Any frugal person knows the joys of the local library. You can get books, movies and CDs for free. But sometimes there are super long waits for bestsellers and driving to the library just isn’t convenient. But for book worms out there, a new service may be a great way for you to save money while feeding your need to read.

It’s called Book Swim and it works a lot like Netflix, only instead of ordering up movies you get books. Here’s how it works:

1. Find the books you want. They carry everything from hardcover new releases to paperback classics.
2. When you find books that you want to read, just add them to your Rental Pool. That’s your customizable “To–Read” list.
3. Your welcome package of books arrives automatically. No checkout process!
4. Read your books at your own pace with no threat of overdue fees.
5. Use prepaid mailing envelopes to return your books.
6. Repeat. As soon as Book Swim receives your returns, they’ll ship your next books.

There are four different pricing options available right now for Book Swim. Each of these plans includes free shipping, no due dates and unlimited reading. Choose the best package for you depending on how fast you read and how much time you have to devote to reading:
Light Reader: $23.95/month; 3 books at a time
Casual Reader: $29.95/month; 5 books at a time
Avid Reader: $35.95/month; 7 books at a time
Devout Reader: $59.95/month; 11 books at a time

Take a look at how much you spend a month on books. If you’re buying several then this may be a great option for you. Just make sure you have the time to take advantage of the subscription service.

Driving can be a great way to see the country and save money on summer travel. But with high gas prices and pricey pit stops, the money that you save road tripping it can quickly go out the window. Here are some ways to get road-trip-ready on a budget.

Bring Snacks

Even if you think you won’t want food during your journey, pack some any way. An entire box of granola bars at the grocery store can cost just as much as one or two at the gas station. Pick a few easy favorites that can withstand the heat of a parked car.

Fill a Cooler with Drinks

Believe it or not, water is more expensive than gas when you buy it at the gas station. Avoid over-spending on this necessity by filling up a cooler with cold drinks before you leave. Even if your car is packed tight, you’ll want to make room for a cooler. During hot summer travel you’ll be glad you did.

Do Easy Maintenance

Lots of times the place where you purchased your tires will rotate them for free. Take advantage of this perk before you hit the road. They may even check the air pressure while you’re there. And if you need an oil change, get that before heading out. It could reduce the need for expensive repairs down the road.

Find Free Games

There are lots of places to find free printable road trip games online. These are great for keeping everyone entertained– especially kids. Check out Momsminivan.com for some great, fun games.

Research Cheap Gas

The price of gas can vary significantly from one exit to the next. And over a long road trip this will add up to a big difference. Use GasBuddy.com as a resource to find the cheapest gas along your road trip route.

Tired of having to pay for your bags when traveling by air? I’ve heard of people who ship their items ahead of time to avoid baggage fees. UPS has come up with a solution – Luggage Boxes.

They look like cardboard suitcases and have a handle. A small box is $12.95 and a large is $17.95 and doesn’t include shipping. But is this really going to save you some money? Wallet Pop isn’t so sure.

Most airlines charge about $25 to check your bag. With a small luggage box, which can hold up to 55 pounds, it would cost you $66 and take five business days to ship from San Francisco to Atlanta. That seems like more of a hassle to me.

According to Wallet Pop, UPS says it does save the consumer money when looked at comparable luggage… heavy or oddly sized bags. The large luggage box can hold up to 95 pounds but will cost you quite a bit and ship for about $92.

Shipping can be difficult and you’ll have to do it twice to take your stuff back home, explains the website. UPS also says they shouldn’t be used internationally. Seems to me that paying that extra $25 really isn’t that bad after all.

If you have a backyard barbeque planned for the holiday weekend, here are some tips to help you save some cash when planning for the big day. All You magazine has put together some ideas.

1. Create a bandana table runner: Throw down a checkered table cloth and you can use hem tape or sew bandanas onto the table cloth. Iron over them to help them stay in place.

2. Use a mason jar as a candle holder: You can decorate these with a bandana or just leave alone with a single candle in the middle. It also doubles as a nice party favor.

3. Use mason jars as drinking glasses: These make for great glasses for lemonade and iced tea and think about making drink tags so everyone can find their glass. Grab some rubber bands and write the guest’s name on it. Then they can wrap it around their jar.

4. An easy centerpiece: Grab some fruit and flowers and you’ve got easy and cheap centerpieces. Get an empty vase, place in lemon slices and a whole lemon for the first layer. The second layer is also lemon slices and another whole one. Keep filling it to the top and then add water. Then all you have to do is add some flowers from the garden.

5. Dress comfy since you’ll be outdoors: Walmart has some great red, white and blue clothes for great prices right now. You can also grab flip flops and sunglasses in patriotic colors. You can even create a party favor bag with some of these items for your guests.

My husband and I leave for a 4th of July vacation to Florida this week and there are still great deals to be had if you want to travel for the holiday. Major travel websites conducted surveys of available properties for the upcoming holiday. Here is a list of top 10 4th of July destinations from Hotwire.

1. Dallas/Fort Worth

2. Las Vegas

3. Atlanta

4. St. Louis

5. Los Angeles

6. Toronto

7. London

8. Vancouver

9. Chicago

10. San Diego

In Vegas you can get rooms for 100 bucks in a 5-star hotel, grab a room for $90 in LA and stay in Orlando for $60 per night. According to Travelocity, there are also last-minute deals in Washington, D.C., Boston, San Antonio, Minneapolis and Reno. Orlando deals actually ranked first on Travelocity’s list.

Check out Site59, a last minute specialty discounter, and get some special deals for airfare and hotel. Head to the Big Apple July 3-6 for $273 from Boston, $329 from Indianapolis and $557 from LA. Want to spend the 4th on the beach? Travel to San Diego for $547 from Chicago and $595 from Philly. All of these prices include taxes, airfare and hotel.

There are also some great airfare deals to different locations. Fly American Airlines on the 4th and head back on the 7th or 8th for $99 from Cleveland to St. Louis or Dallas to San Francisco for $189. I found some great deals with Allegiant Airlines as well. We found tickets down to Florida for $10!

Here are some other websites to find last-minute travel deals: Expedia, Priceline and Kayak.

We’re all looking for ways to save money, but sometimes it’s at someone else’s expense. That’s the case when it comes to illegally downloaded movies from sources like BitTorrent. Sure, it’s expensive to go to the movies. Taking a family of four to the new Shrek movie can cost as much as a week’s worth of groceries (if you use coupons!) and popcorn costs as much as a steak at Outback. But if you’re considering or have tried watching movies for free on the Internet, you may want to reconsider this risky move for saving money.

Tens of thousands of people who illegally downloaded Academy Award winning movie The Hurt Locker are being sued. The Hurt Locker only made $16 million at the box office, the lowest in history for an Academy Award Winner. But leaders behind the film said it could have made more if it weren’t for those who illegally downloaded the movie. That’s why Voltage Pictures and US Copyright Group have decided to sue. According to reports, they’ll use technology that collects IP addresses of those who downloaded the film. Once it collects those it emails the Internet Service Provider, asking them to retain logs of the IP address during the time of the illegal download. ISP’s will then be forced to hand over subscriber information so the perpetrators are identified.

Often we can justify downloading a movie for free because we feel like the movie theaters are ripping us off, but in reality it’s no different than stealing a DVD from Wal-mart or Target. And now that the movie industry is fighting back, identifying those making the illegal downloads and taking action, does it really make sense to download a movie illegally just so you can save money at the theater?

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission received more than 15,000 complaints last year regarding travel, vacations and timeshares. There are many things you need to look out for when booking your summer vacations, says Wallet Pop. Watch out for anything that says it’s free or packages that trick you on what is really being offered.

Here are some things to watch out for:

Online Rentals: Be wary of those that the rate just seems way too good to be true, says the article.  Make sure the house is really available and get contact information before booking. You can check the address too through a Google search.

Timeshares: I get nervous about these. You really have to be careful because there are a lot of catches out there. Some are legit but just be careful.

Airfare and Hotel Packages: I have recently seen several ads for a free plane ticket if you book a hotel for a few days down in Florida.  Look at deals for flights on several websites and hotel deals. Check out Kayak for discounts and airlines.

The article states that it is usually best to pay for a vacation with a credit card as protection. The charge can always be disputed through the Fair Credit Billing Act. Also, don’t give out your credit card number over the phone unless you are familiar with the company. Really think through it before booking. Getting all of the details of the trip in writing is also a good idea. Whenever you’re dealing with a company like a travel service check up on them through the Better Business Bureau.

School is almost out and some parents may be frantically trying to think of ways to keep the kids entertained through the summer. Even though most kids have tons of books, video games etc. they often complain that they are bored. Here are some ideas on how to keep them busy this summer from Wallet Pop.

Go Hiking or Biking: Check out the site Trail Link. This group is working to change old railroads into bike paths. There are more than 30,000 trails around the country just waiting for you. You can also log on to Nature Find. It’s a free app that provides you with information on family-fun events across the U.S.

Summer Camp: The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts offer lots of kids camps. You’ll have to fork out some money, but the cost is reasonable. Not all require that the child is a Boy Scout or Girl Scout.

Mowing/Gardening: My husband worked mowing lawns in middle and high school. This kept him busy, taught him responsibility and helped him save up thousands of dollars. He really enjoyed it. For the younger ones, help them start a little garden in the backyard. Teach them how to care for them and it will also save you money at the dinner table.

Lemonade Stand: I think just about every kid has tried one of these during the hot summer days in the neighborhood. It’s tons of fun and they learn something in the process. Log onto Alex’s Lemonade. It’s a non-profit that teaches kids how to set up a stand and Alex works to raise money for fighting childhood cancer. The site sends you a kit to help!

Visit the Library: Our local library has tons of programs for kids throughout the year, such as story time, crafts and other fun stuff. Your child can check out books, movies and games.

Go Fishing: Fishing poles for kids are usually pretty cheap and its fun! A lot of state and county parks help kids learn how to fish for free.

Volunteer in the Community: This site, Ways to Help, lists thousands of opportunities for kids and teens. Talk to your children and see what activities they might be interested in.

Do you like making jewelry, sewing pillows or painting pictures? Try making some extra money with the online handmade marketplace Etsy. Lots of people have made money selling crafts, art and vintage goods on the site. In fact, $180.6 million worth of goods were sold on the site in 2009. Want a cut of that? Before you get too excited, consider that there is quite a bit of competition.

Some artists say it’s nearly impossible to be successful on Etsy. That’s because Etsy officials say there are about 400,000 active Etsy sellers. Active sellers are people who have sold products on the site within the past year. The competition is particularly tough for those who choose to create in popular categories like jewelry.

There are other online marketplaces for crafters and artists if Etsy seems too tough. Other sites are SuperMarket and Artsefest. You could also sell your crafts and art at a local craft show. Or talk with an art studio about showing some of your work. Even if you don’t end up selling your crafts, they could still save you money. Give them away as gifts for a low cost alternative to giving store bought items.

Summer is approaching and that means summer vacations are approaching. But holding on to this family tradition while trying to eliminate debt can be tricky. However, it’s not impossible. Financial guru Dave Ramsey asked his listeners and readers to offer up their advice for making sure your summer vacation doesn’t follow you home. Here are some tips:

1. Research, research, research! If you plan ahead and know which restaurants, attractions and stores you plan to hit up you can find and print coupons ahead of time. You probably won’t have a printer with you on vacation so researching ahead of time will ensure that you’ll be prepared.

2. Use cash. Approach your vacation with the same structure as your family budget. Set a written budget for your vacation and use cash to pay for everything. This will ensure that when you come home, you won’t be surprised by high credit card bills.

3. Try negotiating. Just as you would with other big purchases, try negotiating for your vacation. One area to do this is with hotel or resort reservations. Many Dave fans say they’ve had great luck with negotiating for cheaper vacations.

No matter where you’re heading this summer, there is likely a way to save money doing it. Consider all expenses for your vacation– from boarding your pets to gas and research ways to save money. Do you have other tips for saving money on vacation?

Prices are being marked down as much as 40 to 60 percent for tickets to Major League Baseball games throughout the nation. From the Giants and Cardinals to the Braves and Padres, you can score cheap tickets online. And it’s thanks to TravelZoo which is a website devoted to helping you find deals on packages overseas to cheap flights to Las Vegas and other destinations. I booked a trip a few years ago to Paris through TravelZoo. I had to act fast, but for a quick getaway it was perfect.

Now you can enjoy “Hot Baseball Deals” throughout the season through TravelZoo. This week’s picks include:

* Fifty-five percent off Dodgers tickets for select games through June 7.

* Forty percent off field seats to see the Mariners through May 5.

* VIP seats for a Braves game with a $30 food credit May 1 and 2.

* Go see the White Sox in Chicago with game and food tickets through June 24.

* Get up to sixty percent off tickets to catch the Marlins through May 6.

* Forty percent off Astros tickets through May 9.

Make sure you keep checking back with TravelZoo for weekly specials. When you buy tickets it is actually through the teams themselves, so will have to pay some extra fees, but there are still great deals to be had.

Listed below are some special offers for National Park Week.

Death Valley National Park, CA

Furnace Creek Resort is offering a discount on its earth-friendly organic t-shirts. You can get them 2 for 20 bucks.

Dry Tortugas National Park, FL

From April 17-25 if you are riding the Yankee Freedom II Ferry you can win two free passes for a return visit.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, AZ, UT

If you are staying at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, you can buy one ticket and get the second free during National Park Week. Check out Aramark Parks and Destinations.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts is offering $5 coupons for shopping, dining and recreational activities. And in recognizing Earth Day you can get an eco-friendly reusable bag.

Mesa Verde National Park, CO

Book a night at the Far View Lodge and get the second night free. This offer is good April 22-30.

Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Reserve two nights at the historic National Park Inn during the week and get a second night for free.

Shenandoah National Park, VA

Book one night at Skyland Resort and get the second night free April 18-29.

Yellowstone National Park, WY

Stay at the Togwotee Mountain Lodge and get a second night free. The offer is good May 21- June 28.

Yosemite National Park, CA

Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts is also offering $5 coupons at this location as well as an eco-friendly green bag.

For more information and special deals check out Park Partners.

Last week I hosted a pizza party. About 20 friends came over for some socializing, pizza and breadsticks. And it was almost completely free. I signed up through a website called HouseParty.com to host a Di’Giorno-sponsored pizza party. I answered a few simple questions about myself, my access to social media and any blog writing I do. A few weeks after I applied I found out that I had been selected to be a party host.

As a Di’Giorno party host I got help setting up a party website and sending out e-vites to my friends. I also received a party pack full of $4 off coupons to give to my guests, party beads, games and six coupons for free products. The whole event was a way for Di’Giorno to promote their new Pizza and Breadsticks product. You get a pizza and an order of breadsticks in one box. I loved going to the store and walking out with $48 worth of pizza completely free! I also picked up three twelve packs of soda at Publix that were on sale, buy two get one free. So my total investment in the party was about $5. Not bad for a night of fun with friends!

If this sounds like a fun time to you you should definitely sign up to host a future party at HouseParty.com. Some upcoming parties include a Red Baron Moms House Party, the 2010 French Cocktail Hour and Hasbro Game Night House Party. Another site to check out is Pssst.GeneralMills.com. They just launched a new section called MyGetTogether where you can sign up to host parties featuring various General Mills products.

This weekend I ended up a two new shirts, a new purse, a new dress and a cute pair of Jessica Simpson heels. Sounds like a went on a shopping spree, right? Actually it was all free thanks to a clothing swap! A friend of mine organized the event as a way to clean out her own closets while getting a few “new” things in her own wardrobe at the same time. It’s a great way to update your clothing assortment while not spending any money. And the stuff I got was great– the J. Crew dress still had tags attached and the shoes had never been worn. If this sounds good to you, here are a few tips for organizing a clothes swap.

Clean Out Your Closets

You need to have plenty of “merchandise” to share. Clean out your closets and drawers. You may even want to go through your accessories like purses, jewelry and shoes. Collect it all and wash anything that needs it.

Invite Others

Send out a free invite via Facebook. Tell your friends to clean out their closets, too and bring everything to your place for a clothes swap. You may want to ask them to bring some snacks or drinks, so that it’s a festive night of fun.

Offer Hanging Space

My friend cleared off her dining room table so we could pile on clothes that were up for grabs. She also installed temporary hanging racks in her doorways so it was easier to look through items. Have a separate space set aside for accessories and shoes.

Set Out a Mirror

Make sure there’s a mirror nearby for checking out clothing selections. Have a place prepared so that guests can try items on if needed.

Have a Plan for Extras

Offer to take clothing that wasn’t chosen to the Goodwill or another charity drop-off. That way guests don’t have to worry about lugging their leftovers back home.

The awesome people over at C28.com offered to give our readers a chance to win one of two Christian t-shirts. We plugged the numbers into Random.org and winner was chosen. Congratulations to #13:

Erika Says:
January 27th, 2010 at 12:55 am

This is actually the first time I have seen your blog.I would love the woman’s shirt for one of my daughters who is going to be a missionary after she finishes college.

Erika, I know your daughter will love her t-shirt! I’m actually wearing the same one today and I love it! Thanks again to everyone who participated and don’t forget to stop by C28.com and do a little shopping for Valentine’s Day!

Are you blogger with a love for books? Christian publishing house Thomas Nelson has a new way to get free books. Just head to BookSneeze.com and sign up to be a book reviewer. You must have a blog in order to be eligible so that you can post your review.

All you have to do to become a review blogger and get free Christian books is request a title on their list of available books. Once you receive your book you must post the review on your bog along with a couple of links to the book’s Thomas Nelson product page and a link to a page that will let your readers preview the book.

Also, to comply with new rules from the Federal Trade Commission you have to be open about receiving a complimentary copy of the book. All you need to do is let your readers know that you got a free book for writing your review.

According to the website, top reviewers have received about 30 new titles absolutely free. So if you’re looking for a way to beef up your library and get your hands on some free books you may want to check this out.

I’m excited to announce a giveaway here at Out of Debt Christian. If you’re looking for a great Valentine’s gift or if you just want a new t-shirt for yourself, enter to win a t-shirt from C28.com. C28 Christian t-shirts are well-made, feature cool designs and help you display your Christian faith in a creative way. The company says it’s a ministry first and a store second, a commitment it proves by preaching the Gospel, encouraging prayer and supporting ministries.

Because Valentine’s Day is approaching, you have the chance to win your choice of two t-shirts. You can either win this men’s t-shirt featuring the words “A heart without love is a life without meaning.”

Or you can win this women’s t-shirt that says “Love will keep us alive. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” I received this t-shirt from C28.com and was very pleased with the fit– it’s modern, lightweight and well-made.

In order to win one of these t-shirts in time for Valentine’s Day, show us some love! Leave us a comment for one entry. To be entered a second time, subscribe to our feed and leave us a comment telling us you did that. For a third entry, tweet about this giveaway and leave us a comment telling us what you tweeted. A winner will be selected randomly through random.org on Wednesday, February 3. Thanks for playing!

Disney is hoping to inspire one million people to volunteer in their communities. Kick start the new year by giving back to your community. Starting Jan. 1, 2010 if you volunteer a day of service, you get a free ticket to Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

To get started visit Disney Parks online. First, search and sign up to volunteer with a participating organization at the beginning of the year. Second, give of your time and volunteer and then receive a voucher to redeem your Disney ticket.

