Beat the Blahs on the Cheap
silver spoonscanada
(Jan.18.10)
By now you might have received the dreaded January credit card bill. You know the one. The one that you hide in a drawer until you have the courage to open it. The one that exposes just how weak generous you were over the season of giving.
It's always a rude awakening, and it always comes at a time when many of us in the Great White North are cooped up indoors. In other words, when you'd like to splurge on a vacation or someother pick-me-upper. I am in no position to offer financial advice, but I can tell you how we survive the freezing (bank accounts and weather) months at Casa Silverthorne.
1. Get Creative. Is there a way we can stretch what we have to keep us going? The obvious January organization blitz often unearths toys, clothes and supplies we forgot we had. (Case in point: I discovered I have a strange habit of buying couscous.)
2. Get Outside. It seems obvious, but let's face it -- most of us just want to hibernate. I've mentioned my Viking husband's extreme love of winter and the outdoors before. Thankfully, skating, tobogganing or even taking a walk -- all free.
3. Get Crafty. I forgot that I love crafts and that I have a pretty well-stocked craft drawer, ignored for years because I've been afraid to let the kids go wild with the glitter and the paint. But plastic (licensed) table cloths from last year's birthday party make for great floor protectors and once you get over the fact that all the colours will be mixed together, regardless of instruction, (and that everyone will need a bath afterwards) it can be amazingly fun to let your kids just do their thing. (Tip: Keep a wet sponge on hand.)
4. Get Cosy. Is there anything better than an afternoon family snuggle? I am loving digging through the books and VHS tapes to see what falls under the "everything old is new again" rule.
5. Get Friendly. Playdates and birthday parties provide a welcome break-up of the day and provide a reason to leave the house. We coordinate meals with other families to get through the witching hours together. If we're all going to be indoors anyway, might as well team up with others in a similar situation.
What are you tips for getting through the blahs on the cheap?
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy: