Healthy & Yummy Frozen Yogurt Fruit Cups Recipe
YUM! I’m always looking for easy and healthy recipes for the summer time. This one looks absolutely perfect. If you need a cool healthy treat for the family, check this one out!
Frozen Yogurt Fruit Cups
Recipe & Photo by Veggie World Recipes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup oats
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- dairy free yogurt
- Strawberries
- Mango
- Kiwi
- Blueberries
- Pomegranate
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start by cutting up the strawberries, mango, and kiwi into small pieces. They will be the topping for your fruit cups.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup. This will be your granola base.
- Line a muffin pan with muffin liners. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of the granola to each muffin cup.
- On top of the granola, add 3-4 heaping tablespoons of the dairy free yogurt to each cup.
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Top off the fruit cups by adding the fruit.
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Place the cups in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
Our Favorite Family Friendly Things to Do in Dinosaur Land!
Maybe you have heard of it before but Vernal Utah is known as Utah’s Dinosaur Land and rightfully so. You can find an incredible amount of dinosaur fossils, footprints and other prehistoric sites here. There are so many unique and fun things to do in “dinosaur land”. From checking out dinosaur bones to exploring the great mountain regions! Here’s some of our favorite things we did while out there and what we highly recommend others to see as well.
Dinosaur Nation Monument Visitors Center – This was one of our first stops after we got into town. (You do have to pay to enter the National Monument but don’t forget, if you have a 4th-5th grader, you can get in for FREE thanks to Every Kid in a Park! Other wise the cost is $25/vehicle) Not only were we able to pick up a map there but they gave us some great information as to which hikes would be best, where we could find shade, stops we should make along the way and things we didn’t want to miss. I was impressed and so pleased with all the questions they answered and additional information they gave. We also were able to get our National Parks book stamped inside! If you don’t already have a National Parks Passport I highly recommend getting on. It’s been fun for our kids to take on our adventures to document all the National Parks we’ve visited! (You can pick one up while you’re at the visitors center or Amazon sells them as well.) And, they have their Jr Ranger program that your kids can patriciate in. Just ask the front desk for the Jr. Ranger booklets. Your kids can fill them out while you wonder around the National Park and then turn them in once they’re complete. They’ll earn a Jr. Ranger badge and get to keep their booklets for great memories! (all for FREE)
Dinosaur Nation Monument Quarry – This is inside The Dinosaur National Monument but worth the trip! This is where the “Wall of Bones” is found as well as the Exhibit Hall where you can learn about many of the dinosaurs found right there. Over 1,500 fossils are on display, still embedded in the cliff-side where the ancient creatures came to rest millions of years ago during the late Jurassic period. You’ll even have the opportunity to touch some of the bones. We opted to drive up to the Quarry but there is a walking trial you can take that goes from the Visitors Center up to the Quarry (I don’t recommend taking this trail if it’s hot, there’s not a lot of shade along this trail). Or you can catch the trolley that runs from the Visitors Center to the Quarry. (FREE to ride) Keep in mind right now you are required to have a entrance ticket to get into the Quarry. You can make your reservations online.
Box Canyon Trial (inside Dinosaur Nation Monument) – This was a beautiful trail to take with lots of shade (which was great for the warmer days we were there). It’s a short 1/2 mile round trip trail that’s easy and perfect for all fitness levels. It’s located right next to Josie’s Cabin which had a couple picnic tables located around the property where we could eat lunch. There is also Hog Canyon trail located right there if you’re looking to explore a little more. This one is a little longer at 1.5 miles but also rated as easy. On your way out to these trails don’t forget to checkout the Fremont Mystery where you’ll see some great petroglyphs (we prefer these petroglyphs over the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs but both are stunning) and Turtle Rock is fun to point out to the kids.
