Thrifty Mommas Tips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/ Travel, Health & Family Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:04:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.3 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-thrifty_logo_header-32x32.png Thrifty Mommas Tips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/ 32 32 77340857 Going The Distance with KURU’s New Wide Runners https://www.thriftymommastips.com/going-the-distance-with-kurus-new-wide-runners/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/going-the-distance-with-kurus-new-wide-runners/#respond Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:22:14 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=44923 My husband Jim is gearing up for a massive martial arts grading later this year. After years of practice and competitions and trying to eat right, this last stretch is near, but it is also the hardest. Now he needs to level up, start running occasionally and continue with a minimum of three big workouts a week. We were gifted KURU ATOM 2 extra wide sneakers for consideration here. I genuinely love this brand so much that I wanted to share our experience as a service to readers. My opinion is my own and it is honest. So, we’ve been looking for new running shoes. His old runners are ancient and frankly stained from life, that time we zip lined and celebrated the finish with ice cream which promptly landed on his shoe, plus the million times he has mowed the lawn in them or pulled out a dead Boxwood. It was time for a new and improved pair of everyday running shoes. The Wide Foot Conundrum But with wide feet the options are limited at best. In the past, we have hunted locally for weeks on end. We had a reliable family run specialty shoe store we used for a few years near our old house but it closed a couple of years ago. That left a big gap. Shopping for wide shoes or extra wide shoes has been hit and miss entirely in the past few years. Thinking of an old pair of work boots my husband bought that still sits in the garage collecting dust. Price and fit seemed okay in the big chain store when he left with them, but comfort for all day working and standing on his feet, was an entirely different story. Enter KURU. In the spring I got a gorgeous pair of Kuru sandals. They are high quality, stylish and so comfortable. I love them. This past week I found out that KURU has a brand new extra wide style of running shoe in their lineup. It’s called the Atom 2 and is available in women’s and men’s styles and sizes. Not only does my husband have wide feet but my eldest does too. So the struggle is real and both of them find they really need comfort to alleviate pain or other foot and joint related kinds of aches and pains. Luckily, this is what KURU does best. For us KURU extra wide shoes are extremely helpful and so worth the price tag. If you also have wide or extra wide feet then you know what I am talking about. The right fit means all day comfort and being able to work out or even just go about your daily activity without pain. KURU shoes are actually shoes that can 100% claim to improve some common foot and pain issues. So basically, if you have back pain, bunions, flat feet, heel pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis or a host of other conditions, these will help make you feel better.  KURU’s Guarantee Loving KURU this year because they are just that comfortable and their KURU Feel Better Promise™ guarantees your feet feel better in 91 days or you get your money back.  A Few Facts About KURU and the ATOM 2: Running through the rest of the year with KURU ATOM 2 extra wide sneakers because this is one more thing that impacts how smoothly we get to the finish line which is a black belt by end of 2026. Staying injury free and pain free at this age and stage of life is like harm prevention and reduction. We don’t play around anymore. Easy on and easy off matters. Price matters, but fit even more so than that. New and improved KURUCloud+ gives better rebound and softer landings. The ATOM is already an excellent shoe and the ATOM 2 sneakers just built on that. Overall Impressions Jim is loving these KURU ATOM 2 extra wide sneakers and the confidence and comfort they provide as he works towards his black belt. But Paula don’t people who do martial arts wear bare feet or special padded shoes when sparring? Yes, they do. But you don’t get to be a black belt without actually working out on a regular basis, meaning you need to do more walking, running, weights, yoga and activity in general. These are the shoes that get that part of the training. They are just as able to give you the support you need when walking to and from the gym or the park as they are when running laps on the nights you haven’t got a scheduled class. A New Favourite I highly recommend these KURU Atom 2 extra wide sneakers. KURU is one of my new favourite shoe brands. Check them out yourself. For those of you who wonder about how accurate sizing and width is, these are in my opinion a really solid choice and size feels accurate. I know ordering shoes on line can be scary, but these fit as they indicate on the site.

