Save Money on Designer Scents – Here’s How!

"I'm living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart!" - E.E. Cummings (1984-1962) It is apparent from the quote above by e e cummings, poet, that the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Who among us can say that we are living within our means?  Every time I re-read the above quote I laugh--but then feel the pinch of reality tugging reminding me that no matter how much I earn I always feel that my income and I are living apart!  I had a great … [Read more...]

Donating Coupons (even Expired Ones!) to Military Families

We are all looking for ways to save money and that includes military families.  Jan has always been a proponent for helping military families in need and one nice way to help is by donating coupons to the military.   Many people may not know that manufacturer's coupons are accepted at military commissaries based all over the world. The Overseas Coupon Program (OCP) is a great program to get involved in as it helps families save valuable dollars and stretch their budgets. Here is How You … [Read more...]

Simple, Cheap (and Bright) Halloween Decoration!

Lighting adds a festive mood to any party, so take those Christmas string lights collecting dust in the basement, or hit up the craft and party stores NOW, while everything Halloween is on sale, and Christmas decorations (including lights) are already taking over the shelves.  Hobby Lobby and even Walgreens are great places to try. String lights from your deck, along a pathway  or in trees...and for inside your home, use a vase, ball/mason jar (like I did) or really any clear container and … [Read more...]

Ten Ideas for Fall Fun!

Millennium kids of all ages, yes 6 to 60, are wasting too much physical energy and maybe some mental acuity by hanging out in front of the television and computer.  Let’s get off the couch and sharpen our minds and bodies together! Instead of hibernating, let’s Generate! Save money, have fun! 1.) Pumpkin patches & local farms are always a great source of colorful, inexpensive, green fun! Activities start in August and often run through December offering holiday craft activities for … [Read more...]

Ten Halloween Frugalista Costume Ideas!

Back when I was in First Grade (olden days) I remember my mom, Bless you Evelyn!, trying to make me wear a cheesy store-bought bride costume delivered hot off the press from the Sears catalog!  I was a pretty compliant kid, but that was my limit! No Bride costume, not then, not ever!  I changed my mind later but you all know how that turned out.  The Sears Bride costume was I think the ONLY thing I have every really wasted in my life.  I passed it along to a cousin in kindergarten (sorry … [Read more...]

10 Ways to Save on Halloween; Candy to Costumes!

If you can believe it, Halloween is now only a  month away!  It's often as much fun for adults as it is for kids.  You're allowed to dress goofy without the weird looks and the parties and caramel apples and leftover candy isn't bad!   What could be better?   Well - doing it on the cheap is one way! Click on this LINK to shop online for children's, adult (and even pet) costumes!  Free shipping on $75 or more! SAVING ON CANDY: Comparison shop - Look for sales, use your … [Read more...]

10 Halloween Savings – Treats, No Trick!

"Just like a ghost, you've been a hauntin' my dreams, so I'll propose on Halloween.  Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you!" - Dennis Yost I feel like we never even got a good taste of summer, at least here in Chicago - and Halloween, one of my very favorite holidays is already almost upon us!  One of my favorite Halloween memories comes from my days as a junior high school English teacher.  (If you taught Jr. high for any length of time you would understand the delight I … [Read more...]

Campbells Labels for Education Program Still Ticking!!

I'm a former teacher I guess I can say, "Once a Teacher Always a Teacher!" Just like parenting, teaching never leaves your system, and neither does the the desire to step up and help the teachers and the schools.  Here's a painless way to help while you save money by shopping at participating stores that sponsor scholarships and free school supplies to your local schools! As fall swoops down on us there are a number of programs coming down the pike that can save you money on school supplies and … [Read more...]

Ten Ways Kids Can Earn Their Allowance!

                                  It's a New School Year!  Time to decide if your children; a. Get an allowance? b. Get a raise in their allowance? c. Have to EARN their allowance? I'm a biggie on EARNING the allowance. Especially in the times we have today, setting up a "money because you are breathing" isn't necessarily the best precedent. … [Read more...]

How To Save Money on Fruits & Veggies! 6 Tips!

People are always saying that there are never good ways to save of fresh foods!  Au Contraire!  There are tons of ways to save $$ on fresh fruits and veggies, I think you just have to make it a priority, have a system and be aware!  One of my favorite ways to save money on fresh fruits and veggies is to buy local and buy in season.  I just got a basket of fresh Michigan Peaches (just picked) for half of what I would have paid at the supermarket and they came from a farm stand. Comparison … [Read more...]