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It’s almost time for the joy of Embrace Your Geekiness Day. A lot of people are really gearing up for this year because it might actually be possible to celebrate the special holiday as a community instead of alone at home. If you’re excited to let your geek flag fly this holiday, then you might want to consider a few things before you spend too much money on the holiday. These ten ideas will allow you to easily have a blast without leaving your finances in a bind.

1. Share Your Passions with the World
One of the best things about Embrace Your Geekiness Day is you get to do just that. On this day, share with the world all of the geeky things that you enjoy. May it be comic books or tax codes, your geeky lifestyle is bound to strike someone’s fancy. You might start with making some time to chat with friends virtually or in person. Your friend group can share their passions and listen to yours which can be a lot of fun for everyone. However, if you want to broaden your horizons, or just make new friends then you might also consider taking to chatrooms or message boards to have some fun.

2. Embrace Something New
Embracing all of your geekiness is fantastic. However, so is embracing something new. This holiday, you might also want to consider broadening your horizons as you celebrate everything about being a geek. For instance, if you are interested in computer science, then you might begin learning a new computer language. If you love learning, then check out a book on a branch of science that you know nothing about. Even if you want to keep things light, you can mix things up by trying a new comic book out or playing a video game that was recommended to you. This will certainly help increase your fun while allowing you to get more out of the holiday then you may have otherwise thought you would.

3. Create Fanart
If you are a part of a fandom or you just love something that is geeky, then you might want to take this holiday to learn how to create fan art. This can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re just starting out. There are many different ways to enjoy fanart too. You can create stories based on your favorite characters, draw pictures, create graphic art, and so much more. While channeling the thing you love, you will be able to fully embrace your geekiness and find joy in the holiday. You might even feel confident enough to share your fan art with others.

4. Movie Marathon
One of the best ways for most people to celebrate is to embrace all of their favorite movies. You can find a movie on just about anything that you geek out on, which can help you to find the perfect reason to celebrate. Luckily, we live in a world where you can stream almost anything, which will add some convenience to your day. However, you might consider looking around for special showings of your favorite movies at theaters. Some theaters will even offer room rentals, which can help you enjoy your movies without having to put yourself at risk.

5. Join a Game
When it comes to geeky activities, some of the most popular options are games. From board games and role-playing games to video games and larping, a game is the perfect way to create some fun during this holiday. You should be able to find games of all sorts in your local areas; however, it might require a bit of investigation. The best places to try, if you’re not certain where to look, are local comic book and game shops. You should be able to get information there, but you can also try bookstores as they often advertise for such things. If you’re not sure about the shops in your local area then you might look around for social media groups based in your community. You may be able to make new friends while having fun. Another option is to join games online. You can find for almost anything that you would play in person.

6. Check Out a Museum
Whether you love to geek out over art, cars, or history, today is the perfect day to do it. One of the perfect places to do it is in a museum. If you have the day off or can make time in your schedule, then you might want to spend your day checking out a museum that is designed around the thing you love. Some museums might even have deals that allow you to embrace your geekiness at a reduced price. Of course, you might judge attendance based on the popularity of the museum as we are still in a pandemic. However, if you are vaccinated or feel comfortable then you might make up for the time you didn’t get to explore such things last year when everyone was in quarantine.

7. Host a Trivia Night
If you have friends that are into the same things as you, then a trivia night might be the best way to enjoy the holiday. You can find trivia on just about every subject, so if you’re not sure where to begin try looking up your favorite geeky things. Many pop culture items will also have trivia that can be purchased in a store, if you want to go that route. There are even some TV shows you can stream that will allow everyone to play trivia together with a professional host asking the questions. Apart from trivia questions, all you really need is a few snacks and drinks to make the night incredible. You can even ask friends to pitch in and bring snacks to help offset the cost.

8. Listen to a Podcast
When it comes to geeky things, you’re bound to find a podcast for anything of interest. Podcasts are really popular now, so chances are you’ll find yourself subscribed to at least one if you’re not already. There are podcasts set up for almost every geek thing you can think of, so in order to fully embrace your geekiness you might consider looking around for a new podcast to help you enjoy the things you love. This will allow you to have a lot more fun while helping you to find content that you can enjoy even when the holiday is over. There are many websites dedicated to helping you dig through all of the podcasts to find the top options.

9. Dress Up
Another fun way to embrace your inner geekiness is to dress up like one of your favorite characters. Cosplay is a great way to truly embody the spirit of your geekiness while sharing in the fun with others. Even if you’re just dressing up to take pictures, you can have a lot of fun with this activity, especially when it comes to making the costume. In some places, you may even be able to enjoy a convention where you can dress up as you please while seeing other people’s costumes too. This will help you to boost your fun and community spirit during the holiday.

10. Shop Sales
Any holiday that celebrates the geek is going to be a holiday that consists of many different sales. During this holiday, you might have to do a bit of hunting around, but you should be able to find a few sales on geeky items. These might come in the form of coupons too, so make sure you subscribe to all of your favorite websites. Of course, before you jump into any sales, you should keep track of average prices so you will know what is actually going to be a good deal. One of the best things you can do is download an app that keeps track of these things for you. You can even follow items that you’re interested in, which will also help you save some money.

Embrace Your Geekiness Day is designed to help you boost your confidence while ensuring you find joy in the person that you are. These ten tips will allow you to easily have fun while you keep your budget down. Hopefully, these tips will also help you discover a variety of new ways to celebrate being a geek.

In just a few short days, you might find that your bank account is a little larger if you have children. The new child tax credit is set to be distributed on July 15, which is designed to help families care for their children during these stressful times. Although it will be nice to have the extra money in the bank, you will find that it can be lucrative to spend this money in ways that will benefit the home, opposed to just frivolous spending. These ten ideas can help your household thrive and then some with the extra money you will receive each month.

1. Put it in Savings
Your savings account can do a lot of good for you and your family. If you have a savings account that offers a good interest rate, then this might be the best place to keep your money. This will allow the excess money you receive to grow on a monthly basis, which can actually improve on your financial situation more than just the extras you are receiving. If you aren’t in need of the money as a family, then you might set up a savings account for each of your children. This will allow the money that you are receiving for them to go directly to them in the future.

2. 529 Plan
College time will be here before you know it, which is why a 529 Plan is probably a good idea for your family. This plan will allow you to make arrangements for your child’s college without having to worry about your child being forced to pay excess taxes on their money. A 529 plan actually will allow your child to withdraw the money when they need it without having to worry about paying taxes on it, like many other plans require. There are many different ways you can get a 529 Plan, so make sure you do your research before you put your child tax credit money into it.

3. Invest It
If you’re not already investing your money, then now is the perfect time to start. Investing your money can be challenging and might require you to hire a professional to help out. However, once you get in the groove, you can watch your money grow in new and exciting ways. This is a great way to help your household’s finances while allowing you to hold onto to extra money that can be used for your children’s schooling or other expenses in the future. Of course, you should be careful with every investment you make as some opportunities won’t lead to growth.

4. Utilize it For Your Child’s Care
Children are expensive, which is one of the primary reasons this tax credit is being offered. During the pandemic, many families suffered and struggled to get the items they needed for their children. So, now is the perfect time to get your children the things they need. Your child tax credit can be used for diapers, formula, food, clothing, learning supplies, and even toys. Give your children the things that they need to have a great childhood and the items they need to find success as they grow into adults. You can even use the money to help offset the price of daycare, private schools, and so on.

5. Sign Up For Activities
If you’ve been holding back on activities due to finances, then now is the perfect time to get your child up and ready to go. There are many great activities that can help with your child’s self-confidence, fitness, educational skills, and more. The money you receive monthly can get your child signed up for at least one activity, depending on your schedule. From there, you can purchase the item necessary for the activity as well as any travel expenses that might incur. If your child isn’t interested in an activity then you might find that it is easier to swap activities with the extra money, as well. There are also online activities and classes that you can look into if you’re not comfortable with your child out in public without a vaccination. Getting your child into activities is also great for the economy, so you will definitely be utilizing your credit for the betterment of your local and national economics.

6. Improve Diet
A lot of families have to skip out on ordering the good stuff when it comes to groceries. This can really harm your child’s growth while teaching them poor eating habits. With the new tax credit money coming in, you should have a fair amount of grocery money sitting around in your bank account. This can help you choose a wide variety of healthy options while allowing you to not fret over the amount of money you’re spending on your grocery bill. You might also consider looking into a meal service that will send you everything you need for a healthy meal designed to make your entire family happy while allowing you to budget time. The excess money will also allow you to pay for grocery deliveries, which can also be incredibly helpful if you’re short on time or simply don’t want to take your children in a store during a pandemic.

7. Pay Off Debt
When polled, many parents said that they would be using their child tax credit to pay off debt. This is also a wise move, especially with so many taking on extra debt during the pandemic. From high credit card totals to student loans, this extra money can help your finances go a lot further. By paying off the debt, you’ll also be able to put back more money for your children in the near future, since you won’t have to stress about the debt you have. This can help ease stress while allowing your family to live more comfortably when the tax credit ends.

8. Emergency Fund
One thing that a lot of people lack is an emergency fund. This money is used for emergency repairs on a vehicle or home. It is also used for medical expenses that might suddenly incur due to accident or illness. The money can also be set aside for emergency travel in case of the medical emergency of a family member or a natural disaster that requires you to move. The extra money you receive with your tax credit is a great option that will help you get the fund built up without forcing you to go without.

9. Do Something Fun
It has been a rough year. Last year, was even rougher. So, when you start getting your child tax credit in, you might actually consider using the money to do something fun. With the money you’ll receive each month, you should be able to easily afford trips to museums, zoos, science centers and more. You might also consider purchasing memberships to these entertainment facilities, so you don’t have to worry about paying for entry for a full year. Usually, the price of membership is almost the same as the cost of one time entry. Of course, you can also plan on a big vacation with the money you’re getting. It might take a little saving, but you’ll certainly find it easier to do with the extra money.

10. Upgrade Technology
Currently, we’re living in a world of uncertainty. We don’t know if we’re going to be sending kids to school or helping them with their studies online. We also don’t know if we will be working at home for another year or heading into an office. So, you might utilize your child tax credit to update your home’s gadgets. Consider purchasing computers, webcams, and anything else that you think is going to make it easier for your children to be successful in school. This will help add some relief to your life as you won’t have to worry about problems with technology causing you to spend money spontaneously. You might also consider investing in anti-virus software and learning programs to help children grow.

The child tax credit is designed to bring some relief to your life. These ten tips should help you utilize your money so you can easily use the credit to help improve your quality of life as we recover from all of the losses the pandemic brought to the table. With any luck, you will find yourself ready to take on the world again.

July is here and so is the heat that goes along with it. For some places, you may even find that you’re stuck enduring record-breaking heat. Although the heat can really leave you feeling terrible, it can do a pretty good number on your plants too. There are a few things that you can do in order to help keep your plants from dying during all of the heat. These ten tips are budget-friendly and easy to do, so you can embrace the heatwave and hope all of your plants come out of it.

1. Water Deeply
Water is going to be one of the key ways to get your plants to thrive during all of the heat. However, most of us have learned how to water plants from the surface of the soil, which might not be the best idea during such extreme heat. Sure, some water might make it to your plant, but a lot of it will evaporate before it hits the root system, which will deprive your plant of the water it needs. For outdoor plants, you might consider pressing the hose into the ground to help the water flow deeper. Indoor plants are a little easier to maintain. Simply fill a casserole pan with water, then place the plants on top of it. This will allow the water to reach the root system first. A lot of new planters are designed with a bottom piece that allows you to place water there too, which will ensure your plant will get the water it needs with ease.

2. Provide Shade
Although plants need plenty of sunshine, they will be okay if you offer them some shade during the heatwave. You can do this in many different ways, so make sure to do what is best for you. There are small tents that you can purchase for this, but you can also DIY a tent to place over your plants from items that are commonly found around the home. If you have an awning, then you might make sure that it is down and in place while the sun is beating down. Plants that are in containers that can be moved should be brought to a shadier area of the home or inside of the house, if possible. Indoor plants can be damaged by the sun too, so make sure to draw the curtains to help prevent damage to them and to help improve your power bills.

3. Skip Pruning
The heatwave is bound to leave your plants scorched and looking rough, which can be hard to just let go. You might feel the need to prune your plant, but this is one of the worst things you can do during this time. Since the plant is already stressed out from all of the heat, pruning can actually cause even more stress, which could kill the plant. The best thing you can do is wait for the plant to begin to bounce back before you cut off the damage. Leaving the damage can also shield the plant from sunlight, which can help prevent further scorching and damage.

4. Know When to Water
Knowing when to water is one of the most important things you can do for your plant during a heatwave. A lot of people will water first thing in the morning, which might be great for replenishing the plant prior to the heatwave, but it can also lead to scorching. If you choose to go this route, make sure you try to get the water at the base of the plant so that the water can absorb into the soil. You should avoid watering grass during this hour though as it could lead to the scorching of your lawn. Other than that, you should water when the sun begins to set. This will help replenish plants after dealing with the heatwave and will allow them to take in water throughout the night.

5. Don’t Replant
If you’re still shopping for plants at a nursery or you have a plant that needs to be repotted, now is not the time to take this on. Instead, you should wait until the heatwave is completely over. If the plant can manage, just keep it watered so that it is prepared for transplant when the weather is less stressful. Replanting is always stressful, so adding the stress of the heat will most likely kill a plant. You’ll also find that it is easy to shield the plant from the sun when you can move the pot from one place to a shadier area during peak hours.

6. Skip Fertilizer
When your plants seem to be stressed out, it might feel right to add some fertilizer to help improve their nutrients so they can recover with ease. However, this is not the case, which is why so many people are confused when their plants end up dying after new fertilizer is applied. Oddly enough, adding more nutrients to the soil can actually cause your plant to become even more stressed. So, if you can wait to fertilize, you should do so after the heatwave ends and the plant is able to recover a bit. This will help to strengthen the plant as it prepares for the next big heatwave or cold snap.

7. Mulch
Although fertilizer isn’t a good idea for your plants, you will find that adding mulch to the plants will help them to overcome a heatwave. Mulch isn’t actually going to add anything to your soil, which is why it is okay to apply during a heatwave. What it will do, however, is keep the soil much cooler than it would be without the mulch. This can help improve the quality of life for your plant while also allowing water to stay in the ground instead of immediately evaporating. Mulch isn’t expensive either, but if you can, you should stock up on it during the cooler months, so you don’t have to worry about shortages or higher prices during the months that it is needed the most.

8. Understand How to Determine Damage
Learning how to determine your plant’s damage from death can also be a big factor in helping to keep your plants safer. If your plants tend to have minor damage like wilting leaves, then you might consider just following care instructions as recovery is entirely possible. However, if your plant does look dead, there may still be hope. For instance, if there is still green on the stem then you may find that your plant is still alive and may just need some attention to heal. However, if you’re not sure, then you might just continue to water the plant and wait to see if life returns. Sometimes, plants may look dead when they actually aren’t. If the plants’ roots seem loose or no growth happens after the heatwave ends, then it is probably safe to remove the plant from the soil.

9. Know How to Care for Your Plant
One of the best things you can do to help combat damage to your plants is to know how to care for them. This is important because it can actually help prevent unnecessary damage from happening during a heatwave. For instance, if a plant can be kept inside or does better inside then this is great knowledge to know. You should also know how many hours of direct sunlight a plant should get, as this will allow you to know when to shade the plant during a heatwave. Another important thing to keep in mind is the amount of water a plant needs. Some plants, especially those that are desert resistant need less water than we think and often we end up overwatering during a heatwave, which causes more stress to the plant.

10. Know What Survives in Your Climate
Understanding what you should plant in your climate is one of the key elements to protecting your plants. Just because a plant is sold in a local store does not mean that it is smart to purchase it and plant it outside. If a plant isn’t set for your climate, you might consider keeping it indoors if you really want the plant. Other than that, you should choose plants that belong in your climate as these are going to be the plants that will withstand your weather even when things get a bit intense. There are lots of websites dedicated to helping you find the plants that belong in your area, so researching shouldn’t be tough.

Heatwaves can be very hard on the world, but there are some measures that can help keep your garden thriving. These ten tips should help you to keep a larger portion of your plants going even when the temperatures seem impossible to beat.

If you were bummed out by the postponement of the Summer Olympics last year, then you might be pleased to know that they’re in full swing for this year. The Olympics are a great time to inspire socialization and fun, but you shouldn’t feel the need to throw a lot of money into an Olympics party. There are so many ways you can enjoy yourself as you celebrate the Olympics, so you can easily entertain guests, celebrate your favorite teams, and make memories that will last.

1. Keep the Party Small
Although vaccinations are more common and things seem to be going back to normal, you should still keep your Olympics party small. It is still hazardous to get a lot of people together, so you should keep your gathering as small as you can. This will actually help you to save a lot of money too. By cutting down on the guest list you can cut back on the food and drinks needed for the event. Plus, you won’t have to worry about accommodating numerous people at once, which makes parities a bit harder to plan anyway.

2. Themed Foods
There are so many amazing foods that you can make for your guests. However, if you really want a round of applause then you might consider making some themed foods for everyone to enjoy. This might sound like a hard task, but after a quick internet search, you should have plenty of inspiration to get you going. One simple idea is to present rings of foods that show off the colors of the Olympics. For this, you might consider olives, strawberries, kiwis, and so on. Another fun idea is to make Olympic torches out of ice cream cones. You can also choose to make dishes that represent the various cultures participating in the game that you are watching. There are lots of tutorials online if you’re not sure how to do this.

3. Go Non-Alcoholic
Alcoholic drinks are going to cost you a lot of money, especially if you’re hosting more than a few people. So, if you can, skip out on this portion of the party. You can still have some fun drinks that even feature an Olympian theme, but you won’t have to budget as much money to your food and drink budget if you leave out this key element of the party. Plus, drinking in a social setting might be something many people haven’t taken part in for quite some time. Since this can cause a problem for so many, it might be wise to skip the drinks anyway to ensure that everyone is able to have a good time.

4. Know the Schedule
One of the best things you can do before planning your party is to know the Olympic schedule. Typically, you will be able to catch a variety of events during the same time frame, but since the games are in Japan you may find the schedule may be at a time that is really late or early. There should be recaps of the events, but you will need to know when these are on during local hours. Once you have the schedule, you should be able to choose events that you can plan your party around. This will ensure that you won’t have everyone gathered up for an event or two and find out that nothing is actually being broadcasted at that time frame.

5. Make Predictions
Another simple way to bring some fun to the party is to add some predictions to the entertainment schedule. Before an event begins, you can have everyone write down their predictions for the game. You can make it as simple as which country will get the gold, or as complex as actual swim times and so on. You don’t have to stick with the event happening at the time of the party either. You can have people predict which country will get the most medals and so. You can do this for fun or add simple prizes to the mix to give people a little more incentive to participate.

6. Crafts
One of the easiest ways to keep everyone entertained is to bring out some crafts. There are so many fun things you can do that offer an Olympics theme that it might be hard to choose. You might start the process by choosing things with supplies that you already have at home. One of the easiest things to make is Olympic medals. You can do this with ribbon and paper, or you can attach chocolates to the ribbon to add to the fun. Apart from that, you can recreate the Olympic rings, make a torch, create an Olympic crown, and so on. If you want to think outside of the box a little, then you might also consider having a competition where everyone designs their own mascot. This can add a creative element to the games that you might not normally get to experience.

7. Concession Stand Snacks
Another part of the Olympics that people love is concession stand foods. Since most people won’t get to attend the Olympics, you might bring the sporting event cuisine to your home. Stock up on popcorn, hot dogs, and other cheap foods that tend to frequent sporting event concession stands. You might also check out what is typically served in Japanese concession stands. You might be surprised how cheap some of these dishes are to make and how much fun they can be at parties.

8. Food Competition
If you’re worried about your food budget, then you might also consider bringing a touch of competition to this aspect of the party too. You can ask people to bring in some of their favorite dishes or pick a theme. Then, everyone can vote for their favorite dishes. This will help provide everyone with plenty of food while adding a touch of the Olympics to the party. You can even create medals for the best food in different categories, which will entice people to participate all the more.

9. Trivia
Adding trivia to your themed party can also be a good way to bring some fun to the occasion. You can host rapid trivia during advertisement breaks or you can keep the fun going for as long as possible. If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to Olympic trivia, then there are numerous resources that you can pull from the internet. You can even find obscure questions that will stump some of the biggest fans in the room. To add to the fun, you might create medals to deliver to the winners or you can choose a variety of other small prizes to encourage people to win. If your party is small, you can even encourage people online to join in on the fun by posting questions to social media.

10. Host Your Own Games
One of the best things you can do during your party is hosting your own games to keep everyone busy. If the weather is nice, set up obstacle courses, relay races, or simply organize a game of your favorite sport. You can even keep the games similar to those that will be playing during your party. If the weather isn’t nice, then there are still plenty of fun games that can be enjoyed inside. If you’re shy about ideas, then there are lots of ideas online that will ensure you can plan out plenty of activities that will feed the competitive spirit of the occasion.

Hosting an Olympic Games party should be fun. Worrying about the budget doesn’t have to get in the way of your plans. These ten tips should help you and your guests have a blast while you embrace the games and cheer on your favorite teams and athletes.

This summer, a lot of people are stressed about the power grid due to winter storms that left many without power. Although many that face this problem is in Texas, power outages happen all over the world. So, it is always wise to be prepared for a power outage, especially during times of extreme weather. These ten tips will help you to keep cool if you find yourself in a power outage, without forcing yourself to spend a fortune on items that may not help to begin with.

1. Change Clothes
One of the most important things you can do during this time is to choose the right clothing. It is important to pick out loose-fitting clothing to prevent your clothes from locking in your body heat. If you have athletic clothing that is designed to keep you cool, then swapping into these clothes might be your best option. If not, choose lightweight clothing that is breathable. If you have to be outside during this time, then avoid dark clothing as well. Indoors, you will want to remove socks and hats to help your body temperature stay cooler.

2. Move to Lowest Level
Heat rises, so one of the best things you can do during this time is to move to the lowest level of your home. If you have more than one story on your home, then you might want to consider having a camp out downstairs until the power returns. Basements and cellars will also help to keep you feeling cooler, especially if it is a cellar that is typically used to store items that need to maintain a cooler temperature. You might try to stay out of a cellar as much as you can though as your body heat might cause the room to warm up if there are too many people in the space. Peak hours are the best time to hang out in such a space to help keep the area cool in case the power is off for many days.

3. Battery Operated Fan
One of the best things you can have in your home for an emergency such as this is a battery-operated fan. You might have to do a bit of searching around in order to pull this off, but there are numerous options on the market. Even if you can pick up a small fan, it will help more than having nothing. It might also prevent you from wanting to open the windows as the moving air can actually improve the feeling in the room. A battery-operated fan will also provide you with the opportunity to create a DIY air conditioner if you are dealing with extreme heat. For this, you will need a cooler, plenty of ice, and a fan. There are lots of tutorials online, so you can always find one that works best for you.

4. Reconsider Windows
When the power goes out, one of the first things some people might do is open up the windows. This could be one of your biggest mistakes, especially if it is already hot outside. If you’re dealing with peak heat and your air conditioning has been running, then your best option is to keep the windows shut tightly. The cold air will actually stay in your home for quite some time, especially if the home is well insulated. You might, of course, take some preventative measures to keep the heat outside of the house. One easy way to do this is to put tin foil over your windows to help keep the heat out. It will knock out your natural light source, but if you’re dealing with extreme heat this might be a sacrifice worth taking. You should also put towels in front of your doors to help block hot air from coming in any holes that there may be.

5. Keep Refrigerator Closed
Another common mistake people will make is they will open up the refrigerator to pull out food or drink. One of the best things you can do, especially if you’re hoping the power will be restored quickly is to keep the refrigerator door closed. By doing this, you will ensure your food will stay at a safe temperature for the next four hours, which will definitely save you some money. So, even if you’re tempted to feel the remaining cool air on your face, try to avoid the temptation as much as you possibly can.

6. Utilize a Cooler
When the power goes out, one of your best weapons against the heat is going to be cold drinks. Of course, you may just want to have ice around to use to cool your body down as well. One of the best ways to do this is to have a cooler ready to go. If you can, quickly dump the ice from your freezer into it, so you don’t lose cool air in the freezer. You might also see if a nearby store has ice and is still able to operate. Some stores that lose power might sell some of their products at a reduced price if they are worried about losing the items. A cooler will not only allow you to keep cold water around to help lower your body temperature, but it will keep ice, which you can make into ice packs to also help cool your body down.

7. Stay Hydrated
It is important to stay hydrated every day of the week. However, if you find yourself in a power outage in the triple-digit heat, then you are definitely going to want to make sure you’re drinking as much water as you can. Drinking water in the heat can help prevent damage that can last for the rest of your life. Water is the best thing to drink in the heat, but you can add things like lemon or cucumber to help improve hydration even more. You should avoid sodas, alcohol, and sugary drinks which might make you feel thirstier and certainly won’t do your body any favors.

8. Alternative Power Source
Another important thing to keep in your home is an alternative power source. After the grid went down in Texas over the winter, a lot of people have started to stock up on things like generators. These tend to run on gasoline and the size of the generator will depend on how much power it will produce. These are perfect for people who need power for their oxygen tanks and other life-saving devices. Another option is solar power. You can buy many solar-powered products, such as phone chargers, but there are also some solar panels that you can set up to help offer small amounts of power to your home. If you’re truly worried about this happening, you might look into getting solar panels on your home.

9. Be Well Stocked
No matter what is going on in the world or what concerns you may have, the best thing you can do at all times is to be well-stocked. Having emergency supplies on hand can make a stressful situation a little less concerning because you do have a safety net that can aid in your survival. When it comes to your emergency kit, you should always have basic first aid on hand. You also need canned and other dry food items that you can use in an emergency. Bottled water is another must, especially during a power outage when you might not have access to your water filtration system. It is often overlooked, but symptoms for emergencies, such as heat stroke, should be stored away so you know when to seek emergency care when looking up symptoms online isn’t an option.

10. Leave the House
Often, in these situations, the grid might not be out in some areas of your town or city. If this is the case, then you might see if there are friends or family members that can take you in until the power is back on. Of course, if you do leave for a prolonged period of time, you should think about any animals in the home as they will be hot and uncomfortable too. You might luck out and be able to find them a place to stay, but there are many boarding options available as well. If you can’t visit someone, then you might consider heading to the movie theater or other place that might help keep you cool. If worse comes to worst, then go for a drive in the car so you can at least enjoy the air conditioner. You should never sit with your vehicle running in a garage though as this can lead to death or serious illness.

There is a lot to worry about when it comes to the summer heat. Losing power can be one of the scariest things when you know it is going to hit triple-degree temperatures. These ten tips should help you cut back on the discomfort while keeping you safer as you wait out a power outage. With any luck, you won’t have to use them.

Chances are, if you have children hanging out at home over the summer then you’re probably going to see a lot of video game time happening in the home. Although there are lots of activities to partake in during the summer, even the tightest of schedules will probably find some downtime for games. This can be a problem for your budget if you’re not prepared for it. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to cut back on expenditures during the summer months. These ten things can help you save some big money while allowing you to cut back on the number of games your child is playing.

1. Skip the Preorders
A lot of stores will market preordering as a great way to save some money on their products. They will advertise a reduced price and then promise the lowest possible price to customers that preorder. From there, they will continue to market the game at a variety of prices, only to offer the same price to everyone when the game is released. This tactic doesn’t really save you money at all as it only really guarantees that you have a copy of the game. Since many people have moved on to digital copies of games, you probably won’t get anything out of the deal. Sometimes, it might even help to take your time when buying a game as the price will reduce after it has been out for a little while. There is also another problem with preordering a game. Sometimes, a game gets pushed back even when it has a release date. So, if you use a company that takes the money out when the order ships, then you might find yourself with an unexpected charge that could throw off your budget. Sometimes, games never come out, which might leave you fighting for a refund.

2. Purchase Physical Copies
Digital copies are awesome. You never have to wait for them to be shipped to your door nor do you have to pick them up from a store. The downside of purchasing digital is you have no resell value. Picking up a physical copy can actually help you to get your money back on a game. When you’re finished playing it, you can sell it online to a number of venues or you can take it into a store to see how much they will offer for it. You can also purchase physical copies for cheaper after the game has come out. If you don’t mind playing a used game there are substantial savings here, especially if the gamer in your life doesn’t play games for long periods of time.

3. Hold Out on New Games
Although it can be exciting to start a game as soon as it is released. There are some advantages to waiting. To begin with, you might be surprised how quickly games drop in price as time passes. Buying a little later can actually save you some money to help suit your budget. Other than that, often servers are a bit packed when a game or extra content is released. So, by holding out, you will be able to play the game with less lag and servers that are more open and enjoyable to play in. Often, new games have glitches that need patches to work properly. So, by enjoying the game later, you can play without this frustration.

4. Game Pass
Another concept that you should consider when it comes to gaming is a game pass. A lot of platforms offer this now, which can be an incredible asset for gamers. In short, the game pass provides you with games that you can play for free whenever you log in to your console. You must pay a monthly or yearly fee in order to access the content, but it can actually prevent you from purchasing some games, which will cost you even more money. Most game passes do offer a free trial so you can explore which service you would like to invest in. Other than that, the service usually updates monthly to ensure everything is fresh and fun for you to enjoy.

5. Stick to One Game at a Time
Often, gaming companies will put out games at the same time as their competitors, which can be a big hassle for some gamers. Not only are games high priced, but they are time-consuming too. So, when this happens, you might stick to purchasing one game at a time. It will give you the opportunity to fully enjoy the game you prefer without having to feel like you need to jump back and forth. This will allow you to save money on the other games that you want. Other than that, sticking to one game will encourage gamers to finish out the game so it isn’t left collecting dust for another newer game.

6. Block In-Game Purchases
These days, a lot of games do have in-game purchases which can be dangerous for some gamers. In-game purchases can actually make the game easier to play, which will allow you to gain a sense of instant gratification which can be addicting. Unfortunately, in-game purchases can add up quickly, which will definitely affect your budget. One of the easiest ways to combat this problem is to disable purchases. You can usually do this in settings, but you might have to search around to find the solution you need for each unique game. If you can’t figure this out, then you might consider removing your credit card from the game, so there is no way for purchases to be made. This is probably the best option if you have children playing the game as well.

7. Stick to PC
One of the cheapest things you can do is keep to PC games. There are so many advantages to doing this, which is why so many gamers prefer PC over other services. The PC, for instance, needs fewer upgrades which is one of the biggest reasons why people save big. If you have a gaming PC then you may need to upgrade a part every now and then, but you shouldn’t have to upgrade the entire device like you will need to do with consoles. PC games tend to have more sales and platforms to download games, which is also a bonus when it comes to saving money and having fun.

8. Enjoy Bundles
Gaming bundles are going to be one of the best ways for you to enjoy more of what the gaming world has to offer. If you missed out on a company’s early games, then chances are they will release a bundle of the games when there is a new addition to the series. These are usually priced lower than they would be if you found yourself purchasing each unique item. Apart from that, you might find that DLC content can also be downloaded in bundles, which is definitely something that is going to save you large amounts of money if you don’t mind waiting for a sale or for a company to complete all of their DLC.

9. Go Used
If you’re looking for a new game, then you might want to consider used options. You can purchase used games at most game vendors and online. However, when you are shopping for used games, you should choose to shop in person. This will allow you to observe the quality of the disc before you make your purchase. Often, vendors will offer protection if the game doesn’t work so you should be able to shop without any risk. Used games tend to offer the same satisfaction and will allow you to experience the game without having to pay a high price. Best of all, you can always resell the game when you’re finished with it, so you can get some return on your investment.

10. Wait for Sales
In the world of games, there are numerous sales that you can enjoy. Of course, you’ll find sales during the classic holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also amazing times to stock up on games and enjoy everything new that has been released. However, there are so many other amazing sales to take in too. Steam, for instance, offers a huge summer sale that many people wait all year for. Origin, another major retailer, has been running sales since the pandemic began, so you should be able to grab some amazing prizes on some of your most popular games.

Gaming, especially during summer vacation, doesn’t have to set your family back. These ten tips will allow you and your family to enjoy everything on offer in the video game world without forcing you to spend a small fortune. So, you can satisfy the gamers in your life while enjoying plenty of savings.

It feels like June has just begun, but the Fourth of July will be here before we even know it. This year may look a little different than last year did, but it might not be exactly how you planned it would be when you compare it to previous years. No matter how you plan to celebrate, there is probably one thing that you have on your mind already. That is, how can I stay cool during the holiday? July is notorious for being hotter than hot, so these ten tips should help you find a few ways around the heat while allowing you to enjoy your celebration of the 4th.

1. Grill Out
Doing anything with the oven might be out of the question for the next few months. It’s hot and that contraption only makes it even more miserable. The best thing you can do to avoid this heat while you’re celebrating is to grill out. It might not be fun standing outside while you cook, but you will be able to head indoors into the cool air to enjoy your meal. Grilling out can actually help save on your electricity bill too because your air conditioner won’t have to do extra work to keep your home cool. Of course, you will also get to enjoy some delicious foods without having to deal with pots and pans, which can help save you money on your water bill.

2. Go to the Theater
A lot of theaters will have special deals for the Fourth of July, especially since so many are hurting after the pandemic. So, if you’re lucky you might be able to find a great deal on a few features that can keep you feeling cool all day long. Some theaters are even allowing you to rent out your own space for parties, so if you’re concerned about covid-19, or anything else that might be going around at the time, then you can keep your party exclusive. Apart from that, heading to the theater will allow you to keep your thermostat a bit higher which can help you avoid higher energy costs while you celebrate.

3. Water Fun
With temperatures on the rise, you may find yourself wanting to splash in some cool water. If you have a pool then that is probably your best option, even if you’re just dipping your toes into a kiddie pool. Of course, you can enjoy so many other forms of water fun. Water gun fights and balloon wars are always a great option. However, if you feel creative you may be able to think out of the box to come up with a few ideas that suit your family. You can also come up with relay races and other options to help you feel excited about all of your water fun.

