Well, it’s that time of year. School is out and you are feeling overwhelmed with how you are going to possibly entertain your children who have been in school all day long for the next few months. Let us help you by giving you some creative ideas on how to pass by those long days with fun activities. Most importantly cherish each moment you have with your children as you won’t be able to get this time back, so enjoy it! Going to the Library Sometimes the heat can take over and you need a cool place to go. Don’t forget about your local library. This is a great opportunity to keep your children engaged over the summer and it also is a nice relaxing, quiet, cool place to enjoy. A lot of times libraries hold special workshops or events that you might not know about unless you actually go to the library. Over the summer often time there are reading programs that offer a reward when you are done. This is an awesome way to encourage reading with your children. Support your local branch and dive into a good book. Sidewalk Chalk Don’t underestimate the power of sidewalk chalk, even for the older kids. This is a very easy way for children of all ages to be outside, enjoy the warmth of the sun on their skin. Have the older kids lay down and trace the younger ones body, then they can draw clothes on themselves and play chalk dress up. Throw them a math problem to write down and solve. Or even encourage them to play a game of hangman with each other. Regardless, of what goes down on the pavement they are bound to have fun doing it. Who knows they might discover a new love for drawing. Never underestimate the power of children. Invite the kids into the kitchen Allow your kids to get creative with what’s for lunch. Invite them into the kitchen to make their own creations. Children a lot of times just want to feel involved and a part of something, this is a great way to include your children. It’s very possible they could come up with some new recipes that become family favorites. Cooking is very therapeutic and can be enjoyed by everyone. Take them to the local farmer’s market and allow them to make a fresh, healthy meal. Freeze up some fruit or make delicious smoothies if it is a very hot day. This activity often times take the weight off of your shoulders of getting a daily task completed, and will put a smile on your child’s face. Get Outside Be sure you get your kids outside as often as possible. Whether it be to a local park for a picnic that has a water structure, or on a hike on some local trails. Show them the importance of being outside when the weather is nice. Don’t allow them to sit around the house all day glued to the television or video games. Get back to basics and get them outside. It is bound to create memories. By Michelle, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

The warmer weather is upon us and usually that means more families are getting outside and enjoying Mother Nature. For many families that also means camping out amongst the wilderness and getting some fresh air alongside some of the most beautiful places in the world. Let’s face it, going camping with a family is not easy task. Although it is a lot of fun, it is also a lot of preparation on the front end and also when you return home. If you have children under the age of 10 you are more than likely going to have to either pack for them or double check what they have packed, which creates even more work to get the family loaded in the car. So how do you simplify some things that need to be done when going camping? Here are some tips to making camping a little more enjoyable for everyone in the family. Creating a Checklist for Packing Create a checklist for everyone in the family. Make sure you include everything on there from shirts, pants, underwear, to extra socks and sweaters if needed. Make sure you have everything checked off and laid out on the bed or floor before you pack it into a bag. This will help ensure that you don’t miss anything. When it comes to packing toiletries…Have one bag for the entire family. This wills save space in your vehicle and it will make trips to the bathroom easier. Just grab one bag and what each person needs will be in there. Tubs Get a few plastic tubs to put food items & camping gear into. These work nicely because you can have one go to spot for all your dry good foods, and one go to spot for all your camping gear (utensils, cooking supplies, campfire supplies etc.) Again, make a checklist that will go on the outside of the container and what is to go in each tub. That way when you come home you can re-pack for your next trip with the assurance that you can grab the tub and go because you know of everything inside the tub. This will save you a lot of time. By using tubs it will also make packing your vehicle much easier and cleaner. You vehicle will get dirty enough just from all the dirt from your trip, the last thing you need are your supplies scattered all over the car also. Camping with Kids Be sure you do some research ahead of time to look up different fun activities to do while you are on your trip. Kids love to be busy in the outdoors. Leave all your electronic devices at home; part of camping is being to be able to get away from life’s everyday activities to enjoy some of the natural things in life. Bring a ball for them to kick around. Don’t forget to pack components to make s’mores. If you want to make an even more delicious s’mores then pick up some reese’s peanut butter cups, or your favorite candy bar to use instead of just plain chocolate. Review the map of the campground you will be going to and maybe there are some hiking trails you can explore. Put together some campfire songs to sing, or even some ghost stories to tell around the fire after a long day. Camping doesn’t have to be a daunting task. It is a time to enjoy each other’s company and enjoy being outdoors. Get creative with your campfire recipes. Collaborate with one another, sometimes kids have very imaginative ideas on what to do in the outdoors. Don’t make it a stressful vacation. Make it a vacation your family will want to do every year. Some of the best memories are made on camping trips, so start making your families memories this summer. Happy Camping!

Time to think about the perfect gift for father’s day! It can be tough especially if he has been a dad for awhile. Things to consider before purchasing your gift should be what he likes to do, where he likes to go, or what he enjoys as his hobbies. Does he like to golf or play a specific sport? What does he do in his spare time? Does he have a hobby? All of these s should be considered before heading out on your adventure of gift hunting for the either your dad or the man of your children. For the Father Who Loves Technology Noise cancellation headphones! Not only are these perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet at home, they can also be used with electronics and on airplanes. Video Games! Some dads love playing video games, so why not purchase that game he has been dying to buy but has not splurged on yet. Universal Remote Control! These are awesome and range in price. Let the dad in your life control all of his electronics with one remote. This will also make your life easier so that is a bonus. For the Father who loves grilling Grill Alert Remote Control! These are awesome and can be found at common places like Home Depot or Lowes. The dad can literally put the thermometer into the food and walk away with the remote. The remote will tell you when it is at the perfect temperature and is cooked thoroughly. Personalized Grill Utensils with Case! Utensils by themselves can be boring or unoriginal but when they have his name gleaming on the case, he will be sure to love them. Two options for this could be to buy a set and bring it into a specialty shop that engraves or you could purchase a set online with it already engraved when it arrives at your house. Grill light! These can become pretty handy when the sun goes down and the food is not quite ready to be taken off the grill. There are all sorts of lights that can either be clamped on or screwed into the grill. Most of these use batteries but last awhile since most grill lights use LED. For the Father Who Loves Sports Game tickets! Search online and buy him some tickets to the next big game in the area. While he will not be able to enjoy the gift until it is game time, he will thank you when he gets to go! Sportswear! While this may seem a little boring to some people. Men who are constantly outside golfing or at sports games can always use extra  athletic shorts, shirts, and socks. Athletic gear! Buy him a new set of golf clubs or an NFL football. Finding an autographed ball is also a great gift for the man who has it all and loves sports. By determining the father’s hobby or favorite activity he likes to do, it will help you narrow down the gift selection and discover the best gift for father’s day! By Courtney, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

