Friends that hang together, stay together.

Girl’s night out is an essential part of any woman’s coming of age. Your sistren revitalize you and remind you of how great you are. They make it so you can leap back into the grind of life with an invigorated mind and spirit.

Keep reading to discover 5 must-do girls night out ideas.

Tea Party (But with Booze)

Okay, so you can leave out the booze. When you wanna hang with your sister from another mister, why not try a good ole fashion tea time. Dress up like someone else and get out the good china.

Make it an Alice in Wonderland girl’s night theme or Pride and Prejudice. Do this at home and have each friend bring some baked goodies to share. To avoid the cleanup after, try a local restaurant venue instead.

A monthly gathering will nurture your relationship for years to come.

Pretend You’re on a Jewel Heist

Or an astronaut on Mars or an escaped prisoner. When you sign up for an escape room, all these themes are possible. Escape games started in Japan in 2007 and caught on like wildfire around the world. 

You and your friends get an hour to figure out how to escape the room using hidden clues. Working together, you move through a series of rooms or break out of one large room. It’s sure to frustrate and tickle you in equal measure.

Make sure you bring the smart one.

Spa Party

A Spa party is the grown-up version of the infamous slumber party. Go out with your friends to a spa and get massages, facials, and mani/pedis. If you are a fan of keeping your money, stay home and do each other’s nails while you listen to music from a decade ago.

Try doing DIY makeovers while watching YouTube. When you’re exhausted from prettying yourselves, pass out on the couch and floor under a blanket fort.

Paint and Sip

Paint and Sip nights are popping up in cities all over the country. Ladies are going out in droves to paint classes where they are served wine. These nights are sure to be full of laughs as you exercise your creative side.

Most classes are family friendly but some are adults-only events. At the adults-only versions, male-strippers hand out wine and drinks in the buff.

Binge Party

There’s nothing wrong with a good old fashion movie marathon to keep things simple. Pop some corn and cuddle up with your bestie while you catch up on the last 5 seasons of your favorite show.

Easily combine binge night with a night of baking cakes and DIY beauty.

The Best Girls Night Out Ideas

Endorphins released during laughter, storytelling, and singing, play a role in strengthening your friend-bond. What does this mean? It means friendship is good for your health.

So if your searching for girls night out ideas, remember that as long as you’re having a good time, you’re doing it right.

Click the link for some natural soap recipes to try with your homies this weekend.

Comfortability doesn’t always have to come at a high price. Looking for comfortable shoes that don’t break the bank? It might not be the easiest task, but we’re here to help.

Having a good pair of comfortable shoes does more for your body than just a nice cushion on your feet. Wearing comfortable shoes keeps other parts of your body from having to overcompensate, which is good for overall health. So spending a little more money is definitely worth it.

But you don’t need to empty your entire wallet to find the best comfort. If you’ve been searching for the most comfortable shoes for women, then look no further. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 most comfortable women’s shoes.

Keep reading to learn more.

1. Fila Women’s Kimber Slip Resistant Shoes

A simple pair of flats can go a long way. They’re perfect for a quick slip on when running late to work. Or, pair them with jeans and a tee for a more casual look. 

Flats are pretty versatile. But they’re sometimes uncomfortable. So for a good pair of comfortable flats, check out the Fila Women’s Kimber Slip Resistant flats.

These flats are great on the job shoes as they provide a slip-resistant sole. And they are filled with plenty of cushion on the inside so your feet will be happy even at the end of a long day. All of these qualities are awesome, but what’s the best thing about them?

The price. These flats are available for only $34!

2. Anne Klein AK Sport Women’s Petra Suede Loafer Flat 

If loafers are more your style, then you’ll want to check out Anne Klein’s AK Sport Women’s Petra Suede Loafer flats. For only $62 on Amazon, you get an amazingly comfortable shoe. These shoes are embedded with iFlex technology for added support and comfort.

They’re black suede with a fashionable silver buckle on top. Purchasing these Anne Klein loafer flats means saying goodbye to compromise. You get comfort, function, and style all in one shoe! 

3. Ecco Women’s Soft 5 Mary Jane 

The Ecco Women’s Soft 5 Mary Jane shoe is one of the most comfortable shoes for women. These slip-on shoes have a velcro strap on top and small holes throughout the sides for easy breathing. They’re super lightweight so you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.

You can get them on Amazon for $59. And with all the extra support, comfort, and breathability, these Ecco shoes are worth the buy!

4. Clarks Women’s Kinzie Light Skimmer

For a cute slip-on flat that offers a cushioned OrthoLite footbed and great arch support, look into Clarks Women’s Kinzie Light Skimmer flats. They’re made with leather, suede, or a leather combo. These shoes are super stylish with a cute black buckle on top and textile lining.

For $37 you’ll be styling comfortably. 

And with all the added support, they’re great for flat feet. Learn more on what shoes are best for flat feet! 

5. Crocs Unisex Bistro Pro Clog

Crocs are a great shoe for working in hospitals, kitchens, and more. But they’re also good for everyday wear. And the Bistro Pro Clog Crocs are a comfortable option that can be worn by both men and women. 

For late night cooking at home, throw these shoes on for optimal comfort rather than standing on a hard tile surface. You can purchase these Crocs online on places like Amazon for just $24!

6. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low II Sneaker

Converse isn’t usually known to be one of the most comfortable shoe brands. But that’s all about to change.

Take everything you believe about converse sneakers and toss it out the window, except for how fashionable they are of course! Still stylish, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low II Sneakers have taken comfort to a whole new level. They’re made with much more cushioning than the average converse.

And they have an elastic tongue and better floor gripping soles. They’re a great pair of shoes for a long work day or an enjoyable day out on the town. Pick them up on Amazon starting at only $19!

7. Ugg Sammy Sneaker

These vibrant knit flats are cool, stylish, and have a super chill vibe. Made by Ugg, the Sammy Sneakers aren’t a furry boot, but they are just as cozy. You can find yourself a pair for around $45 on sale. 

The knitted material is great for a day at the beach or a day at the grocery store. And they’re available in a variety of colors.

8. Allbird’s Merino Wool Sneakers

Do you wish it were socially acceptable to hang out in public wearing your slippers all day? Well, now it can be. The Allbird’s Merino Wool Sneakers look like sneakers but feel like your favorite pair of slippers. 

For $95 you can get a slipper and sneaker all in one. The outsole is designed with an “S-Curve” that helps support your weight in a more natural way. And the wool keeps your feet comfy and warm. 

9. Nike Free RN Trainer

When traveling or needing to pack a pair of sneakers in your bag for any reason, you’ll want to choose the Nike Free RN Trainer. They’re super light and easy to carry along with you. You can find them on sale for as low as $67.

They’re cushioned on the inside and even have a cushioned tongue and collar. The colors are endless, so you’ll have no problem choosing the right style for you.

10. OluKai’s Crisscrossed Leather Pair

If you thought that there was no way a cute pair of sandals would be on our list of the most comfortable shoes, prepare to be amazed! The OluKai’s Crisscrossed Leather Pair of Sandals is all you need on your vacation to the tropics or day out on the town. They’re made with a footbed that contorts to your foot’s shape.

So the more you wear them, the more comfortable that they become. They come in plenty of color options so there’s something for everyone. And you can grab yourself a pair for $90.

The Most Comfortable Shoes For Women Don’t Have to Cost You an Arm & a Leg

Some of the most comfortable shoes for women come at an affordable price. So don’t become discouraged when looking for the right pair of comfy shoes for you. Whether you need a cute pair of flats or an all-day sneaker, there’s an option for you. 

Keep this guide in mind when shopping around. And for more great ways on how to budget your money, check out our blog on the top 5 reasons to use an expense tracker. Click here to learn more.  

Americans spent roughly $340 billion dollars on home remodeling in 2018, a number expected to grow by more than seven percent in 2019. If you’re planning to join the ranks of the fixer-uppers, it pays to know what you’re getting into.

Renovations can be expensive. In fact, the average price for a kitchen reno is $23,307. A bathroom remodel costs, on average,$10,301. We’ve put together our top home renovation tips and 13 ways to save money on your next project.

1. Set Your Budget

The easiest way to keep your costs from spiraling out of control is to decide up front how much money you can spend. Then when you’re looking for appliances, fixtures or flooring, you’ll know right away if you can afford to do everything you want to.

Here’s a kitchen remodeling budget you can use as a guide for creating your own. 

Tip: pay cash for everything to avoid interest charges on your credit cards. You’ll also be much less likely to impulse buy an expensive light fixture if you have to hand over the cash.

2. Do Your Research

Once you have your budget set, start window shopping for the items you’ll need. Get a sense of the prices by looking both on line and in stores. A lot of people underestimate the price of kitchen cabinets or counter tops. Hint: granite can be expensive! 

Research the prices of the items you really, really want and then see if you can find something nearly identical for less. You might be surprised how many look-a-like faucets there are.

3. Hire a Professional 

This seems counter-intuitive to your goal of saving money, but a contractor can save you money in the long run, especially if this is your first major renovation. Contractors will know what permits you’ll need from your local government, for example. They’ll also be able to tell you if that wall you want to knock down is load-bearing and therefore, an extremely expensive project.

Get bids from three reputable contractors and check their license.