Disney is working with HandsOn Network, part of the Points of Light Institute. Points of Light is the largest volunteer network in the U.S. There are more than 250 HandsOn Action Centers which are community hubs for people to get connected  and get involved. Volunteering opportunities are available in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada and include many impact areas such as children and youth, religion, animals, hurricane relief and other areas that need assistance. HandsOn facilitates about 30,000 projects a month and includes more than 70,000 nonprofit, faith, education and community-based organizations. According to the agency’s website, it delivered more than 30 million hours of service last year.

Volunteer activities suggested by HandsOn Network: Visit seniors and play games with them, donate items to homeless shelters, clean up a park, participate in a local charity walk or help sort items at a local food bank.

And don’t forget you can also get a free ticket for your birthday!

The Bible is full of people who went on regular pilgrimages and adventures. There are certain tours and helpful hints on faith-based travel. There are many websites available to help you plan Christian trips, advice on raising money for missions and other opportunities.

Mission2Go: This site offers everything from how to fund a trip and a short-term mission packing list. It also has information on how to prepare spiritually through prayer, understanding your faith and your mental attitude.

206Tours: If you are interested in Catholic pilgrimages, take a look at 206Tours. The site describes pilgrimages as a personal invitation from God and a journey to a holy and sacred place. Trips listed on this website include Spain and Portugal, the shrines of Italy and Medjugorje, The Holy Land, Egypt, Jordan, Greece and others. On these trips professional Catholic guides are provided and Mass is attended.

Significant Living: If you are in your “Golden Years”, this one may be the right fit for you. It lists mission trips, other travel opportunities and discounted rates with a Christian focus.

Christian Travel Finder: Looking for help finding cruises and other vacations for Christian interests? This is a great resource for booking cruise tours that explore early Christianity and to book a visit to the Holy Land. A mission cruise, Cruise with a Cause,  is also coming in 2011.

See Jordan: This a one-stop shop to find tours and information about visiting Jordan. Click on specific links and you have tons of websites to help you book a vacation.

The Holy Land Experience: You don’t have to travel out the country to get a feel for the Holy Land. By traveling to Orlando, you can experience the Bible and way of living in ancient Jerusalem. It’s considered to be a living, historical, Biblical museum. Exhibits include The Great Temple, Jerusalem Street Market, Dead Sea Qumram Caves and many others.

Now that my husband and I live in a different state than our families we have to discuss Thanksgiving and Christmas travel plans in advance to get the best deals. Although our drive is only about 8 hours, lately we’ve been able to find some cheap flights (especially on Allegiant Airlines.) It made sense to fly instead of lose about two days with family because of being on the road. First, you may want to try and travel on alternate days. For example, heading to your destination the day right before and the day after is a no, no. Those are the busiest days. See if you can maybe head there one day earlier and stay one extra day to avoid the rush. Plus, that gives you more time with family and friends. Also, what about the old days when you had to talk to someone with the airline? Sometimes that can be beneficial as well.

According to a recent article by USA Today, the cost of flying home is cheaper this year than last. The article’s tips include:

You may want to consider traveling for Thanksgiving instead of Christmas. Fares seem to be a bit cheaper in November. Also, be flexible on your travel dates and watch out for bag fees. Try to carry on all of your luggage if you can. The article also says to try not to be too picky. If it seems like a good deal, go ahead and grab it.

Now that we’re not far away from Thanksgiving and Christmas there are a few websites you can visit to help you find some deals. But don’t prolong it much longer. Experts say to book now!

Travel Zoo: I found some deals on this site when I traveled abroad, but they also have plenty of flights within the U.S. They show “today’s top deals” and you can find fares from recommended sites.

Airfare Watchdog: See today’s fare by typing in your destination and all kinds of deals pop up. The site also keeps track of the Top 50 deals of the day.

Kayak:  At first I thought, wait  a minute. Isn’t a kayak used on the water? But this website deals with being in the air. Search hundreds of travel sites to find the best one for you. Just type in your city and your destination and see what might work for your budget and schedule.

Booking Buddy: This one is your friend and searches more than 140 travel sites. It can list anything from air flights to cruises and hotels to vacation rentals.

Of course, there are many more and these are just some of the highlights that I’ve heard experts discuss. Take a look and book as soon as you can. The holidays will be here before you know it.

It’s the first Friday of fall. Hopefully your weekend is full of fun plans, but even if it’s not here are some great freebies to enjoy!

Kids Eat Free at Boston Market: From now through the end of October Boston Market is letting kids eat free. Get up to two free kids’ meals with any $6 purchase. No coupon required.

Free Panda Express: Take this coupon into any Panda Express location today to get a free single serving of the Sweet Fire Chicken Breast.

Free Museum Admission: Saturday, September 26 is Museum Day which means you can download a free admission card that will get you in to hundreds of museums for no charge. Search for participating venues in your area.

Free Caramel Apple Dip: Get your free Marzetti Caramel Apple Dip for taking a 10-minute survey. Thanks to A Few Short Cuts for this one!

Free Uncrustables Sandwiches: According to Chief Family Officer, starting Monday Smuckers is giving away 80,000 free uncrustables sandwiches to folks who offer up their best after-school organizational tip.

It’s the first official day of fall. That may mean it’s time to put away the swimsuits until next year, but you may want to think twice about giving up all of your summer habits. Here are five summer habits that you should actually carry with you into fall.

Enjoying Simple, Low Cost Meals

Cooking in the summer can seem so simple– throw some hot dogs and corn on the cob on the grill and you’re good to go. Not only is this way of preparing food often less stressful, but it can also be very budget friendly. Keep this in mind as fall arrives. Just because cooler weather comes doesn’t mean you have to pack up your grill for good. Continue to prepare simple meals at home to save time and money.

Taking Advantage of Free Entertainment

Free entertainment seems so plentiful in the summer. Between free concerts and events, there is no need to spend money on entertainment. Chances are, there are still free functions that you can take advantage of. Check out your community website, the events calendar in the local newspaper and scan bulletin boards at a nearby coffee shop. There is still free fun to be had even though summer is over.

Visiting Natural Resources

No matter where you live, chances are you enjoy your natural surroundings more in the summer than just about any other season. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, the lake or a nearby park, this free fun isn’t just for when school’s out. Different seasons offer different benefits for visiting natural resources.

Exercising Regularly

It’s easier to exercise when the weather is nice, but keeping up this summer habit is important– especially when you consider that the holidays and all of the sweet treats that accompany them are coming up. Maintain your summer fitness regimen on into fall.

