Big Picture, Small Details

What is it about those seemingly insignificant details that still manages to get to us? While overall, your house may look fine, there can be areas that throw a wrench in the visuals. Maybe it’s something that everyone comments on, or something only you notice. Either way, it’s frustrating to think of how much fixing up these details can cost, leading you to putting it off. It turns out, you can refresh a lot of areas in your house by yourself, and for a much better price.

Let’s begin with switchplates – what’s the big deal, you ask? While small and often unnoticed by both residents and visitors, replacing the old with a new style can make a difference in the overall feel of your home. Replace plain plastic switchplates with wood, metal, or ceramic for a more visually appealing look. If you have kids’ rooms, there are even cartoon-patterned ones (you might even want a superhero or Disney switchplate for yourself)! Make it fun for the kids to help out by letting them choose their own new switchplates. With every option at your fingertips, your home can be uniquely you. Whether you prefer the little details like light switches and outlets to have a subtle charm or make a dramatic statement, you’re just a click away from a quick, inexpensive way to set your home apart.

Some consider it hard to express your personality through the fixed aspects of your house. If it’s not furniture or wall decor, how can it be fun? Yet choosing a new wallpaper or paint color for the walls can make a world of difference, and show your unique take on decorating. In the kitchen, a gathering place for everyday and special events, fashion the walls with a backsplash that not only looks great, but protects your walls against messy cooking mishaps. Add tiles that have a more interesting pattern or texture than plain old ceramic tiles. If you’re renting, you can stick on decals to add more personalized flair. Don’t limit your home to being boring and neutral, let some character shine through!

Take a look around your house and see what touches can be added to reflect your creativity. Maybe you add stepping stones to your front yard or plant a garden in the back. Organize with shelves in your garage or hooks in your room to be practical yet pretty. Check out our other ideas for inexpensive home projects. Soon your home will feel both comfortable and new again. And as a bonus, you’ll increase the value of your house with these minor updates! Who can resist benefits like that?

Taking Time to Expand Minds

It’s been a long summer for most parents, starting with school closing before the actual end of the school year. Keeping children occupied has been a struggle for many. They can’t see their friends in person, and they need to let out that social energy somehow. Teachers have held classes online, which is harder for some ages to pay attention to. In Arizona, outside fun is already limited thanks to the summer heat, but now kids can’t even go to public pools, malls, bowling, or any other air-conditioned gathering place. Being stuck at home has parents and children alike getting frustrated. But never fear – there are many ways you can keep your kids engaged and learning at home.

If you haven’t already, sit down with your children and make a schedule. Depending on how old they are, this might be easier or harder with their input, but it’s still good to involve them in the process. A daily or weekly schedule will help everyone in the house stay on track and have something to refer to so you can keep yourselves accountable. Make sure to include time for learning, chores, and relaxing.

There are plenty of inexpensive ways to stay entertained at home. You can find free online games from PBS Kids or Seussville. For older kids, there are options like learning how to cook or creating science experiments using things commonly found around the house. Zoos and other wildlife organizations are offering livestreams of a myriad of animals 24/7. Teens can learn a new language through apps like Duolingo, helping them prepare for their language class requirement in high school, or simply giving them more ways to communicate with the world.

While it’s too hot to start planting, you can plan a garden with the kids. Together, figure out what materials you need, from the proper dirt to the area you want to plant. Pick what you want to grow: will you start with seeds, potted plants, or kitchen scraps? Next, find out when’s the best time of year to plant in Arizona. Fall isn’t far away for an outdoor garden, and if you’re starting something like an indoor herb garden, you can likely begin right away. Caring for plants and watching them grow is a fun, simple responsibility for kids of all ages.

When everyone has had to stay at home with no break from each other, tensions can run high. Kids can get bored more often, feeling like there are less options in how to spend their time. Yet there are still plenty of activities that they can do on their own or you can all do together as a family. Whether it’s practicing a new skill, relaxing with movies or games, creating something new, or something you’ve never considered before, there’s no reason for idle days. Show your family just how much there is to explore in the world.