Utah Field House of Nature History – The museum is located in town and a great way to get out of the heat! They have lots of hands on activities the kids (and adults) can enjoy. You start with a short educational film about paleontology, dinosaurs and prehistoric Utah then make your way around the museum. There are a variety of rocks on display and even some that come to life under ultraviolet lights. Don’t forget to step outside for a walk around the Dinosaur Garden! There are 14 unique life-size models of dinosaurs set among local vegetation. (The museum cost $6 for adults, $3 for children and seniors and kids 5 and under are free)
Jones Hole Trail – this isn’t quite Dinosaur related but worth checking out while you’re in Vernal. You’ll even see some petroglyphs along the way. I’ll warn you now, pack LOTS of water! We ended up needing to portion water on our way back to the cars since we didn’t pack enough, so don’t be like us! This trail runs from the Jones Hole Federal Fish Hatchery down to the Green River. We didn’t go all the way to the river but took a side trail over to see the waterfall. Even with the water shortage it was fun to jump around and climb up the waterfall. We took children as young as 3 up to 11 and they were able to walk it (although it was a lot on their little legs).
Moonshine Arches – I think this was my favorite stop! We did this the night we got into Vernal since we arrive later than planned. Luckily we had just enough time to get out to the arches and back before the sun set. You’ll take 191 out of town until you come to the sign Moonshine Arches (located just after mile marker 359. Continue along the dirt road until you come to the fork in the road, stay to the left! Follow that road until you reach the parking area. We then used the All Trails app to guide us on the trail – you’ll want this. There’s a lot of forks in the trail that aren’t marked so I highly recommend making sure you have the app loaded before you go. But it’s worth it! It’s only 1.4 miles out and back (with a few steeper parts to climb but doable for younger children). Make sure to watch out for snakes!
Red Fleet State Park – The views at this lake were breathtaking! They had just enough sand area for us to enjoy while allowing the kids to play in the water. It does drop off rather quickly so please be careful. We kept kids in life vest anytime they were in the water or playing on the paddle board or kayak. This area was perfect for both as it’s a no wake zone so you’re not fighting the waves from the boats. They do allow moterboats/jet skis on the water though so bring all your water toys with you.
Hopefully this gives you some fun ideas of what you can do while you’re in Dinosaur Land!
5 Screen-Free Ways to Keep Your Kids Learning this Summer
How is your summer going? Ours is going really well. However, as we get closer to the middle of summer the kids tend to gravitate towards more screen watching and less reading. So I’ve come up with 5 ways to get the kids learning that is NOT on screens. These ideas may be a little out of the box, but I love teaching them in different ways.
- Visit Grandparents or Older Neighbors and learn about their history. Kids these days don’t take the time to actually listen to the elderly and hear what they have to say. If you take the time to actually listen, they have a lot to say. You could go with questions to ask like – what was going on in the country when you were in high school? What chores did you do when you were the kids ages? Think about what you want to learn from them.
- Visit a Museum. During the summer we often think about going to waterparks and swimming. Do you think about exploring a museum near you? Check out Groupon and see what deals they have available. My kids learn so much from museums and really enjoy learning.
- Surround your Kids with Educational Books. I’ve found out that when I have books in key places around the house, the kids will pick them up and read them more often. Do you have books in the car? Or, what about in the kitchen area? Think about where they tend to congregate and put some books there. It’s also important to go to the library often and keep new and interesting books around. They will start reading!
- Creative Time. Do you actually carve out some day during the day to have some creative play time? I know we are always go go go, but why not slow down and give them the TIME to use their creative brains? Grab a few items like play-doh, molding clay, paper, markers, even cardboard and duct tape! The kids can create some amazing thing if we give them the time and option.
- Nature Walks. We go to a lot of parks, but what about nature walks or even hikes? I found out that if we are on a walk, my kids tend to talk more to me. We have really great conversations when we are outside and away from distractions. Give it a try!
Camping 101: What to Bring
Are you planning a camping trip this summer? Are you new to camping? If you are new to this fun adventure, you may be wondering what to bring along with you on your trip. No worries, my friends! I have years and years and years of camping experience and I can help!
Of course, this will just be a basic camping list, but over the next week or so I will be adding more camping articles to the site to help you have the best camping trip ever!
What to Bring Camping With You
Camping can be a simple, minimalist type vacation, but you do need to prepare! Be sure and bring along the following items to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.