Using Sunscreen

Just because you’re packing up your flip flops doesn’t mean you should pack up your sunscreen, too. Even though it seems like the sun is more powerful in the summer, it can do damage all year. Keep wearing your sunscreen even when you pull out the sweaters and boots. You still have exposed skin that needs to be protected.

An article in Southern Living recently caught my eye. I have to admit the main reason was because it talked about the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, but it also lists travel deals and websites to help you explore major cities in different U.S. states and an international city.

St. Louis: To get a homerun with cheap tickets to a game, get there early. The first 275 fans at the ballpark pay only $11 for a pair of tickets. The city also offers several more free attractions such as the Gateway Arch and St. Louis Zoo – one of the only free zoos in the nation.One event that’s coming up is the 16th Annual St. Louis Art Fair Sept. 11-13. Explore St. Louis can also provide other ideas.

Nashville: This country music capital also provides a package deal to see the city. For $45 you can visit the Nashville Shores Waterpark, Nashville Zoo and the Country Music Hall of Fame. That saves you 40 bucks. Take a look at Visit Music City.

Along with logging onto city websites, City Pass allows you to choose from 11 cities to see their most famous attractions and bundle your tickets.

Houston: For those of you who my be new to this city, the pass is a good way to explore many attractions. For admission to the Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium and the Houston Zoo it only costs $39. This is a savings of $32, according to the article.

Atlanta: Purchasing a City Pass in this Georgia hot spot can earn you a savings of $67. Six locations can be visited for $69 including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and High Museum of Art.

Boston: The Skywalk Observatory, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium and  local museums are on this city’s Pass for a mere $44.

San Francisco: This great West Coast city is also on the list and includes a Muni and Cable Car 7-day passport, San Fran Museum of Modern Art and a Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise. You can also get unlimited rides on those fun cable cars. All that for $59.

Toronto: How about a chance to also see an international city? Toronto’s five hottest attractions are on the list for this City Pass. Go and check out the Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, CN Tower, Ontario Science Center and the Royal Ontario Museum. It costs $53.69.

Along with your passes, a booklet is included with tips on transportation, best times to visit, maps and coupons for restaurants and shopping. Happy traveling!

You’ve probably heard of panning for gold and the California Gold Rush in the 1800s. But who would have imagined that it would be back on the rise this decade? According to the Gold Prospectors Association of America, it has seen a 20 percent increase in membership from last year. As the price of gold continues to skyrocket above $900 an ounce families across the nation are looking to panning for gold for a possible money-making vacation.

Here are some spots around the country for finding gold:

Gold Prospecting Adventures LLC in California is offering travel packages and has a Jimtown 1849 Gold Mining Camp. It takes you back in time to see how the 49ers lived and you can begin your own quest for finding gold. They also offer education courses and school programs.

At Big Thunder Gold Mine in South Dakota visitors can see how miners lived in the 1800s and you can try to find that coveted nugget of gold.

If you want to head to Colorado, there are plenty of spots to look for gold. Country Boy Mine in Breckenridge was founded in 1887 and allows you to look for gold in the Eureka Creek. It also has mine tours and other activities. Gold panning here is $9.95 per person.

You can find Cotton Patch Gold Mine and Campground in New London, NC for gold prospecting. Panning costs $12 for adults and $7 for children. That includes several two-gallon buckets. For some quick instructions on how to pan for gold go to GoldGold.

According to a report by a CBS news station in Denver, the recession is a cause of the influx of the modern day Gold Rush as people hope to make a little extra money. Estimates show that gold panning is up about 15 percent. But don’t expect to get rich quick. The reports says that professional gold panners make an average of $60 to $80 per day. However, every little bit of money helps even if it’s found in the streams of mountains.

When I first heard of traveling by RV, I just pictured Cousin Eddie from the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and how he parked his old RV in the Griswold family driveway. But now, as I meet more and more people with RVs, I see that they are a nice way to travel and affordable.

The National RV Dealers Association recently posted information about a study which found that RV vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations despite the increase in fuel costs. When you factor in the costs of hotels vs. campgrounds and restaurants vs. packing your own food, the study showed that you really can save money. For example, if a family of four travels from Phoenix, AZ to Napa, CA. with a folding camping trailer and stays at campgrounds, they would save 52 percent over the same trip taken by car, says the study. Campgrounds usually cost an average of $33 per night while hotels average $122 each night.

Another study found that one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households own an RV and those buyers are ranging in age from 35 to 75 years old. I’ve especially noticed several people in the Baby Boomer category, including my aunt, uncle and some neighbors of mine, begin to buy RVs. There are two main categories: motorized homes or towable RVs. Prices can range from $6,000 for a simple folding camping trailer to $400,000 for Class A RVs.

When buying or financing a recreational vehicle, there are several options. For many, the interest on the loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest. Earlier this year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made changes in federal income tax laws. Those who buy motor homes before the end of this year, can deduct the state and local sales and excise the taxes paid on the first $49,500 of the RV purchase price on their federal income tax.

For more information out this affordable way to travel take a look at the GoRVing website. It has tips on why you should go RVing, how to find dealers and campgrounds and includes ideas of new places to explore.

Did you hear about the incredible deal Jet Blue is offering? Me being a travel buff my heart started beating quickly as I read about the Jet Blue All-You-Can-Jet Pass. For just $599 you can enjoy unlimited travel for an entire month! I started thinking about where I would go (Chicago to see a friend, Seattle for a sister visit, California to see another friend and of course New York for a little shopping.) I called my husband, and told him all about it based on what I found on Jet Blue’s website:

About the Pass
* $599 for a month of unlimited travel, any available seat, domestic taxes and fees included, International and Puerto Rico taxes and fees not included
* On sale through Friday, August 21, 2009, or while supplies last
* Travel Dates: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 through Thursday, October 8, 2009
* Each flight must be booked no later than 11:59 p.m. MDT three days prior to the flight’s scheduled departure.
* Nonrefundable/nontransferable/no name changes permitted
* Customers who already have a flight booked during the pass travel period can pay the difference to upgrade to the pass by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583), prompt 4.
* Each All-You-Can-Jet Pass is eligible for 35 TrueBlue points. Flights booked on the pass are not available for additional TrueBlue points.

