Individual's and Couples' Activities on a Budget

Being pregnant and on a mission to save a few dolla-dolla bills here and there before baby comes, I have had to think about ways to still have fun by myself and with hubby but not break the bank.

Thankfully, I live in a city where a wide variety of fun, free activities are offered on the daily, ESPECIALLY in the summer time. And let me tell you, when you have a nice, chunky mortgage to pay off, a baby on the way and all these little expenses here and there, you start to appreciate the word "free" when it comes to fun. Now, I'm not saying that we're drowning in our expenses or anything, but I think it makes things more interesting when you start having to use your creativity to do things. It pushes you to further familiarize yourself with the city in which you live, explore it more, find new interests and hobbies and try new things altogether. All-around good times!

Now without wasting any more time, allow me to present my top activities for preggos and for couples.

Parliament Hill Yoga: 

I am so fortunate to live in a city where fitness is prevalent. So much so, that every Wednesday, +lululemon athletica here in Ottawa puts on a free Yoga class from 12-1 p.m. for anyone to join. This tradition began in the summer of 2012 and has been growing ever since. Expect to see people in the hundreds downward-dogging and sun-saluting their lunch hour away. It really is a magical thing to see so many people coming out and getting a good breath of fresh air with you. Just don't forget to bring your mat, some yoga gear and water... Assistants are constantly walking around and helping participants out!


Prenatal Massage: 

THIS IS FOR THOSE WITH BENEFITS AT WORK! There is nothing more relaxing than getting a good, deep tissue prenatal massage from someone who knows their stuff. When hubby is busy, I really like to take the time to get pampered in this way—at least once a month. My suggestion, if you don't already have yourself a masseuse, is to request a female masseuse with strong hands (if that's what you like). Ladies, I just find that male masseuses get a little awkward when dealing with a pregnant lady, and it really just does not work for me. I am so lucky to have found a fantastic female masseuse, I literally fall asleep. And the best thing about all of this is that I only have to pay 10% of the regular price! Gosh I love benefits.


Berry Picking with Significant Other: 

I think this activity provides a few great benefits. Firstly, it costs significantly less to buy a basket and fill it with as many berries as possible (as well as eat "a few" along the way, hehe) than it would to buy packs at the grocery, on sale or not on sale. Secondly, it allows you and hubby to bond over a light and fun activity. And men love food, right? I say "winninggg" to that! Thirdly, depending on the type of berries you are picking, you could end up doing lots of squatting, which results in your daily workout being completed. Especially if doctor has requested you not do any exercise, it's a sneaky way of getting some in anyway! Fourthly, if you did like I did this year and picked a TON of berries, you could end up making homemade jams and spreads! That way, you control the amount of sugar and you ensure you are consuming real fruits when having jam. When pregnant, I feel very strongly about this.


Farmers' Markets: 

Ever thought of checking out your local farmers' market? It's such a great way to learn what produce is in season and support your local community. My husband and I love that. Many Saturday mornings, we will get up, wear comfortable clothes and head out for a nice, long walk in the downtown area to see what new fruit and vegetables farmers are bringing in and buy a few of our favourites. And for the majority of time, their prices tend to be better than of those in large supermarket chains. And fresher. When these products are coming from, say, Mexico or something, you don't know a) how long it took them to get here, b) how they were stored, c) when they were picked and d) if any rodents managed to get in the truck, plane or boat on which they were transported. #reality


Casino du Lac Leamy Sound of Light: 

This just happens to be one of my favourite free activities. I mean, you can pay to attend this firework activity (between $25 and like $100-something), but the truth of the matter is that you can easily watch the fireworks from anywhere and tune into the right radio station to hear the music, which corresponds to the firework movement and intensity. It happens every Wednesday and Saturday nights for three weeks (5 nights total). One of four countries compete on each night, and the winner is announced at the grand finale on the final night (short clip is on my Instagram!!). It is definitely worth seeing!! Just grab a lawn chair or two, a drink and your camera! And don't forget to hold hubby's arm from time to time. :) P.S. Fireworks aren't harmful to baby if you are pregnant. Baby might get startled at first, but absolutely no damage can be done to his eardrums. Just an FYI!


Northern Lights Sound and Lights Show: 

Another free activity offered on Parliament Hill, this nightly must-see event should be part of at least one of your summer date nights. Using both advanced digital technology and great sound, the show highlights Canada's history on the Peace Tower. It's so easy to keep this activity free: parking practically anywhere downtown is free after 7 p.m., so no having to worry about that! Plus, the baby in mama's belly will enjoy all the sounds!


Picnics by the Water:

Think you're too old, too busy or too cool for a picnic by the water? Think again. There is so much potential when planning a picnic for you and hubby. In my case, hubby loves going out for walks and he also loves eating, so I figure, "why not make a date activity out of it?' This works so well for us because we get to use our food from home: we make sandwiches, fresh salads, bring water and dessert with us—a full meal! I bought a cute picnic bag in our dating days that includes cutlery, plates, cloth napkins, cups and even salt&pepper shakers and a bottle opener. It looks like a backpack and holds so much food. One of our favourite spots is near the Rideau Canal, absolutely romantic.

Of course, you can always opt for movie nights, game nights, parades, festivals, and so on, but these are some of our favourites. One thing I encourage you to do it is to check your city's webpage to find events and activities in your area. Especially with being pregnant, I find that anything I can combine with walking is worth doing since my doctor has put many restrictions on the frequency and intensity of the activities I would normally do.

What are some of your favourite free activities? I'd love to hear and try them out if possible!

-Alesia D.