This Pumpkin Pie Sugar Scrub is a simple and delicious smelling DIY for yourself or a gift idea for the holidays!
My daughter and I had fun over the weekend whipping up some delicious smelling pumpkin pie sugar scrub! It was such a fun and easy activity to do together. Then of course, once we were finished, we had to try it out! Our skin was oh so soft afterwards.
Want to pamper yourself? Here’s how you can quickly make a batch of Pumpkin Pie Sugar Scrub. Double up to gift a friend!
Pumpkin Pie Sugar Scrub
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
– 1 cup of white sugar – ¾ cup of coconut oil (cold pressed, virgin coconut oil is excellent) – 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice – 1 teaspoon of brown sugar – glass jar
DIRECTIONS: 1. In a bowl, mix the coconut oil and white sugar. Simply mash it together with a spoon until mixed. 2. Add in the pumpkin pie seasoning and continue to mash. 3. You can now add in the brown sugar. Mix well. If you feel like your scrub is too dry, you can add a small dab of coconut oil to add some moisture. 4. Spoon the pumpkin pie sugar scrub into a glass jar and sprinkle the top with additional brown sugar. This not only adds a little more “scrub” to the scrub but makes it sparkle. 5. Cover with an air tight lid and store in a cool place for up to one week. 6. To use your pumpkin pie sugar scrub, simply apply to wet skin in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and repeat if necessary.
This delicious homemade Slow Cooker Pumpkin butter is perfect for fall. Add to your toast, muffins, or use it in some fall recipes for added flavor. Delicious!
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter
I’m sure you’ve tried apple butter, but have you tried pumpkin butter? This homemade slow cooker version is delicious and so simple to put together. Not to mention it’s much more cost effective than buying a jar from the store. I happen to think this pumpkin butter is also perfect for gift giving. I plan on giving few jars away as random fall gifts.
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter recipe is really simple. Just a few ingredients cooked in the slow cooker and you have wonderful homemade pumpkin butter. Your house will smell amazing too!
Fall is nearly here! One of my favorite seasons (besides Christmas time) is Fall! I love the comfort food, the way the light changes in the evening, the crisp fall air, and warm, cozy sweaters. Along with those things, Fall is a great time to do fun, frugal activities specific to the season.
Create the BEST Fall Bucket List with these ideas. These ideas are perfect for frugal people, who are looking for free or low cost activities to do this fall.
Here is a Fall Bucket List for Frugal People that you are going to love! There are plenty of ideas to fill up your fall calendar with frugal fun.
The Best Fall Bucket List:
Go to a Pumpkin Patch.
Have a pumpkin carving contest with friends/family.
Find fall festivals and harvest events happening in your area.
Go to a local apple orchard to pick delicious apples.
Go for a hike. The temperature will be much more bearable than in the summer time!
Try Halloween themed cookies. Like Oreos. You can only get them this time of year.
Creating a fall bucket list doesn’t have to be expensive. Embrace the season by enjoying simple pleasures like exploring local parks, crafting with fallen leaves, or cozying up with a good book and a warm drink. These budget-friendly activities allow you to savor the beauty of autumn while making lasting memories without breaking the bank.
With Halloween quickly approaching, you might be wondering how to save some money on this year’s costumes.
Saving money on Halloween costumes can be easy, you just need to know a few simple tricks! Take a look at these 7 ways to save money on Halloween costumes and get the fun looks you love for less.
1. Visit a local thrift store.
Thrift stores are perfect for finding cheap dress up items when crafting your own costumes. Find scarves, hats, gloves, fabric, dress up jewelry and other items perfect for creating the look you want. And since it is a thrift store, you never know what you might find. Be sure to stop in especially on 50% off days, and stop in often as inventory is always changing.
2. Comb your own closets.
Take a look in your own closet for items you might be able to use. This includes many of the items listed above such as hats, scarves, dresses, old wedding and prom items, make up, and other accessories. You might be surprised at what you already have on hand that is usable. If you are looking for an accessory that you don’t have, ask family and friends to look in their closets before you go out and buy new. They just might have what you are looking for!
