Valentine’s Day can turn out to be a pricey proposition. Card: $5. Candy: $25. Flowers: $50. Dinner: $75. Gift: $100. Total: $255. And we’re being modest here. Whew! There must be a less expensive way to say “I Love You” without looking cheap. Try the thoughtful, romantic approach, instead.The … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day: Big romance at a small price
Holiday
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-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
If you have a bunch of folks on your holiday gift list, you know how fast even small items can add up. This year, why not stuff a stocking for each person on your list instead of buying a gift that needs to be wrapped?First, you need some stockings. You can get inexpensive ones at the dollar … [Read more...] about 15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists
The most delicious part of Hanukkah is latkes -- potato pancakes fried in sizzling oil. They are easy to make and are most typically served with sour cream and apple sauce. But there are other variations as well. We'll start with a basic recipe and then learn about some tasty twists on the … [Read more...] about Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists
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
The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
I often think of my grandfather around the holidays. Even though I didn't know him well, I find myself reflecting on his life when I look at a photo that shows him working on his farm. It’s a reverie that has become one of the best Christmas gifts he gave to me, without even knowing he had done … [Read more...] about The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
What not to wear, Halloween edition
Halloween is the most creative holiday, as it makes you put on your thinking cap to develop a great, eye-catching costume every year. Let's face it: ugly sweater contests in December just don't compare.So although October is a scary month from that angle alone, you don't have to be … [Read more...] about What not to wear, Halloween edition
Valentine’s Day gifts that cost a little, say a lot
Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers, but some might feel Cupid's arrow hitting you in the wallet instead of the heart. Just remember that it is not about money; you can stay on budget while showing your true love how much you care.Food is love. Spread a quilt in front of the fireplace (or … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day gifts that cost a little, say a lot
High-style, low-cost party outfits
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Fall fashion magazines showed that design this season tapped into baroque-style, but that doesn't mean you need to go b-r-o-k-e to keep up with the trends. Everyone has read an article in a fashion magazine that promises the "look for less," only to find pieces still priced in the hundreds of … [Read more...] about High-style, low-cost party outfits
9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy giving gifts during the holidays. Kids like being givers, too. That’s why, when thinking about gifts for their teachers, kids often expand the gift list to include what seems like every adult in the school – the computer teacher, librarian, gym teacher, art … [Read more...] about 9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Can’t afford holiday tips? Here’s what to do
If you're living on a fixed income or a tight budget, you may have small budget for holiday gifts. But what we often forget about are all of those extras — gifts for teachers, hair stylists, babysitters, mail carriers — the list seems to go on and on.It can be frustrating if you've had to cut … [Read more...] about Can’t afford holiday tips? Here’s what to do
Lego mania: Finding the best Lego deals
As I read my son’s Christmas wish list (aka the Santa List) this year, I was secretly hoping for more variety, but there it was — all Legos again. With age came sophistication for which Lego products he wanted, but so came an increase in price. It was getting more difficult to find a … [Read more...] about Lego mania: Finding the best Lego deals
Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
It's awkward enough choosing the wrong gift for Uncle Fred for Christmas, but at least you won't see him for another 364 days. Choose incorrectly for the gal in the next cubicle, and you have to live with that embarrassment on a daily basis.That's why personal etiquette and branding expert Vicky … [Read more...] about Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
12 cheap and easy Valentine’s crafts for kids
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with free and cheap craft projects that you can do with kids. Here are 12 ideas for using everyday household items in DIY projects that are extra sweet.3-D Valentine’s Day Card – Take a photo of your child with their hand outstretched. Print the photo, and … [Read more...] about 12 cheap and easy Valentine’s crafts for kids
5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
We are a photo-loving generation, aren’t we? What’s often lost in our digital world of photo sharing via text or upload, however, are printed photographs. You remember those, right? The ones in frames, in photo albums, in your wallet? Because we tend to forget about all those great photos sitting … [Read more...] about 5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
