“It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17

By: Melissa Bell

I had high hopes for this summer, dreaming of a warm ocean breeze with the waves lapping at my toes. But, with the cost of living on the rise, any plans of a vacation have fallen by the wayside.

Instead of embarking on an adventure this summer, many of us may find ourselves “stranded” at home. But not all is lost! With a little planning and innovation, we can find a little whimsy and create lasting memories without breaking the bank.

1) Plan an Internationally themed dinner – Involve your family and friends as you transform your space into a French Bistro or Mexican Cocina. Research the culture and learn about traditions, music, and attire of the “locals”. For a little extra fun, give out a prize for the most authentic ensemble of the night
2) Movie Night – Pick a movie, make some popcorn, and grab your favorite sweet treats. You could repeat this throughout the summer and take turns picking the “flick”.
3) Camp Out/In – Pop a tent or build a fort and spend a “screens free” evening with the family telling stories and playing games.
4) Spa Day –Manis/pedis and perhaps a Swedish massage? Take a deep breath and head to a local spa for a little rest and relaxation. Call ahead, you can often find mid-week specials!
5) Give your space a facelift – If you have a little extra money in the budget, create your own oasis at home that you can enjoy anytime you’d like. A few years ago, we built a deck, and it is one of my go-to relaxation places. I am also a HUGE fan of freshening up spaces with a new coat of paint.
6) Take a Class – Have you ever wanted to try your hand at pottery or a new dance class? Dust off your old dance shoes, head to a local studio, and get creative.
7) Game Night with Friends – Who doesn’t love a bit of competition? Our new favorites are Grounded for Life and Rummikub.
8) Day Trip – Do you have a couple hours to spare? Find a nearby town to explore. Plan ahead and you may be able to catch a Segway tour.
9) Support the Arts by visiting a Local Theater or Museum – Tickets for Professional theater are not in our budget, but I love a good show. Check out your local community theater
for upcoming shows at a fraction of the cost.
10) Host a Bake-Off or Taste Test – Could you tell the difference between Coca Cola or Pepsi products? Or perhaps you’re a fan of cooking shows and baking competitions. Why not gather some friends and host your own?

No matter where you find yourself this summer, I hope you find a bit of whimsy.

JOIN US FOR THE SUMMER LUNCHEON!