Let's face it: Times are tight and budgets are shrinking. But there are ways to stretch, and even (gasp!) have fun doing it! This blog is about finding ways to get more from every household dollar, and enjoy every precious minute.
...Although the closet had a full-sized window, which brought in plenty of
light, the window had a paper shade taped to its frame providing little
privacy. I wanted to do something different to set my space apart from
the rest of the townhouses on our block...
During the summer months when craft fairs, street festivals and outdoor
markets take place, consider the importance of purchasing handmade items
to help support the local artist and handmade community. You never
know the treats you might find for yourself or loved ones...
Last summer my wife tasked me with turning our pantry door into a
chalkboard door. She insisted it would help her to keep track of our
family’s grocery needs and to-do lists. Aiming to save money on this project, I remembered our local Habitat for Humanity had a home goods store that is outfitted with...
Muffins are a perfect summertime treat. Not only does this recipe for
blueberry muffins make a great snack or breakfast item, it can also be a
fun activity to make with your kids on a rainy day. This recipe uses
non-fat, Greek yogurt, which helps add moisture and gives them a fluffy texture and adds some protein to each bite...
From the time my oldest daughter was a toddler, we always encouraged her
to pick up her toys. Luckily, this everyday request taught her to enjoy
cleaning. Although having her help usually means that tasks can take
twice as long, we have always allowed her to...
Creating to-do lists has been a habit of mine since I was a little girl.
My mother always said I would make a list for anything and everything.
To this day, my passion for lists continues to help me stay organized
and keep me on track when days get hectic...
In my home, it’s a challenge to get through the heaps and piles of
laundry collected from the week. Sound familiar? Below are a few tips
that have helped me to reduce my laundry load and also my family’s water
usage at the same time...
Earlier this year my family adopted a rescue puppy named Charlotte. We expected, based on her apparent breed,
she would grow to the size of our current, full-gown Labrador
Retriever. As it turns out, she is a much smaller breed...
Spring and summer are my favorite time of year because you can open the
windows and smell the savings—it’s yard sale and consignment season! I
purchase most of my kid’s toys used and have realized there are many
other categories that are solid buys...
If you are in need of additional storage space in your home, it’s time
to look beyond the closets and cupboards and focus on all the available
storage space—namely, on the doors of your home. Next time you’re
reorganizing, try one of my suggestions below!...
After 13 years of living in our home, my husband and I finally got a
chance to clean out our garage a few weeks ago. With five, very active
kids, you can imagine the stockpile of outdoor toys and sports equipment
we have accumulated over the years!...
With warm weather around the corner, you will likely find yourself
attending more outdoor gatherings, family dinners and potlucks. The next
time you’re asked to bring a dessert, make this recipe for Spring
Cupcake Toppers. They’re easy to make and are sure to impress the crowd!...
...Here’s a quick, inexpensive way to help create a whimsical frame prop
for your next gathering. This lightweight, oversized frame can be used
both vertically and horizontally and is a freestyle craft, so no need to
try for perfection. The hand-hewn style adds to the whimsy of the
photos...
...I’m excited to share a few ideas with you! My goal is to inspire your
inner hostess, whether you’re preparing for a fancy event, a family
dinner or just looking for some lifestyle ideas and tips. I hope I can
help you find the inspiration you need...
Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas will easily satisfy dessert cravings at
any age! This is a great dessert to bring to a birthday party or have
as a refreshing afternoon snack. Feel free to dip these into your
favorite toppings, such as finely chopped nuts, colored or chocolate
sprinkles or granola cereal...
Don’t you just adore those cute, little scrapbook embellishments filling
the aisles of craft stores and some department stores? There are so
many small decorations and creative temptations for scrapbooking and
many other crafts...