Making Playoff Parties Fun for Kids

Watching the Packers and Giants, Saints and 49ers, Texans and Ravens or the Broncos and Patriots go head-to-head in the NFL playoffs this weekend may sound like an incredibly fun time for you, but what about the littlest players in your life? Whether you are hosting a football-viewing party or attending one, if you want to be assured of a good time, then it would behoove you to have a plan in place to keep the kiddos entertained. Fortunately, there are a slew of simple and affordable kid-friendly activities you can have on hand during a football-themed party, so that … Continue reading

International Disney Deals

A little while ago I gave you information on special discounts being offered at Disney World and Disneyland. Now I’ve come back with similar deals made available for two of Disney’s international parks. If you’re making a trip to Disneyland Paris anytime soon, you might want to consider some of these special packages. Depending on when you’re booking your trip, you have a chance to receive a free day and night at one of the resort’s hotels, either 6 days and 5 nights for the price of 5 and 4, or 5 days and 4 nights for the price of … Continue reading

It’s Okay To Take The Couch

For many pregnant women, there comes a point when your bed no longer offers the same comfort and relaxation it used to. Lying flat on any surface for any period of time sounds horrifying, since you know getting back up will be painful and you won’t get much rest. Lying on your back is not recommended and lying on your side can result in throbbing hip pain. I found that the least uncomfortable position to sleep in was a slightly reclined, seated position. Since I do not have a recliner, I repositioned a few pillows on the couch to recreate … Continue reading

How Much Did You Spend on Your Child’s Last Birthday Party?

I know it wasn’t more than $360,000. We can’t all roll like Daddy Diddy, but as parents we do want to make our children happy, and celebrating a milestone like a birthday with a big party, often means digging deep. But how deep do you dig? My five-year-old is dreaming of a huge bash to commemorate her sixth year of life (which thankfully doesn’t happen for a few more months). She has been begging for a safari-themed party at our local children’s museum. For three hours, up to 20 kids can dine on lion-shaped cake, make toilet paper roll binoculars, … Continue reading

Last Minute New Year’s Eve Party at Home

Here it is New Year’s Eve and you decide at the last moment to have a few friends over for a get together. But, you didn’t plan well (how could you at the last moment?) and you are wondering what to do. Here are some last moment suggestions for hosting a New Year’s Eve party in your home. Fortunately, one of great things about New Year’s eve is that unlike other holidays, it doesn’t usually require a huge feast. Instead, a few appetizers will do just fine. If you don’t have the time to make them yourself, pick up some … Continue reading

Home Blog Month in Review: October

As I sit here looking out my window at the backyard, the birds are hovering in the pine tree against a strong wind and steady rain. The temperature is chilly today, and the calendar reminds me that we have left October behind. October 1st Buy a Home for $1.75 It seems that the housing crisis has made some interesting news lately. Home Month in Review: September 2008 Has the weather turned cooler now that September has passed? Pretty soon, it will be time to get that heat turned back on! Meanwhile, check out all of the articles that were posted … Continue reading

3 Ways to Have Fun Preparing to Go Back to School

Can you believe it’s almost time? In some parts of the nation, children have already returned to the classroom and are hard at work. The rest are busy with school supply lists and last minute summer fun. Here are some ways to make it fun while preparing for back to school. Fling or Fine Fashion Show – Nobody likes trying on clothing before school starts, but many households follow this practice each year. Finding out what fits, and doesn’t fit can be fun though. While children are trying things on, making it a fun time by staging a fashion show. … Continue reading

Host a Summer Olympics Party at Home

There may still be time to host a gathering together of friends for the Summer Olympics opening ceremony, which takes place tonight. No friends available? You can have a private little party with just the kids. Or, choose an upcoming weekend to host a real olympic-sized blow out. Keep reading for some tips to help you host a Summer Olympics party. We have ideas for invitations, favors and decoration. Summer Olympics Invitations A fun idea for invitations for a Summer Olympics party is to make them in the form of a medal. You can cut out a single circle from … Continue reading

What You Can Find At Goodwill Series – Home Decor and Artwork

The frugal blog series of articles on the vast quantity of items found at Goodwill stores continues on. As we discover the department’s that most Goodwill stores have, keep an open mind about what you can find. If you are truly interested in living frugally or getting bargains or deals on items, you will be pleased with your shopping experience at Goodwill. So what else can you find at Goodwill stores? Home Décor I was actually surprised to find an entire section of home decorating items. From frames, to knick knacks, to vases and pots, to bowls and baskets, there … Continue reading

A Steak By Any Other Name

Do you know your steak names? I was surprised to find out how little I knew! I suspect it’s because steak is one of those delicacies rarely enjoyed by this family of seven. The required use of steak knives at the dinner table tends to cause any thoughts of grilled steak to quickly give way to a much safer dinner. All the same, here is a quick guide to the many names of steak. Tenderloin The tenderloin is known as the most tender part of the steak. Filet Mignon and Chateaubriand are two well known ways to prepare this cut … Continue reading