Ballin' on a budget.
Summertime is in full force and we couldn’t be happier. We're lathered up on SPF, dug out our speedos and shorts from hibernation, and ready for some serious summer fun.
Now summer tends to be the season when people are out spending a tad bit more on all the activities; between more after work happy hours and all of the weekend shenanigans, there's "so much to do" before the summer is over and our bank accounts need to keep up with all the action.
There are loads of things that you can do without putting too much of a dent in your savings account.
Have a DIY pizza night. Buy some crusts, sauce, cheese and toppings, invite a bunch of friends over and create a pizza making assembly line (extra cheese for me, please). While the pizzas are in the oven open up a bottle of wine, sit on the patio for a less expensive and more intimate evening.
Go to the local library. I mean when was the last time you went to a library, let alone lent an actual book out? Grab a bunch of Calvin and Hobbes or a great novel and go down to the water with a snack and enjoy reading in the sun (or shade).
Try a new outdoor workout class. Check out your local listings for free park yoga classes or see if your gym has summer stretching at a near by garden. Step out and actually take the plunge. A lot of studios also have free trial periods, so you can take a few classes and decide whether or not it’s for you. Check out the ones closest to you, and take advantage of the opportunity to try something new cost-free.
Ice cream and new neighborhood walk. Buy your favorite ice cream, head out to a less ventured area in your city and just walk around. Take a friend with you, stop and talk to dog walkers and enjoy the outdoors.
Host a board game night. For my family, nothing beats a board game night. Have your friends bring whatever games they have and swap between everyone’s favorites for a night full of laughs and quality time with one another.
Research local events. No matter where you live, odds are that in the summer months, there are inexpensive things that you can do in your community almost every weekend/weekday of the summer. Look for concerts in the park, outdoor movie nights, and any fairs or festivals that may be going on. Facebook and your cities own event pages are great options.
Rent a bike and ride through central park. Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or country, there’s nothing like a bike ride with friends on a summer day. Pack up a picnic and head to a destination, or choose to spend the day wandering and ending up wherever the wind blows you. Research local trails, remember SPF, and go out on an adventure.
Head on out to the farmers market and do some outdoor thrifting. If you’ve never gone thrifting, you’re missing out on one of the most inexpensive ways to upgrade your wardrobe and see all the hidden gems you can find. There’s also nothing like heading to a farmer’s market to stock up on local fruits and veggies. I always end up finding goodies that I obsess over - like bread, pies, goodies, ooo and always pick up fresh flowers. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer day in the sun.
Have a self-care day (not only for women). Instead of just cramming in self-care when you can, dedicate a full day of taking care of yourself. Start with some stretching to get into the right mindset, put on a face mask, watch some old reruns, take a bubble bath or jump into the sauna, end the day with your favorite romantic comedy and just enjoy the day by giving yourself a little extra TLC.
Leave a comment on other fun things to do in the summer, I would love to hear about some of your fun activities.
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