Spring and Summer Lifestyle Tips on a Budget
Spring and Summer Lifestyle Tips on a Budget
By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel
Mother, May I?
April showers bring May flowers, along with the promise of summer activities and enjoyment. There are very many ways to save money during warmer weather and still have lots of fun:
- Take advantage of free movies, plays, and concerts in the park or at your local libraries. Many of these outdoor events have food trucks – the cuisine is usually very good but can be rather pricey. Consider packing a cooler of food to save on funds when attending these festivities.
- Water parks are great for summer fun, and now is the time to get your season passes at a potential discount. Many park districts and recreation departments offer pool memberships at a cheaper early bird rate prior to Memorial Day weekend. Several neighborhoods have no cost or low cost splash pads that are like mini water parks, as well. Be careful at the concession counter – prices are higher there and often less healthy options are sold. Ask if coolers with food from home are permitted. Check rainout lines/webpages before using your gas to drive to the facility just to find out it’s closed on a particular day. Of course, if you can bike or walk to the local aquatic center, all the better.
- Toes in the sand season is almost here – pedicures are in order, but can be pricey. Consider an online coupon/Groupon, a beauty school mani-pedi, or DIY. Soak feet in warm water, adding in some fragrance or bath oil for a more spa-like experience. Trim toenails straight across with a clipper. Ingrown nails can be treated with a special file available at most big box retailers. Push back cuticles with an orangewood stick or metal implement made specifically for this purpose. Use an oil or cuticle remover for best results. A pumice stone or metal dry skin remover is preferable over a razor for callus and dry skin. Dry well between toes, and if need be, use an antifungal cream or spray. Use toe separators or wind tissue between your toes before you start polishing. Apply a base, two coats of color polish, and a clear top layer for the best look, then finish off with lotion. Dipping a cotton swab in a little nail polish remover and running it around your cuticles will remove any excess polish that may have gotten on your skin. A do-it-yourself pedicure can look great.
- Time share rental sites, home swaps, and Airbnb’s can make vacations more affordable, or join a hotel group in email for discount codes. Watch reviews, though, as the quality of a particular stay site can vary widely. airbnb.com, www.redweek.com, www.go-koala.com/timeshare-rentals. A staycation can be just as much fun – check for free local museum days or complimentary events at local parks, beaches, and other public institutions.
- Picnics and cookouts during spring and summer are great ways to get together with friends. Ask everyone to bring a dish to share, but be cautious of food safety. Use a meat thermometer before taking any protein off the grill. Do not cross contaminate food – never use the same plates or utensils for cooked items that have come in contact with raw foods, without thoroughly washing them. Keep foods cold – a cooler full of ice will suffice if you are barbecuing in a park where a refrigerator is unavailable. Wash hands thoroughly, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer in a pinch can work but I recommend only picnicking where there are bathrooms available. Back yard cookouts are a safer option. Meats should rest ten to fifteen minutes after removing from the cooking source, but never leave any perishable food out longer than a total of two hours. Consider warmer temperatures when choosing baked good to bring. Frostings and chocolate treats can easily melt in the heat. Make sure you stay hydrated, especially in heavy heat. Avoid caffeine and stick with liquids like good ol’ H2O and clear juices. Throw away your trash in provided receptacles if you’re eating at a park or other such location. Wipe down tables in public spaces with a wipe safe for food surfaces or bring a spray bottle of vinegar and napkins or paper towels to clean tables. Consider a table covering to keep the surface safe for consumption.
- Use discount sites and price comparison apps to save money on events and hot weather essentials. Spring is a good time to get in on sales before summer arrives. rakuten.com, www.groupon.com, www.joinhoney.com.
- Sunscreen is important whenever you are in the sun, but be wary of budget brands and potentially dangerous chemicals. Two years ago, the FDA, based on the currently available scientific data, said that only two sunscreen ingredients could be considered safe and effective – titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Other UV filter chemicals like avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, padimate O, and sulisobenzone have concerned regulators because of skin absorption. Of those, the worst are oxybenzone, homosalate, and avobenzone – all three of them have been connected to disruption of the endocrine system. The European Commission in 2021 released preliminary reports about the first two, saying they should only be used at most to 2.2% and 1.4%, respectively. Current U.S. regs only cap those concentration percentages at 6% and 15%. Remember dollar stores, as well as some big box stores, often have sunscreens, cosmetics, and other HBA products that are made in China – some of them with recognizable brand names – and these are not regulated. Look at labels – made in China or PRC (People’s Republic of China) pose real safety concerns.
- Local beaches and lakes are almost always free – just check bacteria conditions and other water quality standards before plunging into the drink.
- If you want to spend your tax refund on some beach or cruise wear, remember budget apparel is fine. Just like holiday clothing, these articles are only wearable for short seasons. Better to spend more on wardrobe staples and keep the trendy spends to a minimum. The same goes for beach towels and totes. Take advantage of end of season sales for next year – that’s a great way to get higher quality things that will last longer. Spend a bit more on swimwear – chlorinated water is hard on bathing suits and trunks.
- Remember, simple days and nights on the patio with loved ones, including furbabies, are a wonderful free way to enjoy the spring and summer seasons. A good book on a lounger with a glass of ice tea or lemonade is not just relaxing, but a break from the hustle and bustle of politics, social media, national news, and everyday stress. Relax, unwind and breathe…
