Is there ever a morning where you wake up with the energy of an eight year old?  Are you ever inclined to throw caution to the wind and explore a new city for a day? Well, you’re in luck!! For an inexpensive and fun adventure that will throw you for a whirl, take a daytime bus! I recommend a quick trip from Washington, DC to New York City and back. With infinite bus options including: Megabus Boltbus Chinatown Bus It’s a great excuse to get away for a day (or two) and really easy.  Prices for a one-way ticket can range from $1 to $25 , depending on how far in advance you plan your trip.  Most of these major bus companies offer plush seats, with free Wifi., and electric outlets in most seats.  Departing from Union Station in Washington, DC and arriving near Penn Station in Manhattan, this trip is a short three and a half hours. Sometimes, these buses can be a bit on the cramped side so it’s best to pack as light as possible.  There are luggage restrictions per passenger (generally limited to a briefcase, purse, and a larger  piece of luggage that will have to be stowed away in the luggage compartments underneath the bus).  Depending on the season of travel, be sure to pack your warmest jacket, umbrella, or favorite pair of walkable sandals. Big Apple Here You Come Once in the big apple, indulge in the street food (usually around $4 for copious amounts of kebabs, halal foods, or even a NYC hotdog).  If street food isn’t your style, New York is known for their bagels, and you can find a bagel shop on just about every corner of the city.  I always love to bring a water bottle with me (Manhattan is notoriously known for its pricey drinks and cocktails)  It may not be the healthiest, option, but when in Rome, you should eat as the Romans (or New Yorkers) do. It’s so much fun to take in New York City by foot.  Walk to Times Square, Stumble upon a rehearsal near  TISCH School of the Arts (on Lafayette Street) or treat yourself to a show .  Gawk at the couture clothing along Madison Avenue.  Find peace and quiet in Central Park , gaze at the 107th United States Infantry Statue, swing on the Abraham and Joseph Spector Playground, or people watch on a park bench.  Feet still not tired yet?  Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge  which connects Manhattan with Brooklyn on a nearly 2 mile journey over the East River. It’s quite fun (and free) to just get lost in the endlessly beautiful and diverse faces that make New York so memorable. Tickets for most major bus companies are available for purchase online, or  upon arrival  at the arrival and departure stop.  If you’re brave enough to test out your navigation skills on the subway, it only costs $2.25 one way.  Apps such as Hopstop will have you zipping around NYC like a cat chasing after a subway rat, in no time.   Looking for some West Coast ideas for a day out? Check out how this great piece on traveling in Los Angeles! By Alexandra, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

For a lot of families across the globe, a trip to one of the many Disney Resorts requires years of planning and saving.  Thankfully Disney makes it easy by providing a Vacation Planner feature on it’s web site. Choosing the Right Hotel Room The Disney Vacation Planner allows guests to choose their vacation package and customize their Disney experience based on a budget.  One way to make Disney more affordable is to plan your visit during the off season. Fall, winter, and early spring usually are the months of the year to look for deals on Disney Hotel Room rates and vacation packages. Disney Hotel Room Rates are seasonal being that Disneyland Park is most visited during the summer months leaving the fall and winter open with smaller crowds and better deals. Of course holidays are the exception to getting seasonal deals as they attract a large amount of visitors.  The biggest of which are Halloween and Christmas to which Disney goes all out for with decorations, extended hours, and special attractions to entice local Southern California residents to visit. Don’t Over Spend on Food Once you have settled on a vacation plan, or your hotel and Disney Passes for your trip you may want to consider how much money to spend on souvenirs and snacks while visiting the parks.  At every turn you will see opportunities to shop and twice as many to buy a snack.  Fortunately, Disney Parks allow guests to bring in their own snacks. Of course who can resist the lure of the fresh baked goods while strolling down Main Street or freshly popped popcorn from the street vendors. It might be best to tell the kids they get one snack treat and then ask them what they want the most. From Mickey Mouse Shaped ice creams to cookies as big as you fist, Disney has it all.  You could literally eat all day and not eat the same thing again. Disney Resorts are also one of the few parks that let you bring snacks into the the parks.  Purchase some snacks at the local grocery store for a special treat for the kids and then have them pick just one special snack that you purchase in the park each day to eat. You can also look into meal plans that are provided by Disney to help you budget your vacation funds.  Dining plans range from Character Dining, Premium Character Dining, and other packages that include 6-15 dining choices per person package.  Child prices are considerably less than the adults. Saving on Souvenirs Another tip to doing Disney on a budget is give each child, and perhaps adult, a spending limit during their visit.  By setting a spending limit you can maximize the experience without breaking the piggy bank.  If you can, try and keep the spending for the end of the visit. This way everyone will know exactly what souvenir they want to remember the visit and nobody will be saddled with bags while  standing in line for the attractions.  