It’s always quite easy to find great ideas for Mother’s Day, but for some reason Father’s Day can seem to be a little trickier to come up with creative, money savings ideas to do for that special Dad in your life. Here are a few ideas on what you can do to make the day special for Dad and everyone else that he will celebrate with. Father’s Day should be just as important than Mother’s Day as we need to recognize and give credit to all the amazing Dad’s out there. Plan a Fishing Trip This is a fun one. Even if the Dad in your life isn’t an avid fisherman, it’s always nice to get outdoors and have a fun day at the dock. Pick up an inexpensive fishing pole, pack a picnic lunch and head on out to the closest nearby pier to your town. You do not need a fishing license to fish off of any public pier usually, so it saves you some money on that end. Throw some chairs in your vehicle and off you go for an enjoyable day with Dad and Family. Customizable Gifts Just like on Mother’s Day, lots of photo outlets will have special deals on creating customizable gifts. Father’s always enjoy things like a tie with a picture of his kids on it. Perhaps a new coffee mug with pictures of his family for his every day trip to the office, which is a nice reminder of what he is working for each day. Or even an apron with a picture and maybe a funny saying on the front of it for when he BBQ’s on the weekend. Plan a BBQ This is a fun one to include all the kids and family. Think of Dad’s favorite BBQ food items, sit down with the kids to do all the planning. Let Dad take the day off and enjoy some of his favorites without having to do all the work. Include the kids in every part of the process from shopping, preparing, cooking, to clean up. Decorate the house with some fun paper cut outs such as cars, ties, “DAD”, “We Love You” type decorations. Have a beer chilling in the fridge for his enjoyment or make his favorite drink. Let him know how much he is loved by all the nice things are you letting him do on his special day. Sit down together as a family and enjoy the fruits of everyone’s labor, and most of all honor the Dad in your family. Day of Golfing Instead of waking Dad up with the chickens to be on time for tee off, plan a day of fun to your local miniature golf course. This way he can sleep in, and everyone in the family can enjoy a round of golf, spend time together, and play one of Dad’s favorite sports all at the same time. I’m sure he won’t mind a round of putt putt with the ones he loves. Regardless of what you have planned for Father’s Day. Do something in some way to let your Dad know that he is loved and appreciated. Thank him for all that he does and give him some time to enjoy his loved ones around him. Our Dad’s all work very hard in one way or another to keep our families whole and they need to know it also. Happy Father’s Day! By Michelle, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Long ago, people would Barter for goods and services.  A trade situation of sorts where one person would do something or give something in exchange for something else.  In the downturned economy, bartering has made a come back.  People need things and without a lot of money, and a lack of credit available.  People are realizing that trading is like a new magic resource for getting what they want. You can barter for just about everything.  Some of the best bartering I have experienced is trading babysitting for services or for things like family portraits, birthday cakes and other things that friends have needed.  You can swap babysitting duties with a friend (she watches your kids, you want hers) or even take it one step further and tell her you will watch her kids in exchange for her husband helping your husband fix the transmission. You have to think out of the box when you barter.  Everyone wants something, you just need to figure out what you have that others want.  Once I agreed to bake birthday cakes for a friends kids parties and she gave me free sitting fees (over $50 value) for my Christmas cards.  You just have to take your skills and make them work for you! Here are some skills that you can barter with: Baking or Cooking Sewing/Alterations Handwriting (write out wedding invites or party invitations if you have amazing handwriting) Child Care House Cleaning Photography Website Design Invitation Design Party Planning Flower Arranging Organization Pet Care Once you have the skills down, then start talking to friends.  Get what you want in trade for your skills and spend little to know money to get the things you want. One thing that I do is ask my friends what they need.  This is a great place to start and you can almost always find something to Barter or Trade in these situations. If you are looking to barter and trade up, then you might want to start on a website like Craig's List in their barter section.  Maybe you have a lovely desk that you don't want to throw out but your see that someone wants and desk and wants to trade their beach cruiser bike for it.  You can trade because you want to have a bike to ride or you can trade because you are trying to get an item that is worth more than what you already have.  Don't want that bike, then look for someone that wants a bike and has something that you do want. You could easily redecorate a whole room in your house using this technique too. The important thing with bartering is knowing what your goals are and be willing to do a little work.  You can also use social media to your advantage by posting for instance on Facebook that you have a great computer desk that is just like new and you want to trade the desk for something else.  Maybe give some ideas:  "Will trade this great desk for babysitting (once per month for four months) or for designing my new website." If you get no nibbles, then change your terms. By Richel, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

I love warm crab dip.  Pair it with those Pita Chips and you might not get me away from it!  This is a super easy recipe adapted from The Crock'n Girls website. Ingredients 8 Ounces Cream Cheese (softened) 1/2 Cup Onion (finely chopped) 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese (plus about 3 Tablespoons for topping) 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise (full fat works best but use what ya got) 2 Garlic Cloves (minced finely) 2 Teaspoons Sugar (do not use sugar in the raw) 6 oz Can Crab Meat (drained, flaked and cartilage removed) Assorted crackers, pita chips or pretzels for dipping Putting it together In a 1- to 2 quart slow cooker, combine the first six ingredients then stir in crab Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, or until heated well.  Sprinkle a little extra parmesan over the top and you are set!  Serve and enjoy!

Hosting a profitable garage sale can not only help you get organized but earn you some money.  Summer is upon us and you still have all your “stuff” in your garage from all that spring cleaning that you did. Now what? Is the thought of having a garage sale a daunting task to do? Do you have plans for all that stuff you cleared out of the house? Why not sell it and get some cash for it. Read below for a few simple tips on how to have a successful garage sale and make the most out of all that cleaning that you just did. Have a Plan As with everything you do, get a plan together for pricing and organization. At least 2-3 days prior to your sale price things out, put like items together, and keep things organized. This will make the morning of your sale so easy and you don’t have to come up with pricing at the last minute when someone asks you “how much”. The day prior to your sale, use free local resources to advertise your sale. Craigslist is a good option for this. People who devote their Saturday mornings to garage saling often times also have a plan on what spots to hit first. Make your driveway be one of the hot spots. Partner Up Don’t have enough to have your own garage sale? Then ask friends and family to team up with you and have a multi family sale. Have each family put pricing on each item with their family initials so you know who gets what money. Group like items together and keep it looking organized. The more the amount of product in the driveway, the higher your chances are of more people stopping to take a look. It also makes it a little more fun when you are surrounded by good company and everyone is making a little bit of money. Pricing Don’t forget what your objective is. Price things to sell, do not price things because you paid a set price for them. Your objective is to get rid of it and make a little bit of cash along the way. You cleared it out of your home for a reason, what else are you going to go with it? Of course always try to get the highest price possible though. If you have something marked for $2.00 and someone begins the negotiation process, entertain the thought, but also become a salesperson and explain to them why you have it priced the way you do. Maybe they don’t know the proper way something works, or that it was only used a few times. Explain to them how good of a deal it really is. As your sale in coming to and end, have a 50% off mark. This is a perfect opportunity to blast everything out of your driveway. People think they are getting and even better deal also. You’ll be amazed at how much leaves your sale during this time. Most importantly, have your prices clearly marked. Don’t get into an argument with a customer because you didn’t clearly mark your items. Have fun with it. Garage Sales are about getting rid of your junk and letting someone else find a treasure. You never know how your clutter will enhance someone else’s life. Written By Michelle, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Are you tired of spending so much money on cleaning supplies? Need some tips on how to use products you already have on hand to get those stains out of your clothes? Here are a few things to keep in mind when keeping things clean around the house. The Power of Vinegar Did you know that Vinegar has more uses than just in the kitchen? You can use vinegar for cooking, cleaning, gardening, laundry, health, pets, and even automotive solutions. Have you ever found yourself scrubbing the top of the refrigerator in order to get that sticky grime off? The magic cleaner is vinegar. By using a paper towel or cloth and full strength white distilled vinegar, you will find it will wipe right off. Problem solved. So next time you are at the grocery store, pick up that huge jug of white vinegar. They often cost under $3 and you can clean your whole house with it.  It’s an inexpensive and easy way to save money. For more ways to use vinegar check out 1001 uses for vinegar. It will blow your mind. Fabric Softener Saver Want to make your liquid fabric softener go a little further? Simply take your go to liquid fabric softener and soak an old hand towel or flour cloth in it over night overnight.  After 8-12 hours of soaking, wring it out and throw it in your next load of laundry. This one, soaked cloth will easily last you 30-40 loads of laundry. This will help you to stretch out the fabric softener use and it will enable you to become less wasteful. What a great way to save money, and keep your clothes smelling fresh with your favorite scent. Homemade Dishwashing Soap Do you get bored of the same lemon fresh scent of dishwashing soap? Here is a great way to not just save money, but create dishwashing soap that fits your current mood of what you scent you are liking at the time. All you have to do is mix the following ingredients and the outcome will be great smelling, effective dishwashing soap: 3 Tablespoons liquid castile soap (i.e. Dr Bronner’s) 2 cups hot water 2 teaspoons glycerin 10 drops of essential oil Add all ingredients into an empty squeeze bottle…shake…shake…shake…and there you have your homemade dishwashing soap. All – Purpose Cleaner Need a cleaner that will work on any surface? This would be a go to cleaner to make to cut down on your monthly expenses on all the different types of cleaners you might use around the house from floors to walls, toilets to mirrors. Make this solution and you will be set. 2 Tablespoons ammonia 1 Teaspoon dish detergent 2 cups rubbing alcohol 4 drops food coloring – optional 3 drops of essential oil Measure all ingredients into an empty, clean gallon jug. Fill to top with hot water. Then pour into a spray bottle. Now you have made your very own all purpose cleaner. Hope these few tips help you save some money on your family budget. Happy Cleaning! By Michelle, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Traveling to San Francisco, California can seem like it would be an expensive trip being that it is set in the Bay Area and is a destination location for many. However, that is not the case at all. You do not have to get sucked into the expensive, high costly museums, restaurants or attractions. There are many things to do in the city on a budget. Golden Gate Park Plan a picnic lunch in the beautiful Golden Gate Park. This park is incredibly large and has something to do and things to see for everyone. My family enjoys putting together a simple picnic, finding one of many picnic tables and enjoying each others’ company. Afterwards, it is nice to let the kids run around the lawn area and get out their energy. Bring a soccer ball, tennis racket or even a kite. The kids will have so much fun and you will get to relax and breathe in the fresh air of the park. Golden Gate Park also has many attractions to see such as Japanese Tea Gardens, Rose Garden, Lake, several museums, and even a Buffalo viewing area. There is no entrance fee into the park to enjoy the many elements of nature. However, there is a fee to enter the museums so be sure you check ahead of time if that is something you plan on doing. Fisherman’s Wharf If you have never been to the city this is one of the main places to see. It is a huge tourist attraction to view all the shops on the wharf, eat at some of the fine restaurants, view the sea lions, enjoy the pretty landscape of the bay, and possibly even take a boat ride. Even though this is a nice place to visit, it is not the most budget friendly location. If you have a decent sized family it could burn a hole in your pocketbook pretty quickly. There are some places to check out for free including the cable care museum, the Musee Mecanique, which is a museum of collectible mechanical games for all ages. You can even make a stop by Ghiradelli Square to grab yourself a chocolate Sundae. The Sundaes are huge, so to save a little bit of money, share it. Then after you are done browsing around Fisherman’s Wharf make your way down to the Ferry Building on Pier 1. Ferry Building The Ferry Building has been recently remodeled in the past 10 years. It is a nice little market to visit and be able to see many different, not so usual things. It has a bunch of boutique shops, and restaurants that are awesome to look at. On select days they have a fantastic farmers market that is well worth every penny. San Francisco City Hall This is always a fun attraction to check out. This is working Government building but it will simply take your breath away with it’s beauty. It is a replica of the St. Peter’s Basillica in Rome. Absolutely stunning. A great location for some photo opps. Visit big cities do not have to be expensive. Often time many cities have city guides that have coupons and discounts in them. So be sure to check the stands along the streets for any information you can get on what to do and see in the city you are in. San Francisco is a big city, and there is a lot to take in. It might take you a few trips to get it all done, but it is well worth it. Safe Travels! Written by Michelle, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

We have a lovely peach orchard only five minutes away from us.  Every year we get the most magical peaches.  This year I canned many of them, making peach sauce, peach jam and peach pie filling.  My mason jars run over with peaches. Then a friend passed this recipe on too me.  Oh no more peach sin.  This time in a cookie!  You will want to eat these cookies well into fall.  They taste just like peach cobbler. Ingredients: 3 tbsp butter, melted ½ c granulated sugar ½ c nonfat peach Greek yogurt 1 tsp vanilla ¼ c diced peaches (fresh or canned in juice) 1½ c all-purpose flour ¼ tsp baking soda 1/8 tsp salt 2 pinches of nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Steps: Preheat the oven to 350°, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat mat. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until a coarse mixture forms. Add in the yogurt and vanilla, stirring well. Mix in the peaches. Lightly spoon the flour into the measuring cups, and mix in along with the baking soda and salt, nutmeg and cinnamon, stirring just until incorporated. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, and bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes, or until just barely set. Cool on the pans for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. These make a lovely "hostess gift" if you are attending a BBQ at a friend or family members house.  You are going to need milk, thats a given but in a pinch they also pair nice with a nice black tea!

This is a quick and easy recipe that is actually pretty healthy too if you don't over do it on the cheese. I love to use different colors of peppers for a really pretty presentation.  They are always a big hit so I usually try and have one bell pepper (2 halves when prepared) for each person.  They freeze okay too for about 4 weeks. Serve these with a salad and you have a lovely high protein but meat free meal.  In a pinch, the stuffing is also used in the small sweet peppers that you can get usually bagged in the salad section of your store.  I have also cooked these on the BBQ using a wire rack. Serving for Two - Four adults Ingrediants 4 bell peppers (any color), sliced in half stem-to-tip, seeds removed 1c quinoa, uncooked ½ medium onion, diced 1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 Roma tomato, seeded and diced 1 (4oz) can diced green chiles (don’t drain) ¼c cilantro, minced ¼tsp salt ¼tsp pepper olive oil, if desired ½c Monterrey Jack, grated ½c cheddar cheese, grated 1 small can red enchilada sauce Directions 1. Add quinoa and onion to a large saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil 5 minutes, cover, turn off heat and let steam 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork. 2. Microwave pepper halves 2-3 minutes to soften slightly. (Prepared this way, the peppers should come out crisp-tender. If you want them crisper, you can omit this step.) 3. Pour quinoa/onion mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in black beans, tomato, green chiles and their juices, cilantro, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. If the mixture seems to dry, drizzle in a bit of olive oil (I didn’t need any). 4. Pour enchilada sauce into a 9×13″ baking dish. Make sure the bottom is coated.  Divide filling among peppers. Place stuffed peppers into the enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with cheese (both kinds). 5. Cover the pan with foil and bake at 375 degrees 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and cook about 5 minutes longer. Serve peppers drizzled with enchilada sauce.  If you are a lover of cheese, you can add more! Written by Richel, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

During the summer I hate to turn on the oven so the crock pot is my BFF.  It also frees up more time to for to spend with the kids. Here is a great recipe that is not only money saving, but easy to do.  You can even cook the whole thing with organic ingrediants if you like! Ingredients: 1 four-pound Whole Chicken, rinsed and patted dry Olive Oil One clove of chopped garlic Sea Salt or Kosher Salt fresh cracked Black Pepper 1 medium Onion, peeled & quartered 2-3 medium Carrots, cut into large pieces several sprigs Italian Parsley several sprigs fresh Thyme directions: Rub olive oil over whole chicken, then season it liberally with salt and pepper. Place veggies and herbs in the bottom of a 4-6qt. crock pot. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Place the lid on, and cook the chicken for about 4-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. To determine if the chicken is fully cooked, check that the meat is 165°F in the meat's thickest part and the juices should run clean when you poke into the chicken. Put the cooked whole chicken in a baking dish and place it under the oven's broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. If you don't want crispy skin, you can skip this step. Carve and use the chicken as desired. We love to serve this with green salad.  The leftovers make a great chicken salad or can even be frozen to use for soup!  You can also use more veggies if you want but this can increase the cooking time by 30 minutes per cup.

Summer is almost here and your mind is quickly getting focused on BBQ’s, vacation and fun in the sun.  Before you get out your beach ball and bikini, you don’t want to miss this opportunity for summer home maintenance.  This is a great time to prep your house for the long hot summer and avoid potential summer fun busters like a/c units that don’t work or unwanted pests. Air Condition Unit Maintenance Don’t just assume you are going to flip a switch and your A/C unit will be ready to go.  Getting your air conditioning unit tuned up is a top priority before the heat begins to set in.  have refrigerant levels,checked, fan rotation checked and insure that there are not fire hazards like debris on the coils.  If you may also ask for the wiring to be inspected.  Faulty wiring can also lead to fires and A/C units that just don’t work right. Have Your Yards Treated for Pests As soon as the heat comes, so do pests like ants, mosquitoes and other insects and bugs.  Have the exterminator out to also check for potential problems as well as spray your yards.  Exterminators can check for potential places where flying insects like bees or wasps may want to nest, as well as check for ant hills and other insect nests. Clean those Gutters It’s not a fun job but you will be thankful you did it.  Cleaning out cutters can help prevent flower seeds from taking up residence in clogged gutters and sprouting into full grown foliage.  You should always clean your gutters twice a year but before summer can actually be one of the best times because you can also inspect for damages and needed repairs before the rainy season arrives. Check your Windows and Doors Just as much as you don’t want cold air coming in during the winter, you also do not want the warm air getting into your home during the summer if you can.  Check the weather stripping on windows and doors and replace if needed.  Pets, weather and other forces of nature can quickly breakdown your weather stripping and seals. Replacing them can save you money too. Inspect Pool Equipment If you have a pool you want to start your inspection process sooner rather than later to insure that you pool equipment is functioning properly.  Clean everything out, run the system and check the pool pump and filtration system for any leaks or problems.  You should also check for any potential structural problems that may have been caused by cold weather. Save money and time by preparing now for summer! Written By Richel, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

