Before You Forget, Write This Down for Next Christmas
Christmas has a funny way of developing amnesia. Right now, you know exactly which recipe everybody loved, which gift was
Holidays and Special Occasions
“Kodak moments” such as weddings and birthdays and holidays don’t come cheap. But, with some clever time-and money-saving techniques, they can be just as special, with far fewer costs. Read these articles with time-tested ideas to get the best (and save the most) for all your holiday and special occasions.
From 9 Ideas for a Frugal (Not Cheap!) Wedding to Gifts That Don’t Cost a Dime to 12 Things You Can Do Now to Get Ready for Christmas to all manner of holiday cheer, you’ll find great inspiration here.
The Master Muffin Mix That Makes Holiday Mornings Easy
Holiday company has a way of showing up right when the pantry looks its least impressive. That’s when I’m glad
Impossible Oktoberfest Pie: All the Beer Hall Flavor, None of the Fuss
Oktoberfest is in full swing in Munich, and you don’t need a plane ticket to join in. This Impossible Oktoberfest
These Cheap Halloween Snacks Are Almost Too Easy to Make
Halloween party snacks don't have to cost a fortune or take all day. Here are 15 spooky-looking treats built from
10 Easy Last-Minute Halloween Costumes From Your Closet
Halloween sneaks up faster than expected — it's October 27th and someone needs a costume by Friday. Store-bought costumes run
What My Debt Taught Me About Real Freedom
I owed over $100,000 in consumer debt on a good income, and nobody made me do it. This July 4th,
34 Fourth of July Recipes and DIY Hacks for a Stress-Free Holiday
Here’s the truth about the Fourth of July nobody tells you: it’s not actually a one-day holiday. It’s a three-day
How to Give Mom a Day Off… Without It Falling Apart by Noon
Giving Mom a day off sounds simple enough. In theory, it’s breakfast made for her, a little rest, maybe a
5 Memorial Day Menus You Can Pull Off Without Stress
Memorial Day has a way of turning into a last-minute scramble, especially when it comes to food. Instead of figuring
Memorial Day on a Budget: Simple Ways to Save Big
Memorial Day has a funny way of sneaking up and suddenly turning into a “we need everything right now” kind
The Cheapest Mother’s Day Gift Might Be the One You Don’t Buy
Mother’s Day has a way of sneaking up on us and bringing a quiet pressure along with it. Suddenly there
Hosting Christmas? Here’s How to Save Money and Still Shine
Hosting Christmas this year? If the idea makes your wallet wince or your shoulders rise toward your ears, take a
First Timer’s Guide to Hosting Thanksgiving Stress-Free
Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time can feel like standing at the base of Mount Everest in an apron. But
Your Head Start on Holiday Shopping Starts Here
The calendar may say October, but your wallet knows what’s coming… holiday shopping season. This year, skip the last-minute chaos
10 DIY Hostess Gifts That Don’t Scream “Last Minute”
Hosting takes effort, and showing up with a thoughtful gift is a simple way to say thanks. Here are clever,
Caramel Apple Jam Recipe: Sweet Autumn Flavor in Jars
Fall in a jar! That’s exactly what this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe delivers… sweet, buttery apples with a hint of
The Blushing Peach Jam That Tastes Like Summer in a Jar
Homemade jam isn’t just for grandmas with lush gardens. It’s for anyone who loves the taste of summer long after
The Potato Lover’s Guide: Mashed, Baked, and Beyond
Is there anything a potato can’t do? Whether mashed, baked, or blended into a soul-soothing soup, this humble tuber knows
Grill on a Budget: Backyard BBQs Without the Burn to Your Wallet
Hosting a backyard BBQ shouldn't cost more than dinner at a steakhouse. With a few clever strategies—like grilling your sides,
How to Plan a Mother’s Day Picnic She’ll Never Forget
Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be fancy to be unforgettable. If your mom loves the outdoors, a laid-back Mother’s Day
This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Will Wow Your Weeknight Tacos
Cinco de Mayo on a Monday? Don’t let the weekday blues stop the fiesta. This slow cooker cilantro lime chicken
Perfect Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes for Easy, Stress-Free Holiday Meals
If you’ve ever run out of stovetop real estate on Thanksgiving, or just wished your mashed potatoes could magically make
Mini Cherry Cheesecakes: The Perfect No-Fuss Holiday Party Dessert
Looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing holiday dessert? These Mini Cherry Cheesecakes check all the boxes… festive, creamy, and just the
The Best Chicken Pot Pie Recipe for Pure Comfort
There’s something about a chilly evening that makes you want to curl up with a warm, hearty meal and this
How to Make Cheese Fondue at Home (Without the Hefty Price Tag!)
