Category: Family & Parenting

In high school, I couldn’t wait to get out of my hometown. I craved something different: a new life where I could start fresh, and meet new people. My plan was to go to college, then move to a different state. When people warned me I might miss my childhood town in New England, and end up coming back I thought, No, that will never be me. 

But it was me. After four years of college, I graduated and moved to the South. I lasted three months before calling my parents and telling them I wanted to come home. I missed my siblings terribly. I missed the cooler weather (something I never thought I would miss) and I found myself getting nostalgic every time I thought about my childhood. 

I now live in the town I grew up in

That was twenty-five years ago and I’ve never contemplated moving since. I live in my childhood town and I’m pretty sure I’ll be here forever. Now that my kids are getting older and on the cusp of moving out and starting a new life I keep remembering my experience.

My youngest keeps talking about moving someplace far away. By that I mean, on the other side of the United States. My daughter claims there’s nothing to do in our state and wants a taste of city life. The closest major city is about three hours away. I am mostly happy for my children and I really do want them to live their own lives.

But, selfishly I’d like them to stay living in the same state as me. (Okay, I’d prefer the same street but I’d settle for the same state.) The thought of not seeing them every day, not getting to have dinner with them most nights of the week, and not being able to be right there when they need me, tears me up inside. 

It tears me up that my teens talk about moving far away from home

I realize this happens all the time. Parents all over the world have young adults who live far away and they go about their lives. But right now, as they sit and talk about being a plane ride away, I can’t digest it and I wonder how I will cope. Just the thought of it makes me feel a bit nauseous. 

What if they don’t come home for the holidays?

How often will I get to see them?

What will my life look like if they live far away? 

Every time I think about it my mind spirals into overdrive and I find myself trying to convince them to stay because envisioning them living far away is too hard. 

I will need to let my teens go when they are ready

I know I will need to figure this out. It’s not as if I have a choice – they are adults and I’ll need to let them go when they are ready. And lately, I’ve realized I need to stop guilting them into staying local just as I need to stop hanging on to the hope that their story will end up like mine.

Letting your kids live their own life can be one of the most difficult things as a parent. We’ve been around for a while so naturally, we feel that we know more than they do. Oftentimes, we think we know what’s best for them. But as they grow and come into their own, we don’t know what the right path is for them; that’s something they need to figure out.

My children aren’t going to live the same life I did because they aren’t me and honestly, they don’t want to be exactly like me. They are my kids, not my possessions.

I am being selfish when I ask my teens to stay nearby

I know that when I chime in with my opinion, I am being selfish. I want their lives to be easy. I want to help them as much as possible. I want to have them close by so I don’t have to feel the discomfort of missing them. None of those things are what’s best for them unless it’s what they want. 

I’m determined to shut my mouth and be supportive of my kids in whatever they want to do, even if it takes them far away from me. I might need some emotional support to get through it all, but I’m certainly going to try. 

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My Parents Have Always Made My Life Easier

Are you new to Spartanburg, SC? Maybe you’ve lived here a while, but have run out of ideas to keep your family busy? We’ve got a list of no-to-miss fun in Spartanburg for your family to enjoy! This list is also great when you have out-of-town guests this year and you are looking for something to do with them that showcases your hometown!

Head over to the Kidding Around Instagram page to see more of the fun we are having in the Upstate and beyond!

The Kidding Around 2023 Spartanburg Bucket List

Enjoy Some X Game Fun In Spartanburg | Year Round

Let your kids flex their extreme sporting interest at two local spots where access is free, and available year-round. The Hot Spot Skate Park and Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park can provide your child (and possibly you) with hours of screen-free fun in 2023!

Enjoy one of the Excellent Spring Festivals | Spring

Spartanburg is an excellent place to enjoy a family-friendly Spring festival, and one or more should absolutely be a part of your 2023 bucket list. Your family can enjoy several different festivals from April through June that explore the world, music, food, culture, and just a celebration of the rise of Spring!

Explore The Pacolet River Heritage Trust Preserve | Year Round

The Pacolet River Heritage Trust Preserve is the home to two Native American soapstone quarries. The Native American residents utilized this land between 3000 and 1100 B.C. to obtain material from which they made daily life necessities. The soapstone outcrops are fragile and should not be touched, in order to preserve them for another several thousand years.

Rent A Kayak at Lake Cooley | Summer

Renting a Boat at Lake Cooley is a must-do! This is a yearly tradition for a bunch of local families, and once you go you will understand why. The calm glass-like water of Lake Cooley is the perfect place for first-time paddlers to learn, and who knows you might just decide to buy your own equipment after going!

Explore South Carolina State Parks With Fun Programs | Year Round

The South Carolina State Parks Department offers its own incentive program for families. The nice thing about this program is there’s no time constraint. It takes you as long as it takes. The hardest part is remembering where you last laid down the Ultimate Outsider Guide Book. (Maybe that’s just me) For each State Park you visit, you get a unique stamp in your book, and when you get done, there are prizes! While you’re in the park, don’t forget to ask about the Jr. Ranger program for kids!

Seek Out Some Upstate Art | Year Round

Spartanburg is lucky enough to have art on every corner. You can download the map to tour all the art bulbs or do a Mural Tour of the Upstate. You would not believe how many murals there are in Spartanburg alone! Amazingly, we live in a place that embraces the arts as it does.

Read, Play, Learn, and Make Things with the Library | Year Round

The Spartanburg County Public Library is home to more than books. There are dozens of classes and events offered monthly for all age levels in addition to reading material! Want to learn how to knit? They can help! Want to learn how to make an Elsa-shaped cake and decorate it? Yup, they can help you with that too! The Spark Space Maker Space is unlike anything you’ve seen in a library! (Pro Tip—the downtown Spartanburg library has a small, enclosed playground just outside of the children’s area. It’s perfect when the weather is nice.)

Take An Educational Trip | Year Round

There are places in Spartanburg and beyond filled with things to learn! Here’s our list of educational travel day trips and vacations from the Upstate. We traveled to Charleston and Chattanooga over the summer to study history, science, and English literature. There are so many opportunities to learn when you go someplace, and it doesn’t always require an overnight stay.

Shop Local | Year Round

There are so many locally owned businesses in Spartanburg, SC. Why not support one? Take a few hours, or a whole day, and visit at least one shop. We’ve rounded up a guide to local businesses in Spartanburg for you.

Go Creek Stomping Near Spartanburg | Summer

Creek Stomping in The Upstate is a great way to cool off in the warmer months! Croft State Park has the perfect trail that leads to a spot where you can hang a hammock and splash the day away!

Pick Some Local Strawberries | Year Round

Strawberry Hill USA, is a great place to grab local strawberries! Rows of fresh berries as far as the eye can see have been grown by this local family for generations. They also serve up a juicy burger in the diner on the farm! If it’s the Fall season, Strawberry Hill has a fall event with lots of pumpkins and activities that you don’t want to miss.

If it’s outside of the normal strawberry season and you want some fresh local berries, head to York County, SC. Bush-N-Vine farm grows and offers fresh strawberries nearly 365 days a year, with the help of greenhouses. These delicious berries are definitely worth the drive! While you are there, grab a fresh fruit slushie, and let the kids run around the play area before you head back.

Enjoy the crisp air at one of these Fall festivals | Fall

With the changing seasons comes an excellent break from the humid, summer heat. Explore various cultures, enjoy delicious food, and maybe even fly a kite. Nothing beats the fall festivals in Spartanburg, which offer some excellent family-friendly events to add to your 2023 bucket list!

Take the Kidding Around Holiday Light Tour | December

The Kidding Around Holiday Light Driving Tour has become a part of the Upstate’s family holiday traditions and we are thrilled! This is a great way to enjoy some free fun, that can be spread throughout the month of December.

Months, weeks, days, minutes. It felt like another birth. My stomach even clenched with anticipation. I couldn’t wait for you to arrive.

And then you did. You greeted the dogs first. You met our new puppy, Auggie.

I stood. I watched. I waited.

You finally strode toward me. I hugged you with such intensity. One arm reached around your broad back. The other dabbed at (or dried) my damp cheeks.

My college son’s first homecoming

The Sound of Silence

After the long 12-hour drive, I sensed that you needed silence. What I didn’t realize was that I needed it, too. My brain had become noisy.

So, I slumped on the second step. My shoulders sagged in the stained, soft T-shirt. I didn’t care about the mosquitoes that flew through the open door. Usually, this would bug the heck out of me. I swatted one who gnawed at my calf.

As you, Zoe, and dad unpacked the van, I sat there staring. Processing. Pondering. I don’t think I blinked. I just wanted to soak it in. 

It already seemed I’d missed a lifetime of growth with you. I know that sounds a bit “extra.” But that’s how it felt at the time. 

Before you even said hello, my heart connected with yours. Words weren’t needed.

The Freshman Shift

You have shifted. Your stride is bolder. Your effect is self-assured. I keep imagining peacock feathers fanning behind you.

You look like you don’t want to be here. You are agitated and annoyed. THIS I did not anticipate. To be honest, I thought I’d prepared myself for this moment. But that’s like rehearsing for grief — you just can’t.

I knew it would be different. It should be. A day at college is like a year. The connection, comradery, and community are beyond words.

It was time for you to leave the nest. You were ready, and I was proud of you. I knew this experience would be extraordinary. Your bond with your peers would be like no other freshman class.

Home for the Holidays

And here you are. Home in one piece. Not just healthy but robust and radiant. So why do I feel sad?

Your sister busted me. She spotted another tear trickling down my cheek. She notices everything. I often joke it’s like I live with a human periscope.

How could I explain these emotions to my sixteen-year-old daughter when I didn’t understand them myself?

I felt edgy, irritable, and confused the first few days you were home. I gave you space. I didn’t ask questions. I stifled and swallowed my frustration.

Why Aren’t You Happy to Be Home?

By the end of the week, I grew tired of your James Dean brooding demeanor. I lost it. We rarely fight, and my uncharacteristic combustion shocked me as well.

It was Thanksgiving. My favorite holiday. I felt a bit blue because our New York family couldn’t be with us for the first time in decades. The house seemed too empty, too quiet. I can’t remember (nor do I want to) what comment you made. Or maybe it was an eye roll or a nonchalant look? But it was maddening.

Where’s the joy? Why aren’t you happy to be home? What’s going on? These questions began as tiny kernels popped all over my head. And I couldn’t contain myself any longer.

Pointing my finger toward the door, I asked you to go outside with me. I might’ve even raised my voice. I used a few expletives. Honestly, I didn’t recognize myself. Your brown eyes, nearly identical to mine, staring at me in shock.

My Emotional Earthquake

You don’t know what happened after our chat. I collapsed onto the chaise in my bedroom. I wept, wailed, and shook with scary intensity. I journaled in between wiping my nose. I felt melancholy. Dejected. My heart hurt. Where was the joy? You know those “we are reunited, and it feels so good” images that flash on social media and in movies?

Dad asked me to come down and watch the parade. He knows how much I love this silly but sentimental tradition. I flatly said no.

He finally came upstairs. I couldn’t even speak. The aftershocks of this motherhood earthquake surprised me. I told him to please leave me alone. Then my phone dinged, and the downpour ceased. I was depleted. The last thing I wanted to deal with was a stupid text.

I grudgingly grabbed the phone. And I’m so grateful I did. My son texted a heartfelt apology.

We wrote back and forth. We processed. We expressed ourselves honestly. And I finally joined everyone on the brown, weathered couch. I thought about how many memories we’d made in this room. 

The parade was over. And so was my pity party. I watched the parade the next day by myself. Braising the brisket, I grinned as another massive float filled the tv screen. As I did, I thought how ironic that I was alone for the first time in months. 

We needed to recalibrate — our family reset

Tears have been replaced with smiles. We’ve gotten into a groove. We needed to reset and recalibrate. So, we did.

After deep reflection, I realized much of what we envision is not always reality. That’s one of the most apparent lessons I learned: Acceptance of what is (or is not).

I am grateful for my most excellent teachers — my two teens. Parenting them requires me to go inward. They make me a better person.

And to my son…you’ll always be my boy. You made me a mother, and being your mom, through all phases, is my life’s greatest gift and most humbling honor.

More to Read:

College Students Home for the Holidays? If You are Having These 19 Thoughts You are Not Alone

“But, mom!” the living-back-at-home daughter protested. “You have to TELL me these things.”

These include, but are not limited to, extracting long strands of brown wavy hair from the bathroom drain. Curbing her ten-dollar-a-day grapes habit, or at the very least, replacing said fruit.

Completing a cycle of laundry before the mother comes along with the next three loads and angrily folds what has been left in the dryer, because, contrary to popular belief, she’s not mean enough to throw it in a crumpled heap on the daughter’s bedroom floor. Which is precisely where it came from.

As the revolving door on Grove Street opens and closes to my adult offspring, I marvel at how little they know about basic household concepts. Or, in other words, how much I failed to teach them. I take most of the blame. Most. Not all. Because I always had a valid excuse.

When they were growing up, and I was schlepping them from field to field, house to house, school to school, I didn’t have the time. It was so much more efficient to do it myself than to redo what they tried to do.

If I had it to do over, here’s what I would have taught my teens before they left home:

What to teach teens before they leave home

1. I would teach my children that sheets should be changed more than once a year. That toothpaste droolings in the sink are not attractive. And that toilets don’t get cleaned by themselves.

2. I would show them how to lower the shades at night and open them in the morning. Where the outside trashcan is. And how to take the recycling bins to the curb on alternate Tuesdays.

3. I’d explain why it’s not a good idea to leave a plastic bag on the toaster oven when used. Why the dishwasher doesn’t remove burnt-on food byproducts. And why baked potatoes blow up in the microwave if not pierced with a fork.

4. I would teach my children to hand wash the ice cream scooper that says not dishwasher safe and not put the Henckels knives in the dishwasher. Or the cash iron skillets. Or the plastic water bottles on the bottom rack.

5. I’d show them how to water the plants on the porch. How to empty the overflowing mailbox they pass every time they enter the door. How to plunge a toilet. How to tell when cold cuts have gone rancid. And how to use a coaster.

6. I’d explain the reasoning behind bringing deck chair cushions in before it rains. Cutting the grass before the neighbors ask us to. Emptying the (I didn’t even know we had one) dehumidifier before it overflows. Replenishing the milk before it’s all gone.

7. I would teach my children how to use a hanger. How to replace the toilet paper. How to finish a water bottle. And how to vacuum dog hair.

8. I’d show them where the cleaning supplies are kept. Where the car keys are hung. And where the closest Ben & Jerry’s is. Just in case they wanted to pick up some Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream for someone they love.

9. I’d explain the importance of keeping the inside shower curtain in and keeping the outside curtain out. There’s a direct correlation between round-the-clock air conditioning and over-the-top electric bills. That paid-for car insurance, and cell phones, are not God-given rights.

10. I would teach my children that texting to say “I’m alive” with the aforementioned paid-for-by-parent cell phone (because a family plan is so much cheaper) is kind. That saying, “Thanks for all you do, Mumsie,” is sweet. That answering a direct question with a blank stare is not.

I’d do it much differently if I had it to do over. I’d be stricter. I’d be stronger. I’d do what my friend Barbara tells me to do every time she sees me. I’d charge rent starting in middle school.

When I muddle and muse over these many misdoings, misgivings, and misparentings, I can’t help but wonder how the great mothers of the world do it. My soon-to-be 93-year-old mama comes immediately to mind.

And that’s when I laugh.

Because, not all that long ago, she could have written this very same story about my sisters and me.

Are you a member of our Grown and Flown Parents Facebook Group, the #1 group for parents with preteens, teens and college students? Join us and meet your 260,000 new BFFs. 

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Are you looking for a nearby place to take your kids snow tubing near Greenville and Spartanburg SC? Recently, we took our kids to Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Park in Mars Hill, NC (near Asheville) for a day filled with snow tubing fun. In this article, we’ll give you the full scoop of what to expect at Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing, how to plan your trip, and even where to eat.

Days with enough snow to enjoy snow sledding are few and far between in the Upstate SC area and even when a good snow comes it can be difficult to get to a good hill for sledding due to icy roads. We decided to treat our kids with a day of snow this year by taking them to Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Park in nearby Mars Hill. This snow tubing park is under 2 hours from Greenville and Spartanburg and is open as weather permits in the winter.

For more snow tubing suggestions see our list of places to snow tube in Western North Carolina.

Find a place to stay near Asheville, NC. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

Our Review of Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Park

What does it cost to tube at Wolf Ridge?

Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Park is part of Wolf Ridge Ski Resort but it’s located right outside the ski resort. Tube rental is:

• $20/hour ($25 on weekends and holidays)
• $30/2 hours ($35 on weekends and holidays)
• Kids 5 and under are free with paid adult (yep, you read that right — free!)

You can purchase tickets online.

If you’re a homeschool family who comes Monday-Thursday (not holiday/break weeks), it’s only $15/person with proof of homeschooling. No reservations are needed.

What to Expect at Wolf Ridge

At the park, there is a heated office where you register. We were immediately impressed by how friendly the management was. Inside the shed was a rack of snow bibs in all sizes available to borrow (a real perk for us southerners that don’t own proper snow attire).

The bathrooms at Wolf Ridge Tubing are just porta-potties but they were actually clean (at least when we arrived first thing in the morning). Maybe we just hit it at the right time but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a clean porta-potty. There isn’t a place to change though so make sure you keep your layers simple enough to handle in a car.

Parking is free and right beside the park. You could even see the tubing hill from your car if you needed to grab a snack or help a kid change a wet layer. This park would be fairly easy for a parent that is solo to be able to keep track of multiple kids.

Tubing at Wolf Ridge

You will find one hill that is 60 feet wide at the top and 100 feet tall. While the hill doesn’t look very big from the outside, it’s definitely a fun and fast ride and from the top, it suddenly looks a lot higher. It is a manageable hill for even smaller children and we saw kids of all ages having fun.