To purchase an All-You-Can-Jet Pass:
Call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583), option 4. You do not have to be a TrueBlue member at the time of purchase, but a TrueBlue number is required to book all flights.To join TrueBlue, click here; it’s free.
To book flights with your All-You-Can-Jet Pass:

* Before calling to reserve your flight, please visit jetblue.com to check availability and select flight times.
* Call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583), prompt 4.
* Provide your pass number which is your original reservation number.
* Provide your TrueBlue number.
* You may only book one flight per city per day; if a violation of this policy is found, JetBlue will honor only the last booking made and cancel the customer’s other bookings from that city on that day.
* Each flight must be booked no later than 11:59 p.m. MDT three days prior to the flight’s scheduled departure.
* You can change/cancel flights for no fee with three (3) or more days notice; changes or cancellations to flight bookings made after 11:59 p.m. MDT three days prior to the flight’s scheduled departure will be charged standard JetBlue change/cancel fees.

To change or cancel All-You-Can-Jet Pass travel:
* Greater than three (3) days before a flight: $0 change/cancellation fees
* Less than three (3) days before a flight: JetBlue’s standard change/cancel fees apply

Right around the same time I negotiated a 20% discount on new insulation we’re having installed in our attic, a savings of $850. That was more ammunition for me to justify the $1200 expense of plane tickets. But the more I thought about it the more questions and concerns I had.
* Would I be able to book flights on the days I really wanted to travel?
* Could I get stuck somewhere?
* Who would watch my dog while I was jetting around the country?
* What kind of parking bill would I rack up at the airport since the nearest Jet Blue hub is 90 minutes away in Charlotte, North Carolina?

In the end I decided that while the deal was fabulous, Jet Blue will likely do it again if it goes well. I’ll wait and see what happens this time around and maybe I’ll snag a pass next time Jet Blue offers them up. Where would you go with an All-You-Can-Fly pass?

Just like bumper stickers, t-shirts often share funny, poignant messages about our times. Lately I’ve seen some great t-shirts dealing with money and the current state of the economy. Here are my five favorites:

This “Broke is the New Black” t-shirt is $24 from Urban Outfitters. So you can’t be too broke if you want one of your own.

This t-shirt says “I Bailed Out Wall Street and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt.” It’s a modern take on and old saying. Pick up yours at Cafe Press.

I’ve seen other takes on this gem as well. Instead of “But I’m in a Band” they say “But I’m Good Looking,” or “But I’m Happy.” Either way it’s funny. This one is available at SuperiorSilkscreen.com.

I’m not sure if this t-shirt is slamming the USA or just Americans in general, but it’s pretty relevant either way. Pick up yours at Urban Outfitters. It just happens to be on sale for $14.99.

Cheap is chic! And to prove it CrookedMonkey.com is selling all of their recession t’s at cheaper prices than the rest of their inventory.

Have you seen any t-shirts with great slogans about the recession?

According to a recent survey by American Express travel agents, people are being savvier travelers and keeping a close eye on costs due to tough economic times. My husband and I love to travel and have saved lots of money by using several websites and/or booking with certain companies.

Something that recently caught my eye was a video that shows you how to save even more money with Priceline. Joseph Sangl is a financial guru that attends my church and has pledged to help others with their finances through seminars, books and his personal blog. He’s created a great how-to video which shows Priceline users how to save more money when booking hotel rooms. Priceline also added a travel blog, The Travel Ekspert, which includes travel news, Q & A’s and special deals.

Some websites that I have personally used and benefited from include:

Travelzoo – This site includes Top 20 Travel Deals each week, best last minute travel packages, and specials for hotels and flights. We used this site to book a last minute trip to Paris in 2005 and got a terrific deal.

Gate1 Travel – This website offers a Build Your Own Vacation feature that allows you to choose worldwide destinations with information on airfare, hotel and cruiseship deals. This was also a site that helped us with our trip to Paris.

Dooley Vacations – If you’re looking for a vacation to Ireland, Scotland, the UK, London and Italy this group specializes on trips to these locations. We took a trip to Ireland Summer of 2006 and received a great package deal.

Of course always read the fine print when booking on these sites, but so far I’ve had some great experiences. People are also tapping into their frequent flyer miles and grabbing deals at the last minute – things that are there to help save you some cash.

Starting today, bargain hunters have a long way to go– 654 miles to be exact– to find what they’re looking for. The World’s Longest Garage Sale runs from August 6-9 and with the economy in a recession, turnout may be its biggest yet. The mega-treasure hunt runs through five states: Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama.

The 2008 World’s Longest Garage Sale was featured on HGTV. The show also offered up some tips for successful yard sale shopping:

1. Wear comfy shoes. It’s tough to cover hundreds of miles if your feet hurt.
2. Drink water. You don’t want dehydration to keep you from completing your bargain hunting.
3. Wear sunscreen. While the title of World’s Longest Garage Sale makes you think you’ll be under cover, much of it is outside in the sun.
4. Carry cash. Most vendors won’t take plastic. Plus it’s harder to negotiate if you don’t have cash on hand.
5. Bring a rolling case. It will help you transport purchases without having to lug them around.
6. If you see something you like, buy it. Chances are it won’t be there if you wait until later to snag it.

So what kind of bargains should you be on the lookout for? Old furniture that would be great with a little makeover, anything that can be fixed with paint, and collectibles that catch your eye. Make sure you try negotiating for a lower price. Most vendors are prepared to haggle with you.

Sometimes, you’ve got to spend some money to save some money. Here are three great programs that will cost you a few dollars today but could save you hundreds of dollars over the months ahead:

Everyone knows that AAA is the place to go for free maps and roadside assistance, but did you know that they have one of the largest discount programs in the world? AAA membership can help you save at over 150,000 hotels, motels, restaurants, retailers and other merchants nationwide. Membership is just $50 – $60 per year (depending upon what the AAA club in your state charges) and you can easily cover that cost with just one brief trip. I recently saved $30 per night on a week-long stay at a Marriott, so my $60 membership instantly provided me with $210 in savings!

The Entertainment Book certainly gets this concept, as their motto is, “More than pays for itself!” The book is packed with thousands of local coupons for restaurants, entertainment attractions, shopping, and travel deals. Most of the deals are either 50% off or 2-for-1 offers, so you’ll make up the $30 price with just one or two half priced meals or discount movie tickets. The Entermainment Book has a much more robust Web site than it used to, so just type in your zip code to instantly view savings opportunities that may be right around the corner from you. Plus, this is a great time to buy the book, since they will give you a 2009 book for free when you reserve your 2010 copy — an extra six months of savings!

