Limited space can be a challenge. You might think you don’t have room to stock up on essentials when they’re on sale. You have to be creative and find the hidden storage areas in your home. The first thing to do is clear your rooms of clutter. Prioritize and swap out items that you haven’t used for practical, useful items that are helping you save money.
photo by crd Maybe, for a wee bit o’ fun, you wear something green, buy a shamrock shake, or drink green brewskies or Irish coffees on St. Patrick’s Day. This year, serve your family more than last-minute green vegetables. Put on a leprechaun hat, and cook a hearty feast. These recipes are deliciously festive, but, [...]
photo by BillHR DEAR SARA: I’m looking for suggestions regarding the cookbook I am making for my sister. I am trying to get it done. What should I include apart from recipes? I am going to include a measurement-conversion chart and food pyramid. Your help, as always, is appreciated. — Denise, California DEAR DENISE: You [...]
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: [...]
photo by nutmeg Use it up. Wear it out. Make do. Do without. It’s a sign of the times. Unless of course, you’ve been a smart, frugal cookie all along. But if this is all new to you, you might be able to use a few tips on how to take care of what you [...]
photo by crystl Frugal folks cook from scratch. But is it cheaper? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If you’re not a savvy shopper, have time constraints or don’t have health restrictions, then there’s increased value placed on ready-made and convenience foods. For example, boxed pasta and sauce in a jar is often going [...]
photo by jgodsey When it’s cold outside, a hot mug of delicious soup is the perfect comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, and it’s affordable. To serve it as a hearty meal, ladle soup into a bread bowl. Simply cut out a circle on the top of a round loaf of bread, and hollow it [...]
photo by House of Sims DEAR SARA: I need help with couscous. I’d never had it before in my life. I basically just did the microwave version and added salt, pepper and butter. It was OK, almost like grits but way grainier. It didn’t do anything for me. Any idea on how to make it [...]
Frugal Village has been chosen as Kim Komando’s cool site of the day. I’m thrilled she’s shared us as a resource. Thanks Kim! If you’ve discovered us through Kim, a big welcome to Frugal Village. Please let me know if you have any questions and be sure to check out our community forums.
photo by peagreengirl Draft stoppers are a great way to keep the heat in and the cold air out. The first tip is prettier than using a rolled-up towel against the door. You can reuse materials you already have and don’t have to keep kicking it back in place. It’s easily removed, and you can [...]
photo by zappowbang Gas prices are down, but grocery-store prices are up (with many downsized products). It seems you simply can’t catch a break. Look for small ways to save on costs. If you make a few different choices, it’s like getting a pay raise. While you know many of your options, it can be [...]
photo by dierken Frugal women look for luxuries on the cheap. They are unwilling to be wasteful — and not just during tough economic times. If they do splurge on a treat, it tends to be items such as a candle, book, flower, food or cup of tea or coffee. In other words, something they [...]
photo by Janet Dancer Parties can be expensive. One way to combat the high cost is to have a frugality party. Typically, when you entertain, you might not consider recycling or creating less waste. These aren’t simply parties on the cheap. Frugality parties are environmentally friendly, too. One reader, Sarah in Illinois, shares: “I got [...]
photo by biskuit Every cook needs a few budget recipes she feels comfortable serving to guests. These south-of-the-border-inspired recipes will satisfy your spicy-food cravings. They are based on familiar recipes and will be well received. Enjoy! Taco Cups 2 medium bell peppers 1/2 pound ground beef 2 tablespoons chopped onion 1 (16-ounce) can kidney or [...]
DEAR SARA: I asked my mother-in-law what my sister-in-law might like for her upcoming birthday. She told me she wanted a Mary Ann pan. I was too embarrassed to ask what it is. What is it? — Becky Cody, Kansas
D EAR SARA: I had a longterm house guest, who was an abundant user of hairspray. When she moved out recently, I noticed that the bathroom door, which she always stood in front of to do her hair, is coated with the sticky residue from her hairspray. The door is a stained polyresin door, and [...]
photo by nate steiner The road to clutter is paved with good intentions, and that is especially true with recipes. If you’re saving them from magazines, newspapers and printed from Web pages, finding them later can be a problem without an organized system. Readers share their best methods for making their recipes easily accessible when [...]