3. Swap with friends.
Ask your friends what costumes from years past they might have on hand. This is a great way to get a new to you costume for your child. You can even swap old costumes your children don’t wear anymore with friends for their old costumes. That way, you can get rid of items while getting some new to you items.
4. Shop Late
Halloween stores need to sell all of their merchandise before Halloween. Once Halloween is over these shops close their doors for the year. Try shopping one or two days before Halloween and you will probably see lots of costumes that have been discounted by 50% or more! This could mean some huge savings but the downside is the inventory is usually limited.
5. Shop Amazon
Amazonhas a great costume shop during Halloween. I highly suggest checking out their selection of costumes as they usually have really good prices on Halloween costumes.
6. Visit your local dollar store.
Your local dollar store will have all sorts of accessories that can lend a hand to homemade costumes. Look for princess crowns, magic wands, police badges, face paint, costume reflectors, glow sticks, candy bags, and other items perfect for making your costume a hit! For just a buck, the price on these accessories is right!
7. Make Your Own
Making your own Halloween costume is possible and can be done without touching a sewing machine. Look around your house and see what you already own and what you can turn into a costume. Have an old cheerleading outfit, football uniform, golf clubs or just a scary mask sitting around. Get creative and let your imagination run wild. Get your children used to making their own costumes and not dressing up in the same costume everyone else is wearing. You can also spend some time searching Pinterest for creative and fun costumes to make at home.
There you go! 7 ways to save money on Halloween costumes! See how easy it can be to create the perfect Halloween costume for less? With a little creativity, you’re sure to come up with the perfect costumes for everyone.
What are your most favourite affordable Halloween costumes?
Frugal Fun: Creative Ways to Save Money Without Sacrificing Fun
Being frugal doesn’t mean living a life of deprivation; in fact, with a little creativity, you can find plenty of ways to save money while still enjoying life. If you’re looking for practical tips on how to be thrifty without feeling like you’re missing out, read on! Here are some fun and thoughtful ways to embrace frugality:
1. Embrace the Potluck
Why spend a fortune dining out when you can host a potluck with friends? Not only does this save money, but it also turns a simple meal into a social event. Everyone brings a dish, so you get a variety of food without the big price tag.
2. Turn Coupon Clipping into a Game
Coupons are not just for grandmas! Turn coupon hunting into a game. Challenge yourself to see how many coupons you can find in the grocery stores you’re shopping at. Many apps and websites offer digital coupons that are easy to access and use. You might be surprised at how satisfying it is to score a great deal on something you were going to buy anyway. Take a look at this: Where to Find Canadian Coupons: 8 Easy Places.
3. Get Crafty with DIY Projects
From homemade cleaning supplies to upcycled furniture, DIY projects can be both fun and frugal. Not only can you save money, but you also get a sense of accomplishment from creating something yourself. Plus, there are a ton of tutorials online to guide you through every project. Try YouTube, TikTok or Pinterest!
4. Explore Local Freebies
You’ll be amazed at the free events and activities happening in your community! Check out local bulletin boards, community websites, or social media groups for free concerts, art shows, workshops, and more.
5. Have a No-Spend Challenge
Challenge yourself to go a week or a month without spending money on non-essentials. This can be a fun way to re-evaluate your spending habits and find creative ways to entertain yourself. Use this time to explore free activities, try new recipes, or rediscover old hobbies.
6. Take Advantage of Library Resources
Libraries are not just for borrowing books! Many offer free classes, workshops, and events. We joined in on a free escape room at our local library this summer! You can also borrow movies, music, and audiobooks. Check out your local library’s website to see what’s available and take advantage of these resources. You might just be amazed!
7. Host a Swap Party
Organize a swap party with friends or family where everyone brings items they no longer need or want. Whether it’s clothing, books, toys, or home decor, you can refresh your belongings without spending a dime. It’s a fun, social way to get rid of things you no longer want while picking up new treasures.
8. Learn to Love Home Cooking
Eating out or ordering takeout can quickly add up. Instead, embrace home cooking and experiment with new recipes. Cooking at home is not only cost-effective but also a rewarding experience. Plus, you can make large batches and freeze leftovers for future meals.
