Holiday Themes on the Cheap

Use the word “cheap” during the holiday season and you’re likely to be labeled “Scrooge” or “Grinch.”  However, not everyone can afford to bleed through wads of cash in order to deck halls, make merry and spread holiday cheer. Fortunately, there are ways you can get into the spirit of the season without spending a ton of money.  One way is to stick with a theme.  There are a slew of holiday-friendly themes you can use to spice up your home in time for Christmas.  For example: Hawaiian Holiday:  You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars importing fresh flowers … Continue reading

Fun Christmas Competitions Among Friends

What’s a little competition amongst friends? If you can maintain some perspective, a little friendly rivalry during the holiday season can be fun. This is especially true if you are hosting a Christmas party.  Playing games and setting up a few holiday-themed contests allow you to keep spirits high.  Your guests will surely leave your home smiling after participating in the following festive activities: Scavenger Hunt:  Use a bunch of holiday items, such as tree ornaments, stuffed snowmen, and jarred holiday spices as the objects your guests have to hunt for in and around your home. Santa Scamper:  Players race … Continue reading

Last-Minute Halloween Ideas

Halloween is right around the corner. Does your house look haunted yet? Mountains of dirty dishes, piles of soiled laundry and black rings around the toilet don’t count. If you’ve waited until now to get into the Halloween spirit, don’t fret. There are a slew of simple ways you can create a spooktacular holiday display without breaking the bank: Sweet Treats on a Stick: With a little patience and a few cheap materials you can make a sweet treat on a stick. Halloween topiaries are a cinch to make. All you need are your favorite candies, such as gum drops, … Continue reading

DIY Ghost Town

Nothing says Halloween like a room full of ghosts. Fortunately, crafting a bunch of floating spirits won’t cause you to scream when you reach for your wallet. Rather than fork over a ton of cash for ghostly decorations made by some factory worker, employ your own little ghouls and use everyday household materials to create these spooky souls: FOOTPRINT GHOSTS This ghostly craft can be made two ways: with or without paint. Depending on how much of a mess you are willing to clean up, you may opt for one over the other. The first requires old newspaper, black construction … Continue reading

Decorate for Halloween Without Going Overboard or Over Budget

Have you seen how much realistic-looking severed heads and limbs dripping with fake blood cost these days? Gore can really add up. If you are looking for ways to keep your Halloween decor and spending on the conservative side, you’re not alone. Millions of people across the country prefer embellishing their homes and offices with subtle holiday touches, such as: Leaf Garlands: Show your love for the season by purchasing inexpensive fall leaf garlands from discount stores. The vibrantly colored strands are an easy way to show your love for the season without going overboard. Simply drape the garland around … Continue reading

Last-Minute Homemade Gifts for Mom

Nothing says “I love you” more than a homemade gift from the heart. This is especially true on Mother’s Day. Think about it; moms are typically the ones nudging kids to the crayon box to craft gifts for others on special occasions, so think about how nice it would be for her to be on the receiving end of one of those handcrafted works of art made by tiny hands that developed in her womb. If you are the one in charge of getting the kiddos to work their artistic magic on mom’s gift, consider the following: RECIPE BOX Find … Continue reading

Last-Minute St. Patrick’s Day Fun

History is being made in Chicago right now. It’s the first time ever that the mercury has hit 84 degrees on St. Patrick’s Day. Talk about lucky. Who needs four-leaf clovers, rainbows and pots of gold when you’ve got record-breaking spring temperatures? What’s more, the Windy City is not the only place where Mother Nature is confusing March for June. Unusually high temperatures are being recorded from coast-to-coast. Forget about slaving over a hot stove making Corned Beef and Cabbage. Rather, break out the brats, heat up the grill and make this festive green pasta salad to dine al fresco: … Continue reading

Get Lucky on St. Patrick’s Day

I know a lot of people looking to get lucky on St. Patrick’s Day. I’m hoping to win the lottery; my daughter is hoping to snag a leprechaun; and thousands of NCAA basketball fans are hoping their team advances to the Sweet 16. Saturday will reveal whose holiday wish comes true. In the meantime, you can increase your chances of having a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day by taking matters into your own hands. Instead of pub crawling (or crawling away from a pub after one too many Guinnesses), consider hosting your own St. Paddy’s Day shindig filled with kid-friendly activities … Continue reading

Sweet and Simple Valentine’s Day

Who says Valentine’s Day has to be an elaborate affair? Unless you are being wooed by Donald Trump there’s little chance that your Love Day will include jetting off to a romantic locale, being showered with diamonds and rubies, and dining on a five-course gourmet meal while Luciano Pavarotti serenades you in multiple languages. Heck, most of us will be lucky if we find a crumpled handmade Valentine’s Day card in the bottom of our kid’s backpack. Celebrating February 14th doesn’t have to put a strain on your wallet. Forget about the fancy chocolates, chilled champagne, long-stemmed roses, and massive … Continue reading

How to Say “I Love You” Without Breaking the Bank

Listen. Do you hear that? It’s the sound of Valentine’s Day sneaking up on you. Love Day is less than a week away. That’s good news for lovebirds, not so much for eagle-eyed frugalistas looking to preserve their bank accounts in these tough economic times. Given that overpriced flowers, jewelry and chocolate are among the top Valentine’s Day gifts in the United States, it’s no wonder many wallet- watchers get nervous this time of year. Fortunately, there are a variety of inexpensive ways to show your sweetheart how much you love him or her on February 14th. The following simple … Continue reading