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
DIY
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 vacation 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 family vacation photo winners? Ed … [Read more...] about Quick and easy ways to take better photos
Giant backyard games you can build yourself
Game time is fun, but for bigger fun, you need bigger games. You may have seen those giant outdoor games made from ordinary board games. These are perfect for the kids to play with all summer or for pulling out for a summer party. But buying them can cost hundreds. Fortunately, you can … [Read more...] about Giant backyard games you can build yourself
How to organize your life with peg board
I recently decided to organize my garage using peg board. Before began, I did a little recon work and wow, was I surprised at how much can be done with some simple, inexpensive peg board. No matter what room you want to get into shape, peg board can help, and it's cheap. For less than $30, you … [Read more...] about How to organize your life with peg board
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
Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
For less than $20 you can 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 rope. Burlap … [Read more...] about Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
16 post-summer uses for 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 post-summer uses for pool noodles and other summer clearance items
