Thrifty Mommas Tips

Summer Lessons 2026: You Don’t Need to Earn Rest

Paula — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:05:03 +0000

This summer I was driving to the beach to go camping when one of my young adult kids hit me with a life update that sent me reeling and made me incredibly angry. Like cartoon plumes of smoke coming out my ears mad. Parenting Young Adults is Also Hard When your kids are newborns you think this is the hardest stage, the most enjoyable but also the hardest. Then they turn one and you think wow I did it and the next hard thing occurs and the toddler stage is a challenge but the threes will be simple, right? AND ON AND ON it goes….we trick ourselves to keep going. Everyone knows teens will be hard. But nobody fully had a pattern for parenting through a pandemic or a book for managing neurodivergent teens with a brain injury or FASD or chronic illness. Anyways back to the car and the drive… Processing Funny how kids remember to drop big ticket emotional drama on you when you are driving and unable to glare at them or fully provide facial reactions. If I had a dollar for every time my teen or 20 something told me something life altering as I was driving I’d be a millionaire by now. For a good 15 minutes I drove on auto pilot processing a lot of emotions and asking myself: Should I just turn around, unpack the van? Did anyone actually need to be camping? Did anyone deserve to go camping? Shouldn’t we just be working on problem-solving this latest situation all weekend long for the rest of the summer? Onward But in the end, I kept driving. Why? For the first night and part of the next day I questioned being there at all. What was I doing, camping, setting up a tent, going to the beach, cooking on the stove outdoors? Was it worth the effort? Was the weather and the experience worth the gas money and the time? What was I rewarding and why? But you see the issue with that thinking too, don’t you? Rest as a reward? Outdoor adventure, reading in a hammock, hiking as a reward? 🤔 Questioning On the final day, as I was hiking on my own on a self guided meditation trail, I had completely stopped questioning if I made the right choice by continuing the drive to the beach to go camping. ⛺️ This summer I came to the actual realization in my body and my mind that I don’t need to earn rest. It is my prerogative when and where I take it. It’s just one of the summer lessons 2026 that I am carrying forward in life and throughout the rest of the year. Camping is always a factory reset for each of the people in my family. So here’s to taking rest, listening to the waves and the crickets and touching grass when I need to and not scheduling camping in as a reward. And here’s hoping I commit this to memory moving forward. 2027 I am looking at you already. Resetting Resetting or touching grass is important for everyone. In fact there are many studies showing that nature has a dramatic impact on anxiety and mental health. So, next time you think about turning around or if you are sitting on the fence not sure if you should hop in the car and take that road trip for the weekend, remember this: you don’t need to earn rest. It is as essential as taking in air and water and food. So maybe the trip isn’t perfect. I mean is it ever perfect? Someone always forgets something. This year racoons were active at the last two provincial parks we stayed in and they jarred us awake in Sauble Provincial Park and at MacGregor Point when they scrounged a neighbouring campsite at 3 a.m. But camping is so worth it to me and to my family and the reset is valuable even when things go sideways or when the rain and thunder hit. Summer Lessons 2026 Life is messy. It is never ever perfect. Parenting is as far from perfect as it can get, like ever. Polar opposites. I have so many messy parenting experiences that I could easily feel like a huge fail. But here’s the thing. My kids say I love you every day and we my husband and I both say it back. They should never question that I love them with my entire heart. One just graduated from university. One is still stuck a bit as we work through what and how the end of school looks like for them. We are not the same, any of us. What a silly world it would be if we were. Maybe you hate camping. Maybe you don’t. I mean perhaps you find your peace some other place outdoors hiking or skiing. Perhaps it’s inside crafting quietly that resets or allows you to turn off the inner critic. I think the vital thing here for me at least is that we keep going, putting one foot in front of the other and moving on. Discover something new. Explore a different trail. Keep driving and always turn left. Leave Room for You Leave Room for Whimsy Keep Pressing the Gas You don’t need to earn rest or a break or time away. But I am very sure that you need it regardless of who you are and where you are in the parenting journey. I know we all thought COVID was our hard thing, our biggest challenge, but the hits keep coming. So take the rest and set the phone down and wander the trails. Drive the side roads. Explore, rest, repeat. Who Knows – maybe you learn something about yourself along the way.

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The Ultimate Camping Gear Guide: Things We Can’t Live Without

