August Events Which Can Save You Time and Money

August is full of days observed to “be kind” to others,ourselves and our community.

August 2: National Night Out (nationalnightout.org):

National Night Out celebrates its 28^th year ofpromoting neighborhood networking and community spirit.  Visit the National Night Out website tofind an event in your area.  Get to know your neighbors, and to those striving to make where you livea better, safer place.  Kids andfamilies will enjoy a night out of fun activities.  Explore the organizations which may be of help or assistanceto you.  Introduce yourself to yourneighbors; friendships, jobs, swaps and new experiences may await you!

August 1-7: Simplify Your Life Week:

Relax!  Youdon’t have to simplify your life all in one week….  August is a great month to evaluate how things get done inyour home.  Transitioning fromsummer activities to your “school’s in session” schedule can be stressful.  Just as piles and chaos accumulatesslowly, reversing habits towards organization takes time.  Divide your home and daily life intosections, tackling one at a time. You can find free forms and ideas online, onsites such as DonnaYoung.org and organizedhome.com.  Several great books can be found to help you with yourproblem areas at local libraries. When home duties and routines are organized, you’ll save time andmoney.  Plus, everyday motherhoodwill be far more enjoyable. 

August is National Beach Month and National Parks Month:  “Get Out There”!

Be sure to enjoy the great outdoors in August.  Scavenger hunts, picnics, creativeactivities, play dates, and daytrips are inexpensive ways to make lastingmemories.  Want to become a “JuniorRanger” of our National Parks? Kids can tour and learn through national parks online:  http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/

August 15 is National Relaxation Day: 

Set aside an appointment or two with yourself to unplug andrelax.  Taking time for yourselfpays dividends for you and those around you.  Return to your children and your daily life refreshed.   

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month andImmunizations Awareness Month:

Preventative visits, talking with your kids about takingcare of themselves, and ensuring all of you are up to date with immunizationsis time well spent. 

Eye Health: Activities for kids and information for caregivers:   http://isee.nei.nih.gov/

Immunizations: CDC has a “Parents Guide to Immunizations”:  http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/parents-guide/default.htm