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The Fourth of July is heading our way and if you haven’t made plans then this is your reminder. Finding budget-friendly and safe ways to enjoy the holiday with the whole family can be pretty difficult. With the holiday largely based around fireworks and enjoying drinks with friends, there are still many ways you can have plenty of fun with everyone. These ten ideas are simple and will help you cater to the needs of your household without having to pass up on the fun that the holiday offers.

1. Projector Fireworks
Fireworks are one of the most popular ways to celebrate the holiday. Unfortunately, for many areas, there may be burn bans, which makes fireworks illegal and dangerous. Some families also worry about the safety of their small children with fireworks. If you’re looking for an alternative option, then all you really need is a projector. You can light up the neighborhood with a firework show on your garage door or fence. Simply stream firework shows from around the nation and enjoy the beauty projected before your very eyes. If you don’t have a projector, then you can easily make one using your phone. There are lots of tutorials online to help you get started with this.

2. Visit a Fair
Summer and fairs go hand in hand, which is why it is a great outing for the Fourth of July. More often than not, fairs will have special events happening on the Fourth of July, so you’ll be able to get even more out of the experience. A fair shouldn’t be tough to find either, as they tend to be very common. At the fair you should find rides, summer-inspired fair foods, games, shows, and so much more. The price of admittance should keep the whole family busy for the entire day if that is something that you’d like to do. Best of all, if you’re in an area where fireworks are legal, you should be able to enjoy a firework show from the fair.

3. Watch a Parade
The Fourth of July is one of the best times to catch a parade. Most communities will have small parades that you can check out, which tend to involve classic cars, local organizations, bands, and more. Your local community should have all of the details on the parade in your local area. Often, the parade leads to other activities too, which can help you plan out your day efficiently. If you don’t have a parade in your community, or you’d like to see something even more exciting, then you can catch some of the big city parades on TV or streaming online.

4. Hike
Getting outside and enjoying everything that the country has to offer can be a great way to enjoy the holiday. One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors is to go for a hike. Choose a trail with lots of great paths to take on to truly embrace the great outdoors. Kids will love finding rocks, sticks, plants, and animals while the whole family gets the exercise they need to thrive. You can even pack snacks or a picnic to add some fun to the hike.

5. Spend Time with Loved Ones
Any holiday is a great time to spend a bit of your time with loved ones. With restrictions loosened in most places, getting together with others will be easier than ever. If you’re looking for a cheap way to embrace your loved ones, then consider hosting or attending a potluck. This will take the pressure off of your budget and your time, as you won’t have to do everything. If you’re not interested in eating with others, then consider hosting a competition or having people come over to play some games. You can also attend parties you’re invited to if you don’t want to do any of the planning on your own. If your plan is to enjoy the company of your loved ones, then you won’t have to stretch too far to make this happen.

6. Cook Out
Cooking out is one of the most timeless ways to enjoy the Fourth of July. With summer in full force and everyone enjoying the summer rays, a cookout is a great way to bring people together. However, you can also plan a meal for just your family, which can help improve the bonding experience. Cooking out can be incredibly cheap, especially if you choose your meals well. If you’re not sure what to purchase there are many guides and recipes online to help guide you along the way.

7. Craft time
Another easy way to make the holiday fun for everyone is to enjoy some craft time. There are so many exciting things you can do to help entice the imagination while enjoying a Fourth of July theme. For starters, you might consider making fireworks in a jar, which is perfect for children not yet old enough to participate. Another fun option is Uncle Sam hats, which suit the theme perfectly. You will also find that there are many crafts to choose from that involve flags, fireworks, and other patriotic options. You can find it online if you’re having trouble choosing what would work best for you.

8. Patriotic Desserts
There’s nothing quite like a sweet treat to make the holiday even more enjoyable for the whole family. Patriotic desserts are one of the easiest ways to have a little fun for the holiday while treating everyone to something special. Luckily, there are so many red, white, and blue recipes to choose from that you might have to make a few different desserts. One easy option is patriotic fruit salad which can be made with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas, or any other red, white, and blue combinations you can think of. Another option is Jell-O, which just requires you to layer the different flavors. Patriotic cheesecake can be lots of fun too and just requires you to add some berries to the top of the cake. Of course, there are so many more options to choose from, so check out some recipes to see what speaks to your sweet tooth.

9. Camp Out
The summer months are the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Camping out is a great way for the entire family to appreciate nature. More often than not, you will find that many campsites will offer discounts during this time. Some may also open up for free, but you might have to look around or even call and ask for discounts if you’re really committed to camping out. Of course, you can always just camp out in your own backyard, which can help make kids feel more secure and comfortable. No matter how you choose to camp, make sure you pack the essentials including supplies for smores and other campground classics.

10. Share the Meaning of the Holiday
One of the best ways to celebrate the holiday is to actually share the meaning of it. Many children won’t know what the holiday means until later in their childhood. So, there is no time better than now to answer all of their questions. You might also look for resources to help you along the way. Books can be a great asset and there are many written for children. There are also plenty of songs and movies to choose from. Of course, word-of-mouth stories are also a good way to help pique your child’s interests. There are lots of recommendations online to help you find your way.

The Fourth of July is a great time to bond as a family. With these fun tips, you’ll easily be able to enjoy the holiday on a budget while still catering to every age group in the household. This should help make the occasion more relaxed, so you can easily have fun with the family.

Keeping cool in the summer depends a lot on what you’re serving in the kitchen. There are many culinary accessories you can use to help make your summer incredibly comfortable and fun. Best of all, most of these devices will keep you away from the oven so you can forget about heating up the house even more. With stores offering massive discounts on things like kitchen appliances and outdoor entertainment, you’re certain to find most of the things on this list at a deep discount that can satisfy everyone.

1. Ice Maker
An ice maker is definitely going to be one of the best accessories that you can get for the summer months. The ice maker is designed to help you create large amounts of ice, so you will always have it on hand. Even if you have an ice maker on your refrigerator, a separate ice maker can still work wonders for you. You’ll never produce enough in your fridge to help keep you in cold drinks all summer long, especially if you have a full household or plan on hosting a get-together. An ice maker is especially handy for making smoothies, margaritas, snow cones, and all of your other summer favorites. Ice makers don’t cost a bundle either and most will customize the type of ice that you’d like to use.

2. Ice Cream Maker
If ice cream is one of your go-to desserts in the summer, then this is going to be a great option for you. Ice cream makers have really transformed in recent years, which is why they have become so popular. One of the appeals of ice cream makers is they allow you to create healthier options. You can make sorbets, as well as traditional ice cream made from alternative milk like almond or coconut milk. You can also choose the flavors that you enjoy, so you can always have exactly what you want. Making your own ice cream can even save you a small fortune, which will definitely make your budget happy.

3. Grill
Grilling food is a summer must, which is why you need a grill to help make your culinary aspirations come true. Grills can help you create healthier foods that are light and perfect for the summer heat. Best of all, they help to keep the heat out of your kitchen so your home stays cooler. Grills come in all shapes and sizes too. You can find a grill that is perfect for basic cooling with propane or charcoal, or you can go all out and find one that offers smoking, rotisserie, and anything else you desire. If you just want to go basic, then you can find a grill for under $30 in most cases, but as you upgrade so will the price, so make sure to shop around and stick to your budget.

4. Blender
If you really want to add convenience to your summer, then a blender is going to be one of the best routes to go. This device can help with almost any meal, which will make it a real asset in your kitchen. Blenders are perfecting with helping with meals by making soups, salsas, and other sauces to complement dishes with ease. You can also make sweet drinks like smoothies, milkshakes, or mixed drinks. If you’re on a diet, then this is the best way to mix up your protein drinks as well. Blenders range in price, so make sure you do your research and shop around before you make a commitment.

5. Air Fryer
One of the hottest trends in the culinary world is the air fryer. As soon as you add this device to your home, you’ll definitely find out how much of an asset it is. The air fryer can create crisp and delicious foods without all of the oil that you’d typically have to use to make the dish taste as amazing as it does. You can make many things in the air fryer, which can add so much convenience to your life. Some air fryers will even allow you to grill and bake, which will help take some of the heat out of the kitchen as well. Many air fryers are low in price, so make sure to shop to suit your budget, especially while there are so many deals.

6. Popsicle Maker
Popsicles are always a nice treat when the weather is scorching. However, purchasing popsicles can be pretty pricey, which can cause many people to put off buying them. There are also many unhealthy options on the market, which can also detour many people from buying popsicles. A popsicle maker is an answer to all of your problems. These are so cheap and come in all shapes and sizes. When you get a popsicle maker you can use almost anything to make treats, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for some healthy options. You can even make ice cream-inspired treats in the popsicle maker, which will satisfy your sweet tooth.

7. Drink Dispenser
Summer is all about cold drinks, which is why a drink dispenser is a must-have. Drink dispensers are perfect for parties, but they can also be used daily for families that like to keep ice-cold water on hand. Typically, these dispensers are used for tea, lemonade, punch, or fruit-infused water. Best of all, dispensers look especially stylish, and you can find them in a wide variety of styles to suit your own aesthetic. These are also easy to clean, which will help make life a lot easier for you when it comes to party clean-up.

8. Crockpot
If you don’t already have a crockpot on hand, then now is the time to invest in one. Crockpots are perfect for all-season use, but they can be especially handy in the summer months. This is largely because they allow you to make a wide variety of meals without having to use your oven. In fact, you can make some of your summer favorites in the crock pot. Pulled pork, taco meat, and other household favorites are easy to make in a crockpot and will make the cooking process incredibly easy. Best of all, cooking in a crockpot can help you plan inexpensive meals that are even great for parties without forcing you to turn on the oven or cook for hours on end.

9. Salt Block
If you like to cook out during the summertime, then you’re definitely going to want a salt block to help make your meals extraordinary. Salt blocks are basically large blocks of Himalayan salt, so when you prep your meat on it, it will help bring out flavor with ease. Salt blocks are incredibly easy to maintain as well, which makes them a real asset for you as the last days of summer pass by. They can also be cost-efficient, but you have to shop around to find the right deal.

10. Cold Brew Maker
If you can’t resist a java boost in the morning, but the idea of drinking something hot makes you feel terrible, then a cold brew maker is going to be a real treat. To begin with, there are many cold brew markers on the market. Some options are much like French presses, which are very budget-friendly. Other options will allow you to make iced coffee, frappes, cold brew, and more using a machine. This will help you to get the delicious flavors you love from the café at home so you can save time and money.

If you’re looking for kitchen supplies to help make your culinary adventures a reality, then these ten items are the way to go. Make sure to check them out before the sales are over though, as you will miss out on some of the biggest savings of the season if you wait too long.

Record-breaking heat is already rolling, which has many dogs feeling down. If you’re looking for a great way to help your pup enjoy their summer, then there are so many things you can purchase. Luckily, many of these products won’t cost you a lot of money, which will leave your budget celebrating the season too. These ten treats are great options to not only bring your pet joy, but to help avoid things like heat stroke, which happens too frequently during the dog days of summer.

1. Water Dispenser
Hydration is crucial when it comes to health, but it is especially important when the summer heat is present. A water dispenser is one of the best things you can do for your pet during the hot months. A dispenser will ensure your dog has enough water throughout the day, so even if you have to leave the home you will feel assured that your dog is covered. A water dispenser will ensure that your pet can drink whenever needed as well, which will allow them to feel more comfortable when playing outdoors or even making potty trips in the extreme heat.

2. Dog Pool
Taking a dip in the pool is great for people and dogs to cool down. Luckily, there are so many amazing dog pools on the market today that will provide you with the perfect place for your pet to cool down. Best of all, you find a great option to suit your yard. To save money, some people like to invest in stock tanks, which can easily be buried in the ground to suit your pet’s needs. Paddle pools are also a great option for this. However, if you want something that will suit a dog’s needs completely then you might shop for some specialized for your pet. You will also find that these pools are great places to give your pet a bath, which can keep your bathroom a bit cleaner. If you have a larger dog, then they might be able to enjoy swimming in a pool with you. However, you should always keep pet safety in mind while you play in the pool.

3. Dog Shoes
You might not think about it but taking your dog on a walk in the heat can end in trauma for your fur baby. If you’re walking on the pavement, then there is a good chance that your pets’ paws are going to be burned. When it is hot outside, the pavement gets much hotter than the temperature outside. This can lead to burns that can scar a pet for life. One solution to this problem is dog shoes. These shoes are incredibly budget-friendly, so you won’t have to stress the expenditure. You can even purchase a wide variety of shoes to keep up with your own style. These shoes come in sizes for all breeds, and you can even use the smallest shoes for cats to add to your peace of mind while spending time outside.

4. Frozen Treats
Just like you, your pet is going to want something cold during the summer months. Luckily, there are a lot of frozen treats that you can provide for your pet without having to spend a lot of money or worry about the ingredients. Some pet stores will offer these treats in the cold section, but you are better off just making your own. There are so many recipes online to choose from that you can start simply by using the ingredients that you have on hand. No matter what you choose, these frozen treats will help cool your dog down quickly.

5. Shaded Area
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, then you’re definitely going to need a shaded area to keep them. There are lots of ways to achieve this, so you can do this based on your budgetary needs as well as on what your home can achieve. A doghouse is one of the easiest ways to achieve this, but you should make sure the house you build or purchase isn’t going to be a heat trap for your dog. Another option is to create a lean-to which will provide shade and airflow to help bring some comfort to your pet. If you can, fasten a shade to the patio to help keep your pet cool. Of course, if you have a large tree, then you might consider adding things under the tree to entice your pet to spend more time there.

6. Elevated/Cooling Bed
Where your pet sleeps can make all the difference. So, when summer rolls around you might consider swapping their bed out. A bed that is elevated will help keep your pet cooler. Luckily, there are lots of models on the market to choose from. Smaller dog beds will be cheaper, but you shouldn’t have a difficult time finding an elevated bed for larger breeds either. Of course, you can also make your own bed for your pet. There are lots of tutorials online, which might even save you some money. A cooling bed is another great option. These beds are made with a special material, and many have cool inserts to help with immediate cooling.

7. Cooling Vests
If you have a fur baby that likes to spend a lot of time outdoors, then a cooling vest is going to be a wonderful option. This vest simply slips over the body to help create a comfortable feeling that most dogs will tolerate. There are many types of vests available on the market too. Some are designed to help naturally cool while others use water to cool your pet down. You should purchase your pet’s vest based on their needs, such as hiking, trips to the park, or everyday wear. There are many buyer guides online to help you make the right choice.

8. De-Shedding Tool
Your pet’s fur can work against them during the hot summer months. One of the best ways to help keep them cool is to get all of the hair that they are shedding off of their body. There are lots of de-shedding tools available on the market. This will allow you to find a great de-shedding tool to suit your dog’s unique coat. You can even get a de-shedding glove to help make the process a little faster. As you work to get rid of excess fur, you should notice that your dog feels more comfortable. However, you should still take precautions when it comes to sun exposure, so try to limit the outdoor time when it is especially hot.

9. Dog Sized Ice Tray
Just like you, your dog is going to love iced drinks when the weather is hot out. You might consider getting ice trays specialized for your dog’s needs. Most pet stores will sell these, which can make it much easier to get what you need quickly. When it comes to keeping your dog cool, regular ice in their water bowl will do the trick. However, you might also consider using the ice trays to make dog treats for the summer. You will find that these ice trays can be valuable even when the weather is scorching hot.

10. Indoor Toys
Unfortunately, getting outside and playing as much as your dog might like isn’t on the menu for many hot summer days. That is why it is important to have an abundance of indoor-friendly dog toys to help keep your pet satisfied. Chew toys, tug toys, and balls are always a great option and are fairly cheap in most stores. Some toys you can even make yourself to save on money if you so choose. Of course, before purchasing a new dog toy, you should look at reviews, as some toys can pose a danger to dogs of certain ages.

Keeping your dog happy during the long and hot dog days of summer doesn’t have to be expensive. These ten tips will help you to get everything you need for a fun and healthy summer with your pet, so you can enjoy putting less strain on your budget while bringing more joy to your pet.

Summer is one of the toughest times to deal with pests. Ants, mosquitos, flies, roaches, and everything else that drives you crazy are out in full force, which could leave you on the defensive when it comes to your sanity. A lot of people go into summer spending a small fortune just to keep the pests away from them. These ten items are budget-friendly and effective so you can feel confident that your summer won’t be ruined by the sheer number of bugs that the season brings.

1. Oscillating Fan
If flying bugs are what is getting you down, then an oscillating fan can really do you a lot of favors. An oscillating fan might seem like too simple of a fix for your problem, but the excess wind can actually disturb the flight patterns of most insects. Thus, you’re less likely to be bothered by the fan as they will have a harder time landing on you and may avoid the area altogether. Best of all, the fan will help to keep you cooler, which will cut down on your power costs.

2. Mosquito Net
A mosquito net is one of the most inexpensive things that you can get to help cut down on summer pests. If you live in an area that is affected by massive amounts of mosquitos, then this is going to be a helpful solution for you. Mosquito nets are inexpensive and can be draped in many places to improve coverage. One of the most important places to secure a net is on your doors. However, you can also place them on windows, especially if the area is bad. If you have the correct bed, then there are mosquitos that can be secured over the bed so you can sleep soundly. If you plan on going camping then there are other models you can use as well, which will make the experience more pleasant.

3. Oil Diffuser
Essential oils have been trendy for some time now. It turns out that many essential oils can actually deter a lot of pests that leave you feeling frustrated during the summer months. There are lots of different oils that you can use for the problems you’re dealing with so make sure to thoroughly look into each pest so you know what oils will work. You may have to use different oils in each room if the problems you’re dealing with are affecting specific areas. Of course, you should consider pets and children when you use the oils, as some may be detrimental to health.

4. Caulk Gun
It’s common for homes to develop cracks here and there, which isn’t anything to worry about. However, during the summer months, these cracks can quickly become a way for pests to enter your home. Ants are especially determined to seek out these entry points and can cause a lot of stress for the household. A caulk gun will allow you to fill these cracks quickly and efficiently. You can even purchase a wide variety of caulk colors to ensure your work doesn’t stand out. Caulking holes can help with keeping your home insulated as well. So, if you can, grab a caulk gun and walk around the home looking for holes that may bring in an infestation. These cracks frequently happen around the baseboards, doors, and windows.

5. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth has become a popular way to get rid of pests over the last few years. This soil is designed with tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms which actually work to kill soft-bodied bugs that might try to invade your space. All you have to do is sprinkle the soil around the outside of your home. Make sure you concentrate on areas where you see bugs frequently. Areas by doors and windows are especially important too. Of course, you will have to reapply the earth outside when it rains, but this should help you to easily keep some pests under control.

6. Bug Poison
In this day and age, there are actually many poisons on the market that are safer for the entire household and environment. So, if you’ve been reluctant to use poisons, then now might be the best time to try it out. Bug poison is great for areas where bugs typically hang out, like the doorway and windowsills. You can also spray it in areas of infestation to help limit the spread while you work to deal with the issue at hand. There are many brands of bug poison on the market, so you might do a little research to figure out which ones are right for you. This will also allow you to feel more confident about your purchase and understand how often you need to reapply in order for the poison to be effective.

7. Indoor Bug Zapper
The bug zapper of yesterday was loud, smelly, and wasn’t as effective as we would have liked it to be. More often than not, these zappers were only found on campsites, and typically targeted moths. Today’s bug zappers are a totally different model though. You will find that these tend to work wonders on things like mosquitos, fruit flies, gnats, and anything else that might be driving you crazy. Some of these models are designed to be hung up outside, like the old-fashioned models, while others are designed to sit on your countertop.

8. Ultra-Sonic Repellers
If you’re having a particularly hard time with bugs, then you might consider purchasing ultra-sonic repellers. Generally, these plug into the wall or are battery operated. Once powered on, they emit an ultra-sonic wave that irritates bugs and keeps them away. Many of these repellents will even work on things like mice, rats, moles, and so much more. You’ll want to check out the reviews for the repellent you’re interested in, but most seem to have no effect whatsoever on pets and people in the household.

9. Repellent Stakes
Pests that tend to live underground might respond well to repellent stakes. These are simple to install in your yard and can work wonders based on the type of pest you’re trying to get rid of. More commonly, you’ll find these stakes designed for ants. However, if you have problems with moles and other pests then you should be able to find the stakes online or in a feed and supply store. These stakes are easy to maintain too and should only need to be replaced every few months. They’re pretty budget-friendly as well and can save quite a bit when compared to extermination costs.

10. Citronella Candles
One tried and true way to help handle the pest problem, especially while you’re hanging out outdoors is a citronella candle. These candles are designed to keep mosquitoes at bay, but they will help with other pets too. You will find these candles in traditional styles, but they also come in tiki torch style too. These can be found in many stores as well and are often marketed as décor, so make sure you know where to look around. You can even make your own citronella candles if you’re looking for a craft that can help with the problem. There are lots of tutorials online to help you find what you need.

Pests don’t have to be a huge problem for you this summer. These ten ideas should cut back on the pests around your home so you can enjoy your summer without all the inconvenience. These tips are also budget-friendly to ensure nothing is taken from your list of summer fun.

Getting kids to eat their veggies can be a big chore. A lot of children won’t touch anything that they think is a vegetable. This can be a huge problem for your child’s nutritional needs, but there often isn’t a simple solution to help children desire the foods they need. A lot of parents will spend large amounts of money on supplements and other ways to give kids the nutrients they need just to avoid the hassle of feeding kids veggies. These ten options will help you give your children the food they need without forcing you to spend a lot of money. After trying a few of these methods of giving kids veggies, you might find that the battle becomes less.

1. Smoothies
Smoothies are probably the easiest way to give kids the veggies they need to be healthy. The best thing about smoothies is you can add anything to give the smoothie the nutrition your child needs. Sneaking in veggies here is a cinch. Some of the best options to work in are carrots, spinach, cucumbers, and any leafy greens. If children are able to spot the texture of the vegetables easily then juice the veggies that you’d like to put into the smoothie. This will help add them in without really making a change in the quality of the smoothie. You might have to play around with recipes, but a little trial and error can create concoctions that kids will actually ask for.

2. Veggie Pasta
Pasta is one of the easiest meal ideas for children of all ages. Most kids will eat anything from macaroni and cheese to spaghetti, which makes planning meals incredible easy. Luckily, you can find pasta made from vegetables in all shapes and sizes. So, it makes it incredibly easy to incorporate into your everyday deals. You can also make your own pasta made with vegetables, which can allow you to experiment with whatever works best for your personal needs and taste preferences. You can also add vegetables to most pasta dishes, especially as your child grows more adventurous.

3. Veggie Fries/Chips
If your child is all about junk food, then you won’t want to miss out on creating their favorite items with healthier ingredients. Veggie fries are incredibly easy to make. All you have to do is cut the veggies in your preferred way and have some fun with it. If you really want to make the veggies more appealing, then you can bread them to hide the vegetable appearance. You can also slice the veggies into thin slices and bake them to create veggie chips. Don’t forget to add flavors to these to help entice the child to eat too. There are plenty of recipes online to choose from as well.

4. Blend Ins
For really picky children you might want to consider blending in vegetables into their food. You can do this to almost any meal which will help you feel confident that your child is getting the food they need without the stress of eating something they don’t like. One of the easiest meals to add vegetables to is mashed potatoes. However, you can easily enjoy putting them in casseroles. Vegetables are easy to mask in casseroles, especially when it comes to appearance and taste. If you want to cater to your child’s love of sweets, then you can blend veggies into items like pancakes.

5. Veggie Desserts
Desserts are a great way to reward children, but it also a good way to sneak in some veggies. There are numerous recipes online that will help you choose incredible desserts that will suit your child’s sweet tooth while still offering some extra nutrition. One of the easiest options to try out is brownies made out of black beans. These are so simple to make that you will want to make the recipe often. Zucchini bread is another easy option that can be transformed into many different things. You can use chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon, or anything else that suits your needs.

6. Try Different Cooking Methods
Getting your child to enjoy veggies can be a trial-and-error process. If you give your child a vegetable in one form that isn’t working out for them, then simply try another. For instance, if you give your child a raw carrot, then you might try steamed, boiled, or baked. You can even serve it like mashed potatoes if your child prefers that texture. This can help transform how your child experiences vegetables while allowing you to find ways to keep vegetable fun and exciting. This can also come in handy if your child grows tired of a vegetable you have often as it will allow them to try it in a totally new form.

7. Let Kids Pick
Sometimes, preparation and flavor isn’t the only thing standing in your way. Some children will respond well to picking out the vegetables they eat. So, when you go grocery shopping, let your child pick out one item to try. This can be fun because there are many options available, so your child might choose based on color, size, or even things that look a little funny to them. You might have to look up some recipes for some vegetables you’re not used to preparing, but it can be a fun adventure for the entire family. Taking part in the selection process might also help your child feel more confident about trying out the food.

8. Fun Presentation
Children tend to respond to things that look fun and appetizing, so you might consider presentation when you serve vegetables. There are many ways that you can make vegetables look fun and appetizing for children. For instance, you can cut vegetables up and form them into faces or even your child’s favorite characters if you really want to have some fun. You can also make things into other elements. For instance, bell peppers make great volcanoes. If you’re not feeling very creative, then you will find a lot of inspiration online. Some chefs have really gone all out when it comes to making food kid-friendly, which can definitely help you figure out ways that work for your family too.

9. Let Kids Cook
Bringing kids into the kitchen is another great way to inspire them to want to eat vegetables. Kids love taking part in things like cooking, so starting them out early will be advantageous for them for years to come. You can easily give children age-appropriate tasks to help them learn the basics while keeping safe. There are even knives that are designed to cut through produce while keeping skin safe, which might be a great investment for you too. Helping to cook will inspire your little one to want to try what they made, which will make introducing them to new vegetables even easier.

10. Garden
Another great thing you can do for the entire family gets outside and garden. Growing food can actually help to keep your family healthier because you won’t have to worry about where your food came from. This can also help your child to feel excited to try out the things that they grew in the garden. Seeing all the beautiful bright colors will allow children to feel like they are going to try something tasty. Plus, it will give them a sense of purpose that will encourage them to try the food. Gardening and preparing the meal are a great combination for helping to raise adults that feel confident in their ability to feed themselves, which allows for a healthier quality of life.

Serving children vegetables can be a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be something you throw money at. These ten ideas will give you fun options that can help ease the stress of eating vegetables while ensuring that children feel a connection to the food they eat and the health it brings them.

Wedding season is here, which means you might be juggling in a few bridesmaid appearances into your budget. This season can be particularly pricey because so many people are getting married and if you’re in a certain age bracket then there is a good chance you’ll be asked. If the brides you’re celebrating are also on a tight budget, then often enough some of the prices might fall on you. These ten tips will help you save as much money as possible on your wedding experience, which will allow you to enjoy the experience.

1. Negotiate on the Dress
Your bridesmaid dress is probably going to be the most talked-about item on your list of wedding things. Unfortunately, it can often be one of the most expensive options too. Your best option is to be very open with the bride and let her know you’re on a budget, especially if you’re expected to cover the cost of the dress. If she has an expensive dress in mind, then you might ask her to chip in to get the dress she wants. You might also offer some suggestions on dresses that appear to be similar but are cheaper than the original dress. This should help you to meet your budget, especially if the bride is willing to work with you.

2. Seamstress Assistance
The dress will always be more than just a purchase, so you’re going to have to budget in a seamstress, especially if you don’t buy your dress online. Luckily, there is a way around the high price of dress arrangements. If you have a family member or friend that is handy with a needle and thread, then you might call in a favor or offer some money for their services. You can also find fashion students that might be willing to help you out. This will allow you to enjoy free or low-cost assistance so your garments will look great on your budget.

3. Borrow Accessories
If you’re hoping to look your best for the wedding, then accessories are obviously going to be a must-have item. In most cases, you’ll have some great options at home, but more often than not you’ll still need something that will pair efficiently with your dress. Instead of going out and purchasing new accessories, you might ask around to see what other people have on hand. Often, people will have items that they wore at other weddings. You may even be able to borrow items from the bride, which will ensure you’re getting the look she wants. Family members might also have vintage pieces that will help you stand out while showing off your personal style.

4. Watch for Sales
One of the best ways to get the biggest savings on all of your bridesmaid needs is to watch out for the sales. It isn’t always wise to go out and purchase what is asked for you straight away. Instead, hold out until there is a decent deal on items. As long as you don’t cut it too close to the wedding, you should be able to enjoy some savings. Usually, the major sales offer some big savings, which will ensure you don’t have to spend as much as you normally would. If you have some time before the wedding, then you might wait until the wedding season is over. Often, items will go on clearance, so you won’t have to pay full price. This is especially true when it comes to shoes and other accessories.

5. Use Credit
If you have everything picked out and you’ve found the best possible price, then you might consider putting the items on your credit card. Of course, you should check into the benefits your credit card offers for charges. Many cards will offer points that you can redeem for savings, airline miles, or even money. You should also make sure your interest rate isn’t too high, or else spending like this might not be worth it. Shopping with your credit card can even help you to get discounts from certain stores, so make sure you shop around to find which stores work for you.

6. DIY decor
More often than not, bridesmaids are asked to help with decorating for the bridal shower, bachelorette party, ceremony, and reception. This can be a lot on the budget, which is why you might take some time to look up some DIY items. There are so many amazing DIY decorations you can make for a wedding, which will help save you plenty of money. If you can, work from items you have at home or that others assisting in everything have at home. Working on DIY projects can help make the wedding experience even more fun and memorable for you too.

7. Hair and Makeup
On the big day, hair and makeup can be incredibly stressful, so can the price of going to a beautician. However, there are ways of getting around this big expenditure. If you really want to higher a beautician, call around and ask for group pricing. Many beauticians, especially those who freelance, are used to doing groups and may even have pricing readily available. If you can split the cost of this, then you’ll already be in better shape. Of course, if you have at least a couple of people skilled in hair and makeup then you can just do one another’s makeup. You can even utilize makeup you already have to help cut down on the cost.

8. Travel
If you need to travel to get to the wedding then you might be worried about the fees. There are quite a few ways you can save here, especially if you have a little time until the wedding. If you need to travel to a destination that will cost you quite a bit, then you might purchase well in advance to ensure you get a decent price. You should also purchase ticket insurance in case you need to cancel the ticket. If you have a lot of miles on your credit card, then now would be the perfect time to use them. Of course, if the destination isn’t as far away you might consider carpooling. This will help cut the costs while offering an eco-friendlier solution to getting around.

9. Accommodation
Hotels can be incredibly expensive, so if you have to travel, you might ask friends and family in the area if you can stay with them. If you don’t know anyone in the area, then there are still options to choose from. For instance, you can easily find someone to split the cost of a hotel room with. This can help quite a bit, especially if rooms are expensive. Another option is to consider renting a space for the period of the wedding. There are many Air BnBs that offer affordable pricing. Plus, you can split this space with a few people to keep the cost down substantially.

10. Gifts
There are lots of gifts between bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and the wedding itself. All of those gifts can really add up, which might be something that weighs heavy on you when you plan out your wedding budget. When it comes to shopping for the bride, you might try to keep gifts small. This will allow you to have the budget necessary to ensure you can handle all of the gifts. If you can, shop ahead of time when you have extra money to spare so you don’t find yourself in a pinch when you do need to have a gift ready. You can also make gifts to help ensure each item is memorable and your care for the bride shines through.

Being a bridesmaid doesn’t have to be a burden. It should be a fun experience. So, when you take out the high price of the bridesmaid lifestyle, then you can easily enjoy the experience all the more. With these tips, you should find a happy balance to make sure you won’t feel overwhelmed by everything.

With Father’s Day nearing, you have just a few short weeks to find the perfect gift for dad. Shopping for dad can be tough especially since there are so many generic Father’s Day gifts released around this time frame. If you want to give dad something special and unique to him, then there are many options on the market. Many of these options are also cost-efficient, which will make shopping for the holiday a lot less stressful. So, before you hit the mall, check out these ten ideas to see if anything looks like the perfect gift for dad.

1. Grooming Set
It doesn’t matter what type of hair dad has or doesn’t have, a grooming set might be one of the easiest things to purchase him as a gift. Grooming sets come in all shapes and sizes, which make them a great option for most dads. You can purchase a customized set if you’re willing to put in a little extra money. However, there are sets that should cater to most people’s needs. For instance, if dad likes to keep a beard, then a beard kit can help make the beard look better and make it easier to maintain. Dads that like to shave their heads can benefit from a shaving kit or even a shave subscription. There are also hair kits that come with shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, and even sheers.

