photo by antkriz Why buy new if you have something that works just as well? Sometimes, finding a new use for objects is easy such as cutting receiving blankets to make dusting cloths or reusing a juice can as a penholder. Other times, it takes clever creativity. What have you turned from trash to treasure [...]
photo by Darlene B. We’ve grown to rely on some prepackaged foods. It’s become a force of habit to toss them into the shopping cart. But weekends are the perfect time to add a little down-home cooking flair to your standard meals. Making homemade bread, muffins or biscuits accomplishes that. Store-bought baked goods will never [...]
photo by simon shek Buying takeout food can kill your budget. It’s a bad habit that you might rely on when you’re busy or too tired to cook, but who can blame you? You can grab a jar of sauce and pasta only so many times before you grow tired of it. Plus, not everyone [...]
photo by modmami DEAR SARA: What to do with old travel-size baby-wipe containers? I have found several travel-size wipe containers around my house. After having two kids in diapers, for some reason I have collected about six of these travel/diaper-bag wipe containers. I can only find uses for the large wipe containers, not the travel [...]
photo by omar The first tip holds true throughout the grocery store. Check not only the back of shelves for freshness but look at upper and lower shelves for better prices, too. And don’t forget to weigh prepackaged produce such as potatoes, lettuce, apples or carrots to get the most product for your money. Packages [...]
photo by whgrad Many people are cutting back on spending. Some are even cutting things right out of their budget. It’s always interesting to see what makes the cut. If you’re frugal, you’ve done everything “right” by living within your means, yet somehow you are still along for this economic bumpy ride. But you’re prepared. [...]
photo by Ken Lawver It seems a shame to throw some things away. There’s that hesitation before it hits the trash can. Maybe you think of a second use and keep it, but if you can’t think of a way to reuse it, out it goes. One reader, Patty A. in Utah, says: “I took [...]
photo by merelymel13 Revive Sunday dinners, and serve a hearty meal. While quick meals have their place, Sunday can be reserved as a day to bring everyone to the table. You don’t have to do the traditional Sunday roast to add a perfect end to the weekend. The following meal is simple enough that you [...]
photo by geishaboy500 DEAR SARA: I hope you can help me with this. I recently found some old photographs in the attic in old frames. I would like to change the frames because they are old and worn out. The pictures are great ones, and I want to remount them into new frames. The problem [...]
photo by llahbocaj Have you ever made homemade vanilla extract? It’s easy, and you can even make different flavors. Simply use flavored vodka, brandy or rum. You can make your vanilla stronger by using higher-proof alcohol and scraping the seeds from the bean or weaker by leaving the vanilla pod intact. The flavor is stronger [...]
photo by booleansplit Frugal skills save money, and a little self-reliance goes a long way. You won’t have to pay someone else to do many tasks for you. Maybe you were fortunate to learn everything you needed to know from your mom or 4-H, and home-economics class filled in the gaps. Sadly, not everyone learns [...]
photo by ookikioo When I began my frugal journey, I was highly motivated to tighten the tightwad belt, but sometimes I felt poor. This feeling was due to the transition from living above my means to living within my means. I was making leaps and bounds with my personal finances, but it took hard work [...]
Pasta salads are classic dishes for spring and summer. Their vibrant colors, numerous flavor combinations and scalability make them a hit for family and friends. They’re easy to make ahead of time and with ingredients you have on hand. To give your pasta salad added appeal, experiment with fresh herbs, cheeses, interesting pasta shapes and [...]
Winter gear can take up a lot of space. Your entryway and closet are often the first areas you, your family and guests see, so you want them to be tidy. Rather than frantically looking for a lost mitten, piling up boots, or cramming and shoving everything into your closet until the door no longer [...]
photo by saebaryo DEAR SARA: I am considering getting a sandbox for the kids to play in. I was wondering if you had one, how you keep the neighborhood cats out. — Rachel, Texas DEAR RACHEL: You can use a tarp, but it will collect rainwater. To combat water collection, you can place a tall [...]
Baby-formula cans are sturdy and durable. You can reuse them as household storage containers. They work well as a gift container, to hold plastic bags, toilet paper, plastic utensils and napkins for a backyard BBQ and in your laundry room to place lone socks. Or, carry one in the car with baby essentials such as [...]
