Gift cards remain one of the most wanted gifts, no matter the occasion. Even though they’re plastic, if you play your (gift) cards right, you can really stretch them beyond their value. The trick is to treat them like cash. Would you be so quick to spend a $50 bill sitting in your … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Stretching gift cards
Christmas
Is it stuffing or dressing?
Do you call it stuffing or dressing? Do you know the difference? If not, here’s a hint: Stuffing goes inside the turkey; dressing is baked separately. If you already knew that, did you know this: food safety wise, it’s better to make dressing? If you put stuffing inside the bird, it needs to get to … [Read more...] about Is it stuffing or dressing?
12 ways to make extra cash for the holidays
Sometimes the money ends before the month ends. And, at this time of year, we're all confronted with extra expenses - gifts, parties, family meals and, depending on where you live, higher heating bills. How can you bring in extra money to pay for it all — without selling your plasma? Luckily, … [Read more...] about 12 ways to make extra cash for the holidays
15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
If you have a bunch of folks on your holiday gift list, you know how fast even small items can add up. This year, why not stuff a stocking for each person on your list instead of buying a gift that needs to be wrapped?First, you need some stockings. You can get inexpensive ones at the dollar … [Read more...] about 15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists
The most delicious part of Hanukkah is latkes -- potato pancakes fried in sizzling oil. They are easy to make and are most typically served with sour cream and apple sauce. But there are other variations as well. We'll start with a basic recipe and then learn about some tasty twists on the … [Read more...] about Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists
12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
Ho-ho-homemade is the key to cheap, but pretty, holiday decorations. I mean, have you seen the prices on real Christmas wreaths? Here are some ideas we gleaned from various sources to help you put some sparkle into your holidays without busting the budget.Bonus: Most of these ideas are … [Read more...] about 12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
An easy and cheap way to make your own Christmas ornaments
Every year throughout December our family does a Christmas countdown calendar. It's full of activities like making cookies with Mom, swimming with Daddy, driving around town looking at Christmas lights, and 21 more. One of those activities is always making homemade ornaments for our tree and as … [Read more...] about An easy and cheap way to make your own Christmas ornaments
Why you should be glad to see Christmas trees in stores
It’s October, so naturally the department stores are telling me I should be shopping for Christmas tree ornaments, winter coats, and stocking stuffers. Don’t tell them that I haven’t even bought my kids’ Halloween costumes yet, and I just picked up my first bag of candy corn (even though I first … [Read more...] about Why you should be glad to see Christmas trees in stores
High-style, low-cost party outfits
Fall fashion magazines showed that design this season tapped into baroque-style, but that doesn't mean you need to go b-r-o-k-e to keep up with the trends. Everyone has read an article in a fashion magazine that promises the "look for less," only to find pieces still priced in the hundreds of … [Read more...] about High-style, low-cost party outfits
Start shopping now for the best deals for next Christmas
I've been a dedicated bargain hunter since I was a kid with not much spending money. So this year, like every other year, almost all my holiday shopping was finished before the stores started putting up Christmas decorations. On Thanksgiving day, I enjoyed a long and leisurely dinner with my family. … [Read more...] about Start shopping now for the best deals for next Christmas
9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy giving gifts during the holidays. Kids like being givers, too. That’s why, when thinking about gifts for their teachers, kids often expand the gift list to include what seems like every adult in the school – the computer teacher, librarian, gym teacher, art … [Read more...] about 9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd