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Free Self Care Ideas

October 4, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to self care without spending a lot of money.

It’s no secret that self care is important!  If our physical, mental and emotional needs aren’t being met, then we won’t be able to feel or perform our best in all of the many responsibilities in our lives. Often times we might feel like the only way to self care is to spend a lot of money….you know, more of a treat-yo-self mentality.  But, I’m here to remind you that you do not have to spend any money at all to take care of your needs!  Below are some free self care ideas to help you feel more renewed and content.

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Cheap Ways To Self Care

You do not need to go out and buy all of the newest and greatest objects in order to self care.  You can self care for cheap using the ideas below.

1.  Take A Bath

One of my favorite ways to self care for free is to take a nice, long, hot bath (emphasis on hot).  There is just nothing better than soaking all of your worries and stresses away from the comfort of your own bathtub.

If you want to splurge a little, buy some inexpensive bubble bath or a bath salts.

2.  Go For A Walk

Fresh air and exercise are both so important for our mental health.  If you are feeling down, make sure to take some time out of your day to go outside and walk.  Even if it’s just a short walk down the road, it will do you good!

3.  Take A Break From Social Media

I love social media and think it’s a great way to connect with others….I mean my entire business started from instagram!  But!  I also know that social media can begin to affect our mental health in a negative way if used excessively.

If you are ever feeling low mentally or emotionally, I recommend taking a break from social media.  The break could be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.  I always feel awesome after taking these breaks!  It’s the best time to focus on being present with my surroundings.

4.  Have A Dance Party To Your Favorite Music

A good old fashioned dance party is one of the best ways to boost our mood.  So, crank up your favorite music and move your body!  You don’t even need to be in a group, some of the best dance parties can happen all by yourself in your home or car!

  • Related:  How To Listen To Audiobooks For Free

5.  Declutter Something

I know that cleaning and decluttering are not the first things that come to mind when thinking of free self-care ideas.  However, tidying a space in your home can truly help clear your mind.

6.  Read A Book

There just isn’t anything better than getting lost in a good book (where are my fellow book nerds at?!?!).  Take some time to relax with one of your favorite books, or try a new one.  Let your worries drift away as you focus on the story.  Don’t forget that you can check out books for free at your public library!

Some of my favorite books are:  The Orphan Keeper, Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Keeper, Before We Were Yours, Listening For Lions, and Little Women.

7.  Keep A Journal

Have you ever tried journaling?  It can be a very therapeutic way to release stress and worries.  Start a journal and write about all of your fun memories, your favorite activities, things you are looking forward to, your feelings about the day, goals for the future, etc.  

There are so many ways to keep a journal.  You can start one online, use your Notes App from your phone, or buy a pretty journal to write in.

8.  Take A Nap

Sometimes all our body needs is some extra rest to feel ready to tackle the day.  Give yourself an hour or two of peace and quiet and take a power nap.  It’s ok if you don’t even fall asleep, laying and resting in a quiet place is often enough to give us the self care we need.

  • Related:  How To Exercise For Free (or crazy cheap!)

9.  Watch The Sunset

Take a drive or walk to a place where you can watch the sunset.  Enjoy being in nature and set your worries aside for a few minutes.

10.  Try A New Workout

Get your endorphins up with an at home workout.  I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard for me to make time for working out, but whenever I do, I feel so much better mentally!  There are so many free workouts you can find on YouTube.  I love Grow With Jo, Yoga With Adrienne, and Pop Sugar Fitness.

11.  Meditate

I’ll be the first to admit that I use to not like the idea of meditation.  But, that was before I actually understood it.  Now, I love resting my eyes and mind for 10-20 minutes of meditation.  It can make a huge difference in my mood for the day.  You can find free meditation exercises on youtube that will guide you through the process.

12.  Drink A Large Glass of Water

Self care also includes taking care of our bodies, and drinking enough water is one of the best things we can do for our bodies.  When we drink plenty of water we will have much more energy and feel better for the rest of the day. If you are feeling down, pour yourself a large glass of water and take care of your body!

