family Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

How to Enjoy Travel When Things Don’t Go to Plan

Paula — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:12:00 +0000

Your vacation doesn’t have to be perfect to be perfectly enjoyable and memorable. I was reminded of that recently when I was going through my old photos and videos from that time we visited Alkmaar, The Netherlands, not far from Amsterdam. If anything, that trip down memory lane was also a good reminder of how to enjoy travel when it threatens to be less than magical. Our First Huge Europe Adventure Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. Purchases made via qualifying links may mean a small commission for me at no added cost to you. Amsterdam, The Netherlands, was our first trip together to Europe. It held so many amazing moments but also a few chaotic travel transitions and tribulations as well. Now don’t get me wrong, we loved this trip and will remember it forever. But, some might have lost their minds. A less experienced traveller or a person without kids might be horrified if they went through half of the trials we did when we embarked on a three person family trip to Amsterdam. My youngest kiddo was about 19 and frankly travelled really well as a kid but on this trip had some wild plane related issues. Motion Sickness Let me just start by saying there was nothing wrong with the flight. It was not overly turbulent or delayed or anything extreme. It was a flight like every flight I have been on in the past ten years – a tiny plane as usual with crowded conditions that felt tolerable to me but not so much for my sensitive kid with sensory processing disorder and FASD. I mean there have been a zillion times I have been uncomfortable on a plane in the last decade as airlines have all worked to squeeze more bodies into smaller spaces while charging premiums for choosing seats and so forth. But most of us tolerate the plane so that we can simply get the reward of experiencing the other end of the voyage. My coping mechanism for those times is read a book on my Kindle or Kobo or get up at least once an hour to stroll the aisles and go to the restrooms if needed. My legs need a break when I am feeling cramped. How to enjoy travel when you are cramped, motion sick or claustrophobic? I mean many of us can see the reward at the end of the flight. And that can be enough. This trip was as they say the trip to end all trips. (But of course it didn’t end the trips because I could never…) My youngest developed extreme nausea and motion sickness as the plane climbed and it did not stop at all on the 6 hours to Iceland where we had a short stop over around 2 a.m. So, picture me and Noah racing through the airport trying to find Gravol or equivalent. Also, picture us racing through with no Icelandic currency. US currency was not accepted in the airport. Racing Through the Airport So, looking for currency first at that hour and of course there wasn’t any. Oh I had brought all sorts of Euros and still had some Canadian and US funds and a debit card. BUT, make note of this for your own knowledge. NO, Euros would be accepted anywhere in the airport. We had a one hour layover which as anyone who travels knows is not long. So, we parked Payton by the gate for our second plane and ran through the airport looking for something to quell the vomiting. (Props to the airplane crew who were very understanding on that plane.) But we couldn’t find anything at all until we reached the absolute farthest section of the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland and discovered something Paracetamol like and waited in line to purchase with debit or credit. Not that Much Longer Thankfully we managed to buy that. But it put us perilously close to missing plane. Unbeknownst to us our names were being called. We couldn’t hear them, but we knew we were pushing it so we sprinted through the airport. Now, remember we’d been up all night. I had been rubbing one’s back and holding barf bags and my travel companion was on empty and had been vomiting all night. So we were probably not as fast as we could have been. I don’t want to even think about how bad we might have smelled, but at least the airplane flight sickness bags worked to contain the mess. My biggest lesson from this trip was never leave home without Gravol. Honestly, we hadn’t needed any in a decade or more so I assumed we were safe and that was the dumbest assumption I have made in years. Not going to lie had I packed the nighttime one that makes you sleep I would have been so much better off than I was on the trip. My poor little adventurer was done. But we had to keep moving. Transportation is simple in the Netherlands. Get your tickets to the GVB public transport before you go. Anyways, eventually we rocked up to the gate and spied Payton, my anxious child, standing there crying and a gate attendant with her trying to calm her down. We hadn’t seen her anxiety flare up before that moment really but that was it for her. She had been there tired, exhausted, hungry and panicking and I felt horrible but we all made it and hopped on the tram or bus or whatever transportation vehicle they had that would ferry us to the next spot. She would have been even more miserable if I had dragged her running through the airport in search of something to calm her sibling’s stomach so I mean thankfully I left her at the gate for that part. Still felt like we didn’t have enough people to spread out the parenting tasks. Waiting for your AirBnB AirBnBs have certainly made travel more comfortable for so many reasons. Bigger spaces that feel like home and lovely options for entire families so I am not complying about that by any stretch. But when you fly overnight from Europe you will often find yourself arriving at your destination in the early morning or by noon. A lot of places won’t allow you to check in before 4 p.m. We had the sweetest loft space outside of Amsterdam which we all loved. It was completely worth it and we would rent the same spot over again. The loft had ample space and a sprawling upstairs with in suite laundry and Alkmaar was delightful. But we showed up around noon and the owner worked in Amsterdam and couldn’t get to us until 3:30 or 4 as agreed. While that wasn’t a massive issue just know you will be exhausted when you get in and you might need to crash immediately and lose some time. We found the cutest cafe to hang out in for a couple of hours and then we walked to ensure that we were closer to our loft. Shout out to Brownie’s and Downies in Alkmaar. AirBnB mishaps Loved this loft and still dream about it. It was wonderful. (except for the stove.) When you are visiting The Netherlands you will of course have some cultural differences to adjust to quickly. That was not an issue and we were prepared for most scenarios. Thankfully my kiddo’s stomach settled the moment feet were back on the ground and we were ready for food and drink and sleep of course. But, that said, we couldn’t have foreseen what a crazy glass top on the stove would do one day after noon when we were craving some noodles for lunch. I turned away from the stove top as the pot was boiling and heard a big bang and that was that. Glass shattered and was a mess and the noodles were garbage. But we were okay. Most unexpected outcome. We all worried we’d get hit with a big fine. But my first reaction was text the AirBnB owner and deal with it immediately. That was the right communication strategy at that time and he commiserated and was worried mostly that we were okay. When I clarified that we were all fine but the stove was not usable he noted he’d replace it for the next vacationers and was super relieved we had not been hurt. Some people might have been annoyed that the stovetop was now out of commission but this was another lesson in how to enjoy your trip even when things go sideways. Honestly charcuterie, dinners out and takeout was our plan for most of the rest of the trip anyways. So, no big deal. Rain In the Netherlands in the fall it rains a lot. I only mention that because you should know that this happens. Obviously we bought $5 umbrellas and made the absolute best of it. As someone I know once said, rain hits different when you are travelling. Indeed it did. There was a part of me that didn’t even care because I was away with my kids showing them what it was like in Europe and stoking that love of travel and resilience that comes with simply being away. You can’t visit Europe in the spring/ fall or winter even without expecting rain. So get used to it. My best advice is bring a waterproof rain jacket or even a light winter jacket that is waterproof and water resistant with a hood. Umbrellas sometimes are a mess here depending on where you are visiting. The winds easily trash those if you are not used to Europe. This is even more true in the United Kingdom. On the Way Back When we had to leave, we were in fact all super sad. Alkmaar was a hit as was Amsterdam. In fact, we really had enjoyed the trip and had made the absolute most of our time. We saw every single thing but for one or two museums that we had on our lists. Anne Frank House, by the way needs to be booked well in advance of your trip if you want to see it. In summary, this was one of the trips I will fondly look back on forever. The kind of memory I might bring up at the kid’s weddings (should they choose to get married.) Remember that time you threw up all the way to Iceland? Finding the Magic Travel chaos and ups and downs are all part of the process. If you have travel transitions and experiences without any blips then consider yourself very fortunate. Go buy a lotto ticket now. The journey is part of the adventure when you travel and accepting that early on will lead to less disappointment or frustration later on. At the very least the crazy chaotic moments can be part of the story you tell later.