There’s something undeniably fun about dipping, swirling, and indulging in a pot of gooey, melted cheese. It’s interactive, a little
The Valentine’s Gifts Your Loved Ones Won’t Expect
Valentine’s Day has a funny way of arriving right when life already feels full. One minute you’re settling into winter
A Lifetime of Memories Packed Away for Another Year
Packing away Christmas decorations is always bittersweet. After fifty-three years of carefully storing the lights, ornaments, and baubles, it’s become
Forgot a Gift? These Digital Christmas Ideas Save You
Christmas has a funny way of sneaking up on even the most organized among us. One minute you’re feeling ahead
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 40: Go Enjoy Your Christmas
Forty days ago, I asked you to look back at last Christmas before you started planning this one. What did
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 39: Reach Out Before the Rush Is Over
There are people we think about far more often than we talk to. You know the ones. You see something
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 38: Know When to Stop
There is always one more thing you could do for Christmas. One more gift. One more stocking stuffer. One more
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 37: Finish What You Started
We’re close enough to Christmas that unfinished things can start making an awful lot of noise. The gift that still
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 36: Build a Little Christmas Buffer
You can make a Christmas budget. A calendar. Gift lists, menus and backup plans. And then Christmas says: That’s adorable.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 35: Make Generosity Fit Your Life
We’ve spent a lot of this challenge thinking about our own Christmas. Our budget. Our gifts. Our meals. Our calendar.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 34: Don’t Let the Algorithm Shop for You
You can be completely finished Christmas shopping and still somehow find yourself shopping. It’s remarkable. You check the status of
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 33: Recheck the Calendar and Reclaim Some Margin
By now, you probably know how this Christmas is going. Not how you planned for it to go. How it’s
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 32: Go See the Christmas Lights
Tonight we’re going somewhere. Don’t worry. You don’t need reservations. You don’t need tickets. You don’t need to buy anything.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 31: Receive Gifts with Gratitude, Not Guilt
Somebody hands you a Christmas gift. How lovely. Except you weren’t expecting it. You don’t have anything for them. And
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 30: Have Dinner by Tree Light
We’ve been awfully responsible lately. We’ve made lists. Checked budgets. Wrapped presents. Tracked packages. Planned meals. Finished things. Enough. Tonight,
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 29: Give an Experience Instead of Another Thing
Some people are easy to shop for. And then there are the people who have everything they need, don’t want
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 28: Get Your Orders, Receipts and Returns in One Place
Online shopping has made Christmas easier in a lot of ways. It has also given us a whole new category
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 27: Ship Smarter, Not Faster
Shipping has a funny way of becoming more expensive the longer we wait. The gift itself may have been a
8 Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas for the Holidays
There’s something magical about a beautifully wrapped gift, isn’t there? The effort we put into wrapping shows the recipient that
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 26: Set Up a Wrapping Station
There is a peculiar Christmas tradition nobody talks about. You spend weeks choosing gifts. Then one day you realize every
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 25: Choose One Tradition to Protect
Christmas traditions are funny things. Some become treasured family rituals. Some hang around because nobody has officially canceled them. And
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 24: Plan the Holiday Menu Before You Shop
Christmas dinner has a way of growing. You start with ham. Obviously you’ll need potatoes. And a vegetable. Maybe two
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 23: Make Guests Comfortable, Not Impressed
Company is coming. Three words capable of making otherwise reasonable people suddenly notice the dust on top of the refrigerator.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 22: Decorate with What You Already Have
Christmas decorations have an interesting ability to become invisible while they’re in storage. You can own six bins of them
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 21: Decide What Is Actually Worth Making
Homemade Christmas gifts have a certain glow about them. Thoughtful. Personal. Frugal. Made with love. And sometimes they are all
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 20: Choose One Thing You’re Not Doing
We’ve spent 19 days getting ready for Christmas. Today we’re going to accomplish something by not doing something. I realize
Handmade Holiday Magic: 10 Affordable Tree Ornament Ideas
There’s something undeniably special about decorating your Christmas tree with DIY Christmas tree decorations you’ve made yourself. Not only does
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 19: Decorate for the Home You Actually Have
Christmas decorating has an interesting way of beginning with a tree and ending with you standing on a chair wondering
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 18: Choose the Holiday Classics Worth Making Time For
We’ve done a lot of responsible things around here. Budgets. Calendars. Gift lists. Freezer meals. Spending check-ins. Yesterday we even
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 17: Create One Holiday Command Center
Christmas has started leaving things all over the house. There’s the gift list on your phone. A receipt in your
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 16: Do a Christmas Spending Check-In
Remember that lovely Christmas spending plan we made back on Day 4? Time to see how it’s doing out in
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 15: Plan for the Nights You Won’t Want to Cook
There is a particular time of day when otherwise sensible dinner decisions become very difficult. You’re tired. You’re hungry. Everyone
Turkey Leftovers Never Tasted So Good: Try This Melt Recipe
Thanksgiving leftovers shouldn’t just be about microwaving yesterday’s feast into submission. Enter the Leftover Turkey Melt Recipe—a toasty, cheesy masterpiece
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 14: Solve the Holiday Logistics Now
There are Christmas plans. And then there are all the little plans required to make the Christmas plans actually happen.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 13: Cook Once, Help Future You Twice
Somewhere between now and Christmas, there will be a night when making dinner feels completely unreasonable. You’ll have been shopping.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 12: Choose How You’ll Keep in Touch
Christmas cards are funny things. Some people love sending them. Some love receiving them but haven’t mailed one themselves since
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 11: Find Christmas Money You Already Have
There’s something especially satisfying about finding money you forgot you had. A $20 bill in a coat pocket. A store
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 10: Make Room in Your Pantry and Freezer
There’s a peculiar thing that happens in the kitchen around Christmas. We start buying food for what’s coming while completely
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 9: Give What They’ll Actually Use
There is a moment in Christmas shopping when a perfectly reasonable person finds themself standing in a store holding a
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 8: Make Your Holiday Baking Plan
There are two kinds of Christmas baking. The kind you love. And the kind you somehow assigned yourself. Maybe baking
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 7: Before You Buy Anything
We’ve made it. You may now Christmas shop. I know. The restraint has been impressive. But before you open a
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 6: Build Your Master Gift List
We’re six days into this Challenge and I haven’t let you Christmas shop yet. You’re welcome. Today we’re getting closer.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 5: Put Christmas on the Calendar
Money isn’t the only thing Christmas can overspend. There’s time, too. And unlike money, I have yet to find a
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 4: Make Your Cash Christmas Plan
There’s a wonderfully effective way to keep Christmas spending under control. Decide how much you’re going to spend before Christmas
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 3: Decide What Matters This Christmas
Christmas comes with an astonishing number of things we’re apparently supposed to care about. The cards. The cookies. The decorating.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 2: Shop Your Christmas Stash First
Christmas has a funny way of making perfectly sensible people forget everything they already own. Wrapping paper? Better grab some.