Paula — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:57:24 +0000

We just wrapped our fourth camping trip of the season. And while I also love Fall camping and have an entire post about the merits of camping through September, we are not likely to do that this year. At the end of the season we clean and put all of our camping gear away. It’s a good time for us to assess what we have and what we want or need next year. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links equal a small commission for me so that I can keep the lights on. Our fourth trip of the season was a fun weekend despite the rainy weather. Our final Labour Day visit was a three night trip to MacGregor Point Provincial Park. MacGregor is one of our all time favourite spots to go. Love their hiking trails and the private little beaches at the park itself. I am not a lifelong camper. In fact, I thought I hated camping and resisted entirely until the pandemic and then because we needed activities we could drive to and I was trying so hard to keep everyone here from losing their minds, we decided to try tent camping. Camping Kids Prevailed The kids, after all, had done years of overnight camps and day camps and on one outback trip to Camp Queen Elizabeth Payton did portaging and much more. So, they had the skills and they asked often if I’d take them camping. The answer was typically along the lines of: “Afraid that’s not the life for me, I would rather stay in a cabin, a cottage or a hotel room.” Until it wasn’t a good answer anymore. At that time, the list of places that people could visit dwindled to within driving range. So I figured what the heck, we all needed something. The chirping crickets, the screeching loud Blue Jays and even the crazy 3 a.m. scavenging of racoons scrabbling down the trees and chasing each other through the park, can’t keep us away. Falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and sometimes the waves of our gorgeous Ontario lakes lapping the shore is healing and restful and glorious. Nothing quite like that. Our Beginner Tent In 2020 I bought an inexpensive Walmart tent which was basically a popup ( as in easy five minute set up ). After we borrowed some camping gear from a friend and off we went. I mean a few years before that my family had worked with Ontario Parks and we had their adorable RV that we drove around the province to five different Ontario Parks locations. The whole family had so much fun documenting the experience. That one sponsored adventure set us up, showed us that we actually love the outdoors in all seasons. And frankly with the right camping gear we realized we could extend our season. Feeling well protected from the elements meant being able to camp into the fall and early in June. So, we’ve been doing this ever since with a tent and a van that’s loaded to the teeth. And with good quality reliable camping gear we have enjoyed a lot of days and a lot of our provincial parks. We have learned a few things about camping gear we love and can’t live without. Since people often ask me on TikTok what I recommend I thought I’d share that post here too. Most of these things are items we own or have borrowed and use all the time. Where there are some recommended items I have noted that they are products we don’t yet have or would recommend if our kids were younger. Main Camping Gear We Travel With These Two Tents Our food tent is used maybe 75% of the time we camp. It is super easy to set up and take down. It collapses into a small carrier bag and fits easily into the van. Our Food Tent Our Coleman food tent above is vital especially in July and sometimes August to keep the bugs out when we hang out or when we are cooking and eating. We actually bought this at Canadian Tire but this Coleman food/ bug tent is available on Amazon if you prefer. It’s actually much cheaper on Amazon. While this tent has been a dream, it just recently started to feel like maybe we have graduated and perhaps we need a bigger sized food and bug tent. I’d suggest this is the beginner level/ intermediate camping food or bug tent. It is excellent but it’s not that big. There are times when you might want a bit more shelter from rainy weather. This Coleman is sturdy and I love the ease of use but it is starting to show its age. Our Coleman Dark Sky Eight Person Tent We started with a basic tent from Walmart as I mentioned. Honestly if it is ever just me and Noah camping then we grab it and go. It sets up in five minutes locks into place and is so easy. But while it says 6 people can fit into it, that’s a stretch. That might be two kids under 8 sleeping with feet to head while parents are the opposite direction. So, when Payton decided to spring for this eight person Coleman tent which has a small vestibule that is covered to keep the bugs out when popping in and out throughout the day, we were thrilled. I mean when she moves out she will take it with her as she always reminds us. But until then it works wonders for all of us. I love the extra space. Frankly, we all like that we can stand up in it and we have a covered entry space for shoes. Your shoes will be fragrant when camping and you do not want those inside where you sleep. Trust me on that one. Why This One? We love this tent. It is HUGE and perfect. There are some organized pockets where you can place your keys or wallets at night and it has a great rainfly. It worked perfectly this past week when we had significant rainfall overnight on night one. Other tents might be water repellant which is not the same. For instance, our old beginner tent will let rain in if it pools on the campsite. The Coleman Dark Sky doesn’t let rain in. Inflatable Mattresses These have come a long way! Inflatable mattresses will probably be the first thing that you have to replace so keep that in mind. These need to be strong enough but easy to set up and take down. They also have to be simple to store over the winter. Last year, Payton bought me a new mattress for Christmas. It is this one right here and I love it. The price is great and it inflates and deflates with a USB charger. That’s easier than using your car chargers/ outlets and dragging it back and forth to the tent from the car. Sleeping Bags The sleeping bags we have are all different. Mine is a cheap old one that I bought at Costco years ago. It does the job. Noah and Payton both have exceptional sleeping bags built for sub zero temperatures. As mentioned they both did sleep away camps and had some outback trips where they needed really good sleeping bags. This Marmot sleeping bag is Noah’s which is excellent. What’s so good about it? It is sturdy and will keep you warm even in -11Celsius weather. The Marmot is high quality and we got in on sale for half off at the end of the season one year. This sleeping bag has been back and forth to Muskoka many times and it has weathered a lot of inclement weather. Camping Stove Can’t believe I almost forgot to include this. It is our good old standby and it was leant to us by Margarita Ibbott whose family used to camp. So, it is well seasoned and it is compact and it works like a dream even still. So reliable and great quality. Of course it is a Coleman cooktop stove. Camping Games and Activities Having a few nature-focused games and activities handy is a lifesaver to keep everyone happy. One of our favourite games on the beach is Bocce Ball. It is so portable and easy to play together. Along with bocce ball, we also have a corn hole game that disassembles. We also have a few easy card games. You can also print out any of my camping printables and take them with you. Camping Roll a Story for instance. BUGS NAT PAT bug patches and bracelets are a staple for us now. Love the gentle patches that we can slap on everything and the citronella scent repels bugs. There might still be some on the tent actually. Will see next season I guess. We often take citronella candles with us too. Pick up a few of the citronella bracelets for each of your companions on the trip too. You will 100% still need Bug Spray regardless of where you are camping. Just buy one now because it will cost you later. And never leave home without After Bite. Bites will still happen. Pack this in the car or the camping first aid box as soon as you can. New Favourite Card Game for Older Kids Last year we bought Cards Against Humanity and it is a hoot. We haven’t laughed so hard in years. We also have an add on the 90s pack. There are many great add on packs. You think you have enough cards but after playing just one season, we found we enjoyed having the variety of the add on packs. Devices You want a couple of these but pick and choose. To me a huge part of the joy of camping is being off tech and unreachable for the most part. Having no service in the park about a week or two ago made me happy actually. Nobody can call and ask me for anything. Wahoo. Chargers are SO Helpful Listen if your phones all die a slow death and there’s an emergency then you are not in a good or healthy space. So chargers are vital. We carry multiple with us as a family. But as long as one person has a rechargeable, reliable charger it’s all good. Also frankly if you travel with teens, they are going to want to connect when you drive to town or anywhere with wifi. Not my priority when camping but just know that you avoid a lot of fights if you pack and carry a charger always. Walkie Talkies? Motorola rechargeable long range and waterproof walkie talkies. Best walkie talkies around at a decent price. You can find cheaper ones but they won’t last and I assure you that they will lose or break one of the cheaper ones at some point so pay for these ones instead. Worth it. I don’t use these because our kids have phones obviously. They are over 20 now. For little people though walkie talkies are perfect. Let them be independent and hop on a bike and explore with their siblings then if they get separated they can connect via these. Protection from the Sun and Rain An Umbrella or Two For in the car, near the RV and by the tent. Prop it outside your tent or in the corner of the tent if it is dry. Why? So you can run to the restrooms or the vault toilets in the night when your kiddo or your bladder wakes you up. A Beach Umbrella I’ll be honest we cheated here and still have one teeny beach umbrella that we got in Port Stanley years ago for $30. But honestly nobody uses these anymore. People bring the big umbrellas for a day at the beach and a family to fit under and be safe when the sun is overly hot. Wagon Listen I didn’t even realize I needed one of these until my family gave it to me for one of my birthdays about 5 years ago. Now, this wagon goes everywhere with us. It collapses, so that is invaluable. The camping wagon also can sit on top of most of the other items in the gate of the van. So functional. Often we walk from the campsite to the beach and set up for the day. WE try to minimize the number of times we need to race back to the site. I mean you will always have bathroom trips too so you don’t want to spend the entire time running back and forth fetching things and visiting restrooms. With the wagon, we can drop our cooler bag, chairs, towels, sunscreen, umbrella and snacks into the wagon and make one organized trip to the beach. Our wagon was a gift but I am certain it came from Costco not Amazon. So keep an eye out next spring for a good Costco version. You can use these for so many purposes. Comfort You cannot simply sit at a picnic table all week or even all weekend long. So, you need to have a few reliable portable pieces for your regular camping gear setup. Camping Couch and Chairs Our chairs are ancient. In fact, we inherited our four family camping chairs from Jim’s Mom and from my Mom. To this day, we still use them all the time. My green chair is slightly nostalgic and the kids love that these are reminiscent of the days when we could camp together or stay at the cottage with grandma. So, buy something sturdy and light. You will carry them everywhere. They don’t need to be fancy. These 20-year-old chairs that we have lasted insanely well. Pretty sure the original price was under $20. One thing I did invest in a few years ago when it was on sale at Costco was this love seat. We call it the camping couch. Easy set up and take down and the cushions are so comfortable. It is my favourite way to wake up. I grab a coffee and sit on the couch with a library book or a birthday novel while the rest of my travel buddies sleep in. Bliss. My Camping Wishlist Every year as the season wraps, I hunt for sales. There are a few products left in the camping section of Walmart and other stores you frequent. But don’t just buy it because it is on sale. You will almost always need any least one reliable camping tarp in the event there’s rain. You will often need more portable propane canisters and sturdy rope. Sometimes you might want to upgrade the camping dishes. But generally you don’t want to overspend on any of this stuff. All of these dishes and pots and pans get dirty and sit all winter in boxes waiting to be sprung out again, so choose reliable and sturdy. This year we scooped up another heavy duty tarp and some twine so we can set up a fast A frame over the love seat and the chairs. Truthfully, I wanted to see if there was a big food tent on sale at all. But no luck this time. The Portable Kitchen This Coleman Kitchen camping setup has been on my radar for a couple of years now. Typically we do the dishes lowkey with a washing bin, soap and a dish drying rack on the picnic table but the height is completely wrong for our backs so that ends up doing Payton and I both in over the course of a couple of days. So my dream is to own this super functional portable and parkway kitchen set. A Portable Change room A Popup change room could be helpful when camping and it doesn’t take up much space. That said, it isn’t 100% necessary. We take turns changing in the tent and there are many discreet ways to change when you are travelling. Not crucial but a nice to have maybe if the price is right. You Don’t Need a Lot to Get Started Really and truly you don’t need that much to get started. If you are new a solid tent and dishes and something to cook on should suffice. Of course sleeping bags and mattresses are essential too. Add on as you go. Be sure that you also get rid of the old broken things but buy quality products first. Like our chairs that we inherited, if you find or inherit old camping gear that lasts it can be a staple and it will also enhance your adventure. Happy Camping! Is there anything we missed?