The post How to Enjoy Travel When Things Don’t Go to Plan appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

Fall Footwear Guide to Keep Moving

Paula — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The fall season has never been my favourite but most of you know that by now. However, every fall the brazen red leaves, the trees spinning a gradient of greens, golds and oranges in one lovely package and the chilly temperatures bring me a little bit more joy. Maybe we mellow with age? Maybe I am just learning to find the joy everywhere because life is simply happier that way. No matter the season, I am determined to keep moving and I know many of you are too which is why I am sharing my Fall Footwear guide with all of you. Moving is crucial for my mental health and obviously physical health too. Good footwear supports both of these aspects of my life. ALLSWIFIT ActiveBreeze 2.0 Women’s Sneakers This fall I have been on the move a lot. I have been doing a good deal of social media through my business Thrifty Mom Media Fractional Marketing for some new local clients and I have been canvassing alongside a former colleague from 25 years ago. I mean honestly who says LinkedIn doesn’t work? Not me. So, I needed reliable and comfortable shoes. Some of these options are super affordable so I had to share this Fall Footwear Guide with you. I received product for consideration on Thrifty Mommas Tips. My opinion is all my own and affiliate links are also included as a service to readers who like to shop efficiently like me. The ALLSWIFIT ActiveBreeze 2.0 Women’s Sneakers combine an APMA-accepted arch-support footbed with a hands-free slip-on design, making them an effortless choice for active commutes, long walking days, and volunteer shifts. LOVE how easy these are to slip on and they are crazy comfortable. Hands-free slip on design is not just for people over 45, we have a slip on pair of hiking shoes that Payton loves too. These are all typically easy to find on Amazon. So check them out there too. Fall Style Guide: How to Wear Them Styling the ALLSWIFIT ActiveBreeze 2.0 Women’s The cool navy colour is a dream for autumn wardrobe layering: Fall Walking Shoes For Men The Cushionix Stride Comfort Mesh Sneakers in Black, First Impressions & Full Wear Test (photo above) Finding a sneaker that strikes the perfect balance between all-day support, breathability, and everyday style is a feat sometimes. We’ve put these through their paces to see if they truly live up to the hype for daily wear and extended walking. Let’s just start by saying these are crazy comfortable like many of the Nortiv 8 sneakers we have had here in the past year. Here is my honest breakdown of how the Cushionix Stride holds up out of the box and on the pavement. Design, Materials & First Impressions Right out of the box, the first thing you notice about the Cushionix Stride is how lightweight it feels. The upper is constructed from a flexible, high-density mesh designed to maximize airflow—a crucial feature if you’re prone to warm feet during long walks or traveling. The aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and functional. The versatile black is easy to style with virtually anything: activewear, leggings, dark denim, or comfortable travel outfits. It’s a classic, low-profile design that doesn’t look overly bulky despite offering generous cushioning underfoot. Don’t forget to Pin for Later Hiking Boots for Fall My kiddo has had some great hiking boots over the years and has a whole lot of trouble relinquishing well loved pairs. These are now a treasured part of their regular wardrobe though. So that tells you something.”They are so comfortable, Mom.” That is huge praise. Also, totally has worn them almost exclusively for a week now, hiking and walking around town. Any boots or shoes that keep my young adults moving are solid options in my books. Styling the NORTIV 8 Tactical Boots (Black) The sleek black utility design adds an instant touch of rugged edge to functional fall outfits: They have a zipper on each of the side of the boot in addition to the laces so that makes them easy on and off or alternatively lace them up to make them fit a narrower foot. If You Like to Stay Busy in the Fall If like me you are on the go a lot and really need something comfortable to slip into or go hiking in, then these are all solid options. Volunteering or running out the door to capture content? My Nortiv 8 ALLSWIFIT ActiveBreeze 2.0 Women’s Sneakers, well let’s just say I could definitely use a pair of these in every single shade. They are crazy comfortable. No rubbing, blisters or discomfort. And the Nortiv 8 Tactical Boots are versatile and sturdy and more than worth the money.

The post Fall Footwear Guide to Keep Moving appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Ultimate Slipper Edit

Paula — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0000

When the temperature drops, a chill hits the air and you just want to hang out indoors with a cup of tea, it’s time for house shoes aka comfortable slippers. Nothing says holiday comfort quite like sliding into a fresh pair of ultra-cozy slippers. Whether you are shopping for a secret Santa, updating your own winter lounge setup, or looking for that crowd-pleasing gift under the tree, warm footwear is a guaranteed hit. My Favourite Slipper Picks Here are two standout pairs that deliver exceptional style, warmth, and total relaxation this season. This is the first post in my Holiday Gift Guide for 2026. Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping! Trendy & Playful If you are looking for a gift that combines cozy comfort with a fun, festive pop of colour, these Dream Pairs Fuzzy Slippers are an absolute winner. That’s why I am including them in my ultimate slipper edit. Dream Pairs Fuzzy Slippers with Pink Trim We got our first pair of Dream Pairs slippers late last fall and we loved them so much that I bought a pair for my daughter for Christmas. We both wear ours all the time. Dream Pairs as a brand is affordable and comfortable. The brand also carries a wide range of super cute boots, runners, sandals and more. If you are looking for fashionable options at a good price and have no huge foot pain, back or hip issues the brand is perfect for you. The Supportive Everyday Essential For the person on your list who needs real, lasting foot support—or anyone who spends long hours standing, cooking, or working from home—the KURU Loft 2 in Sand is the ultimate upgrade. KURU Loft 2 in Sand KURU Footwear makes so many great shoes and boots and they focus on eliminating foot pain. I have the KURU sandals, Noah has some gorgeous hiking boots (KURU Quest 2) and Jim has some running shoes that are ultra supportive. This brand is a massive winner in our books. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Product purchased via qualifying links may mean a small commission for me at no extra fee for readers. These are both gorgeous Christmas gift options and I’d be more than happy to find these under my tree. Which Pair Should You Pick? Happy Holidays! This is the first of a series of Christmas gift guide posts. Interested in placing a product in the guide this year? Connect with me: Paula – inkscrblr@rogers.com. Gift Guide content features a mix of gifted products and compensated posts. In received product for consideration here. My opinion is all my own.

The post Holiday Gift Guide: The Ultimate Slipper Edit appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

Why The Kuru Quest 2 Hiking Boots Are an Instant Classic

Paula — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:25:00 +0000

For years, Noah clung to the same battered pair of hiking boots. You know the type—the ones held together by sheer willpower, memories of past summits or camping trips, and soles worn down so smooth they hardly create a barrier between you and the dirt trail anymore. The Emotional Weight of Footwear My youngest was always that kid, the one who wore boots out. The cutesy rain boots as a child were done to death and falling apart before Noah would move on to the new pair. The winter boots, well those would be falling apart with holes and leaking in the snow before this one would ever say I need new boots. In truth, I would discover wet socks and realize something was not working. As a young adult it is a little different but I swear to you the kid has an emotional attachment to clothing, shoes and boots even still. I mean it is hard to let go of the hiking boots that have carried us through 5-6 years of family camping trips. My kids are both on the shorter side, so I know they purchase and outwear shoes and boots that seem to make them appear taller, and this was also the case with the old pair of boots. Putting Old Shoes and Boots to Rest Retiring a reliable piece of gear isn’t easy, but when a boot’s time is up, hanging on only leads to sore arches, blisters and compromised traction Enter the KURU Quest 2 in Walnut Brown / Jet Black. We received product for consideration. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. Out with the Worn-Out, In with the New Upgrading wasn’t just about replacing a worn tread; it was about elevating the everyday look without sacrificing trail-ready performance. The Quest 2 immediately bridged that gap. KURUSOLE’s heel-hugging design protects your heel and arch on trails and pavement, which is why it’s great for plantar fasciitis and heel pain relief. It pairs a rugged nubuck/suede upper and trail-ready rubber outsole with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop and ~17 oz men’s weight, so you get protection from rocks and roots but also don’t feel these are overly heavy to wear. The look of these is to stylish and we love Kuru for several reasons. I first discovered these in the summer when Kuru sent me some gorgeous comfortable sandals. After spraining my ankle a year ago, I needed more support from my shoes for months and this brand is a big part of the solution. My husband has also been using these Kuru sneakers for workouts and getting around town. The Guarantee Kuru’s guarantee is another reason I love this brand. KURU Feel Better Promise™ guarantees that my feet (and yours) feel better in 91 days or you get your money back. Kuru footwear 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. We’ve discovered that they also have some wide shoes and boots for sale now too. The Verdict After making the official switch, Noah hasn’t looked back. The Quest 2 delivers the rare combination of high-end durability, genuine ergonomic support, and a sleek silhouette that effortlessly replaces the old well-loved boots of yesterday. If your outdoor footwear is overdue for an upgrade, this pair proves you don’t have to choose between trail performance and modern style. This brand is so worth the cost. It is high quality and pain free plus it looks great. After a week of wearing these Noah reported they are a 10 out of 10 for fit, style and comfort. You can’t ask for more than that.

The post Why The Kuru Quest 2 Hiking Boots Are an Instant Classic appeared first on 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.

The post Summer Lessons 2026: You Don’t Need to Earn Rest appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

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.

The post All Canadian Games to Play on a Rainy Day appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

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.

The post Comfortable Lightweight Shoes for Everyday Moments appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

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.

The post Learning to Read and Find the Verb Task Cards appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

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.

The post Comparing Numbers Task Cards appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

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.

The post What to Expect at Stonehenge appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.