The back to school period can be incredibly chaotic. From shopping for new clothing to mentally preparing your children for the upcoming school year, you’re bound to have your hands full. Luckily, there are a few things that you can accomplish before actually having to do the actual back to school routine. These ten pre-fall semester ideas will help prepare the entire household for the upcoming change, while also saving you a bit of money in the long run. So, take a step back and breathe because this year back to school is going to a breeze.

1. Go Through Old Supplies
One of the first steps that you might want to take is to go through your old supplies. Try emptying out those backpacks from the end of the year to see which supplies are completely salvageable. You might be surprised as to how well some of the supplies look. One of the most common supplies to hold onto is notebooks, folders, and even loose paper. If your children use pencils or pens in school then these supplies are usually good to go too, but you might have to purchase a few new items to get them ready for the year. You might also go through your art supplies to find items to help supplement the supplies. You may even be able to reuse the backpack, which will save you quite a bit of money. Once you have a list of what you already have, you’ll be well prepared to shop efficiently.

2. Do a Closet Sweep
Another crucial point in preparing for the back to school shopping trip is to go through your children’s closets. You might be surprised as to how many clothes that they already have that can be reused to the school year, or at least get them started out. Of course, it is crucial to have them try everything on before you go shopping, just in case clothes don’t fit properly. Once you have a keep list, you can pass down items to younger siblings or even give them to family or friends. Then, you will be able to make better choices during back to school sales or even shop for future items to help make the clothing last even longer.

3. Research Teachers
If you know what school your child is going to then you might take a look at the teachers available for their grades. Sometimes, you can even put in a request depending on the school and the popularity of the teacher. However, some parents would rather wait on this step until they figure out who their children will be assigned to. Researching a teacher allows you to know more about them before you even step foot in their class. You can find information on their homework policies, what people liked about the teacher as well as what people didn’t like. This will empower you so you will know precisely what you’re dealing with when the first day of school starts. It might even give you enough information to help the future teacher better work with your child. This will allow everyone to get a good start to the year.

4. Talk About Extra Curricular Activities
Another problem many parents face when the school season starts is all of the extracurricular activities that children want to do. As soon as school begins, they are bombarded with flyers for new and exciting things to try. Plus, most children are influenced by what their peers are doing. Thus, you might find yourself hearing about a long list of things each child feels they need to do. If you sit down and talk to your child about the extracurricular options, then you might be able to stop some of the problems before it happens. First, go over time schedules, so children will be able to plan availability for things they’re interested in. You might also go over budgeting, as extracurricular activities aren’t exactly cheap in most cases. With the boundaries set, children will have to stop and think about their options before they choose a wide variety of things to do.

5. Review Coursework
Most children actually fall a bit behind during the summer months as education that is learned can easily be lost when not put to use. So, you might take the last few weeks of summer to have your children review the things they learned during the previous school year. You can use some of their old homework to come up with new worksheets, or you can download a wide variety of age-based worksheets online. If your children seem to be excelling in the work they completed last year, then you might want to give them a glimpse into what they will be doing in the upcoming year. This is easily done through websites that offer curriculum and work sheets or apps that are based on each grade. Reviewing and looking ahead will help make the transition a bit easier for children, so they can start earning good grades from the beginning.

6. Check Off Reading List
Reading is a great way to keep your child’s mind active during the summer months. However, it is easy to stray from reading plans, especially when children want a break from school when they first leave for vacation. If your school sends a reading list home for the summer, then you might have your children start working on it. Although they might not finish the list, you’ll find that reading a few of the books on the list will do them a world of good and will help get the mind ready for school. Of course, if your school doesn’t send home a reading list then you might consider looking online to find one for your child’s age group. You might also be able to find a reading list at the local library. In order to get your children started on the list, you might also begin by reading with them. This will definitely show them the importance of reading while helping them get a good start.

7. Check Ups
It can be a real pain in the neck to schedule appointments during the school season. This generally means pulling the child out of school and forcing them to make up the work they missed out on. However, there are many appointments that must be met, so you might try to get a jump start on them while school is still out for summer. Although you might not be able to schedule a wellness appointment for your child, as these are usually offered around the child’s birthday, you might be able to get an up to date physical for sports. You should also be able to get your child into the dentist as well as in for an eye exam. This will help knock out a few appointments and will give your child a chance to adjust if they need braces or glasses.

8. Craft Teacher Gifts
There’s no harm in trying to get off on the right foot with your teacher. So, you might want to stop and ask the children what they would like to craft for their new teacher. There are many exciting ideas to choose from too, which should help get the kids excited for school. One example is making your child’s future teacher a special mug. You can work with classic teacher themes or you can make something entirely customized. On top of that, there are many crafts that can be made simply with paper. There are lots of great ideas to check out online, so don’t be afraid to surf the net for the perfect idea to make a great first impression.

9. Plan Lunches/Snacks
There’s no doubt about it, you will find yourself struggling to get lunches and snacks together if you don’t do a bit of prep work ahead of time. So, you might take a couple of weeks to sit down and plan out some fun meal ideas that will help keep kids happy and fed during their school day and when they return. You might talk over the ideas with the kids and even try out a few of the ideas before school begins. This will allow you to assess the enjoyable nature of the dish as well as how frustrating it might be to make in a pinch. Once you have a game plan set into motion, you can start the meal prepping to make everyone’s lives easier. This will certainly allow you to cut back on the amount of time you spend in the kitchen as well as how often you need to go grocery shopping.

10. Enjoy Summer
Although preparing for back to school is incredibly important, one of the best things you can do to help make going back to school a bit easier is to just let your kids enjoy summer. Breaks are far and in between, so let your child fully embrace as much of summer as they possibly can. This might mean letting them spend most of their time in the pool, giving them a little extra screen time or even letting them enjoy those cold desserts more often than normal. No matter how you choose to celebrate summer, make sure everyone is having fun and relaxing so they will be well-rested for the upcoming school year.

Back to school is hectic and there’s no getting around it. However, these ten tips might help you make the most out of the chaos. With just a little bit of preparation, you might find yourself enjoying the process a little more while feeling better about the new school year.

