Browsing Category: Ideas and Tips: Creative to Budget Friendly
Budget friendly ideas, tips and tricks is a very valuable section on Adventures of Abby Girl. As we travel from place to place and constantly try new things, we become more and more budget aware.
All we do is travel and adventure and if we did this at full cost with no discounts anywhere in our lives, this blog wouldn’t exist because we would be sitting at home. Our blog when then be called sitting at home and being boring and not Adventures of Abby Girl.
One example of how we are budget family is packing snacks in the car for any trip whether it’s thirty minutes away or ten hours away. My four year old eats like a hangry teenager. If I stopped every time she was hungry, we would be broke before we left the zipcode.
We also follow a lot of local guides to find free things to do. Free. You really can have some awesome adventures with very little money in pocket if any. Just obey the speed limit when you go on one of your family free trips. Why you ask? Well, you might hit a speed trap and your trip will end up costing hundred thirty dollars instead of twenty dollars for gas. Trust us we speak from experience and that is after disputing in a court over two hours from home.
So the point of this section, is to be budget friendly and you and your family can have epic adventures and travels too.
Did you know that there is an awesome local Hudson Valley Program that offers discounts from so many local businesses with one little yellow card? Abby Girl loves the I Love Local Rewards Card because we are always on the go and often looking for awesome deals. This program is also great for local businesses with so many options beyond the card. This is a sponsored post. I am an affiliate of local rewards.
The Card for People Looking for Great Deals on Local Products-
First off, the cost of the card cannot be beaten. A card only costs $10! You can purchase it for yourself or as a gift. So instead of passing out gift cards from a big chain for that next gift-giving event, think about a local card instead that benefits many local businesses. Cards last one year.
From pizza to CrossFit, the wide range of business types is awesome. They also span across the whole Hudson Valley! Even our very awesome taxman is on the reward card (Freedom Financial)!
Businesses Benefit from this program too!
It’s great exposure for businesses to be part of this program. There are several different tiers that offer different incentives for businesses. New businesses are constantly appearing on short commercials, promo posts, and much more. We even appeared on a podcast Local Rewards Hosted a while back to promote businesses such as ours. My child compared me to Dora the explorer repeatedly. Magnífico. Me Gusta Local Rewards.
I Love Local Host Cool Events-
Local Rewards hosts, events throughout the year to bring the community and businesses together. They are currently working on several upcoming events. In the past, they have done everything from a Health and Beauty Expo to Trunk or Treat.
The Creator Behind the Concept-
Ramon AKA CE Avengers is the mastermind behind Local Rewards. He’s extremely knowledgeable and helpful. If you have any questions, he would be more than happy to answer them. A side note, his computer business is great. I take all my computers to him and some have been in rough shape. He does everything possible to keep it affordable and is very honest.
Follow them on Social Media!
Local Rewards is on both Facebook and Instagram. So go follow them to keep updated with all their latest offerings and events.
Final Thoughts About I Love Local Rewards Card-
Having a local rewards card is awesome. It’s so much better to support small businesses and as a business owner, this card and all the programs/events have been invaluable. What are you waiting for, go sign up today and please make sure to tell them Adventures of Abby Girl sent you.
Where is mom going to use the card next … Well, she will be heading to Boutique Wines, Spirits and Ciders LLC in Fishkill New York, and flashing the card for ten percent off her wine bottle. Sometimes moms need a little mom juice and ten percent off is a great incentive. Hey, even Jesus turned water into wine! So wine is fine with this mom (just not in excess). Where will you use your card?
I promise last item of business! Go see our key links and another awesome affiliate company local to the Hudson Valley on our links page! The company is called Bespoke Commodities and they have constant changing cool products. Just click the link on our page to see what they have currently!
At yard sales and similar shopping experiences, there are tips and tricks when shopping. With these few suggestions, you can be an awesome thrifty shopper just like Abby girl.
To make or not to make a trip plan for yard sales… that is thy question-
Option one is to fly by the seat of your pants. Pick an area and start searching for signs. It takes some skill as you don’t want to crash the vehicle looking for yard sales. Having a co-pilot does help. Abby girl is 4.5 and spot a yard sale sign from a mile away.
