How I Save $1,500 a Year on Family Personal Care Products

Do girls or boys cost more for hygiene and personal care? I've got two of each and they are evenly matched. Each has product preferences. I never minded buying what they liked, but I did it cheaply. Here's how I saved at least $1,500 a year on personal care products for a family of six. And no, I didn't get rid of two kids! Not free, but very cheap and when you count money saved, it's like getting stuff free! How I Save $1,500 a Year on Family Personal Care Products

Free Printable Valentines, Coloring Pages, Cards, Craft Activities

At each holiday I have a few bookmarked websites that I check for free printable crafts, greeting cards, coloring pages and activities. Here are my top favorite free printable valentines crafts websites for Valentine's Day activities. Cause' free is good, right? Free Printable Valentines, Coloring Pages, Cards, Craft Activities

Free Printable Chinese New Year, Year of the Snake Activities

The Chinese New Year, a calendar system centuries older than the Gregorian calendar, begins in 2013 on February 10. This year celebrates the year of the snake. If you are a classroom teacher, home-schooler or in charge of any group which educates children, one of the most instructive and interesting subjects you can explore with students is the cultural practices of different peoples and groups. Here are some free resources for you to print to explore the Chinese New Year. You will find lessons, crafts, puzzles, games and materials to print free.  Free Printable Activities for the Chinese New Year 

Free Printable Valentine Crafts, Decorations

Looking for cute free Valentine's Day craft activities and party decorations? Here are websites full of free printable crafts, games, party supplies, greeting cards, valentines and holiday activities. Perfect for classroom valentine exchanges and parties.  Free Printable Valentine Activities

Free Dessert from Chili's

Sweeet! I'm getting a free dessert @Chilis Jan 22-24. Get your coupon here or copy image and print. You have to buy an adult entree to get it. Be sure to sign up for Chili's coupons at chilismailclub.com. 

Free Clinics for Uninsured Adults in Detroit

As health care costs escalate, more people are struggling to access and pay for basic medical needs. According to S.A.Y. Detroit, 550,000 people in the Detroit area lack health insurance, and nearly 100,000 of these are kids under 10. To bridge this gap, several Metro Detroit missions and community organizations offer free clinics and health services to uninsured adults.  Free Adult Health Clinics Detroit Uninsured 

Free Printable Games, Puzzles, Crafts, Worksheets, Coloring Activities

When my oldest three children were young, the internet wasn't available or was limited. Now we can find anything we want in a moment, including free kids' activities. Here's a list of 20 websites that offer free printables. There may be a site fee for some, but there will be many items you can print free without paying or subscribing. You'll find games, puzzles, coloring pages, activities cross-words, Sudoku, skill builders, cut and paste, dioramas, paper dolls, figures, for just about any subject you can name!  Read more

Free Printable Christmas Ornaments, Decorations

Need some educational Christmas crafts? How about free printable cut and paste Christmas ornaments and folded paper holiday decorations? Kids can practice math, measurement and fine motor skills while creating holiday decorations. These activities are perfect for elementary and middle school math classes. Homeschool families can enjoy them, too. They make great winter vacation boredom busters. With some assistance, these crafts will work with disabled students and preschoolers. Senior citizens will love them, too. read more

Cheap (mostly free!) parent-friendly kids party tips

As a mom to four kids, ages 24 to 14, I've planned a plethora of kids' parties. I'm also a teacher and have hosted numerous classroom events. I've had some great successes and colossal fails. From those experiences, I've compiled a list of tips for parents on planning kids' parties. These parties are geared toward preschool and elementary age kids. These parties work great for large families and parents with toddlers and babies. Speaking as a mom whose husband worked a lot and wasn't always able to help, these tips work great for single-parent parties and those where mom or dad has to pull it off alone.  Being a frugalista, these hints focus on cheap or free homemade party ideas. I've linked online sites with free printable party supplies and decorations, too. Cheap, parent-friendly kids' birthday party tips 

The Hub of Detroit--Free Bikes for Kids, Plus Empowerment

A bicycle is more than just a riding toy. It provides exercise, mobility, transportation, and, sometimes, a job. Bikes can go places cars can't. They cost exponentially less than motor vehicles to maintain. For a kid living in downtown Detroit, a bike may be a magic carpet out of poverty. That's why mission projects like the Hub of Detroit are so vital. The Hub (as it's affectionately called by locals) was formerly Back Alley Bikes. The program is dedicated to providing "cycling education and services with a focus on youth development, sustainable practices, and community access." I guess you could say they break cycles (of poverty, hopelessness) and rebuild new, healthier (bi)cycles. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a program like this in every community? Here's how it works.  read more