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Archive for April 28, 2022

Ten Ways to Get the Most Out of Cinco De Mayo On The Cheap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treat Mom To Some Fun With These Frugal Mother’s Day Activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ten Graduation Gifts That Will Suit Your Budget While Bringing Joy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frugal Ways to Embrace Date Your Mate Month With Zero Stress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspire Your Little Astronaut With Out Of These World Tips For Space Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seasonal Ways to Destress That Will Bring the Spring Back to Your Step

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bring Some Spice to the Home with These Spring Decor Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ten Passover Tips to Keep the Celebration on Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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