Category: Frugal Living Tips

The Top 10 Ideas for the Perfect Wedding Backdrop!

January 4, 2020 Frugal Living Tips

Each year, about 2 million people end up getting married to their significant other.

If you are one of those 2 million people, you’ll soon realize that planning a wedding takes a lot of work. One of the things you’ll have to work on is finding a backdrop for your wedding.

Set the stage and bring out your best side(s) with these 10 amazing wedding backdrop ideas.

1. Bohemian Wedding Backdrop

If you want a Bohemian or rustic wedding, a Bohemian wedding backdrop will really be elegant, unique, and romantic.

You can use this backdrop behind your head table or even at the altar. You can find some and have them custom made to fit whatever size you need.

The muted colors of this backdrop will be sure to fit your wedding aesthetic though.

2. Classic Wooden Arch

If you want to stick with some classics, you can never go wrong with a wooden arch.

If you want a rustic or more farmhouse-style wedding, this will really help to complete the look.

What could be better than saying your vows, and slipping a custom wedding ring on your significant other’s finger under this arch?

3. Chalkboard Wedding Backdrop

If you want a backdrop that is a little more customized, you can always choose a chalkboard as your backdrop.

You can get a giant chalkboard that can also double as a photo booth wall. You can write whatever you want on it, like the date, the names of you and your partner, and even other fun facts!

This black chalkboard will capture all of your memories and look great in all of your wedding photos.

4. Sequins Fabric Backdrop

Sequins are also very sexy, and if you have them hung on a black cloth, they can really help complete the look of your wedding.

You can use this behind the bar or the DJ board. As usual, you can also use this as a very cute photo booth backdrop.

The black will help keep it from standing out too much, but anytime the sequins catch the light, they’ll start to glitter, adding something special to your wedding.

5. Classic Outdoor Backdrop

If you are having an outdoor wedding ceremony, you may want to skip an artificial backdrop and use what you have available.

To keep with the outdoor theme, you may want to weave flowers and branches together. You could also find some ferns and glue them onto a palette for your backdrop.

Visit the venue of your wedding and see what you have available that you could use. You want something that will stand out but also still tie in with the nature theme.

6. Ivory Fabric Curtain

You can never go wrong with a simple white background.

This offers a clean, minimalist slate with nothing distracting. It will feel bright and airy and maybe even relaxing. Plus, they can offer some gorgeous wedding photos.

You can use the soft backdrop for anything, but it would probably look best as the backdrop to your ceremony.

If you want to make it even more romantic, you could hang some curtain lights beneath it.

7. Shabby Chic Arch

If you don’t want a classic wooden arch, you can also make your own shabby chic arch.

If you have someone who’s great with power tools, this will be really easy to make. Just build a simple arch structure, and then paint it white or pale pink.

You can then go shopping to find an old chandelier, preferably one that has a lot of crystals. That way the light will hit it just right and make everything more romantic.

Then you can hang a sheer curtain along the back of it, and tie the whole thing together with some lace ribbons.

8. Canvas Sign

If you want something more personalized but don’t want the chalkboard, you could also get a canvas sign.

You can add some watercolor designs onto the back of it if you need inspiration, but really you can design it however you want. You could just hang a blank canvas to have a more minimalist chic look as well.

9. Paper Craft Backdrop

If you want something that is cheap and more DIY, you could bust out the scissors and start doing some papercrafts.

You can make an aqua disc “curtain,” and all you’ll need is some twine, card stock, and a paper punch.

If you have a small space and just want to highlight the altar, this is a great way to do it. You can hang your paper creations from the ceiling or hang them off the wall for a 3D effect.

This backdrop is perfect for holiday weddings, but you can also use it year-round.

10. Curtain Lights

As we said above, curtain lights can really help to set the mood for your wedding.

This is another DIY backdrop that you can do. Go and find some somewhat sheer curtains and also grab some soft, white lights. You can find ones that sparkle if you really want to take it up a notch.

Then, you can drape the curtains behind the altar, and then hang up the lights right behind them. The sheerness of the curtain will help to give the lights a soft, romantic glow. It will also look amazing for your wedding photos.

Find Your Perfect Wedding Backdrop Today!

These are only a few of the wedding backdrop ideas out there. There are so many more that would be perfect to fit your dream wedding.

Before you find a backdrop though, you’ll need to make sure you book a venue and have an idea of what you want your wedding to look like.

If you enjoyed this article, make sure you check out our website for others just like it!

What Is the Cost to Travel Around Australia Once You’ve Arrived?

January 4, 2020 Travel and Vacations

In 2018, there were over 9.5 million visitors to Australia. That’s about a 1 million person increase from the previous year. No doubt about it: the time to travel to Australia is now.

We know that it can be expensive to get to Australia. But what is the cost to travel around Australia once you’re there? Is it expensive?

It doesn’t have to be! Learn all about the various methods to travel around Australia once you’ve arrived.

Travel by Plane

Traveling by plane to get around Australia is the fastest, but it’s also likely to be the most expensive. The average cost of a flight in Australia is $30 per 100 kilometers (about 62 miles).

Additionally, planes usually only travel between the larger state and regional cities. So if you want to see the iconic destinations, it’s perfect. But if you want to see the coast or smaller towns along the way, this won’t be your transportation of choice.

Most travel distances are only about 2 hours by plane. If you’re traveling far, like from Sydney to Perth, you’ll likely need to take a plane, since they’re more than 2500 miles apart.

Travel by Train

Trains are a nice way to travel because they’re a great way to take in the scenery as you travel. Of course, it’s also slower than air travel, less convenient than traveling by car, and more expensive than traveling by bus.

Unfortunately, the train system isn’t very extensive and might not take you where you need to go. And it can get pricey. For example, it will cost almost $700 go from Sydney to Perth and it will take you more than 60 hours!

Some opt for a train adventure. Doing this, you’ll pay a set price and get a nice cabin, accommodation, meals, and excursions. Most of these journeys cost over $1,000.

But trains for day trips are a viable and more affordable option. There are several trips that you can take that are only a few hours long and cost less than $50.

Travel by Bus

Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest options to get around. Unfortunately, it also means you have to stick to the bus timetables.

East coast buses are relatively inexpensive. They’re usually about $35, or you can take a night bus for around $70. It’s not the most comfortable or luxurious option, but it’s a cheap and easy way to get around.

The west coast is quite a bit pricier and it may be cheaper to fly in and out. A Greyhound pass can cost you more than $500.

Travel by Car

Finally, you can rent a car. This option is inexpensive and offers the most flexibility. You can go wherever you want whenever you want. Use a car hire directly from the airport and reap the benefits immediately.

Car rental starts as little as $25 per day. The longer you rent your car, the cheaper the daily rate. You can keep your belongings with you instead of stowing them away and worrying about their whereabouts.

Don’t forget about the cost of fueling your vehicle. A full tank will set you back $70-80 there, so add that in to your budget when planning the cost to travel around Australia.

Now You Know the Cost to Travel Around Australia!

Now you know the cost to travel around Australia! Looking for more travel tips for your next adventure? Bookmark LL World Tour for all the latest travel news and tips.

What Are Gastroenterologists and When Should You Visit One?

December 31, 2019 Health & Fitness

Poor digestive health affects millions of Americans each year. In fact, they’re the primary diagnosis for approximately eight million emergency room visitors.

Do you struggle with poor digestion? Have you ever considered seeing a specialist or wondered if certain gastroenterology procedures could help?

If you answered “yes” to those questions, read on to learn more about what gastroenterologists do and when you ought to consider seeing one.

Gastroenterologists: What Are They and What Do They Do?

A gastroenterologist is a type of medical doctor. They specialize in diagnosing and treating health problems that affect the digestive tract. This includes the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestines, and the biliary system (which includes the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts).

Gastroenterologists are different from gastroenterologist surgeons, who are responsible for operating on these parts of the body. They still undergo extensive schooling, though, in order to treat patients struggling with digestive disorders and provide them with the care they need.

When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?

Because a gastroenterologist is a type of medical specialist, not everyone needs to work with one. This is true even when they’re experiencing digestive problems. Many mild digestive issues can be addressed by a general practitioner.

There are certain situations in which a gastroenterologist’s help is definitely needed, though, including the following:

Severe Constipation

Occasional constipation does not require a specialist’s assistance. If you aren’t having a bowel movement at least three times per week, though, and have had this problem for several weeks or months on end, you need to consider working with a gastroenterologist.

Severe Diarrhea

The same goes for diarrhea.

If you’ve had diarrhea for a prolonged period of time, you aren’t dealing with something like a little food poisoning. You could be experiencing something serious, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (or IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (or IBD).

A gastroenterologist will help you get to the root of the issue and figure out the proper protocol for managing it.

Prolonged Heartburn

Long-term heartburn can be a symptom of conditions like IBS and IBD. Working with a gastroenterologist will allow you to determine whether or not another health problem is contributing to your heartburn. They can also prescribe medications and lifestyle changes that will help you to get it under control.

Gallstones

If you suspect that you’re experiencing gallstones, you need to see a gastroenterologist. They can let you know whether or not you need to have your gallbladder removed, as well as what other steps you can take to address your pain and learn what’s causing your symptoms.

Colonoscopies

Gastroenterologists also perform colonoscopies, which involve using a special camera to examine the large intestine (or colon). If you’re over the age of 50, or if you suffer from severe digestive problems, you may need a colonoscopy to find out what’s going on or to screen for potential diseases.

Cancer Screenings

You’ll also need to visit a gastroenterologist to have screenings performed for cancers of the digestive tract. They have the tools and knowledge necessary to perform these screenings and let you know whether or not you have any cause for concern.

Ulcers

If you suspect that you have ulcers, or burning sores in the stomach and/or intestine, a gastroenterologist can help. They can evaluate your symptoms and check to see if an ulcer or something else is causing your symptoms.

Severe Bloating

People who experience severe bloating on a consistent basis have something going on with their digestive system. It’s not normal to feel bloated every day or every time you eat. Gastroenterologists can help you learn what’s causing your bloating and get to the bottom of the problem.

Bloody Stool

A gastroenterologist can also help you figure out what’s causing problems with your stool. If you notice blood in your stool, that’s a sign that something’s not right with your digestion. A gastroenterologist will determine what’s causing the problem and provide you with the assistance you need to feel well again.

Choosing the Right Gastroenterologist

Now that you have a clearer answer to the questions “What does a gastroenterologist do?” and “What kind of conditions does a gastroenterologist treat?”, you might have decided that you need to see one for assistance with your health problems.

You know when to see a gastroenterologist, but you might still be wondering how to choose the right one. Listed below are some tips to help you sort through your options and find the best gastroenterologist for your needs:

Ask for a referral from a friend, family member, or your primary care physician
Do some research to learn about their credentials and ensure they’re board-certified
Find out about their experience and the types of gastroenterology procedures they typically perform
Think about their gender and whether you prefer to work with a doctor who’s the same sex as you
Learn about the hospital where they work or their private practice and the type of care they provide
Schedule a consultation to learn about their communication style and see how you get along
Look up online reviews to see what past patients have to say
Consider your insurance coverage and make sure their services will be covered (unless you want to pay a lot of money out of pocket)

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you begin searching for a gastroenterologist. If you follow these guidelines, though, you’ll be less daunted when it comes to making a decision.