Flashlights / Lanterns
In case you need a reminder. You will be camping IN NATURE. That means no household lights, no street lights. Just a night under the stars. Chances are though, you won’t be falling asleep right when it gets dark and you are going to want to see your way around the campground, so be sure and bring flashlights and lanterns.
Tent
I mean, I guess you can literally sleep under the stars, but most of us like to have a tent to sleep in. Tents help to protect us from the elements and offer a bit of privacy in case you have other campers nearby.
Sleeping Bags
You need to stay warm while you sleep! Sleeping bags will do that for you. Be sure to grab one that is rated for the temperature where you will be.
Food
Yes, you still need to eat! Be sure and pack up a cooler full of food that can either be made and eaten cold or that you can cook over a fire (or grill if you are bringing one)
Lighter
Don’t forget to bring matches or a lighter so that you can easily start your campfire. Nothing is more frustrating that getting to camp only to discover that you didn’t bring a lighter.
5 Groupon Purchases that Will Make Summer So Much Fun
Do you shop Groupon? If not, you’re totally missing out! I’ve recently bought a few different purchases from Groupon that have been so fun. I’ve decided this is the place to for some summer fun. The cool thing about Groupon is you can change the city to whatever you want! If you’re heading out of town, then check out that city for the following purchases. Here are 5 different purchases that you can make on Groupon that will help with summer boredom and create some fun memories all while saving money!
- Vacation packages. Check out their travel section here and see what they have to offer near you…or away from you! There are some fun ideas that I haven’t even thought of. If you need to get away, this is a great place to look.
- Concerts and Theatre Performances. My husband and I love to go listen to concerts and see new plays. Groupon is a great place to snag some discounted tickets to some of the hottest concerts near you. Check it out!
- Sporting Events. Our boys love going to soccer matches, but they can be pricey! Groupon to the rescue! Check out the different sporting events near you. This would be fun to do a few times this summer.
- Kids Activities. This is a great one to check for birthday parties, family gatherings or for a day out with your kiddos. You can get tickets to a trampoline park, water parks, aquariums and so much more.
- Food & Restaurants. We love trying new places to eat. Groupon is such a fun place to scan different restaurants to eat at. This is especially fun if you are in the new city. You can change the city and check out what fun places there are to eat at that location!
Even More Patriotic Recipes for The 4th of July
Okay, now I’m in full patriotic mode! The 4th of July is just a short two weeks away and I can’t wait to start planning and celebrating! That means, food, food and more food! (Or maybe I’m just really hungry today?)
Either way, I’ve been looking around for more fun patriotic recipes and low and behold, I have found some amazing ones! If you are ready to add more fun and delicious patriotic recipes for the 4th of July, check out these recipes!
Patriotic Recipes for The 4th of July
Great recipes don’t just mean food! These Bomb Pop Cocktails are delicious and will add a fun touch to your gathering.
‘Murica Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
If you are a fan of Red Velvet you are going to love love love these ‘Murica Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies! I am always sure to have cookies on hand for the kids (and by kids, I mean me). These ones are easy to make and perfect for the holiday.
Non Alcoholic Sangria Popsicles
If you have never had sangria before, buckle up friends, because you are going to love these!! Once it starts to heat up a bit, kids and grown ups alike will be gobbling these up!
Chances are it is going to be hot this 4th of July. It’s a great idea to keep everyone hydrated and in a healthy way! This 4th of July Fruit Water will do just that, plus it looks great so it can double as a decoration! I know it is going to be the centerpiece of my drink station this year.
Are you having a BBQ or getting together this year to celebrate Independence Day? What patriotic recipe will you be making this year for the 4th?
Family Books and Movies to Read Together!
Last year I started looking for some good and easy chapter books we could read together as a family each night before bed. Which got me thinking, we love watching movies as a family so why no pair the two together! We will read the book together then once we are done, we can watch the movie! I am happy to report this has been working well for our family for almost a year now!