2. Docking Station
If dad likes to use gadgets, or even if he just uses a phone, a docking station is a great way to add to the fun. There are so many types of docking stations available, so you can choose based on your dad’s style and basic needs. One of the easiest options to choose is a docking station that allows many items to charge at once. This is a great space saver and can make it simple to ensure everything is ready to go for the day ahead. Another great option is a docking station that has extra space for other things. For instance, dad can store his watch, jewelry, wallet, and other necessities all while charging his device. Docking stations are incredibly affordable too, which makes them an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

3. Headset
A good headset can go a long way when it comes to dad. It doesn’t matter if dad is a gamer, audiophile, or he just wants some peace and quiet. Today, there are so many headsets on the market that it might be a challenge to choose the right option for you. Luckily, there are plenty of buyer guides online to help you choose a headset that is not only great for your budget but will suit dad’s needs to a T. You can also base your purchase on where dad will be wearing the headset, so you can choose based on durability.

4. Sneakers
While sneakers might not be what initially comes to mind when you think of Father’s Day, they can be a nice surprise for almost every dad. This is especially the case if dad tends to keep his sneakers for too long. There are a lot of great options for sneakers on the market, so you’ll be able to find something that will suit your dad’s style and basic needs. Running shoes are going to be on sale right now, but there are options for dads that might not be into that morning jog. If dad has a specific type of shoe he likes, you may even be able to find the vintage look he desires. So, don’t disregard shoes if you’re in a pinch.

5. Planner
In this day and age, it is hard to keep track of every little thing that life throws at us. Sure, there are some apps to help keep things in order, but nothing beats the process of writing something down. Not only does this help to commit things to memory, but it provides you with a quick way to access things whenever you need them. Best of all, he’ll have everything he needs if his technology isn’t working. You can purchase a wide variety of planners too, including customized options that will suit his personality, style, and daily needs.

6. Custom Tee
If dad likes to show off his kids or grandkids, then a shirt is one of the greatest routes to go. A custom tee is one of the best options because you can approach it in many different ways. For starters, you can easily make your own shirt. All you need is a tee and some fabric paint to get started. You can also print off iron on to get the look you want. If you prefer not to go this route, then you might want to start looking around online. Many websites will give discounts around Father’s Day and you should be able to find one that suits the personalities of all the dads in your life.

7. Survival Gear
These days, a lot of dads are really into survival gear. May it be for their prepper hobby or simply because they like to enjoy the great outdoors, a survival gear gift can be the perfect gift. During this time of the year, you’re going to find a lot of prepper gear on sale. So, you might shop around based on the things that dad might want. You can choose anything from camping gear, knives, emergency food, water supplies, and anything else you think of. This should make you feel happy about the purchase.

8. Games
A lot of dads love to fill their free time with games, which is why games are such a popular gift for dads. You can easily choose from a wide variety of items to suit the games your dad likes. If you’re trying to stay on budget, then you might consider a small item to help further his game such as a new putter for golf or an upgraded tennis racquet. If dad is a bit fan of cornhole then you might consider building a new game to help him entertain his friends in style. Of course, gamer dads might want a new video game or a gift card to purchase the items he needs to have fun in their hobby.

9. Cooking Supplies
So many have said that the key to a man’s heart is food and for some dads, this is pretty accurate. For dads that love to eat as well as cook, cooking supplies are a great gift. If dad is big on grilling, then you might consider accessories to help make his grilling experience more enjoyable. A pizza oven is another great option for dads, especially those that are looking to branch away from fast-food pizza. Another great option is an air fryer or a combination device that will allow dad to enjoy healthier foods while still getting to eat some of his favorite items. There are so many other items you can check out too, which will make cooking supplies such a wide category for so many to work with.

10. Custom Book
If you’re looking to pull at dad’s heartstrings then a custom book is a great way to go. You can purchase a wide variety of books to choose from. One option is to pick out a custom storybook that tells the story of a dad and his children. These can be fun to make especially when the kids get involved. Another great option is a photo book that shows off all of your favorite memories. These can even be customized with text to ensure that the memory is told in your own words or the words of a child. Of course, you should be able to find many more options online if you’re looking for something different.

Father’s Day doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you’re shopping a little later in the season. These ten ideas will allow you to find something spectacular while keeping to your budget. Best of all, it will allow you to find an item that isn’t generic so you can show dad just how much you care.

With social gatherings starting up again, many people are excited to engage in fun activities like gender reveal parties. If you’re planning a gender reveal, but you’re worried about spending the money on a party before your baby shower, then there are so many simple ways for you to create a fun party on the cheap. These ten gender reveal ideas will help to suit your little family’s personality while allowing you to budget your money in other areas of the party.

1. Cupcakes
Cupcakes are probably one of the trendiest ways to enjoy a gender reveal party. A lot of people pass on the gender of their baby to a baker to pull this off, but there’s no need to do this if you have a friend or family member that can keep it a secret. There are many recipes online so you can quickly create cupcakes and fill them with frosting boasting the gender of the child. If you want to add to the fun of the party, you can make all of the cupcakes plain with the exception of one that will contain the gender reveal. Each guest can take a bite of their cupcake revealing the inside until the guest that received the gender reveal cupcake takes a bit and reveals the interior frosting.

2. Homerun Reveal
Another classic option, which is great for families that love sports is the homerun reveal. For this reveal, all you need is a bag that won’t reveal the interior contents but will burst on impact. There are lots of tutorials online for these, so you can shop around to find what works for you. You can also purchase the baseballs if you want to keep things simple. Guests can easily show up in their favorite jerseys or sport a jersey showing off the gender they think the baby is. When you’re ready for the big show, have someone pitch the ball to mom or dad and stand back as the baseball reveals what the baby will be. This reveal theme opens up many options for baseball-themed refreshments, decor, and games to keep your budget low.

3. Balloon Release
Another cheap option that is incredibly easy to do is a balloon release. If you don’t know the gender of the baby, then have someone you trust place blue or pink balloons in a box. When the time is right, open the box and let the baby’s gender be known. You can even add to this by allowing multiple people to have boxes. Each can take turns to see which box reveals the gender. If you do this inside, it will help keep the reveal environmentally friendly. It will also allow you to keep the kids attending the party entertained. Since balloons are so cheap, you will spend next to nothing on this gender reveal, even if you choose to use a lot of balloons.

4. Drink Packets
Save some money on entertainment and refreshments for the party when you combine the two. Simply choose a powdered drink that makes both pink and blue beverages. Then, place the mixture in a white container for your guests to mix into their water when the time comes. You can give everyone the same powder for a gender reveal that will light up the room with your child’s color, or you can have guests pour their powder in one at a time until someone reveals a pink or blue cup. If you have multiples, then you can really bring some fun with this activity.

5. Silly String
Another great way to keep everyone entertained is a silly string fight. Simply place covers over the labels of the string so no one can see the color of the string container. For this activity, you can keep the string the same color or you can give everyone different colors, so the gender isn’t revealed until the silly string fight completely breaks out. This will allow everyone to have plenty of fun while helping you to celebrate your bundle of joy.

6. Water Balloons
If the gender reveal is happening on a warm day, then water balloons are a great way to entertain everyone, keep them cool, and reveal the gender of your child. If you want to go the water balloon route, you’re going to need to find dark-colored balloons so as not to give a peek of the water inside of them. If you’re struggling with this, then you can always double up on one balloon, which can be the reveal balloon. Covering this balloon in tissue paper or anything else can also help out. If you can find the right balloons to hide the water, then simply add a few drops of food coloring to each balloon. You can even keep the reveal color to a minimum and add alternative colors, so it takes a bit longer for people to figure out the gender. Ask guests to wear white shirts, so when the water balloon fight begins, everyone’s clothing will show the results. Guests can also just throw the balloon at the father of the child who is wearing a white shirt. This makes a great keepsake too.

7. Balloon Pop
Balloons tend to be one of the easiest ways to reveal gender, so you don’t want to overlook the balloon pop method. For this, all you have to do is fill up a balloon with something and then pop it to see what color is revealed. You can have a lot of fun with this. For instance, the person that fills the balloon might not reveal what is inside. It could be anything from confetti to colored shaving cream or slime. You can also fill multiple balloons with items and continue popping them until you find just what you’re looking for.

8. Art Reveal
Using art to reveal your baby can be a lot of fun and can also ensure you have a fun keepsake for your little one. One easy way to do this, especially if you know ahead of time, is to have a maternity photograph taken. Apart from your classic maternity photos, you can add an extra in that shows the gender of the baby or the parents wearing specific colors. This can be revealed in a covered framed image or in the back of a photo book. Another way to do this is to have an older sibling paint pink and blue handprints, then reveal which handprint is the winner at the party. Of course, if you’re an artist you can really go wild with the way you choose to express this special moment using art.

9. Goody Bags
If you like to host parties and keep people on their toes, then revealing the gender at the end of the party can be a lot of fun. You can fill the goody bags with colored candies and treats so that when people peek inside they are given the answer to their burning questions. If you already know the gender, then you can pass out the bags at the end of the party, so people are discovering the gender on their way home. Of course, it can also be a lot of fun to see how long it takes for the news to spread after the first person has left. You can also mix things up by handing out goody bags with only one option sharing the gender. Guests can peek into their bags one at a time until someone finally comes across the reveal bag.

10. Pinata
A pinata is a great way to bring some tradition to a party and can help make revealing the gender a lot of fun. You can purchase a pinata for very cheap especially if you’re not interested in working with a theme. However, you can also get one custom-made. If you really want to get hands-on or save some money then you might also considermaking one of your own. There are a lot of tutorials online to help you out here. When you fill the pinata, make sure the bottom has candies that are gender-neutral, so it takes a little more work to get to the candy that is going to give everyone the answer they’re looking for.

Gender reveal parties can be a great start to parenthood. Although so many of these parties seem to cost an arm and a leg, there are ways to keep it simple and on budget. These ten ideas are not only cheap and easy to pull off, they’ll allow you to spend the party celebrating your future child instead of worrying about the budget.

Summer can be one of the most fashionable seasons of the year. With clothes gaining vibrancy and people wanting to get out and about, you are certain to find lots of inspiration to help decorate your home. This season, there are many trends that you can easily get behind without spending a fortune. These ten ideas will help you get your place looking fantastic while also allowing you to show off your personality and your ability to decorate without overspending.

1. Indoor Plants
Bringing the outdoors indoors is a great way to meet today’s biggest fashion trends. This season, you’re definitely going to want to grab some indoor plants to make your home look fabulous. There are lots of great options to choose from when it comes to adding plants to the home. However, you should always make sure the plants are non-toxic to your pets before you bring them in. Plants also have a way of filtering the air, which will make your home smell fabulous. You can choose planters that bring extra style to your home to add to the appeal. If you like to DIY then you can easily do this with cheap supplies, which will save money and allow you to express yourself.

2. Blue Is In
Blue fans will truly love this season because blue is going to be absolutely everywhere. There are many ways to add some blue to your life, which should help you to enjoy the trend with ease. If you like to get your hands dirty then you might consider painting a few accent walls blue. There are so many amazing colors to choose from too, so you can really have some fun here. If you don’t want to make any major changes, then you might consider adding some blue pillows, blankets, or décor items. This can really bring some life to the home and will help you to feel those summer vibes.

3. Curves
This season, it’s all about the curves. You’re going to find round items just about everywhere, which will make it very easy for you to find the looks you desire. One of the major curvy trends is going to be in furniture. You’re going to see a lot of coffee tables, patio furniture, ottomans, and so much more that will definitely suit your needs. If purchasing new furniture isn’t on your radar, then there are so many other options. For instance, you might consider curvy décor. Abstract art, sculptures, and paintings are easy ways to do this. You may even consider painting your own décor to add to the trend.

4. Crisp White
It’s not Labor Day yet, so embrace your love of crisp white when it comes to your home décor. White is a great way to help make your home look much bigger and can help keep the space cooler if you choose to paint your walls white. If painting isn’t on your to-do list, then you might consider bringing in white fabrics. From accent blankets and pillows to reupholstering, white is definitely going to bring out the beauty in your home. You can also use white picture frames, white vases, and so much more to give your home the chic vibes you desire.

5. Vintage Accents
All things vintage are in and will give your home the pizzazz that you desire. Although this might seem like an expensive trend, it really doesn’t have to be. As a matter of fact, you can find a whole lot of vintage options in your local thrift store. Some items you might look for are mirrors that offer a vintage vibe. Paint them gold to give them the look you truly desire. Old typewriters, cameras, vases, and other items used as decor can really change up the space. If you want to do a little DIY, then purchase some retro fabrics to reupholster some of your accent pieces. If you don’t want to purchase new items, then you can easily transform some of the items you already have into vintage pieces.

6. Metals
Metals are a big hit this summer, which makes it very easy to accent your favorite décor. Metal furniture, décor items, and even picture frames are going to be the best way to bring this trend to life in your home. You can really go wild with this trend without spending a fortune. There are metallic paints that won’t cost you a small fortune. These paints can transform basic things into stylish metallic pieces that you’ll be proud to show off. You can also find wonderful items in thrift stores to help you enjoy this style as well.

7. Statement Lights
Your lights can really make a difference in your life when it comes to this season’s style. Although statement lights have trended in previous years, you’re definitely going to find this year’s lights are a little different. Typically, minimalistic styles have been in fashion, but this year it’s all about making a statement. You’ll find bold, colorful options that will help your vibrant personality stand out. If you don’t want to purchase and install a statement light, then you might consider purchasing a lamp instead. This will still give the statement vibe you’re looking for while also allowing you to swap out the light whenever you get tired of the style.

8. Tropical Accents
This summer, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation when you enjoy bringing a touch of the tropics into your home. You can accomplish this look in many different ways, which will definitely help you to find a look that suits your needs. One simple way to do this is to bring in faux tropical plants. These will stand the tests of time and will give your home a look that you won’t be able to resist. Of course, you can keep things a bit easier by choosing tropical colors and prints to bring into your space. Even accent pieces with tropical designs can help bring even more warmth to your space.

9. Texture
Texture is all in this season, which gives you so many options to choose from when it comes to your personal style. You can add texture to just about anything, which makes this trend very easy. One item to consider is faux furs, which make great accents for pillows, blankets, or even furniture. If you like to keep things a bit more subtle then you may want to consider going with ribbed fabrics. These are great for all-year use, so they will be completely affordable. Fabrics aren’t the only option here. You can even utilize textures on the wall if you’re looking to take on larger projects.

10. Patterns
Patterns are a big deal this season and probably will be throughout the rest of the year. The good thing about the pattern trend is there is no wrong way to take it on. You can choose simple patterns or those that are incredibly bold. You can also mix and match to help make the patterns stand out even more. Best of all, you can add patterns almost anywhere. From upholstery and pillows to patterns on wallpaper or in paintings. You can really have some fun here, especially if you love to keep things mixed up and unique.

This summer, you can really spice things up with the décor you choose. These ten trends are easy to pull off and will give your home fun vibes that you won’t want to miss out on. You will definitely fall in love with at least one of these trends, thanks to the amazing style offered and budget-friendly options.

Planning a summer vacation on a budget can be a tough feat. So, if you’re struggling to come up with fun ideas, then it might be helpful to know that there are a wide variety of amusement parks that don’t charge an arm and a leg while still offering plenty of fun things to do. These ten parts will cost less than $100 a person and are located in areas that will allow you to branch out and enjoy other attractions on a budget. So, don’t miss out this summer especially if you have been staying in the last couple of summers.

1. Knott’s Berry Farm
If you’ve been dreaming of a California vacation, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a great amusement park just outside of Anaheim that will certainly help you have some fun. Based on the area, this theme park is going to give you a bargain for your money ringing in at just $50 a person. If you live in the area, you can also get a season pass to help you save money all summer long. Knott’s Berry Farm offers children’s rides, water rides, and the iconic Ghost Rider roller coaster, with many other amazing rollercoasters to choose from. Fans of the Peanuts will love meeting Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the crew as well. This park is a great alternative to Disneyland, especially if you don’t want to pay the high price or you don’t have long to explore the park.

2. Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort is one of the largest free amusement parks in the country. Located in Pennsylvania, you will find plenty of places to check out when you’re not in the park. However, the park does offer plenty of games, shows, rollercoasters, kids rides, and so much more. This park is inspired by fairs, meaning you will have to pay to go on each ride. So, you will have to be careful here to ensure your budget is kept. However, if you’re just on board to enjoy the atmosphere and ride a couple of things to kill a little time then this is going to be a great park for you.

3. Kings Island
Kings Island, located outside of Columbus, Ohio is said to be the largest amusement park in the Midwest. This claim draws in many people each year, especially since the location is convenient for many living in the area. Since the park is located near a large city, hotel and other entertainment options are vast. The park itself has numerous roller coasters and a water park that offers over 50 rides. This park is perfect for all ages and interest too, which makes the value even greater. Best of all, tickets are less than $50 a person, which adds to the park’s enticing nature.

4. Sesame Place
Families with small children won’t want to miss out on Sesame Place located in Pennsylvania. This amazing park is based off of the Sesame Street World which has inspired children for decades. While at the park, children are able to enjoy rides, watch shows, and meet with their favorite characters. Although this park is designed for children, there is plenty to do for adults and older children as well. Best of all, the price is more than affordable at less than $50 a person. Plus, the park is located in a convenient area, so you’ll be able to find plenty of other things to do while you’re in the area.

5. Six Flags Magic Mountain
There are so many Six Flag theme parks to explore in the United States. However, if you’re looking for affordability and fun then Magic Mountain is one of the best options. This particular Six Flags is located just outside of downtown LA, which means there will be plenty to see and do when you’re not riding rollercoasters. This theme park also hosts some of the most iconic rollercoasters around, which will make it well worth the trip. There are plenty of water rides, shows, and more to take in while you visit the park. Your tickets will ring in at under $60 too, which is an incredible price for a theme park chain. There are also food deals and season passes to make the price all the more frugal.

6. Nickelodeon Universe
Kids of the 90s through today won’t be able to resist stopping at Nickelodeon Universe. This theme is all about your favorite Nickelodeon shows and won’t skip on the slime effects. This park isn’t exactly Universal Studios, but it will give fans plenty to enjoy as they enjoy a touch of nostalgic. This theme park offers plenty of rides and other attractions to keep you buys all day long, which is incredible considering it will only set you back $40 a person. The theme park is located next to the Mall of America, which will provide you with plenty of activities to keep you busy.

7. Dollywood
Country music fans won’t want to miss out on a trip to Dollywood. This park is a little pricier than the other parks mentioned, but the price tag still falls under $100 per person. While at the park, you will find country music, plenty of Dolly Parton goodies, and a variety of foods and memorabilia. You will also find lots of rides and shows to keep you busy for the entire day. Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which provides plenty of other entertainment including river rafting and a Titanic attraction. The park isn’t far from Knoxville either, so you can easily shift your vacation to the city after spending the day in the park.

8. Silverwood Theme Park
If you find yourself in Idaho, then Silverwood Theme Park is a great place to enjoy your stay. This park offers a wide assortment of rollercoasters designed to give an adrenaline rush to thrill seekers looking for a good time. Apart from daring rollercoasters, there are also plenty of water rides and pools, including a wave pool. You will also find children’s areas that are safe and enjoyable. The park offers plenty of shows and events, as well as restaurants. There is lodging nearby, including an RV park for those that are just passing through. Tickets are less than $30 a person, which makes a trip to the park a steal.

9. Hershey Park
If you find yourself exploring Pennsylvania and in the mood for something sweet, then you might consider stopping by Hershey Park. Yes, this park is affiliated with the world-famous Hershey’s Chocolate company. As you can imagine, it has definitely earned its name of the sweetest park on Earth. This amusement park offers plenty of rides to choose from, which is enough to keep you occupied for hours on end. The thing that sets this park apart from other options is the chocolate section. Since the amusement park is connected to the Hershey factory, you can take a break from all of the rides to learn how Hershey bars are made.

10. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Can’t go to Europe this summer, but would love to enjoy the travel experience? Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a great option to help ease your travel bug without spending a fortune. This theme park has a European theme, so you will be able to travel from one country to the next throughout the day. Each country has its own restaurants, rides, shows, games, and so much more. Best of all, the price is more than affordable. You can even purchase a season pass if you’re in the area which will help you get even more out of the experience.

Amusement parks are a wonderful way to have fun all summer long. These ten amusement parks will give you the fun you desire without the high price tag of many of the amusement parks, which can transform your summer and the memories that you make.

Schools are about to let out for summer vacation, which might leave a lot of parents grasping at straws to find ways to keep their children busy on a budget. With the weather scorching hot, and boredom around every corner, you might be worried about how you’re going to keep your kids busy since spending all day outside isn’t exactly an option. These ten ideas will help knock out some of the hours of the day on a budget, so kids can make memories and have some fun while doing so.

1. Backyard Camping
Although it might be too hot to get outside a lot of the time, the nighttime hours will provide everyone with a much cooler setting. Going camping can be one of the best bonding experiences for a family and can help children disconnect from gadgets and enjoy the world around them. Of course, going off to a campsite can be pricey, especially if you don’t have everything you need to camp successfully. That is why a backyard campout is amazing for all. You can sleep out on the trampoline, make a fort with items you have around the house, or simply lay out under the stars. You also have access to snacks and bathrooms without having to worry, which can make everyone feel more comfortable.

2. Join a Summer Program
In most communities, there are a few summer recreation programs that kids can take part in. Usually, the school district or college in the area will organize education and athletic activities for kids to take part in. The YMCA often offers swim classes, craft sessions, and other fun activities for kids as well. Even the parks and recreation service in your community may have a few plans that you can sign up for, including summer sports. Of course, most of these things will help cost a small fee, but kids will have a lot to keep them busy, so you won’t have to worry about spending money in other aspects of life.

3. Splash Pads
A lot of communities have started to add splash pads to their parks or community areas. A splash pad is a great way for kids to get outside and have some fun without running up your water bill at home. Splash pads come in a variety of different designs, so you might make sure the splash pad near you is safe for your children to use. Although these are great places to cool down, you should always make sure sunscreen is properly applied and proper clothing is worn, as the water can attract more sun. You should also plan for times when there might be fewer people, especially if it is difficult to keep track of your children during such activities. Since these tend to be free places to keep cool, they aren’t as private as many parents might like.

4. DIY Popsicles
Finding ways to cool down can be one of the best ways to bring joy to children during the summer months. Popsicles are one of the best ways to cut down on the heat while offering children a healthy way to snack. Luckily, it is very easy to make popsicles. All you really need is a mold, which can be purchased for fairly cheap at most stores. Once you have your mold, you can fill it with juices, drink mixes, or even smoothies. You can also add in fruit or other treats to make children love the snack even more. Trying out different recipes can add to the fun, which will make children love working in the kitchen all the more.

5. Sprinkler Fun
Playing in the sprinkler is a timeless activity that most kids can enjoy. This activity is cheaper than having a pool and requires very little maintenance. You can also use your child’s time in the sprinkler to water your lawn or anything you might have in your garden, so the water isn’t wasted. Although running through the sprinkler tends to be a lot of fun, you can still spice it up by adding games to the experience. You can even create relay races that will inspire kids to be more active while they’re cooling down in the sprinkler.

6. Butterfly Garden
Gardening is one of the best ways to use the extra space that you have in your yard. If you really want to entice the kids to go outside and enjoy the fresh air, then you might consider planting a butterfly garden instead. There are many different types of butterfly gardens, so you might research to see which butterfly species are in your area. Once you know this, you can choose the plants that you will add to your garden. Before long, you should see an array of visitors that will inspire your child’s curiosity about the world. These gardens are great for the planet too, especially since butterflies help to pollinate.

7. Library Trips
The library is a great resource no matter the time of the year. However, during the summer months, they have lots of great things for kids to do. One of the big draws is the summer reading program. Kids are encouraged to read throughout the summer to win prizes based on the work they do. Best of all, kids can pick out new books every time they turn in their reading log, which will inspire them to keep reading. Most libraries will also offer storytimes, crafts, and other activities to help make summer better than ever.

8. Outdoor movies
If watching movies with your family tends to be a fun pastime, then outdoor movies are bound to be a hit for your family. Many communities do offer activities like movies in the park that are specially designed for children. You might look on your local area’s parks and recreation website or social media pages to see if there is anything going on. If not, then it isn’t hard to create your own outdoor movie theater. In fact, you can make your own projector with tutorials found online. This can be a great backyard activity for the family, or you can invite neighbors to join in on the fun.

9. Explore the Farmer’s Market
Summertime is a great time to get out and enjoy the farmer’s market. During the summer months there is typically a lot of great produce and plants to be purchased, so spending a morning exploring what the farmer’s market has to offer can be a real treat. By doing this, you will be helping your local community as well as giving your family healthier foods that they will love. Of course, the farmer’s market is more than just produce. You will find local vendors that supply crafts, beauty supplies, and even foods that will wow you.

10. Outdoor Gatherings
Nothing says summer quite like having a gathering with loved ones outdoors. So, if you’re looking for a fun way to keep the kids busy then invite your friends and family over. You can have a cookout with cheap foods that won’t harm your budget. You might even ask people to bring dishes and drinks of their own so you can easily save even more money. Relay races, dance-offs, karaoke, movies, games, and so much more are only scratching the surface. So, make sure to schedule quite a few of these gatherings, especially while Covid-19 restrictions are reduced.

If you’re worried that summer will be a bust for your kids or might break your budget, then don’t stress out. There are plenty of frugal ways for everyone to have some fun. These ten ideas are just a start but will help you plan accordingly so you can truly embrace the season and the time with your children.

Memorial Day is one of the top shopping holidays of the year and is one of the last major sales before we find ourselves dealing with the holiday rush again. If you’re planning on shopping this Memorial Day, then it might help to know where the good sales are. There will be tons of retailers participating, which might take away from your ability to get the deals you desire. These ten retailers are going to provide you with deals in almost every category you desire, so you can grab items before they’re gone.

1. JC Penney
JC Penney is known for hopping on all of the big sales, so it’s no surprise that this year you’re going to find lots of incredible deals across the board with this retailer. To begin with, you’ll find that JC Penny is working hard to compete with the mattress sales that tend to happen on Memorial Day. You’ll find many mattresses up to 50% off, which makes it the perfect time to upgrade. JC Penney also has 40% off furniture, which is great if you’re looking to renovate your home or simply buy some dorm essentials. There will also be a lot of great deals on clothing, home goods, and cosmetics. You might even find a 25% off coupon for other items in the store.

2. Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Bed, Bath, and Beyond is also going all out this Memorial Day. Although the store tends to be known for the linens it has, you might find that the deals it offers are going to be in areas that you might not consider. For instance, you’ll find that many tools and appliances are going to be around 30% off. Cooking accessories will also be marked down to half price, which can be a great time to deck out your kitchen. Tabletops will also be on sale for around $100 off. Of course, you’ll still find great deals on linens and other necessities that the brand is known for.

3. Michaels
With the summer heat limiting your time outdoors, you might not want to miss out on Michaels’s Memorial Day Sale. During this sale, you will find up to 60% off craft supplies, which will provide you with the perfect opportunity to stock up on crafts to keep the kids busy. You will find everything from craft supplies to actual kits to help make it easy for kids to craft. You will also find items like décor to help you make your home seasonal and comfortable.

4. Wayfair
Wayfair tends to be another major player when it comes to holiday sales and Memorial Day will be no exception. This year, the website is really focusing on bedding. You will find low prices on bed frames and foam mattresses so you can create a comfortable space to kick back and relax. There are also many great deals on pet supplies. Pet beds, toys, and other accessories will be up to 50% off. Of course, you will find deals on almost everything that the store has to offer, so make sure to browse around to find the right price for you.

5. Best Buy
Technology is always a hot purchase, no matter what sale you’re shopping for. That is why Best Buy tends to be one of the go-to places to check out. This Memorial Day, you’re going to find some incredible deals to ensure you get what you need for the season. This year, televisions are going to be a big deal, so if you’re looking for an upgrade then this is going to be a great time to explore your options. Phones are also going to be on sale, especially Apple phones. Apart from that, you will find extraordinary deals on large and small appliances. You might keep track of the Best Buy website because some of the deals might appear early and may even sell out fast.

6. Target
Target usually offers some pretty good deals when Memorial Day rolls around. This year, they do have some big plans, but you might want to check out their early deals too. For instance, you can find cheap prices on clothing for all ages, and buy one, get one half off on major toy brands. Technology and books will have plenty of great deals too. For Memorial Day, you’ll find that patio furniture is going to be 15% off, which will help you create a comfortable place to hang out. Pet accessories will be 20% off too, so you can make sure your fur babies are comfortable all season long.

7. Macy’s
Macy’s is planning on offering some major deals across the board too. You will largely find sales on clothing and home goods. However, some of the miscellaneous items that you might need for summer fun, wedding season, and dorm necessities should also be on sale. These markdowns will be around 20-60%, so you should definitely spend some time browsing the website to see if there is anything you may need. On top of the markdowns, you’ll find that Macy’s will offer additional coupons to help bring down the price even more.

8. Amazon
Amazon is also going to offer some major deals for Memorial Day, and a few early deals. So, make sure to be on guard when it comes to the things you need. One place to begin shopping is the beauty section. There will be a lot of price reductions, but there will also be a 35% off coupon to attach to many of the items as well. This can be great for those that need to stock up on summer makeup or beauty necessities. Consumers looking for LED TVs will be pleased to 40% off some of the best options available. You will also find headphones and other gadgets too. On top of that, Amazon’s smart home devices will also be on sale. New this year is Amazon brand clothing and home goods, so you might also browse that section for even more savings.

9. Walmart
If you’re ready to find some big sales, then you should check out the savings that Walmart has to offer. They will have lots of rollbacks before the holiday even begins, so watching their website or setting alerts for the app would be wise. Apart from that, you should keep an eye on their clearance section as there are many fantastic deals there that will help you feel confident about your spending. Of course, when it comes to Memorial Day deals, you’re going to win big with technology. One of the big deals is an HDTV for under $200. You will also find a variety of other televisions on sale and plenty of chrome books to choose from.

10. Overstock
Overstock is going to be going big as usual, so you’ll find deals across the board here. You should be able to find sales in every category, but it might take a bit of looking around to find fantastic options. One of the main focuses the store has is cleaning some of their outdoor supplies. This will encompass a lot of categories though. For instance, you will find great deals on patio furniture as well as outdoor cooking supplies. There will also be discounts on outdoor toys and storage. These deals should help you get set up for summer with ease.

Memorial Day sales are a great way to kick off summer fun and get prepared for everything you need to feel comfortable all season long. These ten retailers are definitely going to help you save a small fortune on their remarkable deals, so make sure you browse their catalogs to ensure you maximize your savings during the holiday.

In some places, it is already beginning to feel a little less like spring and a lot more like summer. This can be a huge shock to some as they try to readjust their power budget for the higher prices that summer tends to bring. It can also be a problem for those worried about power grids failing. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to conserve energy while the temperature spikes. These ten ideas can truly transform the way you handle summer, which will definitely make you feel more confident about your budget during the hot months.

1. Turn Up the A/C
The first thing you can do, which might not sound ideal, is to turn up the air conditioner. Keeping the temperature in your home at 72 degrees isn’t feasible if you’re trying to conserve power. If you want to save, then you should know that keeping the thermostat at 75 degrees can conserve 10% of the energy you use, and every degree above this will save you even more. If you turn on fans, then you should be able to sit comfortably in this temperate when dressed appropriately. Of course, experts do suggest you keep the thermostat at 85 degrees, which might be something else to consider.

2. Shade Windows
Your windows are a great way to get some airflow and light in the home; however, they can increase the amount of heat in your home. There is a simple solution to this problem though. All you have to do is shade your windows. An awning is one of the easiest ways to do this and you can easily purchase for cheap and set it up yourself. A more natural solution to this problem is to ensure you have plenty of trees and bushes that provide shade. More shaded plants will help improve the value of your home while allowing you to enjoy fresher air too. You might look into what grows best in your area before you begin to plant. Of course, you can also shade the interior of your windows with blinds, shutters, or light-blocking curtains.

3. Invest in Fans
A fan can be your best friend on hot days, which is why you might invest in a few for the long months. Ceiling fans can be one of your best options because they are going to provide a better distribution of airflow. However, if you can’t do this then a box fan can really keep things cool. A fan can actually help you feel several degrees cooler, so you might even be able to turn off the air conditioner on days that aren’t especially hot. You might also consider personal fans to help keep you cool when you’re outside or sitting in an area that doesn’t have a fan. If you’re worried about power outages, then battery-operated fans are definitely a must to have.

4. Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Another way to cut down on your power bill during the long months of summer is to take the water heater down a notch. Chances are if you’ve spent a day outside in the heat, the last thing you’re going to want is a scorching hot shower to end your day. Since you probably won’t be using the higher water setting, then turning it down for a while won’t do any harm. This will mean your power bill will lessen without you having to sacrifice anything. Plus, cutting back on extremely hot water is great for your skin.

5. Replace Your Air Filter
Regularly changing your air filter is great for numerous reasons. However, did you know that it can help to cut back on your power use? When your air filter is full, it makes your air conditioning system work harder to register the temperature of the house. Since your system will know when the air needs cooling, it will be able to do so faster and cut down your power use. Apart from that, having clean filters can help prevent problems from occurring while allowing you to feel healthier.

