The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised wearing cloth face coverings when you go out in public, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. With face masks hard to find, we suggest you just make your own. If you sew, there are many patterns out there. But we found a pattern so simple, … [Read more...] about How to make your own simple face mask
DIY
How to build and grow your own salad table
Do you love vegetables and salad, but can't plant a regular garden? 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 shallow wooden box frame has a large surface area and a mesh bottom that … [Read more...] about How to build and grow your own salad table
New ways to use old sweaters
They take up space in your closets and drawers. Some of them have issues — they pill, they pull, they snag, they shrink. Some are beautiful — and some are not. But we all have them. Sweaters come with the season, and appear on ski slopes, at holiday parties (and there are parties to celebrate the … [Read more...] about New ways to use old sweaters
How to start a vegetable garden on the cheap
Many people want to start a vegetable garden to save money. It's no wonder, buying produce at the market can cost eight times more than growing your own. There are many other good reasons why you may want to grow some of your own produce in a vegetable garden. First, you can enjoy better … [Read more...] about How to start a vegetable garden on the cheap
18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
You bought a new home, and the list of projects that need to be done is larger than your bank account. Or, the home you bought years ago is looking a little dated, and you don’t have the money to hire someone to give it that much-needed face-lift. Many easy do-it-yourself projects that will … [Read more...] about 18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
I remembered learning how to make a rubber-band powered boat out of a Styrofoam plate when I was young, and just knew it would make for some thrifty fun at home. This project was a hit at my house. Kids making their own toys -- what's not to love? It's frugal and it keeps the kids busy when you most … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
Make 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 dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
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
Make your own pop-tarts and other DIY convenience foods
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They're called convenience foods for a reason. But take a little time to make these items and enjoy the convenience of ready-to-eat foods with a cheaper price tag — and, sometimes, a healthier result. Some prepackaged foods (such as frozen pizzas) can be expensive, available seasonally … [Read more...] about Make your own pop-tarts and other DIY convenience foods
Top 10 DIY kids’ activities for a rainy or snowy day
We love ideas for cheap kids' activities and homemade toys. The creativity used to make handmade toys is fun in itself. Plus, using household items is a good way to reuse and recycle stuff you already have. Here are 10 DIY toys, games and kids activities suitable for indoor play. The … [Read more...] about Top 10 DIY kids’ activities for a rainy or snowy day
How to make your own laundry detergent and save on personal products
When you find you need to cut back on expenses, or you simply would like to live simply, there are surprising ways to pinch a few pennies. Laundry detergent, shampoo and other cleaning supplies are easy, and are equally as great as the store-bought products. Make and store in glass jars or recycled … [Read more...] about How to make your own laundry detergent and save on personal products
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