There have been some great ones we have really enjoyed, and it has been fun to point out the difference between the two. It has really helped my reader who has needed a little extra help in the retell category as well as helped my preschooler pick up some new reading skills as well. So honestly, it has been a win all around. Here are some of the titles we have read the book and watched the movie to, plus some on our wish list that we are hoping to get to soon.
What we have read & watched together:
James and the Giant Peach: Book / Movie
Fantastic Mr. Fox: Book / Movie
Mr. Popper’s Penguins: Book / Movie
A Bear Called Paddington: Book / Movie
The Polar Express: Book / Movie
Because of Winn-Dixie: Book / Movie
What is on our wish list:
Where the Wild Things Are: Book / Movie
The Tale of Peter Rabbit: Book / Movie
The Secret Garden: Book / Movie
The Story of Ferdinand: Book / Movie
Beezus and Ramona: Book / Movie
The Spiderwick Chronicles: Book / Movie
The Tale of Despereaux: Book / Movie
The Invention of Hugo Cabret: Book / Movie
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day: Book / Movie
A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book / Movie
Perks of Live Casinos
There’s something very appealing about the atmosphere of a casino: the excited crowds, the cheers when someone wins, the bright flashing lights, the music, the green felt tables and the sounds of the roulette wheels and the dealers calling for people to place their bets. If you’re at a casino, it probably means you’re there to spend money gambling but all this atmosphere often comes with hidden costs. Saving money shouldn’t have to mean sacrificing doing the things you love. Online live casinos offer the live gambling experience without all the hidden extras that can really add up and put a major dent in your budget. But what are some of the perks of choosing a live online casino for your gaming experiences?
What is a live online casino?
Online casinos have been increasing in popularity over the last several years. Many people associate online casinos with slot games and other games that are more like mobile games than regular casino games. Online casinos have much more to offer, though, and live online casino games are much closer to the traditional casino experience. Live online casino games feature a real dealer and are streamed in real time. While regular online casino games are solitary, live casino games are more social – some even have chat functions to allow players to have conversations with the other people ‘at their table’, just like in a traditional casino.
Live poker is one of the most popular live online casino games but as demand for live online casino games has grown, online casinos have responded by providing live versions of a wider variety of games. For example, this live casino offers blackjack, roulette and baccarat, as well as live game shows. It also has a number of different dealers and versions of each game, with different price points and buy-in levels to accommodate a range of players, from the casual player to the serious gambler.
Live online casino games are the result of an impressive combination of technological advances. Not only are the dealers live streamed around the world but optical character recognition technology allows everything happening at the dealer’s table to be translated into data and sent to the player’s computer so that the player can interact with what is happening on the table.
Bonuses
Many online casinos offer new user bonuses when you create an account. If you’ve ever tried couponing or gotten a great deal during a big sale, you understand the appeal of saving a bit of money on something great that you were already planning to buy. Online casino bonuses are a lot like that. They offer rewards that you can earn by playing your favorite games (like a grocery store loyalty card) or sign-up bonuses (like cash back incentives when you buy a new car). These bonuses are like traditional money-saving offers, just packaged a bit differently since they’re all online.
No hidden costs
While everyone wants to win big at the casino, everyone also knows they’re going to be spending money. However, traditional casinos often have hidden costs that are considered part of the experience but really add up. The food and drinks that go along with spending a day at the casino are expected costs but the prices can be unexpected. Less anticipated are the fees that are often added to receipts without warning. In Las Vegas, for example, gambling guests now need to be aware of a number of fees and costs, including parking fees (self-park and valet), resort fees (anywhere from $15-45 per night), venue fees (7% of your bill) and entertainment fees (9% of your ticket price). There’s even an extra charge specifically for taking a taxi from the airport! While Las Vegas is an extreme case where hidden fees have gotten a bit out of control, similar fees and costs are common across traditional casinos.
Live online casinos don’t have any of these fees. They also save you from the stresses of traveling, parking and dealing with crowds. It’s easier to relax and enjoy the games you’re playing when you don’t have to worry about how much you’ve already spent just getting to the table.