Restaurant.com is a great way to shrink the bill at your favorite restaurant, or to bring down the cost at the new place you’ve been dying to try. You purchase discount gift certificates on their Web site, with prices generally $4 for a $10 certificate or $10 for a $25 certificate. There is a usually a minimum you need to spend in addition to the gift certificate amount, so check the terms offered by each restaurant, but this really is free money back to you. Their Web site also offers an easy way to find restaurants that participate in the program and you may be surprised by how many of your favorites are included — there are 25 participating restaurants within one mile of my house!

So you want to celebrate Independence Day with a little red, white and blue, but you don’t to spend much green? That is perfectly OK. There are plenty of places to get decorations that will show your patriotic side without having to spend much money or any money at all.

Print Off Flags

Did you know there are a bunch of websites that help you to print flags off your home printer? PrintOurFlag.com is one of those sites. After seeing a flag shortage after 9/11 the site began to offer printable flags. You can choose between several designs and sizes. If you want a jumbo flag you can print one out using multiple sheets of standard printer paper.

DIY Decorations

Feeling a little crafty? If the emphasis is on “little,” get some help from Twig and Thistle. They’ve got well-designed 4th of July templates to help you make matchbook covers, sparkler cards and straw flags to spice up your backyard party. The templates are free, but you’ll have to buy a few of the supplies.

Shop Sales

Head to your local craft store like Hobby Lobby for deep discounts on 4th of July decorations. Michaels also has several patriotic project ideas ranging from a 4th of July windsock to all-star patriotic cupcakes. Register to receive Michaels’ emails and you’ll get a 50% off coupon.

Use Fabric

Fabric can be an affordable way to add color to a party without spending much money. Get some assistance from Martha Stewart and create some star medallions to help decorate your backyard. You’ll be seeing fireworks long before the sun goes down.

While most of the time I try to offer valuable information and advice to the readers of this blog, sometimes I need a little of it myself. I am a bridesmaid in a wedding in early August. Last night I got an email from the maid-of-honor, a close friend of mine, planning out the two days of activities before the wedding. The more she started to talk about the cost of everything the more sick I felt. I started to add up what this wedding is costing my husband and I. You see, not only am I a bridesmaid, but my husband is the best man. He’s not even particularly close to the groom, but most of the groom’s family and friend are unable to attend the wedding for financial reasons. So here is a rundown the current expenses that I am aware of:

My dress: $130
My accessories: $30
Hotel for Three Nights: $300
Plane Tickets: $700
Total: $1160

We still haven’t been told what my husband will have to buy for his outfit, but I know they will not be renting tuxes. My guess is that we will be spending between $100-$150 on the outfits. Add to this total food, gas money for getting from the airport to the lake where the wedding is being held, and a gift and we are probably over $1500. The made-of-honor is planning a pre-wedding day of manicures, pedicures and parasailing. So here’s my question– the made-of-honor is asking us all to chip in to pay for the bride’s day of fun. She says it’s up to us whether we want to pay for ourselves to have manicures, pedicures and to go parasailing, which would add about $150 on to my expenses. I don’t really want to do it, but do you think it’s ok to just be an observer for the day? Or will it take away from the bride’s experience? We also aren’t sure whether my husband– who is technically the best man– is responsible for paying for any activities with the groom.

According to manners-guru Peggy Post, bridesmaids are not responsible for paying or participating in any pre-wedding activities. That actually seems a little harsh to me, but tell me what you think. I know for my own wedding we paid for everyone to have their manicures and pedicures because they were flying in from out of town. We also paid for their hotel rooms and I picked out $30 bridesmaid dresses from Target. But then again, I also know I am probably more frugal than the average person and because of that I am likely more sensitive about putting a financial burden on others. So go ahead– give it to me. Should I just fork over the money and forget about it? Or should I back off from participating in extra and expensive activities?

This weekend I threw my neighbor a baby shower. There were about 25 guests and everyone had a great time. I was a little nervous about how much the party would cost since the guest list was a little large, but I managed to pull it off for a little over $100 including food, decorations and games. Here’s how I saved money on this baby shower:

I threw the party at my house. We considered renting a space that would be large enough for everyone to be able to relax in an air conditioned space, but that would have cost about $100. So instead, we decided to throw the party in our backyard. We have a circle driveway that actually turned out to be a great party space with plenty of room.

I borrowed tables and chairs. Rather than rent tables and chairs, I borrowed four six-foot tables and about 25 chairs from neighbors. This saved me a lot of money. I also used a card table and another round table to hold gifts and food. I also borrowed some paper lanterns to hang from the trees.

I used what I had. When my expecting friend told me one of the colors for the nursery would be chocolate brown, I knew that had to be one of the party colors. Not just because I wanted to coordinate with the nursery, but also because that was one of my wedding colors. I knew I could use table cloths and some other decor items that I already had to help transform the backyard.

I took any help that was offered. A couple of guests offered to bring food and I gladly took them up on it. Also, rather than pay for expensive invitations I asked a graphic designer friend to make them for me. I took the file to a local printer and paid just $12 for all of them.

I shopped at a bulk grocery store. The day before the big event I hit up Costco. I bought flowers, hamburger and bottled water here to save money.

I got crafty. I knew the look I wanted to go for when it came to the tables. Rather than buy fancy center pieces I made some from a guide I found online. I also got a little help from Martha Stewart and made tissue paper pom poms to hang from the trees.

I planned and planned. The date for the shower was set for about a month so I got started right away. This helped me keep an eye out for the items I needed so that I could find them on sale or search for the best price. Waiting until the last minute can be bad for your budget.

Free ice cream seems to be pretty easy to come by these days. Here are a few offers to take advantage of if you’re looking for a little relief on a hot summer day.

Ben and Jerry’s: Starting today Ben and Jerry’s is offering buy one get one free sundaes on Monday’s through August.

Schwan’s: Schwan’s is taking $5 off orders with coupon code D5. Pick up a $4.99 ice cream treat like this six-pack of vanilla cones and your order will be free. You may have to pay $1 for delivery.

7-11: On July 11 (7/11) 7-11 is giving away Slurpees. Count down to the big day on their Facebook page.

Pinkberry: If you’re lucky enough to live near a Pinkberry, stop in on June 26 from 5-9pm to try out their new flavors for free. You’ll get a small cup of either coconut, passionfruit or tropical swirl.

Yoplait Whips: Apparently when you put Yoplait Whips in the freezer you end up with a delicious frozen treat. Try it for free by signing up here.

Showing dad you love him doesn’t have to require spending a bunch of money. Here are some ideas for a frugal Father’s Day.

Free Card: Head to Photoworks for a free photo Father’s Day card worth $2.95. Use coupon code LOVEDAD at checkout and make sure you take advantage of this offer before June 16.

Free Parks: Several national parks are letting you in for free during three weekends this summer. The first free weekend just happens to be Father’s Day weekend, June 20-21. Check out this list of participating parks.

Free Frozen Yogurt: Take dad to TCBY on Father’s Day for a free cup or cone.

Free Photo: Give dad a favorite photo. Either get a free 8×10 enlargement from CVS with coupon code FREE8×10 at checkout or get him a free photo book from Photo Books Etc. Just head to FreePhotoBookOffer.com and use coupon code PBE509 to get a free 20-page soft cover photo book.

Free Admission: If you live near Hershey, PA you may want to take dad to Hersheypark for Father’s Day. Head to CVS to get a coupon for free admission with a paid admission for dad.

Free Breakfast: Cook dad some of his favorite foods on Father’s Day. Bring him breakfast in bed or pack up a family picnic and head to a local park.

Summertime can be a tough juggling act for working parents with school age children. Finding the right care and activities can be expensive. The good news is that there are many day camps that can offer both at a price that you can afford and these day camps have benefits that you may not have thought about.

Unexpected Benefits of Day Camp

1. Tax credits and deductions – child care is one of those deductions that you may not get to use if your children are school aged. The good news about day camps is that if you are working while they children are at camp then the fees for the day camps could be deductible. Overnight camps do not qualify.

2. New friendships – many times the children will be teamed up with other children from different schools or different towns. This allows them to foster new friendships that they might not get outside of the day camp experience.

3. New skills – even when they attend day camps where you think that you know what they will learn they children often learn so much more. Many instructors teach character and discipline on top of the skills mentioned in the brochures.

Day camps could be the answer to your summertime blues.

Summer 2009 has arrived! Whether you’ve got kids home from school or it’s pretty much just a hotter version of your normal life, try making summer 2009 three months of frugal fun. Here are some fun activities that will have you saving and making money!

June

Organize a yard sale. Get some friends or neighbors involved to help offset advertising costs. Pick a Saturday when everyone’s available and spend a few days beforehand organizing closets and cleaning out the attic. You’ll raise some extra cash to help offset a summer trip or to put into savings.

Hit up your local swimming pool, water park or lake. Explore outdoor activities that cost little or nothing. Plan a tubing trip down a lazy river or visit nearby national parks.

Make sure your home is ready for the heat of summer by sealing up windows and doors. Hose off your AC unit to make it run more efficiently.

July

Host a frugal barbecue for the 4th of July. Ask friends to bring a dish to share and pick up a big batch of hot dogs.

Take in a Tuesday night baseball game and make sure to bring along a Kraft singles wrapper to get one ticket free when you buy one.

Anything that didn’t sell at the yard sale, post on Craigslist. Focus on the bigger items like furniture, collectibles and tools.

August

Stay cool by visiting local museums or galleries. Check out your local library for free summer events and activities. Take a new workout class at your local YMCA or community rec center.

Take an art class at your local art museum or craft store. Try scrapbooking some of your new summer photos.

Get ready for going back to school by giving your children’s outgrown clothes to someone who really needs them. Shop school supply sales and pick up extra for needy kids.

Summer is the perfect time to sit back, relax and fall in love with a good book. It’s also a great time to keep your kids learning through the summer months but helping them to get fired up about reading. Here are a few free programs that will keep you and your kids reading this summer.

2009 Barnes and Noble Summer Reading: This is a great way to keep kids reading this summer by giving them a great incentive: free books! Here’s how it works, the child chooses any eight books of their choosing to read. They write down their favorite parts in the free printable reading journal. Children bring their reading journal into a Barnes and Noble store between May 26 and September 7 and they’ll get a coupon for a free book!

Scholastic Summer Challenge: Kids can join in on the Scholastic Summer Challenge. Kids take a quick quiz to get sorted on a team. They’ll earn points by logging the minutes they read each day and at the end of the summer the winning team gets to vote on which Save the Children US program will receive a special donation in their team’s honor. That way kids get excited about helping others and reading!

Bethany House Book Reviewers: If you have a blog or a website sign up for free books from Bethany House. They’ll periodically send you emails about available books. You pick the ones that interest you and they’ll send you the copies. Once you’ve written the review just let them know. It’s an easy and fun way to get free books.

Tell Harlequin: If romance is more your thing, sign up for the Tell Harlequin panel. You’ll get free fiction in exchange for your opinions on books, covers and ideas.

Getting Out in the Sun? Put On the Sunscreen!

* Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF), which ranges from 2 to 30 or higher. Those rated 15 to 30 block most of the sun’s harmful rays.
* Whenever possible, people should avoid exposure to the midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. standard time, or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daylight saving time).
* Keep in mind that protective clothing, such as sun hats and long sleeves, can block out the sun’s harmful rays.

There are some ways to get free or cheap sunscreen. But even if you can’t cash in on these deals, sunscreen is a great investment.

Banish Wrinkles and Protect Your Skin: Pick up a free sample of Garnier Ultra-Life Pro Deep Wrinkle Cream with SPF 20. That way you can reduce the appearance of the wrinkles you have and prevent new ones from showing up.

Save on Coppertone Products: Coppertone is offering $1 off coupons and $3 off coupons. I couldn’t get them to print properly but maybe you’ll have better luck!

Free Sunscreen for Indiana Residents: Planning an outdoor event? Get free sunscreen donated to your cause from Bloomington Hospital. You’ll have to fill out a request form, but up to 250 packets of sunscreen are available.

Free Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen: Get a free sample of either after-sun body butter or sunscreen from Hawaiian Tropic. We suggest the sunscreen.

Save on Aveeno Sun Products: Print off a $2 off coupon to save money on Aveeno sun care products.

Everyone thought Adam Lambert had in the bag. But last night it was newlywed, worship singer and college student Kris Allen that walked away the winner. According to Fox News, judge Simon Cowell was the only one who did not give Allen a standing ovation.

Allen’s pastor, Rick Bezet flew out to LA for the American Idol finale and spoke to reporters. He talked about Allen’s church, The New Life Church in Greater Little Rock. The congregation had been busy praying and voting for Allen to walk away the idol. They even organized a huge Idol viewing party where contestants were given free Chick-fil-a coupons if they stayed after the show to vote.

Some say Allen’s win could have something to do with the growing interest in Christian music. The Gospel Music Association reported that Christian/Gospel music sales were up 38 percent in 2008, reaching nearly half a billion dollars annually. Digital track sales were up over 37 percent.

But whether or not Allen’s faith played a part in his final victory, no one can deny that he has talent.

Image Courtesy of kwalk628