Game On: New Twists on Old Favorites

Many people spend a lot more time indoors, when winter hits; or there is just a string of bad weather days. For times like those, it's a good idea to have some tricks up your sleeve, to keep your family from getting cabin fever. One idea that I've come across, is putting new/creative spins on old board games. Chances are, you have at least a few of these already, so this idea could actually be completely free! Below are some examples, you could try. Monopoly: Switch this game up, with Monopoly Dare! The rules are simple; play just like always, but when someone lands on your property; and therefore owes you rent; you can give them the choice of paying the rent, or accepting a dare of your creation. This will get more fun, as the game goes on, and everyone's bank pile dwindles. Extra fun: when someone lands on "Free Parking", they get to challenge the person to their right to a dare, that the person cannot refuse. On the flip side of that: if someone is sent to jail, the person to their right, challenges them to a dare, that they cannot refuse. This can result in some great family fun, and lots of laughs! Scrabble: Played just like classic Scrabble, except you can mix it up, by only using names of people you know; movie/TV/television show titles; book titles/characters, and so on. Trivial Pursuit: This game is not for everyone, and the reason for that is simply because, well, it's not easy. We all have that one (or three) category that we absolutely dread, because we are just not good at it. But, you can easily make it more fun, and a lot more easy, for you and your kids to play. Cut up pieces of paper, stock card, or cardboard, to make your own cards, for each category. Then, write questions that your family, specifically, will know the answer to. For example: (Geography) Where did we go on our last family vacation?; Or (Entertainment) Which TV show does Mom love to watch the most? The most important thing, is have fun! See if you can come up with your own ideas, or ask the children for help. Creating your own family game, can be a great activity, in itself.

Family Friday ~ Family Fishing Trip

Dan loves to fish. He had not been for over a year, so last Sunday we and our family across the street hit lake Proctor for some fishing fun. Lynette had never actually caught a fish, so this was great for her. Ashley is never much into fishing, but our little water baby stayed in the lake all day long! We all had a really great time. Check out these great videos and pics. It was such a great day!







Dan says that fishing is the best stress relievers there is. Plus, it is frugal family fun. The best part? If all goes well, you come home with dinner!


Does your family enjoy fishing? I'd love to hear from you! And for more family friday fun, click the button above to head over to Homemaker Barbi's weekly feature!

Frugal Family Fun ~ Bubble Time!

Image by David Reece via Flickr

My kiddos have loved to blow bubbles since they were very little. I love bubbles because they are a a fun activity for all ages and cost so very little. The kids and I can spend a whole afternoon playing with this soapy mixture in the back yard. We blow bubbles of all shapes and sizes, chase bubbles, pop them, and just have a really great time! If you are looking for a fun and frugal outdoor activity, give this a try.

This is my favorite bubble recipe. It makes a lot, so prepare to have some fun!

6 cups water
2 cups Joy dish soap
3/4 cup corn syrup

If you decide to blow bubbles at each other, you will get sticky because of the corn syrup, but it sure helps make fantastic bubbles. Getting all sticky while playing with your kids is a smile price to pay for making wonderful memories!

Click on over to HomemakerBarbi to find more fantastic Family Friday posts!