Links Worth Sharing: Week of March 29, 2020

Mar 29 | Household Tips, Links Worth Sharing

Here are the interesting links I came across on my travels around the web this week!  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Here are some posts you may have missed from Simply Frugal:

Great Tips for Stockpiling

Mar 28 | Frugal Living, Grocery Saving Tips

It seems each of us has prepared for the world's pandemic in different ways. There are many items that average consumers are having difficulty buying, such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer. With the thought that the pandemic may cause a complete quarantine or lockdown of our world, it’s important to know what you should have stockpiled at home. In fact, taking action can actually soothe your fears. 

Schools have already shut down and many areas are on restrictions for social gatherings or even dining out. This is simply how our life is right now. It’s been said that if any area is about to go on complete lockdown you’ll have 1-2 day notice so that you can be fully ready. That’s why I wanted to share some tips, as it sounds like you’ll have 1-2 days to get that stockpile prepared.

Tips for Stockpiling

Take inventory

Take look in your cupboards, fridge and freezers to see what you already have on hand. You may actually be surprised at what you already have! It may not be exciting, delicious food, but it will keep you fed! To help you out, I have a Freezer Inventory printable here and a Pantry Inventory printable here.

Stock up your family's Essentials

The first step is to make sure you have the essentials. By this, I mean to stock up on what your family regularly eats. Families have been advised to stockpile at least two weeks’ worth of food. I highly suggest you get food that can be frozen or has a long shelf life to keep the food healthy longer. Prioritize those items you really can’t live without like baby formula or foods for special diets. When this all blows over, you don’t want to find you have spent a fortune stocking up or be stuck with food you don’t like. Focus on buying a few extras of what you normally consume. Make a list to keep yourself on track at the grocery store or when you're placing a grocery order.

These are fantastic tips for creating a stockpile that won't leave you broke or with food you won't eat!

Make a Meal Plan

Sit down in the near future and make a list of meals you can create with your essentials. Make sure you account for drinks, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and of course, snacks. With a meal plan in place, your food won't go to waste and you'll spend less money.

Planning a menu is simple. First, print off two copies of this weekly menu planner. This resource will allow you to plan breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Next, start writing in meals that you know you like, based on foods that you already have and what can last awhile. If you need some meal ideas, here are our family's favourites.

Focus on pantry meals

By this, I mean meals you can create using canned goods like beans, tomatoes and even canned tuna or chicken. Rice and pasta are excellent for pantry meals. Items like cheese and milk can even be frozen. Basically, focus on items with a long shelf life. Some fresh produce like apples, carrots, oranges, and celery have a longer shelf life compared with other counterparts like fresh berries. I also like to purchase some canned and frozen fruit like peaches, mangoes, and pineapple for when we run out of fresh fruit.

These are just a few tips for stockpiling that will ensure you’re prepared to keep your family happy, healthy and fed for an extended amount of time. I’ve seen a lot of people out there panic buying and will have too much stuff after the fact or perhaps are going too deep into the financial hole due to panic. The key is to make sure that you’re able to financially afford your stockpile and be smart about what you spend money on for your stockpile.

What are some of your must-haves for stockpiling?

Links Worth Sharing: Week of March 21, 2020

Mar 21 | Household Tips, Links Worth Sharing

Well, I think it’s Saturday! To keep some normalcy around these parts, and because I’ve heard that you love the Links Worth Sharing, I’m going to keep them going!

On that note, here are the interesting links I came across on my travels around the web this week!  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Here are some post you may have missed from Simply Frugal:

Let’s talk about Money

Mar 18 | Useful information

Alright, I feel like I need to talk about money for a minute. 🙂 Most of us will be financially impacted by the global events. It is affecting Simply Frugal too.

On that note, here are three things I would encourage you to do to protect your family financially:

1. Stop spending money. How we are feeling about the events (anxious, bored...etc) is a huge trigger for needless spending. Don't shop needlessly. Just don't do it. Unsubscribe from emails and social media accounts that entice you to spend.

2. Go through your bank statements. Take a look at all the money you spent on "extras". Dinners out, that new pair of jeans, movie tickets... Stop spending money on those items and find alternatives. Cancel any monthly subscriptions that are not essential. (Prime, Disney+, Spotify, for example.)

3. When you have time, put Pinterest to use. Use Pinterest as a search engine to find recipes using your pantry ingredients, DIY cleaning recipes and more. Create a special secret board to hold all the ideas you find.