There is a conveyor belt to help you pull your tube back up the mountain. The tubes are a little heavy but have a pull string. We saw even little kids managing their tubes.

There are no designated lanes. This really reduces waiting in line. We went on a Saturday and even with a number of families at the park there was very little waiting for a turn to tube.

Wolf Ridge does allow you to link your tubes and ride down as a long chain. You are also allowed to let children ride in the tube with you. The rules were fairly simple making it easy to let your kids just have fun.

One of the best parts of snow tubing, when you live in Upstate SC, is your kids get to play in the snow. We’ll admit that while our kids certainly had fun snow tubing they also just had fun running around and playing. Several snow ball makers were scattered in the snow so that the kids could make snow balls.

Where to Eat Near Wolf Ridge

Snow tubing is great exercise and you will definitely be hungry so we were really thankful that the staff had a number of great suggestions for lunch. The food near Asheville is always delicious so you definitely should sample it while in the area.

We chose Stackhouse in Mars Hill and were not disappointed. The menu had a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches. I was particularly impressed that the kids’ menu while being kid-friendly and affordable offered some great choices including several different types of sliders. I know that my kids always look disappointed when we eat at a really interesting restaurant to find that the kids’ menu only has a couple of boring choices.

On the way home, we looped through Asheville to get dessert at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. This dessert restaurant is so good that there is almost always a line just to get in. They sell a liquid truffle which is a thick version of hot chocolate that you eat with a spoon. They also have cakes, chocolates, ice cream, and more and it’s all really good. The only problem you will have is choosing what to eat.

All the details on Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Park

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort recommends not using Google Maps to arrive at the resort and tubing park but instead to use the directions on their site.

You can check the daily snow report to find out whether tubing is open and what the current snow conditions are in the area.

Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Park is open seven days a week.

Phone Number: 828.689.3322 

Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Website

10 Ways To Celebrate Christmas This Year In Asheville, NC

Are you ready for the first Restaurant Week of 2023 in the Upstate? There will never be a better time to support your Greenville restaurants than right now! The whole state of South Carolina will holds its annual Restaurant Week in January (Greenville also holds a mini-Restaurant Week in August). The South Carolina Restaurant Week provides diners with the perfect opportunity to support locals and try something new.

The 2023 restaurant week lineup includes over two dozen restaurants in Greenville for you to try on January 12-23, 2023

That’s a lot to choose from, so we will pick a few Upstate favorites and explain how to best take advantage of this special week for lovers of local restaurants.

Making The Most Of South Carolina’s Restaurant Week

Restaurant week is an excellent opportunity to check out a new local spot or an established one you’ve been meaning to try. To help you make the most of Restaurant Week in Greenville, Spartanburg, and all across South Carolina, we have a few tips to help diners:

• Depending on where you want to dine during restaurant week, you may need to plan ahead. Several of the restaurants accept reservations, and we suggest you take advantage of that, especially during a special event like this. A table at places like Table 301’s CAMP are already in high demand and the lure of a specially priced menu will just make it harder to get seated, so calling and reserving a table now will help.
• Take advantage of locations that offer a lunch special. Oftentimes these are the same menu items that are part of the dinner restaurant week offer, just at a lower price.
• Consider the take-out option. A new option to the first Restaurant Week is the inclusion of a take-out option. This can make it easier for parents to try something from a new spot, without having to get a babysitter, or worry about the kid’s menu at a location.
• Check out the Kidding Around reviews for places participating in Restaurant Week! Just click on the “Learn More” link next to the locations listed below.
• Most Restaurant Week Menus are prix-fixe, which means multiple courses at a set price. Diners will have the choice of 2-3 different options from each course. We suggest everyone orders different things from the prix-fixe menu if possible and share it, so that you get to sample a bunch of things.

The January 12-23, 2023 Greenville Restaurant Week Line Up

There are just too many local restaurants to choose from! Which is a good thing! This year has been tough on the service industry, so we encourage you to try at least one of the participating restaurant menus!
You can view the other participating menus by clicking on the restaurant names below.

If the restaurant is not linked, they did not have their Restaurant Week details as of publication. Check the South Carolina Restaurant Week Website for the complete list of updated participants.

• CityRange Steakhouse Grill – Greenville
• Coral
• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
• Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

• Jianna
• LTO Burger Bar
• Maestro Bistro & Dinner Club
• Nose-Dive

• Schwaben House
• Soby’s
• Southern Culture Kitchen and Bar
• The Habitap
• The Lazy Goat
• The Pound Cake Man & Clayton’s Deli

Discover More Amazing Restauarants in the Upstate

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20+ Fantastic Local Coffee Shops: Greenville, SC

This Indoor Winter Farmers Market Is No Longer a Secret: Greenville, SC

Whether you are shopping for a birthday or a holiday, some of the hardest people to shop for can be in your own family. This is because you buy them several presents a year. After a while, you are going to simply run out of ideas. Nowadays, if someone really wants something, they buy it for themselves. Fortunately, there are a few one-of-a-kind gift ideas for family for you to try that are sure to leave the gift recipient surprised and happy.

Custom Made Mugs

Every parent, boss, or secretary dreads getting a “world’s best” mug. When someone gets a mug that says world’s best anything, the person giving it to them probably just didn’t know what else to buy. Fortunately, there are on-demand printing websites that offer mug printing. 

All you have to do is visit their website and upload your original design. You will then choose the mug you want the design printed on. The best on-demand printers will have a wide selection of mugs to choose from. If you are not much of an artist, the on-demand printer will have tools on its website that will let you create a design. You can also use a clever inspirational saying. 

If the person you are shopping for has a favorite author, put a quote from that author on a mug. If they have a goal for the new year, put a phrase that will encourage them to meet that goal on the mug.

Custom T-Shirts and Jackets – Gift Ideas for Family

If the person you’re shopping for would rather have something that they can wear, you can always make them a t-shirt or jacket from that same on-demand printing company.

On-demand printing companies have huge warehouses filled with many different items. You can take your pick of t-shirt or jacket styles. Most of these companies will offer both blue jean jackets and faux leather jackets.

Give Them a Class

Is there someone in your family who is always talking about learning how to cook, trade stocks, or speak a foreign language? If so, why not give them a class? There are many different platforms on the internet that offer classes and everything you can name.

If the person you are shopping for is looking to get out of the house, most community colleges and universities offer night school classes. Unless you are exactly sure of their schedule and the class they want to take, it is probably best to get them a gift certificate.

Give Them a Night on The Town

There is nothing worse than paying all of your bills at the beginning of the month and finding that you don’t have anything left over. If you know somebody who’s having financial problems, you can let them forget about it for a night.

A night on the town might include dinner and dancing, a movie, or just getting cocktails and listening to some music. You might not be able to lend them enough money to change their life, but you can certainly improve their evening.

Get Them a Piece of Street Art – Gift Ideas for Family

If you have a loved one whose house is looking a little empty, you can brighten it with a piece of art or two. When you think of buying art for someone’s house you may think of a painting that would be priced beyond your means.

However, if you just look around you can find some very inexpensive one-of-a-kind art at street festivals and on the internet.

You will find many unique pieces on Etsy. Etsy is a platform dedicated to independent artists.

Day of the Dead artwork is always fun and inexpensive. You can find Day of the Dead figurines in Mexican gift shops and art galleries. You will find skeleton brides and grooms, priests, teachers, and pilots.

Get your relative a day of the dead figurine that reminds you of them or that would give them a laugh. If you collect enough of these dolls, you can set them up in different scenarios. 

Make Them a Basket

There are plenty of companies that offer goody baskets for enthusiasts of certain foods. You can always order a basket of fancy chocolate or fruits, or you can take it up a notch and put together a basket of their favorite things. When you make a basket, It will let a person know that you remember things that they tell you and you understand them. 

You don’t get to see your relatives as often as you like and you almost never get to buy them presents. When you do give them a gift it should be a great one.

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Thinking about a winter hike in Spartanburg, SC? Enjoy the South Carolina winter’s cooler temperatures and the great outdoors with a wintertime hike. There are several parks and trails perfect for cool weather hikes for the whole family near Spartanburg. Local mom Hope Evans compiled this list of family wintertime hiking spots near Spartanburg.

For more info, check out our Hiking Tips Highlight on Instagram

Hiking in the winter might sound like a horrible idea due to the frigid temperatures, but it might actually be better! Fewer people, less chaos, different view, and the cold actually makes you lose weight. Just make sure you and the kiddos are wearing extra layers. You also need to make sure to bring plenty of snacks, water, a backpack, and or even a picnic lunch because you and the fam are bound to get hungry for lunch. If you’re up for a winter hike, be sure to check the following parks in Spartanburg off your bucket list!

Places to Hike in the Winter Near Spartanburg SC

Croft State Park

450 Croft State Park Rd Spartanburg, SC 29302
Only 5 miles from downtown Spartanburg, Croft State Park was once an army training base and covers more than 7,000 acres of rolling and wooded terrain. Some of the trails include the following:

• Palmetto Trail: Croft Passage:  This 12.6-mile trail connects Spartanburg to the Glenn Springs area in southern Spartanburg County. This trail follows ridges for those who are adventurous, crosses brooks, and hugs portions of Kelsey Creek to the historic Cedar Springs area. The trail crosses Fairforest Creek, which is the longest footbridge in the SC Park Service. During the hike, patrons can look forward to seeing wildlife habitat, forests as well as old homesteads.
• Nature Trail:  With only 1.5 miles to hike, during this trial, you will see plenty of mixed pine and hardwood trees as it winds along the rocky shoals of Fairforest Creek. During the trial, you will see remains of an old mill site along Fairforest Creek, and bridge crossing is also two historical points you’ll pass by. You may be in the presence of birds, deer, squirrels, and snakes!
• Foster Mill: This 6.5-mile trail is a bit wide and is best suited for bikers, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting to view the beautiful landscape, lake, rolling pine hills, creek, as well as historical areas where you will find old trestle bridges and old cemetery sites! You will be able to see the natural resources that make Croft State Park.

Cottonwood Trail

Spartanburg, SC 29307
The Cottonwood trail runs through Edwin M. Griffin Preserve outside Spartanburg’s center and offers a path into a wooded landscape surrounding Lawson’s Fork Creek. Whether you utilize it for a running path or simply a hiking trail, it provides a convenient connection across residential areas on the city’s outskirts.

For those who aren’t looking for a long walk, there are also a variety of shorter trails throughout the preserve, which allow you to explore more of the natural environment. You may even find yourself face-to-face with wild turkeys or foxes, considering this trail is a breeding ground for local wildlife!  

Lastly, The Cottonwood Trail shapes an important part of the city’s trail network, The Daniel Morgan Trail System, aka “The Dan,” with connections planned and more trails, which are underway throughout the community.

Musgrove Mill

398 State Park Rd, Clinton, SC 29325
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site was The Battle of Musgrove Mill, which took place at this historic site on Aug.19, 1780. During the battle, 200 Patriot militiamen defeated a combined force of approximately 300 Loyalist militiamen and 200 provincial regulars. Not only do patrons get a chance to walk their trails, but they also get a little taste of history!

• British Camp Trail:  This trail has a little bit of history and plenty of scenic views of the Enoree River, as well as plenty of opportunities to see wildlife – year-round! This site features ruins such as those from the Musgrove home, which was the location of the 18th-century ford that was crucial to the British. 
• Battlefield Trail: Looking for a trail to bird watch, walk and hike? Not only is this trail 1.5 miles, but it also features beautiful wildflowers! It’s also paved and shaded with plenty of historical sites. This trail is perfect for bringing your children to because it’s easy, short, and they’ll learn a thing or two!

Glendale Shoals Preserve & Waterfalls

Emma Cudd Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302
Maybe it’s too cold for a picnic, but with the unpredictable weather in SC, it might be the perfect opportunity to pack up some sammies to see some waterfalls! Glendale Shoals is a 13-acre natural area on a former mill site, has trails, a dam, a 1928 bridge! Even though you won’t see the beautiful flowers, that shouldn’t stop you from taking a quick hike. This place is both quiet, scenic and provides you with plenty of photo opportunities.

Upper Chinquapin Greenway

423 Graham Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303
Not far from downtown Spartanburg, this greenway offers 1.6 miles of walking trails. Not only is it the home to a rare plant – the dwarf heartleaf – it also has a diverse stand of ferns and hardwoods! If you’re in the mood for a quiet walk in an urban setting that highlights Chinquapin Creek, you’ll love this Greenway!

Would the kids like to earn cool prizes when they hike? Learn how they can with our article on the Kids In Parks Program.

Where do you like to hike in cooler weather?

Have a boy who likes to dance? It can be hard to be the only boy in a dance class, and as a result, many boys don’t want to try a dance class. Kidding Around found a few studios in Spartanburg and Greenville that offer dance classes just for boys. Below you’ll find a list of places where boys will find dance classes just for them.

Giving Your Son The Gift Of Dance

As adults, we all wish to impress on the dance floor at weddings and other functions. Why not give your son the gift of dance at a young age? Whether they continue with dance lessons to a professional level, the things they learn can be applied elsewhere.

Boy-Exclusive Dance Classes

Most dance studios will accept boys into any class they offer, but having a class exclusively made up of boys allows some boys to learn better.

Dance offers so many benefits:

• For a child interested in sports, it offers agility and so many other things that can be applied elsewhere.
• Dance can help teach your child confidence. Nothing is more impressive to girls than a boy who knows what he’s doing on the dance floor!
• Dance teaches musicality if they are interested in playing a musical instrument.

If dance is something that your son has a passion for, the opportunities are endless. Scholarships, grants, and other opportunities are almost thrown at male dancers because there are so few of them. 

Studios in Spartanburg with Dance Classes Just for Boys

3D Centre of the Arts | 9133 Warren H Abernathy Highway, Spartanburg

Backstage Dance Connection | 3236 Parris Bridge Road, Boiling Springs

Emmanuel Arts | 19 North Main Street, Inman

• Contact them to discuss boy’s class option. There has been one in the past, it just depends on interest from season to season.

Studios in Greenville with Dance Classes Just for Boys

International Ballet Academy | 1018 South Batesville Road, Greer

Dance Without Limits | 115 Pelham Road – Suite 24, Greenville

Carolina Ballet Theatre | 255 Service Bay Road, Mauldin

Studios in the Upstate that Offer Gender-Inclusive Classes

These studios offer classes where the boys are taught alongside the girls, but the boys still get equal attention in instruction.

Carolina Dance Collaborative | Classes at Upstate YMCA locations

Dance Without Limits | 115 Pelham Road – Suite 24, Greenville

• Dance Without Limits welcomes boys in any of its classes alongside the girls. They offer ballet, jazz, lyrical, acro, and hip-hop. In addition, there is a boys-only hip-hop class.

International Dance Academy | 1225 Pendleton Street – Suite 8, Greenville

• It offers a diverse course selection of partnered dance style bachata, ballet Folklorico, hip hop, and Latin ballroom

If a school you are interested in is not listed here, call and talk to them. If no one ever asks for boy-only classes, studios won’t offer them. It can’t hurt to ask!

Need to buy eggs? There are a number of local farms, small grocery stores and markets that have local eggs for sale. If you’re looking for a place near you for local eggs, or the best farm fresh eggs in Greenville, you’ve come to the right spot. Here are some shops and farms in Greenville, SC, and across the Upstate where you can purchase local eggs.

Looking for more local food? Here’s a list of farms and stores where you can find local produce in Greenville, SC. and local meat in Upstate, SC!

Where Can I Buy Local Eggs in Greenville, SC

Remember that availability may be limited. You may want to call ahead to check availability and arrange to pick up, especially for the smaller farms.

A Thrasher’s Farm

A Thrasher’s Farm in Pelzer raises farm animals, chickens, and goats plus grows vegetables and offers local eggs for sale. Call them to make sure someone is there since their farm store is not yet completed.

727 Garrison Road, Pelzer
864.201.3172

Bellews Market

Bellews Market is a local market that carries the produce of over 40 farms. You’ll find farm-fresh eggs, jam, jellies, produce, baked goods, and more.

230 Garner Road, Spartanburg
864.585.7726

Bethel Trails Farm

Bethel Trails Farm sells eggs, pork, beef, lamb, and poultry. They sometimes offer Farm Days on Saturdays from 9 am – Noon where customers can purchase their products, as well as other local vendors with produce, soaps, dairy items, and more so follow their social media to get current info. In May they will be at the Simpsonville Farmers Market.

2302 Friendship Church Road, Gray Court
864.915.6064

Egg Well Farm

Egg Well Farm sells laying chickens and fertile eggs for hatching, but they also sell farm fresh eggs from their pastured chickens. They will reopen for the season in March.

713 Ruhamah Road, Liberty
864.304.0086

Grazers: Famoda Farm to Table

Grazers: Famoda Farm to Table sells lots of local goodies in their farm store, including eggs, meat, cheese, and other dairy products. They also have adorable animals to interact with.

7410 Mountain View Road, Taylors
919.607.0523

Greenville State Farmers Market

In addition to vendor space and farmer stalls full on the weekends, the Greenville State Farmers Market is open Monday-Saturday with local produce, specialty items, dairy, and farm fresh eggs.

1354 Rutherford Road, Greenville
864.244.4023

The Happy Berry

In addition to berries, Happy Berry also offers pastured eggs.

510 Gap Hill Road, Six Mile
864.350.9345

Happy Cow

Most people know Happy Cow Creamery as a great place to get milk, cheese, and other dairy products. But they also carry farm fresh eggs, in addition to some produce and local meats!

332 McKelvey Road, Pelzer
864.243.9699

High Valley Farm

High Valley Farm offers farm-fresh eggs as well as spring-raised trout and produce. You can pre-order and pick them up at their farm or find their products at Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery and Farmacy in Easley.