Make Your House A Home

When you come home after a long day of work, you want to relax. Yet when you look around, it’s easy to spot all the areas that need touching up and parts that need repairs. It’s difficult to find both the time and the money for home improvements – or so we think. There is actually a great variety of projects that can be done on a small budget, in a short amount of time.

The entryway can be a source of stress. How do you make it nice not just for guests, but for those who live in the house and have to see it every day? To start out, get a boot tray that’s easy to clean – or create your own with a rimmed baking sheet – so that dirt won’t be tracked inside. A shelf with pegs is easy enough to add, allowing for organization of your jackets, hats, umbrellas, and more! You can also keep the Arizona essentials on top: sunglasses and sunscreen, so you’re prepared for every sunny day.

Reorganize your rooms with plastic bins. Don’t spend any more time digging through all the baking supplies and canned goods and cereal boxes to find that one jar of unopened peanut butter you’ve been craving. Have your kids sort their toys so that they can see which one they want through the clear plastic rather than having to pull out every single one to find their favorite teddy bear. Get your crafting supplies categorized with labels, allowing for your next project to be completed much more quickly.

Restoring parts of your home that seem like little details can make a big difference while still being inexpensive. Painting your front door is a great way to refresh the look of your house from the outside. Make sure to remove it from its hinges and clean it well before priming and painting it. Moving back inside, start in the bathroom, where almost everyone who visits will spend some time. Check around the sink, bathtub, and shower for caulk looking cracked or discolored; this can lead to mildew or water damage from leaks. Remove it, clean well, and replace it with a new caulk seal that can last up to 10 years. Another important part of your house is the trimwork, which can subtly change the whole feel of a place depending on the state it’s in. Paint or replace any scuffed, damaged, or missing moldings, end caps, or baseboards. You’re sure to feel a difference after completing these changes.

Home projects can add up quickly in time and money, turning a simple decision of where to start into an overwhelming obstacle. While there are plenty of undertakings that will require certified professionals, or a lot of effort and funding on your part, you can always start small. This feeling of accomplishment will make your efforts snowball, and soon your house will be turned into a home you can fully unwind in.

For the bigger projects, there are options such as refinancing your house. Take advantage of competitive rates now so you can breathe easy sooner!

Saint Patrick’s Day Tips and Treats

Saint Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday that, in America, celebrates Ireland in a number of ways! People enjoy drinking and eating green-colored beverages and food. They wear green – and if you don’t you might get pinched! There are also a variety of events to attend.

You can visit the Irish Cultural Center for music, food, crafts, dancing, and more! Everyone of all ages is sure to find something delightful. And of course there’s the parade that goes through Phoenix! Our own McDowell branch will be closed because of the road closures. Imagine the fun floats! It’s sure to be the “greenest day in the desert”, as they say! For even more ideas, check out this list!

If you have more time over the weekend or just prefer to celebrate at home rather than go join the crowds, there’s plenty you can do. Make some traditional Irish food, like boxty, coddle, or barmbrack! If those names aren’t enticing enough for you, there’s a lot more to check out! You could also spend some time crafting with your kids – some of these are so fun, you might want to make them even if you don’t have kids!

What are your plans for this weekend? Hopefully some of these ideas will catch your eye. Perhaps you already had plans in mind! Let us know so that we (and others) can share in the celebration. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find (or craft!) a pot of gold!

Valentine’s Day: Gifts from the Heart

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day gifts you’ve ever gotten? What are the ones you’re most proud of giving? Now, how much did these gifts cost? Sometimes the more expensive ones will keep a loved one happy. But almost always, a gift that is less pricey but more personal will be remembered forever.

Lisa from Retro Housewife has collected some great ideas. Try making your own lavender bath bombs, in the shape of hearts, to give to your significant other – or a friend or family member you want to show how much you love and appreciate them. Or try giving something a bit more unusual, like homemade beard oil, or 12 months of pre-planned date nights! There are plenty of other good suggestions in that list.