All in all, if you are primarily interested in gambling then live online casinos can provide the same table game experience as a traditional casino. If, however, you’re more interested in the atmosphere of the casino and don’t care how much you spend or where your money goes, then the traditional casino can’t be beat.
Extra Benefits for Online Casino Users
If you’re here, you’re probably someone who appreciates a good deal or when an extra little freebie is thrown in. Who doesn’t? Most people are familiar with physical or digital coupons, mail-in rebates and free gifts with purchases when you spend money online or in stores, but online casinos offer benefits and perks that people may be less familiar with.
Most people know that big spenders at traditional casinos can receive major perks like rooms being comped or free tickets to shows. The entire opening casino scene in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film Hard Eight (1996) follows an experienced gambler teaching a young man how to exploit the system in order to get perks like a free hotel room. Online casinos also have their perks, and you don’t have to walk from window to window exchanging bills for chips all day long – like in the film – to benefit from them! Unlike in some countries, it is possible to play online slots from Canada. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and perks offered.
New user bonuses
This perk is obviously only a one-time offer but it can often be a great reward. These bonuses usually come in two types: deposit match or no deposit bonuses. A deposit match is exactly what it sounds like; the online casino will match as much money as you put in as your initial deposit. A no deposit bonus means that the online casino will provide you with a small amount of money that you can start to play with, allowing you the chance to see if you enjoy the casino before spending your own money.
Variety
One of the main benefits of playing online casino slot games rather than going to a traditional casino is the wide variety of games available. Since at least the 1980s, traditional casinos have been so concerned about how best to optimize their floor space that they have hired scientists to plan what games should be included, and slot machines are often rejected in favor of table games. This has led to less choice for players, despite the increasing variety of slot machine games being made. Online casinos don’t have to be concerned about how much room each slot machine takes up, so they can have as many different themes and slot machine game styles as possible, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Not only are there tons of different games, you never have to wait in line to play your favorite.
Wheel of Rizk
Some online casinos have promotions that reward players for their loyalty. In the same fashion as frequently playing mobile games can allow you to build up points to spend to level up or buy improvements, regularly playing games at online casinos can unlock extra perks that are not available to the casual player.
At Rizk, the version of this loyalty reward is called the Wheel of Rizk. It is a prize wheel that players can unlock access to by playing online casino games. As you play, the power bar is charged and when it is full, you level up and gain access to the Wheel of Rizk. At each new level, the prizes improve and occasionally new wheels become available, including a Super Wheel and an Extra Wheel. Prizes range from free spins and level up bonuses to real money. There are also mystery jackpots that increase as you level up. While it sounds a bit convoluted, the best thing about the Wheel of Rizk and other rewards like it is that you don’t have to do anything special to qualify – simply play the games you normally would.
Jackpot games
Many online casinos allow their players to play progressive jackpot games. These are online slot machines where the jackpot increases every single time the game is played but not won. Depending on how many people are playing the same slot game at the same time, these progressive jackpots could rise very high, very quickly. The potential to win a huge amount of money makes it very exciting. Since online casinos can have many people playing any one slot machine game at once, it is possible for these progressive jackpots to grow much more quickly than they do at a traditional casino.
Traditional casinos have dominated the gambling industry for decades but online casinos continue to improve and offer their users more perks and benefits. Both traditional and online casinos have their positives, so step right up and play a game – any game!
Patriotic Recipes for The 4th of July
Are you planning a get together for the 4th of July? I know we typically either have a BBQ with friends and family or we go camping. That’s it. We don’t switch off our holiday plans ever. We are not what you would call creatures of habit.
That said, regardless of whether we are camping or having a BBQ cookout at home, I love making patriotic recipes for the 4th of July to make it more fun!
Patriotic Recipes for The 4th of July
Red, White and Blueberry Dessert Salad
This is one of the easiest dessert recipes ever, but boy is it delicious! This is one that I always make a lot of because it never lasts long. Just 3 ingredients, it tastes fresh (perfect for summer), it can stay chilled and it’s just delicious!
