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Meditation: The Best Stress-Reliever You Haven’t Tried
Posted on January 20, 2012
By Deborah Goldstein
You’ve decided that 2012 is the year that financial worries, cranky kids, your boss—whatever or whoever is causing you grief—will not get the best of you. But how? Try meditation. It doesn’t require much time and once learned, doesn’t have to cost anything. It offers a respite from stress so effective it’s even shown to relieve chronic pain. Shed any new-agey stereotypes you may have and check out this guide to the most popular forms of meditation.
Household Multi-taskers: Use Vaseline to Clean Leather, and More
Posted on January 11, 2012
By Deborah Goldstein
It softens and protects winter-battered skin, but did you know Vaseline also helps care for leather furniture? The following items—from vanilla extract to blankets to cookie cutters (don’t pack them away just yet!)—are more versatile than you think.
How to Stock Your Bar
Posted on December 30, 2011
Hosting a New Year’s party? Instead of serving wine, mix cocktails for your guests—it’ll save you money. Get started by stocking your bar with help from Just Married & Cooking: 200 Recipes for Living, Eating, and Entertaining Together, by Brooke Parkhurst and James Briscione.
Holiday Decorating Idea: How to Make Glitter Snowflakes
Posted on December 22, 2011
Kids home from school for the holidays? Give them a great craft activity with these simple, sparkly handcrafted snowflakes. From Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts by Carol Endler Sterbenz.
6 Last-Minute Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas
Posted on December 20, 2011
By Crystal Paine
Author of The Money Saving Mom’s Budget
Are you crunched for time and money this holiday season? We feel your pain. Here are six simple and inexpensive last-minute gift ideas that convey the spirit of the season without draining your bank account.
Paying It Forward (at the Grocery Store)
Posted on December 19, 2011
Keep your heart open for those you can help, especially during the holidays. Even grocery shopping can present an opportunity, says Debbie Macomber, author of One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity.
Money-Saving, Menu-Planning Help for the Holiday Cook
Posted on December 15, 2011
By Deborah Goldstein
Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or contributing to a potluck, now is a great time to map out a strategy for your grocery shopping and cooking. It’ll save you time, stress, and money later this month.
How to Make Your Blowout Last
Posted on December 14, 2011
Everyone loves a nice, sleek blowout—but you want to make sure you get your money’s worth. Use these simple tips to maintain your newly blown-out hair through day two and beyond. From hair and makeup artist Eva Scrivo, author of Eva Scrivo on Beauty: The Tools, Techniques, and Insider Knowledge Every Woman Needs to Be Her Most Beautiful, Confident Self.
Joy of Cooking Recipe: Beet and Carrot Latkes for the Hanukkah Table
Posted on December 12, 2011
Hanukkah faves get a colorful new twist (with antioxidants!) from Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary Edition. Where potato latkes are solid and starchy, the upstanding, if predictable, faction of latkes, these latkes are light and barely sweet.
How to Make a Centerpiece for Your Holiday Table
Posted on December 12, 2011
By Mark Montano
Author of The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2
Truth be told, I’m not the best at holiday decorating. Hear me out. I would prefer that colorful lights and glittery ornaments be around all year instead of just at Christmas time. This way, when the pressure of the holidays comes around, I’m not scrambling to make things in red and green!
Holiday Gift Idea: How to Make a Teacup Candle
Posted on December 12, 2011
Quirky antique teacups from thrift stores can be transformed into beautiful table settings and hostess gifts. From Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts by Carol Endler Sterbenz.
Holiday Tipping Guide: How Much Do I Pay?
Posted on December 8, 2011
By Deborah Goldstein
Who should you tip each December? And how much? While you might be on a tight budget (like the rest of the country), a gift or cash equivalent shows your appreciation better than just a thank you. Don’t be a Scrooge. When you create your holiday shopping list or budget, remember to include the following.
Holiday Decorating Idea: How to Make a Garland
Posted on December 8, 2011
Garlands can be displayed along banisters or draped across window frames to spread seasonal warmth throughout your home. Use these tips to make simple bouquets to weave into a garland of your choosing, from Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts by Carol Endler Sterbenz.