13.  Watch Your Favorite Movie

One of my favorite free self care ideas is to watch your favorite movie or tv show.  There is nothing better than snuggling up on the couch, or in your bed, and let your mind turn off as you enjoy some on screen entertainment.

  • Related:  Cheap At Home Date Night Ideas

14.  Call A Friend

Don’t forget to make time for your relationships, it does wonder for our mood.  I love calling up my sister and discussing the things that are on my mind, letting her ease my worries and listening to her advice.  It’s a vital form of self care!

15.  Pick Wildflowers

Bring nature indoors with some beautiful wildflowers!  Maybe you have flowers in your yard, or can pick some from the side of the road.  Either way, try to pick a big bouquet of flowers to bring inside.  Put them in a vase or a jar and place them somewhere you can see them regularly.  There is just something about nature that renews my soul!

16.  Invite Friends Over

Give yourself some self care by inviting over a few close friends.  You could host a game night, clothing swap, movie night, BBQ, book club, or just get together to chat and munch on some snacks!  Taking the time out of our day to spend quality time with others is really good for our mental health.

17.  Give Yourself An At Home Mani or Pedi

Give your hands and feet a nice soak and then paint your nails with a fresh new color.  We love using this UV light nail dryer for fresh gel nails!

18.  Light A Candle

Candles are such a great way to change the mood of your living space.  I instantly feel happier when I smell the crisp pumpkin spice scent from my candle and can watch the beautiful light of the candle flicker in the dark.  This is such an easy, but wonderful way to self care!

19.  Get Dressed Up

There is just something about looking our best, that makes us feel our best!  So, take an hour or so to dress in the clothes that make you feel amazing, fix your hair, and give yourself some glam makeup.  Even if you are just running errands or sitting around at home, you will feel amazing!

Self Care On A Budget Is Possible

You can give yourself the self care and treatment you deserve, without spending a lot of money.  I hope you try a few of these ideas today.  And, don’t forget that you are loved, you are important and you matter!  Tell yourself that 3 times every day!

 

 

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How To Get Free Stuff On Your Birthday

April 6, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

Places that give you free stuff on your birthday.

Today just so happens to be my birthday!  Yay!  Happy Birthday to me!  Birthdays are so fun!  But!  They are even MORE fun when you figure out how to get free stuff on your birthday!  This week, my email inbox has been flooded with birthday freebies and coupons and I am excited to share with you all of the places that give you free stuff on your birthday.

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How To Get Free Meals On Your Birthday

First up, let’s talk about free meals!  Here are a few of my favorite places to get free meals.  They all require signing up for their email list, which is so quick and easy to do!

IHOP

Sign up for MYHOP to receive free pancakes each year, and to be the first to hear about other deals happening.  This makes the best birthday breakfast!

Tucanos

When you join Club Tucanos you will begin receiving special offers in your inbox, but my favorite is the free meal for your birthday month!

Firehouse Sub

Another great birthday freebie meal is from Firehouse subs.  All you have to do is sign up for Firehouse Rewards and you will be sent a coupon for a Free Medium Sub every year on your birthday.  Yay!  You don’t even have to use it on your actual birthday!

Rainforest Cafe

Sign up for the Rainforest Cafe Club and receive a free $25 welcome gift AND a $25 gift on your birthday!  This is such a great deal!

Black Bear Diner

You can also get a free birthday meal AND welcome meal from the Black Bear Diner by signing up for their eclub.

Bd’s Mongolian Grill 

Join Bd’s Mongolian Grill and receive a free $5 off gift and a Free Meal on your birthdays!

Ruby Tuesday

Signing up SO Connected with Ruby Tuesday gives you access to free deals, and your choice of a Free burger or Garden Bar entrée on every birthday!

Benihana

You can get treated to a $30 gift certificate to Benihanas every birthday when you join their Chef’s Table list.  This is a great deal, and you are able to use the certificate anytime within 29 days of receiving it.

Dennys

Get a free Grand Slam meal on your birthday at Denny’s Restaurant.  You don’t even need to sign up for anything, just let your server know it’s your special day.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Join the Buffalo Wild Wings rewards program and get free buffalo wings during your birthday month!

