A Family Craft Night

Want to do something a little different when you get together as a family at night? Try family craft night. Your best bet is to schedule it on the day before you plan to do a big house cleaning because the last thing you want is glitter on your carpets (though a quick vaccum run when you are done and that’s cleaned up). As for doing crafts together, it’s a fun way to spend time with mom, dad and the little ones that make the kids feel special and the adults amused. What Do You Make? Well a lot depends … Continue reading

Stretch Those Craft Dollars

Do you enjoy doing craft projects with your kids? If so, you have probably come across some really cute projects. The only problem is that some can be quite expensive. Try these tips to stretch those craft dollars: Craft Kits Before buying expensive craft kits, check the clearance section of craft shops and online stores for discounts. Also, take a really good look at the kit and see if you can make the project yourself with your own supplies. In many cases, the crafts are simple and this is a do-able solution. The kits are more convenient because they have … Continue reading

Extreme Scrapbooking

If you are wondering why your Sunday newspaper has gone missing for the last few weeks, blame TLC’s “Extreme Couponing.” The popular reality series is being blamed for a rash of newspaper thefts. Apparently, coupon divas looking to save a bundle by using Sunday inserts to purchase mass quantities of free toiletries and groceries are stooping to new lows in order to get high on bargain shopping. They are stealing other people’s newspaper coupons to supplement their stash. According to police in Florida, Wisconsin, California, Idaho, Texas, Alabama and Arkansas, newspaper thefts are on the rise. When the culprits are … Continue reading

Gift Shopping for Kids

Kids love getting the chance to purchase their own gifts for family and friends. It is a great practice to get into and can teach kids about the real meaning behind giving gifts to those we love and admire. Most kids naturally have a limited budget. Finding ways that they can stretch that budget will also help them learn about money and financial choices. You can give your children the opportunity to make their gift dollars go a long way when you guide them to shop smartly. Right about this time, holiday bazaars should be popping up around your community. … Continue reading

Favorite Sources for Frugal Holiday Gifts (They aren’t thrift stores)

Have you started thinking about getting those holiday gifts? A friend of mine is already finished with her gift shopping. Ugh. I am just not that organized, although I have the best intentions. When shopping for holiday gifts, it is important to shop smart. This way, you can make your money stretch well, and you won’t be faced with high credit card bills in January. Here are some of my favorite places to pick up holiday gifts. Five Below This retail store has a mix of items, many of which make great gifts. For example, I usually find current software … Continue reading

Make Your Own Super Balls

The craft store had a lot of children’s craft kits on sale yesterday. We picked up several for three dollars apiece. All three boys agreed that they wanted to try the super ball kit first. The picture on the front of the box showed regular spherical balls, but also geometric multi-sided and flower shaped balls. Inside the kit though, there were only two molds to make small and large bouncy balls. On the corner of the box it does say that it only contains two molds. Still, we were disappointed and felt that the picture on the front misrepresented the … Continue reading

Home and Family: Seasonal Savings Everywhere!

I have been having a blast taking advantage of recent sales. It’s become somewhat of a contest to see how many necessities I can obtain without paying full price. My husband and I were competing the other day, but I of course won. I found socks and underwear on sale at a local store for 50% off. I even got the name brand stuff for half price. No way my husband could beat that deal! When we were clothes shopping for the kids, he did come up with some deals of his own. He found a jean jacket for one … Continue reading

Tips for Giving Away your Money

People get confused about giving when you are on a budget. During the last string of devastating hurricanes, it came to light in the news that the majority of givers – donators to various causes, are regular people with low to middle class incomes. Not the rich guys with bundles to spare. Giving helps the one who gives. It is one of those strange phenomenons – that giving actually helps your heart, making it stretch. When you give to others you can see the good in humanity and feel part of a bigger world. It is all about you baby! … Continue reading

Great Stuff: 100 Fun Projects for Kids – Susie Lacome

“Mom, I’m bored!” Do you hear that phrase just a little too often? Are you looking for ways to spark your child’s creativity, help them to unleash that inner artist, loose the chains of boredom that bind them? This is the book for you. Page after page of projects await, including a list of materials you’ll need, pictures of the completed project, pictures with step-by-step instructions on how to make the projects, and hints for what to do when them when they are complete. Some of the projects include: A penguin bowling game An Easter paper chain Leafy monsters Fruity … Continue reading