18 May 2017

the simple things: having a good time on a budget

Having been a student for far too long now, I like to think I'm pretty decent at saving money. Being low on funds doesn't mean no fun - you may just need to think out of the box a bit more. Here are some no- and low-spend ideas :)

1. Netflix + PJs + Comfort Food
Confession: this is one of my favourite things to do when funds are low and when my own company is all I want. Binge watch something without feeling any guilt- after all, we all need a cheat day where nothing productive is done. Then again, finishing three seasons of How I Met Your Mother sounds pretty productive to me...


2. Take a walk with your camera/Instax
At the end of 2016, I invested in an Instax camera. It's just as fun to take snaps of nature on your phone or digital camera. The main part is to just get out there is breathe some fresh air and see a few squirrels or foxes in your local vicinity.

3. Spring clean! (If you're like me...)
Do one room at a time. Stare at the bags of stuff you're donating with pride. However, this might not be your cup of tea and that's ok. I'm just the type of person who has a lot of fun decluttering and putting things into order!

4. Switch off electronically for a day or a weekend (if you're brave!)
Read, journal, write, just do anything that doesn't involve a computer, television or phone.

5. Explore free/cheap museums
Many museums in London are free to explore and many of them have high quality exhibits that don't involve you spending a penny. It's also a good opportunity to learn something new!

6. Explore a local farmer's market and sample foods.
Farmer's markets are brilliant for fresh produce that's produced locally. Take it as a chance to sample some foods you've never tried or even heard of before! Borough market is a well-known food market (though not farmer's) in South London and word is that there are plenty of foods to sample there.


7. Spa day at home - candles, bath and bath salts, music, a glass of bubbly...
One of my favourite things to do and one not done often enough! The comfort of your own home, bubbles and the aroma of a scented candle... Perfection can't be far off, surely.

8. Bake something simple and add copious amounts of icing!
Biscuits are super easy to make, as are cupcakes, so stick a few in the oven and then decorate them (badly, if you're me) with icing! And if sharing things makes you happy, hand a few to your friends and family.

9. Try out a hidden restaurant - seek out those that train up chefs!
In London, there are a few restaurants that train up future Michelin star chefs. Do a quick Google search and then give them a try. Who knows, you might end up eating food from the future Heston Blumenthal at a fraction of the price.

10. Sight see around your local area.
Over the last eight years, I've had five different addresses due to being a university student and in only two of those addresses did I explore the local area. There are always a few hidden gems around every area and you might even find a new place to hangout!

Do you have any other suggestions? :)

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