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/going-the-distance-with-kurus-new-wide-runners/feed/ 0 44923 Get Ready with This Back to School Word Search for Kids https://www.thriftymommastips.com/get-ready-with-this-back-to-school-word-search-for-kids/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/get-ready-with-this-back-to-school-word-search-for-kids/#respond Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:54:00 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=43367 Summer always feels like a whirlwind. Slow it down for half a second with some fun transition activities like this Back to School Word Search for Kids. Between the final trips to the beach and the hunt for the perfect backpack, the transition back to a school routine can be a jolt for students and parents alike. Not going to lie, I used to get panicky the closer we got to the end of the summer. This post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. I receive a small commission via qualifying links. Summer vibes are some of my favourite and I know I am not alone. Back to School is a mad race of activity and yes it is back to routine, which is welcome for many people, but also September is a lot. The forms alone are crazy in that first couple of weeks. AND, there’s a huge cost to back to school shopping. Recognizing that the cost of living is through the roof and few of us can afford extras, I like to share easy low cost and sometimes free opportunities for families. These Back to School word search is one of those freebies that I am sharing with you in mind. Whether you are looking for a quiet morning activity to settle those first-day jitters or a fun way to get kids back into learning mode, a themed word game or a puzzle is the perfect low-stress solution. Ease Into the School Mindset After weeks of sun and play, jumping straight into heavy textbooks can feel daunting. This Back to School Word Search for kids is designed to bridge that gap. It focuses on familiar classroom vocabulary. Think notebooks, recess, and library to help younger students re-engage with school themes in a way that feels like a game rather than an assignment. For teachers, this is an excellent morning activity. Having a stack of these on desks as students arrive on the first day gives them something immediate and engaging to focus on. And you can get a quick moment of peace while managing the inevitable chaos of new cubby assignments and attendance. For parents, it’s a great addition to a lunchbox surprise or a rainy afternoon activity during the final week of August. Benefits Beyond the Fun While word searches are undeniably entertaining, they also offer some sneaky educational benefits too. Download Your Free Printable Ready to get started? Download and print this word search in just a few clicks. It’s designed to be clear and easy to read, making it accessible for elementary-aged children. Pro-Tip: If you want to make it a challenge, set a timer and see who can find all the words first. Or have your kids circle the words using different coloured highlighters to make it colourful. Don’t forget the paper and supplies 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.  Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made. Grab your favourite pencils, find a cozy spot, and let’s make this the best school year yet!

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/get-ready-with-this-back-to-school-word-search-for-kids/feed/ 0 43367 Camping I Spy Game https://www.thriftymommastips.com/camping-i-spy-game/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/camping-i-spy-game/#respond Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:15:00 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=44607 It’s no secret we love camping. It is one of our favourite ways to disconnect and just touch grass. Good for my mental and physical health not to mention my whole family’s mental health. Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. Qualifying purchases mean a small commission for me at no cost to you. The Joys of Camping Nothing beats the feeling of gathering around a campfire. It’s the perfect way to hit the pause button on a busy week and enjoy some quality time in nature. Whether you are experienced campers or just starting out, there’s nothing quite like being outside together in a provincial or national park. One of my favourite things is spotting constellations at night. I mean listen if you are over 45 and need that bathroom break at 3 am like I do there’s no better spot to do it than at a provincial park where dark skies and no light pollution means you will easily spot Orion, Big Dipper, Little Dipper and Cygnus. But even camping isn’t perfect (is anything actually?) and young kids and teens will eventually blurt I am bored or something equally frustrating. Which is why I always recommend camping with a bag of tricks. Having some simple printables, activities and games like this Camping I Spy Game on hand if needed saves meltdowns occasionally. Camping Activities There’s so much to do when camping that you might be tricked into thinking that you won’t struggle to find ways to explore or stay active. I mean walking, biking, setting up camp, spending endless beach days swimming? What’s not to love? And yet, one of the biggest hurdles for parents can be keeping them busy during the witching hours just like at home. Having a few nature-focused games and activities handy is a lifesaver to keep everyone happy. Card Games I have a wild range of campfire games that we travel with when we go camping. We have picked up a few over the years and wouldn’t leave home without them. My kids are older so letting you know that before you get judgemental. Last year we bought Cards Against Humanity and it is a hoot. We haven’t laughed so hard in years. At 21 and 24, last season we were all okay with the language and the game was a blast. At Christmas I bought Noah the add on packs. There are so many, but we settled on the 90s pack. Classic Camping Games Another classic is corn hole, which is a simple setup and an easy one to play when someone is starting a campfire or waiting for somebody else to prep the food. For the most part we all pitch in and take turns helping with activities and meals but we also try to stay out of each other’s space at times. Everyone has a role and sometimes it’s better to play a game for a bit when somebody is cooking for instance. One of our favourite games on the beach is Bocce Ball. It is so portable and easy to play together. Pick one up via the link here or get a super cheap one at a discount store near you. Highly recommend. Print These out Before you Camp Head off the “I am bored” before it even starts. There are several camping activities here now on my site so please take advantage of them under the printables tab and return if you think there’s something fun or cool you’d like to see here. So, hit the Printables Pinterest board and take these with you. Don’t Miss These: Roll a Story Camping Game Camping Activity Pack Give these walkie talkies a try if you are looking for another fun camping activity for little people. THIS is a classic: Sports Washer Toss Where are you camping this season? Do you have a favourite camping game?