6. Cook Outside
Cooking inside can raise the heat in your home, which can cause your air conditioning to go off more often than it needs to. One of the best things you can do during the summer months is cook outside. If you have a grill, then you can enjoy summer-friendly foods that require very little effort. A smoker can also help you make large portions of meats that can be eaten over a few days so you don’t have to cook as often. Cooking outdoors will help to keep any smells outdoors too, which will make your home more comfortable. Even if you can’t cook outside for whatever reason, you should try to avoid the summer to ensure that you don’t heat up the home. Cold meals, sandwiches, and anything you can think of that don’t need to be cooked can be a big helper.

7. Know When to Run Appliances
You might want to think twice about using more than just your oven during the summer months. In fact, any appliance in your home can be a real drain on your energy costs, which can harm you when energy prices are already so high. Some states will even charge higher rates during certain periods of the day. As a rule, you should skip running the washer, dryer, dishwasher, and any other major appliance between noon and 8 PM. If you can get your chores finished before or after this time, you won’t have to deal with worrying about your bills being too high.

8. Get Outside
Rather than staying indoors and trying to keep cool, you can turn your air conditioning up a few notches and get outside instead. If you have a pool or other way of playing in the cool water, then you might consider spending as much of your time as you can doing this. You can also enjoy time at the park or other activities that make summer amazing. If you just want to lounge outside, then you might consider setting up a mister to help keep you cool as you relax.

9. Reseal Your Home
If your insulation is old, it could be costing you a whole lot of money in cooling. Keeping on top of your insulation is crucial as this is going to keep your home cooler or warmer for much longer. Luckily, insulation is inexpensive to purchase and pretty easy to install. In fact, there are even tutorial options that you can check out if you’re worried that you won’t do it correctly.

10. Unplug
Keeping items that you no longer use plugged in can also do a number on your energy costs. The items still pull power when not in use, which means you’re paying for items you’re not actually using. Apart from that, some of these items can actually add warmth to your home, which is going to mean you’re going to have to cool down the home even more. Simply unplugging everything when you’re done with it is your best option. A smart surge protector can also help quite a bit and can take some of the hassles out of the process.

Keeping cool doesn’t have to come with a lot of sacrifices, as these ten tips will help you to get where you need to be so you can save big without sweating buckets. As the heat continues, hopefully you will find relief when you combine many of these tips to keep your electric bill comfortable.

Summer is on its way, which means children will have more free time at home. If your child is asking for a pet, then now might be the perfect time to get one as it will give your child plenty of time to adjust to their new pet while allowing them to set up a care routine that they can sustain when school is back in session. If you’re worried about the price tag of a pet, then don’t stress. There are actually numerous starter pets that are easy to care for while costing very little each month. These ten are just the beginning but are all great options to consider, especially for a first pet.

1. Betta
A betta fish is a great place to begin the pet care journey. Bettas are beautiful fish that tend to live solitary lives, especially male fishes. These fish don’t require a lot of space either, so you won’t have to purchase a full-sized aquarium for them, which is great for the budget and those living in small spaces. When it comes to bettas, you can even choose tanks that are sustainable. Many tanks that grow plants on top of the tank will actually clean themselves and will allow the plants to thrive without constant watering. So, all you’ll really need to worry about is food for the pet, which is pretty inexpensive.

2. Hermit Crab
A hermit crab is another fantastic option that doesn’t take a huge budget. The pet itself usually ranges around $10, but they do prefer companionship, so you might consider getting two. Despite this, the price is still low in comparison to some pets. Hermit crabs will need a tank that they can roam in, but it doesn’t have to be exceptionally big. The tank should include water so that the hermit crab can rehydrate and enjoy a natural setting. You will also need to find extra shells, especially as the hermit crab grows. Food for this pet is also inexpensive, which can add even more appeal to purchasing a pet such as this.

3. Sea Monkeys
Sea monkeys are a tried-and-true pet that most parents can get on board with. Although they’re really just tiny shrimp, they are great for a child’s imagination. This is largely because the advertisements for the pets tend to show them off as little merpeople, which might encourage children to want to pay attention to them all the more. When you purchase a kit, it should provide you with everything that you need to keep the pet. Most of them even come with a magnifying glass so that kids can view the sea monkeys as the days pass.

4. Venus Fly Trap
You might not consider this to be a pet, but it can really become a great way to teach responsibility. These plants are pretty low-cost, but you might have to look around to find one. All you really need for a venus fly trap is soil, water, and the occasional fly to sustain its appetite. However, if you have flies around the house then you might not even need to handle this. Venus flytraps can be a great way for children to learn about science and so much more, which can be a wonderful way to help improve their curiosity.

5. Hamster
Many kids grew up with hamsters because they are such affordable animals. These furry friends can instantly win the heart of a child because they’re pretty cute. This can help ease your child’s desire to have a more expensive pet. Apart from that, they tend to only cost you about $30 a month. This includes the bedding for their cage and food. Of course, setup may cost you a bit more as you will need a cage for the pet. However, you can always start with the basics and add on to the cage over time or if you choose to get other hamsters.

6. Axolotl
This cute little creature has a lot to offer your family and won’t cost you a bundle either. Although many people are confused as to whether or not it is a fish or an amphibian, or how to pronounce its name, the pet will always brighten your smile with its seemingly happy face. These creatures don’t require a lot of bells and whistles like some fish and reptiles do, which is why so many people find them to be a great pet option. You’ll need a tank for this pet, but you won’t have to worry about heaters or anything like that. However, it is always best to read up on any animal you take in, just to ensure you’re offering the best quality care.

7. Box Turtle
A box turtle has been a common pet for children for quite some time. That is because the pet is incredibly easy to take care of. The turtle will need a dry space as well as plenty of water to swim in, so if you have a small pond area outside then you’re already set up for success. A tank can also work wonders especially if you want the turtle in your child’s space. These animals can eat produce that you already have in the home, so you won’t have to spend a crazy amount on food. Box turtles tend to have a long lifespan as well, which can make you feel better about purchasing the pet.

8. Ant Farm
Another uncommon pet that you might not have thought about is ants. Ants are pretty common and tend to be a bit of a pest. However, when you purchase an ant farm kit, it offers the chance for your child to see how an ant lives its life. Anthills tend to come with everything you need to create a thriving farm, with the exception of the ants. However, once you choose a few ants for your ant farm, your child will be able to watch the ants at work, which can be a fascinating experience.

9. Goldfish
A goldfish is a classic pet that is going to work wonders for your family. Goldfish are extremely easy to care for and cost next to nothing. You can put a single goldfish in a small bowl or you can get several and keep them in a tank, depending on the space you have, the amount of money you want to spend, and your ability to clean a tank. You can spend some money decorating the tank, but you really don’t have to do that. Goldfish tend to grow based on the amount of space that they have, so you can even keep them in a pond if you have one at home. Maintenance for this pet is pretty low and will allow you to get away with just changing the water and feeding the pet.

10. Gecko
For kids that like lizards, a gecko is a great option that is easy to maintain. You will need a warm tank to keep the gecko healthy, but the reptile doesn’t need a whole lot monthly to maintain its health. Geckos can be a lot of fun for kids that aren’t afraid of the creatures because they tend to be easy to handle. A gecko is a great way to open up the window to various reptiles as children get older. Some options might be an iguana or a snake if the child shows responsibility and dedication to the pet.

Owning a pet can be a big deal for a child and will help them build confidence while showing love and compassion to another creature. These ten starter pets are a great way to help your child learn just how much work goes into having a pet, which can be the start of a new stage in their life.

In many areas of the world, it is already beginning to feel a lot like summer. So, getting in a little summertime shopping might be just what you’re looking to do. If you’re ready to make your wardrobe fashion savvy for the season then you might want to consider adding a few elements from these ten fashion crazes. If you’re on a budget then don’t worry, as there are many fashion hacks that will help you recreate some of the top looks on the catwalk without having to spend a small fortune.

1. Y2K Look
This summer, we’re going back in time with the Y2K look. It might not seem possible that this look was big twenty years, but if you were a fan at the time then you’re certain to appreciate many of the styles now. One of the biggest things that people will be incorporating into their look is metallic styles. This will work from anything from fabrics to hair accessories and makeup. Luckily, metallic fabrics aren’t hard to come by in stores, so you should be able to make some amazing pants, tops, vests, and bags to have you looking cool. Baggy bottoms are also joining the Y2K resurgence, which might be a relief as the temperatures skyrocket. Another fun Y2K accent is anything and everything butterflies, so pull out your old butterfly clips and have some fun.

2. Micro-Skirts
Mini skirts tend to never go out of fashion, but this year the look is being replaced by the bottoms. If you’re wanting to show off some leg, then a micro skirt will have you at the peak of fashion this season. You’ll see micro skirts in everything from casual and clubwear to bathing suits, so choose what works best for you. The best thing about micro skirts is they are incredibly easy to make. If you have a mini skirt pattern on hand, then just cut the pattern a little shorter and work from that. You can also cut the skirts you already have to be shorter with very little work on your end.

3. Halter Neck Tops
If you love to show off some skin, then you’re definitely going to want to jump on this trend. Halter neck tops give you the style of a halter while adding a little extra support, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting your top constantly. Halter neck tops are definitely simple to make too, so you can transform a few of the tops you already have in your wardrobe without spending a penny. You’ll also find that there are many of these options available in retailers that are more than affordable and can be paired with almost anything.

4. Low Rise Bottoms
Over the past couple of years, high-rise jeans have been all over the place. However, this summer things are changing up and low rise bottoms are going to take the height of the fashion industry. This can be great in the hot weather, especially if you enjoy wearing cropped tops and other summer-friendly looks. You won’t have to look far to upgrade your wardrobe with these bottoms. However, you should probably try to avoid just purchasing these items online as it is best to try them on to ensure the fit isn’t too uncomfortable or too low for your needs.

5. Statement Suit
All year, it seems that statement suits have been a big deal. As summer arrives, these suits are going to take a bit of a turn to ensure you stay cool. So, to suit trends for this season, you’re going to want to look for suits with lighter fabrics and baggier designs. Often, the suits are going to appear to be very oversized, much like they did in the 80s. Another factor to consider is color. You’re going to want to go bold if you feel comfortable with it. Vibrant colors are definitely trending for the season so find the styles that look great for you.

6. Bra Tops
Bra tops have been trending all season, but there is no better time to rock them than the summer months. You can use most bras to suit this trend, which makes it very money efficient. On top of that, you will find that you can really accessorize when you enjoy this style. You can embellish bras with embroidery, appliques, rhinestones, fringe, and anything else that comes to mind. You can also pair the bra with a jacket, overshirt, or tank to take the look even further.

7. Fringe
Fringe is another trend that has been hot since autumn. This is another great look for summer though, especially since you can put it on almost anything. One great way to embrace fringe is to add it to one of your old tank tops. Simply mark how short you would like your tank top to be. Then, cut straight up until you meet that mark. Doing this over and over will create a fun fringe look that will keep you cool for summer. This is only scratching the surface though. You can easily put fringe on jackets, boots, tees, shorts, swimsuit, and anything else that you can dream up. If you’re not sure you can pull off a DIY, then you will have a wide variety of options to choose from in retail stores.

8. Black and White
Although black isn’t really a traditional summer color, this year you’ll want to find a way to mix up the black and white in your wardrobe. This trend offers a timeless look that will make you look fashionable with ease. As long as the style keeps things monochrome then you’re certain to feel sophisticated and bold. You also don’t have to weigh heavy on the black clothing if you’re worried about the heat, or the white clothing if you simply don’t enjoy wearing white.

9. Platform Shoes
If you like to show off your legs or you just love a bold shoe, then you’ll find a lot of joy when you slip on a pair of platform shoes. This season they are in style, so you’ll be able to find so many incredible options that you might not know what to do with yourself. If you don’t find any options you particularly like then you might just find a color you enjoy. You can always add to the shoes to ensure they show off your personality with ease. Platform shoes tend to be large in size, but you can find alternative options that still give you the look you love without the height.

10. Unique Colors
This season is all about exploring color and finding the options that work best for you. Largely, you will find that hot pink, lime green, and butter yellow are going to be all over the place this season. However, that doesn’t mean that other colors are off-limits to you. You should really go for whatever color you like because it is going to help you stand out as a trendsetter this season. You should be able to find numerous options to ensure you get a look that you will love and will make you shine.

Summer fashion is on the racks now so you can prepare for the hot months with ease. These ten ideas will allow you to find the style you’ve always dreamed of while allowing you to look phenomenal. Best of all, many of the exciting clothing options won’t cost you a bundle.

Living a greener lifestyle has become increasingly important as the years pass. Many people are looking for any way to choose the right products to keep their homes hygienic while still protecting the environment. Unfortunately, the market is saturated in items that claim to be eco-friendly but really aren’t. On top of that, many of the items available are incredibly expensive. If you’re looking to make the change to environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, then these ten items are definitely going to be a hit for you.

1. Laundry Sheets
Laundry sheets have been on the market for a little while, but they have recently become very popular online. These sheets are great because they allow you to get your clothes clean without forcing you to use chemicals. Best of all, by purchasing cleaning sheets you’re actually cutting back on the water used to make your cleaner, which is a huge benefit. Apart from that, the laundry sheets tend to come in compostable packaging rather than the large plastic containers that other detergents come in. These sheets tend to be just as affordable as alternative options and can even be ordered in a subscription, so you don’t have to worry about going to the store or even ordering online.

2. Bio-degradable scrubbers
From sponges to other scrubbers that can’t be reused, keeping things clean can be incredibly tough. Luckily, there are many scrubbers that are entirely plant-based, which means you can reuse them and when they are thrown away, they are entirely biodegradable. There are also some options that aren’t plant-based but are made with sustainable items like bamboo. These can be washed and used for some time, which will still allow you to enjoy a more sustainable life as you clean. Before you purchase a scrubber that you hope to use long-term, you should always put in a little research to make sure you’re going to get your money’s worth.

3. Grove’s Sustainable Cleaning Kit
If you’re just starting out with green cleaning, then the entire process can be really confusing and the price of it all can really weigh heavy on you. Luckily, Grove has created a sustainable cleaning kit that is affordable and will give you almost everything you need to clean your home properly. Best of all, it also comes with items that you can use to continue cleaning in an eco-friendly item. One of the most sustainable items is the glass spray bottle that you can use with a variety of their cleaners that just require simple mixing with water. You’ll also find a convenient carrying case that is great for keeping everything on track. You’ll have to sign up for Grove to purchase, but this will provide you with the opportunity to explore a variety of products that are great for you, your household, and Mother Earth.

4. Seventh Generation Dish Soap
There are quite a few plant-based dish soaps out there, but none seem to be raved about quite like Seventh Generation Dish Soap. This soap is entirely plant-based, which many soaps labeled as sustainable often aren’t. Apart from this, it still offers the cleaning power of some of the best soaps on the market. You won’t have to do with synthetic smells or dyes that can harm you and the planet. Seventh generation is entirely cruelty-free too and they do use recyclable packaging to add even more to its sustainability.

5. Reusable Paper Towels
Paper towels tend to be one of the most used cleaning products, which can be a bit of a problem considering they’re not the best for the environment. Currently, you can find a lot of paper towel alternatives, which can help you keep your home clean without adding to the budget. Most of the options are bamboo-based, so all you do is use them and then toss them in the washer for cleaning. Some of these options even look like paper towels, which can help you feel a deeper connection with your routine. Of course, if you’re not looking to invest in something like this right now, then you might just clean up with a rag to help cut waste in the home.

6. Compostable Wipes
There is no doubt about it, Covid-19 amplified the already popular craze of purchasing disinfecting wipes Although these are a great way to help keep the home clean and efficient, they can also contribute to build-up in landfills. If you’re flushing these wipes after use, then you’re definitely going to find yourself in a bit of trouble because they can block your pipes. Luckily, there are eco-friendly options here. Many brands are offering biodegradable options and more recently options that are safe for the compost, meaning chemicals that won’t harm your plants. These are great for everyday clean-up without the guilt. You can also reuse the containers as bag holders and so much more.

7. Pumic Stone
Sometimes, stains are just not going to budge easily. If you’re facing this problem, then you might consider going after the stains with harsh chemicals. Unfortunately, this rarely takes care of the problem and can leave you harming the environment and those in your household. If you really want to ditch those stains, especially in the toiler then a pumice stone is going to do the trick. This stone can help grind away the problem without damaging your porcelain, which can save you time and money.

8. House Plants
Air fresheners tend to be another popular item on the cleaning supply list. Most air fresheners aren’t the best for your home or the environment due to the chemicals they use. Although there are some safer options to choose from, one of your best options is to use a house plant instead. House plants will naturally filter the air you breathe, so you can enjoy high-quality air that isn’t going to do your family harm. A lot of houseplants are very easy to care for as well, so you won’t have to fight to fit it into your schedule. If you have pets, then you should put in some research beforehand to ensure you’re not getting something toxic to your animal.

9. Vinegar and Baking Soda
If you don’t want to spend a small fortune on cleaning supplies, then one of your best options is to go for a timeless combination. Vinegar and baking soda create a chemical reaction that will take care of many of the problems you have. All you have to do is add a little baking soda to the surface you’re cleaning. You might start by rubbing it into the surface unless it is a drain. Once you’re satisfied with the scrub, add vinegar to the top of the baking soda. This could create a foaming effect. When the mixture stops foaming, simply rinse or wipe it away. You can also add a degreasing dish soap, like Dawn, to the mixture to help with tougher stains or unclogging drains.

10. Steam Mop
If you don’t want to use chemicals at all, then a steam mop might be the correct answer for you. As the name implies, a steam mop uses hot steam to clean and sanitize a floor. This allows you to quickly and easily make most surfaces of the home look amazing while ensuring they are hygienic so the whole family can lead a healthier lifestyle. Steam mops are easy to operate as well and require very little maintenance which will mean even less work for you. You can find some amazing deals on steam mops too, but make sure to look at reviews.

Keeping to an eco-friendly routine doesn’t have to leave you feeling stressed out, especially when it comes to your budget. These ten ideas will help you meet the goals you’ve set for yourself while keeping your budget satisfied. With any luck, you will find your sustainability groove that will suit your needs perfectly.

Comic Book Day is rapidly approaching, which might leave you feeling like you need to clear out some of your comics to make room for new editions. It might be hard parting ways with some of your comic books, but if you’d really like to remove them from your collection, there are lots of things you can do to make it happen. These ten ideas are just a few of the ways you can frugally get rid of some of your comics, and some may even bring extra money to your bank account.

1. Sell Them
One of the more obvious answers here is to sell your comic books. In this day and age, there are so many platforms to help you do this. If you’re looking to maximize your profits, then you might consider putting them on a website that allows auctioning. eBay is one great option, but there are comic-specific options as well. There are websites that will simply purchase your comics at market value based on the quality of the book. You can also take it into a brick-and-mortar store to see how much money you can get for the item. Before you sell a comic, you should research its worth to ensure you are getting your money’s worth.

2. Give to the Library
Many libraries do not have any comic books to offer their patrons, while others have a very small supply. So, if you want to do something good with your comic books then donating to your local library might be one of the best ways to go. Unfortunately, many libraries only accept donations during certain periods of the year, so you might call ahead to see if your local library will take the items. If they don’t they might be willing to take them on during one of their book sales, which will ensure you’re helping the library while getting rid of your comic books.

3. Collage
If you don’t want to part with your comics, but you’re done reading them then a great way to honor the comic is to turn it into a collage. You can take your favorite images and text and transform it into a new work of art. If you run into a problem where you want to utilize both sides of the comic, simply scan one side and print it out. Then, you can enjoy all of the art that the comic has to offer. You can add your collage to numerous settings too and can frame it in a wide variety of ways including a traditional frame or even a shadow box.

4. Create Custom Art
Another great way to celebrate your favorite comic books is to make them into custom art. You can make so many different things with comic books that it will definitely allow you to work around your creativity. For starters, you can mod podge the comic pictures to furniture, like shelves, canvas, lampshades, and anything else on your radar. You can also transpose them onto fabric so you can easily transform your own fashion sense. Apart from that, you can create just about any form of art you choose, as long as you have the supplies you need on hand.

5. Donate
If you’re not feeling up to selling your books or using them for a project, then you might consider donating them to a charity store. You can find lots of thrift stores that will take comic books without hesitation. This can be especially helpful because it allows you to get rid of the comics quickly while also helping out the charity you choose to donate them to. You can also donate them to a local bookstore that might be able to sell them to help the store thrive a bit more. Another option is donating to a hospital, especially if the books are child friendly, as it will help kids recovering in the hospital to find inspiring forms of entertainment.

6. Recreate a Comic
If you’re learning how to draw or just love to have fun with the stories you’ve already read, then recreating a comic can be a lot of fun for you. If your comic book isn’t valuable, then you can add your own thought bubbles to change the story around. You should also consider using the images as something to practice tracing or drawing references. This will help you recreate the story while working on your own artistic skills. If you have a trace table then this activity can be a lot of fun for kids, especially those that love to share superhero stories and long to share their own characters with the world.

7. Small Comic Library
One way to help give back to your community is to create a small comic book library. This is exactly like a small library, only your collection will specialize in comics. You can make your own library with items you have lying around the house, or you can purchase something to use at a thrift store. Once you have your library built, make sure to paint or decorate it in exciting ways to draw in attention. If you’re not sure where to begin with this project, there are many ideas online. After hanging up your library, add your comics and watch as the community enjoys them. Some may even add their own comics to the mix, which will help your small comic library thrive.

8. DIY Wallpaper
You can also use your old comics as wallpaper. This can be quite a lengthy process to undertake, but you may be surprised by how incredible it can make your space seem. This is an especially fun task to take on if you have a lot of comics to work with. You should pull out the exciting pieces that you especially enjoy and use those to line the wall. Comic pages that aren’t as interesting are great for areas you wouldn’t typically look at. If doing an entire wall isn’t up your alley, then you might consider using it to line cabinets and so much more.

9. Wrapping Paper
Another beneficial way to get rid of excess comic books is to turn the pages into wrapping paper. This is especially great for smaller gifts, but it is just as easy to work with larger items too. You can easily create a wide variety of shapes that help to highlight the style of your gift as well. Best of all, the wrapping paper is going to be a lot better for the environment than anything else you use. You can even save the wrapping paper after use, which will allow you to be even more eco-friendly.

10. Give Away
Selling books and donating them are great options. However, if you have someone in your life that enjoys comic books then you might just consider giving them away. This can help save you time when compared to selling them and will ensure you know they’re going to a good home. You might ask your friends and family members about the items you plan to get rid of. If there are children in your life that are interested in comic books, then you can also package them up so they can have access when their age is right.

You shouldn’t have to hang on to comic books that you’re no longer interested in, especially if you don’t have space for them. These ten ideas will allow you to easily find a new home for the comic books so you can bring more into your collection. Some of the ideas may even help you to bring even more money into your life, which can be an added bonus.

Cinco De Mayo is on its way and this year is the first year in a while that people are actually considering getting out and enjoying the occasion. If you’re looking to enjoy Cinco de Mayo, but you’re worried about your budget, there are lots of ways that you can enjoy the fun without spending a lot of money. These ten ideas are just scratching the surface and will allow you to truly enjoy the fun you have while you celebrate with your loved ones.

1. Local Festivals
Depending on where you live, there is a good chance that you will find some sort of local festival to enjoy. However, you may have to travel a bit if there isn’t one in your community. Generally, local festivals are open to the community, but in some cases, you may have to pay a small fee in order to enter. If the festival is free, you will most likely have to pay for extra items like souvenirs and food, but if you plan accordingly, you should be able to avoid these too. Festivals are a great way to enjoy some of the traditions of Mexican culture, so enjoying one during Cinco de Mayo can help you get the most out of the holiday.

2. Celebrate with Friends
If you don’t have plans for a festival, then one of the best things you can do is celebrate with friends or family. You might check in to see if anyone is hosting a party or a dinner. If not, you might consider hosting a potluck to help cut down on the costs of the holiday. If you do get invited to parties then you might make time to visit more than once, so you can enjoy how different people enjoy the holiday. This should give you more perspective on the holiday while allowing you to visit more loved ones.

3. Cook From Scratch
If you’re planning on having Mexican food to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, then you might consider making the meals from scratch. This can be a whole lot cheaper than purchasing from a restaurant and is a lot healthier than purchasing premade meals from the store. Mexican food doesn’t have to be intimidating either. You’ll find that there are a lot of great recipes online. You can even find some tutorial videos to get you where you’d like to be. You may even find a new recipe that you’ll want to add to your monthly menu.

4. Enjoy a Parade
In some communities, Cinco de Mayo tends to come with its own parade. So, if you’re living in a community that tends to make a big deal over the holiday then you might ask around to see if there is going to be a parade you can see. If not, then there are a few options that you can watch online. This should help you to completely enjoy the holiday with the whole family while staying in. You can also enjoy creating a parade of your own, by crafting flags, hats, and banners to help celebrate the family.

5. Find a Signature Drink
During Cinco de Mayo, it can be very tempting to enjoy a wide variety of drinks. However, if you’re hosting a party, then it might be best to find a signature drink and just stick with it. There are many to choose from, so you can easily find one that suits ingredients that you already have in the home or those that are cheap to purchase. By just making one drink, you can actually spend more time with your guests so you can actually enjoy yourself even more.

6. DIY Pinata
If you’re hosting a party, then a pinata is definitely going to bring you plenty of fun. You can purchase a pinata for a fair price in many places, but you might also find that you can make a pinata just as easily and for much cheaper. Most pinatas are made of paper mache, but if this process seems too time-consuming then you might want to look for some tutorials online as many people have come up with lots of great methods to create a pinata. You will also find that there are many cheap items that you can put in the pinata to add even more fun to the mix.

7. Tissue Paper Flowers
Tissue papers are a traditional form of décor for the holiday and can be a great craft for anyone hoping to learn more about Mexican culture. Paper flowers are very easy to create at home too, which can ensure you have a fun activity to do with the whole family. There are many ways you can approach tissue paper flowers too, so you should be able to create a wide variety of options. Once you finish your flowers, you can transform them into accessories like necklaces or you can use them as décor to help make your home even more festive for the holiday. If you like the look of the flowers, you might even consider keeping them up in your home.

8. Pottery
Pottery is one traditional craft that you might enjoy partaking in for the holiday. You don’t have to spend a small fortune on pottery either, which makes it a great activity to share with the family if you’re on a budget. You can find a wide variety of clays to work from too. If you have young kids and you don’t want to invest the money, then try to create traditional crafts using playdough. If you choose to keep the items, then simply let them dry out for display later on. Pottery can also be painted to add even more to the craft, so you can make the project a day or even weeklong craft. There are lots of examples of traditional Mexican art online too, which can help you if you’re not sure where to start.

9. Dance
Another great activity that you partake in whether you’re alone, with family, or at a party is to dance. Find a playlist that speaks to you and enjoy moving to the beat. You can easily find traditional music on most streaming platforms, which will help cut down on the cost of your celebration. If you’re not sure how to do traditional dances, then you may find comfort in knowing that there are lots of tutorials online. You can learn as a group on the holiday, or you can brush up on your skills before Cinco de Mayo even arrives. Best of all, dancing is a great exercise that will help you work off some of the drinks and food that you’ll be partaking in throughout the occasion.

10. Mexican Films
If the hot weather doesn’t sit well with you or you’re busy working on Cinco de Mayo, then you might consider looking into some Mexican films to watch as you unwind. There are so many options to choose from, so you should be able to find something from your favorite genre. You might try listening to the movie in Spanish as well and using the subtitles to help you understand. If you want to celebrate with friends, then make up some traditional Mexican snacks and enjoy the show together.

Cinco de Mayo doesn’t have to be another expensive holiday for the books. These ten easy tips will allow you to enjoy a fun experience while you celebrate with loved ones. These budget-friendly ideas will certainly make it easy to plan your holiday in advance or on the fly.

Mother’s Day will be here before you know it. With many places opening up and life feeling a bit more normal, you might consider participating in an activity to celebrate mom. Whether you’re a partner looking to treat the mother of your children to a special day or a child hoping to make your own mom feel special, these ten ideas are bound to get you started. Best of all, they should ring in on budget and will help suit your needs if you plan to go out or stay in for the special day.

1. Breakfast in Bed
Breakfast in bed is one tried and true way to make mom feel absolutely spectacular. The key aspect of breakfast in bed is to let mom sleep in instead of asking her to wake up and take care of all of the things she normally would. When planning breakfast, try to keep her favorite things in mind. If you choose to pick up food, then try to stay on a budget or just order for mom to keep the cost down. If you’re making a meal, then make sure you have the ingredients ready ahead of time. You’ll also need to make sure the mess is cleaned up, so mom doesn’t have anything to do after she’s enjoyed her breakfast in bed. Although this is a classic activity, it is one of the best options, especially if you’re having trouble figuring out ideas.

2. Family Paint Class
If the mom in your life tends to be a bit artistic then a family painting class might be a great option. This is a fun activity, especially since it can be catered to your unique needs. For instance, if you have little ones at home, then you can sign up for a class that allows the family to work on an age-appropriate project together. If you are taking your mother out as an adult, then you might consider fun activities like wine and painting classes. Of course, you don’t have to stick purely to painting. You might look for a pottery class that allows you to paint when your work is finished. No matter which route you go, it should be a lot of fun, especially since you get to get messy without all of the cleanups.

3. Spa Day
Mom works hard day in and day out, so one of the best ways to help her feel loved is to give her a spa day. You don’t have to go out to an expensive spa if it isn’t in the budget. However, if you would prefer to go to an actual spa then you might consider looking for groupons or other deals to help offset the price. If you prefer to stick to home, then there are so many amazing spa ideas that can help you make mom feel pampered and loved. You might make plans for face masks, pedicures, manicures, and anything else that mom might enjoy. You should also allot time for mom to have a nice quiet bath.

4. Yoga in the Park
Relaxation is a great way to help mom feel loved on Mother’s Day. That is why yoga in the park is a great activity that can help mom enjoy time in the community while doing something fun and rewarding. Chances are, you can probably find a yoga class in the park for this special day. There is also a good chance that it will be free, so make sure to look around to find your options. If you can’t find any yoga in the park sessions near you, then you might want to consider just doing yoga in the park as a family. You can even invite loved ones to come along so you can create your own class. There are many yoga games you can play as well, which can help you feel more at home while you run the yoga session.

5. Take on the Chore List
Tackle mom’s list of chores while she puts her feet up. Without a doubt, most moms have a chore list that is never ending. If this is the case for the mom in your life, then one of the best things you can do is tackle that chore list for the day. You can always send mom out with friends or let her lounge somewhere comfortable while you handle the daily chores. You might even consider taking care of some of the larger jobs around the house, which might take mom a lot of extra time. This will give her more time for herself while helping to reduce the burden that she takes on each day.

6. Watch a Movie
Enjoying a movie together is a timeless activity that most moms can get on board with. If you want to get out of the house, then heading to the theater might be a great option for you. Although you might not be able to currently find a Mother’s Day themed movie, as long as mom enjoys the movie then you have a great outing on your hands. Of course, there are so many movies to choose from at home too. You can even find one that shows a mother’s relationship with her child or a Mother’s Day theme if you want to keep the movie based around the holiday. Watching a movie at home can be even more enjoyable too since you can create all of mom’s favorite snacks.

7. Antiquing
Antiquing is a classic activity that might not sound like a lot of fun to begin with. However, once you get out of the house and begin to look at antiques and other items then you’re well on your way to some fun. You might consider checking out antique stores, yard sales, thrift stores, and anything else that comes your way. You may even find the perfect gift while you’re out and about. If you want to fully enjoy the antiquing experience, you might plan to celebrate Mother’s Day a little early. Many small shops and thrift stores aren’t open on Sundays, which might make your trip a bust.

8. Wine Tasting
If you have a little extra money to put into your budget, then wine tasting is a great option for many mothers. This is an exceptional experience for moms and children of drinking age as it will allow them to get out of the home atmosphere to enjoy wines in a new setting. This can also be a great gift for a spouse to the mother of their children but will require you to find a babysitter to fully enjoy the experience. Wine tasting doesn’t have to be expensive though. There are many groupons and other discounts that might make the trip even more enjoyable for everyone.

9. Night Under the Stars
Another way to help mom relax while allowing her to get out of the house is to treat her to a night under the stars. This can be a pretty cheap activity as all you really need to pull it off is a destination in mind and a way to get there. Your best bet is to choose a place that is outside of the city or town that you live in. The fewer lights that are around you, the better off you will be as this will allow you to see more stars. It can also add an extra level of peace to the excursion. To spice up the activity, you can bring a picnic or pick up your mom’s favorite meal or snacks on the way out. You can also use your phone to help you identify many of the things you see in the sky.

10. Get Out of the House
The last couple of years has largely been spent at home. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to treat mom to something spectacular then you may consider just helping her to get out of the house. Plan an afternoon drive, explore the city, take a walk or anything else that might appease the mom in your life. There should be community events happening to celebrate the special day too, so if you’re looking for ways to get out of the house then this is going to be a great start.