In many cities, there are recycling systems in full swing, which certainly makes the lives of those hoping to lead a greener life easier. However, in many cities, the recycling system is still for the birds. For people that live in these areas, it can seem hopeless. Recycling is certainly a lot more challenging and it requires people to have to deal with the issue practically on their own. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to help make the recycling system work for you without spending a small fortune. With these ten ideas, you should be able to find the perfect way to recycle so that you can leave less of a carbon footprint while also embracing a greener lifestyle.

1. Create Your Own System
If your city doesn’t have a ready recycling system for the public then work to create your own. One way to do this is to set up a variety of different trash cans to sift through your garbage. You can look to see what recycling centers are in your area, so you will know which items you can work with. Once you have your system in place, then keep recycling until you fill your bins up. Then, drive the items to the nearest recycling center yourself. This might seem like a lot of work, but when you get into the routine of it then you might not have an issue. You can even turn the event into a treat by grabbing an ice cream cone or other treats to celebrate recycling, which can help train children to want to recycle too.

2. Research Facilities
One of the key ways to learn more about recycling in your area is to research facilities. There are many websites that will give you information on recycling facilities across the nation. This will allow you to come up with a game plan when it comes to dropping off the recycling you collect. You might even learn how you can support these facilities to help improve the recycling in your community overall. Often, there are volunteer or fundraising opportunities you can enjoy. This will also give you an idea as to what you can actually recycle, as some facilities might not be able to take certain items. You might also learn about recycling in ways you never thought possible. For instance, you can actually send in old markers to Crayola, so they don’t fill up landfills. This type of recycling is just as efficient and will allow you to change the world one step at a time.

3. Know What Can Be Recycled
Half the battle of recycling in any community is actually knowing what can be recycled. A lot of people feel that just about anything in a category can be recycled, which can cause a major problem when it reaches the recycling facility. Often, this means that the operators must sift back through the items and throw away anything that doesn’t belong. This can cost the facility quite a bit of money too, which is definitely harmful when it comes to facilities with very little funding. So, before you toss something in the recycling bin, make sure it can be recycled in your area. There are usually labels on plastic, which will make it easier for you to figure out what can be recycled. You should also separate these into their separate numbers unless otherwise specified. The more you know about the recycling in your community, the better off you and the recycling facility will be.

4. Shop Wisely
Another major step you can take when recycle is to be mindful when you do go shopping. You might look at a product and consider its recyclability. Some plastics can’t be recycled at all, while some products offer way too much packing. Try to consider the best way to approach buying each item. You might even look for stores that allow you to bring in your own bags for items like dried beans, cereals and so much more. Before you know it, you’ll have limited your wastes, which will mean worrying less about recycling.

5. Alternative Uses
Sometimes, recycling isn’t an option. May it be the type of plastic or something that is just old and worn out that could never have been recycled anyway. When it comes to items like these, or even items that can be recycled, you might consider trying to reuse the item for something else. For instance, if you have a bunch of glass bottles or jars, you can easily transform them into unique crafts, storage or even containers for other food. The same can be said of boxes, papers, and other recyclable items. Before you know it, your first instinct will be to wonder what you can make your trash into opposed to how you should dispose of it. This mindset will certainly lessen your carbon footprint but might also lead you to enjoy a crafting project that could earn you some extra money.

6. Get Active
Part of the problem with recycling in communities that don’t have support, is there are not enough voices to make recycling a priority. In order to improve your recycling facilities, you have to be active. You can start by writing your local and state officials to make it known that recycling is the future. You can also pass around flyers and educational materials to encourage others to do so too. The more people that know about recycling and how it can change the planet, the more support you will receive. You might also run panels to talk about it. This will help more than you know. As the government sees a demand for the facility then chances are, they might start budgeting towards building or upgrading a facility in the area.

7. Form a Recycling Club
Recycling doesn’t have to be a solo activity. If you can find more people that are interested in recycling, then you might consider forming a club. Club members can take some time out of the month to pick up recycling throughout the community. If everyone pays some dues, then it should be enough to transport the recycling to the local facility. The club can also help spread the word about recycling in hopes that others might catch on. You may even find that people will gladly jump in if only a group is readily available to help them out. Best of all, your club will have the numbers needed to keep up with petitions and requests for better recycling facilities and services.

8. Fundraise
One of the key elements to getting a better recycling center is funds. Generally, funds aren’t available for these things because the government would prefer to use them elsewhere. This can be a major problem if you are hanging onto the hope of getting a facility in your area. Instead of just waiting around, you might start by starting up some fundraisers. Talk to local officials, so they understand your goal and are willing to work with you. You might find that companies, news stations, and even radio stations will help get the word around. You may even have other people willing to help you fundraise in new and exciting ways, which will help your contribution to the new or upgraded service grow.

9. Properly Dispose of Electronics
Recycling isn’t all about plastics, papers, cans, and cardboard. You can actually recycle your electronics too. As a matter of fact, you’re supposed to do this. However, a lot of people have never really known about the rule, so these items continue to build up in landfills. Recycling your electronics doesn’t have to be as tough as it sounds though. All you have to do is look up a facility, or even a store, that takes the items. Sometimes, there will even be a special period of time to drop off all of your old gadgets at a store for recycling. You might have to pay a small fee to do this, but it will be much cheaper than the fine you might get if you’re caught throwing the items away.

10. Compost
A lot of people don’t consider doing anything with leftover food either. However, you can really reduce the amount of waste you send out each month by composting your food wastes. This doesn’t mean you should throw out everything leftover from dinner though. Instead, try to make the most out of your meal by eating the leftovers or transforming them into another meal. The items that do go bad can be tossed in compost in most cases. This special storage area will help transform the food you don’t want into fertilizer that you can use in your garden or sell to others that can’t compost. There’s lots of helpful tips online so you can find the best way to compost in your space. You can even buy an indoor composter that works almost instantly, but you’ll have to spend some money on this device.

As our planet changes, it is increasingly clear that we need to try harder to recycle and do better for the world we live in. This might not seem easy if you find yourself in a community that doesn’t offer recycling in a readily available way. These tips will help make recycling a bit easier for you, so you won’t have to stress out over not doing your part to keep the planet cleaner.

Summer can be a trying time if you’re on a tight budget. However, if you live near the beach or have already planned a beach vacation, there are so many things that you can do that will cost you next to nothing. These tips will help you feel the gap in your budget, so that everyone still has a great time without forcing you to spend a fortune. These beach time ideas will help you to find the relaxation that you deserve, so you can get the vacation you need to refresh without having to struggle with payments on your credit card for months to come.

