“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 the summer of 2022, dreaming of a warm ocean breeze with the waves lapping at my toes. But, with the cost of living on the rise, my vacation plans have fallen by the wayside.

Maybe you find yourself in a similar circumstance. Instead of embarking on the summer adventure you’d hoped, you find yourself “stranded” at home. But not all is lost! With a little planning and innovation, you can 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 a prize for the most authentic ensemble of the night.
2. Movie Night – Pick a movie, make popcorn, and grab your favorite sweet treats. You could repeat this idea throughout the summer and take turns picking the “flick.”
3. Camp Out/In – Pitch a tent or build a fort and spend a screen-free evening with the family telling stories and playing games.
4. Spa Day – A mani/pedi and perhaps even a Swedish massage almost always lifts the spirits! Take a deep breath and head to a local spa for some 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 to enjoy. During 2020, we built a deck that has become one of my go-to places for relaxing. A new coat of paint can often also provide an inexpensive way to freshen up a space.
6. Take a Class – Have you ever wanted to try your hand at pottery or learn a new dance? This summer can be the perfect time to take a lesson or to dust off your old dance shoes and head to a local studio.
7. Game Night with Friends – Who doesn’t love a bit of competition, made even better by an opportunity to fellowship with friends? A few of our new favorite games are “Grounded for Life®” and “Rummikub®.” 
8. Day Trips – If you have some time on your hands, find a nearby town to explore. Do some advance research to see if they have fun activities to experience like a segway tour.
9. Support the Arts and Visit a Local Theater or Museum – Who doesn’t love a good show! When tickets for a professional theater are not in your budget, check out your local community theater for upcoming shows at a fraction of the cost.
10. Host a Taste Test or Bake-Off – Could you tell the difference between Coca-Cola® or Pepsi® or some of the fast-food chains’ hamburgers?  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!

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