Red, White and Blue Sheet Pancakes
These red, white and blue pancakes are easy to make and they are great for feeding a crowd! I love making them for camping, because I prepare them at home and pack them up for the family to enjoy while we are camping.
Red, White and Blue Layered Fruit and Ice Cream Treat
It is the middle of the summer, so the 4th is likely hot hot hot! That’s why you just have to have an ice cream recipe included in your patriotic recipes for your 4th of July celebrations.
Red, White and Blue Cake Recipe
Cake makes everything better, don’t you think? This Red, White and Blue Cake Recipe will be the hit at your 4th of July dessert party!
Do you have a favorite patriotic recipe that you like to make on the 4th?
Our Favorite Way to Make Snow Cone Syrup!
It’s gotten hot and FAST! We’ve already hit 100 degree weather here where we live which means the kids are looking for any way to cool off. While we’ve had lots of water fun it’s always nice to have a treat. So we found a great deal on a snow cone machine and decided it would be perfect to have for the summer! We’ve already pulled it out multiple times and even shared with the neighbors. And the kids have plans to make a Snow Cone Stand and sell them through the summer. So we’ve been working on the perfect snow cone syrup and I believe we’ve found it! Best part is, it’s so EASY to make!! Promise!
All you need is any Kool-Aid packet (flavor of your choice), sugar and water. Just add 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a pot and boil it until the sugar has completely dissolved. Then take it off the heat and stir in your Kool-Aid packet. Once it’s all combined pour it into your container (we just went to the dollar store and bought their ketchup and mustard containers, they had a 2 pack for $1!). That’s it! Simple right! Then once you have your shaved ice you’ll pour your syrup over top! My kids love to mix favors. Sometimes they’ll do a scoop of ice and some syrup then add another layer. It’s been the perfect treat for us to enjoy this summer!
Indoor entertainment for rainy afternoons
2020 was the year in which staycation took on a whole new meaning. Lockdown after lockdown, everyone started to get used to staying home – or as used to it as is possible. Now with the world opening back up, people are rushing to book trips to make up for lost time. But with the constant (and often confusing) changes to travel guidelines and regulations, the likelihood of a trip being cancelled is high. Here is how to make the most of your time when your vaycay becomes a staycay.
Learn a new skill
The start of the pandemic saw a boom in adult colouring books, indoor gardening and sourdough bread baking. It’s been over a year now and it hasn’t always been easy to maintain momentum and keep learning new skills or improving those we picked up in the first few weeks of the “new normal”. A cancelled holiday is the perfect opportunity to regain some of that enthusiasm and motivation. Learning a new skill can also be a great way to reach out and connect with people, either by sharing your creations (one person can only eat so much sourdough, after all!) or by joining a community on social media.
Consider a creative skill that could also be helpful in your degree, or as a side hustle. Video editing is a fun skill with many applications, and it doesn’t require you to purchase a ton of materials. There are many great resources online for learning a new language – another very useful skill. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t feel like work, cooking and baking are essential life skills that can improve your everyday quality of life.
Plan a local trip
Countries around the world are opening their borders only to close them again and the list of who can go where seems to change as soon as it has been decided. If the big European tour is going to have to wait until next year, consider a trip closer to home. Road trips are a great way to bond with friends or family and to get to know your home country a bit better. However, if you’re still able to travel closer to home, staying entertained in the car if you’re not the one driving can be difficult. Mobile games can help get you through the boring stretches, while online casinos like Mr Green combine the fun of mobile games with the potential to win money for the next trip.
A local road trip can be planned in a variety of ways. A linear trip – down the coast or across the province – has the benefit of being fairly straightforward to plan. Visiting stereotypical or bizarre tourist attractions sounds a bit silly but can actually be lots of fun and an excuse to see some places you might normally be a bit embarrassed to express an interest in visiting – such as the Enchanted Forest in British Colombia, Ontario’s Big Nickel or Mac the Moose in Saskatchewan.
When planning a road trip, one important thing to consider is how much structure everyone involved wants. There’s nothing more stressful for someone who has a detailed plan of sightseeing stops and daily milage than to be trapped in a car with a free spirit who would rather just go where the road takes them.
