited about them as I am.

• Movie Day:  With Netflix, Hulu, and Redbox there is no excuse not to enjoy a day filled with nothing but PJs, popcorn and movies. If you want to get out to see a movie, check to see if there are any dollar theaters in your area or any Spring Break specials.

• Game Day:  Break out the board games  and deck of cards. Have a friendly marathon and competition with the winner either getting to pick what's for supper or the next day's frugal activity.

• Craft Day: This one will require lots of glue, markers, Popsicle sticks, fuzzy pom poms, googly eyes, old t-shirts, clay, etc.  All of which can be purchased at a Dollar Store. Let your kids' creative juices run wild for the day. Display their artwork through the rest of Spring Break for all to see.

• Park/Museum Day: Spend a day at the park if weather permits. Have a picnic lunch, kick back and relax while the kids burn off some energy playing and exploring. If the weather is yucky take the fun inside to either an inside play area or check out your local museums.

• Cooking Day: Let each kid pick out a recipe or two and spend the day baking.  Great teaching moment as well for smaller ones to learn fractions and kitchen safety.

• Water Day: If it's nice weather, spend the day running through sprinkler and having water balloon fights.

• Day Trips: If your budget permits, check out some of the neat attractions 2-3 hours from your home.  You might be surprised what you will find.

I hope that at least some of the ideas can save someone their sanity during the Spring Break vacation.

Brought to you by: Lifeway Personal Financial Coaching

Just because you are trying to cut down on expenses, doesn't mean you have to go without on Valentine's Day.  Below is a collection of different ideas for an inexpensive, yet magical night with the one you love.

Have a picnic in front of a fire &some champagne. For an extra touch, serve strawberries to bring out the champagne's flavor. If you don't like to cook or don't have the time, you can order out from your favorite place. Be sure to replate the meal on nice plates. Put some great music on the stereo or watch a romantic movie after the meal!


When your sweetie gets home, draw a hot bath filled with rose petals. (Roses are expensive around Valentines Day, so you can ask your florist for a package of plain rose petals, short stemmed roses, or for "seconds" -- ones that are slightly bruised since you won't be giving them in a traditional way.) Have a glass of wine and some chocolates to nibble on by the side of the tub.

Meanwhile, prepare the bedroom. Line the bed with towels fresh out of the dryer so that they're warm.  Massage the stress away with a sensual smelling massage oil or your sweetie's favorite lotion. There are several videos on YouTube that can show you how to give a great massage. Afterwards the two of you can enjoy takeout in bed while you watch a romantic movie.

Want a little extra sexy effect in the atmosphere. Turn the lights down low or set the mood with several candles placed around the path from the door to the bedroom. Sprinkle rose petals & chocolate kisses like a trail of bread crumbs leading from the front door and into the bedroom. Put on something sexy and lay out a sexy outfit for your partner.  Prepare some sexy foods that you can feed each other, such as almonds, chocolates, dates, raspberries, strawberries and wine. (For that extra touch, a few hours before your date, dip the strawberries in melted chocolate and chill in the fridge.) Fill the bedroom with tons of candles and turn the lights out. Then just wait for your sweetheart.

Whatever you do, I hope you have a very special Valentine's Day!!