Detroit News reports today: Tent sales pop up with gas prices - campers are keeping close to home
A snippet:
Though cold weather delayed the start of Michigan’s camping season this year, tent retailers and manufacturers say they are now seeing a spike in sales as families take to the woods for local, low-cost fishing and hiking […]

A story for page 1A of today’s print and e-editions of The Monroe Evening News has this headline: Economy, price affecting fireworks sales, but some still popular.
A snippet:
The Cousino family has operated its fireworks store for 20 years at 8219 S. Telegraph Rd. While sales might not be as high as previous years, fireworks are […]

If you’re including Toledo in your list of cities to find things to do this summer, check out the Do Toledo! promotion at the Greater Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau.
This is a free program, and you can sign up on line to have the card mailed to you.
Here are the current discounts - there are […]

Shannon at Saving Advice has a post Should we cut out entertainment during difficult financial times?
A snippet:
When your income is needed more for other things, however, you can find less expensive alternatives to your favorite forms of entertainment. Check out books from the library (and enjoy the free programs they offer!) instead of going to […]

Monroe County Community College is seeking host families to house international students for one month or up to two semesters at a time. The college has posted a notice on its web site, and has been running notices in The Monroe Evening News, about the host family request.
There actually are several programs available in Monroe […]

Lunch Bunch, a social parent-child group that meets once a month at the Monroe County Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service, will feature toys, games and projects that families can do with everyday household stuff, during its July 10 meeting at the extension office, 963 S. Raisinville Rd.
The program is from 10:30 a.m. to noon. […]

With July 4 holiday approaching, there’s a good selection of red, white and blue bunting, flags, table linens, picnic gear and such in the retail stores. Since the designs are classic and timeless, you can add to a patriotic decor collection year after year, especially if you select re-usable products rather than paper goods.
But pay […]

All law enforcement, fire safety and military professionals will receive an employee discount (up to 40 percent) Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29 at Cabela’s in Dundee.
This is part of a public safety and military appreciation display and program at the store. Details are posted at the MonroeTalks calendar.

Broke Grad Student is hosting the June 24 edition of the Festival of Frugality. Here are some of the posts you’ll find about frugal living:

Rather Be Shopping presents 5 Ways to Save Money When Camping: “The state park we stayed at wanted $7 for a small bag of firewood. Ripoff!! Bring your own.” Do check […]

We never hosted a friends or classroom party at McDonald’s, Chuck E. Cheese, Toledo Zoo or anyplace like that to celebrate my daughter’s birthday.
Our birthday rituals involve opening a present and a card or two at home; a sit-down dinner at my mother-in-law’s home (she usually orders chicken and a cake from a restaurant and […]