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
Home & Garden
10 things to do before a hurricane comes
Hurricane season is officially under way, and if you live anywhere near the coast, that means it's time to stock up on bottled water, batteries and non-perishable food. But those aren't the only things you need to do before a hurricane approaches. The beginning of the season is a good time to review … [Read more...] about 10 things to do before a hurricane comes
Free or low-cost home security strategies
You want to keep your home safe from thieves, but you don't want to spend a fortune doing so because, frankly, you don't have a fortune worth stealing. Technology has significantly brought down the cost of home security systems and home surveillance cameras, many of which you can install … [Read more...] about Free or low-cost home security strategies
What to look for in a starter home
You’ve dreamed for years of buying your first home, and now it’s time. You’ve created Pinterest boards dotted with photos of beautiful home decor, watched all the episodes of HGTV’s “House Hunters” and spent hours trolling listings online. You know exactly what you want. But have you done … [Read more...] about What to look for in a starter home
26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
My experiment with a $4-a-day budget has become a welcome and permanent adjustment to my menu planning and grocery shopping routine. It has saved not only money, but my time as well as some of my sanity. The $4 a day food budget was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap … [Read more...] about 26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
How to save money on a summer party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from around the house and yard. Arrange them casually down the center of the table, or … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party
How to organize your life with peg board
I recently decided to organize my garage using peg board. Before began, I did a little recon work and wow, was I surprised at how much can be done with some simple, inexpensive peg board. No matter what room you want to get into shape, peg board can help, and it's cheap. For less than $30, you … [Read more...] about How to organize your life with peg board
18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
You bought a new home, and the list of projects that need to be done is larger than your bank account. Or, the home you bought years ago is looking a little dated, and you don’t have the money to hire someone to give it that much-needed face-lift. Many easy do-it-yourself projects that will … [Read more...] about 18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
Deals on summer camps or DIY summer camp for kids
Summer camp and cheap rarely appear in the same sentence, especially for working parents who need full-day programs that run throughout the summer. For many, summer camps have become as integral a part of childhood as school. They provide a safe place for the children of working parents, allow … [Read more...] about Deals on summer camps or DIY summer camp for kids
11 tips to avoid DIY home repair disasters
The idea of saving hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of dollars when making home repairs is enticing. Surely you can repair those cracks in the wall, right? Or caulk around the bathtub. Or install a new toilet. Or change a light fixture. Or, emboldened by the seeming ease of repairs on home … [Read more...] about 11 tips to avoid DIY home repair disasters
Frugal and effective housecleaning tips
You can spend a fortune on expensive cleaners you don’t need and that don't really work well at all. And you might find yourself cleaning more often than you would like, or buying those nifty cleaning products you saw in the commercials. But you don't have to. Here are some quick and easy tips to … [Read more...] about Frugal and effective housecleaning tips
5 ways to use leftover Easter ham
You paid a lot for that Easter ham. Don’t waste the leftovers -- or worse yet, ruin them by constant reheating. There are lots of uses for leftover ham besides ham sandwiches. We have some thrifty ideas for making those leftovers into yummy new meals. Casseroles: Make a … [Read more...] about 5 ways to use leftover Easter ham
