Can you believe it’s already time for the kids to be finishing up school? Of course, if you haven’t made vacation plans yet then a bit of a panic may be setting in some time soon. Don’t worry! There’s lots of ways to have fun with very little planning involved. If you’re a little shy on the vacation budget this year then you can still have a good time without having to worry about loans or losing out on work hours. With these ten frugal ideas, you should be able to find a vacation that suits your family, your wallet and your time off work! So stop stressing over something that’s supposed to be fun and relaxing, and start planning out this year’s epic vacation!

1. National Park/Monument
I don’t know what it is about summer, but it seems to inspire a visit to a national park or monument. The weather is nice and it’s a good time to kick back and enjoy all that the country has to offer. The best thing is, these locations are often free or at a lost cost. Most parks do charge a small fee, but if you plan accordingly you may find yourself paying a visit during one of its free periods. There’s lots of monuments and parks around the country too, so chances are you’ll be able to find one near you. There locations will allow you to enjoy Mother Nature at her finest, historical lessons and the overall wow factor that most display. You can even make these little getaways more frugal by packing a picnic or pitching a tent! Also, you can find just about everything you need to know about the park or monument on their website which allows planning for scavenger hunts, lessons or play time a whole lot easier!

2. Campsite
For generations, families have traveled to the great outdoors in order to enjoy some bonding and hard earned vacation time. Camping is a tradition that every child should experience and will allow the whole family to get back in touch with nature and less in touch with their social media accounts. The best thing about camping is, you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money to do it. If you already have the supplies then it will cost next to nothing to go; however, if you’re just starting out then you can always borrow supplies from a loved one or rent them from a camp site. To keep things even more frugal, you may want to look around and find a campsite that is free, or at least a low price. You should also make sure there’s places for fishing, hiking and other activities you may want to enjoy. Packing your own food is also a must when it comes to camping. You may want to pack a little extra if you plan on cooking fish that you catch, as sometimes the fish aren’t in the mood to bite!

3. Beach/Lake/River
With the summer heat gearing up, you may want to plan a trip to a body of water to help your family cool down. Not only is being able to swim whenever you feel like it appeasing, but areas near water tend to be a bit breezier anyway. The best thing about taking a trip to the water is it usually doesn’t cost more than the gasoline to get there. However, more and more areas are starting to charge for the use of the area, so make sure you check before you plan out a frugal getaway. While you’re by the water, you may want to bring along your water supplies. Of course, you can always rent surf/wake/boogie boards, as well as boats/canoes/kayaks and any other equipment you may want to use while vacationing. You should also consider looking on social media coupon sites, like Groupon, to find discounts on restaurants, equipment and activities, like diving.

4. Visit Family/Friends
If you have vacation time to spend, but are on a pretty tight budget then you may want to consider visiting family and friends, especially if it’s been awhile. Taking a trip to your hometown or somewhere there’s lots of people you know, can actually help take much of the burden off of your vacation expenditures. Usually, friends and relatives won’t have a problem with you and your family staying with them, which means you won’t have to worry about a hotel the entire time you’re away. If you can drive to the location, opposed to flying, then you’re also taking a great step to help out with the vacation budget. While you’re with your loved ones you should be entertained by all the catching up, but you may also want to plan out a few free activities to keep things going smoothly. For instance, if you’re familiar with the town then you’ll already know all the great parks so you can play sports, go for walks and maybe even take a swim. You can always give your family a tour of all the places you used to hang out when you lived in the location. If you’re having a family reunion then try to organize a potluck at a park or someone’s home to help save on food costs. This vacation idea offers a lot of wiggle room, so try to play as much as possible!

5. City Adventure
It doesn’t matter if you’re in a rural area, a suburb or actually in a city, sometimes, we overlook all of the cool things there are to see and do! So, instead of planning your next vacation in an all new city, you can always refresh your view of the one you live near! This is one of the best ways to keep it frugal on your vacation as you may not even need to stay in a hotel while you’re away. Simply head out to the city first thing in the morning, enjoy the sights and then cozy up in your own bed at night. The great thing about cities is there’s always something cheap or free to do in the city, so with a little planning you may not have to spend much at all. Of course, if you’re willing to go all out then you can always visit local theme parks, museums and other attractions. Sometimes, you may even be able to get a resident discount, especially if you have children in school! So, don’t forget to bring the student I.D. cards along for the ride.

6. Explore Nearby Town
Cities aren’t always where all the action is at. In fact, if you spend a whole lot of time in the city then you may want to mix things up and head to a smaller town instead. Check out a map of your region and pick out a town that isn’t too far away but may have a few hidden treasures in store. You can even research towns in your area to see who is going to offer you the most fun. Once you’ve decided then pack a lunch and hit the road! Of course, you should always make sure to check out the community center before you enjoy the town as it may lead you to some awesome finds you may have missed otherwise. Many towns will have special historical districts and museums that are fun for all to check out. You can also take the kids to enjoy a new park in order to get some of their energy out. Even if the town doesn’t have a whole lot going on, you may want to check out some of their shopping areas. Sometimes, there’s some amazing hidden gems that may lead you to a great find or huge savings. If you get through your town and still have time to kill then you may want to consider moving on to the next! You can even come up with clever games for the kids to play, such as scavenger hunts to find a certain number of plants, numbers, license plates and the like.

7. Water/Amusement Parks
If you don’t have a lot of vacation time or money to spend then you may want to consider finding a water park or an amusement park in your area. The closer to your area the better as it will mean you’ll be able to spend more time having fun and less time worrying about getting home or paying for a hotel room. The best thing about amusement and water parks is there’s a little something for everyone, so you can spend all day having a blast and cooling down. Of course, sometimes the tickets aren’t exactly on the frugal side. Luckily, many of these parks host discount days which could be the best time for you and your family to go. You may also want to ask if you qualify for some discounts. Of course, if all else fails, many parks will pass out coupons and some will even partner with major retailers, like Coca-cola, to provide families with an easy way to enjoy the park. To keep the visit even more frugal, pack a lunch and leave it in the car, you can get your hand stamped to re-enter the park after you relax and have a healthy meal.

8. Pretend to Go Abroad
Most people would love to take a trip abroad; however, most budgets aren’t ready for such a big trip just yet. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t come up with your own abroad trip to appease the family. Do a little research online to see if there’s a location everyone can agree on. Then, check to see if there’s anything in your own town, or a neighboring one, that follows these customs. You may be surprised to find restaurants, museums and other activities that will make your pretend vacation amazing. If there’s no luck then you can always decorate the home, try out some recipes and rent a movie or two that comes from the country of your choice. You may even bring some crafts to the event so the kids have souvenirs to share and remember the special moment.

9. Cheap Destinations
Believe it or not, you can still book and enjoy a vacation without spending a bundle. You may want to browse your favorite travel sites to see if there’s any place you’d like to go that meets your budgeting requirements. Las Vegas is usually a popular place to choose as there’s so much to see and do and hotel rooms generally range around $30 a night! Of course, if you can meet the airfare requirements for this trip, or simply drive then your family can enjoy a spectacular vacation without diving into the savings! To keep it even more frugal, avoid restaurants and choose activities that are free or low cost.

10. Staycation
Many lead very busy lifestyles, so one way to refresh is to actually have a staycation. The best thing is, this will cost you next to nothing. All you have to do is bunker in and enjoy catching up on books, TV and movies. You can also plan special games for the family to enjoy together! Of course, in order to keep your vacation even more serene, you may want to put your phone on airplane mode and enjoy the quiet time. For an even more relaxing time, you and your partner can set up a spa time for when the kids are asleep. You may even want to set up a campsite in the backyard or living room with your own DIY tent!

Enjoying a getaway doesn’t have to destroy your budget! In fact, these ten tips can help you save a whole lot on money while still getting the much needed relaxation and bonding time. With frugal getaways like this, you may reconsider the way you’ve been vacationing!