1. Read a Book
When it comes to reading, there simply isn’t enough hours in the day to help you find the time to engage in your favorite stories. So, when you hit the beach, you might want to pack a book to help you catch up while relaxing in the sun. Reading on the beach can be a very therapeutic activity, as the story and the waves will combine to help transport you to whole new worlds. If you don’t want to pack books in your carry on, then you might consider visiting a used bookstore when you arrive. You can even donate the book after you’ve read it. Of course, you might also look around for a free library, which are popping up all over the place. This will help make the activity cheaper than ever.

2. Sandcastles
One of the most timeless activities you can enjoy is making sandcastles. It doesn’t matter if you’re with the kids or by yourself, building a sandcastle can be a whole lot of fun. Of course, you can always use shovels, molds and more for your sandcastles. However, the beauty of the art is that all you really need is your hands and some sand. You can go all out and build more than just a castle though. There are some incredible designs you can take inspiration from too or you can just use your imagination. You may even consider entering a competition, which can actually add to the memories you make while hanging out on the beach. You might even walk away from it with a bit of extra money on your side.

3. Volleyball
If you’re looking to stay active during your beach trip, then a game of volleyball would really keep you on your toes. Enjoying volleyball is one of the healthiest activities you can enjoy too. All you need is a ball and a net to enjoy the sport too. Luckily, you’ll find many of these items already at the beach. Many beaches will have several volleyball courts set up, so you might not even have to wait in line to get in a game or two. However, if there are others playing then you’ll be on the right track to meet new friends and have even more fun. Best of all, volleyball can be played by most members of the family and you can enjoy the cool breeze on you, so the heat won’t be an issue as you enjoy the sport. Of course, you will need to make sure you have plenty of sun protection just to make sure you don’t burn in the sun.

4. Sift For Collectibles
When it comes to hanging out on the beach, there are plenty of ways to stay occupied. One of the easiest ways is to comb the beach for collectibles. The beach has so many wonderful items to enjoy too. For instance, you can look for seashells and sea glass to transform into beautiful crafts later on. This will allow you to get even more out of your beach trip, because there will be fun ways to add elements of the trip to your home. You might even consider giving some of the items that you find as a gift. You can even add them to gift baskets, frames and so on to make the gift even more impressive. Of course, if you live close to the beach, you might take a metal detector to see what you can discover. In some locations, you might even be able to rent such a device, which will make your beach adventure even more exciting.

5. Enjoy the Waves
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to enjoy the beach is take on the waves. This is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment, which will make you want to spend most of your time in the water. There are so many things you can do in the waves, but simply jumping into the crashing waves or going for a swim can keep you occupied for hours. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, then a boogie board might be the best alternative to surfing and is even a great activity for little ones. If you do want to give surfing a shot though, then you might look for a groupon or discounted lessons. This will allow you to get a taste of the activity without forcing you to rent equipment, which can be very pricey.

6. Fly a Kite
The beach is known for having some pretty awesome gentle breezes to take advantage of. So, you might want to take advantage of grabbing a kite and enjoying some fun. You can find kites just about anywhere for cheap, which is bound to make your trip even cheaper. You can even find them at dollar stores with fun characters for the kids. If you really want to get crafty then you can always make your own kit. There are lots of DIY tutorials to choose from online, so you can get as complicated as you like. This is also a great bonding experience for the whole family. Kites can keep everyone activite and entertained for long periods of time too, so you won’t have to worry about boredom settling in.

7. Look for Marine Life
The ocean is filled with wonderful creatures for you to enjoy from a distance. So, you might spend some of your beach time looking for marine life. One of the best things to do is dig for crabs. This can actually take quite some time, which will mean the kids will be busy for hours. Of course, if you do find a crab, you should leave it be as to not disturb the creature. If you are on a beach with sea turtles’ eggs then you can admire them from a distance or watch the baby sea turtles hatch and run to the ocean. You can also see a wide variety of fish and other sea life without even going into the depths of the ocean. If you can afford an adventure, then you might consider snorkeling. This won’t cost a fortune if you already have snorkeling gear and strong swimming skills. However, if you do want to invest some money then you can also look into scuba diving to ensure you can see a wide assortment of marine life.

8. Workout
When it comes to vacations, it is very easy to stray from your routine, especially when it comes to working out. So, instead of putting your physical fitness on hold, you might want to consider working out on the beach. Running is one of the easiest activities to take on. As a matter of fact, you can even run barefoot if you so choose. Running on the beach will test your endurance while strengthening your body. You can also try out yoga on the beach. This activity will help you find the tranquility you desire while also strengthening your poses and balance. Of course, you can make just about any form of exercise work out for you, so have some fun with planning your workout routine around your vacation.

9. Picnic
There’s no doubt about it, food sold on the beach and even the restaurants surrounding the area are going to cost you a small fortune. So, one of your best options is to pack a picnic. This will allow you to enjoy a free meal that won’t leave you feeling sick. If you’re on vacation, you might consider picking up bread, peanut butter, lunch meats, fruits and so on. This will allow you to eat well without forcing you to take away time from your beach experience. You can also graze on the food all day, which will help replenish energy as your family stays active. One of the most important things to pack is lots of water though as this will be especially pricey in local shops. Whatever you bring to the beach should be thrown away properly though, so you don’t leave a mess in such a beautiful setting.

10. Bonfire
Bonfires are probably the most iconic things to enjoy at a beach. So, if you want to have some fun then you might gather some beach wood and enjoy one for yourself. Of course, you can also join one that is already going on, especially if it is a public bonfire. A bonfire will offer a great opportunity for making smores or roasting food too, which will save you on restaurant prices. Other than, you should make sure to look into the rules of having a bonfire, as some beaches may require permits while some outlaw them entirely.

A trip to the beach can be one of the best experiences, especially if you’re feeling burned out. These ten tips will help to make the most out of your beach trip while keeping your budget happy. Even if you live near the beach, you might find these tips helpful when it comes to saving money and enjoying your free time.

