Frugal and Easy Tips for Back to School Lunches

by // Leave a Comment

Back to school can throw a lot of curve balls at you. From shopping for school supplies you’ve never heard of (like a very specific Magic Rub eraser?) to the sheer expense of new clothes and uniforms. It can be an expensive and stressful time. Luckily, back to school lunches don’t have to add to your stress. Don’t limit yourself to sandwiches and lunchables. There are easier and more budget-friendly ways and I’m sharing the tips to help you.

 

Back to school lunches don't have to add to your stress this year. Check out these don't miss tips for your kids' lunches!

 

[bctt tweet=”Check out these don’t miss tips for your kids’ back to school lunches!” username=”diyadulation”]

 

This week, my first interview is live over at the Dollar Stretcher and it will help you with tips and tricks to make your kids’ lunches fun, frugal, and most of all easy.

“Q: With back to school approaching, do you have some time-saving tips for parents on making sure kids get a healthy and homemade lunch?

Marie: The best tip to make sure that kids get a healthy lunch every day is to prep the meals on Sunday for the rest of the week. Pick up multiple containers like the ones in this article about saving money on food on the go and fill them before the week starts. Store them in the fridge, and all you have to do is grab one in the morning and toss it in their lunchbox. I also love collapsible water bottles because they don’t take up a lot of space, and you can fill them with a healthy drink. These are easy to toss in with lunches, as well.

Q: What are some easy DIY lunch ideas for back to school?

Marie: The best lunches for kids are ones that they have some control over. These are great for two reasons: Kids love “creating” their own lunches and only putting lunch components in the containers saves parent’s time. Some great ideas are DIY wraps and lunchables. For wraps, include small tortillas and whatever filling your kids like (such as ham and cheese, chicken and veggies, or beans and salsa). Let them assemble the wraps once it’s time to eat. Make your own lunchables by adding crackers, meat, and cheese that kids can put together as they would the store-bought kind. Ramp up the nutritional content by including some veggies and hummus.”

Continue Reading over at The Dollar Stretcher…

See where I’m linking up!

Don’t forget you can find even more back to school tips on our our Back to School page! 

5 Ways to Find Free Summer Activities

by // Leave a Comment

Summer vacation is approaching! This thought may excite you or it may fill you with anxiousness. The summer is so much fun but let’s be fair, it can also be expensive. When you are having more meals at home, doing more activities as a family, and all of the other inherent expenses that go along with summer time it starts to seriously add up.  Does that mean summer is hopelessly doomed to either boredom from doing nothing or extravagant spending you can’t afford?  Lucky for you, the answer is a resolute, “No way!”.  There are tons of free and cheap activities out there just waiting for you and your family to enjoy.  The trick is knowing how to find free summer activities and these tips will help you have a fun and frugal summer!

 

Summer doesn't have to break the bank! These tips for finding free summer activities will help you have a fun and frugal summer!

 

[bctt tweet=”Summer doesn’t have to break the bank! Tips for finding free summer activities! #frugal #summer” username=”diyadulation”]

 

 

1. Check Your Local Library

This is the easiest way to find all kinds of fun activities to do totally free.  This summer our family is getting to get up close and personal with sea turtles, create fun crafts, and attend an ice cream social all completely free at our local library.

 

Summer doesn't have to break the bank! These tips for finding free summer activities will help you have a fun and frugal summer!

2. Free Magazines

A lot of areas have free publications that are geared towards families.  These are available in multiple places; I have just had the best luck finding ours at our grocery store.  When you are leaving the store look at the racks that have the apartment guides and auto-sales guides as this is where there usually are.  These magazines have a lot of great information and ideas in them, but they also have a monthly calendar of events in your area that are free or inexpensive.

 

Summer doesn't have to break the bank! These tips for finding free summer activities will help you have a fun and frugal summer!

 

3. Free Days

Tons of theaters offer free matinee showings throughout the summer for families.  There are free or discounted bowling days (often throughout the year) as well.  One in our area actually has $1.50 games and rentals weekly.  Also be sure to check museums near where you live.  Many offer free admission on certain days every month.  Our family has taken advantage of these multiple times and always had a ton of fun.

 

4. City Websites

Many cities put on free events in the summer.  These can range from Independence Day parades to free music performances.  We have been to a firetruck pull, got to pet and learn about exotic animals, and more through our city’s website.  A little research can give you free plans all summer long. 

Check neighboring cities too for activities! We recently got to go to a Touch-A-Truck event completely for free in a city about 30 minutes away.  We were able to get behind the wheel of Air Force vehicles, sit in the back of a S.W.A.T van, and climb into a helicopter (among others) all completely for free!  So always check out neighboring areas, too, because you might find something spectacular to do there as well.

 

Summer doesn't have to break the bank! These tips for finding free summer activities will help you have a fun and frugal summer!

 

5. Keep Your Eyes Peeled

 

Keep your eyes on city signs as well when you are out and about.  The signs on banks, at fire stations, and schools will all have local events coming up advertised on them.  This is a great way to find out about free events in your area. A lot of churches and festivals will also put banners and signs in the neighborhood advertising upcoming events. Being observant can save you tons of money on summer fun!

These are just a few great ways to find free summer activities! You can keep the fun going all summer long and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. What is your favorite free (or frugal) activity to do with the kids in the summer? Let me know in the comments!

Keep all the fun coming with our Summer page!

See where I’m linking up!