This is a sinful treat but your friends and family will be asking you for the recipe in no time!  Cheesecake dip is an awesome sweet treat for parties.  You can choose to add sprinkles to it, serve with diced fruit on the side or just plain.  The graham crackers are a must and of all the things we have tried, by the far the only thing that seems to create the perfect treat! Here is what you will need: Ingredients 8 oz package of cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup white cake mix 1 cup powdered sugar 1 1/2  tsps vanilla extract 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional) Graham Crackers for dipping, should be plain flavor Instructions Place cream cheese in your mixing bowl and beat on medium high speed for 3 minutes, or until it becomes light and whipped. Bring speed down to medium and add the sour cream and vanilla, mix until incorporated. Slowly add the powdered sugar and cake mix to the bowl and mix until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and then gently fold in the sprinkles (if you choose to add them) Serve cold with graham crackers, pretzels, or fresh fruit slices You can also pipe this into small serving bowls (think the ones that you get when you order dressing to go).  I have also found that it is also wonder as a dollop (or a really big one) on top of a serving of fresh fruit.  It is so creamy, you won't be able to stop eating it!

I am a big list maker and really love to be as organized as possible.  A few years ago I started using a meal planner to not only create a list of meals but save money and use my coupons better.  It is not only easy but it is a great way to involve the whole family in deciding what to eat and how to save. Find the Right Meal Planner There are tons of meal planners that you can print for free from the Internet.  Pinterest is a great place to find not only cute printable meal planners, but even pre-made meal menus, which is another great way to save time.  These have days of the week already printed with meals that are "staples" for your month.  Things like Spaghetti or hamburgers, you know the stuff you always eat during the month. No matter what you decided, you might need to try a couple before you find one that works.  If you don't want to do that, you can create your own using your computer or in a bind, just write one out on paper.  They even have apps if you use your phone for everything, you can also use your phone to plan meals. Start with the Basics You'll want to put those meals in that you always make.  Things like Hamburgers, Pizza, Tacos and so on, if you have not already gotten those on a printed planner.  These are also usually the meals that are easy to stock up on staples for.  Since you know you make these every month, watch for them to go on sale and then stock up on the staples you need to make them.  This will save you money and in a bind, you will always have what you need.  Things like Beans for Tacos, Tomato sauce for homemade pizza, spaghetti and lasagna. When you find them on sale, stock up!  That's what those great 10 for 10 sales are for.  I always have these sorts of staples in my cabinets.  Make list of them so you know what to watch for. Get Our Your Cook Books In our family, we usually eat two veggie meals (no meat) per week and then the rest of the week is open.  Once I put in our "staples" then I usually have a few days to fill in.  This is where you can use those cookbooks to make meals that maybe you have not made in a while. This is also where I like to throw in a few dishes that we have never had before (I do this about twice a month) and then of course pick a few meals that I can make ahead of time. Cookbooks are great resources as well as websites like Pioneer Woman, Joy the Baker and Steamy Kitchen.  These site have great recipes that are easy and budget friendly.  Don't be afraid to try something new.  This will also help you break out of the rut that lots of people get in when they are cooking night after night. If are organized, and shop from your meal planner, you can save tons of money and prevent those impulse buys that you don't need.  You'd save a ton of money, always have what you need and feel more organized. Written by Richel, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

It happens to the best of us. The inevitable clutter of toys, food, and trash in our cars. Most of us do not have the time or energy to vacuum our cars and remove all of the excess clutter that happens almost everyday or at least every time we take a trip anywhere with our kids. No, I am not that perfect mom who is able to have an immaculate house and especially not an immaculate car! I have noticed that when I take a little time once a week, I can at least keep it decent though. Finding old bottles before they go sour is a bonus is my book. The following tips will help you keep the clutter minimal. Get a seat organizer. Seat organizers are not attractive but they get the job done. The clutter that is usually all over the floor and seats of your car will be contained in one area. This will minimize your clutter and make it easier to find essentials. Keep bottles, toys, diapers, and baby wipes in one place. This will prevent bottles from spilling or being lost under the seats. Keeping the organizer stocked with diapers will allow you to get out of the house faster and prevent you from having to pack diapers every time you need to go somewhere. Determine your trash solution. Trash, trash, and more trash is what my car contains! I was able to solve this problem by buying a car trash bin. It sits on my floor and any trash that pops up on our trips, we throw into the bin. I usually empty it once a week unless it smells horrible. By utilizing one of these, you will instantly see a difference in how clean your car has become. Most of these bags are easy to rinse and empty out. Every time you leave your car. Remove something from it. This is probably the best tip I can give you. It is so simple but I bet it rarely happens. Even when you are struggling with groceries and babies, you can remove something from your car that does not belong there. Oh! There is a toy that does not need to be in here! Grab it and put it where it should be. If you do this every time you leave your car, whether it is toys, trash, clothes, your car will improve in cleanliness in no time at all. Don’t eat in your car! I know. It is so hard not to eat in your car, especially when you have the kids with you. If you can take the time to stop at a park to eat or actually go inside the restaurant to eat, you can prevent spills and crumbs from building up in your car. If you must eat in your car, consider packing things that do not make huge messes. Try foods that are small enough for the little ones to eat in one bite. Goldfish and fruit are great options. Try to avoid chocolate, chips, and cookies. All of these are huge opportunities for messes. As for drinks, use spill proof cups that the kids can not open. By following these steps, your car can stay clutter free. This will make it easier on you and cause less stress when you get in your car. By Courtney, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

