Ahhhh. The warmer weather is finally here in my neck of the woods, and with it comes a whole new array of frugal-activity possibilities! Here are five that I’m so excited to get back to in the weeks to come.
1. Plan a picnic!
You all know how I do love a picnic! (We even had one on a train a few weeks ago, recall!) So just as soon as the weather warmed up, I threw my thinking cap on and started plotting out various meals to accompany us to various locations. As we enjoyed a post-lunch walk on Easter, LeeLee told me he had been scouting locations as well, suggesting several hidden gems in our very own neighborhood. Pack some sandwiches from home, maybe put a salad together or throw in some chips, and you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted – al fresco!
2. Scope out your area’s outdoor movie schedule.
Living in the DC area, we are awash in outdoor movie festivals every year. I recognize that not everybody has this same situation, but it never hurts to search online for your city/town/region’s name and “outdoor movie” and see what comes up. Already I am having a look at our summertime movie schedule to see what might appeal (and you best believe I’ll be packing a picnic when we go!).
3. Get on your bike and ride.
Chances are, you have a bicycle sitting somewhere in storage – maybe your garage, maybe your basement, maybe outside – that’s just itching for a ride. Why not hop on and take a spin? The bike itself is a sunk cost, so any enjoyment you get out of it is gravy from here on out. Just be sure to splurge on a decent helmet before you go, would you please?
4. Sign up for a volunteer shift (or several).
Saving money AND giving back? What could be better? When the going gets tough economically, the tough get to volunteering. It’s a great way to keep yourself busy at a low cost and to help sooooo many others in the process. I myself am a champion cat-cuddler and occasional dog-walker at our local animal shelter, which frankly helps me as much as it helps the adoptable pets in need. What do you like to do for fun? Can you deploy your time and talent to help out a local organization? The rewards are well worth it. It costs nothing to be kind.
5. Throw a dinner party! (Or better yet: Attend a dinner party!)
I am a longtime proponent of entertaining at home. There’s just something so festive about having a few friends over to the house and whipping up something special for the crew. My personal preference is a theme: Sushi parties, or fondue, or a football-watching party, or … the sky’s the limit. Now, dinner parties are not what I would call a cheap night – if done hospitably, it does come at a cost, even when your guests bring a portion of the meal potluck-style. But it is in general less expensive than a night out, and is great fun besides. And who knows? Maybe your guests will even reciprocate and invite YOU over to one of their parties in the future!
What are some of your favorite low-cost springtime shenanigans? Let us know in the comments!
:)
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