If you are a guest of one of the Disney Hotels you can use your room key to make your purchases while having them automatically sent to your room so you don’t have to tote them around the parks. Want to get more information on a Disney Vacation, order your own Disney Vacation Planning DVD for Free! By Daniel, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Saving money has become a way of life for us. When I was single, I never had a second thought about buying store brand vs. name brand or even used a coupon.  Then I became a mom, a mom that wanted to stay home with her kids and provide her family with the best of the best. Thank goodness for the Moms of today, the ones who stand up for their cause; those lovely ladies who have made us all see the error of our ways. There are amazing moms ever where saving money and thanks to the internet, not afraid to tell you how to do the same!  They have shown us how to budget, save and use money wisely. It is these moms that have made the word ‘Save’ a trending topic, one we should revel, enjoy and take pride in. I’m sure we’ve all read and implemented many wonderful ways of saving money; everything from the money-saving recipes, to great ways to buy fashion items at discounted prices. You can even use great services like ibotta and even join the Neilson Consumer Panels Still, there are some great money-saving opportunities out there that you may not even know about. I’m talking about promo codes! Sure, we all know about the great Sunday paper coupons, the ones you can take to your local grocery store, but did you know there are coupons you can use online too. It took me a few years to find out about this money-saving method. I guess I’m just not that tech savvy, but that really doesn't matter, because you don’t have to know a lot about technology to use these promo codes. Where are These Promo Codes? Go online and look for the promo code for the online store you want, that’s all there is to it. Just type in the store name followed by the words ‘promo codes’ in the search box and you’ll see a long list of options. Find the one you want, and place the code in the appropriate box as you check out of the store. These saving codes help save on shipping costs, offer discounts and can save a substantial amount. Make the most of these promo codes as they exist for just about any service you want. In fact, the best way to take advantage of these is to keep special codes easily available. This way, you can use it whenever you need. For instance, if you’re at home cooking away and then suddenly remember you need a great shower gift for your neighbors wedding shower. Just pop on over to your computer, visit your favorite store, most all stores have these codes for online purchases, even Walmart and Target. Shop for your gift, then type in that great promo code you bookmarked. It’s as simple as that. You do have to look around for the codes. But if you set a certain amount of time aside every week to search for important promo codes, then save these (bookmark them) when you find something you can use, well you can use them when you are ready to shop. I do this when I do all of my online shopping for the holidays.  Last year I saved over $300 on shipping and gifts! Promo Codes You Want to Keep on Hand There are certain promo codes you’ll want to keep on hand, preferably a few that don’t expire or won’t expire anytime soon. These may be codes you don’t use frequently, but they come in handily when you need them. You may not use these types of coupons as frequently as you would a Target or Walmart coupon, but when the time comes, they can certainly offer substantial savings. It’s All in the Attitude Coupon code searching, like coupon clipping, is fun. It’s all in the attitude you take on when searching for the right code. Consider coupon code searching a ‘hobby,’ one that can save you lots of money. Take a little time each week to go through the coupon lists and choose those that you use frequently and save codes for that occasion when you know you’ll use it, even if you don’t need it right this second. Plus you might even be able to share them with a friend and help her save! By Richel, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times in a bride’s life. There are so many things to think about and plan for, the list feels never-ending. To top off the sheer quantity of tasks ahead of you, you have the nagging issue of budget to contend with when making every decision. Prices of wedding products and services are staggering and the day of your dreams can quickly start to feel like a nightmare on the horizon. After all, when we are little girls we don’t think our wedding day will bring the dilemma of flowers or famine. I am here to offer a few suggestions on how to save on your big day. My husband and I were able to have a completely fun wedding and our parents did not have to take out a second mortgage to make it happen. If you are willing to rethink a few of those life-sized ice statues and settle for a venue that is a little more cozy, you may find that you can be a beautiful bride and still stay on budget. Food and Venue The first thing to consider is your guest list. This will determine what sort of budget you require. If you are okay with keeping the setting intimate, you will find that there are many venues that offer all-in-one packages at prices that won’t have you canceling the honeymoon. However, if you are like me, then you couldn’t stand the thought of not having your extended circle of friends and family there to share your special occasion. That is okay, as long as you are reasonable about your catering and venue