 

How to Get Free Dessert On Your Birthday

And now, for my favorite part of a birthday, the dessert!  Here are a few fun birthday freebies for you to enjoy!

Marble Slab  

Earn points and a birthday freebie from Marble Slab when you download their app.

Dippin Dots

Who doesn’t love Dippin Dots?  Sign up for their email club to get coupons sent to your inbox, including a birthday freebie!

Sprinkles Cupcakes

One of my favorite birthday freebies is from Sprinkles Cupcakes!  All you have to do is join their Sprinkles Perks program to start earning rewards.  The more you spend at Sprinkles throughout the year, the more free cupcakes (up to a bakers dozen!) you will get on your birthday.  

A&W

You will be treated to a free A&W Root Beer Float when you sign up for the A&W Mug Club.

Krispy Kreme

Sign up for Krispy Kreme rewards and you will be able to get a free doughnut and drink during your birthday month!

Jamba Juice

Start earning rewards by joining My Jamba, once you have at least 15 points you can get a free birthday smoothie!

Red Mango

You can get a $5 reward every birthday when you sign up for Red Mangos Club Mango program.  It also includes other perks, which I love!

Del Taco

Get two free tacos for signing up with Del Taco AND you will also receive a free birthday milkshake each year.

Orange Leaf  

Join Orange Leaf to earn points and rewards and $3 off on your birthday!

Baskin Robbins

Enjoy a free scoop of ice cream for your birthday from Baskin Robbins by signing up for their Birthday Club email list.

La Madeleine

Download and sign up for the La Madeleine app and you will get a free pastry or piece of cake on your birthday!

Starbucks

Become a Starbucks rewards member and you will get a free drink or food item of your choice on your birthday.

Auntie Annes

Download the Pretzel Perks app to get a free birthday pretzel from Auntie Annes.

Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements offers a great birthday freebie!  Just sign up for their email list and you will get a box of chocolate dipped fruit on your birthday.  It’s a $29 value!

Perkins

Join the MyPerkins program to receive coupons and special deals throughout the year and on your birthday from Perkins.

 

Places That Will Give You A Free Coupon On Your Birthday

Do you love getting a surprise for your birthday each year?  Because I sure do!  Here are a few places willing to send you a free surprise birthday gift each year.  Sometimes it’s just fun to not know what you are getting!

Rodizio Grill 

Sign up for Club Rodizio and Rodizio Grill will send you a surprise coupon on your birthday.

Baja Fresh

You will get a free birthday surprise each year when you join Club Baja.

Marie Callenders

Receive free birthday coupons for signing up to the Marie Callender’s E-Club.

The Melting Pot

Join Club Fondue to get The Melting Pot coupons sent right to your inbox.

Texas De Brazil

Texas De Brazil will send you free surprise coupons on your birthday and on your anniversary when you sign up for their eclub.  Even more freebies!

Pretzelmaker

You can get a free birthday surprise from pretzelmaker when you join their eclub.

Red Lobster

Another place that will give you free coupons on your birthday is Red Lobster.  Just join their Rewards program.

Perkins:  When you join with Perkins you will automatically receive 20% off, and then a special surprise on your birthdays.

 

Non Food Birthday Freebies

If you are looking for some non food birthday freebies, check out these great offers below!

Redbox

Sign up with Redbox to get a free movie rental each year on your special day!

Sephora

You get to choose a free makeup item from Sephora during your birthday month if you sign up to become a Beauty Insider Member.

 

In Conclusion

If you are wondering how to get free stuff on your birthday, I hope this article gave you a few good hints.  You will love receiving all of these free coupons in your e-mail during your birthday month.

 

 

Related Articles:

Birthday Traditions for Small Budgets

Budget Friendly Pancake and Pajama Birthday Party!

LEGO Birthday Party for Under $20

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Free Mothers Day Gifts

April 2, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

Best Mothers Day Gifts that are free!

