Every year before Christmas, our mailbox fills with holiday cards from family and friends. I hang them on the refrigerator or banister during the season for display, but once the holiday decorations come down, I’m always wondering what to do with the old cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about 16 cool things to do with used Christmas cards
DIY
Make your own easy holiday gift bags
This holiday season save money and go green when you make your own gift bags out of newspaper. Better yet, while school is out, keep your children busy with this simple craft . To make your own small gift bag (5 inches tall), you'll need a few items that are probably already around the house. … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday gift bags
No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
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If you're in the South where snow is a rarity, or you've been caught unprepared for an early season snow, you may find yourself in a conundrum when the white stuff starts pouring down. Lots of snow, no sled. Maybe you're one of the lucky few with a store-bought sled. You'll be the envy of the … [Read more...] about No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
How to make your own laundry detergent and save
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. DIY laundry detergent is easy to make and works as well as the store-bought products. Make and store in recycled containers to add to the … [Read more...] about How to make your own laundry detergent and save
18 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars
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Your calendar has been hanging on your wall for a whole year now, and it's almost time to take it down. Maybe it was just a throw-away calendar from your insurance guy. But maybe it was a nice gift calendar you got from your sister. If it was, it’s a shame to throw away all those pretty pictures. So … [Read more...] about 18 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars
15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas
Looking for DIY and handmade Christmas gift ideas? We found tons of handmade gifts that are easy to make and special to give. From food gifts to handmade bath products, all of these holiday gift ideas provide an affordable way to celebrate the holidays and to give gifts that are unique and … [Read more...] about 15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas
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
Thrifty ways to reuse old pantyhose
By Evelyn Kanter If you're like me, you have a drawer full of pantyhose or tights with runs that you can only wear with slacks or boots. But there are lots more ways to recycle pantyhose, stockings and tights and save money in the bargain. All you need is a pair of scissors. Lint mitt: Use … [Read more...] about Thrifty ways to reuse old pantyhose
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
A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
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 A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
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
Make your own 100-calorie snack packs to save cash — and your diet
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As a registered dietitian, I believe a 100- to 200-calorie snack between meals is great way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Clearly, others agree as grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores sell countless numbers of 100-calorie packs of crackers, cookies, candy and … [Read more...] about Make your own 100-calorie snack packs to save cash — and your diet
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
14 new ways to use old sweaters
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
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
