For less than $20 you can 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 to construct your own scarecrow: Safety pins and/or various lengths of rope. Burlap … [Read more...] about Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
Home & Garden
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 in the … [Read more...] about Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
Throw a haunting Halloween bash 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. However, it's also easy to get carried away and find yourself spending a small fortune. Save the scares for the … [Read more...] about Throw a haunting Halloween bash on a budget
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
Green Beans: More than just a side dish
Most of us think of vegetables as just an accompaniment to meat loaf, a broiled steak, grilled fish or roast chicken. But green beans – cheap and bountiful this time of year in both supermarkets and at farmer’s markets – can be the star of the meal. Green beans, also called string beans or snap … [Read more...] about Green Beans: More than just a side dish
Cheap recipes for your barbecue
Are you starting to panic because you have a big crowd coming over for a barbecue? Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd. Find guidelines for cooking for a crowd on one of our favorite free recipe sites, allrecipes.com. Where to buy bulk meats at big savings Use your club … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your barbecue
How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
The old saying is that in real estate, everything is negotiable. But is it really? When you go to buy a house, you’re certainly hoping to get the best price and terms. To do that, you need to know when to start negotiating and when to stop. That begins with being familiar with the market, down to … [Read more...] about How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
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
21 fun ideas for kids on summer break
School Break. Spring Break. Summer Break. Fall Break. The terms excite students across the country but also can instill dread in the minds of the parents of school-age children everywhere. Days or weeks in a row with no school. What can you possibly do to prevent hearing "I'm bored" over and over … [Read more...] about 21 fun ideas for kids on summer break
17 tips to save water, reduce bill in summer
Much of the nation still is suffering from drought. (The areas that aren’t flooding, that is.) Water has become our most precious resource in some places, especially out West. But unless you have your own well (which is not, by the way, always a guaranteed source of water), it might be smart to … [Read more...] about 17 tips to save water, reduce bill in summer
What to include in a minimalist wedding registry
Some of the links in this post are special! When you make a purchase through our links, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
One of the things I struggled with the most while planning the wedding of the century was registering for gifts. I mean, I don't like the idea that only married people get to have neat kitchen things. And furthermore, we're both past 30. We have a stocked kitchen. Our home lacks for nothing, really. … [Read more...] about What to include in a minimalist wedding registry
5 things renters should negotiate before signing a lease
This post is by Catey Hill of Zillow.com. While many people fear negotiating with landlords, car dealers or salesmen, finding the courage to negotiate up front can save time, money and a lot of hassle down the road. For most people, housing is the largest monthly bill they pay, whether that’s … [Read more...] about 5 things renters should negotiate before signing a lease