Throw your own mini-festival
With everything canceled last year, it often feels like it will be impossible to catch up on all the events that we’ve missed. While it may not be as fun as the real thing, throwing your own mini-festival can be a great way to make up for lost time and enjoy some of your favorite things with the people in your bubble. And on the plus side, you won’t have to worry about bad weather or finding your campsite, or have to endure long lines for smelly porta-potties!
The most important elements of a music festival are a curated playlist, decent speakers, and great vibes. Pick all the music yourself or let each friend have their own DJ set and get ready to dance your hearts out. Enjoy craft beer? Organise a beer festival with a selection of beers from local breweries! This has the added benefit of supporting local businesses. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own program, with tasting notes. Food more your thing? Pick a country or region of the world and have a food festival. Each of your guests can bring a dish, and with appropriate decorations and a theme, it’s a step up from a regular potluck.
Here is What to Avoid Buying in June
Just like there are certain things that you can save money on when you buy them during a certain month of the year, there are things that are better to avoid buying at certain times of the year as well! Here is what to avoid buying in June.
Of course there is the knowledge that we all have that we simply should never buy something that we can’t afford. It’s also worth noting that even if you can afford something, you should really think about it before deciding to buy something that you don’t necessarily need.
Here is What to Avoid Buying in June
Summer Clothing
Now is when summer clothes will be at their highest price. If you don’t absolutely need summer clothes, now is not a great time to buy them.
The exception to this is thrift shops. I am a big time thrifter, and would much rather buy my summer clothes there. You won’t be finding high new prices there!
Laptops/Computers
While I know that it is tempting to shop at the start of summer sales, computers and laptops will be far lower in price during the back to school sales that will be coming in just a few short months.
Being patient can save you some serious money.
Patio Furniture
I know that it is so tempting to get your yard looking amazing with new furniture right now, but put it off for just a little longer because patio furniture will drop in price closer to the end of summer.
Grills
Okay, the same as with the patio furniture, grills are best to wait on. Just keep on using your old grill for a little bit longer and you will see some rock bottom prices on them at the end of summer. My in laws did this last year and score a $700 grill for $129. Well worth the wait!
Even more Ways to Save Money While Planning a Wedding
Yesterday we talked a little bit about ways that you save save money on a wedding. Those savings tips were great because the focus was keeping your wedding higher end while saving some money along the way. Today we are going to talk about even more ways to save money while planning a wedding.
These tips can help you figure out where you can cut corners and save money on your special day, while still keeping it wonderful!
Even more Ways to Save Money While Planning a Wedding
Shop Clearance
If you are willing to be open minded with your wedding dress and your wedding party attire, you can save a considerable amount of money by hitting the clearance racks at bridal stores.
A few years ago, my sister in law was getting married and wanted her colors to be white/black/teal. We went shopping at David’s Bridal and found teal bridesmaid dresses at $30 each!! Talk about a steal!
Change Your Venue Ideas
I got mArried at a park and it cost $0 to reserve the space. ZERO. It was a lovely park with a beautiful surrounding (no roads nearby, etc), so it was perfect for my nature themed wedding. Of course, I’ve been married for a long time now and I know that some parks do charge rent for reserving a section, but oftentimes it’s in the $100 range. No where near the thousands you have to pay out for some venues.
Find a New(ish) Photographer
Hiring a new(ish) photographer can mean a savings of THOUSANDS of dollars. Don’t be afraid of a newer photographer though. I know a lot of AMAZING photographers that aren’t actually photographers. With the explosion of Instagram, photography is a huge hobby and a booming start up business for many people. Just because someone is new to the photography business doesn’t mean that they won’t be a great photographer.
6 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Garage Home Gym
With the global pandemic still ongoing, your health and safety have become the top priority. What it usually means is staying at home and exercising whenever you have the chance to do so.
With many gyms and fitness centers operating in a limited capacity or remaining closed due to coronavirus restrictions, there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider working out at home. However, not all are fans of this idea. One issue that frequently comes up is the lack of properly organized space for it. If this is the only thing that is holding you back, you should consider a garage makeover!