40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 1: Learn From Last Christmas
You wouldn’t remodel a kitchen without a plan, knit a sweater without a pattern or head across the country without
Make Homemade Stuffing Mix That Beats Store-Bought
Forget boxed stuffing this year! Take your Thanksgiving side dish to the next level with a homemade stuffing mix that’s
8 Delicious and Easy Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes for the Holidays
If you depend on your slow cooker to prepare dinner while you’re at the office, you know what a fabulous
Grandparent’s Day Made Easy: Celebration Ideas and Last-Minute Gift Guide
Whether your grandparents are near or far, here are ten creative ways to make their day extra special, sprinkled with
Easy and Delicious Baked Apples Recipe for a Healthy Dessert
When the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a
Family Olympics: Creative Ways to Celebrate the 2024 Summer Games
The 2024 Summer Olympics are right around the corner. What a perfect time to bring family fun and patriotism into
What to Do on Father’s Day: 30 Ideas He’ll Love
These aren't just Father's Day Activities; they're gifts of joy, guaranteed to put a smile on his face (some can
5 Best Last-Minute DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
This Mother’s Day, why not pivot from the usual store-bought presents and opt for something perhaps more meaningful and personal?
With the Holidays Still Fresh in Mind: Simple Steps for a Smoother 2025
Along with taking the tree down and putting the decorations away for another year, there are several things you need
Delicious Christmas Day Breakfast Recipes Your Family Will Love
Make this Christmas morning unforgettable with these festive, Hunt family-approved Christmas Day breakfast recipes! From ridiculously easy 3-ingredient cinnamon rolls
Delicious Christmas Walnut Toffee Recipe: A Perfect Holiday Gift
Straight from the binder of handwritten family recipes I inherited from my mother-in-law, Gwen. She made this without fail every
The Best Spiced Holiday Nuts Recipe: A Savory, Savvy Snack
These Spiced Holiday Nuts are super simple, savory and delicious. Perfect for yours or your giftees' holiday cheese trays!
Easy Recipe for Slow Cooker Sugared Walnuts
With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you can make a batch of sugared walnuts
The Easiest, Most Flavorful Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe
Chex Mix has been a holiday favorite for years, but what if I told you there’s a way to make
The Best Christmas Crack Recipe: A Sweet & Salty Holiday Treat in Just 15 Minutes
You can create delicious Christmas treat in just 15 minutes using only 5 ingredients. Great way to feed a crowd
Festive Holiday Baking Recipes for Delicious Homemade Gifts
It’s hard to go wrong when giving a delicious, consumable gift. Breads, cakes, cookies, herbed vinegars, flavored mustards, jams, jellies,
Easy 4-Ingredient Candy Cane Fudge Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Treat
This festive 4-ingredient Candy Cane Fudge is a smooth and creamy white chocolate peppermint fudge recipe with embedded, crunchy candy
Best Gifts & Stocking Stuffers Under $10 for Everyone on Your List
Today, 12-15-23, these $10 Deals. Some are for limited time, some while supplies last but all less than $10 as
Can You Ace This Classic Christmas Movie Trivia Quiz?
Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it’s a time to spread holiday cheer and participate in
The Christmas Tradition That Cost Nothing & Meant Everything
Most of us, when we think of the cost of Christmas, think gifts. But there are so many other expenses
Holiday Fudge Made Easy: The Ultimate Christmas Treat Recipe
The holidays are all about traditions, and few treats say “Christmas” quite like homemade fudge. This easy holiday fudge recipe
Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers 2025: For the One Who Has It All
Even if you aren’t one, chances are pretty good you know someone who is a bonafide coffee lover! That’s because unmitigated
Best Christmas Gifts for Women 2025: She’ll Love These Affordable Gifts
Discover a thoughtful holiday gift guide for the special women in your life! This collection features some of my favorite
This Festive Cranapple Crunch Cake Might Steal Thanksgiving
Cake lovers rejoice! So you're not a pie fan? Here's the perfect dump cake to finish off your Thanksgiving feast.