4. Visit Loved Ones
If you are able to visit a loved one and it is safe to do so, then this might be your best option for the holiday. Even if means driving somewhere, you’ll still get to enjoy the air conditioning in your vehicle, rather than your home. This holiday might be one of the best times to catch up with loved ones that you didn’t get to see as the covid-19 virus doesn’t do as well during the hot weather. So, you will at least have a chance to see everyone before there is another lockdown when cool weather arrives. If you’re vaccinated, you don’t have to worry anyway, but with children and so many vulnerable family members still unable to get the vaccination, you may still have to practice precautions.

5. Cold Desserts
Nothing says summer quite like all of those delicious cold desserts. Instead of spending a small fortune on these items, you might consider trying your hand at making them yourself. There are so many recipes for homemade ice cream that you might want to try out several different varieties before the end of the holiday. Popsicles can be as easy as freezing juice, but there are also many options that involve adding in fruits and more. You might also consider trying out options like snow cones or ice cream cakes. There are so many things you can try that it is bound to add some fun to the day.

6. Watch a Parade
The Fourth of July is bound to bring some parades to your community. If you haven’t seen any announcements about them you might check out your community’s website to see if one is scheduled for your community. If not, then you might have to drive a little while, but you should be able to see one in action in a neighboring community. When you go to the parade, you might find a place that you can sit and relax in your vehicle. This will keep you out of the heat while allowing you to still enjoy the sights. There will also be parade options online and on the TV, so if you’re not feeling like journeying out in them then you will definitely want to go that route.

7. Patriotic Crafts
If you’re stuck inside because of the heat, then you won’t have to worry about getting bored. There are numerous craft options that you can take on to help keep you from getting bored. If you’re looking to enjoy a patriotic craft option then you might consider making planters that show off red, white, and blue designs. This can easily be done with some paint, sealer, and planters that you already have in the home. You might also consider making some banners that you can hang up inside or outside of the home. Kids may even have a blast making Uncle Sam-inspired hats that they can wear throughout the day. There are lots of other ideas online too, which can help you find the perfect options for your family.

8. Red, White, and Blue Foods
When it comes to creativity, the Fourth of July definitely deserves a round of applause. So many people have worked to create a huge selection of red, white, and blue foods that will definitely suit your appetite while allowing you to enjoy the holiday all the more. There are so many recipes you can make without having to be a professional chef or Pinterest mom. Of course, most of these items are desserts but don’t let that stop you. If you’re hosting a party, then you can also make a wide variety of fun drinks too. One example is adding strawberries and blueberries to a clear soda. You can even make this drink alcoholic if you choose to.

9. Picnic Inside
Picnics are another staple for the holiday, but that doesn’t mean that you have to have one outside. After all, who wants to sit out in the scorching heat on the ground that is probably hotter than the sun beating down on you? Let’s not mention all of the summer bugs that will also have their eye on the food that you brought in. Instead of going crazy over an outdoor picnic, put some effort into making an indoor picnic amazing. You can enjoy a similar setup and serve foods that you would traditionally have. Kids will love the idea and it will help make the holiday feel all the more special.

10. Enjoy a Firework Show
When you think Fourth of July, fireworks probably instantly come to mind. This is probably one of the best activities that you can partake in for the holiday without having to worry about it getting too hot. When it comes to firework shows, you can probably see numerous options by simply stepping outside when the sky grows dark. However, if you want to be up close and personal then you might check out where community shows will take place and stay in your car during the fun. You can also check out shows online if you’re not feeling like dealing with the hot air.

The Fourth of July can be just as budget-friendly as you hope it to be, as long as you try to stick to simple activities. These ideas will not only suit your budget, but they will allow you to enjoy some fun without getting too overheated in the hot sun. With any luck, these ideas will help you make the best of the holiday as we slowly return to the world we once knew.

Summer is here, which is going to give you a few things to consider when you’re planning out your family’s grocery list. For starters, the weather is going to be hot, which might not leave you in the best place to enjoy a meal. There are many lighter meals you can have that will help you satisfy your hunger without forcing you to feel terrible. Another problem is going to be that the kids will be home all day and your food budget is already going to go up due to the excess snacks. These ten ideas will make dinner time a little easier, cooler, and cheaper so you can get through summer with ease.

1. Hot Dogs
There is no doubt about it, hot dogs are a pretty classic summer food that won’t leave you struggling to keep your budget low. Hot dogs can be cooked in many different ways as well, which will keep things fresh for you and your family. Of course, you might also consider hot dog alternatives. There are numerous different types of sausages that you can try out to mix things up. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, then there is a wealth of options there too. You can use vegetables like zucchini or carrots to add to the fun. You can also use tofu dogs if you aren’t feeling the lighter vegetarian options. When it comes to hot dogs, toppings are everything, so you can add even more to your dish by offering new and exciting toppings every time you serve the meal.

2. Kebabs
Another summer classic is the kebab. This dish can be pretty simple to make and there are so many healthy options to choose from. Most kebabs offer a variety of meats and vegetables which makes this dish customizable. All you have to do is place what you want on a skewer and you’re good to put it on the grill. Cooking up this dish can help save on the heat of the house. Plus, it provides everyone with the protein and vegetables that you need to be healthy. You can even make fruit-inspired kebabs if you’re looking for a sweet treat afterward.

3. Tacos
Taco Tuesday doesn’t have to go away during the summer months. However, you might want to transition the way you cook your tacos. For instance, instead of using ground meat that you would spice and fry up, you might consider options that can be made in your slow cooker. Cheaper cuts of meat can easily be transformed into the perfect taco, which will allow you to save money and time. Best of all, slow cooking options will give you plenty of leftovers, so you can freeze your excess to have for the next few times that you enjoy tacos. Toppings and other items can help keep the dish fresh and exciting, which will definitely add to your love of the meal.

4. Chili
Another simple option that you won’t want to pass up is chili. This is another crockpot classic that will help you feel at ease in the kitchen. When it comes to chili, you will find that there is a wide assortment of options to choose from too. If you’re going with a more budget-friendly option, then going with all beans will definitely help to suit your needs. No matter what recipe you choose though, you can add chili to other recipes to make them even more exciting. Chili has many health benefits as well, which can make you feel better than ever throughout the summer. Apart from that, if you keep your chili on the spicy side, it might actually help to cool your body down.

5. Salads
As the heat settles in, you might find your appetite subsiding quite a bit. Since the heat isn’t doing you any favors in that regard, you might stick to salads for a little while. Salads are a great way to get the nutrients you need while helping you to lose weight or at least feel a little less bogged down by your meals. Salads can be spiced up in a wide variety of ways too. For instance, you might consider adding grilled meats to your salad for a low-carb option that will keep you filled up throughout the night. You can even add fruits to salads to give them the sweet flavor you love. Of course, you can also step away from the classic lettuce and add-ons option. Instead, you might consider using roasted vegetables and other options to help give you a little more variety.

6. Flatbread Pizza
When the pizza craving calls, you might second guess your craving because pizza and grease can be a lot heavier on your stomach in the summer heat. Rather than going all out or spending a fortune on takeout, you can ease your craving with a flatbread pizza. With this option, the bread used is much lighter and less greasy which is better for your body. You can also add less cheese to help ease any other issues you might have. You can purchase the bread ahead of time if you choose, but there are also lots of great dough recipes to help you out too. Flatbread pizzas are easily made on the grill, which will help keep heat out of your home.

7. Spaghetti
When you think of cheap meals, spaghetti is always going to be one of the top items on your list. You can easily crank out this meal in a few minutes and it will take mere seconds to complete. You don’t have to always create the same spaghetti though. There are many other options that steer clear of the heavy tomato sauce that you might typically use. There are many summer spaghetti options that are filled with vegetables and are made with light olive oil sauces, which can help you enjoy the dish all the more. You can even serve some spaghetti cold, which might help you to ease some of the discomforts of the season.

8. Fresh Spring Rolls
If you are a fan of the egg roll, then the spring roll is definitely going to add to your summer fun. Spring rolls are lighter and easier to digest, which makes them a great summer treat. These rolls also aren’t cooked, so you’ll get nice crisp veggies in a simple rice wrap. Most of the time, these rolls are served with a special sauce but don’t feel intimidated because all of this is easily made at home. You will find countless recipes and tutorials to help you make spring rolls that will continue to fill you up while going easy on your budget.

9. Chicken Salad
Another timeless favorite is chicken salad, which can also be as versatile as you would like it to be. Chicken salad is great because it is served cold, so you can cool your body down as you enjoy something packed with flavor. If you don’t have a chicken salad that you love yet, then you can easily find recipes as diverse as the people that created them. Some utilize dill pickles, while others are packed with walnuts and apples. You can enjoy making them with convenient canned chicken or you can choose to shred leftover chicken for a no-waste option. When you grow tired of chicken, you can swap in tuna to help make the dish spread throughout your summer days.

10. Quesadillas
If you’re looking for simplicity, then a quesadilla is a great option that you can customize to suit your family’s needs. If you want to keep things simple then heating cheese upon a tortilla will make your life easier than ever. However, you can spice up a quesadilla any way that you choose. One simple way is to add leftover beans or meats so you can help stretch your grocery budget even further. You will also find that salsas and vegetables can add the hint of freshness that you desire in the summer months.

Cooking in the summer isn’t always a treat. However, if you find yourself looking for ideas that will suit your budget while keeping your home cool, then you may find these ideas to be helpful. With any luck, you will be able to create a weekly menu that is healthy while still bringing happiness to the whole family.

If you thought June was going to be a boring month with no sales, then you may have been shocked when Amazon announced its Prime Day would take place on June 21st. Amazon Prime Day is typically hosted later in the summer, so the announcement sparked Walmart and Target to quickly announce their own sales that take place in the same week. If you’re looking forward to shopping, you might feel overwhelmed by the abundance of options that you now have. These ten tips will help you prepare for the big sale while allowing you to feel confident that you’ll know exactly where to look when it comes to saving some big money.

1. Length
This year, the sale is going to look a little different for every store. One of the biggest differences is the length in time in which sales will run. Amazon, for instance, will host their sale for just one day, June 21st. Of course, it is Amazon, so you’ll find a lot of presales and probably some competitive sales after the big day so they aren’t outdone by their competitors. Target will host their sale for three days, beginning June 20th and ending on June 22nd. There are some deals that will be hosted prior to the event, so stay tuned. Walmart will host their Deals for Days sale that begins on June 20th and ends on June 23rd.

2. Location
Last year, with Covid-19 restrictions in place, each store had to work around the virus to bring savings to customers. This year, there will still be some restrictions, so make sure you plan accordingly. Since Amazon is an online venue, you will find their deals there. However, with sales volumes up, there may be a delay in shipping, so make sure you are prepared for that. This year, Target is keeping things strictly to online. However, you can order your items for pickup, same-day delivery, or curbside pickup. Walmart is going all out with deals online and rollbacks in store, so you will have to look at two different sales when shopping.

3. Who Can Shop
When it comes to these sales, not everyone is able to shop. As you probably know, Amazon Prime Day is specifically for those with an Amazon Prime Membership. You may be able to get a free trial during Prime Day, but if not, you will have to subscribe to shop the deals. Walmart and Target sales are available to everyone, so you don’t have to think twice about browsing their selection. Of course, it does help to be a Target Red Cardmember, for more exclusive deals, and a Walmart Plus Subscriber, for free shipping and more.

4. Pre-Sales
As you can imagine, all three of these stores are going to offer some presales to entice you to come back for more. Although there hasn’t been a lot of indication as to what these deals will be just yet. However, you will want to start watching the websites at least a week in advance. You should pay closer attention to Amazon since its sales will only last for one day in total. Target has released that it will be offering gift cards at 5% off a few days before the sale begins. This is a great strategy as you can purchase gift cards ahead of time and use them for even more savings during the big sales.

5. Electronics
If you’re shopping around for electronics, then all of the stores are going to have something you’ll most likely want to buy. When you’re shopping with Walmart, you should look at items like Roku, Chromebook, and Nova. These brands will definitely have some major discounts, but don’t rule out other large brands either. With Target, you will find great deals on home good appliances like air fryers and vacuums. There will be plenty of other electronics to explore too, so don’t limit yourself. Amazon, as usual, will be offering a limited stock of TVs. You will find deals on numerous other electronics too, but you will have to watch out for good finds as they will only be available for a few days.

6. Toys
When it comes to toy deals, you are most likely going to see more deals from Walmart and Target. Target does have a deal with Disney, so you will find that they will have more of the items your child will want in regard to this brand. Walmart tends to have low prices on toys year-round, so most of the deals you find during this sale will save you quite a bit. Amazon will have random deals on toys, but you might not be able to find specific items that are on your child’s list.

7. Clothes
Clothes are another big thing on the list that many people will be looking out for, especially with the changing of the season. When it comes to clothing, you should be able to find some deals with most of the vendors. Of course, Walmart will have the cheapest of options, especially if you’re looking for children’s clothing. Target has its own brand, which can also save you some money. Amazon also recently launched its own clothing line, but the items tend to be a bit pricier than other vendors. However, as you shop around, you might look to see if the deals suit your needs.

8. Gaming Consoles and Games
It’s summer and a lot of parents are in the market for anything that is going to keep their kids busy. Gaming consoles and games can be found at all three of the retailers. However, if you’re shopping on deals for consoles then Target might be the best place to begin. You will find almost every option available, which will help your shopping experience all the more. Walmart, on the other hand, is more likely to have a good price on XBOX products, while Amazon seems to be favoring deals with Nintendo. All the same, you should compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

9. Food
If food is on your mind when it comes to shopping, then you might keep a few things in mind. Chances are, you will only find a few bulk options on Amazon. Target might have some items that you can order for pick up, but as far as sales are concerned, you probably won’t find too much as these sales are more about moving large merchandise. Walmart will most likely have some rollback options in-store, so you may find a deal or two as you shop for other items. However, you may not have luck on the website unless you’re looking for bulk options that are already priced low.

10. Subscriptions
Subscriptions are really popular now, so many people tend to look for deals on these items whenever big sales roll around. When it comes to subscriptions, you probably won’t find many options to choose from if you’re looking on Target or Walmart. Any items you do find probably won’t be subject to a sales price because they will be sold from an outside vendor. Amazon will most likely offer a few options to choose from though, as they partner with many services now. You might also be able to find deals that use Amazon Pay on outside sites, which could help you earn free shipping and more. So, when it comes to this purchase you will have to shop around a lot in order to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

The upcoming sales events are definitely a great way to get in some retail therapy while you are hiding from the summer heat at home. The sales will have a huge selection of items, so the most important thing to keep in mind is to not go overboard. You should still do your homework when shopping too, by looking at prices of items you are interested in before the sales begin.

Temperatures are rising! Even though it is getting pretty hot outside in most places, summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20th. This gives you plenty of time to plan an epic day filled with fun activities for you and your family. The solstice is a great time to help children understand the importance of seasons while also celebrating all of the fun you have during the summer months. If you’re looking for ideas to keep everyone busy on a budget, then these ten options are certain to suit your plans for the solstice and the entire season.

1. Climb Towards the Sun
One of the big symbols of the summer months is the sunshine. It sticks around longer during the summer and its hot rays make it possible to get outside and swim. One great activity that will add a touch of magic to the holiday is to have children climb towards the sun. This can easily be done while hiking. Simply have the family walk up an elevated trail so it feels like your kids are actually walking towards the sun. You can also do this with mountain climbing if your children are old enough to safely do this. Of course, you should always take precautions such as sunscreen and sunglasses to ensure no one is harmed while having fun.

2. Solar Pizza Oven
If you’d like to teach your kids a little science, or even just a survival hack, then making a solar pizza oven is another wonderful option. All you need for this is a cardboard box, preferably a pizza box, black construction paper, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap. Line the bottom of the box with black paper and add tin foil to the sides of the box. Then cut a hole in the top of the box and place plastic wrap over the hole firmly. The heat that the sun provides combined with all of these elements will cook anything in the box. So, you can have kids safely make their own pizza, cookies, and so much more.

3. DIY Greenhouse
Summer is a great time for planting things. So, creating your own little greenhouse is a fun way to keep kids occupied while allowing them to grow their own produce or flowers. There are so many ways to approach making your own greenhouse, so you can easily find tutorials online that will suit the age groups that you’re working with. If you’re not interested in making an entire greenhouse then you might consider a terrarium. This craft not only allows children to learn about gardening but can help them understand the greenhouse effect.

4. Summer Crafts
Another fun way to celebrate summer is by giving your children some summer crafts to enjoy. There are so many crafts online that you can find almost anything that will keep kids occupied and having fun. Most of these crafts will be based around the sun, which is great for little ones learning shapes and colors, as they will have the opportunity to work with primary colors, and circles, and triangles. Of course, you can also find crafts based around summer themes, like the ocean.

5. Water War
It isn’t quite summer without a water war or two. So, one way to bring in the new season is to have an incredible water bottle. You can use just about anything for this, as long as your family is having fun the supplies won’t matter. Water balloons and water guns are two of the more common items to use. However, if you don’t have these on hand then you can try cutting up sponges for a water war or using squirt bottles. There are even tutorials online that will help you make your own water gun, which can keep kids busy for quite some time.

6. Lake/Beach
Nothing combines Mother Nature and summer together better than a trip to the lake or beach. These destinations will allow you to soak up some sun while giving you the perfect place to cool down. Generally, a trip to the water is pretty cheap, if not free, so you can totally enjoy yourself without having to worry about going over budget. If you pack a picnic and plenty of water, you’ll be set for a day of celebrating the season in the best possible way.

7. Bonfire
At the end of the day, when the sun goes down and the heat finally begins to lift, you might want to consider a bonfire. Although you won’t really need a bonfire to keep warm, it can be a source of excitement for the family. If you’re not certain how to get a bonfire started, there are tutorials online to help you along the way. Once you get your fire going, you can cook hot dogs, make smores, and enjoy any other summer food staples you please. It also creates the perfect setting to sing songs and tell stories. If you can’t get a permit for a bonfire then keep things low scale with a fire in your fire pit at home. Of course, you should watch out for burn bans, so you don’t get a fine for burning or put your property and the property of others at risk.

8. Enjoy Sun Weaving
Sun weaving is a traditional craft that many different cultures have to utilize to celebrate the sun. This type of weaving can be hard to begin with, so you might need to check out some tutorials to get started. Once you get the hang of things, sun weaving can help you relax while you make a beautiful decorative item that your family can cherish. They do have kids to help you get started on your sun weaving journey, but if you’re looking to save money, then online tutorials should help you to find the right setup and technique to make your weaving fun instead of frustrating.

9. Suncatchers
Another fun project, especially for toddlers, is sun catchers. These can be made in so many ways and from so many themes that you can’t really go wrong. One simple way is to cut out a shape for your child to use and then have your child use tissue paper to fill the center of the shape. When it is filled, you can use a laminate strip to secure the colorful design, or simply utilize packing tape. When the project is complete, you can tape the item in your window. Another way to tackle this job is to simply have a child paint an object, like a paper plate or plastic oatmeal lid. The painting can then be hung in the window so the sun can catch all of its amazing colors.

10. Plan Your Summer
As the day winds down or when you simply need a cool down from the heat, you might consider having a sit-down talk about summer. You can chat about activities that children might want to do or plan out vacations. You may also want to talk about how your children will continue on with their education during the summer months, or chores that kids will need to take on while they’re home. You might even want to talk about meal ideas or recipes that you might want to learn to cook together as summer nears.

The summer solstice can be a whole lot of fun for your family while still being light on your budget. These ten ideas can help you kick off summer the right way while offering you plenty of ideas to keep the whole family busy as summer rages on.

If your kids are out of school for summer or will be soon, then you might be wondering how you’re going to keep them entertained over the next couple of months. For a lot of people, summer camps aren’t an option because of Covid-19. With vaccines still in the works for most age groups, you may find camps can’t risk the spread and are thus sitting another summer out. There are lots of great virtual summer camps to choose from though. These ten camps offer a low-budget approach to summer camp that won’t cause your child to be exposed to the virus.

1. Virtual 4-H Camp
4-H is a part of almost every community, so it is no surprise that the camp is going digital to help meet the needs of the children around the nation. If you’re unfamiliar with 4-H, then it might be helpful to know that this organization is devoted to mentoring children and helping them to learn important lessons that can help with daily life. With a virtual 4-H camp, you will find many of these lessons such as sewing, cooking, and even a few options revolving around agriculture. However, you will also find a variety of classic summer camp activities such as arts and crafts and courses that cater to STEM activities.

2. Camp Wonderopolis
When it comes to STEM, Camp Wonderopolis is going to be the place to go. This camp brings a huge selection of STEM courses for your child that is absolutely free. The website for the camp is incredibly user-friendly, as well, which makes signing up your child a breeze. You can search through a wide assortment of age-appropriate classes that are actually themed to interest your child. There are also activities that you can enjoy outside of the classroom, which can definitely help make the virtual camp entirely customizable for your family’s needs.

3. YouTube Camp
YouTube fans won’t be able to resist all of the fun they will have with YouTube Camp. As you can imagine, YouTube Camp is going to be based around videos, which makes it a great idea for kids that might still have plans for summer break. Camp users can find crafts, STEM projects, and so much more to help them get on track and enjoy a variety of fun activities. YouTube Camp does require you to make payments, but if you don’t want to pay, you can always look up videos on your own and create a summer playlist that is perfect for your family.

4. Camp Supernow
Camp Supernow is another service that you might want to check out for your child. The special camp offers similar courses to the other camps mentioned, which gives your family all the more options to choose from. Like the other camps, you can pick and choose the classes and themes that you want your family to explore. You will find a little something for all age groups, as well as crafts and projects for the entire family. If you’re not ready to make a financial commitment to the website, you can enjoy a free one-week trial to help you decide if it is a match for you.

5. Makers Summer Camp
As the name implies, this summer camp is going to provide you with hands-on activities that you can help your children step away from the TV to enjoy some fun. This camp largely caters to items that you make, so you will need to gather some art supplies before you can enjoy the activities. You will also find plenty of STEM options too, which can help your child to advance in school while having plenty of fun.

6. Varsity Tutors Virtual Camp
Another great option for your children is Varsity Tutors Virtual Camp. This special camp is designed to allow you to improve your child’s imagination while they work to boost their knowledge. Camps are designed with themes that truly speak to the children involved in them. You find themes like fairytales or LEGO to help suit your child. These camps are filled with interactive activities and can boost knowledge in a number of different topics. The camp caters to children of all ages too, which will definitely make it easier for you to choose the right things to occupy your child’s mind.

7. Outschool
Outschool is a great resource for homeschool families and families hoping to help their child improve their education. You can access Outschoolyear-round. However, in the summertime, Outschool offers a special camp that is designed to help bring your child plenty of excitement. Outschool offers everything from basic classes like math and language to extracurriculars like dancing and crafts. Children are placed in small classrooms too, so they’re certain to enjoy the experience while getting the attention they need to succeed.

8. Sawyer
Sawyer is another website that connects you to a wide assortment of classes. You can find just about anything from actual physical activity camps to those designed to help your child thrive in the world of STEM. Sawyer is designed with simplicity in mind, as well. You can shop around for camps based on your child’s age or their interest, which will definitely make it easier than ever for you to find something extraordinary. Prices vary on the website as well, so you’ll have to shop with your budget and supplies in mind.

9. Happy Camper Live
Like many of the other virtual camps mentions, Happy Camper Live offers a huge selection of activities that will help keep your child happy and active during the summer months. This website offers a fun interface that will inspire your child to have a lot of fun as they interact with the classes of their choice. You do have to pay for most of the classes on this website, but the camp does offer a one-week free trial so that can help you figure out if it is the right camp for you. Apart from the trial, there is a section with plenty of crafts and other items to ensure you get to enjoy some of the classes offered at no cost to you.

10. iD Tech
If you have a scientist in your household then this is going to be a great camp for them to enjoy. iD Tech offers a huge assortment of classes based on technology. This camp can be a great jump start for high school and middle school kids hoping to study in the technological field when they move on to college. It is also perfect for students that are interested in all sorts of STEM activities. Like with other camps, you can pick and choose the classes you want, which can help make summer a great stepping stone to the future.

Keeping kids busy during the summer months can be incredibly difficult. However, these ten tips will ensure your child has a lot of fun while learning plenty of new things during their downtime. These camps might not be traditional, but they will help your child to truly have fun and embrace everything that summer learning has to offer.

Father’s Day will be here soon, so if you’re still trying to figure out how to celebrate dad, then now is the time to make plans. Since last Father’s Day landed during the peak of the pandemic, there weren’t a lot of options to help celebrate dad. This year, things are beginning to look up with vaccines available, so many people are opting to treat dad to a special activity as opposed to a gift. These ten ideas will help you plan some fun for dad that won’t cost you a small fortune.

1. Car Show
A car show is a great way to help get dad out of the house while allowing him to enjoy a hobby that he would have taken in more during the last year or so. The great thing about car shows is they tend to pop up frequently during the summer months, so finding one probably won’t be very difficult. You can probably check community groups or even local car groups to see what is going on when. It might require a little travel to get there, but it will definitely be worth it to ensure dad gets to enjoy the special day in style. Of course, you might want to purchase tickets to the event as quickly as possible because you may find shows sell out this season since more people are trying to make up for time lost.

2. Golfing
If dad loves to golf or is simply looking for physical activity to take on, then a round of golf might be the perfect gift. You can take dad golfing in most local places, which makes this an easy activity for you to set up. However, you can also try out different golf courses if dad is looking to broaden his horizons. Golf can be pretty inexpensive, especially if everyone owns their own clubs and skips out on the caddy, which might help to keep things on the frugal side of your gift-giving needs. Plus, golf offers plenty of time to bond which might be something dad has been missing out on due to pandemic precautions.

3. Fishing
Summer and fishing go hand in hand. So, taking dad on a fishing adventure might be the perfect gift. Fishing will allow you both to get out of the house and take in some fresh air while enjoying a hobby that you would typically take part in prior to restrictions. Fishing can help create a sense of peace that dad may be in need of too. If you’re lucky, you might catch a special dinner for dad, which will add to the treat. Around Father’s Day, you will find deals on fishing licenses as well as free fishing days, so make sure you know when you can and cannot fish or go through the proper channels in order to avoid problems.

4. Music on the Lawn
During the summer months, there is often music on the lawn shows which can help add a sense of fun to the holiday. You might check around within your community to see who is going to be playing to make sure it is music your dad will actually want to hear. If you can, you might also pack a special meal and some drinks to add to the occasion. This is one of the safest things you can do around other people too, as the outdoor venue will help prevent spread if you’re not yet vaccinated.

5. Baseball Game
Baseball season is upon us, which means it’s time for baseball games to brighten up the season. If you have a league near you, then you might want to secure tickets so dad can enjoy an old-fashioned baseball game on his special day. For the game, you will definitely want to bring some extra money for all of the stadium refreshments that you missed out on over the past year. This will definitely help to add to the experience while getting dad out in a setting that will make him feel nostalgic for the good times.

6. Camp Out
Spending a weekend outside and enjoying the fresh air is another great activity that will quickly replace the presents on dad’s list. This gift will help to create a sense of joy that can’t be replaced for Father’s Day. When you go camping with dad, you can choose one of your favorite campsites or try somewhere new. You might also consider renting out a cabin and extending the visit if your budget and your time off will allow for this. Apart from that, you should make sure to bring some of the items that you enjoyed while camping out as a kid. Cards, music, and other activities dad enjoys are definitely a must.

7. Beer Tasting
When it comes to enjoying a good time, a beer tasting is definitely going to make some dads a little giddy. Luckily, most breweries are offering all of their services, which can help you schedule a tour and a taste test to make dad’s Father’s Day extra special. Of course, you might look around for places that offer the types of beers that dad enjoys. If you don’t have a brewery near you, then you might call in and see if any restaurants offer beer tastings. This will allow you to get dad a special meal to help make the tasting all the more enjoyable.

8. Flight Lesson
If your dad is a bit of a daredevil, then you might consider getting him flight lessons. You might be surprised as to how frequently these classes are offered, so you shouldn’t have to work incredibly hard to find what you need. You may have to get dad to sign some paperwork and put in some applications before he can take a flight lesson, so surprise him with the lessons might not be an option. However, it can still be a fun way to show dad you care and understand his desire to truly embrace life, especially after the past year.

9. Hit the Water
With Father’s Day tends to come to the summer heat, so spending some time on the water might be one of the best gifts for dad. You can enjoy a day doing almost anything by the water, which will help make planning easier. If you or your dad has a boat, then this is a great option. However, if you’re looking for more budget-friendly ideas then you might consider rafting or just go for a simple swim in the water. Having fun together and enjoying the beauty of summer can truly provide dad with the perfect setting for Father’s Day.

10. Road Trip
When it comes to getting out of the house, a road trip is one of the best ways to jump into action. You don’t have to go far on your road trip as long as you hit the road for a little while. In fact, if your dad loves to drive then he might be happy just spending the day on the road and returning home when night falls. You’ll definitely want to go over dad’s desires before you plan the trip unless you already know of something that he may have in mind. Make sure you pack snacks and other items to help make your trip enjoyable and safe.

Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift doesn’t have to stress you out. In fact, this year, dad might be more interested in embracing an activity than he is in getting a present. These ten ideas will help you find the perfect activity for dad so you can show him you love him while getting out of the house together for a while.

The weather, in most places, is starting to heat up, which means it’s time to start prepping for summer fashion. This season, you won’t have to spend a small fortune on clothes as the style will definitely make it easy for you to DIY or shop secondhand. These ten tips should help you keep up with trends while also showing off your own creative nature as you find new and exciting ways to DIY your favorite looks and make them totally your own.

1. White Tee
This season, one of the most essential items you can own is a plain, white tee. The shirt shouldn’t have anything on it, unless you enjoy pockets, which makes it easy to find in almost any store. You can find the tee in almost any cut that you want as well, which will make it even easier for you to show off your own unique personality. White tees are versatile as well, so you can show them off with almost anything in your wardrobe. Plus, having a white shirt on in the summer heat will definitely help to keep you feeling nice and cool.

2. Bermuda shorts
Another easy look that will suit most lifestyles and body types is the Bermuda shorts. These shorts are designed to be longer than your average pair of shorts, which is what makes them so satisfying to wear. Bermuda shorts offer protection for your skin as well, which makes them a great option for days spent outside or vacations. You can purchase Bermuda shorts in most stores, but you can also make them yourself. All you have to do is cut off a pair of denim shorts. If you prefer an edgier look then just cut above the knee and leave the jagged edges to show off your style. If you prefer a cleaner look, then cut below the knee and roll the edges until they rest above the knee. If you prefer to add a stitch to keep them rolled up then do so, but it isn’t necessary.

3. 90s Vibes
This season, the 90s are going to be all over the place, so give in to your retro side. If you spent time in the 90s then you may have some clothes leftover that you can still enjoy. However, if not, have no fret as 90s clothes are going to be everywhere. You’ll want to check out the tie dye inspired looks that have taken over many graphic tees. Bold neon colors are also going to be everywhere. Although you will see this in casual clothing, you’ll also find that the trends are going to be everywhere in swimsuits. You will find iconic geometric patterns, bold colors, and plenty of fun looks to choose from.

4. Mini Skirts
If you love showing off some leg, then this season you’re going to love bringing out your favorite miniskirts. You will find that it doesn’t matter the material, color, or fabric, as mini skirts are going to be everywhere. If you’re hoping to add to your mini skirt collection, you can buy them almost anywhere. However, you can also make your own. There are countless patterns available that will allow you to create your own mini skirt for fairly cheap and with little effort. If you’re not a fan of the skirt, then you can also show off skorts as there will be plenty of options to choose from there, too.

5. Crop Tops
Show off even more skin this summer when you add crop tops to your favorite look. The crop top will help create a fun look that is definitely perfect for keeping you cool when you’re outside. Crop tops come in all shapes and sizes too, which will totally allow you to show off your personality while keeping up with the best trends of the season. If you don’t own any crop tops, then you can transform your favorite old tees into a crop top with ease. You can also make your own from patterns and cheap fabrics. This will help show off your creative side while adding to your love of trends.

6. Cut-Outs
Cut-outs can add a touch of excitement to your overall look. These fashion accents have been popular since the autumn line was released, so there is a good chance that you already have a few cut out options in your wardrobe. Although you will find that cut outs are popular on pants, the main place you will see them is on tops. This makes it easy to get the look from home and for cheap. There are guides to help you make the best possible cuts for shirts that you already own, so you don’t have to worry about spending a small fortune just to stay trendy.

7. Pastels
This season you can keep all of your spring goodies in your closet because pastels are going to be in. You will find pastels on almost anything which is great considering they will help you stay cool in the summer heat. If you don’t have a lot of pastels to choose from, you can easily dye some of your white clothing in order to create the look you’re going for. This is fairly cheap to do and will allow you artistic freedom that will truly make your fashion sense shine.

8. Wide Leg Trousers
When it comes to the office, if you are actually working in your office, then you might want to skip out on some of the other trends. However, there are some ways to look phenomenal on your workdays. For instance, a pair of wide-leg trousers will transform your look while ensuring you’re trendy. One of the best things about these trousers is they are loose on the body. So, you will be able to feel cooler in them than you would in other types of trousers. You can find wide-legged trousers at a great price too, which will make it easy to find the look you’ve been dreaming of despite having to stick to a dress code.

9. Vintage Sunglasses
This season, you’re going to want to go vintage when it comes to eye protection. This summer, you’ll want to think of iconic brands that might have been worn during the 80s or prior. Ray-Ban is just one option, but you can easily find sunglasses that are cheaper that look remarkably similar. Another popular look that has been in style in recent years is the aviator look. Of course, going big and catwalk-friendly will definitely help you to enjoy yourself while protecting your eyes from the harsh summer sun.

10. Asymmetrical Designs
Offering an asymmetrical look can also help you stand out in the crowd while giving you edgier vibes. There are lots of options to choose from when it comes to this, including options like mini skirts and crop tops, which have already been mentioned. However, you can go to an all-new level by making tees, coats, and other fashion accessories that cater to the trend. There are lots of tutorials online to help you meet your needs while inspiring you to come up with unique styles that you will love.

