Make it FUN for Free!

Good Evening All, 

Happy Spring! I am happy to have seen the calendar flip and look forward to warmer days and green grass. My littlest one is ready to get outside and get moving! I have been putting some lists together of fun activities for her that will get us outside, burning off the craziness of cold days in Maine. 

I always try to have a few rainy day ideas as well that I can pull from my hat when the day is soggy. 

There are so many things to do with your kids that do not cost a dime! 

Here are a few of my favorite outdoor ideas, 

Create an obstacle course with lawn furniture, tape, sporting good equipment. Do time trials. 

Use sidewalk chalk to make a hopscotch game.

Do a nature scavenger hunt. (One of Quinn's favorites!) 

Pack a picnic and head to the playground. 

Grab some mason jars, pick a warm evening and catch fireflies. 

Pick wildflowers and take them to a special someone. 

Take a bike ride. 

Set up a lemonade stand. 

Plant a garden.

Play in a sprinkler. 

Make paper airplanes and have a flying contest. 

Set up an outdoor movie. 

Make mud pies. 

Visit a farm. (you are always welcome at our barn!)

Go letterboxing or geocaching. 

Take a hike. 

Search for birds, keep a journal. 

Wash the car. (fun for them and a task checked off for you!)

Go beachcombing and if it is warm, go for a swim. 

Let them take pictures around town, print out and save for a rainy day activity. 

Visit a farmers market. 

Visit a lighthouse. 

Plan a family cookout and make the menu include something from every color of the rainbow.

Search for free admission to state or national parks. 

Find a waterfall. 

When it rains??....no problem!

Make playdough. 

Set up the bathroom like a beach and go "swimming" (suits and all) 

Have a picnic on the living room floor. 

Visit your local library for storytime. 

Go to a Kids Home Depot workshop (Saturday mornings) 

Make homemade popsicles for the next hot day. 

Scrapbook "our town" pictures. 

Have a teddy bear tea party. 

Play hide and seek with an object. 

Mommy & Me Makeovers.

Build a blanket fort. 

Bake cookies and deliver to a nursing home or homeless shelter. 

Volunteer at a animal shelter. 

Let the kids pick and make dinner. 

Make shadow puppets. 

Pajama day, complete with a pillow fight, popcorn and movies. 

Make a time capsule to bury outside on your land. 

Visit a pet store (we call this the free Zoo, lol!) 

These are just a springboard for ideas. You can also write these down on craft sticks and 

create a "What will we do today" jar, color code them (yellow for sunny days, blue for rainy) 

and let the kids grab one in the morning. (this will be my plan this year) 

Most of all, enjoy! The days slip by faster than you think. 

♥

Love and Life

Let's face it. Life is tough. You are trying to juggle so many things and sometimes the one person who has been with you thru thick and thin gets the short end of the stick. It may be your spouse or a special someone, but the truth is it is easy to forget to set tasks and responsibilities aside and tend to one that is the most important. Especially while raising a family.

I am so fortunate to have been dating my best friend for almost 27 years. We have been married for almost 20 of those. We have seen so many highs and lows. We both know how important it is to occasionally take some time and focus on us. We used to put it right on the calendar ~ "Date Night" ~we need to do that again. ♥

Dating, no matter where you are in your relationship does not need to break the bank. You could be a fresh in a relationship, a newlywed or been married for years up on years, put your wallet away and listen to your heart. Don't get me wrong, a date night out at a restaurant or a sweet little getaway is wonderful but these things you can do as often as you wish and some are easy to squeeze in right at home after the kids have gone to bed.


"Always strive to give your spouse the very best of yourself; not what's left over after you have given your best to everyone else."


Indoor ideas:
Stroll thru an art museum
Go to an art opening
Search for free community theatre projects
Have a Netflix marathon
Host a board game night with friends
Volunteer in the community together
Go for a scenic drive
Go to the library, look for books or borrow movies
Re-create your first date at home
Cook a meal together
Make ice cream sundaes together
Plan your dream house
Plan your dream vacation, even if it's years away. (it's always fun to share and dream together!)
Play a board game or card game together
Bake cookies together
Put together a play list of your favorite songs and have a dance party, slow or fast
Go thru old photos and movies together
Have a S'mores night
Make a campout in the living room
Watch each others favorite movies back to back
Get on YouTube and find funny videos
Give each other massages
Learn a new hobby, via resources like your local library, YouTube, Pinterest
Go people watching at the mall or an airport
Write down your bucket lists
Play truth or dare
Complete a DIY project together
Write a list of your favorite things about each other
Create your own city tour
Go on a free tour of a factory
Make a fun list of what you would buy if you had a million dollars to spend
Work on a puzzle together
Listen to an audiobook together
Make homemade pizzas together
Go to a Home Depot workshop
Make a meal for someone in need and drop it at their door


