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Stretch your Dollars this Season with these 6 Easy Budget Challenges
We are about to enter one of the most expensive seasons of the year and, with prices skyrocketing everywhere, there’s potential for the holidays to break the bank. It can be difficult to figure out where to cut costs and save money, so I have some budget challenges that can help inspire you to save. Budget Challenge #1: The Pantry Challenge What is a pantry challenge? A pantry challenge is a way to use up items that you purchased in past grocery shops but have been sitting unused in your cupboard. How does it work? Shop your cupboards! (And maybe the back of your fridge too). This is a way…
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10 Types of Events to get you Outside this Summer (and most are free!)
I’ve been having a lot of fun this summer getting out to enjoy free events around various towns and cities we’ve been visiting. Summer is a great season for free outdoor events. So, in an effort to keep the “I’m bored” thoughts at bay, I’m sharing some different types of events that will help get you outside this summer. 1. Sandcastle Competitions Sandcastle competitions are such a great reason to get outside and have a beach day. It’s also a fascinating art form that only seems to happen one season a year. While entering the competitions might come with a fee, it’s free to wander around and have a look!…
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Fun and frugal summer activities: Making popsicles with kids
Summer is the perfect season for sunshine, splashing, and treats—and what better way to cool down than with homemade popsicles? Though we’re still early in the summer, it’s always helpful to have an activity or two prepared for those days where there’s not much planned – and this is a fun one! This simple activity checks all the boxes: it’s fun, educational, budget-friendly, and even a little eco-conscious! Participating in Plastic Free July? Skip the store-bought popsicle wrappers and go zero-waste by using reusable molds. Want to support local? Take the kids to the farmers market and let them pick out fresh, seasonal fruit for their creations. In a world…
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4 Sustainability lessons we can learn from past generations
Economic uncertainty is not new. During the 1930s and 1940s millions of people were forced to drastically change how they lived, consumed, and survived due to the Great Depression and World War II. I recently lost my grandmother and, of course, have been thinking back over time spent with her over the years. It’s interesting to note how many of the careful and frugal habits she developed during challenging times in her life align with modern sustainable living principles. As we continue to face new economic, environmental, and social challenges, I find it comforting to turn to the past for sustainability lessons that provide inspiration on how to respond to…
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Effortless meal planning in 5 easy steps
Nothing is guaranteed to throw my week off more quickly than not doing a meal plan! Having meals planned out and the ingredients on hand to make them has become the foundation of my week; If a meal plan isn’t in place, then somehow the rest of the week I feel like I’m playing catch up. Meal planning also helps to: Whether you’re new to meal planning or looking to refine your process, hopefully this post provides some helpful ideas! Step 1: Understand what you’re looking to achieve Before getting started it’s important to know what the aim of the plan is. Are you meal planning to save money, eat…
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Easy Ways to Work Exercise into your Daily Routine
It’s that time again. A new year means we’re all going to be inundated with ads and information about exercise. I do agree that a new year is a great time for a fresh start, but all of these exercise ads can make me feel pressured or guilty or otherwise not that great. Added to that, it can feel daunting to work exercise or any physical activity into our already busy schedules. Exercise doesn’t have to be unattainable, though, so I wanted to share some ways I work it into my day. Please remember that no exercise advice or suggestions of physical activity from me should be considered expert advice.…
