Dear Frugal Upstate, I’m looking for how to make a frugal/homemade solutions comparable to Tilex or Arm & Harmmer’s “Clean Shower”. They are everyday shower sprays and I love just spritzing versus wiping down the ceramic tiles! Has anyone come up with a frugal solution? Thanks! A Loyal Reader Great question! Cleaning really isn’t one… Keep Reading
DIY: Folded Paper Books
I have been fascinated this year with the idea of crafting with old books, magazines & junk mail to make functional or decorative items. There is just something alluring about the idea of making beauty out of what some would call junk. . . part recycling, part artistry~but completely “one of a kind”. The first… Keep Reading
Hosting a Lego Birthday Party
So Buddy had his birthday several weeks ago. And we still haven’t had his party. Now, I’m not the worst mother ever, I promise. I baked him cupcakes to take into camp and share with his group, we took him out on the mandatory birthday dinner (without his sister!) at the Hibachi steakhouse (Look mom,… Keep Reading
DIY: How to Make a Supermarket Bouquet Look like a Million Bucks
I love flowers. There is just something so lovely about adding the beauty and life of flowers to your home. But as a frugal gal, when I have those little internal conversations with myself, I can’t often justify spending the money on something that I know will only last a limited time and then be… Keep Reading
Tutorial: Easy, Elegant and Professional Cupcake Decorating
It is very trendy right now to serve cupcakes instead of a full sized cake. There are entire blogs, books and even bakeries dedicated to cupcake design. Some brides are even opting for wedding cupcakes instead of a cake. One of my new favorite frugal tools is my Wilton Cupcake Decorating kit (no-they are not… Keep Reading
Fantastic Frugal DIY Ribbon Washer Necklace
I am big on statement jewelery-pieces that just jump out at you and say “look at me!”. Big dangly earrings, unusual necklaces or bracelets. I love them all! But of course although I love big pieces, I don’t love big price tags. I love things I can pick up at a pittance at the dollar… Keep Reading
Inexpensive DIY Autograph Books for Disney
Well the family is heading to Disney in a few short weeks! The kids are so excited they can barely stand it. I remember going to Disney as a child with my family-it was such a fairytale place. I have great memories & hope our children have ones just as incredible. One of the things… Keep Reading
Thrift Store Chic: Winter Bootrack
Winter in Upstate New York is a messy proposition. There is snow. There is rain. Sometimes there is even mud. Yippee. Not. What does that mean to your average household? Boots & shoes everywhere. There are the shoes & slippers you wear inside the house-because it is way too cold to be running around barefoot. … Keep Reading
Quick, Easy & Frugal Homemade Hurricane Lamps
My home has a lovely carved wooden double mantle with a beveled mirror. I love it, but honestly I find it a little difficult to decorate. It is so gorgeous & massive that things seem to just sort of fade into obscurity on it. I want to be able to change my decorations with the… Keep Reading
Quick & Easy Halloween Treat~Halloween Hands!
Need something for a classroom full of kids, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Why not try making Halloween Hands? All you need is some popcorn, candy corn, plastic disposable gloves & bag ties: Need some more last minute ideas? How about these! Witches Hat Cookies (super easy & cute-no baking!) Eyeball Cupcakes Spider… Keep Reading
