| "body"> | | | | Even when arranging for a vacation or just family time |
| What is a recession? Basically a recession is when | | | | together, put a schedule in place and so that you don't |
| there is a decline in industrial production, employment, | | | | miss a minute of fun. Check with the local visitor's |
| real income, and wholesale-retail trade that lasts for six | | | | bureau in your city and see what attractions they |
| months or more. It spells trouble for all of us. | | | | offer. Some cities sponsor summer festivities for a |
| Sometimes it's hard making ends meet in the best of | | | | minimal fee or no cost at all. Spend the day at a local |
| times, but trying to raise a family in the midst of a | | | | park; take along Frisbees, a baseball and bat and |
| recession is doubly hard to do. It helps to stay | | | | maybe even a set of horseshoes. Stop by your local |
| optimistic in this type of a situation. We can tighten our | | | | public swimming pool one day for an afternoon of |
| belts a little and still share some quality time together | | | | aquatic games. Even pack a lunch to serve up, after |
| as a family. Tough economic times call for finding | | | | the swim, picnic style, at a nearby park. Everyone |
| ways to cut down on spending, but not on activities, | | | | develops an appetite after a day of sun and fun. This |
| even when we're on a budget. After doing a little bit of | | | | is an ideal way for a family to spend a day together. |
| research I've come up with a few ideas that may help | | | | The next day, spend the afternoon watching a movie |
| to weather this recessional storm. | | | | in your local theater. If you get there early, you can get |
| There are lots of ways to cut back including in the | | | | the matinee price. It's another great way to spend the |
| kitchen so let's start there. First, get rid of all prepared | | | | day, and see a great movie in the process. |
| meals. Aside from being too expensive, they are | | | | After this much activity, you deserve to pamper |
| loaded with excessive fat, sugar, salt and all kinds of | | | | yourself a little. If you like to read, don't go out and |
| preservatives. These are things that your family | | | | spend money on a new best seller, join your local |
| doesn't need. Plan wisely and schedule specific meals | | | | library and read all of the books you want for free. |
| for each day of the week. Do your grocery shopping | | | | Also, stock up on some inexpensive candles and |
| once a week and get exactly what you need for | | | | some aromatherapy bath beads (you can get them at |
| each meal. Try going meatless twice a week. Do a | | | | the dollar store) and treat yourself to a relaxing soak in |
| little research and find recipes for low cost meals that | | | | the tub. If you close your eyes, you can pretend you're |
| you can make like pasta and vegetables or a home | | | | at a fancy spa. You'll feel any stress that you may |
| made veggie pizza. These are nutritious meals that | | | | have acquired from the long day begin to melt away. |
| won't cost a lot of money. | | | | |