This season, you can finally get outside and enjoy everything that the season brings without spending a fortune to look good. Since most people will actually get to partake in summer this year, you will love making up for all of the fashion that you missed out on last season. So, have fun with your look and see how little you can spend on your summer attire.

June 8 is World Ocean Day, which makes it the perfect time to learn how to protect the oceans. There are many things we do on a daily basis that actually cause damage to the ocean, which we don’t even realize. Whether you live right next to the ocean or hundreds of miles away, there is so much that you can do to create a better balance in your life in order to improve the health of the planet. Best of all, these tips won’t force you to spend a small fortune on the changes you make, which can definitely help you feel motivated to do your part.

1. Refuse Straws
One of the biggest things you can do for the ocean is to start refusing straws when you go to a restaurant. Of course, you should also stop buying them for your home use, too. Plastic straws are filling up the ocean and are deadly to most marine life. Apart from that, plastic is getting into our water sources. Although straws aren’t the only source of plastic, they are causing a lot of harm to sea life. So, instead of taking the plastic straw, purchase a reusable option. Bamboo options are some of the best on the market and will help you live an eco-friendly life with just one purchase. Once you make the switch to refusing straws then you might consider moving on to other forms of plastic.

2. Know Your Cosmetics
You might be surprised by how many cosmetics take advantage of marine life. Many utilize parts of whales, sharks, and more to help create their product cheaply. Of course, this is never advertised as most companies know that people are currently wanting animal cruelty-free products. However, often marine life slips between the cracks when people look into cruelty-free items. So, the best thing you can do is investigate a company before you buy. You can also lookup ingredients to figure out what exactly is in your makeup. This might help you avoid some pretty nasty chemicals while also ensuring you are doing right by the marine life in the world.

3. Clean Up Beaches
One of the easiest things you can do when it comes to helping out the ocean is to walk around your local beach and clean up. If you live in an area where tourists frequent, then you will probably notice that there is often litter left everywhere. When the tourist season is over, the build-up can be especially overwhelming. If you head to the beach, then just take some time during every visit to clean up the litter. You can also organize groups to help get the mess cleaned up after a tourist season. Even if you don’t live near a beach, you can do your part by cleaning up litter in your local area. You can also make sure to clean up after yourself when you do visit the beach. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, so you can feel reassured you’re doing right by the environment without having to stress.

4. Volunteer
Giving your time is also a great way to help out the ocean. If you live near the sea then there are many volunteer services that you can sign up for. Some will just have you cleaning up the beach or working to clean the water from a special boat. Other services might have you assist in rescue missions. When there are oil spills, you may be asked to help save animals. There are so many different ways you can volunteer to help out. Even if you don’t live near the water, you can volunteer over summer vacations or you can work in your own area to prevent the waste from reaching the ocean. You may also be able to volunteer remotely by helping to pass out information online or in-person to raise awareness.

5. Know Your Seafood
Believe it or not, but the seafood you eat can actually do the ocean harm. Some seafood is over poached while others are raised in captivity which actually damages the natural flow of things. The best thing you can do before indulging in your love of seafood is to do a little research. There are many guides online that tell you about the seafood on offer, so you will know where it comes from. These guides will give you plenty of insight into why eating specific foods is bad for the ocean. Of course, you will also be able to discover which seafood will actually help out the ocean. So, just be mindful of your food options and you can work wonders for the ocean.

6. Be an Activist
When it comes to protecting the ocean, you may find that being an activist is one of the best things you can do. There are numerous activist groups that you can join to help promote the cause and actually dive in to do the work needed to cleanse our oceans. Oceana is one of the top groups that you might want to check out, especially since they offer so much information about what they stand for. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands or you’re feeling insecure about helping out, then you can start out easily by just hanging out pamphlets and work up as you are available to do so.

7. Always Vote
One of the most important things you can do to help protect the environment is to vote. When you go to place your ballot, choose leaders that are going to do right by the environment. This will require lots of research to figure out who stands behind what they say and who is just talking. When you research, it is important to look at voting records and how each candidate volunteers. Apart from choosing the right candidates, you should also pay attention to laws that come into play. This means staying on top of things. If you have a hard time doing this, there are newsletters you can subscribe to that will help keep you up to date.

8. Contact Representatives
Apart from voting, you can also make your voice heard by contacting your representatives. If you hear about something negatively affecting the environment or ocean life, then write in to make sure your representatives know that it’s not something you stand for. You might ask others to do the same so your voices can be heard. You can find your representative’s number, email, and address to their office online so you can easily make sure your message is heard.

9. Prep Recycling
Another major thing you can do to help the ocean is to prep your recycling. Most importantly, you should cut up any plastic that you plan on recycling. Marine life tends to get caught up in plastic, may it be plastic from sodas or bags from the grocery store. Even cutting up straws can help change the way they affect marine life. Whenever you can, you should also work to reuse your recycling. This will help to prevent more items from getting into the ocean.

10. Educate Yourself
In any situation, one of the best things that you can do is educate yourself. You will find a wide variety of books and documentaries that will help you get a better understanding of the ocean and how to protect it. Apart from that, you will definitely find a huge selection of articles to choose from online. This will help to understand the dire situation that we are dealing with while also allowing you to feel more capable of doing your part to help change the world for the better.

This World Ocean Day, you don’t have to wonder what you can do to change the planet for the better. Instead, you may want to take the time to check out these ideas and see which you can utilize for the holiday and every other day of the year.

June is going to be here before you know it, which means the kids will be finished with school and looking for something to do. There are numerous things to do in the summer, but if you’re hoping to stay on a budget then you might have to do a bit of planning in order to suit your needs. It might take a bit more planning to find something that will also allow you to social distance if you are worried about the threat of Covid-19. These ten ideas should fit the bill while allowing you to keep your budget in check throughout the summer months.

1. Fishing
Summer and fishing tend to go hand to hand. Luckily, June is National Fishing Month, so you should be able to find some free fishing days if you’re hoping to get to the lake or the ocean. These days don’t require a license, so you can fish at will. However, you might also find deals on fishing licenses during this time, which might make it the best time to order such a thing if you hope to fish throughout the summer. You might also find great deals on fishing gear during this month since stores will be trying to move the supplies in order to stock up for hunting season. If you choose to go fishing, packing a lunch or supplies to eat what you catch will save you plenty of money. You might also want to pack plenty of drinks as the hot weather can dehydrate you quickly, even if you’re not moving around a lot. Finding shade is also important, so make sure to look around for a good spot before you set up for the day.

2. Summer Reading
The summer reading program is a classic activity for children to enjoy. Most local libraries will offer the program, even with social distancing, so you might look on your library’s website to see what you need to do to sign up. Most libraries will offer prizes for children as they reach their reading goals, which will definitely help to entice kids to read. If your local library isn’t offering anything then you might consider looking for other options. Many companies that support child literacy are also offering summer reading programs. Scholastic, for instance, is offering a program that helps children feel inspired to read while also donating to other children that do not have access to enough books.

3. Parks
If parks have reopened in your area, then that is a great way to spend some of your June. You can begin with taking children to traditional playgrounds so they can run and get out plenty of their energy. However, with these parks, you will definitely want to bring along some sanitizers and pay close attention to the temperature of the equipment. Another option is to take children to a park where they can admire nature. You might plan out hikes, create scavenger hunts, and so on to help kids make the most of their time out. This will also help you to feel assured they are getting the exercise and fresh air that they need.

4. Arts and Crafts
When it comes to days at home, arts and crafts are always a great option to keep your kids occupied. There are a lot of summer-themed crafts that you can check out. However, you might also consider finding crafts based on your children’s interests. One thing you might try is to find crafts that can be done based on the school supplies that your children have leftover. This will help you to enjoy thinking outside of the box while saving some big money on craft supplies. If you’re not sure where to begin, then there are lots of options online to choose from. Some websites are even dedicated to school supply crafts.

5. DIY Summer Snacks
It’s summertime, which means you’re probably going to be asked for a snack at least fifteen times a day, right? In order to keep the kids busy, then you might get to work making some amazing DIY summer snacks. This is great in the sense that it is an activity that you can do together, but also because it allows you to have more control over what your child is eating. So, you can easily pick out fruits or items that have less sugar. You can even go wild with themes that will win your kids over.

6. Farmer’s Market
One of the joys of summer is going to the farmer’s market. If your community has one, then this is a great place to spend some time on weekend mornings. The farmer’s market has a lot of offers including fresh produce, which can help you create delicious meals and so much more. Apart from that, you will find that there are plenty of other fun items to purchase there. Children might even make crafts, baked goods, or lemonade to sell while they are visiting the market. Of course, you will need to check up on the rules to ensure you’re not breaking any by offering your items to visitors. The whole family can also enjoy music and other forms of entertainment, which can help you save money as you enjoy your summer.

7. Go on a Picnic
If lunches or dinner at home are getting a little boring, then you might consider going on a picnic instead. Most kids are pretty happy to picnic anywhere, including the backyard, so you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune on this. In fact, you don’t really need to buy anything special to picnic as you can just use a blanket that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. You can pack up traditional finger foods or you can pack sandwiches and other traditional items like fruit. As long as you eat and have fun as a family, the picnic will offer plenty of memories for you to enjoy with your loved ones and will help keep kids from feeling bored with their routine.

8. Camp Out
Summer campouts are another childhood must. Many children are used to going to summer camps over the summer and this might not be an option in the current climate. However, camping outside is always an option. If you have camping supplies, then you might consider finding a free campsite for the weekend. This will allow everyone to enjoy themselves and get away from all of the screens and static of daily life. If there isn’t a campsite near you then there is still an option for camping outside. Simply pitch your tent and camp in your backyard. If you don’t have supplies, you can easily make your own tent for the night, borrow one from a loved one, or rent one from a sporting goods store. This will still give kids the camp-out experience while allowing you to use the bathroom in comfort.

9. Explore Science
It’s important to keep your children’s minds active during the summer months. So, science is one of the best ways to do this without listening to your child complain about learning when they’re on a break. The best thing about science it is all around us, so you can make an experiment out of almost anything. Spending time in the backyard looking for and identifying bugs is one of the best ways to go as there are endless possibilities. However, you can also have fun with experiments like making your rocket ship or volcano. There are lots of ideas online that you can check out, which should help you plan around your child’s age group.

10. Field Trips
Getting out of the house is important. You can still take field trips while maintaining safety. In order to do this, you should start with choosing places that aren’t very busy. If you live in a smaller city then you might find that some museums, aquariums, and other attractions might be safe to visit. If you’re worried, you can always call up the facility and find out when their slowest times are. Another option is to choose places that are outdoors. This helps to offer a bit more protection, especially if you distance yourself from others. You should try to keep up with safety precautions though and always make sure you sanitize.

This June can be a lot of fun without forcing you to spend a ton of money. These ten ideas should help keep you and your family busy on a budget and without forcing you to expose yourself to the public if you’re not feeling comfortable with it yet.

Memorial Day sales are upon us again, which can be an exciting time if you need to purchase some of the major items for your household. This Memorial Day might actually be one of the first times you can partake in a big sale without having to worry about restrictions as strictly as you would have earlier in the year. However, despite this, many stores will still practice social distancing and mask mandates. Due to this, there is a good chance you will find the majority of these sales online and in-store, so you can shop comfortably. These ten stores are offering some of the best deals, so you will know exactly where to begin your search for Memorial Day finds.

1. Amazon
There’s no doubt about it, Amazon is always going to be offering huge savings whenever a major shopping holiday arrives. This Memorial Day you will find deals appearing pretty early. In fact, you can log in now for some early bird deals. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there will be deals on larger scale items. For instance, there will be up to 30% off on Amazon furniture and appliances. Clothing, especially the lines that Amazon is partnered with, will also have some major deals that you might not want to pass up. You will want to think about summer clothes when shopping here, but you might also find some winter steals, too. Of course, with any Amazon sale, you’ll also find reduced prices on Amazon products like the Ring, Echo, and more.

2. Walmart
Another place that is guaranteed to have deals is Walmart. Lately, Walmart has been pretty notorious about keeping their sales under wraps. However, judging by the season and precious sales, you can almost count on huge savings on most items. You’ll especially find deals on things needed for summer fun, like grills, seating, outdoor toys, and more. However, you should also find some deals on TVs, laptops, and other appliances. You will most likely want to check online and in-store for deals as the two do not always have the same sales. If you do find a better deal online, most of the time you can ship to the store or pick it up at the store that day for no extra cost.

3. Target
Target is also no stranger to deals, but their deals usually aren’t as grand as their major competitors. Target doesn’t offer as many electronics, so their sales aren’t often concentrated in this area. Rather, you will find some big deals on furniture this season. Of course, many of the items on offer will be patio furniture, but you will also find items for the interior of your home, too. Apart from that, clothes will be a huge part of the sale. Since target just dropped much of their summer line and bathing suits, you will find a huge selection to choose from. Décor will also be a great option that will help you set up your home for seasonal excitement.

4. Lowes
Another store you’re not going to want to miss out on is Lowes. If you’re planning on working in the garden during the summer months, then Lowes may help you find some of the last-minute plants you need. At this point in the season, many plants will have clearance prices. Apart from that, you will find up to $200 off some patio furniture, which can definitely set you up for some awesome hangouts this summer. Appliances and items necessary for grilling and smoking will also be available on sale. You may even find some exciting deals on lawn care if you look hard enough.

5. Overstock
If you’re looking for some furniture this Memorial Day, then Overstock is probably going to have what you’re looking for. You will find some major deals here on everything, including mattresses, so don’t be afraid to redecorate the room you’ve been longing to fix up. The furniture won’t be the only thing on sale this Memorial Day. In fact, you will probably find a sale on almost anything in the store. So, make sure to shop around before you check out because you never know what kind of deal you might miss out on.

6. Best Buy
When it comes to keeping the kids occupied this summer, Best Buy might have you covered. This year, you’ll find a lot of deals on electronics, so you can get all of the best gadgets at a price you won’t be afraid of. One of the biggest things to shop for during this sale is televisions, as there will be so many models discounted. Games, gaming devices, and similar items might also be on sale, but your biggest savings might be in the appliance section. With Best Buy, you can even shop for dented items to help you save even more during this big sale. Laptops should be discounted too, but you might find better prices during the back-to-school sales in late summer.

7. Wayfair
Wayfair is going to be another place to shop if you’re looking for furniture. This online store tends to offer low prices on furniture to begin with, but this holiday you will find exceptionally lower prices. The store will offer a selection of items for the interior of your home, but the major sales will most likely concentrate on exterior items. For instance, you will find sales on patio furniture, awnings, and even outdoor rugs. Decorative items for the exterior of your home will also be on offer to help improve your overall summer aesthetic.

8. Dick’s Sporting Goods
If you’re planning for summer fun, then Dick’s Sporting Goods is going to be one of the best places for you to shop for some major deals this Memorial Day. You might not find furniture or electronics, but you will find everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors. One of the biggest items you’ll most likely see is price drops on the gear needed for camping. Of course, swimming attire and pool toys are going to be on the list as well as pools. You will want to check out the sports section as baseball products will be in season and most likely at a great price. Make sure to shop around for other sports too. You might even find sales on items like guns and hunting gear to help prepare you for hunting season.

9. Bed, Bath, and Beyond
When it comes to Memorial Day shopping, you might not think to head to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. However, you’re going to find some amazing deals when you head to this store or shop on its website. One of the first things you’ll notice on sale is all of the linens. So, this might be a prime time to stock up or just pick out something extraordinary that you’ve wanted for some time. Home décor is going to be another major thing that you’ll want to shop for during these sales. However, you shouldn’t disregard items like appliances, candles, or even just fun toys.

10. Old Navy
Old Navy is usually very quick to jump on sales and Memorial Day is certainly no exception. For the most part, you’re likely to see a large percentage taken off of your order, which can help you save substantially on the items that you need for summer. However, you will also find that summer items will be marked down even more. There are also numerous essential items like tees, tanks, and shorts that are already lost cost, so you’ll find even more savings there. Deals on flip-flops usually occur during this time too, which will allow you to stock up on one of every color if you so choose. You might also choose to shop around the clearance section to find the items you might not want to miss out on.

Memorial Day can be a lot of fun for shoppers, so don’t miss out this year. You will find a huge selection of sales to choose from as these are just scratching the surface. You should be able to enjoy some major savings as the holiday begins, so make sure to shop wisely and shop around even despite the low prices.

Summer is rapidly approaching, which means a lot more free time to be had. One of the best ways to kill some time while also broadening your horizons is to pick up an instrument. If you’re on a tight budget, then getting the right instrument for your needs might be a little tough. There are numerous instruments that won’t cost you an arm and a leg though. These ten instruments are on the cheaper side of the spectrum and are great ideas for beginners. So, whether you’re shopping for yourself or a youngster, you might want to check out these ten options.

1. Bongos
If the rhythm is where you want to begin your musical journey, then bongos are a great place to begin the fun. Bongos are very simple and can be purchased for cheap if you shop around. You can even start small and add to your bongo collection as your skills progress. If you’re working with small children, there are many ways to make bongos, so you don’t have to spend money at all. Using recyclables is a great way to take on this task. These bongos might not sound the same as the bongos you might purchase from a store, but they’re great for children. You can also find an assortment of bongo lessons online to help you learn the basics, pick up songs, and feel confident in your bongo skills.

2. Recorder
There is a reason why recorders are popular in schools. Recorders are one of the best ways for children to enjoy music lessons without costing you a fortune. You can pick up a recorder almost anywhere which makes it even easier to get your child started on the craft. Apart from that, there are numerous resources that can be used for anyone hoping to learn to play the recorder. You will find online videos, free music sheets, and an assortment of books that you can purchase for next to nothing. The recorder is also a great way to introduce yourself or your child to reading music, which can help transform your life in so many ways.

3. Ukulele
If you’re not feeling comfortable with the guitar, then you might consider trying out the ukulele. This instrument is iconically used in Hawaiian music, but you can actually learn a wide variety of songs on this instrument. It is also a great instrument for small hands just learning how to play an instrument. The ukulele is largely affordable, especially if you begin with a cheaper brand and upgrade as you improve on your skills. There are numerous videos available online to help you learn how to play the instrument too. This can help save you money on lessons while allowing you to work at your own pace.

4. Harmonica
When it comes to traditional music, there are a lot of great options that you can try out. However, the harmonica is one of the most popular options that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. A harmonica is very efficient because you can easily carry it around with you wherever you go, which makes it something great for you to kill time with. Apart from that, you’ll find that there are numerous lessons online to help you along the way. You may want to dive into a guide for purchasing a harmonica before you jump into a purchase though, as this will help you choose the right option for your needs.

5. Tambourine
The tambourine can be a little underrated at times, but it is essential for many bands. So, learning to play the tambourine can be a great way to gain some knowledge about music, learn to keep a beat, and so much more. Best of all, tambourines are incredibly cheap to buy and can even be customized to suit your personal style. There are lots of great options online for lessons too, which can save you money while helping you to embrace the basics of music so you can move on with more advanced instruments in the future.

6. Guitar
One of the most popular options for you to try out is a guitar. At first glance, you might feel that a guitar is a bit too pricey for you. However, you can often find one at secondhand stores, yard sales, or even online for very cheap. If you are in the market for a new guitar then you can still find one at an affordable price if you do a bit of shopping around. Finding lessons online for guitar is very easy and you may even be able to find options in your local area for an affordable price. A guitar is a great instrument to learn music with, but you can also play by ear, which works best for some people. If you are looking to join a community of musicians, then a guitar is a great way to do so as it brings versatility to your day while still suiting your style.

7. Keyboard
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano, then a keyboard might be a great option for you. A keyboard offers an easy way to learn piano as it offers all of the keys on a condensed board. This can help you to learn the notes needed to play songs and even compose your own music. A keyboard might be one of the most expensive options on the list, but you will find that it will last for quite some time and can even take the place of a piano if you don’t have the time for it. If you shop around, you might be able to find a new and basic model for under $100. However, shopping second-hand will save you much more. You may even be able to find second-hand piano books for cheap to ensure you get more out of your lessons. There are learning options online too, so don’t hesitate to look around and see what works best for your learning style.

8. Bass Guitar
Another more popular option, to begin with, is a bass guitar. This is another great option for anyone hoping to join a band or play music with a community. The bass guitar won’t cost you as much as a regular guitar if you shop for electric bass. The bass guitar might be easier for some people to learn as it provides you with four strings to work with. There are lots of lessons online as well as books that you can purchase to help you master the bass on your own. You might even be able to learn the bass as you work with friends or family that play the guitar.

9. Flute
When it comes to children wanting to learn an instrument for the school band, the flute is an incredible option. This instrument doesn’t require a lot of maintenance which is one of the reasons why so many people find it appealing when choosing something for a band. Apart from that, the instrument itself is much cheaper than many of the options you’ll find for school bands. Plus, there are many secondhand options available as well as payment options, since many companies will work with school band members. The flute can be easier to learn than some of the other wind instruments, which will help beginners feel more confident as they take on learning to read music and play an instrument at the same time.

10. Maracas
Anyone that loves music and dancing will appreciate the maracas. This instrument allows you to move around as you keep the beat for the band. The maracas can be a lot of fun to play especially if you enjoy percussion. Plus, they always offer fun designs that will help inspire you to have fun. The maracas might be a little tougher to learn without lessons because there is more to them than what meets the eye. Of course, if you are looking for an option to get you up and moving, then this is definitely going to be the option that suits your needs the most.

Learning an instrument doesn’t have to be something that you feel will set you back financially. These ten options are easy on the budget but will also help beginners adjust to learning music while helping to build your skills quickly. On top of that, they will help to add a bit of fun to your free time, which can boost your health.

Let’s face it, getting healthy isn’t always fun. With this summer possibly being less restricted than the last, a lot of people are working hard to take off the pandemic weight or simply trying to improve their health. Salads are one of the best ways to do this, but they can get pretty boring if you’re not careful due to the repetitive nature of the salad. These ten ideas will help you to make a salad that you’ll actually want to eat. Best of all, the ideas are easy on your budget, will help add diversity to your meal plan, and can actually make your salad healthier.

1. Give it Color
When it comes to your diet, one of the best things you can do is add color. So, when you’re planning out your salad, try to add in some color whenever and wherever you can. You can easily begin with the vegetables you choose. Adding a touch of purple cabbage, some orange carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes will create a pretty classic salad that accounts for most of the colors available. However, there are many other ways to get the colors you need. Purple carrots are another option, habaneros can bring a kick to the meal, and radishes will help bring in a beautiful pink and white look that adds a touch of spice. Feel free to experiment here and try out combinations to improve your health and the flavor of your salads.

2. Add Fruit
It might seem a little out of place, but one of the best things you can do with your salad is to add a bit of fruit. This might not be something you’ve tried before as it isn’t as common practice as adding meats. However, a touch of fruit can complement your salad while giving you extra vitamins that will definitely help to boost your health. Apart from that, you’ll find that adding fruit is something that can make your salad feel less like a diet and more like something you can enjoy. So don’t hesitate about enjoying it. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some recipes online. There’s more than you can imagine.

3. DIY Dressing
Another way to add some fun to your salad while keeping it healthier is to make your own dressing. You would be surprised by how quick and easy it is to make your own dressing. Best of all, anything you make at home won’t have all of the chemicals that store-bought items have. If you have a favorite type of dressing, then you can check out copycat recipes so you get the same great flavor at home. However, there are lots of options you can try out too if you’re not set on a certain flavor. You may even find dressings that blow away anything you’ve had before. There are numerous ideas online, so don’t be afraid to seek out new things. You can even ask for recipes in health groups you are a part of it, as you never know when someone is going to offer a recipe of their own that will truly inspire your taste buds.

4. Add Spice
If you’re looking for a way to bring some fun to your salad then one idea is to add a bit of spice. This is pretty easy to do, and you can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste buds. One of the easiest ways to do this is to cut some radishes to add to the salad. You might be surprised by how much of a kick these can add, depending on the radish. A classic way to add in the spice is to chop up and add some jalapenos. This not only adds a nice crunch, but jalapenos bring a great flavor and can range from bell pepper spice level to a nice burn that will leave you satisfied. If jalapeno level spice isn’t enough for you then go hotter with a habanero, ghost chili, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

5. Experiment with Texture
Texture can make or break a salad, especially if you’re feeling bored with them. There are so many ways to bring texture to a dish though. You might start by adding your favorite vegetables that crunch to add a bit of satisfaction to the dish. If you like softer textures then consider beans or a nice feta cheese might be the perfect option for you. Even experimenting with the types of greens you use can change the texture of your salads for the better. So, embrace the texture and find the combinations that work best for your needs and you’ll definitely notice your salads going up a notch or two.

6. Skip Going Raw Occasionally
Although the traditional salad tends to be made of raw vegetables, particularly lettuce, you don’t always have to stick with the same old thing. If you’re feeling bored with your salad options, then consider taking it up a notch by cooking some of the items that go into your dish. You might add in some grilled meats or tofu to make the salad up a notch. Roasted veggies are also a great option that can change the flavor dynamic of your salad. Even some warm beans can take things up a level or two when you’re feeling tired of the same old cold salad every night.

7. Utilize Proteins
When you’re on a diet, getting an appropriate amount of protein can be a must when it comes to your health. So, don’t be afraid to add some protein to your salads to help improve your health and to help keep you full for much longer. When you choose a protein, you’re going to want to go with something healthy, or else it might defeat the purpose of having a salad to begin with. Some options to consider are lean meats which can be grilled or shredded to add to your meal. Tofu is another fun option, which can be marinated to add a burst of flavor that will suit your needs. Even beans and nuts can add a layer of protein that will help improve your body’s health while giving you something tasty to look forward to.

8. Add Themes
Salads don’t have to bore you. Rather, when it comes to making a salad, you might consider adding a theme to the dish. For instance, a Mediterranean theme might have a sweet sauce, roasted bell peppers, and feta cheese. You can create a Mexican salad using seasoned turkey, spicy vegetables, beans, a fresh pico de gallo, and more. There are so many themes to choose from that you might not grow tired of salads any time soon because there will always be something new and exciting to try out.

9. Don’t Be Afraid of Grains
A lot of people struggle to stay full after eating a salad. Although protein is a great step in the right direction, you will find that there are other options if protein alone isn’t going to do the trick. There are a number of grains that are incredibly good for your body and will help to stabilize your energy while keeping you full for hours. Some of these grains include barley, quinoa, and millet. Corn is also considered a grain and goes well with many different combinations of salads. So, next time you’re reluctant to bring grain into the picture, find a grain that is healthy and efficient in aiding your digestion. You definitely won’t regret it.

10. Mix Things Up
One of the major issues that people have when it comes to salads is that they get boring. One key to avoiding this is to make a different salad every day. Try to use different types of lettuce, use unique add-ins, and so on. Find the mixtures you like and then play around with them to find a few combinations that you can rotate into your meal plan. This will help keep things exciting while still allowing you to shop in bulk and prepare your meals with ease.

Salads are a big part of many people’s diets. These ten ideas will help keep the salads fresh and enjoyable as you keep to your diet and find a healthier lifestyle. After exploring these ten ideas, you might even feel the need to add salad to your life even when you’re not on a diet.

May is Mystery Month, which opens up a world of possibilities for you. The month is perfect for spicing up your life with a little mystery so you can find fun around every corner when you take in some free time. If you’re not really sure how you can partake in mystery month, there are so many fun ideas to take in. These ten ideas are just scratching the surface and will help add to your hobby list so you can relax while stimulating your mind.

1. Enjoy a Mystery Book
Mystery books are a great way to truly get the most out of your free time. You can find books to suit just about any interest too, even though they are still classified as one genre. You can also find books that allow you to take control of the outcome of the book, which adds a new layer of fun to everything. Apart from that, books are a great way to prevent yourself from spending time on your phone, which can leave you feeling stressed out. If you’re not sure what books to choose or where to even begin your journey, there are lots of great recommendations online.

2. Discover Mystery Inspired Cinema
There are a lot of great options to help you enjoy a little extra mystery in your free time. One of the best options, especially if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, is to enjoy mystery in the cinema. There are numerous movies out there that tackle the mystery theme, which can help you find something enjoyable to suit your tastes. Best of all, mystery fits into all sorts of genres including thrillers and comedies. If you don’t have time for a movie then there are also a large number of TV series that you can take in. There’s a lot of recommendations online, including recommendations offered by your favorite streaming service.

3. Sign Up for a Mystery Purchase
Mystery purchases are becoming more and more popular. There are numerous ways to partake in a mystery purchase, too. Some online stores will simply offer mystery packages to add a touch of fun to the shopping experience. Other stores will add in tees and other items that are on clearance and sell them as a mystery bundle at a reduced price. Some stores sell you a mystery to help spread their message. For instance, the Two Blind Brothers website is designed to allow you to shop as if you had their form of blindness. You can set a price limit and then pick out an item without full knowledge of what it is. When your items arrive, you get to enjoy the mystery of discovering what you paid for.

4. Investigate a Mystery
If you want to play detective, then use your sleuthing skills to add to a mystery. To begin with, you can tune into a mystery show and try to piece the clues together as you watch. Some unsolved mystery shows will allow you to dig even deeper though. There are actually threads on some social media pages of people just trying to figure out clues, which can definitely add some fun as you explore your mystery and chat with others about it. If you don’t want to work off of a TV show then you can easily find a mystery laid out for you online. Some people come up with mysteries as a game, which can help keep you entertained for hours.

5. Participate in an Escape Room
Escape rooms are an exciting mystery that allows you to work together with others to escape a room filled with clues. There are many escape room themes, which can help you find a room that is perfect for you. Escape rooms can be found in many places as well. There are many entertainment facilities that offer budget rooms for you to enjoy. However, there are also businesses that are dedicated to only escape rooms, so you can find amazing options that are constantly rotating to keep the mystery alive.

6. Mystery in the Mail
Another fun idea is to sign up for a mystery in the mail. There are new game services that will send you a mystery to solve every month, which will help you add value to your free time. Some of the games can be very intricate which can take up an entire month. Another option is to have your friends send you a mystery. If you know someone that is great with storytelling them have them send you a prompt and clues so you can solve their mystery and have a little fun. You might even try your hand at writing your own mystery to share with others, so you can truly embrace every aspect of the genre and the month dedicated to it.

7. Murder Mystery Dinner Train
If you live in an area that has a passenger train, then there’s a good chance that a mystery dinner train is offered. When you grab tickets to this event, you’ll go on a ride you won’t soon forget. As the train begins to move you’ll be taken back in time as all of the characters will be dressed in vintage clothing. As the gain continues someone will be murdered and it is up to the guests to figure it out. Some dinner trains even have the guests participate, so you could easily become the murderer. With self-isolation orders becoming more relaxed, this could actually be a simple option for you to enjoy throughout the month of May.

8. Board Games
Without a doubt, board games are a great way to truly embrace a mystery. Games can be found for all age levels, so you can easily buy a game that caters to the entire family’s needs. One of the most popular board games for a good mystery is Clue. If you have children around then Clue Jr is a great option that adults won’t get bored with either. Of course, there is more out there than Clue, so shop around a bit to find a board game that suits your favorite pastime.

9. Try Mystery Foods
Food is a great way to bring some mystery to your life, especially if you tend to eat the same things over and over. Some recipes will allow you to order a surprise so you won’t know what you’re going to get, which might help to liven up your month. Another way to approach this is to have someone order for you, as you might find something that you haven’t tried yet. Other than that, you can check out a menu and order something you’ve never had before. This will add a touch of mystery to your dining experience that you won’t be able to refuse.

10. Mystery Podcast
Podcasts have grown in popularity over the last few years. So, it’s no surprise the number of mystery podcasts that are out in the world. If you’re not sure where to begin, then head over to your favorite streaming services and check out what the mystery section has to offer. You might have to surf around a bit, but after testing a few you might be hooked on something special. There are lots of great podcasts with rave reviews too. So, if you binge an entire series, you won’t have to search far for another amazing option.

Mystery month can add a whole lot of fun to your life. This month celebrates the mystery that we face in life while giving you a touch of entertainment. Before long, you will definitely feel excited by all the options that you can find to enjoy your love of mystery.

If you’re looking to amp up your wardrobe but you’re on a tight budget, then you’re not out of luck. There are a lot of clothing stores that cater to keeping up with fashion trends while keeping the price of new clothing down. Some of the stores will allow you to shop in-store so you can get the full fashion experience, while other stores will allow you to shop online. No matter what your preference is, you definitely won’t want to skip out on these six brands as you try to keep up with trends while ensuring your style shines.

1. Walmart
Walmart is known for having the lowest prices around, so you shouldn’t be shocked to find out that their clothing is also going to save you a pretty penny. Walmart has its own fashion line, George, which keeps up to date with trends while offering essentials that you need for everyday life. Apart from fashionable clothing, Walmart clothes are known for being low in price. You can find everything from school uniforms to button-downs for work that will keep you on budget and looking good. Seasonal clothes won’t cost you a fortune either, which is also great for keeping up with your body’s needs as the seasons change. Children’s clothing, especially, will cost mere dollars, which might be essential if you’re on a tight budget and your child is going through sizes every three to six months. There are even a few hacks to help you maximize your savings when you shop with the store. You should always aim to shop in-store with Walmart though, as many of their deals can’t be found on the website.

2. Target
Target is dedicated to making you feel like a trendsetter without having to pay the price tag for such looks. The store actually rotates designers, so you’re always getting a fresh look and vibe with the season. The clothes on offer are slightly pricier than Walmart’s but you’ll still find them more than affordable. Target caters to all sizes as well, which makes it easy to shop. Apart from keeping things fashionable, you’ll find that their children’s line actually caters to children with sensory processing issues, so most of the clothes will be comfortable for most children. They also keep up to date with the most popular characters.

3. Old Navy
Another great option is Old Navy. Although you’re not going to find items as cheap as you would at Target or Walmart, you’re still going to find some stylish deals. Even if their regularly priced items aren’t on sale, you can still save big time at Old Navy. For instance, if you browse through the clearance section, you will find some major deals that will definitely make you want to shop until you drop. If you don’t mind shopping out of season, then you will also be able to save quite a bit of money as seasonal clothes tend to hit the sales rack even before the season is over. The store is notorious for offering big sales on their denim line, as well. However, a lot of people love to shop Old Navy because you can actually stack up to three coupons in some instances, which can help you save some major money.

