Ah, Valentine’s Day, that one day of the year that you spend, spend and spend on little tokens of love for your sweetie. You probably BUY a card, BUY candy, BUY flowers, BUY dinner, etc. See the running theme here ... it can get pretty costly, but it doesn’t have to. Just because it is … [Read more...] about 14 creative and cheap Valentine dates
Holiday
Scrumptious homemade desserts for Valentine’s Day
Those fancy boxes of candy can be pretty expensive. A Valentine dessert from the corner bakery or in a restaurant can cost you almost as much a nice meal. So why not tell your loved ones how you feel with homemade treats and desserts? They’re less expensive and they’re tailored to their … [Read more...] about Scrumptious homemade desserts for Valentine’s Day
Cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Every year before Christmas, our mailbox fills with holiday cards from family and friends. I hang them on the refrigerator or banister during the season for display, but once the holiday decorations come down, I’m always looking for something to do with the cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about Cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Easy recipes for homemade food gifts
We’ve pulled together several easy recipes (and many variations) for food gifts that make especially thoughtful hostess and teacher holiday gifts, or for anyone on your Christmas list who enjoys something homemade. Most of these homemade food gifts are fairly easy to make (some much … [Read more...] about Easy recipes for homemade food gifts
102 cheap and easy Halloween costumes
Halloween will be here before you know it. Save your money for the candy you'll be giving out to trick-or-treaters by skipping the high-priced, mass-produced, store-bought costumes this year. You can make awesome custom Halloween costumes that will outshine anything you can buy in the … [Read more...] about 102 cheap and easy Halloween costumes
10 cheap and easy Halloween costumes for pets
Perhaps your pet is participating in a Halloween parade. Or maybe she’s strutting her fluff at a mutt masquerade. Whether it’s for an event or just a fun family photo in the living room, sometimes pets allow you to dress them up. Stores and online retailers are stocked with adorable … [Read more...] about 10 cheap and easy Halloween costumes for pets
Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
Ask my kids and they’ll tell you I’m a pretty pathetic pumpkin carver. Or I was, until I discovered free stencils to guide me to the gory. And I watched this video to teach me the basics, like how to keep my pumpkin top from falling inside.Pick up a nifty Halloween tool set like the one … [Read more...] about Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
7 ways to celebrate Halloween for less
With more than 41 million potential trick-or-treaters knocking on 120 million doors, Halloween can become one of our most expensive holidays. But even if you don't want to spend a lot, there is no need to turn off the lights and pretend you aren’t home or try to persuade your kids that sweets are … [Read more...] about 7 ways to celebrate Halloween for less
8 ways to save on Halloween candy
Ding-dong! It’s time to start building your stockpile of candy for the annual parade of trick-or-treaters on October 31. It’s estimated Americans spend approximately $2.7 billion on candy every year for Halloween. Of course, bargain boogeymen can be frightened by the high prices on candy this … [Read more...] about 8 ways to save on Halloween candy
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
What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
This annual Mother's Day conversation is so predictable it's aggravating: “Mom, what can I get you?” "Oh, I don't need anything!" She means it. Most mothers really don’t need anything. But handing her an overpriced store-bought card and saying “Thank you for being my mother” won’t settle … [Read more...] about What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
Thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts on a budget
Mother’s Day is a tough one. If you’re an adult yourself, especially. In many cases, your Mom already has everything she really needs, except maybe a pricey spa day or a cruise to the Mediterranean. So what can you get her that won’t cost a lot but might mean a lot? Make it personal. My own … [Read more...] about Thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts on a budget