Option number two is to have a plan. Go on Facebook, your local newspaper, Craigslist, etc and look for posts. Copy the ones that seem appealing to a note APP such as Google Keep and make a plan. You don’t have the element of surprise as much. However, it’s a more focused approach. Besides, if a sign pops up for a sale, not on the list, you can always revert to option one and take a detour.
If you go into the sales like a crazed chipmunk who can’t find his nuts, then you won’t have a clear head when you shop. This leads to signs of stress and anxiety. You can become overwhelmed and it might lead to impulse buying. Do you really need that iconic picture of the dogs playing cards or a sign that says something such as “bless this mess?”
Impulse Buying-
It is not a good thing. It might lead you to thirty minutes of fame on the show Hoarders. Actually, probably not, but it will leave you broke before you start and left with a bunch of ridiculous purchases. One person’s crap will truly become another person’s crap not treasure. So breathe and don’t impulse buy. You need to spread out your money.
that time she rescued all the bunnies from a sale.Watch video
Money
Bring that cash. Singles are good too. People hosting yard sales like small bills. It can be a real annoyance and might not be able to be honored at the sale if you ask to break even a twenty for a two-dollar item. You will end up leaving without Aunt Myrtle’s lamp. Unless you are at a flea market, a local sale most likely will not take credit cards.
Garage Sales-pretty much the same thing and just stems from a sale out of someone’s garage.
Community Yard Sale- Either held in a community room, at one person’s house with multiple houses selling or throughout the community
Neighborhood Yard Sale- This one is most often spread out throughout a whole neighborhood and it can be overwhelming. Be prepared to spend hours shopping. Sometimes you can park and walk and other times, you will be driving around.
Estate Sale- This usually means someone has passed away. The most common place to find vintage and antique items.
Moving Sale- Someone is moving and it all most likely, has to go.
Rummage Sales- Rummage sales are often held at churches and have items from a bunch of people and often a great place to find things like household items and clothes at a bargain price. Items are sorted into areas by type. Usually, there are some good baked goods too. Sometimes, there are additional vendors.
Flea Market- place where fleas are sold. Just kidding. Multiple vendors selling a variety of items. There might even be food items.
White Elephant Sale- used items for sale that often are a fundraiser for a cause
Swap meet- Another word for flea market
Free Sale-Everything is free. Yep, not really a sale per se. I almost got stabbed at one by a crazed lady going for the blingy stuff. They can get nuts.
Tag sale- they just sell the tags off stuff. No it’s just an alternate name for yard or garage sale. Nothing exciting.
Shameless plug for our awesome merch for sale at Mower’s Flea Market. See stuff for sale under services and offers in tab
Best time to shop at Yard Sales-
This depends. If people go early, then most likely you will be going the same time as dealers. Not drug dealers. Dealers are people looking for stuff to resell. They are usually looking for antiques or vintage items. However, sometimes they are just looking to fill their store. Arriving at the beginning of the sale is also good if you saw something online that a sale has and you need it or want it. Then go first thing before someone snatches it up. Take note, do not appear at someone’s sale before the posted time. This is bad form.
Any time of day is fine if you are just looking for whatever and aren’t concerned you will miss something. There is more of an element of surprise. It’s a more relaxed approach.
Toward the end of the sale is another approach. There will be a lot fewer items. However, you are more likely to score a deal later on than first thing in the morning. Late in the day, you might even stumble upon the glorious free pile. Yes, sometimes, you will spot a free pile earlier on, however, chances are that the free pile will be better toward the end of the sale. Just don’t start grabbing arm fulls because it’s free. Don’t go by the saying “if it’s free, it’s for me.” It might make Fred Sanford happy. However, do you really need it? Back to impulsing again and impulsing is no bueno.
books, books, books
Let’s Make a Deal-
If the item says fifteen dollars, don’t just pay the fifteen and run away. Always ask less. The worst that will happen is the dreaded word “no.” Put the item down and walk away or counteroffer or pay what they want for it.
