Throw a back-to-school bash with games, crafts for kids

Labor Day is a bittersweet holiday. It's a time of summer endings and fall beginnings. Why not start the school year off on a fun note with a back-to-school party? Here's an easy and cheap kids' party plan for students in preschool to middle elementary.

* Choose a positive theme. This gets kids excited about school. Make it a shoe theme with the slogan "We're putting our best foot forward." Or do a football theme--"Kicking off a great year." Get your creative groove going and involve kids. Here's more on crafts, food, activities and games. Perfect for home-school and public school and parochial school kids! Throw a back-to-school bash for your kids

Cheap Summer Family Fun: DIY Slip and Slide

Having raised four kids in a single-wide mobile home, I know about living simply. I redefine frugalista, tightwad mama. Are you in need of cheap summer family fun? Here's an idea that kids of all ages can enjoy: DIY Slip and Slide. It's made from recycled stuff, too! Very green. You get double bang from this toy--it's a bathtub, too. So when kids are done playing, no need fight the battle of the bath! Here's how:  Cheap Summer Family Fun: DIY Slip and Slide