Currently, you can’t open a newspaper, or magazine, or turn on the television without hearing the words recession, money, or budgeting. It seems like everyone is watching every single dime in this roller coaster economy. However, this does not have to impede on the highly anticipated summer vacation!

Every year, hundreds of families board planes, trains and automobiles to descend into tropical climates or European sanctuaries. This year many frugal citizens are looking for ways to cut out unnecessary expenses, which unfortunately include travel.

Even though the 14-day cruise to Hawaii may have to be put on hold for another year (or two), that does not mean that summer is unlivable. It simply means the focus needs to be shifted from luxury to simplified "chic".

Follow this “budget” vacation guide and discover what you have been missing in your home town.

During the summer, many cities play host to various festivals, shows and events that require little or no fee for admission. Scour the local paper, community boards and co-workers ideas.

Start the day with a “picnic” breakfast! This can include your own backyard, or a local park. To make it extra enjoyable, allow kids to assist in simple tasks like gathering blankets, plates and cups, or mixing ingredients. As a family you can create a variety of delicious options with Summer Fresh products, including:

• Vegetarian omelettes! Dice red pepper, purple onion and mushrooms and whisk into eggs. When cooked, dollop Summer Fresh Lemon Dill Hummus and fold over.
  
  
• Prepare simple basics like bagels, English muffins and whole-grain breads, along with a variety of topping options. This can include Summer Fresh Original Hummus, Summer Fresh Edamamme Hummus and Summer Fresh Roasted Fig & Balsamic Creamy Feta Spread….a jazzy twist in traditional cream cheese!
  
  
• Create your own home-fries by brushing Summer Fresh Arugula Pestoz on sliced potato wedges and baking until golden brown.
  
  
• Pair sausages or bacon with Summer Fresh 5 Cheese Dip instead of traditional ketchup.

After breakfast, set out on an adventurous tour of your city or town, and see what it has to offer. Take advantage of your local offerings and create some memorable summer moments

Discover hidden gems at local flea markets, garage sales, and craft shows. Pick up an item that your family can work on rebuilding together like a chair, dresser or model airplane. This will allow for bonding time, and a piece of which you can all be proud!

During a weekend, plan to have a neighborhood barbecue with all of your close friends and family! Whip up all of the classic favourites, and encourage a pot luck style gathering to save on costs.

• For a spicy addition to chicken wings, add Summer Fresh Spicy Artichoke & Asiago Dip for dipping.
  
  
• As guests enter your home or backyard, greet them with a tasty appetizer! Fill a small glass holder with Summer Fresh Tzatziki, Summer Fresh Roasted Red Pepper Dip, or Summer Fresh Artichoke & Asiago Dip and stick in sliced veggies. This way, people can munch on their veggies and dip while mingling!
  
  
• Create a delectable bean salad! Combine Summer Fresh Gourmet Bean Salad with sliced carrots and celery and serve! They will never guess it took less than 5 minutes.
  
  
• If the main focus of your party is BBQ foods like hotdogs and hamburgers, let guests pile on the toppings! Layout a variety of Summer Fresh Dips such as, Baba Ghanouj, Onion & Fine Herb Hummus, Bombay Bruschetta and Spinach & Artichoke to customize their burger or hot dog.
  
  
• Create great take-home gifts for all of your guests. Ask guests who are bringing a dish to the party to type out the recipe on a 4x6 card and laminate it. As each guest is leaving, hand them a NEW recipe. This way, everyone can expand their recipe index!
  
  
• For a bit of a south-of-the-border twist, create stuffed burritos by layering Summer Fresh Seven Grain Salad in a soft tortilla, topped with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, topped with Summer Fresh Mexicali Dip. Wrap and grill!

During your “staycation” be sure to take a day ( or two ) just to relax and participate in some low-key activities, including:

• Taking a walk and discovering new paths and parks in your area. In case hunger strikes along the way, be sure to pack Summer Fresh Snack'n Go! A delicious, portable snack of hummus and flatbread.
  
  
• Take a stroll or jog along the waterfront. Most municipalities will offer paddle boats or kayaks for a fee. Take one out for a leisurely tour. Once back to shore, indulge in Summer Fresh pre-pack grain salads including Multi Grain Quinoa, Greek Couscous, 3 Lentil, Gourmet Bean and Seven Grain.
  
  
• Participate in an outdoor yoga or Tai Chi class. Many studios take their classes outdoors during the summer. Also, take advantage of FREE introductory classes that most will offer. After the lesson, take a stroll to the nearest grocery store and restore your muscles with a variety of Summer Fresh Hummus Topper options, including Sweet Red Pepper, Roasted Garlic, Spicy, and Original with Chickpea. Perfect paired with vegetables or pita bread.

Whether you plan to slip away to Paris, or stay put in your own backyard, Summer Fresh has hundreds of products to make any summer event a memorable one.