Another approach is the bundle. Put a big pile together and then ask how much for the whole pile. This is Abby Girl’s go-to method and has worked for her so far. It also works for American Pickers. FYI awesome show.
Popular United States Yard Sales (sadly some were canceled until next year due to COVID)
West Point Family Yard Sale. This the place for children’s clothing. Household items are at an abundance too. Many houses participate. Just remember your ID or you will not be let into the base. It was canceled spring 2020 due to COVID
Mowers Flea Market, Woodstock NY- Great vibe. Lot’s of unique vendors.
Be Green Kids Consignment. Happens twice a year and has all things kid related from infant up to teenage years.
Then beyond the Hudson Valley, there are highway yard sales that can go for hundreds of miles. View a list here
Final Thoughts-
Yard sales and similar sales can be a lot of fun and also provide items that a person needs for a lot lower price. Just follow these tips and tricks above and you can be on your yard sales game just like Abby Girl!
*Have a popular sale you would like us to add to the list? Let us know in the comments.
Also remember mandated COVID rules. Bring your mask and remember to social distance.
Whether you know it like the product, “play-doh” or “play dough.” It’s a timeless product for hours of kid-friendly fun. Adventures of Abby girl recently tried an earth-friendly playdough company located in the Hudson Valley. However, as I was watching my daughter play, I started wondering where this product came from originally. This is a sponsored post.
“Play-doh” was actually an accident. I can’t help but think of Homer Simpson’s iconic “doh.” It was literally a “doh” moment that created play-doh. It was originally, a wallpaper cleaner product. In the early 1930s, a soap company was going out of business and in order to save the business from going under, this non-toxic product was created. Surprisingly it kept Kutol Products going for about twenty years.
However, it too started to lose interest especially after World War 2. So it was reinvented into what we know today as Play-doh. Amazingly Kaptain Kanagroo’s show was responsible for sending this product into fame status.
In 1960, accessories started appearing with the product. Then eventually in the 1990s, it was bought by Hasbro. Read an in-depth history here
However, over the years, this product has had many spins on the ingredients to create it and many households started making their own. However, some of us such as myself are not very skilled at making it at home. In fact, I’m known for burning water. So we need to go buy a product for our children.
That’s where Love Play Create comes in as an awesome child-friendly product
Every bit of product down to the added accessories are earth-friendly!
Meredith, the Creator of this great company writes,
“Environmentally conscious, homemade play dough kits created to inspire the young and young at heart! Everything from the packaging to the goodies in our kits is reusable, recyclable or biodegradable.”
Trying the Product for Ourselves-
A white rectangular box arrived in the mail with her sticker on it. When I opened the product, there were three adorable glass jars. We ordered the Fairy Garden Kit. Two of the jars contained earthen colors in brown and green. The third jar had the cutest wooden person that reminded me of the eco-friendly version of the original little people. Then there were some paper cut-outs of flowers, grass and fairy wings. Mixed in were some small rocks. Absolutely the cutest product I have seen in a while.
Playing with the Product-
We took a blanket outside. My dog loves playing dress-up, so she was the fairy. Abby and I sat for awhile creating different fairy gardens with the various items. I also noticed a handwritten note, from the owner. My daughter eagerly asked me to read it to her. Such a nice touch. After done playing, we put everything back in the glass jars for another day.
Take-away
We would definitely recommend this product to others. The best is everything down to the packaging is good for the environment. We also love supporting local businesses!
Final Thoughts!
Thanks for reading our product review! Stick around and read about some of the other cool products we have tried and the places we have visited.
As always,
Peace-Love-and-French Fries
Giveaway alert!
Until April 1st, either through my Instagram account post or Facebook Account post, you can enter to win one of these cool sets for yourself. All you have to do is tag a friend in the post and follow me and Love Play Create! Super simple. Good luck!