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All Canadian Games to Play on a Rainy Day

Paula — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:06:00 +0000

This August and September so far has seen its fair share of rainy days. You know where it is not fun to be when it is rainy? The cottage! Generally speaking a cottage is a smallish space where you share bedrooms. Unless you are super wealthy and have one of those McMansion cottages that celebrities are always renting in Muskoka, your space is at a premium. The goal is to be outside. Unless you are sleeping, you are outside enjoying the gorgeous beaches, trails and forests. So what do you do if it rains for hours or even days at the cottage? Well, it helps to have these All Canadian games on hand, or you might just buy them and drop them at the cottage if you own one or even if you rent one out. It is a simple amenity that adds value and implies a highly personal touch to a rental. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links mean a small commission for me. Plan Ahead I am a cottage girl through and through. By now, you must all know that. I grew up visiting a rented cottage with my family every single summer of my childhood. From Guelph Ontario, the drive to the Bruce Peninsula and Southampton, Port Elgin, or Sauble Beach is a manageable 2.5 to 3 hours. Basically, an afternoon driving and you are there. We typically brought many outdoor games along for the week. Most cottages have a stash of board games or something to keep you occupied in all sorts of weather conditions. Canadians just know weather is unpredictable and we want you to all feel welcome and engaged at the cottage. It’s in our nature. I find it helpful to have a range of ideas planned for most ages and stages, from groups of two or three to a family of four or a group of teens. There are dozens of word games and activities on this site that you can print and take with you whether camping or spending time at a cottage. Obviously this all applies to rental AirBnBs too. This year my Rainy Days at the cottage post has outdone itself for traffic which means a lot of you are finding it and using that as a guide. I mean over the years as a lifelong cottage renter I have seen my fair share of rainy weather days and I have a few tricks. This year, with ELBOWS all the way UP, I thought I’d share a few of our favourite all Canadian games to play at the cottage on a rainy day. Canadian Games for Rainy Days at the Cottage Crokinole If you ask me, every single cottage and home should have one of these crokinole boards. Canadian through and through. Did you know that? If you don’t want to pay this much for one of these Canadian classic games that will be passed down from generation to generation, hit up a few garage sales. I assure you that you will eventually find one on sale for under $25 Canadian. Ours is wooden and in gorgeous condition and was given to us by Jim’s dad or grandfather, I think. We have had this for many years. I also had one growing up and my own kids, especially my youngest, often ask to play this together. Somehow the flicking of the wooden disks is great feedback for a sensory seeking child. Origin and Details: Trivial Pursuit If you don’t have this already in your cottage and in your home, then how can you call yourself a Canadian? LOL. Kidding. Anyways, this is the biggest thing to hit the 80s, and a staple of my youth. For those who love trivia and have an entire afternoon to spend exercising your grey matter with long forgotten facts and dates and history. Canadian Trivia: Family Edition More trivia but this one is a bit simpler and really rooted in Canadian facts. Trivial Pursuit is a higher age level than this one and demands patience. This is a bit more Cascadia To be super clear I have never played this one. But it is Canadian and looks fun and family friendly. Balderdash Unlike standard trivia games that reward pure memorization, Balderdash is a creativity and psychology game. The goal isn’t just to be smart; it’s to write in a convincing, dry style that mimics the official card, or to craft something so delightfully believable that your friends fall for the trick. Canadian creative teams have played a major role in party game history, including Toronto-invented classics like Balderdash. Fast-paced, Canadian-invented party games like Trivial Pursuit keep large family groups engaged when outdoor plans get rained out. Canadian Trivia: Family Edition Created by Victoria, BC-based publisher Outset Media, Canadian Trivia: Family Edition features double-sided cards with junior and expert questions across geography, history, and pop culture. It allows kids, teens, and adults to play together on a rainy day without tricky handicap rules. A-Maze-ing Canada / Great Canadian Board Games: Educational geography and travel games published locally offer lighthearted family rivalry while testing everyone’s knowledge of provinces, territories, and landmarks. More All-Canadian Classics for Rainy Days Right now, when elbows up is literally a lifestyle that demands to be implemented across the board, it seems like we can all provide solutions to support buying Canadian. That’s why I thought this might help. Anyways, happy camping and leave a few of these at the cottage or scout them out at the next neighbourhood garage sale.