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to help mom enjoy her day while showing how much you appreciate her. These ten ideas will provide you with fun activities that many mothers will love to participate in. Best of all, they will help you ring in under budget, which will help make the day even more spectacular.

Graduation season will soon be here, which means it’s time to start shopping for the graduation gifts that will help celebrate the graduation in your life. If you’re on a tight budget this might leave you feeling like you’re in a bind, but there are many options that won’t force you to spend a small fortune. These ten items are great for high school and college graduates. While you help them transition to their new life, you might be surprised by the money you save on gifts.

1. Homesick Candle
A homesick candle can be an exciting gift for almost anyone. These candles offer the aromas of some of the most iconic places in the world, so there is a good chance you will find a scent that smells like your neck of the woods. Even if you can’t there are candles that can still help bring a sense of home to the graduate’s life. For instance, you can find scents that smell just like their home. You can also find scents for the things they love, such as campfires. These candles are fairly priced too, which will make it much easier for you to save money while getting something thoughtful that will stand out in their memory. To add a little something extra to the space you might get a candle warmer.

2. Laundry Set
Most students are going to have to find a way to do laundry, which can be challenging for those that are out on their own for the first time. If you’re looking for a great gift, then a simple laundry set might be a great option. Consider ordering a laundry bag or a basket that folds up to take up less space. A caddy to hold laundry supplies is also a great option. If you don’t think these items will help out, then a year’s laundry subscription might be a fun idea. This will ensure the student has laundry supplies mailed to them, so they don’t have to go out to buy them. There are even sustainable items that come in sheets, which will take up less space in the bedroom.

3. Bed in a Bag
A lot of students are headed to a dorm room or an apartment for the first time. Many of these students are looking to make a fresh start and might not want to bring their childhood linens along with them. So, a bed in a bag might be a great option for them. There are so many of these on the market right now, so you should be able to find one that suits the personality and style of your graduate, as well as your budget. You should find that these consist of a set of sheets, a duvet, and pillowcases. However, many of the bed-in bag options will have other items as well, including a bag that can be used as a laundry bag.

4. Small Appliances
Small appliances can be a great gift for students, especially if they’re not moving into a dorm room. You can find appliances that are designed for single-use, which will be the best possible option. Some of these items are even right for dorm rooms. One of the best items to purchase is a single-serve coffee maker. This can help many students save a lot of money, as they won’t need to splurge on coffee when they need a caffeine boost. Electric burners, small crockpots, rice makers, and air fryers are also great options. Luckily, these items tend to be on sale around this period of time too, which makes it more affordable.

5. A Planner
Whether you have a high schooler headed to college or a college graduate to buy for, a planner can be the perfect option for your needs. For high schoolers, a planner will help them stay on track when it comes to their assignments and exam periods. For college graduates, it can help keep track of interviews, appointments, or even work assignments when they move on to their careers. There are numerous planners on the market too, so you should be able to find one that works well for the graduate’s personality and organizational style. You can even customize some planners, which will add even more value for the recipient.

6. College Apparel
Another great option for graduates is college apparel. Most students are proud of their alma mater, so getting them the clothing they need to show off their pride can help them on their way to success. High school graduates might enjoy the apparel to help them gear up for their departure to college. This can also provide them with clothing that they will want to wear to class, which can also cut down on the shopping they need to do before they head to school. For college graduates, the clothing might be a great way to show pride in their graduate status while allowing them to feel nostalgic for their college experience. There are many shops that sell college apparel online, or you can shop directly from the school.

7. USB Hub
Gadgets are a big deal to most people these days. High school graduates heading off to college might find that they don’t have a lot of space to lay out their items for charging. Even college graduates might struggle to charge items in their new homes or workplaces. So, a USB Hub is a great way to help them all out. These hubs will allow the recipient to charge items in one place, which will save them time and space. You will find lots of reviews on USB hubs online too, so you won’t have to worry about picking out a dud and wasting money.

8. Subscription Service
Students leaving the home for the first time will be saying goodbye to many of the conveniences that they have at home. With new rules against sharing accounts, many students will be looking at paying for the subscriptions they love on their own. So, one easy gift option is to pay for a year’s subscription to one of their favorite services like Hulu, Netflix, and so on. You might also consider offering a food service to graduates that have their own kitchen to cook in. Of course, there are also snack boxes or treat boxes that can also help to brighten their day each month.

9. Snack Box
If snack boxes are something that interest you then you might consider just making your own snack box as a gift. This can be a one-time thing, or you can consider sending them as care packages whenever you have the money or desire to do so. Making a snack box yourself can actually save quite a bit of money in the long run, because you can purchase snacks in bulk and shop around to find the best deal. Plus, you don’t have to pay for the effort someone else put into it. Other than that, you can choose items you know the student is going to enjoy, which will make the gift even more remarkable to the recipient. Snack boxes can come in handy, especially in the early days of school when students are working hard to get on a schedule and figure out where to go shopping for the things they need.

10. Gift Card
A gift card isn’t an incredibly personal gift, but it might be one of the best options for students branching out on their own for the first time. A gift card for gas for those taking their vehicles to school might be one of the best options, especially with gas prices currently being so high. Another convenient option is grocery gift cards. Whether you choose Walmart, Target, or a local grocery store where they are located, this should definitely come in handy. If you want to make sure the graduate is allowed a treat every now and then, it might be good to get gift cards for restaurants or coffee shops. You should look into the area they will be living before you purchase these though. A gift card to large stores like Amazon can also come in handy especially since students will have necessities to purchase when they finally get settled in.

Graduation season can be exciting, as can shopping around for the things that you’d like to purchase the graduate in your life. If you’re short on ideas, these ten options should help you out immensely. These items will cater to your budget while making sure that the graduate in your life gets exactly what they need.

The month of May is officially Date Your Mate Month, which makes it the perfect time to rekindle your romance and come up with some fun ways to enjoy one another’s company. Dating can be tough though, especially when life is always moving and there are always things that need to be done. This month, you will find that dating your partner doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, you should be able to date your mate with ease after you try out a few of these frugal date ideas that will give so much back to your relationship.

1. Nature Wike
One of the easiest ways to embrace some time together is to actually get outside and go on a nature walk. Nature walks are already great for your mental health, and with the weather warming up, you might find hiking to be one of your best ways to bond during the month of dating. Since you will already be feeling better as an individual, it will make your bonding experience all the more enjoyable. You may even find that going on regular nature walks helps to improve the overall health of your relationship. Plus, apart from the cost of a babysitter, if needed, this trip will cost you next to nothing.

2. Art Lessons
Letting your creativity thrive is another great way to build up your relationship. One of the easiest ways to do this is to join an art lesson. There are many of these options to choose from, but one of the most common is wine and painting classes. Usually, everything you need for the class, including the wine, is included in the price, which can help cut down the expenses for the date. Of course, if you can’t find the time to leave the house, or you simply don’t want to, you can sign up for classes online. Sometimes supplies will be included here, but more often than not, you will have to go shopping for the things you need.

3. Sample Desserts
Enjoying a date at a restaurant is fairly common. So, if you plan on going out together you might spice up the activity by going out to sample desserts again. There are many specialty shops that will allow you to try out some exciting desserts that you may have never tried before. You can also try out the desserts that your favorite restaurant offers. More often than not, dessert gets skipped, so there is a good chance that there are many items you haven’t tried yet. If you don’t plan on going out, then you can also make your own desserts to try at home. You might start with cookies since it’s cheap and easy to separate dough and add in new toppings to try out.

4. Gussy Up
Getting out on the town when you have kids or have to work long hours can be tough. One easy way to feel the date vibes is to gussy up. Even if you’re tired, putting on nicer clothes or your partner’s favorite outfit can help spice up the relationship. Not only will it let your partner feel loved, but it will boost your own confidence too. Best of all, getting gussied up won’t cost you a thing if you choose not to go out and if you do go out it will make the occasion feel all the more special.

5. Make a Plan
It can seem almost impossible to go out on a date, especially on work nights. However, if you’re going to make the date your mate month work out for you then you might consider making a plan to make it happen. Set the dates ahead of time, so you know that they’re going to happen and won’t have an excuse not to go out. If you can get reservations in place or set in stone when you are going to which place, then you should be able to set aside money from your budget to make your dates happen.

6. Recreate Old Dates
If you’ve been together for a while, then you probably have some awesome dates that you enjoy talking about. Instead of trying to come up with new ideas to take on during date your mate month, you might consider recreating some of your beloved past dates. This can be tricky, especially if you’re not living in the same location as you did when you were on the date. However, if you’re feeling creative then a little décor and some copycat recipes might help you recreate a restaurant that you once loved. You might also try out virtual tours for dates that you can’t participate in. Don’t rule out your cheaper dates either, a picnic in the park or a romantic stroll can be just as much fun to recreate as the more extravagant dates.

7. Leave Behind Small Gifts
If you think back to the days that you were dating, then you might recall giving your special someone more gifts. Of course, none of these were probably budget-breaking. A simple flower here and there, a love note, or even a small gift like a keychain helped to show that you were thinking about the person you love. During this month, you might bring this practice back into play. Even if you do just leave a short little message here and there for your partner to discover, it should help to ignite the romance so you can get even more out of the month. If you’re struggling for little tokens of love to get your special someone, there are lots of lists online to help you find ideas.

8. Try Something New
Dating your special someone should bring something fresh to the relationship as well. If you can, try to get out and do something new in order to have a little fun with one another. Perhaps, you might consider booking at least one activity that you didn’t have the money or time to do when you were dating. This doesn’t have to be anything that will break your budget, but it should be something you both agree on. You can also look around the community and discover ideas that weren’t around when you were dating. For instance, you might consider wine tasting, trying a craft, or even something athletic like wakeboarding lessons.

9. Outdoor Shows
During this time of the year, there tends to be a lot of outdoor shows happening. This can make for the perfect date night. Best of all, many of these shows are free if offered by the community. If you have a large park that hosts concerts or movies, then this might be the best place to begin planning for your date nights. Of course, not every community offers this. Some do not have parks that facilitate shows while others do charge a fee. If you look around, you might be able to find a nearby community that offers activities, which can still keep your date night on the cheaper side. You might also consider finding a drive-thru theater to help you enjoy a nostalgic date in privacy.

10. Turn the Everyday Into a Date
If you’ve gone through your schedule and can’t seem to make a date night happen, then you can still turn everyday tasks into a date. You don’t have to go to great lengths. Instead, consider taking a trip to the grocery store together. As long as you turn it into something fun and make it a bonding experience then you can consider it a date. Even a date of watching TV together can help bring you closer. Try to find simple ways to add in the romance to bring the relationship up a notch. These low-effort dates can help you get more out of your month of dates even if life is too chaotic or you simply can’t get a sitter.

Date Your Mate Month can be a fantastic way to really concentrate on your relationship and have a little fun. This month is the perfect occasion to find time for your partner and ensure they know you still have time for them. These ideas should make it easy to keep your budget in check as you work to improve your relationship.

National Space Day is a great time to help your little astronaut feel closer to space than ever before. Although bringing Space Day to your child might seem intimidating, there are actually numerous things you can do that won’t cost you a fortune or cause you to go to great lengths to make the fun happen. Most households should have everything needed to pull off most of these ideas, which can help you even plan out the day on short notice. So, get ready to spend your day out of this world as National Space Day makes its appearance on the first Friday of May.

1. Build a Spaceship
What better way to spend National Space Day than to actually visit outer space, in our imagination, of course? Building a spaceship is one of the best ways for children to connect with the theme of the day. You don’t have to go out and purchase kits to pull this off though. Most children will be able to work with a cardboard box without any instruction needed. Try to utilize craft supplies that you have at home, which can help make this craft cost you next to nothing. Paints and anything that sparkles will certainly do the trick here, but you might also consider using foil from the kitchen to help make a special windshield for the spacecraft. If you want to go the extra mile then help your child design a spaceship using a bike or tricycle. You can cut out pieces from the cardboard box to make the item come to life as a real-life spaceship.

2. Make a Space Suit
Nothing will pair with your child’s new spaceship quite like a spacesuit. You might be surprised how easy it is to make a spacesuit out of items around the house. Some parents have used a smaller cardboard box or paper bag with a hole cut in the front to create a space helmet that will inspire imaginative play. If you have a white sweatsuit on hand, then you can decorate it with tape and other items to give it a more authentic feel. The best thing is this costume can be put away and used for playtime whenever your child is in the mood to explore space.

3. Try Dehydrated Foods
If your child is interested in the life of an astronaut, then one easy way for them to get a taste of the experience is to introduce them to astronaut food. This is largely dehydrated food, but you can actually purchase some official astronaut items online if you’re willing to spend the money. There are a few recipes online that you can try out too. One of the most popular options is astronaut ice cream, which isn’t hard to make at home. It can also make a nice treat that will help your child feel confident in the kitchen as they help out.

4. Decorate with Stars
If your child is obsessed with stars, then decorating with stars is another fun way to embrace the holiday. You can purchase a pack of glow-in-the-dark stars for cheap now, which will allow you to create your own constellations or simply place them in a design the child likes. These stars may even help children that tend to be afraid of the dark. You can also purchase decals in the shape of the solar system or constellations. If you don’t want to spend money on the project, then simply cut out stars with your child that can be taped up anywhere to create a space-inspired design.

5. Build a Solar System
National Space Day can also be a great time to help your child learn all about the solar system in which they live. One easy way to do this is to build your own solar system mobile. You can make one out of supplies you have at home or purchase a kit that comes with everything you need. There are lots of tutorials online to check out if you’re not certain where to start. You can also watch videos online to learn about each planet and the sun, so your child can show off their knowledge at the end of the day.

6. DIY Rocketship
Older children might also get a kick out of creating and launching their own rocket ships. You don’t have to go to great lengths to make this happen. You can actually make your own rocket ship with supplies that you probably have at home. You can find lots of tutorials to do this, and some can be as simple as using a 2 liter and some snack supplies. Of course, if you don’t want to tackle this on your own, then you can also purchase a kit for fairly cheap. These kits are great STEM activities and will ensure your child learns quite a bit about STEM while they work on their project.

7. Watch Space Movies
During your downtimes, you might want to stop and take a break from all of the fun. Sitting down with a movie can be one of the best things you can do. Luckily, there are so many space-related movies to choose from that you won’t have to look long to find the perfect thing to watch. Almost every streaming network will have at least one space-related movie, including the free services. For older children interested in learning more about space, you might choose a documentary on astronauts or an element of space that particularly interests them. Younger children will probably prefer a cartoon, but this will still give them an idea of space and the themes surrounding it.

8. Visit a Planetarium
If you’re looking for an exciting outing, then a trip to the planetarium is going to be an awesome adventure for the holiday. The planetarium is a great place to learn about space and is designed to give everyone in the family a closer glimpse at the stars. You will find that many planetariums not only have an observatory but also offer exhibits to help people learn more about the universe that we live in. There are numerous planetariums around the globe, so you should be able to find one near you with a simple search online.

9. Moon Rocks
If you’re looking for another fun and educational activity, then you might consider moon rocks. This activity can be tackled in many different ways. For younger children, you might consider taking them outside to collect rocks that they think may have fallen to the ground from the moon. For older children, creating moon rocks can be a lot of fun. You can easily make your own using supplies at home. There are lots of tutorials to choose from so you can pick out one that suits your interests and your supply list. There are also kits to help you out as well, which might be the perfect option if you need to plan a last-minute activity.

10. Explore the Skies
Space Day wouldn’t be complete without exploring the night sky. So, take your kids outside and let them admire the stars. If you have a telescope, then you can help children spot various things in the sky and go over what they are seeing. Of course, if you don’t have a telescope then you can easily use apps on your phone to help you out. There are many apps that can identify constellations and more based on where you point the phone. Most of these apps also offer amazing information to help you share with the family.

National Space Day is a great way to help the little astronauts and astronomers in your life explore one of their favorite subjects. These ten tips will help you to enjoy imaginative and educational activities that will make this one of your child’s favorite holidays. Best of all, the ideas will stick to your budget so you can worry less about the fun you plan.

No matter the season, stress is bound to happen. However, if you’re feeling stressed out this spring then you’re in luck. There are so many amazing ways that you can improve your mental health without having to spend a small fortune. If you’re on a tight budget, then there is a good chance that you have just disregarded the stress that you feel. However, there is no reason to do this because you can absolutely destress without putting a strain on your budget. These ten tips are just the beginning but can help you find the perfect way to destress with spring in full swing.

1. Nature Walk
One of the easiest ways to get your mental health in check is to go for a walk. A nature walk helps you in so many ways, which can transform the way you feel. First of all, getting out in nature allows you to take in all of the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer. This can take your mind off the stressors of urban life as well as personal problems. If you can, find a trail or visit a park, so you can immerse yourself in a quiet setting filled with life. Taking in the fresh air will also help your body and mind heal. On top of that, moving your body will help your mental and physical health immensely. You can take a walk any time you’re feeling overwhelmed or as a way to begin or end your day.

2. Garden
Much like going on a nature walk, you will find that gardening is also going to be an excellent way to destress. If you have a yard of your own, then section off an area to help make the garden easier to manage. You might start with plants that are easier to grow, so you can get the hang of gardening. You should also look up what will grow well in your area. This will help you to make decisions as to what you purchase to plant, so it will be easier than ever to get the job done. While you work in the dirt and enjoy some fresh air you will find that you feel more relaxed, so you can finally rid yourself of stress.

3. Adopt a Pet
Spring tends to bring an abundance of animals into the animal shelter. So, if you’re looking for a great way to destress then you might consider adopting a pet. Animals have a natural ability to help humans feel more relaxed and find life to be more enjoyable. If you’re not sure about adoption, then you might consider fostering a pet from a local shelter. This will allow you to get a feel for whether or not pet companionship is right for you and if you are going to match well with the pet of your choice. Although new pets can add a small level of stress to life, once you get in the groove of things, you will find that you will most likely find pet ownership helps to reduce everyday stress.

4. Declutter
Cleaning and getting rid of possessions might not seem like a great way to ditch stress. However, after you’ve done this, you might discover that you feel a lot better about life. Decluttering is actually scientifically proven to help you feel better, so if you’re in doubt you might keep that fact as your motivation. Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything. Instead, you should only remove items you no longer find joy in. If you have items that you’d like to keep but don’t want out then store them away. This can give you the reassurance that your item is still in your possession without taking up your limited space inside the home.

5. Do What You Love
More often than not, we end up saying yes to work and other obligations more than we should. So, this spring, you might consider saying no a little more often. This will allow you to easily find more time to do all of the things that you love. Whether you are a musician or a scholar, you should take the time to do everything on your to-do list that brings you some joy. If you’re not sure what brings you joy anymore then explore your options to see what it is you currently like. Your mental health will improve, and you might even feel more productive at work and home.

6. Dance in the Rain
Spring showers don’t just bring on flowers. You might take some time to get outside and dance in the rain the next time it showers. As long as there is no thunder to be heard, this is perfectly safe. Dancing in the rain can help you to have a little fun and might even make you feel like a child again. If you have kids, then get them outside to play in the rain too. This can be one of the best ways to bond and help your little ones create the memories that they will want to share with the next generation too.

7. Update Your Wardrobe
Sometimes, a fresh look is all you need to look and feel incredible. So, this spring, you might want to take some time to update your wardrobe. Go through your clothes and try on items you haven’t worn in a while to see if they flatter you. If not, then get rid of them. This will open up more space for new items. You can even try to sell them to earn even more money for your new wardrobe. You don’t have to shop for a whole new wardrobe all at once. Instead, shop one piece at a time, so you can stay on budget and keep the fresh looks spread out to ensure you’ll get more out of your wardrobe.

8. Consider Counseling
Stress can get the most out of people. With winter behind us and days of sunshine growing closer, you might find that your mood has already shifted a bit. However, for many people, winter and the rainy days of spring can seem depressing and hopeless. Even if this isn’t the case for you then you might find that there is some trauma that you need to unpack. Counseling is one of the best ways to help your mental health thrive. Finding a counselor is easier than ever now. In fact, you can even talk to a counselor online which can save you time and money. Of course, you will need to shop around and find the best option for you.

9. Make a Savings Plan
One major source of stress is money. If you’re stressed out about money, then you will find that a savings plan might help reduce some of that stress. Many people will shy away from savings plans because they feel as if they can’t afford to have one. You don’t have to go broke to save though. Even adding a few dollars to savings each week can help your savings account grow. There are many plans you can try out that range from a change in a jar to talking with a financial advisor. No matter what you choose, you’re certain to find a little less stress as you work to save your money.

10. Get Social
With spring here, there have been fewer cases of covid-19, so many social distancing restrictions have been lifted. If you’ve been staying home for any reason at all, then you might want to use this time to get out and get social. Meeting up with friends and family can help to lift your spirits and allow you to get back on track. If going out still isn’t an option, then make it a point to call or video chat with people as often as you can. This can also help boost your mental health until you can spend more time with others.

Finding ways to destress, no matter the season, is pretty important. These ten ideas will help you make the most of spring while ensuring you feel confident in your health. Best of all, you won’t have to spend a fortune on most of the activities, which will cut down on your stress all the more.

Decorating for Spring can be a lot of fun. However, many people spend a bit too much money when they choose to upgrade their home’s appearance for the season. With trends changing every single year, you might find it hard to keep up if you like to keep your home freshly decorated each year. These ten decorating tips will help you fall in love with the way your home looks without forcing you to spend a small fortune. Best of all, it will make your home feel as if it is filled with spring charm, which can help lift your mood.

1. Warm Colors
This Spring, pastels aren’t going to be the top of the trends. Rather, warm colors are going to be where most of the trends are. One of the easiest ways to add some warm colors to the home is to add a coat of paint to your walls, or even just your front door. You don’t have to go all out and paint everything though. Instead, just add an accent wall. This will help prevent you from spending a small fortune while also making it easy to swap up the color when you feel bored of it. If you don’t want to commit to a color, then consider just adding some warm accents to the home. Replacing a rug, adding in warm pictures frames or artwork, and replacing blankets and throw pillow covers with warm alternatives can make the trend a breeze to enjoy.

2. Landscape Art
Landscapes are going to be a huge trend this spring, so if you don’t have any in your home then you might consider adding a couple as accent pieces. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend a small fortune on items you might not want to leave up all year round. If you’re interested in landscapes, then your first stop should be a thrift store. You would be surprised by how many landscapes you can find for a cheap price there. Some might need a little work, like replacing the frame, but this should be easy enough. You can also try to create your own landscape. You might be surprised by how easy it can be especially with the numerous tutorials available online.

3. Mirrors
You might be surprised but mirrors are also a big trend this season. That doesn’t mean that every mirror is going to suit the trend. Currently, one of the biggest trends is to use the mirror as an accent. This might take some recreating on your end. Antiques, especially, are going to bring a lot of compliments, especially when mixed with your modern decor. You can refinish a mirror with ease, so try to shop cheap if you can. One of the best places to start your journey is a thrift store or yard sale, as you should be able to find some cool options that will allow you to truly tap into your creativity.

4. Sustainable Items
The need for sustainability has become much more obvious over the last few years, which is why sustainable decor has also become incredibly trendy. This spring, you can feel confident about bringing out all of your sustainable items to help you create a better home environment. Of course, you might have to go looking to find decorative items, especially those at an affordable price. One of the most common items you can find is blankets that are sustainable, which make great decor for living rooms and bedrooms. You can also make your own decor out of recycled items. There are lots of ideas online, so surf around if nothing comes to mind.

5. Watercolor Inspiration
Adding a touch of watercolor to your home is one of the easiest ways to stay on trend this Spring. Of course, putting up a watercolor painting or two can do the trick with ease. You can even paint your own to help keep spending down. However, there are numerous ways to bring a touch of watercolor to the home. You might consider adding in accent pillows that offer a watercolor edge. You can also purchase pillow covers and blankets that create the vibe. If you’re working in the kitchen, you can add in tea towels or oven mitts. There are even crafts you can do to create decor that will suit the trend while adding some fun to your day.

6. Flower Accents
Does anything truly say spring quite like flowers springing up everywhere? If you love this aspect of spring, then you might want to consider adding a few flower accents to your home. This can be one of the easiest ways to decorate, especially since you can clip flowers from your own garden and display them wherever you please in the home. Of course, flowers in a vase are the classic option, but you can also lay them on a table or accent piece or press them to ensure they last longer. You can also make paper flowers to help bring on even more style that lasts longer than ever.

7. Artistic Lighting
Your home’s lighting can also be a major source of fashion this season. Largely, stand-up lamps that offer an artistic vibe are being added to the room as a functional accent piece that is certain to please. However, if you don’t have space for floor lighting then swapping a light fixture out can take things to a whole new level. You can also swap out the bulbs to give you even more style. If you don’t want to spend a lot on this, you might check out clearance sections, thrift stores, and yard sales.

8. Window Shutters
Window shutters haven’t been trendy in the last few years, but this year we’re going to see some big trends with shutters. You can add them to the interior or exterior of your windows to add to the style of your home. Give your shutters a bold color and you’ll be well on your way to even more fashion. Of course, you can also take the shutters off the windows for even more trendy options. Shutters can be added to the home as a rustic sign or as a way to help climbing plants thrive. There are numerous craft options for shutters too, which can help you have some fun when it comes to your home’s style.

9. Accent Pieces
Accent pieces are going to be one of the best ways to help you get the most out of your home’s personal style. This season, you will find accent pieces that are a little out of place tend to be the height of fashion. For instance, if you have a modest room, then you might consider adding a luxurious chandelier to the space. You can find an old chandelier at a thrift store and add accents to truly make it pop. You can also consider adding a vintage chair to a modern or minimalistic space. This will definitely help you bring out the space perfectly. This is only scratching the surface as there are numerous other ways you can transform a space with an accent piece.

10. Crisp Whites
This season, crisp white colors are going to be everything when it comes to home decor. Luckily, adding crisp white to the home is incredibly easy. One of the best routes to go is to simply give your white walls a little touch-up. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference this makes in your space. Painting your cabinets white can also transform the home with ease. Of course, an easier way to add to your space is to incorporate white accent pieces like throw pillows, blankets, vases, and other decors. Before long, your house will seem cleaner and more spacious.

Spring can be a wonderful time to decorate the home. That is why these ten tips can truly help you to make the most of your home without spending a small fortune. These tips may even help you to move into the summer months with a stylish home you’ll love sharing with guests.

Passover begins in just a couple of weeks, so if you’re trying to plan out your Passover celebration then you might want to start. Passover doesn’t have to be a huge burden on your budget though, so don’t stress it too much if you are not ready to host a big gathering. There are several things you can do to reduce the burden while allowing yourself to have fun and enjoy the holiday. You might even find some tips that you will want to utilize year after year, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much in the future.

1. Know Your Budget
Before you even begin planning for your Passover celebration, you need to set your budget. This budget needs to include all eight days of the holiday, so make sure you are calculating like you would your weekly food budget. This will allow you to feel more comfortable with planning the holiday to begin with. Once you have your budget worked out, shop around to see which foods will fit into the budget. When you find items that will help you stick to your budget then start your shopping process. This should allow you to come in under budget if you shop carefully, so you will have extra money to spend on things that may have been forgotten.

2. Reuse Ingredients
Another way to cut down on the costs of Passover is to reuse ingredients for as many meals as you can. You should start by choosing items that allow you to reuse some of the same items. This will help improve the way you shop, as you will be able to purchase in bulk. Of course, this won’t always be an option as some meals will require specific ingredients. If you can cut the special options to a minimum, then it will definitely help you to save big. You might also consider reusing leftovers for meals. If this isn’t an option, then serve your leftovers for lunches.

3. Work from Scratch
Purchasing canned goods, boxes, and premade items may make it easier to get your meal on the table in a timely manner. However, this isn’t always the best way to suit your budget. Instead of going for the boxed items, you might try working from scratch. Most items will actually come out cheaper this way and the food will come out tasting better and healthier. You can find budget-friendly recipes for almost everything if you do a little research.

4. Ask for Help
There is never any harm in asking for help with your meal, especially if you are providing the food for guests. Instead of taking on the entire budget and time commitment by yourself, ask your guests to bring a dish or two to help make the meal more complete. This will not only take some of the burdens off of you, but it will also help you to make the meal more exciting. This is especially true if certain family members have specialty dishes that they typically share with the family.

5. Work from the Garden
If you enjoy fresh food and your meals tend to be heavy on produce, then one of the best things you can do is work from your garden. Growing your own food can help take down your grocery bill substantially no matter what holiday you’re celebrating. If you don’t have a garden, there is still time to plant some produce; however, other items will have to be planned for next year. You can base your menu around the items you grow as well, which can definitely help you to create delicious meals that won’t fail to please on a tight budget.

6. Make Your Own Matzah
Matzah plays a big role in Passover meals, but it can really add up if you end up paying for premade matzah for their entire family to have for eight days straight. Matzah isn’t expensive to make and doesn’t take a whole lot of work either. So, creating it on your own should help you to save a whole lot of money when it comes to your meal planning. The best thing about matzah is you can give it to family members for a snack or as an add-on for lunch, so you won’t have to spend even more money on food during the holiday period.

7. Always Coupon
When it comes to picking up groceries for your Passover meals, you should always check out the coupons that you have. This can help you maximize the amount of money you save on the products you need. You don’t have to wait until you get an ad from your local grocery store to find coupons either. Rather, you can look for coupons on the grocery store’s website or app. You can also find coupons on the manufacturer’s websites and apps, which will allow you to maximize your savings. If you can plan your shopping trip at just the right time, you may even be able to double up on coupons.

8. Dinner Table Games
Keeping everyone occupied during the meal can also play a big role in your holiday experience. You don’t have to go to any great lengths to come up with games either, as there are so many free gamesthat you can play. When the conversation begins to die down, simply toss in some trivia questions to add to the fun. You can also enjoy games like bingo and other similar games. If you’re not sure where to start with your games, there are lots of great game ideas online to help you choose the right options for your Passover gathering.

9. Passover Crafts
There are lots of great crafts that you can get into to help keep everyone entertained before, after, or even during the meal. Kids might want to make crafts based on the story of Passover. They can decorate cups with symbols of the holiday and so on. If you want to keep kids busy during the meal consider creating tablemats with fun things for kids to do during meals. There are many craft ideas online so you can choose items that interest you or that cater to the craft items that you already have on hand. There are also many coloring pages that can be utilized to help keep kids entertained.

10. Stories
When it comes to holidays, stories are one of the best ways to pass the time. There are so many stories to share during Passover that people will probably be talking for hours on end. One place to start is the actual story behind the holiday. This is a great way to engage and teach children. Apart from the story of the actual holiday, you might consider sharing stories of holidays from the past. You might also discuss stories of family history. This is a great time to pass on legacies while allowing younger members of the family to learn precisely where they came from.

Passover doesn’t have to be a pricey holiday, nor does it mean you have to make the holiday bland. These ten tips will allow you to easily have the fun you desire while enjoying the holiday with your family and friends without the added stress. This should help you to truly embrace the meaning of the holiday while creating memories filled with joy.

Earth Day will be here soon, but we’re also living in a world where our wonderful planet needs all of the help it can get. If you’re looking to save money on Earth Day, there are a lot of different things you can do to lend a helping hand while passing down the knowledge of how to protect the planet to younger generations. These ten ideas will allow you to have some fun while also saving money when it comes to the holiday. After trying out some of these ideas, you might also find some activities that you will want to do more frequently.

1. Bottle Planting
Plastic bottles are one of the most common items found in landfills. You will find plastic bottles from everything including beverages, soaps, and cleaning supplies. However, we don’t have to constantly throw out plastic bottles. There are actually lots of plastic alternatives that you can utilize, but for some households’ plastics are a major part of their routine. If you still find yourself bringing in plastics then don’t just throw them out. Instead, you can transform them into planters. You can hang these planters on the wall or use them as a traditional planters. You can also use bottles to cover plants when the weather is cold, which can help protect your plants from freezes.

2. Plant Wildflowers
Another great way to treat the planet right is to plant wildflowers. Wildflowers tend to require very little work, which will allow you to easily create a beautiful yard that will also benefit the planet. Wildflowers are important because they help to feed the bees, which allows everything else to grow and thrive. You can find wildflower seeds for next to nothing in stores, so you won’t have to invest in a lot to ensure you’re helping out. In fact, in some Cheerio boxes, you can even find a few packets of seeds which will make planting all the more exciting for kids.

3. Clean a Park
Cleaning a park is one of the most popular ways to help celebrate Earth Day. This is a great activity that the whole family can jump on board with too. When you choose items to help clean up the park, make sure you keep sustainability in mind. For instance, you should choose reusable gloves opposed to plastic gloves to protect your hands as you clean. Getting out to clean a park can also allow you to enjoy the sunshine and will make it convenient to stop and play when you need a break. If you’d prefer to join a group of people, then there are many clean-up groups you can sign up for online. These events are happening around the globe, so you should be able to find one in your community or anywhere you may be traveling on the holiday.