516 Hidden Valley Road, Pickens
864.878.3766

Kaland Farms

Kaland Farms offers eggs, plus turkey, chicken and produce.

Saluda Dam Road, Easley
864.631.8418

Olde Tyme Country Store

You’ll find eggs for sale, as well as a selection of local meat, dairy products and an assortment of jams, jellies and specialty products at Olde Tyme Country Store in Greer.

2339 Locust Hill Road, Greer
864.877.9434

Providence Farm

They raise grass fed beef and pork but also sell eggs. Providence Farm is located in Anderson.

110 Walker Road, Anderson
864.444.6568

Red Gap Farm

Red Gap Farm has organically raised poultry and eggs, in addition to blueberries and flowers.

864.608.2249
[email protected]

Revival Butchery

Revival Butchery is mainly a purveyor of local and specialty meat but they do offer farm fresh eggs. They are located in the West Village in Greenville.

1296 Pendleton St, Greenville
912.777.8000

Skyland Farms

Skyland Farms has farm-raised meat, produce, local mushrooms, and eggs.

4124 North Hwy 14, Greer
864.616.0050

Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery

Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery offers a wide variety of local products including eggs from several local farms. You’ll also find local meats, local dairy and produce at Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery. You can order online and pick up outside Swamp Rabbit Cafe or enter the grocery store side and shop for yourself.

205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville
864.255.3385

Winslett’s Market

Winslett’s Market sells local eggs, produce, milk and you’ll also find local meat. They also carry plants and gardening supplies.

401 Powdersville Road, Easley
864.855.1176

Where do you buy farm fresh eggs in Upstate, SC?

Have a kid and looking for free things to do? Making family memories while doing things with the kids doesn’t have to be expensive. In addition to great local choices near you like visits to parks, playgrounds, hiking, and creek stomping, there are several totally free things for kids from national retailers, organizations, and kids’ programs all across the USA.

Free things for kids and families to do, free stuff for kids, near you! That means free activities for kids, family-friendly fun, free admission to museums, and lots more. That’s great news for families spending time together on a budget!

Have an epic summer full of free fun. Fill your winter weekends with family fun for free. There’s free fun on this list for any time and anywhere!

This list is full of “free stuff for kids near me” all year long.

Bucket List of Free Things to Do for Kids Anywhere in the USA

Don’t miss any of these free activities, experiences, and projects for kids. Make some family memories and don’t spend a dime!

Home Depot Kids Workshop

Home Depot offers free kids’ workshop kits once a month. On the first Saturday of every month head to Home Depot for a free kids workshop. Pick up your kit and complete it at home. In-person workshops will very soon again be an option. Sign-up in advance to be sure your child will get their kit, but most of the time you can just stop by and join in the fun.

Lowes Kids Workshop

Lowes Home Improvement offers free kids workshops once a month in-store. Let the kids build and make something all their own. You won’t even have to deal with paint and wood bits all over your house. Just enjoy the free activity and bring your child’s creation home. You do need to sign-up in advance for these workshops, but they are totally free.

JCPenney Free Kids Craft

On the second Saturday of each month head to JCPenney for Kids Zone free crafts. Kids can make a totally free craft with all the supplies included, and parents will get a 10% off store coupon.

Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops Holiday Free Photos

At both Christmas and Easter, kids can get a completely free 4×6 photo at Cabela’s along with a holiday visit and with Santa or the Easter Bunny, plus fun acitvities and little treats.

Kids Eat for Free!

Kids Bowl Free

Did you know kids can bowl free all summer long? It really is true. Just sign up for Kids Bowl Free. Two games a day are totally free. If you don’t have bowling shoes, you will need to rent shoes, but you will not pay for the games. There’s even a family pass you can purchase for a one-time fee that lets grown-ups bowl all summer long, too. Check out Kids Bowl Free for a summer of free fun away from the screens.

Apple Kids Camp and Kids Classes

The Apple Store offers totally free Apple camps in the summer along with kids’ class activities throughout the year. During camp kids can bring their own iPad device or the store will provide one for kids to use. Kids will learn to use various Apple apps to create music, stories, and more that they can present to the other kids in the camp. Kids also get an Apple Camp t-shirt. Reserve camps and classes in advance. In fact, camps fill up so quickly, you’ll want to fill out this Apple camp form to be notified when reservations are open.

4th Grade National Park Pass: Every Kid Outdoors

4th graders can bring their families along to National Parks for free with the Every Kid Outdoors, 4th Grade National Park Pass. In most instances, the 4th-grade pass gets all occupants of the car with the 4th grader into the park for free. So, go visit a National Park for free with your 4th grader.

Kids in Parks

Have kids who like to earn free prizes? The TRACK Trail, Kids in Parks program sends prizes to kids who hike, bike, and even play disc golf at parks with Track Trails. They’ll learn about nature and even history as they complete each TRACK Trail, which makes this free thing for kids both an educational opportunity and an incentive to earn fun prizes. See how one family enjoyed Kids in Parks in this review.

Smithsonian Museum Days

Once a year you can get free admission for your family to Smithsonian Museums on Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. Museum day usually occurs in September.

Summer Reading Programs

Summer reading programs equal free food, books, and lots more prizes. Not only will kids earn prizes, but they’ll receive one of the best gifts of all: reading time! Check out these summer reading programs available nationally, then don’t forget to check with your local library. Many libraries give out amazing summer reading prizes!

Free Donuts at Krispy Kreme

Keep your eyes out for special promotions from Krispy Kreme. They do them a lot! At participating Krispy Kreme donut shops, kids can get free donuts for everything from good grades to wearing a costume on Halloween. Pick up your free donut and head to a local playground for a totally free and fun family outing.

Local Libraries

Local libraries are a treasure trove of free family fun. It’s more than books, although reading together is awesome and free! But, local libraries offer special events for kids and families that go beyond storytime. We’re talking about free family movie nights complete with popcorn, craft kits, book boxes full of treats and books to keep, concerts, game nights and so much more. Seriously, if you are looking for free family fun, spend some time on your library’s website and check out their calendar. There’s probably a lot more there than you thought!

BONUS! $2 Movies All Summer Long

It’s not free, but you can bring the kids to family-friendly movies at Regal Cinemas for just $2 per person. Find out how to get tickets in our article on Regal Summer Movie Express.a

Most families have to be on some kind of budget but that definitely doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all that the Upstate, SC has to offer. We have lots of ideas on how to save money and enjoy time together. 

Some months I really cringe at my credit card statement, even though I am a conscious spender and try to be frugal and thrifty with our family’s resources. But, my goodness, those grocery trips, shopping for shoes yet again that my kids have somehow outgrown, planning a family trip, and trying to keep the heat low or the AC not terribly high certainly are all at the top of my mind as a parent. 

I’ve got a few ideas on how to handle these daunting tasks as a parent while having fun with your kids. 

Save Money on Groceries

At this point, no one is surprised that grocery bills have shot up in the last year due to several factors like supply chain issues and inflation. The USDA estimates that families spend more than 10% of their income on groceries. I’d say it’s more. The government agency breaks down grocery spending for a family of four into four groups: the thrifty plan, which costs $939/month on groceries, the low-cost plan, which they estimate families will spend about $1,000/month on groceries, the moderate plan, which they estimate costs up to $1,263/month on groceries, and the liberal plan, which costs more than $1,500/month on groceries. 

This doesn’t even take into account teenage boys, which they estimate will eat a boatload of pasta daily. I’m only half-joking. How in the world do you manage this? 

Meal Planning

You’ve got to plan out your meals or you’ll be reaching for your credit card and buying either a lot of junk food or a lot of take-out meals. I sit down once a month and try to plan out meals for at least a month in advance using less inexpensive ingredients like rice, beans, bulk meat, pasta, vegetables, and things I can freeze or buy on sale. 

Shop the Sales

Pay attention to grocery store circulars and compare prices. Be sure to look at the unit cost and not the total cost so you aren’t paying more for less. 

Use a Grocery Pickup or Delivery Service

I use Instacart and have for the past several years. Yes, it costs a bit more and I pay a monthly fee to use the service but I save way more money in time and impulse buys than I would if I had to take my kids with me in the store and buy whatever I felt like instead of only the items on my list. 

Here’s a list of grocery delivery services in the Upstate.

Shop Seasonally and Locally

Farmers Markets are a good way to obtain quality ingredients. If you go later in the day, you may be able to score a good deal on food they would rather sell at a lower price than cart home. Here is a great list of Greenville Farmer’s Markets and farm shops where you can find local produce in the Upstate. Seasonal produce and vegetables are also going to be a lot cheaper than when they aren’t in season. I will usually buy a bunch of strawberries and blueberries over the late spring and summer and freeze them for later on. Same with peaches. Yum. You can also consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to get local food every week from a farm here in the Upstate.

Kids Eat Free

There are several restaurants in the Upstate that offer Kids Eat Free (or cheap) nights where a kids meal is free with an adult purchase. This could be a lifesaver some nights!

