"Swap Not Shop" Event for ChristmasSwapping is better than Shopping! Instead of trying to work out how much you can get away with spending this Christmas, why not get friends, neighbors, and family organized and hold a pre-Christmas "Swap not Shop" event.
Cream of Overgrown Zucchini SoupIf you have reached the stage where neighbours are leaving zucchini on your porch or if a few have grown too large to grill, it's time for this creamy and delicious soup. It is simple and you can return to it again and again. These days I encourage a few larger fruits to form just so I can make it!
A Bouquet of EdiblesThree wonderful sunny days this week tell me that the darkest days of winter are behind us. The seed catalogues landing in my inbox and in my postbox are filled with possibilities to make even more colourful and tasty edible bouquets than the ones I created last summer.
Become a Frugal CrafterFor those of us who have fallen on tough times more recently, this essay is intended to help you find a creative outlet for free and perhaps the chance to make some gifts that will be all the more treasured simply because you made them.
Homemade Miracle Orange Oil CleanerBy happy accident the other day, whilst saving money making my own candied citrus peel for the upcoming festive baking frenzy, I 'discovered' a fantastic new cleaning product. It is fragrant, non-abrasive, chemical free and, best of all, FREE! It cleans and degreases most surfaces very effectively.
My Frugal Life: Resolutions for 2011Aside from all the obvious resolutions I have just made for 2011 - to lose weight, eat more healthily, take more exercise etc., there is one other really important money and stress saving thing I have made up my mind to do.
OrangettesIn Europe Christmas means citrus, the green grocer's shelves are filled with citrus of every size and shape. The smell of the peel brings back happy memories of Christmas past. For me this is also the signal to do what I love the most; making something out of nothing and making a delicious festive treat to help my friends and family celebrate Christmas. Don''t be daunted by all the steps, the ingredients are few and the delicious results and compliments make it well worth spending your time!
20 Weeks Until ChristmasI was shocked to see the first of the Christmas goods appearing in some of the stores in recent days. I suppose it is because I am from the generations for whom Christmas didn't appear on the horizon until the days became noticeably shorter and colder and the teachers broke out the glitter and glue.
When Life Gives you Lemons (or Raspberries)There is quite a story behind this little bottle of raspberry wine vinegar. About 12 years ago we bought a house in Slovenia with a vineyard- an actual vineyard of about 60 vines. We were very excited by the prospect of growing our own wine until we realised we didn't have a clue how to care for the vines or make the wine.
My Frugal Life: Of Grandpas and GardensGardening with my grandad was a lesson in patience. When I was a child my mother worked to put food on the table and shoes on our feet so I spent a lot of my time with my grandparents who lived across the road from us.
Floating Wine Cork KeyringA frugal, floating keyring made from wine corks and scrap is a great Christmas gift for any boat enthusiast or fisherman.
Wine Cork Earrings or CharmsI crafted these earrings and a charm from slices of wine corks and scraps from the bottom of my bead box. I think they are pretty good value for around 20 cents per pair!
Asking For A RaiseSometimes asking for a raise is the right thing to do, so don't be discouraged from seeking one! In these post downturn days, it may seem a rather foolhardy proposition to look for a pay raise for a job some bosses may think you should just be grateful to have.
My Frugal Life: Of Grandfathers, Gleaning and Gluttony
On Sunday mornings, Grandad would sometimes call for my younger brother and sister and I take us for long, exciting walks in the countryside around the small rural town where I spent my childhood.
The Last Day at Grandma's HouseOutliving both her daughters had meant that, despite being cherished, respected and loved by her expanding legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren right up to the end of her days, Grandma wasn't really known by any soul left living.
How Long Can You Store Seeds?A word to those who have just found a stash of seed packets from last year or seen seeds on sale at a knockdown price at the garden center and want to know whether they're likely to grow.
