Simply Frugal Weekend Deals is here to bring you the best discounts and deals across Canada!
Whether you're hunting for home essentials, fashion finds, or something else, I've rounded up the best offers to help you stay on budget without sacrificing what you love.
From limited-time sales to secret coupon codes, I'll make sure your shopping is both fun and affordable.
Want this post to hit your email inbox? Sign up for the Simply Frugal Deals Email. You can do so here. It normally goes out every Friday.
Let's get started shall we? Get ready to shop smart and save more!
Like all of my other deal posts, this post contains affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.
Well.ca
Well.ca's Big Birthday Sale is on! Save up to 30% off plus find Doorcrashers up to 60% off! Take a look at some of the brands that are on sale this week: Good Protein, Attitude, Caudalie, Smart Sweets, Kyte Baby, Weleda, Cerave, One Degree Organics, MadeGood, Nellie's, Carbonaut, ROAR Organic, Hardbite and more! (ends July 12, 2026)
The Summer Style Event: Save 50% off your purchase, including sale from Gap Canada! Also, use the coupon code TREAT to save another 10% off. (ends July 13, 2026)
The clearance sales are good at Old Navy Canada! Prices as low as $4.99. Also, back to school deals have started (ugh, feels too soon!) and prices are starting at $8.
Have you checked out the “We Made Too Much” section online at Lululemon? I recently learned that they update this section every Thursday. They’ve got so much on sale! Men’s, women’s, bags, accessories, shoes and even an under $50 category!
All jeans on sale, featuring 40% off select styles online at American Eagle! All shorts are $30 and up. Finally, Buy one, get one for $10 on tees & tanks (ends July 11, 2026 at 5am ET)
Shorts are $40 and under online at Aerie. Plus, save 60-70% off clearance! I recently placed an order. Here's what I bought. (ends July 16, 2026 at 5am ET)
Build a Go Kart! If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, The Home Depot has a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own Go Kart! Free workshop is July 11, 2026 anytime between 9am – 12pm.
The Kids Bowl Free program is back this year! This fun program allows your children to enjoy two free games of bowling at participating bowling centres every day, all summer long! Looks like some bowling alleys start offering free bowling as early as May!
The Big Back-to-School Sale is on now at Mabel's Labels! These have been my favourite labels since my girls were in preschool! Enjoy 25% off all School Label Packs! No code required, discount automatically applied at checkout.
The Best of Sale by Simons: save up to 50% off women's and men's clothing and home items! Shipping is free on orders of $50 or more for members (free to sign up!).
I'm trying something new with Amazon Deals and you'll have to let me know if you like it!
Amazon deals are incredibly time consuming to share the way I was previously with lists organized into categories. It always felt like by the time I finished, some deals would no longer be valid! That's not fun for you, and maybe feels misleading if something goes off deal sooner than anticipated.
So, because I have the ability to create lists directly on Amazon, I thought, why not send you there! It's a lot easier to keep updated. Perhaps more visually appealing too since you can see a picture of each item. Ultimately, I hope it's less frustrating for both of us.
You can check out my Canadian Amazon Storefront here. This is my storefront main page. As the seasons change and different holidays/occasions approach, I add new lists to cover those things.
But because I know you appreciate some organization. I have created separate lists for each category I had before. Here they are:
If you've ever wanted to learn how to make a DIY hair bow, you're in the right place! I'm so excited to share today's project because it's one of my favourite quick and easy DIYs.
My daughter has finally started letting me put hair clips in her hair, so I thought it would be fun to make a few custom bows just for her. Of course, if I'm feeling a little fancy, I might borrow one now and then too!
These DIY hair bows are simple, inexpensive to make, and come together in just a few minutes. They're perfect for beginners, make adorable handmade gifts, and are a fun way to create cute accessories that match any outfit. Once you see how easy it is to make a hair bow, you'll want to make them in every colour and pattern!
Here's how to make a cute DIY hair bow:
MATERIALS:
1/8 yard of any type of fabric (I typically like cotton)
1. Trace your plastic cup top 6 times on fabric and cut your circles out (the bigger the circles, the bigger your flower) 2. Fold each circle in half twice so that they resemble a triangle. (you're going to want to do this one at a time.)
4. Weave your needle in and out along the rounded part of your triangle
5. Repeat step 4 with all 6 triangles 6. Now that you have all 6 triangle pieces on your thread you can push them all together carefully
7. Tie off tightly 3 times so that your knot stays 8. Place your button of choice on top of the flower and begin sewing it to the inside of the middle of the flower
9. Now turn your flower around and hot glue your circle piece of felt (half dollar size) on the back of your flower 10. You can also glue a few small dots under your button to secure 11. Hot glue your pre lined alligator clip on the back
These DIY hair bows are such a fun and easy project, and they're perfect for all ages. Whether you're making them for your own little ones, giving them as thoughtful handmade gifts, or adding a few to your own accessory collection, they're sure to get plenty of use.
I hope you've enjoyed learning how to make a DIY hair bow and feel inspired to create your own. Have fun mixing and matching fabrics, colours, and patterns to make each bow unique. Happy crafting!
Creative Uses for Old Magazines: 22 Fun Ways to Repurpose Them
Before you toss that stack of old magazines into the recycling bin, take a look at these creative uses for old magazines. Those glossy pages can be transformed into everything from beautiful home décor and unique gift wrap to fun crafts, educational activities, and practical household items.
Whether you're looking for an easy rainy-day project, a budget-friendly DIY, or simply want to reduce waste, there are plenty of clever ways to give old magazines a second life. Repurposing magazines is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to get creative while keeping perfectly usable materials out of the landfill.
From simple family crafts to eye-catching décor ideas, these 22 creative uses for old magazines are sure to inspire your next upcycling project. You may never look at an old magazine the same way again!
Old Magazines for Organizing
Cupboard liners - Line above your kitchen cupboards with pages to protect from the dust, then remove and replace for easy dusting!
Boot trees - Roll up a couple of magazines, then put them inside your tall boots to keep them from falling over and wrecking the leather.
Use as package filler - Shred some magazines to make protective filler for packages.
Make a bowl - Make a cute bowl to hold random items such as keys, loose change or even hair accessories!
Create a box - What a cute way to hold special little trinkets or jewelry.
Old Magazines for Gift Giving
Make a gift bag - No more gift bags in your stash? Just turn some magazine pages into arecycled gift bag!
Gift wrap - Magazines could be a cheap and interesting way to wrap gifts for fun events!
Make a gift bow - Create some gift bows for all the gifts you'll be giving with this tutorial.
Recycled Magazine Flowers - I think one of these recycled magazine flowers would look great on a gift or on a card!
Old Magazines for Crafts/DIY
Crafts - Tear out magazine pages for collage and decoupage projects to help occupy the kids. These magazine embellished bobby pins are neat too!
Make beads - Turn magazine pages into unique paper beads using these instructions.
Create an end table - Create a unique end table by stacking a big pile of magazines and gluing them together or strapping them with a belt to stop them from toppling over.
Make coasters - I was just thinking I needed a coaster for where I put my coffee in the morning. These recycled coasters are lovely.
Make Christmas Trees - Why not make some holiday décor with some old magazines by using this tutorial for magazine Christmas trees?
Make a Butterfly Garland - This butterfly garland would be a beautiful way to dress up a child's room or playroom!
Make Paper Flowers - These magazine flowers look like so much fun to make!
Make a bracelet - Making bracelets out of old magazines would be fun for the kids to do.
Make 3D Wall Art - Who says you have to spend an arm and a leg decorating your wall? This tutorial for 3D wall art is fantastic.
DIY collage art - Here's another way to add style to your walls. Create collage art.
Create a wreath - I like this twist on the more traditional wreath.
These creative uses for old magazines prove that there's no shortage of ways to give them a second life. Whether you try a simple craft, create unique home décor, or find a practical household use, repurposing magazines is a fun and budget-friendly way to reduce waste. Do you have a favorite way to reuse old magazines? Share your ideas in the comments, we'd love to hear your creative inspiration!
Summer is my favourite season, but it can also become surprisingly expensive. Between keeping everyone cool, packing snacks for every outing, spending days at the beach, and trying to stay organized, it's easy to spend far more than planned.
The good news? You don't need to buy the most expensive products to have an amazing summer. Over the years, I've found a handful of affordable summer essentials that I genuinely use every single week. These are practical purchases that make life easier, help me save money, and make summer more enjoyable.
Here are the affordable summer essentials I wouldn't want to live without.