Right now across the world, a virus is spreading. In the United States, there is some level of a state of emergency. Social distancing is being practiced in places like New York and some pockets are even on self-quarantine. However, fresh air is beneficial to keep healthy. So what are some awesome top nature-based activities kids can enjoy while distancing themselves from large groups? Read on to find some cool ideas!
Take a Hike-
Appalachian Trail to Anthony’s Nose
We are huge on hiking. Our photography is largely based on the nature we see. Our stories started from the trails we have wandered. We are over four hundred miles in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas. We do it because it’s great for the mind, body, and spirit. Look at some of the other awesomebenefits on Mental Floss!
We have a trail guide and will answer any questions about those trails if you contact us. If you are out of the Hudson Valley area, we recommend AllTrails. It’s an awesome app with so many cool suggestions. So what are you waiting for, go take a hike!
The sky is the limit with things created in nature. We love building fairy houses. It’s an awesome way for children to use their minds to construct homes. Use sticks and have the child break them down to size or ask for help to do so if too young. Then have them balance them so they stand up. Cover in whatever is around. Acorns make awesome pretend fairies.
Sticks can also be used to create stick creatures and people. It’s amazing the creativity that can evolve from something as simple as sticks.
New Meaning to Stick Person
Rocks are great for creating sculptures, discussing what a Cairn is, and balancing! I am a firm believer that rocks are better than blocks. Besides, rocks are free. We hardly ever use blocks here. Rocks can always be found. They can also be painted. Our local library does a kindness rock project and there is one on top of Mount Beacon, in Beacon NY. It’s amazing how a rock can brighten someone’s day. However, wait to hand over the rocks until the pandemic is over.
In nature, there is often water-
just a walk on the beach
Live near a beach? Let the children stick their toes in the sand. Have them mix sand and water and make castles and creatures. Let them soar like Seagulls.
Near a creek, pond, or lake, then let the children test out the water. It’s fun to also play, does it sink or floats? In fact, it makes an awesome science lesson. It also keeps them busy for a while! Just be safe, especially on rocks in flowing water as they can be slippery and deep pools can form between them. Always follow the rules if there are any and practice proper water safety.
Remember water and dirt make mud. Mud is so much fun for kids to play with and get messy. We’ve even been known to draw on our faces with mud. It also helps keep bugs away and is super soothing. So let the kids toss mud at you. Especially now when going to the spa is a big no! Let nature be your spa instead!
GRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Puddles are for jumping-
Puddles can keep kids busy for a while. Just make sure you have a change of clothes if not at home. Mud-puddle jumping can get very messy. However, it’s a lot of fun too! Grown-ups, it’s highly suggested that you also join in the fun. I think Peppa Pig is onto something …
Draw in Nature-
One thing that is awesome is to bring paper and whatever you want to draw with into nature. Sit there and have children draw what they see. This can be done on the trails or even in the yard. Let them listen to all the sounds and take in the symphony of nature. It’s very relaxing and it’s amazing to see what children come up with when they start drawing what’s around them. You can even create your own nature-based drawing ink from mud to certain berries (just make sure they are safe!)
I spy something green … MOSS-
They call me “Sir Moss Man.”
Games such as Eye Spy and Bear Hunt can be done anywhere in nature. On longer hikes, it can become a tad annoying for grownups. But, children seem to love both games. So go spy something green or perhaps something blue … It’s amazing the answers you will be given!
Dance party and making nature-based music
striking a pose at the viewpoint. Joppenbergh, Rosendale NY
Did you know that it is actually a lot of fun to just bust a move out in nature? Today, my daughter’s dance school posted a dance challenge. There was no music. I propped the camera up on some rocks and hit record. Even though there wasn’t much activity on the trail, two people did walk by us as I was dancing like a bumblebee to no music with my child. But you know what, who cares! My husband poked fun at my stylish fanny pack. Bringing 1991 back to cool.
If you feel the need for some music to go with your nature dance, use different items found around you to create drums or other cool instruments. Did you know that a blade of grass can actually be turned into an instrument that you blow into to make a sound? I was never successful at it. But perhaps, someone else will be successful. Let me know if it works!
