Who Said Nothing in Life is Free?

As the holiday season nears, most families need to stick to a budget and save money. If you’re from a big family or have lots of people to shop for, it can seem like an impossible task. However, with some simple tricks and things to keep in mind, you can feel like you celebrated the people in your life without blowing your budget. Follow these guidelines to save money this holiday season.

1. Establish a Budget

The first step to saving money during the holiday season is to decide on a budget and stick to it.

Start saving now to make up for the money you plan on spending. Also, pull out the cash you’ll need when shopping in person. That way, you won’t feel inclined to push the limit on what you’re purchasing.

If you’re online shopping, try to take advantage of sale days. Also, look into apps that will gather coupons online to save you money.

2. Stick to Your Shopping List

Once you’ve made your budget, make a list of all the people you would like to buy gifts for and think about how much you’d like to spend per person. This planning will make narrowing down your gift selections much more manageable.

If your list outweighs your budget, find out where you can cut prices or lessen the gifts you’re buying. You might try to think of creative ways that you can give gifts of quality.

For example, something handmade won’t cost you much at all. If you live with the person, you also can help them save time by giving out ‘coupons’ where you can take over dish duty or watching the kids and let them have the day to themselves.

3. Try Secret Santa Exchanges and Potlucks

For those who come from a big family or have many friends, a Secret Santa is the best approach to budgeting. That way, all participating parties only have to buy one gift and receive one gift.

Secret Santa exchanges are an excellent way to make an event out of the gift-giving process. Plus, it’s about the experience and memories shared more than the physical gift itself.

Another way to save money is to make holiday parties and gatherings potlucks. If you’re someone who likes to host, you don’t have to take the entire burden of feeding your friends and family on your dime alone.

4. Don’t Shop Last-Minute

The longer you wait to get your shopping over with, the more you’re likely to run into issues buying the gifts within your budget. This situation is when you’re more prone to spending outside your means.

Doing your shopping early means you’re more likely to find the exact things you need while they’re on sale. Plus, the supply chain can be uncertain, so something you want may not be in stock in time. Shop now, and save yourself the hassle and unnecessary spending later.

5. Don’t Ship Gifts Last-Minute

If you try to ship your gifts last minute, you’ll be paying more to get them expedited. Shipping fees will quickly run up your budget.

Look for ways to ship your gifts with the least expenses. Some shipping companies offer holiday promotions and free USA address services around the holidays.

Conclusion

It’s entirely feasible to make this holiday season as budget-friendly as possible. Remember to stick to your budget, find ways to cherish the people in your life, and stay on top of your shopping and shipping. When all else fails, quality time means more than a monetary gift anyway.

When preparing for a new bundle of joy to enter your life, the electric anticipation that swirls in the air is a feeling like no other. Whether it is your first or your fifth child, it is always helpful to take time to focus and make a plan for their arrival so that when the time comes, you’re fully prepared!

With our 8 must-dos for preparing for your newborn baby, you’ll feel ready, stress-free, and excited!

1. Purchase a Nursery Glider or Rocker

Comfort is of utmost importance for mothers, new or old. With a lovely glider or rocker in your nursery to lounge in, you and your baby will be happy and cozy whether you are breastfeeding, burping, or putting them to sleep. Not sure what glider or rocker is best for moms of newborns? Here are the top 10 recommendations for you.

2. Purchase a Changing Table

It is essential to have a spot to change your baby that you are comfortable with and that will withstand getting a little messy. A changing table allows you to store wipes and other items as well as provide a safe place to change your baby’s diaper. Having a changing table purchased and built before the baby comes will save a lot of time!

3. Purchase a Car Seat

Selecting a car seat is a serious endeavor. Making sure you thoroughly search to find the right one for your car and your baby’s safety is a must. Some stores will even fit your car seat for you according to safety regulations. Don’t leave this till the last minute!

4. Have a Feeding Plan

Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or both, it is important to do your research and make the best decision for you. Too often, women feel pressured into choosing a feeding option that might not be right for them or their child. There is no wrong way to go, but taking the time to figure out your preferred method and learning about both breastfeeding and bottle feeding is worthwhile in your preparation.

5. Understand Things Might Not Go According to Plan

Whether it is breastfeeding, the timing, or anything else; preparing for newborns and giving birth in general are unpredictable events. Having backup plans to make you feel good should something come from left-field may ease some stress in an already stressful situation. Expecting the unexpected, having some contingency plans, and accepting that things may not go as planned are essential to feeling happy and relaxed around the time of your baby’s arrival.

6. Have Baby Clothes Ready

Nothing is more fun than dressing your little bundle of joy (except doing it for the third time in one day…). Having an adorable wardrobe all stocked and ready to go not only makes you feel prepared but is also a super fun pursuit. Since your child will most likely go through multiple outfits a day, why not make all the clothes stylish, cute, and cozy?

7. Fix Up Your Home

Now is the time to make sure your home is in tip-top shape for your little one. Babyproofing is a must! After they enter the world, you may not have the time to truly dedicate to the project. Be sure to be proactive and prepared, although your nesting period has probably covered this!

8. Find a Pediatrician

Finding a pediatrician for your newborn is also a vital task that deserves your full time and attention. Ensure you take the necessary time to make phone calls and find a well-rated doctor you trust and respect.

Bottom Line:

With your bump growing bigger and bigger, the excitement of motherhood is something to be celebrated! With these 8 newborn preparation must-dos, you’ll feel great and can focus on enjoying the end of your pregnancy.

If you settle into a hectic routine with plenty of work and social demands, it’s likely you’re going to get worn down. It is so important to keep your mind and body sharp during stressful periods, but it’s never an option for busy people to wind down and stop all activities.

Instead, of changing your lifestyle drastically, you can focus on keeping your mind and body stress-free with these eight affordable and easy tips. We hope you enjoy!

1. Do Yoga

Nothing relaxes and stimulates your mind and body quite like yoga. Focusing on peaceful stretching and purposeful poses, this popular form of exercise promotes brainpower as well as muscle power.

Did you know yoga does not exclusively happen on a yoga matt on the ground? There are many fun forms that can revitalize your body in ways you never thought possible.

We recommend Aerial Yoga to those really wanting to whip their mind and body into shape and have a great time doing so! Get yourself a yoga trapeze stand and have a relaxing time doing yoga in the air — this is the best way to change up your routine if you get sick of the classic poses.

2. Practice Meditation

Meditation is a form of mindfulness that has been practiced for centuries. Although meditation is mostly motionless, it improves your energy, focus, and puts your mind and body in the present.

Turn your phone off and prepare to meditate with deep, slow, conscious breathing. Pair this work with your yoga routine, and you’ll be amazed at how present you feel.

3. Use Essential Oils

Enhance your efforts for a healthy mind and shape with essential oils. Although they do not directly correlate to a sharp and healthy mind and body, they affect your senses through aromatherapy! Each oil has a distinct smell and benefit. Essential oils can energize you, motivate you, energize you, and more!

4. Take Daily Walks

Spending time outside is vital to keep your mind and body sharp and healthy. Adding a walk to your daily routine not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also keeps your body in the physical shape you need to power through a stressful schedule.

5. Drink Water

Though drinking water seems like a given, you would be surprised at how many people don’t drink the recommended amount of water per day and deal with the less than ideal consequences. Water is essential to keep your body healthy, and a significant lack of water can lead to complications due to dehydration, which severely affects your mind and body functions.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

If you are looking for a way to put your build and brain in the best position possible, consistently eating a healthy diet will do the trick! It is no secret how beneficial eating healthy is. The mind and body directly benefit from eating well as it gives you fuel to think and move well and strong!

7. Take Up Gardening

Not only are you keeping your mind and body sharp while gardening, but you are also keeping the earth alive. Gardening gets your body moving, and your heart pumping as you plant, water, and harvest your bounty. You can use the fruit and veggies you grow when you cook, making your meals healthier!

8. Get Acupuncture

Acupuncture is known to relax the body and reduce anxiety, freeing the brain. Any professional and proper acupuncture appointment will leave you feeling good, powerful, relaxed, and ready for the day!

Conclusion

The importance of a sharp and healthy body and mind is essential to living a fulfilling, long, healthy, and happy life. We hope our tips for improving your brain and muscle power will help you achieve the lifestyle you want. Happy sharpening!