Frugal Living Week in Review: October 29th Through November 4th

Is it getting chilly where you live? The weather is certainly getting brisk here, and the heat seems to always be on. I’ve been setting the thermostat to about 64, and bundling everyone up with sweaters. I think we are getting used to the cooler temperatures, because when my husband comes home and pushed the heat to 70, the rest of us complain that it is too hot. How have you been saving money this week? If you could use some ideas, then why not take a look at all of the articles we posted here in the past seven … Continue reading

Two Frugal Decorating Ideas for Halloween

It is hard to believe that Halloween is only a little more than a week away. But that shouldn’t stop you from having some more fun with Halloween crafts and decorations. Fall is one of my favorite seasons, one of my favorite times to decorate and probably one of my most creative times of year. My most favorite things to work with at holidays is wreaths and pots, because they are easy to store, really add a nice touch to any décor and are easy and frugal to create. Wreaths This is one of those things I have for every … Continue reading

Frugal Holiday Path or Driveway Lights

Halloween is such a fun time to decorate, but purchasing the cute things you see at the stores can really add up and wreak havoc on your finely tuned budget. So is there an easier, cheaper way to create decorations? Yes! You know those little path lights you see. Some people use them to outline their driveway at holiday time. Others place them along their sidewalk and still others strategically place them throughout their yard. It doesn’t really matter where you place them, there is a frugal alternative for making them and it is super easy and uses items you … Continue reading

Pumpkin Carving Party

If you are looking for an easy Halloween party, consider an alternative. A friend of ours throws a pumpkin carving party most years. I think it’s a great idea, especially if Halloween falls mid week. You can have the party on the weekend, and do something simpler mid-week when it’s actually Halloween. The pumpkin carving party is great for families, the entertainment is built right in to the party, and it doesn’t require much food or decoration. Everyone brings a pumpkin. Outside, our friend has a table set up with knives and scoops for gutting the pumpkin. She has another … Continue reading

Frugal Living Week in Review: October 8th Through October 14th

Are you ready for Halloween? Nicole has posted a bunch of Halloween articles that will help with your planning. For the more day to day, check out info on milk prices and school lunches. And, can you adopt the philosophy to “buy nothing?” This and other interesting articles are all here for you in the Frugal Living Week in Review: October 8th Through October 14th. October 8th Frugal Living Week in Review: October 1st Through October 7th This has been a weird week here in Pennsylvania. The weather can’t seem to make up its mind whether it wants to be … Continue reading

Frugal Games and Entertainment for Your Halloween Party

The entertainment portion of any party can be expensive if you don’t know what to do. For a Halloween party there is absolutely no reason to spend a lot, because there are so many different things you can do instead. From games to frugal activities and crafts, there is plenty to do and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Body Part Activity This is usually a huge hit at a Halloween party. We have done this every year just for fun in our home, but absolutely find it a blast at a Halloween party. Peel a couple of grapes … Continue reading

Planning Food For a Frugal Halloween Party

Halloween is so much fun for children and there are so many wonderful activities you can do together at this time of year. We enjoy hosting a Halloween party at our home or with another family every year. With so many kids involved though, keeping the costs down is the most important feature of having our annual Halloween parties. If we could not do the party in a frugal way, we just would not be able to continue to have them. One of the most expensive aspects of hosting a party of any kind, is the food. Face it, food … Continue reading

Hosting a Frugal Halloween Party

What could be more fun at this time of year, than planning a Halloween party? However, parties are expensive and there are many things that go into a good party. Is it possible to actually have a frugal Halloween party? Yes, it is possible to host a party for not a lot of money, but it takes plenty of planning and plenty of work. If you are willing to put time and effort into it, you can have a very fun party. What expenses can you typically plan to incur at a Halloween party? Food and Beverages This is typically … Continue reading

Masquerade Ball Fun

The company my friend works for is hosting a masquerade ball this Halloween to raise money for local charities. I am so jealous. Well, I was, until I found out that my pal dropped $200 on an “appropriate” masquerade ball costume. Apparently, masquerade balls require wearing expensive getups. And here I thought “masquerade ball” was just a fancy way of saying “come dressed up in whatever; eat, drink and be merry in this overpriced venue.” Guess not. My friend and her husband are wearing costumes inspired by the Victorian era. She is going as Queen Victoria of England, who ruled … Continue reading

10 Tips for a Green Thanksgiving

Halloween’s over, Thanksgiving is upon us, and Christmas is just a step away! It is busy time for everyone, but you can still stay green. Here are a few tips to green up your Thanksgiving: 10. Stay Home Yes, I know the holidays are usually about travel to be with family, but consider staying home. You can help reduce emissions and stress by not taking a trip this year. 9. Travel Smart Okay, I realize many will ignore #10, so if you do have to travel, travel smart. Make sure the car is working properly before leaving, check your tire … Continue reading