When it comes time to choose holiday gifts, there are times you just don't want to buy any more things. Yet you want to share joy, make your friends and family happy and give them a thoughtful gift that they will enjoy all year.There is a way to do that. Memberships in museums or botanical … [Read more...] about 10 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
Holiday
Give homemade soup as a gift to warm the heart
I enjoy few things more than creating and giving homemade gifts. So many different types of foods — such as quick breads, cookies, candy and drink mixes — lend themselves to giving. But giving soup mix in a jar as a gift to someone who may not have the desire to cook for himself can be a wonderful … [Read more...] about Give homemade soup as a gift to warm the heart
10 rules for regifting without guilt
Regifting has gotten a bad rap, mostly because it’s often done carelessly and without consideration of the person who receives the regift. We’ve all heard stories about regifts with the name of the original recipient left in the package – or the gift presented to the person who originally gave … [Read more...] about 10 rules for regifting without guilt
Homemade gifts: 11 easy mixes for drinks and sweets
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, edible and drinkable gifts. 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
Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween is one of those times of year in which we can all revert to being kids. We dress up and enjoy a little extra candy and parties. Planning a Halloween party can be so much fun, and it's even more fun when you throw a Halloween party on the cheap.Choose one of these Halloween party ideas … [Read more...] about Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween movie night ideas
Halloween is slowly creeping up on us, but the day isn’t all about trick-or-treating. It’s also about watching some great Halloween movies that make us laugh with the kids or keep us up all night hiding in horror under the covers. Here's what's ahead: Scary (or fun) Halloween … [Read more...] about Halloween movie night ideas
How to make tasty, ghoulish Halloween ‘fingers’
These creepy witch finger cookies are the perfect centerpiece for a Halloween party, but they are also tasty. The crisp, almond-flavored shortbread tastes even better after being stored, so make these ahead of time.Kathy Mayers of Portland, Oregon, developed this Halloween finger cookie … [Read more...] about How to make tasty, ghoulish Halloween ‘fingers’
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
A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
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 A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
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
4 fun, cheap Halloween alternatives
Halloween can be a fun time for children and adults to dress up, stock up on candy and celebrate fall. Some families prefer to forgo trick-or-treating in favor of other activities. Some neighborhoods aren’t pedestrian-friendly, and some families prefer to take the focus off the spooky and scary … [Read more...] about 4 fun, cheap Halloween alternatives
4 easy and cheap Halloween decorations
The Halloween season is upon us, making it the perfect time to get started on ghoulishly good crafts and cheap Halloween decorations. Gather some items from around the house, stop at a craft store with a coupon for the rest, and you can make your house spooky on the cheap or dress up your … [Read more...] about 4 easy and cheap Halloween decorations
Register now for Lowe’s Spooky Trick-or-Treat Event Oct. 28
Of course, treats are better than tricks! For many little monsters, superheroes and princesses, the whole goal of Halloween is to get as much candy as possible.And Lowe's is adding to the candy haul (and fall fun!) with its family friendly Spooky Trick-or-Treat Event on Oct. 28, … [Read more...] about Register now for Lowe’s Spooky Trick-or-Treat Event Oct. 28
Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
For fall decorating, you could 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 Safety pins and/or various lengths of ropeBurlap sack or pillowcase for … [Read more...] about Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
7 ways to get discounts on haunted houses
In some cities, haunted houses are a rite of passage, but the cost of being spooked can be quite frightening. Fear not. The prospect of finding an affordable haunt may not be as grave as you think.Here are some tips that may keep you from being buried —in debt, that is:Go during the … [Read more...] about 7 ways to get discounts on haunted houses