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 … [Read more...] about Make dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
DIY
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
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
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
Cheap and easy carpet cleaning solutions
If you have an active household, the celebrations, the pitter-patter of little feet and an animal or two can really take a toll on your clean carpets. Different types of cleaning products are needed to tackle different kinds of stains, from spilled wine and food to muddy shoes and dirty paws. But … [Read more...] about Cheap and easy carpet cleaning solutions
Cheap, quick and easy homemade valentines
There’s something nostalgic about trading store-bought Valentines with cute pictures and candy-heart messages. They’re also cheap, and if that’s the way you want to go, we’re OK with that. But if you can’t find the “just-right” box of cards or you want to add a little personalization to your … [Read more...] about Cheap, quick and easy homemade valentines
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. (Walmart sells a small roll -- 70 square feet -- for $2.54.) After seeing it in action at a friend’s house and finally purchasing my own box, … [Read more...] about 15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
If you're in the south, or another place where snow is a rarity, you may find yourself in a conundrum the next few days. 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 sledding hill crowd this snow day. But if not, don't … [Read more...] about No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