Time to Use Your New Knowledge

Now that you know more about gastroenterologists, the work they do, and when you need to see one, what do you think? Could a gastrointestinal doctor provide you with the assistance you need to get a handle on your stomach problems?

If you’re convinced that they can, keep the tips listed above in mind. They’ll help you ensure you’re able to find the right doctor for your needs.

Don’t forget to check out some of the health section of our site as well. You’ll find lots of great resources there, including tips on how to save money when going to the doctor.

How To Choose The Right Probiotic Products For Your Daily Routine

December 30, 2019 Health & Fitness

The probiotic products industry is growing steadily and will likely reach over $77 billion by the year 2024. People are turning to probiotics very rapidly to help them manage gut issues and other health problems.

But despite their popularity, how do you choose the right probiotic? After all, there’s still much to discover about these friendly bacteria, you don’t want to risk selecting a product that’s not helpful.

Keep reading to learn more about the best way to pick a probiotic supplement that’s right for you?

What Are Probiotics, Anyway?

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that live in your gut or intestines. One of the benefits of probiotics is that they boost your immune system. You can get probiotics into your body by eating fermented foods such as yogurt or sauerkraut, or you can take a supplement.

Some research suggests that they aid in the management of certain ailments like anxiety, diarrhea, constipation, and even heart health.

Choosing the Best Probiotic Products

Taking probiotics doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few tips to get you started!

1. Decide Why

First, decide why you want to take probiotics. Do you feel you struggle with eating healthy foods? Is there a medical issue you think can be resolved by taking probiotics?

Understanding the reason behind your desire to consume probiotics will help you be more choosey when it comes to picking a brand or a strain.

2. Try Foods First

While taking a supplement is fine, one of the best ways to populate your gut with friendly bacteria is to eat fermented foods.

This includes foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and miso. Whole foods first are always the best route before supplements.

Eating prebiotic foods like beans, onions, and bananas, make your gut more hospitable for probiotics to flourish.

3. Be Picky

There are many different strains of probiotics and they each perform different tasks.

For example, lactobacillus paracasei supports the digestive system and boosts energy, while Bifidobacterium may relieve constipation.

Not only should you be picky about the particular strain, but also about the ingredients in the supplements. Make sure the product has been thoroughly researched and reviewed before making your choice.

4. It Takes Time

Don’t be surprised if you find a probiotic that you think will work for you, only to find you need a different kind. Much of taking probiotics is trial and error because each person has a unique gut flora.

Try not to get discouraged! There are so many products to choose from that you’re likely to find exactly what you’re looking for.

If you need to, ask your doctor if they have any recommendations.

5. Side Effects

Any time you begin taking a new supplement or medication, side effects usually occur. With probiotics, common side effects are often bloating and gas as your body becomes accustomed to them.

Again, don’t get discouraged! These symptoms are usually good indications that the probiotics are effective. If your symptoms don’t disappear, ask your doctor about switching brands or strains.

Friendly Bacteria to The Rescue!

Probiotic products are numerous and difficult to sift through at the store. But with these few tips, you can easily make a choice that will greatly benefit your health!

Want to learn how to be more frugal? Check our websites today for some top-notch money-saving tips!

What Percentage of My Income Should I Save for the Family Vacation?

December 23, 2019 Travel and Vacations

Around 40 percent of Americans say that they aren’t going on vacation this year because they cannot afford the cost.

But, you don’t simply need to accept that you cannot afford to get away with the family. Of course, the expense of going on vacation can be huge.

And yet, you’re probably asking yourself the question – what percentage of my income should I save to go on vacation?

Here’s our guide to putting money away for your travel plans below. Check it out below!

Start Budgeting in Your Daily Life

There are tried and tested methods for budgeting your income in your daily life. This ensures that you don’t spend more than you can afford.

Moreover, if you follow the rules of budgeting, you’ll also be able to save a little bit at the end of each month for your vacation.