Save Money on Travel

I really enjoy traveling. It opens up a whole other world for my kids and me and gives us quality family time together. While traveling isn’t inexpensive, there are definitely ways to save money.

Go During the Off Season

If you and your family can travel during the off-season, prices are always lower. For example, right after leaf peeping season – so late October through January or February – is the off-season for Western North Carolina so hotels and AirBnBs will typically be a fraction of the cost than during other times of the year. Same goes for the beach. If you travel during the fall through early Spring, you can usually score better deals on lodging.

Stay Someplace Where You Can Cook

Eating out when you travel is often a huge part of your budget but if you stay at a place where you can cook, that cuts out a big portion of your travel budget and saves a ton of money.  Look for hotels with kitchens or kitchenettes or stay in an AirBnB. If you don’t want to cook while on vacation, make a bunch of meals beforehand and freeze them to take with you (if you’re driving). This is what we do when we travel and it’s awesome. We also do eat out a couple of times during our trips but definitely not the majority of meals. 

If you do decide to eat out, try to plan your restaurant meal at lunchtime. You’ll likely save money as lunch menus tend to be cheaper. Then plan an easy low-key dinner at your hotel or rental house. Try something like sandwiches or a charcuterie-type meal and keep it simple.

Keep an Eye Out for Promotions

I’m on the email lists of several of my favorite resorts and hotels so I can check for promotions. I also watch their social media accounts for special deals and since I homeschool, I’m always on the lookout for homeschool deals like the ones at Dollywood, Wilderness at the Smokies, or Ripley’s Aquarium. 

Having Fun in Greenville on a Budget

This is an easy one since there are so many free things to do in Greenville! 

Do the Free Stuff

We have lists of more than 50 free things to do in Greenville in general plus put out seasonal lists of free things to do. Think parks and playgrounds, splash pads, hiking trails, waterfall chasing, Halloween and Christmas light driving tours, farms, and special events and festivals. 

Get Outside

I love, love the outdoors and you’ll find me on a lake or chasing waterfalls in the summer, on a mountaintop in the spring and fall, and probably back on a trail in the winter. There are many lakes, parks, and playgrounds that are all free in our area. Camping and fishing are also low-cost (or free) activities to do with your family and don’t forget the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville – totally free to bike, run, or walk on.

Don’t Overlook Memberships/Passes

I calculated one year how much money having a South Carolina Parks Pass ($99) saved me. If I didn’t have the pass, I would have spent something like $330 in park entrance fees so yeah, that was a big savings. I also have a Roper Mountain Science Center membership ($95), which has saved me a ton of money since we use it to not only go to their planetarium shows, Summer Adventure, and Afternoon Explorations events but also use it for free entry into other science centers. I’ve gotten in free to places using that reciprocal membership in North Carolina and Florida, saving my family probably more than $100 in entrance fees.

Save Money With Frugal Shopping

Kids grow out of clothes and shoes at lightning speed plus us parents need to update our wardrobes occasionally. So how do you do it while not emptying your wallet? 

Consignment shops

There are several great kids consignment stores around our area that have gently used (and even some new stuff with tags) clothing, shoes, outerwear, and toys that you can get for a fraction of the cost of brand-new items in stores. You can also sell your gently used items back to many of these places so you end up with a credit to the store or cash. Win-win. Some of our favorites are Once Upon A Child for kids and Clothes Mentor for women. And if you love the outdoors, REI has garage sales on used items for members throughout the year and there are some great used gear shops in our region (Next Adventure Outdoors in Brevard, NC is amazing).

Thrift Store Shopping

This takes a bit more effort sorting through clothes, shoes, and toys but the finds could totally be worth the effort, especially if you pay attention to days when a certain color of tags is half off or even 75% off the price. Miracle Hill is a popular one for our readers. I managed to get brand-new roller skates for one of my kids at a local Miracle Hill for under $5!

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook isn’t just for posting your photos of family and friends. It’s actually pretty awesome for buying second-hand items or selling them. You can score lots of great deals locally, just be sure to search by “pick up” and not “shipped”. This is especially helpful for appliances since many people will sell appliances that are in great working condition when they are remodeling. 

Big Consignment Sales

There are several huge consignment sales during the year in Greenville, usually in the fall and spring. You can shop for clothes, home goods, toys, shoes, books, backpacks, stuffed animals, and baby items. Prices are set by the individuals who consign items so they really vary but you can find really good deals usually. 

These are just a few ways that my family and I try to spend wisely while raising kids and having fun together. If you’ve got more ideas, drop them in the comments!

Parents: You Don’t Need to do All the Christmas Things

It’s been a while since I did one of these posts, where I list the recent frugal things I’ve done. This hasn’t just been done in the last week, more like the past month plus, but who cares? This is also to encourage me to do more frugal things, to remind myself that even when I feel like a frugal failure I’m not actually a failure, and hopefully to inspire you to do more frugal things as well.

Free Things

A friend told me about a place where they were giving away free beef tortellini and soy based cream cheese type spread, and even though by the time I got home it should have all been gone, I went to check and there still was available so I brought home a few boxes. 

I got free past prime sweet potatoes and pumpkins. 

Foraging/Gardening

I harvested onion greens from some onions I had that were sprouting on the shelf. 

I harvested and froze a bunch of lemon grass stalks when thinning out my plant in my yard.

Frugal Cooking

I used foraged mallow in omelets.

I made tomato sauce with mallow.

I used home grown sea beet in soup.

I made a delicious rissoto type dish with home grown sea beet, ground beef bought on sale, leftover rice, and the free soy based spread.

I made the tortellini I got with a cream sauce made from the free soy spread I got.

I repurpused leftover rice to make rice pudding.

I repurposed turkey to make turkey pot pie.

I used soft tomatoes, wilting peppers, and eggplant on its last legs to make a ratatouille type dish.

I made bolognese type sauce with TVP soy flakes purchased from the scratch and dent store.

I used TVP strips bought from the scratch and dent store to make gluten free vegan schwarma “meat”.

I stretched ground beef with grated zucchini to make meat sauce.

Stir fry made with sea beet, wild swiss chard, grown in my yard

Made From Scratch

I made homemade falafel.

I made homemade bread.

I made homemade paneer cheese.

I made homemade tomato sauce.

I ground my own gluten free rice flour.

I went to a free party at pottery place and was gifted a beautiful pottery cup. 

I took my daughter bouldering and made sure to go before 5 pm so that we would get the early discount, making a cheap activity even cheaper. 

DIY

I bleached, dyed, and cut my own hair.

I fixed my freezer.

My homemade card game

Frugal Shopping

I went to Ikea with a firm list of things that were cheaper at Ikea only bought exactly what was on my list. (Easier said than done.)  

Other

What frugal things have you done lately?

Cannabis is a versatile plant and has been used for centuries in various forms. But to get the most out of your cannabis, you need to decarboxylate it first.

Decarboxylation activates the cannabinoids in cannabis, unlocking their medicinal properties and making them more potent.

Here’s everything you need to know about decarboxylating cannabis and how to do it effectively.

4. Using a Sous Vide Machine

Using a sous vide machine is one of the most precise ways to decarboxylate cannabis. Simply add the ground-up cannabis into a container and seal it, then place the container in a preheated water bath set at 250°F for an hour.

5. Decarboxylating with Alcohol or Oil

If you’re looking for an easy and quick way to decarboxylate cannabis, you can use either alcohol or oil as a solvent.

Place the ground-up cannabis in a glass jar and add enough alcohol to cover it fully, then let it sit for up to 48 hours. The same goes for using oil; mix the ground cannabis with the oil of your choice and simmer over low heat for up to an hour.

6. Using a Microwave to Decarboxylate Cannabis

Using a microwave to decarboxylate cannabis is one of the quickest ways to do it.

Place the ground-up cannabis in an oven-safe container and cover it with a damp paper towel, then microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Be sure to check on it every 30 seconds as microwaves can vary in strength and you don’t want to overdo it.

7. Make a Butter

Making a butter or oil infusion is an easy and effective way to decarboxylate cannabis.

Simply add ground-up cannabis to melted butter or oil in a saucepan on low heat and let it simmer for up to an hour while stirring occasionally.

Once the mixture has cooled, strain the plant material out of the liquid and you’re ready to use your decarboxylated cannabis.

Tips for Decarboxylating Cannabis Effectively

Decarboxylation is an important step in unlocking the medicinal properties of cannabis, and there are a few tips you can follow to ensure that it’s done effectively:

• Grind your cannabis finely before decarboxylation – A fine grind is necessary as the better the surface area is exposed to heat, which will lead to a more effective decarboxylation reaction. But, avoid using a grinder to do this as this makes the grind too fine.

• Don’t overheat your cannabis – Overheating your cannabis can lead to burning and reduce its potency.
• Store your decarboxylated cannabis in an airtight container – This will help to maintain its potency and freshness.
• Line your sheet with parchment – Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will help to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Go low and slow – Decarboxylating your cannabis at a low heat for an extended amount of time will ensure that all the cannabinoids are activated properly. This isn’t a race!