9. Adopt a Minimalist Mindset
Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about focusing on what truly matters. By adopting a minimalist mindset, you can prioritize experiences over possessions, which often leads to more fulfilling and less expensive life choices. Fewer items to buy and maintain means more money in your pocket and less stress in your life.
10. Go Thrifting for Unique Finds
Thrift stores can be treasure troves of unique and budget-friendly items. Whether you’re looking for vintage clothing, furniture, or home decor, thrifting can yield fantastic finds at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to shop!
Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun or enjoyment. By incorporating these ideas into your life, you can save money while still partaking in activities and experiences that bring you joy. So, go ahead and embrace your thrifty side – there’s plenty of fun to be had on a budget!
15-Minute Decluttering Tasks: Quick Fixes for a Tidy Space
In our fast-paced world, finding time for long decluttering sessions can be challenging. Luckily, you don’t need hours to make a significant change! With just 15 minutes, you can tackle small but meaningful decluttering tasks that will help keep your home organized. Here’s a guide to quick and effective 15 minute decluttering tasks that you can easily fit into your busy schedule.
1. Sort Through a Single Drawer
Pick one drawer in your home. Maybe the kitchen junk drawer, a desk drawer, or a bathroom drawer. Empty its contents, discard expired or unused items, and neatly organize the remaining essentials. These clear organizers are perfect for drawers! A tidy drawer can not only make a difference in how cluttered your space feels but also make daily tasks way more efficient.
2. Clear Out a Magazine or Book Pile
Books and magazines can quickly accumulate. Spend 15 minutes sorting through a stack, recycling old magazines, or donating books you no longer need. You’ll free up space and make your reading area look more organized.
3. Organize Your Purse or Backpack
Our bags often become catch-alls for random items. Take 15 minutes to empty your bag, discard old receipts or expired coupons, and sort through the remaining items. Use pouches or small organizers like these to keep things tidy.
4. Declutter Your Desk
Your desk can easily become cluttered with papers, pens, and random office supplies. It can feel overwhelming, but spend 15 minutes sorting through these items and you’ll see it was not as bad as it seemed! File important documents, discard unnecessary ones, and organize your supplies into drawers or containers.
5. Clean Out the Fridge
The refrigerator is a prime spot for hidden clutter. In just 15 minutes, check for expired food, clean out spills, and reorganize shelves. This quick task not only declutters but also ensures your food stays fresh and your fridge remains sanitary. Try to make it a weekly habit so it takes no time at all!
6. Declutter a Closet Shelf
Choose one shelf in a closet and sort through its contents. Remove items you no longer use or need, and organize what remains. This quick decluttering task can greatly enhance the functionality of your closet.
7. Organize Your Entryway
The entryway is often the first impression of your home and can quickly become cluttered with shoes, coats, and mail. In 15 minutes, tidy up this area by putting away shoes, sorting mail, and hanging up coats. Adding a small basket for keys or other small items can also help keep things in order.
8. Sort Through a Set of Towels
In the bathroom or linen closet, towels can take up a lot of space. Use 15 minutes to sort through your towels, discarding any that are worn out or stained. Fold and organize the remaining towels neatly.
9. Clean Out Your Car
Your car can accumulate clutter just like your home. Spend 15 minutes removing trash, organizing the glove compartment, and clearing out any items you no longer need. If you have a little extra time, give the seats a quick vacuum to get rid of dirt and/or crumbs.
10. Organize Your Kitchen Utensils
Kitchen drawers can become a tangled mess of utensils. Take 15 minutes to sort through them, remove duplicates or items you rarely use, and organize the remaining utensils in a way that makes them easy to access.
11. Declutter Your Digital Space
Your digital life can be just as cluttered as your physical space. Spend 15 minutes cleaning up your desktop, deleting unnecessary files, or organizing your email inbox. This digital decluttering can improve your productivity and reduce stress. Whew!