My husband and I absolutely love to travel.  Over the years we have spent together, we have taken many mini vacations to some of the most wonderful places.  Because we got together when we were pretty young and have gone through; college, layoffs, planning a wedding and now parenthood, a common thread for many of these trips has been a limited budget, but we have never let that stop us from having fun! If you are anything like us, you love adventure and would go to great lengths to have a good time.  With that kind of ambition and the ability to keep a sense of humor, you can’t go wrong with a road trip. The first thing you can do to save money on a road trip is pack an ice chest.  It might seem super frugal, but that is what we are talking about! An ice chest is an easy way to reduce cost when you are on the road.  Pack the beverages of your choice, the makings for sandwiches, fruits, snacks and even some of those impulse items that you might find yourself paying extra for at a random gas station in the middle of nowhere, like chocolate.  Though dealing with ice can be a hassle, for every meal you eat out of your ice chest instead of at some roadside diner, you will save! Always book your room before you leave.  Being able to plan your route and where you stay will give you a budgeting edge for a few reasons. One of those reasons is fuel.  When you know where you are going and where your route will take you, you won’t be at the mercy of the one fuel stop for the next 60 miles. You may have had to fork over your hard earned funds at these price-inflated fuel stations before and you know that is not a good feeling.  Plan to stop for gas in heavily populated areas where demand is high and prices are lower. Another good reason to book ahead is that you can take advantage of website deals offered by companies like Kayak, Travelocity, Bookit.com, or Travel Zoo, to name a few.  These sites specialize in bringing you the best prices that can be found.  Even if you do not save a ton on your booking, you may get a better room than you would have if you waited to make your reservation at the hotel customer service counter or you may potentially find a package deal that offers other perks and accommodations during your stay. I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for a reduced price spa service when I am on vacation! Include scenic points of interest on your drive.  These vistas make perfect places to have your packed lunches and are an inexpensive way to spend parts of your day.  We are lucky to live in California where you can find a multitude of beautiful places to walk or hike around, but the same can be said for many places we have been. You won’t often have to pay for more than parking, but quite a few places will allow visitors to park for free.  I would much rather stretch my legs at a lovely roadside stop than at a truckstop anyway. These are some simple ways to save on a road trip, but are guaranteed to keep more cash in your travel budget for fun! Do you have secrets for saving when you are the road? Do share them with our readers! By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

I was chatting with a friend the other day when I realized that there are plenty of people who live in the San Francisco Bay Area that don’t know of all the great places that are nearby. For whatever reason, either having been new to the area or never having cause to leave the city, people can go years without venturing around the California coast. Our region of the world is full of beautiful places that any day-tripper would love to visit. The best part about being so close is that the trip does not have to be that costly! For example, a day trip to the Monterey Bay. Leave early enough in the morning and you can enjoy a few hours on one of the best beaches that Santa Cruz has to offer, Seabright Beach. It is off of E Cliff Drive and has several access points. By getting there early, you are guaranteed to get a parking space, which is more difficult later in the day. The beach is long and good for walking or running if that is what you like. They also allow dogs on leash which is a bonus for dog lovers. They do have fire pits in case you go on a chilly morning. A quick drive over to the Santa Cruz Wharf and you are in the perfect spot for lunch. For convenience sake, we usually park on the wharf and pay the few dollars instead of having to deal with meters. You can choose from any restaurant that lines the wharf or order from the stand and eat at one of the tables provided on the end of the wharf. Don’t forget to check out the sea lions before you leave! The wharf is also close enough to walk over to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s a great way to walk off lunch as long as you don’t stop at the candy shop or concession stands. The Boardwalk is nice because you only have to pay for attractions you want to ride, instead of an entry fee. The Giant Dipper is a favorite of ours and anyone brave enough can try the haunted house but sometimes we just enjoy the walk and leave the rides for next time. A short drive down HWY 1 and you are in Monterey. This is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon. If you park at the Fisherman’s Wharf you have access to a paved pathway that wanders the beach for miles. It’s a gorgeous view and if you go far enough (about a mile) you will end up at Cannery Row. Of course, you can’t leave Monterey without experiencing the best clam chowder ever! Free samples are offered by many restaurants on the wharf and chowder in a bread bowl makes for an excellent dinner. Leave the wharf early enough and you can get to Carmel by the Sea early enough for what is usually and amazing sunset. These are just a few examples of the many places to go and things to do in the Monterey Bay. If you have a little travel fund saved, you can make a weekend out of the trip and expand your destination possibilities, but even on a budget the Monterey Bay can be a wonderful place to spend the day. By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Every Summer in July, we take our 5 children to the beach as our family vacation. We chose the beach as our annual vacation because it is fun and affordable. The kids have a blast and the parents can relax. Parents have more control over how much they spend and can monitor easier during a beach vacation versus a popular resort. The best part about the beach vacation is that there are so many activities that families can do together for free. By determining the duration of your trip, food expenses, necessary toys, and souvenir situation a family can plan ahead and save money. How long should you go? Depending on where you live, going to the beach for a weekend can be pretty expensive. If you are only going for the day, your wallet will thank you. Get up early and drive to the beach. At the end of the day, you turn around and go home. This is a great option if you live close to a beach. If you don’t live close to a beach and you decide to stay overnight, try to find a hotel in a less touristy area. Hotels in highly populated areas are able to charge more because everyone wants to be in that location.  At one end of the beach, hotels on the boardwalk can charge $280 a night. On the opposite side, the hotels are charging  $90 per night. Bring your own food! When you get to your location, make a quick trip to the grocery store.  This will save you a ton of money! By going grocery shopping, you will not be forced to pay for overpriced food. Nobody wants to pay $3 for a hotdog when they can spend $2 on a whole package. Buying bread, deli meat, and fruit can go a long way. Fruit is a healthy and refreshing snack for children when on the beach.  Since you saved so much money you can buy dessert too! Who needs toys? The best part about the beach is that you do not have to bring any toys. Everything you need is already there! Sand and water can lead to loads of fun.  Every year we  go the beach, the first thing we do when we get there is write all of our names in the sand and the year. It is a great tradition that all of look forward too. We also have a theme for what kind of sand model we are going to make during our vacation. The past years we have had a mermaid, turtle, and sand city. Finding seashells for each other is also a great activity. Budget for souvenirs. It always happens. The kids want souvenirs. If you plan ahead for souvenirs for your kids, you will be prepared when your children turn around to you and beg you (with those puppy dog eyes that you can not resist) for a souvenir. Even though you know that souvenir they could not live without will be lost by the time you get home; being able to say they can have one under $5 will mean the world to them. By Courtney, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Last summer, my husband and I paid a visit to his grandparents who live in a small farm town in Iowa.  As a gal who lives in a bustling city, it was a lot of fun to stay in an actual farmhouse. His grandparents are a simply adorable couple whose love allowed them to raise seven children together.  It is amazing how grandma was able to feed all of those children!  A family favorite that is a must-have when folks come to visit is grandma’s famous homemade bread.  While she was toasting bread for supper one night, everyone was raving about how good the bread is and how much I was going to love it. I have always wanted to learn how to make bread. In fact, I had recently investigated getting a bread maker for that very activity.  I was happy to finally find someone who might be willing to teach me the tricks of homemade bread making, especially if I did not have to invest in heavy machinery.  I asked the siblings if anyone knew how to make the bread and was surprised to find that while everyone really enjoyed the bread, no one had actually learned from their mom how to make it.  Naturally, I had to ask if she would give me a lesson. She was willing to teach and it was my honor to learn the art of breadmaking from this loving matriarch a few days later. I watched her do her thing as she spoke the steps she had done a million times before, her technique more muscle memory than anything else.  The bread really is fantastic and I knew I was going to make a few loaves the moment I got home and collected the ingredients, which are as follows: Recipe makes two loaves 8 cups flour 6 teaspoons dry yeast 1 ½ teaspoon salt ⅔ cup crysco 3 ½ cups room temperature water 6 tablespoons sugar First mix the yeast with the sugar and a small amount of water.  Set aside for about ten minutes or until it bubbles Add salt and water to yeast Adding only a little flour at a time turn mixture until it forms a firm dough Once the dough has a stiff consistency, form it into a ball and leave it covered in the bowl to rise for about an hour After about an hour, punch dough down, separate it and form the loaves on a floured surface by grabbing the sides and curling them to the underside of the loaf. Place in pan and let rise covered for about an hour Bake bread at 350 degrees fahrenheit for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.  The big time variation is to compensate for the fact that all ovens cook differently, some faster than others Allow bread to cool before slicing. Place in freezer bags to store This bread is simple yet delicious! I have served it to friends and family who all really enjoyed its basic flavor and moist texture.  Also, to make it extra yummy, try toasting it and spreading softened butter over the toast.  It is guaranteed to please your taste buds and fill your tummy.  If you are going to try your hand at baking bread, I definitely recommend trying this recipe.  It could easily become a family favorite! By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

