how to plan a frugal summer

simple pleasures don't cost much

This is your annual reminder that sometimes a summer at home is just what you need to restore and revive yourself; to actually have a break before life inevitably picks up pace again.

December and January are notoriously frugal months for me, mostly because I work freelance and none of what I write is particularly urgent - for submission or payment. Does this bode well with Christmas, holidays and back-to-school? No, it definitely does not! However, it has taught me the beauty of a simple summer.

And you know what, it’s not bad at all. In fact, sometimes when your options are limited and you can’t be frivolous with spending, life naturally becomes slower and you quickly learn to relish in the little things; new reads from the street library, ice lattes made at home, barbecues in the backyard. Small luxuries, simple pleasures.

It’s now my summer of choice - languid weeks without plans stretching out into the new year, space and time to do as we please. Boring? Perhaps. But it’s just the way I like it. I long for the opportunity to while away an afternoon thinking: this is delightful! And also: what next?