Finally, I will not be promoting things that will entice you to spend needlessly. It doesn't feel right. However, when you visit SimplyFrugal.ca and read the articles I have available, you are supporting Simply Frugal without spending a dime. <3

If you do 'need' to purchase something, the links I have on the site are mostly affiliate links so I do earn a small commission with your purchase at no extra cost to you. (But please only buy if you need!) I will not be posting new deals for the foreseeable future though. <3

One final thing, I'm always looking for ways to help you, so if you have any suggestions for articles or resources, I will gladly try to tackle them!

I'm so very thankful for you and the visits you do make to Simply Frugal! We've got this!

Great Big List of Free Activities for when You’re Stuck Indoors

Mar 15 | Frugal Living, Easy DIY, Grocery Saving Tips, Money Saving Tips

Here is a great list of free indoor activities and ideas that you can enjoy as a family or even virtually with others!

Throughout these strange and uncertain world events as of late, I have been collecting links to activities and helpful articles. In my online world, I am always amazed to see amazing humans step out and share their knowledge to try to make these, perhaps uncomfortable, days a bit easier. Life is so much better when we can learn to come together, even in unconventional ways. (Separately, in our own homes. LOL)

In these coming weeks, I would highly encourage you to set yourself up to create positive memories to strengthen your relationships. In times of crisis or upheaval, fear and anxiety really don't serve us well. Take the necessary precautions, find the happy moments, dream together and tell your family and friends how much you love and appreciate them.

With all that said, here is my list of free indoor activities and ideas that you can enjoy as a family or even virtually with others. Make a list of things you want to accomplish as a family or even some projects on your own.

Activities for Kids:

Educational:

For Everyone:

Many churches offer a livestream of their service. Try a local church or perhaps something else from around the world for some encouragement.

I'm also noticing many local stores offering free delivery. Take advantage of this and support your local small businesses!

During this time, food may also be at the forefront of many of our thoughts. Here is another list with helpful articles relating to feeding our families:

And because many of you might be finding yourself a work at home parent now, here are some resources for you:

If you have come across some great free activities or helpful links, please let me know and I'll get them added to the list!

Free eBooks: Living a Clutter Free Life, Copycat Dessert Cookbook and More!

Mar 13 | Freebies, Free Ebooks

 

 

There are five ebooks that are free right now from Amazon! Here they are:

The price is currently $0 but please be aware that this can change at any time.  Also note that these free downloads are especially for Kindles but you can download a free app which allows you to read these Kindle ebooks on your computer, tablet or smartphone!

Double check that they are still $0 before purchasing!

Mesh Ultra Lightweight Comfortable Kids Sneakers Deal

Mar 12 | Canada Deals

So these Guteidee Mesh Ultra Lightweight Comfortable Kids Sneakers seem to have great reviews! Right now you can get kids size 1 - 4 for only $25.99 from Amazon.ca! (reg. $59.99). Here are some details:

  • Rubber sole
  • Lightweight and Soft Kids Sneakers:The kids’ shoes are made of flying weaving fabric mesh upper material with fabric sole,very durable,Flexible and comfortable for kids to wear indoor and outdoor.
  • High elastic and Breathable kids’ Sneakers:The shoes’ sole is elastic MD and the breathable elastic mesh keep the feet dry,never affect the kids’ feet development,Great for lively boys and girls especially for sporty kids.
  • Stylish casual sports kids shoes:The surface of vibrant color muti-function kids shoes are designed with knit oblique stripe and lace up closure,good looking appearance match for any sports or casual clothes perfect for kids school wear ,daily wear.
  • Professional Sport Running Shoes for Kids:Anti slip skid resistant soles provides the user with enough buffer between feet and ground and offer a safety environment for kids. Perfect for school,walking, running, indoor, sports, outdoor, travel, etc.
  • 100% satisfied After-sale service:Kids can wear our Guteidee Kids Shoes for more than 2 years.,If you're not 100% completely satisfied with the Guteidee Kids Shoes,please contact us,we will spare no efforts to make you 100% satisfy.Full refund or exchange one is acceptable.

Shop online at Amazon.ca here.

Crocs Canada up to 43% off Sale

Mar 12 | Canada Deals

Crocs Canada has some great footwear on sale for up to 43% off this month! Here are the deals:

All sales end March 31, 2020.