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11 Simple, Homemade Gifts

December 2, 2011

 As 2011 comes to an end, we’re sharing helpful lists to help you save money, stay healthy, get organized, creatively repurpose, frugally gift-give, intentionally celebrate and more in our “11 Things for 2011” series throughout these holiday months.
Written by Stacy Karen, Contributing Writer
Homemade gifts are my favorite gifts to give and receive. A present that [...]

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Save Money by Culturing Foods with DIY Starters (and Cultures for Health Giveaway!)

May 16, 2011

Many of us know the health benefits of eating cultured and fermented foods, but buying pre-made yogurt, kefir, sourdough breads, kombucha and the like can cost a pretty penny.
Did you know that these health-boosting cultured foods can be easily and cheaply prepared at home using starter cultures?
I cringe when I go to buy a $3.99 [...]

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Frugal and Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts

May 2, 2011

Written by Stacy Karen, Contributing Writer
Mothers work hard for many, many years. Because of how hard our mothers work, it is natural to want to break the budget and spend a small fortune, just to show we care.
Thankfully, most mama’s don’t want that. In fact, a simple gift that expresses your love and gratitude, is [...]

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Making Homemade Yogurt

April 5, 2011

Written by Emily, Contributing Writer
I've been making homemade yogurt for just about two years now, and I love the convenience, quality, and savings of making yogurt at home.
Yogurt is one of the most basic traditional foods, and even if you are just getting started with real food, including yogurt in your diet [...]

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How to Make Water Kefir

April 1, 2011

Written by Stacy K, Contributing Writer
What is water kefir?
Water kefir is a lacto-fermented beverage made with water kefir grains and sugar water. It is easy (and relatively quick) to make, and provides an abundance of probiotics to improve digestive health.
Water kefir grains are not grains at all, but rather "bacteria and yeast existing in a [...]

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Making Homemade Hard Lotion with a DIY Lotion and Lip Balm Kit

March 28, 2011

Last summer, I told you how a hard lotion bar helped my eczema, and gave me back my dry hands. More than 6 months later, I still loving using my hard lotion bars.
My only problem is that I'm really cheap. These amazing bars aren't actually expensive at $9.95 each, but it does still add up. [...]

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Non-Toxic Cleaners You Can Make at Home

March 4, 2011

Written by Stacy Karen, Contributing Writer
Advertisers everywhere proclaim the germ fighting power of chemical-filled cleaners. Many would have us believe that there is no way to clean and disinfect without a chemical product. And doesn’t every good mother want to rid her home of germs and dirt?
May I encourage you not to buy into [...]

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Finding Freedom with Flexible Routines

February 10, 2011

Written by Stacey T, Contributing Writer
Does a “flexible routine” sound like an oxymoron?  Should “freedom” and “routine” exist in the same sentence?
Routines can be pegged as being boring, rigid and stiff.  But a little planning and creative thinking can help you do much more with less time and effort.  A routine is [...]

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Starting Traditions as a Young Family

December 21, 2010

When you first get married and have children, the holidays take on new meaning. Maybe you have memories of awesome traditions you had growing up (opening a present the night before Christmas, going caroling, having a big dinner with Grandma on Christmas Eve…whatever your family did).  [...]

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Homemade and Frugal Christmas Ideas

November 15, 2010

Written by Kate Tietje, Contributing Writer
Christmas is coming…soon!  It’s a huge, commercial, and expensive holiday. Many families spend well over $1000, and some far more than that, on Christmas presents and paraphernalia every year.  For families who are trying to be frugal or have to stick to a budget, it can be hard to provide [...]

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