I didn’t grow up thinking “old fashioned skills” were anything special…
they were just life.

But somewhere along the way, we traded a lot of them for convenience, and now we’re paying for it in ways we didn’t expect.

Below you’ll find several Old Fashioned Skills for Sustainable Living your great grandma had that you should have too!

Ever think about what skills used to be a part of everyday life that could make your life easier or helping to provide for your family now?

Odds are if your great grandmother were here to talk to you she would tell you about these 4 essential skills that helped her get through everyday life, save money, and never have to worry about how she would provide for her family.

How These Skills Save You Money

• Cooking = lower grocery bill
• Sewing = extend clothing life
• Gardening = reduce food costs
• DIY = avoid paying for services

Sewing

Things used to be very different and people had to make do with what they had or even make their own stuff.

Your great grandmother came from a generation where sewing your kid’s new clothes was not only normal but encouraged.

Those beautiful vintage sewing patterns and stacks of fabric didn’t just sit in your great grandmother’s crafting room.

They were put to use daily.

Even if you are not interested in pulling out a sewing machine and making a dress for your child you can still benefit from learning how to use a needle and thread to repair things you already own.

Gardening

More and more people are learning the importance of this life skill.

When you can grow your own food you help make your family more sustainable, provide your family with the best quality food possible, and even do your part for the environment.

Start your own vegetable garden in the backyard or just start with some potted plants on a sunny patio depending on where you live to learn this vital skill and start providing great food for your family.

Canning and Preserving

While the grocery store is a great thing knowing how to can and preserve food from your garden or a great deal you find at the local farmers market is a great way to lower your expenses and improve the quality of food you are feeding your family.

Learning how to can and freeze vegetables is a great way to preserve everything at its peak of freshness.

Start simple and fill your freezer with fresh produce from your garden or sales at your local farmers’ market.

Once you are ready, find some canning supplies and dive into making simple things that can be done with water bath canning like tomato sauce and homemade jellies.

This is a great way to get started with home canning and preservation.

Odds are your grandmother took it up a notch and learned how to use a pressure canner.

This allows you to can more fruits, vegetables, and even soups and broths to fill your pantry with healthy food made with love for the long cold winter ahead.

Read More: Food Preservation Guide – How To Decide What To Can, What To Freeze And What To Dehydrate

Bread making

When it comes to dying skills that have made a recent comeback bread making is high on the list.

Your great grandmother didn’t run to the store for a loaf of bread every week.

Last year many families learned that knowing how to make your own bread can be a really handy skill to have and when you are willing to learn making bread from scratch can be an easy task.

Add in a quality stand mixer to do the needing and it may just become your favorite way to eat bread.

Click here: Homemade Bread Recipes

How to Start Learning These Skills (Without Overwhelm)

• Pick ONE skill
• Start with YouTube or a simple project
• Use what you already have
• Don’t aim for perfect

In today’s fast paced world, where technology and modern conveniences dominate our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the wisdom of old fashioned skills for sustainable living.

However, as we face the challenges of economic changes these traditional skills are more relevant than ever.

Embracing these old fashioned skills can help us live more sustainably.

By incorporating these practices into our modern lives, we can create a more resilient and regenerative way of living that honors our past and supports our present.

So, let’s take a step back, slow down, and rediscover the beauty and practicality of these old fashioned skills.

Let’s learn from the wisdom of our grandma’s and apply it to our modern lives, for a more sustainable, fulfilling, and harmonious way of living on this beautiful planet we call home.

    

Teacher Appreciation Week is a great time to recognize and show gratitude for the tireless work that teachers do day in and day out.

And what better way to show appreciation than with freebies? Yes, you read that right – FREEBIES!

I couldn’t resist the opportunity to share with you some amazing deals and discounts that are being offered in honor of this special week.

But first, let’s talk about why teacher appreciation is so important.

Teachers play an essential role in shaping our future generations.

They inspire, educate, and guide our youth toward a brighter future.

But the job of a teacher isn’t easy – it’s long hours, low pay, and often thankless.

That’s why it’s crucial to take the time to show our appreciation and acknowledge their hard work.

What Teachers Actually Appreciate

• Thoughtful notes from students
• Gift cards (coffee, Amazon, etc.)
• Classroom supplies
• Help / support / kindness

From what I’ve seen (and heard from teachers), it’s not about spending a lot of money…
it’s about feeling seen and appreciated.

When is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 will be celebrated from May 4th to May 8th, with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on May 5th.

