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As the cost of living continues, one woman has sparked a conversation online by asking people what cheap or free things they do to make life a little more fun.
Post to the UK parenting forum mumsnetthe anonymous user said she goes into her yard to watch planes fly over her house, then tries to track them on Flight Radar 24.
She asked people to share what activities they do to put a smile on their faces while keeping costs down.
Many people got a lot of comments saying that they lit scented candles and went on long walks, while others were more adventurous and joined test panels for free samples and went to expensive stores to try on designer gear.
As the cost of living continues, one woman sparked an online conversation by asking people what cheap or free things they do to make life a little more fun
Posting to the parenting forum Mumsnet, the anonymous user believed to be from the UK said she went into her yard to watch planes fly over her house, then tries to follow them on Flight Radar 24
She said: ‘I also really like lighting tealights (you can buy loads for £1 or £2) or burning incense sticks.
“I recently rejoined the library and mine gives free access to magazines, even the good ones and hundreds of titles.
‘All I have to do is enter my library card number and there I go. It’s just brilliant and if I can afford a slice of cake while reading, even better!
‘I like to research places to visit. I may never get there, but that doesn’t mean I can’t plan if it did!’
Many people responded by saying that they also like to burn scented candles. And one woman admitted she watches her pets when they don’t know she’s there
One person replied, ‘Honestly? Going to bed with the duvet on is the best thing in my life right now.’
Someone else said, ‘I won’t pretend to be someone who is currently struggling – that’s my disclosure.
‘I do a lot of ‘going on vacation’ with people on YouTube. A lot of camping in distant places. Sometimes a few hours of YouTube videos a night. It’s beautiful.
‘I also burn a lot of tea lights (and £1 Flying Tiger pillar candles).’
A third person added: ‘Using Yankee votive candles and fallen fruit for cooking!
“Also watch my pets in the yard when they think I’m not there.”
Other people ventured out with a woman who said she would like to receive free samples of products in the mail after signing up for tester panels
Others ventured more into their cheap and free activities and ventured further from home.
One woman said, ‘I go to very expensive clothing stores and try on coats that cost hundreds of pounds. I don’t know why, but I just love it. I also read thrillers that I pick up for free nearby and take extremely long walks through cities and countryside.’
And a second admitted, “I’ve joined many tester panels and free sample sites. Love it. I’ve been given some great products to test and also looking forward to seeing what stuff I get in the mail. It cheers me up.’
Other people have put together the perfect evening alone, in their home with all the coziness of the colder winter months
Other people revealed that on long autumn evenings they turn to the internet for joy.
Someone posted: ‘Oh, I also allow myself to get into a ‘Wikipedia spiral’ – I just read loads of pages that link to each other. Improved my general knowledge too! I find it very relaxing.’
Someone else said, ‘I look at houses on Rightmove. A lot. Houses I’ve seen for sale nearby. Houses I might be interested in if I moved. Houses I can’t afford. Houses miles away. I love it.’
And a third shared: ‘I really discovered Youtube during the pandemic. I had only ever used it before to fix things. Now I watch everything; I am especially attracted to affable, friendly hosts, whatever the content. It’s a broad spectrum, but tends towards history, language, cooking and “lifestyle,” some stand-up comedy, old newsreels, all sorts. The algorithm keeps me discovering new rabbit holes.’
Others chose a cozy home and enjoyed life’s little pleasures.
One woman said: ‘I like to put on some nice violin music, take the time to spritz all my houseplants, pour a big glass of wine and pre-brie my crackers, open a big puzzle and turn off all means of communication – live the dream one evening at the same time.’