Ideas for outdoor fun:
Go to a free outdoor concert
Walk dogs at your local animal shelter
Host a backyard game night (Pinterest has great ideas)
Be a tourist in your own area and visit a landmark you have never been to
Go stargazing
Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot to eat and relax
Volunteer together at an event together
Go on a hike
Ride bikes...pedal or motorcyles
Visit a flea market
Make a movie under the stars with your laptop
Attend a local garden club event and get ideas for your home
Take selfies all over your city and make a collage/photo board
Pack some homemade treats and go watch a sunrise or sunset
Play frisbee in the park
If there is snow, grab a sled and go sledding.
It it is warm weather, pack up your swim suits and go for a swim
Travel the area to local beaches and start a collection of sea glass
Do a scavenger hunt with or without a group of friends
Go Geo-cashing
Make a campsite in your backyard
Go fishing
Go downtown (in a big city) and watch the street performers
Have a water gun fight on a hot day
Go ice skating/rollerblading depending on the weather
Go to a food festival
Pick a spot on a map and take a road trip to a place you have never been
Go for a walk/run together and then go home and make smoothies
Learn to grill/smoke a new recipe together
Work on DIY landscaping projects
Plant a garden
Go for an ATV ride
Go out in the community and do random acts of kindness


These are just a sampling of things you can do that cost very little or no money at all.
If you have a hard time deciding what to do when you have time to spend together you can write down all kinds of ideas on craft sticks and put them in a jar, making a deal that whatever you pull
out that day/night is what you will do.
You can even color code the sticks to allow for choices that align with your budget for that date.
For example:
Red= Free
Blue= Little cost
Green= More expensive

Making time for one another is the most important thing. Now go make memories with the one you love so that when the kids are grown and it's just you two you can say "Remember when?"

2 weeks until SPRING!

Two weeks from today marks the beginning of Spring for 2017! Who is ready for open windows and the smell of a clean home? I know I am. I wanted to do a post to give you an idea of what I do for spring cleaning in my own house. When I take on spring cleaning, it makes me heart sing. Not everyone has that same affection for this task so I hope I can break it down to an easy to love process.

Because I am already working on de-cluttering, I am one step ahead in some areas but if you have not done that yet and prefer to do it as you go then you would de-clutter your space before you deep clean. So that is always step #1!

We have been in our home since Nov 2012. Life has been a whirlwind and we have never really done any sort of redecorating or interior improvements. So you will see that my updates will actually include a little bit of re-purposing and remodeling on a very limited budget.

MAKE IT SPARKLE!

Let's begin with the detailed cleaning lists for the most common rooms in the home....

Kitchen: 

Empty the fridge/freezer and clean it thoroughly

Empty cupboards, drawers and shelving areas and wash/dry inside and outside, neatly return items that have been determined necessary and needed

Deep clean oven/stove top & microwave (if you don't do this regularly)

Wash and dry all canisters and knick knacks in your space

Clean fan/vent hood, washing or replacing filters

Clean light fixtures, taking down bowls (glass bulb coverings) and wiping them down

Clean under the sink, pull all items out and discard unwanted items

Deep clean pet food areas

Wash/dust walls, baseboards, trim and ceilings, removing all dust and grime

Clean small appliances, clean out the toaster oven, wash down the mixer, etc. (if you don't do this regularly)

Scrub floors, deep cleaning cabinet kick plates and areas under and behind all of the large appliances that you can

Wash windows and window frames including the interior sills. Dust blinds if applicable. Wash window treatments if applicable

Disinfect dishwasher and all trash cans 

Wash all counters & back splash 

Living Room: 

Wash/dust all walls, baseboards, trim and ceiling

Deep clean carpets and scrub floors

Wash all windows, frames and interior sills. Dust blinds and wash window treatments if applicable

Remove items from end tables, bookcases, polish & clean furniture, de-clutter items...returning only items you find necessary

Clean couch cushions if applicable, vacuum couch

Wash all blankets & throw blankets

Clean out fireplace if applicable 

Wipe down all knick knacks and decor

Dust and wipe down all electronics, organizing wiring and components if needed

Wash down ceiling fans, light fixtures, removing bulb coverings for washing if applicable

Dining Room: 

Wash/dust all walls, baseboards, trim and ceiling

Wash down light fixtures, removing bulb coverings for washing if applicable

Wipe and polish all furniture

Clean and straighten all china and dishes, wipe down inside and outside of cabinets & buffets

