As mentioned earlier this week, kids love to make their own creations. Today’s project is a Make Your Own Gingerbread House Kit. These are simple and easy to make, and they taste delicious! Using these clever shortcuts, you can have a beautiful gingerbread house put together in minutes. To make your gingerbread house kit, […]
Frugal Last Minute Gift Idea for Kids — Winter Lacing Cards
December 15, 2008 by
Every day this week I will be featuring frugal last minute gift ideas for kids. These projects are very frugal and can be made with items you probably already have in your home. You won’t want to miss any of these great projects, so if you are not already a follower of the Frugal Family […]
What to do with one leftover (and overripe) banana
December 12, 2008 by
Being frugal frequently means coming up with creative ways to use leftovers to avoid throwing food away, but when I realized we had just one overripe banana I was not quite sure how to use it up. Most recipes for banana bread call for 4 or 5 bananas, and even banana muffin recipes usually call […]
Frugal Gift Idea — Chili Mix in a Jar
December 11, 2008 by
Nothing takes the chill out of winter like a warm bowl of chili! This mix in a jar is a quick, simple, and frugal gift idea everyone is sure to love. Kids could easily help to make this. Be sure to attach a tag with instructions to make the chili. Add some big soup bowls, […]
Fabulous Frugal Gift Tags
December 4, 2008 by
Emily and I spent some time this afternoon making these great gift tags from last year’s greeting cards. To make the gift tags, you will need: Some old greeting cards — Many of the ones we received last year had no writing on the inside left, so we used those. Hole Punch Ribbon – I […]
Save Money on Baby
December 2, 2008 by
(Clara Sage at 4 months. Isn’t she cute??) Let’s face it, babies are expensive creatures. Between the diapers, formula, baby food, and clothes, the cost of raising a child can really add up! Here are some of my favorite ways to save money on babies: Diapers: Consider cloth diapers. I know, I know, but before […]
More on Thanksgiving Leftovers
November 28, 2008 by
Getting tired of turkey yet? Give your leftovers some fresh appeal with these great recipes: Paula’s Home Cooking — Includes recipes for Pumpkin Bars and Turkey Pot Pie. Leftover Cranberry Sauce — Mix with Cream Cheese for a great bagel spread. CD Kitchen — Easy recipes for leftover turkey. Turkey Casserole Recipe — Uses leftover turkey and […]
Frugal Fall Craft — Autumn Tree
November 26, 2008 by
Here is a frugal fall craft I did with Emily (4). You will need construction paper in fall colors, a sheet of cardstock (for the background), and some glue. For younger children, pre-cut the tree trunk and leaves for them. The older kids can do this by themselves. Put down lots of glue, and let […]
More Fun with the Fireplace
November 23, 2008 by
We have been taking advantage of our fireplace during this cold time of year. Last night we roasted hot dogs over the fire. We had hot dogs w/buns, and baked beans for dinner. Then we read The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog. This is one of Emily’s favorite books, and we enjoy the other Pigeon […]
Frugal Family Activities — Lehigh Valley
November 22, 2008 by
If you are lucky enough to live in the Lehigh Valley, here are some frugal indoor family activities you can enjoy for $5 or less! Allentown Art Museum — On Sundays admission is free to the Allentown Art Museum, and the kids can enjoy Artventures. Lowe’s/Home Depot Workshops — The first Saturday of the month […]
Frugal Gift Idea — Jar Mix Recipes
November 22, 2008 by
Looking for some easy, inexpensive homemade gifts for the holidays this year? Try jar gift mixes! Purchase some inexpensive 1 or 2 quart mason jars to get started. Get the kids involved and you have a great frugal holiday activity the entire family can enjoy. Here are some great resources to help you add a […]
Saving Money on Thanksgiving
November 21, 2008 by
Since the cost of food as risen, Thanksgiving dinner could cost you 6% more this year than previous years. Here are some of my favorite ways to save money on Thanksgiving, while having a festive dinner the entire family will enjoy. Kid Art — Try not to spend money on decorations for your holiday table. […]
Frugal Friday Challenge
November 21, 2008 by
Today’s Frugal Friday Challenge is to stay home and have a family game night! Pick out a board game, and afterwards make a dessert together. We are planning a cherry-themed family fun night. We will play Hi-Ho-Cherry-O with Emily (4), and afterwards we will be making cherry mountain pies. To make cherry mountain pies, you […]
Make Your Own Organic Cleaning Supplies
November 20, 2008 by
In honor of Cleaning Day at the Deneen Household, here is a fantastic video demonstrating how to make your own organic cleaning supplies. I will be trying several of these out today. Making your own cleaning supplies is better for the environment (no harsh chemicals), and will save you money!
Cleaning Day
November 20, 2008 by
Today is cleaning day in our house. I am planning to attack the clutter that has taken over the dining room table, but sometimes I lack the motivation to clean and I keep procrastinating. There is never any end to the cleaning, and I can come up with about a million excuses not to clean. […]
Easy, Homemade Holiday Food Gifts
November 18, 2008 by
Good Housekeeping is featuring a great article on homemade holiday food gifts that anyone can make. Get the kids involved and make it a family activity. They are fast, frugal, and festive!
Save Money on Airfare and Travel
November 18, 2008 by
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and it is rapidly approaching. Traveling does not have to be a huge expense with these money saving tips. You can enjoy a relaxing vacation, even while on a budget. Here are some great ways to travel without breaking the bank. When to Book […]
Make Your Own: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
November 17, 2008 by
The weather is getting colder, and it feels like one of those days to snuggle in and make a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. The kids can help make the mix, and the entire family can enjoy this sweet treat — without breaking the budget. Here is one of my favorite recipes for inexpensive […]