August is barreling towards us at record speed, which is why you might want to start preparing for all of the hassles this month brings. For many, last minute vacations will be in order, school will be starting and shopping for the end of the year will be on the horizon. With everything jumpstarting in this month, you might find yourself struggling to get out of the lazy days of summer mode and back into the swing of everyday routines. Luckily, the first week of August brings National Simplify Life Week. This week is the perfect time to sit down, take a deep breath and get rid of everything that is going to make your life more complicated. These ten tips are bound to help you get on track without spending a bundle on the simplifying process.

1. Set a Routine
There’s no doubt about it, setting a routine is one of the most important things you can do to make your life easier. You might think that routines are boring and a sign of your inevitable aging, but in reality, we all need a routine to keep life functioning. You already have a routine even if you don’t realize. However, fine tuning your routine will help bring the chaos and aimlessness to a minimum. If you have children, then a routine is going to be absolutely necessary. So, sit down and look at everything you need to get done on each day of the week. You might leave in some wiggle room for seasonal activities and family fun time. However, once you have everything you need written down, your life will flow a lot smoother. You might even start to feel healthier than ever.

2. Declutter
Clutter can be one of the worst things about your life without you ever realizing it. As a matter of fact, clutter has actually been linked to anxiety and depression. So, for National Simplify Your Life Week, you might find it the perfect time to declutter. You might start with the things around you. For instance, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by pictures, nick-knacks and so on then it might be time to start donating items. Old clothes sitting in the closet are another great thing to donate or sell. You might even go through your filing cabinet and ditch some of the items that you no longer need. Before you know it, cleaning will be easier than ever, and you’ll feel better about your home.

3. Hide the Junk Food
One of the best ways to simplify life is to start eating healthier and encouraging the whole family to join in. This might not be the easiest task, especially if you have junk food in the house. Of course, you don’t have to ditch all of your favorite foods, nor do you need to throw away any food. Instead, you might consider pushing the junk food to the back of the pantry and refrigerator. Instead, keep the healthy food in plain view. When you’re in a rush for a snack, the healthy items will be in plain sight, which will make you more likely to grab them. This will help provide you with more self-control, so you will start to crave the junk food less and less. You can also use the junk food as incentive for children to eat right. If they can eat fruits and vegetables for the day then they can have a bit of junk food as a reward. You might find, as they meet their daily quota, that the need for junk food will decrease substantially.

4. Take Photos to Question Less
In this day and age, a lot of people are dealing with issues with anxiety and forgetfulness due to over activity. This can be a huge problem, especially if you need to handle your business in a timely manner. So, instead of second guessing yourself, take a picture of whatever it is you might forget about. For instance, if you are constantly worried about leaving the oven on, then take a picture of it before you head out. You can do the same for locking the door, sending important emails and so much more. You can even take a picture of your grocery or errand list. If you plan on shopping, then snap a photo of your refrigerator and pantry. You’ll know exactly what you have, which will save you a ton of money.

5. Go Audio
Often, we tend to find ourselves in a bit of a rut when it comes to entertainment. This is especially true when we’re looking for entertainment while commuting, working, or doing chores. Often, we wind up on the same playlists and hope to find some pleasure out of the mixes the shuffle comes up with. Instead of sticking with the same patterns, you might try something a little different. For instance, instead of letting your book list pile up, you might grab a book as an audio file. This will allow you to list and enjoy it while you do whatever else you need to. Before you know it, you’ll be making a dent in the pile, which is bound to make you feel amazing. Other than that, you might check out some podcasts. You will be surprised by how many fun podcasts are available. Both of these audio treats will help you broaden your horizons while giving you something to look forward to.

6. Swap to Online Storage
Many people have a hard time keeping up with their personal items. Photos, work files, important documents and more can go missing in the blink of an eye. That is why you might consider swapping to online storage to help you prevent major loses. There are many services that will actually store your items for free, so make sure to shop around and see what you can find to suit your needs. Once you have the storage you need then set up the account so that it automatically uploads files and more, so you don’t even have to worry about things. You can also add your documents and more to these services. Of course, if you don’t really feel comfortable with having your work online then you can always purchase a drive to do the work. All you have to do is move the items over to the scan drive or external hard drive, and everything will be backed up.

7. Invest in Easy Appliances
Although spending money isn’t always on our list of things to do, you might consider investing in appliances that will make your life easier. For instance, a crock pot is a great way to make dinner time a lot less stressful. You can make all sorts of soups, shredded meats and so much more. There are countless recipes to try too, so you can spice up your meal plan. Pressure cookers can also help you finish up your meals much faster. You might consider investing in cleaners that will help make the job a bit easier. All in all, the items you choose should be based on your lifestyle needs, so shop wisely to ensure you won’t waste money.

8. Clear Subscriptions
Without a doubt, it is hard to avoid subscriptions when you seem to have to sign up for one every time you shop on a website. This can actually make clearing out your email a pain in the neck, which might cause you to miss important emails. One of the best ways to ditch your email subscriptions is to go into the settings of your email and unsubscribe to anything you don’t want to get in your email each day. You might be surprised as to how many subscriptions you are signed up for. Another way to do this is to simply manually unsubscribe whenever you receive an email. Before you know it, you won’t find emails lurking around that you don’t actually need or want. Another subscription that you should be leery of is those that you pay for. May it be entertainment services that you signed up for a free trial with or services that you no longer use or enjoy, it is important to put an end to them. This will save you a lot of time and money, which will simply your life quite a bit.

9. Meal Prep
Meal prepping seems to be everywhere. This trend is on the tips of everyone’s tongues, but when you look into the concept it actually seems to be quite intimidating. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a headache though. Instead, it can be a great way to save yourself some time and energy when you are too busy to do things during the week. Meal prepping can also be a great way to help the family bond, as everyone can pitch in to cover breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week. All you have to do is be mindful about your meal plans. Choose items with ingredients that can be reused in a dish to ensure that you have everything you need to be successful. When you’re done meal prepping, your refrigerator and freezer will look full and your concern over managing dinner, ball games and work will be gone. Best of all, meal prepping will help you ditch fast food habits, so the whole family can eat healthier.

10. Stay on Top of Finances
Budgeting isn’t the easiest thing on the planet, so you might find yourself struggling to get through it. However, if you want to simply your life, it is important to be on top of the money. The best thing you can do is make a list of everything you’re going to be spending money on. You start out by listing the charges that are going to come out automatically. Then, budget in what you need to spend on groceries and other items. You can keep track of all of this on paper or use an app that you trust. By organizing your finances, you’ll be able to spend less time on this during the month as the app will take care of most things for you. Plus, you will be able to budget in money for savings which is certainly helpful when it comes to planning for the future.

