DIY

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

Cool things to do with used Christmas cards

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 looking for something to do with the cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about Cool things to do with used Christmas cards

7 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 7 ways to celebrate Halloween for less

Thrifty ways to reuse old pantyhose

If you're like me, you have a drawer full of pantyhose 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 the foot part as a mitt, … [Read more...] about Thrifty ways to reuse old pantyhose

Quick and easy ways to take better photos

You spend lots of money taking your family on vacation miles from home. You want your photos to be perfect. Nothing is more disappointing than vacation photos that miss the mark. Why not spend a few minutes learning techniques that can make your photos winners? Ed Szczepanski, a St. Louis, … [Read more...] about Quick and easy ways to take better photos

Crafty – and thrifty – cards and gifts for Father’s Day

Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make the upcoming Father’s Day holiday June 16 stressful for their children. We just want to make sure our gifts let Dad know how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an … [Read more...] about Crafty – and thrifty – cards and gifts for Father’s Day

How to save thousands around the house

We are all looking for ways to save money in this day and age, 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 doesn't consume every second of your free time but still saves … [Read more...] about How to save thousands around the house

Easy DIY Valentines (some edible) for kids

Things have changed since I grew up, but at least one thing is still the same -- kids passing out Valentines to their classmates. When I was a kid, we went to the drugstore or card store, bought a box of paper Valentines with our favorite cartoon character, addressed and signed them and we were … [Read more...] about Easy DIY Valentines (some edible) for kids

10 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars

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 … [Read more...] about 10 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars