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
DIY
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
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
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
Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes
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This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. Do you want to can food at home, but are put off by the cost? For around $15, you pull together most of the essential equipment by using equipment you probably already own. Below we list … [Read more...] about Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes
