The Halloween season is upon us, making it the perfect time to get started on ghoulishly good crafts and cheap Halloween decorations. Gather some items from around the house, stop at a craft store with a coupon for the rest, and you can make your house spooky on the cheap or dress up your … [Read more...] about 4 easy and cheap Halloween decorations
About Val McCauley
Stocking stuffers for grown-ups
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Just as you’re never too old to rock 'n' roll, you’re never too old for a stocking from Santa. Chances are your stocking was the first thing you saw when you came into the living room on Christmas morning when you were a child, and now it can bring back warm holiday memories. While receiving … [Read more...] about Stocking stuffers for grown-ups
Make felted wool dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
Here's a project that will help you save on electricity from your dryer and eliminate the need for fabric softener, which has harmful chemicals and perfumes. Fabric softener can be expensive, isn’t recommended for certain articles (towels, cloth diapers) because it reduces absorbency, and it can … [Read more...] about Make felted wool dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
When Glad Press’n Seal first appeared on the market, I saw it as an expensive version of plastic wrap and couldn’t see how it would be worth the extra money. After seeing it in action at a friend’s house and finally purchasing my own box, it’s definitely something I plan to keep in stock. It … [Read more...] about 15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
Can Costco membership save you money?
Many people seem to have a love-it-or-hate-it attitude toward warehouse stores, but I am a proud card-carrying Costco member because it does save me money. Here's how I save money at Costco and avoid the (expensive) pitfall of overspending on bulk goods. With only two in our household, we … [Read more...] about Can Costco membership save you money?
How to pick the best roadside assistance program
You can never predict whether you’re going to need roadside assistance for a flat tire, dead battery or other vehicle issue, but if you’re a member of a roadside assistance program, you’ll be covered when it happens. The difficult part is deciding which program best fits your family's needs. … [Read more...] about How to pick the best roadside assistance program
Build a salad table to grow your greens
Do you love vegetables and salad, but can't plant a regular garden? A salad table might be the ideal solution for you. What is a salad table? A salad table is a portable, waist-high table just deep enough to grow salad greens, herbs and other shallow-rooted plants and vegetables. The … [Read more...] about Build a salad table to grow your greens
Does your pet need food stamps? Resources for pet care when you can’t afford it
Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding relationships in your life. Pets are loyal, loving and even provide health benefits for their owners, such as lower blood pressure and stress reduction. Unfortunately, pets can be expensive when you add up food costs, supplies and trips to the … [Read more...] about Does your pet need food stamps? Resources for pet care when you can’t afford it
Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget
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Traveling with a family can be expensive, but the memories are priceless. Whether you are envisioning a relaxing trip to the beach, a thrilling amusement park visit, or exploring one of our great National Parks, there are ways to make a vacation fit your budget. With careful planning and great … [Read more...] about Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget
Save money in the grocer’s bulk bin aisle
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The next time you are grocery shopping, don’t skip the bulk bins aisle. Tremendous savings can be had when buying grains, beans, spices, flours or other baking or pantry staples in bulk, rather than in pre-packaged bags and jars. Whether you need two pounds or two teaspoons of an ingredient, you’ll … [Read more...] about Save money in the grocer’s bulk bin aisle
Great gifts for a first Mother’s Day
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Being a new mom is hard. Really hard. So let the new mom in your life know what a good job she's doing by giving her a great first Mother's Day. Giving gifts for first-time moms can be tricky, as they are usually responsible for catering to every whim of a helpless tiny human. Here … [Read more...] about Great gifts for a first Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day gift ideas she’ll love
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There’s an important holiday coming up in May and it’s time to start thinking about gifts! Whether you’ll be celebrating your mom, step-mom, mother-in-law, mother of your children, or someone you think of as a mom, it’s a holiday that deserves more thought than a bouquet of grocery store … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day gift ideas she’ll love
Recycle old magazines into beautiful bowls
I love reading magazines and get a lot of free and cheap subscriptions. Once I'm done reading them, I often swap them with friends or leave them at the gym for others to read, but I always end up with a stack at home that I need to get rid of. One of my favorite ways to recycle magazines is … [Read more...] about Recycle old magazines into beautiful bowls
How to have a great wedding on a small budget
I was never one to dream of a big, traditional wedding with all of the trimmings when I was a little girl. When my now-husband and I got engaged, we talked about exactly what we wanted for our wedding and reception, instead of what we were “supposed” to do. We didn’t realize it right away, but by … [Read more...] about How to have a great wedding on a small budget
Create your own Valentine’s Day candy gifts
Valentine’s Day is coming up and if you want give your sweeties (or friends) some sweets, go beyond the heart-shaped box and get creative with items you already have around the house. Add their favorite candy and cute sayings, and you’ll have cute, upcycled Valentine’s Day gifts that they’ll … [Read more...] about Create your own Valentine’s Day candy gifts
