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Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 10-16

Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 10-16

There are two main themes for this week’s events – get in to the library, or get out in nature!  Either way, it’s all free! This Week: Friday, January 10th – Owl Prowl @ Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 6pm-9pm All ages. Nesting season comes early for owls and they’re already hooting in anticipation. The trails will be open and patrolled, so bring a flashlight and a walking partner because you’re on your own. Dickerson Park Zoo docents will offer two … Read entire article »

Filed under: 417 With Kids, Free Fun Events, Frugal Fawn, Spending Less

Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 3-9

Free Fun in 417 with Kids: January 3-9

This is the first of what I hope becomes a weekly series of posts featuring free events and activities available for families in Southwest Missouri. These first few may be a little skinny as I seek out sources of fun and because there is just not a ton going on this time of year.  If you know of any events or organizations that I need to know about to help build this list, please let … Read entire article »

Filed under: 417 With Kids, Free Fun Events, Frugal Fawn, Spending Less

Gifts that Feel Good #2: Gifts that Give Twice

Gifts that Feel Good #2: Gifts that Give Twice

In the first post in this Gifts that Feel Good series, I mentioned that I had the chance to go listen to the founder of TOMS Shoes speak. If you aren’t familiar with the TOMS Shoes story, founder Blake Mycoskie started the for-profit company on a simple premise: for each pair of shoes he sells, he gives a pair to a child in need. Now, there are many companies that are set up this way. … Read entire article »

Filed under: 417 With Kids, Around the Town, Frugal Fawn, Go Green, Shopping

Our Southwest Missouri Summer Bucket List

Our Southwest Missouri Summer Bucket List

Bucket Lists are gaining in popularity, and being semi-new in town, I thought it would helpful to put together a list of things that we can check out as a family right here in Springfield and Southwest Missouri.  It’s also a component of the 100 Days of Summer planning process.  Last summer I made a Little Rock, Arkansas bucket list, if you’re interested. Activities that are Free are marked with a ^ Activities Askinosie Chocolate Bass Pro (Free “summer camp” … Read entire article »

Filed under: 417 With Kids, Education, Frugal Fawn, Missouri, Mommyhood, Spending Less, Things to Do, Travel

Motherhood: A Day in the Life #8 – Sherry

Motherhood: A Day in the Life #8 – Sherry

Across the Board, Wall-to-Wall and 24 hours with Teenagers! I am pleased, happy, overwhelmed and completely blessed to be the mom of three boys, ages 15, 13 and 11.  I know that every family experiences the teenage years differently, as kids are different and family dynamics vary.  Even so, I think there are attributes among this age group that are universal.  It can be compared to a second bout of the terrible twos. For both of my … Read entire article »

Filed under: 417 With Kids, Guest Blogger, Mommyhood

Shop Small, Shop Local: Seven Ideas for Kids’ Gifts

Shop Small, Shop Local: Seven Ideas for Kids’ Gifts

I wish that every shopping day was Small Business Saturday. Small businesses keep money in the local economy and provide income to your friends and neighbors who own these businesses. If you’re prone to big box shopping, I hope you’ll take tomorrow as an opportunity to try out something new and consider adopting it as a regular habit. At our house, and in our extended families, we don’t buy gifts for adults – only the kids. … Read entire article »

Filed under: 417 With Kids, Frugal Fawn, Shopping, Spending Less