I recently decided to organize my garage using pegboard. Before I began, I looked at pegboard organization ideas and wow, was I surprised at how much can be done with some simple, inexpensive pegboard.No matter what room you want to get into shape, pegboard can help, and it’s cheap. We’ve found … [Read more...] about How to organize your life with pegboard
Fun things to do with kids on spring break and other school holidays
We all know it's coming, but still it seems as if spring break or another school holiday has arrived and you have no idea how to keep the kids occupied. Here's an assortment of fun activities to get you started. Some are family-based, while others, depending on the age of your kids, can be done with … [Read more...] about Fun things to do with kids on spring break and other school holidays
Make your own 100-calorie snack packs to save cash — and your diet
As a registered dietitian, I believe a 100- to 200-calorie snack between meals is great way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Clearly, others agree as grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores sell countless numbers of 100-calorie packs of crackers, cookies, candy and … [Read more...] about Make your own 100-calorie snack packs to save cash — and your diet
How to get salon results from your DIY pedicure
I love the look of a pedicure. Be it a shiny color or a beautiful design, a pedicure makes me think of carefree, barefoot summer days. You may not be able to get out to the salon for a pedicure, but that's no reason to neglect your feet. They're still dealing with all the walking, running and … [Read more...] about How to get salon results from your DIY pedicure
Cheap and healthy food to eat on a budget
It's a common misconception that eating healthy is expensive. That's not true. Sure, you can spend a lot on fancy health foods, but it's not necessary. Many low-cost foods are also good for you.A healthy diet is made up of a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy … [Read more...] about Cheap and healthy food to eat on a budget
Online yard sales, beyond Craigslist
It's always fun to get new stuff, and even better if you can get what you need for free or at bargain-basement prices. Personally, I also like getting rid of stuff I no longer need. I find I'm more productive and more relaxed in a less-cluttered environment, but I hate creating more … [Read more...] about Online yard sales, beyond Craigslist
Easy DIY Valentines for kids
Things have changed since I grew up, but at least one thing is still the same — kids passing out Valentines to their classmates. When I was a kid, we went to the drugstore or card store, bought a box of paper Valentines with our favorite cartoon character, addressed and signed them and we were good … [Read more...] about Easy DIY Valentines for kids
Fun snow activities for kids
Parts of the country are covered in snow right now, and caregivers are looking for some fun activities for the kids to do on a snow day. Of course, there's sledding and snowman building, but if you're looking for something a little different, I've found several fun things to do in the … [Read more...] about Fun snow activities for kids
How to host a kid’s birthday party for less than $100
It seems as if advertisements for kids' parties are everywhere I go — restaurants, gymnastics studios, the YMCA, hair salons, on and on. It only makes sense that all of these places want in on the kid birthday party scam; they know they can make a fortune hosting one. While it might be easier … [Read more...] about How to host a kid’s birthday party for less than $100
Give homemade soup as a gift to warm the heart
I enjoy few things more than creating and giving homemade gifts. So many different types of foods — such as quick breads, cookies, candy and drink mixes — lend themselves to giving. But giving soup mix in a jar as a gift to someone who may not have the desire to cook for himself can be a wonderful … [Read more...] about Give homemade soup as a gift to warm the heart
Homemade gifts: 11 easy mixes for drinks and sweets
There is nothing more heartfelt than a one-of-a-kind gift you make yourself. So many different types of gifts lend themselves to being handmade — candles, soaps and, of course, edible and drinkable gifts. Most folks on the receiving end of such gifts appreciate the thought and time it took to create … [Read more...] about Homemade gifts: 11 easy mixes for drinks and sweets
Best grocery items to buy (and stock up on) during the November sales
I don't know what I like more about Thanksgiving: the holiday itself or all of the sales grocery stores nationwide usually have on Thanksgiving staple ingredients as soon as Halloween passes. It's the most wonderful time of the year to stock your pantry, cupboards and even your freezer with great … [Read more...] about Best grocery items to buy (and stock up on) during the November sales
Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween is one of those times of year in which we can all revert to being kids. We dress up and enjoy a little extra candy and parties. Planning a Halloween party can be so much fun, and it's even more fun when you throw a Halloween party on the cheap.Choose one of these Halloween party ideas … [Read more...] about Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Fall apple and pumpkin recipes + DIY pumpkin puree
Fall is here, and it's time for hot cider, hearty stews and, naturally, pumpkins and apples. They’re everywhere – piled in front of grocery stores and farmers markets, decorating the classroom and even gracing the front desk at the gym. And why not? They’re colorful, festive, have a long shelf life … [Read more...] about Fall apple and pumpkin recipes + DIY pumpkin puree
Make your own pop tarts and other DIY convenience foods
No one can argue that convenience foods are a huge time-saver. But some prepackaged foods can be expensive (frozen pizzas), available seasonally (Girl Scout cookies) or filled with artificial ingredients (fruit rolls and pop tarts).If you take a little time to make these items in advance, you … [Read more...] about Make your own pop tarts and other DIY convenience foods