photo by aldon Easter is almost here, and many parents put together Easter baskets for their kids. You might reuse the basket each year, place goodies in a different reusable container such as a tote, sand pail, shoebox or clay pot, or find alternatives to candy to fill it. But what about Easter grass? Are [...]
photo by aimai Halloween is almost here. There are a lot of great deals to be discovered after the holiday. Not everything on sale is orange and black. A lot of autumn merchandise will be cleared out, too. A rule of thumb for bargain shopping is not to purchase items you don’t need simply because [...]
photo by vieux bandit Plan ahead for the upcoming holidays. If you’re organized, you’ll avoid overspending. Don’t wait until the last minute. There are plenty of ways you can prepare so you’re not completely stressed out later. Previously, I mentioned putting together a frugal notebook (www.frugalvillage.com/2009/05/22/create-a-frugal-notebook). One section to include in your binder is a [...]
photos by Le Petit Poulailler It’s never too early to get organized for the holidays. Don’t be a last-minute shopper. Get a jump-start on your gift list now. What homemade gifts have you made? Here are a few low-cost ideas for kids that can be standalone or add-on gifts. BOOKMARKS: Buy various bolts of thin- [...]
photo by bschmove Mother’s Day traditions often include a meal out. You don’t want mom to have to think about cooking, and you want to pamper her on her special day. Showing you care doesn’t have to be a large expense. This year, instead of a crowded restaurant, family members can chip in and prepare [...]
photo by webby0101 Christmas is over, and the tree and decorations are put away. Phew. But frugalistas are already getting a jump-start on Christmas 2009. Maybe you picked up a few clearance items such as gift wrap, cards or bows. Some of my readers take it to a whole new level of planning. I’ve compiled [...]
photo by erix Are you ready for Valentine’s Day? Don’t wait until the last minute. Desperation leads to cliche gifts gone wrong, like a half-dead rose or driving all over town trying to find a table at a restaurant. If you goofed on Christmas, you’ve got a golden opportunity to make up for it. Don’t [...]
There’s still time to make some quick and easy crafts with your kids. All of these are fun family activities, and they’re nice enough to give as gifts, too. The supplies are inexpensive, but the projects create priceless memories. REINDEER CANDY BOWL: Take any size clay pot. Glue on wiggle eyes and pompom nose onto [...]
photo by laurenatclemson This year, you might cut back on gift giving, but there are some people you simply don’t want to cross off the list — for example, the people who have done a great job or provided excellent service throughout the year, such as teachers, your mailman, your child’s school-bus driver, a childcare [...]
It’s time to plan ahead for the busy gift-giving season. Why not make something yourself? Homemade gifts from the comfort of your kitchen will stretch your holiday budget. They contain inexpensive ingredients and are simple to make. They can easily be made ahead of time, and, when given early, they can be enjoyed and shared [...]
photo by erix! photo by geek2nurse Homemade gifts are a popular topic this year. While do-it-yourself baked goods and gift baskets are great, I really like the first three creative tips from readers. They would be well received by most anyone. They’re fairly cheap, too. PHOTO GIFT IDEAS: Grab your camera and look for letters [...]
photo by chotda The holidays are almost here. Many people could kick themselves for not setting aside money. Again. Not to mention the long list of people to which they “need” to give gifts. More people are making homemade gifts this year. Many of my frugal readers share their anxiety over whether their homemade gifts [...]
photo by chesi fotos Frugal folks are finding cheap entertainment solutions right at or close to home. Some opt for frugal date nights instead of more costly options, such as dining out or going to a movie theater. Cheap? Sure it is. But it’s also a smart way to save some money when it’s tough [...]
photo by simplyrikkles Add something new to your meal rotation. The following recipes are flavorful and budget friendly. Having beef, chicken, pork or pasta will solve your what’s for dinner dilemma, and they’re all excellent as leftovers, too. Incorporate a fish, international cuisine, one-dish meal or leftover night and you’re set for a week. Grilled [...]
photo by jarrodlombardo DEAR SARA: I teach at a middle school, and every year, we all give gifts to the other people on our team. When I first started there, the team consisted of seven teachers, including me. This year there are 14 of us — a frugal gift-giver’s nightmare! Anyway, I feel strongly about [...]
photo by gingerbydesign DEAR SARA: Freeze cole slaw? Can it be done? I made way too much and I would hate to waste it. The slaw itself is already made. I’m not thinking of making freezer slaw. How long will slaw keep in the fridge? — Kettel, Ohio DEAR KETTEL: Cole slaw made with mayonnaise [...]
photo by mokeneco Do you throw away your orange peels? They can be used in a simmering potpourri, as zest in cooking, rubbed onto your skin as an insect repellent and used in compost. The first three reader tips share additional ways to use them. ORANGE PEEL BATH: Create a wonderfully thrifty, immune-boosting bath. Vitamin [...]