Val McCauley

50 white-elephant gift exchange ideas

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White Elephant gift exchanges, or as some call them, Yankee Swaps, are about as popular as ugly Christmas sweater parties. Finding the perfect gift can be difficult because there are often a variety of people participating, and you may have to gear the appropriateness around the type of party: … [Read more...] about 50 white-elephant gift exchange ideas

Stocking stuffers for grownups

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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 grownups

4 easy and cheap Halloween decorations

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

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

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

Got clutter? Donate and save on taxes

Most people will agree that clutter is bad. It takes up valuable space in your home, is difficult to clean around, and makes it hard for you to keep organized and find things. Cleaning out your household and clothing clutter can earn you money if you choose to sell it, but that can take time and … [Read more...] about Got clutter? Donate and save on taxes

How to choose the best cloth diapers for baby

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Cloth diapers have come a long way since your mother or grandmother used them. If you’ve decided to use cloth diapers for financial or environmental reasons, you have seen that there are dozens of types of diapers, materials and fasteners available. If you ask 100 people what the best … [Read more...] about How to choose the best cloth diapers for baby

How to make homemade vanilla extract

One of my goals for this year is to begin making holiday gifts in November, so I'm not stressing and rushing to finish up gifts mid-December. One of my favorite homemade gifts to give (and keep for myself) is homemade vanilla extract, but it takes time to develop so you need to start it … [Read more...] about How to make homemade vanilla extract

Thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget

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Holiday shopping can make you feel as if the "reason for the season" is emptying your wallet, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways to save money on holiday gifts, entertainment and dining out through the holidays. Sign up for Living on the Cheap daily … [Read more...] about Thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget

How to buy your first house

Buying your first home is intimidating, and the current economy makes it even tougher. According to a recent article in Market Watch, the inventory of starter homes available to first time home buyers is dwindling. Many homes are in need of major repairs, which drives up the investment cost. But … [Read more...] about How to buy your first house

Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen

Green onions aren’t expensive to purchase in the grocery store, but they are one of those ingredients that I either forget to buy, or they go bad in the fridge before I remember to use them, which is definitely a waste of money. Green onions, also known as scallions, are great for flavor and garnish … [Read more...] about Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen

3 easy, cheap, gluten-free peanut butter treats

Gluten-free baking doesn't have to require specialty flours or unusual and expensive ingredients. These three peanut-butter treat recipes are made with simple ingredients that most people already have in the kitchen. They're naturally gluten-free, so those with or without gluten allergies will … [Read more...] about 3 easy, cheap, gluten-free peanut butter treats

Six benefits of joining Amazon Student

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Attention, college students: Whether you're headed near or far to college this year, you're going to need "stuff." Join Amazon Student and get FREE two-day shipping for college students. The online shopping mecca is offering its Amazon Student program free for six months, so you … [Read more...] about Six benefits of joining Amazon Student

How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car

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Cooler weather has started to spread across the United States, and snow isn’t far behind for many states, if you haven't seen it already. As you start to pull out your winter gear (or light jackets for those in warmer climates), it's a good time to make sure your car is stocked with a few … [Read more...] about How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car

Free lead testing kits for home hazards

Lead is a hot topic these days with water crisis in cities across the United States. Even if your water is safe, there can be lead hazards throughout your home, especially homes built before 1960, which may have lead paint. Lead may also be in soil, jewelry, toys, furniture, cosmetics and … [Read more...] about Free lead testing kits for home hazards

Val McCauley

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