Gaze at the Clouds-
Lye down on a blanket or directly on the ground and look up at the sky. Have kids describe what they see. They can even create a story from the clouds blowing across the sky.
Final Thoughts on Nature-based activities
Best kind of buddy right now, Ms. Skeleton-Cornish Estates, Beacon
The sky is the limit with awesome things you and your children can do outside. You can be explorers, artists, architects, or a million other things! So go have some fun and breathe in that wonderful, beneficial fresh air.
As always-
Peace, Love, and French
Adventures of Abby Girl
remember to follow us on social or subscribe to Youtube for all kinds of additional content! Thanks for reading.
Today when I went to get breakfast with Abby at our local bagel store, I couldn’t help but notice the droves of glazed over mom’s walking by dragging their children. My thought was, it is only the first week of summer! Oh no! Then I logged onto my mom group and mom’s are searching for free or cheap things to do to fill in those gaps during the summer. So here are affordable family summer fun suggestions of things Abby girl would recommend.
Library & Library Passes-
Lot’s of books …
Fun fact, at least in our library system, each library has passes you use to either get into attractions for a discount or even free! The library also has summer programming throughout the summer. We are enrolled in some awesome FREE k-6 programs such phases of the moon and star lab. There is even a free 2-3 and 4-6 caregiver and me dance class at Adriance Library in Poughkeepsie, NY. The library also has summer reading programs where you can earn prizes and summer story-time is also resumed!
Bowling-
Yes, bowling. We are taking advantage of kids bowl free all summer. You receive two games of bowling per a day per a child during the scheduled times. I paid additional for family members to be on the pass too. However, with a coupon, we are bowling all summer for under thirty dollars. You just have to pay for shoe rental.
We also recommend Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl. It wasn’t too expensive and so much fun. Link to posthere. Their food was really good also and Bass Pro Shops is connected. They have several locations throughout the United States. Perhaps, you can make a day of it and this location isn’t far from the beaches!
Hiking-
“Not all who wander are lost” J. R. R. Tolkien
Obviously hiking has the vote. Keep the kids off the electrics and away from the tube and get them outdoors. You can search many posts on this site that will give many, many trail ideas in the area. However, whether you are in the urban jungle or out in God’s country, there are always trails.
Ice Cream-
I think it’s melting …
Go get ice cream. We have many favorite ice creams spots. However, for our local area in Hudson Valley, we vote for Maple View Cafe.The food takes a bit because it’s all fresh and made to order. The ice cream is awesome and they have a train themed play area. You can go around, try different spots and see which spot is your favorite!
Free Days-
Many local places such as Storm King Mountain and The Bronx Zoo have free days. Be prepared for it to be crowded. The Bronx Zoo, I heard is not for the faint of heart on free day.
Catch a Baseball Game-
You don’t have to go to the big stadiums in the city. Try a minor league. Our team hosts fun themed nights throughout the season. Go Renegades!
The Movies-
Catch a movie out under the stars as many parks offer free movies during the summer or try to find a place that offers dollar summer movies. We have a place right in our local mall. As far as movies under the stars, if you are local to the Hudson Valley, I have heard a lot of buzz aboutMovies Under the Walkway
Many farms are free or suggested donation. We often frequent Muscootand Sprout Creek. Stony Kill also has a by the day summer camp. Also check their pages for events. Here is a post about a couple of the ones we have visited.
Camping-
Camping is also great and you can go as roughing it or glamping it as you want. Hiking into certain spots takes more effort and skill. However, this option is free. Your local state campgrounds are the next most affordable option. Then of course, it goes up from there. We don’t glamp.Part 2 is here
Day Passes at Resorts-
It’s not going anywhere …
Places Like Pine Ridge Dude Ranchoffer limited day pass options or passes for special events such as the fourth of July night to see fireworks. They also often have special discount rates for certain blocks and things such as a farmer’s market and car show. I’ve heard thatYogi Bear Camping Resort also has day passes. However, it is not as affordable.