When it came time to choose my bridal party gifts, I searched high and low for the right presents for my favorite gals and pals. I found many wonderful ideas while shopping around, from engraved trinkets to matching jewelry, the options were endless but my budget was not and that made making the right choice feel very difficult. It was not that I did not want to spend big bucks on my best friends and family, it was merely a budgeting issue that prevented me from picking any number of appropriate items I found on my search. I finally decided that since I had to go inexpensive, I would have to get creative. I was going to have to go DIY but the gift had to be good! I wanted to make sure that whatever I chose, it was not going to be something that would go unused or unappreciated by our much loved friends family members. My husband and I chose to go with a non-traditional wedding, so this did allow me some freedom when it came to gift selection. What we ended up choosing was something practical and perfect for our group; we purchased and assembled the makings for what we called hangover first aid kits. Now, some of you might be thinking this is a way to encourage our friends to drink in excess and that is not cool, but let’s be honest, encouragement or not, people love to drink at weddings! We also planned ahead by having a wedding where everyone could stay overnight if they wanted, so no one had to drive which was what we really encouraged people to do. For these kits, we purchased the bulk gift bags and tissue paper that can be found at Target. We then hit up the travel section for all the travel sized goodies that people find themselves missing after nights of carefree debauchery, like mini toothbrushes and toothpaste, mouth wash, hand sanitizer, and small bottles of Advil or Tylenol. To complete the kit we got reusable water bottles for every person. All of these things combined made for a perfect hangover first aid kit. What was wonderful about these gifts is that they gave everyone a good laugh and were definitely put to good use the day after our wedding. Two years later, and many of our friends and family still have and use their water bottles! When we are together and they realize where they got the bottles we pause to appreciate how much fun we all had on our special day. In the end, we made a good choice by sticking to our budget. We were able curb our spending to about $15 per party member. We could have saved even more if we had made our decision sooner. We could have shopped around a bit more or possibly purchase our items online, but being that this was a last-minute endeavor, the savings were still considerable. If you and your friends like to keep things fun and light-hearted, I recommend constructing your own kits. They can have anything you can think of in them so there is plenty of opportunity for personalization. You could even go as far as to get your bottles engraved, though that does up the price a bit. Whatever you decide, be true to who you and your husband-to-be are and your friends and family are bound to love whatever gifts you choose! You can use free samples and more for your bridal party goodie bags!  Grab more free samples here! By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

According to recent reports from the U.S. Department of Energy, “lighting, refrigeration and cooling are responsible for about 41.5% of a homes energy consumption”. So if you have old appliances that have not been upgraded in the last 7-10 years, you may find that they are not as energy efficient as those that are made today. Over the last few years, companies have made strides in not only making appliance more energy efficient but also designed in such a way that they do their jobs much better. Also as we study more ways to save money, we find that even leaving certain appliance plugged in can cause expenses to rise. Experts say that most plugged in appliances generally only eat up low levels of electricity, just about a watt or two. But some electronics – like computers and TVs – consume a lot more power, even when they're just in standby mode. And it's the cumulative effect of having so many devices plugged in around the clock that can really add up – hurting your efforts to be eco-friendly and cost conscious. So here's a quick rundown of a dozen household appliances and electronics you should unplug to save both energy and money: Desktop computers Laptop computers Televisions DVD players and VCRs Modems Cable TV boxes Cordless phones Stereos and radios Coffeemakers Lamps Toasters iPods and electronic gadgets sapping energy from a plug-in transformer During summer, when the temperatures rise homes are consuming much more energy equaling high bills and high energy demands. Most agree cooling our homes and apartments is often the single largest expense on Americans' energy bills. One way to get more information on how to save money in your specific state is to contact Yet lots of us waste plenty of energy around the house – and it costs of hundreds of dollars per year without us eve knowing it. To shave your energy costs, try these strategies: Lower your thermostat just one degree. This simple step can save as much as 10% of your heating bill. Take shorter showers. This will cut your water and heating bills. Install a low-flow shower head. These are cheap to buy, and the energy and water savings you'll reap will quickly outmatch what you paid for the shower head. Add in shorter showers and you have a winner. Put a faucet aerator on each faucet. These are inexpensive, yet do a great job of conserving heat and water, while simultaneously keeping water pressure high. This is also a great way to get the most out of the life of your faucets Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. These often last longer and use less wattage than incandescent bulbs. It is an easy way to save money. Get a handle on your windows. Experts from Columbia University say installing energy-efficient windows would save the average household $150 annually. But a cheaper, easier option is to insulate your windows during the colder months using transparent film that keeps the heat in and the cold out. You can also check by state for great deals. Buying new appliances is sometimes one of the best to save the most money. You should look for the best deal as well as energy friendly. If you live in Texas for instance, you could look to https://www.texaselectricityproviders.com/centerpoint-energy-texas/Texas/ for great deals and ways to save. Each state has their own resources so make sure you look for your specific state and ways to save!