4. Shein
Shein is a newer sensation that seems to be a big hit with people that love to look stylish but don’t want to pay the high prices. You’re not going to find a store for this company, so everything is done online. Unfortunately, when it comes to this store, you may find that sizes vary and shipping takes a little longer than you might like. However, when you shop with the store, you’ll get great clothes at a low price. If you’re not happy with your order, returns are free, which makes it easy to shop guilt-free. The store also has good reviews, so you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off.

5. Ross
Ross is another great option if you prefer to shop in-store. Ross gets in top brand items that are out of season or have slight flaws. Most of the time, you can’t even notice the flaws, which makes the item even greater of a purchase. Of course, when shopping at Ross, you should always observe clothing to make sure zippers work and the item isn’t discolored. Other than that, you’ll probably find that most items are just a batch of clothing that didn’t sell well or those with minor flaws like tags clipped awkwardly.

6. Clothing Under 10
The name pretty much says it all when it comes to this store. Again, this is going to be a store that you will order from online, so shopping here might bring a little trial and error until you figure out which size works best for you. The website does have a lot to offer though when it comes to variety. This store does cater to a younger generation, which makes it a great option for students that might be on a tight budget, to begin with, especially if they’re in the market for clubbing or casual looks.

7. 6PM
This is another brand that caters to a younger crowd but still offers a lot of amazing deals. You will find an exceptional amount of clothes on this website which will suit a lot of different personalities. The best thing about 6PM is they do work with different sizes too, so you’ll be able to find something special without feeling frustrated by your options. This website is great for showing off the latest fashions and always seems to have fresh new looks to choose from.

8. Kohl’s
Another great option when it comes to shopping for clothing is Kohls. This store is great for in-store and online use, but you won’t always find the best prices when you shop there. Rather, you should always wait for Kohl’s to offer a sale in order to get a good price. These prices tend to be on the competitive side, so you should be able to get quite a bit on your budget. One of the best things about Kohl’s is they offer you Kohl’s cash for every purchase. This can be used at a later date on almost any item in the store or on the website, which will help you save a lot of money in the long run.

9. JC Penney
JC Penney has been around for generations and is known for helping families find amazing looks that suit their budget. Decades ago, you could walk in the store or order from a catalog. Today, you can still walk into some stores, although many have been closed, the catalog is now online and in easy to order fashion. JC Penny may have some high prices to offer, but if you can hold out for a sale then you will find some of the best savings around. The brand is dedicated to bringing you quality as well as looks that you will love to show off. One of the best times to shop with this brand is during Back to School Days, but you will also find Black Friday deals that people have stood in line for hours for.

10. TJ Maxx
Similar to Ross, TJ Maxx is a great option for clothes that might not have made it off the shelves. You will find a lot of brands that will suit your needs for a much lower price. The great thing about TJ Maxx is you can actually find the deals online and in person. The store is always getting new things in too, which will help you catch the biggest trends. Some shoppers even offer pointers to help you max out your savings. TJ Maxx also has sister stores like Home Goods and Sierra, which will help you find some of the best savings around too. You can even navigate to their page from the TJ Maxx website.

Finding amazing deals on clothes isn’t as hard as you might think. In this day and age, so many stores cater to consumers’ needs by finding the best deals on clothing to offer to them. These ten stores will offer you plenty of great options so you can enjoy your style without having to say goodbye to your entire splurge fund.

Graduation is almost upon us which means if you haven’t already started to plan out your child’s graduation ceremony then you may already be behind. Luckily, there are a ton of things you can do to keep graduation covid safe without spending a ton of money. These ten tips will help you to plan an experience that will make your graduate feel loved while showing your pride in their hard work and dedication to their studies. Although it still might not be a traditional celebration, you will still get as much as you can out of the amazing accomplishment.

1. Organize a Parade
One of the easiest ways to show some love is to organize a parade. This can help make the news of graduation seem even bigger, especially if there is no ceremony or party afterward. The parade can be organized online and will allow friends and family to drive by the home with signs that show support to the graduate. A parade costs next to nothing too but can create a memory that will last a lifetime. If you want to make the parade more of a community option, then you can create a list of homes to drive by so an entire group of students can feel praised for their big accomplishment.

2. Make a Lawn Sign
A lawn sign is a great way to show pride while still keeping things simple. With a lawn sign, you can acknowledge the big accomplishment to the neighborhood, which will definitely make your graduate feel even more pride. You can make a lawn sign at home if you want to get creative. There are many ways to go about this too, which can definitely help you use what you already have in stock. You can also order a lawn sign from a wide assortment of vendors, so you can simply design the item and kick it back until it arrives in the mail.

3. Create a Video
One way to really bring your student’s community into the celebration is to create a video that showcases all of the love and pride surrounding them. This might take a little while to make, so you might get started on it as soon as you can. In order to make the video, ask loved ones to record a special message for your child. Once you have all of the videos in, you can trim them and put them together to create a remarkable keepsake. You can even add inspirational music and special frames to make the video look professional. There are numerous different types of video editing software available, so you can easily find what works best for you and your budget, even if your budget is free.

4. Enjoy a Photoshoot
Your child’s graduation photos are something that will stick with them for years to come. So, you might not want to skip out on this process. You can easily recreate a photoshoot at home if you’re feeling a little uneasy about covid. However, many photographers are taking numerous safety precautions to help to keep them safe as they work. You might be able to find a great deal doing this, as many people are simply hoping for business. Many people are getting vaccinated though, so if you want to do a group photoshoot, you might be able to gather people up to enjoy the occasion and create lasting memories.

5. Order In
Generally, there is a celebratory meal after graduation, which serves as a way to gather loved ones while showing pride for the accomplishment. If you’re in an area that makes it still risky to go to a restaurant, or areas in which parties are restricted, then you might want to consider just dining in. You can order in a fancy meal or a favorite dish. If you still want people to gather, then invite those that aren’t at risk and those that won’t put you at risk.

6. Recreate the Ceremony
If the school your child attends is opting out of a ceremony or going with a virtual or limited guest ceremony, then there is still an option to help everyone enjoy the celebration. You can recreate the ceremony at home, which might leave you feeling more confident about the experience as family and friends will also be able to enjoy it. If people can’t show up for the recreation, then you can host it online to ensure more people can see the moment without all of the static that might occur when filing around a lot of people.

7. Order a Cake
Cakes are a fantastic way to celebrate almost any occasion. They are also very common when it comes to graduations. You can order a cake from almost any bakery, as many even have special options for graduates. Having a cake seems to make the entire graduation feel official, which is why this step might be one of your student’s favorites. If you really want to go all out, you might consider getting your student’s name and picture on the cake. This can add a sense of pride, but also a sense of humor to the celebration. If you’re not feeding a lot of people, the cake can be frozen for later, so it doesn’t go to waste.

8. Create a Keepsake
When it comes to graduating, finding a great keepsake for the graduate might be one of the best ways to show you care. You might consider making a photo book to show their growth from infancy to graduation. Another option is to pull pictures from their high school or college experience and them only to the book. Having people contribute can also help make the gift even more amazing. Apart from that, you might consider making a shadow box to show off the student’s cap and other favored items from the school.

9. Plan a Trip
Without a doubt, a graduation trip was a common occurrence just a couple of years ago. Now, the idea of traveling anywhere just brings a whole lot of stress and extra precautions. You can actually pull off a graduation trip now though, as long as you are vaccinated. With the immunity, you should be able to travel to most places and you might even be able to get a hefty discount. However. If you’re not vaccinated, not all is lost. You can plan a celebratory trip to somewhere nearby as long as you’re careful and willing to take precautions. You might consider looking at nearby colleges or just going somewhere that allows you to relax and enjoy the summer.

10. Support Future Plans
One of the most important things you can do for your child is to support their future plans. Even if your child isn’t sure where they see themselves in five years, you can still support the small goals that they currently have. This is easily done by sitting and talking with them about their goals. Once you find out what they’re thinking, you might help them to brainstorm ways to make the goals a reality. This can actually be a great bonding experience that teaches your child that even though they are now technically grown you are still there to help them make their way in the world. There are many tips about talking with your students about their goals if you’re not sure where to begin.

Graduation is one of the biggest moments in many people’s lives, so you might want to try to make the special occasion extraordinary even though the world isn’t where it used to be. These ten tips are a great start to help you find what you need to show support for the graduate in your life.

Free Comic Book Day is on its way and with many restrictions lifted, a lot of people are looking forward to enjoying the holiday again. This year, you might find that there is going to be a lot more going on simply because last year was canceled for the most part. So, if you’re looking forward to the holiday you might want to check out these ten ideas so you can make the most out of the holiday and make memories that will help make up partially for the loss of fun last year.

1. Call Ahead
Although a lot of stores are running full force, there still may be a few things you should take into consideration before you head out for comic book day. So, if you want to be prepared, you might want to call before you go in or even get in touch with the store via social media. Some stores might opt out of participating in the holiday because the pandemic is ongoing, which might be a problem if you show up with nothing to gain. Other stores might be taking precautions to help keep you and their staff safe. You might also ask what titles will be offered, so you’ll know which stores you will need to venture to. So, it is always best to be prepared, so you know exactly where to go.

2. Spice Up Your Mask
Since facial masks are going to be required in most places you go and it still recommended that you wear one, you might want to spend some time making your mask holiday ready. You can approach this in a number of ways. To begin with, you might paint a comic book scene onto your mask. Another option is to use comic book words. You can also paint on the mouth portion of your favorite character so that it looks like you are part of the character when you wear the mask. If you don’t want to be crafty, then there are still items you can purchase that should make the holiday even more enjoyable.

3. Dress Up
Another way to keep yourself protected while having a little fun during the holiday is to go the extra mile by dressing up. This holiday is known to be a great time for cosplayers to show off their stuff as they venture to local comic bookstores and have some fun. You can make so many amazing cosplays on short notice that won’t cost you a fortune, so if the idea appeals to you then you might start looking for ideas or tutorials online. You might want to concentrate on costumes that cover your face, so you’ll already be masked and ready to enjoy the shopping experience.

4. Binge Your Favorite Comics
When it comes to preparing for the holiday, one of the best things you can do is binge some of your favorite comic books. You might set up a marathon list a week prior to the holiday so you can really make the most out of it all. Although you can pretty much binge-read anything, you might choose comics that are going to be offered for free on Comic Book Day. You can find a list online or ask your local comic book vendor, so you can choose a series that is going to be represented. If you have access to a comic website, then you might also be able to binge a new series in hopes of getting the new edition on the holiday.

5. Look for Digital Options
If you’re still not feeling comfortable about going out for Comic Book Day, then a lot of stores will have you covered. Some of the Comic Book Day specials will actually be available in digital form too. So, you can download it directly from a website to enjoy it. However, before you rely on this method, you might do a little research to find out where comic books will be offered online, so you won’t miss out on something. You might also be able to find sales on digital options that will certainly make you feel excited to add to your digital collection.

6. Watch Comic Inspired Movies
If you’re hoping to save your eyes until Comic Day, then another great option to prepare for the holiday is to watch movies based on comics. In this day and age, there are quite a few movies based around comics, which can definitely help you to find something fun. There are numerous big picture options available, which you can stream online. However, there are also many comic book-inspired movies that aren’t popular. If you really want to amp up your comic knowledge, then you might want to find one of these awesome options. You can discover all sorts of interesting film adaptions online if you’re willing to do the research. If you can’t get out for Comic Book Day, then staying home and watching movies might be an alternative to consider.

7. Share Pictures
One of the best things about Comic Book Day is taking part in the community. A lot of people love dressing up, putting on skits, or simply trying to make new friends as they wait for the free comic books to be revealed. While you’re out and about, take some fun photos with the cosplayers, or yourself with the comics or anything else relevant. Then, share your pictures on social media so other people can join in on the fun too. This will allow you to easily have some fun and help others that can’t attend enjoy the experience, too.

8. Make Your Own Comic
If you’re looking for a project, then you might want to consider making your own comic book. This will allow you to show off your creativity while also helping you to fully embrace your love of comics. You can use just about anything to create your comic as technology ensures you’re capable of anything while you can also go the traditional route. You can even bring in a team to help you enjoy the process even more while offering your idea even more room to grow.

9. Pack Snacks
Sometimes, the lines on Comic Book Day can be a little much. They might be even worse now with social distancing rules in place. This might require you to wait quite a while. So, one of the best things you can do to prevent any overspending is to pack snacks and beverages. This will prevent you from wanting to go out to eat, which might force you to spend too much. It will also allow you to easily avoid some of the vendors that might have overpriced food at larger stores. Packing water will also help to

10. Browse Social Media
If you can’t find a participating store or you find yourself housebound on Comic Book Day, then there is a good chance that social media might come to the rescue. You will be able to browse around to see what other people are doing on the special day, as well as some of the special events. However, you will also find that some people might be willing to sell or trade the comics that they get on the big day. You may even be able to find someone you know that will actually pick up a thing or two for you.

Free Comic Book Day is a highly anticipated day for so many, so don’t let it pass you by. These ten ideas will help you to expand on your experience so you can feel even more rewarded by it all. This will certainly improve on your experience and leave you eager for the next big comic book holiday.

International Day of Dance is right around the corner and if you’ve been cooped up at home then you might want to consider joining in on the celebration this year. This holiday can be a lot of fun to take on because there are so many exciting elements about dance that you can actually enjoy from the comfort of your home. These ten ideas will help keep you from spending your budget while still allowing you to take on this exciting holiday and enjoy everything that it has to offer.

1. Watch Dance Videos
One of the easiest and most relaxing things you can do to celebrate the holiday is to sit back and watch some dance videos. You can stream them almost anywhere, which will allow you to have some fun in your free time. You can find dances from around the world, which can really broaden your horizons. There are also many dance competitions that you can enjoy too. If you are really feeling motivated, you might try your hand at the dances as you watch. Even if the dances aren’t up your alley, they will help you explore new styles while also introducing you to new styles of music.

2. Read
Although a book isn’t allowing you to see a dance or even move your body, it can become a great asset when it comes to learning about the world of dance. There are so many books designed to teach you about the history of art, which will help you enjoy the world of dance all the more. You will find that there are lots of amazing dances you can experience through the world of books. Of course, books aren’t only a good way to help you learn about dance, they can also be an asset for children. There are numerous kid-inspired books about dance available to help you teach children about dance and how much fun it can be to move your body and learn new steps.

3. Research the official IDD Author
Every year, a dancer is chosen as the official author for International Dance Day. This provides dance fans with a good reason to learn about the dancer and further their knowledge of dance history and current dance trends. This year, the author is Friedmann Vogel. Vogel is a German ballet dancer that has performed with some of the most famous dance troupes around the world. You can check out more of Vogel’s work streaming on video websites and can read all about him on many dance websites, including his own website. If you’re curious, you can also read his statement for International Dance Day on the holiday’s official website.

4. Watch IDD Celebration
Every year, there is a great International Dance Day celebration. Since the celebration is based around celebrations of all forms of dance from across the globe, you can stream the entire event online. This makes it a great option while you’re stuck at home. You can find information on the celebration on the holiday’s official website, but there might also be options to watch it on some of your favorite streaming networks. This should help you get the most out of the holiday and learn a bit about some of the best forms of dance from around the world.

5. Attend Local Events
If you are able to get out of the house and safely enjoy an event, then you might want to start with a local event. You will find that there are many dance events surrounding the holiday, so you might look around to see what is going on in your community. If there is nothing going on in person, then you may be able to attend virtual events. However, if you are in a suburban area, then you might have to venture to the city to enjoy an event. Either way, as long as you take precautions, you should be able to enjoy a little performance without worrying too much.

6. Donate
Another way to truly give back to the world of dance is to donate. During International Dance Day, you will see a lot of segments about charities dedicated to the world of dance. These charities help many people in impoverished areas as well, so you will make sure that the money you give will truly make a difference in the lives of others. You should always research charities before you offer money to them though, as some are not what they are advertised. If you don’t want to give to a charity then you might consider setting up a scholarship for a local child to attend dance classes, and so on. This will allow you to do something special for someone in your community.

7. Take Lessons
It is never too late to get into the dance. So, if International Dance Day inspires you, then you might want to consider taking some lessons. There are numerous amazing options online to help you learn a few moves here and there. However, you might also want to find a local option that will help you embrace your community while getting exercise, and having fun with those around you. Of course, if you’d prefer to wait until Covid restrictions are completely gone, then a quick search will help you find online tutorials that are free. You might not have an instructor guiding you, but they will still allow you to have some fun.

8. Online Workouts
There are numerous online workouts that you can participate in that will actually help you learn elements of dance from around the world. Dance moves have been incorporated into so many aerobics classes that you will get to enjoy the benefits of the dance while burning calories. When looking for classes you might actually put in the name of the dance you’re interested in, so you can find a workout to match it. You’ll find everything from belly dancing to the electric slide, which will allow you to find dance workouts to be more fun than you ever would have expected.

9. Talk About Dance
One of the finest ways to truly embrace something is to talk about it. Dance is no exception to this rule. On International Dance Day, use the time to talk about dance. Share stories of your favorite dances, talk about the moves you love, and the dances you admire. Engaging in conversation will help spread your love to others and might even help you to learn a thing or two about dance. While chatting, you might feel inspired to research new dances and explore the world of dance even further. It will stimulate the mind, as well as the body, which is an exhilarating experience in itself.

10. Express Dance Through Other Mediums
The great thing about art is you can express one form of art through other mediums. So, when it comes to International Dance Day, you might take your favorite dance or something new you have learned and turn it into a new medium of art. For instance, you can write a poem about your favorite dance or performance you saw. Try to capture in words what you saw in movements. This can be a lot of fun and will help boost your creativity. You might also consider drawing a picture or making a painting of a moment you can’t forget in a dance. Photography is another amazing dance medium, so if you attend an event, try to capture the beautiful moments you experience with the lens of your camera.

International Dance Day can be a great way to learn more about dance and maybe even inspire you to pick up a new hobby. So enjoy the holiday even if you’ve never celebrated before. You never know when you might feel inspired to try something new and this holiday is the perfect time to explore a passion you might not know you have.

Earth Day is the perfect time to take part in Earth Day celebrations. You should find the holiday celebrated for the entire month though, which will give you even more of a chance to take on some of the tasks you’ve been hoping to do to celebrate our planet. Of course, with Covid still looming in our minds, you might still want to be careful when you choose activities. These ten ideas will help take Earth Day to a whole new level while ensuring you are still safe in your surroundings.

1. Earth Day Live
Earth Day Live is probably one of the safest things you can do during this celebration. In short, you will get to enjoy a wide assortment of productions that are broadcasted live. There will be some challenges, some lectures, and even a bit of music to help you embrace the holiday and learn more about the planet you live on and how you can preserve it. Earth Day live is simple to find online, so you can stream it wherever you are. It may even inspire you to join a charity or volunteer group to help bring the planet to a healthier state while ensuring we develop a more sustainable lifestyle.

2. Pick Up Garbage
If you’re not sure where you can begin when it comes to helping out the planet then picking up garbage is one of the best routes you can take. There tends to be garbage just about everywhere, which isn’t doing anyone any favors. So, getting out there and doing your part to clean it up won’t just help the planet, but it can save animals as well. Of course, you really do need to take extra precautions when you’re working with trash right now. You can find guidelines about this online to ensure you’re taking all of the precautions necessary, especially since there are now face masks filling up many vacant lots and parks.

3. Plant Seeds
Doing right by the earth can be very easy if you’re on a budget. One of the best things you can do is plant some seeds. You can easily get seeds for next to nothing in most stores. However, you can also get them free in many areas. For instance, some Cheerios will offer packets of flowers that are common pollinators for bees. You can plant seeds anywhere that you have available too. If you have a garden, you might start there. However, you can also start with planters if you live in a large city, as this will still help the planet while bringing a burst of beauty to your home. If you gain permission, you can also plant in parks or other public areas. If you intend on planting seeds, then you might start by concentrating on plants that bees love. This is especially true when it comes to areas that might have had a big freeze this year.

4. Lights Out
In order to celebrate Earth Day, you might take the day to turn lights out. When the sun rises, open your blinds, and let the natural light flow in for the day. You might even open up the windows and let the house air out. Apart from that, you might keep all things electric off for the day. Instead, read books inside, enjoy cooking on the stove or grill instead of microwaving, and so on. Of course, if weather permits, then you might also spend the day outside enjoying the planet and everything that it has to offer. This will definitely help you to create an enjoyable experience that you might want to implement every year for Earth Day, if not more often.

5. Earth Day Challenge
The Earth Day challenge is also a really big trend for this holiday. There is one major challenge you can quickly find online, but many different organizations will also offer their own challenges. So, you can easily find one that suits your needs. These challenges will include things like planting seeds, picking up trash, learning about sustainability, and so much more. You can even come up with your own unique challenge if you’re feeling like creating something a bit more personal or a challenge that is based around the age group of your family.

6. Make a Green Plan
Another great way to improve on your Earth Day while still maintaining your own safety is to make a green plan for your family. In this plan, you might consider setting out rules for air conditioning use during the upcoming summer months. You might also make a lights out plan for some of the afternoon hours during this period of time too. This can help cut back on your carbon footprint immensely. Apart from that, a recycling plan is also a great option for keeping your family living a greener lifestyle. Other than that, you might consider creating a garden to grow some of your own food. You can also volunteer to help keep the planet cleaner or spend a couple of hours during the weekend cleaning up your neighborhood or a nearby park.

7. Community Events
If you’re vaccinated or feel confident being around other people, then there are lots of community events that you might take part in. There are so many events planned nationwide, so if you’re interested in participating, you might check out the Earth Day website to see if there are any in your area. If not, then you might consider looking to see if your own community is doing something that might not be registered with the website. If you cant find an event then you might consider coming up with your own. Invite friends and family to clean up a park or donate at an animal shelter. There are so many fun ways to give back so exercise your creativity and find something you love.

8. Free Trees
Believe it or not, but you can actually sign up for free trees, which will definitely make you enjoy the holiday even more. There are many free programs that will help you out with this. One of the main options is the Arbor Day Foundation. This foundation will send you ten free saplings a year when you sign up for the program. Other than that, you will find that there are programs designed to help children plant trees. However, many of these programs work through a school, so you might have to contact your child’s teacher if you want to make this dream come true. Of course, a quick internet search will unveil a wide assortment of options that may suit your unique needs. There are also some random stores giving away saplings for the holiday. Lowes is one of the bigger chains offering this, but you do need to sign up in order to get your tree.

9. National Geographic Earth Day Eve Celebration
If you want to start the party faster, then you may consider enjoying the big celebration early. On Earth Day Eve, you’ll be able to enjoy live music, listen to talks, and enjoy a wide variety of fun content in the name of planet Earth. This celebration will kick off around 8:30 at night, so it you’re hoping your kids can be a part of it then you might have to show them the recaps of the show in the morning. National Geographic is hosting, so you will be able to help them raise money for good causes too. If you’re curious about what is going on with the celebration, then you might check out the website to plan out your evening.

10. Virtual Fundraisers
One of the easiest ways to embrace Earth Day without leaving the house is to take part in a virtual fundraiser. A fundraiser will allow you to donate to a cause that you believe in. This will actually take Earth Day to a while new level too as you can donate to help improve the coral reefs, save the animals, promote sustainability, improve power sources, and so much more. These fundraisers will be all over the place, but you should maintain mindfulness when looking around as there will be scams going around, too.

Earth Day is a great way to show your love of the planet while having a good time. Although it might still be a little scary to leave the home without worry, these ten tips should help to keep you safe so you can embrace Earth Day and truly put in some work to help make the world a better place.

You’ve probably noticed a whole lot of advertising on TV catered towards updating your furniture. Furniture stores know what they’re doing. A lot of people are going through a spring cleaning phase and want to ditch the old and say hello to the new. While others are sitting on money from their stimulus check or income tax returns. However, it is important that you don’t go crazy when it comes to spending money on new furniture. There are many ways to help you save money on the items you want, so you can easily get what you need while still having some money. These ten tips should help prevent you from overdoing it and maintaining a sense of calm even when presented with a deal that is too good to be true.

1. Always Shop Around
One of the most important things you can do before you make a big purchase like furniture is to shop around. If you aren’t sure what you’re looking for then visit websites and get a feel for the style you like. Then, take note of the price tag on each item. You can even put the name of an item into the search bar and oftentimes you’ll get a result with similar items. If you like to shop locally, then bring a picture of the item you’ve been looking at. Some stores can order it for you if the price is right. Shopping around will also help you to know when you’re actually getting a deal and when a store is just saying they’re having a deal. Of course, if you can hold out, you may want to wait until Memorial Day so you can save during one of the biggest furniture sales of the year.

2. Read Reviews
In this day and age, we’ve been granted something incredibly important. That is the power of reviews. When you find something you like, look at reviews. However, make sure you look at reviews from other websites too. Simply type in what you’re looking for and check out what people have to say on numerous websites so you can be certain you’re not getting fake reviews. You should also read reviews on the retailer as well. This can be important as you’ll need to know how a retailer is going to treat you as a customer, especially if something goes wrong with one of your items. Once you’ve read reviews, then you can easily plan your purchase based on the product itself, the retailer, and the item’s price.

3. Evaluate Your Needs
Before you decide to go furniture shopping, you should evaluate your needs. To begin with, you should consider whether or not you actually need the new item and if you have the budget to pay for the splurge. Then, you should come up with a budget for your purchase, as you don’t want to spend too much on an item if you can’t cover the cost without it harming your finances. Another thing to consider is whether or not you need an item that is more for your circumstances now or if you’re willing to make an investment for something that is going to be in your family for years to come. Space is another thing you should evaluate, especially if you’re renting and may not have a big space for larger items in the long run.

4. Shop Second Hand
If you’re shopping on a tighter budget or you want a vintage item, then you may want to consider shopping second-hand. There are so many different ways you can do this. If you like to go deal hunting, then you might consider shopping around at garage sales and yard sales. However, thrift stores and antique shops may be the best place to find some really incredible pieces. Some furniture stores might also have options for secondhand furniture, in most cases, these items are cleaned before they are sold, which adds even more convenience to shopping this way. No matter where you choose to shop, you should always be careful when shopping second-hand because of infestations that could cause you thousands to get rid of.

5. Late Shopping
Often, it is best to hold off on shopping until the end of the month or quarter. A lot of salesmen will try to meet their quota during this time, so you’re more likely to find some deals that you wouldn’t otherwise get. If you want to be strategic, then head to a store in the middle of the month and scope out items you like. Then, leave the store and do not accept any deals offered. When you return at the end of the month or quarter, the salesperson may offer you a better deal or allow you to talk him down so they can meet their quota or earn more of a bonus. You should still shop around and write down prices, just in case items are marked up when you return to check them out.

6. Negotiate
If you like the thrill of negotiating, then don’t pass up on doing so when you go shopping for furniture. Obviously, department stores are going to humor you with this, but if you want to add to the fun of the shopping experience then you might try going to furniture stores that are family-owned. These stores will typically negotiate with you so you can enjoy a lower price. Even some larger name furniture stores will do this, so make sure to try to negotiate before you just accept this price. This can add an old-fashioned touch to the shopping experience while saving you money. There are lots of negotiation tips online too, which will definitely help you brush up on your skills.

7. Consider Fees
One of the main issues that you might face when shopping for new furniture is the fees surrounding it. Even if it looks like the furniture is in your price range, paying taxes on a higher-priced item might send your budget over by the hundreds. You might also end up paying way more than expected when it comes to service fees, ordering fees, and delivery fees. If you can, try to get the delivery fee waived or move the item yourself. You might also consider shopping during tax-free weekends or sales that will help cut back on fees.

8. Research Payment Plans
Many stores will try to lure you into a payment plan when you go shopping. Often, this is a technique to get you to spend well over your budget on furniture or to inspire you to purchase more than what you’re looking for. This can be a major problem for those on a tight budget. The no interest fees are usually what draw people in, but typically if you look at a payment plan, you’ll find that you end up paying more on your item than you would have if you paid for it upfront. The best thing you can do when you’re considering a finance plan is to research it. Ask if you can see a contract, look online to see what others say, and talk to friends and family that may have experienced a plan. Most importantly, you should crunch the numbers to see where your budget stands with the payment plan and if you can actually pay off the items in a timely manner.

9. Shop Factory Outlet
If there is a factory outlet store near you then this might be your best option. Usually, factory outlets completely cut out any middleman prices, so you’ll only have to spend money on the cost of the furniture. Sometimes, you can even find huge discounts on items that are only slightly damaged, as well. This can save hundreds, so locating stores near you might be one of the best resources during your shopping experience. There are some factory outlet options online, but you won’t save as much as you might when shopping in person. You can quickly do a search for factory outlets for your favorite brands online, so don’t hesitate to start your shopping journey there.

10. Consider Ready-To-Assemble Furniture
A lot of people try to avoid this type of furniture, but if you’re a college student, renter, or you’re just looking for an item to last you a few years, then this is going to be the best route to go. This type of furniture can be found in most department stores now, so you won’t have to look far while seeking out your next purchase. There are also stores that specialize in such things, such as IKEA, which will allow you to buy trendy items that you’ll actually want in the home. There are numerous brands other than IKEA now, so make sure you shop around to find the coolest items to suit your taste and your budget.

Shopping for furniture doesn’t have to be a headache. Nor does it mean you have to spend a small fortune. These ten tips will help you find just what you’re looking for, so you can get your furniture while feeling empowered in your decision.

A lot of new mothers will be planning to celebrate their first-ever Mother’s Day this year. This can be a very important time for new mothers as they are still in the stage of recovery from giving birth and are getting used to their new role in life, even if this isn’t their first baby. So, purchasing for a first-time mother can be an important task. Luckily, these ten ideas can help most new mothers feel confident in everything that they are doing as they work to become stronger individuals and mothers.

1. Spa Set
A spa set is one of the best things that you can do for a new mother. Most new mothers are lacking when it comes to free time to just relax. So, a spa set might help to make that relaxation time a possibility. You might consider purchasing a set that is already premade and ready to go for new mothers as it will have a lot of the products that you might not have thought would be needed. However, you can always do a little research to see what will work best. You might also consider making handmade bath bombs, candles, and other necessities to make the time in the tub exceptional.

2. Keepsake Box
Saving some of the baby’s items tends to be common practice in most households. However, without something to keep items in, some mothers might choose to hold back a lot of items to help them remember such a significant point in their child’s life. One great gift to provide is a keepsake box. This box can be simple or intricate depending on the mother’s personal taste. A keepsake box can be decorated to suit the child too. It can also allow you to show off a picture of the child. If you want to make a box yourself then you can easily do so as there are many tutorials online, or you can simply use your creativity.

3. Meal Kit
Let’s face it, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to prepare a healthy meal with a baby. Purchasing the items needed to make your meal, on top of finding the perfect recipe are things of the past. That is why a meal kit will become a new mom’s best friend. Meal kits are shipped to the front door and come with all of the ingredients needed to whip them up. Best of all, most of the kits can usually be prepared in half an hour, which makes them a bit less of a struggle than other options. Plus, they’re much healthier than ordering out or even microwaving your meal. Most importantly, meal kids can help you learn how to cook if you’re struggling in this area.

4. Aroma Therapy
Relaxation is a must when it comes to new moms. That relaxation is hard to find at times, which is why finding subtle elements of relaxation is important. One easy way to bring on some much-needed stress relief is through aromatherapy. So, if you’re looking for something to gift then an aromatherapy set is a great option. There are so many fun diffusers available so you can find a little something to suit every personal taste. Apart from that, there is a wide assortment of oil options, including blends that are specifically designed to reduce stress and even options to encourage sleep, which might help in so many ways.

5. Walking Shoes
Getting back in shape after having a baby is really hard, but walking can be an easy exercise that most moms can get on board with. Plus, most moms have to do a lot of walking with their little ones to keep a sense of calm in the home. Thus, walking shoes might be one of the best gifts you can give. A good pair of walking shoes will not only help keep a mom comfortable but will inspire them to get their body moving so they can enjoy feeling a sense of normal. Walking is a great form of exercise anyway and can help release built-up stress.

6. Personalize Jewelry
If you have a new mom in your life, then a simple and meaningful gift you can give is personalized jewelry. This gift allows you to find something that suits the mother’s personality while offering her something that represents who she cares about. Most of these items will include birthstones that represent each child, but you can also find options that include engraved names and birthdates. You can have a lot of fun with this type of gift too as you can always add to it later on if the person has more children, or even grandchildren in the far future. Best of all, it is a keepsake they will want to have with them even when their children have grown.

7. Photography Gift Certificate
Most moms can’t resist getting pictures of their children, or the whole family. So, if you want to choose a gift that will certainly bring a smile to her face then a gift certificate for professional photos is probably one of the best things you can do. Many local photographers are probably willing to hand out gift certificates, so if you know the person favors a specific photographer then you might start there. However, you can also look for options at studios and more. If you’re not sure where to begin in looking for a local photographer then searching around on social media is one of the best routes to take.

8. Inspirational Book
It can be hard getting through some of the big moments in that first year. Often, moms feel like they can’t do it any longer. Sometimes, they just get bored of scrolling on their phone as they hold the baby. One of the best ways to remedy the stress of the unknown and boredom is an inspirational book. There are numerous books to choose from that can help most moms reach their potential or at least help them to feel like they can make it through the struggle. There are so many inspirational books to choose from, but there are some top seller lists that you may want to check out before making your purchase.

9. Anything Supporting Mom’s Hobbies
Finding time to be a person that isn’t a mom is hard when you’re a mother. So, in order to help the mom in your life, you might find items that help her reconnect with the person she was prior to being a mom. This can actually help reduce a lot of stress while helping the mom find some form of peace in her new role. Allowing her the time to work on this hobby can also be a gift in itself, even if it is only for an hour or so a day. If you’re not sure what to purchase, then open up a dialogue about it. This will help you get an idea while also allowing you to understand what activities she misses the most.

