Category: Frugal Living Tips

Your wedding day can be one of the best days of your life. But it’s a shame, though, that planning a wedding can lead to some the worst days you’ll experience.

Fortunately, if you take advantage of an all-inclusive wedding venue, you’ll be able to make things a great deal easier.

Keep reading to learn how all-inclusive wedding venues can help you achieve the wedding of your dreams. By the time you’re finished, you’ll wonder why you ever thought planning a wedding was a stressful experience.

Let’s begin!

What Is an All Inclusive Wedding Anyway?

Before we go any further, we should probably cover what an all-inclusive wedding venue is.

Essentially an all-inclusive wedding venue is a venue that takes care of the details associated with a wedding. The venue will provide someone that’s going to help you organize the wedding. This individual will help you plan out the various aspects of your wedding, at the venue in question.

An all-inclusive wedding venue should often provide a DJ and photographer.

The venue will also help you take care of the flowers and catering too (of which includes waiting staff). Let the organizer know what specific details matter to you. You can then let this individual, and the venue, take care of everything else.

All of this can often work out cheaper, than if you paid for everything individually. It’s why all-inclusive weddings are popular for people that want to adopt a frugal approach to weddings.

Finding an All-Inclusive Venue

Now that you know what an all-inclusive wedding venue is, let’s cover how you can find a venue that meets your needs.

One of the main things that’ll impact your choice of wedding venue is the number of people coming to the wedding. If it’s only a small number, you’ll have a lot more freedom on where you can host the wedding. The wedding venue might also cost less money too.

But if there are more than say 150, you might need to look a bit harder. If you’d like to see an example of an all-inclusive wedding venue that can handle a large number of guests, visit this website.

Ideally, you’ll want to pick a wedding venue that’s in an easy to reach location. Even if you’re going to plan an international wedding, it can help if there are hotels that are close to the wedding location.

Understand the Costs You’ll Face

Something to appreciate with all-inclusive wedding venues is that a lot of items can end up on your invoice. Sometimes, you can end up paying for unexpected items such as chairs or even cutlery.

Thus when you’re in talks with a potential venue, make sure you ask them everything you’ll need to pay for. Will you need to rent chairs, for example? Will you need to pay extra if you have any special requirements on the menu?

A lot of the time, you can avoid an unexpected issue, by being clearly defining your needs ahead of schedule. When you know exactly what you need it’s a lot simpler to control what you need to budget and pay for.

Of course, remember to budget for other costs associated with the wedding. This might include travel costs for some of your guests, but also makeup costs too.

What Do You Want out of Your Wedding?

Each couple has their own ideal vision for their wedding. You need to make sure the wedding you select is going to be able to cater to your vision. For instance, you may want a specific kind of band playing at your wedding.

You might also want fireworks or some other form of entertainment. Yet just because you have your heart set on such forms of entertainment, doesn’t mean the venue can help you out.

Don’t ever assume that the venue is able to supply a specific kind of entertainment. Always let them know before hand, what you want. They’ll then let you know if they’re able to meet your needs. If they can’t do this, you might need to look elsewhere.

The same applies to any other kinds of requirements that you might have. This could include food that follows a certain style. Or a decorative theme, that sticks to a certain aesthetic.

It’s worth noting that some all-inclusive wedding venues will allow you to bring in your own entertainment. You’ll need to clear this with the wedding venue ahead of time. But this can help you achieve your ideal wedding, should there be limitations to the service provided by the venue itself.

How Will They Communicate with You?

You also want to develop an understanding of how they’re going to communicate with you, on the big day. Your wedding is likely made up of several different small events. You need to ask the organizer how they’re going to tie in all these events.

You also want to know how they’re going to keep you in the loop about what’s going on. If you have communication problems, right at the start of this working relationship, you might want to opt for another wedding venue.

You should also ask them about how they will react if certain events take place. For example, you may have an outdoor wedding. But if the weather is really bad on the day, how will they take care of this situation? If you know they have a plan ahead of time, it can leave you to worry about other things, knowing this is all taken care of.

Know Your Deadlines

You should also ask the organizer what your deadlines are going to be.

This’ll let you know when you need to make decisions by. As a result, you’ll have enough time to think about key decisions, without having to rush through things.

Are All Inclusive Wedding Venues a Good Idea?

Planning a wedding can be tough. Yet if you decide to make use of an all-inclusive wedding venue, things can be somewhat simpler.

In this post, we’ve explored the benefits of using all-inclusive wedding venues and how you can find the right one for your needs.

You need to consider location and the number of guests you need to accommodate. You should also examine the costs involved and specifically what you’ll end up paying for.

If you have any special ideas for your wedding, such as a live band, let the wedding venue know. Even if they can’t provide something to meet your needs, they might still let you bring someone external in, that can help you achieve your desired goal.

Buying an engagement ring? Check out this post for some tips on how to buy the right engagement ring.

RV owners spend approximately 3 to 4 weeks out of the year in their RV.

These vehicles offer travelers a way to explore places while taking advantages of many comforts.

However, maintaining an RV does not come cheap. Replacing the tires alone can cost up to $2,500. And you still have to account for sales taxes, insurance, and other expenses.

In this article, we’ll share some RV maintenance tips that can help you save thousands of dollars.

1. Change the Oil

The best way to save some money, in the long run, is by taking care of your RV to avoid any problems.

Cars tend to need an oil change about every 3,000 or so miles, well, a similar process applies to RVs. Since RVs tend to sit a lot more than a car, you will be fine performing seasonal oil changes on your RV.

Seasonal oil changes will ensure everything under the hood remains lubricated and works as it should. An oil change every 3,000 to 4,000 miles will prevent expensive engine service.

2. Take Care of the Tires

Tires are very important in every vehicle but unlike a family car, RV tires are subject to more wear and tear.

In the event your RV tires give out, you’re looking at an expensive replacement.

Although you will eventually have to buy new tires, there’s no reason why you can’t extend the life of your current tires.

To ensure RV tire always observe the following:

Pressure Check

If the pressure of the tires is not right, it can lead to dangerous conditions. You will have to check the tire pressure every season to accommodate for the changes in temperature.

Wear check

Ensure your RV’s tires are wearing out evenly, this will keep them in good condition for a long time. Perform regular tire rotations.

Wheel alignment

Proper tire alignment can help prevent a number of accidents.

3. Inspect the Roof For Leaks

The roof of an RV is vulnerable to leaks. If you want to prevent leaks from happening and causing costly damages to your RV, you should inspect the roof for leaks at least every three months.

Start by checking the seems of the RV located around skylights, vents, AC unit, and roof edges.

To prevent water damage, you can use sealants if you spot a leak in any of the RV’s vents. For example, this product can help stop the damage done by water.

4. Check the Battery

The last thing you want while on the road is for the battery of your RV to die. Most RV batteries last about 3 to 5 years before they begin to lose their capacity.

If your RV’s battery is getting up there in age, you’ll want to ensure it’s charged at all time with the right voltage.

It doesn’t hurt to get a multimeter battery tester to ensure you have the right voltage.

5. Maintain the Waste Water System

Not paying attention to the wastewater system of your RV could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Ensuring you use the proper chemicals is key for keeping these running smoothly. Gray and black water systems require different types of chemicals.

During long trips, it becomes more important to have the right amount of fluid. Also, make sure you flush the system on a regular basis to prevent clogs and damage to the system.

6. Replace the Filters

An RV has many different sets of filter systems, similar to a car. To keep your RV in top shape make sure once every season you replace the coolant, fuel, air, and hydraulic filters.

You can take care of replacing these filters whenever you take your car in for an oil change.

Failure to do so will cause extra wear and tear in each system and you might find yourself spending thousands in repairs.

7. Perform Regular Break Maintenance

As with every vehicle, you want to make sure you pay attention to the breaks. Before you get ready to go on a long trip, make sure you inspect the breaks in your RV.

The wheel bearings are an important component of the breaks system in an RV. Keeping these well lubricated will prevent improper wear an tear of the RV breaks.

Remember, replacing the breaks system in an RV can cost a lot of money. But maintaining the breaks can extend their life by a few years.

8. Don’t Forget about the Slideouts

If your RV has slide outs, you can’t forget to maintain these. Neglecting the slide outs can cause damage to the sealant and lead to leaks.

Start by cleaning the slide outs on a regular basis to clear them off the dust and debris that can cause damage.

Make sure you maintain it well lubricated to prevent the motors from overworking.

Also, inspect the slide out for leaks. If you spot one, you should take care of it right away to prevent the problem from escalating.

9. Electrical Connections

Your RV is your home away from home while you’re on the road. Therefore, you rely on the electrical system working properly more than you might think.

What would you do if the electric system becomes faulty and you can no longer run your appliances? Aside from being able to plug in a moving toaster, the electrical system also keeps the RV safe while on the road.

The electrical system ensures all the lights work and keeps you safe in case your RV breaks down.

Have a professional inspect the electrical system to extend the life and prevent problems.

10. Clean the Awning

The awning might not seem like a big deal, but if left unattended for long periods of time it can wear out.

Mildew and mold can grow in the awning if it’s not properly cleaned right away. Dirt and debris can also cause wear and tear in the long run.

The build-up can also become a nest for bees and other creatures, especially while going camping.

Regular RV Maintenance: The Bottom Line

Keeping up with your RV maintenance can save you thousands of dollars a year.

Start by performing regular oil changes, taking care of the breaks, rotate the tires, and check the sealing.

If you want to read more tips on how to save money while on vacation, check out our travel section.

This year the world’s most expensive shoes were on sale for a whopping $23 million, as reported by MTV.com.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a single pair of shoes to think you’re spending too much on your footwear.

It’s not easy being a ‘shoeaholic’ on a budget!

You don’t want to fall behind the latest footwear fashion trends. But, you also want to find ways to spend less money on shoes.

You’re in luck! We’ve got 10 creative ways to save money by spending less on shoes without compromising on your style. Let’s go!

1. Get Your Shoes Repaired

It’s really sad when your favorite shoes get damaged or broken. However, you don’t have to give up. You can always take your shoes to get repaired by a professional.

Although you’ll be charged a repair fee, it’s always cheaper than buying a new pair of shoes.

It’s worth checking with the cobbler whether it’s possible to fix your broken shoes. This way you can bring your favorite oldies back to life and save money at the same time.

2. Buy Second-Hand Shoes

Many fashion lovers are ditching the throw-away fashion for second-hand quality.

Second-hand stores have experienced a growth of 84 percent over the past few years, according to CNN.

By shopping for second-hand shoes you can take advantage of other people’s throwaways. You’ll be surprised by some of the bargains you can get in your local thrift store or charity shop.

3. Quality over Quantity

How many pairs of shoes do you buy every year?

If the number hits double figures, you’re probably buying too many shoes.

You may find if you switch to concentrating on the quality of the shoes you purchase, they last and look better for longer.

You may have to reach deeper into your pockets to buy each pair of shoes. But in the long-run, you’ll spend less.

It’s surely better to have a few favorite shoes that you love than dozens of pairs of shoes which you’re not too bothered about wearing.

4. Great Deal? Get Back-Ups!

Have you spotted a deal on one of your favorite brands or models of your shoes?

Have you been wearing this shoe for many years? Every time a pair breaks or damages, you replace them with another pair.

You could take advantage of a great deal by investing in a backup pair of your favorite shoes. Place the second pair in the back of your closet, and they’ll be waiting there for when the other pair is damaged or broken.

Even though you’ll have to fork out more cash on the day, it’s reassuring to know there’s another brand new pair waiting.

Take advantage of discount days, such as Black Friday, where you can pick up a bargain and spend less money in the long-term.

5. Browse and Research Before You Buy

Do you make impulse buys and never wear your shoes?

You need to cut out the habit. You’re wasting money if you buy shoes you don’t end up wearing anyway.

Make sure you spend a lot of time browsing and researching before you hand over your credit card or click the magic button.

6. Keep an Eye Out for Coupons

The thrifty fashion shoppers are always on the look-out for coupons to get discounts and freebies. Check out our page on the best print-out coupons to save money on your shoe budget.

Have you considered joining SwagBucks? By signing up for free, you can earn free gift cards and other coupons at your favorite shoe stores.

7. Join a Shoe Store’s Rewards Scheme

Do you want to receive reward points every time you make a purchase at the shoe store? Can you imagine receiving a free coupon on your birthday?

There are plenty of stores providing rewards schemes for you to join. What are you waiting for?