Simplifying your life might be one of the best things you can do to keep things in order as the busy months arrive. These ten tips are a great way to get started on the process of making your life as simple as possible.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some outdoor grilling. On top of that adding lots of flavor to your food by grilling can be incredibly convenient and fun. Unfortunately, grilling out can often cost an arm and a leg because of the options available. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself tempted by steaks, high priced chicken and more. Luckily, there are tons of great recipes out there that will help you keep your spending down while you enjoy grilling all summer long. These ten ideas just scratch the service when it comes to budget friendly grilling.

1. Grilled Vegetables
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make a meal or side dish, then grilling vegetables is right up your alley. There are so many delightful recipes you can try out for this too. If you’re looking for a side dish then you might stick with grilled onions, green peppers and even tomatoes. These vegetables go well with just about everything and will certainly help keep the family healthy for cheap. Corn is another great option that can be complemented with a wide variety of toppings. Of course, if you’re looking for a main course then you might consider grilled eggplant with a special sauce or mushroom steaks that work great as sandwiches or on their own. You can even create a combination of veggies to put on a kebab.

2. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are one of the best things to make when you need to feed a whole lot of people. Of course, if you have younger children then they’re a great option for a cheap dinner too. You can do a whole lot with hot dogs, so this meal will stretch you quite a bit. For starters, you can make classic hot dogs with plenty of condiments like sauerkraut, chili, onions, cheese and so on. This will make the meal exciting and will allow people to customize as they please. Of course, If you get sick of just hot dogs then you can use them with other dishes. For instance, if you grill the hot dogs and place them in some beans, you will be taking your beanies and weenies to a whole new level. The same can be said of hot dogs and mac n cheese. So, use your creativity and your family’s dietary needs to create fun meals with this cheap food.

3. Casseroles
Setting up the perfect barbecue doesn’t have to force you to rely solely on the grill. Instead, you might consider making your side dishes more filling, so you don’t have to cook as much meat. There are so many casseroles that work wonderfully with grilling out too. For instance, you can whip up a macaroni salad with light ingredients like cucumber and tomato to keep things healthier. You can also go with the classic macaroni salad, as well as potato salad and egg salad. Of course, there are so many more unique casseroles that can keep your guests fuller for longer. You might want to dig deep into your family’s recipes for items like tater tot casserole or come up with a few ideas of your own.

4. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes can be a meal in themselves, which will set you up for some cheap eats at your party or for dinner ideas. The best thing about potatoes is they’re totally easy to make on the grill. Simply wrap them in tin foil and let them go. You can add condiments like sour cream, chives, chili, cheese and so much more to make them better. Of course, if you don’t want to just eat potato then this dish makes an incredibly cheap side dish, so you can splurge on the main course. You will also be able to suit everyone’s dietary restrictions, especially since you can alternate sweet potato for some of your guests.

5. Ice Cream
There’s no doubt about it, ice cream is one of the biggest joys of summer for most people. So, if you’re planning a barbecue for a lot of people, you might add in some ice cream to help make the fun last even longer. Luckily, you can buy a huge tub of ice cream for a reasonable price. This should feed just about everyone at your party and then some. Although ice cream cones or simple scoops of ice cream are always an easy option, you can also spice things up. You might consider making milkshakes or ice cream floats to help stretch your beverage budget. This will allow people to have a drink and dessert in one go, which is bound to save you some money.

6. Grilled Pizza
Another great way to appease everyone while grilling is to make some awesome pizza. Believe it or not, but grilled pizza is growing in popularity because it tastes incredible and is one of the best ways to make pizza without a pizza oven. There are many ways to make grilled pizza, so you can cater to your own personal needs. One way is to whip up your own dough to add to the fun. This doesn’t take a lot of effort, so you should be able to make several doughs for next to nothing in cost. You can also use flat breads to shorten the cooking experience and make your life easier. Toppings can range in items, so you can shop based on price if you want to. If you’re making pizza for the family, kids will love making their own. You might even find that guests get a kick out of making their personal pizza too, which can help reduce the entertainment budget of your party.

7. Cheap Meats
One problem that many people face is finding the right kind of meat to purchase when grilling. A lot of people feel that you have to go out of your way to buy expensive cuts. However, grilling gives you the opportunity to make lots of different cuts taste amazing. For instance, you can purchase chicken legs and thighs to grill, which offers lots of marinating options. Once you have a great match, your chicken will be the talk of the block. Of course, there are many other cheap meats to try out. Your best option is to check out the local butcher shop or grocery store to see what is on sale. If worse comes to worse then you might stick with ground beef, which tends to be one of the cheapest options around.

8. Salad
When you’re trying to keep a meal heathier without spending a small fortune, then salad is always the way to go. Best of all, when summer rolls around, many of the popular staples for salad are in season. For instance, you can use romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce or even cabbage to start the salad off. Then, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, carrots, radishes and so on can all be found for next to nothing. After you whip up the basics of the salad, all you need is a light dressing to make it the perfect addition to your meal. Best of all, you’ll always have a vegetarian option on hand to suit anyone refraining from certain types of meat.

9. Beans
If you’re looking for a side dish that can feed an army then you won’t have to search any further than some beans. The best thing about beans is you can buy quite a few dried beans for next to nothing. Beans can be transformed by family recipes or new tricks to create a dish that is appeasing to most people. The best thing about beans is you can toss them in a crock pot and forget all about them. This will definitely make your life easier if you’re planning a party. If you have leftover meat and beans after your barbecue then toss them together and add some tortillas for an easy meal that won’t cause you to break a sweat.

10. Drinks
Beverages are always a major part of a barbeque, especially since the weather is hot. One of the best things you can do is stick to simple items. For instance, keeping water close by is a great option as most people prefer it when they are hot. However, you might also consider offering infused water, which can be a bit more refreshing. Another great option is brewing large batches of tea for people to drink iced. You can even add food to the mix to improve on this beverage. If you plan on serving mixed drinks, then stick with what you already have in the house or items that you can make for cheap. You can also utilize your other beverages like, making a long island iced tea or a rum and coke. No matter how you plan the drinks, just be careful not to overdo it so your budget won’t suffer.