For a more in-depth guide to the decarboxylation process, visit here.

Conclusion

Decarboxylation is a necessary step if you want to get the maximum potential out of your cannabis and unlock its medicinal properties.

With the methods above, you can easily decarboxylate your cannabis quickly, efficiently, and safely. Just remember to be mindful of the temperature and time needed for each method.

Happy decarboxylating!

Home renovations can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly—and that’s at the best of times. Toss in kids, the holidays, and running a busy household, and you might wonder why anyone would put themselves through all the trouble.

It’s not because they’re masochists — fixing up your home is necessary sometimes, and it comes with a lot of benefits. Here are five common reasons why people renovate.

Before you consider applying for a line of credit, take some time to research your options. According to Fora, an online line of credit lender, you should consider the cost of borrowing, a lender’s reputation, and the size of the credit limit before you make any decisions.

2. You’re Expecting a New Family Member

Is another little one on the way? Or do you have plans to move your mom in now that she’s on her own? Either way, you’ll need more space to handle the new additions.

Renovating the basement or adding an addition gives your mom privacy. Meanwhile, you might have nine months to flip the guest bedroom or office into a baby’s room. While one of these might be easier than the other, the extra room means you won’t feel like you’re living on top of each other.

3. Reduce Your Energy Costs

Renovating your home is the perfect opportunity to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home. Installing three-pane windows, adding insulation to the attic, and replacing old HVAC appliances — these are just some of the projects that can help improve how much energy it takes to heat or cool your home.

When done right, these improvements translate into immediate savings on electricity bills, which can come in handy now that utilities have gone up in price.

4. Increase Your Property Value

If this isn’t your family’s forever home, you might be keen on selling it soon. It’s a seller’s market, but the small choices you make to your home can help you sell your home for even more.

Stick with renos that promise the best return on investment (ROI). According to RE/MAX, the kitchen, bathroom, and a fresh coat of paint are the top three projects that pay off.

5. Bring Your House to the 21st Century

Last but not least, you might feel like it’s time your house got an upgrade — it’s as simple as that.

Maybe you’re tired of seeing the laminate flooring that’s original to your 1990s build. Perhaps you want to restore your century home to its former glory. Or maybe, you just want to give a facelift to your living room, making it a practical space for you and the kids.

Brainstorm to Make it Happen!

Whatever your plans, make sure you sit down with your budget to find out how you can save for your project. While a line of credit can help in an emergency, it’s better to foot the bill on any cosmetic upgrade shared today.

Have you been to Herdklotz Park in Greenville? It’s such a beautiful park, is close to Paris Mountain, and gives you an unexpected view of the downtown Greenville skyline. With two large playgrounds, unique climbing structures, and two multi-purpose athletic fields, this park has it all.

If there’s one thing my child loves, it’s heading to the park and playing on the playground. And to be honest—I love the opportunity for her to be outside and get some energy out. Herdklotz Park is a perfect place for her to play and run around.

 To read more park reviews see our Kidding Around Greenville Parks page.

History of Herdklotz Park

First, a little history. Herdklotz Park is named for former county councilman, Dick Herdklotz, because of his desire to advance outdoor recreation in the Greenville area. So, even if the name is hard to remember, the sentiment behind it is very much appreciated. The location of this beautiful park is that of the former Hopewell Hospital, built in 1930 to treat patients with tuberculosis. The original building burned down one morning in 2002, but you can still walk by one remaining building and read about its history. 

This spacious county park sits on 17 acres at the base of Paris Mountain. You will find very large athletic fields on both sides of the playground.  Games and team practice are often going on, but if you’re lucky enough to find the fields open, they’re perfect for running and playing.

Herdklotz boasts one of the few county parks that has a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits (you furnish the horseshoes). The pavilion shelter is up on the hill overlooking the park and is a lovely spot for a gathering (be sure to reserve your time in advance!). Bathrooms are just on the other side of the pavilion. And the panoramic view of downtown Greenville can be seen from the top of the hill.

The playgrounds at Herdklotz

The Herdklotz Park playgrounds are some of the best playgrounds in Greenville (see our list of the 5 best playgrounds in Greenville for even more choices).  The larger playground has a three-story tower for climbing. There are 6 slides, a climbing wall, a large swing set and a kid favorite—the sliding handle.  Because it’s so large and challenging, this is definitely the place for older children or younger ones who are good at climbing.

The smaller playground is fenced in and has its own covered pavilion with a few picnic tables (perfect for a mid-visit snack!). This smaller playground is where you’ll find the swings for toddlers and the much smaller playset geared toward the little ones.

Between the two playgrounds is a .545 walking trail, perfect for exercising while the children play. You can see the larger playground no matter where you are on the path. If you want to take the children on a walk with you, there is a learning path with signs and many teaching opportunities.

Tips for Visiting Herdklotz Park with your kids

Favorites:

• huge climbing tower
• comfortable picnic tables near the action (it’s even on our list of the best picnic spots in Greenville)
• fenced in toddler/smaller playground with picnic tables under a small shelter
• the famous sliding handle
• shade
• scenic view
• large athletic fields

Drawbacks:

• little playground and big playground are far apart
• no toddler seats on the big playground swings

Where is Herdklotz Park

Herdklotz Park is tucked away off Rutherford Road, right behind Half Mile Lake subdivision at 126 Beverly Road in Greenville. The parking lot is vast, with spots close to the playgrounds. And if you’re lucky, you’ll watch a train go by on your drive to or from the park.

126 Beverly Road, Greenville

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Herdklotz Park: Kids Love to Visit Again and Again in Greenville, SC

My friend has a great game that we like to play together, whose name essentially translates to Wise Guy. It is so much fun to play (and it doesn’t hurt that I’m terrific at the game), but the game is in our local language and my grasp of the local language is the best in the family, and I want to be able to play with my children as well. Additionally, I felt like the game was too short, and had too little variety, so I wanted to adapt the game, keeping the same rules, but making it better.

The way the game works is that there are cards with categories as well as cards with letters. Each round a category is read and then a letter is shown, and the first person to blurt out a word that starts with that letter and fits that category gets that category card to keep. 

This is a fast paced game that stretches your brain, which is why I understand why its name is the local language equivalent of wise guy, literally translated as “sharp head”. 

The store had a lot of packages of white cards, but only one each of a few different colors of cards, so I decided to make the letter cards colorful, and the category cards white. 

I wrote the letters of the alphabet on the colorful cards, going through the alphabet a bunch of times until the letters were used up. I decided to leave out the letters Q, X, and Z to make the game more reasonable, because not everyone can think of words for each category using those letters.

Then on the white cards I wrote a bunch of different categories. For these categories, it had to be ones with multiple possible answers with many different letters, with short answers, since these have to be things you can blurt out quickly, and blurting out full sentences or phrases just doesn’t work. To get ideas I looked at lists of categories used for Scategories games (you can find a lot of lists for that online) as well as making my own.

These were some of the ones I included:

Feel free to use any of these things, or add your own, or get more specific than these. Because I’ll be playing with my children I didn’t want to get too specific that they’d have a hard time coming up with answers.

When creating this game I was a little dismayed that you could see through the back of the cards so people could tell in advance what card was on the top of the pile even when it is turned over. I experimented with making different designs or using different colors but no matter what you could see through the card with the permanent markers. I tried putting stickers on the cards but I couldn’t find any stickers big enough, so I just decided to adapt how we play this game to take into account the non opaque cards.

How to Play Wise Guy

1. Make two separate piles of cards, one of the categories and one of the letters. Mix thoroughly.

2. Flip over the category card and read it aloud so that everyone can hear it and there isn’t an issue if someone can’t see it properly or is a slower reader.

3. Take a letter card from the bottom of the pile (so that no one can see the letter before it is played) and flip it over, announcing the letter to everyone.

3. People now try to come up with a word that starts with that letter and fits into that category. For example, for the category Summer Things and the letter C you can say Canoe. Or terms of endearment and M can be M’lady. Or Hero with a W can be Wonder Woman. 

4. Whoever calls out the answer first gets the category card (the letter cards get recycled). 

This game can be adapted however you want. Like if you’re playing parents against kids, you can decide that parents have to give a 3 or 5 second head start to the kids before the parents start guessing. The point is to have fun, and that’s all that matters here.

Being a mom is an exciting journey. Soon-to-be moms want to ensure they are fully prepared to handle the added responsibility of driving and transporting their precious cargo. As well as all set to learn about essential driving tips for expectant moms to stay safe on road.

Expectant moms face a unique set of challenges when it comes to driving. From extra fatigue and frequent bathroom breaks to growing bellies that can make it difficult to reach the pedals, there are several considerations to keep in mind to ensure safe and comfortable journeys. 

As an expecting mother, there are specific essential driving tips you need to be aware of to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for you and your little one. To provide you with the best driving experience possible during your pregnancy, here are 7 essential tips to help you stay safe on the road.

