Winter the Fun and Frugal Way

Winter is a great time to have some frugal fun. Reduce your entertainment budget with the following ideas. Fun in the Snow If you are lucky enough to have snow in your region this winter, then you can have a ton of free fun such as: Putting water and food coloring into spray bottles, then creating snow art. Will you create the Mona Lisa or Bart Simpson? Building a snowman or two. Have a family contest for the biggest, most creative or funniest creation. You can also gift someone a homemade snowman kit. Just provide an old hat, charcoal briquettes, … Continue reading

Free Holiday Gifts (and some under $5)

How many people can you knock off of your Christmas giving list without spending any more than $5 a piece? One, two, none? You might be surprised. With a little investment of a few hours, you might be able to get a gift for everyone on your list for free or for less than $5. Here are some ideas. Homemade Knitting Knitting a sweater or a scarf is an age-old way to give someone a nice personal gift, but yarn, especially that made out of wool can get expensive. Instead, buy a nice sweater or sweaters second hand and then … Continue reading

Gift Giving on a Budget

As a single mom sometimes I need to get creative with gift giving. My budget is always tight so I try to look for bargains all year long but most of the time I just have to try to give from the heart. Other adults are usually the hardest to buy for, they usually already have everything they need. Here are a few ideas for a budget friendly holiday. *Use your kid’s artwork instead of buying Christmas cards. Even if the artwork is not holiday themed you can still turn it into a card, write a personal message on the … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: October 2008

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot October has come and gone, but we can still enjoy fall and the celebration of Thanksgiving and all of the great joys of the season. Take a look back at all of the ways to save money that were featured last month. October 1st Frugal Halloween Costumes It is fall and Halloween is approaching fast, are you ready? What do the kids want to be? You can make some great homemade costumes … Continue reading

Caretaker Stories: Crying on Christmas

For people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, routines are very useful. Breaking the routine can cause stress and confusion for the patient and the caretakers. The holidays have been especially tough for my grandmother and the rest of the family. Christmas is a big change from the normal routine, from decorations around the house to braving the stores and wrapping the presents. For someone who doesn’t remember what time of year it is, thinking it’s summer and seeing a decorated tree can be a shock. Looking back, I think Christmas 2006 was really the point when I became … Continue reading

Frugal Living Week in Review: December 3rd through December 9th

Can you believe that it is just a few more weeks until Christmas? I have to confess that I don’t even have all of my decorations up or shopping and gift making done, yet. I hope you are doing better in that department than I am! This past week, we have had plenty of holiday articles, from decorating to gift giving ideas, all crafted with tips to save you money this season. Here is the Frugal Living blog week in review for December 3rd through December 9th December 3rd Free Land In the heart of American, towns from far and … Continue reading

A Great Gift that is Frugal and Patriotic

Looking for an inexpensive gift that will thrill anyone who is a veteran or patriotic? This idea is unique and costs only $20 or less. I was so excited to find out about this idea, because it is the perfect gift for a very special member of my family. I know he will love it, and what’s more, it is very inexpensive, especially compared to the impact it will have. Did you know that you can give someone an actual flag that has flown over the capitol? And even better, you can request that your flag is flown on a … Continue reading

Last Minute Frugal Gift Ideas (2)

Still trying to find that perfect last minute gift for someone on your shopping list? Or perhaps you found yourself the recipient of an unexpected gift from a friend, neighbor or co-worker. The frugal side of me says we don’t have to get a gift for every person that buys for us, especially if we wouldn’t normally exchange with that person. However, the practical side of me tells me that I love to give gifts and that I would feel horribly guilty at not getting them at least something. Here are a few more ideas to keep you from stressing … Continue reading

Frugal Living Week in Review: November 26th Through December 2nd

It is finally December. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by. It has been a year now, since I first started blogging here at Families.com in the Frugal Living Blog. A lot has happened in the world and in my own life. I continue to be in awe of anyone who practices a frugal lifestyle, and I have learned many different ways to save money. I can’t wait to learn even more. I hope that we can help each other in our efforts to save money and provide for our family. And now, here is the Frugal … Continue reading

Frugal Gift Ideas: Free Personalized Stationery

Pretty stationery is a wonderful gift for someone special for Christmas. It is the kind of gift that you can give almost anyone, from close friends and family to service providers that you want to thank for helping you throughout the year. Personalized stationery makes a great gift for teachers, especially. You can the pair stationery with desk accessories, such as pens, pencils, postage stamps, stickers and paper clips to fill out the gift and make it grand, or just give the stationery as it is. Making your own stationery is the best way to go when it comes to … Continue reading