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.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
When the nights get longer and the air gets colder I begin to
hibernate and look for simple projects to organize my home over the
weekends when life is not as busy. Are you ready to hibernate indoors and accomplish a few “organized-in-a-weekend” projects?...
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest impact. So, when
decorating a room, consider the many things you can do to dress up a
basic, non-pleated lampshade! Here are a few of my favorites...
Friday, December 23, 2011
...I’ve got an idea that won’t cost a fortune. You most likely have a few
of the supplies at home, and what you don’t have, you can likely find at
the grocery store. That’s one less errand you’ll have to run during
this busy season, and your guests will appreciate the handmade touch...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
...I think of my mailbox as the junk mail keeper until I have the time to
read, sort and recycle it. Why? Because about 75 percent of the mail I
receive is junk mail, catalogs and solicitations that I’m not interested
in...
Monday, December 19, 2011
The winter months are made cozy with crackling fires in the fireplace and the glow and scent of candles burning about the house. Be sure you practice good candle safety. Here are a few pointers from the Holden house...
Friday, December 16, 2011
Fudge. Oh, fudge. Fudge is the perfect holiday sweet - rich, warm, cozy
and soothing. As long as you can keep yourself from having too many
squares and avoid a tummy ache, fudge is a delightful holiday treat...
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
As the mother of five children, I’m always on the hunt for tips to help
simplify our daily routines. Here are some tips that I’ve incorporated
into our lives that have been helpful...
Monday, December 12, 2011
...Before and after shots of repurposed items remind you that modifying
things with your own personal style often makes something better than
before. These photos can be quite inspiring...
Friday, December 09, 2011
Memories that last a lifetime are often made in the kitchen. As
a kid, many moments with my mom and grandma burned the happy memories
into my mind – the time investment, the teaching, the mess, the bowl
licking or watching cookies transform from dough to baked...
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
I love reading books. The problem with this is that my family of
seven all have the same affection for books. We love to read, and we
love to continually build our growing library of books... So where do we purchase books without breaking the bank?...
Monday, December 05, 2011
When you’re running low on ideas, money and time, you can count on these 10 simple last minute gift-making ideas!
Friday, December 02, 2011
...In my opinion, the best and most practical gifts are those that can
be eaten. So stop stressing about all the gifts you have to get this
holiday season and start mixing! Baking mixes gifted in mason jars are always well received...
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
...No matter what stage of life your children are in, their items can clutter and overtake their rooms and your home. To
de-clutter it all and keep it under control you have to begin with a
system...
Monday, November 28, 2011
I recently designed a craft to teach at a conference that held several
tiny collages using simple wire holder forms. This is similar to those
found attached to various decorative bases in the frame section at most
stores. They are very simple to make...
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Cyber Monday is the Monday immediately following Black Friday. It’s the
biggest online shopping day of the year where you can really find some
fantastic bargains if you know when and where to look...
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
With the upcoming holiday season upon us, my family will soon acquire
a few new items that will arrive with instruction manuals, receipts and
warranties. Every year after the holiday cleanup, I find them piled on
my desk and waiting for me to find a safe place to keep them...