Are you already fearing the summer time boredom blues? The Summer months can be a fun time, but it can also get kids in a bit of a rut. If you are looking for ways to keep kids occupied this summer without spending a lot of money, you can in fact keep them active, occupied, and keep those imaginations going! Here are 7 Frugal Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer:
7 Frugal Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer
1. Create a sidewalk chalk art show.
Get out the sidewalk chalk (a buck a box at most dollar stores) and let the kids choose a space they wish to decorate. Let them really get into it creating murals and sketches, and then host an art show. Invite neighbors to come and see the artwork, while sipping on lemonade and cookies.
2. Hold a bike wash.
Get out the buckets, rags, and soap and hold a neighborhood bike wash. You can even let kids run their bikes through the sprinklers if you wish. Give kids the chance to get those dirty bikes shining like new while working together at the same time.
3. Go on a nature themed scavenger hunt.
Create a list of random objects and have children go on a scavenger hunt for them. (I have a free printable Nature Scavenger Hunt, here.) Choose items easily found in nature such as rocks, bird feathers, a flower, a leaf, etc. This will allow them to get outdoors and get active while also enjoying some competitive fun.
4. Volunteer together.
Local animal rescues and food pantries can always use a hand. Get out and get active with one that interests you. It is a great way for kids to give back to their community while enjoying some time together as a family. You might even decide to continue volunteering after summer is over.
5. Create an indoor drive in.
Give each child a box to decorate as a car or vehicle of their choice. Then, put a movie on and provide plenty of snacks. Allow children to “park” their cars and watch the movie just like they are at a real life drive in. They will love it!
6. Host a field day.
Host a field day of outside games and activities. They don’t have to be difficult or pricey options, just try ones like hula hooping, sack races, face painting, and ball games. Kids are sure to enjoy the atmosphere, friendly competition, and fun!
7. Make your own kites.
There are so many kite tutorials online from the simple to the extravagant! Make your own kites and then take them for a spin. You can even give out awards for the most creative, highest flying, etc. How fun does that sound?
Summer doesn’t have to drag or cost big bucks either. Give these tips a try and you are sure to entertain your kids for less.
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
One way to save a lot of money is to make your own snacks. Buying snacks from the grocery store can really add up. Plus, not only are they more delicious than pre-packaged snacks, they are usually much healthier for you too!
Something I’ve been wanting to implement in our home is a snack bin. The idea is to set aside some time over the weekend to put together a bunch of snacks in a bin that you can grab easily throughout the week. My daughter is a snacker (she gets that from me…) so I love the thought of telling her to grab something out of the snack bin! Then I know she’s eating something nutritious!
What sort of homemade snacks do you like to have on hand?
How to Save Money on Summer Clothing – learn how to update your summer wardrobe with these simple money saving tips!
Now that summer is pretty much here, you might be thinking it’s time to update your wardrobe. Buying a new summer wardrobe doesn’t have to be pricey, in fact, if you know a few simple tips you can really save some cash. Take a look below at how to save money on summer clothing this season and get a fresh look you want for less.
1. Stock up on maxi dresses.
I love, love maxi dresses. Maxi dresses are great because they can be worn informally during the day, to the beach, or even dressed up for evening wear. Their versatility makes them a great deal. You can often find maxi dresses for as little as $10. Simply add accessories to change their look.
2. Try basic colors.
Stick to a handful of basic colors that you can mix and match with each other. A simple color scheme of red, navy, white, and tan is one great combination idea. When you keep your clothing color palette simple, you can create more wardrobe combinations. If you do want more color, add it into these schemes with your jewelry and accessories, or, even your shoes.
3. Check out second hand stores.
Check out local thrift and consignments shops for second hand finds. Many of these shops carry gently used items that are sure to be in season, in style, and looking great. Plus, these items will cost you a fraction of the price of new.
