Search Results for: frugal home see also home blog crafts

Fun On a Budget

Crafting may seem like an expensive hobby, especially if you have a house full of kids who want in on the action.  Fortunately, frugal families don’t have to put the kibosh on creating handmade masterpieces.  Rather, with a little ingenuity you can make priceless crafts on a tight budget. Clothespin Pinwheel Materials: Double-sided patterned paper Ruler Pencil Scissors Glue Thumbtack Wooden clothespin with spring Directions: Cut a five-inch square from a sheet of patterned paper. Draw an “X” on the paper from corner to corner. Cut three inches along each line. Fold every other point toward the center of the … Continue reading →

Free Fall Festivals

Fall is here and it seems everyone is encouraging you to get out and enjoy Mother Nature. The leaves are glorious, the temperatures are comfortable and the mood is relaxed. But, you’re broke and there are only so many free walks in the woods you can take before you get tired of looking at falling leaves. Fortunately, there are other options for penny-pinching families. Free festivals are amazing places for frugalistas to spend fall weekends. Simply pack up the gang and head out to these kid-friendly events that don’t require you to spend a single dime to partake in seasonal … Continue reading →

Summer Fun for Free

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year, not just for the great weather and the easy living but for all of the wonderful free fun that can be had, from free classes to free concerts, free food to free movies. You just have to know where to look. Skip the expense of the summer camp and take advantage of plenty of free fun for the kids instead. Do some research to find free events. Start local and work your way out. Find out if your town or city has a website or cable channel that lists free … Continue reading →

Valentine’s Day Gifts with Heart

According to the National Retail Federation, the average American will spend approximately $125 on Valentine’s Day gifts this year. What the… A hundred twenty five bucks on high-calorie chocolate that will force you to spend even more time in the gym and overpriced flowers that probably won’t live to see the weekend? I barely have enough money to fill up my car now that gas prices have jumped 20 cents in less than 10 days. Believe me; no one in my house is spending or receiving Love Day gifts that exceed $5… if that. Just call me the Valentine’s Day … Continue reading →

Frugal Holiday Ideas for Leftover Wrapping Paper

You know all of those little extra pieces of wrapping paper that are too small to use? Do you save them anyway? I do. I always feel guilty throwing them out, but it is very rare for me to find that I have presents small enough to use them. Most of the presents under our tree are for the kids, so they tend to be larger and usually made out of plastic, not small like jewelry. Then there is the time after the gift are unwrapped. What do you do with all of that leftover gift wrap that winds up … Continue reading →

Be Prepared for School Holidays

Many of my friends who are also working parents are scrambling right now to get child care. Stay at home parents are scrambling to figure out what to do with the kids. A combination of half days off and full days off is throwing everyone off of schedule. And with the big holidays coming, things are going to get even more confusing. If you can do a little preparation now, your household will be in great shape, leaving you to take advantage of the school holidays, so everyone has a great time while they are off. Planning ahead will really … Continue reading →

February Is National Bird Feeding Month!

Did you know that February is National Bird feeding Month? Celebrate our feathered creatures during this cold month by offering them a scrumptious treat. Gather your children, your neighbors children or whoever else wants to participate in this activity that is fun and helpful to these amazing creatures of the earth. Find some empty paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls. If you do not have enough of these items enlist your family and friends to save them up for you before you start this project. Empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls come in handy for a variety of … Continue reading →

Homeschool Word of the Day: Strewing

Strewing means scattering, or dispersing haphazardly. In homeschooling, to strew is to leave education books, materials, and games lying about in the child’s path. Strewing is a word used by unschoolers. While unschoolers allow their children to follow their own paths, many do manage to direct the kids a bit with strategic placement of learning materials. Sandra Dodd, who coined the term, explains this practice well on her website. She explains, “Some of our most successful items have been toys or objects for playing with (sometimes not purely a toy) like pattern blocks, castle blocks, magnets (or some new magnet … Continue reading →

Homeschool Groups and Resources in Indiana A-H

Getting involved with other homeschoolers is very important to a family’s success in homeschooling It is important to join a homeschool network or support group in your area, There are also many homeschooling groups as well as many homeschooling classes, and programs that your students can enjoy. In this series, we are covering homeschool groups and resources across the country. This installment will cover Indiana homeschool groups and resources, A-H. Academy You AcademyYOU is a public virtual charter school with its home office located in Little River, Kansas. Students located in Kansas can enroll at no cost as their funding … Continue reading →

Homeschool Groups and Resources in Illinois G-N

Getting involved with other homeschoolers is very important to a family’s success in homeschooling It is important to join a homeschool network or support group in your area, There are also many homeschooling groups as well as many homeschooling classes, and programs that your students can enjoy. In this series, we are covering homeschool groups and resources across the country. This installment is part 1 for Illinios A-H IL HS Gifted An all inclusive communication loop and supportive network for Illinois families who are homeschooling their highly, exceptionally, or profoundly gifted children. ILHSannounce This list is for all Illinois homeschoolers, … Continue reading →