10. A Nap
If you’re low on cash or just looking for a thoughtful gift to give to any mom, then time to take a nap is probably one of the best routes to go. A nap will allow you to easily provide a mom in your life with something they desire, as well as something they need for their overall health. Many moms now aren’t getting the sleep they need, especially with the pandemic adding even more demands to their lives. With a nap, you will know at least one day a mom is getting adequate rest so she can enjoy her time spent with the baby and those precious moments alone. You may even make it a regular occurrence when you can as it is important to take care of the people you love.

Mother’s Day is a great time to celebrate all moms, but these ten gifts will make new moms feel extra special. Best of all, these gifts will suit your budget, so you won’t find yourself struggling to bounce back after spending too much money on a Mother’s Day gift. Each item will also show the love and care you put into the gift.

Food waste is a big problem in the world, which is why we have a holiday dedicated to preventing it. Sometimes, when we are busy living our lives, it is hard to imagine how much food we are actually wasting on a day-to-day basis. A lot of people might not even realize how much can be done to prevent food waste in the long run. These ten tips will help you to get even more out of your food, which will help save the planet while also saving your budget, too. Best of all, the tips won’t force you to live life too differently, which is a reason to celebrate in itself.

1. Shop Lightly
A lot of people tend to do all of their shopping in one sitting. Although this can be fine when it comes to canned and boxed items, it isn’t always great for produce and meats. So, if you can, try to avoid shopping for these items until a day or two prior to cooking them. This will offer you fresher ingredients and will ensure that you can easily get your money’s worth out of the products you buy. Of course, you might try to avoid shopping for lots of food at once anyway. A lot of the time, this leads to items sitting on the shelf for too long, so they are often forgotten before their expiration date arrives. So, by shopping more frequently, you will find a lot more of your feed gets used on time, which will save on your food budget.

2. Plan Around Items in Your Home
Before you go shopping, you might want to take an inventory of the food in your cabinet. This will allow you to easily get rid of some of the items in your pantry, so nothing goes to waste. Apart from this awesome feature, it will also mean that you won’t have to grab as much at the store which will save you even more at the store. Using this technique will actually help you to stop and plan too, which is a great way to set up your day for success.

3. Utilize Leftovers
Leftovers tend to be a common occurrence in most households. However, they aren’t always something that is particularly enjoyed. If you make a big meal and your family grows tired of the leftovers, then try to breathe new life into them. You can transform leftovers into a sandwich worthy of Micheline stars, or you can create something entirely new out of the dishes. There are numerous recipes online to help you take your leftovers to a new level. All you have to do is put in the type of leftovers that you have and let the internet work its magic. You may even find dishes that you prefer over the original meal that you made, which will give the family something to look forward to.

4. Compost
A lot of the food that hits the trash doesn’t actually need to go there. Instead of throwing it away, you might consider creating your own compost. When you have compost, things like produce waste, eggshells, and so on, can be placed in a special container that can then be used to help improve your soil after a time. You can create compost in many different ways, so you might want to surf around to figure out what will work out best for your family. There are even devices that you can purchase that will compost quickly and will even fit below your kitchen sink. When you’re finished composting, add it to your garden or just a flower pot inside the home.

5. Store Properly
One of the main problems people face when it comes to food waste is their groceries spoiling. A lot of this has to do with food not being stored properly. A lot of the food we commonly have in the home isn’t being stored properly. Often, we learn how to store food from how our parents stored food. However, this isn’t always how things should be stored. So, if you notice that some of your food isn’t lasting long then you might research how to properly store it. There are also special storage containers to help you get a little more life span out of some of your food.

6. Utilize Freezing
When the leftovers just aren’t going to cut it or you make a large batch of food that you can’t get through, then freezing is a great option for your excess food. When you freeze food, you can come back to it in a few weeks or in some cases, a few months later. Storing food in the freezer isn’t complicated either. A lot of people use resealable bags or storage containers to keep their items secure. However, you can purchase items to store the food, like a food sealer that will help prevent your dishes from getting freezer burn. Having a few items in the freezer will also make your life easier as you can heat them up in no time.

7. Food Preservers
If you really want to help keep your items fresh and enjoyable then you might want to look into items that help to preserve the quality of food. One option is a special item that can be placed in your produce drawer. This helps to reduce gases that break down the produce more quickly. You can also choose airtight options to keep items from going stale. These are especially great for bread as the lack of air helps to prevent it from molding. Of course, this is only scratching the surface as there are so many products to try out when it comes to preserving your food.

8. Understand Dates
Another problem many people face is not understanding the dates on their food. There are so many different things written on foods, that it might be hard to keep up with them all. Two of the more common options are sell by and use by. A lot of people will toss out items if they go past the sell-by-date, but this is unnecessary. The foods tend to still be good at this point, but you might look up each unique item to see how much longer it can be enjoyed. Use by dates are a little less flexible as these items usually aren’t fresh past this date; however, best by dates also have some wiggle room, but you might be sacrificing quality when you do this. You can learn about these dates online, so make sure to do your research.

9. Create Broths
You don’t have to toss out items like bones and vegetable cuttings. These items are still of use to you, especially if you enjoy making soups or cooking with bouillon. All you have to do to make a broth is place the items you hope to use in water and boil them for quite some time. Of course, you can also use the crockpot to help make it even easier to utilize your scraps. Things like chicken bones will help to make delicious broth that you can use to cook so many things. Vegetable cuttings will create a vegetable broth that is full of flavor. Once your broth is finished, cook with it or freeze it. This will help cut back on spending in the grocery store while keeping your meals a bit healthier.

10. Portion Control
Another major problem that people face is cooking too much. A lot of people don’t really understand the portion size they should be eating, so not only do they cook too much, but they also put too much on their plates. Since this food has been touched it won’t store for as long, so it usually goes to waste. Learning appropriate portion sizes can help you remedy this problem while also keeping you healthier. Plus, it will allow you to purchase fewer groceries in the future, which will save lots of money.

Food waste is bad for many aspects of our lives. From keeping your budget high to harming the planet, it is important to do what we can to avoid excess waste. So, this month, you might work to change the way you handle food waste. You’ll notice changes in your lifestyle, health, and budget, which will definitely make you fall in love with your new food-saving techniques.

Preparing your child for kindergarten isn’t always the easiest task, especially if you don’t know where to begin. A lot of parents spend a fortune on preschool programs that can make things more complicated and frustrating for the child, while other parents simply wait until it is time to register for kindergarten. Then ten ideas will help you to prepare your child for kindergarten without forcing you to spend a fortune. This should help ease the stress of your child’s upcoming years at school while helping to boost your child’s love of education before they ever set foot in a classroom.

1. Preschool
Of course, one of the best options for preparing your child for school is preschool. You can find preschool in many different places as well, so you should be able to suit your family’s needs in this way. Most elementary schools will have a preschool or head start option, while daycares and churches also might offer the same schooling. You may also check into private or Montessori schools to see if tuition prices fit your budget. A lot of schools will offer scholarships or grants while most public schools will grant free entry to children if the family makes less than a certain amount of money. You will have to discuss this with your unique school district, and you will probably have to fill out forms to make this possible. The good news is, if you qualify for free preschool, you will most likely qualify for free or reduced lunch too.

2. Apps
In today’s world, there are so many amazing apps dedicated to helping your child succeed. You will find apps like Homer, ABC Mouse, and other developmental apps will help your child begin the early stages of reading in no time at all. These apps will cost you money, but if you hold out for a sale, the price tag will be very small in comparison to a normal yearly pass. Other apps that are free can actually help children out too. Noggin and PBS Kids are great resources that won’t cost you a penny and that work around your children’s favorite cartoon characters. This is a great incentive to get them to learn while they’re enjoying some screen time.

3. Follow a Routine
Routine is one of the key ways to help a child thrive. Incidentally, it is also something children will need to know how to follow when they begin kindergarten. Children that aren’t introduced to the structure before school begins, might have trouble sitting down and working on tasks or engaging in the activities that have been planned for them. Routines are very easy to follow through and can help make life at home easier for everyone. Simply work around the things your family does on a daily basis, like meals, cleaning up, and entertainment activities. This will help everyone naturally flow into the routine. Make sure to bring up learning periods with periods of play so children can stay engaged throughout the day.

4. Work on Emotional Health
Emotional health has been a huge topic over the past year and can be very important when it comes to your child. Working on emotional health before children go to school can help improve their learning experience while also allowing them to fit in better. It will even make their teachers’ lives a bit easier. Emotional health comes with learning how to identify emotions and work to improve the way you feel when you are feeling something intensely. There are many techniques for this, so browse around to see what works best for your children.

5. Read
When it comes to early education, reading is one of the best things you can do for your children. Allowing kids to pick out stories and read them will help them find an early love of reading that can stick with them for a lifetime. Reading to children will also introduce them to new ideas which will inspire them to want to learn more. Apart from that, it will also show them letters and how they sound, which is crucial in the early days of phonics. Of course, reading is a great way for you to bond with your child. Reading to your child isn’t the only way to encourage literacy. Allowing your child to see you read for enjoyment is also a great idea. So, make sure you pull out the books and enjoy sharing such an important part of life with your little ones.

6. Encourage Responsibility
Without a doubt, encouraging your child to be responsible is another great way to prepare them for kindergarten and life in general. This doesn’t mean your child should be responsible for the primary care of a pet, nor does it mean they should have major chores. However, a few minor things here or there can help your child prepare efficiently. Pets are one of the best ways to help children learn responsibility from a young age. One chore they can take on is giving the animals food. Of course, this should be done under supervision to ensure the pet is actually fed. Picking up their own toys, getting dressed, clearing out their backpack, and so on, can also help your child learn responsibility. This will especially come in handy with homework.

7. Sharing
Most children get to spend a lot of time with their own toys before they head to kindergarten. If a child doesn’t have a sibling or constant playmates, then they may find sharing to be a huge challenge. Even some children that are asked to share frequently may struggle with the concept. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. However, children will be asked to share when they go to school. So, you might want to work on playing games that help your child learn the basics of sharing. This will make the transition to school easier while also allowing your child to make friends easily. This can help prepare children for teamwork in the future, too.

8. Work on Motor Functions
Motor functions are something that all children need to work on, so don’t hesitate to start them on little exercises at a very early age. For kindergarten, your child will definitely need to know how to hold a crayon properly. So, allow your child to color as much as possible. As they grow older, they may naturally hold a crayon properly. However, some children may need further instruction. Exercises like standing on one foot are another activity that children need to work on. This can help with core strength and balance, which will allow children to learn new games and play with their schoolmates. If you’re not sure how to work on motor functions with your kids, there are a lot of ideas online.

9. Let Them Play
Working with children on their skills for school is very important, but so is allowing them to spend time playing. For children, playing is learning, so it is important to keep them excited about the world around them as they play. Free play will allow children to develop independence, creativity, and wonder, which can help them go far in life. However, you can also base learning around games. There are so many educational games you can find online to help your child learn and thrive. You can even base your research on your child’s individual needs and desires.

10. Know What’s Required
One of the biggest things you can do to help you and your child out is to learn what is required for kindergarten. Things change yearly, so keeping up to speed with everything that your child needs will help you to feel confident as you work with your child. It will also help you figure out a timeline for learning based on your child’s age. You can look up kindergarten requirements online to help you stay up to speed. There are also some free curriculums available so you can help your child learn quickly and efficiently.

Helping your child prepare for kindergarten is definitely a must. With these simple tips, you should be able to handle everything that is needed to get your child ready to excel in their new learning environment. Best of all, your child will feel confident about school, which can ease a lot of the stress they may feel. You can easily suit your budget too, which will ease even more burden from you.

This year, prom is still a little iffy for many students. With plans not yet confirmed for a lot of students, parents and teachers are left to throw out ideas that may allow students to get something out of the tradition without putting everyone at risk. If you’re still struggling with ideas for prom, then you may be able to find something useful with these ten concepts. With any luck, you will be able to take elements from some of these ideas to create a prom experience that won’t leave students feeling like they missed out on a pivotal point in their high school career.

1. Crafty Masks
If your school has okayed a prom then it is pretty much going to be a guarantee that people will have to wear a mask. Although this might seem like it would destroy your wonderful style, you might find that you can really have fun with a crafty mask. Try to order a mask in the same color as your attire and decorate it to suit your style. You can even make a matching mask for your date. If you’re looking for humor then paint a smile on your mask, as this will certainly lift some spirits. Schools can encourage mask-wearing then they can make a competition for the craftiest of masks. This can help raise morale while encouraging creativity. It may even make taking photos in a mask seem a bit more rewarding.

2. Mask Party
Since masks are pretty much an everyday thing for us now, you might want to consider making them the highlight of your prom. Creating a mask theme will take back the power of the year which will give students a little something extra to remember when they look back at their prom. Of course, if you’re going to do a mask theme then students should think big. Students should plan out masks that really go over the top. As long as the mask covers the nose and mouth to prevent the spread of any illness the student may have, then the student is good. Masks can be planned around attire but will also work wonders when worn with unique costumes that compliment the look.

3. Parking Lot Party
Not all schools are willing to risk a big party right now and not all students are up for the idea either. However, if you still want to engage in a party without worrying about getting sick, you might consider a parking lot party instead. Simply meet up with all of your friends in a parking lot. Make sure you keep your distance, but while parked you can dance the night away without worry. You might still want to wear a mask, and you’ll definitely want to get dressed for the occasion. Of course, you should check with your local stores to see if anyone will let you use their parking lot, so you don’t get in trouble for loitering.

4. Digital Dance Party
When it comes to being entirely safe, a digital prom is a great way to go. This was pretty trendy last year as many people began to quickly look for alternative ways to enjoy their senior year despite the pandemic. A digital dance party can easily be created by students or hosted by the school, so go with what works best for you. In order to enjoy a digital dance, you will just need a computer with a webcam and speakers. Of course, you will also want to dress up and enjoy looking amazing with your friends. You might also consider ordering a nice meal to get the full effect of the occasion. There are many ideas you can incorporate into your digital prom experience too, so make sure to browse around online to find some cool ideas that will suit your needs.

5. Outdoor Prom
If your school still wants to host prom but is worried about the risk, then an outdoor prom might be the best way to go. This won’t take away too much from your prom day as you can easily find a venue that offers the elegance of your typical dance venue. You can also find caterers that are more willing to work with you considering they won’t be as at risk. Having an outdoor prom offers a wide assortment of theme options too. Decorating for an outdoor prom won’t break the school budget either, which is an added bonus. Plus, the weather is usually nicer around the end of the school year, so having the fresh air to enjoy as you dance might be even more rewarding than you think.

6. Host Separate Proms
One quick way to remedy the population at prom is to have separate proms per class. Usually, juniors and seniors are allowed to attend one prom, but this might cause for a packed area. Instead, let the seniors have a fancier prom, while the juniors can still enjoy a smaller prom, or cancel junior prom entirely. This should help to keep the population down and might even bring more enjoyment to the classes. If you’re still worried about it being too crowded, then considering hosting proms at different times. Students can request a specific time so they can hang out with their friends. This might even help to keep the mood of the celebration even more enjoyable.

7. Get Photos Professionally Taken
If prom is canceled this year, but you still want some sort of memento from your junior or senior year then having photos professionally taken might be the best way to go. Many photographers are eager for work right now with the pandemic going on, so you will most likely find someone willing to offer a good price. Plus, you will be helping someone maintain their career as the world is in crisis. One of the best options is to have your photos taken outdoors. This will help to keep everyone safer while still allowing you to look and feel phenomenal. However, you may be able to request classic or themed photos so you will still get the same prom feel. This will allow you to have some memories to enjoy when you look back on high school.

8. Host a Vaccinated Party
Right now, many states are opening up the covid-19 vaccine to anyone that wants it. So, if you’re 16 years old or older, you can get your vaccine and ensure you’re protected before prom time arrives. Of course, there are going to be many people that aren’t interested in the vaccine. So, if you really want to enjoy a safe party then invite over your friends that are vaccinated. You’ll be able to go mask-free without worrying about spreading anything around. Plus, it’ll feel like an exclusive club. You might even make your prom pandemic themed to add a sense of humor to the big event. You will be safe to go to prom if you’re vaccinated, but if prom is canceled this is a great alternative idea.

9. Alternative Options
If prom isn’t something your school is willing to risk because of the close nature of dancing, then you might want to request an alternative activity. Some schools have been offering outdoor events for their seniors which allows them to have some fun even though they have to sacrifice such an important event. Many of these alternative days tend to be field days where students participate in games and other activities. Of course, you can always look around for ideas to suggest to the school to make the party more fun for your group. You might also look to other schools for inspiration.

10. Prom at Home
The concept of prom at home was born last year and seems to be carrying on this year. You can still enjoy a small prom with people that are in your safety bubble. This is a small group of people that you are exposed to already and you know are also taking precautions when it comes to their health. For your prom, you can do makeovers, get dressed up, and order food that you normally wouldn’t. Once your prom prep is over, put on some music and dance the night away. You can even video chat with other groups to help make prom come to life.

Missing out on prom is hard for many students to handle, but there are alternative options available to you. So, if you find that your school isn’t hosting prom or you need to offer alternative ideas, then these tips should help you to brainstorm. With any luck, this will be the last year that we have to worry about missing out on these big milestone events.

With all of the birds chirping and the sun shining, you may already have summer on your mind. Your skin, however, may not be anywhere near ready to handle all of the sun damage that it might take on during the hottest season of the year. There are a few things you should do to help get your skin prepared for the upcoming summer months. If you follow a few simple steps you can actually get your skin looking radiant before the season arrives, while still saving quite a bit of money. This should help you feel even more confident about the upcoming season and the way you look.

1. Start Hydrating
Winter is harsh. Our skin gets dried out, we spend too much time indoors, and it can overall leave us feeling yucky when it is time to expose a little skin to the sun. One of the best things you can do to help your skin look and feel amazing is to start hydrating. The first step you should take is to drink the recommended amount of water every single day. Your skin will start to improve simply by doing this. Once you get hydrated in this manner, you can add supplements to help you maintain that hydration. You should also consider eating water-based foods like fruits to help give you that hydrated glow that you’re longing for. Other than that, you can start using lotions to get you on track. If lotions aren’t doing the trick talk to a dermatologist for professional options or try out a hydrating oil.

2. Exfoliate
Another way to give your body what it needs to prepare for some sun is to exfoliate. Our bodies have skin build up like crazy and if we don’t remove the excess skin, it just sits there and makes us look dull and worn. Exfoliating is pretty simple though and you can do it in so many different ways that won’t cost you a fortune. To begin with, you can use an exfoliator when you scrub your body every time you wash. You can also use a more abrasive soap every once in a while. However, you shouldn’t do this more than once a week as it may damage the skin. If you are still feeling like your skin needs a little help, then you might consider doing a peel. You can have this done professionally, which can cost quite a bit, or you can purchase one of the many amazing options available in stores. Some people even make their own peels at home using ingredients and tutorials found online.

3. Switch Moisturizers
One problem that you may be facing when it comes to your skin is your moisturizer. This can be a big problem when it comes to caring for your skin during the summer months. The thick moisturizers you might be using to heal your skin during the winter might not do you any favors in the spring and summer. You might even find that they cause your skin to become too oily, which can cause breakouts. One of the best options here is to swap to something lighter. Your dermatologist may be able to recommend something, or you might consider finding an option on your own. Of course, switching to oil instead of a lotion might also do you a lot of favors.

4. Eat Foods that Hydrate
A lot of people think hydration is all about water. However, when you start to work on your hydration, you should also consider eating foods that can help improve your hydration. For starts, you might consider snacking on fruits, especially melons as they offer so much water. Adding fruit like lemons, cucumbers, and strawberries should also be on your radar as it will help to make water more enjoyable while also boosting your hydration. You should also avoid foods that are too salty as this is going to dry out your skin. Concentrating on a diet can truly change the way you look and feel, which will make the upcoming summer months even more thrilling for you.

5. Utilize Cold Rinses
A lot of people tend to live for the hot water when they shower or bathe. However, this can be one of the main reasons why your skin isn’t exactly on the best terms with you. One of the best ways to give back to your skin is to enjoy a nice cold rinse. If you’re exfoliating your skin, then use cold water as your rinse away the skin as this will help to close the pores and soothe the skin so you can get more out of your exfoliation time. You should also use cold water when you shave as this will help to close the pore and leave your skin feeling amazing. Even when you give yourself a facial you will easily see more results when you enjoy a cold rinse after to close the pores and make your skin shine.

6. Get a Pedicure
Let’s face it, your feet have probably been covered with thick socks and buried in your boots for the last several weeks. This can not only cause your skin to be dry and uncomfortable, but it also might cause fungus to grow on your nails. One of the best things you can do to help your feet look amazing is to get a pedicure. You might find a good pedicure set in stores or look around online for helpful tips. However, if you don’t want to go to a lot of effort, then you can probably find a great deal at a salon to help you get the most out of your skin preparations. Once you have your toes covered, you will feel better about wearing sandals and showing off the rest of your skin, too.

7. Create a Facial Routine
Your face can really get hit the hardest when it comes to sun damage. So, one of the best things you can do to help bring some extra protection to your skin is to create a facial routine. A facial routine doesn’t have to be a huge chore either. In fact, you can start by choosing the best soap for your face. If you need extra creams, then work from there. Once you have the right products, then you can easily start getting in the habit of working with your routine daily. You might also consider adding monthly masks to the mix. Of course, facial massages are also a must for your muscles too.

8. Choose SPF Makeup Lines
Putting on sunscreen is rarely on anyone’s mind when they get dressed in the morning. However, sunscreen has been proven to be an important part of your day. If you tend to put on makeup frequently, then you can skip out on putting sunscreen on your face if you shop for lines that utilize SPF in their recipes. Many of your favorite makeup brands are working on adding sunscreen to most of their items now, but if you want to find the best SPF options now, then you can shop around brands by looking for reviews online. This will help you take one step out of your daily routine while ensuring you have protection all year long.

9. Find the Best Sunscreen for You
Shopping for sunscreen is a bit more than picking up the cheapest option on the grocery store shelf. Rather, you need to work on finding a good match for your needs. This may take some trial and error though, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t find the perfect match for you over the summer. You need to shop around to discover what feels best on your skin though. You will need protection based on your skin tone and sensitivity. Plus, some people may not be able to handle the scent of sunscreen, so make sure you take care of all of your needs.

10. Seek Protective Clothing
You can really do yourself a favor by choosing clothing that is designed to protect you. More and more brands are adding UV protection to their designs, which makes the clothing even safer for you to wear out. Currently, you will mostly find these items in the sporting section, but you can transform your wardrobe to make this work, especially in the summer. Many bathing suit options will offer UV protection too. So, when you’re shopping, make sure you pay attention to the fine print and get the clothing that is going to go even further for you.

Taking care of your skin is a major part of your life, so it is important to know what works best for you. The summer months can be very trying on the skin, so making sure you keep up with these tips can ensure you feel nothing but amazing as the summer sunsets in and you expose your skin to the great outdoors.

Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and play. Going to a park is one of the cheapest and most exciting things you can do with your family. However, if you frequent the park then you might find that the kids may be getting a little bored of the playground alone. These ten tips will help you find some extra forms of entertainment that will allow you to enjoy the park all the more without spending a lot of money. Your entire family should find something to do when you enjoy these activities at the park. You might even find that your children request a visit to the park more often.

1. Have a Picnic
Sharing a picnic at the park is probably one of the most iconic activities that you can engage in. You don’t have to go crazy with your picnic either. Simply use a bag or basket you already have around the home instead of going out to purchase a traditional basket. You may even just pack food in your kid’s lunch boxes to help you keep items cool or hot. As far as food is concerned, you shouldn’t stray too far from what you would normally serve for lunch in order to save money. However, there are cheap recipes and foods you can pick if you choose to go the more traditional route. Most kids will just be happy to get to enjoy food outside, which is typically out of the ordinary. Make sure to bring items to sanitize hands to keep your family safe though.

2. Capture the Flag
If your playground has an awesome structure to play on, then a game of capture the flag is definitely in order. This game is fairly simple as you just need to break into teams. Each team has a flag that is hidden somewhere on the structure. You can use just about anything for the flag too, but if you want to add to the appeal then you may consider having kids make their own flag. The team to find the other team’s flag and return it to their base without getting caught wins the game. This game can take some time or can be done in short bursts, which makes it a great game for all attention spans.

3. Bug Hunt
When it comes to bugs, playgrounds offer a huge selection of insects to explore. Usually, there are a lot more bugs at the park than there are at home, so kids can have a lot more fun exploring the area and discovering new species. You may have to look up the types of bugs in your area and print off a sheet so children can look for specific bugs as they explore the world around them. You can even have a race to see who can discover the most species of bugs which will add a new and exciting element of fun. If kids are interested in photography, then taking pictures of the bugs will also add to the experience while teaching children different photography skills. After visiting the park, kids can even draw pictures of the bugs they saw to help them unwind from all of the chaos.

4. Scavenger Hunt
Apart from looking for insects, you can add a bunch of exciting things to a list for kids to search for when they grow tired of playing on the playground. You might add things like tires, flowers, screws, anthill, and other common items that can be found in the playground itself and the area around it. You can customize this to suit the children in your life as well, which will make it simple for you to enjoy for a variety of different age groups. The best thing about scavenger hunts is you can totally mix them up so kids can enjoy them every time you go to the park. They will also help children develop the skills necessary to find items, which can help them in so many ways.

5. Meet People
Socialization has been a little on the low side of the spectrum over the last year. So, meeting new people, especially children, can be very hard. Going to the park provides children with the opportunity to have a little fun while they play. This can help boost socialization skills, especially for young children that may not otherwise have a chance to meet people. Of course, you should still take precautions when socializing with new people. Make sure you wear masks, keep your distance, and sanitize. You might consider playing ballgames that keep kids far apart or enjoy relay races where kids take turns on the equipment. When parents cooperate with each other, it should be fairly easy to figure it out and have some fun.

6. Get Sporty
Another way to add some fun to the day is to bring in some of your kids’ favorite sports. Simply bringing a ball to the park can transform the entire dynamic of the visit. Once children are bored with the play structures, you can pull out the ball and come up with fun games to help make the play structure even more enjoyable. You can create races, obstacle courses, and more with a simple ball. You can also utilize the playing fields near the park to add in a game of catch, or simply kick the ball around for soccer practice. Many parks also have basketball courts, which can help you teach kids how to play with ease. You can also enjoy less common sports like frisbee, which can be played in so many different ways.

7. Watch Clouds
After getting plenty of exercises, you might want to have your children unwind for a little while before you put them in the car. One of the easiest ways to do this is to have them watch the clouds. You might bring a blanket along with you, so everyone can lay down and watch the clouds pass them by. Children can point out the shapes they see in each cloud or talk about the various types of clouds they see. Kids may even enjoy bringing along a journal, so they can draw the clouds that they see each day. This can help kids cool down after playing hard and may even help to bring a sense of mindfulness to the day. Younger children may even nap during this time, which will allow you to easily enjoy some quiet moments in the fresh air before heading home.

8. Utilize Imagination
Playing with your children is healthy in terms of bonding, but it also helps to encourage children to build a strong imagination. On top of that, having children come up with their own games helps to boost creativity. So, while you’re at the park, take the time to play with the kids. You can enjoy whatever game they come up with. May it be storming the castle or searching for lost treasure, your child is certain to invent a game that you’ll love playing. You can even help your child shape these games into stories, later on, to help improve their storytelling skills.

9. Clean Litter
Teaching kids to do right by the environment is always a must. So, one of the best things you can do when you’re at the park is to clean up litter. You might start by talking about the importance of cleaning up your own litter so kids will understand the concept at an early age. After that, you can work on picking up litter that others may have left behind. Consider bringing gloves, trash bags, and other supplies to help you find and pick up the litter safely. Behavior like this can actually inspire the community to work harder to help others to take care of the community too. If children aren’t sure why they need to pick up garbage, there are lots of lessons you can utilize online to help them understand. This can really change the way children feel about their planet, which can help them set lifelong goals to protect Mother Nature.

10. Explore Events
As the weather grows nicer, many communities are actually offering events to help keep kids busy and active. You might want to check the event calendar for your community to see what is going on in your neighborhood. Of course, during this time, it is still important to maintain caution when you’re out with others. One of the easiest things you can do to ensure your family’s safety is to look at the rules for Covid-19 within the community. You can also stop and observe the event before you choose to attend. Many community events include races, scavenger hunts, art walks, movies in the park, and so on. So, you should be able to find something for everyone in the family.

Heading to the park can be a whole lot of fun, especially if you’ve been cooped up all winter. These tips will help your kids fall in love with park time while maintaining their interest in the area. You may even find that some of these activities become a part of your routine even before kids become bored with the park.

Gardening season is upon us, but for many people, that means spending a small fortune on items needed to make their garden look phenomenal. There are a few things you can do to get your garden in order and looking amazing without forcing you to dive into the deep end and send your finances down the tube. These ten ideas are certain to help you get the most out of your garden without forcing you to get in too deep. This should help you feel more confident about working in your space, so you can enjoy your gardening time as opposed to making it a chore.

1. Share the Coffee
If you’re a coffee drinker, then there is a pretty good chance that you have coffee grounds hanging out in your trashcan. Rather than tossing out the grounds, you might consider moving them to your garden. Simply mix them with soil and add them to your plants. A lot of plants actually do like the acidity of the coffee grounds, so you may find that they grow more and more. However, before you start adding coffee grounds to everything, you may want to look into your plants as some things will take to the coffee grounds while other things will end up dying because they can’t handle the acidity.

2. Create Noise
Believe it or not, but our plants do enjoy a little noise from time to time. So, if you want to watch your plants thrive then consider chatting with them before you head indoors. You can have a conversation about your day, offer positive messages, or talk about the beautiful flowers or produce it will offer in just a few weeks. If you’re not feeling up to chatting to your plants, then play some music while you work. The sounds will perk the plants up and improve growth. You can even set up an outdoor speaker if you’re really hoping to get the plants moving.

3. Plant Up
One major problem that many people face when planning out their garden is space. Some people have some fantastic ideas about their garden, but they simply don’t have space. A lot of gardeners try to combat this problem with planters and so on to help provide extra areas for planting. However, one way you can easily cut back on spending a lot of money on planters is to grow plants upward. You can create planters that move up and attach them to your wall with ease. However, there are also very cheap options to help your purchase these items as well. This will allow you to save on water as well as space, which will definitely do your budget a favor. Plus, growing up creates a beautiful style that will add plenty of color to your home.

4. Drip System
Watering your plants can take ages if you have a lot of them, which might cause you to feel frustrated with your garden. It may also cost you a whole lot of money in the long run, which could detour you from adding any other plants to your collection. Instead of going the old-fashioned route, you may want to consider setting up a drip system. This system allows you to slowly water plants, which can help to improve the health of the plants in the long run. It will also prevent you from spending a small fortune on your water bill. This system is very easy to set up on your own at home and is fairly inexpensive. There are lots of tutorials to choose from when you work with the system, so make sure you find an option that is great for you. You can also purchase professional systems, which are pricier, but it will still help you save quite a bit of money.

5. Know Your Plants
One of the best things you can do for your garden is to know your plants. As opposed to purchasing anything that strikes your fancy, you may want to do a little research before you buy anything. You’ll want to make sure the plants you’re interested in will suit your climate, as this is one of the biggest factors for their survival. You will also want to look into the amount of shade your plant is going to need and how much water you should add to the soil each day. This will allow you to plan your garden efficiently, which will definitely allow you to get more out of the experience.

6. Skip the Lawn
Did you know that having a lawn can be one of the most expensive things you can do in your garden? Although grass seeds are expensive, getting grass to take can be a laborious experience that requires a whole lot of water. Apart from that, you will find that a lawn takes up a whole lot of water to maintain, especially if you want to keep it looking vibrant green. Then, there is the whole mowing and weeding chore. Instead of having a lawn, why not fill the space with wildflowers. Not only will it look beautiful, but it will offer a more sustainable area that will even help out the bees. You could also use your lawn as a place to grown even more food, flowers, and other plant life, as well.

7. Utilize Seeds
Rather than going out and spending a small fortune on plants that have already started to flower, you may take your time to work on growing some seeds. Seeds are pretty cheap, which makes them incredibly easy to purchase without breaking your budget. Of course, you will have to be more patient when working with seeds, as it will take a bit longer to get the flowering plant that you desire. However, if you plant seeds in early spring and keep them in special pods until they sprout, then there is a good chance they will survive the cold nights so you can enjoy a few blossoms even sooner.

8. Consider a Pond
If you have a lot of space, but you’re not sure what to do with it, then a pond might be a good way to go. A pond can be pretty inexpensive to make, especially if you’re willing to do a lot of the labor on your own. You also have a lot of options when it comes to ponds, as you can keep them shallow or add depth so you can keep fish. A pond is easy to maintain as well and can actually help you create a more sustainable garden since you will have a water source readily available. You might do some research before putting in a pond and always make sure you look at plans for pipes and wiring before you dig. With a little caution and know-how, you may find the perfect focal point in your home.

9. Use Recyclables
You know, some of the best gardening tools can actually be found in your recycling bin. For starters, you will find that a milk jug can actually be turned into a wide variety of things. One of the more common options is a birdhouse, but you can also use it as a feeder. If you have K-Cups lying around then these are the perfect items to use when you start your seeds prior to planting them outside. Another great use of bottles is to place them around young trees and plants to protect them from the cold. This is only scratching the surface though, as there are so many things you can make when you go through your recycling bin.

10. Skip the Poisons
Poisons can be one of the worst things that you can do for your plants and your household. Poisons can cause damage to plants that you may not be aware of and if you plan on eating your produce it can also cause harm to your family. Plus, the smell of some poisons can also cause issues with people, plants, and animals. Luckily, there are many natural solutions that have been proven to work. So, if you’re having a problem, you might want to look around online to see what will get rid of the issue. You might be surprised as to how easily some issues can be fixed with items from around the home.

Enjoying time in the garden can be one of the best aspects of the spring months. These ten ideas will allow you to embrace your garden while keeping your budget in check. They should help to provide you with plenty of ideas to keep your garden looking great without forcing you to go out of your way.