The Shocking Truth About Gift Cards
The truth is, consumers racked up more than $162 billion in Gift Card sales in 2022. I can’t stop the
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree: Fresh, Easy, Cheap
Fall baking season is here, and nothing kicks it off like homemade pumpkin puree. Forget the canned stuff. Fresh puree
3 Surprising Ways to Find Extra Cash for Christmas
It's still summer, but it's not too early to start planning for Christmas. If you're ready to make this year
The Best Banana Pudding Recipe for Summer Gatherings
If you ask me, no respectable summer cookout is complete without a big finish with a creamy, cookie-laden banana pudding
The Secret to a Debt-Free Holiday Season
Here we are on the cusp of one more glorious, fabulous, exciting, and joyful holiday season. How can we do
You Overspent on Christmas—3 Ways to Bounce Back
“Why did I buy expensive electronics for the kids when I couldn’t afford them?”, seeing your answer (“I wanted them
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix That Makes a Great Gift, Too
Some things I’m perfectly happy to buy already made. Then there are the things that make me look at the
Heavenly Holiday Hash: Festive, Easy, and Perfect for Gifting
This quick and easy holiday treat is easy to make. And because this recipe makes so much of it, you
Best Gifts for College Students & Young Adults 2025
Looking for the perfect gift that hits the sweet spot between practical and fun? Whether they’re managing hybrid classes, settling
10 Family Traditions That Will Fill Your Holidays with Love
Family traditions are the rituals and practices a family shares that strengthen that family's bonds and create lasting memories. Traditions,
How to Write a Memorable Family Christmas Letter
If you can compose a decent sentence and access a few modern-day tools, you have all you need to create
Famous Make-Ahead Sides for Your Holiday Meal
The secret for cooks who wish to have Thanksgiving day off is to embrace a meal prep and cooking method
Skip Starbucks: Pumpkin Spice Magic You Can DIY
Pumpkin Spice Latte season may come and go, but pumpkin spice itself? That belongs in your kitchen year-round. With my
Rediscovering the Joy of Christmas: Lessons from the Grinch
Merry Christmas! Today is the perfect day to pause, soak in the joy around you, and reflect on what truly
How to Enjoy a Calm, Stress-Free Christmas Morning
Christmas morning can feel magical… or mayhem-filled. The difference? A little prep work the night before. With these simple, stress-free
How to Make Your House Smell Like Christmas Naturally
Enjoy these simple inexpensive ideas to make your home smell like Christmas using the scents of pine, cranberries, cinnamon, oranges
The Great Cranberry Debate: Homemade vs. Canned (And Why You Should Go Fresh!)
While the jellied, can-shaped classic has its place, there’s something magical about homemade cranberry sauce—simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
7 Brilliant Ways to Use Fresh Cranberries All Year Long
Fresh cranberries are available in supermarkets and grocery stores from October thru December—a very short season! Stock up on fresh
Best Christmas Gifts for Men 2025: Gifts He’ll Actually Use
Hard to shop for, easy to please… if you know where to look. Finding the perfect gift for the men
Best Christmas Gifts for Kids That Spark Creativity 2025
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for kids doesn’t have to be a stressful scavenger hunt or cost a small fortune!
4 Smart Reasons to Start Planning Your DIY Christmas Now (and Save Big!)
Brisk mornings, fall colors, pumpkin pie, and apple cider. Autumn is just the best time of year, right? And our
You Won’t Believe How Easy This 3 Ingredient Cake With Pie Filling Is
Just in time for the holidays, quite possibly the easiest, most versatile, amazingly delicious boxed cake hack ever to be
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Pulled Sandwiches with Easy Coleslaw Recipe
If you love good pulled chicken (pork, beef) barbecue sandwiches, this recipe is going to knock your socks off. It’s
Killer Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake
Just in time for your weekend plans, the most decadent, intensely chocolatey, take-a-sliver-every-time-you-pass-it chocolate cake. Moist and rich, the secret
Best Gifts for Dads: EC’s Best Ever Father’s Day Gift Guide
Father's Day is a fabulous, wonderful day to show Dads how much we love them, how special they are—and a
Best Game Day Snacks: Quick & Easy Party Food Ideas
For those of us for whom Super Bowl is more about the snacks than the game itself (someone had to
Let Heaven and Nature Sing!
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in still another village
Holiday Tipping Guide: Christmas Tips for Grateful Giving
It is a social custom in this country to give cash gifts—also referred to as tips or gratuities—during the holiday
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts—Inexpensive and Sinfully Delicious!
