Christmas gift wrap is inexpensive. As you look for the perfect wrapping paper, consider this: Search for another couple rolls of paper that aren’t necessarily Christmas wrap (plain red, silver, or gold, polka-dot, striped, etc). Purchase those rolls along with your Christmas wrap and use them year-round for your wrapping needs. Happy shopping….
Harvesting Carrots
When my grandma was little, her family kept their carrots in the cellar in a bucket of sand. I don’t really have that option so I like to preserve carrots by freezing them. Here’s the process we use: 1) Wash the carrots. 2) Peel and cut off the tops and the ends of the carrots. […]
Budgeting Tips — Watching Your Money
I was asked the other day how my husband and I budget. I chuckled a little and shook my head…budgets have to adjust as situations change and kids come along and as kids get older. There is no set formula for the perfect budget. But if 20 years of marriage and continuing to raise six […]
Speedy Treats for Busy Days
Here are a few ideas for speedy treats that don’t involve rushing to the store. (A small amount of prep time on a less busy day makes all the difference): 1) Freeze Cookie Dough Balls for quick cookies later- Mix up cookie dough. Spoon it onto a cookie sheet using a cookie scoop. They can be very […]
Traveling Teams 101- Money Saving Tips
Planning a full day or evening chasing kids for games or events? Whether your game is in town or across the state, here are a few ideas of how to save money on food. The post goes through drink ideas, snack ideas, and meal ideas…. Drink/Hydrating Ideas: Water bottles– save and reuse. Fill the bottle […]
Rice Bags
Here is a simple explanation of “How to Make a Rice Bag” with pictures. Don’t be afraid to contact me, if one of the steps is unclear. I have seen these bags sewn in all types of sizes and shapes. Use your imagination. Just be sure to supervise your kids while they are heating them […]
Foods That Help a Budget Stretch
“The Perception of Plenty”—is my way to keep from over spending on our food budget. I have been pleasantly surprised over the years to find certain foods that stretch much farther than you’d think. Cheese—finely grate your cheese (so it looks like the “fancy” shredded kind). People use less than the regular size grated pieces, […]
Laundry Helps
Laundry! It is a job that is never complete, but ….. You’ll probably smile at the random tips I am about to share. Here they are: Socks….When I buy a new package of socks for a child, I never give them all the pairs. I put a few pairs in a special box in my […]
Salt Dough Ornament Craft
Are you looking for a children’s Christmas craft that lets kids create, uses items you already have, and requires only minimal supervision? Then salt dough ornaments may become your new tradition. Salt Dough Ornament Recipe 4 cups flour 1 cup salt 1 ½ cups hot tap water Combine the salt and the flour in a […]
Fast and Frugal Garlic Toast
Why don’t my children eat the heels of the bread? We end up with bread bags whose only content is the two heels. Our solution helps make use of those heels and keeps them from heading to the trash. I save the heels of bread in a bread bag (doubled) in the freezer. When I […]