Free Printable Hanukkah Crafts, Toys, Decorations

Hanukkah, also spelled (and pronounced) Chanukah, the Jewish 'festival of light' is celebrated on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. On the western calendar Hanukkah falls near Christmas. Here are free printable Hanukkah crafts: dreidel, play gelt and gelt boxes, menorah, treats, decorations. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days; for 2012, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 8 and goes until December 16.  Why not pinch a few pennies this Chanukah with freebies? Saving money is always something to celebrate! read more

Emergency Thanksgiving Holiday Shopping List, Menu and Recipes

Congratulations, you're hosting the Thanksgiving fest this year. Nervous? Well don't be; here's a surefire planner for shopping, preparation and cooking with grocery list recipes and timetable. If you're looking to keep costs low, as most of us are, here are strategies. Compare online ads at local stores. Go to stores like Meijer or Albertson's (with in-stores sales) first. Get sale items. Remember coupons. Don't forget online shopping options with free shipping. Then go to big box discount stores like Walmart, where prices remain more constant. Their prices may not be as cheap as sale prices, but their regular prices usually are.  Walmart has better regular prices on French fried onions, celery, bread, canned beans, soup, some produce and seasonal. Turkey prices will vary. Read the fine print (do you have to buy a certain amount to get that special price?). Read on Thanksgiving Holiday Shopping List, Menu and Recipes 

Easy, cheap kids' fall birthday party tips

Got a child with a fall birthday? Autumn is a great time for an outdoor birthday party. Sometimes, fall outdoor parties are easier to manage because it's cooler. Here's an easy, cheap kids' birthday bash, suitable for preschool to elementary age children. I've included tips for food, crafts, games, activities and cleanup.  Easy, cheap kids' fall birthday party tips