1. An Insulated Water Bottle
Buying cold drinks while you're out adds up quickly. An insulated water bottle keeps water cold for hours, making it much easier to stay hydrated without constantly stopping at convenience stores. Our current faves are the Owala FreeSip and the Simple Modern Trek water bottles. They keep our water cold for hours!
I like to always have some sort of electrolyte or water enhancer on hand to make plain water a little less boring.
2. Portable Cooler Bag
Whether we're headed to the beach, a park, a road trip, or a dance competition, a soft cooler bag comes with us. I just throw in some dollar store ice packs and we're good to go for the day!
Packing sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, cheese, and drinks costs a fraction of buying lunch while you're out.
It also means we're not forced to eat wherever we happen to be.
3. Foldable Reusable Shopping Bags
Summer often means farmer's markets, garage sales, thrift stores, and spontaneous shopping trips.
That's why I keep reusable, foldable bags in both of our vehicles and in my purse. I hate paying for bags so I always try to be prepared! Mine are much better quality anyways and have lasted years.
They're also surprisingly handy for carrying towels, library books, or muddy shoes after a day outside.
4. Sunscreen That Actually Gets Used
The best sunscreen is the one your family will actually wear. For our family, that means we always have a spray sunscreen and a lotion sunscreen. The kids like the spray and my husband and I like the lotion. Currently we're using Coppertone, but switch it up depending on sales.
Buying sunscreen before you need it often means finding better sales, and applying it consistently can save you from painful sunburns that ruin vacation days.
Watch for end-of-season clearances too. You can often stock up for next year if there's a long expiry date.
5. Small Portable Fan
This has become one of my favourite inexpensive purchases.
Whether you're sitting at the beach, waiting in long amusement park lines, camping, or relaxing on the patio, a portable fan makes hot days much more comfortable.
6. Turkish Beach Towels
Traditional beach towels take forever to dry and fill an entire beach bag.
Turkish towels are lightweight, dry quickly, shake sand off easily, and take up much less space. Perfect for beaches, pools, camping, and travel!
I've heard great things about microfiber towels as well, but personally have not tried them yet.
7. Ice Packs
Reusable ice packs are something I use almost daily during the summer. Having several on hand means you're never scrambling before heading out the door.
They keep lunches cold, help cool drinks, and make grocery shopping for frozen items much easier.
I bought ours from Dollarama
8. Waterproof Phone Pouch
I'll be honest and tell you I thought these waterproof phone pouches were silly the first time I saw them at a water park. But then we went for a river float and borrowed one. Boy was I happy to have it! For piece of mind that we had a phone to use in case of emergency. It was also nice to have photos of our adventure!
Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, or simply relaxing near the water, a waterproof phone pouch gives peace of mind. It protects your phone while still allowing you to take photos without worrying about accidental splashes.
Considering how expensive phones are, it's a small investment that can prevent a very costly accident.
9. Picnic Blanket
A good picnic blanket gets used far more often than you'd think. We keep ours in the car so it's ready to go whenever we need it!
We use ours for outdoor concerts, soccer games, beach days, picnics, and so much more.
Look for one with a waterproof backing so damp grass isn't a problem.
10. Portable Charger
Have you ever watched your phone battery drop to 10% halfway through a day at the beach or an afternoon exploring a new town? It always happens when you're relying on your phone the most.
A portable power bank gives you peace of mind by keeping your phone charged for maps, photos, music, digital tickets, and emergencies. It's compact enough to toss into your bag and has saved me from a dead phone more times than I can count.
It's one of those inexpensive gadgets you don't think much about, until you're really glad you have it. Our family has three and we use them for charging our tablet, phones and kindles!
11. Bug Spray
Mosquitoes have a way of ruining otherwise perfect days and evenings.
Keeping bug spray in the car, camping gear, and backyard means you're always prepared.
Buying larger bottles or multi-packs during sales is usually much cheaper than grabbing one at a campground or convenience store.
Don't forget the bug bite relief in case you do find some itchy spots!
12. Snackle Box
Snackle boxes are such a fun way to pack snacks for beach days, road trips, park visits, and sports games. Inspired by tackle boxes, they use divided compartments to keep everything neat, colorful, and easy to grab.
You can fill them with crackers, fruit, cheese, pretzels, popcorn, nuts, or a few sweet treats. The options are endless! They make snack or lunch time feel a little more exciting and help cut down on expensive snack stops too.