Tip: Hire a contractor and do the work during the off-season. If you live in an area that gets a lot of ice and snow during the winter, contractors don’t get as much work. You might be able to negotiate a lower price, if you hire a contractor during the slow months.

4. Reuse and Recycle

You save a lot of money if you’re willing to re-purpose cabinetry. If you’re renovating your kitchen and bathroom, see if you can use the old kitchen cabinets in the bathroom. They may just need a coat of paint and some new hardware.

Even if you have to cut them down to fit, it will still be much less expensive than buying a whole new set.

If you’re only remodeling your kitchen, you might just need to refinish or repaint the existing cabinets. Fresh paint and new handles can make old cabinets look brand new.  You might also remove some of the old cabinets and replace them with open shelving.

Tip: Cut the center out of an old cabinet door and replace it with a glass pane for an upgrade that only looks expensive.

5. Don’t Pay Full Price

You can save a pile of money by shopping at salvage warehouses, auctions and at resale stores. Habitat For Humanity ReStores are filled with new or nearly new building materials, light fixtures and appliances. Many of the items are donated by builders who simply ordered too many sinks or bathtubs.

Check on those buy/sell/trade websites. It’s not unusual to find a set of bathroom cabinets or a box of hardware listed for a fraction of the cost to buy new.

If you’re looking for specific building materials, ask your contractor exactly what he needs. Then, shop around for the best price and order it yourself. You’ll avoid paying the contractor to shop, along with any additional costs he may add to the product.

6. Pick up Your Supplies

You can save a small fortune by picking everything up, rather than having them delivered. Unless you can negotiate free delivery, you’re going to save money by lugging everything home yourself. Most of the big box stores rent trucks by the hour, which will be much less expensive then paying the store to deliver your items.

7. Don’t Move Plumbing

Moving a sink from one side of the room to another or relocating the bathtub can add thousands of dollars to your project. If possible, preserve the original footprint of the room and avoid having to re-pipe the whole thing.

8. Plan for Standard Sizes

If you’re replacing doors and windows, use stock or standard sizes whenever possible. You’re going to save money if you can simply pop in a new door, rather than have to cut it down or order one custom built.

9. DIY 

The more you can do yourself, the more money you’ll save. It really depends on your experience. Painting is relatively easy to do, even if you’ve never repainted a room before. Wiring and plumbing, however, require a specific skill set and in many cases, a professional license. 

For basic projects, you can find a ton of information and how-to videos on line. If you’ve never replaced a bathroom faucet, you can watch a video that will walk you through it step-by-step.

We even have some great tutorials on our blog. Here’s one that’ll walk you through concrete stamping, if you’re looking to spruce up the outside of your home. 

10. Sell What You’re Getting Rid Of

If you’re replacing light fixtures or cabinets, don’t toss them. Take a few pictures and try to sell them on sites like OfferUp or even Facebook Marketplace. You won’t get full value for them, but you might make enough money to pay for upgraded faucets for your newly remodeled bathroom.

If you don’t want the hassle of selling, donate your old items. Habitat’s ReStores accept donations of materials that are still in working order. You’ll even get a tax deduction for donating to a nonprofit.

11. Do the Prep Work Yourself

The biggest cost in a home remodel is often labor, so why not save some money and do a lot of the prep work yourself? If you’re having your living room repainted, you can prep the walls yourself.

Wipe them down with a lint-free cloth and fill in any nail holes or scratches with a little spackling putty. Then, sand the area where you filled in the holes and wipe it down again to remove the dust. It may take several hours to prep the walls, so you could save hundreds of dollars doing it yourself. 

12. Improve Your Lighting Without Adding Windows

Before you start knocking holes in the walls to let in the light, play around with light fixtures. By adding a few ceiling lights or floor lamps, you can save hundreds of dollars. Even if you need to pay someone to wire your ceiling, it’s still cheaper than having new windows installed.

13. One of Our Best Home Renovation Tips – Focus on Cosmetic Upgrades

If you’re working with a limited budget, you might not have the money for a full renovation. There are plenty of ways to update your space without remodeling it.

Inexpensive lamps can brighten up a bedroom, along with some new curtains and pillows for the bed. While you’re at it, go ahead and replace your bedding. Shop the sales for inexpensive sheets and comforters. Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to buy a mattress or get it home. Most places will deliver the new one and take your old away.

Wrapping It Up

We’ve got some other great home renovation tips on our blog, including a few ways to spruce up the inside of your home using design tips from the experts!

We’re all familiar with the dreaded dental visits. The sound of drilling, the possible pain after a visit, and that gigantic needle filled with novocaine.

Whether it’s an abscessed tooth that needs attention, applying crowns or getting a root canal, the cost of oral surgery can be quite daunting, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover everything.