4. Repurpose what you already own.
There are all sorts of tutorials online that will show you how to make a dress out of a t-shirt, how to make shorts out of jeans, and how to turn other clothing staples into something fun and fresh. Try your hand at some of these projects and see if you can turn something old into something new.
Find your favorite clothing retailers online and pair your purchase with a coupon code. Retailmenot.com is great for coupon codes and a quick search can save you huge. Many retailers also offer free shipping with a minimum purchase, so you save not only money but gas and time as well!
6. Get rid of old to get cash for new.
Sell your old clothing items in Facebook Buy & Sell groups, at a garage sale, or at consignment shops. You can then take your earnings and use them to buy new clothing items. Not only will you free up some cash this way, but you will free up space in your closet too.
7. Be patient.
If you can wait until the end of June, many summer staples will be on sale if not clearance already. Be patient and see if you can wait just a few weeks longer – you are sure to enjoy the savings!
See how simple it can be to save money on summer clothing? With these tips you can get the clothes you need while keeping some cash in your pocket for other summer time activities.
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
One way I like to save is by shopping my own closet. When ever I feel the urge to go out and buy a new piece of clothing, I’ll first take a look at what I already own. Often I’ll pull out something that I haven’t worn in a while to see if I can create a new outfit. Many times, I’ve found some new favourite combinations without even hitting the mall!
Or, I’ll find a few pieces (shirts usually) that I’ve forgotten about. Gotta love that!
Since I’m no fashionista, I complied a list of links to help you create new outfits by shopping your closet:
Outfit Posts: another blog that helps you learn to ear your staples in new ways.
A great way to create new outfits with what you already own is by heading to Pinterest for some inspiration. Do a search for outfits, then find some favourites. Next, head to your closet to find similar pieces so you can try recreating the ideas you found. On a few occasions, I’ve found a similar piece, but never even thought of wearing it the way the inspiration picture shows.
When you do shop for new clothes, make sure to buy clothes that are versatile enough to be worn with several other items.
Do you shop your closet before you head out shopping? How many fun new outfits have you discovered because of this?
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
How a Home Energy Audit Can Help You Save on Your Energy Bills
The following post is a guest post by Hilary of CallMePower.ca. Enjoy!
How energy efficient is your home? What are the most cost-efficient changes you can make to save energy and on your monthly utility bills? Getting an energy audit done on your home can help you find out the answers to these questions and more. If you are thinking of renovating your home, here’s why you might want to consider having a home energy audit done first.
What is a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit is performed by an independent home energy advisor who inspects your home in order to evaluate its efficiency. They are specially trained to evaluate heating and insulation characteristics of a home, and are licensed by Natural Resources Canada. During a home energy audit the inspector will examine the performance of your home’s heating, insulation and air leakage, hot water, and ventilation systems, and will suggest cost-effective energy efficiency improvements and upgrades.
How Does a Home Energy Audit Work?
A home energy audit has several steps:
1. Walk-Through Assessment
The home energy advisor will start the assessment by walking through certain parts of your home to note aspects of how it uses energy. First, the home energy advisor will take some measurements and pictures of your home from the outside. Next, he or she will look at your furnace and basement in order to examine the age and performance of your furnace and water heater, as well as the level and quality of insulation in your basement. The home energy advisor will also look at other appliances throughout the house, such as the toilets, kitchen appliances, lighting, etc. He or she will also examine how well insulated your attic is.
2. Blower Test
Once the home energy advisor has examined the house from basement to roof, he or she will detect any drafts (which, in technical speak, is also known as “air infiltration”). This is often done by a “blower door test”, in which the technician put the house under reverse pressure by hooking up a powerful fan to the main door. How does this fan work? When turned on, the fan draws air through your home at a constant speed so that it reaches a certain (constant) pressure. This allows the advisor to measure how much leakage takes place within your home, and identify where the drafts are. Identifying the location of the drafts in your home will enable the technician to recommend where in your home needs sealing.
