Cotton get-aways

Budget-Friendly Family-Fun Tips

Having a great time is not about an expensive vacation in an exotic locale. Some of the most delightful memories can be made right in your backyard, on the beach or a brisk walk from your house.

All you need is a great sense of adventure, a cotton-crazy imagination, and some footloose time. Of the three, surprisingly most of us find it most difficult to take time out of our ever-busy schedules. Perhaps, this might help.

1. Plan for some time off - Even if it’s for half a day, think about it carefully and mark it in your notorious planner. You will have something to look forward to and you are likely to stick to it if you make place for it well in advance.
2. Forget the chores for just once. The sink will never be empty, there will always be laundry to do and the children will never put away all their toys. And spring-cleaning can wait for a rainy Saturday. Instead, get away and return to your ‘to do’ lists refreshed. 
3. Switch your mobile phone off for sometime. Or at least, put it on silent. Put off catching up on long pending emails and never answered sms-es.

Now, that you’ve managed to find some time, here are some simple ideas for you to have a ball without worrying about hotel bookings, travel reservations or your budget. 

1. Camp out. Pitch a tent in your garden and spend the night under the stars. If you don’t have a garden, take some cotton bed sheets and pitch a tent in the living room or on the terrace. Have a midnight picnic.
   Your kids will love it. So will you.
2. Plan for a movie night. Make some popcorn or chat at home. Settle down with lots of cotton pillows and cushions to enjoy the film.
   
3. Plan a picnic. To the park, beach, the zoo or even the neighbour’s garden if that’s closer or more convenient. Pack lunch from home and don’t forget the chips and the soft drinks. Or the old cotton bed sheet or cotton throw blanket to spread out on the grass.
4. Organize an art class. Get together some children and paint on cotton t-shirts using simple stencils, a paintbrush or just your imagination. If you are really adventurous, you could even try your artistic skills on serviettes, curtains, bed sheets, pillow and cushion covers.