Hobbies are great things to keep you busy during the dog days of summer.  They will keep you indoors in the air conditioning and out of the blistering August heat.  Coin collecting is a hobby that not only is a lot of fun, but also teaches you about history.  My favorite part about collecting coins is learning the different things that were going on when some of the older coins were in circulation. This is a great way to get kids interested in learning more about the civil war, and both World Wars.  Coin collecting doesnt have to be limited to old coins there are many new coins that not only readily availabe but highly sought after by collectors.  I personally like the newer proof sets, especially the 2008 silver proof set that includes the state quarters and new presidential coins.

How I do love the summer months and the treasures to be found at garage sales.  Summer months are when I do most of my antique buying and garage sale finds are the best way to get them at a bargin.  This summer I’ve decided to complete a collection of Pink Sharon Open Rose Depression Glass dishes I have had since my grandmother passed away.  I’m not lacking too many pieces but could use a few more place settings and some of the more rare pink depression glass pieces.  Hopefully my time spent this summer beating down the doors to the garage sales will help me to accomplish my task.  Heck I might even expand my depression glass collection into a different color or pattern if the price is right.

General Electric announced to the world its looking to sell one of its longest standing businesses.  The news of GE Appliances being up for sale will have impact to many people across the United States and other countries.  The Appliances business is headquarted in Louisville, KY but has many outlying production, warehouses and sales facilities though out the country.  Fort Wayne Indiana is one of the other towns that could be impacted by the sale of GE Appliances.  Who can imagine a world without the GE logo we’ve come to know, trust, and seek out not being on our can openers and microwaves

We are all g,etting hit hard by the high prices of gas for our cars and the expense of buying groceries.  Finding ways to save money during this economic slow down is a must.  There are many ways that people can choose to save money but here are a few of my ideas

other savings ideas include:

Buy used items from online auctions or local garage sale for non necessity items. I for one started buying used golf equipment to help save money

Planting a garden – why not grow your own vegetables such as potatoes, corn, tomatoes, beans, lettuce and other items that are getting rather expensive at the local markets. 

Riding a bike instead of driving is an excellent way to cut back on the high costs of gas prices as well as get some much  needed exercise.

Cut coupons – If there was ever a time to save money with coupons and rebates now is definitely it.

Don’t use your air conditioning unless absolutely necessary,  heating and cooling costs have drastically increased right along with the fuel prices for our cars.  Take the time to get used to the warmer weather and avoid the air conditioner at the first sign of hot weather.

Spring time much like Christmas is a retail store owners dream.  Gift buying for weddings, baby showers, and graduations top the list of things shoppers will be looking for in May.  I know I personally have 2 weddings and 3 graduations to attend.  Fortunately with the many different online registry programs ideas aren’t hard to come by when shopping for these types of gifts.  I’ve found that luggage makes good gifts for graduating seniors.  If you have a female graduate on your list Vera Bradley Luggage makes a nice gift.  Vera Bradley makes a very different stylish set of luggage for women as well as handbags, diaperbags and accessories. 

Now that the weather is getting nice its time to start tackeling those home repairs you put off all winter.  Maybe its a leaky faucet or running toilet.  Perhaps you have some cupboard doors that are having problems staying closed.  For me the big summer project will be installing a new patio door.  This is going to be a huge project fro me but we’ve been wanting one added for years.  The down side is once I get that done, I’ll have to build a back patio or deck to go with it.  I’m not a carpenter and dont keep tons of tools around so I did some research on what I’ll need to have on hand.  Since I probably wont use some of these tools ever again I decided to buy used power tools instead of buying brand new ones.  There isnt any since spending tons of money on new tools when there are plenty of people selling used or reconditioned tools online.  Heck maybe I can even find a used patio door.

I finally broke down and bought a new computer.  Well not new really I bought a used HP Laptop from an auction site.  It may not be brand new but it’s a whole lot better than what I had.  Until I started looking I didnt realize how cheap the prices on laptops have become.  I remember when they were over $3000 now you can buy fairly new ones for less than $400.  Cant wait till it gets here.  That’s the only bad thing about buying from online auctions.  Hate waiting on shipping.  I just sit and stare at the mailbox like it magically going to appear, lol

Are there any online or computer gaming freaks in your house?  My son and his friends seem to spend most of their time these days either playing computer games or console games.  I’m not much for playing computer games myself but enjoy the occasional game of solitare or mind sweeper.  This past weekend I agreed to let the kids use our house for a LAN Party.  I really wasnt sure what I was getting into.  All in all it wasnt too bad 15 teenage boys, tons of computer stuff and junk food galore.  The one positive I found was that he has decided to step out and learn something new by creating his own blog about LAN party gear.

Continuing with my spring cleaning I decided to take my own advice and make some money on ebay selling off the junk in the back of my closet I dont use any more.  I was suprised to see that I still had a bunch of stuff I dont need any more.  I found an old fly fishing kit I used when I thought I would be the world’s best fly tier.  It’s amazing how often we start a hobby and just end up stuffing it in the closet.  Anyway I hosted many of my used fly fishing equipment on ebay in hopes to make a few extra bucks.

Pets that stay indoors all the time get too lazy.  I’m sure you’ve see the pictures on the Internet of the dogs and cats so fat they could barely walk.  Why would you want to add to the sedimentary lifestyle of house petsby not letting them outside once in a while.  I’m not asking you to let your pet roam free without any constraints but keeping them cooped up in the house all the time isn’t healthy.  If you don’t have a fenced in back yard you can get one of those wireless dog fences or put up a small kennel.  Getting you pet some fresh air and exercise will only make them happier and healthier.  A happy and healthy pet will grace your family with lots of love and joy for many years.  If nothing else at least take them for a daily walk or put them on a leash for an hour or so.  Just because they are called house pets doesn’t mean keep them indoors all the time.  Hopefully you will find my tips and advice here at Indoors USA of some use.