The smell of summer is in the air, which means it may be time to hit the wide open road again. However, if you’re dealing with a slight budget crisis this year, or you simply don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, then you may want to consider a few ways to cut the price of your road trip before you take off. There’s a few ways to do this that are actually a lot easier than you think! With a little extra money in your pocket, you may feel all the more relaxed as you enjoy your big trip with those you care about. So, pack up your supplies and plan out your destination because road trip season just got more affordable!

1. Pack Camping Gear
If there’s one expenditure you don’t need to worry about on a road trip, it is definitely the hotel. Although it’s nice to sprawl out on a comfortable bed and enjoy a work out or a swim after a long day of driving, the price of a hotel can run you up to $100 a night, if you’re looking for the cheapest rooms. Although the price may not leave you shaking in your boots right away, it will after you spend a few nights on the go! Rather than worry about the price of hotels you can easily pack your tent and other camping gear to help you save a bit of money! There’s plenty of free to low cost camp sites on the road which will ensure you save quite a bit money while you’re on your trip. With a little advanced planning you should be able to plan your travel distance per day based on these campsites. Of course, money isn’t the only reason to enjoy this method! By spending time in nature you’ll get to see even more of the country! Not to mention, you’ll get a free work out by swimming in a lake/ocean/river or enjoying a scenic hike!

2. Bring Food
A lot of travelers choose to stop for fast food or enjoy a sit down restaurant while they’re on their road trip. Although this is a nice break from the road, it isn’t always the healthiest option, nor is it the most budget friendly. By the time you’ve eaten out for a couple of days you probably won’t feel incredible, nor will your budget. The best option is to pack your own food before you go and use a grocery store to replenish your stock. Some of the best items to bring along is sandwich supplies. These are cheap, easy to make at a rest stop and can easily be stored in a cooler with your drinks. Produce is another great option and will allow you to enjoy a healthy snack while you’re on the go! Of course, you may also want to consider trail mix, crackers and other healthy foods to suit all of the taste buds in the car. Packing water is also crucial as keeping hydrated will make everyone feel better and will cut down on the need to eat as often.

3. Plan Wisely
The key to saving money on your road trip is to plan, plan, plan. Before you head out it is crucial to map out your trip with a few key elements in mind. First and foremost, you’ll want to plan places you can stop and stretch your legs without being tempted to buy something. There’s actually a variety of tourist traps and rest stops all over the country which will suit these needs! Once you have a few destinations planned out, you may also want to consider the towns/cities of people you know. If you can couch surf with a friend or relative then it will cut down on your hotel or camping bills and will allow you to enjoy some time with people you may not get to see often. Another thing you want to plan around is toll roads and construction routes. Toll roads can really get pricey so you want to try to go around them whenever possible. Construction routes will slow you down which means worse gas mileage and you won’t be able to make it to your designated stops. Most GPS systems can be programmed to avoid these areas, but it’s important to re-check your mapping a day before you set out! With smart planning on your end, your trip will go smoother and will make your budget stretch further.

4. Watch the Tank
Filling up the gas tank while on a road trip can get pretty stressful. With gas prices not on the frugal side, you may feel tempted to stretch your fill-up until you’re almost on empty. Of course, this is one of the worst things you can do to your car! You never want to let your gas tank go below 1/4 of a tank, especially when you’re on the move. The last bit of gas isn’t the best for your car and can lead to many problems in the future. However, you also have to consider that much of the country is actually spaced out, which means you may think you’re going to see a gas station in a couple of miles but it could be up to an hour before you see any signs of civilization! This can be pretty bad if you end up running out of gas, especially if you’re not feeling up to taking a really long walk in the heat. You may also want to consider city traffic too. Sometimes, you think you can make it to the gas station of choice, but after sitting in bumper to bumper traffic you may end up parked in the shoulder. So, instead of letting the tank dwindle down, you should fill up whenever you see an affordable price. This will help you maximize savings immensely.

5. Get Your Car a Check-Up
One of the best things you can do to ensure your road trip will go smoothly is to get your car checked out by a mechanic before you hit the road. Sure, this will be an extra expenditure but most mechanics don’t charge too much just to take a look under the hood. Some of the key elements that should be considered are your car’s fluids, the tread on your tires and the state of your brakes. Even if everything is in perfect order, you may want to consider getting the oil changed just to be on the safe side, especially if your trip is going to be quite a distance. Of course, you can cheaply do this yourself, so don’t stress about a huge bill here! The day you leave for your trip you should do one more check to make sure your tire pressure is good to go and all of your car’s lights are working. This will help prevent blow outs, break downs and unwanted tickets.

6. Know Your Insurance Plan
When you hit the road, you should know just what your insurance plan covers in order to be prepared for the worst. For instance, you should know if your plan covers tows or road side assistance, just in case you end up in an accident, your car breaks down or you have a blowout. Being able to deal with the problem without pouring huge amounts of money into it will help big time when you’re on the road. You may also want to let your insurance company know you’ll be traveling. This will help prevent any hiccups in processing if you do need to use your insurance company for something. Also, make sure you have all your insurance information in the car, just in case you’re pulled over or need to quickly make a call. It’s never fun searching for these items in a hurry!

7. Just Cruise
If you’re enjoying your vacation there’s no need to speed it up! Instead, switch on your cruise control and enjoy the ride. There’s actually a lot of reasons why cruising is the best way to enjoy a road trip. For starters, you can give your foot a rest which is never a bad thing. For many, driving for several hours often means your foot gets heavier and heavier as the trip progresses, so cruise control can help you dodge a couple of speeding tickets! It can also help you save on gasoline! Generally, the best speed to go to maximize your fuel is 65 MPH. When we’re driving it feels a lot easier to take on higher speeds, so set your cruise control to maximize your fuel and you’ll be on the road to saving more money! You’ll also be a bit safer if you slow down your speed, especially in areas you aren’t familiar with. You may also end up missing less exits as it will be easier for you to switch lanes.

8. Get the APP
Before leaving on your big trip you may want to check out a few gas and GPS apps for the trip. There’s many free apps to choose from for just about any smartphone operating system, so make sure to check out reviews and look for features you know you’ll need. The best apps to download are those for gasoline though. These will help you find the cheapest gas stations in any given area. This will not only help you cut down on the price you pay in each region, but it’ll also let you know if you’re okay to bypass a town for gasoline and head to a nearby town that’s cheaper. This is thanks to the mile system that lets you know just how far away you are from a gas station!

9. Lighten the Load
One of the worst things you can do on a road trip is pack everything and the kitchen sink. For starters, your car is going to feel smaller and smaller each day you spend in it. So, you may not want to take away even more of your cramped space just so you can pack more things you’re probably not going to need. Next, the more you pack, the heavier your car is going to be which means you’re going to end up needing to fuel up more often, which is a total waste of money. So, make a list of the items you’ll need and stick to it. Usually a few pairs of clothes and basic hygiene products will set you for the trip. However, if you have kids then bring along a few light forms of entertainment.

10. Budget
The first thing you should do before you confirm plans is to budget. You need to know how much you can spend, so you’ll know how far you can go. This can be quite tricky as it’s often hard to know just how much gas will cost you on the trip. So, when planning out this make sure to always round up as much as you can. You should also plan a bit for food money too as you may need to buy the basics, or an occasional treat while on the road. If you’re packing light then quarters may be a must so you can hit up the laundromat when you’re out of clothes. Finally, you’ll also need an entertainment fund, a boarding fund, and an emergency fund. If it helps, pull out cash and put each budget in a marked envelope. It will help you avoid over spending and will help you see how you’re doing in regards to your budget.

Road trips can be a great way to see the country while bonding with your friends and family. Now, you won’t have to worry about over spending while you’re on the road. With these ten tips you’ll be well on your way to a good time and an abundance of amazing memories!

The long Memorial Day weekend is almost here, but have no fear, there’s still time to save a bundle on all of the exciting events and sales that will be happening. For many, Memorial Day kicks off summer and is celebrated with tasty barbeques and a weekend of shopping. Of course, if your budget isn’t exactly ready to tackle another holiday, there’s still a few ways you can make the most out of your Memorial Day. With plenty of free or frugal ways to celebrate, your family won’t just have a good time on this special holiday, but they’ll also get a great start to the summer holidays! So, if you’re still trying to figure out your Memorial Day plans, you may want to have a look at these ten frugal suggestions!

1. Host a Potluck
There’s no doubt about it, people love to get together on Memorial Day! The more the merrier, right? Well, maybe not when you’re on a budget and you need to supply everyone with something tasty to eat. There is an alternative though! Instead of buying an abundance of treats for everyone at the party you may want to host a potluck. This will allow people to bring their favorite dishes to the celebration which helps take the burden off of your expenditures. You may even want to consider adding a list of items you think might be nice to have on your invitations. When people RSVP they can tell you what they’re going to bring so you can prevent too many people from bringing multiples. With many new and exciting dishes being brought to the home, you can save the money to buy beverages, special treats or entertainment for everyone! Of course, you can always keep entertainment costs down by streaming music, offering sports activities or other games that won’t cost you a penny, such as card games for the adults!

2. Go Camping
A lot of people use the Memorial Day weekend to take a much needed vacation. Although this is a great time to enjoy a mini getaway, it can also mean spending extra money on vacation plans that might not suit your budget. Rather than booking flights and hotels, you may want to consider a frugal camping getaway. To start off your mini adventure, look around your area for a free or low cost camp site. You may actually be surprised as to how many there are! Then gather up your supplies! If you don’t already have a tent then try to borrow one from a friend or family member. You may also be able to rent one for a low price at the camp site too. However, you may want to call ahead of time to make sure this is a possibility. After you settle your tent issue, pack up pillows and blankets, if you don’t already have sleeping bags. Then, try to pick out foods that aren’t perishable or that can survive in a cooler. Usually sandwiches are a safe option and paired with chips, vegetables or fruits, your family should eat well for very cheap. You could also pack up your fishing supplies and eat whatever you catch!

3. Go To A Public Event
Memorial Day is a great time to take part in your community. With a little research, you should find there’s many free things to do over the long weekend. For instance, a lot of museums will offer free admission and tours in order to share the stories of those who have served their country. If free isn’t an option, then see if there’s any discounts you may qualify for. If you’re a military family then make sure to let this be known as you should be privy to great discounts over the weekend. Most communities will also host a special ceremony to honor those who have served in the past, present or future. Of course, choosing to attend one of these events will help celebrate those in your community, especially. There also may be a free parade which is perfect for young and old. Last but not least, you may be able to find information on a firework display depending on the rules of your community and your climate!

4. Shop Around
Memorial Day sales can be all too tempting, especially when you’re on a tight budget. If you do choose to get some shopping in during this period, you should always look around for the items you want. Typically, stores will send out sales papers for the big event the week prior, so you should be able to check out pricing from a variety of locations before you actually make it to the store. You may also want to check online to make sure you can’t find it there for much cheaper. Generally, with a little bit of research you should be able to find the best deal possible which will increase your savings. Not to mention, while you’re doing research outside of the store, you’ll be less tempted to spend money on items you’re not actually shopping for. Finally, before you go shopping you may want to pull out cash first. This will prevent you from overspending on your credit card and will help you keep track of how much you can spend, in regards to your budget!

5. Avoid the Roads
If there’s one thing you don’t want to do on Memorial Day weekend, it’s get on the roads! For most, this 3 day weekend means enjoying a nice getaway somewhere! Thus, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to end up in bumper to bumper traffic, which isn’t a good use of your time or your money. With temperatures peaking during the long weekend, it isn’t exactly ideal on your gas tank to spend hours in traffic with the air conditioning blaring. Not to mention, gasoline prices usually take a bit of a hike during the summer months, which isn’t great for the wallet either. So, it may be best just to enjoy something fun in your neck of the woods. After all, Memorial Day weekend is one of the top weekends for car accidents, so you may be doing yourself a bigger favor than you realize.

6. Volunteer
There’s nothing more rewarding then volunteering on such a holiday as Memorial Day. If you still haven’t sketched out your plans then you might want to consider this option as it won’t cost you a penny and it’ll bring a smile to a good number of faces. One of the best places to volunteer is the VA hospital. These hospitals are specifically created for veterans, many of which don’t get a lot of visitors. Try calling up the hospital to ask if they could use any help on Memorial Day, as many are understaffed due to holiday leave. If they can’t find work for you then they may be able to give you a list of people who would love a visitor. This will allow you to spend the day with someone who has served, which could lead to a greater appreciation of the holiday. If you don’t live near a VA hospital then try to stop by and visit a veteran you know. You may also try to visit a nursing home to raise spirits over the weekend. Of course, if you still can’t find someone to help then there’s many other ways to volunteer such as soup kitchens, picking up garbage, planting trees or working for habitat for humanity!

7. Take a Swim
Memorial Day weather is usually already feeling the summer heat, so help cool your family down and keep them entertained by taking them swimming. If at all possible, try to choose a free location to enjoy the water. Natural areas like beaches, rivers, creeks and lakes are usually a free option, but make sure to look around to make sure there are no fees. To help reduce the burden of the trip you may want to consider walking to your local watering hole or taking your bicycles. This will help cut down on any parking costs and will save you on fuel! If you don’t have a natural source of water for swimming then ask around and see if you can visit family or friends for a dip in their pool. You may also want to try a low cost community pool! You might even save money by purchasing a season pass which will help your family keep cool all summer. If you’re lucky you might even get it on sale for Memorial Day!

8. Go Outside
There’s no reason to forget about the great outdoors on Memorial Day. There’s lots to see and do before the summer weather goes from a bit on the warm side to inside of an oven hot. You might want to consider taking the family out to fly a kite while the spring breeze is still available. Other items might include a bike ride or hike! Even a scavenger hunt will make the kids happy as you help them get some exercise! Picnics are another great way to switch things up a bit while allowing the family to bond. Of course, if you don’t want to do anything out of the box, or if you have very young children then you can always spend some time at the local park. You may even want to call up family or friends for a game of football, soccer or volleyball! The options are totally endless when it comes to frugal outside play!

9. Movie Marathon
For anyone looking for a great way to kick back and relax, a patriotic movie marathon may be the option for you. Try searching through your movie collection to find a few movies that will leave you feeling even more incredible about the holiday weekend. If you’re a bit shy in the patriotic movie front then there’s guaranteed to be a selection on your streaming video service. You may even be able to find some for free on some services, but make sure they’re legal before you partake. Of course, many of the basic cable and extended cable services will be playing an assortment of patriotic movies to choose from. So, you may want to look around and set up your DVR to suit your needs. However, you may want to plan your marathon based on age, as many films aren’t suitable for children.

10. Patriotic Crafts
If you have children in the home or you’re just looking for a fun way to decorate over the summer, then you may want to try out some patriotic crafts. You can easily print out patriotic color sheets for the kids to get things started. Of course, there’s lot of other ways to have fun, such as having the kids make their own flag using paper and popsicle sticks or creating Uncle Sam hats made from paper. You may even want to go a bit further with your crafts by painting flag inspired designs on décor items you already own. You can even check out the thrift store to see if there’s anything you can add a red, white and blue touch too. There’s lots of ideas online for these crafts so don’t be afraid to go big if you have many of the supplies already! You’ll be glad to show off your décor as the holiday weekend moves on and you’ll be all set for the 4th of July, just weeks away!