Wash all windows, frames and interior sills. Dust blinds and wash window treatments if applicable

Deep clean carpets and scrub floors 

Laundry Room: 

Wash/dust all walls, baseboards, trim and ceiling

Scrub floors

Wash behind your washer and dryer (if possible) 

Wash all windows, frames and interior sills. Dust blind and wash window treatments if applicable

Wipe down exterior of the dryer & scrub lint trap, if you do not do this regularly (you should though, big fire hazard- water should always be able to run freely thru the screen) 

Disinfect interior of the washing machine, wipe down exterior

Remove items from all shelving and cabinets, wipe down and return all necessary items neatly

Wash all light fixtures, removing bulb coverings if applicable

Clean sink and drains if applicable

Disinfect trash can 

Bedrooms: 

Wash/dust all walls, baseboards, trim and ceiling

Clean carpets/Scrub floors 

Wash all windows, frames and interior sills. Dust blinds and wash window treatments if applicable

Wash all light fixtures/ceiling fans, removing bulb coverings if applicable

Dust under and behind all beds, bookcases, furniture

Wash and polish all bedroom furniture, decluttering extra books and misplaced items

Clean out drawers and closets, getting rid of unwanted clothes, shoes, jewelry and storing out of season clothing, returning all necessary clothing and closet items neatly

Wash mattress pads and flip mattress

Swap out winter bedding 

Washing all extra blankets and pillow coverings

Bathrooms: 

Wash/dust all walls. baseboard, trim and ceiling

Scrub floors, wash all mats and throw rugs

Wash all windows, frames and interior sills. Dust blinds and wash window treatments if applicable

Wash all light fixtures, removing bulb coverings & cleaning fan vents and replacing filters if applicable

Wipe down all mirrors, counters

Disinfect trash can

Empty and clean all linen closets, cabinets, shelving. Discard all outdated and unnecessary items. Go thru all products including makeup

Scrub toilets and areas behind, if you don't do that regularly

Deep clean the shower and tracks for doors if applicable

Clean drains if needed 

Replace shower curtain if you have not done it recently

Disinfect bath toys

Entry closets/linen closets:

Empty closet and sort thru all items, donate extra or worn bedding/towels to a local animal shelter 

Donate or sell outgrown or extra coats, shoes and winter items

Wash/dust walls and replace wanted items neatly 

Playroom/Family Room: 

Wash/dust all walls, baseboard, trim and ceiling

Clean carpets and scrub floors

Wash all windows, frames and interior sills. Dust blinds and wash window treatments if applicable

Wash all light fixtures/ceiling fans, removing bulb coverings if applicable

Empty and clean all bookcases, sorting thru toys, games, movies and books. Donate or sell unwanted items and replace kept items neatly 

Sort thru and disinfect toys

Rotate toys and store some for a rainy day

Move furniture and wash/dust behind and underneath

Office Space:

Clean out files in desk. Only keeping current year in the desk/office space. Store all outdated files/papers by year in another space (garage, basement, storage space) 

Organize all papers left by payee, subject, month (whatever works for your brain) 

Wipe down all electronics, using compressed air if you need to 

Clean out all unwanted emails, files on your computer or devices

Perform maintenance and back ups

Organize all printed photos and memory keepers 

Porches and Entry Ways: 

Sweep and dust all areas, free the area of cobwebs 

Clean off porch furniture and wash/wipe cushions and mats/rugs

Wipe off tables, light fixtures, decor

Wash down exterior doors, inside and outside

Scrub grill and check for proper function 

Okay....now that seems like a lot. This is not something you tackle in one day. A lot of people do it over the course of one week or several weekends. It all depends on your schedule. Write it in like it is an appointment on your daily or weekly to do list. It gives you a goal and even if you do part of a room each day, you are getting somewhere. I start in one corner of my house and move along as the rooms come, starting with my laundry room and ending in our 3rd bedroom upstairs. 

When I clean I prefer to use certain products....I like Pine Sol and Murphy's Oil Soap for my deep cleaning of walls, floors, fixtures.

I disinfect with Thieves concentrate made into a spray or a tub of water to scrub with. 

I have a homemade glass cleaner that works great. (go back in the blog posts to see that one) and the power of vinegar and baking soda are amazing. 

I like to have a carry all of my cleaning tools and products all together so I can move room to room. You can use a bucket or any storage container you prefer. 

So put on some music, keep yourself hydrated and make that house shine! 

Freeze!

Are you in need of a few extra dollars? Do you have big plans for the Spring and Summer, like we do, and need to curb some spending to help with the costs? Or do you just want to simplify and cut back to feel at peace? (Me! Me! Me! raising my hand and jumping up and down)
Join me while I work with a limited budget and freeze all extra spending for the month of March!