8. Spend Less by Buying Fewer Shoes

It’s easy to say but not so easy to do. If you want to spend less on shoes, buy fewer shoes.

Every time you go out shopping and find a pair of shoes you like, you need to ask yourself – do I really need another pair of stilettos?

If the answer is anything other than “yes definitely”, then you should put the shoes back on the shelf and your wallet back in your bag.

9. Capsule Wardrobe for Shoes

From Cosmo to Daily Mail, everyone’s talking about capsule wardrobes. You no longer need to have your wardrobe jam-packed with accessories, tops, and pants you never ever wear.

The increasing awareness of sustainable eco-fashion makes durable, simple and versatile clothing and shoes the new cool.

You only need a single pair of shoes for every occasion. Do you really need two pairs of red kitten heels?

Why do you need more than one pair of platform boots? Learn more here!

You need to determine the kinds of shoes you want to wear and don’t allow yourself to go over the one pair rule.

More Creative Ways to Save Money on Fashion

That’s our 9 top tips to spend less on shoes.

If you want to become a thrifty shopper of shoes, you have to realize this truth – you don’t have to spend big bucks to stay in tune with the trends of the today.

By following our tips, you can keep up to date with fashionable and beautiful shoes without breaking the bank. Happy shoe shopping!

If you want to find out more about how to save money on fashion, check out our Thrifty Momma Ramblings blogs on Beauty and Fashion Tips.

Americans spent a huge $16 billion on various cosmetic surgery procedures in 2016 alone. Not only this, the number is increasing at a steady pace.

The majority of patients who went through with a cosmetic procedure were happy. But, others weren’t. This is due to the fact that many patients don’t follow the pre and post operation guidelines that their surgeons give them.

And, one of the most important aspects of your lifestyle to pay attention to if you are going under the knife is your diet. Read on to find out more about the best plastic surgery diet available.

Foods to Eat Before Your Procedure

Here are three types of food to eat before your procedure:

Fresh and Natural Products

The key to fighting inflammation and staying healthy before a procedure is to eat fresh and natural foods. This means cutting out all processed foods. Some of these may include:

• Bread
• Biscuits
• Pasta
• Rice
• Cereal

For example, Dr. Aaron Kosins gives all his patients a list of foods to avoid before and after surgery.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Before your procedure, you should get a boost of antioxidants. You can achieve that by eating a handful of organic berries every morning. Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are great examples.

Non-Starchy Vegetables

To feel as healthy as possible and reduce the chances of inflammation and infection, you should rely on non-starchy vegetables. This also means you should cut back on processed carbohydrates. Some great vegetables you can stock up on include:

• Asparagus
• Onions
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Peppers

Aside from eating lots of greens, make sure you stock up on omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help curb inflammation.

Foods to Eat After Your Procedure

Once the surgery is over, it’s important you maintain a healthy diet to make a full recovery. Here are some foods you should eat post surgery:

Amino Acids

While you should maintain more or less the same diet, you also want to increase your protein intake. This is because protein has a lot of amino acids. These will help you build new cells and help your body heal.

Also, foods high in amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants will help with collagen production. This will reduce inflammation in the skin.

Fatty Foods

To make a full recovery, your body will need more energy. With this in mind, start introducing small amounts of organic animal fats back into your diet. This will bump up your calorie count. Alternatively, you can go for other healthy fat sources such as:

• Avocadoes
• Fatty fishes
• Nuts
• Olives
• Coconut oil

While you should increase the number of healthy fats you eat, you also need to focus on vitamin intake. Make sure your diet is high in vitamin A and C.

Get More Surgery Diet Tips From Thrifty Momma Ramblings

Eating ready meals and fast food will increase inflammation and weaken your immune system. This could lead to infections. The key to creating the ultimate pre and post-surgery diet is to eat clean foods.

If you’re considering plastic surgery but don’t know if you can afford it, visit Thrifty Momma Ramblings today. We share a mound of tips on how to cut costs and save money.

Did you know the pet industry in the US is worth $86 billion dollars?

If you’re looking to start a business in a booming industry, then this is it. It’s a huge niche with a staggering variety of jobs. And plenty of those jobs are things you could start a business with today. If you truly want to work with animals, there’s little to stop you.

