Ever since we had the baby, I noticed that we are not spending as much money on leisure activities anymore, which has been great on our wallet. We gradually and unnoticeably cut these activities out of our lives so we don’t even miss it as much. Here are activities that we have given up or cut back ever since baby arrived:
1. No more movie nights at the theatre.
I get annoyed when parents would bring their little ones into the theatre and cannot control them. Worst, when the parents would refuse to take their little ones out of the theatres to calm them because they are too engaged in the movie. It disrupts the movie and ruins the fun for everyone who paid money to watch and enjoy the movie. To prevent myself from being in the same situation, we simply stop going to the theatres. Instead, we opted for NetFlix. We now pay only a fraction of the cost by avoiding those increased ticket prices and the lure of the overpriced concession stand. Plus, with NetFlix, we are able to watch multiple movies in the comfort of our own home. NetFlix also has instant viewing for some movies so if we don’t get any DVDs on time, we simply just watch the movies that are available for instant streaming.
2. We eat out less.
The above also applies here. I simply do not want to go to restaurants and have him cry over people’s meal so we don’t go out to eat as much. We used to eat out every weekend, but now we simply buy the groceries and make our “take-out meals” at home. For the same cost of going out to a restaurant, I make twice or triple the portion size that I can freeze and enjoy later. I also find that making food at home is not only friendly on our wallets, but a lot healthier since can control everything that goes into the dish.
3. We plan free activities.
We planned activities that both our baby and I would enjoy, and most of which happen to be free. Right now our baby just loves to look at things. He loves staring at trees, plants, and animals. What better place for him to visit is a nice park? The visually stimulating environment keeps him entertained and occupied, and the outdoors is simply great for me and my husband to stroll together to get some fresh air and exercise. These activities cost us nothing, and we get to spend quality time with the family. Another place that I’m planning to visit is the beach, which also happens to be free. I’m sure he will enjoy the sand between his toes and splashing in the water.
4. No more Starbuck drinks.
Packing the baby is a lot of work. Fastening and unfastening him in the car seat, loading and unloading the diaper and bottle bags, and stroller discourage us from making too many pit stops, one of which is a quick visit to Starbuck. Avoiding these sort of pit stops not only saves us money, but we are cutting back on those unnecessary calories from our diet. That nice frappuccino with whip cream? That’s almost equivalent to a full meal!
I understand that when the baby gets older, I will have to spend a lot more money so I’m soaking up whatever I can in the meantime.
you are one smart cookie Miss Vicky
Shelley
May 6th, 2009