Hello Summer

Summertime is here and it's time for some summer fun.

Who's ready for flowers

Fruit

Water

Sand

Family

Friends

& Fun?!

I know I am ready for it all!

Here are a few tips to enjoy summer fun...inexpensively:

1. Shop at your local farmer's market. A farmer's market is a great way to support local farmers. You can find great selections of fruit, vegetables, handmade soaps, lotions, and candles. You may also find flower farmers at your local farmer's market. Lastly, it is always a pleasure to mingle with farmers and their families.

2. Plan a family beach vacation. I love a great beach vacation. I have so much appreciation for the beach. One reason is that it is a FREE activity! Yes FREE! You can appreciate that if you are traveling with kids or a large group. It's also a great way to tire the kids out for a restful night's sleep. I also love the beach because it is so relaxing to just sit near a large body of water.

3. Create a backyard water park. If going to the beach is not in your family's budget, create a backyard water park with items from your local Home Depot or Lowes, and Wal-Mart. Create an adult slip and slide (1- large tarp, dishwashing liquid detergent, & a water hose or sprinkler). Buy a sprinkler. The kids will have a blast running through the sprinkler. Buy an above-the-ground pool. Pools come in so many sizes and durabilities. Make picking out these items a family trip.

4. Go Ole School. Go back to when families made popsicles, ice cream, icebergs, all from scratch. These are fun activities that use minimal ingredients. It gives kids a chance to get their hands dirty, and they will have a scene of pride and accomplishment to try something that they have actually created.

5. Enjoy your local park. This is another FREE activity! Yes FREE! This will also give your child an opportunity to run and burn off some energy. In turn, helping them to have a better night's sleep. Invite another family out for a playdate. Here is a secret...you don't have to clean up once the playdate is over. Now, that's just between me and you.

This is only a shortlist.

I could go on and on with activity ideas.

The Moral Of The Story is to have FUN in the SUN!

You will find that fun is not all that expensive.

In fact, it is quite inexpensive.

Whatever you decide to do... be safe and mindful at all times.

And don't forget your mosquito repellent!

Who has time for those itchy insect bites?

No one!

Until next time...

Shavon A. Hampton