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/camping-i-spy-game/feed/ 0 44607 Numbers & Letters Sorting Toolkit Printable https://www.thriftymommastips.com/numbers-letters-sorting-toolkit-printable/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/numbers-letters-sorting-toolkit-printable/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:35:00 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=43314 There is a specific kind of magic in watching a child make a genuine connection. It’s witnessing them light up and be receptive to learning. You know that split second where a jumble of symbols on a page suddenly transforms into a language they can decode. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how we can bridge the gap between those early days of spotting letters and the more complex world of mathematical patterns. It’s one thing to recognize a number; it’s another thing entirely to understand its personality. That’s why I am offering this Numbers & Letters Sorting Toolkit for you to use with your kiddos. Whether you are navigating the school year or looking for a way to keep little minds sharp during summer break, I’ve found that the best way to tackle tricky concepts is to make them tactile. Numbers shouldn’t just be something kids see on a chalkboard or a smart board. They should be things they can sort, categorize, and master. Most parents and early educators know that numbers are nebulous unless made real. Tactile objects like pipe cleaners, apples, blocks and even crayons make numbers real and tangible. Sorting Out the Chaos This new back to school Numbers & Letters Sorting Toolkit is designed to help kids slow down and really observe the characters they see every day. It is about moving beyond simple counting and diving into prime numbers, odd numbers and even numbers too. Working with Kids who Have Learning Disabilities In our house, with kids who had learning disabilities, it was important to be organized and provide scaffolding to help support success with many learning concepts. We did a similar thing with social learning as well. But that is a different post. One thing that helped was rehearsing in advance of school. These worksheets and activities helped our kids before September arrived. Break It Down This Numbers & Letters Sorting Toolkit activity is broken down into a few fun, digestible challenges: Learning Through Play I’m a firm believer that education doesn’t have to be clinical to be effective. By turning these concepts into a sorting game, it takes the pressure off getting it right and puts the focus on discovery. It’s about building confidence. The kit will help one prime or even number at a time. I’ve put together this Numbers & Letters Sorting Toolkit as a free resource for you to download and use whenever you need a quiet, focused activity that feels more like a game than a lesson. Just print it out, grab some crayons or a pencil and watch them work their magic. Ready to start sorting? Click the link below to grab your free Numbers & Letters Sorting Toolkit printable and get counting! More Printables 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 you should be off to the races. Follow that up with the horses life cycle activity and the frog life cycle activity.

