DIY

Make your own pop-tarts and other DIY convenience foods

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They're called convenience foods for a reason. But take a little time to make these items and enjoy the convenience of ready-to-eat foods with a cheaper price tag — and, sometimes, a healthier result. Some prepackaged foods (such as frozen pizzas) can be expensive, available seasonally … [Read more...] about Make your own pop-tarts and other DIY convenience foods

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

Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops

It may be mid-summer, but for many, the hottest days of summer are just beginning. You want the kids to get outdoors and be active, but running around can build up a thirst. Ice pops are a great way to cool off and keep hydrated. Still, with some brands costing nearly $5 for a box of six, … [Read more...] about Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops

How to build and grow your own salad table

Do you love vegetables and salad, but can't plant a regular garden? A salad table is a portable, waist-high table just deep enough to grow salad greens, herbs and other shallow-rooted plants and vegetables. The shallow wooden box frame has a large surface area and a mesh bottom that … [Read more...] about How to build and grow your own salad table

D-I-Y home office organization

My home office often looks more like a kindergarten classroom with paper, pens, markers and more strewn around. I have visions of a perfectly organized space with a spot for everything and everything in its spot. But to get from the kindergarten-like chaos to the Martha Stewart-like organization, … [Read more...] about D-I-Y home office organization

How to make your own laundry detergent

When our family started living frugally, we looked at all aspects of our daily life to find ways we could cut back. One money-saver I never considered was homemade laundry detergent because I didn't think anything but the store-bought kind worked. Boy, was I wrong. So I came up with a recipe … [Read more...] about How to make your own laundry detergent

3 cheap, eco-friendly cleaning products for everything

You don’t need to buy a cupboard full of expensive cleaning products. Just three ingredients clean almost everything in your house. Using vinegar, baking soda and Borax, you can make your own all-purpose spray cleaner, cleanser, drain cleaner and disinfectant. Here’s our handy list … [Read more...] about 3 cheap, eco-friendly cleaning products for everything

Auto Zone’s Loan-A-Tool service offers free tool rentals

Tools can be very expensive. Unless it's part of your trade, it's often not cost-effective for "do-it-yourself-ers" to buy tools for quick repair jobs around the house or on a car. Thanks to Auto Zone's Loan-A-Tool, there's no more need to pay for tools you need temporarily. Using the FREE service … [Read more...] about Auto Zone’s Loan-A-Tool service offers free tool rentals

12 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, to … [Read more...] about 12 ways to reuse old pantyhose

7 DIY projects to decorate baby’s nursery on a dime

Your baby’s nursery should be a calming retreat where you can bond and lull your little one to sleep, but that doesn’t mean it needs to cost a fortune. Save the money for items you’ll really need like diapers and wipes (although, the cloth options would help save there, too!). Once you decide on … [Read more...] about 7 DIY projects to decorate baby’s nursery on a dime

6 ways to decorate on a dime

As seasons change, so can our home décor. Problem is, it can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. We consulted some interior designers and asked for their best tips for freshening a home without spending a bundle. Here are some of their suggestions: Fabrics Some of the biggest impact in … [Read more...] about 6 ways to decorate on a dime

How to get salon results from your DIY pedicure

I love the look of a pedicure. Be it a shiny color or a beautiful design, a pedicure makes me think of carefree, barefoot summer days. The weather turning colder across much of America is no reason to neglect your feet. They're still dealing with all the walking, running and pounding you subject … [Read more...] about How to get salon results from your DIY pedicure