7 Easy Easter Recipe Ideas | Cute and Colorful Easter Dessert Recipe Compilation
3 Staycation Ideas That Your Whole Family Will Enjoy
You don’t have to break the bank or travel far away from home to enjoy spending time together as a family. A staycation is an easy and affordable way to take a break from the rigors of everyday life. Here are three staycation ideas that your whole family will enjoy!
Have a Movie Night
You do not even need to leave the house to feel like you are getting away. A home movie night is a convenient way to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. You can create a home theater for your movie night to make it extra special. Be sure to have plenty of treats such as popcorn and candy on hand. A good way to choose movies is to take a family vote. Or, you can choose a kid-friendly movie for the first part of the evening, and then choose something more appropriate for adults after the children have gone to bed.
Go for a Hike Together
If the weather permits, going on a hike is an ideal way to spend quality time together while getting away from the house. You can make a day out of it by packing a picnic and bringing along lawn games for a break during the middle of your hike. Connecting with Mother Nature and getting exercise at the same time will kill two birds with one stone as you enjoy this time of family bonding and let your children experience the benefits of the outdoors. Be sure to research hikes in your area so that you choose a route that meets the abilities of everyone in your family. This is especially important if you have small children.
Camp in the Backyard
With temperatures on the rise, now is a good time to consider a backyard camping getaway. You will be surprised at how you feel like you are getting away by simply pitching a tent in the backyard. As a bonus, you will still have the convenience of your bathroom and kitchen right at your fingertips. Elevate the experience by building a fire and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. A family tent will accommodate everyone comfortably and provide for hours of bonding time.
You will create memories to last a lifetime with any of these three staycation ideas. Not only will everyone in your family have a great time, but you will also enjoy a low-stress way to spend time together without the hassles of packing and traveling.
Related: How to Save Money on Vacation
What to Know About Hiring a Babysitter
As more and more households begin to have two breadwinners, the need for babysitters is no doubt going to increase. However, for many who may not be used to the idea of having another person take care of their child or having the extra expense, it can be a challenging period. The following list includes a few things you need to know when hiring a babysitter.
How Much Is It Going to Cost?
Throughout the years, the job of babysitting has gone from something for teenagers looking to make some extra money to do to a lucrative career for adults. In fact, the national average in terms of payment for a babysitter in 2016 was $15.71 per hour, per child. That means that most babysitters you come across will charge twice as much as the national minimum wage. You may find babysitters for a lower price; however, they will more likely than not also have less experience in the field.
The Vetting Process
A common error that many parents make when choosing a babysitter is that they simply go by what they see on paper. Anyone can boost their resume to make it better than it really is, so it is your job to vet all your potential candidates thoroughly. This begins with the type of questions you ask during the vetting process. You may include questions such as past issues and how they dealt with them as well as creating scenarios and seeing how well they answer.
Just in Case
Parents want to know that their children are being well taken care of while they’re gone. This has led many parents to secretly install hidden cameras in their homes. There are some restrictions with hidden nanny cams, but they are generally worth the investment. However, it is highly recommended to research your state’s law before installing them because some states actually restrict people from filming others without their knowledge or consent. In terms of safety, it is paramount to make a “just in case” plan for your babysitter to follow. This may include certain medical issues that your child has and what to do. You may also include alternative numbers to reach you by in the event that you are not able to pick up the phone.
Hiring a babysitter is a big step in any parent’s life. Therefore, it is incredibly important to understand not only the financial investment being made but also the person coming into your home. By adhering to the information above, you can begin laying down a strong foundation for when you do begin your search.
Here are some more great tips: How Your Family Can Save Money on Food Each Month
How to Keep Spending Down During Your Home Remodeling Project
Remodeling your home can be exciting. It’s time to break out the hammer and work your muscles knocking out walls and countertops. Even though you may be doing most of the work, a remodel can quickly get very pricey. The last thing you want is to run out of budget and live in a house that has been torn apart. The following are a few tips that will help you stay in budget.
Create a Plan and Stick to It
Before you start knocking holes in your wall, you need to plan things out. If you jump the gun, you may find yourself close to finishing before you realize that things aren’t working out properly. Take the time to consider carefully what you want to accomplish and measure everything. You don’t want to build new cabinets and then realize they don’t fit right in their place. If in the middle of the project you get inspired to make a change, don’t be hasty. An ill-considered change can be disastrous. It’s best to stick to the plan. The only way to change the plan should be with a new plan that is equally thought out. This will keep you from overspending on things that you are just going to tear down.
Don’t Buy Everything New
You’re going to be working hard on the remodel, don’t you want the best quality? You want the best quality craftsmanship, but that doesn’t mean your tools and fixtures need to be new. If you are installing a new kitchen appliance, check out a refurbished one. They are like new, but at the fraction of the cost.
Unless you are a professional contractor, you likely won’t be needing the best tools and equipment out there on the market. Although these things save time, there isn’t any point in a fancy gadget that you will only use once. You can utilize everyday household items in order to save money. Be creative. For example, instead of buying paint drop cloths to protect your floor, use some old sheets!
Set Money Aside for Hidden Costs
When budgeting for your remodel, don’t plan on using every dollar you have. There are many hidden costs that can crop up in a remodel. You might open up your walls and discover pests or mold. You might break some plumbing. You may have to rewire a few things. You’ll want to finish your remodel under-budget so make sure that you have a good amount set aside to cover any hidden costs.
It’s time to turn your house into the home of your dreams. Be smart, get creative, and work hard. Follow these tips and you’ll soon have the most elegant home on the block. Just be sure to plan ahead and budget wisely.
Here’s another article you might like: 3 Everyday Household Items You Probably Have on Hand That You Can Use to Clean