Exercise

It's easy to get caught up in an exercise craze. If you watch TV at all, you are bombarded with exercise equipment, beautiful people that have used the exercise equipment to become beautiful.
Why spend all that time and money? Why buy the equipment, the clothes, buy into the belief that you need all of these things to be healthy.
I'll share my motivation with you. I always get bored with an exercise program eventually. Seems you are just doing the same thing all the time. Yet, I walk nearly every day. My secret? I have a purpose to the walk. I walk across town to meet my carpool ride to work. I have to get there, so there is a purpose to the walk. It makes me feel good in the early morning and I'm getting exercise.
So have a purpose to your exercise. I've even read of people that knit while riding an exercise bike. That way is killing two birds with one stone. Exercise AND knitting progress.
What could be better? And cheaper!

Quick snack

Sometimes my boys want a quick snack and I've started making a list of things I've come across that are quick and cheap and good. That way if they want something, I have a list of ideas.
One of their favorites is cinnamon toast. I just toast whatever bread we happen to have, then butter and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Lately I've had red sprinkles to put on top as well. It's a hit!

Entertainment

In my hurried and stressed out life, I give myself a lot of opportunities to rest and relax and meditate. I know there is no reason I have to spend money to have fun. I know there is no reason I have to spend money to relax and rejuvenate myself. So why don't I?
Today I was sitting outside, eating my very cheap lunch ($1) and I started noticing the leaves on the trees, how they were moving in the breeze, and it occurred to me that I don't do that very often. I sit out there at least 3 times a week and I don't take the time to notice much of anything. It can be a joy just to observe nature and people. A time to meditate and relax and get my inner chaos in order.
Stop and smell the roses!