What should you do with old sweaters? You bought those sweaters for ski slopes you no longer visit, holiday and ugly-sweater parties at offices where you no longer work, or for fashions and sizes you no longer wear. Now, they take up space in your closets and drawers. The wool sweaters itch; … [Read more...] about 14 new ways to use old sweaters
DIY
Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
For fall decorating, you could purchase a ready-made scarecrow-on-a-stick from a craft store. Or, you can make your own one-of-a-kind scarecrow mostly using materials you have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to construct your own scarecrow: Safety pins and/or various lengths of … [Read more...] about Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
9 ways to celebrate Halloween for less
With more than 41 million potential trick-or-treaters knocking on 120 million doors, Halloween can become one of our most expensive holidays. But even if you don't want to spend a lot, there is no need to turn off the lights and pretend you aren’t home or try to persuade your kids that sweets are … [Read more...] about 9 ways to celebrate Halloween for less
Frugal Halloween decor: Create a haunted wedding
As Halloween approaches, witches, ghosts and zombies are starting to appear in front yards. For an entirely different approach to decorations, one that is elegant but eerie, consider the Haunted Wedding. The materials are inexpensive, but it will take some time and creativity. At night, the clothes … [Read more...] about Frugal Halloween decor: Create a haunted wedding
Make your own pop tarts and other DIY convenience foods
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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
30 easy, cheap home decorating ideas
If you’re trying to create a new look in your bedroom or living spaces, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on new furniture or a remodel. With a little bit of imagination and some effort, you can decorate a house on a tight budget by repurposing what you already own and making smart … [Read more...] about 30 easy, cheap home decorating ideas
How to start a vegetable garden on the cheap
Many people want to start a vegetable garden to save money. It's no wonder, since buying produce at the market can cost eight times more than growing your own. To help you in your quest to grow vegetables, we've compiled the following list of vegetable garden tips and ideas to help you keep the … [Read more...] about How to start a vegetable garden on the cheap
Cheap, easy carpet cleaning solutions
If you have an active household, the celebrations, the pitter-patter of little feet and an animal or two can really take a toll on your clean carpets. Different types of cleaning solutions are needed to tackle different kinds of stains, from spilled wine and food to muddy shoes and dirty paws. But … [Read more...] about Cheap, easy carpet cleaning solutions
5 cheap ways to preserve food
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. If you are watching your grocery dollars (and who isn’t), here are our ideas for food preservation methods that don't require expensive equipment. Use any of these tips to preserve … [Read more...] about 5 cheap ways to preserve food
16 life hacks using pool noodles and other summer clearance items
The bargainista part of me just loves all those end-of-season sales. I get bargain-priced holiday wrap, Halloween decorations and more. Summer's end brings similar deals — you know what I mean if you've ever walked through the pool/outdoor area of any Target, Walmart, Christmas Tree Shop, … [Read more...] about 16 life hacks using pool noodles and other summer clearance items
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
How to save thousands around the house
We are all looking for ways to save money, especially if you are a homeowner. Homes and their regular upkeep and maintenance can easily drain your wallet. In this busy world, there can still be ways to DIY that don't consume every second of your free time but still save thousands on home … [Read more...] about How to save thousands around the house
How to remodel your kitchen for less
We always hear that remodeling a kitchen is one of the most expensive home improvements. And it can be. The Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report listed the average cost of a major kitchen remodel at $75,571, and even a minor remodel came in at $26,214. But kitchen remodeling doesn't have to … [Read more...] about How to remodel your kitchen for less
How to organize your life with pegboard
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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
Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops
It's summer, it's hot and you want the kids to get outdoors and be active. When all that running around builds up a thirst, ice pops are a great way to cool off and keep hydrated. With some popsicle brands costing nearly $5 for a box of six, store-bought treats can be a pricey option. Luckily, … [Read more...] about Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops