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Comfortable Lightweight Shoes for Everyday Moments

Paula — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:39:58 +0000

We are loving all of the new lightweight shoes in stores lately. Why is that? Well summer and fall are active seasons for our shoes. These days, we are out walking, hiking and camping and in fact we generally just live outside as much as possible. Lightweight shoes that are easy on and easy off make a difference to how fast we get outside and they are just so much easier in general. I received product for consideration here. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. Post may contain affiliate links as well. I mean we are also on our feet a LOT in the winter months but to be clear I think everyone knows we are in winter boots exploring or ski boots just skiing our buns off because why wouldn’t we also live for winter? Our family is active between skiing, hiking, camping, walking, swimming and martial arts. There are down period and seasons and even stages. For instance right now I cannot motivate my youngest at all unless it is camping and then they literally only walk to get wood or snacks. But that’s their journey and at some point maybe in the winter Noah will come back around again. Meanwhile the rest of us are trying to close all of the rings literally every day. My husband, Jim, is on a quest to finish his black belt this year so he’s walking and going to classes and working out. These new lightweight Bruno Marc slip on lightweight shoes are perfect for walks and basically days that end in Y. My husband loves these when racing to a workout at the gym or dojo and for walks after dinner or on the weekend. They have lightweight knit upper and are easy to pack, as well as easy to throw on. These are the kind of shoes that end up by the front door because they’re somehow right for airport days, walks, coffee runs, and casual weekends. These shoes are perfect for travel and Jim is thrilled with the navy version. A Lot to Love About Bruno Marc The breathable knitted upper offers a smooth feel and enhanced ventilation, keeping your feet cool and fresh throughout the day, whether you’re commuting, taking a stroll, or exploring the city. At just about 300 g (10.6 oz, size 9) per shoe thanks to the light, non-slip outsole, these mens slip on shoes help reduce fatigue while maintaining excellent wear resistance for everyday walks. With a convenient slip-on design, these mens lightweight shoes make getting ready effortless. Set the laces once, step in, and go anywhere in an instant. Catch a flight, walk around the block, walk the dog. These are the shoes for that. Flexible Comfort: With a roomy toe box (more space than traditional sneakers) and flexible EVA midsole, these walking shoes for men allow your feet to move naturally and comfortably, reducing fatigue. Nortiv 8 shoes were such a hit with me. Literally I wore my Nortiv 8 runners all over the UK and have been wearing them out canvassing for a former colleague who is running for city council this fall. So when we found out there was a hiking version of the Nortiv 8 we were all kind of arguing over who needed them the most. These Nortiv 8 Hiking shoes are waterproof and lightweight shoes as well. LOVE that. Also great traction and durability. I adore all of these shoes and have had no issues at all. The hikers are perfect for hikes in or around the city and will keep your feet dry. Would I wear them hiking serious mountains? Not sure. I need lightweight and crazy supportive if I am doing really long intense heights but the traction on these is great. The Specs: 4-In-1 Rebound Tech: Featuring innovative 4-in-1 rebound tech, NORTIV 8 hiking shoes for women are engineered with a supercritical foam insole for step-in softness, a Strobel insole for sustained cushioning, and a dual-density EVA midsole that enhances shock absorption, providing energy return and lasting support for hikes. The Weight: These weigh only 11.4 oz per shoe and are crafted with a mixed upper of leather, Oxford fabric, and supportive TPU that strikes the balance between comfort and durability for outdoor activities. Enjoy your outdoor adventures without worry in most weather. These women’s hiking shoes feature a built-in waterproof membrane that seals water out, ensuring your feet stay comfortably dry when you trek through muddy trails on rainy days. All-Terrain Traction: Stay grounded from the first mile to the last. These outdoor waterproof hiking shoes for women boast a lugged rubber outsole with function zones that ensure a solid grip on slippery or rocky trails. Indoors and Outdoors: Let’s be clear these are mostly for outside in our family anyways. I like indoor slippers for the house. These Dream Pairs slippers are our favourites. The reinforced toe cap and heel counter enhance support and protection, while the gusseted tongue blocks out sand and debris. Sleek and stylish, NORTIV 8 hiking sneakers are comfortable and reliable for hiking, trekking, camping, traveling, and everyday wear. For Everyday Moments Whatever the adventure and wherever life takes you this summer and fall, you can rely on both of these sets of lightweight shoes. Outfit the whole family for a relatively affordable price. The men’s shoes on Amazon are currently $49.99. You cannot beat that actually. The women’s Nortiv 8 shoes vary but are around $100.