12. Sort Through a Basket of Laundry
Laundry baskets can become catch-alls for various items. Spend 15 minutes sorting through the contents, returning items to their proper places, and dealing with any laundry that’s been piling up. Listen to an audiobook or podcast to turn it into a “fun” task!
13. Tidy Up Your Coffee Table
Coffee tables can quickly gather clutter such as magazines, remote controls, and random objects. Use 15 minutes to clear off the table, organizing or discarding items as needed. This will help create a more inviting and calm living space.
14. Organize Your Jewelry
Jewelry can easily become tangled and disorganized if you don’t take care of it. In 15 minutes, untangle necklaces, sort earrings, and put your jewelry back in its proper place. Using small containers or organizers, helps keep your jewelry accessible and untangled.
15. Purge Old Greeting Cards and Paperwork
Greeting cards and paperwork can accumulate over time. Take 15 minutes to go through these items, keeping only the ones that are truly meaningful and recycling the rest. This task helps keep sentimental clutter to a minimum.
There you have it! What 15 minute decluttering tasks would you add to the list?
By decluttering in manageable 15-minute tasks, you can maintain an organized home without feeling overwhelmed. Consistent small efforts can lead to big improvements, making your living space more enjoyable and functional.
Find the best School Backpacks for less. This selection will take the stress out of shopping while saving money too.
The best school backpacks
Can you believe it? Back to school is just around the corner. Save money on back to school shopping by purchasing your school backpacks at a price that feels right.
It can be overwhelming in-store so shopping online is a great option.
Browse this list and save time while getting the best deals. No need to spend a ton of time or money when the deal hunting has been done for you!
This list truly has something for everyone to start the school year off right. There are even some backpacks listed that include lunch kits and more. Go ahead and start shopping today for the best selection.
From solid color options to school backpacks with patterns, the options are endless for the school year. This list has it all.
This Roots backpack is from Costco Canada. It looks great for high schoolers and has a lot of pockets!
7. Kids Recycled Backpack $39
I realize that this one is more than $50 when it’s not on sale, however, it’s from Gap Canada and they always seem to have some sales or coupon codes happening. So if this is the backpack you need, do not pay full price for it!
8. Super Mario Bros.™ Canvas Backpack for Kids $39.99
Perfect for the kid that loves Mario! This Old Navy backpack is sure to be a hit with early elementary aged kids.
9. Outbound Kids’ Multi-Pocket Backpack $16.99
Great price for a great backpack! This simple backpack is perfect for younger kids.
10. Outbound Oak Kids’ Recycled Backpack $19.93
This Outbound backpack is a smaller backpack perfect for daycare or preschool.
11. Skip Hop Zoo Big Kid Backpack $38
Oh man these are cute and perfect for younger kids! This is a bigger version of the classic Skip Hop backpack that I’m sure you have seen.
12. Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack $30
Here’s the smaller classic version of the Skip Hop backpack. Perfect for daycare or preschool.
13. Patterned Backpacks from The Children’s Place $49.95 or less
The Children’s Place has a great selection of backpacks! You’ll see Spiderman, Minecraft, princess, Paw Patrol, dinosaur, colorblock and more! They are currently on sale too!
14. High Sierra Swoop Sg Backpack $49.99
This High Sierra backpack has so many pockets! Perfect for the high schooler that likes to be organized!
15. SoYoung Neo Rainbows Backpack $48.98
This SoYoung backpack is a cheerful backpack in two different sizes. Like all backpacks I find, this one is machine washable.
16. Jansport Superbreak Backpack $30.20
This Jansport backpack is perfect for the kid that just wants a plain black, functional backpack.
17. Impact 3-Piece Backpack Set $19.98
You can’t beat the price on this one! This is a backpack set that includes a lunch kit and a pencil case.
18. Dickies Varsity Backpack $24.97
This Dickies backpack is everything you need in a backpack. Has a front zipper pocket, side mesh water bottle pocket and interior padded laptop sleeve.
19. All Canadian Backpack $29.97
Another black backpack with lots of pockets, perfect for carrying everything that’s needed at school!