Memorial Day is a great time to honor the brave men and women who have served. Of course, for many it is also a much needed break from their daily work and chores. No matter how you choose to celebrate the holiday, these ten tips should help you keep it on budget, without forcing you and your family to be bored during the 3 day holiday!

Planning your honeymoon can be incredibly overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to get everything for your wedding put together too! There’s no doubt that watching all of the money for your wedding leave your pockets might make you feel uneasy about spending anything at all on your honeymoon. There are a few ways you can cut out the anxiety of honeymoon planning though. This is especially the case when you know how to maximize your savings so you don’t have to spend the entire trip pinching pennies. With a little shopping know how and an open mind you can plan the honeymoon you’ve always wanted without having to worry about how much money you’re going to have to juggle.

1. Wait for the Off-Season
Just like any other form of vacation or major shopping expense, there’s a season that you can cash in on! This is important to keep in mind throughout your entire wedding planning experience as you can save a whole lot on just about anything wedding related if you just hold your horses. Beginning in late October, weddings slow down considerably until Valentine’s Day. The good news is, this is typically when many people slow down on vacation plans too. Of course, if you plan on going to a ski resort for your honeymoon then you might have to plan a little harder as there’s only a small off-season window that would allow you to ski in actual snow, not slush. Other locations, such as anywhere in the tropics will be as warm and inviting as the on-season so you won’t miss out on anything here, apart from long lines and crowded beaches. If you still want to have your wedding in the on-season then don’t stress out. There’s no law saying you have to go on your honeymoon directly after. In fact, you can also take some time to recover from the wedding expenses and enjoy a more luxurious honeymoon when the off-season occurs!

2. Guest Registries
A lot of couples don’t really need the odds and ends for the household that they would have years ago. So, why not ask for something you can actually have a little fun with? Rather than spend hours looking at different stores registries, you can easily find a website that will allow your guests to help towards your honeymoon. Some websites simply just collect money to go towards your honeymoon fund while others allow guests to buy specific items. For instance, if you planned on heading to the Caribbean for your honeymoon then you might ask guests to help towards a snorkeling trip. Or, you can add small sections where guests can add money toward your hotel, airline tickets or a romantic dinner. With these guest registries you’ll still be able to give everyone options, especially when it comes to price ranges, which should make everyone happy.

3. Cut it Short
If you’re trying to figure out the best way to enjoy your honeymoon without having to sacrifice too much then one of the best solutions is to cut it short. A lot of people try to pack in a full vacation that lasts a week or two, which may be hard to plan anyway, especially if you both work or have children to take care of. Although it may feel ideal to be gone with your new spouse for that long, in reality it would really harm a budget. So, instead of disappearing for a few weeks, try out a few days. You can easily plan an extended weekend trip to some of your favorite locations, so you won’t have to give up anything when it comes to your ideal honeymoon spot. With a little planning you can easily find a cruise to make your honeymoon fabulous too! By taking less time, if any, off of work you’ll be able to bounce back from the expenditures faster and will certainly feel more relaxed as you enjoy your new relationship.

4. Groupons
When it comes to big time savings, nothing will help you enjoy your honeymoon quite like the saving power of a groupon or other social media coupon. There’s more and more social coupon sites opening all of the time, so make sure to do some research and ask around so you’ll have as many sources as possible to check out. With these amazing coupons you should be able to secure activities that you and your new spouse will love doing. The best thing is, you’ll save quite a bit of money on them. From dining out to getting a massage, you may be surprised by how many cheap activities you’ll find on these websites. You might actually come across an activity you would have never thought of trying out otherwise, which will make your first vacation as a married couple even more thrilling!

5. Mention You’re On Your Honeymoon
A lot of people are actually quite shy when it comes to spreading the word about their honeymoon. However, you may be surprised as to the deals you get when you make everyone aware of the big moment in your life. Although, you may not get a whole lot out of an airline company, many other places will give you some major discounts. Hotels are one of the best places to spill the beans about your honeymoon. Many will offer you a free night, discount the room substantially or give you an upgrade at no charge to you. Restaurants and spas have also been known to roll out the red carpet for newlyweds. Of course, it helps to give the venue a little heads up about this, rather than showing up on the day and expecting a deal. So, when you go to make reservations make sure to tell them you’re on your honeymoon or ask if they have a honeymoon special. You won’t be sorry you did!

6. Redeem Credit Points
There’s a pretty good chance that you have some travel or credit points built up that are just collecting dust! Rather than let them sit there make sure you talk to your credit card company to see what you can do with these points. A lot of the time, especially if you fly home or for work often, you’ll have enough points to buy at least one airline ticket, which will cut down the burden of your spending quite a bit. You may also want to see what spending power your credit card points have as this can also help you get cash back to go towards your honeymoon or other discounts that will help save you some major cash. You’ll also want to look and see where you can use your credit card to maximize points while you’re away. This will help give you a little something back as you spend money on your vacation.

7. Ask the Locals
If you haven’t planned out every second of your honeymoon, then one way to save on money is to talk to the locals. Rather than spending hours looking for cheap restaurants and activities, you may find that in one conversation you’ll discover all the best places to eat and see. Typically, locals know all of the best restaurants that don’t charge an arm and a leg so don’t be afraid to approach someone. You’ll definitely have to stray outside of the tourist area, but when it comes to saving money it’ll totally be worth it. Not to mention, you will get a more authentic experience that might make your honeymoon feel a bit more fulfilling. You may also discover free beaches, tours and other fun activities that travel guides don’t have to offer.

8. Consider Less Popular Vacations
There’s no doubt that many of us have one ideal place where we want to spend our honeymoon. Generally, it’s a big name location that a whole lot of other people want to see too. Instead of going mainstream for your honeymoon you can easily check out a variety of locations that are similar or near to your original destination choice. For instance, if you want to go to a large city in a country then you can easily search around for alternative airports. This will already cut down the price and you may be able to see less populated sights. Another great way to deal with this dilemma is to plan a location that is near other places and has an easy and cheap way to get around. For starters, if you plan on traveling to Great Britain then you could always fly into Ireland or Scotland. Here, you can enjoy a cheaper airport and you’ll be able to connect to the rest of the country via train and ferry. Plus, you may discover there’s a lot more to see then what travel programs offer.

9. Book In Advance
One of the best things you can do for your honeymoon is to book in advance. This is especially important if you plan on traveling during the on season as things tend to fill up fast and prices tend to sky rocket. If you can, try to book your honeymoon the moment you have it planned out. Even if it means just putting down a deposit on a hotel room, you’ll be a lot better off the moment you secure at least a small portion of your honeymoon. Getting the airline taken care of is incredibly important to. You’ll want to book your flight before prices go up for vacationers, so plan on securing this as soon as you know the trip is a go. Even if you’re honeymooning in the off-season, keeping your trip booked with help relieve stress as the trip grows nearer and may make you privy to some great discounts. Finally, if there’s a restaurant that is a must but you know it’s going to be booked, you should make sure to get in your reservation months in advance. It may mean juggling your honeymoon around the reservation, but at least you’ll have a secured seat!

10. Budget
Most importantly, you should always have a budget set before you plan out your honeymoon. This can be one of the most stressful aspects of the trip, but at least you’ll know where you stand when it comes to spending. The key element here is to break you budget down into several different areas. If you have to, make an envelope for each section. You should cover airline, ground transportation, hotel costs, food, activities and souvenirs. You may also want to think about clothing and supplies for the trip as you may need a new bathing suit, sunscreen, luggage or other travel necessities. Once you have the budget planned out don’t stray from it, period. If it helps, keep cash on hand to pay for items such as food and activities. You can always take from the less important sections, like souvenirs, but make sure to try your hardest not to splurge when you don’t have the means to do so. When the honeymoon is over, you may actually have money leftover if you stick to this method!