If you’re looking for a fun way to blow off some steam while exercising a little creativity, then karaoke might be the best way to go. Unfortunately, with the pandemic currently happening, going to a karaoke bar may not be the best of ideas. Spending time in small places while sharing a microphone with others may be a recipe for disaster. So, it might be time to set up your own karaoke room, may it be temporary or a permanent addition to your home. These ten tips will help you to create a budget-friendly karaoke space that will allow you to truly enjoy yourself.

1. Grab an App
When it comes to having fun with karaoke, one of the cheapest things you can do is to download an app. There are so many on the market right now that you might have a hard time choosing. Luckily, there are websites designed to help you find the perfect app for your needs. You’ll find a huge assortment of rankings and more, which will make it so much easier for you to choose the right option based on your taste of music, phone type, and so on. There are numerous free apps to choose from too, which will allow you to enjoy your favorite activity without spending a small fortune.

2. Consider a Machine
If you’re really into karaoke, then you may want to just invest in a machine. This will allow you to truly enjoy the quality of music you desire while also providing you with a microphone to help amplify your sounds. Karaoke machines also allow you to add in the music you actually want to listen to, so you can get more out of your machine. Karaoke machines range in price too, which will allow you to easily choose something that will work for your budget. You can check out reviews online so you can find what works best for you, which will definitely ensure you get your money’s worth. A karaoke machine can last for quite some time so make sure you choose something that you feel comfortable working with and a brand that you trust to offer updates in the upcoming years.

3. Decorate
One of the best things you can do is make space your own. Try to add some of the decorative items that you have around the home to add some flavor to your style. One of the most traditional things you can add to the room is a disco ball. This will help you to set the mood while allowing you to feel like a superstar as you belt out your favorite song. If you’re not a disco ball person then you might want to consider working with other forms of light, which can help set the stage for your hobby. Lighting isn’t the only thing to consider. You may want to enjoy setting up the furniture to make it feel like a karaoke bar or add images or posters to improve the feel.

4. Connect to TV
When it comes to maximizing your love of karaoke, hooking your machine up to your TV can do amazing things for your karaoke experience. The TV makes a great teleprompter so you can keep up with the lyrics and enjoy the experience of singing every song on the right beat. Some TVs and machines will even allow you to set up images or videos in the background to add to the joy of the experience. Apart from that, you can always broadcast items from your phone to your TV, so even if you don’t want to put a lot of money into the experience, some apps will allow you to do so.

5. Soundproof
If you’re going to have a karaoke room, then it might be wise to soundproof the room before you get too into your mini-concerts. Soundproofing is actually incredibly easy to do, especially since you can use items you probably have around the house. One of the easiest ways to do this is to take egg cartons and place them on the wall. You can use anything you please to do this. If you want to cover up the look, you can easily do so with posterboard or other supplies that are cheap and easy to find. Apart from that, there are tiles you can purchase that simply stick to the wall and are decorative You can also use blankets and other similar items to help cut back on the sound that leaks through the house.

6. Consider a Mini Fridge
When it comes to singing and dancing for hours straight, nothing helps to soothe your throat quite like a cold drink. One of the easiest ways to set up the home for success is to simply get a mini-fridge. You’ll have access to all of the cold drinks you can find while ensuring you don’t have to stop the fun. You don’t have to go all out in order to get the experience though. There is a wide assortment of options to choose from though. For starters, you can get a single-use fridge, which won’t cost more than $20 in most cases. There are also small fridge options that won’t set you back more than $100. This will allow you to always have cold drinks available too, which can free up some space in your actual refrigerator.

7. Seating
A place to sit can definitely be important when it comes to your karaoke space. The seating can create a great atmosphere for your guests and yourself. One of the easiest ways is to make the seating look and feel as if you are in a concert if you want the whole rock and roll vibe. If not, then add seating in comfortably so everyone can sit and enjoy the fun together. It doesn’t really matter what kind of chairs you choose, because you won’t spend a whole lot of time in them. However, if you’re looking to create a specific vibe then you may want to consider shopping second-hand stores and so on to help you save some money on seating.

8. Add Costumes
If your karaoke setting isn’t feeling as fun as it should, then you might be missing an important element. Costumes are one of the best things you can bring to the table when it comes to karaoke. All you need to do for this is come up with some fun ideas and create the costumes. You can make masks, sew gowns, create capes, and so on. If you have a lot of fashion pieces in your closet, then you may also consider adding some items to the costume bins. Hats and scarves are always a great choice and can help bring a character to life. You may also consider adding in items you find at a thrift store or old Halloween costumes.

9. Consider a Stage
When it comes to putting on a brilliant performance, a stage is one of the best ways to get you in the right mindset. You might be surprised to find just how easy a stage can be to make. This doesn’t mean you have to go all out and make a huge stage to show off your moves. This simply won’t work for most homes. However, a small platform might have you prepared to enjoy your songs all the more. You can easily make it out of scrap wood and customize it to suit your needs. There are lots of tutorials online that can help you find the best option for your needs while making it easier than ever to build it on your own.

10. Black Out Curtain
Creating an atmosphere can be hard if you find yourself dealing with sunlight beaming in from the window while you try to belt out lyrics. Since many people enjoy karaoke at night, you may still crave this when it comes to your karaoke time at home. One of the easiest ways to get this effect any time of the day is to grab some black-out curtains. These are easy to spot in most retail stores and will allow you to enjoy a darker environment without actually blacking out your windows. These curtains can actually help block out the heat and the cold too, which will add even more benefits to your space.

Designing a karaoke space can be a great thing for your home. These spaces can allow you to blow off some steam while ensuring you feel comfortable and excited to have some fun. Luckily, none of these tips will set you back a lot of money either. Even if they don’t work out for your space, they should allow you to easily get some ideas for your space.

The Easter season is upon us again, which means planning around the pandemic to create some form of normalcy. If you’re not sure how you can enjoy the holiday this year, then there is absolutely no reason to worry as there are lots of great ways to have some fun without exposing yourself to a lot of people. These ten ideas are just the beginning, so you can easily get the holiday comfort that you crave while helping the kids have fun.

1. Drop off Meals
Usually, Easter mornings are filled with family as they gather together to share a meal. This holiday might look a little different especially as you prepare your food and eat with just your immediate family. There is a way to share the meal without exposure though. Simply have everyone in the family make a signature dish. From there, drop off the dish at each individual house. You’ll have to make more than usual, but it’ll be worth it when you all get to share in the same meal. You can even video chat to share the meal with each other. Of course, you can expand this to just dropping off food if you don’t plan on sharing a meal with anyone. Consider dropping off plates to households that won’t have enough this holiday or share with the elderly that might not be up for cooking.

2. Send Cards
In the past, you may not have mailed out cards to celebrate the Easter months. This year, you might change your mind. Cards are one of the easiest ways for you to share holiday cheer when you can’t spend it with the ones you love. You can actually purchase Easter cards in bulk, so you don’t have to spend a small fortune on them. However, you can even sit down and craft handmade cards, which is always a great way to get children involved too. These cards will help the family bond while showing those you love that you’re still there for them. You might enjoy the process so much that you’ll feel inclined to keep it up even when everyone can get together.

3. Weave Easter Baskets
Easter baskets are a great way to enjoy the holiday for kids. Although they aren’t expensive to purchase, you may find that making your own Easter basket can be a fun way to help your kids get even more out of the holiday. Making a DIY Easter basket doesn’t have to be intimidating though. Rather, you can have a lot of fun with it and can even design the craft to be age-appropriate. You can also make these baskets out of a wide variety of things including paper, to suit your needs. If you do choose to pick an intricate basket to make, you might begin before the Easter holiday just to make sure that it will be complete in time for egg hunts. There are many Easter basket tutorials online, so if you’re not sure where to begin then searching for one that interests you is a great first step.

4. Dye Eggs
Dying eggs is a common practice when it comes to the Easter holiday. However, if you have young kids then you might be hesitant to dye eggs. Luckily, there are many methods that you can use to help kids have fun while keeping your tables and counters from being dyed in the process. When kids are really little, you can place the dye in a mason jar and add an egg to it. Young children can shake the jar, swish it around, roll it, and so on. If kids are at the toddler stage, then you can place an egg in a whisk to allow them to enjoy the process of dipping the egg in many colors. If you don’t want to purchase dye, you can also make it at home to ensure kids have fun without having to go on a shopping trip.

5. Hire an Easter Bunny
For kids, the Easter Bunny is a pretty big part of the Easter fun. While kids would normally see the bunny for photos at the mall or at a community event, they won’t have the opportunity to this year. So, if you’re looking to add a special moment for the kids, then you may want to hire an Easter Bunny. This will allow you to enjoy the holiday while seeing the excitement in their eyes. Hiring an Easter Bunny for a few minutes to an hour shouldn’t cost a lot. You can even ask the bunny to stay outside and hide eggs and so on to ensure everyone’s safety. If you don’t want to hire a bunny, then you might consider renting or making a costume and asking a friend or relative to dress up. Of course, if you live in a close-knit neighborhood then everyone might want to chip in to hire a bunny for the block.

6. Easter Crafts
Without a doubt, pulling out the craft supplies is one of the best things you can do during the holidays. Easter is no exception. You can enjoy a wide variety of crafts that revolve around spring, chicks, bunnies, and more. You might ask the kids to color Easter egg printouts or create their own Easter bunny. You can really have fun with this holiday as it is easy to shape crafts around the items that you have in the home. Of course, you will find that there are plenty of craft ideas online to help you enjoy the holiday too. When you’re finished with your crafts, set them up as home décor which will make the holiday even more magical for kids.

7. DIY Floral Centerpiece
Setting the table for Easter can be a great tradition but adding all of the final touches can be pricey. Plus, it can be tough to shop for the right items during the pandemic. Instead of purchasing a floral centerpiece, you might want to stop and take the time to make your own. You can begin by picking flowers from your garden. From there, arrange them to suit your needs. If you’re not sure how to do this then you can easily choose a tutorial to help you create the artistic aspect of your centerpiece. This skill can come in handy throughout the year anyway, so you might find that you’re doing yourself a favor simply by learning this craft.

8. DIY Candy
The Easter holidays are filled with candy and you can find just about everything you need to fill Easter baskets with joy. However, if you want to have a little extra fun this season, then you might consider making your own candy. Chocolate is one of the easiest items to make and can easily be started in the crockpot if you’re shy on time. If you have molds, especially spring-inspired molds, you can make all sorts of fun designs, including large Easter Bunnies. Of course, you can also make all sorts of rock candies and taffies if you find the right tutorial to do so. After exploring the art of candy making, you may never want to purchase candy again.

9. Hide Eggs Everywhere
Generally, children have the option to attend Easter egg hunts at church or other community events. This year, they may not be as lucky. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t create an Easter egg hunt that they won’t soon forget. For starters, you can hide the eggs throughout the yard. However, you can easily find that you can enjoy hiding the eggs around the house too. There are so many hiding places you can utilize that the kids might actually be busy all day long. Of course, you might want to keep plastic eggs in the house, just in case someone forgets where an egg is hidden. If you have older kids, then you may want to create a map that offers clues to add even more fun to the hunt.

10. Keep Traditions
One of the best things you can do during any holiday while the pandemic is still going is to keep up with tradition as best as you can. This might take thinking outside of the box in some cases, but it will definitely help out in the long run when it comes to your mental health. To begin with, if you make a point to get dressed up for Easter then do so. Dress like you’re going out and have fun with your style. You’ll feel fresher and ready to take on the day. If you attend church, then see if your church is having an Easter service they are broadcasting online. If not, then are lots of options to choose from online. You will also find that you can enjoy meals as a family through video chats. You can even enjoy chatting with loved ones on the phone to help satisfy your need to socialize. This should help you feel better about Easter until you can actually enjoy the holiday the traditional way.

Easter doesn’t have to be a holiday that comes and goes like last year. Make sure you embrace the holiday and have plenty of fun because you won’t get the year back. These ideas should help you enjoy the holiday on a budget, while you’re stuck at home.

There’s no doubt that kids really love toys, but they can be really hard to keep up with when there are so many trends surrounding children’s toys. Luckily, there are many timeless toys that you can make for your children that can help change the way you shop for toys in the future. Creating toys for and with your children will teach them how to use their creativity to find forms of entertainment that they won’t tire of. This can even help set them up for STEM careers in the future, which will definitely help improve their schoolwork and brighten their future. Plus, these toys will come at the perfect time with summer break rapidly approaching and kids wanting to spend more time outdoors.

1. Sprinkler
If the hot weather is getting your kids down and you don’t have a sprinkle for them to play in, then the solution to your problem is in the recycling bin. Sprinklers can easily be made at home with a simple soda bottle. All you have to do is poke holes in the bottle and connect it to your hose. Then, turn the water on and let the kids have some fun. You can expand on this sprinkler system with lots of other items too, including plastic pipes that can help you create an incredible car wash for your kids. This will certainly beat anything you buy in the store and will keep kids outside for hours at a time.

2. Felt Plushie
Most young children love plushies for play and comfort but purchasing these items can really add up. Character plushies, especially, can really cost a small fortune as children change interests from one week to the next. You can actually make your own plushies at home, which can cut back on the number of toys you need to buy. Felt plushies will be smaller than your average plushie unless you can find large sheets of felt or you can perfect your skills enough to stitch many pieces together. However, when you’re starting out, you might want to begin with a regular sheet of felt. Merely place two sheets together and cut out of the shape of the plushie you’d like to make. From there, you can easily sew them together and add in fluff before making the final stitches. If you have older children, you can use plastic needles and thread to allow them to try their hand at making their own. Kids will love their creations and may even feel more connected to the plushies they make as opposed to the ones you buy.

3. Kite
A kite can create countless hours of entertainment throughout the year. These toys aren’t pricey to buy, in most cases, but you can add more to the fun simply by having kids make their own. If you want to keep the price tag on this craft cheap then consider using some of your recyclables. You can make a kite out of tissue paper, straws, string, and tape. Connect the straws together with the string and add the tissue paper as decoration. Put tape over your design to keep it from breaking in the wind. Of course, there are more traditional methods that tend to be a bit more durable as well. You can find lots of tutorials and ideas for your kites online, so explore your options and find the right match for your kids.

4. Paper Doll
Back in the day, people used to use dolls made out of paper for a cheap toy that many children adored. The joy of paper dolls is you can use a wide variety of paper cutouts to dress them, which truly adds to their style and improves on imagination. You can still purchase paper dolls today, but you can just as easily make them with today’s technology. Simply find a paper doll you like online and then print it on cardstock. You can laminate it to add to the durability. Then do the same with the clothing you like, but choose a thinner paper to make it easier for items to attach to the doll, or connect them using Velcro. You can even find themed dolls like princesses or other popular characters. If you really want to get creative, you can draw your own dolls and clothing.

5. Erasable Activities
Another simple way to help kids have some fun is to create fun activities that can be erased. This will definitely help cut down on the amount of paper you plan on using while also allowing you to always have something on standby when you don’t have time to print color sheets. These activities can be made in many different ways. For instance, you can draw a pair of hands and have kids decorate the nails or add jewelry. You can also make letter and number trace boards or simply set it up for games like tic tac toe. Once you have your design on the cardboard, cover it in packing tape. This will allow kids to draw on it and then erase it, so they can use it again and again.

6. Slime
Slime is really popular these days and is being sold for quite a bit of money when you purchase it from stores. Keeping up with the demand for the toy in your home might set you back quite a bit each month, especially if children work through it quickly. You can easily make slime at home though with ingredients that can be purchased in bulk, which will definitely make life easier. This will allow kids to take on science as well, which will make the toy even more valuable. Plus, kids can easily put their creativity into the mix, by adding colors, sequences, glitter, toys, and more.

7. Stacking Blocks
Help your children enjoy a timeless toy without spending a fortune on the items. Stacking blocks are simple to make with paper, but you can also use other materials too. You might consider using recyclable paper as well to help cut back on waste. Making your own blocks can be a lot of fun because it will allow children to color their own blocks. You can use letters and numbers to promote learning or use colorful designs to stimulate the mind. Older children can also make the blocks themselves as it is a great way for them to learn geometry. There are many tutorials online to help with this if you’re feeling stuck.

8. Tops
Tops used to be one of the biggest selling toys on the market. It has decreased in fame quite a bit due to advancements in technology. However, tops can still be a lot of fun for kids of all ages. You can make your own tops at home with a few supplies that most households have already. There are also lots of tutorial videos to help you figure out how to make a wide variety of tops. There are even tutorials to help children understand how to use the tops while offering them a variety of games they can play with their new toy. You might find that with these items in the household, your children will want to spend less time on screens and more time engaging with their homemade toys.

9. Stepping Stones
When it comes to motor functions, steppingstones are an amazing way to help children build their motor skills. On top of that, kids will just think they’re having fun, which will definitely make everyone feel happier. Steppingstones are pretty easy to make, which will be a relief because purchasing them can cost quite a bit of money. One of the easiest ways to make the stones is to cut up an old log. You can cut different layers of the log and alter the thickness to add even more of a challenge. Of course, you can make your steppingstones out of other items as well, including actual stones. If you don’t want a toy outside long term, then you might consider using buckets to create the same effect for older children with more balance.

10. Chalk Wall
Kids love to get crafty, but this can be a bit of a hazard in the summertime. Sidewalks, in some areas, can get so hot that children can actually scorch themselves as they play, which might detour kids from the activity even when it isn’t too hot. A chalk wall is a nice alternative because it allows children to stand and play which will protect them from injury. You can also add an awning to the area where you place the wall, which will keep kids’ cooler for longer. You can make a chalk wall on almost anything with a bit of chalk paint, so make sure to have some fun with it.

Creating toys is actually easier than you might think. These ten ideas should help get you started when it comes to making toys that your children will love. Plus, it will show children that not everything that they love has to be purchased in a store. This can change the way your household operates while adding some fun to your playtime together.

Springtime is buzzing, which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy the nicer weather. However, right now, it is hard to find things to as most states are still under lockdown and, even those that aren’t under strict rules, still have the pandemic to worry about. On top of that, budgeting activities can be tough when there are economic problems to worry about. There are many things that spring brings to the table that will help you embrace the season without spending a lot of money. So, try out these ideas to see if they suit your family’s needs.

1. Spring Cleaning
It might not sound like a lot of fun to begin with, but Spring Cleaning is an important part of the season. It allows you to clean up all of the buildups that occurred during the winter months, so you can have a home that is less likely to make you feel sick. During peak allergy season, this is the prime time to try to get all of those allergens out of the home before they become a problem. Dust and allergens aren’t the only things to tackle here. Rather, you may want to clean out your closets of old shoes and clothing that no longer fit or suit your fashion sense. On top of that, you’ll find that cleaning areas of the home, like behind the refrigerator, may leave you feeling refreshed. When you’re done cleaning, you might top things off with a new scent for the home that will leave you feeling excited about the upcoming months.

2. Go Camping
When it comes to catching some fresh air, camping is one of the cheapest ways to do so. This activity will also allow you to get out of the house for a little while, which can be great if you’re experiencing cabin fever. On top of that, camping will allow you to find yourself more grounded and less attached to technology, which works wonders for mental health. The spring weather will allow you to take on things like fishing, swimming, exploring the woods or the beach, and so much more. Even if you don’t have the money to go camping, you can camp out in your backyard. This will truly help you to enjoy the changing of the season without having to spend a dime. You may even save money on your power bill while you’re snoozing outside.

3. Hiking
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and start hiking again. Not only will the weather help you to stay out longer since it won’t be too hot or too cold, but you’ll also be able to take in lots of fresh air. During this time, there will be more to see, such as blossoming flowers, baby animals, and so on. You might even take your camera to help you enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature for longer. Another great idea to help kids get into the hiking experience is to create a scavenger hunt so they can spend their time exploring the world around them instead of complaining or feeling bored by their surroundings. This can help them build a lifelong love for hiking and enjoy the great outdoors.

4. Check out the Farmer’s Market
Most farmer’s markets will be back in the swing of things during the spring months thanks to the change in weather and harvest. Visiting a farmer’s market will provide you with a great experience when it comes to purchasing produce that isn’t GMO. You will also be able to support local businesses by purchasing some of your foods here. Of course, another benefit of going local is it might actually help out your allergies, especially if you purchase things like honey locally. There are usually other things to see and do at the farmer’s market as well. So, you can probably get away with going without spending money, if you exercise restraint thanks to the free entertainment that is usually provided by local musicians.

5. Find Spring Inspired Recipes
Spring is a great season for cooking because there are so many delicious things in the season. One of the best things you can do is check out your local farmer’s market or even just glance over the produce section in your local grocery store. The items that are in bounty are going to be what is in season, and typically, these items are going to be cheaper than many of the other’s items that you see on display. Picking up these items is going to allow you to get fresh and inviting foods that can be transformed into a variety of dishes, including soups. You will get lots of nourishment from these dishes and your budget will thrive. You may even be able to pick out some of your dishes from your own garden, so make sure to plant them according to your food preferences.

6. Create Art Outside
Spring can be an inspiring time for anyone. So, you might want to spend some time outside creating. You can enjoy a huge selection of crafts to help you show off the love of the season. One of the most common ways you can enjoy art outdoors is to paint. You can make an easel from things you have around the house if you don’t already have one. Then, grab your favorite type of paint and have some fun with it. Of course, painting isn’t the only option. You can actually create art out of paper, recyclables, and more based on the things you see around you. Apart from that, you can try your hand at chalk art since there are so many areas that can be used as a canvas around the exterior of the home.

7. Garden
Creating a garden is one of the most ideal ways to spend the spring days. There are numerous things that you can plant during this season, which can bring a lot of joy to your kitchen. You can find a general list online, but you might try to narrow your search down to your specific region, so you have a better chance of being successful in growing things. You might also consider amping up your garden with compost or planting boxes so you can grow even more items. Gardening is a great way to get light exercise. It will also allow you to take in fresh while relieving stress.

8. Fly a Kite
With spring bringing lots of wind, flying a kite seems like the perfect activity. Flying a kite is one of the best ways to help you enjoy fresh air and exercise without having to spend a fortune. You can purchase a kit at most dollar stores, but if you want to expand on the activity you can also cheaply make one. There are lots of tutorials online to help you meet your needs, so you can have some more fun with the craft. You might even try out a few different methods of making the kite, so you can see what works best for you. To add even more depth to the activity, you might consider holding a competition to see who can be the most creative with their kite and whose kite flies the best.

9. Water Fight
With temperatures spiking, you might want to get outside and enjoy a water fight with your loved ones. You can work with anything that you have on hand, such as spray bottles that you might use in the house for watering plants. Of course, water guns are a great option, but you don’t need to go out and spend a fortune on them. You might also consider water balloons as these can be purchased cheaply online. You can really make a splash with sponges, as these are perfect for toddlers to grip and throw too. This will allow you to cool down in the heat, while also giving your plants a little love.

10. Ride Bikes
Getting outside and riding bikes is another great way to embrace the warmer weather. If you have a bicycle, then you’re already set to go. However, if you don’t, then you’re in luck because the spring months are one of the best times to grab a bicycle. Most stores have an abundance of bikes come in so they need to move them as quickly as possible. You might even find good deals on accessories or pieces that will allow you to tote your baby along for the ride. You can look up bike trails in your area too if you’re not sure about the safest trails to take with a family or on your own.

Spring is a magical time that makes for the perfect outdoor adventures. These ten ideas will help you to prepare for all of the fun you can have on a small budget, which is all you need to make the season amazing. You may even find these activities to be a perfect addition to your year-round hobbies.

St. Patrick’s Day is on its way, but with restrictions still in place for most people, you may still be looking for ways to celebrate outside of the box. It can get tough trying to think of fun ways to enjoy yourself when you’re stuck indoors, but there are many ways to make it happen. From new traditions to old, if you look around hard enough, you may find yourself creating new ways to celebrate that you might hold onto from here on out. These ten ideas offer fun family friend activities that can really change the way you feel about the holiday while ensuring everyone gets to have some fun.

1. Green Brunch
If you’re looking for the best way to start the day off right, then nothing will make you happy quite like a green brunch. This brunch, as you probably gathered, is made up of green foods. You can add in salads, fruits, and so on to keep your green vibes natural. However, you might also consider bringing in some strange green foods. For instance, you might add some spinach to eggs to create a green look that will channel one of your kid’s favorite books. Green desserts are also a great option and will add to your creativity. You can even make clover or leprechaun shapes to bring on even more fun. Of course, a green smoothie is another phenomenal way to enjoy a low-maintenance brunch while still adding those green vibes to the dish.

2. Scavenger Hunt
Leprechauns and gold tend to be associated with St. Patrick’s Day due to Irish legends. So, this holiday season, you might take some time to create a fun scavenger hunt for the kids. There are lots of ways to go about this. For older kids, you might create clues to help them discover golden coins that are really chocolate. Younger kids might follow the footprints of a leprechaun, colors of the rainbow, or even tracks left in glitter. This will allow you to have a lot of fun with the holiday, which can inspire you to enjoy yourself even though you’re not getting to experience the traditional elements of the holiday that you normally would.

3. Leprechaun Dress Up
Dressing in green is the typical way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. However, if you don’t have a lot going on then you might want to take this tradition up a notch by dressing like a leprechaun. You can easily make up a green pair of shorts and overcoat using cheap patterns found in hobby stores. You can top your look off with a homemade hat too. To add even more fun, have kids craft orange beards and paper shamrocks. The act of dressing up can be a lot of fun for everyone and may even take your mind off staying at home. Don’t forget to share your cool styles with family and friends to bring a little more cheer to their holiday too.

4. Try Step Dancing
When it comes to getting some exercise for the holiday, you can easily jump into step dancing, or river dancing. This traditional form of dance primarily uses the legs, which makes it a unique form of exercise that can build muscle in new places. If you’ve never heard of step dancing, then you can check out videos of the traditional dance all over the internet. Luckily, you won’t have to take lessons to pick up the dance either. There are so many tutorials online that you can get the basics down without having to pay a cent. So, put on your favorite Irish music and enjoy learning something extraordinary.

5. Make Traditional Food
Food is one of the best ways to celebrate just about any holiday. So, make sure you have some fun with St. Patrick’s Day too. You can go the green food route, but you can also look up some traditional recipes to see what Irish food has to offer. There is the classic corn beef and cabbage option, which is pretty low maintenance if you don’t have a lot of time. However, there so many delicious foods that don’t get a lot of time in the spotlight. You might try a new potato dish, a hearty stew, or experiment with a new dessert. There are lots of recipes online to choose from, so have some fun.

6. St Patrick’s Day Stories
Sharing stories is a great way to entertain children while teaching them about a holiday. That is why reading aloud to kids can make the holiday special for everyone. There are numerous books about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day around, so all you will have to do is find something that is age appropriate. There are several lists that can help parents choose the best books for the occasion. You might also consider looking up Celtic mythology for the holiday. Of course, if you dig around on the internet, you may also be able to find some stories that are printable or even interactive.

7. Plant Clovers
For most, when you think of Ireland, clovers or shamrocks come to mind. This is largely because they’re considered lucky, they’re green, and they grow in climates like Ireland. So, if you want to give yourself a little taste of Ireland, then you might want to plant some cloves somewhere in your yard. If your climate doesn’t permit, then consider putting them in a planter that can be placed inside or outside depending on the space you have. Once your clovers grow, you might have a lot of fun looking for a lucky three leaf clover, which can make St. Patrick’s Day and Irish culture a part of your day-to-day life. Of course, you can plant other items associated with Ireland, too.

8. Go Green
One of the most practiced aspects of the holiday is to wear the color green in order to avoid being pinched. This is still a great way to embrace the holiday as it does add a lot of fun for people that aren’t interested int o going in depth with their celebration. This year, you might see who in the family can put on the most amount of green. You can take your love of green on the holiday to new heights though. For instance, you can use it for home decor, which will help you feel a bit more festive since you can’t go out and enjoy the holiday. You might also make green foods, as mentioned before. If you can find a way to incorporate green into your day, then go for it!

9. Holiday Crafts
If you’re looking to bring the whole family together, then you might consider starting up some
holiday crafts. There are so many things that you can do that are appropriate for a huge assortment of ages. If you love keepsakes, then have kids make four or three leaf clovers with their feet or handprints. You can also make cute rainbows that lead to a pop of leprechaun gold. Apart from that, there are lots of Irish crafts you check out online if you’re not sure where to begin. You might even try your hand at some traditional crafts if you’re really feeling creative and looking for a new hobby.

10. St. Patrick’s Day Games
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate with lots of games. You can have a lot of fun with this holiday because it allows you to play traditional Irish games. You can find a long list of these online, which will help you learn something new. Of course, you can also transform some older games into themed games, such as BINGO. If you’re spending the holiday with adults, then you might throw in some drinking games as you enjoy a green beer or more tradition Guinness.

There are a lot of fun things you can do for St. Patrick’s Day, so don’t let the holiday pass you by. These ten ideas are just scratching the surface, but they’re a great way to have some fun while enjoying another culture.

Did you know that March is National Craft Month? If you didn’t, then you might be happy to know that this month is the perfect time to celebrate cheap crafts. With warmer weather on the way, you have a lot more wiggle room when it comes to crafting indoors or outdoors. This month may be the perfect time to enjoy crafts that will not only suit the season and your fashion sense but also your budget. So, this month, take some time to show off your creative side while having a little fun. These ten ideas only scratch the surface of what you’re capable of enjoying.

1. Tie-dye
With warmer weather on the way, if you’re looking to bring some fun to the outdoors then tie-dye is the way to go. This craft is pretty simple to do as all you need is a form of the dye. You can purchase this from any store, but a lot of people will use Kool-Aid or food coloring to do the trick too. Once you have your dye set up, place rubber bands on some fabric and then dip it in your favorite colors. You can use anything from t-shirts to white sheets that you have on hand. When your items dry out, take off the rubber bands and discover your stunning new design. There are also ways to make tie-dye on paper if you’re looking to make this craft even cheaper.

2. Denim Accessories
This season, fashion is loving denim and everything that it brings to the table. So, you might want to add some denim crafts to the month if you’re feeling like adding to your fashion sense. There are so many things you can do with old pieces of denim. For instance, you can take a worn-out pair of jeans and add patches or paint on them to bring them back to life. You can even dye a pair of jeans darker if you’re not enjoying the worn-out color. If you have a pair of jeans that aren’t wearable, then you might want to scrap the denim for other things. You can use the denim as patchwork to liven up another pair of jeans. You can also remove the back pockets and sew them together for a cute purse that everyone will love. No matter what you choose to do, you’re bound to have some fun with your look.

3. Faux Flower Displays
You can’t keep flowers looking great all year long. Nor can you clip flowers from your garden if they haven’t started to bloom yet. So, this season, you might go the extra mile and create some amazing faux flowers. These flowers are actually incredibly easy to make. You can make cute options by using fabric petals strung together with a button. You can also go all out and learn how to make paper flowers. There are many options that you can just buy flat out though. Once you have the flower portion of your project figured out, then you might consider the display element. You can add them to a vase, which you can make and decorate yourself. You might also consider making 3D art with them. No matter how you choose to work, you’ll have an awesome display that doesn’t require a drop of water.

4. Birdhouse
This month, a lot of birds will probably be heading home for the warmer months. If you love to have the birds in your yard, then you might consider making a birdhouse. You can do this out of so many different things, which opens up a lot of opportunities to have some fun. One of the easiest things to do is build a birdhouse out of scrap wood. All of the pieces are very easy to cut and often can be glued together as opposed to nails. You can find lots of tutorials online to help you with this. Of course, you can also make birdhouses out of some unconventional items too. You will find that the more creative you get, the more fun you have. So, find some cool ideas that suit your personal tastes and go with them.

5. DIY pillows
If you love your pillows to stay up to date with the season, then you’re going to have a whole lot of fun with this craft. All you will need is fabric, fluff, and some thread. Simply cut out the fabric in the shape you desire and sew it together. You can find discounted fabric almost anywhere, or you can use items that you already have laying around the house. Other than that, you might find those old t-shirts also make great pillows and will help you hold onto the items you love without just leaving them to sit in your closet for ages.

6. Paint Planters
The planting season is on its way, which means you’re going to need some planters to add to the magic. You can have a lot of fun when it comes to planters though, as they are generally a blank canvas. You can even purchase them in bulk if you really want to go all out to decorate. Once you have your planter, use acrylic paint to create a fun design. You can keep it simple with a solid color, polka dots, and so on, or you can go all out by making the planter look like a cartoon character or even paint it to show off a classic work of art. When your masterpiece is complete and dry, seal the paint and get ready to plant your favorite fruits, vegetables, and plants.

7. Mosaic
Mosaics might not be the best option for younger artists, but if your older child or you are looking for a great stress reliever then this is a great opportunity to blow off steam. Mosaics tend to take a lot of work, but you can create them in a number of different ways. The cheapest way is to cut out magazine pieces. You can draw out the image you would like to create and then add the magazine pieces to help bring the image to life. If you want to add more life to your art or go a more traditional route then you can work with stones or even broken-up tiles. When you’re finished with your work, which might be some time from when you began, you can display it almost anywhere as your guests will certainly be in awe.

8. Origami
If you’re stuck indoors then origami is a great craft to get into. This hobby allows you to make a wide assortment of things from paper, which makes it pretty cheap to enjoy. Origami isn’t as easy as it sounds though. You might find yourself working on a shape for quite some time before you master it. However, there are lots of tutorials to help you achieve what you desire. You may even find that the kids can’t get enough of crafting paper planes while they learn origami, which will make the hobby even more rewarding.

9. Walking Tiles
When it comes to making a pathway in your yard, you won’t be able to resist some homemade waling tiles. You can make this in a wide assortment of ways though, so you can customize the craft to suit your needs entirely. Walking tiles can easily be cast in cement. Then, you can paint the tiles to suit your needs. These are perfect for handprints and other fun ideas that represent your family. You can also buy tiles from most home improvement stores to get you started with ease. No matter how you choose to get your tiles started, the real star of the show will be the amazing things that you paint on them.

10. Online Class
If you’re not sure what craft you should try out then don’t fret. You can easily take an online class to find new options for you. There are so many online classes right now and many of them are actually free. It is just a matter of finding what you’re looking for and giving it a try. You may not be able to enroll in live classes for free, but you can find a huge selection of prerecorded classes that will get you where you need to be. Some libraries and other public facilities and small shops are also hosting live classes at no cost to you. You can find courses for adults as well as children too, which will definitely make your life easier.