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/numbers-letters-sorting-toolkit-printable/feed/ 0 43314 The Secret Ingredient to Successful Tent Camping Trips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-secret-ingredient-to-successful-tent-camping-trips/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-secret-ingredient-to-successful-tent-camping-trips/#respond Sat, 25 Jul 2026 20:32:33 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=44586 Since 2020, our world has looked a little different, hasn’t it? For many of us, the global shift sparked a newfound, deep appreciation for the great outdoors, a need for wide-open spaces, fresh air, and the simple, grounding act of sleeping under the stars. For my family, that year marked our official transition into the world of tent camping trips, because travel was limited and flights were not happening and honestly? We all needed a break. So tent camping was something we decided to try. We bought a small-ish tent for our family and loaded the cooler, tossed the sleeping bags in and hoped for good weather. Oh of course we checked the weather app first before starting the van and embarking on our first of many Tent Camping Trips. There is something transformative about stripping away the noise of daily life, leaving the city and retreating to a tent. Just being outside touching grass makes me feel better. Same is true for my entire family. However, as any seasoned camper knows, the magic of a stress-free trip isn’t an accident. It’s the result of planning ahead. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a long-haul adventurer, preparation is the difference between a relaxing getaway and a logistical nightmare. The Art of PlanningTent Camping Trips The key to a successful camping trip starts long before you pull into the campsite. It’s all about the planning and the systems you had put in place. First, never underestimate the power of a Camping Planner. I’ve found that having a dedicated checklist, one that covers everything from gear maintenance to meal prep is a lifesaver. It keeps my pre-departure anxiety in check and ensures we aren’t the family frantically searching for a can opener in the dark at 9:00 PM. A good planner doesn’t just track what to pack; it helps you map out your site logistics, track weather, and manage your time, giving you more freedom once you arrive. Fueling the Adventure: Simple Campfire Eats Food always tastes better outside, but the camping appetite is real, and it demands reliable, delicious fuel. When you’re living in a tent, you want recipes that require minimal cleanup but offer maximum comfort. One of my favourite go-to recipes is Campfire Nachos. You can do this one of two ways. Foil packet or heavy-duty pan. Make a packet with tortilla chips, sprinkle with black beans, pre-cooked ground beef (or you might opt for no meat), and plenty of shredded cheddar. Place it on the grill grate over your fire or camp stove until the cheese is bubbling. Top it with pre-cut salsa or pico once you pull it off the heat. It’s shareable, fast, and a crowdpleaser. We still use plates and forks to throw the toppings onto our nachos, but cleanup is generally minimal. Believe me that’s vital for this mom. Another variation that we make is with pulled pork. That means I cook pulled pork a night or two earlier and we have pulled pork sandwiches and then we use the extra savoury scrumptious meat as the topping. That’s my favourite version of this camping meal. Why We Keep Coming Back Planning isn’t about being rigid. It’s about creating the space to be present. When the gear is packed, the meals are prepped, and the plan is set, you are free to actually enjoy the crackle of the fire, the sound of the wind in the trees, and the company of the people you love. Tent camping has taught us to slow down, adapt, and appreciate the small details. So, grab your planner, prep those meals, and get ready for your next adventure under the canopy. The parks and beaches are calling! Are you currently planning your next camping trip, and if so, what is the one essential item or routine that makes your tent setup feel like home? Going camping soon? Don’t miss this cute camping activity that is also live here on my site: Roll a Story Camping. It is super popular and easy to use. Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. Purchases made via qualifying links mean a small commission for me. Paper and Printer: Don’t forget to order paper so you can print out the camping planner: 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.  Camping Activities We Love: Having a few nature-focused games and activities handy is a lifesaver to keep everyone happy. 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. One of our favourite games on the beach is Bocce Ball. It is so portable and easy to play together.

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/the-secret-ingredient-to-successful-tent-camping-trips/feed/ 0 44586 Travel with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard https://www.thriftymommastips.com/travel-with-the-hidden-disabilities-sunflower-lanyard/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/travel-with-the-hidden-disabilities-sunflower-lanyard/#respond Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:56:21 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=43521 If you have an invisible disability and need to travel this tool can be invaluable worldwide for you and your family

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/travel-with-the-hidden-disabilities-sunflower-lanyard/feed/ 0 43521 Cute Tracing Book for Preschoolers https://www.thriftymommastips.com/cute-tracing-book-for-preschoolers/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/cute-tracing-book-for-preschoolers/#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:41:00 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=43606 If you’ve ever watched a preschooler concentrate on tracing a dotted line, you know it’s a high-stakes operation. Tongue out, brow furrowed, crayon gripped like a club. It’s adorable, but it’s also critical developmental work. Tracing isn’t just busy work to keep kids quiet while you finish your coffee. It is the foundational bridge between scribbling and legible writing. Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links mean a small commission for me. The Big Benefits of Tiny Lines Beyond just following a path, tracing helps children master several key milestones: The Progression of Tracing You wouldn’t ask a toddler to trace the cursive alphabet on day one. Like any skill, tracing follows a logical progression. Stage 1 straight lines is all about mastering vertical and horizontal movements. The second stage is simple shapes and an escalation to managing corners and intersections like squares and triangles. In stage three they learn curves and waves and then begin combining all of the above. To Print this Out: Click on the download link below. Save a copy and print it out. 3 Tips to Make Tracing Fun There are so many ways to make this a fun activity, perhaps even a sensory game if that’s appealing to your kiddo. When my youngest was preparing for senior kindergarten we often had shaving cream on hand. An occupational therapist would come in with sensory tools like shaving cream and my youngest child would be asked to draw letters or numbers. It made it a tangible activity that jumped off the page. Focus on the process and make it fun. If they go off the lines, they’re still learning how to correct their course. That’s a win! Print this Tool Out: Don’t forget the supplies you need to make this work. Printer paper helps. Yes, it is pretty expensive these days. This Amazon Basics paper is pretty good. Keep the inexpensive men’s shaving cream on hand if you are going to do these types of sensory activities. 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.