The honeymoon is such an important part of the marriage experience, but many people feel like they can’t afford one. With these ten tips you might find that enjoying your honeymoon isn’t as hard as you may think. After all, it doesn’t matter if your honeymoon is a trip to the Bahamas or a simple camping trip, as long as the two of you get the chance to unwind as a married couple!

The beautiful month of May is here and although some may associate it with May Gloom, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know this is a month worth celebrating thanks to its savings alone. With several holidays feature major sales, namely Memorial Day and Star Wars Day, there’s a pretty good chance you’re already enjoying some of the savings this month has to offer. However, there’s a few things you may not have considered buying during this month. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Here’s ten things you can enjoy roll back prices on in the month of May which will help balance your budget! So, what are you waiting for? Go enjoy the big savings before June shows up!

1. Refrigerators
With the hot weather starting to show up already, you’ll need some place to store all of those soothing popsicles and ice creams, right? If your refrigerator is on the fritz or you’re just looking for an upgrade now is the time to do it. In May new refrigerators show up in stores, which means all of the old models either hit the clearance floor or are permanently reduced in price. This means it’s the perfect time to find the make and model of your dreams. Combine this with holiday sales and you may even be able to afford a model with larger storage compartments and more gadgets than you’d expect. Of course, before you take the leap you should also consider what the upkeep of your refrigerator is going to be. For instance, is it energy efficient and if not how much is going to raise your power bill? You should also take into consideration the price of the brand’s spare parts. Finally, look around to see how much replacement filters are as these can sometimes be astronomical. With any luck, you’ll find a make and model that will make your budget and your family happy.

2. Mattresses
Is your bed feeling a little lumpy? Are there springs pestering you all night long? Well, May is the time to remedy this problem! Usually around the week of Memorial Day mattress and bedding stores start to have huge sales on mattresses. However, you should be able to find deals on these products throughout the month. Try calling around to see if there’s anything available that suits your price range. During this time, you may want to seek out military appreciation deals too. Usually, if you have a military I.D. card you should be able to get a great discount on the price of a mattress. Thus, when you add this discount to the other deals you’ll be saving a whole lot more than you would have thought possible. Of course, this may be the time to consider upgrades too! For instance, you may want to buy a pricier pillow top mattress to help with your sleep cycle, or you could go all out and buy an adjustable mattress that will allow you and your partner to create a comfortable environment for the both of you!

3. Office Furniture
If you’re ready to set up your ideal office or you need a little something new for work, then now is the time to grab the big ticket items. With school coming to an end and people wanting to take off for vacation, office items aren’t exactly in hot commodity. Thus, supply drops and savings begin. You may also want to consider the fact that some office stores are actually closing down, which means a lot of their stock is going to be on clearance. The longer the store stays open, the more the prices are going to drop, so make sure to stop in and check out what they have before your favorite supply store is gone. Even if you’re not ready to upgrade your office, you may want to consider a desk for your students. This could be an extra special gift for children that will be starting school in the fall!

4. Collectibles/Books
One of the best things to buy during the month of May is anything for your collection. It doesn’t matter if you have comics to buy or figurines, the month of May is probably going to have a deal worth checking out. This is largely due to the many holidays this month sees. For instance, Independent Book Store Day will help you find amazing deals on books so you can add to your growing book shelves. Although the event only last one day and is only in select areas, many stores will follow suit and lower prices for a week or so! With Geek Pride Day and Star Wars Day you’ll find excellent deals on figurines, comics, movies and a whole lot of other geek oriented gear that will make you leap for joy. Finally, Memorial Day is a perfect time to grab some of your patriotic collectibles such as coins or tribute dolls/figures/statues. Even if your collection doesn’t fall within these categories, there’s still a great chance you might find the right deal for you because Memorial Day and Mother’s Day often lead to sales that cover just about every item you may consider buying.

5. Sunscreen/Bug Repellent
Some areas may already be seeing a rise in temperatures and bugs! No matter what weather you’re experiencing though, May is definitely the month to grab your sunscreen and bug repellent! Typically, stores will knock the price down on these items because they’re in high demand, which means it may be time to buy enough to help you get through the entire summer. Usually these items don’t have a short shelf life, so stocking up won’t force you to waste money if your products don’t get used right away. Of course, before you hit the store and buy lots of products, you should make sure you know what’s right for your family. For instance, some bug repellent ingredients may not be right for certain types of skin or those allergic to certain ingredients. Also, you may want to check out the proper SPF levels to suit your family’s needs!

6. Patio Furniture
It’s almost time to spend lazy afternoons outside sipping tea and watching the kids play. Of course, this whole scenario would be a lot better if you have some patio furniture to sit on, right? Well, luckily, May is the month to enjoy some savings on patio furniture. During this time new items are coming out for summer, so stuff that is currently in stock will be greatly reduced to ensure you save big time on your summer fun. The best thing is, even though the fashions may be a bit last season, they’ll still look great as patio furniture doesn’t change a whole lot in style. Make sure you find a look that’s perfect for your family, environment and cleaning availability. For instance, you may not want metal furniture if you live in an area that does get a lot of rain. You should also look for furniture with weather proofing so you’ll know it will last a lot longer.

7. Spring Clothes
One thing you’ll want to be sure to check out this month is all of the fantastic deals on spring clothes. With June bringing even more heat to the table, May is when most spring clothes are going to hit the sales and clearance racks. The good thing about spring clothing is you can wear it throughout the summer thanks to the light colors. So, this may be the right time to stock up on items like shorts or light weight tops. You may even find a few pieces that will be perfect for next school year, but make sure to shop a size up to accommodate any growth spurts that may happen over the summer. Of course, if you wait until Memorial Day, you’ll also be able to enjoy some fantastic deals that will save you a whole lot more in the long run!

8. Party Supplies
May is a great time to celebrate! With graduations, mothers, veterans and the nice weather, you can probably come up with a lot of reasons to host a party in the month of May. Thus, it’s no surprise that party supplies are the perfect buy for this month. Everything from paper plates to streamers will be on sale so make sure you use these savings to stock up on everything you need. One of the best things to buy during these sales is wrapping for gifts. For instance bags, tissue paper and everything in between will be on sale. If you buy them now you won’t have to worry about them when a birthday comes up. You may also want to buy party supplies in solid colors. For instance, single color streamers can be used for many things throughout the year. Simply roll it up when you’re done and you’re ready to go! This is especially perfect for May since you’ll have the Stanley Cup to plan for, graduation celebrations and BBQs that could use a little extra flair!

9. Gym Membership
With the weather looking better and better outside, more people are going to take to the great outdoors to get their work out. Thus, the price of a gym membership is going to steadily begin to drop. This makes May the perfect time to swoop in and grab a deal before people begin to feel like it’s too hot to work out outside! A lot gyms will offer special discounts as well as Memorial Day sales so call around to see what you can find! However, you should also consider packages that will be affordable and worthwhile for you. For instance, if you’re not going to use certain aspects of the gym then it may not be cost effective to buy that particular membership even if it is on sale. With a little research and thought, you should be able to find some spectacular deals to help get or keep you in shape.

10. Grilling Meats
Your taste buds may be delighted to know that grilling meats take a dive in price during the month of May. With Memorial Day kicking off BBQ season it may be time to cash in on these deals to help make your summer even more frugal. Everything from hot dogs to brisket should be sale on right now, so make sure you clear out your freezer before you go shopping. With any luck you should be able to enjoy some very tasty meals at a price that will leave you shocked months later. Make sure you keep an eye on the date in which you place an item in the freeze though as each meat will have a different shelf life. However, if you plan to shop ahead for the summer, you should be able to buy plenty now without having to worry about anything going to waste!

If you were already excited about the month of May, all of these savings may make this month a little over the top for you! With all the excitement going on you should be able to enjoy great prices on some of the items that make summer absolutely fantastic. So, with a little budgeting and some great deals, your family will be well on their way to the right start for the upcoming heat wave months.