How about this homemade heating pad by Bren from Bren Did? It’s perfect for those who are a little more crafty. You can customize it for your loved one by color, and put whatever short message you want. She’s also given a printable pattern for the tags to go with it! It’s super nice for those who want to stay warm, have tired muscles, sick kids, and more. It’s useful and a pretty uncommon gift to give, especially when made yourself!

Gifts like these are sure to stay in the minds and hearts of your loved ones for a long time. They are great for family, friends, and your romantic partner. Try saving some money this Valentine’s Day and adding a personal touch to your present. It’s sure to be a great experience for all involved, with memories to cherish long into the future.

Valentine’s Day: Inexpensive Ways to Celebrate

Only two weeks until Valentine’s Day is here! How do you celebrate it? With friends, family, a special someone? There are all sorts of people you might share this holiday with, leading to many ways you can end up spending a lot of money. Spend your time instead and create wonderful memories without breaking the bank.

Sensi from The Metamorphosis has great ideas on cheap dates. While these were thought up with college students in mind, people of all ages could benefit from these ideas. A picnic, whether indoors or outdoors depending on how cold it is, could be fun for anyone! Get heart-shaped foods, a red blanket, some candles, and maybe flowers, and you’re ready to go. Make it more romantic based on the cards you choose, some champagne, the lighting, or music. A movie night at home could also be romantic or platonic, depending on the movies you choose and who you invite, of course! No matter what, you’ll save money and still enjoy yourselves.

For more ideas, check out Kristin’s suggestions from Believe in a Budget. She has great tips for inexpensive gifts, but also for activities. Cooking dinner together with your loved one (or loved ones, if you want to include more of your family or friends) is a perfect way to spend quality time together. You could hand-write love letters together, or work on a different project like painting or making centerpieces. Your creations will always remind you of this Valentine’s Day experience!

While fancy gifts and glamorous dates are exciting, a simple, less-expensive activity can be even more meaningful. Plan a cozy evening at home with your significant other, take your date on a moonlit walk, make heart-shaped treats with your family. Valentine’s Day is a time to spread the love, and you don’t need a bunch of money to show others how much you care.

Grow Your Savings With A Garden

Planting season is upon us! Depending on what you want to plant, of course. Vegetables and fruits are always a good way to save money on groceries while encouraging healthy habits at home! Here are some suggestions for which ones to grow and tips on the best times to plant in Arizona.According to the A&P Nursery, February is a good time to plant vegetables such as spinach, rutabaga, lettuce, carrots, beets, and more! You can start planting watermelon, corn, and peanuts in March. What a wonderful variety you can have just in your own backyard! They give some great advice on what you need to consider when gardening, from location to bed size to soil types.

Check out the frost dates on Urban Farmer’s site to avoid planting when there’s more risk! Give your seeds and young plants the most advantages you can. As you can see from the planting schedules lower on the page, there is a multitude of fruits and veggies you can be growing throughout the year. And don’t forget the herbs for flavoring your dishes! Plus, flowers are recommended to be planted among your produce because they can increase pollination rates, meaning more vegetables and fruits to eat.You’re sure to save a bunch of money if you can manage your own garden instead of buying all your fresh produce from the store. It will take some planning, regular work, and time to get it going, but once you do, the rewards are plentiful! Which foods are you most excited to grow yourself?

Make Your Own Gifts

Looking to save money during the holidays? It’s a time where many people get a lot of gifts for their family, friends, and coworkers. They might even be donating money or gifts for underprivileged people to be able to enjoy their holidays more. While the spirit of giving can be fun and make us feel good, it can also hurt our wallets. Here are some ways to save money on presents but still show others you were thinking of them.

Picture (c) It’s Always Autumn

For something that’s not only cost-effective but also quick, check out this list by Autumn at It’s Always Autumn. For example: if you have a slow cooker, try making caramel apple butter in a large batch so you can create gifts for several people at once. You could get jars from the dollar store, and even make your own labels depending on how creative you’re feeling! Your recipients are sure to think of you with a smile every time they have another bite.