choice. Having a large wedding requires a bigger venue. There are places that are less expensive but you will most likely have to sacrifice ambience if your budget is not limitless. I chose an outdoor wedding venue. It didn’t have a lot of the perks offered by other places which kept it on the low-cost end of the scale. Yes, this did require extra work on my part, but it was well worth the savings. Another way to save when you want a big wedding is to make less costly menu choices. For example, at our wedding we decided to serve Mexican food because we love it, our family enjoys it, and we could feed many more people enchiladas than we could had we served steak, though there were steak tacos! While searching my catering options I found there were quite a few fun choices that were not as expensive as more high-end cuisine. Bar-b-que companies often have large catering menus from which to choose and I have yet to meet a person who turns their nose up to BBQ. Get creative, choose foods you love and you can’t go wrong. Those are just a couple examples of ways you can save. There are many more if you are willing to make compromises, which I know can be very difficult. When making your guest list, remember to only invite people you know would not want to miss out being there for your special day. This way you will find comfort knowing that everyone in attendance is there because they love and support you. You will not have to worry about people judging you if you have to settle for paper table cloths. Lastly, remember to have fun! This really is your day! Your friends and family will all have a blast seeing you so happy and in love. As long as you stay positive and roll with the punches, you are sure to look back with joy and pride on the most important engagement of your life. By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Science can be demonstrated with all sorts of household items. The following are just a few examples of experiments you can do with things you’d otherwise throw in the recycling bin or garbage. Have a fun-filled afternoon with your children using these inexpensive ideas. Sparkling Whirlpool This activity can be done with a variety of plastic bottles. Smaller bottles work for smaller hands, but I have found two-liter bottles work well. Simply fill one with water, add a little food coloring if you’d like. I always add a some glitter for pizzazz, it also acts to simulate debris that get sucked down the whirlpool. I use electrical tape and duct tape to secure one bottle on top of the other, though I am sure many types of tape will work, these did the trick for me. Now you are ready to give your whirlpool a whirl. Flip the bottle over and swirl vigorously until you see the cyclone forming, then sit back and enjoy the show! Dough fun I always end up with expired baking supplies. It just so happens that these make perfect ingredients for all sort of play dough! If you have flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt, you most likely have the makings for a number of play dough recipes. The one I have used calls for 1 cup cornstarch 1.5 baking soda 1 cup cool water The fun of this dough can start as soon as the ingredients are gathered. Have your child help or observe you add the cornstarch, baking soda, and water into a sauce pan. Note that mixing the ingredients doesn’t make the dough, only slowly cooking it for a few minutes on low/med heat while stirring continuously will create the dough and that is pretty amazing to see! Now let the concoction cool and let your child pick his favorite color food dyes. Once the dough cools you can knead the color of your choice right into the clay. You can seal this dough in a Tupperware container for safe keeping or make clay models and let them dry. Whatever you decide to do, you will definitely have fun with this activity. Sink or Float The next time you come across a two-liter bottle, save it for this fun experiment, a homemade Cartesian diver. You will also need to raid your stash of condiment packets, I found a soy sauce packet to work best for my needs. This is what you will add to the water-filled two-liter bottle. One of two things will happen when you add the packet. If the packet floats when you drop it in, great, fill the bottle to the top and cap it. Give it a squeeze to see if it sinks. If it does not, try another packet until you get the right results. If it sinks when you first drop it in, add some table salt cap and shake, repeat until the packet floats, then cap it and give it a squeeze. Like magic, the packet will float depending on the pressure applied. Not only is it exciting to see the packet sink and float, it is a quick lesson in buoyancy and density. There are a host of experiments you can do at home so if you have fun with these, there are tons of others you can try. In fact, if you have an idea, feel free to share it in our comments section we would love to hear it! Are you  looking for other great ideas for keeping the kids busy?  How about planting a garden! By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Buying a gift for my brother is always a challenge especially because his birthday falls just before Christmas.  If your brother is anything like mine he probably already has everything you can think of to give as a gift.  This leaves few options for ideas and place’s to shop. You sometimes have to look outside the box to find a gift that your brother will actually use and not store in the junk drawer.  Sometimes looking at places that you would not normal think would have great gifts for your brother, might surprise you with a great find. Since my brother was a kid he has been an athlete, he played football in both high school and college.  Even now he is a greater fan of sports as an adult.  The one sport he loves to follow, and play, is golf. I found a customizable set of silver golf club links for his prized set of expensive golf clubs at Pro Flowers.  Who would have ever thought you could find a gift that a brother would like at a store that specialized in flowers. These links are a great gift: They make his clubs identifiable because they attach to the end of the handles and are small enough so they don’t effect his swing. His name and phone number are engraved on the links, just in case one ends up in a water hazard or bush for another golfer to find. Also included with the links was a matching ball marker which is a nice bonus and something her can really use. Since my brother was an athlete he is a huge sports fan and of course he has a favorite team from each sport.  Amongst his other favorite things is his money so it’s natural to combine them into a perfect gift.  Finding a great wallet is also a great buy.  Look for one with: Customizable money clip with his favorite professional baseball teams logo. His initials engraved in the leather. Customized gifts are always nice and unique to give.  You don’t always have to give a gift that's boring and not unique.  At my wedding I gave my brother a silver flask with his name and favorite football team's logo engraved on the front.  He was grateful for the  gift as it helped him calm his nerves before his best man speech at the reception!  He can use it for years to come and I was able to pick it up at Things Remembered for a great price. Many stores today sell customizable gifts are expanding their inventories to accommodate every kind of event.  The surprising thing is that businesses with one dimensional titles are also providing different product options.  The point is, don’t discount a store for buying gifts because of their name. Finding the perfect gift could be as simple as searching in the most unlikely place or business. You just have to be open to looking around and exploring untapped shopping resources to find the right gift. By Daniel N.  Free Stuff Finder Contributor

As a recent college grad, and “on hold” graduate student (I deferred my graduate studies due to financial cost), I definitely represent a millennium of young adults all vying for satisfying full-time employment. While a handful of friends rushed out of the starting gates and launched full-speed ahead into adult careers, many of us are taking a lot longer to join them.  Some baby boomers say our generation is too “entitled” or “lazy” but, we’re far from it.  Often times balancing exhausting waitressing, hostessing, or bartending hours with a never ending list of job applications, unpaid internship applications, and fellowship opportunities is a challenge.  Let alone deal with the sting of endless no responses. That being said, for those of us trying to build our professional careers, keeps our sanity and deal with the balancing act of life; there are a lot of months of living paycheck to paycheck. Luckily, here are lists of ten easy ways to save a little more money, so you can at least treat yourself to a caramel macchiato along the way to that interview: Start writing: Join a blog site or look for other work at home!  You can make $3 to $5 for editing, and writing your own work.  Plus, it’s a great opportunity to work on your writing skills. Learn to cook: Even just one dinner at home per week is bound to save you a pretty penny. Downsize happy hour days:  Everyone wants to socialize after work but sticking to one cocktail, or calling it a night in will certainly save you something. Get a roommate (or a smaller living space):  It might be hard to live without a walk-in closet but it is do-able. Wash some clothes by hand:  Even if it’s negligée, you can make that bottle of Tide last another wash cycle. Visit the library:  I know there’s nothing more exciting than a new glossy biography of Tina Fey, Keith Richards, or collection of short stories but here in DC there’s a library in almost every neighborhood in town.  Joining is free, reading is fun, and you can feel accomplished! Pack lunch:  Even the laziest chefs can nibble on a classic peanut butter and jelly.  Lunch sized baby carrots and individual packs of trail mix are available in most grocery stores.   Next time you go out for lunch, it will feel like much more of a treat. Go to a concert for free:  There are many websites that provide volunteer opportunities in exchange for a free ticket to major music festivals, and your favorite concerts. Streamline beauty routine:  How many concealers do you really use? Are you going to wear all seven shades of lip gloss in your drawer? If you haven’t used it in over a year, toss it out! Eat breakfast:  A giant container of oatmeal costs as little as $1.99 at most major grocery stores.  It’s good for your heart, and can even be made in the microwave. By Alexandra, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

    Have you ever admired the beauty of a stained glass window? The way the colorful light reflects through the glass and projects its beauty onto an opposing wall or area? I have a simple craft idea that you and your family can partake in this Spring that brings together good times and colorful window displays. Fake or not, these are fun to make. These kid-friendly faux stained glass window hangings are a breeze to create. You’ll want to continue doing more and more for all areas of the house. The craft items needed are: scissors pencil or pen black construction paper clear tape or clear contact paper colored tissue paper The steps are pretty basic and adults just need to help with the cutting part for smaller children Fold the paper in half from left to right. Use a pencil to draw half of a heart from the upper top, rounded towards the bottom. Cut the heart out. Draw shapes like circles, small hearts, etc.. on the half heart and then cut those out. Once you open it up, cut out and attach the colored tissue paper to the back of the black construction paper, with tape. Tape it to the window and watch as the sun shines through it. You can make these for just about any holiday and any event.  You can also make lovely stained glass jars!  All you need are a few clear glass jars, like baby food Jars to get started Clear glass jars, no lids White Glue thinned with a small amount of water* Paint Brush Pieces of cut tissues paper Put a thin layer of glue over a portion of the outside of the jar.  Then carefully lay pieces of tissue paper in the glue.  Use the end of the brush to help get out any air bubbles.  Continue the process until the jar is covered with tissue paper.  Allow the jar to dry.  Place a small tea light in the jar and light.  Now you have a very pretty stained glass votive! *If you want these to be more durable, use Outdoor Mod Podge. By Sheila, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

This guest post comes to us from Chelsea at Snag Free Samples. Check them out now for the latest top free samples by mail! Spring is just around the corner, which (thankfully!) means warmer weather, spring cleaning, and spring break for the kids. Now is the perfect time to take a look at your spending habits and see where you can cut back, or even earn a bit of extra money, as you prepare for springtime. Here are seven easy tips to get you started and help you make the most of springtime saving! Spring cleaning for your closet Now is the perfect time to get rid of those clothes you don’t wear anymore. If they’re  under a year old, many shops, such as Plato’s Closet, will pay you for them! While you’re clearing out old clothes, search for sales on summer apparel. Stock up early before the spring rush. Another approach: organize a garage sale. It’s another easy way to make money. Try to hold your sale on one of the first warm-weather weekends of the season; you’ll gain more traffic as neighbors venture out of their houses to enjoy the nice weather. Spring cleaning for your car Winter can be rough on cars. As warmer spring weather approaches, skip the automated car wash, and wash your car at home! It’s a fun family activity and a way to enjoy a spring day outside, rather than spending money at the automated car wash. Spruce up your home and yard on a budget While it may not always be the most fun family activity, yard work is certainly a productive way to get your family working together on a worthwhile project: transforming your home’s look! When it’s time to replant, re-mulch, or redecorate, plan ahead before heading to the nursery or home improvement store. You’ll avoid buying too many bags of mulch or the wrong type of flowers. Another tip: consider doing your own lawn and garden maintenance, rather than hiring a professional landscaper. You’ll save money, plus you might find a new hobby! You can even get free lawn and garden advice by attending a home show in your area. While it may not always be the most fun family activity, yard work is certainly a productive way to get your family working together on a worthwhile project: transforming your home’s look! When it’s time to replant, re-mulch, or redecorate, plan ahead before heading to the nursery or home improvement store. You’ll avoid buying too many bags of mulch or the wrong type of flowers. Another tip: consider doing your own lawn and garden maintenance, rather than hiring a professional landscaper. You’ll save money, plus you might find a new hobby! You can even get free lawn and garden advice by attending a home show in your area. Carpool Springtime seems to be one of the busiest times of the school year for kids and parents alike. That usually means lots of drives to and from soccer practice, school musical rehearsals, and everything in between. With lots of drives comes lots of expensive trips to the gas station. Get in touch with other parents with busy kids and organize a carpool. Take the stress out of being your child’s chauffeur by switching off driving duties with other parents. Your calendar and wallet will thank you! Spend a relaxing weekend at home Springtime always brings plenty of rain. Why not spend a weekend at home with the family instead of walking or driving out in the rain? Challenge yourself to spend little to no money over the course of the weekend, and have a blast playing board games, watching a DVD, and making meals using ingredients you already have in the pantry. It’s a simple, yet fun way to bond with your family without breaking the bank. Lower your energy bill Springtime is a great time to do a quick energy assessment of your home appliances. Making sure your heating and cooling systems are running efficiently, as well as all other appliances, is an easy and smart way to save a decent amount of money. Energy.gov provides some excellent tips for conducting an energy assessment. Add this to your spring cleaning routine! Plan your summer vacation now Book your travel and hotel for summer vacation now to save money. Sign up for sites like Kayak to find the best deals and receive alerts on low prices for airfare and lodging. Don’t wait until school’s out to start booking your trip; prices will increase substantially by then! Book now to cut out the stress of scrambling to find a hotel room in a popular tourist location later. We hope these tips put you in a springtime mood! Get ready to shake the wintertime blues; warmer weather is almost here! In the meantime, remember to check out Snag Free Samples for the latest fresh free samples!

Even if you are the best budgeting mother around, one thing is certain, you never know when an emergency will make a nasty dent in your finances. We don’t know when they will happen but each new day brings the opportunity for unexpected trip to the hospital, car trouble, or worse. When we find ourselves in these situations, many of us have no other option than to pay with plastic, credit cards of course. This might help in a pinch and being able to make monthly payments definitely takes away some of the pressure, but after a few years, the debt adds up and now you have a hefty monthly bill for all of those unexpected life situations. Where to Start You can start today by putting aside as much money as you can afford to part with into a separate account from your checking account. I recommend creating a monthly automatic payment schedule that will take your cash and put it into an account that works for you. If you choose an institution that provides low-risk investment options, you may find that your savings have earning potential unlike a traditional savings account that offer only minimal interest rates. My husband and I decided to go ahead with this financial plan after our son was born, when we were feeling particularly vulnerable to financial emergency. We set up the account and chose the minimum monthly contribution of $50. We were nervous that we would miss those $50 from our budget, but it actually has not been too difficult to free funds for this payment. We hardly miss it. If you are not sure you can afford to pay yourself a small amount every month, assess your daily spending habits for places you can cut back some. It is sort of cliché, but look at your coffee budget. You don’t have to eliminate every stop at the coffee shop, but making your morning coffee once a week instead of ordering your usual triple shot latte can get you savings of up to $20 a month, that is almost halfway to your goal! What if you can handle two days of homemade coffee? Maybe that is oversimplified, but hopefully you see that it is conceivable to find this money hiding in your monthly budget. Get creative if you have to! Now, my husband and I receive monthly updates on our investment and we’ve been happy to watch it grow. It is especially rewarding to know that after only a few short months, we have enough money saved up to handle a small catastrophe without having to put more miles on our plastic. Ideally, your emergency account will eventually have enough in it to get you through several months of unemployment if the worst case scenario should come to pass, but I have friends who have been pleased to find they have enough saved to fund the cost of moving across country or cover themselves when their insurance would not. You might not get there quickly on only $50 per month, but when you can afford more you pay more and trust me, just like debt it will add up except this money is all yours! By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Just over three years ago, my daughters and I joined my mother and grandmother on an 8-night Mexican Riviera cruise. This one in particular, departed from Los Angeles, with stops in the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, before returning a week later. The trip was through Carnival Cruise Lines, which is not only family-friendly, but nicknamed The Fun Ships. We certainly could see why! Since that first cruise, my daughters now 10 & 7, are eagerly awaiting their 8th cruise this October (if we can wait that long). All of them have been loyal to Carnival of course. You see, you don’t need to be a millionaire to afford cruising the open seas on one of these massive ships. It’s quite the opposite actually. Cruising is one of the most affordable ways to vacation, particularly if you live in, or near, one of their many home ports. It is also still one of the safest means of public transportation, despite a handful of incidents reported in the media this past year. Financially, most cruise lines include lodging, meals, and entertainment. If families were to travel elsewhere and pay for these separately, the cost would nearly be hundreds of dollars more. Another advantage financially is that by planning your cruise early (either online or through a travel agent), you can make a deposit and spread out payments until the balance is reached in full. Land-based vacations have you practically maxing out your credit card or paying interest on that money long after your suntan has worn off. Here are some other great things about taking a cruise that you will find both money saving budget friendly!  