4. Learn about Animals
Animals play a major role on the planet, so spending some time learning about them might be a fun way to spend your day. You might consider checking out a petting zoo, zoo, or wildlife park if you’re interested in seeing animals with your own eyes. There are many virtual tours online that you can check out too if you don’t want to go out due to Covid-19. Another great option is to check out documentaries or read books about the animals that you are interested in. This should help you to gain quite a bit of knowledge about the creatures we share the planet with.

5. Discover New Regions
There is way more to the planet than what we see on a daily basis. One of the best things you can do on Earth Day is getting to know some of the other regions that make up our wonderful planet. There are so many documentaries and books that you can enjoy to learn about the world you live in, so this is a great start. Thanks to modern technology, you can always enjoy virtual tours as well. There are many options to help you get to know deserts and rainforests around the world which will give you the experience of travel without leaving the home.

6. DIY Oven
Harnessing solar energy is a great way to help the planet. There are many ways to use solar energy to help power your home and so much more. However, one of the best things you can do to teach children about solar power is to help them make a DIY oven. All you need for this is a pizza box, aluminum foil, black paper, plastic wrap, and tape. Piece together all of the materials and then create your own pizza to cook in the oven. When your pizza is ready to go, place it in the box and leave it outside in the sun to cook. Children can learn how the sun can help create enough heat to help cook the pizza thoroughly. You can also bake other items, like cookies if pizza isn’t on the menu.

7. Recyclable Bird Feeders
Putting up a bird feeder can also help to celebrate Earth Day in a wonderful way. You can make bird feeders out of so many things, which will make this activity something special for the entire family. One easy way to make a bird feeder without spending money is to use an old 3-liter bottle. Kids can paint or glue items to the feeder to help improve the way it looks. Once everything is ready to go, you can fill the feeder with seeds and enjoy. Of course, there are more complex options you can enjoy if you’re looking for a challenge. There are a lot of ideas online to choose from.

8. Turn off the Lights
Conserving energy is a great way to help out the planet. One way to do this is to simply turn out your lights. During the day, try to keep the power off if you’re not using it. At night, only use energy in one room of the house. If you can try to cut power to everything but the necessities during the day. Allowing yourself to spend most of your day outside will make this much easier. So, try to plan as many things outside as you can to enjoy Earth Day. Many people have started having a lights-out day at least one Saturday a month to cut back on the costs of electricity and to help make the world a better place.

9. Start a Garden
Gardening can be great for your home, your budget, your mental health, and the planet. If you don’t already have a garden, then now is the perfect time to get on started. You don’t have to go all out on this. You might start with simple plants like seasonal vegetables. You can also work with flowers or start to grow fruit trees. Your garden doesn’t have to go up all at once either. You can work slowly and build it up over the years to help cut back on the expenditure. You can also work on drip irrigation and compost to help cut back on even more costs.

10. Watch Lessons About Earth
There are so many ideas and lectures about our planet that you could spend days watching them. So, for Earth Day, you might consider picking a few videos that can help you discover new ways to help improve the planet. You might want to start with common lecture services like Ted Talks. There are so many playlists already created here that all you really need to do is point, click, and watch. There are even talks to appeal to children, so you can also help children to improve their knowledge of the planet and everything that can be done to make the world a better place.

Earth Day 2022 can be your best one yet. These ten tips will help you to give back to the planet that provides everything you need to lead a happy and healthy life without spending a lot of your money. With any luck, you will find a fun way to enjoy Mother Nature so you can carry on giving back.

Prom season is on its way, which means you have a pretty big expenditure coming up. Prom season can really harm your budget if you’re not careful but planning out an unforgettable event for your child can often cloud judgment when it comes to shopping for the event. There are plenty of unique ideas that can ensure your child stands out during prom season while still making sure your budget is designed to suit your needs.

1. Ditch the Limo
The limo has become one cliché aspect of prom. Kids believe they should have the limo experience to fully embrace the occasion. However, this simply isn’t the case. If you want to skip the limo you might look into renting a classic car for your child’s grand entrance. If you have a friend or family member that owns one, then borrowing it might be an even cheaper option. Another fun idea that won’t cost a penny is having your child gather friends that are willing to dance their way to the prom. Kids can be dropped off a block from the venue, so they can make an entrance that will have all of their classmates talking. There are so many other options to help your child make the grand entrance without the limo price tag, so make sure to plan early so you can pull anything off.

2. Secondhand Styles
There is no rule saying prom attire has to be brand new. A secondhand style can be one of the best ways to save some money. Since most prom dresses are worn once, there is a good chance you can find a look that has barely any wear, which will make it impossible for people to tell the difference. Thrift stores are filled with such items, so you can save some big money while helping out a charity. On top of that, you can also borrow a dress or tux from someone that has previously attended prom. You might also find that it is a lot of fun to alter styles, especially if you didn’t spend a fortune on them. This can be one of the best ways to add that custom touch to things. Accessories can also be borrowed or altered to finish off a look that people will remember for years to come.

3. Makeup Party
Makeup tends to be one of the pricier options when it comes to the prom. This can be a big problem if you’re on a budget. These days, many teens know how to do their makeup though, so having a makeup party can help offset the cost of the event while still adding more memories to the occasion. Attendees can bring their own makeup and each person can take turns applying. There are lots of great prom makeup tutorials online as well, which can make finding the perfect look even easier. Parents might ask kids to choose a look before the big event so all of the necessary cosmetics can be purchased ahead of time. This can even allow time for practicing the look.

4. Natural Hair Accessories
From tiaras to jeweled hair accessories, hair accessories can really make your prom bill skyrocket. One way to combat this is to actually use items that Mother Nature provides. For instance, if you have your own garden then you can cut flowers and create a crown of flowers that will make everyone envy your child’s style. You can also add flowers to many other accessories to help bring them to life. This is fairly easy to do, but there are also DIY tutorials online that you can check out if you need assistance.

5. Vintage Photography
Although it is always nice to have a decent picture from prom, there is something exciting about having candid photos as well. One of the easiest ways to enjoy candid photos without having to pay extra money is to simply get a disposable camera. This will prevent your child from losing their mobile phone while allowing them to enjoy vintage quality photos that they can add to scrapbooks and so on. These cameras can also make things a lot of fun because they are easy to use and will offer your student a surprise when the photos are finally developed.

6. Skip Official Photos
Speaking of photos, a lot of people are tempted to purchase official photos while they’re at the prom. These often end up looking awkward and are incredibly overpriced, which can really put a dent in your budget without giving you anything valuable. Rather than spend a small fortune on the official photos, you might consider asking someone to take pictures before the prom. Most people have high-quality cameras on their phones, so it shouldn’t be a stretch to get images that you’ll want to cherish for years to come. The hardest part might be finding a place to take the photos, but this shouldn’t be too hard to do.

7. DIY Corsage
The corsage can be a big part of your ensemble when it comes to prom. They can also cost you an arm and a leg. If you’re looking for a corsage for less, then one of the best things you can do is make your own. There are a lot of great corsages that you can make with very little effort, which can help you save big time. If you’re not sure where to begin, then you might start browsing around for tutorials online. This will help you to find a style that will suit your needs, so you can practice making the item. You can use fake flowers for the corsage or real flowers from your garden. You can also add in small details that you might not normally get when you order a corsage from a store.

8. Consider Hiring Students
If you don’t want to skip out on any services, then one thing you might consider is hiring students for the work. There are many high school and college students in cosmetology programs that can help you get the look you need for a price that is suitable for your budget. Even some fashion students might be willing to help with a dress or even slight adjustments to a dress or tux that is already owned. Photography is another area that you might consider using a student for. Shopping around for students will still get you the services you desire but will also help a student add to their resume or build their skills for the future.

9. Purchase Gift Cards
One easy way to get the things that you need is to purchase gift cards. A lot of the time, you can find these on websites at a discounted price. This will allow you to get even more out of your money, so you can buy the things you need. Gift cards are also a very convenient thing to hand over to your teen so they can purchase the items they need. This can ensure teens won’t go overboard when shopping and will allow you to set limits. You can also purchase gift cards for the restaurant after the dance, which will also help prevent overspending with ease.

10. Set Limits
Of course, one of the best things you can do before you even begin prom planning is to set limits. This is especially true when it comes to your budget. You should set a number before you even begin shopping around. From there, you can reduce the number to help save even more. This will help your teen learn boundaries while also ensuring that you won’t have to worry about going above and beyond to suit their prom expectations. Being clear about your limits in the beginning can also help your teen from getting attached to the items that are already out of their budget.

Prom doesn’t have to force you to max out a credit card or spend too much money on one single event. These ten ideas can help you save money while still having plenty of fun with the prom. So, don’t hesitate to start your prom shopping experience, because the longer you wait the pricier things will be.

Easter is just a hop, skip, and jump away! So, if you haven’t already started planning out your child’s Easter basket then now might be the best time to do so. If you’re looking to keep your child’s Easter basket frugal, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the things advertised at the moment. There are many items that you can grab to keep things frugal though. These ten ideas are all hot options that most kids will love, so you can ensure the Easter Bunny does well when creating your child’s Easter basket on a budget.

1. Slime
Slime is really trendy right now, which makes it a great item to put in most kids’ baskets. You should be able to find some great deals on slime, including Easter-themed slime, which will make it easy for you to shop in bulk if you have more than one child to provide for. Slime is a great sensory toy as well, so you can feel confident that you’re providing something beneficial for your child. If you want to add even more value to your child’s playtime, then you might consider purchasing a slime kit. This will help your child utilize STEM skills while they plan. Of course, if you really want to save some money you can also make your own slime and store it in plastic Easter eggs to add to the fun.

2. Water Bottle
Water bottles can play an important role in the day, which makes them a great addition to an Easter basket. Water bottles help to encourage kids to say hydrated while also allowing them to show off their personalities. From school to home, your child’s water bottle can ensure comfort throughout the day while encouraging less waste. There are many sustainable water bottles on the market now, so it is easy to find one that will suit your child. There are even options that allow your child to decorate their own water bottle, which can add to the fun. These items don’t have to be expensive either, which can definitely suit your budget perfectly.

3. Art Supplies
Getting crafty is a great way to help kids show their emotions while improving their motor skills. So, arts and crafts supplies are a great option to fill their Easter baskets. The best thing about these items is they tend to be on the cheap side, especially if you’re shopping for younger children. A box of fresh crayons, some finger paints, and other similar items can help to fill the basket with items that are going to bring them joy. You might also consider adding in color books to add to the fun.

4. Bath Supplies
Another great way to bring some fun to the basket is to add in some bath supplies. These may be considered necessities, but you can always add in fun items too. For instance, you might put your child’s favorite soaps in the basket. You can also put in some bath bombs or bubble baths. Bath bombs are a great way to add some fun and can even be made at home. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can add toys inside of them, so children get an extra treat. You can also add in bath toys, new wash cloths, or anything else that your child might be currently needing.

5. Outdoor Toys
With Spring weather here, outdoor toys are going to be a great option when it comes to the Easter basket. You don’t have to spend a fortune on items either. Rather, you can keep it simple with things like water guns, bubbles, and small bouncy balls. A new baseball or soccer ball might also be a great option to keep your kids outside and happy. Of course, you might also include spring-inspired items like frisbees and kites. Sidewalk chalk and other outdoor art supplies will also make a great addition to the Easter basket.

6. Fidget Toys
Fidget toys have become incredibly popular in recent years. On top of that, they are a great way to help improve your child’s mental health and attention span. Many parents are currently using fidget toys to help their children handle homework problems, deal with big emotions, and they are even an asset during time-in sessions. Fidget toys come in all shapes and sizes too, which makes it easy to shop for each individual child no matter their interest or age group. Many fidget toys can even be placed inside of eggs to add to the surprise element to the basket.

7. Books
Finding an excuse to gift books is always wise to help encourage young minds to become readers. Easter is a great time to share stories of all types. You might want to consider Easter-themed or spring-themed books if you’re trying to keep your Easter basket holiday-specific. However, if your child has a favorite series, comic book, character, and so on then it might be a great option to add a book or two in as well. These can help inspire your child while bringing them joy when they see their basket.

8. Mystery Toys
The market is currently saturated with mystery toys. You can find everything from mystery boxes, bags, balls, eggs, and so on, which will allow you to add a fun variety to your Easter basket. You can choose toys based on your child’s interests as well, which can definitely bring some fun to their basket. Not only will they be surprised by the content of the basket, but they will also have some fun to unravel even after the big reveal. The best thing about mystery toys is there are many on the market that will cost you $5 or less, which makes them affordable treats in comparison to some of the options available.

9. Summer Supplies
Another great thing to consider when choosing gifts is items that kids can use as the weather heats up. Summer supplies will allow kids to enjoy a surprise while still ensuring they have everything they need for when temperatures rise. Some ideas that can help fill up a basket are fun sunglasses to help protect your child’s eyes from harsh UV rays. A new hat, especially one that blocks UV rays can also be a great addition to the basket. Younger children might also enjoy a new shorts set or summer-friendly pajama set. Any other summer supplies you might also think of can work wonders in the basket.

10. Go Premade
Sometimes, one of the cheapest ways to put an Easter basket together is to simply purchase one premade. This is going to take away all of the customization options, but it will also allow you to not spend as much money as you might if you were just winging it. There are so many affordable premade baskets on the market, so you should be able to find something for every child in your family. This can save a lot of time and headache too, which might make it the best option if you can find the right gift.

Planning for Easter doesn’t have to be a struggle. These ten ideas will help you to create an unforgettable basket while allowing you to have some fun with the shopping experience. Best of all, it will help to keep you on your budget, so you can save money for upcoming activities.

Ramadan begins in early April and if you don’t have plans yet then you might find yourself struggling to prep for the holiday at the last moment. Luckily, Ramadan doesn’t have to be a big-budget holiday, which can make the meaning of the occasion all the more sacred. These ten tips will help you keep to your budget as you plan to make your Ramadan a period to remember. You may even find new solutions to the holiday that you never thought of before, so you can continue to keep the budget low while allowing your finances to thrive.

1. Keep It Simple
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your budget is to keep things simple. You do not have to go all out for Ramadan, as the message of the holiday isn’t about spending money. One of the first places to begin is to keep gifts very simple if you give them at all. You don’t have to purchase lavish gifts just to impress others, so cross this off of your list of things to do. Décor is another thing you can totally skip out on when it comes to spending large amounts of money. You can decorate with homemade items if you choose to decorate at all. Your feast can include seasonal foods or those that are cheap to make. All of this combined should help to keep your budget frugal without affecting the holiday.

2. Shop for Deals
If shopping has become part of your Ramadan experience, you don’t have to give it up entirely. Before the holiday begins, make sure you set a budget and stick to it. Usually, during this time, you will find lots of sales to choose from. You should be able to find plenty of décor items, fresh clothing, and even gifts. Sales can be tempting, so make sure you do some research before you simply blindly buy an item because a store says it is on sale. You should also think about a purchase before making it because purchasing items you do not need won’t do your budget any favors.

3. Don’t Travel
Many people do like to travel during Ramadan, may it be to travel to see family or to visit sacred places. Traveling right now might not be the best of options though. There is a lot of turmoil in the world, which makes it unsafe to travel to many places abroad. On top of that, the cost of flights is very high. With fuel shortages, pandemic restrictions, and other major issues, getting a flight isn’t going to be quite the same as it would have been a few years ago. Even driving isn’t a great idea with the high price of fuel right now. So, instead of traveling, simply stay home and enjoy your holiday as best you can. If you can always video call loved ones and take tours online of the places you would like to see. This will also afford you the opportunity to put back some of the money you would have used to travel so that when it is safe and money efficient you can.

4. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead for any holiday is crucial, and Ramadan is certainly no exception to the rule. This year, try your hardest to shop ahead of the season for gifts. If you’re already behind, then adopt this plan for next year. It will allow you to easily get gifts throughout the year, so you don’t have to spend lots of money all at once. Shopping ahead will also allow you to shop for the best deal. By shopping early, you can feel assured that your items will arrive on time, so you won’t have to spend extra money to replace items that aren’t on time. This will also allow you to budget more efficiently for meals. Sometimes, you can even find décor on clearance after the holiday, which will help you prepare for next year’s holiday.

5. DIY Decorations
Decorations do not have to become an expensive part of your Ramadan experience. In fact, there are so many decorations that you can make at home. From themed garland and wreaths to cutouts of mosques and paper lanterns, you’re bound to create something that will truly suit your needs. Making the decorations yourself will also allow you to bond with family members and show off your family’s personality through artwork. One of the easiest options to make is paper lanterns, especially since the craft can be done in so many ways. This will allow you to easily work around age groups while creating something that can be used year after year. There are a lot of tutorials online, so make sure to check them out if you’re struggling to get started.

6. Ramadan Crafts for Kids
Keeping kids entertained is always an important aspect for most holidays. Ramadan is no exception to this rule. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can organize to keep kids busy. Ramadan crafts are one of the easiest ways to help children have fun while keeping their hands busy. There are many Ramadan crafts to choose from too, which will allow you to choose crafts based on age and skill level. There are lots of craft ideas online to ensure you are able to choose projects that are right for everyone and are suitable for the supplies that you already have at home. If you choose carefully, you can even put the crafts up as décor to save you even more money.

7. Plan Meals Carefully
Although fasting is a major part of the holiday, people tend to not save on groceries. This is because meals tend to be more lavish. You don’t have to go all out for every meal though. Instead, plan with your budget and choose foods that are going to be filling for much longer. You should also choose ingredients that can be utilized from one meal to the next. This will prevent waste and thus save you a lot more money. Other than that, you will find that there are many frugal recipes online to help you feel confident about your ability to save money while still enjoying your favorite traditional options.

8. Volunteer for Charity
Giving to charity is also a big part of the holiday. However, if you’re short on money to give or you simply want to make more of a difference, then you might consider volunteering for charity. This will allow you to make a difference without spending money. Instead, you will be offering something far more valuable, your time. There are many volunteer opportunities to choose from as well. You might start by choosing things that interest you, so you can gain more from the experience. You never know, you may find a new and valuable way to spend your time even when Ramadan is over.

9. Gift Frugally
Ramadan shouldn’t be about spending a small fortune on gifts. In fact, if you don’t need to gift or you don’t particularly want to, then there really is no reason to gift. However, if you do want to offer some gifts, then you can start with items that won’t cost you a lot of money. Handmade items are always a good choice and will help show your affection without burdening you. However, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money then you can easily purchase smaller items that relate to the holiday or have personal meaning behind them.

10. Share the Story of Ramadan
One of the best ways to celebrate Ramadan is to share the story of the holiday with others. You might be surprised by how many people are intrigued by the story of the holiday because many simply don’t know it. Those that do know, might like hearing it from different people to see how each person presents the story. There are many books about the holiday too, which might actually help you to enjoy more of the story or teach it to the next generation.

Ramadan will be here before you know it, but there is no reason to fret over plans or your budget. These tips should help you enjoy the holiday anymore since you won’t have to stress out over all of the things you feel you need to do. With any luck, you will find that your holiday feels more special without worrying about budgetary restraints.

If you have a vehicle, then chances are your bank account might be hurting a bit with the current gas prices. With the current situation in the world causing supply and demand problems, the gas hikes might be here for a little while. There are some things you can do to help cut back on the fuel used though, which can help you save money and stress a little less about going to the gas station. These ten tips are just scratching the surface, so make sure you find the options for your personal needs.

1. Stay Home
One of the best ways to save money on gasoline is one of the most obvious. However, it is also one of the most hated options. If you’re looking to cut back on expenses, stay home. Yes, the weather is warming up and pandemic restrictions are loosening up finally, so everyone wants to be out and about. Now might not be the best time to do it, especially if you work outside of the home. If you do go out, consider alternative modes of transit, like cycling or taking the bus. This should cut back on spending as you won’t need to fuel up as often. You might also talk to your workplace to see if you can work from home temporarily or work from home a few days a week.

2. Utilize Apps
Luckily, we live in a world where there are always apps to bring some convenience to our lives. There are so many apps out there that can help you find the gas station that will offer you the best possible deal on fuel. This can save you time and money because you won’t waste time looking for prices in your area. There are also many ways you can use apps to find coupons or rewards on the gas you purchase. This can take off a portion of the bill to make the price hikes a little less burdensome. Before you download apps, you should always check out reviews first, because you don’t want your phone to get a virus due to malicious apps.

3. Use Your Credit Card
Paying with a credit card at the pump can be a great way to help offset some of the costs. To begin with, a lot of companies will actually give you some rewards for paying with your credit card. You might check your specific card to see what you are offered, as you may have to pump at a specific station. Other than that, you will find that credit cards offer more protection than your debit card might. For instance, if your card is scammed at the pump, then you’re going to have better luck getting refunded for the scam than you would with a debit card. Using a credit card strictly for gas can actually help you build credit too as it will offer you the ability to pay on the card monthly to help lift your score without adding much to your debt. This is only scratching the surface of how a credit card can help you save at the pump, but it is crucial to know about your card before you choose to do this.

4. Sign Up For Rewards
If you are looking for more rewards, then you’re in luck. A lot of stores offer rewards of their own, which can help with your gas bill. To begin with, some grocery stores will offer reward points which can then be used for discounts on gas. Some gas stations will offer discount cards for members or allow for a point system to also offer a discount on gas. There are also wholesale stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart that can help you get the discounts you need just for being a member of their program. You might be surprised by how many rewards you can get, especially if you learn to stack the rewards on top of each other to maximize your profit

5. Purchase from Clubs
As mentioned, wholesale clubs often offer gas discounts to their members. Often stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco will have a gas station outside of their story. With Costco and Sam’s Club, you must have a membership to access the pump, but Walmart Plus members can simply scan their membership code to get a discount. Chances are, if you see a gas station connected to a grocery store then they will probably also offer a discount through their reward program.

6. Fill Up Early in the Week
Another great way to save on some money during the price hikes is to fill up during the beginning of the week. Many gas stations and apps will tell you the best time to purchase gas in most states is Sunday or Monday and one of the worst times to fill up is around Thursday. Of course, you should do research for your specific area to ensure this is factual for your area. You also shouldn’t fill up as soon as the gas station receives new fuel. Overall, research is the best way to figure out when you should be filling up. You should also keep up to date on what is going on as far as supply and demand, as this can help you stay on top of things.

7. Don’t Idle
Many people spend a lot of time idling in their vehicles. However, this can be one of the worst things to do if you’re trying to conserve gas. Instead of idling, simply turn off your vehicle and restart the vehicle when you are ready to go again. This isn’t always an option, but if you find yourself stuck in a long drive-thru line then turn off the car until the line gets moving again. You also shouldn’t leave your car out to warm up either. Instead, let the car’s engine warm up naturally by driving. This will help to cut down on the gas used, so you can fill up less.

8. Slow Down
If you happen to have a lead foot, then you’re not doing yourself any favors when it comes to your gas mileage. The more you speed, the more gas you’re going to burn off, which can cause a major problem for your gas bill. When you drive, you should keep it to the speed limit, which should be the ideal speed to keep your gas mileage down. If you struggle to keep speed, then cruise control is a great option to prevent you from going too fast. Doing this will ensure you are optimizing your gasoline, which will also keep your budget in check.

9. Roll Down the Window
With spring practically here, warmer temperatures will also be arriving. This might tempt you to crank up the air conditioner in your vehicle to ensure you are comfortable. However, this can really eat up a lot of fuel which can be a problem if you’re on a tight budget. One of the best ways to combat the warmth is to roll down the windows in the car. This is a great way to cool down the vehicle when you’re having to stop and go while in town. If you’re on the freeway, you can still crack a window to utilize the breeze to cool yourself down.

10. Take Fuel Efficient Route
One problem that many people face is finding fuel efficient routes while driving. Generally, when you put your information into a GPS, you are more likely to find the fastest route to get somewhere. However, with a few clicks, you can change your settings to give you the most fuel-efficient route. This is great for allowing you to save on gas mileage. It might not be great for the time, but when it comes to the current prices this might be a sacrifice you have to make.

There is no telling how long the gas hikes will be in play, so planning ahead to keep your budget in check is incredibly important. These ten tips can help you to cut back on the gas you do use while getting more for your money when you do need to fill up.

We are just a couple of weeks away from spring flowers, but this means there is probably a lot to get done regarding your garden. Prepping for all of the wonderful things that you can grow in the spring can be taxing, especially if you’re not careful. These ten items will help you to prepare without forcing you to spend a lot of money on the garden or the rest of your home. Best of all, they will get you outside in the fresh air so you can feel your best while doing your part to take care of the planet.

1. Get rid of the Dead
Unfortunately, not all of our plants will make it through the winter. So, before you begin doing anything, you might check to see which plants are alive and well and which need to be removed from the earth. Usually, you can do a wick check for plants that don’t seem to be awakening with the warmer weather. You can also gently tug on the plant, if it feels loose in the soil then there is a good chance that it is no longer living. Other plants, like seasonal flowers, will also need to be removed when the season is over. This will help you find room for your new plants but will help the soil to thrive as well so you have a better chance of growing the things you’d like.

2. Plant Summer Bulbs
Although it’s exciting to think about all of the things that will blossom this spring, you should also take the time to think about all of the wonderful things you’d like to see growing during the summer months. If you love bulbs, then you are definitely going to want to get your summer bulbs planted right away. This will allow the bulbs to be ready to go when the summer months finally arrive. You can find a list of summer bulbs online to choose from, which should save you some money. Getting your bulbs ready now will also ensure you have more time to plan for autumn when summer finally arrives.

3. Start Seedlings
One of the best ways to get ready for spring is to get your seedlings ready to go. All you need for this is small containers filled with soil that you can place seeds in. Simply place the seedlings out in the sun when the weather is at peak warmth or place them under a grow light. This will help them get started without having them freeze while nights are still too cold for proper growth. Your seedlings should be able to take off enough to be planted into the soil as the weather warms, which will help your garden grow faster than you would expect.

4. Mulch
Mulching is a great way to get your soil ready to go for springtime fun. You can purchase mulch at most home improvement, department, or garden stores so you should be able to price around to suit your budget. You can also make your own mulch if you have the right materials on hand. There are a lot of online tutorials to help you out with this, so make sure you do your research if you’d like to save some money on homemade mulch. Once you have your mulch, simply place it in areas you’d like to plant.

5. Set Up Irrigation
Watering plants can be expensive, especially when spring showers are no more, and summer droughts are in full swing. One of the easiest ways to skip out on the high bill is to set up a drip irrigation system. This will actually help to keep items accurately watered, so everything will grow without constant attention. A drip irrigation system actually slowly waters everything so you use less water, which is great for your bills and the environment. You can even set up the irrigation system to work on a timer, so you can know your plants are covered if you go away on a vacation or you simply get too busy. There are many tutorials to get you started on this, so you can get all of the supplies you need and assemble them without having to deal with a headache.

6. Clean Tools
You might not believe it, but cleaning your tools is pretty important when it comes to gardening. If you put your tools up and they’re covered in mud and debris, then there is a good chance that the tool is more likely to rust or even erode. Pulling your tools out of the shed and giving them a good cleaning will help you to keep your tools functioning for some time to come. You might also consider adding oils and sharpening tools that might also need it. This will ensure you’re prepared for everything spring has to offer and won’t have to spend a fortune on new tools for your garden.

7. Clear Gutters
When spring arrives, you can’t expect your gutters to be clean and ready to ditch all of the rainwater that will soon be hitting your roof. Rather, your gutters have been sitting for months holding onto all of the debris that built up over the snowy season. Cleaning your gutters doesn’t have to be a chore. There are actually cleaners you can get to help with the cleaning process as well. Once your gutters are cleared, you shouldn’t have to worry about build-up on your roof, which can actually cost you a small fortune if you’re not careful.

8. Check Roof
Speaking of leaks, another important thing you should do before all of the spring rains arrive is checkout your roof. If your area was hit by snow, then the weight of the snow could have done a number on your roof. On top of that, long periods of exposure to water could have also done damage. There are tips online to help you spot potential problems but if you’re just not sure then you might hire a trusted professional to take a look. Make sure you look at reviews before you hire someone though, as some people will opt to tell you there is a problem in order to coax you to purchase a new roof from them.

9. DIY Patio Furniture
If you love to spend time outdoors, then you are definitely going to want some furniture to help you enjoy your space. There are so many DIY options to choose from that you will definitely get to have a little fun with the projects on hand. One of the easiest ways to make furniture is to use pallets. You can find these in stores. In fact, some stores may even allow you to take them for free as they have no choice but to get rid of them. Combine the pallets together to form a chair and then use outdoor-friendly cushions to finish off the look. You can make these yourself by scotch guarding fabric to ensure the weather doesn’t damage your items. There are so many other options available too, so you will want to look around to find out what works best for your individual needs.

10. Consider Composting
If you tend to spend a lot of money on fertilizer each year, then composting is bound to become your best friend. Composting allows you to take some of your wastes, like fruit peels, and transform them into fertilizer. Not only is this good for the planet, but it will help you feel a lot better about the amount of garbage you produce. Your garden will also thrive, and you won’t have to worry about harsh chemicals that may have been added to the fertilizer.

Preparing your outdoor space for spring is a great way to kick off the season. These tips will allow you to easily find cheap ways to make your home better than ever without forcing you to spend a small fortune. After a little work, you will find you have a space you will actually want to enjoy as the weather becomes warmer.

For so many, Spring Break has already arrived which has many people on the search for some of the top looks of the season. Whether you’re on Spring Break or just planning your look for the occasion, there are already many stores offering the deals you desire. These ten stores are ready to help you look your best whether you’re working on your tan at the beach or just hanging out in the garden. So, if you’re looking to suit your budget for the season, you will definitely want to start with one of these stores.

1. Target
Target has been really pushing sales over the past week, which means you’re going to find lots of great deals for the entire family. Currently, some of the biggest sales are in the bathing suit section. You will find hot new looks for women, men, and kids which will help you shop quickly and for an affordable price. Most items are on sale for about 30% off which makes them a great option to suit your budget. You will also find spring-inspired clothing to suit your needs. Easter looks are on sale, as well as St. Patrick’s Day clothing. There are also lightweight clothing options to choose from so you can pick styles that will last until the summer heat arrives, if not throughout the summer and autumn months.

2. SHEIN
SHEIN is a great place to find clothing if you’re on a tight budget. You’ll always have about a 2-week wait for your clothing, but if you don’t need it right now then this is a great option. The looks on SHEIN are more than budget-friendly and will help you stand out from the crowd. Apart from that, you can return anything for free if you choose not to keep it, which makes shopping with the brand worry-free. SHEIN offers styles for men, women, and children so you should be able to find a wardrobe for everyone. If you don’t want to pay for shipping, then you can also find SHEIN products on Amazon. Prime users will receive free shipping, but it still might take a couple of weeks for your items to get to you.

3. JC Penney
When it comes to clothing deals, JC Penney is always ready to offer some great deals. This spring, the store is concentrating more on spring activities than spring style. That is why you will find lots of deals on sneakers and workout clothes. These items are available at a great price for men, women, and children. So, if you plan on getting back on track with your fitness goals this spring then JC Penney might be the place to start your journey. They will also offer deals on kids’ tees to keep kids looking great and feeling cool all season long. Of course, this is only scratching the surface as there are bound to be new deals rolling in weekly.

4. Macy’s
Macy’s tends to offer similar deals to JC Penney, so you should also find deals on sneakers and workout clothes there. However, Macy’s is currently concentrating on offering lightweight clothing for women. You will find lots of spring-inspired colors and prints, as well as white clothing to prepare you for the warmer summer months. Clothes are designed to suit both casual and professional settings as well, so you can find something to suit your every need. Apart from that, denim for all ages is on sale. This is a great time to stock up on denim for the upcoming school year as well, which will give you a jump start when you need to purchase all of the other school necessities.

5. Forever 21
Forever 21 is all about youthful styles, so it is no wonder that you will find some pretty incredible deals for spring break. Currently, the store is offering 30% off most of its spring attire, which can help you find some awesome items that will ensure you stand out while you’re enjoying the break. The store is currently pushing items like tanks and shorts, but you will also find stylish tees, shoes, swimsuits, and accessories. You will also find some good deals on workout attire to help you meet your fitness goals as the weather begins to warm up.

6. Nike
Nike is ready for spring to begin with fun new styles that will suit the entire family. You will find some spring-inspired designs on the Nike website, but you will also find deals on sports gear that is dedicated to seasonal activities. You won’t want to miss out on the up to 40% off sale on sneakers and workout attire though. This deal offers a wide variety of items for men, women, and children so you can help boost the entire family’s wardrobe. On top of that, you will find a wide variety of accessories to help make the end of your child’s school year all the more enjoyable.

7. Revolve
Revolve offers some of the freshest clothing options around at a price that is affordable to most. This season, you’re going to find a lot of deals on bathing suits to suit all of your spring break needs. However, the store is also offering hot prices on lightweight clothing that is perfect for casual outings or nights when you want to dress to impress. You will find an assortment of accessories on offer that will make all of your favorite outfits truly shine. Makeup is another great sales item during this time, so make sure you upgrade to the vibrant spring colors that your wardrobe has been missing out on.