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Cut and Paste Back to School Activity Book

Paula — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 14:31:49 +0000

What’s up guys and gals? It is so close to back to school time here. I know you feel it. The moths flying out of your wallet? Yeah, me too. I know my kids are WAY, way past these cut and paste activities but some of your kiddos still love a cute and fun activity book. As a lot of you know it is always my goal to provide affordable activities and fun learning experiences for low cost to you. Skip to the download link below if you just want to download and print. Times are hard and we cannot afford much. I feel your pain. This year back to school shopping will be a hardship for many. That’s why I keep sharing inexpensive ways to save money and free printables for kids. Saving Money is Inherent in Everything I Do While one of mine is entirely done her undergraduate degree (proud broke Mom moment), at least until she decides to pursue a second degree or a Master’s degree, the other should be heading back to school. Should be, I said. Because honestly I hope they have done the work needed to get courses lined up but because of privacy laws here and the fact that said kid is over 20 I have no visibility into that. None. That is a whole other scenario and a story for another time. With FASD on board everything is a bigger deal and harder to access and frankly I expected more from college but here we are. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Purchases made via qualifying links equal a small commission for me which allows me to keep writing and sharing. This cute cut and paste activity encourages enthusiasm around going back to school while also nurturing fine motor skills. Cut and paste can be preschool level and kindergarten as well. My kids always loved crafty opportunities like this. So I hope yours like this back to school cut and paste activity book too. Paper and Printer: Don’t forget these handy supplies you need to make your printables last: Printer paper helps. Yes, it is pretty expensive these days. This Amazon Basics paper is pretty good. Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator is excellent. Highly recommend. And bonus it doesn’t take up much space in your family room or your home office. Use it for some of the printables like the word searches and search and find projects and then hand them out with erasable markers. Reuse over and over. Happy Crafting and Word Games and Back to School! Download Here: As always, please remember these are for your use only. Thanks so much for reading and following copyright rules. Do not reprint or attempt to sell this activity book. It is for personal use only. If you have any other ideas of activities or printables, or even health, travel or parenting topics you’d like to see here, please leave a comment. I will do my best to share helpful content as we all need help from time to time. Cheers to a Positive School Year Ahead! Best of luck on day one and if your child is new and just starting school, get all those photos and remember to take a Kleenex or two with you that day. Here’s another helpful back to school idea if you need it. All About Me Booklet WE found this above All About Me booklet extremely useful when supporting our younger child at school and when introducing them to a new instructor or teacher. We used it at camp a few times too and had positive feedback. If your child is neurodivergent or has any unique needs along with a disability fill one out and hand it to the team or instructor before they start. This can support them on the road to success.

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Learning to Read and Find the Verb Task Cards

Paula — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:33:12 +0000

It’s no secret to most of you that I love languages and reading and the written word. Language arts, as they used to call it at my school when I was growing up, was the subject I excelled at and couldn’t get enough of. Even still, I am the person lining up to get all the books at the library. Find the verb task cards is one tool that can help kids identify parts of speech. Are you a Reader Too? My holds list is almost always full of three books at a time and my to read bucket list is always growing as fast as I can cross off the accomplishments. If you are a huge reader of little neighbourhood libraries and thrift stores and a fan of writing and books in general then you probably want to instil that same passion in your children. Finding the parts of speech was always a fun activity as a kid. Also spelling. I love spelling activities and word games and still pride myself on being very good at spelling. So what? Who cares Paula? Well, I know we are all in back to school mode. Some of you are in let’s get the kids started in school and let’s make the new experience and milestone a positive one for all. So after the back to school shopping and the week to get supplies together and resume a routine or begin one that is completely new to you, then comes next steps. Next Steps Might Be… Locating affordable educational tools can be a challenge. Let’s be clear, these days everything is wildly expensive as are tutors. So finding ways to save and use accessible learning tools is actually crucial. I literally told someone the other day every added expense becomes less food in my fridge. That is just a fact at this stage of life and I need to feed people in my home. Here’s a fun activity for you when they are working through some early literacy tasks. Find the verb. I still to this day recall this basic little reminder for nouns and verbs. A noun is a person, place or thing. Still accurate. A verb is an action word. So coach your kids to find the action word in each of these task cards and they will be off to the races in terms of understanding language and also figuring out how to make words into sentences. This is grammar 101. The dog runs on the beach. The lazy brown fox jumped over the log. You probably all recall the ways that we once learned grammar and reading and parts of speech too. Sometimes kids learn more by having some hands on tools like what we used to call flash cards. These Find the verb task cards are basically flash cards. Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. I may receive a small commission via purchases made through qualifying links. Download the Free Find the Verb Task Cards here: Use the final page like a worksheet. If your child is old enough to work independently, they can find the number on each card and the identify the verb and print it on the corresponding card. You can then go through them at the end and grade them or just check them for the correct answers. Don’t Miss These Free Activities Too Remember to visit my free printables board if you need help looking for free activities for your kids to do. For a high quality print out of the life cycle content do not miss this downloadable Bee Life Cycle activity and the Alligator Life Cycle Kit is extremely popular over on Pinterest. Other Task Cards I have a math related set of task cards as well if you are interested and working on concepts such as greater than and less than. Basically comparing numbers. There’s a similar Beginning Sounds grammar activity for free too. Enjoy. Supplies Needed Printer paper helps. Yes, it is pretty expensive these days. This Amazon Basics paper is pretty good. Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator is excellent. Highly recommend. And bonus it doesn’t take up much space in your family room or your home office. Use it for some of the printables like the word searches and search and find projects and then hand them out with erasable markers. Reuse over and over. Making Thrifty Choices These days and for the last 6 years at least it has felt like saving money and thrifty living has become a necessary life skill. That’s partly why I keep sharing free activities and free printables for my readers. Number one: people who are my readers tend to love them, pin them for later and return repeatedly for the printables. Number two: we all need simple things to help support raising kids and grandkids. Here’s hoping this helps you as well. Please drop a comment below if you have an idea or a suggestion for something cute and educational you would love to see here in future. I will do my best to add it to the lineup.