This week long celebration is a time to honor and appreciate teachers for their hard work and dedication to educating future generations.

It’s an opportunity for students, parents, and communities to show gratitude and support for the tireless efforts that teachers put in every day.

So mark your calendars and get ready to show your appreciation for the educators in your life during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026!

National Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies and Deals

Now, onto the exciting stuff – the freebies!

Many companies and organizations are offering special deals and discounts exclusively for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.

From free coffee and donuts to discounted museum admission and online courses, the list goes on and on.

But don’t wait too long to take advantage of these offers because they’re only available for a limited time.

So, whether you’re a teacher yourself or know someone who is, be sure to spread the word and take advantage of these amazing deals.

Let’s show our teachers how much we appreciate them and all that they do.

What to Expect Each Year

Even if exact offers change, teachers can usually count on:

• Free coffee ☕
• Free desserts 🍪
• BOGO meals 🍔
• Retail discounts 🛍️
• Classroom supply deals ✏️

👉 Most offers require a valid school ID.

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant

On Tuesday, May 2, teachers and school staff can present a valid school ID at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant and receive 20% off their entire check.

Academy Sports

Teachers and school staff can enjoy 10% off both in stores and online through May 14.

Adobe

Teachers (and students) can get over 60% off on Adobe products, all year long.

Apple

Teachers can get discounts of up to $200 on computers and accessories through the Apple Education Store.

Applebee’s

Teachers receive 10% off with a valid school ID or a free main course on Teacher Appreciation Day at select participating locations.

AT&T

AT&T is showing its support for teachers today and every day with the best price on unlimited plans. Discover all the Teacher Appreciation discounts here. 

Barnes & Noble

The B&N Educators program offered teachers 20% off the publisher’s list price on all purchases for the classroom and 10% off of cafe purchases, but the program is coming to an end April 12, 2023.

But current members of the program will receive a free year of the B&N Premium Membership. 

Budget Truck Rental

Receive 20% off on local moves and 15% off on one-way moves, any day of the week! To redeem this offer, apply discount code TEACH.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is thanking teachers and school staff by offering 20% off orders at participating sports bars during national Teacher Appreciation Week. The deal is available for dine-in or takeout with a valid school ID, limited to one offer redemption per order, per visit.

Champion

All members of the education community can receive 10% off at Champion online.

CheapCaribbean.com

Teachers and educators can receive $150 off their next vacation with the Beach4TeachClub. 

Costco

Teachers can join Costco as a new member and receive a $20 Costco Shop Card. Sign up for the exclusive promotion.

Crayola

Crayola.com offers all visitors to the site 20% off on all products from their Teacher Gift Ideas category page with code EDUCATORS. 

Great Wolf Lodge

Teachers and members of the education community can save up to 40% reservations booked between May 8-14 with the code TEACHER. The offer is valid for stays through 9/21/23. Great Wolf Lodge will also donate $10 from every reservation booked as part of Teacher Appreciation Week (up to $100,000) to Donors Choose to help provide classroom supplies to teachers across the country.

Half Price Books

Sign up for the Educator Discount Card for a 10% discount year-round.

J.Crew

All teachers get 15% off in-store and online when they register on their website.

Kendra Scott

The jewelry brand is offering 15% off all items for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, In-store only. 

Lenovo

Teachers can save 5% sitewide, including laptops, tablets and desktop computers.

Lovesac

Healthcare Workers, First Responders, Military Personnel, and Teachers can get 5% off all purchases.

McAlister’s Deli

Teachers who stop by McAlister’s Deli May 3-May 10 and show their valid ID will receive a free 32 oz. tea (Limit one per person and excluding in app or online orders).

Michaels

Get 15% off your entire purchase, including sale items, when you use your Michaels Rewards account to check out. Offer is available in-store and online and must show a valid educator ID or complete the educator verification process through the rewards program.

Samsung

Through Samsung’s Education Offers Program, teachers and educators can save up to 30% off on laptops, tablets, smartphones and more when shopping on Samsung.com. 

Schlotzsky’s

If you’re looking to give a gift to a special teacher in your life, from May 5 through May 8, if you spend $25 in Schlotzsky’s gift cards, you’ll receive $10 eRewards.

Staples

Anyone who joins the Classroom Rewards program can earn 5% back to the school or teacher of their choice all year long, and teachers can sign up to redeem those rewards. 

