photo by velostricken
Cool treats are one of the highlights of summer. With fresh fruit coming into season throughout the summer, each month can offer something new and refreshing. Set aside the high-calorie ice cream, and have your children help you make healthier alternatives that taste great and satisfy your sweet tooth. You can stock up your freezer with homemade treats for less money, and you can control the ingredients.
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photo by michael brown
DEAR SARA: We purchased a new camper this year and have been camping twice with it. Fun! However, we are climbing over our clothes and different items every time we go in it, and I can’t stand the clutter! How do you organize your clothing in limited space? Suitcases don’t seem to make sense to me, but all of our drawers aren’t enough room for all five of us. Our camper isn’t small; it’s a 26-footer. Help! — Vanessa, Montana
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photo by guccibear
My kids go through a ton of frozen juice pops during summer. Sometimes I buy them, and other times I make my own. I really like the first tip that uses silicone muffin cups as a mold. It’s much more practical than using an ice-cube tray and easier to manage than using cups.
HOMEMADE POPSICLES: I used to have a set to make these, and I have no idea what happened to it. I tried to make frozen treats in Dixie cups, and they turned out pretty well. …

photo by roadsidepictures
Part of being frugal is finding ways to use things that most people would throw away. Not only are you less wasteful; you end up saving money by not buying new products that serve the same purpose. One item you might throw away is the plastic-bag liner from cereal boxes. They’re durable and can hold up to being reused. So next time you empty a box of cereal, consider pulling the bag out. Then simply shake out the crumbs, wipe it clean and fold it up until you’re …

photo by wordridden
Every little thing, everywhere you look, is going up in price. Have you prepared your family for the fact that this year could be different from last year? Maybe you’ve broken the bad news that your annual trip to the amusement park will be a “staycation” instead. While you’re explaining the many money-saving benefits of being a hometown tourist, you might want to break the news early about any changes you need to make to upcoming special occasions.
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