Let’s be honest. Wandering around the mall (or Walmart or Target) is a real American past-time.
A pretzel, a swimsuit, and a few shopping bags later, we find ourselves having spent more money than we had planned when we initially said we’d go “walk around.”
And if you’re trying to resist buying things you don’t need, a trip to the mall is probably not what the doctor ordered.
But it’s so hot outside.
I get it– the mall offers “free” air conditioning, right? Well, perhaps. It would be free if you didn’t drop a single dime while you were there. You get the point.
So what options do we have in the summer that don’t involve shopping and subsequently cluttering up our homes?
I’ve got a few ideas for you that will not only protect your wallet, but also possibly expand the list of options you have for any open weekends coming up.
[Tweet “Avoiding the mall? Here are 7 alternatives for your weekend via @daisylinshih #minimalism #budget”]
What To Do This Weekend If You’re Avoiding The Mall
1) Try making that recipe you’ve been eyeing on Pinterest.
Don’t have a food inspiration board? It’s ok, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my inspiring salad board, my pasta favorites, and of course my dessert to-do list. I’ve got plenty more ideas stashed away too.
2) Head for the mountains, the lake, the beach, or the forest.
I hope you have one, if not more, of those near you. These areas do tend to be cooler than the city, and they’re the perfect place to wander around, take a picnic, or do some active hiking.
3) Clean out your closet and sell your clothes online.
Removing clutter is always a good idea– until you literally have no more of it. If you’d like an easy way to sell your gently-worn clothing, read this post that teaches you exactly how to do that!
4) Head to a museum you’ve been meaning to get to.
I don’t know why I haven’t been to many museums around Pasadena. I used to be an avid museum goer when I lived and traveled in other cities (does any city beat New York on museums?!). There’s plenty of aircon there (bring a sweater) and lots to be learned and admired.
5) Host a cocktail hour at home and make your own beverage.
We had some friends over last night and served this delicious and simple sangria. It was a hit! Have people bring their favorite brews and exchange recipes!
6) Get lost in a book.
So many of us complain about “never getting to read.” So pull that book off your shelf that you’ve been meaning to get to, and sit with some fresh no-squeeze basil lemonade!
7) Work on your photography.
Is getting better at taking pictures a goal that you have? Work on it this weekend! Don’t wait till you’re actually traveling or at an important event to practice; the time to improve is now. Here are some tips on improving your photography without spending money!
8) Start on that long-term project you’ve been putting off.
Need to refresh your garden? Repaint a wall? Write a book? This is your weekend. Get to work, and you’ll feel good about the way you spent your time.
Oh, and speaking of long-term projects, I wrote an e-book! It’s a workbook on courage that I think you’ll really like.
[Tweet “For those on a #budget: avoid the mall this weekend & try these 8 other activities! #shoppingban”]
Want to take a look at my first workbook? It’s free! All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter, confirm subscription, and it’ll show up in your inbox. I’ll be sharing a little more about it next week on the blog. *For those who have already subscribed, the ebook link will come with today’s letter!*
Love this! Especially the part about starting a project. We have projects we love to start yet dread at the same time. Maybe because they pull us out of our comfort zones… I just finished a free email course last weekend, for example, and realized after reading this that I didn’t go to the mall last week because of it. Will share your awesome post on Twitter, Daisy!
Great ideas! I love to try new recipes in fact I just finished making pumpkin bread. Gardening/tending houseplants is another favorite.
Aw nice! I bet Riley loves the dog park!
I did get started on a new book and I took Riley to a dog park . . . so I spent some time outdoors. Dan and I went out for milkshakes instead of making dessert though!
Thanks, Daisy.
Wow that’s fantastic Heide! It’s hard to go to the mall and not be tempted by all the beautiful windows! And I hope you get to go hiking soon. 🙂
Ooh the zoo is a great idea! I forgot about that. I bet your little ones love the zoo.
I completely agree that there’s no reason to go to the mall if you don’t plan to shop– it would just be too tempting for me! And it’s wonderful that you live so close to beautiful natural spots Andrea! 🙂
Yeah! Haha I know what you’re talking about– people definitely go to malls or department stores to get their groceries there. And your plans for this weekend sounded so great– I ohpe you had a good time.
That’s so true!
Oh my goodness that is SO hot! It gets that hot later in the summer here in LA and I hate it. I hope you enjoyed getting school supplies though! I bet it was crowded!
Ahh yeah! Thanks Christina! I hope you write something soon– I think the key is to make it short. Easier to write and to read! 🙂
Haha hope you had a great weekend Kiki, despite all the randos who have swamped your town!
I’m glad you enjoyed this Catherine! And those are great alternatives to going shopping!
Oh your dogs are so cute!! Haha and I know what you mean– it never gets cold in Southern California, but I remember missing the sweltering heat in the middle of winter in Boston!
Thanks Marcella! I love Deliciously Ella– her recipes are so creative!
And I’ve heard such good things about that book but I have yet to read it!
Hah yes!! Sharing more about it tomorrow 🙂
Yes! walking is great– and I could probably walk through the home depot without buying anything. 😉
Thank you Tiffany! Hope you got some good reading time in this weekend!
Thanks Chelsea! 🙂
Thanks Brittany!! Did you end up doing these things this weekend? 🙂
Thanks Renee!
Thanks Alyssa! I hope you guys have fun! 🙂
I’ve actually mastered not spending a cent on anything while at the mall. Ha! It’s also really hot here even when it’s not summer and the mall is kind of the nearest get away (get away from the heat that is). But I do love the idea of going up a mountain or a lake. I suddenly have the urge to go hiking.
With 2 littles, we still go outside…morning or late afternoon…parks (with shade!) Are great for them to run around and get energy out! We also hit the zoo early on Saturday mornings before it gets too wild, crazy and hot!!
This list is sooo good! And what a great point about the mall! I broke up with shopping about a year ago, and I admit going to the mall still pops in my head, but I never go because there is no point when you aren’t planning on shopping! I definitely used to fall under the category of going and spending more than I planned. I’d rather keep my money and get lost in a book or #2 – all of which I am blessed to live near by!
Malls are so popular here, and particularly so on weekends, that we avoid going to the mall on weekends if at all possible because the parking ramps are usually filled to capacity. I do find myself at the mall way more often here–all the grocery stores, other than tiny little family-owned shops that sell just a few items, are in malls. Sometimes I forget that you don’t have to go to the mall to go to the grocery store in America. 😉 Our Saturday plans include going to a school fundraiser for one of our 16 year old friends, going on a little hike at the forest reserve, and then having a bunch of people over for tacos. No time for the mall! 🙂
Go to the library. It’s cool in more ways than one. Or go to a movie matinee, years ago these places drew people inside by promising “It’s cool inside.”
It is insanely hot right now in Houston (high of 106 this weekend, help me) so air conditioning is almost a must. But I would rather be doing something outside (without fainting ha). The bad news is that it’s tax free weekend in Texas this weekend so I kinda need to hit up the malls to get Aiden school stuff… but I’m not looking forward to the crowds 🙁
Ah I am so signing up for your newsletter and am really excited about reading your ebook 🙂 You go, girl for writing that! I would love to write an ebook to publish maybe sometime next year, I really need to start allocating thing for that. Love these ideas for how to avoid shopping this weekend. I might try your lemonade recipe out, sound amazing!
Fortunatly we will be far away from most of the usual tempting activities. Not only is it tax free on school supplies weekend, but it just so happens it’s Pro-Football Hall of Fame weekend. Which I just so happen to live practically on top of. Out of townees have all but over run our little town. (; These little tips will work another weekend for sure though! Have a fabulous weekend Daisy!
http://www.accordingtokiki.net
This is such an important topic! I always get tempted by the mall, maybe not as bad as I used to be, but now there’s one really close to my apartment so it’s like oooh maybe I should see what’s new. I think my favorite ways to stop myself from shopping are to go exploring (or hiking like you said), work on a blog or new project, trying a new restaurant, or just coming up with creative new outfits with the clothes I already have!
http://www.theblissfulmind.com
I definitely need to avoid the mall as much as possible! Even though Nashville is unbearably hot in the summer, I try to force myself to be outside as much as possible – whether that’s reading a book in the shade and going for a hike with the dogs. Because, before I know it, it’s going to be winter and I’m going to miss the unbearable heat. haha
Great list! I love exploring the outdoors, even if that just means heading to my local park with a picnic 🙂 And cooking new things is the best, I’ve been following lots if the Deliciously Ella recipes lately and they are seriously good 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.
p.s Have you read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying? I’m reading it now, and just like the title, it seriously is life changing 🙂
You wrote an ebook???? I can’t wait for more details!!!
One of my things that I love doing is going for a walk! 🙂 It has been so hot this summer though that admittedly I have been walking at Home Depot haha!
I loved these ideas! And I am definitely guilty of saying “Oh, I wish I had more time to read!” I think I shall curl up with a nice book this weekend! Thanks for this!
These are wonderful ideas!
I love these ideas! Try out that dessert from Pinterest and then eat an absurd amount while getting lost in a book. Then go work it off with a bike ride by the lake! Perfect. 🙂
These are all fabulous ideas and all things i’m very interested in myself! Great post!
Renee | Lose The Road
Such a great post! I am always trying to come up with things to do with my friends that don’t involve shopping so we’ll be sure to utilize some of these ideas 🙂