Summer is the perfect season to fire up the grill and enjoy some of the tastiest food of the year. Whether you’re just feeding your family, or you have a block party going on, these tips should help you feed everyone on the cheap. This should help your summer budget stretch while allowing you to maximize your joy.

Let’s face it, having a cellphone is cool and all, but sometimes it really gets in the way of living life. There are so many things we can get more enjoyment from if only we would put down our mobile phones and enjoy the world around us. Unfortunately, breaking the cycle of using the cellphone can be a tough feat. Luckily, there are quite a few ways that you can help yourself break through the addiction while still saving some money. These ten ideas are a great way to ensure you’ll feel comfortable ditching your phone sooner than you ever expected. Best of all, July is National Cellphone Courtesy month, so you’ll find lots of support available to help you make the change.

1. Monitor Your Usage
One of the main problems people face when dealing with cellphone addiction is not knowing how long they’re actually on the phone. One of the first steps you should take is to grab a program that will help you monitor the time you spend on the phone. There are many great apps available to do this. Once you have an idea of how many hours you’re on the phone, try to cut back by a few minutes to an hour. You can do this every week to help you cut down your time quite a bit. You also might take a look at the time in which you are active. If there is a consistent pattern, then it might be wise to come up with a plan to do something else during those periods. This should help you cut back your phone time until you no longer feel the need to spend so much time on the phone.

2. Lower Your Data Plan
Another way to curb your willingness to spend hours on the phone is to lower your data plan. When you are away from your Wi-Fi, you won’t be able to spend as much time as you’d like on the phone or else you will have to deal with the repercussions of going over your data plan. This often forces you to pay a penalty on your bill, which can be enough incentive to chill out on the phone usage. Of course, you can also stop connecting your phone to the Wi-Fi at home and at work to help get even more benefits from this. Best of all, you’ll be rewarding yourself for not spending as much time on the phone, because you will spend less money on your plan when you stop going over your data agreement.

3. Schedule Time Outs
It isn’t often feasible to turn your phone off all day or to completely separate yourself from it. However, it is possible to schedule time outs for yourself. To do this, all you need to do is put your phone on airplane mode during certain periods of the day. For instance, you might enter airplane mode during mealtimes or a couple of hours before bed. This will help you to relax and will take away the temptation of sitting on your phone when you should be eating a meal. If airplane mode doesn’t do the trick for you then power down the phone completely. If worse comes to worst, you might also consider putting your phone in a box with a timer. The time outs will help you to take a step away from your phone, so you can adjust to spending less time on it. Before you know it, the time outs will come naturally and more frequently.

4. Ditch the Apps
One of the main problems that people face when they’re trying to use their phone less is a temptation. There are so many apps to choose from now that it is hard not to spend hours on every app you have downloaded. Thus, one of the best things you can do is start deleting some of the apps that are just time wasters. You might start with social media and then move on to games. Eventually, the only thing you’ll have on your phone is the basics and items you need for work. Since most people don’t want to work constantly, you might see that your phone is a lot less appealing. As long as you keep the apps off of your phone, you should find success in staying off of the phone too.

5. Allot Time For the Phone
Apart from cutting out time for the phone, you might also consider making time for the phone. Choose a time frame in which you won’t miss out on other things if you’re on the phone. For some people, the morning hours are the best for this because it is their time to wake up. Once you have your phone time set, use it to catch up on social media, play your favorite games and so much more. However, when the phone time up then turns the device off and move on with your day. This will allow you to still enjoy some of your favorite things about technology while also keeping them set to a specific time period. You might find that you desire phone time less and less.

6. Grab a Dumb Phone
If you’re worried about not having any control over your need to use the phone, then you might want to check out a dumb phone. This can constitute a wide variety of things. For starters, you can simply get an old phone that doesn’t connect to the internet. This will allow you to receive calls and texts without forcing you to spend an arm and a leg. Some companies have started coming up with phone concepts that only allow for text and calls too. These have more convenient design and are perfect starter phones for kids. The phones aren’t enticing in the slightest bit either, so you won’t feel the need to call and text unnecessarily just to use the phone.

7. Replace the Habit
Another great way to deal with phone addiction is to replace the habit with something else. For instance, you can pick up a hobby to keep you busy when you would normally be spending your time on the phone. If you’re not sure where to start with this then you might look at your phone to see what type of activity you typically would do on your phone. If you like musical games, then try to pick up an instrument. People that play games like Words with Friends might get a kick out of a word search book or a scrabble club. There are also chess clubs that can help fill that void too. If you play a lot of time management games, then consider getting out and doing the activity yourself. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have doing these activities in real life.

8. Exercise
When it comes to breaking a habit like phone addiction, one of your best options is to actually get up and do some exercise. Whenever you feel the need to grab your phone, simply stand up and do something productive. For instance, you might go for a jog to help take your mind off of things. Another option is to do some yoga or lift weights. You might even find doing pushups or sit-ups can help take your mind off it. The key is to keep your hands busy, so you won’t be able to get on your phone. Before you know it, you’ll be healthier than ever, and you won’t want to use your phone all of the time.

9. Reward System
Of course, if you don’t do well with punishments then you might consider doing the opposite. For instance, if you can go without using your phone for a few hours then offer yourself a small treat, like a piece of chocolate or some extra TV time. As time passes and you stick to your goals, treat yourself to a little something extra like a nice cup of coffee or a meal at your favorite restaurant. You can even make an incentive for clothes, games or anything else that has been on your mind. The reward system might not take the edge off of needing your phone, but it will allow you to find joy in not using the phone. After some time, your mind will naturally stay away from the idea of using the phone.

10. Be Social
Often, people use their phone to help combat loneliness. This is a major problem with younger generations who often feel like phones are their best way of communicating with others. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your social media feed or talking to people on an instant messenger or via text, you might make the effort to actually go out and see people. For instance, you might want to meet up with a friend or two to see a movie or go bowling. You can also just visit one another’s homes. The one on one social interaction will help you to feel more secure without your phone, so you won’t need to rely on it entirely.

There’s no doubt about it, phones can be a convenient part of life, but sometimes they can take over. These ten tips will allow you to cut back on your phone usage, so you can do more for your health and happiness. With any luck, you’ll be able to find a healthy balance, so you get more out of life.