If you want more fun, useful gifts you can make yourself, check out this list from Kristen at DIY Cozy Home. The Reading Pillow she found from Melissa at Polkadot Chair is adorable, customizable, and is sure to get a lot of use from the readers in your life! Try it out or any of the other many lovely, doable ideas on the list and keep your costs down and your recipients happy.

Picture (c) Polkadot Chair

Amber from Crazy Little Projects has compiled a list of homemade gifts you can give. It covers pretty much everyone you might be thinking of this time of year, from neighbors, to kids, to people who like to bake! There are plenty of wonderful ideas just between these three links. If you’re looking for something even more specific and heartfelt, there is sure to be something more directly related to the interests of the person you want to spoil – but on a budget! All you need is to search the internet for DIY gifts related to those interests. Have fun creating gifts that are sure to bring joy to your loved ones – without you worrying about breaking the bank!

What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers

It’s Black Friday and you probably have some leftovers from the Thanksgiving feast. Do you like to eat the same meal all over again? Many of us do! But it depends on each person, and of course, it depends on what exactly you had in the first place that may or may not hold up the same in the second round. Just in case you want to spice things up a bit with your post-Thanksgiving meals, here are some awesome ideas.

Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole from Favorite Family Recipes

One fairly simple idea would be to make a Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole, like they recommend at Favorite Family Recipes. All you have to do is combine and layer several of your leftover dishes, then bake! They also suggest making sandwiches that can be tasty whether cold from the fridge or heated up. Why not try out something that’s so little effort compared to making a whole new meal? It costs less, too!

Becky from The Cookie Rookie has a fairly unique idea: Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla! This is a sure way to liven up the food from the day before. Plus, it’s easy enough to pack up and take with you if you are heading out for some Black Friday shopping! Or maybe your shopping will be done online from the comfort of your couch. Either way, this is a great recipe to try out and help use up some turkey and cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla from The Cookie Rookie

What will you be up to today and the rest of this weekend? Whether you’re going shopping, playing games with the family, watching holiday movies, or any other post-Thanksgiving traditions, save time and money on your food. Use up your leftovers with some creative ideas so you don’t get bored with them, and end up with much less waste. Maybe some of these leftovers recipes will become your family’s new tradition!

Bake Your Own: For Health and Wealth

Do you love apple chips? They’re a great snack, especially in fall when it’s apple season! And they’re not the only healthy “chips” out there. We were wondering what could make these snacks even better, and then realized – making them ourselves! This way you’ll save money while knowing exactly what’s going into your food.

Picture (c) Well Plated

Erin at Well Plated has an excellent, simple recipe for apple chips. It’s super easy to make in your oven, and just has two ingredients! She gives great advice on what to do if you want crispier or softer chips, what else you can add these to, and more. Why not try out this tasty snack for yourself or your family, and make your home smell great in the process?

While you’re at it, slice up some other fruits and vegetables for a variety of delicious, healthy chips. Instead of buying veggie straws from the store, Julie at Table for Two makes zucchini chips. The thinner you slice them, the better! If they still turn out soggy instead of crispy, she’s got a bunch of ideas on what went wrong and how to fix it. Plus, they’re a paleo-friendly version of chips, with less carbs! These zucchini chips are clearly something we’ve got to make soon.

Picture (c) Table for Two

Ready for something a little bit harder? Try out banana chips from Erin at Naturally Ella. Unlike many store-bought versions, there’s no added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. All you need are bananas and lemon juice! However, baking it can be a little more difficult since your oven temperature needs to be accurate. If you’re willing to attempt it, she’s got some yummy-sounding variations. We especially love the idea of a little maple syrup for flavoring.

The fun of making your own food + the savings + the health benefits = the perfect weekend activity for us. You could watch your favorite show or movie while you wait, and take breaks to check up on how your chips are doing, or read a new book, play a game with your family… the multitasking possibilities are as endless as what you can make chips out of. So which ones are you going to try? Or if you’ve tried baking any other fruit or veggie chips before, let us know how it went for you! If you have any tips or pictures, feel free to share with us here or on social media!