You don’t need to spend money to have a great time. Here’s a list of 50 things that you can do for free.
(If you have any ideas that aren’t on the list, leave a comment and I might make a part two.)

1. Go for a walk.
2. Enjoy a picnic.
3. Take a hike.
4. Ride your bicycle.
5. Sports at the park (b-ball, soccer, frisbee etc)
6. Borrow a movie or documentary from the library.
7. Borrow a book from the library.
8. Bake cookies
9. Make homemade bread.
10. Star gaze.
11. Have a dance party. Even if it’s just you and your cat.
12. Visit a friend, neighbor, or family member.
13. Clean your house.
14. Serve others.
15. Play a board game or card game.
16. Play a musical instrument or sing.
17. Listen to classical music. Here are some of my favorites.
18. Write a list of what you’re grateful for.
19. Practice yoga.
20. Meditate.
21. Learn something new.
22. Visit museums on free days.
23. Do an art project.
24. Try a new recipe.
25. Do some yard work.
26. DIY spa day. (facial, pedicure, deep condition hair, hot bath, the works haha)
27. Family history.
28. Write a letter.
29. Watch the sunset or sunrise.
30. Pick up litter around town or in nature.
31. Visit free historical sites.
32. Admire nature, whether it’s the beach, mountains, or desert.
33. Donate clothing or things you no longer need.
34. Do a task you’ve been procrastinating.
35. Netflix and chill.
36. Laugh.
37. Watch a TED talk or something inspirational.
38. Attend a free seminar or event.
39. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
40. Explore your own city.
41. Do something you enjoyed as a child.
42. Sell something on craigslist.
43. Play a video game or computer game.
44. Write down your goals with a plan to accomplish them.
45. Bird watching.
46. Catch up on some sleep.
47. Learn a new language.
48. Enjoy live music (open mic nights, concerts in the park etc)
49. Relax and drink some tea/lemonade/smoothie/hot cocoa etc.
50. Create or update your budget.

I’m a people watcher. I find it fascinating to observe others. Recently I was at a busy section of a shopping center and had several minutes to people watch. I observed a lot of shoppers and had some insights about consumerism that I want to share. Specifically about WHY people shop. Most of us can probably relate to some or all of these reasons. It’s important to recognize our behavior, what we do and why. Find alternatives to things that aren’t benefiting us. Then continually work on changing our habits and beliefs to be more inline with our goals and values. We should always work at becoming better.

Some reasons why people shop…

Productivity: People often confuse busyness with being productive. It’s a terrible misconception in society. People feel important if they have things to do, places to go, stuff to buy. Some feel productive when they cross things off their shopping list.

Amusement: Some people shop for fun. There’s the ladies that go shopping just to hang out with the girls. Shopping til they drop. Tourists that buy souvenirs instead of taking part in enriching experiences. Since the 1980’s shopping has been the number one hobby of teenage girls. Shopping shouldn’t be considered a hobby! (my teenage/early twenties self would roll her eye’s at me for saying that haha.) Here is an interesting article about some alarming shopping statistics. Now, as a fashion lover I’m not saying we should never shop for enjoyment, just reign it in. I try to hold off on shopping until I need something, then I’ll allow myself to enjoy shopping for that need.

Accomplishment: Some people feel like they are accomplishing something when shopping. They think of shopping as a treasure hunt or a game. They feel smart and successful when they find good deals, use coupons, scour sales racks, get store rewards etc. Are you really #winning though when you are spending money unnecessarily?

Emotions: Two words, Retail Therapy. People shop because of sadness, boredom, or to celebrate. People often turn to shopping to fill a void. Buying new workout clothes isn’t going to automatically make you fit. Buying more makeup isn’t going to necessarily make you feel prettier. That new sports equipment isn’t going to make you an all-star. Lasting happiness comes from within, not from buying a bunch of crap.

Purpose: I find this incredibly sad, yet most of us have probably been here. Some people shop for simply something to do. My mom once told me that for a time during my childhood she went to the grocery store almost every single day. Being a stay at home mom, she needed some socializing and a place to go. Some people who work from home go get a coffee or a soda each morning, just for a reason to get dressed and get out of the house each day. We should have more purpose in our lives rather than just being a consumer.

Obviously I’m not perfect. I’ve definitely fit into every single one of these categories at different parts of my life. Over the last few years I’ve dramatically changed my views on shopping. I’ve wised up. There’s way more to this world and life than shopping shopping shopping. If you need ideas on free things to do instead of spending money, check out this list.

Glamour

Definition: The attractive or exciting quality that makes certain people or things seem appealing or special.

Synonyms: Charm, enchantment, romance, and mystique.

Living a glamorous life means you are being true to your authentic self. Embracing your uniqueness. Being the best you, that you can be. Because we are all individually awesome, a glamorous life can look different for each of us. You don’t need to look like an old Hollywood star to be glamorous. I’ve written 10 tips as a basic guide to help you embrace a more glamorous life.

1. Luxuries
Indulge in little luxuries. You don’t need to spend a lot of money (or any) to do this. A few ideas are: take an evening stroll, watch the sunrise/sunset, read a good book, take a bubble bath, buy yourself flowers, go on a picnic, enjoy a dessert etc.

2. Fine Foods
Focus on eating good, nutritious foods. Your body and your life will be immensely better if you eat proper meals rather than microwave dinners or fast food. Use your fancy dinnerware on a daily basis instead of just for the special occasions that rarely come. You CAN eat ridiculously well for very little money. My husband and I spend between $75 and $150 on groceries per month… for both of us!

3. Quality
Quality over quantity. Opt for the best quality you can. Choose good products, fabrics, entertainment, relationships etc. Obviously don’t be stupid with your money. Live within your means and live the highest quality of life you can. You will feel marvelous. 

4. Gratitude
Being thankful is truly glamorous. Alex Ikonn once said something like, “Gratitude is a winning attitude”. Practicing gratitude every single day is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your family, and your life.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” -Oprah Winfrey

5. Simplify
Declutter your house. Simplify your life. Get rid of time and energy suckers. Is facebook really enhancing your life?
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” -William Morris

6. Appearance
Put extra effort into your appearance. Dress for the life you want. Take good care of your body. Exercise. The way you choose to present yourself, says a lot about how you feel about yourself and the world. Step it up a notch (or a few). Work on improving yourself. Try wearing lipstick instead of lip balm. Wear a nice pajama set instead of sweats. You get the idea.

7. Be Positive
You are what you think. Be kind to yourself. Remember to think before you speak. Be mindful of the tone you use. Someone speaking eloquently, using positive words and a positive tone is far more alluring than a negative Nelly with poor grammar.

8. Celebrate
Live joyously. Celebrate good times, come on!
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” -Oprah Winfrey

9. Whoa Girl, Slow Down!
Breathe, relax, don’t rush, meditate. Take your time and thoroughly enjoy the process that is life. Stop and smell those glorious roses!

10. Be Genuine
Don’t be fake, be authentically yourself. Stop comparing your life, your body, your weaknesses etc to others. You are on your own unique journey in life, embrace it.

“Put aside the Ranger. Become who you were born to be.”
-Elrond LOTR