You're looking for online craft lessons, but YouTube is full of amateurish tutorials and poorly demonstrated how-to's. It might take more time to find a truly helpful online crafting guide, than it does to complete the project itself. Are you ready to pick up the needles, the glue stick and … [Read more...] about Online resources for free craft classes and inspiration
Card-making tips in time for Mother’s Day
Few of us like being held hostage for a $3 to $8 card the week before Mother's Day, but we do it anyway because we love our moms. Sure, the crafty people get around that by making their own — and the only thing they have that you don't are instructions. That's about to … [Read more...] about Card-making tips in time for Mother’s Day
What not to wear, Halloween edition
Halloween is the most creative holiday, as it makes you put on your thinking cap to develop a great, eye-catching costume every year. Let's face it: ugly sweater contests in December just don't compare.So although October is a scary month from that angle alone, you don't have to be … [Read more...] about What not to wear, Halloween edition
Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
It's awkward enough choosing the wrong gift for Uncle Fred for Christmas, but at least you won't see him for another 364 days. Choose incorrectly for the gal in the next cubicle, and you have to live with that embarrassment on a daily basis.That's why personal etiquette and branding expert Vicky … [Read more...] about Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
The idea of strangers peddling a side of beef, chicken cuts or maybe even bacon slices door to door isn't actually new. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it has taken reports of meat vendors for "many years" now. But with the popularity of consumer items being sold from a moving vehicle … [Read more...] about Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
How to feed your book habit without going broke
With the younger generations headed off to school, it's natural to feel a tad nostalgic for No. 2 pencils and a backpack. Only hitting the books, adult style, is way more fun. As you send the kids back to the classroom, why not look into increasing your own reading time — and at a budget that can … [Read more...] about How to feed your book habit without going broke
Craft store smartphone apps save money on the spot
If you've ever tackled a do-it-yourself project of the crafty nature — or simply wanted to buy a cool picture frame as a shower gift — you know the frustration. You are face to face with that edge punch, that set of artist's brushes, that stem of artificial flowers, and the disappointment nearly … [Read more...] about Craft store smartphone apps save money on the spot
5 best websites to check out a hotel
You are headed to a new vacation location and naturally don't want to book a week in a roach-infested room in a high-crime area. For that matter, you'd like to sleep in a comfortable bed on the drive to and from your destination as well. Most of us head to TripAdvisor to look up what other travelers … [Read more...] about 5 best websites to check out a hotel
4 Valentine’s Day gifts that give back
Hearts, chocolate, cards, and flowers may be mainstay Valentine's Day gifts, but that doesn't mean going traditional has to be boring. We've scouted out several yummy options that not only say "I love you" to your sweetheart, but also convey how much you care to a population segment that could also … [Read more...] about 4 Valentine’s Day gifts that give back
7 little-known homeowner insurance traps
Do you know what your homeowner's insurance policy covers should you file a claim in 2013? Yes, it's not exciting, but with more insurers are inserting provisions to shift risk and costs to homeowners, a careful read is more important than ever, say the experts at the Consumer Federation of America … [Read more...] about 7 little-known homeowner insurance traps
5 perfect, affordable gifts for crafters
We all know her and some of us hate her: the gal who can whip up a clever place tag, a holiday banner, a birthday card like magic. Pssst, she has a secret up her sleeve, and chances are she's always jonesing for more supplies to make that happen. Here are five craft tools you can wrap up to … [Read more...] about 5 perfect, affordable gifts for crafters
Daily savings for papercrafters who like deals
Papercrafting is a hobby that includes so many moving parts — paint, sewing, alcohol markers, inks, mists, stamps, edge punches, buttons, flowers, diecuts and, of course, the paper — it's easy for crafters to get more wrapped up in buying than using these supplies.So by your second shopping … [Read more...] about Daily savings for papercrafters who like deals