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.
Friday, September 30, 2011
...Since most packaged breakfast cereals contain sugar (even the “plain”
varieties), I have learned to make quick “from scratch” breakfast meals
using eggs, oats or quinoa, which is a very good source of magnesium...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
...Nearly 15 years ago, I simplified all of my planning and preparing by
creating my first holiday planner binder, which I continuously use year
after year to keep track of everything. This binder is filled with past
gifts purchased, favorite recipes, our holiday card list along with
pictures that I have taken of my home decorated so that I can remember
how I decorate from year to year...
Monday, September 26, 2011
...Simple items can help break up the monotony of rows filled with book
spines, similar to decorative bookends. Look for non-linear items such
as: Vintage metal toys (trucks, wagons or sand pails)...
Friday, September 23, 2011
I believe that life feels organized when the kitchen is organized and
there are a number of practical things you can do for an organized
kitchen. Here are few tips to get your kitchen in order and create a
less hectic routine for you...
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
...I find myself purchasing an
assortment of deals and coupons from local restaurants and shopping
services, only to forget when they expire, which daily deal site I made
the purchase, or what deals I even purchased!...
Monday, September 19, 2011
If you’re looking for creative ways to surprise your children, a fun
way to add some excitement to their lunch table at school is with snack
bag header cards! Download the free PDF file and print to lightweight cardstock paper...
Friday, September 16, 2011
Instead of constantly feeling like I’m struggling, behind and always
late to soccer practice or swim lessons, I’d much rather feel like I’m
beating myself at my own game of managing my family’s schedules.
Wouldn’t you? In order to stay a few steps ahead and keep our routines and schedules flowing without frustration...
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Over the years, I’ve discovered the more prepared and organized I am
occupying my children while they wait for their meals, the more
successful our dining out experience has been. This inspired me to
create a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) restaurant kit...
Monday, September 12, 2011
There’s lots of fun ways to doll up a plain paper lunch bag, whether
for actual lunches or as gifts or party bags. It’s fun and adds such a
special touch to an everyday item. Here are some of my ideas for lunch bag art...
Friday, September 09, 2011
...One of my favorites is the harvest chili because the recipe is so
timely. Each of the vegetables found in the chili are at peak season for
early fall and can be found in farmer’s markets for reasonable and
inexpensive prices. Or better yet, they can be grown from the garden in
your own backyard...
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
...I’m always looking for ways to save time in my day. Since most of my day
is spent in the kitchen preparing meals and organizing schedules, I
developed these 10 time-saving kitchen tips to help my day run a lot
smoother...
Monday, September 05, 2011
Creating the designs on my sewing machine was fun and allowed me to
really get creative. If you’d like to try it and are in need of a sewing
machine, check your local retail stores and online shopping centers for
great deals and reasonable prices. Here’s how I created my embellished paper borders...
Friday, September 02, 2011
I have found several free alternatives to pricey items over the years.
I’ll admit, for some of these items I have chosen to actually pay more
money due to upgrades, but many of them were just plain free -- with no
strings attached either! Here are a few of hidden gems I use...
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
During one of my de-clutter sessions, I came across
several mesh wash bags... Being the penny-pinching mom that I am, I came up with several new uses
for these soft and washable bags...
I began to collect embroidered patches when my son was around 5 years
old. It began with a few he’d acquire in scouting clubs or picked up
while on vacation in gift shops. Others were from fire department
uniform patches from his dad...
School lunches can be a joy to your child, your child’s teacher and to
you. However, when you forget to pack one the night before or forget to
pre-package all the goodies for the week, they sure can be a pain!...