Article continues below ↓ advertisement | your ad here photo by velostricken Cool treats are one of the highlights of summer. With fresh fruit coming into season throughout the summer, each month can offer something new and refreshing. Set aside the high-calorie ice cream, and have your children help you make healthier alternatives that taste [...]
photo by michael brown Article continues below ↓ advertisement | your ad here DEAR SARA: We purchased a new camper this year and have been camping twice with it. Fun! However, we are climbing over our clothes and different items every time we go in it, and I can’t stand the clutter! How do you [...]
photo by guccibear My kids go through a ton of frozen juice pops during summer. Sometimes I buy them, and other times I make my own. I really like the first tip that uses silicone muffin cups as a mold. It’s much more practical than using an ice-cube tray and easier to manage than using [...]
photo by roadsidepictures Part of being frugal is finding ways to use things that most people would throw away. Not only are you less wasteful; you end up saving money by not buying new products that serve the same purpose. One item you might throw away is the plastic-bag liner from cereal boxes. They’re durable [...]
photo by wordridden Every little thing, everywhere you look, is going up in price. Have you prepared your family for the fact that this year could be different from last year? Maybe you’ve broken the bad news that your annual trip to the amusement park will be a “staycation” instead. While you’re explaining the many [...]
photo by sleepyneko Ice-cold drinks are refreshing during the summer. Whether you’re lounging outside alone or serving them to friends, they’re the perfect way to cool down and quench your thirst. When serving guests, instead of using your typical plastic pitcher, spare milk jug and plastic cups, pick up a two- to five-gallon glass beverage [...]
photo by bucklava DEAR SARA: We buy Super Pretzels in bulk. Each box comes with a huge cinnamon/sugar pack that we never use on our pretzels. Now I have about three pounds of it and no idea what to do with it. Plus, as long as we keep buying the pretzels, we will keep getting [...]
photo by Strata Chalup Our yard gets a lot of mosquitoes. The city sprays to control them, but it’s a losing battle when we get heavy rain. I burn citronella candles to combat them so family and friends can enjoy our backyard without being attacked by bugs. I’m going to give the first tip a [...]
photo by muffet Cloth versus paper: Which do you use for napkins and cleaning towels? It’s common for newly frugal people to question whether they should switch from paper to cloth. For some people, it’s an easy decision. Plain and simple, it’s cheaper to use cloth. But it becomes a tougher choice when considering whether [...]
photo by Brewcaster It’s summer, and I’m surrounded by people going on vacation. I’m receiving automated e-mail replies that tell me so. My community forums are filled with members going on cruises, camping, cross-country trips and luxury vacations. My appointment at the dentist is delayed because he’s on vacation. Heck, even my mail carrier is [...]
photo by p2cl The following cakes are quick to mix and perfect for covering all types of summer entertaining. They’re not sickeningly sweet, and all are fail-proof. Whether you’re baking for a friend swinging by for coffee, bringing a dessert for a barbecue or planning a kids’ party, you’ll be set. You’ll find yourself and [...]
photo by Dave Melbourne DEAR SARA: I had a recipe for a plant spray that was comprised of garlic, water and maybe soap or vinegar. I can’t find it. It was very effective and kept the insects away from all my plants that I move outdoors during the summer. Do you know of this recipe? [...]
photo by osbock My husband and I grocery shopped together for years. We weren’t the happy, hand-holding-while-shopping couple. No. We were more likely to be the couple circling the parking lot forever to find a close spot and having the great debate in Aisle 4 over which cereal to buy. Sometimes he even went as [...]
Eating seasonal produce gives you the best taste and nutrition at the least cost to you and the environment. I’ve included three seasonal favorites for the upcoming months. You can pick one recipe per month to try as each fruit or vegetable comes into season. Eat local and find what’s fresh near you by visiting [...]
photo by ifindkarma An organized home doesn’t have to break the bank. You don’t need to buy tons of fancy and expensive supplies, hire a professional or spend hours of your time. But you do need to be disciplined, creative and resourceful. You also need to allow yourself to own some practical tools to make [...]
photo by Hurleyfamily DEAR SARA: Do you know how to make a cupcake cake? I want to make one for my grandson’s birthday, and I’m wondering how hard it is. — Jayne, Pennsylvania
photo by Dru Bloomfield Ever crack an egg and the shell falls into the bowl? The first tip is an easy solution to that problem. You won’t have to fish the shell out with a spoon or your finger. Add eggshells to your kitchen compost, too. They can be used in the garden. EGG TIPS: [...]