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Comparing Numbers Task Cards

Paula — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:20:50 +0000

We all probably recognize that math can be a hard task to master. But comparing numbers is a fun little subject on its own inside of the standard math curriculum that every single child who attends school will have to learn at some point. Comparing numbers task cards activity is an easy way to commit this greater than or less than concept to memory. Why Do We Learn This? Learning to compare numbers is a foundational mathematical skill that builds number sense. This is important for so many reasons but mostly because it shifts mathematical understanding and learning into a higher level of thinking that we also use every day of our lives. We Need to Know Numbers We need to know how numbers relate to each other in size, value, and order because we use them every day. When my kids were younger, the youngest who struggles with math used to say to me: when am I ever going to use this? And frankly I answered every single time with the same reply. You will be shocked how often you use math in daily life. It is a foundational skill. EVEN as a social media marketing expert or a senior marketing manager at work writing and posting and creating all day I still have used comparing numbers on a daily basis. My colleague and I used to look at each other on occasion and laugh and say: I had no idea there’d be this much math involved. Data analysis is heavily involved in social media marketing strategy. Analysis is forever involved in anything you do from trades to white collar work to teaching and creating. You will be asked to compare things on a regular basis in order to make decisions about where to spend money or what to prioritize. That is a constant for a lot of fields. Comparing numbers shifts math from simple counting to understanding value, proportion, and scale. Key Reasons We Learn Comparing Numbers Unlocks Data Analysis & Logic: You cannot interpret graphs, rank priorities, spot trends, or organize information without sorting values from greatest to least or identifying minimums and maximums. Develops Place Value & Scale: Comparing numbers like 48 and 84 reinforces how a digit’s position dictates its value. It helps students grasp the difference between tens, hundreds, and thousands, preventing errors when dealing with larger numbers. Powers Real-World Decision Making: Everyday life relies on comparison. That is a fact. Even at a basic level in the grocery store is $4.99 a good deal for a cereal brand that is a 750 gram box or is this deal a better one: 2 boxes 750 gram boxes for $9. Is there space to fit both into your pantry or kitchen cupboard. Can I fit my car in that tiny parking spot and when I leave will I be able to ease out of the lot without too much difficulty? It is all math and comparing sizes, shapes etc. Money: Determining which item costs less, where to get a better discount, or whether a budget covers your expenses. Comparing numbers is involved daily on this level. It is unavoidable. Time & Measurement: Figuring out which route is faster, who ran a quicker lap, or if a piece of furniture will fit in a space. Data & Risk: Comparing temperatures, tracking growth, or evaluating statistical risk. If you live here in the south of this province or state where there is a 20% risk of hurricanes every years does that make sense versus can I live in a cooler smaller city in the northern area where the risk is 2%. Pin This Post for Later Comparing Numbers Task Cards I hope you enjoy these Beach themed comparing numbers task cards. Comparing numbers even at the beach and during the summer months is a thing we will sometimes gamify to make it more palatable. Turn anything into play can be fun. Count rocks, count beach glass, count the crayons or markers the kids bring to the beach to sit and draw when drying off after a swim. These beautiful task cards will support learning and creativity as well. There is a black and white set your kids can colour in if they wish. Some people also laminate these free printables so that they can be reused endlessly. Yes, creativity and math can also be linked if you try hard enough. Resourceful much? LOL. The black and white set is below. Consider laminating if you wish. This is a great way to reuse them for a longer time. Print These Task Cards Click on the link below to download and use them indefinitely. Again, just a quick reminder that you can enjoy them as a family or in your school class. But do not reprint them on your own site and don’t try to resell. They are protected by copyright. Many thanks for visiting the site always. My readers are the best and I appreciate how often you return and how often you pin my content too. Save it for later. You will not be disappointed next year when you spy these at the start of the summer! A Few Other Games One of our favourite games on the beach is Bocce Ball. It is so portable and easy to play together. Motorola rechargeable long range and waterproof walkie talkies. Best walkie talkies around at a decent price. You can find cheaper ones but they won’t last and I assure you that they will lose or break one of the cheaper ones at some point so pay for these ones instead. Worth it. Don’t forget the supplies you need to make this work. Printer paper helps. I know it is pretty expensive these days. Amazon Basics paper is good. Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator is excellent. Highly recommend. And bonus it doesn’t take up much space in your family room or your home office. If you want to reuse my printables then laminate them and take them with you.

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What to Expect at Stonehenge