This month, you can really get those creative juices flowing, especially if you’re self-isolating. These ten ideas should keep you busy for a while, but there are so many other things that you can try, which will allow you to get the most out of National Craft Month. You never know, you may find something you are truly passionate about as you try new things this month.

Spring Break will be here before we know it, but with the current situation, everyone might be looking at a repeat of last year’s homebound spring break. If you’re dealing with cabin fever, this might not be up your alley. Don’t stress though. There are ways that you can Spring Break without being stuck at home. These ten ideas will help you get outside and enjoy the nice weather while catering to your budget and the world around you. You may even find new ways to occupy your weekends so you can feel less confided even when spring break isn’t near.

1. Camping
Camping might have been on your radar for Spring Break fun even before the pandemic began. Luckily, camping is still on the list of things that are pretty safe to do. As long as you choose a campsite that isn’t crowded and you stay away from people that aren’t in your group, then you should be set for a fun time camping. Of course, if you don’t want to risk it then consider a camp out in your own backyard. It’ll get you out of the house for a little while, which will definitely help ease the feeling of cabin fever. You will also be able to get some fresh air and enjoy the day, which will certainly help you to feel better mentally.

2. Road Trip
If you want to get away completely, then a road trip might be the ticket. Road trips might be one of the safest options available to you now since you will only be traveling with the people in your vehicle. Of course, it is very important to be cautious of your surroundings and behavior when you stop to get food and fuel up. It may be best to eat when you can order via a drive-through or curbside option. When you stop using any facility, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching doors or coming in close contact with others. Of course, you should also take precautions in hotels, which may mean bringing cleaning sprays and wipes with you. Overall, you should be pretty safe with traveling in this manner.

3. Empty Beach
Heading to the beach might be one of the most popular options for Spring Break. Just because you’re avoiding the crowds doesn’t mean you have to give up on the beach altogether. If you know of a quiet beach with very few visitors then you might try to get a spot there. This option works best for people that live closer to the beach, just in case you have to turn around if things are a little too crowded. If you do find a beach to visit, then one of the best things you can do is come prepared. Pack all of your typical beach gear, but you should also have hand sanitizer, face masks, and other protective items on hand. It might not feel the same as your typical trip to the beach, but you’d be surprised how much fun you will have just getting out in the fresh air.

4. Trip to the Countryside
Another way to easily get out of the house for a little while is to take a trip out into the countryside. Try to find a remote park or a nice field that is public domain. From there, set up a relaxing picnic to help everyone unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet in the fresh air. You might also consider bringing some outdoor activities to help aid in the fun. Kites are always a great option in the springtime, but you might also consider playing with items like footballs, frisbees, soccer balls, and so on. Of course, a simple walk can also do a lot of good. If you choose to stay in the countryside until nightfall, then it will be very easy to watch the stars for a little while. You should practice precautions where you can though, as this will help you enjoy your time outdoors without incident.

5. Low Tourist Locations
If you absolutely have to travel to feel better, then there are some options that will be safer than some of the more common tourist places. For instance, if you’re looking to hit the beach, then a trip to Barbados might be one of the best options, even though this might sound surprising. If you’re craving city vibes then Portland, Oregon is a good option that won’t force you into crowded areas. You can’t go wrong with a classic trip to the Grand Canyon either, which will definitely help to create a fun adventure that the whole family can talk about for years. Of course, this is only scratching the surface and there are many other destinations you can check out. There are lots of websites dedicated to helping you find the best and safest place for your Spring Break.

6. Improve Your Backyard
If you can’t afford a getaway or you aren’t getting a Spring Break this year then improving your backyard might be a great way to improve on your time. Spending time outdoors can help you in so many ways, so getting out and doing some work in the backyard will definitely help you to feel happier and healthier. You might start by adding a few cheap or DIY games to your yard. There are numerous ideas online to help you figure out how to make some of your favorite games. You can also work on creating places to move your body. Apart from that, you can plant a variety of things to help bring growth and beauty to your yard. Working in your space can change your perspective on life and will allow you to get out without having to worry about getting sick.

7. Explore Hobbies
When it comes to curing boredom, exploring hobbies is a great way to help ease some tension while you’re stuck at home. One of the best things you can do is choose a hobby that you can be done outdoors. You might consider picking up a new sport. Swimming is a great option that can be done away from others, but you can also choose hobbies like wallball, Spartan relays, and so on. These can all be done alone while allowing you to keep active. You might also consider picking up a form of art that can be done outside. A musical instrument is a great option, but you can also paint, take up photography, and so much more.

8. Home Improvement
Another great option is to consider some home improvement projects. This will allow you to slightly change your surroundings while allowing you to save some money on repairs that you might otherwise ask someone else to do. You might start with a small job like painting a room. However, if your skillset allows then you may want to add shelves, change out faucets, fix the roof, and so on. You can also do a basic clean-up like cleaning out the gutters or pruning your trees and shrubs. The extra work will help you to keep your mind off of being stuck at home while giving your home some of the TLC it may have been missing out on while you were busy taking vacations.

9. Explore Countries Through Food
Traveling abroad for Spring Break probably isn’t in the cards. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t travel in one way or another. Exploring countries through their food is one of the best ways to get to know a culture. So, you might choose a new destination each day to try out. You can find recipes for many dishes online, and if you’re lucky, you might even find a video tutorial to help you out even more. While eating your dish, you can always watch a movie from the country, listen to cultural music, or simply talk about how the meal was prepared. If you’re not up for cooking, then you can always order takeout. If you really want to take it to a new level, call up the restaurant and ask for everyone’s favorite dish on the menu, then give it a shot.

10. Take a Break From Screens
One of the best things you can do for Spring Break is giving up your screens for a little while. If you find yourself stuck on the computer often for work or even recreation, then take a moment away from yourself. If you don’t have to work or study, then turn off the phone and enjoy the beauty of disconnect. If you still need to keep your phone off, then consider deleting apps so you can get away from the computer for a little while. This will make it much easier for you to find restraint when it comes to your phone. After spending a week away from your screens, you may find that you want them less and less, which can definitely help to change the way you feel about your day-to-day life.

Spring Break doesn’t have to be traditional. At this point, finding a way to be as close to normal as possible seems like the only route to go. These ten ideas will help you spend your spring break wisely, so you can find the rest and relaxation you need without spending a fortune. Perhaps, next year, traveling without concern will be back on the table, so enjoy the quiet moments when you can.

Caregiver Appreciation Day is rapidly approaching and with the year we’ve all had, you might want to do something a little special for those that have helped you and your family out. You don’t have to spend a small fortune to get the caregivers in your life something special though. Rather, you can easily create an assortment of things yourself, which will show how much you appreciate them all the more. These ten ideas can help you stay on a budget while allowing you to put a lot of passion and creativity into the gifts that you provide to those that have worked to care for you.

1. Thank You Card
If you’re not sure what to give, then a simple thank you card is one of the best routes to go. Not only are cards one of the easiest things that you can give, but they can be some of the most heartfelt. If you’re not feeling creative, then you can always purchase cards in bulk. Once you get your cards picked out, then write a personalized message to the recipient or group of people. Of course, if you’re looking to save money or you simply want to show off some creativity, then you can make your own cards. You can make cards out of almost anything, which will help you save even more money on your gift. Once your cards are finished, mail them to the location the caregiver works.

2. Make Floral Décor from Garden
Spring is coming up, which will allow you to easily find some items to gift to the caregivers in your life. You can have a lot of fun crafting things straight from your garden, too. For starters, you can create beautiful bouquets that will light up any facility that you send them to. If you don’t want to go the bouquet route, then you might consider a fresh wreath that can be temporarily placed in the facility. If you have seedlings, then gifting one in a pot might bring hope to others. You can get crafty too with pressed flowers, painted rocks, and so much more. If you’re not sure where to begin, there are lots of great ideas online to help you out.

3. Send Coffee
During a long day at work, one of the best things you can provide people with is coffee. A lot of caregivers don’t have time to run out and grab a cup of coffee and sometimes the coffee available to them has been sitting around for a little while. So, if you’re looking to really make someone’s day, bring coffee. You can brew it at home to save some money and distribute it with a large thermos. You can even make lattes in your crockpot to share with those that prefer a sweeter option. If you don’t want to make the coffee yourself then you might work with a local coffee shop to see if you can get donations for the gift or to see if the café would be willing to donate the coffee too. The gift of coffee might bring more joy than you realize, even if this gift does take a bit more work than other options might.

4. Baked Goods
Nothing says love quite like homemade baked goods. If you love to get in the kitchen and bake, then you might consider whipping up some of your favorite treats for the caregivers that you want to celebrate. Baked goods are pretty cheap to make which is why you can easily make an abundance to ensure everyone gets something special during their work shift. You can even make little goodie bags filled with items to ensure the gifts feel even more personal. There are many cheap baked goods you can create too, and much of the time you’ll already have everything on hand to make the items. If you’re not sure what you’d like to make, there are lots of fun recipes online to help you choose something tasty.

5. Homemade Lunch
If baking isn’t your thing, but you still like to spend time cooking, then making a homemade lunch is another great option. You can choose something that you really like to cook and then make a huge batch of the item. One of the easiest routes to go is soup, stew, or chili, but you might also consider platters of enchiladas, pasta, and so on. Of course, if you’re not a chef, but you still want to bring in some lunch, then you can go as simple as sandwiches, chips, salads, and other easy dishes to make items. Whatever you bring will help so many caregivers enjoy a meal served with love during such trying times.

6. DIY Fun Masks
Lately, the news has been suggesting that people start using two masks instead of one. With this demand, a lot of people are constantly having to wash their masks. Caregivers may even be burning through their masks due to wearing them for long hours and having to wash them constantly. If you want to spread a smile or two then you might consider making some masks. You can use fun prints that will lift the spirits of those that wear them. You can also use your own embroidery or fabric painting skills to create unique styles that people will love showing off.

7. Host a Drawing
If you don’t have a lot to give, but you still want to give something, then consider one prize. You can choose a facility and have caregivers submit their names for the competition. You can even make a big fuss about it on social media to encourage people to join in. You might even get enough attention that other people will donate prizes to the drawing too. When it comes to prizes, you might offer things like gift cards, daily supplies, snacks, and so on. This can add even more than just a gift to the caregivers you’re trying to celebrate. It will also bring a bit of fun and anticipation to a rough year, which is a gift in itself. There are lots of ways to organize a drawing too, including online options that will do most of the work for you.

8. Gift Basket
Another great way to bring some joy to someone’s life is to offer them a gift basket. You can easily create a fun gift with a huge selection of items that all suit your budget. Some of the easiest items to add in are baked goods and other treats like candy. However, you might also consider putting in masks, inspirational messages, soaps, and more. There are lots of great ideas you can put into a basket, so if you’re having trouble planning it out then you might look for some ideas online. This will help you add even more creativity to your project while ensuring the recipient feels the love that you put into it.

9. Journals
It has been a very trying time for so many people over the past year. With Covid-19 taking over the nation, caregivers have been asked to go the extra mile in order to keep the country going. Everyone from hospital workers to nursing home caregivers had to take new measures to keep themselves and others healthy. This has taken a huge mental toll on many people. One way to actually help people out is to provide them with a journal. You can purchase journals in bulk, or you can make your own journal to offer inspirational quotes and more. Journaling will allow the recipient to blow off some steam while working to improve the way they process problems. It can be a huge asset for numerous people in the caregiving field.

10. Lend an Ear
If you have nothing to give, then one of the best things you can give is time and comfort. Being a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to can do more good than you will ever believe. Of course, if you’re going to volunteer to listen to others then you might utilize some tips to help you become the best listener possible. This will help you and the person you are listening to get more out of the conversation. If you have a friend that is a caregiver, you might have to reach out to them as many won’t want to burden others with what they are facing.

Caregiver Appreciation Day has always had a special meaning. However, it might mean even more to you this year. These ten ideas will help you to bring more comfort to the caregivers in your life while ensuring you show just how much you appreciate everything that they do.

Warm weather will be here soon, which means a lot more backyard adventures for your kids. It can be expensive trying to find the perfect toys for your backyard, but most kids really don’t need a lot of toys to entice their imagination when they are outside playing. These ten activities will help kids have the time of their lives in the wonderful spring weather while keeping up with your budget. With any luck, you will find it easier than ever to get your child outside and playing without having to bride or entice them to go out.

1. Mud Station
Most young children love to play out in the mud, which is why a mud station is a perfect way to satisfy this urge. You can easily make up a simple table using old household items, but if you want to go all out, you can make a complete mini kitchen for your little ones. There are lots of tutorials online to help you do this at a very minimal price, so make sure you have fun with your project. The mud station will allow children to create mud pies, sculptures, or simply a mess. The mud station can easily be hosed off so kids can use it again and again. It might actually help to keep some of the mess off of your child. Of course, you can also use an old apron to keep them slightly cleaner.

2. Stepping Stones
When building motor skills, one of the best ways to do this is to provide children with steppingstones. There are numerous options on the market right now, but they tend to be on the pricier side of the spectrum. Stepping stones are one of the easiest things to make at home though. You can cut old logs to create varying shapes and then secure them to the ground. You can also work with ceramics to mold your own stones. Apart from that, you will find that you can even make household items out of things you find around the house. For instance, an old bucket makes for a great leap upward, while a flat rock can be used to go from one obstacle to the next. You can even spice things up every time your child uses the stepping stones so they don’t grow accustomed to the movements.

3. Obstacle Course
Stepping stones aren’t the only thing you can add to your yard. You might consider making up an entire obstacle course. This will allow you to keep your kids active and excited about going outdoors. The obstacle course doesn’t have to be anything expensive either. You can use items you already have around the house including pool noodles and old tires. Your creativity is the limit with these challenges, which is what makes the obstacle course even more exciting. You can check out ideas online if you’re not sure how to focus your energy. However, after setting up a few obstacle courses, you may come up with ingenious ideas that you will want to share with the world too.

4. Sports
One of the easiest ways to keep kids active is to toss some sporting activities in the backyard. This is easily done as you can find sporting goods almost anywhere. One of the easiest setups is a simple basketball hoop. You can fasten a hoop to almost anything. Even if you don’t have a hard surface for bouncing the ball, kids can still shoot hoops and play games based around this. Another easy thing to add to the yard is soccer accessories. You can keep it simple with just a ball and some toys to use to mark the goal. You can also add a baseball mitt and baseball, a football, and other similar sports to the backyard. If you’re really feeling adventurous then you can create a space for badminton using a simple net. This can also be upcycled for volleyball games and more. If you really want to go all out, you can create games like pool noodle hockey or pool noodle baseball.

5. Bubble Games
If you have really small kids in the home, then you can’t go wrong when it comes to bubbles. You can do so much with bubbles too. There are lots of bubble toys you can enjoy like bubble mowers and bubble machines, but there are also many things you can make at home. For instance, you can toy around with making giant bubbles with different things from around the house. This can be a great science lesson too. Of course, if you’re not feeling very creative then you always just have fun blowing bubbles for the kids to play in or to blow themselves.

6. Giant Board Games
When it comes to family bonding, nothing says fun quite like board games. Board games offer an easy way to have fun for the entire family, but it is a little hard to play most board games outside, especially during the springtime. You can, on the other hand, make giant board games. They’re very simple to do and can help you have a little fun as you work together to recreate your favorite options. One of the most common giant games to make is Jenga. This game can be made from cardboard or scrap wood. You can also make giant scrabble pieces out of the same materials, which is perfect for early spellers. Other than that, you will find that checkers, or even chess, make great outdoor games for the whole family.

7. Scavenger Hunt
Kids love to look for treasure, which makes a scavenger hunt something that is easy and fun to do any day of the week. Look around your backyard and add some items on the list for your child to find. You can even find items to make the activity even more fun. For small children, you might want to print out pictures of the items they’re looking for while older children will thrive with fun clues. Scavenger hunts can be changed by the day too, which will allow you to easily keep kids busy all season long.

8. Chalk Fun
A lot of kids love to show off their creativity, which is one thing that makes chalk a lot of fun. Kids can enjoy drawing just about anything with a wide assortment of colors. You will also find that this activity is a great way to entice children to practice their name, alphabet, numbers, and early spelling. Chalk doesn’t have to be limited to drawing though. Kids can also play games using it. Hopscotch and Tic-Tac-Toe are only a few of the great chalk options. If you are low on ideas you can also look online to find everything that you need.

9. Cloud Watching
If you need a calming activity for your children, then cloud watching is definitely the way to go. This activity will help kids to slow down and admire the beauty of the sky. It will also help children to feel more confident about their creativity as they use their imagination to spot shapes in the clouds. Of course, as children work on cloud watching, they can easily turn around and draw their favorite shapes with chalk or inside on paper. You can even use cotton to create the images. This is a great time to inspire children to learn more about the various different types of clouds.

10. Climbing Wall
Kids that have a lot of energy will definitely benefit from a climbing wall. A climbing wall is perfect for even small spaces, which might be one of the biggest draws for this activity. There are many kits you can buy to make up a climbing wall too that aren’t very expensive, which is helpful if you’re on a budget. After you get the kit, all you need is something to place the items on, which might be your biggest issue. Of course, you can also turn the wall into a climbing tree, as the climbing pieces can easily be secured to a tree too. Climbing walls are a great way for kids to improve strength, problem-solving, and so much more while also getting in the exercise they need to be healthy.

Building up a wonderful backyard can bring a lot of happiness to your household. Of course, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to make the yard one of the best places for your children to play. These ten activities will help to bring plenty of childhood joy while allowing you to truly enjoy the fresh air in your own backyard.

With the current weather, it might be hard to believe that spring is right around the corner. However, in just a couple of weeks, everyone is going to be talking about the warmer temperatures and the newest fashion trends. If you’re a trendsetter, then you might want to stay ahead of the curve and begin creating your spring wardrobe right away. These ten ideas will help to give you a bit of an edge this season as you enjoy looking your best while showing off a bit of talent as you DIY some of your favorite looks to save on money.

1. Monochrome Colors
This season, monochrome colors are going to be one of the best options for you. Monochrome colors are very easy to achieve as well. If you don’t want to work with complementary colors, then you can always wear the same colors together. However, if you do like to use more than one color in your attire then there are lots of options available to you. You might start with sewing together colors for a nice monochrome color block design. This can help you keep things simple and minimalistic while also offering lots of fun to keep your look the envy of all of your friends.

2. Add Floss
Floss is one of the latest trends and is also one of the easiest to achieve. By floss, we don’t mean small threads that hang from your clothing. Rather, the floss will be slightly large and will hang from the clothing in various different places. Sometimes, it may even create a woven or netted appearance. More often than not, the floss can be created from old shirts or other fabrics that can be cut and sewn to a garment. Floss is perfect to add to the bottoms of tops, or in areas that have been cut from a top or bottom. The look of floss adds a bit of pizzazz to your style and will help you feel stunning as you take on the day.

3. Sparkle
This upcoming season, sparkle is going to be the way to go. One of the best ways to describe this trend is to simply turn yourself into a disco ball. You can achieve this look in many different ways though. One of the best ways is to simply add some sequences to your style. These are fairly simple to sew or glue onto clothing, so you can truly customize your look. However, you can also purchase fabrics that already have a sheen to them. Another option is to glue on rhinestones, small mirrors, and other accents to give your clothing the sparkle that you love.

4. Nets
Nets are going to be a huge part of this year’s spring and summer fashion scene. Although classic netted stockings are going to be a great option to work with this trend, you will also find that there are other options to choose from too. One of the most popular trends is to add netted items over your clothing. You may have a netted overlay for a dress or skirt. You can even add netting as sleeves for some of your clothing. This will definitely help you create a wonderful appearance that is easily made at home. On top of that, you can even add accessories to the mix, included netted purses. There are lots of tutorials to choose from, so you can pick your favorite types of netting and work with the material of your choice.

5. Stripes
Love them or hate them, stripes are going to be the way to go as you prepare your spring wardrobe. For most, there tends to be some form of stripe hanging out in the wardrobe even if it might get pushed to the back of the closet. This season is going to be all about owning the stripe though, so have fun with it. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with a horizontal, vertical, or even a diagonal stripe as there are plenty of great ways to keep your style fresh even if the stripes you own are from a few decades ago. You can also make your own stripes using different fabrics. This is a great way to build a skirt that suits your own personal style. Of course, if you really want to make your own striped clothes, there are lots of great ideas and tutorials to choose from.

6. Corset Top
If you’re looking for a more cat walk-friendly style then adding a corset to your look is going to keep you at the height of fashion this season. You can wear a corset in so many different ways too. On cooler days, pair it with a sleeved bodysuit or blouse for a vintage look that never goes out of style. If you’re looking for a trendier look then add a simple corset to your favorite bottoms. You can choose from classic Victorian corsets to simple black corsets that slim and create sheer elegance. This look even allows you to take it to a more formal level when you pair it with a flowing skirt of the same color.

7. Floor Length Styles
This season, elegance is definitely in style, which you will be able to see in the clothing that you choose. Most looks are going to offer bottoms that flow to the ground though. You have plenty of options to choose from here. For instance, if you go with a dress, whether it is formal or not, then you’re going to find many with long skirts. This makes it very easy to mimic the designs if you want to work on styles on your own. Of course, you can also pull off this effect if you choose to go with gaucho pants. These can easily be made with a pattern at home, but you can also find items to spice up in thrift stores.

8. Wide Pants
For the first time in a long time, skinny jeans aren’t at the height of fashion. This might be a shock to those that have skinny jeans for miles in their closet. This season, wider pants are going to take over. One of the most popular items is going to be bellbottoms, but you’ll find a huge selection of boot cut jeans, and jeans that are baggy and comfortable. However, when it comes to pants, the best thing you can do is find what works best for your body. If you prefer the look of skinny jeans, then rock it. You can learn all about finding the perfect pair of jeans for you online, which can save you some money if you don’t want to explore lots of options. If you do want to step away from skinny jeans, you can always alter the jeans that you currently have. Try cutting the seam at the bottom of your pants and adding flairs to improve your style. You can also add lots of patches and other fun designs to help you stand out.

9. Cut Out Styles
Moving in from autumn, cutouts are still going to be a great style to suit your needs. The best thing about cutouts is you can make them out of just about anything. If you have a top that needs new life then simply add some cutouts to improve on its beauty. You can cut out the neckline, side pieces, and so on. You can also do this with dresses, skirts, jeans, and almost anything in your wardrobe. Cut-outs are great for formal styles too as long as you carefully work with the item. Of course, you might want to check out some tutorials before you commit to making your own cut-out styles.

10. Cozy Hoodies/Jackets
You might be surprised to find out that cozy is in this season. One of the most fashionable things you can invest your money in for this spring is a hoodie. Don’t worry about a form-fitting option here, as the cozier the hoodie the better. Of course, hoodies aren’t the only option to suit your needs. You will also find that jackets will also cater to your fashion desires. Long raincoats, baggy coats, and simple designs with extra fluff are truly going to keep you looking great. With the pandemic still happening, the cozy look is going to be one of the best ways to show off your love of fashion.

You will find a huge selection of items to choose from this spring. The clothing is perfect to suit your budget while still allowing you to show off your creativity. On top of that, you will find a lot of the items on the list that are easy to make or already in your wardrobe, which will save you a lot of money as you transition into the new season.

Purim is a great holiday based around the community. However, this year, many people are trying to figure out how they can take the holiday up a notch because self-isolation rules are still in effect. Last Purim was taken a little off guard when things had to be suddenly canceled due to covid-19, but this year, there is more time to plan and make sure the holiday is amazing even though it still won’t be the same as previous years. These ten tips will help you enjoy the holiday with your family while keeping the spirit alive, and ensuring you get the full meaning out of your holiday.

1. DIY Costumes
One of the best ways to enjoy the holiday is to get dressed up, even if you’re not going to be able to go to a community event to show off your costumes. Instead of purchasing costumes or wearing older items, you might actually take some time to make a new costume. You can have the family sit down for half an hour to an hour each evening to start preparing a new costume. There are so many costume ideas that you can choose from too, so it is easy to make costumes from items found around the home. You can even find tutorials for numerous costumes online, which can definitely help out if your child wants to be something more complex.

2. Hand Puppets
Hand puppets tend to be a great part of the holiday that doesn’t have to be ignored due to the pandemic. If you don’t have hand puppets, or you would like to make new puppets then you might consider having some fun by making creating some unique characters. You can make them out of almost anything, which adds an even bigger element of fun to the mix. These puppets are particularly great when you make them out of items like recycling. Of course, if you have puppets already then, you’re set to create incredible shows with your kids or to simply sit back and watch their creativity flow. You can also share your child’s shows with family and friends through video calls or recordings that will help bring the excitement of the holiday to others.

3. Bake
There’s no doubt about it, baking is probably one of the best ways to enjoy just about any holiday. Purim is no different. This year, you might decide to bake some treats to spread some love to your friends and family. You might start by making baked goods from items that you have in your pantry to keep up with your budget. However, since you won’t be spending extra money on Purim items then you may find that you’re able to splurge a little here. When baking, make enough to put your goodies into gift baskets so you can share the love. However, if you don’t want to go overboard with baking then you can always just package up a couple of items together to leave at loved ones’ doorsteps.

4. Purim Stories
One of the best things about Purim is the stories behind the holiday. So, make sure to sit down with your children and tell the story of Purim so they can enjoy the holiday to its full meaning. If you’re not sure how to tell the story, or you want to make it more child friendly, then there are many great options when it comes to books. You can even find lists based on your child’s age group. The story of the holiday isn’t the only story to share with your children. You might talk about holidays from your past that meant something to you. Make sure to include relatives that your children show know about in order to better understand their history. This will allow you to give the holiday even more meaning.

5. Make Your Own Grogger
Groggers, or noisemakers, are a fun part of the holiday and most kids can’t get enough of them. You don’t have to spend a fortune to purchase groggers year after though. Rather, you can easily make your own grogger to help entertain children for hours. Groggers can be made out of just about anything. A more common option is to take a toilet roll and fill it with rice, beans, or anything that will make noise. Then close it up securely and decorate it to add to the festivities. There are lots of wonderful tutorials online though, so you can easily find a DIY grogger that works best for the supplies you have on hand, the age level of your child, and the style that you’re looking for.

6. Cook Together
One of the best elements of most holidays is the family feasts that we get to enjoy. This holiday, you might not be cooking in the kitchen with the elders of your family. This makes it a great time to bring your children into the kitchen to teach them the best recipes the family has to offer. Of course, you will want to customize the tasks based on your child’s age group. If you don’t have traditional recipes to choose from, then you might consider adding something new to the mix. This will allow you to easily find something exciting about the holiday. On the other hand, if you want to cook with the elders of your family then consider doing so on video chat. This will still give you the warmth of working together, even if you will be cooking meals in different kitchens. It will also offer you the chance of getting to learn recipes from others if they are willing to pass them down.

7. Donate to Charity
A large part of Purim is giving to those in need. If you are typically the type of person to go out and volunteer during this time, then you might not be able to do so during this year. Instead of volunteering, you might consider just donating to a charity. This will allow you to give back even if you prefer to see the good, you’re doing for yourself. If you don’t have a lot to give then don’t donate a lot. Every little bit helps. If this option doesn’t work for you then consider donating items. You can donate baskets of food and warm clothes to those that are homeless. You can also donate food and clothes to charities to help you give back as well.

8. Online Costume Party
Part of going out and enjoying Purim is showing off your costume. This year, you won’t be able to go to gatherings in synagogues or in the homes of others, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t show off your costume. If you really want to have a costume party then organize one online. It’s very easy to do on social media now. You can start a thread where everyone posts pictures or videos of their costumes and then those passing through the thread can upvote the costume they like. You can also just pick some judges ahead of time to look over the costumes. Of course, this is only one way to accomplish this. There are lots of ideas online if you’re looking around.

9. Crafts
One great aspect of Purim is all of the fun you can have with crafts. Sure, making groggers and puppets are great crafts that you probably won’t want to skip, but there is a lot more than you can create too. For starters, you can make décor for the home. There are lots of great ideas for this online, which will help you channel some creativity while allowing your kids to improve on skills. Another fun idea is to make storybooks. You can have kids draw pictures of the story of Purim, their favorite memories of Purim, and so on. There are a lot of options to choose from though, so get crafty and have fun. You may find hidden talents as you create works of art based on the holiday.

10. Stream Megillah Reading
Most people go to the synagogue for the Megillah reading each year. However, this year, you might not be able to enjoy this reading with others based on your state’s rules. Even if you can, you may have to deal with social distancing rules that might make you feel uncomfortable. There is an alternative though. There are many synagogues and religious leaders that are streaming the reading online. You can choose a reading from your own personal Rabbi, if available, or you can join others in listening to a live stream. You’ll have to do a little research to find the best option for you, but it will definitely help to complete the holiday without forcing you to feel like you’ve missed out.

This year, Purim doesn’t have to be a bust. Rather, you can take the holiday and transform it into something that your family can take joy in. Even though it might not have the same warm feelings as years past, you will still find that there is a joy to be had with your loved ones.

Going out on a date this Valentine’s Day might not be the wisest option. On top of that, you may find that the kids are missing out on giving Valentines to their friends at school. There are many ways that you can enjoy Valentine’s Day from the comfort of your home though. These ten tips will help you to find a touch of fun for your household, so you won’t feel like you’ve missed out on any love during this special occasion. These tips may even help you to save a little money, which is a Valentine’s Day gift in itself.

1. Make Crafts
Crafts are one of the best ways to share a little love with the people in your life. There are numerous Valentine’s Day crafts that you can make with your children based on their age levels. For little ones, you can take a toilet roll and place it in the shape of a heart. Then have children dip it in the paint for an easy print that shows off some love. Older children can easily make traditional Valentine’s or larger crafts using recyclables and craft supplies already found in the house. If you want to make gifts for adults, then there are also fun ideas online that will help you create office supplies, artwork, and so much more to help make the holiday memorable for everyone you gift to.

2. Cook Dinner Together
Another great way to share in the love is to cook dinner together. If you’re aiming for romance, then consider a meal that you might order on Valentine’s Day at a restaurant. This can be a great bonding experience, even if the meal is a little on the challenging side. If you need a little help with the meal, then consider purchasing a meal kit to help you out. Of course, having kids come into the kitchen to help can also be a fun way to make the occasion suitable for everyone while allowing the family to feel closer. You can even add special touches, like making strawberries look like roses for a little garnish that aims to please. There are lots of ideas online if you’re not sure where to go with a family friendly Valentine’s Day meal.

3. Themed Desserts
Dinner isn’t the only aspect of Valentine’s Day and for some, it certainly isn’t the best part. Themed desserts are one of the best ways to get the ball rolling on your holiday. You don’t even have to wait for dessert to enjoy these little treats. One of the most traditional items to make is chocolate-covered strawberries. This is as easy as purchasing dipping chocolate and heating it up before dipping your dessert inside. Of course, there are lots of other options too. If you’re looking for a more kid-friendly option, then you can make simple sugar cookies in a heart shape. Then, you can keep the kids entertained by letting them in decorating. There are also more decadent desserts you can try your hand at if you’re looking for a romantic dish that will impress.

4. Digital Dates
If you’re single and hoping to do a little dating on Valentine’s Day then all hope isn’t lost. Rather, you can enjoy one of many new services that have popped up due to Covid-19. That service is, of course, digital dating. Many of the major dating websites have come up with a new way to match people. Then, after the text-based conversation, you can video call the person if you’re feeling comfortable with it. This can definitely make dating interesting as you are based on a conversation almost entirely. You also don’t have to worry about the cost of going out or anything like that. This form of dating can be a great way to break the ice while allowing you to enjoy getting to know someone on a totally different playing field.

5. DIY gifts
If you’d like to give gifts this year, but you are low on budget or you don’t want to go out shopping, then one of the best things you can do is make something. There are so many cool things you can craft for Valentine’s Day that it might be hard for you to make a decision. If you’re crafty, then you can make a traditional Valentine’s Day card. However, you can go to the next level by crafting a whole gift basket. If words are your thing, then write a poem or take it up a notch with a book of poems. Great at drawing? Create a masterpiece that the recipient will adore. You can even keep it simple by making a playlist online or going old school and burning it to a CD. It’s all up to you, but there are so many ideas floating around online that you’re certain to find something incredible.

6. Romantic Walk
If you’re low on date ideas and you don’t want to go out then a romantic walk might be the best way to go. A walk can be the perfect time for you to connect as a couple. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and chat. If you’re just beginning to date then this is the perfect time to get to know the other person. However, if you’re in an established relationship then this is a great time to catch up with your partner or talk about future goals. A walk is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and get a little exercise too, which will definitely make you and your partner feel happier, especially if you’re primarily social distancing at home.

7. Movie Marathon
When it comes to dates, one of the classic options is going to the movie theater. However, this isn’t currently safe and social distancing might make the experience frustrating anyway. You can still enjoy the comfort of movies in the safety of your own home. If you don’t mind spending money, there are many movies that are currently playing in the theater that can easily be rented at home. If you’re not into spending money, then do a movie marathon on your favorite streaming service. There are many options to choose from, so make sure you pick something you will both like or try something new. It will definitely make it more fun for you to bond and enjoy your time together.

8. Recreate the First Date
Established relationships might find it hard to find fresh and exciting ideas for Valentine’s Day. This doesn’t mean things can’t be fun though. Instead of trying to find something new to do, you might consider recreating your first date. This might not be easy, but there are lots of great hacks you can do to help you pull off the date. If you went to a prominent restaurant, you might be able to find copycat recipes that will help you get the same feel. As far as décor goes, you might try to decorate based on memory, but try to use items you already have sitting around to help you save money.

9. Memory Book
A memory book can actually play a few roles for Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for an easy gift to make for someone, then a memory book is one of the best routes to go. You can actually order them online, but if you print out pictures yourself then you can decorate and enjoy the process of making the book. However, a memory book can actually be a great date as well. You and your Valentine can pick out the photos you want to use, share in the stories, and even add fun decorations to the book. This can become a great keepsake when you look back on the tough times that the past year has brought.