The most popular budget type is dividing up your expenses in necessities, wants, and future savings. This ought to be distributed by 50% for necessities, 30% for wants, and around 20% for savings.

You could allocate your vacation spending to either your wants or your savings. This probably depends on your financial circumstances.

Check out PayStubs.net to ensure that you can afford to go on vacation from your monthly paycheck.

Estimate Your Vacation Budget

You need to work out the amount you want to spend on your family vacation. This could be your dream travel experience or a budget-friendly trip.

Make sure that you browse the web for the best deals on flights, accommodations, and entertainment. You don’t want to spend more than you have to.

This should allow you to calculate how much you need to spend on your biggest expenses on vacation. However, don’t forget the costs of eating out, transportation, and fun activities.

Determine Your Priorities

When you’re considering how much you need to spend your income on vacations, you have to think about what is most important to you.

If you really want to go to Disney World, you may only be able to afford a few days rather than a week. However, if you prefer a week’s vacation, you need to rethink your destination.

Everyone has different priorities when they’re on vacation. Once you know yours, you can determine how you’re going to spend your budget.

How to Save Money on Family Vacation?

There are dozens of ways to save money while on vacation.

Do you find eating out in restaurants too costly? Hire an apartment, shop for groceries, and cook for the family instead.

You can usually afford to go on vacation as long as you make some cuts to your expenses while you’re on your traveling trip.

What Percentage of My Income Should I Save for a Family Vacation?

If you want to save for your family vacation, you need to set aside money each month to ensure that you have enough to enjoy a getaway at the end of the year.

Now you know the answer to the question “What percentage of my income should I save for a family vacation?”, you can concentrate on planning your trip.

Do you want to know more helpful money-saving tips? Check out our blog here!

How to Design and Send Funeral Invitations

December 12, 2019 Frugal Living Tips

Planning a funeral can cause life to become very overwhelming, so smaller details tend to get lost in the mix. One of those things would be sending out the invites.

This is a common mishap but it shouldn’t be something that creates more anxiety. If you’re having difficulty, keep reading to check out these simple and easy tips on how to design and send out funeral invitations.

Choosing a Design Template

There are plenty of apps and online software that can help you create funeral invitations seamlessly. The main factor you need to choose is the particular template that you’ll be using. Typically the template designs and styles will already be appropriate for an occasion like this.

Think about special colors, fonts or prints (flowers, birds, etc.) that you are already using during the service, such as on the obituaries or any specific decor. Use these elements to make everything more cohesive.

What to Include

Having to send out funeral invitations will always be a difficult task. However, there are some things to remember to include on them to make sure that your guests are aware of everything that they need to do to participate in the event.

Date & Time

Be very clear on the starting time for all of the services during the funeral. For instance, if your process includes a viewing make sure you state that separately and concisely enough on the invitation so as not to confuse others. Also, write out the day of the week and the numerical date so that people will not forget and in case of any typos that slip through the cracks.

Location/Venue

Giving accurate addresses and directions for where the funeral and any other part of the service will be is very important. Pay attention to whether there are any landmarks around that may help people to find the location better. Also make sure that there aren’t any other places close enough for someone to confuse them, such as another church with a similar name within a few blocks radius.

It might be helpful to keep an indicator outside, such as a bouquet of balloons or order funeral flowers online, and tell people to look for this as they pull up to the venue to be certain that they are at the correct place.

Don’t forget to let people know about burial sites and repass locations if applicable.

Special Attire

Every religion and culture has different ways of mourning their loved ones that have passed on. During some ceremonies, guests are required to wear specific attire to show respect for the family. Sometimes people even choose to wear a special dress code, such as their loved one’s favorite color, to show honor and unity amongst all family and friends.

Be specific with attire that will and will not be permitted during the ceremony. People will understand that this is something important and sacred to your family.

Details of Deceased

This may be one of the harder parts to write on funeral invitations but it is very common and respectable to give people some details on someone that was dear to them. You don’t need to go too in-depth but including the date of death and sometimes the cause can be included as well.

You may also want to include their date of birth. Again, these details are optional and don’t need to be too descriptive.

A Photo

Some funeral invitations are very basic and straight to the point. This is a fine route to take. However, you may also want to make it a little bit more personalized then adding a photo of the person who has passed away would be a perfect touch.

Typically people find photos of them at their happiest moments so that people can remember them that way. You may also want to use multiple photos, both older and younger, to help people recognize them, as someone guests may not have known them as long as others.

Quote/Phrase/Poem Line (Optional)

This is another optional addition to add to funeral invitations but it definitely does add a good feel to something is will already be challenging for most people to process. Consider adding the person’s favorite quote or phrase. Possibly something that they were known for saying.

You can also use a line from a poem or song that resonates or reminds people of their dear friend or family member.

Contact Details

You’ll also want to add some contact details for people to get back to you. Many people will be moved to call, visit and send messages, money, flowers, cards and words of encouragement. They may also just have some general questions about the funeral arrangements.

Include the name, number, address and/or email address of the person that is the point of contact.

Special Requests (Optional)

If the family has any special requests that they would like to ask guests for, such as donations, then be sure to include that on the funeral invitations as well. Be specific on what items may be needed at this time to allow people to help out easier.

Sending Out Invites

The most traditional way to send out the memorial service invitations would be mailing the envelopes individually. Collect names and addresses of everyone that you can think to invite. You may need to call or try locating an address book if the person kept one.

Another easy way is by sending them out online. There are a variety of services that allow you to send virtual funeral invitations without any hassle.

Take the Stress Off Funeral Invitations

Designing and sending out funeral invitations doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Create a list of things to add from the guide given above and write out the details that you’d like to include before you start making them

Remember to be as clear as possible with details. Say thank you to everyone and show your appreciation of their support.

For more helpful articles check out the family life section of our blog.

5 Key Tips for Visiting Greece on a Budget

December 9, 2019 Travel and Vacations

There are many reasons to visit Greece, Athena the Goddess Wisdom, the Parthenon, and the breathtaking Agean sea. Like many, you may be dreaming of a Greek vacation but is there a way to see Greece on a budget?

The answer is yes, with a little planning and some insider knowledge you can take in all the wonder of Greece without breaking the bank.

When traveling on a budget, the first thing you have to do is plan. So grab a notebook and a computer and get to work.

1. Getting There

Getting there is a big expense depending on where you live, however, it doesn’t have to be. Check out travelo.gr to find inexpensive flights from locations abroad. You can also use them to travel once you arrive in-country.

2. Rent a Car

Grabbing a cab everywhere you want to go can get expensive fast. When you rent a car you can see more of the area on your time and at a much lower price.

3. Get Travel Insurance

I know you may be thinking this isn’t a good way to spend your limited funds, but you would be amazed at how inexpensive it is. Things happen, and if it does happen this way you are saving the rest of your travel funds versus spending it to get home.

4. Accommodations

You have lots of options here. You can really get to know Greece by exploring some of the out of the way islands and cities. When you stay in Athens, or in Mykonos you can expect to pay higher prices than in other more remote locations.

Hostels are a great way to stay inexpensively, but if you aren’t interested in sharing accommodations explore AirBnBs. If you really want to see a larger city say on the outskirts and drive into the city for the day.

5. Travel in Low Season

Traveling in the low season requires some pre-planning. Not everything is open during the low season so you will want to check in advance. Also, the low season in Greece can be cold and rainy so dress accordingly. But if your budget is tight this is a great way to see the history of the country in an economic way.

Not to mention you don’t have to fight as many crowds when you explore the natural wonders that Greece has to offer.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out. It is cheaper to eat like a local and a lot more fun. Focus on taking pictures, verses buying souvenirs as a way to document your trip. And slow down, there is a lot to see in this historical section of the world.