3. Home Energy Assessment Report
Once the inspection is finished, the energy advisor will create a report that breaks down how much energy your home uses for space and water heating, lighting and other appliances, and identifies where in your home energy is lost (windows, doors, basement, attic, etc). Your home energy advisor will explain the results of the report to you, and will answer any questions you might have. The report will identify which energy upgrades would be the most cost effective. Your home will also be compared with similar homes in the NRCan database so that you can see its relative efficiency. It will receive a current rating and a predicted rating for the suggested energy improvements.
Why Get a Home Energy Audit?
To run your home cheaper and more efficiently. Having a home energy audit done on your home will show you how much energy it uses to run, and will give you some ideas on how to cut down on operating costs.
To make sure your renovations are smart ones. The energy efficiency improvement suggestions that you will receive following the evaluation will give you an idea of which renovations are the most energy- and cost-efficient options for your home.
To improve the value of your home. Your home will be given an EnerGuide rating as part of the report given to you following the home energy audit. Having your home reassessed once you’ve made some of the suggested improvements can improve your home’s resale value, as the improved EnerGuide label proves that you’ve made the important renovations for your home.
Where Can I Find a Licensed Home Energy Auditor?
NRCan has a list of licensed NRCan home evaluation service organizations in Canada. Only licensed organizations are able to give your home an EnerGuide label.
How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?
Energy audits generally cost a few hundred dollars, but may be eligible for government rebates. Check with your local municipality or provincial government to see if you are eligible for a rebate if you have a home energy assessment performed on your house.
Hilary is the author of CallMePower.ca, a website that provides information about energy prices in Canada to help Canadians find the best prices for their electricity and gas supply. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, DIY projects, and scoring deals at thrift stores.
6 steps to Plan a Family Staycation that everyone is sure to remember for years to come.
Are you lacking the funds or time this year for a family vacation? If that's the case, don’t worry. A family staycation is a great way to spend time together and “get away” while still keeping some cash in your pocket. If you have never planned a family staycation before, take a peek below at these helpful tips for how to plan a family staycation that everyone will enjoy!
1. Choose a theme.
One of the best ways to start is to decide the theme of your staycation. Do you want tropical? Exotic? A camping theme? A destination? Whatever the case may be, choose the theme and “destination” as a family. This will help you best plan the activities of your staycation.
2. Set up the location.
You now want to set up your location based on the theme you chose. For example if you picked tropical, decorate the backyard with a kiddie pool, sand spot, umbrella, colorful plants, etc. If you picked a Paris theme, a bistro set, candles, a small Eiffel tower centerpiece, etc. can all be fun. Think of ways to bring the feeling of the theme to your space and start decorating.
3. Plan your menu.
Create a fun menu based on the theme of your staycation. A tropical staycation might include pineapple, smoothies, and lots of grilling out. A camping theme could include campfire food, while a Parisian theme could include cheese and small appetizers. Plan a menu as a family and get creative with your food.
4. Choose your activities.
Once your theme, location, and menu are in place, choose some simple activities. This could include local sight seeing that goes with the theme or activities and games you can enjoy at home. Pick games and activities that are family friendly and easy! Some suggestions could include a water balloon fight for the tropical theme or a trip to a local art museum for the Paris theme.
5. UNPLUG.
One of the best parts of a staycation is unplugging! Turn off the phones and computers and enjoy your time together as a family. Let family and friends know of your staycation so they can give you space during this time as well.
6. Don’t forget to document your trip!
Don’t forget to take lots of pics so you can always remember your staycation together and all the fun you had. If you wish you can even create a scrapbook when done!
See how simple it can be to plan a family staycation? It is a great way to enjoy some family fun without ever leaving your home. Give these planning trips a try and you can plan a staycation with your family that they will always remember!
To run your home cheaper and more efficiently. Having a home energy audit done on your home will show you how much energy it uses to run, and will give you some ideas on how to cut down on operating costs.