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/cute-tracing-book-for-preschoolers/feed/ 1 43606 Why Bath England is the Ultimate Regency Delight https://www.thriftymommastips.com/why-bath-england-is-the-ultimate-regency-delight/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/why-bath-england-is-the-ultimate-regency-delight/#respond Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:09:08 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=44314 If you’ve ever watched Bridgerton and thought to yourself wouldn’t it be grand to be transported to the set for real, then you might need to visit Bath England. My recent trip to Britain and side quest to Bath on a bus tour, with my daughter Payton felt a lot like stepping onto the set of a Regency-era daydream. By now you know that we are big fans of our mother daughter trips. Payton and I travel well together and this year after I completed a strategic communications course and Payton graduated from university with her Bachelor of Arts in Thanatology, we wanted to celebrate. So, we booked our flights to London, England. Once we arrived in England then we booked our tours. This exact one is via Get Your Guide. Book It Now – > This is my affiliate link to the tour 3 UNESCO heritage sites in a day. Highly recommend. Even with a late spring heatwave turning up the temperature, there was something undeniably magical about wandering through the streets of Bath England. Here is why Bath is the perfect destination for any Bridgerton fan, history, or literature lover. A City That Needs No Filter Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. It is first of all a 2,000 year old city. As a Canadian, that kind of history is wildly impressive to me. Bath’s Georgian architecture is almost instantly recognizable, if you studied history or art or even Latin you will be transported through history and time. It’s so easy to see how movie magic and the historical streets of Bath could be transformed to 19th-century London. Unfortunately some of the historic buildings in Bath England did not survive unscathed during WWII. While Hitler at that time had designs on living in Oxford or Windsor, he bombed areas like Bath and Bristol during his night raids. Seeing the history and embracing the literary feel of Bath England made my week. I remembered stories of the Roman baths well from Latin classes and from history too. So I was really into that at least, until I spied the Modiste storefront and had an immediate fangirl moment. Who doesn’t love Bridgerton? During our visit in late May and early June, the wild spring heatwave gave Bath such a languorous feel which seeped through to the Roman Baths. Walking around, you will spy The Royal Crescent which served as the Featherington family home interior. We almost expected to see a carriage pull up at any moment. You don’t need a costume to feel like you’re part of the plot. Strolling the streets is an immersive experience in itself. Some Real-Life Filming Locations Many movies and series have been filmed showcasing London area and Bath is frequently tapped for the sets as well. If you are a big Bridgerton fan then one of the best ways to get your fix is by hitting the filming hotspots. If you have seen the entire series and are eagerly awaiting the upcoming season, you’ll recognize these places: Four Bridgerton Filming Spots in Bath England: More Than Just a Backdrop While the Bridgerton connection is a huge draw, Bath has been a destination for tourists and literary lovers for over 2,000 years. If you need a break from the Bridgerton obsession, here’s how to channel classic Bath energy: The Roman Baths The Roman Baths are a must. They’ve been drawing visitors to these natural thermal springs since 60 AD. Take your time touring the Roman baths. Grab an interactive guide at the front when you enter the building and follow the instructions at each stop. There are so many instagram moments inside the baths and hundreds of artifacts from the time period that lend to the story. While you can’t dip your toes in the ancient Roman water anymore, you can head over to the modern Thermae Bath Spa to soak in the rooftop pool and look out over the city skyline. If that’s your cup of tea, then it might just be your ultimate main character moment. Jane Austen Channel Your Inner Jane Austen: Bath was a massive part of Jane Austen’s life, and you can visit the Jane Austen Centre to get a deeper look at the era. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between Regency fact and fiction. Tea and Treats You can’t do Regency England without a proper tea. Whether you’re stopping at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House or finding a quiet spot near the Pump Room, take time to slow down. Even during a heatwave, a drink and a bit of people-watching in a leafy square feels very proper. Also, I know, I know you are all thinking tea in a heatwave, in the summer? I was raised by a British Mom and my British grandma was also a role model for me so let me hold your hand when I tell you this: you can drink tea in the summer. Hot tea is comforting always. Maybe the patio at the pub works better for you. Maybe like us, you wanted a fast takeaway so you could see all the sights possible. We lucked out choosing the bakery with the longest lineup only because to me that’s a clear sign the food is great and it did not disappoint. Cornish Bakery has some of the most impressive Cornish pastys, coffees, teas and scones. Highly recommend the orange creme brûlée scone. It was perfection. My “Bridgerton” Takeaway Visiting during a heatwave added a certain intensity to the experience. We were constantly seeking shade, sipping iced drinks, and feeling the kind of dramatic energy that the characters often display in the show’s stressful moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Bridgerton, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates stunning architecture, Bath is a city that invites you to slow down, sightsee, journey back in time and pretend, even if only for a weekend, that you’re the talk of the Ton. Pro-tip: Dearest reader, book your walking tours or your bus tours in advance. They fill up fast, and there’s nothing worse than missing out on the best scandalous gossip. Have you been to Bath? Or are you still dreaming of your first trip? Let me know in the comments. These are a few of my favourite travel things I rarely fly without. Affiliate links provided as a service to my readers. I receive a small commission from qualifying links. My favourite travel items: Tiny Inui Portable power bank charger My Pink Packing cubes are not fancy but they do the job Anker Nano European adapter which works in over 100 countries

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/why-bath-england-is-the-ultimate-regency-delight/feed/ 0 44314 Camping Word Games and Activities https://www.thriftymommastips.com/camping-word-games-and-activities/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/camping-word-games-and-activities/#respond Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:38:29 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=44228 There is something magical about trading the glowing screen of a tablet for the crackle of a campfire. Camping offers a rare chance to disconnect from the frantic pace of daily life and reconnect with nature and each other. It’s one of our favourite things to do in the summer months. When the kids were little we packed a regular activity bag or a bunch of tools to help them stay calm-ish while we drove to wherever we were going. Camping word games and activities, road trip word games and activities were staples. So I started offering them here too and they seem to be super popular so I keep them on offer throughout the year. Whether you are seasoned campers or planning your very first backyard adventure, the great outdoors is the perfect classroom without being overly school-like, if you know what I mean. Everything outside is a learning experience. But you don’t need to work too hard at it. Let your kids lead and interject occasionally to shape the conversation. Listen it’s not 100% certain you will never hear I am bored when you are camping away from all of the modern amenities that your house might have. But there’s so much to do when camping that it seems less likely that you will struggle to find ways to explore or stay active. Road Trip and Camping Activities On a rainy day or a slow, low key, morning you might still be looking for something simple to do. The trick to a successful trip isn’t just about packing enough marshmallows; it’s about having a few engaging, nature-focused activities up your sleeve to keep little explorers occupied while you set up the tent or prep dinner. That’s where Camping Word Games and Activities can come in handy. So print them off now before you embark on the road trip. While you are at it. Consider these road trip games too. Introducing the Ultimate Camping Activity Pack for Kids To help make your next trip stress-free and full of wonder, we’ve put together our new Camping Activity Pack for Kids. This printable resource is designed to turn your campsite into a hub of discovery. Inside, you’ll find: Ready to elevate your family camping experience? Download the pack today and turn every moment in the woods into an adventure to remember! Grab your gear, pack the sleeping bags, and get ready for a weekend of starry skies and s’mores. Happy camping!