There’s no doubt about it, temperatures are rising and the temptation to turn on the air conditioning grows a little more each day. Staying cool in the heat can be pricey though, especially if you’re relying on air conditioning to do most of the work. There are a few ways you can get rid of the huge electric bills though without forcing yourself to be covered in sweat throughout the day. With these tips to help you stay cool, you’ll wonder why you put up with the heat for so long. Better yet, you’ll wonder why you gave up so much money when there’s so many solutions to help you feel amazing on the hottest of days!

1. Bedding
Your bedding may be the last thing you think of when it comes to cooling yourself down. In fact, for most people, the bedding ends up getting pushed to the foot of the bed because it’s too hot to handle any extra layers. However, the type of bedding you use can say a lot about how cool you stay in the hot months. For instance, flannel sheets are pretty much a no-no as the temperature rises. You’ll want to stick with cotton if you’re on a budget, but if you want to splurge, silk will keep you the coolest. Before you begin your day, you may want to move all of your bedding and hang it up in the coldest room in the house. This will help keep these items cooler which will also cool down your body. Another great way to make bed time refreshing is to place your pillow and sheets in a plastic bag. Then, stick this bag in the freezer. The plastic will protect the fabric from getting wet, so when you go to bed you’ll have freezing cold sheets and a pillow to enjoy.

2. Change Your Diet
Believe it or not, but changing the way you eat can actually help to keep you cool. Some of the best foods to eat when it’s hot are spicy foods. The spices force you to perspire more which cools down the body significantly. You should also keep a lot of frozen treats on hand. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should have ice cream every single day. Instead, turn your favorite drinks into popsicles. Or, freeze healthy yoghurts with a mixture of fruits. You can really think out of the box when it comes to these treats or simply surf the internet looking for something that strikes your fancy. Eating light and cold foods will also do you a huge favor. For instance, salads are perfect for summer time and you can change them up to make them taste unique each day. You should also eat cold fruits. One of your best food options is cucumbers. They’re light and mostly made of water anyway so you won’t have to worry about calories. Keeping hydrated is important too. Drinking a cold glass of water can cool you down for up to an hour. You should also switch from hot coffees and teas to cold brews.

3. Stay Downstairs
Everyone knows that heat rises, so this summer you may need to spend a little more time downstairs. This can be difficult, especially when most bedrooms end up in the top of the home. Thus, when bed time rolls around it may be too hot to sleep. If this is the case then you may want to organize a few camp outs downstairs. If you make some tents for the kids it’ll become a great summer time activity that they will tell their children all about. If you have a basement then you might want to take some time to turn this into a family friendly room. Try adding a television and a few places to sit to start with. This could be one of the best places for the family to eat meals and enjoy one another’s company during the day. If you have a garage then it may be almost as good, so don’t be afraid to move the cars out while the heat wave continues on!

4. Enjoy the Dark
When it comes to daytime in the summer, you may want to get used to spending time in the dark. Generally speaking, closing the blinds and curtains will actually keep your home much cooler throughout the day. Try to do this as soon as the temperature begins to rise so you won’t have to deal with all of the sun pouring into the home. If you don’t want to close up the entire house then simply close the side in which the sun is hitting. When the sun finally goes down then you can open up the home and enjoy all of your daily conveniences. It’s important not to run anything that will add heat to the home during the day time if you’re trying to keep cool. This includes a lot of items we use every day such as the washing machine and dryer, dishwasher and television. So, you may have to come up with alternative forms of entertainment. Of course, the most important thing you can do is open up the home at night. It usually cools down significantly so make sure all of your windows are letting the cool air in!

5. Fans
One of the cheapest ways to cool down a house is to use fans. Fans are great for many reasons though as they can also help keep allergens from bothering you and they keep rooms feeling fresher. You can choose from a wide variety of fan too, including simple handmade fans. One of the best fans to have in your home, no matter the season, is ceiling fans. These help distribute cool air around the room so you’ll feel better in a matter of seconds. You might also want to utilize box fans in the window. These can be used to pump cool air in the home during the night and to pump hot air out during the day. If you’re worried about the power bill then you can stick to fans that are solar or battery powered! Of course, if you already have fans in the home then you should always make sure they’re on the correct setting. During the hot weather they should be turning counter clockwise.

6. DIY Air Conditioner
It may seem too good to be true, but you can actually DIY an air conditioner that will cost you next to nothing to run. There’s a couple of ways to do this too! If you’re looking for a personal cooler for just sitting around by the pool or in your home then all you really need is a cup with a lid. Fill the cup with ice and then place the lid over it. If there’s already a hole in the lid then you’re good to go, if not then make one. Now, all you do is blow into the hole. When you’re finished cold air will make its way out. If you want the cold air to go even further then place a small fan by the hole. If you want to cool down an entire room then head to your local department store. You’ll need a Styrofoam cooler, two dryer vents and a small fan. Before you begin, place several bottles of water in the freezer. Then take the lid of the cooler and measure out the size of the vents on each end. You want these measurements to be as snug as possible. When you’re finished move to the center and draw a hole a little smaller than the fan. Now, cut out all of your measurements. Place each vent into the appropriate hole and then fill the cooler with the frozen water bottles. Place the lid back on and turn on the fan!

7. Utilize Shade
During the hot months, the shade is going to be your best friend. You may even find it cooler in the shade than in your own home. To ensure you get to enjoy more shade you should strategically plant trees around the home. With enough trees blocking out the light, your home will stay quite a bit cooler. Although blinds and curtains help out, you can’t beat the shade that an awning creates. Try to make some DIY awnings and place them above the windows in your home. It’s easier and cheaper than you expect, especially when you factor in how much money these awnings will save you. You should also add an awning onto your porch. This will provide you with a cooler place to enjoy a meal while you relax in the evenings.

8. Cook Efficiently
Your diet doesn’t say everything about keeping cool. The way you cook can speak quite loudly too. If you’ve ever been in a home that bakes in the middle of summer then you probably know how unbearable it is. Using your stove or oven can be one of the worst decisions when it’s hot, so try to avoid it as often as possible. One of the best things to do is count on your outdoor grill to do a lot of the work for you. You can also use your crockpot to make some of your family’s favorite meals, such as casserole. If you have a home filled with kitchen gadgets then you’re doing well for the summer months. You can easily fire up an electric grill or wok to make some healthy dishes everyone will love. If you still think it raises the temperature then place the item outside and cook there. Of course, you could always stick to foods that don’t need to be cooked in the first place.

9. Change Your Wardrobe
Sure, you may think you’re doing good sitting around in your denim shorts and cotton top, but there’s better wardrobe choices you could be making. For instance, you may want to start shopping for loose fitting clothing. This will make you feel less sweaty as the temperature rise. Light weight clothing is also a must. Usually button up tops will have this material, but you should always check out a fabric before you buy it. If you feel something and it’s breathable then it is a definite must for your summer time attire. You should also stick to light weight shoes, such as flip flops. There’s many slip on styles that use light fabrics too which may be better for your feet than some of your sandal options.

10. Go Out
If you just can’t keep cool in the home, don’t automatically go for the thermostat. Instead, get out of the house for a while. There’s actually many public places you can go to cool off that won’t cost you much. For instance, you can learn which days at your local museum, or other attractions, are free or have reduced price tickets. This could take up hours of the day and they’re almost always air conditioned. You may also want to spend some time at the theater when the tickets are a reduced price. Another great place to go is the library. The family can check out books, enjoy story time and take part in any event the library is hosting. You can also sign everyone up for low cost classes so you’ll keep cool and learn something too! The public pool is also a great idea, but make sure to look into season passes so you won’t spend as much! Finally, a lake, river, the beach or anywhere free that offers water to play in is a total must!

The heat doesn’t have to beat you! In fact, you can really stand against it and your rising electric bill by trying out some of these options. With a little know-how you should feel cooler than ever this summer without using the air conditioner!

