http://www.frugalvillage.com Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:56:25 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/12/alternatives-to-easter-grass/ You can cut your spending and save money. But if you're in a relationship and only one of you is frugal, you have a new set of challenges to face. Often, one partner is resistant because he or she doesn't want to feel restricted, deprived or treated like a child. ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/12/avoid-the-act-poor-feel-poor-mindset/ photo by lindspetrol Gelatin is a tasty ingredient to add to desserts. It's cheap and comes in a wide variety of flavors and colors that make it festive for any occasion. Everyone should have at least one gelatin recipe that's a hit with family and friends. Gelatin Milkshake 1 cup milk 1 ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/10/chill-out-with-retro-desserts/ photo by suavehouse113 DEAR SARA: I had to buy fresh parsley for a sauce I recently made. I have a bunch left over. Can I chop it and freeze it? -- Lisa, Georgia DEAR LISA: Yes, you can freeze parsley. Chop the parsley and place it into an ice cube tray. Top ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/07/freeze-herbs-in-ice-cube-trays/ photo by flavous It's easy to use too much of items that are in squeeze bottles. One way to combat over-usage is to put liquids such as shampoo, dish liquid, hand soap or condiments into pump dispensers. This will distribute a pre-measured amount each time you use it. The first reader ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/06/stop-pouring-too-much-shampoo/ photo by starmist1 This year can be your year. Change can start today. If you buckle down now, you'll see progress by year's end. Don't simply have the best of intentions. It takes effort to reach your goals, so get moving and work little-by-little because nothing changes if nothing changes. There's ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/05/get-new-results-by-thinking-ahead/ photo by Jenny Downing Dining out is costly. It tends to be the weak area in a family budget. Curbing over-processed or fast food and eating out at restaurants has become easier for a lot of people, but for some people, nothing seems to work. If you continue to eat out ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/04/take-the-eat-at-home-challenge/ photo by alibree No-bake recipes are quick and easy. Their simplicity makes them ideal for kids to create (very little wait time) or on days you're in a hurry or don't feel like turning on the oven. Best of all, there's minimal cleanup. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 2 ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/03/no-oven-required-desserts/ photo by aspaonline DEAR SARA: We used to have a hot-air popcorn maker back in the day, and its long since been history. Now I'm looking around for hot-air popcorn makers, and they're kind of overpriced, around $50. I'm trying to make popcorn without the oils/butter, etc. Some of the reviews ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/02/make-movie-theater-popcorn-at-home/ photo by hlkljgk Frozen bananas are a tasty treat. Dip a whole frozen banana on a stick or frozen chopped banana into melted chocolate, then roll it into toppings such as sprinkles, crushed cookies or nuts or shredded coconut. You can use frozen bananas in smoothies, added to a bowl and ... http://www.frugalvillage.com/2010/03/01/make-budget-friendly-banana-desserts/