13. Sun Hats
A simple sun hat helps protect your face while gardening, hiking, watching sports, or spending the day outdoors. It also reduces the amount of sunscreen needed on your face and scalp.
My youngest is using a simple ball cap from Dollarama and I just bought myself this one that I'm loving so far!
14. Collapsible Wagon
If you've ever carried towels, chairs, toys, snacks, and coolers across a beach or soccer field, you'll understand why these collapsible wagons are so popular.
They're useful for:
Beach days
Camping
Farmers' markets
Festivals
Gardening
Sporting events
We still use ours, but we used it the most when our kids were little and weren't able to carry as much stuff as they can now. Once you own one, you'll wonder how you managed without it!
15. Beach Bag
A roomy, well-designed beach bag is one of those summer essentials you'll reach for again and again. Whether you're heading to the beach, the pool, the splash park, or a picnic, having one dedicated bag makes packing and staying organized so much easier.
Look for a beach bag with plenty of space for towels, sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, sunglasses, and extra clothes. Bonus points if it has zippered pockets to keep your phone, keys, and wallet safe and easy to find.
This is the beach bag we have had since 2024. Still looks new and I love all the pockets! Machine washable too.
Bonus: A "Ready-to-Go" Summer Bag
One of the biggest time savers is keeping a dedicated summer tote packed and ready to go.
Instead of packing from scratch every time we leave the house, I simply grab the tote and head out.
It makes spontaneous summer adventures much easier.
How to Save Even More on Summer Essentials
Here are a few ways I save money every year:
Shop during Prime Day and other major Amazon Canada sales.
Compare prices between Amazon, Walmart, Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire, and Costco.
Check Dollarama for beach toys, hats, water shoes, sunglasses, and picnic supplies.
Watch for end-of-season clearance sales in August and September.
Add items to your Amazon wish list and wait for price drops.
Read reviews before buying so you don't waste money replacing poor quality products.
Summer doesn't have to mean spending more money. A few thoughtfully chosen, affordable summer essentials can help you stay comfortable, avoid costly impulse purchases, and make everyday outings much less stressful.
Many of these items are inexpensive to begin with, and even better, they can often be found on sale, at discount stores, or during seasonal events like Prime Day.
The key is choosing products you'll actually use over and over again. Practical purchases often save far more money than flashy ones.
What are your can't-live-without summer essentials?
I'd love to hear your favourite affordable summer essentials! Share it in the comments, you might inspire someone else's next great purchase.
How to Cut Household Expenses Without Feeling Deprived
If your budget feels tighter than usual, you're not alone. Rising prices on groceries, utilities, and everyday essentials have made it more challenging for many families to make ends meet. The good news is that learning how to cut household expenses doesn't have to mean sacrificing everything you enjoy.
In fact, many households spend money each month on subscriptions they no longer use, services they could downgrade, or habits that quietly drain their budget without adding much value. By taking just a few minutes to review your regular expenses, you may be surprised by how much you can save.
These simple money-saving ideas take about 15 minutes or less to complete and can help you lower your monthly bills without making major lifestyle changes. Whether you're trying to stop living paycheck to paycheck, build an emergency fund, or simply create more breathing room in your budget, these practical tips can help you keep more of your hard-earned money.
Turn Off Unused Electronics
One of the quickest ways to cut household expenses is to reduce your electricity usage. Take 15 minutes to walk through your home and turn off lights, TVs, gaming systems, computers, and other electronics that aren't being used. Unplug chargers and small appliances that draw power even when they're turned off, or plug them into a power bar that can be switched off easily.
These small changes can help lower your monthly utility bills and even keep your home a little cooler during the summer months.
Wash Laundry in Cold Water
A simple way to cut household expenses is to switch your washing machine to the cold water setting. Most modern laundry detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water, so your everyday clothes will still come out fresh and clean without using extra energy to heat the water.
Using cold water can also help your clothes last longer by reducing fading, shrinking, and wear on fabrics. That's a win for both your budget and your wardrobe. As an added bonus, hang dry your clothes as often as possible.
Clip (or Download) Coupons for Items You Already Buy
Coupons are still one of the easiest ways to save money, but you don't have to spend hours searching for them. Check your favourite grocery store apps, loyalty programs, and digital coupon websites, or browse the weekly flyers for products you regularly purchase.
The key is to only use coupons for items you were already planning to buy. Saving a few dollars on each shopping trip can easily add up to hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
Check Your Cell Phone Plan
Your cell phone bill is one of those monthly expenses that's easy to forget about, especially if you've been on the same plan for years. Take 15 minutes to log into your account and review how much data, talk time, and other features you actually use each month. You may discover you're paying for far more than you need.
Many providers regularly introduce new plans that offer more value for less money, but existing customers don't always get switched automatically. It's also worth calling your provider to ask about current promotions, loyalty discounts, or lower-priced plans that may be available.
If you're comfortable shopping around, compare offers from other carriers as well. Even saving $10 to $20 per month can add up to hundreds of dollars each year, making this one of the easiest ways to cut household expenses without changing your daily routine.
Negotiate a Lower Credit Card Interest Rate
If you carry a credit card balance, a quick phone call could save you money every month. Many credit card companies are willing to lower your interest rate, especially if you've consistently made your payments on time.
Explain that you're reviewing your finances and ask whether they can offer a lower rate. If necessary, mention that you're considering transferring your balance to another provider. Even a small reduction in your interest rate can make a noticeable difference over time.
Review Your Internet and Streaming Services
Internet, cable, and streaming services are some of the easiest monthly expenses to reduce. Contact your provider and ask whether there are any current promotions, loyalty discounts, or lower-priced plans available.
If you're paying for multiple streaming services, consider cancelling the ones you rarely use or rotating subscriptions throughout the year. Reviewing these recurring charges is one of the simplest ways to reduce monthly bills without making a major lifestyle change.
Meal Plan Every Week
Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to cut household expenses. Taking just 15 minutes each week to plan your meals and create a grocery list helps reduce impulse purchases, minimizes food waste, and makes it much easier to avoid expensive takeout.
Before heading to the store, check what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer so you can build meals around ingredients you already own.
Use Up Pantry and Freezer Food
Before heading to the grocery store, take a few minutes to look through your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Chances are you already have enough ingredients to make several meals without buying much at all. Building your meal plan around foods you already own is one of the simplest ways to cut household expenses and reduce food waste.
Challenge yourself to have a "shop your own kitchen first" week, where you create meals using forgotten pantry staples, frozen vegetables, leftover meat, or canned goods. You may be surprised by how many delicious meals you can make without a full grocery trip.
Not only will this help lower your grocery bill, but it also prevents perfectly good food from expiring and ending up in the garbage. Making a habit of using what you already have before restocking is an easy money-saving strategy that can make a noticeable difference in your monthly food budget.
Make a List of Free Local Activities
Entertainment doesn't have to be expensive. Spend a few minutes creating a list of free activities in your community. Ask friends for recommendations, browse local Facebook groups, or check your city's events calendar.
Parks, hiking trails, splash pads, community festivals, farmers' markets, museums, and library events often provide hours of entertainment at little or no cost. Having a ready-made list makes it easier to choose affordable outings when you're looking for something fun to do.
Make the Most of Your Library Card
Your library card is one of the best free money-saving tools you can have. Today's libraries offer so much more than shelves of books. Many provide free access to eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, music, children's programs, workshops, online learning, and more.
Instead of buying books, paying for magazine subscriptions, or renting movies, see what your local library has available first. Making regular use of your library is an easy way to cut household expenses while still enjoying plenty of entertainment and learning opportunities for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cut household expenses doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul. In fact, many of the best money-saving habits take just a few minutes to put into action.
Whether you're lowering your utility bills, meal planning, reviewing monthly subscriptions, or borrowing books instead of buying them, these simple changes can add up to significant savings over time. Start with one or two tips today, then build from there. Every dollar you save helps create more breathing room in your budget.
What's your favourite way to reduce household expenses? Share your best money-saving tip in the comments below. I always love discovering new ideas from readers!
Groupon Exclusive – Join Costco, Get a $50 Costco Shop Card!
Have you been thinking about getting a Costco membership? Well right now, for a limited time only, Groupon has a couple of Costco membership offers worth checking out!
Eligibility
This offer is available exclusively to Canadian residents and is valid only at Canadian Costco warehouses.
Valid only for new members and those who have not been a Costco member in the last 12 months.
C$130 for an Executive Membership + C$50 Digital Costco Shop Card
All the benefits of Gold Star Membership plus:
Annual 2% Reward* (up to C$1,250/year) on qualified Costco purchases
CA$10 Monthly Credit on Same-Day Delivery with Instacart
Additional value on select destinations, cruises, hotels and rental cars with Costco Travel
Costco gas stations offer member-exclusive prices on gasoline that meets TOP TIER™ performance standards.
