If you're looking for unique holiday gifts that won't break the bank, look no further than your kitchen pantry. We’ve pulled together several cheap and easy recipes for homemade food gifts that make especially thoughtful hostess and teacher holiday gifts. Honestly, anyone on your Christmas list who … [Read more...] about 6 homemade food gifts (with recipes!) that are cheap and easy to make
Great gifts for organic gardeners
Home gardening is a popular pastime across the country. Here are our gift ideas, especially for those who practice vegetable gardening and organic home gardening. We’ve selected the best gardening gift ideas costing $25 or less (prices accurate at the time of publication). Our gift ideas … [Read more...] about Great gifts for organic gardeners
20 creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes
Do you love Thanksgiving dinner, but want fresh ideas for Thanksgiving leftover recipes that go beyond pot pie and tetrazzini? We found a rafter of turkey ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner that make frugal and delicious use of all the food in your fridge.Breakfast dishesThanksgiving … [Read more...] about 20 creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes
26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
My experiment with a $4-a-day budget has become a welcome and permanent adjustment to my menu planning and grocery shopping routine. It has saved not only money, but my time as well as some of my sanity. The $4 a day food budget was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap … [Read more...] about 26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money
Frugal living means you buy and use less, saving money and time. Happily, these are also basic tenets of minimalism, which is quite trendy right now so if you like living with less, you're in style! On the other hand, if you are a spendthrift used to buying out of want rather than need, … [Read more...] about Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money
Good jobs that don’t require a college degree
There are a lot of ways to handle the high cost of a college education. Most experts agree that the cost will be made up over the life of a career by higher-paying jobs that require that college degree. But maybe you aren’t sure it’s worth it. Or maybe you just can’t afford college right now and … [Read more...] about Good jobs that don’t require a college degree
Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
Backyard barbecues are a great way to entertain, but even when you host a potluck, they can be a pricey way to party. Whether you are entertaining a small or large crowd at your backyard barbecue, you can still stay on budget. Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd at your next … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
Conserve water, save money with a home garden xeriscape
Xeriscape is a landscaping idea that works to conserve water through the planting of an attractive, useful, water-efficient home garden. While often associated with desert climates, xeriscapes can save you money no matter where you live. The savings come from your water bill as well as the cost … [Read more...] about Conserve water, save money with a home garden xeriscape
Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
Use our tips to plan the perfect summer picnic on a budget. Whether you're planning to do a backyard picnic for the family or putting together a picnic in the park for you and your best friends, it doesn't have to be expensive. With a little forethought (and our summer picnic checklist), it’s easy … [Read more...] about Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
How to save money on a summer party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from your house and yard Use green cuttings from your yard such as ivy, rosemary, bay … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party
How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.Food waste by the average American family is estimated at about one-third of your grocery shopping dollars, and fresh vegetables top the list. Those crisp heads of lettuce and feathery … [Read more...] about How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste
5 ways to save on skin care and hair products
There are lots of ways to save big on skin care and hair products when you make small changes in your personal hygiene routine. If you aren’t sure where to start, let me share some money-saving tips based on personal experiences that opened my eyes to areas where I can spend less on … [Read more...] about 5 ways to save on skin care and hair products
How to save money with a rain garden
Most of the rain that falls on your property is collected by rain gutters or flows from driveways and patios into the street. All of this runoff is diverted into the storm drain system that ultimately empties into the nearest body of water.As urban and suburban areas grow, storm water runoff … [Read more...] about How to save money with a rain garden
Top 10 boredom-busting DIY toys for kids
We love ideas for cheap homemade toys for kids. Creating the handmade toys is a fun project for kids and adults, plus it's a great way to reuse and recycle household items you already have. Even better, once the work is done, the kids can entertain themselves with a new toy or game that cost you … [Read more...] about Top 10 boredom-busting DIY toys for kids
Best vegetarian burger recipes using cheap and tasty beans
There are so many types of beans available in your grocery store: navy, turtle, pinto, chickpea, kidney and so many more. Beans are packed with complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. And they are sources of Vitamin B, calcium, and iron. They are a win-win food for your health and for your … [Read more...] about Best vegetarian burger recipes using cheap and tasty beans