Isn’t Mothers Day the best???  It’s one of my favorite days of the year.  I love being showered by my kids and husband with thoughtful gifts and notes.  I love celebrating all moms out there for the love and work they do every day of their lives.  Being a mom is without a doubt the most difficult, yet most beautiful thing I have ever done.  It is my favorite title and the thing that brings the absolute most joy into my life.  Because of this special job we all want to show our moms that we appreciate everything they have done for us.  And you know what!  Gifts do not need to cost any money!  I believe that some of the best gifts are free!  The most important thing with gift giving is that it comes from the heart.  Check out this list of Free Mothers Day Gifts.

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Free Mothers Day Gifts

Here are a few of the best Mothers Day gifts that I love!  I hope one of them will inspire you what to give your mother figure this year.

 1.  Write a Sweet Note

Write your mother a sweet note for Mothers Day to tell her what you love and admire about her.  Let her know the impact she has made on your life.  You could make a card by hand, just use lined paper, or buy a pack of cards from the dollar store.

My love language is words of affirmation, and nothing means more to me than receiving a kind and genuine note of love.  This is my favorite gift ever to receive!

2.  A Bouquet of Fresh Flowers

Give your mom a bouquet of fresh, spring flowers!  You could pick flowers from your own yard, or find some wildflowers.  Put your flowers in a mason jar or tin can, tie a pretty ribbon around it, and you have a beautiful gift!

I had a friend pick sunflowers for me off the side of the highway and it brightened my day so much!  Plus, it didn’t cost her a thing!

3.  Make Her Dinner

Who wouldn’t love a break from cooking?  I think we all would!  Why not offer to make your mom dinner??  If she refuses, make it anyway!  You could invite her over to your house for a nice dinner together or bring it to her home.  Make sure to include a few of her favorite foods!

  • Need some recipe ideas?  Check out my Mel’s Home Cooking Recipe eBook for some inspiration!

4.  Mom and Daughter Book Club

Does your mom love to read?  Invite her to have a book club, just the two of you!

Check out two copies of the same book from your local public library.  Tell her you will both read the book and get together every week to discuss it.  She will love having a mini book club with her daughter (or son!).  A good book club always includes treats (at least for me they do…. ;) )!

This is a fun way to share interests and spend quality time together.

5.  DIY Hand Sugar Scrub

Give your mom some pampering with a homemade Hand Sugar Scrub!  All you need to do is mix 1/2 cup coconut oil with 1 cup white sugar.  Add a few drops of essential oil (I love lavender oil!).  Mix it all together and you’ve made your own sugar scrub!  Put it in a mason jar, tie a cute bow around it and you have the perfect gift!

6.  Make a Top Ten List

Show your mom some extra love and attention with a Top Ten List!  This is so easy to make, just list the Top Ten things you love about your mom.  Be sure to use some cute scrapbook paper or fancy fonts to give the list a little extra flare.

7.  Favorite Memories E-Mail

Send mom an e-mail with a few pictures of the favorite memories you have together.  Explain to her why those moments are so special to you.

You could even make it a little more fancy with a video montage, complete with pictures and music.  This is something your mom could watch over and over again.  It’s sure to bring a few tears!

8.  Weed Her Flowerbeds

When spring comes, so do the weeds (unfortunately!).  Give your mom the gift of service by weeding her flowerbeds.  Moms deserve a little break every now and then!

Don’t ask for her permission to do this!  Just show up one day, and start weeding!

9.  Homemade Cookies

Does your mom have a favorite cookie or treat?  Make it for her!  My dad loves homemade snicker doodle cookies, so we make those for him a lot.  Try to think of a yummy treat your mom would enjoy.  Remember to wrap it up in some saran wrap and a pretty bow.

10.  Wash Her Car

Maybe surprise mom with a car wash.  Show up at her house one day ready to wash her car.

You can even go the extra mile by dusting and vacuuming the inside.

11.  Gift of Time

What better way to show your mom that you care than to spend special one on one time together.  Invite your mom to do something just the two of you.  This could be by going on a walk, playing a game, doing a craft, or attending a free community event.

12.  Give Her a Pedicure

Give your mom a pedicure!  Bring your nail polish over to moms house and paint her toes and fingernails.  She will love having the extra bonding girl time.

13.  Make a Quote Jar

Does your mom enjoy motivational quotes?  Cut out a bunch of your favorite inspirational quotes and put them in a mason jar.  Tell her she can pull out a quote each day to help her feel loved and inspired.

If you’re feeling crafty, give the jar some cute decorations!

14.  Crafty Gift

Do you like to craft?  Find an easy craft you could make for mom.  This might be a decoration for her home, an accessory to wear, or something else you think she will enjoy.  Try to only use materials you already own!

15.  Be There for Her

Take the entire day off from other commitments and just be there for your mom.  Spend the entire day with her.  Help her around the house, share inside jokes, and show her you care making her your priority for a day.

Truly time together is one of the best gifts we can give each other.

In Conclusion

There are so many wonderful gifts you can give to your mom this Mothers Day.  Remember, it’s the thought that counts….not the price tag!

 

You might also like these articles:

  • 10 Valentine Gifts for Her under $10
  • How to Make Tissue Paper Pom Poms
  • Yarn Hearts: An Easy Valentine Craft for Kids

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5 At Home Kids Activities

February 23, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life14 Comments

Fun ideas for kids at home!

Winter is long in my area.  So.Very.Long.  The cabin fever comes quick and it is hard to keep coming up with at home kids activities, especially ones that I don’t have to spend money on!

I’m all about finding easy ways to entertain kids at home.  ESPECIALLY with items I already have around the house.  If I can keep the kids entertained and happy without needing to spend money, I am a happy mom!  Today, I’m sharing a few of our favorite at home kids activities with you!

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Fun At Home Activities For Kids

1.  A Box and a few markers and scissors

Sometimes all you need for fun at home is a box, some markers and scissors.  Really, that’s it.  Whenever you get a box–SAVE IT!  Large boxes are best, these can be a little hard to come by, so if you ever get one make sure to hold on to it!

We turn large boxes into secret hideouts, spaceships and cars.

The “box car” is so fun to take to our very own drive-in movie.  All it takes is decorating the box to look like a car, put some pillows in it, grab a snack and sit in your car to watch a movie.  My kids love this!

Save your small boxes, such as shoe boxes too!  We like to turn shoe boxes into a fun scene; such as a mountain scene, a castle, a race track anything your kids are interested in will work!

Make your scene using construction paper, markers, glue and then your kids can use their toys to play inside of the box.  Once you’re done put the lid on it and save it for another day.  We love this!

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2.  Magazines and Scissors

Kids love magazines!  I save all of the magazines we get in a container so they are always available for play.

Give your kids some scissors and let them cut out pictures using the magazines.  Encourage the kids to uses these pictures to make up stories.  You can glue the pictures onto papers and make a story book out of it.

The magazine pictures could also be used for play like paper dolls.  Or give your kids a theme and see how many pictures they can find that fit into the theme.  The possibilities are endless!

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3.  Play dough

Play dough is so easy to make!  And the ingredients are all so cheap!  Plus, kids are the best play dough helpers!

Try out my two favorite play dough recipes:

Traditional play dough

Peanut butter play dough.

Let your kids play for hours with cookie cutters, butter knives and rolling pins!  Just use whatever you can find in the kitchen.

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4.  Paint on Wood

Another one of our favorite at home activity is to paint on wood.  My husband is a wood worker, so we always have extra junk wood around.

We love to pull out a unused piece of wood and a few of my craft paints for my preschooler to paint on.  He loves spending the day painting and displays each of his creations proudly in his room.

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5.   Science Experiments

Kids love science experiments, and many of them are done using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.  You can find so many easy science experiments on pinterest.

One of our favorites is the  Magic toothpick science experiment.  We love this experiment because I always have the ingredients on hand, and the kids love that their hands control the “magic.”

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In Conclusion:

There are many fun activities available to do at home with kids.  I hope that your kiddos enjoy a few of my suggestions!  Some of our best memories are made at home.

Related Articles:

25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

15 FREE Things to do with your Kids over Spring Break

Our Summer Plans: Keeping the kids Entertained and Mom Sane

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