TGI Fridays

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day on 5/2, teachers can receive a free meal from 5pm until close at participating TGI Fridays restaurants. Simply present a valid school ID to receive your choice between four meals: either a cheeseburger with seasoned fries; crispy chicken fingers with seasoned fries and coleslaw; a 6 oz. center-cut sirloin with mashed potatoes and garlic-butter broccoli or a Caesar salad with grilled chicken.

With the numerous freebies and discounts being offered during this week, it’s easier than ever for teachers to feel appreciation in tangible ways.

Whether it’s a free coffee or a discounted museum admission, every little bit counts.

So let’s make the most of this special week and take the time to thank the teachers in our lives for all that they do.

    

These Lego Crayons are a super easy to make using old broken crayons.

I love to find ways to repurpose old crayons, like these building blocks DIY crayons.

They’re so easy to make and they are fun for kids too!

Not only are these fun for kids, but they are a great way to use up broken crayons or crayons that are almost gone.

You know the crayons that no one will use anymore because they are too small to really be able to color with anymore.

DIY CRAYONS

Making crayons is a fun project to do with your kids too.

All you need are old crayons and the perfect building block silicone mold.

I suggest putting you kiddo in charge of peeling the old paper wrappers off the broken or unused crayons.

MATERIALS NEEDED TO DIY CRAYONS:

• 24 pack of crayons
• Lego Block Silicone Mold
• Sturdy Cookie Sheet

HOW TO MAKE CRAYONS

Step 1: Peel the wrappers off of all of the crayons.

Step 2: Sort the crayons by color.

Step 3: Place broken crayon pieces inside each cavity of your mold.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 325F.

Step 5: Place the silicone mold on a sturdy cookie sheet.

Step 6: Melt the crayons in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until completely melted.

Step 7: You can use a toothpick to ensure there are no lumps remaining in the crayons.

Step 8: Allow the crayons to cool completely before attempting to remove from the mold.

IF YOU LIKED THIS DIY ACTIVITY, MAKE CERTAIN TO CHECK OUT THESE AS WELL:

• Scented Jello Playdough – This scented Jello Playdough Recipe is the best homemade playdough because it smells delicious!
• Homemade Kinetic Sand – This recipe for DIY Kinetic Sand is easy to make using just a few household ingredients and some colored craft sand.
• Calming Bath Fizzies for Kids – Kids will love these Homemade Kids Bath Bombs with a toy secretly hidden inside.

    

If you’re looking for simple, delicious, and budget friendly Mother’s Day brunch ideas, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch at home or putting together something a little more special, these recipes are perfect for celebrating Mom without the stress (or the big price tag).

From sweet treats to savory favorites and fun drinks, this list has a little bit of everything to help you create a brunch Mom will truly love.

Sweet Brunch Favorites

If Mom has a sweet tooth, these recipes are the perfect place to start.

Apple Cider Donuts

Soft, cozy, and full of flavor, these Apple Cider Donuts feel like a warm hug on a plate.

French Toast

A classic brunch staple, this French Toast is easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

Crockpot French Toast

Want something hands-off? This Crockpot French Toast lets you prep ahead and enjoy a stress-free morning.

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Moist, fluffy, and packed with chocolate chips, these Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins are always a hit with both kids and adults.

Mini Fruit Pizzas

These Mini Fruit Pizzas are as fun as they are pretty and perfect for adding a pop of color to your brunch table.

Strawberry Blueberry Pound Cake Trifle

Layered, beautiful, and bursting with fresh flavor, this Strawberry Blueberry Pound Cake Trifle feels extra special.

Cherry Cheesecake Danish

Flaky and sweet, this Cherry Cheesecake Danish is perfect alongside a cup of coffee.

Bisquick Scones

Quick and easy, these Bisquick Scones are perfect with a little butter or jam.

Strawberry Belgian Waffles

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these Strawberry Belgian Waffles are topped with fresh strawberries and so delicious.

Bacon Pancake Dippers

Sweet and savory in one bite, these Bacon Pancake Dippers are especially fun if you have kids at the table.

Copycat Starbucks Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake

This Copycat Starbucks Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake is a bakery-style treat you can make right at home.

Starbucks Petite Vanilla Bean Scones

These Starbucks Petite Vanilla Bean Scones are perfect little bites that pair beautifully with coffee or tea.

Bread Pudding

Warm and comforting, this Bread Pudding is perfect for using up leftover bread.

Old Fashioned Egg Custard

Simple and classic, this Old Fashioned Egg Custard is full of nostalgic flavor.