[optin-cat id=4955]

 

Top 10 Ways to Save on Craft Supplies

by // Leave a Comment

Did you know that just by marketing something as “craft” the mark-up on it goes through the roof?  That’s why I have such a huge problem paying full price for craft supplies.  Some tools are totally worth it for their usefulness and/or long lasting investment return (like my top 10 DIY craft tools).  As a general rule, however, I always want to get the best deals on supplies and I know you do too. Here are my top 10 ways to save on craft supplies!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

 

 

[bctt tweet=”Don’t miss these tips for how to save on craft supplies for all of your projects! #crafts #savings”]

1. Word of Mouth

Let friends and family know the types of things you are looking for and chances are when they come across items in their house that they don’t use or need any more they will offer them to you.  I have gotten tons of sewing patterns, cloth, scrapbook supplies, paint, etcetera all because my friends and family knew how much crafting I do.  My best friend’s mom actually let me go through 2 giant boxes of sewing patterns that she was getting rid of to take my pick to keep before she did so.  Let’s just say my collection grew substantially that day!

2. Thrift Stores

I love thrift stores and I find all kinds of things there that can be used in my crafts.  Some of the best items to look for in thrift stores are frames, baskets, fabric, and books.  These are all used frequently in DIY projects and these are by far the best deals you will find on them.  When shopping at thrift stores, be sure to adjust your thinking so that you are open to all of the possibilities an object can have for your specific project idea.  Read How to Save Money on Practically Anything if you need help.

3. Clearance

If you keep your eye on clearance sections, you’ll be able to find some of the BEST prices in the store.  I also do it to help inform you about which clearance prices are worth it.  Sometimes, just because an item is clearance out doesn’t mean it is a good deal.  Know what a truly spectacular price is for something before buying it and always ask yourself, “What am I really willing to pay for this item?”

4. EBay

Ebay has changed a lot over the years.  It used to be THE place to go to get deals on things that people didn’t want any more.  Now, a lot of stores have taken over and just because it’s on Ebay doesn’t make it a great deal.  I see a ton of auctions that start the price well over what I’m willing to pay.  This doesn’t mean Ebay isn’t a good resource still, depending on what you’re looking for.  Shop here for craft supplies, people.  I have gotten a box of zippers for six bucks on here.  I’ve gotten tons of beading supplies for crazy cheap.  There are awesome craft deals to be found on here.  If you’re willing to buy wholesale lots, you can save even more.  I love getting supplies from Ebay.

5. Yard Sales

I love yard sales.  To me they are the perfect system.  One person gets rid of items they no longer want to make space for the ones they do.  The other person gets amazing deals on items they can give a good home and/or turn into something amazing.  It’s a symbiotic beauty.  A lot of crafters end up with an excess of supplies and when they finally realize it, they get rid of it at bargain prices.  I started my rubber stamp collection at a yard sale.  The lady had been a Stamping Up! consultant for years and she was getting rid of the old to make way for the new.

6. Construction Sites

Did you know that a lot of the ‘waste’ at a construction site just gets pitched?  This includes scrap wood, tiles, and hardware.  Instead of watching it get thrown away, bring it home for your own projects.  Always ask if you can take it though.  Chances are they won’t care at all but it is still theirs and asking is the right thing to do and also protects you.  Word of caution: Be careful whenever bringing anything from a construction site home.  Depending on the project, age of the building, etc. it can contain traces of lead, asbestos, and/or other harmful chemicals.  Always be safe and always use you best judgement.

7. Armories and Posts

Did you know that armories and small military posts clean out their inventory annually?  Sometimes these items go to auction and sometimes they just go in the trash.  Send them a letter and ask if you can take a look the next time they are getting rid of things.  I have gotten some crazy things from armories, from 3-ring binders to huge rolls of Velcro.

Never, ever just go through the dumpster of an armory.  This is for your protection.  Always ask someone in charge and get their approval to do anything at the armory, including go through the trash.  Remember, these are still military installations and should be treated with the same respect and sensitivity that a full post or base would.

8. Recycle

This is one of my favorite ways to save on craft supplies.  It is free and it is good for our planet.  This is a win-win in my book.  I will reuse the Styrofoam from my produce (like for these Kid Made Mother’s Day Cards) or even old cereal boxes (such as in this DIY Family Command Center).  The creative possibilities here are endless.

9. Nature

A lot of supplies can be found in nature.  Bleached wood is great for projects and flowers can be pressed and then sealed for use in all kinds of projects.  Leaves, twigs, and rocks can all be used in super creative and beautiful ways.  Challenge yourself to come up with unique ideas using just what is in your yard or local park.

10. Amazon.com

This one isn’t a secret.  We all know how much you can save on Amazon.com (on just about anything if you’re patient).  Did you also know, however, that if you put something in your cart and leave it there that Amazon will let you know if it reduces in price or if they find the item cheaper through another seller?  This doesn’t work if you need the item right now, but if it’s something you can have a little patience on (typically a few weeks at least) you can get some even more amazing deals.  Remember the Hello Kitty timer I mentioned in $3 DIY Sanity Saver?  About 2 weeks after putting it in my cart I got an email from Amazon.com showing me the same exact timer for only $3!  It was originally almost $9.  I could have purchased it for a third of the price.  This is seriously worth trying.

So there are my top 10 ideas to save on craft supplies.  I’d love to hear what ways you save on craft supplies in the comments!

See where I’m linking up!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!