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/camping-word-games-and-activities/feed/ 0 44228 A Self Guided Edinburgh Literary Itinerary https://www.thriftymommastips.com/a-self-guided-edinburgh-literary-itinerary/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/a-self-guided-edinburgh-literary-itinerary/#respond Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:22:32 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=44109 The towering aging Sir Walter Scott Monument is the first thing you see, like a signal you have arrived in Edinburgh, a UNESCO City of Literature. Completed in 1837, second largest monument to a writer in the world, we catch the first glimpse of the monument upon arriving by train from Glasgow. It’s one of those moments that travel and culture hits you in the best way, reminding you that you are definitely not at home anymore. On one of the days you visit Edinburgh, if you are a literature loving guy or gal like me, you might wish to build a day in for exploring all of the literary landmarks and haunts dedicated to a love of the written word. Sir Walter Scott and perhaps also J.K. Rowling are the most well known writers globally to have strong ties to the city. But there are so many more. There are 63 UNESCO Cities of Literature worldwide. Some are known for their ties to publishing industry and others are true literary destinations. Turns out Amsterdam is also on that list which I didn’t know when we visited the city. Here’s a Look at an Easy Edinburgh Literary Itinerary Take a day and make it literary. You are, after all, in a UNESCO City of Literature.  1. Visit the Writers’ Museum The Museum is free and easy to find – it’s just off Lawnmarket, a part of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, in Lady Stair’s Close. There are low ceilings and narrow staircases. It’s more than worth the visit but note it’s an old building and not accessible. Pay attention to the surrounding area. There are several adorable Instagram photo spots and winding closes that are gorgeous to stroll on the way there from the Royal Mile and also on the way to your next spot. What’s Inside? Situated within the 17th-century walls of Lady Stair’s House, the Writers’ Museum serves as a sanctuary for the stories of Scotland’s literary titans. These three are key: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Beyond a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts and portraits, the museum offers an intimate look at these authors through personal items, such as Burns’ writing desk and the very press that gave life to Scott’s Waverley novels. 2. Scott Monument Sir Walter Scott was widely considered the founder of the literary scene in Edinburgh. Scott’s writing drew attention to Scottish culture and then fell out of favour before his writing a reputation surged yet again in the 20th century. Obviously he is a necessary stop in any Edinburgh Literary Itinerary. Standing proudly in the heart of Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is a striking Victorian Gothic tribute to one of Scotland’s most celebrated authors, Sir Walter Scott. Completed in 1846, this 200-foot-tall statue was designed by self-taught architect George Meikle Kemp and remains one of the largest monuments dedicated to a writer anywhere in the world. The structure is adorned with 68 figurative statues of characters from Scott’s novels, while its base features a magnificent Carrara marble statue of the author accompanied by his faithful hound, Maida. 3. Greyfriar’s Kirkyard Find the inspo for many Harry Potter characters here. I have another post about Greyfriars on Thrifty Mommas Tips. Don’t miss it. This is the old moody and historic cemetery which gave JK Rowling some of the ideas for the names of characters. All of the Memento Mori art details on several headstones and tombs reminded me thematically of the series. 4. Stroll down Diagon Alley and browse literary spots Find the Harry Potter themed stores that remind you of the series. There are many used book stores in the city and a couple of them are extremely well known. For instance, walk down Diagon Alley – Elizabeth Street – and locate the Museum Context, which will have a lineup. It is always busy so plan ahead. If you are a diehard fan and need to go inside prepare to wait. There are great souvenirs inside if you are willing to wait. Down the street just a little, you will find John Kay’s Shop. 5. Peruse the National Library of Scotland The National Library of Scotland hosted a one-day pop-up display in November 2025, focused on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and we happened upon it on the last day in Edinburgh. Highly recommend visiting to see what they have in store when you are in town. This is a great last stop in an Edinburgh Literary Itinerary. Held at their George IV Bridge building in Edinburgh, this popup featured rare letters, including one where Shelley corrected Sir Walter Scott on the book’s authorship. ‘It was me who wrote it and not my husband.’ If you know me at all, you know why this hooked me and my daughter Payton. The library is a marvel of architecture and accessibility and frankly more like an art gallery than a library in that it had some insanely impressive exhibits including one about disability. Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities we have ever visited. Take advantage and explore on foot. You can easily turn any afternoon into a self guided tour if you do some research first and bookmark the locations you want to see. Enjoy this gorgeous UNESCO city of literature. What other UNESCO heritage spots have you visited?

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