C$50 Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Costco Gas Stations or Food Court Kiosks.
C$65 for a Gold Star Membership + C$50 Digital Costco Shop Card
Access to 115+ Costco warehouses in Canada and Costco.ca
Includes a Primary Membership and Household Card
Costco gas stations offer member-exclusive prices on gasoline that meets TOP TIER™ performance standards.
C$50 Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Costco Gas Stations, or Food Court Kiosks.
Budget-Friendly Emergency Supply List: Be Prepared Without Overspending
Disasters aren't something most of us like to think about, but being prepared can make all the difference when an emergency happens. Here in Canada, many of us face seasonal risks like flooding, wildfires, severe storms, and extended power outages. If you had to leave your home quickly or spend several days without electricity, would your family have what they need?
If the answer is "not quite," don't worry. You don't have to build the perfect emergency kit overnight. Start by creating an emergency supply list and gradually gathering the essentials. Even adding a few items each month can help you feel more prepared and give you greater peace of mind.
Putting together an emergency supply kit doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Below, you'll find a practical emergency supply list of important items to consider. Use it as a guide to build a kit that works for your family, so you're ready for whatever comes your way. Whether it's a power outage, flooding, wildfire, or another unexpected emergency.
This is one of the top priorities. You should have a gallon of water per person, per day. Store water gallons in a dry and cool area where they are protected from the elements. You can even add some water purification tablets or the popular Lifestraw Personal Water Filterto your supply just in case you need to clean additional water.
2. Waterproof matches.
Matches will be vital in building a fire should you need to They are also what you may need for lighting your light sources such as gas lanterns and for cooking food. Be sure you have plenty of waterproof matches should the need for them arise. You can also include other heat/fire sources for back up such as lighters.
3. Non perishable foods.
Have plenty of non perishable foods or foods with lengthy expiration dates. Canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, pastas, juices, broths, and soups are all advised. Choose plenty of high in protein foods as well such as beans, granola, and supplements.
4. Manual Can Opener
To go along with your non perishable foods, you'll want to have a manual can opener on hand so you can actually get access to your food!
5. Clothing and Blankets.
You never know what conditions you'll face during an emergency, so it's important to have clothing that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. Pack several changes of clothes for each family member, along with extra socks, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate outerwear. Don't forget warm blankets, gloves, hats, and rain gear if you live in an area prone to cold temperatures or wet weather. Whenever possible, choose durable, waterproof clothing that will stand up to the elements and last for years.
6. Medications.
You should always have extra prescription medications on hand or at least the prescriptions for them. You also want general pain killers, antacids, bandages, and plenty of purified water for washing wounds. Look at the medicinal needs of your family and pack a medications kit accordingly.
7. Pet supplies.
Do you have a pet? You will want to include them in on your planning. Be sure you have an ample supply of pet food, medications, first aid items, blankets, and other items they may need. You will also want a list of any medications they are on as well as the vet’s contact information.
8. Light sources.
Lanterns, battery operated flashlights, and candles are all wonderful light sources. You can also opt for solar lights, but you don’t know what weather conditions will be like. Be sure you have at least one light source per person and plenty of batteries to back them up.
9. Power sources.
As mentioned above, power sources are important. This would include fuel for your lanterns, gas for gas operated stoves and lighters, batteries, and of course chargers. You most likely won’t be able to use the chargers via traditional electricity, but charged battery packs could prove helpful.
10. Entertainment items.
This seems frivolous, but entertainment items can prove useful and help everyone stay calm. Books and magazines, a deck of cards, board games, and other simple entertainment items are all great. They can help keep kids calm, develop a sense of normalcy, and help the time pass a bit quicker. You might want to consider a battery powered or crank radio as well.
11. First-Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit is essential in any emergency. It can help with minor cuts, burns, and injuries until more help is available. Include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, pain relievers, and any prescription medications your family needs. Keep it in an easy-to-reach place and check it regularly to replace expired or used items.
12. Contact information.
Should you lose the power on your phone and have no way to charge it, would you have all of the contacts you need? Be sure you keep a good old fashioned notebook with important numbers and addresses. They may prove to be more useful than you think!
Preparing for an emergency doesn’t have to be expensive, time consuming, or scary. With this emergency supply list you'll definitely have some helpful ideas!