Paula — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:54:58 +0000

When my oldest daughter Payton graduated this year from university with her undergraduate degree, I knew we had to plan an epic adventure together to mark the occasion. Since we loved Scotland so much last fall during Reading Week, we decided London would be logical and it just made sense. We still had our UK electronic travel visas, because they are valid for two years from the time you receive approval. Beyond that, we were both dying to see a few unique landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Stonehenge. So we were off to the UK again! Our Unforgettable Journey to Stonehenge It was late May when my daughter and I embarked on our London, UK, journey and we landed during a massive heatwave. So we ended up building in lots of breaks for shade and hydration and we wore super light clothing everywhere but other than that we were up for seeing as much as possible during the week-long visit. From London, we headed to the stunning city of Bath England by bus. We were feeling very Bridgerton meets Jane Austen by the time we boarded again on the road to Stonehenge. Of course, Stonehenge topped my list of locations and sites to see while we were in England. Sometimes when I travel as readers know I like to go with the flow, but I also set myself up with a rough itinerary of non negotiable spots. My daughter is the same and while we can both side quest hard, we typically agree we have to see as many museums and historical landmarks as humanly possible. Food is another story entirely but you can check my TikTok for more details on how we ate while in England. The Benefit of a Group Tour From my last few years visiting some incredible cities around Europe we have learned to check that our top priority locations and tours have space before we leave home. Read the blogs, check the online reviews. Nobody likes being disappointed when you travel so far from home. So, we had a rough idea of what we needed to see, what our budget was for tours, and what days each of the tours had availability. Sometimes I wait until we are actually in the country before booking. I want to have a bit of a context for where the pickups will be physically and where the offices are located in the event that we have an issue. Hope for the best and plan for the worst and you will always be prepared. Disclosure: Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. Purchase the same tour here: https://gyg.me/gs3jjfVW The idea of renting a car and driving on our own did not appeal to me on this vacation. So, after we got checked into our accommodations on Day One, we booked our tour. This specific group trip, featuring three UNESCO heritage sites, had us on a full-day guided bus tour with about 50 – 60 other people and it was more than worth it. First were the Bridgerton hotspots, followed by Stonehenge and then Windsor Castle. Three UNESCO sites in a day! Sign me up! Arriving in the area by car or tour bus, you are then ushered to another bus which gets as close as it can to the site. While you can walk from the visitor area and the parking lot, a good deal of the trek is uphill and it can be either super windy or extremely hot as it was when we visited. So sit back and enjoy the five minute uphill bus ride. Trust me on this. Educational Information There are numerous placards and informational signs erected around the site once you arrive and you can download an app that will act as a guide as well. Both will help you can brush up on the facts. There are also cute Instagram locations with suggested photo opps. The stones themselves are obviously roped off to prevent anyone from touching and harming the structure. Over time enough harm has been done to the spot by those who had no clue of its value. Stonehenge History Wild theories run rampant on who, what and how this impressive landmark came to be. But the reality of this Neolithic marvel is that it is most likely a calendar. Sometimes the most logical explanation is also the answer. Unlocking the Mystery Dating back to approximately 3100 BC, Stonehenge is much more than just a well visited circle of rocks. Stonehenge is one of the world’s greatest mysteries. So what do we know? The word henge technically refers to a bank and a ditch, which are still present at the site, along with evidence of ancient hunting pits surrounding the area. The area was used by hunters. Their prey would fall into the surrounding pits making the kill easier for hunters at the time. An Engineering Marvel The massive outer Sarsen stones are gargantuan, with the largest weighing an incredible 31 tons. Looking at these monoliths, you realize the impossible labour involved in their construction. Researchers estimate that it would have taken 200 to 400 young men to lift just a single stone, with the entire process of transporting and erecting them likely spanning years. The contrast between the stones is fascinating. While the massive Sarsen stones create the outer structure, the bluestones form the inner circle. Seeing them up close, kind of leaves you with more questions than you had when you arrived. Like how is this actually a possibility? How on earth could anyone or anything have lifted the stones into place? Were aliens actually involved? Alright I know that theory has been discounted but still it is a curiosity especially since there’s no clear answer how this marvel could have been built. More Than Stones Stonehenge most definitely is testament to the ingenuity of a people who, despite lacking modern machinery, possessed a sophisticated understanding of engineering. By the way back near the visitor centre there is also a miniature neolithic village model. Walk through it to gain perspective on how people lived back then. Random Area Trivia: Did you know, the word Avon, the river that winds nearby, actually means river in the Celtic language? Just another nod to the landscape that has sustained this site for millennia. Beyond the mystery of the construction and the fun photo opportunities, Stonehenge functions as a complex calendar, aligning perfectly with the sun during solstices. Whether it was used for ritual ceremonies, burial rites, or tracking the seasons, the site carries a heavy, sacred atmosphere that has survived for over 5,000 years. On June 21, the longest day of the year, the sun rises over the Heel Stone at Stonehenge. The sun always sets over the Heel Stone on the shortest day of the year. Researchers believe Stonehenge was an astronomical calendar linked to the study of the stars. Other Theories Some other theories suggest that the site could have been a place of healing where sick people flocked in hope of being cured by the miraculous powers of the monument. Others think the site may have been a Stone Age ‘computer’ that credited solar or lunar eclipses, or a temple to the sun or moon gods. Payton and I were both excited and energized to finally see it in person. The day we visited tourist traffic was steady but not at all overwhelming. Despite the millions of photos you might have seen online, nothing is better than standing there and seeing it in person. Stonehenge serves as a humbling reminder of human persistence and our ancient desire to connect with the cosmos. A Few Surprises About Stonehenge Just past the fields full of sheep grazing, you will probably spy a weird batch of parked RVs. Good news you are almost there. Why so many trailers? Are they filming something? Stonehenge itself feels like it is in the middle of nowhere so why so many RVs? They look like movie trailers or trailer homes almost. Maybe a nod to storm chasers from the movies. In fact, the tour guide told us later there are some people who simply live here year round. They pull up in their RV and park on a side road and stay. Other weird facts: at one point a farmer owned this spot, Stonehenge and all having really no clue of its archeological impact. Why So Many Trailers? Because Stonehenge has such a mystical connotation to it and the mystery remains around who, how and why it came to be, it is also thought to possess a specific energy. The pursuit of the energy is one reason why people stay here year round. Imagine the greatest crystals or a surreal energy force. Some people believe that perhaps, being near it might lead you to another level of consciousness or that it has healing qualities. Tips Of course like all tourist destinations, there is a shop at the end of the trip. Don’t forget to sample the MEAD, if it is being sampled. As far as spending money goes, we are budget travellers. So while there were a lot of cutesy local souvenirs we left without indulging too much. Payton bought me a sticker for my laptop and we got a small packet of postcards. Generally speaking, photos and memories are enough for me. Final Thoughts If you find yourself in England, prioritize a trip to Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain. It is a bucket-list destination that truly earns its reputation. I don’t think you will be disappointed. Oh and if the bus driver tries to trick you with a Stonehenge is closed for cleaning the stones bit, don’t fall for it. Cue eye roll. Stonehenge was our second stop of the day on a tour that took us to three UNESCO Heritage sites. Loved this tour and honestly couldn’t recommend it more. Totally worth the money.