1. Wear your seatbelt correctly

As a pregnant woman, you already have so much on your plate and don’t need to add another thing to your list. However, one essential driving tip all moms should heed is to wear their seatbelts correctly. 

While pregnant, you need to wear your seatbelt between your breasts (over the breastbone), with the strap resting over your shoulder. Also, ensure the lap belt is flat on your thighs, fitting comfortably beneath your enlarged abdomen, and over the pelvis not the bump.

Wearing your seatbelt in this position will distribute the force of a collision across your abdominal muscles and protect your baby. Additionally, pregnant women are at a higher risk of blood clots, which can be fatal. Proper seatbelt usage reduces this risk by helping to prevent the flow of fluids back to your heart.

2. Know the steps to take in the event of an accident

Although rare, the unfortunate reality is that some expecting mothers experience an accident during pregnancy. If you are ever in a car accident, you must be aware of the steps to take to protect yourself and your baby.

In most cases, a regular seatbelt will protect you and your baby as long as you wear it correctly, as mentioned above. However, in a severe car accident, you need to know the proper steps to take, like seeking immediate medical help and documenting the scene (if you were not fatally injured).

According to The Barnes Firm, a renowned legal firm of car accident lawyers, you could file a personal injury lawsuit if the accident resulted from a negligent driver and get the personal injury settlement you deserve.

But in all, knowing what to do during a car accident as an expectant mother will help you prepare for the unexpected and act quickly and effectively should such a situation occur.

3. Get a Prenatal Check-up – Driving Tips for Expectant Moms

Before hitting the road as an expecting mother, you must see your doctor to receive a recommendation to drive. Although most driving restrictions are lifted at the end of the first trimester, receiving a medical go-ahead to drive is essential.

With a detailed prenatal check-up, your doctor can let you know if you need to modify your driving habits in any way. Your doctor can assess your situation and determine if you can drive. This is particularly important if you have any complications or symptoms, like elevated blood pressure or extreme fatigue.

For example, if you are experiencing pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor can recommend ways to prevent or manage this pain. If you are experiencing any complications or symptoms, your doctor will be able to provide you with the best advice on how to proceed with driving during your pregnancy.

4. Wear comfortable clothing – Driving Tips for Expectant Moms

As your pregnancy progresses and your body changes, your clothing options will change too. In the early stages of pregnancy, many expecting mothers can continue to wear their regular clothes. However, as the pregnancy progresses, it can be hard to find clothes that fit due to a growing bump. 

If your regular clothes do not fit well anymore, it is important to find alternative clothing options that are comfortable and stretchy. It can be helpful to shop for maternity clothes early on in your pregnancy so that you have plenty of time to find a great selection of clothing options. 

Maternity clothes are designed to be extra stretchy and comfortable to ensure you have enough room to breathe while also staying stylish.

5. Be aware of your fatigue & energy levels

Driving can be tiring, especially during pregnancy when you might be experiencing an increased level of fatigue. To stay safe on the road, it is important to know your limits and to make adjustments as needed. 

If you are feeling fatigued or need more frequent breaks, it is important to take them. Driving when you are too tired can lead to serious accidents. During pregnancy, it is important to take frequent breaks and to avoid driving long distances. 

If possible, try to find someone to accompany you on longer trips or to help relieve you while driving. Keep in mind that fatigue can creep up on you so be sure to stay hydrated and get enough rest before hitting the road.

6. Take time for frequent breaks – Driving Tips for Expectant Moms

As mentioned above, taking frequent breaks while driving is essential to avoid becoming fatigued and prevent accidents. Depending on your pregnancy, you may need more frequent breaks than usual. It is necessary to pay attention to your own body and follow your own needs when driving.

As your pregnancy progresses, it is important to take breaks before you feel fatigued and before your body shows signs of fatigue. A good rule of thumb to follow is to take a break every couple of hours. This will allow you enough time to rest and avoid fatigue.

7. Adjust your seat & steering wheel

A lot can change during your pregnancy and the added weight of your growing baby can affect your ability to reach the pedals. 

Additionally, your body will be in a different position, so it is important to adjust your seat so that you feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed. One great way to maximize your driving comfort is to use lumbar support to help distribute your weight. 

Also be sure to adjust your steering wheel so that you are comfortable reaching the pedals with ease. Try to avoid having your seat positioned too far back and facing the steering wheel as this can cause cramping and discomfort in your legs.

Wrapping up

You can expect pregnancy to bring a lot of changes. To help you stay prepared and focused on the road, try using these tips as a checklist for safe and comfortable driving during your pregnancy.

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Over past centuries many family norms have changed but one unfortunate constant has remained: Mothers are a target, bearing the heaviest scrutiny and criticism when raising their children.

The expectations are too high and, for most of us, unattainable even when we are unwilling to admit that to ourselves. We try to meet them, or feel guilty or badly when we can’t.

In her aptly titled book, Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood, Jessica Grose, New York Times opinion writer, explains that the situation has been untenable for women for the last 200 years. The pandemic only exacerbated the demands on families, and on mothers specifically.

The perfect mother

Grose points out that then as now, expectations for what a mother should be remain unrealistic. You may chuckle at her description and say, “not me,” but most of us have internalized aspects of the “perfect mother”:

“Close your eyes and picture the perfect mother. She is usually blonde and thin. Her roots are never showing and she installed that gleaming kitchen backsplash herself (watch her TikTok for DIY tips). She seamlessly melds work, wellness and home; and during the depths of the pandemic, she also ran remote school and woke up at 5 a.m. to meditate.”

Society chips away at mothers’ self-esteem and identity at every age and stage of a child’s life. Any identity we had is subsumed into caring for our children. As Grose puts it:

“What I had to get used to, though, was the way the whole world perceives you differently when you’re a mother, and most of the problems I had in early motherhood came from brushing up against my culture’s expectations of who I was supposed to be. I was expected to suppress any needs, desires, and unmotherly personality traits for what other people felt was ‘best’ for the baby.”

Failing motherhood

Grose feels that she “failed pregnancy” in part because her morning sickness was so intense that she had to quit her brand-new job. In a way, I too failed pregnancy, or interpreted it that way when my doctor told me in my eighth month, “This baby is too small.” Beyond scaring me—How do you make a baby in utero bigger?—I had already piled on close to 40 pounds at that point. My baby turned out fine, born well within a “normal range.” I still wonder exactly what that doctor meant.

Similarly though, if you can’t or choose not to breastfeed, for example, you are often viewed as cheating your baby, and made to feel subpar. Or, some will tell you in person or on social media that enrolling your child in full-time daycare is harmful. The flaws in U.S. maternity-leave policies, and figuring out child care in a childcare desert—unless you can afford private care with costs that “rival college tuition”—complicate early motherhood further.

More than 70% of women with young children juggle labor at home and work responsibilities—and always it seems that others are quick to criticize. No matter how you tackle any aspect of mothering, the judgmental are ready to pounce—some subtly, others with no filter. To avoid criticism, too many mothers strive to be perfect or to meet unreasonably high standards that seem to be perpetuated by social media, their community, and sometimes even friends and family.

But there’s another way.

Your way

Grose has answers to save mothers. First, it’s about understanding the trap of the “perfect mother” myth. “The fear we have of being found out as less than perfect mothers keeps us from being truly honest,” she writes. Mothers need to admit ambivalence, admit that the pressures are too great, and stop passing judgment on each other.

Be it to breastfeed or not, or for how long; to follow attachment parenting or free-range parenting or to mix it up, choosing bits and pieces from different parenting gurus or none of them, decide for yourself what works for you and your circumstances.

You may miss a performance at school because of a pressing work responsibility or an elderly parent problem that needs your attention. Maybe you allow your child to dress in all manner of odd combinations of clothes, none of which appear on Instagram or TikTok. You may let your child drop a sport, wear makeup, or have a cellphone younger than mothers influencing your world think ideal—add any incident or suggestion that puts you on wobbly ground with your critics.

Conforming to the practices and approaches of families around you in pursuit of being the perfect mother creates unnecessary stress and can negate the family values you want to pass on to your offspring. “The truth is that parenting cannot follow a recipe; there’s no foolproof set of rules that will result in a perfectly adjusted child,” Grose reminds us. “Every parent has different values, and we will have different ideas about how to pass those values along to our children.”

Screaming on the outside

It may be better to scream on the outside, to decide that you are going to do motherhood your way even when it goes against the advice of those in your orbit. We can choose to stop beating ourselves up with lofty notions of what makes motherhood blissful and makes children thrive.

It seems that you are more likely to fail motherhood when you don’t trust yourself and don’t follow what you think is best for you and your children. You may believe perfection is possible, but when you accept that there is no such thing as the perfect mom, you and your kids will likely be happier.

On so many fronts—social, political, professional, and personal—we need to revise the motherhood myth by accepting that what works for one mother may not work for you. As Grose writes, “There’s more than one way to raise kids who thrive.”

For more, see “Why It’s Okay—Even Wise—to Let Your Child Quit” and “How to Stop Competitive Parenting From Ruining Friendships.”