8. PacSun
PacSun has always been a website closely related to spring and summer fun, with their surf and beach-inspired styles. So, it is no surprise that they are offering a great sale during this time of the year. For spring break, customers will receive up to 40% off of most items on the website. This will include swimsuits, tees, tanks, shorts, and accessories. You should be able to find everything you desire in a bright and colorful design that will make the season truly shine for you. If you’re lucky, you might also be able to land some great clearance deals on winter items. So, if you’re planning to spend spring break somewhere cold, this is going to be one of the best places to look.

9. ASOS
ASOS offers some stylish women’s clothing that will definitely make you feel like you’re going to stand out from the crowd. During spring break sales, you are bound to find some awesome deals that are going to suit your fashion sense perfectly. This season, you’re going to find deals largely on clothing like dresses and rompers that are designed to make you feel confident while ensuring you’re set for the weather. You will also find deals on sandals and swimsuits, so if you plan to head to the beach you’ll be ready to go in the best styles. Of course, this website does have a lot more to offer and you’re bound to find deals on items that aren’t spring break necessities.

10. Misguided
Another fantastic place to shop for spring break essential is Misguided. This fashion boutique offers the hottest trends around at a price that you won’t mind paying. This store is all about women’s clothing, so you’re going to be able to easily find the items you need to look and feel your best. Most styles will be anywhere from 30-60% off, which will allow you to easily find the best possible price for the looks you’d like to rock. Apart from that, you will be able to fill your wardrobe with vibrant spring colors that are an absolute must for your style.

This spring break, you can easily look your best on a budget. These ten stores are ready to help you stand out while ensuring you don’t go overboard on spending. The more you save on your spring break wardrobe, the more money you’ll have to enjoy all of the spring break fun that you have planned.

With the current state of the world, worry seems to be high no matter where you live. A lot of people are taking more precautions to keep their families safe if a disaster were to occur. There are many things to keep in mind if you’re worried about war, a natural disaster, or if you just want to be cautious. These ten ideas will help you prepare for anything that might come your way, so you can feel as much relief as possible without spending a small fortune.

1. Gather Important Documents
Your important documents are going to be an asset when you are faced with an emergency. You need to make sure you have passports, social security cards, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and documentation of your insurance policy stored away in a fireproof safe that can easily be grabbed in an emergency. You should also have any deeds or titles in your possession there. Anything else that feels important to you should also be added to the mix. If you can, back your files up digitally as well, so you have access to the items. Having the documents with you in an emergency is incredibly important though, so don’t rely completely on your digital backups.

2. Keep a Full Tank of Gas
A full tank of gas can help you deal with an emergency, may it be sudden or one that you have had to deal with for some time. Often, when an emergency arises, gas stations are going to be packed with people. Having a full tank of gas will allow you to get out of the area faster since you won’t have to wait around to get what you need. This is especially important if you do need to leave quickly. If there are gas shortages for whatever reason, you will also be set for a little while, as long as you conserve your gas. It doesn’t hurt to have a full gas can on hand either, especially if you may need to use a generator. Keeping a full gas tank can help your vehicle out in the long run anyway, as dipping too low will cause your vehicle problems.

3. Cash
Cash can be life-changing when it comes to emergencies. More often than not, if you find yourself in an emergency then you’re not going to be able to pull cash out of an ATM or visit a bank right away. So, having cash on hand can really help you if you’re in a tough spot. If power is down, then cards might not be accepted in your area either. Thus, cash will be able to help you purchase the things you need right away. You don’t have to empty your savings account but having enough money to get you where you need to go or the supplies you need can help bring some relief to you. When you pull out your money, make sure you place it in a secure place, like a safe to ensure you’ll know exactly where it is and that it won’t be tampered with.

4. Emergency Food and Water
No matter what you prepare for, you should always have emergency food and water on hand to make sure you are able to get through the emergency with as little as a possible risk to your health. Canned goods are always wise to keep in your emergency kit, but there are also many amazing, dehydrated foods that you can try. These tend to have an incredibly long shelf life, so you should not have to worry about them for a bit after you add them to your emergency kit. Water is also a necessity. You should account for one gallon of water per person for at least three days to be safe. However, keeping a water filtering straw or pitcher on hand can also do you a world of good. You should take your pets into consideration too, especially if they have specific diets.

5. Radio
When dealing with any kind of emergency, radio is great to have on hand. Although we live in the days of advanced technology, like smartphones, these devices might be knocked out during an emergency. A radio will help you keep track of a storm you are sheltering from, or let you know where you can go if you are in need of assistance. It can also allow you to know when it is okay to come out of your shelter. Radios are a great asset for so many and if you find yourself traveling due to an emergency, they can keep you up to date even as you move. You should also keep extra batteries on hand for these devices, so you are connected for some time.

6. First Aid
Another crucial thing to have on hand is a first aid kid. You should keep one of these kits in your home and in your vehicle no matter what. This can help bring peace of mind to your life while also allowing you to feel confident that your emergency kit can truly help you. Your emergency kit should have the basics in it, like bandaids, ointments, and even salts to help with those that have fainted. However, you might consider more advanced items as well to help stop bleeding and so on. If you can, keep some medications in your kit, or have a bag filled with medications that you can grab in a few seconds’ notice. This is especially important if medication is crucial to life.

7. Emergency Plan
An emergency plan can actually take you very far when it comes to an actual emergency. For many, they have no idea what to do if a tragedy strikes. So, when you can, sit down and come up with some escape routes to ensure your family can get out of the area if they need to. You might talk to family and friends to see if they can be your emergency destination, so you will know exactly where to go in a moment of crisis. You should also have a plan for weather-related problems, which might leave you trapped in your home. Everyone should know where to go if a tornado or hurricane were to strike or how to get out of the home if there is a fire. You should even have drills for intruders. Although anxiety can cause plans to fail, having one on hand is one of the best things you can do to ensure safety.

8. Flashlights
Light can be a huge asset if an emergency were to occur, which is why you should always have a flashlight available. This should not only be a part of your emergency kit, but you might add them to various places in the home, such as your bedrooms, bathrooms, and even your vehicle. Having a flashlight on hand can help to keep you safer if you find yourself in danger and need to get out of the home when there is no light to be had. Try to find flashlights that suit your needs, such as strength and weight. You should also keep batteries on hand in an easy-to-reach place so you can keep the light going. Even if you have other forms of light available, such as a fire-starting kit or a lantern, a flashlight can still be one of the most efficient tools.

9. Wilderness/Go Pack
Sometimes, an emergency might lead us into places that require basic survival skills. That is why having a wilderness or go pack is crucial for your emergency kit. This kit should have items to start a fire, create shelter, and stay warm. You should also consider things that might help you fish or hunt if the need were to arise. Weather-appropriate gear is also crucial to have in these packs, as you want to be able to withstand the elements. As mentioned before, the pack should have a first aid kit, as well as things like a tin opener, flashlight, fire starting kit, and so on. The bag you choose for these items should be waterproof and durable. It should also have a spot for your legal documents.

10. Car Supplies
In an emergency, your vehicle might become your new home. That is why it is so important to keep emergency supplies readily available. It is also important to have supplies available in case you must deal with an emergency with your vehicle, even if it is just changing a flat tire. Jumper cables and other basic tools can take you far as well. You might also consider keeping a gas tin in case you run out of gas. Keeping emergency supplies in your vehicle takes very little effort though. You should always have a spare tire on hand, and tools to change it. You should also have items like flares, reflective gear, basic first aid, and so on. Ponchos and other gear are always nice to have if you have the space. You might also consider keeping blankets if you have the space as well.

These ideas won’t help prevent an emergency, but they can help you deal with the problem when it comes. Of course, there are many other ways to help with an emergency. You should also keep up with your local news and listen to instructions as you prepare to protect your family from emergencies.

St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to unwind and have some fun while celebrating Irish culture and history. However, many St. Patrick’s Day activities tend to be designed for adults. These ten ideas will help the children in your life engage in the activities while learning a bit about Ireland, Irish culture, and maybe even St. Patrick. These ten ideas will help bring some joy to the day while keeping kids busy on a budget. You should be able to enjoy most of these ideas for less than $10, if not for free! All of the options are also easy to perform without a lot of planning, so you can have last-minute ideas available in the blink of an eye.

1. Clover Hunt
Clovers have become a symbol of Ireland for so many people, which is why a clover hunt is a great way to share some fun with your kids. Clovers grow in many locations, so there is a good chance that you will be able to find some in your community, if not your backyard. A four-leaf clover is said to bring luck so you might instruct children to look for a four-leaf clover to add fun to the activity. If you don’t have clovers around you, then you can use the day to plant some. You can also make them out of construction paper and hide them around the home for children to find.

2. DIY Leprechaun Hats
Leprechauns tend to be a big part of Irish lore, which is why the mythical legend plays a large role in the holiday. In order to celebrate the fun that leprechauns bring to the holiday, you might consider helping children make leprechaun hats. Leprechaun hats can be made in a variety of ways. One of the most common options is to use construction paper to form a headband that is easy to decorate. You can also make them out of felt or recyclables if you’re working with older children that want a more challenging craft. The hats can also be accompanied by DIY leprechaun beards to add to the look.

3. Search for the Pot of Gold
Finding a leprechaun’s gold at the end of a rainbow is a great way to bring some fun to the day. One way to do this is to add rainbow accents around the house, so kids can go on a treasure hunt to find the pot of gold. You can also use glittery footprints to make kids feel like a leprechaun has hit the pot of gold. The pot of gold you hide can be filled with treats like golden wrapped chocolate coins, party jewelry, or anything else you think should go in a pot of gold. For older children, you might skip the rainbows and glitter and come up with a treasure map filled with clues to help them find their treasure.

4. Leprechaun Trap
If you want to bring a bit of STEM to your child’s life for the holiday, then you can easily help them make a leprechaun trap to add to the fun. Some cereal boxes are actually providing the blueprints for some of these projects, but if you can’t find one that suits your needs then you might also consider looking up some of the STEM projects available online. If you have older children, then they might want to come up with their own trap utilizing knowledge that they’ve already gained in school. If your kids do make a trap, you might consider sneaking small treats into the trap to bring even more delight to your children.

5. Green Fashion Show
Wearing green has played a big role in St. Patrick’s Day for decades now. Those that choose not to wear green are often pinched, which has played a fun role in getting kids to enjoy the holiday. Instead of just dressing kids in green, you might consider having a full-on fashion show. See how creative kids can get with the color green. Most children will be able to put together their own green outfits, while older children may even consider making their own clothing. You can even take the fashion show online to allow others to participate in all of the fun too.

6. Explore Irish Legends
When it comes to Ireland, there are so many incredible stories to explore. Since this is a major part of Irish culture, you might choose to learn about some of the legends that the country has to offer. There are far more options than just leprechauns, so you are certain to find a little something for all of the children in your lives. You might even find some legends that strike your fancy too. There are lots of resources to choose from online, but you can also find incredible options in your local library. If your child is creative, then they might even have fun making art based on their favorite legends.

7. Enjoy Irish Movies
Although it might not feel like it when you look at lists of popular movies, there are some really incredible Irish movies available for you to watch. Irish cartoons have grown in quality over the last decade and offer engaging stories that feature traditional art and stories. If you’re looking to gain a better understanding of Irish culture, then certainly Irish cinema is the way to go. Children will get to enjoy a wide range of films, especially if they like stories about mythical creatures and mysteries. There are, of course, a lot of movies that adults will enjoy too. There are many Irish movie lists online to help you find the perfect match for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. You should be able to find most things on streaming websites, but you might also have a bit of luck at your local library.

8. Enjoy an Irish Meal or Snack
Irish food can be a lot of fun to try, especially since many of their meals can be considered comforting. If you’re looking to bring some authentic fun to your holiday, then you might consider picking up an Irish recipe to try out. One of the most common things to make is corn beef and cabbage, but there are so many other things to choose from. Ireland has many amazing stews and bread to try, amongst other things. You can also have some fun with your family’s staples. For instance, you can make cereal squares out of Lucky Charms or add green coloring to cupcakes and other treats. If you want to help the kids get more out of the experience, ask them to help out.

9. Create a Rainbow
If you love to work with the theme of leprechauns hiding gold at the end of a rainbow, then you might consider adding a touch of STEM to your celebration. You can show children various ways to make rainbows, so they can easily learn a little bit of science while having some fun. Of course, there are so many ways you can create a rainbow, so you might look at some age-appropriate options. You can use a prism to show how light filters into colors, or simply create a rainbow on your wall. There are lots of ideas online so make sure to keep it lighthearted and fun, so your child can enjoy the holiday while gaining an interest in science.

10. Watch a Parade
You might be surprised by how many St. Patrick’s Day parades there are. Many smaller communities will host their own, while big cities also get in on the fun. Boston offers one of the more famous St. Patrick’s Day parades, which you can usually watch streamed online. Some areas of Ireland will also host a parade, even though St. Patrick’s Day isn’t as commonly celebrated there. It shouldn’t take long to find the information you need to watch a parade online if there isn’t one happening in your own community.

St. Patrick’s Day is a great way to have some wholesome fun while taking your mind off of the hectic world that we live in. These tips will help you get started on planning all of the fun aspects of your holiday. Of course, this is only the beginning as there are many amazing games and activities that you can enjoy during the holiday.

March is National Nutrition Month! If you made a resolution to get healthier this year or you’re just trying to look your best for the upcoming summer months, then this is going to be the perfect month to get on track. Getting the nutrition you need doesn’t have to be a hard task, nor does it have to cost you a fortune. These ten ideas will allow you to easily get on track with your nutrition while keeping your budget under control. So, get ready to change your health for the better with less stress.

1. Research Vitamins
When many people go vitamin shopping, they take the word of the vitamin company. Unfortunately, not all vitamins are made equal, which can be a big problem. Just purchasing a vitamin because it offers a nutrient you need might be a disservice to your body and your budget. If you know you need a specific supplement for your health, then one of the best things you can do is research the best brand for your needs. A lot of the time companies will offer the nutrient, but do not offer the best absorption option. This can mean you’re still not going to get exactly what you need. Often, if people don’t see results, then they will stop using the supplement, which means the money they spent on it is wasted. So, do your research so you don’t have to worry about this. You should also skip gummy vitamins whenever possible. They might taste great, but some have more nutrients than needed and they’re terrible for your dental hygiene.

2. Understand Portions
Another great way to help your nutrition is to learn all about portions. If you are looking to get more out of your diet, then portion size is an absolute must. You should understand that every food group has its own portion size and if you want to get the most out of every meal you should follow the guidelines. Too many carbs on your plate can lead to weight gain. Even too much protein can harm your diet. So, rather than eating how you please, you should get portioning tools. These are sold in many major retail stores and will allow you to easily get the most of your meal.

3. Eat the Rainbow
If you want to max out the nutrients in each meal, the best thing you can do is eat the rainbow. Rather than keeping your meals boring and monochrome, try to add in a bit of color wherever you possibly can. This might not be incredibly easy with colors like blue and purple, but you should be able to represent greens, reds, and yellows with ease. Even if you can’t get the colors in every meal then you should try to get in one of each color every single day. Before you know it, you will feel better than ever and will have a more adventurous outlook when it comes to your meal plans.

4. Fruits and Veggies First
One of the best rules you can put in place for yourself is fruit and vegetables first. When you make your plate, you should also put the fruit and vegetable options on the plate first. These options should fill up at least half of the plate as well, but you can also add more if you like. When you eat, you should eat your fruit and vegetable options first too. This will allow you to get the most important nutrients first. This is also better for your digestion, so you will feel better eating this way too.

5. Drink Water
You might not believe it but drinking water can actually help with your nutrition as well. However, keeping your body hydrated with water is one of the best ways to improve your nutrition. First of all, having water will allow you to easily prevent yourself from overeating, which is a great way to make you body feel better. The water can help your body absorb the nutrients you are taking in too. This will allow your body to make your diet truly flourish so you can truly maintain a nutritious diet without falling for the temptation to cheat on your diet due to unhealthy cravings.

6. Read the Labels
Nutrition labels are available to help you understand exactly what you will be consuming with a product. However, reading labels isn’t exactly the easiest task in the world. There are percentages, words that aren’t simple to pronounce, and so much more. So, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to take some time to figure out how to read labels. This will allow you to check the product for allergens, understand when something has too much sodium, sugar, fats, and so on, or if it is largely made with ingredients that will harm your body. It might take some time to figure out the labels, but there are guides to help you out. This can allow you to have more power over your health while helping you to learn about nutrition.

7. Meatless Monday
Believe it or not, eating less meat isn’t going to do you any harm. In fact, it might do you a little good. If you’re looking to cut down on meat consumption, then you might consider looking into a few plant-based meals. There are plenty of great recipes to choose from that will allow you to easily create delicious and nutritious meals in no time. If you’re struggling with cutting down on meat, then you might start by considering working Meatless Monday into your routine. This will guarantee one day of no meat so you can adjust to plant-based meals. Before you know it, you might actually enjoy the plant-based meals over your meat-heavy meals, which will inspire you to try even more plant-based options.

8. Keep Healthy Snacks Handy
One of the easiest ways to keep your body on track is to keep healthy snacks handy. More often than not, it is easy to grab a convenient snack when you’re feeling hungry. Unfortunately, these snacks are usually terrible for you and offer nothing regarding nutrition. Keeping snacks on hand that are actually healthy will allow you to make better choices every time you want to eat something new. Pre-cutting fruits and veggies, making nut mixes, and other simple options will help keep you on track. There are many recipes online if you’d like to try out something new, too.

9. Cook at Home
Another way to make the right choice for your nutrition is to choose to cook from home. Creating food from scratch will give you the power to handle your nutritional needs without having to worry about hidden ingredients. There are so many simple options to choose from there too, which will allow you to easily find options that fit in well with your time and budget. If you don’t like doing all the work of grocery shopping and choosing recipes, then there are lots of meal kits that can save you time and money.

10. Go Frozen
A lot of people will go for canned goods thinking they are doing right by their bodies. Although you do get nutrients from the fruits and vegetables that you eat from cans, they aren’t quite what you would get from a fresh vegetable. Even frozen vegetables will hold more nutrients for your body to absorb. So, instead of keeping stocked up with cans, you might consider purchasing from the freezer section or purchasing in bulk and freezing your own fruits and vegetables. This will help your body gain so much more from your meals.

Your nutrition is an important part of your health, so don’t let this National Nutrition Month pass you by without making some changes to improve on your health. These options are a great way to keep your health in check on a budget, so you can feel like a nutritional guru before March comes and goes.

Are you ready for Mardi Gras 2022? A lot of people are gearing up to go all out for this occasion thanks to the reduced numbers of Covid-19 cases and the availability of vaccinations. If you’re planning a party this year, then there are a lot of fun activities to help make your gathering fantastic. Since Mardi Gras is all about fun, you will love having extra activities at your party to keep everyone busy. Best of all, these tips will come in under budget so you can save your money for other activities.

1. Paper Mache Mask
Masks are a big part of the Mardi Gras holiday, but traditional masks can cost a small fortune if you want a nice one. Instead of requiring guests to bring a mask to the party, create a sculpting table so guests can make a mask of their own for future parties. Using paper mache to do this is one of the most efficient ways to go. All you need is scrap newspaper or other recycled paper to get started. Create a glue and water mixture and add some paintbrushes to the table. This will help create the perfect place for creativity to thrive. Once everyone’s masks have dried, they can paint them to suit their personality. This craft is a great option for adults and older kids, so you will have an activity that everyone can take part in.

2. DIY Crown
Become the king or queen of your own Mardi Gras party when you create your own crown. There are so many great ways you can create your own crown, but if you’re hoping to save some money then you might consider using the recyclable items that you have in your home. Another great way to create a crown without wasting money on materials is to use your Mardi Gras beads. This can help take your look to the next level while adding to your creativity. If you’re at a loss for ideas, then there are many to choose from online. You can also discover craft bar ideas so everyone can make the crown of their dreams.

3. DIY Parade Floats
Parade floats are a big part of Mardi Gras if you are celebrating in a larger city. However, if you’re planning a small get-together at home or you just want to enjoy a parade then you can easily make your own. You might start by gathering up supplies to make the floats. For instance, an old tissue box makes a great option. From there, add on items that will suit the theme. You can use old toys and other supplies to create a fun look. The entire family or even all of your guests can make their own float and place them together for a big reveal. You can even have a competition to see who did the best job. If you want to go larger scale, then see if your neighbors are willing to decorate for Mardi Gras. If you can get enough people into the mix, you can create a block filled with homes that represent Mardi Gras floats.

4. Make King Bread
One of the big parts of Mardi Gras is the King Bread. So, if you’re planning a celebration, people might complain if you don’t have some King Bread on offer. Luckily, you won’t have to spend a small fortune to make this bread as many of the ingredients can probably be found in your pantry already. If you’re not sure where to begin with the bread, you might search around for a few different recipes to get you started. When you find one you like, do a trial of the recipe to see if it suits your needs. You can also find alternative recipes if you have allergies to some of the ingredients, which can help you bake for a larger audience of people.

5. Decorate Cupcakes
If you’re not interested in making bread and other treats that are time-consuming, then cupcakes might be the answer to your treat dilemma. You can make cupcakes based on the traditional flavors of the holidays. Once you have your cupcakes ready to go, you can top them off with purple, green, and gold food coloring to add even more flair to the cupcakes. You can also add plenty of masks, beads, and other decorations to make the cupcakes pop. Cupcakes are a great option if you’re feeding lots of people too, as they will keep food pre-portioned and they’re simple for kids to eat too. If you’re worried about presentation, you can also place the cupcakes together and decorate the top for a pull-apart cake that will certainly create fun vibes at the party.

6. Make Your Beads
Mardi Gras beads are a great way to show some love during the holiday while holding up to tradition. Sure, you can purchase bulk beads from stores without spending a fortune, but you might have more fun making your own beads. You can actually do this in many different ways. One easy way is to form beads out of paper mache and then paint them. You can also make them out of colored pasta, which is a fun motor function task for kids. If you prefer to keep things easier, then you might even just purchase beads and string them yourself. Of course, this is only scratching the surface. There are many ways to create Mardi Gras beads, so have fun with the craft.

7. Face Paint
Although masks are a traditional part of the holiday, you will find that there are many ways you can add to the fun. Face painting is a great option that will appeal to so many party-goers. You can create simple designs for kids to appease their needs. You can also come up with more intricate designs for the adults in your life. In fact, you can even recreate the traditional masks that are commonly worn. This can add more appeal to your party and will give people something that won’t forget about your special event. Face paint can be fairly cheap to purchase too, which will definitely allow it to fit into your budget.

8. Crawfish Boil
A crawfish boil is one of the best ways to feed a lot of people during your Mardi Gras celebration. Generally, during the time of the celebration, crawfish are in season so you won’t have a hard time finding a better deal on them if you can’t fish for yourself. Usually purchasing the crawfish in bulk is going to be your best option, but you might be able to find smaller batches at the supermarket. In order to make your meal go further, you should also add in items like corn, potatoes, and sausage. This should create a delicious treat that will make your guests feel right at home.

9. Listen to Music
There is no doubt about it, listening to music is one of the best ways to bring some joy to the Marid Gras celebration. There are so many iconic songs to enjoy, which will help celebrate not only the holiday but also the culture surrounding one of the biggest celebrations in Louisiana. If you’re not sure where to begin your musical journey, then there are a lot of amazing playlists you can check out on almost every streaming service. Of course, you can also keep things fun by making up a playlist of your favorite Mardi Gras inspired songs to share with your party guests.

10. Watch the Event Virtually
There is no substitution for the real Mardi Gras celebration. So, if you feel like you’re missing out then you can live stream the big event from home. This can be a great way to experience Mardi Gras as a whole, but it will also give you a better idea as to what you would be doing, seeing, and hearing if you were to attend. This can help make planning your own party better. Of course, you can always keep the event streaming in the background of your own party. This can help set the atmosphere while adding more fun to your party.

Mardi Gras can be a hard party to plan during a pandemic, but there are a lot of great options to choose from when it comes to adding some fun to your own party. These ten ideas will help to keep your party fresh and fun for all ages. You may even discover some new traditions that you will want to enjoy year after year.

Spring is on its way, but you’ll probably see lots of spring fashion already making its way onto shelves. If you’re ready to upgrade your wardrobe, then there are lots of amazing things you can check out for the upcoming season. This year’s fashions largely keep comfort in mind and are perfect for DIYing at home. You won’t want to miss out on these fashion trends because they will cater to your current needs while making you feel absolutely phenomenal.

1. Hygge
If you haven’t heard of hygge, then you’re in for a real treat this fashion season. Hygge is the Danish term for finding comfort, warmth, pleasure, and fun in small aspects of life. May it be a favorite blanket or a scented candle, hygge can be found everywhere. This year, in the fashion world, hygge is on the tips of everyone’s tongues. This could be because pandemic life has made everyone seek comfort while still wanting to look fashionable. You will largely find large coats that feel like blankets, baggier clothing that seems to feel like a large hug, and plenty of sweats and fleeces to go around. Extra-long sleeves will be a big deal this season, as will finding comfort in the simple things in life.

2. Rococo Throwback
This spring, we’re traveling back in time to the days of Marie Antoinette. This time of fashion was all about the frill, so feel free to pack on your favorite poufy sleeves and all the lace you desire. This doesn’t mean you have to walk around with a huge dress on, nor will you have to sport a wig. Instead, find subtle ways to add this French trend into your fashion sense. Bows are one easy way to add some style, as well as lace, but pastel colors will also be a big must-do if you’re following this trend. You might even be able to find some of the fabrics that were in fashion during this time to help accent some of the clothing you already have.

3. Tent Coats
As the rainy season moves in, you might want to pack away your thick coat and replace it with a tent coat. These coats are designed with comfort in mind but will also offer plenty of protection from the wind and rain. Tent coats aren’t always going to coat though. In fact, you can easily get away with a poncho that is exceptionally baggy. The best thing about tent coats is they are going to be easy to make at home. Simply choose a fabric you like and create the fashionable coat of your dreams. You can scotch guard the fabric or add a covering to keep yourself dry if the fabric you choose is not already water-resistant. Your coat can also double as a blanket when you’re feeling like relaxing, which is definitely a bonus.

4. Fruity/Tropical Colors
Another trend that is going to bring some fun to the season is a love for tropical and fruity colors. You can really go bold this season with whatever colors you choose, which will help you feel more confident while you’re on the go. These colors will work for casual, business, and formal attire, which will allow you more freedom as you dress. One of the best things about these colors is you can choose fabrics and create your own styles, which will allow you to truly show off your fashion sense. If you want to go a little further than the color scheme, then you can also show off tropical and fruity prints, especially as accent pieces for your favorite styles.

5. Denim
Denim always seems to be in style, which is why it adds to the fun of the season. This year, you’ll find that wide-legged jeans are going to be the top of fashion this season. This will include gaucho pants as well if you can’t enjoy denim in the workplace. Loose-fitting denim is always going to be in fashion, which goes along with the hygge trend. Denim jackets are also going to be a great option, which is perfect for cool spring days. Feel free to add patches and customize them to suit your needs, as your personal style is certain to make you a trendsetter. There doesn’t seem to be a trend with denim colors this season, although white seems to be one of the more popular options.

6. Gingham
You might be surprised to see gingham on the market this season. This pattern has been popular for years, but not to the extent that you will see it this year. You will find everything from work blazers to pants in gingham, which will make mixing and matching a lot of fun. Your gingham doesn’t need to be a certain color either, as there will be a wide selection of colors on the market. One of the best things about gingham is the fabric is cheap. So, if you like to make your own clothes then you should be able to find some pretty awesome looks to create during this season.

7. Bras as Tops
Fashionistas are still feeling some 80s and 90s trends, so this season bras as tops are going to be a big deal. This is fairly easy to follow because you can utilize so many different options to stay on-trend. Of course, you might find some sheer tops or overshirts to pair with the trend to ensure you look ultra-chic. Most bras will work for this trend, but if you’re feeling crafty then there are many ways to make your own bra so you have more control over your personal style.

8. Mini Skirts
Another easy option to check out during this season is miniskirts. These can be found in almost any store, which makes it easy to keep your wardrobe up to date for the season. This year, there are so many trends going on that you can basically show off a miniskirt in any color or print and you’ll be styling. You might aim for brighter colors, denim, and gingham if you really want to keep up with fashion, but almost anything will work as long as it suits your personal style. Miniskirts are exceptionally easy to DIY as well, which will help you find the style and cut that flatters you the most.

9. White Suits
This season is all about being bold and empowered. That is why white suits are going to be a big deal this season. Traditionally, white suits aren’t worn in the spring, or after Labor Day, so you will be able to enjoy a little edge to your look too. White suits can be found almost anywhere, which will allow you to choose a look that flatters you and your budget. If you don’t want to go completely for a white suit, then you might consider working with a blazer to satisfy the trend with less upkeep.

10. Cut Outs
Cutouts have been trending for quite a while, so if you already have cut-out clothing in your wardrobe then you will definitely be in for a fashionable season. Of course, if you never jumped on to the cut-out trend then now is a great time to do so. You will find that there are lots of cutouts on the market, which will allow you to choose the right items for your body. You can also make your own styles at home, which will save you plenty of money.

Spring is going to be filled with lots of great choices for fashion. These ten ideas will help you get on the right path to looking your best this season. Since more people are getting out these days, you will find plenty of ideas to get your confidence back.

Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? This means there is plenty of time to plan out all of the amazing ways that you can celebrate the holiday. Luckily, there are so many fun things you can do to help enjoy this wonderful month without having to spend a small fortune. This will allow you to explore women’s history and even become a piece of it if you so choose. These ten ideas will help you to start the planning process, but there are so many other ways to explore the month if you choose to branch out even further.

1. Explore Books by Women Authors
Often, women’s books tend to get swept under the rug, especially if they were created in a time when women’s rights weren’t in place. There are so many great books to check out that will help you to learn more about women authors and how they have changed writing for the better. One book you might want to begin with is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This book kick-started the science fiction genre and introduced one of the most beloved monsters of all time. Of course, you will find so many incredible books from women from all walks of life. You might even start with books that have recently been a controversy, such as Toni Morrison’s Beloved. Many of these books are free or will only cost a few dollars, so let your reading guide you through the month.

2. Enjoy Music Created By Women
Another easy way to embrace Women’s History Month is to listen to music created by women. Whether the song is written by, performed by, or produced by a woman, you will gain something from enjoying it. There are many playlists dedicated to women performers so you can always begin there. So many women were pioneers in the music industry and don’t get the credit they deserve, so discovering these pioneers might be a good place to start. To get you started, you might explore the music of Sister Rosetta Tharpe who rocked out on the guitar before electric guitars were common in the industry.

3. Understand Women’s Rights
You might think that women’s rights are all in place since we live in modern society. However, you might be surprised to learn that there are many struggles women face to this day. Women’s History Month is a great time to get acquainted with women’s rights. You might start by learning about the struggle women have worked through to get us where we are today. Once you have a good understanding of this, then look up the rights women are fighting for today. This can be one for the country you live in as well as the rest of the world. Understanding these issues can help you to gain a better grasp of the world that you live in, which is incredibly important.

4. Interview Women
Another fantastic way to celebrate is to interview the women in your life. You might start with your mother or grandmother, but this is only the beginning. If you’re not certain who to talk to then you might consider going to a local nursing home or hospital. Many women that are elderly or sick do not receive a lot of company and are often eager to talk to others. This is a great way to learn about the stories of others so you can gain an even better understanding of the past. If you admire a woman that you don’t know in person, you might look into sending a letter or email to whoever handles their publicity. You may get a response to the questions you have for them, which can definitely be helpful.

5. Volunteer for Women’s Charities
There are a lot of women’s charities available, so if you really want to make a difference then you might choose to volunteer for a charity that assists women. You can even choose your volunteer service based on your interests or professional skills. There are places for women escaping battered homes, those that assist women in finding jobs, and even some that help underprivileged girls find mentors to keep them on the right track. If you enjoy working with children and teenagers, then you might also consider volunteering at a girls’ juvenile facility to help make an impression on girls that may be struggling. There are other ways to help women out too. For instance, you might consider offering food to a woman in need. You can also lend emotional or mental support. Even if you’re helping out a woman in your life, you will find that this is one of the most rewarding ways to spend the month.

6. Say Thank You
Showing your gratitude for women that inspire you and have worked hard to ensure today’s women have a good life is a great way to spend the month of March. Many of the women that have helped shaped the world we live are no longer with us, but you can show your gratitude in working hard to ensure all they accomplished isn’t taken away. You can also create art inspired by your feelings towards their accomplishments. If the women that you are grateful for are still alive then take some time to show much you care. You can call the women you know, send an email to those you don’t, or simply put a shoutout on social media to share your feelings. You can also create art for these women, which can help spread the message of all that they have accomplished.