Everything from food to fun are a part of your cruise package! The options are endless when it comes to meals. By booking early, not only can you save on the base fare alone, but you also get to select early, late, or anytime dining. My family enjoys sitting down around 6:00 PM, so we pick the early seating. Those on a different time zone may prefer the latter at 8:00 PM. Anytime dining is the more flexible option. I dislike that personally because the social butterfly in me enjoys conversing with other guests who may be seated at our table each night. If you don’t choose to partake in the restaurant itself, there’s always the Lido deck full of buffet-style foods. Care to relax inside your cabin? Call and order room service. All of this is included in your cruise rate. The entertainment on-board is spectacular! Hypnotists, comedians, Broadway-style stage shows, piano bars, and game shows are just a few to please nearly everyone. These are often held in the main theater or in a tucked away lounge. Some even play out in the sun, by the pool. Soak up the sun and enjoy a show! It's all part of the excitement on-board a ship. I can’t conclude this article without mentioning the kids’ club. Mine are at the age where they attend Camp Carnival whenever we cruise. Free babysitting? Try finding that in your land-based travel plans. My kids love playing X-Box, Wii, board games, doing organized events, face painting, sports, and the list goes on and on. I get some “me” time lounging by the pool, working out in the gym, or reading a good book from the library. If you’ve always thought about cruising, invest some time and research it soon. I know you won’t be disappointed with all there is to do and how truly affordable it can all be.  By Sheila, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

I don't know about you, but my kids loose interest in toys and grow out of clothing faster than I can blink sometimes.  That busy ballerina/baseball player/football star and girl scout constantly outgrow their uniforms.  Kids grow fast and so do their interests!  If you are looking for great baby gear for your baby, you might also be looking for some great ways to get gear for less. So for the frugal mom whose request list never ends, a free networking site called Swapmamas can be the answer to your problems! Swapmamas allows you to swap items you no longer need for the things you need most! It totally rocks! Here is How it works Think of Swapmamas as a mash-up of Craigslist, Facebook, Garage Sales, Second Hand Shops and your totally great BFF that gives you all her kids old stuff. Members post items they want to swap on Swapmamas’ Facebook page, on one of their Pinterest boards, or the Swap mamas site. Connect with someone who has an item you want, and swap away!  How cool is that! All items on Swapmamas are free. The only cost comes in paying to ship your item to its new recipient! Trade up, find someone who just wants things to go to a good home...it's a win-win for everyone! How to get started on Swapmamas Sign up by creating an account. You’ll be asked whether you want a basic (free) or pro ($22) membership. The biggest difference between the two is photo credits (basic members get 25, pros, 300). All items available for swap must be photographed and posted on the site using photo credits (one credit per photo). Additional credits can be earned by referring friends to Swapmamas via Facebook, liking Swapmamas on Facebook, or installing the Swapmamas app for Facebook. Tip: Unless you are certain you’ll need 300 photo credits in the first year (credits expire in one year), start with a free membership first. Smaller photo credit packages can also be purchased as needed. After you create an account you’ll be sent to the “getting started” page with visual cues and step-by-step instructions on where to find swaps, how to upload photos, and more beginner tips. How to Navigate tips for Success Accept friend requests to find more swap opportunities, or send a friend request to another member with common interests. Finding like-minded mamas increases the odds of finding someone interested in your items. Join the subgroups within the Swap Mamas community, which are categorized by similar interests or regions to help women connect, exchange advice, and lend support. One thing that works well is ask all your Facebook friends to come and check it out. network with moms you know first! Photo tips Take photo on a plain background (carpet, a table, blanket or bedspread) Dark items look good on light backgrounds and Light items on Dark Backgrounds Get as close as possible to image Make sure image is not blurry or distorted Consider using a few photo credits to add multiple views of image if there are details worth showing (a designer label, for example) Tips on adding a swap Make the swap as visible as possible by adding it to a social group or local swap group in addition to the general swap community. Provide as much detail as possible. Explain how often the item was used, how old it is, how much you paid for it originally, any stains/damage or special care needed, and any features that make it worth having (one of a kind, the most popular Christmas toy of 2010, etc.). List brand name if relevant, because brand names make items more appealing and recognizable.  Items like Gymboree would maybe do better than let's say Circo brand. Search for items to swap Look at all those boxes of goodies you have and raid your stockpile! Swap Mamas members have wish lists called an ISO (in search of). Search a member’s ISO list, then search your stockpile for items you can offer as a swap! Baby wipes, bath products for baby and hair products for moms are frequently sought-after items. Come on, help a mama out! Clear out closets and toy boxes...Spring Cleaning time!  