20. Reebok Celeste Backpack $34.97
This Reebok backpack has storage for a laptop, sunglasses, water bottles and so much more!
21. Jetstream Marble Print Backpack $29.97
So much storage! This Jetstream backpack has pockets everywhere. Includes my favorite water bottle holders and more.
22. Dog Paw Prints Backpack $44.64
Perfect for the child who loves dogs! This Paw Prints backpack is another with lots of pockets.
23. Foldable Backpack $35.99
So this backpack is different than the others because it has a separate section on the bottom for shoes and a pocket on the front for holding wet items.
24. Lightweight Water Resistant Backpack $49.99
This one looks like a really durable backpack perfect for preschool or kindergarten. Lots of different patterns to choose from!
25. Casual Style Lightweight Bag $38.99
This backpack comes with a lunch kit and a pencil case! There are a ton of different designs to choose from too. Perfect for the high schooler.
26. Water Resistant Backpack $48.99
Sometimes, a solid colour backpack is just the thing that kids want. This water resistant backpack with high ratings is perfect for teens.
27. adidas Laptop Sleeve School Backpack $31.97
This adidas backpack is a sturdy, highly rated backpack that is perfect for higher elementary/middle school grades.
28. Solid Colour Backpack $36.99
This solid colour backpack is another option with lots of pockets. Comes in several different colours.
There you have it! A great selection of school backpacks found in Canada for under $50! Which ones do you think your kids will like the most?
Cost Effective Alternatives to Buy at the Grocery Store
So, you’re looking to save some more money at the grocery store without compromising your health. Sometimes it can be as simple as replacing one item with another similar item! Today, I’d love to tell you about 8 items you can buy to replace their costly, less healthful counterparts.
Oatmeal instead of cereal
Do away with the expensive boxes of cereal full of sugar and buy oatmeal! You could purchase those convenient packs of pre-made oatmeal, but I’d encourage you to buy a bag of oats instead. I find it so easy to create my own instant oatmeal packs, plus I can control the sugar content by adding various delicious toppings. Oatmeal will also help keep you feeling full so you may need less snacks 😉
Frozen fruit instead of fresh
Purchasing fresh fruit in season can be an inexpensive way to get them, but frozen fruits are a good option too. Especially because they’re picked at the peak of their flavour and aren’t any less healthful than fresh. So if you find yourself in the dead of winter wanting fruit, try grabbing a bag of frozen fruit to save yourself some cash and disappointment with the lack of flavour.
Yogurt tub instead of cups
Sure, yogurt cups are really convenient for packing in lunches, but you could spend a little extra time once a week filling up reusable containers with yogurt from a tub instead. Buying yogurt in larger quantities (tubs or those pour bags) will save you big time.
Make dressing instead of bottled
Making salad dressings from scratch has got to be one of the most simple kitchen tasks you could do. Believe me because I don’t do complicated in the kitchen. If you’re used to buying those expensive bottles of organic/natural salad dressings, you’ll be saving yourself a bundle at the grocery store by making your own with simple inexpensive ingredients you may already have on hand! Here are some of my recipes:
Not only is a head of lettuce much cheaper than the bags or containers of salad, they last longer too! I understand the convenience of buying a bag or container, but really it doesn’t take much effort to tear up some lettuce leaves for a salad. Especially when you have to sort through the slimy pieces in the bags or containers anyways.
Rotisserie chicken instead of deli meats
Go for the whole rotisserie chicken instead of the deli meats for sandwiches. Your boring ol’ sandwiches will taste so much better! Plus, you’ll be feeding yourself something a bit healthier. But don’t stop at sandwiches, hang onto the bones and extra meat to make a delicious chicken noodle soup for another meal or two.
Dried beans instead of canned beans
I’ll be honest and say that we don’t eat a lot of beans in our house so I do tend to purchase the cans of beans. But, if you use beans a lot in your cooking, purchasing dried beans is the way to go if you want to save yourself a bundle! Cooking up a batch of dried beans is simple if you put your slow cooker to use or the new Instant Pot.
