Park

Kids love it, go swinging, play frisbee, etc, take a walk, look at nature, go on a nature hunt.

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A Family of 5's quest to forget the Joneses.

Play dates

Can be anywhere (think free places here), gives you time with other adults and your kids get to spend time with their friends. Win-win for everyone!!

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A Family of 5's quest to forget the Joneses.

Petco

-Buy 10 get 1 free on dog and cat food.
-My girls can spend an hour in there easy just looking at all the different animals so sometimes it's free entertainment as well.

Paper plates

-Cover whatever you are cooking in the microwave with a paper plate to prevent splatters.
-Great craft projects for kids: different animal faces, clown faces, snowmen, stoplights.

Potatoes

-Make homemade hash browns.
-Potato salad is a frugal addition to any meal.
-Baked potato bar makes a nice meatfree supper option.
-In the summer wrap potatoes in foil and cook in crock pot on low (don't add water). This way you don't heat up the house.

Petroleum Jelly

-Buy generic...it works the same as Vaseline brand.
-If you wash your hand alot and they are breaking down, slather your hands with petroleum jelly and put on those stretchy gloves before you go to bed.
-Same works for your feet...put petroleum jelly on your feet and put on socks before bed.
-Add leftover lipstick to melted petroleum jelly for a homemade lip gloss.
-When my girl's noses run and the skin beneath is red I apply a layer before bed and it helps with the soreness.

Photo album

-Photo albums make a great way to store recipes.

Pillowcases

-Make your own kid's tops or baby bibs from pillowcases.

Popsicles

-Make your own from fruit juice or kool aid.

Preschool

-Depending on the school district your child may qualify for free preschool.
-If you can't afford it teach your child at home.
-starfall.com is a great website to help children learn letters and phonics.