Yes, I did. I made Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. In fact, I've made this recipe four times in 30 days
Best Gifts for Grandparents 2025: Ideas They Will Truly Love
Here are our best gift ideas that are sure to delight grandparents everywhere, whether this is their first year on the job or
Need Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts? Amazon’s 2-Day Shipping Has You Covered!
Mr. Hard-to-Buy-For is no match for these ideas that you can still order and get in time for Fathers Day!
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Recipe
Every year, someone ends up sweating over the mashed potatoes while the turkey’s resting and the gravy’s threatening to clump.
Top 10 Holiday Shopping Mistakes to Avoid This Season
Black Friday may have started as a one-day dash, but today holiday shopping has gone full-on digital, weeks before Thanksgiving
Free Printables Make Halloween Super Fun
BOO!! No matter the kind of celebration you'll be seeing this year, these Halloween printables for decorating, playing games, coloring,
The Surprising Joy of Home Canning You’ll Love
So, you planted a garden, lucked out when your property included fruit trees, stumbled upon a produce sale you just
Traditional Irish Soda Bread: Easy No-Yeast Recipe for St. Patrick’s Day
Good Morning, Dear Readers! First thing this morning I checked my favorite overnight news source, Morning Brew (it's free and
Easy St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
I can count on the simple ingredients in this meal to be on sale just when I need them, in
Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe: A Timeless Family Favorite
If you’re searching for that perfect peanut butter cookie recipe—the kind that tastes like childhood memories and smells like home—you’ve
Cheap Date Ideas That Are Big on Romance, Low on Cost
Wallet a little thin this Valentine season? That shouldn’t mean you cancel all dates until things begin to look up
Best Ideas and Gifts (Him, Her, Kids!) to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
In this post last minute ideas to celebrate Valentines Day including dozens of gifts that are sure to please your
7 Festive Holiday Dessert Drinks That Wow on a Budget
It doesn’t have to be a full-blown dinner party to count as holiday entertaining. Why not ask your invited guests
Best Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas 2025: What Teachers Really Want
I’ve never been a school teacher, but I am a parent. I wish I’d known years ago what I know
Is This What We Really Want for Christmas This Year?
Sure they want toys, but underneath it all, what kids really want for Christmas (adults, too) just might surprise you.
Heirloom White Fruitcake Recipe Just Like Grandma Made
I have no pride and, according to some, no taste. I love fruitcake. Sickeningly sweet, loaded with pecans, cherries, pineapple,
How to Avoid Christmas Debt When Cash Is Tight
And just like that, we’re hurtling into the most wonderful time of the year. The season of twinkling lights, jingling
How to Make Instant Pot Vanilla Extract in Just One Week
For nearly a decade I've been making vanilla extract for Christmas gifts. And every year I find myself scrambling because
Spooky Fun Without the Debt: A Frugal Halloween Guide
There's no denying that we love Halloween. What other night do we get to eat, drink, and be scary? The
12 Ways to Make it Christmas in July
Ahhh, summer. The days are long, the grass is green, the livin’ is easy and the last thing on your
Memorial Day Activities: How to Honor the Fallen
May 29th is Memorial Day in the U.S. this year. I want to challenge you and your family to find
14 Readers Share Their Best Frugal Wedding Tips for How to Say “I Do” on a Dime
In nearly 32 years, I cannot recall a single time I've heard from a bride or groom saying they wished
Yummy Sweets to Make for Valentine’s Day
Friends. Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Thankfully, we have several days and one beautiful weekends between now and
4 Ways to Boil Eggs So They Come Out Perfect Every Time
Eggs. They’re nutritious, delicious and cheap! And who's not thinking eggs right about now as we head into Easter Weekend!Cooking
12 Easy Dip Recipes with Few Ingredients – Perfect for Any Party!
Delicious hot, cold, savory, spicy, and even sweet dips—an amazing variety sure to please all—beautifully arranged so that everyone can
The Best Gifts You Can Give Without Spending a Cent
Short on cash this holiday season? Maybe it's time to start thinking about gifts that don't come from a store,
Irresistible Homemade Caramel Corn Recipe: Perfect for Gifting!