7. Women Inspired TED Talks
If you get a lot out of TED Talks, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are many women that will help you embrace the month all the more. Any TED Talk from a woman will help you to enjoy their words and learn from their ideas. However, there are some talks that are particularly about women’s issues, history, and even the future. These talks will help to encourage you to embrace the month and propel forward with the ideas you have learned. There are many playlists you can check out too, which will make finding the videos easier. If you find a particular talk inspiring, then it is easy to put some research into the speaker so you can learn a bit more.

8. Mentor a Girl
Although learning the women’s history is important, there is something else we should always consider when we look to women’s issues. That is the future. There is a generation of girls that are lacking role models or even someone just to talk to. So, you might choose to use this month to get motivated to mentor a child in need. There are many programs that will help you get started with this. However, if you don’t think you are ready to work with children, then you might consider mentoring a teenager or a college student in regard to your career field. This will help ensure you have helped prepare the future for greatness.

9. Watch Historical Films About Women
If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, then you can always look into historical films about women. There are so many incredible films to choose from that will allow you to learn about history while having a bit of fun in the process. Historical films are a great way to entertain yourself too, which will allow you to gain even more on days that you’re busy. There are plenty of lists to check out if you’re not sure where to begin your journey. You will certainly be able to find something that interests you though as you surf through movies about baseball, music, politics, and simple period pieces. You might also look into movies that are directed by women, so you will gain even more from the experience.

10. Shop from Women
Another big way to make a difference in March is to shop from stores that are run by women. This might not be as hard as it might sound, as many communities acknowledge businesses owned by women. If you’re not sure where to begin, then you can start your journey online. There are many places to find lists of stores owned by women. Even major retailers like Target and Amazon will connect shoppers to businesses owned by women, which will help you find something you love. Once you do, you don’t have to shop on these websites. In fact, simply search for the vendor’s actual website so you can purchase directly from them.

Celebrating Women’s History can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re on a budget. These tips will allow you to make the most of the holiday while ensuring you learn something too. With any luck, you will find inspiration or motivation to take on the challenges that you are faced with.

February 20 is Clean Out Your Bookcase Day, which might be a great incentive for you to give your books a little love. If you’d like to get started on spring cleaning a bit early, then this is a fantastic place to begin. There are lots of great ways to help create the bookshelves of your dreams without having to spend a small fortune on them. These ten tips will not only help you work with the things you already have but will give your bookshelves a fresh new vibe to improve on your home’s aesthetic and your ability to show off your books.

1. Reduce Books
For a lot of people, saying goodbye to books can be a bit difficult. For others, books tend to just pile onto the shelf because they don’t have the time to go through what they no longer want. No matter how you feel about your books, one of the best steps to clean up your shelves is to actually reduce the books you have. You might start by simply going through the books that you didn’t enjoy or those you might have duplicates of. Books that have no significant importance are also a great way to help you clear some of the clutter. Even if you’re torn over some books, you might set them out to think in order to ensure you can condense as much as possible. Books you no longer want can be donated or even sold so other people can enjoy them.

2. Group Books
The way you group your books can actually transform your shelves. There are so many things to consider when grouping your books. Some like to group simply by separating hardback and paperbacks. However, many get even more extensive in this. Often, they will group books by author or genre to help create a sense of convenience when they are looking for something. However, some people like to mix things up and will organize them based on size or color. This can add a unique aesthetic to the shelf which will make any room your books are in seem even more stylish.

3. Add Baskets
If you’re looking to add more space to your shelves, then simply add some baskets to the bottom of your shelves. This will provide you with space for a wide assortment of items without leaving your home looking cluttered. The best thing about baskets is you can put almost anything in them and people won’t be able to see the mess. However, you can also use the baskets for extra book storage, which can come in handy if you have a lot of books to organize. If you can, choose baskets that suit your overall aesthetic, so you can easily make your shelves work for you even more.

4. Stack Books
Just because you are placing your books on a shelf doesn’t mean that you must place them in a certain way. Rather, you can easily place books on the shelf by stacking them. This will allow you to fit more books onto your shelf and can add to the aesthetic of the home. In fact, if you alternate between stacking and upright books, it can make your rooms seem well organized and spacious. Of course, you should stack with purpose and make sure larger books are on the bottom of the stack. You can also stack with a variety of angles to help add some fun to the bookshelf.

5. Sprinkle in Details
Your bookshelves don’t have to be all about the books. Rather, you can spice them up by adding a touch of your personality to them. You might consider adding collectibles to the shelf to help show off some of the things you love apart from books. You may even have collectibles based on the books which can add even more fun to the mix. If you like to make crafts, then this is also a great place to display them. Pictures can also be a great addition to the shelves.

6. Add Plants
An easy way to bring some life to your shelves is to add plants. These can add a touch of magic to your style, especially if you choose plants that seem to flatter the genre of books you are displaying. One of the best things about plants is they will filter the air in your shelf area, which will leave you feeling more comfortable as you read. They can also create the illusion of space, which ensures your shelves will look a bit tidier and easier to maintain.

7. Utilize Bookends
Bookends can help bring order to your shelves when they otherwise might look squashed and boring. There are so many bookends to choose from now that you can really add personality to your shelves without having to spend a fortune. When you use bookends, it will help keep your book rigid, so you won’t have to worry about them sloping and knocking over other books. This will ensure a tidy look that can’t be beaten. You can also group your books easier when you have the bookends to work with. There are even some book nooks, which recreate scenes from your favorite books to add character to your collection while keeping it organized.

8. Paint the Shelf
Sometimes, all your shelf really needs is a fresh coat of paint. Darker colors can make your shelf look more confined and cluttered. So, if you can, choose a lighter color for the interior of your shelf, if not the entire structure. If you’re not keen on just painting, then you can add stick-on wallpaper to bring out some character in the shelf. This can be cheaply done, and you can even choose wallpaper based on the genres you are displaying in that specific section. This can help you brighten up the room too, which will add to the overall aesthetic of the room.

9. Add Lights
One easy way to bring out the best in your shelf is to add some lighting. This will help create a bold look that will stand out even if you aren’t reading. There are so many cheap and efficient ways to add lighting to your bookshelves. Fairy lights are an easy option, but you can also find some great options in LED lighting. Of course, if you’re willing to put money into the lighting then there are specialized lights that are designed to go on shelves. Once you choose the lighting you want, you can keep it up as an accent light which can save you money when you compare it to other lights in the home.

10. Invest in a Feather Duster
Cleaning up your shelves can be a challenge, especially if you have collectibles to contend with. One of the best ways to deal with your shelves is to tackle them with a feather duster. There are many different types of feather dusters to choose from, but one of the best options is said to be an ostrich duster. These dusters tend to draw in the dust, so you don’t leave anything behind.

Creating a clean and organized shelf shouldn’t be intimidating. There are many ways to help create a wonderful atmosphere while ensuring your shelves are a source of pride for you. Best of all, these tips will ensure you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get stylish shelves that look amazing in your home.

Although the groundhog may have ruled another ten weeks of winter, spring will still be here before we know it. One of the best ways to decorate for spring is to bring in flowers. There are so many ways that you can enjoy flower décor without having to spend a lot of money on your spring decorations. These ten tips will help guide you with simple ideas that you can craft at home without having to purchase too many excess supplies. Before spring even gets here, you should have some great options to greet your guests.

1. Create a Wreath
Wreaths are one of the easiest things you can make with flowers. Wreaths can be simple or elaborate, which gives you lots of room to work with. If you are looking to make an intricate wreath then you will need to purchase a base for the wreath. These can be purchased at dollar stores or your favorite craft stores. However, you can also craft one out of wire or an old hanger. Once you have your base ready, simply weave flowers on it. You can do this with real or fake flowers, but real flowers will have to be changed out more frequently. When your flowers are set, then add the finishing details like ribbon.

2. Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers can add a touch of beauty to the home, which others will marvel at. You can use pressed flowers in a wide variety of ways too. One easy option is to place a flower in a picture frame. Instead of using cardboard on the back of the frame, use plexiglass or another piece of glass to ensure the flower can be seen with ease. This makes for amazing wall decorations, but you can also use it for a variety of other things, such as coasters. If this craft comes easy to you then you might consider using it to make easy gifts for family and friends that enjoy the beauty of flowers.

3. Traditional Flower Arrangement
Arranging flowers has been a popular craft for many years now. However, not many people know how to do it. There are numerous lessons online to help you with this, which is a great way to pick up new skills while finding an easy way to make décor for the home. Learning to arrange flowers, will allow you to create beautiful arrangements for your home from the flowers that you have growing in your garden. This will make the craft virtually free. Of course, if you like your flowers to last for years, then you can use the same techniques with fake flowers. Once you get the hang of flower arranging then you’re certain to find this hobby can also be a great way to make extra money or an easy way to create gifts for others.

4. Floral Chandelier
If you love a little elegance, then a floral chandelier can really change the way your home looks. This is probably one of the more expensive options when it comes to floral décor, but it is well worth anything you put into it. You can make a floral chandelier in many different ways. To begin with, you can start with a simple circular base and then add flowers and lights to the mix. This can then be hung from the ceiling. You can also go a more traditional route with an old chandelier. These can often be found at thrift stores and are easily painted and accessorized. Just like other crafts, you can choose between real or faux flowers, depending on what you need the chandelier for. These are incredibly popular with weddings at the moment, so you can find inspiration by looking at wedding blogs.

5. Living Flower Art
Flower art is a great way to bring personality to the home. You can do this in so many ways, but one of the easiest is to find a shadow box and add soil to it. You can then tightly pack certain plants into the frame and water them gently with a spray bottle. This will work best with succulents, but there are other options to choose from. These are easily hung on the wall as well. Of course, if you don’t want to wing the project, you can purchase the wall art or kits to make it so you can be accurate with what you are creating.

6. Indoor Planters
Sprinkling flowers around the home is a great way to bring out springtime vibes. So, indoor planters can take your home to a whole new level. You can make planters out of almost anything, which can help you to utilize your recycling for something amazing. For instance, you can transform an old milk jug into an adorable planter that is great for kids’ rooms or even the front door. You can also bring old planters back to life with new paint and other items. Once you have your planters ready to go, then simply add your favorite flowers and they’ll be ready to bring on the charm.

7. Add to Décor
Flowers don’t have to be the star of the show. In fact, you can use them to highlight some of the amazing works of art that you already have in the home. For instance, one easy thing to do is wrap a flower around a sculpture or you can weave them into a decorative fence or picture frame. There are endless options to help you add floral accents around the home, so look around and see what objects could use a breath of fresh air. You might be surprised by all of the places your flowers can be placed.

8. Window Garden
Creating a window garden is incredibly simple and can be pretty easy to take care of. You can do this by placing small containers of plants in the garden, or you can go all out and secure a windowsill garden to the interior or exterior of the home. These are perfect for planting smaller flowers, herbs, catnip, and other items that you might want to start in the home and then move outdoors. If the garden is inside then you can truly enjoy plants all year long as you won’t have to worry about the elements.

9. Centerpiece
One of the best ways to highlight your dinner table is a centerpiece. This can be especially great when it comes to showing off your home’s beauty during a dinner party. A centerpiece is exceptionally easy to make, and you can work with items you already have in the home. You can use flowers to work with a candle-based centerpiece, or you can make it all about the flowers. There are lots of great options online to help you find exactly what you need to create the perfect option for any occasion. Best of all, you can use fake flowers so you can keep the décor for years, or you can use real flowers to add a burst of freshness to the home.

10. Neatly Placed Out
Flowers are beautiful without all of the excess add-ons. So, instead of adding to the flowers, simply place them out in various places of the home. You can lay them on your mantle, shelves, and anywhere that they might add a touch of beauty. Of course, you will have to change the flowers out often if they do not have a source of water, but they will bring freshness to the home that you won’t be able to resist. When the flowers do dry out, you can transform them into potpourri to add even more joy to the home.

Decorating with flowers can be a world of fun and can help you feel excited about the upcoming warmer weather. These ten tips are only the beginning of all of the wonderful things you can create as you embrace spring’s bounty and create a garden worth showing off.

Presidents Day brings the first major sale of the year, which will have many people longing to enjoy some savings on the items they love. Many stores participate in the sales, so if you want to shop local you might ask around to see which stores near you will be offering the deals you desire. These ten major retailers are already hinting at their deals, so you will know just where to shop when the big day arrives. Here are just ten of the nations’ biggest retailers that will be offering sales during the Presidents Day event.

1. Walmart
Walmart usually has some pretty good deals on the things your household is going to need for spring. This year, if you plan to shop online, you will find deals on everything from outdoor activities to workout supplies. These are great for planning out your spring and summer while allowing you to move into a healthier lifestyle with ease. You are also going to find deals on tires, which can help your vehicle quite a bit. If you ship the tires to the store, you can also get them installed which can help you save even more money. Of course, during this time of the year, Walmart is also offering clearance and rollback deals you won’t want to miss. In-store deals haven’t been announced yet, but you’re certain to find something you can use to make life more efficient.

2. Target
Over the last few weeks, Target has really been pushing sales on its storage containers. These sales should continue until around Presidents Day to help suit customers that are working on their spring cleaning. However, when Presidents Day does roll around, you will find that there are also kitchen appliances on sale, which make it the perfect time to add items to your home and stock up for wedding and graduation season. Apart from that, you will find sales on floor care, top of the line gadgets, and some of the season’s most popular games

3. Amazon
Amazon tends to have sales on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be rolling out some of the big deals for Presidents Day. This year, you are more than likely going to find deals on Amazon’s brands, because this tends to be a trend with every major sale. However, this year, you will also find some big deals on some of the top gadgets available. Now might be the perfect time to upgrade your TV or find a laptop to improve on your school or work needs. Other than that, you might want to look into some home goods too. You will find sheets, towels, storage supplies, and other options to help make your house more comfortable.

4. Macy’s
Another great option to check out this year is Macy’s. The store tends to be known for offering great deals on clothing, but this store is more than just fashion options. This year, you will also find deals on things like furniture. It seems like beds and couches are the highlights of the option, but you might be able to find other things too. Apart from that, cosmetics and clothing will be in abundance. This is a great way to stock up on springtime fun. Of course, kitchen supplies will also be in abundance. You will largely find small appliances here, but you might also score a good deal on cutlery, pots, and pans, as well as serving sets.

5. Wayfair
Wayfair tends not to miss out on any sale opportunity, so you will certainly find some great options when it comes to this store. There will be sales in most departments, so chances are you will be able to find a deal that suits your needs. However, one department you won’t want to miss out on is storage. You’ll find lots of storage containers, bins, and furniture that will allow you to keep your home nice and tidy. Other than that you will also find some major deals in kitchen supplies. These sales will include cookware, appliances, dining sets, and even furniture to help make mealtime incredible.

6. Best Buy
If you’re looking for technology, then Best Buy tends to be a go-to store. During Presidents Day you’re bound to find some of the best deals around. Best Buy tends to have a lot of wonderful deals on computers during Presidents Day. So, if you’re looking to find a great gaming PC or a laptop for school, then this is probably the place to go. They have the most popular brands and some of the lesser-known bands too. On top of that, you will find that there are going to be plenty of deals on phones at this time. You should be able to find some compatible with your device and beyond.

7. Overstock
When it comes to large savings, Overstock.com is always one of the best ways to save. Overstock offers so many different items that you should be able to find something exciting to purchase even if you’re not in the market for anything. Currently, it is said that Overstock will be hosting a sale with 70% off most categories. Since Overstock is one of the largest online retailers, this will entail everything from toys to bathroom fixtures. The easiest way to play for this sale is to simply set a budget and shop from that because it might be hard to turn down some of the remarkable deals.

8. Home Depot
Home Depot has really been making a name for itself when it comes to large-scale sales. This year the store will be hosting some extraordinary deals that will come just in time for the home improvement season. One of the best things you can shop for during this sale is tool benches. You will find most of them at nearly half off, which will help you finally get your garage organized. Apart from that, there will be numerous appliances on sale. Refrigerators will be the main focus, but you should be able to find some awesome deals on other items too.

9. Bed, Bath, and Beyond
If you’re looking to get your home organized or simply bring on a little makeover, then Bed, Bath, and Beyond is going to be a great option for you. This year, the store is hosting a large sale revolving around all of its materials to help you organize your storage with ease. Many of the items on offer are designed to look good and store your goodies. Of course, the store will also offer a wide assortment of linens on sale too, so make sure to shop around to see if anything strikes your fancy. Other than that, you might check their clearance section as they tend to have good deals there year-round.

10. Ashley Furniture
If your home is in need of furniture or even décor, then you might want to head to Ashley Furniture for the sales. This furniture store tends to offer incredible sales around this time each year, which is bound to help you find items that will make your home look and feel incredible. Of course, you should always shop around when it comes to furniture, but chances are, this might be your final stop. You may even be able to land free shipping or delivery on some of your purchases during the sales event which will make the deal even sweeter.

Presidents Day is one of the best times to really get some of the items your home needs. These ten stores are keeping their prices competitive during the weekend of sales, so make sure you check them out to see what they have to offer. You should be able to save some big cash while enjoying the thrill of a great shopping experience.

Are you feeling a little defeated because the newest variant of Covid-19 is shutting down our sense of normalcy? With many school closures and offices returning to work from home policies, it might seem impossible to have any fun this month. Luckily, there are many things you can do in the month of February to help entertain you and the entire family. Of course, these ten things are only scratching the surface, as there are so many things going on in the month of February.

1. Watch Phil Predict the Season
Phil the groundhog has been a Groundhog Day tradition for years. If you are looking for something to do on February 2nd, then you might consider tuning in to see what Phil predicts. You can tune into the broadcast online, although many news stations might also offer coverage of the annual event. Although the celebration only lasts a few moments, you can take the time to make Groundhog Day an all-day event. You might start by making groundhog crafts or even putting in your predictions to see who is right about the season. Once the groundhog has made his call, you can say goodbye to winter or celebrate it sticking around a little while longer. There are many crafts and other things that can help make this even more fun. You can also start planning for spring activities or your spring garden if we are in store for an early spring.

2. Send Out Valentines
Valentine’s Day is in the middle of February, which gives you plenty of time to create some wonderful crafts for the people you love. Whether you’re crafting the perfect love letter for your partner, or you just want to brighten someone’s day with a colorful craft, creating Valentines can be a wonderful way to spend some time this February. There are lots of wonderful craft ideas online that you can check out if you’re not certain where to start. You can even base the crafts around the age groups you are working with, which can definitely help to add to the fun of the occasion. Many crafts can also be made with items you find around the home, which will save you money as you show your love.

3. Fitness February
February is a great month to get fit. If you’ve been on social media lately, there is a good chance that you’ve probably seen a challenge or two going around on your feed. Many charities are offering fitness challenges to help bring in money while encouraging people to lead a healthier lifestyle. The challenges are as simple as planking for 89 seconds a day, walking a mile a day, doing 25 pushups, and so on. You can choose a charity or activity that works best for you, or you can do as many as you please. No matter how you choose to get fit, you’re bound to have some fun with these challenges keeping you motivated. Of course, if a challenge isn’t your thing, then you can always enjoy working out at your own pace.

4. Learn a Language
Being stuck inside isn’t always fun, but it does open up a lot of great opportunities. If you’re looking for something to help keep you busy, then picking up a new language might be a great option. In this day and age, you can learn a new language for free, which will help you to truly engage in your new activity. One of the best places to begin your language journey is Apps. You can enjoy apps that will cater to your time constraints while working with your mind to learn as much as possible in a short period of time. There are also many videos you can stream for free to help you learn almost any language. Apart from that, you will find that there are books, software programs, and other resources you can access to enjoy the learning process.

5. Spring Clean
Even though spring doesn’t officially begin until March, it is never too early to get started on all of your spring cleanings. Of course, you will probably want to stick with tasks indoors to ensure you are warm enough to complete the task without it being a hazard. Some of the things you might start with is cleaning behind appliances, going through all of your older items, or deep cleaning your floors. There are lots of small things you can do to get the ball rolling as well, like washing your curtains. Getting a head start on cleaning will give you less to do when the weather is nice, so you can actually have some fun when spring arrives.

6. Plan for Summer
With the cold weather making outdoor time a little uncomfortable, you might consider taking your time stuck indoors to plan for your summer vacation. If you think you will be vaccinated by the time summer rolls around or if you’re confident in traveling during the pandemic, then you might consider planning and even booking your trip now. This will help you to get the best possible deals, but you should also take the time to purchase cancellation insurance too since things are a little uncertain now. Even if you don’t want to vacation during Covid-19, you can still take the time to plan out activities that will keep you busy. This can be anything from books you’d like to read to home improvement projects that you’d like to take on.

7. Create a Gratitude Routine
It can be tough to feel gratitude when the world seems so uncertain and getting out of the house comes at a much greater risk. That is why creating a gratitude routine is the perfect way to help your mental health during this period of your life. There are so many ways to add a sense of gratitude to your day. One easy way is to meditate as this tends to take us out of the moment of distress, so we can focus on all of the things we have. You can also come up with a gratitude journal to write down all of the things that you are grateful for. This can actually help you to create a happier life, improved mental health, and create a positive perspective on your day.

8. Paint Your Walls
Another great indoor activity that can change the way you feel about being at home is a simple painting task. Painting doesn’t have to be an expensive activity and can give you plenty to do to keep you busy. If you don’t want to paint an entire room, then you might consider doing an accent wall to help breathe new life into a space. You can also enjoy stencils or other accessories to help improve the aesthetic of the room. Painting can be a great way to lift your mood as well, which can improve your mental health while you are stuck at home. One key element to this is choosing shades of paint that help with your mental state.

9. Succulent Garden
Gardening can be a great way to improve your mood and help the environment. However, gardening in February isn’t always the easiest thing to do. That is where succulents come into play. These adorable plants can be kept indoors or outdoors, so you can work on building your succulent garden while the winter weather rages on. You can purchase succulents that have already started or grow them from seeds, depending on your goals and the type of succulents that you would like to grow. Apart from that, you will find, setting up the succulents can be a lot of fun. You can make a wall garden, place them in cute pots, and so much more. There are lots of great ideas online if you’re hoping for inspiration to get your garden started.

10. Game Night
February evenings can be a bit boring. That is why your family might want to start implementing a game night. This is a great activity to add to one night a week, especially if there is an evening that has no activities or bonding periods. You can enjoy board games that you already own, create games from your imagination, download ideas from the internet, or stick with the classics like hide and seek. No matter what you choose to play, you’ll be able to enjoy time together which will help to strengthen your bonds.

February can be a time of fun, which is why you should use it to bring joy to your life. Even though the outside world isn’t exactly secure, your home can be ripe with activities that everyone will enjoy. These ten ideas will help keep you on a budget while also allowing you to find more joy in the month.

February is right around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to find activities to celebrate Black History Month. Unfortunately, this year is going to continue to look a little different for people hoping to get out and learn. With Omicron taking the main stage, a lot of museums and even schools will once again bring all of their educational material online. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a great month of learning. These ten ideas will help to boost your knowledge so you can get the most out of Black History Month.

1. Dive Into an E-Book
One of the best things about living in a digital world is you can find books in so many different places. Most of the time, you don’t even need a tangible book, which can cut back on germ exposure immensely. There are numerous books on offer that can make your Black History Month amazing. To begin with, you can enjoy biographies and autobiographies about your heroes or people that you are curious to learn more about. There are also works of fiction by a wide range of talented black authors. Children’s books are in abundance too and many will even offer sounds and images to help engage children so they can learn even more.

2. Engage in a Documentary
If you’re not big on reading or you simply love film as well, then there are so many documentaries that will teach you a lot of information. With so many streaming services to choose from, you should be able to find just what you need online. In many cases, you can even find the documentaries you’re looking for at no cost, which can make it easier to find the information you desire. On top of that, you will find a wide assortment of films based on real-life events, which you can engage in to get an understanding of the time period you are interested in.

3. Virtual Tours
Another great way to embrace the month is to go on a few virtual tours. You might be surprised by how many are available to you and how many will offer Black History Month specific tours. You can start your journey by visiting any museum that interests you. The Smithsonian is going to be one of your easiest options as they have a museum entirely dedicated to black history and culture. There are many other options to consider too. For instance, you can take a trip through Harlem to learn about one of the most exciting and influential black communities. Another option is to explore the freedom march by taking a tour from Selma to Montgomery. Of course, this is all barely scratching the surface, so if you have something that specifically interests you then search around as you might find a tour to help you along the way.

4. Join a Book Club
Many book clubs will be highlighting Black History Month, so if you want a social activity or you simply want book recommendations then this is a great option for you. The book club will allow you to easily find books by black authors to help you broaden your horizons. One of the best aspects of a book club is the discussion element which is what can truly help you see through other people’s eyes. Apart from that, you will find that book clubs are everywhere. You can find local events, or you can choose something that is entirely virtual. You can work with just discussion boards or choose something with video chats.

5. Engage on Social Media
Although social media can be iffy with some topics, you might find that there is a lot to be enjoyed during Black History Month. You might consider joining a few groups or finding a couple of pages that offer accurate information. You can even enjoy conversations to help you truly understand the topics at hand. Social media is also a great way to help you further understand modern topics that will one day be a part of black history studies. So, don’t be afraid to browse around on social media, even if you don’t fully feel like chatting with others. Even lurking in comments can give you plenty of material to look up and discover for yourself.

6. Participate in Events
This year, there are already a lot of online events happening, so you are certain to find something that suits your interests and your schedule. One of the best places to begin your search is on the website of local libraries and schools. Usually, these institutions will be able to point you in the right direction. Other than that, you will be able to find a list of events on the websites of museums, foundations, and websites that support Black History Month. Last year, Sam’s Club even offered a storytime event to celebrate, so be on the lookout everywhere. Social media might be one of the best places to grab information. You will even find that the Girl Scouts organization is offering courses to get a badge to show that your scout took the course in Black History.

7. Embrace Music
Music is one of the best ways to make Black History Month extraordinary. There are so many black musicians that have created wonderful music to explore. You might start by following the routes of the music so you can truly see how black musicians have inspired almost everything that we listen to today. There are a ton of exceptional playlists out there dedicated to various types of music that will inspire you while helping you to learn history through song. You can find premade playlists on most streaming pages, but you can also come up with your own to share with others too.

8. Shop with Black Owned Stores
Offering support to the black community is one of the best ways you can celebrate Black History Month. If you need to purchase items, then you might consider getting them from a black-owned business. This will allow you to support your local community while finding alternative places to shop for the items you desire. Of course, if you can’t find what you’re looking for then you might consider purchasing from online options. You can easily find lists of high-quality black-owned stores if you look at website’s that celebrate Black History Month. You can also find black-owned stores via major vendors like Amazon and Target. Even if you don’t want to shop through the major websites, you can discover products and then purchase the items from the brand’s actual website.

9. Crafts
When it comes to children, making crafts is one of the best ways to teach about Black History Month. There are so many incredible crafts to choose from that you should be able to find many different lessons to spread out throughout the month. Craft time is also a great time to open up dialogue. This will allow you to share stories and lessons that will stick with your child since they will be using their senses while you talk. If you’re struggling with craft ideas, there are so many options online that you can choose from.

10. Reach out to Activists
One of the best ways to truly learn about Black History month is to talk about some of the people that helped to make it happen. Although many of the people that took part in many of the major life-changing events have passed on, there are still many that are alive and well. One of the best ways to get to know them and their story is to ask questions. Often, you can find an email to send them messages, or you can contact a foundation with your questions. Finding emails online for prominent people is very easy to do, so it shouldn’t require a lot of effort. However, there may be quite a bit of waiting. You might also consider sending emails to some of the activists fighting for rights today, as this will give you more knowledge of their story too.

You don’t have to leave the house to truly get the full effect of Black History Month. These ten ideas can be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of your home, which will definitely allow you to broaden your horizons. These tips will hopefully allow you to learn a lot of interesting things to further your knowledge.

If you were hoping for a super romantic Valentine’s Day this year, then you might find yourself juggling to find an option that will suit your needs. With Omicron spiking in most areas, you might find more restrictions and closures than you may have imagined. Luckily, we live in a world where a little creative thinking can go a long way. With these ten ideas, you should be able to choose Valentine’s Day date that will truly inspire you to have some fun with the person you love.

1. Rent a Movie
Dinner and a movie have always been a classic Valentine’s Day date. However, if you don’t want to sit in a crowded theater this year then there are so many great options to choose from. You can always rent a movie from one of your favorite services, which will allow you to sit down with your date and enjoy something fun. If you had your eye on a blockbuster at the theater, then there is a good chance that you will also be able to rent it from a streaming service. This will be a bit more expensive than your standard ticket, but it will allow you to enjoy the movie from the comfort of your own home. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the high prices of theater snacks, which might end up saving you money in the long run.

2. Cook Together
Getting something to eat is always a great date night idea, especially for Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day tends to be one of the most crowded nights for most restaurants. If you don’t want to risk exposure to Covid-19 or you simply don’t want to wait in line at restaurants that have a smaller capacity than normal, then you might consider cooking together. This can be a really great bonding experience that allows you to enjoy a healthier meal that you both worked hard to make. You can join a virtual cooking class if you feel lost in the kitchen or order a meal kit to help you along the way. Some services will even offer a Valentine’s Day meal kit so you can make a classic meal and dessert to truly make the date memorable.

3. Virtual Tour
If you tend to spend your holiday at places like the museum or the zoo, then you aren’t completely out of luck. There are actually a wide variety of places that are currently offering free virtual tours. You might spend a little time deciding what you would like to enjoy during your date. The sky is the limit here because you can actually travel to places like Paris and Rome to truly discover the things that inspire you. Most virtual tours won’t cost you a penny, but some might so make sure to shop around for a tour that suits your needs. The virtual tour will allow you to go at your own pace, so you might bring some snacks along for the ride. If you’re not sure what you’d like to check out, there are many guides that can help you discover some of the best virtual tours available.

4. Order In
A lot of people have a tradition of going to a specific restaurant for the holiday. However, this might not be an option for you, especially with the pandemic. If long lines aren’t your thing or you’re worried about exposure, then you might consider ordering in. Many restaurants will allow you to pick up orders that you call in, which can save a lot of time but still might expose you to people that could have the virus. There are also many delivery services that will allow you to put in an order and have it brought right to you. This will give you plenty of time to set up a romantic atmosphere for you and your special someone. You can even try to recreate the atmosphere that the restaurant has to help make your Valentine’s Day seem less out of the ordinary.

5. Get Creative
One of the best ways to have some fun with a date is to consider a creative activity that both of you can enjoy. May it be going through old photos to scrapbook or painting something fun there are numerous options to choose from. In fact, you can even sign up for some virtual classes to help you get started. This is a simple way to enjoy a date night while making a souvenir that will help you remember your Valentine’s Day. It might also open up a new date idea that will help you bond together even when there are no holidays to celebrate.

6. Stargazing
If you’re looking for romance outside of the house, then one of your best options is to go stargazing. All you really need for this is something to keep you warm. Simply drive outside of the city and find a nice place to sit and admire the stars. You can even pull up an app to help you find constellations and other interesting things in the sky in your exact location. You can add to the date by bringing food and drink along. If it is going to be cold out, you might make sure you have extra blankets to ensure you don’t have to leave your stargazing adventure after just a few moments.

7. Picnic
One tried and true way to enjoy a romantic meal is through a picnic. The best thing about picnics is you can pack up any food you desire and take it to a location that isn’t surrounded by people. Parks are often a great option because they will allow you to enjoy plenty of fresh air and beautiful scenery while still allowing you to keep your distance from others. Apart from that, you will also find that if the weather is cooperative then you can find a spot with beautiful landscaping and eat in the vehicle. Of course, eating in your living room floor while watching a movie is also a great option, especially if the weather is unbearable. There are so many great recipes you can try out to help you get where you need to be to have the Valentine’s Day of your dreams, so if you aren’t sure what to pack then you might browse for some classic or modern picnic recipes.

8. Wine Tasting
Another fantastic option that can be done in the home is wine tasting. Not only will this save you some money on the event itself, but you also won’t have to worry about paying for a taxi to get home. There are lots of virtual classes you can sign up for in order to help you take wine tasting to the next level. If you’re not interested in a course, then you can purchase a kit to help you get all of the benefits of the wine tasting experience. You can also purchase your own wines and find foods to pair them with if you feel like you’d like to wing the experience.

9. DIY Gifts
A lot of people feel the pressure of spending a lot of money on gifts for Valentine’s Day. Since the beginning of the pandemic, some budgets have been a bit tighter, which might cause you to feel insecure about spending lots on items that aren’t necessities. You might also not want to hit the shopping mall or other stores in order to get the items you need. No matter the reasoning, one of the best things you can do for Valentine’s Day is make something homemade. Anything from a poem to a handmade card can make someone feel remarkable. If you’re at a loss for ideas then you might want to consider looking around for craft ideas that will spark your inner creativity.