Before you head to your dentist or oral surgeon, take a look at these five important factors that can play a big role in determining the final cost. 

1. A Tooth Extraction Can Cost You

To sum it up nicely, a tooth extraction simply means your dentist needs to pull your tooth or several teeth. While it seems simple enough, the cost can vary depending on a number of factors.

Most teeth extractions range anywhere from less than $100 to several hundred dollars per tooth. However, if your teeth are impacted, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity as well as other factors like your location.

2. Your Dental Insurance Matters

If you have dental insurance, it can cover the cost of a variety of services like cleanings and x-rays, but oral surgery can throw a wrench into the claims process.

Take a close look at your current dental insurance plan to make sure you’re covered for more complex procedures. If you have any questions, call your provider in advance to be clear or what you can expect will be covered.

A lack of dental coverage or a plan that doesn’t offer many benefits for oral surgery can leave you footing a hefty bill.

3. Location Can Affect the Cost of Oral Surgery

Believe it or not, where you live can have an impact on how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your oral surgery.

People who live in large urban areas might end up paying a lot more than someone who lives in a small rural town. Or, you may find dental costs are higher in less populated regions due to the lack of services available.

4. Complex Problems Equal Rising Costs

While most procedures are fairly cut-and-dry, there are a few factors that could make the cost of oral surgery go higher. Some of these include:

• Impacted teeth
• Wisdom teeth removal
• Cracked or fragile teeth that need removal or reinforcement
• Exposed root tips
• A dense jaw bone

Your dentist will easily be able to identify any unforeseen problems before the surgery begins. Ask them about potential rises in cost as the procedure progresses. In some cases, you might be able to opt for an alternative treatment other than oral surgery to keep your expenses lower.

5. Aftercare Adds Up

After your oral surgery, there are still a few costs to keep in mind. You’ll most likely get prescription medication for pain and swelling, and that cost will be heavily dependent on what your insurance covers.

If you end up dealing with problems like dry sockets or an infection, you’ll have to return to the dentist which will result in additional bills.

Be Dentally Diligent

By taking good care of your teeth and reading all of your insurance documentation, you’ll be better prepared to know the cost of oral surgery in advance.

For more information about managing your money including tips on saving on healthcare, be sure to visit our blog. 

What’s the best place to buy alcohol? 

In your mind, it’s whatever spot offers you the best deal. Just because you’re on a bit of a budget doesn’t mean that you’re willing to sacrifice your nightly ritual of a glass of white wine and an episode of your favorite guilty pleasure TV show. 

With these tips, you won’t have to. 

Read on to learn where to buy cheap alcohol, and score other tips to save on red wine, whiskey, and everything in between.  

1. At a Warehouse Club

Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s club are often the best place to buy alcohol for those looking for great deals. 

Sometimes, they even offer larger bottles and case discounts.

However, if you’re concerned that your wine habit has become less of a fun way to relax and more of something you can’t get through your day without? You might want to learn more about rehab/treatment options.  

2. Hit up Your Local Wine/Liquor Shop

Sometimes, the cheapest place to buy liquor is at your local wine and liquor store. 

First of all, anytime you pay it a visit, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to take advantage of a free tasting. You’re already saving yourself at least the cost of a few sips. 

You can also shop by what’s on sale, or ask the employees for their advice on the best affordable options.

Many shops also have case discounts or member rewards programs that will help you to save even more. Plus, buying a bottle is much cheaper than going by the glass at your local watering hole.

3. Consider an Alcohol Subscription 

It’s no secret that subscription boxes are all the rage. 

But in addition to trying out the latest beauty products, you can also learn all about new wines and liquors through these subscription boxes. 

In many cases, the alcohol options are provided by smaller companies and up-and-coming vineyards. This means it’s easy to get great deals on beautiful wines. 

Plus, you’ll save yourself a trip to the wine store. After all, who doesn’t want wine delivered directly to their doorstep? Plus, you can do great craft projects with the leftover corks.

4. Head to a Vineyard/Distillery 

Finally, the best place to buy alcohol is straight from the source!

When you head to a local vineyard, winery, or distillery, you won’t just learn a lot about how the process of making it works. In addition to getting free or super cheap tastings, many of these places offer great discounts on any bottles you buy there. 

Did somebody say girls weekend?

The Best Place to Buy Alcohol Isn’t Hard to Find

Finding the best place to buy alcohol at a price you can actually afford doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. 

In addition to saving money, all of the opportunities in this post are also a great way to discover more about the history, tasting notes, and the process of making your favorite drinks.

Want to learn more about wine and liquor? Need advice on the best craft beer? Ready to make a killer cocktail? Dream of making your own wine basement?

We’ve got you covered. 

Keep checking back with us for more ways to improve your lifestyle without going on a spending spree.