Brown Rice instead of white rice
There may not be much of a price difference between white rice and brown rice, but if you look at the nutritional value, you’ll win with buying the brown rice. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are some of the benefits, but one of the biggest pluses may be that the high amount of fiber in brown rice helps fill you up longer than white rice would. In turn, cutting down on the amount of snacks you may need between meals. Or even the amount you pile on your plate in the first place.
A you can see, there may be no need to stop buying some items completely to save money, but a simple replacement should help you out. How many of these replacements do you buy already? What are some other things that you buy to save money?
If your child is not yet old enough for a typical part time job but mature and responsible enough for making money, there are plenty of ways they can get started! This summer, they can supplement their allowance, tuck money into savings, or build up their comic book collection.
Some ideas I have gathered are traditional money makers and others are new needs in this modern busy world we live in.
Your little entrepreneur is sure to find something in this list of 10 ideas they can do this summer to make money! These are fantastic ways to teach responsibility, money management, and many other life skills in a real life setting.
Set Up a Lemonade Stand
The good old stand by money maker of yesterday can still be a great operation now to draw in kids and adults alike . A sweet and simple lemonade stand is a good way to teach your child some money making skills, a new recipe, persistence, marketing, and more. Set them up at the end of the driveway or a local park.
Making Crafts
Kids who like to make anything like duct tape wallets, friendship bracelets, watercolor paintings, doll clothes, pot holders, necklaces, etc.. can turn it into a little business to build up their funds. They can be sold to friends, family, and neighbors or even setup on an Etsy storefront, brought to craft shows or similar venues.
Try Craftsy!
If you’re looking for some craft ideas, try a Craftsy membership for only $2.49 your first year! There are a whole ton of craft videos you can watch!
Being a Babysitter/mother’s helper
If your child is old enough they can advertise for independent babysitting but even younger children, probably at least 8 or 9, who enjoy younger children can be a mothers helper keeping the kids occupied, making lunch, and playing with the children while mom does other tasks.
By Mowing/Pulling Weeds
Children make fantastic helpers in the yard and no doubt you have a neighbor or two who can use a little help with the mowing or pulling weeds from the flower bed. Since growing season is in the summer but many people still have to work they extra hand is appreciated.
Bring in Mail/Newspapers/Water Plants
Summer is prime vacation time and people are often looking for someone to bring in the mail, gather newspapers, and water the plants while they are gone and this is a great job for kids to get them started on responsibility and money making. You can accompany younger children and let older children go on their own.
Pooper Scooper
Those with dogs in fenced in yards frequently need to clear it all out, and it’s a job no one likes. But turning it into a money maker is a win win for both sides. Invest in bags and a long handled scoop (that your child can pay back in payments) and let them give a hand while filling their pockets.
Having a Yard Sale
When I can make money AND clean out the clutter it is a very good day indeed. Enlist the kids help sorting out knick knacks as well as clothes and toys no longer wanted/needed and have a yard sale. Let them do the majority of the work including setup, taking money, and handling customers.
Washing cars
Double duty jobs are the best! Kids can cool off and have fun while earning cash for movies, toys, and more. Car washing is a need and it seems especially during the summer when bugs, dust, and pollen are at a high! They can make signs, pass out fliers, and offer deals to get the word of mouth going around the neighborhood.
Pet sitting/Walking Dogs
While everyone is vacationing without their pets a great need is someone to come several times a day to walk and play with the dogs, clean kitty litter, feed fish, and similar tasks or while they are at work instead of paying big bucks for a doggie daycare.
Starting seeds
If your child has a green thumb (or wants to find theirs) you can have them start seeds or make cuttings for plants and sell them. Many people just don’t have the time and getting a hold of organic plants without pesticides can be difficult. Serve a need and make money by starting butterfly plants and veggies to sell in the neighborhood. You can also advertise on local Facebook groups (meeting in public place of course!)
How do your kids work to earn extra money during the summer?
Amazon Prime Days are coming! Watch this page July 16 & 17, 2024 for all the best deals!
To take advantage of the deals, you have to be a Prime member. BUT! If you haven’t been an Amazon Prime member in the last 12 months, you can sign up for a free trial!