Instant Pot Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake

Rich and creamy, this Instant Pot Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake is perfect if you want to add a little wow to your brunch spread.

Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl Bread

Sweet and soft, this Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl Bread is swirled with delicious flavor in every bite.

Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish

Bright and fresh, this Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish is perfect for spring.

Savory Brunch Ideas

Balance out the sweetness with some hearty, savory options.

Homemade Bagels

There’s just something special about these Homemade Bagels fresh from your own kitchen.

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is a filling, make-ahead option that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Egg Casserole

Simple and satisfying, this Egg Casserole is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy and buttery, these Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are perfect with eggs, sausage, or jam.

Charcuterie Board

This Charcuterie Board is a fun and easy way to offer a little variety, especially great if you have picky eaters.

Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad

Light and fresh, this Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad is full of flavor with a sweet citrus dressing.

Olive Garden Cheese Fonduta

Creamy and cheesy, this Olive Garden Cheese Fonduta is perfect for dipping bread or veggies.

Lavender Red Roasted Potatoes

A unique and flavorful side, these Lavender Red Roasted Potatoes feel a little extra special.

Drinks to Serve with Brunch

Don’t forget something fun to sip on.

Caramel Brulee Latte

This Caramel Brulee Latte is a cozy, coffeehouse-style drink you can make right at home.

Iced Caramel Macchiato

This Iced Caramel Macchiato is perfect if Mom prefers her coffee iced.

Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher

Light, fruity, and refreshing, this Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher tastes just like your favorite coffee shop version.

Piña Colada

This Piña Colada has no alcohol and is a fun, tropical option that makes brunch feel like a mini getaway.

Easy Extras to Complete Your Brunch

Homemade Pancake Mix

This Homemade Pancake Mix can be prepped ahead of time to make breakfast even easier.

Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip

This Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip is perfect for dipping fresh fruit and adding something a little extra to the table.

Make It Special (Without Spending a Ton)

You don’t have to go over the top to make Mother’s Day feel special. A simple table setup, a handwritten note, and a homemade brunch can mean more than anything fancy.

Pick a few recipes from this list, mix and match your favorites, and create a relaxed, joyful morning celebrating Mom.

Because at the end of the day, it’s really about the time spent together.

Happy Mother’s Day!

    

If you’ve ever felt like your money disappears faster than you can earn it… you’re not alone.

I’ve been there too, looking at the bills, wondering where all the money went, and trying to figure out what I could cut without making life miserable.

The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to start saving money.

Sometimes it’s the small, simple changes that make the biggest difference.

In this post, I’m sharing practical, real life ways to cut household costs, without feeling deprived, so you can keep more money in your pocket and finally feel a little breathing room in your budget.

Most of us try to cut costs in the obvious areas, but we often overlook just how many everyday expenses are quietly adding up.

We forget there are way more expenses than electricity, rent, and groceries. I mean, what about insurance, shopping of any kind, and even pet food?

We often think we have the best deal in these areas, or there’s no way to cut costs down.

So when we’re trying to figure out how to cut costs, we often think we’re doing everything we can, but we actually aren’t.

What Counts as Household Expenses?

Household expenses include more than just rent and groceries. They can also include:

• Insurance 
• Rent/Mortgage
• Subscriptions 
• Groceries 
• Utilities 
• Pet care
• Cell phone bill
• Cable 
• Streaming services 
• Credit cards 
• Gym membership
• Car/Transportation 

Once you see everything in one place, it becomes much easier to spot where you can cut back.

Quick Wins to Cut Household Costs Fast

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start here.

• Look at your recent bills and bank statements
• Cancel one unused subscription
• Skip takeout for a few days
• Switch to store brands
• Lower your thermostat by a few degrees

These small changes can start saving you money right away.

Look At Your Bills

The first way to start cutting your bills and expenses is to look at your accounts.

By knowing what you’re paying for and how much, you can then determine what needs to go.

You never know how much you’re truly spending on clothes and eating out until you track it.

Another thing that can occur is you might have thought you canceled something, but you never actually did.

You could have even been double charged or billed for a higher package than you have.

This is why looking at your bills alone can save you a ton.

I know someone who moved, and when they set up their internet, the company made two accounts, and on top of that, they were being billed extra for things they didn’t request.

This went on for a year before they found out that if they had gone over their bills, this wouldn’t have happened.

Start A Budget 

Creating a budget is one of the most effective ways to cut household costs.