What else would you add to this emergency supply list?
Easy Homemade Fire Starters Using Items You Already Have
Get your outdoor adventures started the easy (and inexpensive) way with these simple homemade fire starters! Whether you're planning a cozy backyard bonfire, heading out for a weekend camping trip, or gathering around the fire pit with family and friends, these DIY fire starters are a practical project that costs almost nothing to make.
Before you toss that pile of dryer lint into the garbage, think twice! It turns out that dryer lint makes an excellent fire starter, and chances are you already have everything else you need sitting around your house. By combining dryer lint with empty toilet paper rolls and a sheet of wax paper, you can create effective homemade fire starters in just a few minutes.
One of the best things about this project is that it gives new life to items that would normally end up in the recycling or trash. Instead of buying expensive commercial fire starters, you can save money by using materials you already have on hand. It's a simple, frugal solution that reduces waste while helping you get a campfire or bonfire going quickly.
These homemade fire starters are lightweight, easy to store, and convenient to pack along for camping trips, cabin weekends, beach fires, or evenings around the backyard fire pit. Make a batch at the beginning of the season and keep them in a dry container so they're always ready when you need them.
If you love finding practical ways to save money while making the most of everyday household items, this is one DIY project that's definitely worth trying. It's quick, easy, budget-friendly, and a great way to recycle materials you already have into something you'll actually use.
Here's how to make Homemade Fire Starters:
MATERIALS
Dryer lint
Toilet paper/paper towel rolls
Wax paper
Scissors
DIRECTIONS
1. Remove the lint from your dryer lint trap 2. Cut your paper towel rolls into thirds or leave toilet paper rolls whole 3. Stuff your paper rolls with the dryer lint, but don't pack it in too tight 4. Cut a 6" piece of wax paper 5. Place your paper roll in the center, wrap the long sides over each other and twist the ends 6. Trim the ends of your wax paper if you'd like
TO USE: place one of your fire starters under a few pieces of kindling and light the end of your wax paper
Dry, flaky lips always seem to make an appearance during the colder months, so I've started making this simple DIY lip scrub to keep them soft and smooth. It gently exfoliates away dry skin while helping to lock in moisture, and the fresh strawberry lemonade scent is an added bonus!
This homemade lip scrub is made with just four ingredients: almond oil, sugar, strawberry extract, and lemon essential oil. The sugar gently buffs away dry, flaky skin, while the almond oil helps nourish and moisturize your lips. The strawberry extract and lemon essential oil create a sweet, refreshing scent that makes this scrub feel like a little treat every time you use it.
I've included my Amazon affiliate links below if you'd like to pick up the ingredients used in this tutorial.
In a small mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients. Mix until well blended. Transfer to airtight containers.
HOW TO USE
1. Apply to wet lips and exfoliate by rubbing finger against the scrub in a circular motion. 2. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel. 3. Apply your favorite lip balm.
I think this would make a fabulous gift for any kids you need to buy for this year! Kids love to get their very own mail!
Encourage your children to read more with a one-year subscription to Owlkids Magazines.
$29 for a 1-Year Subscription to Chirp Magazine (Ages 3-6) (a $59.33 Value)
$29 for a 1-Year Subscription to Chickadee Magazine (Ages 6-9) (a $59.33 Value)
$29 for a 1-Year Subscription to OWL Magazine (Ages 9-13) (a $59.33 Value)
Reading from a young age can inspire a kid's imagination, increase their vocabulary and make them speed readers in time for the next Olympics. Educate and entertain with today's WagJags.
Made for kids who love to learn, Owlkids lineup of kid-and parent-approved magazines come packed with fun, entertaining and educational content.
Chirp, made for kids ages 3 to 6, offers pages of stories, puzzles, illustrations and colourful photographs produced by some of Canada's most talented authors and artists.
Chickadee is a fun, hands-on magazine for kids ages 6 to 9 whose thirst for knowledge and appetite for humour are insatiable. In each issue of chickadee, interactive stories, puzzles, comics, animal features, and science experiments educate and entertain readers.
For big kids, ages 9 to 13, OWL provides its readers with timely, reliable and relevant information on everything from technology, sports and the environment, to pop culture and peer relationships. OWL is packed with lively text, bold designs, and tons of fun with original comics, quirky facts, and mindboggling puzzles designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading.
