Saving Your Place in a Board GameMy family and I started a game of Monopoly the other night, but it was getting too late to finish it. We used little baggies with our names on them to save our money and property cards.
TV: The Thief of TimeA few months ago, our cable TV stopped working. We had to wait a few weeks for an appointment, as we work full-time and weekend appointments book quickly. My husband loves TV, and was pretty upset. I didn't care too much, since I hardly watch TV, or so I thought.
Joining a Wine ClubThis tip is for people who enjoy wine and have access to nearby wineries or tasting rooms. I live in Oregon, close to many Willamette Valley vineyards. Many of my friends have joined local wine clubs and take advantage of their membership with frequent tasting tours. I recently went along on one of these trips and I was impressed with the value of the benefits my friends received.
Play Games Without Batteries This SummerTeach all children to play games without batteries! They will always remember the fun!
Taking Kids to the Farmer's MarketThe farmer's market is a great place to find both produce and unique crafts. It is also a wonderful place to take children and let them try new veggies and fruit.
Sponge Splash BallsOur kids really wanted to have a water fight today. They really wanted me to buy some splash balls at the store, but they were $2.99 each.
Activities for the Elderly and DisabledThis is a page about activities for the elderly and disabled. Finding activities appropriate and enjoyable for the elderly and disabled can be frustrating.
Finding Christmas ActivitiesEvery year, just after Thanksgiving, the zoo is open after hours for their Zoolights exhibit. Much of the zoo is decorated in beautiful lights. And at certain times, you can see Santa dive with the sharks. We go to this event every year.
Egg Carton Mancala GameMancala is considered one of the oldest games in the world and is played just about everywhere nowadays. When my students played, they used dried beans and empty egg cartons.
Science Museum Memberships are Worth itWhen we signed up for a family membership at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, it seemed like a lot of money, about $120 for free admission and some other perks. Looking back over the last 12 months, we have really gotten our money's worth from it.
Blowing up a Balloon with Baking Soda and...This is an easy science experiment that is fun for all ages. The bubbling that happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar together can be used for lots of things, like blowing up a balloon.
Spending Less on EntertainmentThis is a page about spending less on entertainment and finding enjoyment from low cost activities.
Unplug For a WhileI stopped watching broadcast and cable television about a year ago, and it has been an interesting experience. I paid for both Internet access and television over cable and my bill has been cut in half since I cancelled the television side.
Geocaching: A Thrifty Adventurous New HobbyMy boyfriend Douglas introduced geocaching to us as something we could do together with my 9 year old son. It's become our newest hobby, we're totally hooked and go even when my son isn't with us.
Saturday Snow DayThe winter weather might be nearing its end and parts of the country never saw snow days, but that doesn't mean that your family can't enjoy a Saturday snow day. Instead of waiting for nature to provide the perfect storm, create your own family snow day.
Game Rules: 7 Hand RummyEvery time my family gets together for Thanksgiving or Christmas, we all look forward to AFTER the meal. It is at this time we play 7 Hand Rummy, a card game that has been a part of these holidays for us since before I was born.
Choosing the Best and Cheapest DVR OptionDigital Video Recorders (DVRs) can make your television viewing much more enjoyable. No more rushing home to catch the first few minutes of your program, no more phone calls that make you miss the final event in the plotline. Record your program and fear not.
Characteristics of the BlindThe English language with its wealth of idiomatic expressions makes the following deductions concerning the characteristics of the blind and their daily activities possible. Proof that we blind folk know how to laugh at ourselves!
The Gambling Green LightI decided to conduct an experiment in gambling, and I learned a few strategies that give a green light to gambling entertainment for the less than die hard gambler.
Netflix Instant Movies on Your WiiI haven't really been able to take advantage of Netflix streaming Instant Movies. But now, anyone with a Wii that is connected to the internet can stream movies!
Product Review: Settlers Of Catan Board GameMy brother got this board game last summer. My husband loved it so much that he ran out and bought it the very next day. People who like strategy games like Civilization, Risk or Age Of Empires would enjoy this.
Saving Money on Video GamesVideo game systems are expensive, but adding games to play with the system really breaks the budget. There really isn't a way to avoid the cost without avoiding video games completely, but there are ways to lighten the burden.
Saving Money on EntertainmentTips on budgeting and saving money on all kinds of entertainment. Share your own favorite tips with the ThriftyFun community.
Saving Money on TicketsTips for saving money on tickets to concerts, plays, sporting events and other entertainment opportunities. If you are planning a large outing to a art museum, science museum or other type of place that offers free admission for a yearly membership, it can be a great deal.
Video Game Review: MysteryvilleIf you have a daughter who has a love affair with cats and also loves mysteries this is a game you should consider for her Christmas or birthday present. Though young detectives male and female will also love this game.
Video Game Review: Oregon Trail 5This is a very interesting game that a lot of kids in the 80's played on their Apple computers in their classrooms. But for us older folks who only knew computers that filled up whole rooms, this game is very relaxing and builds knowledge. The game is set in the 1800's and you are family traveling the Oregon Trail.
Frugal Food Tips While On VacationOur family has been fortunate to be able to travel to some pretty exciting places over the years. My travel philosophy has always been that the budget should be spent on the sights and sounds that could not otherwise be experienced at home and not so much on the food portion of the budget.
Video Game Review: Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects/RavenhearstI found Ravenhearst to be very family friendly if you can get pass the part that there was a murder and just have fun with the story line. Anyone who enjoyed Nancy Drew Mysteries as a kid or is a mystery buff will love this game.
Save Money Eating OutSaving money while eating out at restaurants. Here are tips suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Cooking at home saves money, but when you do eat out, order water instead of a beverage to help keep your check low.
Saving Money on BooksSatisfy you love of reading without breaking the bank. Below are some tips to help you save money on books.
Saving Money at RestaurantsTips for saving money while eating out at restaurants. If you have a great idea that was missed, post it here!
Tootie (Unknown Breed)Meet our dog Tootie. He's a stray dog my wife found deep in our back woods recently. She doesn't normally pick up strays, but she said that this dog kept staring at her like he was trying to say something.
Free Snowbound FunWinter weather can be fun, but it can also lead to "cabin fever." With long winter weeks ahead, create a list of activities that can keep kids entertained without costing a penny.
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