For years, I’d attempted to make caramel corn, without success. It was either too soggy or too chewy. Or the
Unbelievably Easy Cinnamon Rolls: 3 Ingredients, 40 Minutes, Pure Perfection!
Trust me on this. Magnificent Cinnamon Rolls in just 43 minutes from start to glorious finish—and just 3 ingredients!
Memories are Gifts that Last for a Lifetime
If you could use an injection of fresh ideas for how to make this Holiday Season meaningful for the children
How to Make Gratitude a Habit, Not Just a Holiday
Choose to be grateful today—and every day—for all that you have. Gratitude will fill your heart with contentment. And best
25 Clever Christmas Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner
Good news! Another Black Friday is in the books. You survived—unscathed I hope. If you bag some amazing bargains without
Gift-Giving That Truly Matters: Finding Joy Beyond the Price Tag
The simple act of gift-giving has become extremely complicated. I blame that on the consumer credit industry. Think about it: You
The Best Easy Bacon Jam Recipe for Homemade Gifts
What do you get when you combine bacon, onions, coffee, maple syrup and a little patience? Something so ridiculously good
Better Than Starbucks Lemon Loaf Copycat Recipe
It was a happy day when my daughter-in-law Wendy texted me this recipe for what we now believe is better
Why Celebrating More Often Could Change Your Life
Celebrate? With all that’s going on in our lives, the nation—the world?With all the challenges you're facing right now, you
8 Creative Gift Ideas for Graduates You Know and Love
As graduation season draws near, selecting the ideal gift for your beloved graduate can feel like a puzzle. But fear
The Do’s and Don’ts of Regifting: A Foolproof Guide
Eighteen days until Christmas. While you let that sink in, allow me to whisper one word in your ear: Re-gifting.
Your Best Thanksgiving Feast Ever, Healthy, Delicious
If there’s one thing we should be thankful for this Thanksgiving, it’s this: Turkey is cheap! And the rest of
Spooky Tales of Scary Tricks Waiting to Be Played on You
Blood-curdling stories, tricks. and treats are all part of Halloween fun. But the last thing we expect are spooky tales
This Halloween Go Cheap
I have no one to blame but myself that our boys grew up favoring Halloween over all other holidays—except for
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe: So Good It’s Genius
Not all carrot cakes are created equal. There’s the dry, sad, grocery-store kind… and then there’s this masterpiece. Moist, rich,
25 Meaningful Ways to Show Love Without Spending a Dime
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and while grand gestures are nice, it’s often the little things that make
Christmas Holiday Tips, Tricks, Hacks
I am enjoying the unique holiday tips and tricks readers have been sending my way, to be shared with you.
Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe for Christmas
Every year I promise myself I’ll get my homemade gifts done early. Every year, I don’t, and this vanilla extract
Poor Man’s Prime Rib: Chuck Roast Done Right
Here it is! The specific steps to roast a cheap cut of beef so that it turns out like prime
6 Fabulous Last-Minute Gift Ideas
Need a last-minute gift for a neighbor, friend, a beloved teacher, or anyone else on your gift list? Here are
How to Choose, Care for, and Keep Your Fresh Christmas Tree Healthy All Season
There’s something truly magical about having a fresh Christmas tree in your home: the fragrance that fills the air, the
How to Roast a Cheap Cut of Beef for Perfect Results Every Time
These days, with beef prices hitting all-time highs, buying the cheaper cuts of beef is one way to make our
Affordable Christmas Gifts for Teens 2025: Gifts That Say ‘I Get You’
Finding the perfect gift for teen boys and girls is almost impossible. Teenagers like what they like. Funny thing. I’m
The Easiest Summer Barbecue Ever— Ribs, Beans, Slaw, Dessert
On the off chance that your fear-of-ruining-a-pile-of-ribs keeps your backyard grilling events stuck in hamburger mode, you can let those