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Project DIY: Macramé Plant Hanger
We love a good DIY project! It’s not just fun — it’s a meaningful way to create something beautiful without breaking the bank or hurting the planet. This macramé plant hanger is perfect for gifting: made from simple yarn or macramé twine and an upcycled container, it’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and a great gift for the plant lovers in your life! I had intended this project as a follow up to the beautiful glass container I shared about in this post, but unfortunately, the container fell and broke as I was trying to tie the bottom of the plant hanger. Lesson learned: use a less breakable item for this step in…
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Fun and frugal activities with kids: National Play-Doh day
Most parents are familiar with play-doh – that soft, colorful dough that kids can spend hours rolling, squishing, cutting, and shaping into anything. My kids have created everything from scupltures to mushy soup with it, and of course I pretend to eat it. In honor of this simple and much-loved compound, today, September 16th is officially known as National Play-Doh Day! That means it’s time to get hands-on with some creative and budget-friendly fun – but there’s a way to do it without the plastic tubs. With just a few pantry staples, you can make your own Play-Doh at home that’s just as good (if not better!)—and eco-friendlier too. We’ve…
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Camping with almost nothing and realizing it’s enough
This year my family’s big summer adventure was a ten day camping trip to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Though it feels like we take a lot while we’re scrambling to pack, it really is relatively minimal: a small duffel bag of clothes for each of us, some basic cooking gear, toiletries, blankets, and some beach toys. This carefully curated (and thrown hastily in the car) bunch of items didn’t include many “just in case” outfits, rooms full of toys, or endless options…and they were enough! Waking up to the quiet of nature, cooking over a small stove, and spending the day with less of the usual clutter of…
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Sustainable living on a budget: The magic of baking soda
If you’re passionate about sustainability and looking for ways to reduce waste and cut household costs, baking soda is a simple and effective answer! This affordable, natural compound (sodium bicarbonate) is a powerful multitasker that can replace many products around the house – helping save money while shrinking our impact on the environment. Baking soda in the kitchen When it comes to cleaning, baking soda’s gentle abrasiveness and natural alkalinity make it a superb choice for tackling grime, neutralizing odors, and breaking down grease. In the kitchen, for example, baking soda shines as a multi-use cleaner. Sprinkle it on stubborn stains in the sink or other surfaces that can handle…
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Plastic Free July: 5 steps to a fun and frugal picnic
In a season where outings can quickly become expensive, a picnic offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy summer without compromising on fun! Instead of feeling like going out means spending on cafés, takeout, or entry fees, it’s simple to create memorable moments at a park, a beach, or even in your backyard. And with a little planning, it’s easy to make your picnic not only economical but also plastic-free! Pack with reusables The easiest way embrace zero waste at a picnic is to opt for reusable alternatives like stainless steel or bamboo cutlery, durable cups, and enamel or bamboo plates. Cloth napkins are washable and reusable too. Food can be…
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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…