10. Virtual Date
If you don’t have an established relationship but you’d like to go on a date on Valentine’s Day, then you might consider a virtual option. Many of the dating websites are now working with this option as opposed to in-person meet-ups anyway, which will allow you to easily find some fun for the holiday. If you’re not interested in dating websites, then you might consider asking a friend to set you up for a virtual blind date. Of course, this is also a wonderful option for those still getting to know a date or those handling a long-distance relationship. Virtual dates don’t have to be boring either. Rather, you can easily find games to play, offer trivia questions about one another, and so much more. If you’re looking for virtual date ideas, there are many options online as so many have taken to this method of dating since the pandemic began.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a total loss because of the pandemic. There are actually many exciting ways to help make the occasion fun and memorable without going out or spending a fortune. With these tips, you should be able to bring romance to the day without adding to your stress.

The Super Bowl is mere weeks away, so it is definitely time to get in all your planning for the big event. With Covid-19 still raging on, many people are working hard to keep their party as normal as possible. No matter how you choose to enjoy the Super Bowl this season, you will easily find a way to bring on the fun without spending a fortune. These ten tips are a great way to get you started while allowing you to keep your budget going strong no matter how your team does.

1. Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are one of the hottest party trends right now. There is no wonder as to why since they often offer cheaper foods that allow a variety of guests to enjoy the things they desire. Many Charcuterie boards stick to basic meat, cheese, and cracker design, which makes it easy to plan out food for your party. However, you can also mix it up by adding fruits and other treats to make the board all the more appetizing. You can have a lot of fun with these boards, as they are simple to transform into a striking football design, or even a full-on football field. Your creativity is the limit here, so have a little fun with your designs to make the Super Bowl even more exciting.

2. Individual Dips
If you’re having people over for the special occasion, then you might be wondering what foods you can place out without the worry of spreading illness. Chips and dips are pretty much a classic gameday snack, but sharing dip with a group of people isn’t exactly wise right now. Instead of offering a bowl of dip, use mini cups to put out individualized dips. This will allow you to utilize a wide variety of different dips, so you can suit more people’s desires. You can also make fun options like 7 layer dip, which is totally easy to make in cups and will offer a cool look that will go well with your football theme. These cups of dip combined with pre-portioned chips will help keep everyone’s germs contained without forcing you to ditch snack time.

3. Prizes
Prizes are a great way to bring some fun to the holiday while ensuring your guests want to spend time at your party. There are so many fun games that you can play during this time. One easy option is to pull out the board games that you already have on hand. You can play anything from Monopoly to Twister to keep your guests engaged. You can also add themed games to the mix, such as paper football and bingo. When the game is complete, offer a simple prize. You can also add a drawing, or have people guess the final score for a prize. Prizes can be as simple as a dessert, small gift card, or even a coupon book.

4. Trivia
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to keep your guests busy then trivia is a great option. The best thing about trivia is you can pull out trivia questions whenever they are needed. May there be a boring commercial on or you just want to diffuse a tense moment, trivia is always available at your fingertips. You might start by collecting information before the game begins, so you can ask all of the football enthusiasts a variety of questions. You can mix things up too and ask questions about the Super Bowls of yesteryear as well as general football or NFL questions. If you want to offer prizes for correct answers then it might add incentive to get everyone to play or you can simply just make the game available for those wanting to add to the fun.

5. Serving-Free Foods
Although individual dips are one way to help keep things in order, you might consider other serving-free options to ensure you don’t have to worry about people contaminating the food. One of the best options is to make premade plates that people can just pick up and take to their respective seats. You might also choose foods that are easy to prepare and serve, such as pizza, corndogs, hotdogs, sandwiches, sliders, and other classic football game foods. You should also consider prepackaged chips and other items that are easy to grab and go during the game.

6. Football Masks
Masks are one of the best ways to help keep others safe, so adding them to your party can be a great way to celebrate. One of the easiest ways to do this is to purchase a few cloth masks in the colors of the teams playing. You can add decal stickers to the mask to give them more character. Guests can choose which team they want to root for or who they expect to win the big game. This will make the game even more fun, as no one will be able to hide their choice of team, even when the game turns south for them. Plus, it will give everyone a nice souvenir to take home.

7. Watch Outside
Another way to add to the fun while keeping things a bit safer is to watch the game outside. If the weather permits, then you might take a television outside so everyone can enjoy the fun in the fresh air. You can also bring out the projector to get the big-screen effect that even your neighbors can enjoy. Watching the game outside will give your party more of a tailgating feel which might even make the party more enjoyable for everyone. You can grill out, have beer on tap, and toss the football around during commercials without having to miss a second of the game.

8. Keep the Gathering Small
It goes without saying that all gatherings should be kept small right now. If you have a lot of football buddies, then you might consider keeping your party mostly virtual. You can set up a conference call that everyone will be able to take part in without spreading any potential illnesses. If you want to add to the party, then have a snack exchange. You can drop off some of your party snacks with friends and they can do the same. This type of potluck can be a lot of fun and will allow you to feel closer to the people you wish you were celebrating with.

9. Play Football
Super Bowl Sunday is all about football, right? So, it only makes sense that you would add football to your party routine. A game of football will give you a chance to get outside and have some fun while allowing you to take in some fresh air. Football is a great way to get in exercise, which can also boost your immune system. Of course, you should make sure to sanitize after the game to ensure no germs are passed around. Football can be a great way to bond though and is an easy way to work out frustration if your team doesn’t win.

10. Sanitation Station
Parties can be a bit risky, but there are measures you can take to help protect your family. One of the easiest things you can do is set up a sanitation station to make sure everyone has access to the things they need to be as healthy as possible. One of the easiest ways to do this is to set out a table with hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and anything you have on hand to help others keep clean. You might also add makes to the table for those that need them. If you like the idea of party favors then you can easily purchase bulk mini hand sanitizers, which can be decorated with football themes and more. Make sure you place your sanitation station in a convenient place. Near food is one of the best places to position the station as it will remind people to sanitize every time they go for a snack.

You don’t have to skip out on all of the Super Bowl fun just because of Covid-19. These ten tips will help to keep your party much safer so no one will have to worry while they cheer on their favorite team. Best of all, you will be able to save some money while you plan.

The month of February offers a lot of amazing holidays dedicated to the fur babies in your life. From Doggie Date Night to days specifically celebrating a pet’s breed, you will find so many reasons to celebrate the pet in your life. February is also considered National Responsible Pet Owner’s Month, which can be one of the most important things you can celebrate. These ten tips will help you to easily be a responsible pet owner while allowing you to stick to your budget. So, you won’t have to think twice about truly making the right choices for your fur babies.

1. Visit the Vet
It is pretty easy to forget that your pet should see a vet annually, just like you should see a doctor. So, you might want to schedule your pet a wellness exam this month, so you can check and make sure everything is okay. During these visits, your vet will be able to catch future problems or diagnose problems your pet might be facing. They should also make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations, so they can be as healthy as possible. Make sure you choose a vet you trust for these visits, as it can make a huge difference in your life and your pet’s.

2. Consider Dental Hygiene
Another thing that is often overlooked when it comes to your pet is their dental hygiene. This is another important part of their overall health, so make sure you do address it. Your vet should be able to take a look at your pet’s teeth to figure out if they need a cleaning. For some animals, they will have to be put under anesthesia to have their teeth cleaned. However, many animals can have their teeth brushed at home to help keep up their health. There are also supplements found in treats or those you can put in water to help your pet keep their teeth healthy.

3. Consult Training Books
Training is a major issue facing many pet owners. One of the big training topics is getting your pet to go potty where you need them to. However, pet owners also look for ways to help their pets understand manners and boundaries. It doesn’t matter what type of pet you have, there are many ways to train. Although there are courses to help you here, one of the best resources you have is books. You will find a huge selection of training books to choose from as you work to train your pet. Many of these won’t cost you a fortune either, which might be one of the best solutions to your training problems.

4. Spay/Neuter
Spaying or neutering your pet can be one of the most important things that you do for them. This is not only a good option for your pet’s health and safety, but it can save you a lot of money too. The cost of a pet’s pregnancy can really set you back and will force you to pay for vaccinations and checkups for the litters your pet has. On top of that, you will have to worry about caring for your pet during and after pregnancy. Spaying or neutering your pet will obviously prevent a pregnancy from happening. It can also help your pet live longer as it will help them avoid some forms of stress and health issues. It will also help prevent your pet from running away. Many cities and states do offer vouchers to help you protect your pet by getting them spayed or neutered.

5. Research Food
Pet food is one of the most important things you provide for your fur baby. So, it is important that you choose wisely. There are so many brands on the market that it might seem overwhelming, but it is important to take your time. When choosing a food, look for reviews from consumers and veterinarians. You should also pay attention to ingredients. If your pet has a specific health problem, then you should purchase food to help support the problem. When you choose a pet food, ease your pet into it, so they don’t suffer from an upset stomach. You should also sign up for the food brand’s newsletter, which will keep you up to date with coupons and recalls on food. There are also recipes to help you make your own pet food if you struggle to trust the brands you research.

6. Help Your Pet Exercise
Exercise is another important part of your pet’s life. A lot of pet owners don’t think about this, especially if they have cats, rodents, or amphibians in the home. Exercise is still a part of their life though. One easy way to get your pet to exercise is to play with them. Animals love to move their bodies, just like you do, so grab toys that will inspire them to move. Of course, one of the easiest options is to take them for a walk. Dogs are fairly easy to walk, but you can walk cats too. They make special harnesses designed to keep your pet safe as they explore the great outdoors.

7. Get to Know Your Vet
Visiting your vet is incredibly important, but another thing you should do is get to know your vet. Speaking to one another in passing isn’t going to do your pet any favors. Instead, take the time to research the vets in your area and find one that you feel will suit your needs. Once you find the right vet then book an appointment. Make sure you ask the vet questions, let them know all about your pet and any concerns you might have. If you don’t feel the vet is right for you after this meeting, then move on to someone else. You will eventually find a vet you can trust, which will help you feel more confident in their ability to care for your fur baby.

8. Buy Toys Wisely
Even though we would like to think that the items we purchase in stores are all good for our pets, mistakes happen. There are numerous recalls on toys each year, which can cause people to feel uncomfortable purchasing toys. The best thing you can do about this is to research the toy you are interested in. Consider how breakable the toy is and whether or not your pet will be likely to break it. Some animals are very easy on toys, while others are pure destruction. After you make this call, you should consider what items are made of, whether or not there are materials inside the toy that might harm your pet, and so on. Sticking with the basics might be your best option, but if you’d like to try something new research is your best option, as well as paying attention to recalls.

9. Monitor Your Yard
Although your yard is part of your home, it can be one of the most hazardous places for your pet. That is why you should constantly monitor your yard, especially if you tend to let your pets outside on their own. One of the most important things to look for is holes in your fence where your pet might slip out. These should always be mended before you let your pet head outside on their own. You can also purchase special electric barriers that go around the yard if your pet tends to be an escape artist. Apart from that, you should look for suspicious items that your pet might get into. Trash and items such as this can harm a pet, but they can also turn out to be items thrown into your yard by malicious people. Another thing to look out for is stray animals or insect nests that can also harm your pet.

10. Provide Love
This is one of the most obvious things you can do for your pet. Providing love is a great way to celebrate the way you feel about your pet while making them feel right at home. There are so many ways to celebrate and love your pet, which is one of the best parts of having fur babies in the home. Your love for them will help them to find the happiness they need to lead healthier lives.

Becoming a responsible pet owner doesn’t take a lot of hard work. In fact, most of the things you need to accomplish are common sense. So, take the time to enjoy your pet and allow them to find happiness in your home. Best of all, these tips will help make pet ownership cheaper as the years go by.

The Chinese New Year is rapidly approaching and many people around the world are excited to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. It might seem that the Lunar New Year is an expensive holiday, which detours many people from giving it a try. However, this holiday can be enjoyed on a tight budget so you can have fun without having to worry about adding to your holiday debt. These ten ideas will help the whole family have some fun while learning about Chinese culture.

1. Create Tiger Masks
If you have children in the home that are excited about the holiday, you can easily create tiger masks to bring out the fun of the holiday. Tiger masks offer a lot of versatility because you can easily make them out of things that you find lying around the house. One of the easiest options is to use paper plates to draw on the face. Of course, you can also take it to the next level with paper Mache or clay to make the masks if you are working with older children. Masks can be worn for fun or you can even create a fun parade or fashion show to help everyone show off their creations while celebrating the year of the tiger. If everyone doesn’t want to work with a tiger, then they can always create a mask showing off their Chinese zodiac animal.

2. Learn a New Dance
There are a lot of fun dances associated with the Chinese New Year. So, right now you can easily learn a new dance to pair with the season. There are many traditional dances to choose from, but if you want to pay homage to the Year of the Tiger then you might consider learning the lion dance. Before the Chinese Zodiac represented the tiger, it was actually a lion. The lion was far too ferocious, so the emperor decided to change the animal to make it more appealing to the people of China. You can find tutorials for this dance and other traditional Chinese dances online, which will save you money on lessons.

3. Learn About the Tiger
When it comes to the Lunar New Year, every animal in the zodiac has its own story. You will find a wide assortment of facts about the tiger that you can find all over the internet. If your zodiac is a tiger, then you will find that there are many websites dedicated to sharing personality details and so much more to help ensure you fully understand everything you need to about your zodiac. You can also learn all of the things necessary about the zodiac, such as what is lucky and unlucky for you. Even if you aren’t a tiger, you can find out information about the Year of the Tiger, which can help you have the luckiest possible year, too.

4. Create Paper Cutting Projects
Paper Cutting is one of the traditional crafts that is enjoyed during the Chinese New Year. If you are looking for a fun way to jump into the fun, then this is a great option. The entire family can participate in the fun too, which will allow you to bond. Papercutting is a great craft because it is pretty inexpensive. In fact, you probably have all of the things you need in your home. You can find tutorials to help you get started on the crafted online, which should allow you to feel more confident about the new craft. Best of all, you can use your papercutting projects for decoration or as gifts for your loved ones for the Lunar New Year.

5. Tiger Paper Lantern
Paper lanterns are a great way to help learn more about Chinese culture while having some fun. You can enjoy a wide assortment of lanterns that will help you enjoy the fun of the season, while also catering to the craft supplies that you already have in the home. Paper lanterns are fairly easy to make with children, you will need colored construction paper or cardstock for the exterior of the lantern. For the interior, each person can draw a picture of a tiger or print and color a picture out. Simply cut slits in the construction paper, while still leaving an inch trim on each side of the paper. Then, glue the tiger picture to the inside of the paper and form the two combined papers into an oval shape. The slits in the paper will open up revealing the tiger. You can then hang the item anywhere. There are more complex options available too, so make sure to explore to suit your crafting needs.

6. Longevity Noodles
Eating traditional foods is always a great way to celebrate a holiday such as the Lunar New Year. There are many Chinese foods that are great to have during the holiday. One of the traditional things to eat are longevity noodles. These noodles are cut to be very long, which is said to represent a long life. Eating longevity noodles during the new year can actually bring you luck and prosperity too. The best thing about longevity noodles is they are incredibly easy ad cheap to make. You can find a wide assortment of recipes online to help you along the way. You might also be able to order them from some of your favorite Chinese restaurants.

7. Bring Out Red Décor
Red is the color said to bring you luck during the Lunar New Year. Typically, decorations for this holiday are sold in red and gold. If you don’t have traditional décor to enjoy then don’t worry! Simply bring out the red decorations you already have. You can also make your own décor to put up for the holiday. This is easily done with red construction paper, felt, or anything else you have in the home that can be used as a craft supply. You can also add to this by wearing red clothing.

8. Connect with Family
The Spring Festival is all about family reunions, which is why you should take some time during the celebration to reconnect with your family. If you are able to, try to visit with relatives, especially your elders. However, with Covid-19 ramping up again, this might be a bit of a challenge. If visiting in person isn’t a possibility, consider calling or video chatting. You can even come up with a fun tradition you can do virtually to help make the special occasion stand out so you can enjoy the celebration year after year.

9. Clean
It doesn’t matter what year it is, which animal we are celebrating, or when the holiday falls, one of the most common ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year is to clean up. This is a great time to get on your spring cleaning so you can begin fresh in the upcoming year. Cleaning can be a great way to go into the spring feeling like you can tackle any activity that comes your way because you won’t need to clean. You might start by going through your closet and getting rid of clothing and other items that might be lurking around that you really don’t need. You should also clean filters, behind appliances, and so on to help you begin the year fresh. This will allow you to easily get where you want before spring arrives, which can bring you a lot of relief. Of course, it is also said to bring you good luck to begin the new year with a clean home.

10. Watch the Gala
The Spring Festival Gala is a big part of the Lunar New Year for many countries. China has one of the largest galas, but you can view them all over the world. One of the best ways to celebrate the occasion is to actually stream one of the galas on the device of your choosing. You should be able to easily search online for the gala of your choosing, which will allow you to travel even when you’re stuck at home.

The Chinese New Year is a great time to bond with loved ones while celebrating the beginning of spring. These tips will help you to make the most of the occasion, even if you can’t get out and enjoy the festivities. Best of all, it will help you save some money, too!

January is the perfect time to find some great deals on some of the things your home needs. The White Sales tend to be a time in which linens and towels are on sale. The White Sales used to consist largely of white sheets, towels, and blankets, but over the years things have certainly changed. These days, you will find a larger selection of colors, as well as items. In fact, some sales are even expanded to include items like furniture and candles. These ten stores are offering some of the best deals around this January, so don’t miss out if your home is in need of linens.

1. JC Penney
JC Penny tends to be one of the leading stores when it comes to white sales, so it is no surprise that they are going to have some of the top deals of the season. If you’re looking for White Sale items, you will find that their sales offer up to 50% off on most bedding and bath essentials that qualify for the sale. There are pages upon pages of products to go through on their website, so you are certain to find everything that you could possibly need. JC Penney is also offering sales on clothing and many other products so you can get a little something extra if you’re in the market for it.

2. Macy’s
Macy’s is also going to play a big part in the savings for this year’s White Sales. Macy’s has a huge selection of items that will make your home more comfortable and stylish. Of course, you are going to find a lot of the same brands that you might at JC Penny’s. However, Macy’s sales will be considerably different. You’re going to find some big sales on sheets. In fact, you’ll save up to 75% in this category, so you should be able to shop for the entire family. Apart from that, you will receive up to 60% off pillows, which will definitely help you make your sleep space incredible. The store does have a lot of other items on sale too, so make sure to shop around while you grab your bedding essentials.

3. Overstock.com
Overstock.com is one of those websites that always seems to be offering sales. However, during the days of White Sales, you will find an abundance of sales on items like linens, towels, and more. This year, Overstock.com seems to be offering linens, towels, and so much more on sale. Of course, this year, the White Sale also falls during their end-of-the-year sale, which means you’re going to find a wide assortment of other items to choose from as well. There are tons of great deals to save on, so you can easily stock up on the items you truly need to keep your household running like a well-oiled machine. Plus, you might also find some luxury items that will make you feel extraordinary.

4. Kohl’s
This year, Kohl’s is definitely pulling out all the stops to make sure you find exactly what you need when it comes to your bedding. This year, Kohl’s is going all out with a 50% off sale on all of their closeout bedding. So, not only will you get to choose from items that are already reduced in price, but you will get to take even more money off of each item. You can also find deals on clothing while you’re shopping for your bedding needs, which is a great way to help get your children’s spring clothing ready to go. You can even take advantage of your Kohl’s cash or earn more to help you save even more money.

5. Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn is a great place to find luxury items that will last you for years to come. Although Pottery Barn, and its sister companies like Pottery Barn Teen, tend to be a bit on the pricey side, you will find that their White Sale deals will help you find exactly what you need to finish off the style of your personal space. During the Pottery Barn sales, you’ll find 20% off many items as well as a free shipping code so you’ll save even more money. You will also find that a lot of items are on clearance, so you will have even more savings to choose from as you plan out your new bedroom.

6. Bed Bath and Beyond
There are so many amazing options at Bed Bath and Beyond, so if you love their products then now might be the right time to stock up on something special for your home. You will find deals on some of your favorite brands in almost every category. Most items will be around 20%, which is saving quite a bit when it comes to high-quality linens. These deals will be available online or in stores, which will definitely help you to find what you need in the manner that you feel comfortable shopping.

7. Wayfair
If you’re looking for some major savings, then you might want to check out Wayfair during the month of White Sales. In January, Wayfair will have a large assortment of items in the bedding and bath category on sale. Some of these sales will offer big discounts too, so you’ll have to shop around a bit to find some of the best deals for you. You will also want to look around to see what else the store has to offer. You will find deals in almost every category, so if you’d like to shop for something fantastic to pair with your bath and bedding essentials then now is the perfect time to do it.

8. Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack is also taking part in this year’s White Sales. When you hop on the store’s website, you will find that many of their linens will be around 20% off. This will offer you some great savings on some of the newer items that the store has to offer. However, you might also take some time browsing the clearance section as there are a lot of great products there that will save you quite a bit of money. Of course, you can also find many deals in store, so if you prefer to check out items in person then this is a great option for you.

9. Target
Target isn’t sticking with the traditional White Sale items. Rather, this year they are all about storage. When you head to the store or online, you will find that they have about 25% off storage for the bedroom or bathroom. This includes storage containers, bins, and even shelving to hold some of your items. Of course, there will be some deals on linens, but storage is the main focus. If you spend over $35 you will also receive free shipping, which will add to your savings. Of course, you can also shop ahead and pick up in-store if you want to avoid the crowds without missing out on the deals in your local store.

10. Bloomingdales
Bloomingdales is really going to satisfy your desire to shop. When you head to the Bloomingdales website, you will find that most items are about 75% off which will allow you to find so many new and exciting items for less than you would expect to pay for them. Although many of the classic lines will be on sale, you will find that there are going to be lots of other fun items too, like furniture. So, if you’re looking to shop around then this might be the place to do it.

The White Sales will be over before you know it so don’t hold back when it comes to your shopping needs. These ten stores are definitely a great place to begin your search for new linens, towels, and more. However, you might also subscribe to your favorite store’s newsletter or visit their website to keep an eye out for other deals you might enjoy.

For so many people, 2022 is all about making career goals a priority. For many, 2020 put a halt to most progress when it came to working and for so many more their jobs abruptly ended leaving them scrambling to make ends meet. With 2022 offering signs of hope for a normal life, a lot of people are ready to jump on the chance of advancement. There are numerous things you can do to help make your goals happen this year. Here are just ten ideas to improve on your work skills and make yourself look like an incredible employee without spending a fortune. Opportunities can truly be yours when you’re ready to put in the work.

1. Look for School Grants
One of the best ways to help you get on the right foot as far as your career is concerned is to take more classes. You should try to build your skills and work on those that you might otherwise struggle with. Unfortunately, most schools do have tuition prices and many companies won’t pay for their employees to take courses. So, your best option is to look for school grants. Grants are a fantastic option because you do not have to worry about paying them back. There are also numerous grants out there and many people never even apply for them, so your odds of getting them are great. You can look around online for grants, but to boost your chances of finding a good match for you, you might consider asking your employer or talking to your school of choice about the grants.

2. Read
Books are your best way to learn any subject. Luckily, you can find so many options that will suit your career field. May it be business or technology, there are ways to learn the skills you need without setting foot in a classroom. You can also find self-help books that will ensure you learn to communicate efficiently or act as a leader. Many self-help books won’t cost you a fortune either, especially if you buy them in e-book form. Reading allows you to go at your own pace too, so you can make the most out of the subject that you are reading about.

3. Network
Growth isn’t always dependent on your skills. Sometimes, it is the people that you know that will truly get you to where you’d like to go. That is why networking is one of the most important things you can do if you intend on boosting your skills. One of the easiest ways to do this is to attend networking events. Commonly, these are held at conventions and other events, but there are now online networking events to help you get where you’d like to be. You can also use social media and word of mouth to meet new people in your field, so you can find the right connections to help move you up the ladder of your career.

4. Attend Workshops/Conferences
Not all skills are taught in a classroom. Many can actually be learned in workshops and conferences. If you are part of a field that offers such things, then you might take part whenever you can. Often, companies will pay for you to attend these events, but if not they are definitely cheaper than taking courses. Workshops are more than just a place to pick up new skills though. You can actually put your networking skills to work here, so don’t be afraid to connect with people online or ask for a business card if you think the professional relationship could help you in the future.

5. Utilize Social Media
In this day and age, social media is going to be where you need to concentrate some of your energy. You can find so many leads on social media, that you will be able to learn and grow with ease. Primarily, you should use social media for networking, but make sure you’re making trusted contacts as some people are out there to scam others. Other than that, you can learn skills online to help you improve on your career. Many people do offer free advice and courses on social media as well, which will allow you to get the most you can out of your field without having to spend money. Without a doubt, social media is one of the best assets we have, if only we choose to use it wisely. That being said, you should also present yourself as a professional on social media, as it could affect the way a future employer thinks of you.

6. Talk to Management
When it comes to promotions or even getting ahead in your field, one of the best resources you have is your managers. You might start talking to the manager directly overlooking you to see what you can do to help improve your odds of promotion. If you feel comfortable, you can also talk to managers that are higher up. They will know more of what you should know to take on a higher position because they have gone through it. Even if you don’t plan to stick around with the company, the ideas they provide you with can help motivate you and get you on the right path to improving your career prospects. It might also give you a bit of peace of mind when it comes to your future career, which can help ease the pressure you might be facing.

7. Improve Tech Skills
No matter what career field you are in, improving your tech skills can be one of the most important things you can do. There are so many programs that you can take on that will allow you to improve the way you look on your resume. Some of the more important skills are learning word process programs, like Microsoft Word, data programs, like Microsoft Excel, and graphic programs like Photoshop or Canva. You can also go a step further by learning a programming language, which can give you a step up when it comes to departments that require you to do web design and more.

8. Set Goals
If you’re looking for an easy way to get your career on the right path, then one of the best ways to do so is to set goals for yourself. You should look at where you would like to be in a week, a month, a year, and so on and then set goals accordingly. All goals should not feel unattainable, which is why the goals you set for the present should be steppingstones to help you reach the harder to obtain goals. Once you have your goals set then make plans to make them a reality. You might be surprised by how easy it feels to get where you’d like to be when you have a guideline to get you there.

9. Improve Resume
Believe it or not, but a lot of people struggle with the downfall of a poor resume. It is important to update your resume often, even if you aren’t actively seeking a job. This is especially true if you keep an online resume on platforms like LinkedIn. One of the main issues people face when it comes to their resumes is the way they present them. Often, people will just list some skills and leave it at that. It is important to actually go over the things you do and the skills you have. If you need to, work with a professional to help make your resume shine, even if you aren’t actively looking for a new job.

10. Know Your Worth
In this day and age, many people are actually underpaid for the things that they do. Employers can get away with this because so many people are after jobs. If you’re not sure what you should be making in your position, then you should always browse around to see what the industry standard is and what people with your credentials are making. There are many websites, like Salary.com, that can help you figure out what you should be paid. This will help you make the right decisions so you can choose to stick with your job or move on to one that will actually pay you what you’re worth.

Improving your career is a great way to help boost your confidence, your finances, and your self-worth. These ten tips won’t cost you a lot of money and will help you to move up the ladder in your career field, so you can actually make your dreams come true. With any luck, moving forward with some of these options will help you enjoy your best year yet.

Did you know that January is considered Veganuary? A lot of people try out a vegan lifestyle during the month of January due to their resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle. This month, you’re bound to find a bunch of deals on vegan brands and more, which might help you add to your vegan lifestyle, if only for the month. These ten brands will allow you to easily find something delicious to eat during the month without forcing you to spend too much on the lifestyle change. With any luck, you’ll find some options that you enjoy even if you don’t stick with the vegan lifestyle in the future.

1. Beyond Meat
One of the newest brands to the market is Beyond Meat. This brand prides itself on creating a new plant-based food that offers the same flavor and texture as ground beef. This brand took the market by storm and was quickly added to fast-food chains like Burger King. There are many restaurants using this brand’s faux meat now, so you can try it out for yourself if you’re nervous about cooking it or you simply want to satisfy your fast food cravings. Apart from burger-inspired meat, the brand is also trying out chicken options. You can purchase this brand in most major stores as well and it won’t cost you any more than actually purchasing meat, so it won’t harm your budget in the slightest.

2. Gardein
Gardein is another popular brand that has been around a while, so chances are, you will be able to find it in most major grocery or department stores. Gardein is dedicated to bringing vegan options to those that miss their favorite meat options. You can find everything from meatballs to sausage crumbles that will rival the taste of your favorite meat options. Gardein is a great brand for those that are interested in cooking their favorite meals. Most of the foods from this brand can be cooked in a variety of ways too, which will help you have some fun in the kitchen without having to go to extremes to make your own vegan-inspired foods.

3. Violife
Cheese is one of the big things that keeps people from going vegan. A lot of people feel like there is no way they could enjoy vegan cheese as much as they love regular cheese. Violife has made it their mission to change this though. The brand offers a huge assortment of vegan cheeses that compare to the real deal. You can even find some items that you might not normally get at your grocery store. The brand has many rave reviews too, which will inspire you to give their cheese a shot. Best of all, it isn’t priced higher than most cheese, so you can fit it into your budget without having to sacrifice.

4. Just Egg
If egg is a major part of your diet, then Just Egg is going to be a great option for you. This product will allow you to bake, cook eggs for meals, and so much more, which can help you enjoy protein that is clean and healthy. Just Egg can play a great role in starting your day off right with a healthy breakfast. It can also allow you to make cookie dough that you don’t have to worry about eating raw. Just Egg tastes like the real deal too, which will definitely win you over. It isn’t as cheap as a carton of eggs, but it also isn’t so expensive that you will be strapped for cash if you plan on changing your diet to include Just Egg.

5. Amy’s Kitchen
If you don’t have a lot of time to cook, or you just want to keep things simple then the frozen meals from Amy’s Kitchen will certainly ease your appetite. Amy’s Kitchen offers so many options to choose from, you can embrace Mexican food, Italian food, or some of your favorite comfort foods while still maintaining a vegan lifestyle. Amy’s Kitchen caters to a wide variety of dietary restrictions as well, so you can find gluten-free options and more to suit your needs. Amy’s Kitchen is a little more expensive than some frozen brands, but it is cheaper than eating out, so in the end, you’re still winning. Plus, it is very convenient to have on hand if you come home late for work, or you simply want a fast lunch.

6. Daiya
If you can’t resist dairy and that is holding you back from a vegan lifestyle or even just a healthier lifestyle, then Daiya is going to be a brand that you won’t be able to resist. Dairy places a major role in our diets, but it isn’t exactly the healthiest thing for us. So, the Daiya brand can be a game-changer. One of their biggest sellers is vegan cheese. You will find all sorts of cheeses to suit your cravings and your favorite recipes. Apart from that, you’ll also find items like pizza crust to help you make the most of the dishes. Ice cream is also in abundance with this brand and has incredible reviews. Even if you don’t plan on sticking to the vegan routine, this brand can help those with lactose intolerance or cholesterol issues.

7. Aloha
When it comes to protein and snack bars, you might be out of luck when it as far as many brands are concerned. Aloha will certainly be a great treat for you though. This brand offers a variety of snacks packed with protein to help you feel energized and ready for the day. These snacks are primarily in a bar form and come in some of the most popular snack flavors like chocolate mint, peanut butter, and so on. You will also find protein drinks as well, to help you boost your fitness levels and your overall joy without having to skip out on a vegan lifestyle.

8. Derma-E
Of course, living a vegan lifestyle isn’t all about food. There are many beauty products that aren’t vegan, which can make it hard to truly embrace the vegan lifestyle even if you have the diet down. Derma-E is dedicated to bringing you some incredible products that you don’t have to worry about. Some of their most popular products are beauty supplies, with a wide range of makeup to choose from. However, they do also offer a variety of hygiene products too. This will allow you to pamper yourself all Veganuary without having to worry about what you are using on your skin while also completely avoiding the harm of animals.

9. Pacific Beauty
Another great beauty brand that keeps vegan beauty at its core is Pacific Beauty. This brand offers competitive prices and styles, which will allow you to keep up with your personal style without having to add things to your beauty routine that aren’t great for the planet or your body. Pacific Beauty has a lot to choose from too, so you can truly embrace your love of makeup to help you find looks that you never thought achievable.

10. Mrs. Meyers
Vegan-friendly cleaning products have become very popular over the last few years. However, not all of these brands are made equal. If you want to enjoy a brand that will actually clean, then Mrs. Meyers is a great option. This brand has worked hard to achieve an eco-friendly company for some time and has put a lot of time and energy into making sure their products work while still ensuring they are environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, vegan, and human safe. You’ll find cleaning products for almost anything and most items come in a variety of scents to help make your home feel cozier than ever.

Veganuary is a great month to explore new products and find vegan products that suit your own personal needs. Even if you don’t choose to stick with a vegan lifestyle when Veganuary is over, these brands might still play a role in your life. Best of all, none of them will force you to go far out of your comfort zone, nor will they cost you a fortune.