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Halloween movie night ideas

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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

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

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

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

15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now

With fall in the air, your thoughts may turn to what needs to be done to your home before winter sets in. Many tasks are done much more easily when the weather is still nice. Plus, taking care of routine maintenance tasks now can save you aggravation and money down the road. "If you … [Read more...] about 15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now

5 easy, frugal steps to sustainable living

I’d like to live more sustainably and make choices that are kinder to the earth. However, the magnitude of the changes can feel overwhelming. I can’t see myself living off the grid in a yurt with a herd of goats doing my landscaping. I need simple ideas — baby steps. So I went to the expert, Kris … [Read more...] about 5 easy, frugal steps to sustainable living

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Home & Garden

Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue

Backyard barbecues are a great way to entertain, but even when you host a potluck, they can be a pricey way to party. Whether you are entertaining a small or large crowd at your backyard barbecue, you can still stay on budget. Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd at your next … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue

Posted by Carole Cancler Filed Under: Entertaining · Food · Recipes

Conserve water, save money with a home garden xeriscape

Xeriscape is a landscaping idea that works to conserve water through the planting of an attractive, useful, water-efficient home garden. While often associated with desert climates, xeriscapes can save you money no matter where you live. The savings come from your water bill as well as the cost … [Read more...] about Conserve water, save money with a home garden xeriscape

Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less

The birthday dilemma: Parents want their children to have great childhood memories – but is it necessary to dish out the big bucks for an expensive kid’s birthday party?  The short answer is no.  When I did an impromptu poll with my kids, my daughter piped in right away that her … [Read more...] about Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less

Posted by Angela Heart Filed Under: Entertaining · Family · Kids

How to create your own retirement community

A few years ago, Marianne Kilkenny’s elderly parents moved into an assisted living community. That got her thinking about her own plans because she didn’t want to end up in a similar community or a facility run by a company.Kilkenny, 65, the founder of Women For Living in Community, is among a … [Read more...] about How to create your own retirement community

Make the most of your garden’s harvest

In midsummer it's exciting to see that first bright red, ripe tomato dangling off of its vine or pick and eat the first zucchini. At first, you relish in your harvest and your neighbors love your homegrown gifts. However, by late summer it's a different story — you're up to your ears in tomatoes, … [Read more...] about Make the most of your garden’s harvest

Posted by Heidi McIndoo, MS, RD, LDN Filed Under: Food · Gardening · Recipes

DIY summer camp for kids

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 kids to explore new activities and retain and continue their learning, and so much more.If you do your homework and start looking early, it is … [Read more...] about DIY summer camp for kids

Plan the perfect summer picnic for less

We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, Living on the Cheap earns from qualifying purchases.

Use our tips to plan the perfect summer picnic on a budget. Whether you're planning to do a backyard picnic for the family or putting together a picnic in the park for you and your best friends, it doesn't have to be expensive. With a little forethought (and our summer picnic checklist), it’s easy … [Read more...] about Plan the perfect summer picnic for less

Posted by Carole Cancler Filed Under: Entertaining · Food Tagged With:

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