Life gets busy, so if you’ve just realized that Mother’s Day is only a few days away then have no fear! This time of year can be hard on a budget, but there’s a lot of amazing things you can do for mom that doesn’t mean dipping into your savings account! It’s hard to avoid the temptation of splurging on mom’s big day because, after all, she’s done so much for us, right? But, there are a few things your mom will be head over heels for that only cost a little DIY and a lot of heart! With a few simple techniques and shopping know-how, you’ll be ready to surprise mom with a gift that will always be cherish.

1. Handpicked Flowers
One of the most popular gifts for Mother’s Day is the bouquet. You’ll see lots of flowers in your favorite stores, which can be tempting especially if you wait until the last minute. Of course, you will probably also see huge mark ups which won’t do your budget any favors. In fact, the closer to the holiday you wait, the pricier the flowers are going to get, so you might want to avoid these stores altogether. Instead, take to your garden to make an extra special bouquet for mom. This will allow you to choose from a variety that you’ll know mom will adore. Of course, not everyone has their own flowers to choose from. If you don’t then talk to friends and family that may have some flowers you can buy or have for free. You could also look around for public gardens that allow you to take home some of the flowers. Make sure to check in on the rules though as you don’t want to be fined! When you have the flowers, make mom a special DIY vase or wrap them in beautiful papers. This shouldn’t add on to the price tag much and it’ll make it look even more memorable for mom! Finally, deliver the beauties in person so you can enjoy the smile and add on even more joy to the gift.

2. DIY Fake Flowers
Flowers are good and all, but you can always take your gift up a notch and give your mom flowers that won’t end up dying within the next week or so! The best thing about DIY flowers is there’s absolutely no limit on the creativity you can exhibit. For instance, one great way to show off your love for mom is to make her paper roses! There’s lots of tutorials online and the only thing they’ll cost you is a bit of time and a lot of love. When you’re finished, find something special to put them in and hand deliver them to mom. You can also look around for fake flowers that you already have. If you don’t own any then buy some at your local dollar store. When you get them home place colorful candies in the center of each flower for a beautiful look that mom will surely get a kick out of. You can also create little notes for mom and fold them up and place them in the center. This will make the gift something she can look forward to seeing every day of the year. Finally, if you’re in the mood to bake, you can make stylish cupcake, cookie or brownie flowers for mom. You may also want to cut up fruit to make an edible bouquet that doesn’t cost a fortune. When you’ve finished your DIY flowers then find a great vase or make one and deliver the gift!

3. Customized Kitchen Supplies
If your mom is like many mom’s then the kitchen is her domain. So, why not give her a little something to make her domain even more personal? There’s a lot of basic kitchen items out there that you can transform into something spectacular. For instance, you can easily take cheap kitchen towels and turn them into spicy towels that show off mom’s attitude. Simply download some stencil from the internet and use your cloth paint to finish off the look! You can also do this to a new pair of oven mitts or an apron. All mom’s could use a bit more storage in their life so pick up some cheap storage containers from your dollar store or department store. Then, add some paint and you’ll have a whole new look she’ll be happy to show off. If you utilize some chalk board paint it’ll take the gift even further as mom will be able to customize it to her needs! You can also find some cheap wooden cooking utensils and paint the tops to meet mom’s favorite colors or designs. Finally, no mom will be able to resist her very own customized tea or coffee mug. Try painting on special messages or having the kids place the fingerprints on it!

4. Portable Hug
If you don’t live close to your mom then a portable hug may be the answer to your gifting problem! You can make one of these in a few different ways. One of the most frugal ways is to grab a roll of paper. Simply roll the paper onto the floor and have the hugger lay down with their arms spread out. Then, someone traces around the hugger. When this is complete cut around the tracing and have the hugger color in a picture of themselves. You can even write special messages on the portable hug to bring a smile to mom’s face. If you want a more durable hug then go to your local discount store and find a large pillow. Then, take some fabric paint and place it on the huggers arms and hands. The hugger then gently hugs the pillow leaving behind a hug that mom will be able to feel whenever she’s missing out. This craft is perfect for kids, so if you’re looking for a gift to make grandma happy or if there’s dad’s out there still lost as to what to help the kids do, then this is a great treat!

5. DIY Garden Kit
A lot of mom’s are interested in gardening, so why not help them with their hobby this holiday? A DIY gardening kit is one of the cheapest and easiest gifts to provide for a mom that wants to give the yard a bit of a makeover. First, you’ll want to find something to place your items in. Generally, a flower pot, bucket or watering can are some of the best choices. When you decide what you’re doing, pull out the paints and customize it just for mom! Then, find a few cheap tools like a handheld hoe or shovel to help with digging and tilling. These items can also be customized with a bit of paint, so don’t hold out when it comes to your creativity. Finally, add some smaller items like seed packets, plant food or a planter’s guide. You could also make custom plant markers to make the gift even more personal!

6. Make a Meal
One of the best ways to show mom you appreciate her is to cook her a meal. Of course, you should also make plans to clean up afterwards as it would definitely take away from the meaning to have mom stuck with a kitchen filled with dishes. Brunch is usually a great choice for many people as it allows them to give mom some extra time to sleep in the morning as well as some prep time for cooking. It also means you won’t have worry about two different meals and can incorporate mom’s favorite breakfast and lunch elements into one fantastic meal. Dinner is another great choice though as it allows mom to have some fun during the day and will give everyone a chance to come together for the meal. Make sure to pick foods you know mom loves and doesn’t get very often to make the meal even more extraordinary. Adding a dessert element to the meal will top it off and ensure mom feels the love!

7. Clean Up Crew
If there’s one thing mom will definitely appreciate, it’s having her chores taken away for the day. Try to gather up the whole family to get more things done and to make the surprise even grander for your mom. If you can, have mom make a list or ask dad for a list if you’re trying to make the chores a surprise. Then, get to work. Light housework is always a plus, but try to take on some of the bigger jobs if you can. These can be both indoor and outdoor chores. For instance, have some of the family clean out the gutters, work on hedges and other out of reach or hard to do tasks. Inside, you can take on the task of cleaning out the oven, deep clean the carpets and dust in high places!

8. Coupon Book
Nothing will make mom feel all giddy inside like her very own coupon book. This allows you a lot of freedom to make the book customized to your mom’s needs without forcing you to spend a lot of money. For instance, you can toss in coupons that offer her a free meal or baked goods. You may also want to add in a trip out on the town or movie night with the family. Some mom’s may even want coupons that allow them to take the grandkids for a night or two. You know just what mom wants and needs so make sure your coupon book has a little bit of everything. She’ll be so happy your gift was so thoughtful that other gifts won’t even compare. Best of all, she can use it all year long so you can keep giving back!

9. Photo Art
Most mom’s love to see photos of the people they care about, so use this to make her day absolutely fabulous. Most of the photo gifts that you buy in stores can actually be done at home, so browse around to see what art you can create at an incredibly low price. For starters, you may want to transfer one of mom’s favorite photos onto a canvas so she can display it for all to see. Another great option is to photo transfer onto a pillow or blanket. These are all easy tasks and won’t take a lot of time or money. Of course, you can also go all out and make your mom a special scrap book or brag book! Again, these are so simple to make and will ensure she feels appreciated all year long.

10. Keep It Artistic
Mom’s always love gifts that come from the heart, so this holiday make sure to show off your artistic side. One of the most common gifts to make is a personal card. You’ve probably been making these since childhood so make sure to put the same amount of love into that you did as a child who couldn’t afford to go out and buy a card. You should also include a special message that she’ll love to look back on. If you want to go beyond the card then try to create a poem or paint a picture. Anything that shows off the skills your mom passed down to you and helped you develop as you grew will make your mom feel ecstatic.

