If your fruit bowl is overflowing or your berry bushes are going absolutely wild, this post is for you. Making homemade jam or jelly is one of the most satisfying — and budget-friendly — things you can do with a surplus of fresh fruit. It’s the skill that started my entire preserving journey, and I’ll …
If you’ve been scrolling Pinterest, dreaming of a beautiful yard but cringing at fence quotes, you’re in the right place. Fencing is one of those projects that can cost a fortune — or almost nothing — depending on how creative you’re willing to get. I’ve rounded up the best budget-friendly fence ideas for every situation: …
You know that spot in your backyard — the one that’s basically just sad dirt, a few weeds, and a lawn chair that’s seen better days? Yeah. Me too. I’ve spent way too much time scrolling Pinterest, pinning gorgeous patios, and then closing my laptop because there’s no way I’m spending $5,000 on a hardscape …
A complete roundup of the smartest Dollar Tree buys for every room — from bedroom clutter to game room glam Whether you’re deep in a bedroom organization overhaul, trying to squeeze every inch out of a tiny closet, or hunting for cheap DIY decor ideas, Dollar Tree is one of the most underrated places to …
Tires. There are so many creative things you can do with these. If you need something fun and productive to do this weekend, while the weather is nice, then save this post! Pin each idea you love — this roundup is packed with upcycled tire projects for every skill level, from total beginners to weekend …
Nothing says summer like having people over in the backyard—whether it’s a laid-back cookout, a little neighborhood get-together, or even just a picnic outside. But if you’ve ever fed a crowd, you already know… it adds up FAST. You don’t have to spend a ton to make it fun (and still have plenty of food). …
I need to talk about something that’s been quietly taking over my kitchen corner — and honestly, it might be the best thing I’ve done for my sanity in years. We’ve all heard of the reading nook. Cozy chair, good lamp, a pile of books. Sweet. But there’s a new kind of nook showing up …
Flies can ruin a perfectly good porch sit or backyard cookout really fast. One minute you’re relaxing, the next you’re swatting the air like a maniac. It is part of living out here in the country that we just “get used to it,” but still, it’s annoying. And if there are ways we can lessen …
Shopping at Costco can either save you a ton of money… or make your grocery bill skyrocket real fast. Those giant carts and bulk sizes are no joke. Over the years, I’ve learned you need a plan before you walk in. Otherwise, you’ll leave with a kayak, a 3-pack of sweatpants, and no real food …
One of my favorite things when the girls were younger was making fairy gardens. I loved that they could even enter some of their little creations in 4-H at the county fair. Those tiny worlds sparked so much imagination — and honestly, a lot of sweet memories too. So if you’re decorating for Easter and …
Let’s be honest: nothing ruins a cozy living room quite like a nest of cables dangling from a wall-mounted TV. And after years of frugal hacks on saving money with cheap cable TV alternatives, I’ve learned that how your TV looks matters just as much as how much you pay for it. If you’re trying …
My bestie LOVES online grocery shopping, and I get it, she has four teenage boys and a younger daughter, it’s a convenience she doesn’t even have to pay extra for! But I, the practical friend, am constantly weighing the cost of convenience against our budgets. Can we save money by shopping online for groceries these …
It’s a wild world out there today. Social media and our phones have made it incredibly easy to overspend, overindulge, and then feel so much guilt that we sit in the cycle over and over again. And if we’re being honest… the past few years haven’t helped. Prices went up, stress went up, and suddenly …
If you’ve been feeling like your paycheck isn’t stretching as far as it used to… friend, you are not alone. Groceries are up. Housing is up. Utilities are up. Gas is up. Basically, everything except our patience is up. And if you’ve been trying to live within your means (or get back to living within …
And Why I Still Wouldn’t Trade It If you’ve ever thought about making money from home, starting a blog, or becoming a content creator… this post is for you.Not the pretty version.The real one. I never planned on becoming a blogger. Back in 2015, I was working part-time at Habitat for Humanity, my girls were …
I don’t know about you, but keeping my kiddo’s room tidy sometimes feels like wishing on a star—totally magical, but also totally impossible. Between the books, toys, and those random treasures they insist are so important (am I the only one constantly finding pet rocks on the floor?), it can be overwhelming to even think …
The holidays are nearly here, and if you’re anything like me — managing homestead chores, raising teens, cooking for a diabetic husband, and trying to keep things simple and frugal — then you probably already know that without a plan, Christmas can sneak up on you. That’s why I created something to make it easier:👉 …
Smells amazing, looks stunning, and costs next to nothing! If you love simple, natural holiday decor that brings a warm, rustic touch to your home, this project is for you. This dried orange and pinecone jar is the perfect addition to your kitchen counter, mantel, or table centerpiece. It looks high-end but can be made …
My friends all know me as the “frugal girl.” I’m the one they ask for a better deal, where to find deals, and what they should do when borrowing money. Living a frugal lifestyle isn’t about being cheap on everything. It’s about making smart choices when it comes to money. As a couple, we think …
Sometimes it feels like gadgets are too expensive, hilariously impractical, or collecting dust in your kitchen drawer after one use (looking at you, avocado slicer). But now and then, you come across that perfect item that doesn’t empty your wallet and somehow makes annoying, everyday tasks absurdly easy. I’ve compiled a list of five affordable …
Let’s be honest — buying gifts for coworkers can be awkward. You want something thoughtful but not too personal. You want something funny but not HR-meeting funny. You want something affordable but not “I clearly panic-bought this in the Target checkout line.” These gift ideas would be great for neighbors and friends, too! So instead of overthinking it …
The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the most expensive. If you’re like me and looking to spread a little holiday cheer without breaking the bank, finding budget-friendly gifts for your neighbors is a must. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a …
There’s something magical about apple season. The cool breeze, the scent of ripe apples drifting through the orchard, and the chance to fill a basket with your own harvest are fall traditions that never get old. Even better? Apple picking is one of the most frugal fall activities you can do. Compared to expensive pumpkin …
If you’ve read How to Meal Plan When You’re a Busy Mom, you already know that the game’s name is simplicity + strategy. Between long work hours, shuttling kids to activities, and trying to squeeze in rest (if you’re lucky!), cooking dinner can feel like one more overwhelming task. What if I told you there …