In this article, you will find several benefits of having a garage home gym, ranging from its convenience and cost-effectiveness and saving time on commuting to the ability to create and customize this space according to your needs, among other things. Read on and stay fit!
Stay Fit During Winter Months
One of the most significant difficulties for people who like outdoor walking or jogging is the fact that they cannot do it during the winter months. Nonetheless, if you have a gym in your garage, this is not an issue. Having an indoor machine like a treadmill or elliptical trainer allows you to stay fit even when the temperatures outside drop.
There are also other ways to create an indoor space for working out during those long winter evenings. For example, you can make an indoor workout area where you can perform exercises like running, skipping, box jumps, etc., with no cold weather getting in the way.
Besides, you can use your garage gym in the summertime as well. All you have to do is use your Stanley garage door opener to open your garage door and let some fresh air inside. This way, you can enjoy your workouts at any time of the year.
Save Money on Gym Memberships
According to the statistics provided by Statista, the average gym membership in the US in 2016 fell in a range of 21-50 US dollars per month. Nowadays, this number may be even higher.
In addition to the membership fee, there are also various other fees and expenses that you need to pay for. And even if it is paid in full, the total amount is still rather expensive. These reasons alone might convince you that it is a great idea to get rid of these expenses and save money on gym memberships by turning your garage into a home gym.
Save Time on Commuting
If you live and work in a big city, you probably spend lots of time commuting from home to work and vice versa. The same goes for visiting the gym. It might not look like much to you now, but all of this time can add up to long hours being wasted while you are stuck in traffic.
If you decide to start exercising at home, you will surely save a significant amount of time. In addition, you will save money you would otherwise spend on public transport or gas. As such, creating a gym in your garage is not only cheaper but more convenient as well.
Keep Your Workout Routine Going
Sometimes, keeping your workout routine going can be challenging. You can easily forget to extend your gym membership or fail to find enough time to use it. Moreover, as we already mentioned, many gyms today are not accessible due to coronavirus restrictions and the gyms that still operate are forced to accept fewer clients and cancel the existing ones. All of these things can negatively impact your workout routine.
If you are someone who needs to keep on exercising on a regular basis, creating a gym in your garage might be the perfect solution for you. Thanks to it, you will always have quick access to your workout space. Even when your busy schedule keeps you from doing other things, your workout gear will always be in place, just waiting for you to pick it up.
Create Your Own Personal Space
Depending on your preferences, there may be certain pieces of exercise equipment that are entirely useless for you and others that will prove essential in helping you reach your fitness goals. That is why it is crucial not just to choose the right pieces of equipment but also to create your personal space where you can arrange them according to your needs.
If you have enough space for it, you can install a treadmill, elliptical trainer, exercise bike, and other workout gear to take your workout to the next level. Even when your garage is small, you can turn it into a gym with ease. All you need to do is put a small bench there and a pair of dumbbells. This way, you will customize your home gym and achieve maximum results from the workouts you conduct there.
Stay Away From Crowds
Not everyone has to like working out in groups. If you are the type of person who avoids crowds, do yourself a favor and create a gym in your home. This way, you won’t have to worry about the gym being crowded or your favorite piece of equipment being occupied by someone else. Moreover, you will avoid awkward social interactions with other people.
Staying away from crowds can help you focus more on your workout goals and achieve better results. It might also allow you to relax more and become more confident, further boosting the effectiveness of your exercises.
Conclusion
As you can see, the benefits of turning your garage into a home gym are numerous. We are sure that after you try it out for yourself, you will never think about going back. Thanks to it, you can save a lot of time and money. Additionally, you can customize your workout space according to your needs.
Another excellent benefit of creating a gym in your home is having non-stop access to it, regardless of the weather conditions outside. Be it rain or snow — you can always pump some iron to keep your body healthy all year long.
Remember – there is never a wrong time to start working out. Turn your garage into your workout place, and you will not regret it. Good luck!