Amazon Prime Day is coming up fast! This year, you’ll see deals on everything under the sun on July 15 and 16th, so make sure you’re ready to jump on the deals as they come to you. This year, you’ll find a wide assortment of deals to choose from, which might bring some convenience and joy to your life. Of course, as with any sale, you should check out deals from competitors before you buy. These ten categories are bound to be the hottest deals on Prime Day, so you might want to do some research now so you’re ready to click “Buy Now” when Prime Day arrives. So, make sure your budget is ready for the biggest sale of the year after Black Friday.

1. Amazon Products
It goes without saying that Amazon is going to try to boost their own products on Prime Day. This is great for anyone that loves Amazon products, as you will certainly be able to find everything to make your home and life a lot more convenient. You will most likely find the best deals on the newest additions to the Amazon family. However, older generations won’t fail you when it comes to discounts. So, feel free to shop around for Kindles, Firesticks, Echoes and so much more. You probably won’t be able to find deals on these items elsewhere, so if there is something you just can’t wait for then the sale price is probably going to be your best option.

2. Smart Home Devices
Smart homes are the future, which is why Amazon is offering some of the best deals on the gear you need to make your home so much better. This Prime Day, you’ll find a wide assortment of options, so you will need to broaden your search if you’re going to find everything you need. Some of the most common items to check out will be garage door openers, security systems, and robotic vacuums. Security systems, in all forms, will be some of the hottest deals though. So, you should be able to find a camera system, as well as extra security measures like a doorbell that works to record your front porch while also allowing you to communicate without opening the door.

3. Apple Gear
If your phone or tablet isn’t cutting it anymore, then you might want to take some time to check out all of the Apple sales that you’ll find during this Prime Day. Apple generally isn’t one of the sales options during this time, so you might want to keep up to date on the latest deals to ensure you’ll find some of the lowest prices of the year. You will also be able to find a huge selection of older models as well as new models. Your best option is going to be items like phones and watches, as Amazon won’t want too much competition with their own tablets. All the same, if you’re an Apple fan, you’ll probably find something to celebrate while shopping this mega sale.

4. Fitness Technology
Fitness technology is still very trendy and there are many brands trying to light up the market. Amazon is definitely noticing this trend, which is why you’re bound to find some awesome deals on fitness technology. There have been many rumors that Fitbits will be a remarkable price during this sale, so you might want to shop around so you already have an idea of prices before Prime Day begins. Of course, Fitbit isn’t the only tech you’ll find. You might look for off-brand heart monitors and so much more. You might even find deals on new workout technology, that will help you get fit faster. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself with everything you need to get your health in order quickly.

5. Televisions
Amazon is known for its television sales. Prime Day shouldn’t leave you disappointed either, as there will be tons of deals on all sorts of televisions. If you’re looking for upgrade material, then you might want to start out searching for deals on 4K TVs, as these will certainly be some of the most popular items around. Of course, there should be deals on just about any smart TV you might consider bringing home. Unfortunately, these television deals aren’t going to last long, so you’ll have to be fast in order to get the savings. At times, this can be a tactic to get people to buy items that aren’t really low in price. So, you might want to do research ahead of time to make sure you’re prepared to know what will save you money and what won’t.

6. Baby Gear
Parents and those expecting will love all of the deals you’ll find on baby gear during this sale. Amazon is known for dropping lots of odds and ends for the tots in our lives, so you should be able to stock up on just about everything under the sun. Some of the more common items are baby furniture, like swings and even bassinets. You will find plenty of toys to help with development. So, you might want to stock up on some of the larger items for your child. On top of that, you’ll find a wide array of sales on onesies, bottles, first aid kits and all of the odds and ends you’ll need to bring your little one into the world and maintain their happiness well into toddler years. Unfortunately, diapers will be a hit or miss, so you might keep your eye out for a good deal, but you still shouldn’t get your hopes up.

7. Amazon Subscriptions
Although you won’t be able to save money on an Amazon Prime subscription, you will be able to find some great deals on subscription services related to Amazon. For instance, Audible, Amazon’s audiobook subscription service will be offering some great deals for users hoping to start up the service. This service already gives you one free audiobook a month, with rollover books if you don’t choose anything, so you’ll already be making out. Another service to look into is Amazon pantry, which offers free shipping and low costs on items that you use every day in your home. Finally, Amazon Music will be offering two free months when you sign up for the family plan. This will keep everyone entertained with music from just about every genre available.

8. Beauty and Health Products
If you’re running low on beauty and health supplies, then you’ll be happy to know that Prime Day will help you stock up for the rest of the year. This day is pretty famous for offering so many different random things, so you will easily be able to find numerous supplies that will suit your needs. Of course, you won’t be able to see if your favorite brands will have a sale until Prime Day arrives, but you might find some sales on items that you have wanted to try. If you’re not dedicated to a brand, then you should be able to try something that will suit your needs. This is especially true when it comes to supplements. However, you might also get lucky and find cosmetics, lotions, and soaps that will help you feel more confident about the person you are.

9. Entertainment
Another common item that you will find is entertainment. You might not run into great deals on consoles, but you’re certain to find some awesome finds when it comes to video games. However, some of the best deals that have been seen in previous years have to do with boxed sets for movies. You can find full series at a surprisingly low price. You will find lots of other movies too. Another great find during this sale is music. Whether you’re looking for CDs, vinyl or even downloads, Prime Day is certain to treat you to something amazing. On top of that, you will find books in just about every genre and format. Of course, toys will also be on sale, so you can find something to entertain the kids during the summer months or simply stock up for holidays and birthdays.

10. Other Vendors
Although Prime Day is all about Amazon, you might find that some competitors won’t let these two days pass by without some major sales of their own. Some of the largest competitors to offer sales will be Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and other major department stores. You might even find some smaller name stores and boutiques jumping on the bandwagon. This can really work out to your advantage, so make sure you shop around to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal. You might also take advantage of price matching, especially if the sale on Amazon isn’t a flash deal. This will allow you to skip the wait, so you can get your items straight away.

Amazon Prime Day is a great reason to get excited during the hot summer months. This sale is going to be one of the largest that we’ve seen this year and will probably hold that title until Black Friday arrives. So, if you’re looking to purchase a few items to make your life easier, or you simply want to splurge, then Amazon Prime Day is the time to do it.

