winter activities

6 Free Self-Care Rituals to Get You Through a Long Winter

Christa Avampato — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 10:00:06 +0000

We're getting deeper into winter and further into the new year. Was taking better care of yourself one of your New Year's resolutions? While the snow is falling outside and you're wrapped up in a blanket inside, why not get in some self-care for $0? Here are six healthy routines that'll get you through a long winter season. (See also: 14 Smartphone Apps That Make Self-Care a Snap)

1. Embrace the winter harvest

One of the best things about spring and summer is that the farmers markets come back to life with the fresh fruits and vegetables we love and crave. But don't let the winter blues hit your dinner plate. There is much to celebrate about the winter harvest, namely the incredible number of root vegetables that are satisfying, nutritious, and comforting. And they take almost no time to prep. One of my very favorite ways to put more color into my winter cooking is to chop up winter veggies that have been taking up space in my fridge or on the counter — carrots, beets, potatoes, etc. — coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then pop them into a 400-degree oven for 30-45 minutes. You can also roast and mash them, or puree them into a soup. (See also: 20 Cheap and Easy Soup Recipes)

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Dry winter air saps the moisture from your body. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. And for your skin, feel free to use up those body lotions, body creams, and hydrating hair masks you have to treat yourself to as many at-home spa days as you want. Also, crank up the humidifer to counteract the drying effects of your heater in your home. (See also: 9 DIY Beauty Masks Made From Food)

3. Meditate and reflect

With cold winter weather, take the time to meditate, relax, and reflect in the comfort of your home. Turn on some relaxing music, close your eyes, and take a few moments every day to focus on your breath, check in with your mind and body, and think about the goodness in your life and the goodness you want to manifest. Winter is an excellent time for planning brighter, sunnier days that will be here soon, so take advantage of this down time to nourish yourself without spending a dime. (See also: 6 Meditation Alternatives for People With Busy Minds)

4. Surround yourself with inspiring reads and tunes

The winter is a perfect time to get inspired and share that inspiration with others. You finally have the time to read that book or magazine that's been on your bookshelf forever, and to tell others about them. Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, make sure your reading material during these darker days is uplifting to combat the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Do the same with the music or podcasts in your queue. (See also: 6 Podcasts for Travel Lovers)

5. Seek refuge in art

If you're going to be inside, there are few places better to be than in a museum. Surrounding yourself with beautiful images may even inspire you to create some art of your own, and that act of creation is guaranteed to boost your energy and sense of accomplishment. Going to a museum also gives you a chance to be surrounded by other art enthusiasts, and breaks that sense of isolation that you may feel during these chilly months. Many museums offer free entry, as well as free or discounted events and workshops during the winter months. (See also: How to Visit Museums for Free)

6. Snooze

Do you find that this winter weather makes you feel a little sleepier than you are at other times of the year? Don't fight it. Listen to your body. Give your body and mind the rest it's asking you to take. It's completely natural for us to want more sleep with the fewer hours of daylight. Nature settles in for a long winter's nap during these months, and we should feel free and empowered to follow that lead. (See also: Get Better Sleep With These 5 Great Sleep-Tracking Apps)

Winter can leave us wishing for warmer days. Rest assured, those days will be here soon enough. Winter is the perfect time for restoring ourselves phsyically, mentally, and emotionally so that when spring arrives, we will be ready to meet it with a fresh face and a fresh perspective.

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This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Frugal Winter Activities to Keep Kids Busy During Holiday Break

Ashley Eneriz — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 11:30:06 +0000

Are your kids counting down the days to winter break? While it might be a much needed vacation for your children, it can be stressful for parents. Not only do you want to keep the kids entertained, or at least engaged with something other than electronics, but you also want to do it on a budget.

Here are a few ideas to make the most of winter break without spending too much money.

1. Volunteer

The holiday season is filled with wants. Children and teens are bombarded with ads, so it is only natural for them to have a huge list of wants for the holiday season. Help them refocus on what truly matters this season by seeking out volunteer opportunities. Local animal shelters and homeless shelters are a good place to start. You can also help elderly neighbors meet their needs, such as hanging Christmas lights or making them a meal.

Volunteering is a great bonding experience for you and your child, and it also helps your child to meet others who are in need. It helps them realize that there is more to this season than the latest toy or gadget.

2. Go on a Nature Walk

Kids of all ages can enjoy a nature walk, especially if you have a goal in mind. I recently took my little ones for a nature walk to collect twigs and pine cones that I can incorporate in my holiday décor. Encourage kids to do the same, and make crafts or décor out of found goods.

3. Try a Kid Exchange

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed with your kids for the holiday break, chances are you are not alone. Find a family that has children in similar age groups of your own and propose to exchange nights. You can host a fun sleepover one night, and the other family can host a fun sleepover the next night. This will keep your children entertained for two nights, while giving you a night off. (See also: How to Avoid These 5 Hidden Costs of Winter)

4. Attend Local Plays

Many local theaters put on winter or children's performances during the holidays. Look for discounted or free shows to enjoy as a family.

5. Create a Holiday Library Scavenger Hunt

A trip to the library is free, but can sometimes leave kids complaining. Step up your library trip by making it into a game. Make a quick list of books your kids need to find to earn points. For example, have your kids find some of the following:

A nonfiction kids' book about Christmas;
A magazine with winter crafts;
A book with the word "Santa" in it;
A book with the word "Snowflake" in it;
A book to learn about another culture's winter traditions;
A funny holiday book.

You can have your kids either write down the titles or check them out for some fun holiday reading.

6. Do Some Cookie Decorating

If the thought of baking cookies from scratch makes you break out in hives, relax! You can buy pre-made dough and some cookie decorating supplies for less than $10. Kids love to decorate cookies, and it can easily keep them occupied for up to an hour. For younger children, put frosting on a plate with a plastic knife, and give them a small cup of sprinkles, instead of the whole container. Listen to a holiday audiobook while you decorate for even more fun.

7. Camp in Your Living Room

Camping outside is out of the question if you live in cooler climates. However, a camp night in your living room will be something your kids remember for years to come. Either set up a tent or make your own tent out of chairs and blankets. Make s'mores on the stove and play fun campfire games, such as Name That Tune or Winking Assassin. (See also: 5 Awesome Staycations You Should Take Before Winter Ends)

8. Put on a Show

Tell your kids that you will be hosting a talent show with prizes before family movie night. This will hopefully motivate them to spend time practicing their talent before show time. That actual talent show will be a fun family moment that everyone can partake in before settling down to a movie. Don't forget to record the show for priceless memories.

9. Host a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt

When you're a kid, there is no such thing as too many scavenger hunts. Fill mugs full of hot chocolate and pile everyone in the car for a fun Christmas light outing. You can either just drive around looking for Christmas lights or make it a game with a scavenger hunt.

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Is Your Favorite Winter Activity?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 17:00:07 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Elena, Laura, and Susan for winning this week's contest!

Winter in many places can be cold, wet, and miserable... but the chilly days can be enjoyable, too! Building snowmen, sipping hot chocolate by a fireplace, or just taking a walk on a crisp afternoon are just a few activities that can make a winter day more pleasant.

What is your favorite winter activity? Why do you like it so much? Is it something you would invite others to do with you, or is it more of a solo activity?

Tell us about your favorite winter activity and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

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Post your answer in the comments below. One commenter will be randomly selected to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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Contest ends Monday, December 8th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after December 8th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
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Good Luck!

Tell us about your favorite winter activity and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Cheap Thrills That Actually Satisfy

POPSUGAR Smart Living — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:32:24 +0000

Cheap thrills sometimes get a bad rap, but there are plenty of budget-friendly activities that would satisfy any adrenaline junkie's needs. Nearly each one has different levels, whether you're a beginner or a pro, and you can try most of them out at a local gym, at the club, or in the great outdoors. Have a look, and get your rush on!

Paintball

Get your competitive juices flowing by hitting people with paint and getting them out. Costs vary depending on the quality of the paint and how many balls you order, so if it's your first time trying out the sport, keep things simple.

Improv

Getting up in front of large groups is a big fear-inducer for many people. Feel the rush by taking an improv class at a local comedy club. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent.

Mountain Biking

Riding a bike may sound like a fun way to exercise, but mountain biking is no easy feat. Off-roading onto tough terrain requires special mountain bikes that you should rent instead of spending upward of $500 on your own. If you have adrenaline junkie friends who have bikes you can borrow, all the better.

Ropes Course

Get transported back to gym class and tackle a local ropes course. Some gyms and outdoor facilities offer access for reasonable prices, but you can always create your own by jumping over orange cones and charging up the stairs.

Big-Kid Slides

You don't have to pay to go to an amusement park for heart-pounding rides. Outdoor parks and even malls have giant slides that twist and turn and are just as fun for adults.

Rock Climbing

There's nothing like feeling accomplished after completing a challenging task, and rock climbing is a big challenge. Save by taking a group instead of private lessons for the outdoor adventure. One of the cheapest ways to rock climb, however, is to go to an indoor climbing gym and pay for a day pass.

Surfing

Like several other outdoor activities, the good thing about surfing is that mother nature provides much of what you need. Once the waves are up, all that's left to rent is a surfboard and a wetsuit. Try to get a friend, or even a friend of a friend, to give you lessons. If all else fails, you can always try it yourself using tips from YouTube.

Sledding

One of the most inexpensive and fun activities is playing in the snow. Grab a plastic sled (or something comparable), take a deep breath, and head down the hill!

Do you have any favorites?

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From whipping down hills to walking out on a stage and making up everything on the spot, discover cheap thrills that satisfy.

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This article is from POPSUGAR Smart Living of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

14 Fun Winter Staycation Ideas

Mikey Rox — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:36:44 +0000

If you believe the Internet reports on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the economy is making a comeback.

And perhaps it is. With Americans spending record amounts of money in the first few days of the unofficial start to the holiday gift-buying season, it’s safe to wager (or is it?) that 2012 holds promise for our pockets.

Right now, however, it’s still 2011 — a year marred by tumultuous stock markets, a social movement fueled by economic inequality, and an unemployment rate that has remained above 9%.

Yes, we could all use a vacation from reality this winter. But the reality is, a lot of us still can’t afford it. If you’re one of those folks who needs to get away but who can’t find the funds to make it happen, don’t sweat it. Stay home, save your money, and find something fun to do to help you relax — even if only for a few hours. Here are 14 ideas to jumpstart the planning. (See also: 21 Frugal Ways to Reward Yourself Right Now)

1. Visit the Local Ski Resort

Winter resorts can be costly if you plan to ski the snow-covered slopes, but that’s not the only activity these destinations offer. I’ve found snow tubing — available at many resorts these days — to not only be cheaper and safer than skiing, but also a lot more fun. There’s no skill involved either, so virtually anyone can plop down on the rubber tube and slide down the slick hill until they can’t laugh and smile any longer.

2. Plan a Spa Day

I’m not talking about your high-end boutique here — although even those are offering steep discounts on signature services this time of year — but rather an excursion to one of those mammoth complexes that seem to be popping up in every major city lately. For about $40 for the day, you’ll get access to the entire facility, which often includes private baths with steam rooms and saunas, whirlpools, and relaxation areas where you can nap, watch TV, or read. My husband and I try to locate one whenever we’re on vacation, and we’ve visited a local establishment in the dead of winter in the past. After just a couple hours, you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated without feeling ripped off.

3. Check Out the Latest Museum Exhibits

Unless you have kids, chances are you haven’t been to your local museums in quite some time. Do yourself a favor during your staycation and research online what’s new in your area – and not just the art museums, either. I’ve always found the science museums to be loads of fun, even as an adult. Of course, I don’t have to tell you to also check to see which days have free admission before you plan your trip. No sense in paying for something you really don’t have to.

4. Schedule a Movie Marathon with Friends

If I were planning a movie marathon with friends, I would probably screen the entire “Harry Potter” series since the final film was recently released on DVD — but that’s just me. If this idea appeals to you, but you’re not a fan of witchcraft and wizardry, here’s another way to schedule a movie marathon — depending on how many friends you’re inviting, suggest that each person choose their favorite movie to bring. This is a great way to ensure that there’s at least one flick in the bunch that every one wants to see, and it’s also a great way to find out something you might not have known about your friends before and enjoy a movie that you may never have heard of.

5. Start a New Craft Project

There are tons of craft projects that I think about doing throughout the year, but then I get too busy. Don’t put yours off any longer. If you have a few hours to a few days to spare, choose an activity that gets your creative juices flowing. Maybe it’s something simple like making a gift for an upcoming special occasion or perhaps it’s a larger undertaking like painting a mural on a wall in your home. Whatever it is, don’t let time prohibit you; set some aside to express yourself creatively.

6. Embark on a Food and Beverage Tour

This sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be if you plan ahead. Identify a few restaurants you’ve been dying to try and schedule an eating and drinking tour. I would recommend going during lunch hours, since many places have specials and the prices are generally lower midday anyway. If you’re really thrifty, score deals on Restaurant.com or a daily deal site that will let you eat and drink for a fraction of the price — which is even better when split with friends.

7. Challenge Yourself With New Recipes

I love to cook, but most of my cookbooks collect dust on a shelf in my kitchen. When I’m in a hurry — and that’s often — I either wing it or look up a recipe online. This winter, do it the old-fashioned way. Crack open a book, browse the recipes, and choose something that takes a bit of time and effort.

8. Rearrange the House

Ring in the New Year with a new home — or at least one that looks like it. Move the couch to another wall; change up the position of your art; hang up new pieces and remove some of the old; and reposition rugs, lamps, and knick-knacks. You’ll be surprised at how refreshed you’re home will feel with a few simple changes.

9. Take a Trip to Nearby Wineries

Most people head to wineries during the spring, summer, and fall — which is why winter is the best time for you to take a trip. A thinner crowd means a more relaxed tasting. Pack a picnic — some grapes, cheese, maybe a Thermos of soup, and fresh bread — and plan an afternoon tasting the fruits of nature’s labor.

10. Hit the After-Holiday Sales

Last year I was away in Miami on vacation, so I wasn’t able to partake in my annual ritual of scouring Target for their post-holiday sales. Totally heartbreaking. I love going right after New Year’s to score the 90% off deals on Christmas décor, wrapping paper, lights, and more. By the time it reaches 90% off, the lot is totally picked through, but beggars can’t be choosy. I’m always happy with my purchases, especially since I save a ton of cash.

11. Visit a New City by Bus

Bus fare is cheap these days. For instance, I travel from my home in New York City to visit family and friends in Baltimore for less than $40 round trip. That’s a steal! You don’t have to go far during your staycation (because that defeats the whole purpose), so pick a place less than two hours away from your home and take a day trip. Do your research before you get there so you can identify restaurants and shops that you don’t want to miss. Don’t forget to pack your computer, either. Many bus lines featured onboard Wi-Fi nowadays, so you can pop a DVD into your computer and cozy up the entire ride there and back.

12. Devour a Stack of Books

Whether you prefer books on tape, books on your tablet, or those paper things that line the shelves of the library, set aside a few hours — or even a whole day — to get whisked away in a story or two.

13. Invite Other Staycationers Over for a Sleepover

Who doesn’t love a good sleepover? In the winter, we occasionally invite friends over for a night of movies, games, food, drinks, and other fun in our pajamas. We have a guest bedroom so we allow them to sleep there, but even a pullout is great to pile up on and talk the night away. We even invite over their dog, if they have one, so ours has company while the adults are kicking back.

14. Go Thrift Shopping

What’s great about thrift shopping right after the holidays is that a lot of people have cleaned out their closets and donated their old clothes and accessories to make room for the new items they received as gifts. Make a run to the local thrift or vintage shop (and check to see what days offer discounts first) and browse the aisles for an hour or two to find the perfect pieces you never knew you wanted.

Have other fun winter staycation ideas? Let me know in the comments below.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 Fun Activities to Get Your Grinch into the Holiday Spirit

Mikey Rox — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:00:10 +0000

I love Christmas. And now that I live in New York City, I "fa-la-la" all the way to the big day.

But even though I’m soapin’ up to Mariah’s holiday hits in the shower, there still hangs a coal-colored cloud of anti-cheer in my condo. It’s called my husband.

You probably have one, too. He grimaces at the thought of watching Yes, Virgina, he runs off to shoot hoops during your cookie exchange, and he forgets the coupon you gave him for 20 percent off that food processor on your wish list, which forces him to pay full price, drastically reducing the spending limit you set for each other, and ultimately leaving you without one extra present you could have had if he had just remembered the friggin’ coupon!

Hypothetically speaking, of course.

Yep, he’s a Scrooge all right, but you love him despite his bah humbug-ness. The bright side is that even that fabled Dickensian curmudgeon ultimately had a change of heart.

So how do you get your Grinch into the holly jolly spirit without slipping a sedative into his eggnog? Easy. Plan festive activities that he can wrap his head around — then cross your fingers for a modern-day miracle.

Add a Little to TV Specials at Home

You can’t miss the annual airing of A Charlie Brown Christmas, but he couldn’t care less. Especially if it coincides with just about anything on HGTV. But if you’re like me, you want to reminisce with someone special about that grand time when the whole family would pile in front of the tube to catch Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the gang give good ol’ Chuck a well-intended hard time. Convince him to make your once-a-year showings appointment viewing by upping the ante, adult style. Light a few candles, slip into something enticing, and break out a bottle. Every time a character delivers a classic Peanutism, take a drink. At the end of the evening — if all goes according to plan — Santa may have to reconsider whether you’ve been naughty or nice.

Walk into the Woods and Make a Man Out of Him

There are plenty of places to pick up a tree this time of year, and nothing’s easier than snatching one up from the lot down the street. But that’s over and done with in less than 10 minutes. Instead, make an afternoon out of finding the perfect fir by locating a farm that lets you choose the tree, chop it down, and haul it through a snow-covered field like a living Norman Rockwell painting. Once Hercules has safely strapped it to the roof, warm him up with hot cocoa that you’ve hidden under the seat. On the way home, suggest a detour to his best friend's place to catch the game. Extra points if you packed his team jersey.

Look at the Lights (and Get a Little Lit Up Yourself)

Is there anything more aesthetically satisfying than a house so aglow with colorful bulbs that it can be seen from outer space? Add in a yard full of inflatable snowmen and hologram reindeer, and you’ve got an unofficial invitation to drive by and gawk through fogged-up car windows. Convincing your husband to man the wheel as you cause a traffic jam is one thing; making him to do it for an hour when there’s no real destination is another. Quell his fuss by asking if there’s a neighborhood whose lights he enjoyed as a kid. There’s a child inside all of us; he just needs a little encouragement to embrace his. Afterward, GPS the nearest winery, let him grab his favorite grape, and head home with promises of games on the PS3. Maybe you can even let him win one.

Take Him Shopping — To Places He Wants to Go

Most men hate shopping — until you drop them in a store that specializes in gizmos and gadgets. All bets are off at that point, and you better hope you paid off the credit card. Men are notoriously bad at verbalizing what gifts they want, too. Case in point: Your dad, who, year after year, tells you not to spend your hard-earned money on him but feigns excitement when he unwraps another tie instead of an HD camcorder. Nip that problem in the bud with your babe by planning an outing to an electronics store where he can test out the hottest new products and fill his pretty little head with tons of ideas of what he wants waiting under the tree. While you’re there, surprise him with something small, like a new DVD or that mobile accessory he needs. Your thoughtfulness will be rewarded.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: