5 Best Beach Hacks on a Budget

Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplash


The weather is warming up, school is out, and it’s time to hit the beach. Whether you have kids and pets in tow, or it’s a solo trip, making it an enjoyable experience is important. Sometimes the sand and sea can make a beach day a bit of a hassle and beach items can be pricey. Check out these budget-friendly beach hacks to make it nothing but smooth sailing. 

1. Charcuterie On-the-go  

When you think of the beach, one of the first things that comes to mind is snacking. Cheese and crackers or pretzels and dip, all help satisfy a hungry stomach, but they can be hard to transport and serve on the beach.

For this beach hack, instead of hauling around a cutting board or serving plates, try a small craft organizer instead. Choose a clear view container with lots of individual slots for small snacks. Turn it into a grazing box with things like nuts, cheese cubes, blueberries, strawberries and small crackers or snacks. 

2. Sandwiches Made Easy

Packing a meaningful meal is important for a day by the sea. A quick and money-saving way is to pack one large sandwich to share. Assemble sandwiches at home by grabbing a package of King’s Hawaiian style rolls. Cut the entire assembled loaf piece in half lengthwise. 

From there, add a light layer of mayo or mustard and top with meat and sliced cheese. Reassemble the loaf and put it right back in the bag. When you get to the beach, everyone can break off a roll for a satisfying lunch. Seal up the bag for optimal freshness. 

3. Frozen Aloe Cubes

Even with sunscreen, sun-kissed skin can get hot and irritated. Cool off quickly by grabbing a frozen aloe cube. Prior to your beach trip, squirt some aloe vera into an ice cube container and freeze overnight. Then pop them into a plastic bag or container. Use the cubes as a refreshing treat on sensitive skin. 

4. Make a Baby Powder Sock

Sand is often the enemy at the beach when it comes to keeping it away from food and drinks. Plus, no one wants to take sand home via beach toys and dry outerwear. Try the baby powder sock hack. Fill a soft sock with powder and run it over your legs or body to keep stray sand granules at bay. 

5. Create a Sand-Free Zone

If you are going to the beach to sunbathe or indulge in a good book, you need a sand-free zone. While the baby powder hack is great for staying sand free, you may need to expand further. Use a sheet with four corner weights to create a sand-free zone. While there are several large sand towels on the market, a sheet is a cheaper alternative. Don’t forget to pack beach toys in mesh bags to avoid getting sand in your vehicle. 

A beach day is always a welcoming adventure for kids and adults of all ages. Keep things simple and don’t blow your budget on pricey activities and gadgets. Here is to a fun day in the sand and sun!

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Copyright 2023, Nurturingcents.com

5 DIY Landscaping Tips on a Budget

5 DIY Landscaping Tips on a Budget

Spring is just around the corner! It’s time to start thinking about how your outdoor space is going to stand out and offer stunning curb appeal. The issue is, it can be costly to hire someone to landscape your yard, so doing it yourself is the next best option. Prepare to grab your garden tools and evaluate your yard space. Here are 5 landscaping adds to implement this spring without emptying your wallet. 

1. Don’t Pay Top Dollar For Garden Tools

A discouraging factor for many people is that they don’t have fancy garden tools and gadgets in their garden shed. This shouldn’t be a deciding factor on revamping your outdoor space. There are several places to look for slightly used garden equipment that can make life easier. Check out:

  • Your local online marketplace
  • Auctions and swap meets
  • Garage and estate sales
  • Thrift and recycle stores

There are people eager to trade out or discard their slightly used garden tools. You really just need the basic tools to get started. Knowing where to look results in super cheap finds. 

2. Clear Out Beds and Trim Back Plants

One of the best landscaping tips is to clear out clutter in the garden. If you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford to add plants right now, at least tidy up garden beds. Trim back overgrown bushes and plants. Get rid of old landscaping rocks and ripped weed blocker. Repair fences and borders, and if you can’t fix them now, tear them out.   

3. Consider Mulch Alternatives

Mulch is the icing on the cake when it comes to the final presentation of your  landscape. It not only looks great, it keeps weeds at bay and helps plants retain their moisture. But it can be pricey. Consider some alternatives:

  • Pine needles
  • Compost
  • Newspaper
  • Straw

While these are temporary mulch solutions, they help get the job done. 

4. Revitalize What You Already Have

While it’s nice to dupe a garden look displayed on your favorite website or garden magazine, it can go beyond your budget. Take a close look at what you already have. Split up clumps of plants and disperse them elsewhere in your garden or give them away. Trim back trees and overgrown bushes. Transplant perennials to bare areas to fill in empty spots. 

5. Hit the Clearance Rack

In the back of most nurseries and garden retailers are clearance racks. Those dilapidated, wilted plants that no one wants. Don’t pass them by! You can save a fortune by revitalizing them. Some are pennies on the dollar of the original retail price. Go home and soak them, fertilize, and trim back. They may not be plant-in-the-ground ready just yet, but in time, they could be the showcase of your garden. 

Getting your yard in tip-top shape this spring starts with planning now. A little hard work and ingenuity will have your property looking top notch. Nothing beautiful happens overnight, but implementing a few landscaping tips will pay off big in the long run. 

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Copyright 2021, Nurturingcents.com

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