The purchase of a car is a necessity today in most states.  The cost of maintaining a car is also an important factor when shopping.  Some car manufacturers have maintenance incentives to lure prospective buyers into a purchase. The most common incentive is the offer for free oil changes as long as you own the car.  Thats great, as long as you pay the dealerships high costs for other maintenance like tune-ups, tire rotations, and brake pad inspections and or replacement which is part of the service contract when you sign on the line at the time of your purchase. While you think you are saving money with the free oil changes the dealership is making you pay more money for their labor costs, usually about $100 an hour, for the pre-scheduled maintenance partly listed above most of all maintenance contracts.  Still, the maintenance of your car is vital to keeping it running in the same condition as when you drove it off the lot. All the information you need to know about the maintenance of your car can be found in you “vehicle handbook” which is given to you at the time of your purchase and is usually located in the glove box or center console.  You don't need anyone to tell you what to do and when, it says it all there. The vehicle handbook will tell you which weight of oil your car needs i.e. 10W 30, how much air pressure your tires require for proper wear, and which size spark plugs your car needs. If you don’t have your vehicles handbook, the information can be retrieved from the Internet or by calling the local dealerships maintenance department for your vehicle. Several videos and chat rooms are available on the internet that can detail the steps necessary for the maintenance of your specific vehicle.  Check out sites like YouTube for great support and even step-by-step videos. Knowing how to perform the maintenance of your car and doing it your self is the most frugal option. Not only do you save money by buying the parts yourself, but you save money on the high cost of paying a mechanic or dealership to do it. For oil changes, which isn’t as hard or messy as you might think, shop your local auto parts store for sales and or manufacturer deals.  For instance the last time I changed the oil in my car I found a deal in which Mobil 1 Oil was giving a free oil filter with the purchase of at least four courts of Mobil 1 oil. This deal saved me approximately $6 from my total cost. If you are like most people you may not have the time, tools, or patience for performing your own cars maintenance.  In this case finding a trusted mechanic is essential for your car and wallet.  The web site Angie’s List can be useful to find a trusted mechanic in your area.  The failure to maintain your car will cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, some of which may only be able to get done at a dealership which depends on the make and model of your car. You’ll save more money, and more of your time by keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule, and never skipping the basics like oil changes in the long run. Looking for more ways to save money? Check out other great DIY Projects! By Dan, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

I think it’s very easy to get caught up in a culture of spending.  As a mid twenty year old, most of my social interactions evolve around happy hours, concerts, and new restaurants.  Not only do my friends like to eat out and experience trendy hotspots but a lot of networking events also take place in expensive locations. In an effort to severely cut down on my expenses, I have had to really evaluate what I can afford, and seriously cut back.  I recently made the big move from Washington, DC to New York City.  While I think the cost of living in both cities are about the same, I have had to become more crafty with how I spend (in other words, no spending at all). Lately, after a long day in the tough city, I find myself wanting to unwind, relax, and recuperate.  This year, part of my recuperation process has involved putting my health first, and being gentler to my body.  Immediately, nightly happy hours have gone out the window. What have I done instead? Listen to music of course! I recently remembered how I used to spend an hour (or more to be perfectly honest) on my bedroom floor when I was growing up.  Listening to Cream, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Faith Hill, Bob Marley and just about anyone in between (ipods and iphones didn’t exist, I didn’t even own a cell phone until I was 18).  I used to ritualistically come home from school, run up to my room and lay on my bedroom carpet or on my roof to watch the clouds while playing the same albums on repeat. Suddenly, all my high school stresses, boy crushes, sports practices, just melted away and I was able to have a few hours where I just felt at ease. This year, I want to be more at ease.  While my social life has certainly taken a huge beating, my emotional health has definitely not. What has been the best way to do this? First, I suggest lying on your floor (any floor: the grass, kitchen floor, carpeted bedroom, home office floor).  It’s the fastest way to feel connected to our mother earth!  Second, use a free music website like Pandora  or customize your own mixes on Grooveshark, Youtube , or put your Itunes on rotation.  Next, spread out your limbs!  Make a snow angel, loosen your tie! Let your body really move to the rhythm of the sound, and your imagination flow freely.  It actually is a lot harder than you think to just let your body sway.  Really let yourself just drift away to what the musician is saying. While I love hearing music live, going to concerts, and observing all of the energy that comes with attending a show, there is nothing like the feeling of connection that comes from lying on the floor.  Even if you listen for ten minutes (maybe while the kids are napping, or your laundry is drying), you get to have such an intimate window of opportunity and connection that no one can take away from you.  Bob Marley said it best, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."  And that, is completely free. Five Floor Songs to get you started (just close your eyes, and I swear they’ll change your life): 1. The Skatalites: “My Boy Lollipop”,  for the high school crushes we all know we’ve had 2. Thievery Corporation: “Until the Morning”,  there’s no better way to seize the day 3. Johnny Cash: “Hurt”, beautifully reflective 4. Bob Marley: “Natural Mystic”, to focus on the present 5. The Talking Heads: “This Must Be The Life”, It just speaks to you By Alexandra, Free Stuff Finder Contributor