During this time I am planning daily de-cluttering projects, no cost fitness goals and at home cooking that you can follow along with. I am going over my calendar today and setting my goals for the month.

Here are my intentions for March:
A date night using a gift certificate we have had for too long. Planning a fun book and soup swap among friends. (follow my facebook posts for more info) Putting in some elbow grease, cleaning out and deep cleaning the house.  Working on updating my decor with what I have on hand and hopefully by the end of the month starting on a spring clean up outside. I want to get on track with my exercise and continue my clean eating. All of these things will be easy to follow along with if you choose to and I hope you find inspiration in the positive quotes and daily posts.

Now let's plan it out....
If you followed along earlier this month, when I did my mini freeze, you saw that I de-cluttered and took inventory of the household cleaners and supplies I had on hand. If you have not done this, that is a good goal. You also want to inventory your cupboards, freezer and fridge. See this post for more information - http://downhomeonadime.blogspot.com/2017/02/preparing-to-freeze.html

Now, take a look at your finances. Make sure you have every bill and financial obligation written down. Do you have gifts to buy this month? Medical appointments you need to pay for? Anything that you know will be an expense for the month needs to be written down and accounted for. Now, what is your typical grocery expense? Choose a reduced budget, I am dropping mine by 30-40%. Now, the goal is to not spend beyond this. No extras for the house, no new clothes, no eating out and no spending beyond your current income and budget.

There are so many great things to work on when you are on a freeze! You won't be out shopping so what better time to evaluate some things.
I am going to spring clean! Here is a basic list of what I will be working on:

                               

Use up those cleaning products and if you want some help with natural, low costs products....check my post on making your own: http://downhomeonadime.blogspot.com/2012/03/mix-away.html
I scrub with Murphy's oil soap, I LOVE my homemade glass cleaner and I use Thieves cleaner as a disinfectant...ahh, I can smell it already. These ones below are great too! I use the dusting spray with my lemon essential oils.



                                                         . 

Do you need a checklist of things to de-clutter? I never have struggled in this department. It may get away from me but when I do get a chance to tackle it I am pretty ruthless. But this is a handy checklist of areas of the house and the items that can use some attention. This will probably spark other ideas and thoughts of parts of your own house that could use a good cleaning out!


              

Last but never least.....your health. Winter is coming to an end. Have you put on a little seasonal weight? Maybe you have not been drinking your water and hydrating your dry, winter skin. Do you need a little boost? I am always happy to share about Juice Plus and Shred10, the health benefits and the wonderful support to your body while you detoxify. I also will be following the charts below and working on strength and toning. I would LOVE a buddy or 10. Summer weather will be here before we know it and I know I want to look and feel my best.
My goal is to get 30 minutes of walking or indoor cycling 6 days a week. That is attainable for me. If you are just starting out shoot for 10 min a day, make it a challenge but don't set yourself up to fail. The weather is unpredictable in March so if you cannot get out for your exercise, do it inside. For the entire winter in 2015 I walked inside, in place as I watched a 30 min show. I jogged or picked up my pace during commercials and I kept a steady, reasonable pace the rest of the time. The strength exercises below are free. Just you and your body weight as resistance. I am by no means a professional and you should always consult your Dr. before trying new things if you are unsure of your body's capabilities. I will be pushing myself to see if I can complete all of the days below.

                  




My reward? NEW SNEAKERS in April and I will use my gift certificates I have for a massage, manicure and pedicure. Set a goal and think of a reward. Maybe a new sunshiney outfit or a new hair cut just in time for Spring?

Okay....this is a lot to take in. I will blog each week and update the facebook page a few times a week! I am so excited! Are you ready for a little March Madness? This is my favorite kind! ♥

Weeding in the winter!

With 3' of snow on the ground I still think about spring cleaning. I am anxiously awaiting those sunny days and open windows. I knew I wanted to de-clutter the house before I started on the deep cleaning and so I am offering up a few tips to simplify and down size while I weed out.
Before I started my recent spending freeze, I worked on the pantry, cupboards, fridge and freezer. I won't repost those pictures but when you go thru those areas you are looking to throw away all expired items, grouping like items together and taking an inventory of what you have on hand.
I then moved on to clothing. In a recent post on the Facebook page you will see the amount of clothes that I was able to purge...and there will be more to come. If you are like most people you have a hard time deciding what should go and what should stay. Here is a great flow chart to help with that. I think in our region we just need to remember that we sometimes can keep things we might not wear next week, but maybe next month as the weather changes so quickly and casual and work clothes don't necessarily get worn every week, but a great guideline non the less.