Celebrating Mother’s Day isn’t all about diamond bracelets or spending hundreds on the right flowers. With a little TLC, your mom will know she means the world to you! This Mother’s Day try to make finding the perfect gift a little more about showing your appreciation and less about your bank account. With these ten craft ideas you should be able to find the perfect gift for the special lady in your life.

Nice weather is upon us which means it’s the best time to make your yard more appealing to the kids. Although it may be harder to get today’s kids outside for some play time, with a fabulous yard to get them interested in good old fashioned play, there won’t be any bribing necessary! This doesn’t mean you’re looking at spending a lot of money on renovations though! Many of these ideas are entirely frugal and some will cost you absolutely nothing if you have the supplies laying around the house. So, throw on your favorite pair of comfortable work clothes because after this read you’ll be ready to renovate and have some fun!

1. Swing
One of the best ways to keep a child interested in the outdoors is to place a swing outside. These toys are great for playtime, but also make a great way to relax and enjoy a nice day. Many parents simply go out and buy a swing set when they’re trying to entice their child to enjoy the outdoors. Although this can be helpful, you really don’t need to spend the money if you have a tree in your yard. All you need is a bit of rope, a sturdy tree branch and a seat to make this toy a reality. Some of the best seats around come from old chairs. If you have a broken chair or one you don’t use anymore then take off the legs and strap it onto the tree. You can also use a palette for a swing that’s big enough for more than one child to lay across. This type of swing can also make a nice place to read a book or nap on a hot day. Old tires also make a great choice for many as well as logs and other pieces of lumber. Another fun idea that looks cool is to take a skateboard without the wheels and use it for a seat. Of course, if you have no tree then you may want to consider looking around at a second hand store for a used swing set.

2. Obstacle Course
Kids love running around and playing, especially when they have obstacles around to keep them busy. You can easily turn your home into an obstacle course by simply using some old junk to make it so! One of the best ways to keep kids guessing is to string up a lot of rope between two trees. Kids will love trying to figure out how to get through the maze. Of course, this toy should be carefully monitored by an adult and the strings should be tied in a way that is safe if an incident occurs. You can also use old tires or pool tubes to create holes for children to crawl under or jump over as they tackle their course. A rock wall is also something that is easier than you think to make! There’s several tutorials online so don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and find the perfect rock wall for your home.

3. Slip N Slide
With the summer heat rolling in you may want to consider getting a slip n slide in your backyard. A lot of the slip n slides on the market now are pretty pricey. Let’s face it, they don’t last very long either, especially if you got it at a price that almost seemed reasonable. Rather than spending money on a slip n slide you can easily make your own at home. Simply find a large tarp that you may not want to use again. Then, make sure there are no rocks or sharp objects on the ground. Lay down the tarp and oil it down with baby oil so you don’t have to use as much water to get the slide going. This will also help the children not get a friction burn while they’re playing. If you don’t have a tarp around the house then use some heavy duty trash bags and tape. When everything is set up then add water and let the fun begin. You can even keep the water to a minimum by using buckets instead of the sprinkler.

4. Kid Friendly Nooks
Kids love little areas where they can sit down with a book or simply have a secret clubhouse. One of the most popular ways you can achieve this is via a tree house, but this can be incredibly difficult and timely. There’s a few great options though that will also make your yard look absolutely fantastic. One fun way to give your child a nook is to plant sunflowers in the shape of a square. Once the flowers begin to grow your children will be able to walk into the floral box and enjoy some peace and quiet in the shade. You can also create a teepee using plastic piping or gardening wires. When you have the foundation built plant beans around the structure and shape them up the foundation as they grow. Any vine plant would work for this project though just make sure it is healthy for kids and animals! Finally, if you have a tree in the yard then hang a hula hoop from it. Then wrap an old sheet or shower curtain around the outside of the hoop. This will create a comforting and shady area for kids to cool down when playing.

5. Game Boards
If your family loves game night then this tip is for you. You can easily turn your yard into one giant board game! There’s a lot of options to choose from but one of the most popular is scrabble. All you need is several pieces of cardboard or old pieces of thin wood to create the letter pieces. You can also use scrap wood as planks that, combined with wire, will hold the pieces up. Another great option is bowling. All you need is a tarp, several bottles filled with water (add food coloring for fun) and a couple of balls. You might also want to consider kickball croquet. This only requires the use of cut up old tires or pool noodles to create the play area. With a kick ball, have the kids kick through each of the game pieces until someone makes it through without hitting the sides! You can also add a simple ring toss game to the yard using just about anything. To make things more interesting, add some glow in the dark items to the mix for a fun late night game.

6. Character Pieces
Although your yard may be ready for play time, it may not look as kid friendly as you think. A lot of the time a yard reflects the adults in the home more than children. This can easily be changed with a few kid friendly characters that will make children feel more like the yard is their domain. For instance, if you have rocks in your yard then you may want to give them a makeover. Try painting them to look like M &Ms and other fun pieces of candy. You can also turn your rocks into pet rocks for the kids. They’ll love painting their favorite animals on them! Of course, you don’t have to limit the creativity to animals only. Let your kids paint their favorite superheroes, cartoon characters and anything else they can think of! You may even want to make special rocks for the holidays, such as Easter eggs and pumpkins. Another option to bring some character to the yard is to create character’s using plants. You can easily cut shrubs to mimic the look of an animal, but you can also look for tutorials to transform smaller plants into furry creatures.

7. Tables
You’re going to want to make it so your children can eat, drink and play with their favorite toys outside too. This is easily done when you create tables for them! One easy table that won’t take up space in the yard is a foldable table that actually attaches to the fence. This is incredibly easy to make and will make kids feel like they have their own personal space in the yard. To make it even more kid friendly you can paint chalkboard paint on the top of it and let them have some fun drawing with chalk! You may also want to use tree stumps and other older pieces of wood to craft tables and chairs that will create a rustic look while also providing the kids with a place to enjoy their indoor luxuries outdoors!

8. Relaxation
Sometimes you just need a place to sit down and relax after a game of hide and seek. Of course, if you’re a parent you may not object to having somewhere to relax while watching the kids play. One easy way to make your relaxation dreams a reality is to craft a bench out of cinder blocks or other supplies you have lying around the house. Once you have the base made take plastic bags and pile them together to create a comfortable layer to sit on. When this is thick enough you can easily cover it with fabric or a table cloth material. If you do choose to use fabric then spray it so it’s water resistant! You might also want to consider making a hammock outside. These are very easy to make and can be made out of just about anything!

9. Beach
One way to get the entire family excited about spending time outdoors is to give your home its very own beach. This is actually easier than you may think. All you need is a tarp and a whole lot of sand. Place the tarp down where you’d like the beach to be and then place the sand over it. You can easily buy sand in bulk, so this expense shouldn’t set you back much. With the sand ready to go you can plan you backyard beach around the items you’d like! For instance, one great way to have some fun is to place a fire pit in the area. This is perfect for late night parties or sharing stories with friends and family. You may also want to consider a small kiddy pool for the little ones. You could also use this to place fish toys in so everyone can enjoy a fishing trip without taking vacation time. Finally, supplies for sand castles will always make this aspect of the yard a favorite.

10. Add Light
When it comes to yards, a little light can make them seem even more magical. If you’re proud of your flower garden or love your walk way then you can easily spice it up by laying down rope light. This creates a nice outline of the yard and adds light to make it seem more comfortable. If you have an old chandelier or other decorative light laying around the house then now may be the time to refurbish it. Hang it off of a tree or on your porch and fill it with solar lights. You may also want to pull your old wine or beer bottles out of the recycling as they make perfect torch lights for an evening free of mosquitos!

Spending time outdoors is important for everyone. With the fresh air and much needed sunlight improving your mood you’ll be glad you took the time to make your yard kid friendly. Best of all, with these easy tips you shouldn’t have spent much on your yard at all. With a little DIY your home will keep improving, one space at a time!