DIY

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

Cheap, 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 solutions are needed to tackle different kinds of stains, from spilled wine and food to muddy shoes and dirty paws. But … [Read more...] about Cheap, easy carpet cleaning solutions

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

16 life hacks using 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 life hacks using pool noodles and other summer clearance items

How to save thousands around the house

We are all looking for ways to save money, 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 don't consume every second of your free time but still save thousands on home … [Read more...] about How to save thousands around the house

How to remodel your kitchen for less

We always hear that remodeling a kitchen is one of the most expensive home improvements. And it can be. The Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report listed the average cost of a major kitchen remodel at $75,571, and even a minor remodel came in at $26,214. But kitchen remodeling doesn't have to … [Read more...] about How to remodel your kitchen for less

Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops

It's summer, it's hot and you want the kids to get outdoors and be active. When all that running around builds up a thirst, ice pops are a great way to cool off and keep hydrated. With some popsicle brands costing nearly $5 for a box of six, store-bought treats can be a pricey option. Luckily, … [Read more...] about Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops

Homemade cards and gifts for Father’s Day

Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make Father’s Day stressful for their children. We want our gifts to show Dad how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an age where they really don’t need anything. … [Read more...] about Homemade cards and gifts for Father’s Day

Make your own shampoo and other cheap natural personal hygiene products

Here are the simplest natural products we could find for personal hygiene, including shampoo, hair conditioner, face and body soap, skin moisturizer, deodorant and toothpaste. There are lots of natural products you can buy and home recipes you can try to create a complete cleansing routine. But we … [Read more...] about Make your own shampoo and other cheap natural personal hygiene products

Easy DIY smoothies cool you off for less cash

As the summer temperatures climb into the 80s, 90s or higher, not much is more refreshing than a cool, creamy, fruity drink. But shelling out $4 or $5 a pop for a small smoothie can put a damper on your relaxed mood. The good news is you can achieve that same level of summer nirvana without the … [Read more...] about Easy DIY smoothies cool you off for less cash

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

Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber band-powered boat

I remembered learning how to make a rubber band-powered boat out of a Styrofoam plate when I was young, and just knew it would make for some thrifty fun at home. This project was a hit at my house. Kids making their own toys -- what's not to love? It's frugal and it keeps the kids busy when you most … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber band-powered boat

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

11 best websites for kids’ crafts

When kids get bored, let them use their imaginations with fun craft projects. The internet is full of creative art project ideas that are easy for kids to do and don't involve fancy materials. Here are a few of my favorite kids craft websites that offer FREE instructions for games and crafts, as … [Read more...] about 11 best websites for kids’ crafts

10 online resources for free craft classes and inspiration

You're looking for online craft lessons, but YouTube is full of amateurish tutorials and poorly demonstrated how-to's. It might take more time to find a truly helpful online crafting guide, than it does to complete the project itself. Are you ready to pick up the needles, the glue stick and … [Read more...] about 10 online resources for free craft classes and inspiration

DIY

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