Free Concerts-
Through-out the summer, many local parks offer free concert series. Pack some food and a blanket and go enjoy different types of music all summer long. Great education by learning different genres of music without the children knowing it! Here is an example of a free music series in Millbrook, NY
Museums, Aquariums & Zoos-
Meeting of the Minds. Roosevelt, Churchhill and Abby Eve
It doesn’t matter where you live, there are always museums from small to large scale. The other day, we had the opportunity to tour FDR Museum and it was great fun. We learned a lot and even blogged about it on our sister site. We learned all about US History and Government during the time of FDR. You are never too young or too old to learn something at a museum. Abby is 3.5!
She’s not asleep yet. Just pretending
Of course, we cannot forget art museums. Abby has only been to small art museums such as theBarrett Art Center. She loved looking at all the artwork and finding what spoke to her. She also loved taking a few photos on a hosted photography walk before falling asleep on my back. Museums often have additional programming besides just a walk through. Abby currently has a collage of her photography and painting up at a children’s art show at our local library. I just finished a solo art show at the same place. All my pieces are for sale!(Shameless plug)
I see a resemblance
Aquariums are awesome too. When we visited Gatlinburg, before Abby, I thoroughly enjoyedRipley’s Aquariumand the Penguins are my favorite. I cannot wait to return to the area and go with my daughter. For now, we just go to our local pet store and look at what they have.
One way to travel
As far as zoos, there are a smaller zoos and larger zoos. For us we love The Trevor Zooand the Beardsley Zooin Connecticut. The facilities are clean and the animals are so well taken care of at both places. Also great for smaller legs. I still remember the last time we went to Trevor. I thought I lost my keys and my child had hidden them. The staff at the zoo searched high and low. I had to get a new key fob and everything. Over a month later, she comes in waving my keys going “oh mommy.” My then two year old, hid them behind my toilet. See a funny Video Herewhere Abby thinks she’s a wild cat.
Again, many places, there are free days, library passes or Groupon. So everyone, can enjoy places such as these.
The Playground-
Take it the playground. There are so many playgrounds around. One we highly recommend is Bowdoin Park. It has a splash pad! This is a huge win in hot weather. So check your area for features. You might be blessed with a splash pad too. Just don’t forget the extra clothes. We playground jump and make it almost a game to find the next awesome playground.
Keeping Cool
Go Volunteer-
Abby and Her Friend with a senior friend
Did you just say to go volunteer? Why yes I did. There are so many opportunities to volunteer from a Soup Kitchen to an Animal Shelter. Abby was volunteering at a Senior Friendship Center and her music school is starting a senior and young child event at our local nursing home. Just contact wherever interests you and your family and check rules, guidelines for things such as age requirement. Photo courtesy Dutchess County Government.
Road Trip-
Lake George Carousel
All else fails, go on a day trip. Recently, we traveled to Pennsylvania for the day and a couple weeks before that, Lake George. Even heading to the beach for the day can be fun. Just research prices in advance as some beaches can be very pricey. On the way, keep them entertained in the car by stopping at fun roadside attractions or playing fun games such as Bear Hunt!
“I’m going on a bear hunt and what do I see? I see a red stop sign looking at me!”
Conclusion-
Lime Smiles! My eyes are so blood shot. Blame it on the new eyeliner
We will be adding to this as suggestions and links come our way. So stay tuned! Mom’s, worst case scenario, find a sitter or pass the children off on a relative and have a night out solo! We all need it. See my mom’s night out post!
Please remember to subscribe if you liked what you read and you can also follow us on many different social media platforms. Also, a lot more awesome content on YouTube. All links should be on the bottom or side of page depending on what you are viewing on. Remember, to tune into Instagram this weekend when Abby answers a couple more questions for our viewers. You can view past weeks questions there too. Oh and one last thing, our sister blog is over at hvparent.com/adventures-of-abby-girl
Lastly, I have updated the My Favorite Things Page on this blog because I’m now designing t-shirts. I do receive a small royalty from each one I sell. Many feature photos from our adventures. So go have a look.
We will never Spam you because Spam even in food form isn’t cool.
