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
DIY
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
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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post.
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
Homemade gifts: 11 easy ideas for drink & sweet mixes
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post.
There is nothing more heartfelt than a one-of-a-kind gift you make yourself. So many different types of gifts lend themselves to being handmade — candles, soaps and, of course, edibles and drinkables. Most folks on the receiving end of such gifts appreciate the thought and time it took to create … [Read more...] about Homemade gifts: 11 easy ideas for drink & sweet mixes
12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
Ho-ho-homemade is the key to cheap, but pretty, holiday decorations. I mean, have you seen the prices on real Christmas wreaths? Here are some ideas we gleaned from various sources to help you put some sparkle into your holidays without busting the budget. Bonus: Most of these ideas are … [Read more...] about 12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas
Looking for DIY and handmade Christmas gift ideas? We found tons of handmade gifts that are easy to make and special to give. From edibles to handmade bath products, all of these Christmas gift ideas provide an affordable way to celebrate the holidays and to give gifts that are unique and … [Read more...] about 15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas
Make your own easy holiday wreath
As a traditional part of decorating for the holidays, we adorn our walls and doors with pine wreaths and garlands. The stores are full of wreaths with sensors that start music for passersby, simple plastic-pine wreaths embellished with bells and bows, and natural pine garland wreaths that fill the … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday wreath
Frugal Halloween decor: Create a haunted wedding
As Halloween approaches, witches, ghosts and zombies are starting to appear in front yards. For an entirely different approach to decorations, one that is elegant but eerie, consider the Haunted Wedding. The materials are inexpensive, but it will take some time and creativity. At night, the clothes … [Read more...] about Frugal Halloween decor: Create a haunted wedding
