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 good … [Read more...] about Easy DIY Valentines for kids
DIY
Top 10 boredom-busting DIY toys for kids
We love ideas for cheap homemade toys for kids. Creating the handmade toys is a fun project for kids and adults, plus it's a great way to reuse and recycle household items you already have. Even better, once the work is done, the kids can entertain themselves with a new toy or game that cost you … [Read more...] about Top 10 boredom-busting DIY toys for kids
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
Homemade gifts: 11 easy mixes for drinks and sweets
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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 mixes for drinks and sweets
Make your own easy holiday gift bags
This holiday season save money and go green when you make your own gift bags out of newspaper. Better yet, while school is out, keep your children busy with this simple craft . To make your own small gift bag (5 inches tall), you'll need a few items that are probably already around the house. … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday gift bags
Thrifty ways to reuse old pantyhose
If you're like me, you have a drawer full of pantyhose or tights 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 … [Read more...] about Thrifty ways to reuse old pantyhose
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. After seeing it in action at a friend’s house and finally purchasing my own box, it’s definitely something I plan to keep in stock. It … [Read more...] about 15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
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
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
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
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