Summer is here, which means hot days that are going to leave the kids sprawled out across the sofa. There are quite a few things that you can do to help get your kids to be more active during the summer months though. One of the most efficient ways is to turn your yard into a miniature water park. These ten tips will show you that making your own water park is certainly easier and cheaper than you could have ever thought possible. So, instead of allowing your kids to soak up the heat, you might consider utilizing a few of these ideas to truly help you make the most of the fun days of summer.

1. Water Blob
One of the quickest and easiest ways to get more out of the summer months is to make a blob. Water blobs have been quite popular over the last couple of years, so you should be able to find ideas all over the place. The best thing about water blobs is they are the perfect option for toddlers. You can whip up a blob and let a toddler roll around without having to worry about the potential of drowning. Older children will get a kick out of this activity too, as it can often mimic the feeling of waves, which can be fun with a boogie board or other accessories. It doesn’t take a lot of materials to make a water blob either, so you should have one up and running in no time. If you want to get more out of the activity, you can insert water toys, especially those that resemble animals, on both sides of the screen.

2. Slip n Slide
Another fun way to transform the backyard into your own personal park is to add a slip n slide or three. These items are so simple but can be transformed into a wide variety of designs. For starters, you can take a basic slip n slide and add it to a hill to help kids pick up the speed. You can also have the slide end in a swimming pool or area filled with bubbles. Another fun idea is to add some water balloons to the landing dock or even the slide itself. You can even place a sprinkler in the area. If you don’t want to purchase a water slide, then this is an easy activity to make as there are numerous tutorials online.

3. Bucket Dump
Nothing says fun quite like drenching a friend or family member with one single throw. So, if you want to add to the fun of your DIY water park then you might add a bucket drop to the mix. This can be one of the easiest things to set up as all you really need is something to stand the bucket on, a bucket, a target and a few supplies to engineer the drop. If you’re not entirely sure how to make the bucket drop, then look for some DIY tips online. You definitely won’t be disappointed. You should also consider height when creating the drop as you don’t want the bucket to hit anyone in the head when it does drop, so keep this in consideration when choosing the type of drop you will make. Once everything is set up, kids can throw water balloons or pool balls, shoot nerf balls and so on at the target to drench the person sitting beneath it.

4. Mister
Mist can be one of the most efficient ways to keep kids cool. It is also one of the easiest things to set up. Best of all, a mister can help water your plants without forcing you to go out at all hours. One of the most efficient misters for kids to play under involves using a PVC pipe. All you have to do is place three pipes together, so they stand up in a U shape. Then, cut holes in the pipe, so water sprays out. The larger the holes, the more water you’ll get. You can even turn this nifty device into a kid’s car wash. Of course, you can run the PVC pipe just about anywhere in the yard, so you can have water going all over the place if you so choose.

5. Water Balloon Pinata
Another easy way to help the kids have some fun is to make a pinata out of water balloons. This can be as easy as attaching a large portion of water balloons together, or as difficult as actually forming a shape to create a character. Water balloon pinatas can be burst in a wide variety of ways too. For instance, you can have kids throw darts at them for a nontraditional way of bursting it. You can also have kids go after it with a bat. If you want the pinata to last a bit longer then you might consider using a foam bat instead. If you choose to use softer items, like pool balls, to throw at the pinata then kids can also sit under it until it bursts. No matter how you choose to work with your water balloon pinata, it is going to spray water everywhere when it finally does burst.

6. Pool Noodle Obstacle Course
You can do so much with pool noodles, so you should definitely incorporate them into your DIY water park wherever possible. One of the best ways to use these amazing toys is to transform them into an obstacle course for kids. You can shape them in all sorts of ways and can even attach them to other items with ease. Thus, you can come up with a pretty sturdy obstacle course that will suit everyone. Once your course is built, poke holes in the obstacle course and run water through it. The water will splash the kids as they run through the obstacle course. You might not be able to get your kids out of this fun toy as the summer heat rises.

7. Sponge Battle Station
There’s no doubt about it, tensions run high during the summer months. Between the heat and siblings spending more and more time together, there is bound to be a bit of fighting. So, you might find it imperative to add a sponge battle station to your home waterpark. This is probably one of the easiest things to set up as all you really need is a bucket of water and some sponges. Of course, you can also cut the sponges into shapes or make special balls out of them to improve the battle region. You might also find it fun to add a few places for the kids to hide and use their stealth to make their water fight even more appealing.

8. DIY Water Slide
Water slides are one of the most popular ways for kids to have some fun during the summer months. However, buying a water slide can be incredibly expensive. So, you might want to consider making your own. There are so many fun ways to make a water slide though. If you have an inground pool, you have many options to consider to, which can make the process even more fun. One of the easiest ways is to use a cement dome and some tarp. However, you will find so many tutorials online that it will definitely make your head spin. You might also consider adding some misters to the side or above the pool so that the kids will be sprayed as they slide into the pool.

9. DIY waterfall
A waterfall can be one of the most refreshing things to add to your landscaping. However, it is also a great addition to your DIY waterpark. Kids will love standing under your waterfall and getting drenched on a hot day. You have many options when it comes to waterfalls too. If you have a pool then this might be the best area to place the waterfall, as it will allow you to use the pool water. Of course, you can always place it in a separate area if you don’t mind putting in a little more elbow grease. You can also use solar power to help you power your pump, which will save you a lot of money in energy costs each day.

10. Concession Stand
Nothing says water park quite like a concession stand. Luckily, this will probably be one of the easiest things to set up in your DIY waterpark. You can easily set up a small booth using old wood, used furniture and so on. From there, consider painting it to look the part. You can add all sorts of cold drinks, hot dogs, and snow cones to the area too. There are lots of ways to make your own snow cone machine too, so you don’t have to add to the cost. You can also make your own hot dog roller with ease. If you want to keep things simple though, then all you need is a bag of chips, a jar of large pickles and a cooler with soft drinks to appease the kids when they work up an appetite.

Waterparks are such a fun part of summer, but the price to get into one can be astronomical. These tips will help you build your own waterpark with ease, which is bound to keep the kids busy all summer long. This should help cut down on the price tag of summer fun while also helping kids burn off some energy while cooling down on a hot day.