For over twenty years I have saved extra sturdy boxes with separate lids. At Christmas I used the prettiest wrapping papers to wrap the box and its lid separately. The box is tied with ribbons to keep it closed. Each box can be reused every year. Not only does this save money on gift wrap, it makes gift...

Moist Applesauce Fruitcake Recipe 1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 cup finely chopped walnuts 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots 1/2 cup chopped dried apples 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 2 cups applesauce 2 teaspoons...

Let's brainstorm. There are many people out of work right now and probably more to come as much as I hate to say it. There is still money in circulation, so there's money to be made doing things other than a "job." Some things only make a few pennies or dollars and other things make...

I dont mean try to steal everyone elses, but go green! (ok, so maybe he was already green.... but still) Im sure that we can all do a little more to help our planet, even if we buy things for our gifts, although I'd rather we recycle, start really simple, everyone buys at least one or two stuffed...

I have always dreaded spending $ just because... There is so much more thought put into a homemade/recycled/found gift ... I would like to send a "creative" letter to relatives requesting that we try this approach for the coming holiday season. Hopeing maybe it would initiate some creative...

After weathering the financial storm for the last year, DH's business has taken a sharp downward turn since about July. Actually "plummeting" would be a much better description. DH and I have been discussing it and we realized that we will have no choice but to scale back this year. Thankfully...

This is the company that makes all kinds of trims for sewing and crafts, like rick rack, ribbon, braid, bias tape, etc. They also have a "classroom" page with projects and ideas. Being as Christmas is only about 4 1/2 months away, you might being able to get some ideas for getting started on...

I know its a bit early, but have you given any thought to planning for Christmas 2009? Here are some of the things I'm looking at:- Christmas Eve Dinner - even with the simplification of the menu, I was still stressed and too tired to enjoy the evening. I still spent a lot of money on food, rentals...

Two years ago, when I had a just 1-yr old son and a 3-yr old daughter, I found a bag of old 4-cup coffee maker filters (left over from college, I'm a pack rat), some red yarn, and bought a cylinder of snowman foamie stickers from one of the local craft stores. My daughter and I sat on the floor making...

Hi, I pick up gifts starting in July at the dollar stores. And of course, after Christmas with the big sales. This year I have over 30 gifts to give to say thank you to folks who have helped me through a difficult year. I am saving jars and will be making jar mixes. I found a number of great recipies...