Not convinced? Here are 9 pet business ideas a businesswoman can launch today.

Training

Few people want an unruly pet, so training is often one of the first things pet owners think about when their pet is young. That’s the perfect chance to sell your services.

You don’t need qualifications to start dog training, but they’re recommended if you want people to take you seriously. You might struggle to attract business without recognition. But if you’re ready for a little commitment, you can build a quality business from pet training.

Grooming

There are plenty of pampered pet prince and princesses out there. Setting yourself up as a pet groomer gives you a chance to borrow a pet for some quality petting time.

Even better, you can hand them back when you’re done! All the stress-relieving joy of pet ownership, none of the fuss.

Of course, you’ll need to have some real skills for grooming. No one wants their pet back looking like a ten topiary collision. But once you have some experience, the quality of your service will speak for itself and make it easier to attract new custom.

You’ll need to spend some time and effort marketing a grooming service for it to get off the ground, but word of mouth will help you spread awareness through your community.

Walking

Looking for more exercise and a job in the open air? Offering dog (or other pet!) walks is a great way to provide a service that pet owners are always looking for.

You’ll need to prepare yourself for all weather conditions and maybe some early starts, but an outdoorsy person could do worse for a day job.

Walking also benefits from having low overheads — there are few expenses besides travel and marketing. Although it’s not a scalable job when taken alone, you could hire other people to transform a side hustle into a full-fledged business.

Pet Sitting

Whether it’s children or pets, sitting is a time-honored classic of a job. Providing pet sitting services to your town is an excellent way to gain experience in working with pets.

Sitting might sound like the small time, but you can bring others into the fold to establish a company name that pet owners will trust.

Pet sitting also offers some great opportunities to branch into other services. You can combine it with one-to-one training, grooming, or walking services for a multi-purpose package.

Pet Boarding

Pet owners often overlook the realities of owning a pet when vacationing time comes around.

It’s tough to leave a beloved pet with a kennel. There’s no guarantee of quality care, even from a well-reviewed business. Many pet owners would instead choose to leave their pet with a trusted individual.

You can run a pet boarding house from your own home if you have enough space. You’ll need to kit the place out, but start with these products and you’ll soon equip yourself.

Luxury Spa

It’s not just people who love to get some luxury treatment on occasion. Offering health and beauty services is a fantastic way to spoil some pets rotten and show them at their best.

Many animals respond as well to massage as humans do. On top of that, there’s styling, breath freshening, bathing, and a host of other treatments to destress a beloved pet.

As a business, running a spa is also a great chance to earn a profit. While some of the ideas on this list have slimmer margins, a luxury spa has more prestige you can leverage to charge more. That only becomes truer as your reviews give testament to the quality of your services.

Yard Cleaner

Okay, this might not be one for the faint of heart. But many owners would love to be rid of the practical responsibilities of owning a pet so they can focus on the love and affection.

If you have a strong stomach and a strong back, cleaning up pet mess in yards is a good earner. You don’t need too much specialist equipment for it, either. It’s not the most glamorous of the options on this list, but it’s of definite value for pet owners.

Toymaker

If there’s anything more idyllic than working with pets, it might be making toys for a living. So why not combine the two?

Many pet toys are the product of faceless companies churning them out on assembly. There’s no care, no soul, and not even a guarantee that they’re using pet-safe methods.

As an artisan pet toymaker, you can guarantee all three. And the only thing more wholesome than giving toys to children is giving toys to good boys.

Prestige will help you make a profit here, too. When it comes to handmade goods, skill adds value above and beyond the cost of materials, and that’s where you can make the real money.

Pet Bakery

If there’s one business where artisans will always win out, it’s in food. There’s no level of mass production to match the care and attention of a dedicated bakery.

Many pet owners want the absolute best for their companions. Special treats, cakes, cookies, you name it — they just want to spoil their fur babies.

Much like being a toymaker, starting a pet bakery gives you a chance to deliver the kind of quality that comes from the heart.

Pet Business Ideas You Can Start Today

See what we mean? These are pet business ideas you can use to start a business today. There are plenty more out there, too. If you have your heart set on working with animals, there’s no better time to start than right now.

Looking for more business ideas? Why not take a look at our blog?