Grab a FREE Printable Budget Worksheet

Start by looking at what you spent last month, then set simple limits for each category.

Don’t try to cut everything at once. If you normally spend $200 on shopping, don’t drop it to $15 overnight, start with a small reduction so it’s easier to stick to.

A simple, realistic budget is much more effective than a perfect one you can’t maintain.

Fix And Reuse 

Anytime anything breaks, our first thought is to buy a brand-new one.

That doesn’t have to be our go-to thought process.

There are people who can fix things cheaper than buying a new one, and there are places you can buy used ones and save a ton.

Find a local shop or person you can use to get it fixed, and if that’s not an option, look for one at a thrift store or check on apps like Offer Up.

Even Craigslist is a good place.

Sometimes they’re even free.

This method goes for anything in your home as well as clothes.

If you rip a seam or need something taken in, go to your local tailor and have them fix it.

This can save you a ton by itself.

Do It Yourself

Now I’m not talking about everything; I do agree some things are better off with professionals.

What I mean is there are many things we pay for but could easily do ourselves, such as yard work.

If you’re physically capable of doing it, you should.

That money is better spent elsewhere.

The same goes for house cleaning; on that note, you can even make your own cleaners.

It’s super easy and will save you a ton.

You could apply this method to cooking.

Instead of buying pre-cut veggies or already seasoned meats, go for the cheaper option and prepare them at home.

Spending more time in the kitchen with family can be a good thing, forgo the convenience and enjoy preparing food with your family.

Just take a minute to think about it before you pick up your phone to call someone to paint that room or mow your lawn, and see if you can do it yourself.

There is a multitude of YouTube videos that can show you how to do anything from installing a carburetor to saving money at the grocery store.

Once you start doing these things you’ll find more ways you can save and you’ll be glad you did.

Start Here: Biggest Expenses to Cut First

If you really want to make a noticeable difference in your budget, it helps to focus on the areas where you’re spending the most.

Not all expenses are created equal, and some changes will have a much bigger impact than others.

Here are the three main areas to look at first:

Housing

Housing is usually the biggest monthly expense for most families. While you may not be able to make changes overnight, even small adjustments—like refinancing, renting out a room, or reducing utility usage—can make a difference over time.

Food

Groceries and eating out can quietly take up a large portion of your budget. Meal planning, cooking at home more often, and being intentional about what you buy can lead to significant savings each month.

Transportation

Gas, car payments, and maintenance costs add up quickly. Carpooling, combining errands, or even reassessing how many vehicles your household really needs can help cut costs here.

The key is to start with just one area instead of trying to fix everything at once.

Even small changes in these bigger categories can free up more money than cutting lots of little things.

Monthly Bills You Can Lower

These are often the easiest expenses to lower because many companies are willing to work with you if you ask.

Here are some areas to look at:

Review Your Subscriptions

Take a close look at everything you’re paying for each month. Streaming services, apps, memberships, and subscription boxes can add up quickly.

If you’re not using something regularly, cancel it. Even cutting a few $10 subscriptions can save you $30–$50 a month.

Negotiate Your Bills

Many companies are willing to lower your bill if you ask, especially for things like internet, cable, or phone service.

Call and ask if there are any promotions, discounts, or lower cost plans available. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it can lead to real savings.

Shop Around for Better Rates

Insurance, internet, and phone plans can vary a lot in price.

Take time to compare options every year or two, you may find a better deal that saves you money without changing much else.

Lower Your Energy Usage

Simple changes can make a noticeable difference on your utility bill.

• Turn off lights when you leave a room
• Use energy efficient bulbs
• Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees
• Wash clothes in cold water when possible

These small habits add up over time.

Reevaluate Recurring Services

Look at services like lawn care, cleaning services, or other recurring expenses.

Could you do any of these yourself, even temporarily? Cutting back here, even for a season, can help free up extra money.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on Cutting Household Costs

Cutting household costs doesn’t have to mean giving up everything you enjoy.

In fact, some of the biggest savings come from small, simple changes that you barely notice over time.

Start with just one or two ideas from this list and build from there. As you get more comfortable, you’ll naturally find even more ways to save.

Before you know it, those small changes can add up to real breathing room in your budget—and a lot less stress when it comes to money.

If you’re working on cutting costs right now, I’d love to hear from you.

What’s one thing you’ve done that helped you save money?

And if you found this helpful, don’t forget to save or share it so you can come back to it later.