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Roll a Story Road Trip Game

Paula — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:36:00 +0000

If you know my family at all then you know that we love a good road trip. Honestly, it’s the least costly way to get to where you are going often. For instance, we frequently do this Home to Tremblant Quebec drive or we do one of our Vermont ski trips as a family. We have this down to a ‘T’ by now. Snacks packed, route loaded on the GPS, hitting the road by 4 a.m. and we are rocking and rolling. Oh, but not without some reliable road trip activities and road trip games like this roll a story road trip game. Let’s Roll a Story Road Trip Game Tomorrow we are heading out on another camping trip this summer. Now I know this trip is a short one, as in I will barely have enough time to load my favourite playlist on Apple Carplay, but I like to be prepared. So I will have a few things and the kids naturally bring headphones to tune out noises and sometimes even tune one of us out. It’s all good in the name of getting away and peaceful adventures. Here’s to short trips and not needing a whole lot of distractions when driving because it is just me. My husband doesn’t camp anymore. He’s a fan of indoor plumbing and actual beds. LOL. Weirdly I love sleeping in a tent on an inflatable mattress with the sound of crickets and cicadas as you fall asleep. When the kids were younger I never left home without a whole bag full of tricks. Our kids are neurodivergent and they also get bored easily which when they were little meant fights or hyper behaviours. That, in a car is super distracting so, it needs to be curtailed proactively when possible. So, tools like this Road Trip Roll a Story game are invaluable. Mostly though I packed word searches, colouring pages and big blank booklets for them to draw in and journal in as well. If there is a single rainy day when camping then you will also be looking for things to do. These kinds of storytelling and literacy activities are valuable on those rainy days. You might also consider these: Roll A Story Camping Trip Word Search Paper and Printer: Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. There are several camping and road trip activities here now on my site so please take advantage of them and return if you think there’s something fun or cool you’d like to see here. Don’t forget to visit my Free Printables board on Pinterest. A couple of road trip items I rarely leave home without: Tiny Inui Portable power bank charger Melatonin Just in case we get where we are going and nobody can sleep that night. I want to enjoy my trip not stress over sleep. Take only as directed. Car First Aid Kit – if you have kids then you know this is not an option.

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Setting the Stage for Success: Preschool Patterns and Shapes

Paula — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:34:00 +0000

The first day of kindergarten is a landmark occasion. For children, it’s a big step into a wider world of friends, learning, and independence. For parents, it’s a mix of pride, excitement, and a little bit of anxiety. I will never forget my children’s first day of school. One was more than ready but the other definitely had separation anxiety very early on. In fact, they couldn’t have been more different in that regard. We were of course teaching our kids many of the skills they’d need, from preschool patterns and shapes to letter recognition, but they also each had their own personalities and needs. My oldest could read early and was happy to go to school. My youngest child with sensory processing disorder needed a bit more support to feel safe. And that’s okay we aren’t all the same and we don’t all progress at the same rate. We all want our kids to walk through those classroom doors feeling confident and ready to succeed. While the academic journey officially begins there, the true foundation for school success is built in the precious years leading up to it. What is Involved in School Readiness? As early childhood educators and parents, we often think about pre-reading and number recognition, but schol readiness is much broader. It’s about a set of skills that allow a child to navigate a classroom, engage with a teacher, collaborate with peers, and follow directions. Think of it this way: a child can know all their letters, but if they are unable to sit for a five-minute story or ask for a turn, they will struggle to show what they know. Before we dive into our fun new Preschool Patterns and Shapes worksheet packet, let’s talk a little about some of the core skills little ones need to thrive in a kindergarten environment. The Basics of Kindergarten Readiness A child entering kindergarten should be developing skills in a few key areas: 1. Social and Emotional Development This is the cornerstone of all learning. Can your child manage big emotions, play cooperatively with others, and show empathy? Social skills like sharing, taking turns, and understanding others’ perspectives are essential for a positive classroom experience. At this age, readiness means a child can, with support, solve a simple conflict with words and manage their frustration when they can’t get what they want immediately. 2. Fine Motor Skills Strong hand muscles are essential. In kindergarten, children will be expected to use a pencil, handle scissors, and open their own snack containers. Activities that develop fine motor skills—like molding playdough, using tongs to pick up small objects, and, yes, completing activities on worksheets—build the strength and dexterity needed for printing and writing. 3. Cognitive and Pre-Academic Skills This is where the excitement for learning can grow. Children begin to observe their world and make sense of how things work. They will start to count, recognize their name, and grasp basic spatial concepts such as like over, under, and beside. Crucially, this is the stage where children develop patterning and shape recognition skills. This isn’t about memorizing labels; it’s about a foundational understanding that the world has structure. They are learning to observe, categorize, and predict. They see that a day has a predictable order (morning, noon, night) and that a shirt might have a simple blue-white-blue-white pattern. This logical thinking is the gateway to both math and literacy, where recognizing patterns in numbers and sounds is essential. Introducing the Preschool Patterns and Shapes Matching Series I am excited to introduce this new, free printable worksheet packet designed for exactly this purpose! This playful collection focuses on two key readiness skills: shape recognition and pattern copying. With bright colours and friendly, age-appropriate illustrations, your child might not even realize they are “learning.” Each worksheet is an invitation to explore. They’ll get to search for matching pairs of shapes, identifying everything from simple circles and squares to more complex stars and hearts. We’ve also included a variety of pattern activities. Your child will practice copying a given pattern (like circle, square, circle) and then, in the next step, predict and draw what comes next. This simple task is a cognitive workout. It requires logic, sequence prediction, and fine motor control. Get This Preschool Patterns and Shapes Activity Now These worksheets can be more than just a passive activity. Use them to sit with your child, to talk about what they see (“What colour is that square?”), and to celebrate every moment they recognize the pattern and draw the match. It’s about making learning a joyful, shared experience that builds their skills and their confidence, one matching shape at a time. Get Your Content Here: Please remember these are for your use. They are not for reprinting on your own website or other publication. Don’t miss my Common sight words for kindergarten and preschool Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links may mean a small commission for me. Don’t forget these handy supplies you need to make your printables last: Printer paper helps. Yes, it is pretty expensive these days. This Amazon Basics paper is pretty good. Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator is excellent. Highly recommend. And bonus it doesn’t take up much space in your family room or your home office. Use it for some of the printables like the word search and search and find projects and then hand them out with erasable markers. Reuse over and over. Happy Crafting and Camping and Word Games and even Back to School! Stay Tuned – There are more worksheets to come.

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