Northern Cheapskate

Frugal. By Nature.

5 Fun Ways to Play with Sidewalk Chalk

5 Fun Ways to Play with Sidewalk Chalk

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Sidewalk chalk is a thrifty way to have fun outdoors. You can make your own chalk or make chalk paint. Kids think it is a lot of fun to make things like chalk that they could buy in a store. But if you're not going to make your own, I personally  like the Crayola 48-Count Sidewalk Chalk. It includes a variety of colors so that you are able to have several shades from the same color family.  You can really get creative with a big color palette. Sidewalk chalk can be both fun and educational … [Read more...]

5 Ways to Have a Less Expensive Christmas

5 Ways to Have a Less Expensive Christmas

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It's hard to think about Christmas shopping during the "off season," but you really should. The average household spends $800 on Christmas shopping each year, and if you're not ready for that expense, it can easily plunge you into debt.   Put that $800 on a credit card at 19 percent interest, and it could take you more than 5 years to pay for it. There are ways to have a less expensive Christmas.  But you have to start thinking about it now. … [Read more...]

5 Simple Heart Valentine Ideas You Will Love

5 Simple Heart Valentine Ideas You Will Love

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Valentine's Day can be so much fun for kids and you don't have to spend a lot of money to get creative with them. Many items may be things you already own or can be purchased inexpensively from the dollar store. Today, I will tell you about 5 heart Valentine ideas I did with my kids and the origin of the supplies. When I look back over all 5 projects, almost everything we used came from leftover supplies we had or things we had around our house. I only spent $2 on Cool Whip and heart stickers … [Read more...]

Great Last Minute Gift Ideas

Great Last Minute Gift Ideas

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It seems like no matter how diligent I am in making my gift giving lists, I always manage to have at least one surprise gift situation! Luckily, that type of gift is not for someone like one of my kids or my in-laws, so I have found that I can stock up on a few items when they are on sale and create a last minute gift stash. Here are some great last minute gift ideas -  things you can purchase ahead of time and have on hand, just in case you need a last minute hostess, teacher, Sunday … [Read more...]