10. At-Home Spa
Times are tough, which makes an at-home spa one of the best things that you can make for your special someone. It can also be a great gift to offer for the two of you to bond together. You’re obviously not going to be able to get the professional massage or some of the other options you would get at a regular spa. However, you can give each other a massage. You can also play relaxing music, use spa-inspired products, and spend your day completely relaxing. If you can, enjoy spa products you already have at home and you’ll be on the right track to saving, but there are also many options you can make at home too.

These tips will help to create a Valentine’s Day that is rewarding and enjoyable around your needs. You might even be able to forget all about the long lines in restaurants due to the lack of space or the fact that you can’t enjoy typical date night activities. This should help you find even more to enjoy about the holiday without forcing you to spend a fortune.

Wedding season is on its way, but with the current circumstances, you might not want to go the traditional route. A lot of people are putting off weddings until covid-19 is under control, but if you are tired of waiting then there are many options that you can enjoy. These ten ideas will help you to embrace the joy of your wedding while staying safe. Best of all, many of the options will even help you to save some money, so you can easily get even more out of your wedding, even if it isn’t what you expected.

1. Go Digital
We’re lucky to be a part of an age when we can do so many things online. Luckily, we have the technology to enjoy live streaming, video calls, and so much more. So, make sure to utilize all of the technology you can when it comes to your wedding. If you really want a wonderful wedding, then decorate your apartment as you would your venue. Find the dress or tux that you want, or dress up any way that you please. If you don’t want an audience, then video call with an officiant and enjoy your simple wedding. However, you can still have a video call session that includes close family and friends. If you want to let more people experience your wedding, then you can do a live stream. Online weddings are now totally
legal, so you can utilize this method to still have a little fun and create wonderful memories.

2. Go Tiny
If you would prefer to have an actual wedding, then you might just consider going tiny. Cut down on your guest list to the bare minimum to ensure that everyone is able to stay while there. When you set up your wedding, make sure that seats are six feet or more apart. You will need to set up hand sanitizing stations to ensure everything is ready to go for people to stay safe while there. Apart from that, you will still need to enforce a mask rule, especially if there are going to be elderly guests at the wedding. Limiting food, beverages, activities, and more will allow you to easily keep others safe as well. You may have to search around to find a venue though as well as caterers and entertainment.

3. Use Your Home
Instead of going through the entire ordeal of booking venues and dealing with cleaning restrictions and more, you might consider using your home. This will give you a more controlled experience that will help you to feel more confident about your wedding. The best place for your wedding is the yard, as it will help to keep people safe as they social distance in the fresh air. So, you might want to plan around the weather if you can. Having your wedding at home will allow you to easily get ready for the day in comfort while also ensuring your guests will have the refreshments they need and the ability to maintain hygiene with ease.

4. Skip the Reception
Although you might not like the idea of skipping your reception, for now, it might be the best option. A reception can be a very pricey thing and might increase the chance of your guests being exposed to covid-19. Skipping the reception will still allow everyone to see you get married but won’t force people to stay behind for food. It also won’t force you to enforce masks, sanitizing, and six feet apart standards, which can be incredibly hard to do in certain situations. If you’re really upset about the lack of reception, you can always host a large party when the covid-19 restrictions have been lifted and you can enjoy the company of others.

5. Plan the Honeymoon
Instead of actually going on a honeymoon, you might spend your time planning out the honeymoon you’ve always dreamed of. Going on a honeymoon now will restrict you quite a bit, which might force you to regret taking the honeymoon. However, if you go later, you’ll have a better idea of what you want to do, more freedom to enjoy activities, and you’ll have plenty of time to save up to make your honeymoon more of a possibility. It can still be a lot of fun to sit down and plan out your honeymoon. You can look at tour guides, local recommendations, or even tour the area via virtual tours and maps.

6. Couple’s Dinner
If you’re not feeling a reception or any kind of celebratory event with others, then don’t do it. During this day and age, you’re probably better off keeping your wedding as intimate as possible. One of the best ways to celebrate together is to splurge on a special meal. You can easily order something from your favorite restaurant or something new and fancy. You can also cook together for an exciting activity that will make the day all the more impressive. Once you have the meal picked out, set up the atmosphere. This will help to add a touch of romantic fun to your life.

7. Digital Dance Off
Giving up the reception doesn’t mean that you have to ditch the fun. Instead of hosting your big party at a venue, have everyone get together for a digital dance-off. You can start a video call, live stream, or come up with another option to get the ball rolling. Of course, you will want to let people know about the activity well beforehand so they can plan to dress up and have some fun with you. If you’re at a loss of how to do this or even how to decorate, there are a lot of fun videos of prom dance-offs that will make you feel inspired that your big dad will be amazing.

8. Cut Back on Traditional Budget
Let’s face it, things aren’t normal. So, having a traditional wedding might not seem wise to you. It’s okay to cut back on the traditional elements of your wedding, especially if you’re trying to reduce your budget. One of the easiest things to cut back on is clothing. If you don’t really want to skip the big, expensive dress or pricey tux. Try to pick something simple and comfortable. You might also scale back on the décor you choose. Perhaps, you might stick with just a bouquet, instead of filling the room with flowers. All of this will help significantly reduce your budget while still allowing you to enjoy yourself.

9. Virtual Wedding Shower
One major part of having a wedding is also having a wedding shower. Many people are skipping out on the showers because they don’t think that they can safely have them. However, going virtual will allow you to have some fun while allowing you to get the things you need for your household. To begin with, simply sign up for a wedding registry and let friends and family send gifts to your home. Save them up and open them on a group video call or a live stream. Opening gifts isn’t the only way to go through. You can also host games and allow people to win prizes. This can help bring a sense of community while allowing you to have fun.

10. Courthouse
A lot of people get married at the courthouse each year. It is easy, cheap, and convenient, which will allow you to easily get what you need. The courthouse probably is going to offer space for a lot of guests right now, but you can probably have a witness. You should call your unique courthouse to check on this first though. Once you schedule your date for the courthouse, make plans to stream your wedding. You can also take the time to write your own vows to come up with a more romantic way to enjoy the wedding.

You don’t have to put off getting married even though we’re living in a world of self-isolation. These tips will help you make the right choices for your wedding, so you can truly get what you want. All of these ideas will also go easy on your budget, which is definitely going to help you out.

Mardi Gras will be here before we know it and if we’re not careful it will be another holiday that has come and gone without a whole lot of celebration. With COVID-19 predictions bad for the upcoming weeks, it might be wise to plan your holiday around staying at home or in a small group of people. This can be an easy way to save money though, which might help you out all the more. These ten tips will get you on the right track, so you can enjoy Mardi Gras even though there are still restrictions in place.

1. Louisiana Cooking
One of the easiest ways to enjoy Mardi Gras is to try out some Louisiana cuisine. If you already know how to make a few of your favorite dishes, then have some fun with it. However, if you’re new to the cuisine then you may want to check out some recipes and tutorial videos. Some of the more common things to try out during this time are gumbo, po’boys, and beignets. Luckily, you can customize these dishes to suit your budget, so you don’t end up going overboard. If you’re feeding a large family then gumbo is the way to go as it will provide you with an abundance of food for very little. It is also a hearty and warm food that is perfect for cold days. Of course, you can always dig deeper and try out recipes that aren’t as popular.

2. King’s Cake
Another big part of the Mari Gras celebration is the King’s Cake. This cake is a colorful and fun way to celebrate the holiday while bringing a little tradition to your party. The King’s Cake may look difficult to make, but it can be fairly simple if you check out some tutorials online before you get started. The important thing about the cake is to make sure the baby or trinket that you place in the cake won’t melt away. When you finish making this treat, not only will it look amazing, but it will make the whole house smell great too. Remember, when you slice into the cake, the person that gets the baby or trinket has good luck for the year.

3. Online Costume Competition
Dressing up is part of the fun of Mardi Gras and shouldn’t be disregarded just because you can’t go out to show off your brilliant costume. Instead of putting this part of the holiday on the back burner, you might want to consider coming up with a fun costume that you will make your holiday experience all the better. If you still want to show off your design, then host an online costume competition. Everyone can post pictures or videos on their costume in the comment section of your competition post. Then, people on your page can vote for the looks they like the most. If you prefer to keep things close-knit, then have your competition in a small video chat. This will definitely help to add to the fun of your holiday experience.

4. DIY Masks
If you don’t want to spend money on a costume, then making your own mask is the perfect way to go. You can make a mask out of almost anything so you can cater to your skills and the materials that you already have on hand. One of the best ways to make a mask for next to nothing is by using paper mache. This method will require glue, water, newspaper, and paint while giving you total freedom when it comes to creativity. If you have ceramics on hand and are skilled in this method, then this is the best way to go. However, if you want to keep things simple and cheap, then you can always print out a mask. If you have cardboard or cardstock on hand, then you can always glue the mask you print out to that. Add a string to tie to your face or use a popsicle to hold the mask up.

5. Decorate
One of the best parts of Mardi Gras is the decorations. There are so many great things that you can show off that will shimmer and add to all of the fun of your home. If you already have décor, then go wild with your decorations. If you don’t, then you might shop online for clearance items. You can also create Mardi Gras inspired crafts for next to nothing. There are lots of ideas online to choose from, which can make it much easier for you to plan the things that you love. You can even leave up the Mardi Gras décor for quite some time as it will definitely lift your mood with all of its sparkle and striking colors.

6. Dance
Mardi Gras is the perfect time to channel your creativity and move your body. Dancing is a major part of the holiday as many people actually take to the streets to dance and enjoy. You obviously can’t do this safely, but you can play your favorite music and enjoy the celebration. If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to music, then there are so many amazing playlists to choose from. You can easily start here and learn a lot about the music based on the holiday and more. You may even find some awesome new favorites that you’ll want to dance to throughout the year. You might discover some traditional dances if you look hard enough online.

7. Themed Drinks
Alcohol and Mardi Gras tends to go hand in hand, but going to a bar might not be wise on this holiday. Instead of going out, you might consider putting your money to good use by purchasing beer based in Louisiana. There are lots of options to choose from, so you might check out reviews and look around to see what is typically served during the holiday. If beer isn’t your thing then consider making themed mixed drinks. You can check out recipes online or come up with your own drink. You may even consider decorating the drinks to add a whole new level of fun to the drinks. If you don’t want to spend money on alcohol, then consider the virgin options of your favorite drinks.

8. Block Party
You don’t have to go it alone during the holiday. If you’re used to huge celebrations, then consider bringing the holiday to your community. You might send a memo to your neighbors to see if anyone is interested in having a block party. If everyone stays on their own lawn and wears a mask, then it should be safe. You can play music, dance, laugh, and enjoy having the company of others. You might even consider having competitions for costumes and décor. It might not be your normal block party or Mardi Gras experience, but you’re still bound to have some fun while connecting with others.

9. Mardi Gras Live
If you’re missing out on the fun in your neck of the woods, then don’t fret. You can actually watch the Mardi Gras celebration live. It might not be the same as years’ past, but it will still be an experience that you will definitely want to enjoy. Mardi Gras Live can be found online, but you will also have access to lots of other online experiences too. Your city may even do its own online show which can help you keep in touch with your own community. This will give you the opportunity to have some fun while still staying home and safe.

10. Learn About Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is one of those holidays that is a lot of fun to celebrate. However, not a lot of people know the meaning behind the holiday. So, if you’re stuck at home this year, you might take the time to learn about the holiday. There are actually many different elements of the story you can check out too. Some are religious, some involve royal parties, and others are deep in Louisiana lore. You might find some documentaries on the holiday, but there are lots of websites and books dedicated to the holiday to help you find the answers you’re seeking.

Mardi Gras is the perfect holiday for blowing off some steam and enjoying life. These ten tips will help you find all of the amazing ways you can celebrate from the safety of your home. So, don’t miss out on this holiday, because it is definitely going to make your life a lot more fun.

Chinese New Year is meant to be a time for family reunions and fun. However, this year, things might look a little different as social distancing orders are still in effect around the globe. This doesn’t mean you have to give up your Spring Festival celebration though. Rather, there are numerous activities that can be enjoyed at home that are actually traditionally a part of the Lunar New Year celebration. So, whether you celebrate the holiday every year, or you’re just learning about it this year, you will find something spectacular to enjoy with these ten tips.

1. Clean Up
There’s no doubt about it, cleaning up your home is a great way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Of course, if you didn’t already know, this is part of the holiday anyway. Usually, people begin to clean up their home a week or so before the festival begins. This is a really great time to deep clean, as the tradition says that starting the new year out with a clean home will bring you luck. This is a great time to deep clean anyway with the virus still causing numerous people to fall ill. A deep clean will allow you to easily just maintain the home, which will save you time and energy. Plus, cleaning can leave you with a sense of fulfillment, which is always a great way to begin a new chapter.

2. Online Shopping
Shopping is another big part of the Spring Festival. This doesn’t mean you should go crazy shopping, nor does it mean you should deplete your budget for the celebration. However, it is tradition to start the new year off in new clothing. So, you might find some sales on clothing to suit your needs. Even though shopping is a part of the festival, it doesn’t mean you should go out and shop. If you can, keep your shopping to online. This will help cut back on the spread of coronavirus. There should also be lots of coupon codes to help make celebrating the holiday even more fun.

3. Decorate
Decorating can be one of the best aspects of the holiday. Not only does it allow you to show off some creativity, but it will give a sense of normal to the holiday too. You might start by pulling out the décor that you would normally put up. However, after you have everything up and ready to go, you might consider making a few new decorations. You can make just about anything that strikes your fancy. One simple option is a lantern, as these always look great and can be a lot of fun to hang in various places. Apart from that, you will find that there are printouts you can put up or calligraphy you can try. There are items you can purchase too but try to keep things frugal. Simply putting up decorations will help bring a more festive vibe to the day, which will definitely improve how you feel.

4. Celebrate Ancestors
One major part of the holiday is to actually celebrate your ancestors. Since the holiday is all about the reunion, this can be one of the most important elements when you can’t actually spend time with family that isn’t in your bubble. One of the easiest ways to celebrate your ancestors is to share stories and pictures about them with the next generation. However, you can easily take the conversation online to draw in the rest of your family. You might also participate in activities that they loved, eat their favorite foods, and so on. This will certainly help you feel a better connection during the festival, which is important.

5. Virtual Dinner
Sharing a meal with your family is an important part of the holiday, which is going to be one of the hardest aspects of the holiday since many people can’t be with their family. One of the easiest things you can do to remedy this problem is to have a virtual dinner party. Everyone can whip up their traditional meals and then log in to a family group chat. This will allow each person to enjoy the company of their family while still keeping things safe. Of course, this might not be the ideal way to share a meal with others, but it is a simple way to remedy the issue of missing out on some of the joy of eating with your loved ones.

6. Learn to Make Traditional Foods
Traditional foods are one of the best aspects of the Spring Festival. You can try to make all sorts of dishes like longevity noodles, braised meats, and so on. However, one of the most popular items to make is dumplings. You can make all sorts of dumplings too, as long as you get the technique down. Dumplings can be a bit tough though if you haven’t been taught how to make them, so you might start by watching some tutorials. There are even online cooking classes that can help you find your way. After the holiday, you might find that you added something amazing to your meal which will definitely allow you to improve your meal plans.

7. Order In
Cooking new foods can be a challenge. Cooking time-consuming foods can be a challenge with your busy lifestyle. So, if learning to make traditional foods isn’t on your cards then you might consider ordering take out. You might try to find a Chinese restaurant in your area that you haven’t tried or even just one that you absolutely love. If you’d like to order special items for the holiday, then you might want to call up the restaurant to see what they recommend. During this period of time, ordering from a restaurant can be one of the best things you can do as you might be helping to keep a business afloat.

8. Watch the Gala
The Spring Festival Gala is one of the biggest traditions in China. This show is a lot like the New Year countdowns in the United States but offers more traditional ways of celebrating. You will find singing, dancing, plays, and so much more when you watch the gala. If you’re not living in China, then there are a few things you can do to watch the gala. There are lots of past productions streaming online, so you can check those out. You can also find the gala streaming on some websites. You will have to do a little bit of research though or ask around to see where everyone else watches the gala.

9. Digital Red Envelopes
Red Envelopes are a major part of the holiday. It is customary for the elders of the family to pass on red envelopes to the children. However, in this day and age, it might not be wise for this to happen. So, you may consider looking up ways to send red envelopes online. There are some programs that follow this inspiration, but you can also keep it simple by sending money through common services like Paypal, Venmo, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. This can help keep the spirit of the holiday going without forcing you to deal with snail mail or put yourself in danger.

10. Celebrate the Ox
2021 is the year of the Ox, which will definitely bring some excitement to your home. In order to celebrate the Ox, you might go over the story of the Chinese New Year, so you can learn more about the animal. You can also lookup some of the characteristics surrounding the animal. Once you have a basis of the year, then celebrate with making crafts. There are so many available that you can get the whole family in on the fun. These crafts can also be used as decorations, which will add even more to the holiday.

The Spring Festival is a great time to enjoy celebrating a new year. Although this holiday can’t technically be enjoyed the same way it normally is, these ten tips will still help you get quite a bit more out of the celebration. This will ensure you have some fun, while learning more about the lunar new year.

Super Bowl Sunday is on its way and many people aren’t exactly sure how to navigate a year without tailgating, in-person games, and game day parties. So, navigating the Super Bowl might be a tough event for some people, especially if you’re still craving the experience that you’ve had year in and year out. There are many things you can do to make the big event feel a little more normal though. Luckily, these tips won’t put pressure on your budget either, so you can easily save money this season to make your next big bash amazing.

1. Get Artistic
The Super Bowl is one of those events where you can really put your heart and soul into the creativity of your food. From stadiums made of food to unique dishes shaped like football gear, this event opens up the gates of creativity. Since you won’t be feeding a large group this year, then you might want to consider putting more detail into the food, so you get the same rewarding feeling. This probably won’t be more time consuming than cooking large portions of food, so you won’t sacrifice anything time-wise. You can even post pictures of your food online to share with other people. If you’re feeling the competitive spirit, then call out friends and family to post their pictures for an online competition that people can vote on.

2. Watch Party
Just because you can’t have visitors for the big game, doesn’t mean you have to watch alone. If you’re craving social interactions, then create a digital watch party. This can be a lot of fun, especially with many chat programs offering a wide variety of background options to add to the experience. Setting up a call with a few different households is very easy and will allow everyone to react to the game together as if you were there in person. Of course, you can also do a live stream if you’re feeling like sharing commentary to those that you would normally chat with during the game. This can make the experience a little less lonely, which is certain to bring more joy to the event, even if your team doesn’t win.

3. Online Predictions
A lot of people love to make predictions of the game, especially during a party. This is a little hard to do on your own, so if you want the game day experience then start a thread on social media or create a group text to help everyone put in their predictions. This can be a fun way to engage people throughout the event, which will create a more communal experience that will help bring you value. You can even add fun prizes to the mix like someone cooks dinner for someone else and delivers to their door and so on. This can add so much more fun to your game that you might even consider doing it even when you can get a party going.

4. Drinking Games
If you’re used to having adult parties then drinking might be a normal part of the game for you. It’s hard to enjoy some of the elements of drinking without an assortment of people surrounding you, but there are ways to include everyone during the game. One way to do this is drinking games. For instance, you can ask everyone to take a drink when one person scores or a coach yells, and so on. There are already many Super Bowl themed drinking games available to you, so if you don’t want to come up with rules of your own you can work from there. These games can be shared with friends as you enjoy a group video call or simply communicate with each other through text.

5. Decorate
Decorations are great when you’re hosting people, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from the décor this year. In fact, you might want to add even more to make your own all the more festive. Take your decorations onto the lawn, place them in the living room and kitchen, and so on. If you don’t have a lot, then use your spare time to create some from items that you have at home. This will definitely make it easy for you to have some fun while making your self-isolation quarantine party all the more fun. You can even get the kids in on the crafts as they can make banners and more to help ease some of the boredom from having to stay home.

6. Traditional Snacks
Snacks are truly one of the best things about the Super Bowl. A lot of people love to go all out with foods they wouldn’t normally make. So, don’t skimp this year. If you really want to add some fun to the occasion, then whip up some of your favorite tailgating snacks. You can grill, smoke, or fry some of your favorite meats and vegetables as if you were heading to the game with friends. Another way to approach snacks is to add items to the menu that you would typically choose at the stadium. Add that hot dog to the menu, whip up some soft pretzels, or keep it simple with popcorn. Whatever you like to have at the game, make it. This will make the experience feel more authentic while still keeping your budget down. You can find authentic recipes online too, which will definitely make your life easier.

7. Embrace Half Time
Half time is one of the most popular aspects of the Super Bowl. If you’re not a fan of the halftime show or you tend to use the time to make snacks and whatnot, then you might try to sit down and watch it this year. This will allow you to fully embrace the Super Bowl while you don’t have guests to entertain. When you do watch the halftime show, make sure you have some fun with it. Get up and dance, sing along, cheer with crowds. Whatever it is you need to have some fun, you should do it.

8. Neighborhood Watch Party
Getting to enjoy some social interaction doesn’t have to only involve screens. If you have a close-knit community, then you might consider asking everyone to have a block party. As long as everyone stays in their own yard and wears a mask for safety then it should be a lot of fun. You can watch the game using a projector screen, or simply have everyone watch from their own devices. You might consider cooking out, chatting, or even playing football together. As long as you take safety precautions, like wearing gloves while playing football, then you should be fine.

9. Small Gathering
If you have a group of people in your bubble, then you might still be able to enjoy a small gathering. However, you always need to keep the rules in mind when you host such an event. For instance, you shouldn’t have more than ten people at your gathering, this does include the people already in your home. You should also have seating that is spread out to ensure you are comfortable while still maintaining safety. Sanitizing should be frequently done as well to ensure the health of everyone. Always use utensils when dishing out snacks as well. It is not safe for people to eat from the same dip bowl. Also, try to keep the get-together to strictly people in your bubble. Your bubble consists of people that are also social distancing, but also those you come in contact with frequently. For some, it will be family, for others it will be colleagues.

10. Encourage Kids
A lot of the time, the Super Bowl tends to be more about the adults. So, this year, you might take a step back from your own celebrations and instead enjoy spending time with the kids. You can tell your kids about the two teams playing, explain the rules to them, help them cheer on a team, and so on. You never know, you might be helping your kids to become lifelong fans. You also might create a new way for you to bond with the kids. With all of the other people away from your space during the event, the Super Bowl event may even take on new meaning, which will allow you to pass down some of your childhood football traditions on to your kids.

Although the Super Bowl might look very different this year, you will find that there are lots of ways to still have fun with it. Some of these tips may even give off the illusions of normal even though we are still having to take extra precautions to stay safe. So, sit back and enjoy the Super Bowl, you may find even more reason to celebrate when you try out something new this year.

National Inventor’s Day is a great time to celebrate the inventors that have helped to shape the world that we live in. However, it is also the perfect time to celebrate the inventors of the future. This generation of children and young adults are going to make great waves as they grow and discover more about the world. These ten tips will help you to support the young inventor in your life so you can easily allow them to boost their knowledge without breaking the bank to do so. These tips will help keep young minds engaged and excited about learning, while also allowing you to take part in the experience.

1. Encourage Questions
One of the easiest and cheapest things that you can do is encourage questions whenever you can. If your child is asking about something, don’t shut them down, even if they’re on the fiftieth why the question of the day. Instead of dismissing questions, answer them if you can. If you can’t then you might consider looking up the information or going on a search for the information with your child. As they grow older, then it is important to offer them the tools needed to help find the information they need. From going to the library to looking up factual information online, this can be one of the best resources to help them thrive.

2. Science Experiments
When it comes to encouraging inventors, offering science experiments is one of the best ways to get active minds running. Whether you’re homeschooling or just trying to keep kids busy on weekends, there are tons of fun activities you can bring to your child’s life. You might start by looking around online for ideas that might spark your child’s interests. There are actually a lot of great projects you can do with items that can be found around the house. However, if your student is more advanced then you might want to branch out. There are lots of amazing kits you can find online that can help further your child’s knowledge in the field of their interest while also inspiring them to create their own experiments. You might also allow your child to take things apart in the name of science. This is one of the best things any young inventor can do in order to gain a better understanding of the things around them.

3. Documentaries
Documentaries can be a very powerful tool when it comes to your child’s education in the field of science. There are so many great documentaries to choose from that talk about just about any topic your child could possibly be interested in. Some documentaries will cover inventions, while others will help children learn the science needed to get to where they need to be. Of course, there are also many documentaries that are also based on inventors. This can help children find the inspiration they need to fully reach their goals in life.

4. Online Classes
With everything currently going on in the world, there are numerous online classes that you can enroll your child in. Many of these classes are actually specified in the field of your child’s interests which can help them feel happier about their field of choice. You can easily find classes that are age-appropriate as well, which can make it much easier for you to truly immerse your child in the world of science and inventions even before they learn to read. Some of these classes are even based around some of your child’s favorite toys like LEGOs. Although many of these classes cover everything your child needs, occasionally you might have to purchase extra kits. However, most of the time, you’ll have a class that is cheap and a short duration, which will suit your budget and your child’s attention span.

5. Science Kits
There are so many educational kits to take in now that you might actually have a hard time deciding which is best for your child. So, when you look for a science kit, you might take quite a few things into consideration before you shop. One of the most important things to consider is the age group of the kit. However, for older children, you might also consider if it will be challenging enough for your child if they tend to be advanced in the field of science. Some kits will also come as a subscription, which may or may not work for you. Looking at reviews will also help you to choose which kits will work best for you.

6. Field Trips
Field trips are one of the best ways for your child to get a hands-on learning experience in a stimulating environment. Field trips can take place in a manner of ways. For instance, you can go to a science museum or any museum that offers information on inventions or inventors from the past. You can also check out aviation museums or anything that is inspired by innovation. Nature is also a great way to enjoy inspiration for inventors, especially if you pose problems that they can solve while they’re out in nature. If self-isolation restrictions are keeping you at home then branch out. You can explore a number of museums at home. Some locations even give out supply bags to students, so they can do fun projects at home. Often, you’ll have to pay shipping for these items, and some museums might also charge a small fee for some of the supplies.

7. Trips to the Library
With anything, the library is a great resource for anyone. Young inventors are definitely going to get a lot out of a trip to the library. There, you will be able to find amazing books on science and inventors. You may even find books with projects inside that will help your child explore many different projects to help them learn and grow. There are also many books about inventors, which can also help children find role models that help them achieve their dreams. Some libraries also offer STEM based classes, which will allow your child to meet other young scientists while learning and enjoying what it means to be an inventor.

8. Recycle
Your recycling can be one of the best resources for a young inventor. Even though it might look like garbage, your child’s creativity will transform it into space suits, robots, and anything else that comes to their little minds. They may also start to transform these materials into small projects that actually function. Your recycling can also be electronics that no longer work. Allowing children to take them apart and explore how they function is a great way to help them learn and grow in their roles as inventors.

9. Competitions
If your child is already working towards becoming an inventor, then encourage them to join as many competitions as they possibly can. Competitions might revolve around children being given a series of instructions then asked to design something from there, or it might allow your child to showcase an invention that they have already made. Some competitions will even include battling robots or using coding to race machines. There’s a lot of fun to be had with competitions, but if your child stands out in these competitions, they can earn cash prizes as well as scholarships.

10. Scholarships
One of the most important things you can help your child with is scholarships. Whether if you’re looking to help finance college or you’re trying to help your child get into a special camp, scholarships can be a great way to make an inventor feel whole. There are lots of resources when it comes to scholarships though, so you won’t have to dig deep to find what you’re looking for. There are many ways your inventor can get a scholarship too. Some are based on grades, some will require essays, and some will even require your student to show off an invention. So, make sure you are prepared to help put in a little work as your inventor works towards making dreams come true.

Without inventors, we wouldn’t have so many of the luxuries or conveniences that we have in life. So National Inventor’s Day is a great way to celebrate those that are looking to join this honorable profession. This holiday might become one of your favorite days to celebrate, especially as you watch the inventor in your life advance.

If you’re celebrating Veganuary this year, then you might be running out of recipes that will keep you living a frugal lifestyle. Often, vegan recipes tend to include expensive ingredients that aren’t exactly something the average household can keep up with. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing recipes online that will suit your taste buds while helping you to stick to your vegan commitment this month. These ten ideas will play on your favorite comfort foods while keeping your budget flourishing.

1. Veggie Burgers
One of the easiest ways to satisfy your appetite on a budget is to simply whip up veggie burgers. When it comes to burgers, being vegan is incredibly easy because there are so many options to choose from. You might start with using store-bought patties or even working with items like Impossible Meat to help you feel more like you’re enjoying that burger feel. However, there are also numerous options to choose from when it comes to making your own patties. You can make everything from potato to chickpea burgers, which can help give you variety while also allowing you to enjoy more nutrients throughout the week. You can dress up your burger with almost anything too, which can help improve variety all the more.

2. One Pot Pasta
When it comes to busy nights, one of the best things you can do for a meal is a one-pot pasta. This also allows you to have a little fun with your meals as you can truly whip up a huge selection of dishes to make sure your taste buds don’t get bored. One-pot pasta is notoriously great because they allow you to whip up full meals with items that you just have sitting around in your refrigerator. Even if you’re craving creamy or cheesy elements, you can still swap things up with nutritional yeast and alternative milk to help you get the same feel. It doesn’t matter what you add in or what pasta you use, as it will help to make Veganuary feel a little less like a challenge and a little more like your normal routine. You may even find that you enjoy making these pasta so much that you can easily bring them into your regular schedule.

3. Soup
One of the best things you can do is make a soup when you’re not feeling any inspiration coming your way. This menu item can warm the soul and is especially comforting during the cold winter days. The best thing about soup is you can follow a recipe or completely reinvent something. For instance, when it comes to soup, you can toss some veggies in with the broth and you’ve got a treat that everyone will eat. You can also use alternative milk and nutritional yeast to get a cheesy flavor that is great for loaded potato soup. All in all, soup is easily thrown in a crockpot and forgotten, which makes it one of the easiest things you can make when you are worn out. There are tons of soup recipes to explore online too, so have fun with it. Plus, you can pair it with a sandwich of your choice to truly make the meal complete.

4. Stir Fry
When you’re craving something a little more Asian inspired then stir fry is a great direction to go in. This delicious meal can incorporate so many different things too. From tofu and eggplant to green onion and bell pepper, you can totally make your own stir fry without spending a small fortune. The best thing about stir fry is you can use a variety of sauces to truly cater to your needs. Of course, when it comes to stirfry, you also get to choose between noodles and rice, which can help cater to your budget all the more. This dish is simple to make for one or a whole party of people too, which can make your entertainment budget drop immensely. You may even tempt some of the pickier eaters in the household to try out this dish, which could help lead your whole family to healthier choices.

5. Burritos
Nothing says delicious quite like a nice burrito to feel you up. You don’t have to give up on burritos just because you’re not eating meat for a month though. In fact, some of the best burritos actually have vegetables, which makes it a lot of fun to experiment. Of course, the classic option to enjoy is a bean burrito, but if you’re looking to try something new then toy around with other forms of protein. You can also add as many veggies as you like to give it a fresh and enjoyable flavor that can’t be denied. Other than that, you can skip out on the burrito altogether and cut calories by enjoying a burrito bowl. Add some guacamole and you’ll be on the right track to eating right without having to pay extra from a restaurant.

6. Barbecue Sandwiches
If you’re really struggling to get through Veganuary without meat, then a barbecue sandwich might be your best way to enjoy the flavors and textures that you’ve been missing out on. You can enjoy a barbecue sandwich in many different ways. However, one of the methods that will provide you with the closest flavor and texture is going to be jackfruit. This fruit is remarkably similar to meat, so when you add in some sauce you’re good to go. Of course, you can enjoy other products too. For instance, tofu marinated in your favorite sauce is an easy option, but there are also meat alternatives that are designed to taste like the real deal when you add the right sauces.

7. Breakfast
Breakfast can still be your favorite meal of the day even when you’re keeping things vegan. One easy item to make is pancakes. Simply replace the milk and eggs with vegetarian alternatives and you’re good to go. Of course, you can also go with omelets, scrambles, and more of your favorite egg options without having to worry about your budget. You can also enjoy staples like biscuits and gravy without going out of your way to change recipes immensely. Breakfast is easy to wing too, but if you’re looking for recipes you won’t have to search far to find vegan options for your favorite dishes.

8. Curry
Curry and vegan food tend to go hand in hand, which is why it is one of the easiest and cheapest options for your menu. In order to enjoy vegan curry, you’ll have to swap yogurts and other creamy additions to the meal with milk alternatives. Coconut milk is actually a common ingredient used in many curries, so you won’t have to worry about changing recipes in many cases. Tofu and vegetables are common ingredients in many curries too, so finding recipes will be a breeze. Apart from that, all you will need is the spice to make your vegan curry truly suit your taste buds. Of course, adding naan to the meal adds the perfect finishing touch.

9. Pizza
Nothing says tasty quite like a pizza. Don’t worry though, because vegan foods definitely don’t deprive you of enjoying a slice of pizza or two. There are many ways that you can enjoy pizza without letting go of your diet. You might start by loading your pizza up with lots of vegetables. You can even make a vegetable-based crust if you’re feeling adventurous. Once you have everything ready to go then you might want to invest in some vegan cheese. You can also find meat alternatives that will make you feel like you’re getting your favorite topping without caving on your meatless goal. Some restaurants will also offer vegan options so you can still have a treat when you’re not in the mood to cook.

10. Baked Potato
One of the easiest lunches around is a simple baked potato. This dish can be dressed up to suit your individual needs too. You can even go healthier by using sweet potato for your meal. When it comes to keeping things vegan, most of the vegetables you would put on a potato are safe. You’ll just have to work out for chili, cheese, and various creams. However, once you get the perfect balance for your homemade potato, you will want to eat it all of the time, so make sure you explore your options.

Finishing out Veganuary strong won’t have to weigh heavily on your budget or your willpower. These ten ideas will help to keep your diet strong while allowing you to enjoy some of your favorite foods. You may even find being a vegan or a vegetarian simply makes more sense for you, which will allow you to do your part to eat less meat without worry.