 I ended up with a VERY full trash bag that went in the trash, a large bag to donate and a few items that I will sell or pass on to friends.
When selling items, I use the Facebook group route and meet up with people here and there. I make sure things are clean and free of most wrinkles. I take a picture in the best light I can find and post the for a reasonable price. I like my items to move, if they don't sell within 3-4 weeks they get donated. After all the whole point of this is to get things OUT of the house and not hanging around.
I did a yard sale last summer and was very successful with getting rid of so many unused household items and outgrown clothes, but time does not allow me to do that often. If you are planning to do this, I suggest you get a few empty totes and as you de-clutter you place items in the totes, grouped by like items. I will post a few tips for yard sales later this Spring.

On the list today was my master bathroom and the 2nd bathroom upstairs. I was so happy to get rid of an ENTIRE trash bag full of unused or expired products. I consolidated cleaning supplies and did a quick clean up too. I organized all of the surplus of soaps, shampoos, beauty products and found a few to donate to a worthy cause. I sorted thru every item and found it's proper place. Again, I like like items together so the top shelf of the closet is all extra products that we use. The middle shelf is all current daily items. Third shelf is bath towels/washcloths. The 4th shelf has a basket of all first aid...and on the floor are the cleaning products for the upstairs in a basket.
In the vanity I sorted all travel items and they are in the cosmetic bags for easy packing. Extra small bags are there for short/overnight trips. I used to subscribe to Ipsy and I collected a lot of small bags over time. They are great for organizing.
I took a cute little divided basket from TJ Maxx and sorted all of my makeup. Eye, lips, face. One small basket for brushes and then a few extra moisturizers and cleaners. I have a small basket on the sink of things I use more often. Ah....it feels so good!

How many trash bags can you fill? Next on my list is our downstairs closets. Games and outerwear galore. Happy weeding!

The calm...

This morning at my house was calm and quiet. The littlest one helped her Dad work on the tractor and prep for the snowstorm and the oldest traveled home from Southern Maine. With a blizzard on the way I am happily all stocked and set to be safe and warm at home. My heart goes out to all of those who have to go out and work despite the weather.Thank you for all you do!

I worked on my menu for the next 12 days. I decided to get a head start on my little freeze and started yesterday and after looking at my calendar decided to stop mine on the 24th as I forgot we have plans on the 25th. I have every day planned out the best I can. Certainly there may need to be some rearranging and I did not list my veggies as I will buy those fresh to replenish and adapt for me...but I am pleased with the options. I have arranged some batch items to use for busier nights and some rollover recipes to stretch the ingredients.

During these 12 days I will start de-cluttering and gathering items to sell, donate and throw...but that is another post and I am getting ready to make the family breakfast for dinner, a favorite in our house.

Stay safe everyone! Winter in Maine has arrived....all in one week!

Preparing to freeze!

Happy Saturday Morning to you all!
It is a beautiful snowy morning here and before I get the littlest one ready for some Winter Carnival fun, I wanted to show you how I get prepare to freeze...the spending freeze that is.
I like to make lists, always have....I like paper and pen and a cute notebook but if you are techy and prefer to use your device then do that. When life is chaotic (and that is most weeks) I tend to forget what I have on hand. I like to have a list so when I am meal planning I can look back and say, "oh yes, I have this or that"....I don't get too picky on how much of each ingredient I have because I will double check that before I grocery shop. This also allows me to use up what I have when on a freeze.
For instance, I discovered I had some homemade spaghetti sauce in the freezer, I also had ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs and pasta in my stock. Meatballs are just finishing baking. So all I need for dinner tonight is a spaghetti squash for my "pasta"and I will add in peppers and onions for me and my family dinner will be complete. I am doing the Shred right now thru Juice Plus so my options are different but easy to adapt.
Going thru my household inventory (I still need to get the fridge list done, but you get the idea) I could see that we will need trash bags (we have to have those) and we will need some basics, but I can now choose a small budget for a trip to the store for fresh ingredients while using up what we have.
We are fortunate to have a 1/4 of a cow and some pork in our freezer. I will need to purchase a whole chicken and grab some ground turkey that I will stretch because I personally do not eat a lot of red meat.

I will now make some meal plans tonight and do a little grocery shopping on Tuesday while Quinn is at preschool and then we will be ready for 10 days of freezing. I plan to do this 2/15-2/25. I will post my meal plans and grocery list, budget and receipt so you can see how I did.
There will be no eating out. Unless it is all covered under coupons and gift cards. That is toughest on me because I am the one who prepares all meals. But I can do this! You can too. Okay off to bundle up so we don't actually freeze out there today! ♥