Think about the process used when choosing clothes to consign, and apply the same rules here; select items that are in good condition and stain-free. Don’t limit swaps to kids’ stuff. Members have swapped for women’s clothing and household items (even that unopened pack of batteries!). One recent swap even included some Wii games a family had stopped using. Another featured an American Girl doll!  There are big scores out there!  It might not be new, but it is new too you! Ship smart Try to swap items that have comparable shipping costs. Don't pay more than what the item is worth in shipping costs. Swap more than one item at a time whenever possible to avoid multiple shipping charges. Try to find wish lists that contain several items that you have on your list of items you'll get rid of. Combining shipping is the most bang for your buck! Ship with PayPal to save money. Print free shipping labels, get delivery confirmation to ensure the package arrives at its destination, and use your PayPal account to pay for shipping and insurance (if needed) or try UPS free shipping service. Carefully consider shipping options and always communicate with the person on the other end of your swap to learn how quickly they want to receive their items. If there’s no rush, use media mail for things like books, videos, DVDs and CDs (especially if those items will weigh more than one pound). Media mail is a huge money-saver but can take two or three weeks for the item to arrive. Slower the mail, the less cost for shipping. If the person ends up living close to you, remember always exercise caution when meeting someone you know.  Don't have them come to your home, meet in a public place like McDonalds!

  There are so many fun things you can do with your child that do not cost much at all. Look no further than your recycling bin for inspiration! Simply repurpose some of your trash into your toddler’s treasure. The following activities are ones that I have used, they are sure to entertain. Music Shakers Water bottles and pop cans make wonderful musical instruments! For this activity, I like to use a variety of recycled bottles and cans of different shape and sizes. Then I add whatever dry food I have on hand, like beans, rice, pasta, peas etc. With a little duct tape ingenuity you can easily cover the holes in a can or secure a lid on a bottle. Now you have an array of musical shakers for some music and movement time with your toddler. You can get even more creative and decorate them if you’d like, but they work just fine as is. Show your child how they’re operated and then have fun, the sillier you are the better! Bean Bags We all have a few clothes hanging around that we can't wear and can't donate. These make perfect fabric choices for homemade bean bags! Yes this will require some sewing, but it is worth it when you see your child having a good time tossing them around. Simply cut a few squares out of the old clothes. Fold the patch in half, (print side in) and sew two edges. Flip the fabric right side out and fill bag with beans. Sew up the third side and now you have a bean bag! Games with this can be as simple as throwing them in the air and trying to catch them. You can also cut out shapes from construction paper or newspaper and put them on the floor, then ask you child to help you throw the bag to the different shapes, now we are learning shapes too! You can make as many games as you or your child can imagine. Paper Balls This is a super simple way to keep your child entertained and all you need is an old magazine. Start by clearing your play space of all other toys. Then rip about 20-30 pages and crumple them into balls. Now you have a ton of house-safe balls to throw all around the room. Put a box in the center of the room and try to make throw them inside. Throw them all around the room and see how fast your little one can get them all back in the box. After your child is tired of all that running, they will be happy to sit and shred the paper balls. They will be happy to crumple, tear, and taste until it is clean up time! Another bonus to these inexpensive play things is that once you are finished with them, you can put them back where you found them. These toys will not require a trip to the donation center, they can be put right back in the recycling bin. I hope your family finds these activities are as fun as we have!  By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Ah date nights!  We all want them, we all plan them but do we always act on them? Going on dates with your spouse or significant other is a fun way to keep your relationship fun, new and exciting. Its one night a month or maybe once a week, for you lucky ones, that you get to dress up, do your hair and makeup and spend the night out with the person who means the most to you! With all that said, there’s a downside to date nights, they can be expensive!  Everyone deserves a night out so here’s a few tips to help you save on your future date nights! Trade off babysitting For those of you with little ones at home, surely you have friends that have kids right? Well why not help each other out with babysitting costs! Instead of going through the hassle of finding someone you can trust with your kiddos and then paying them an arm and a leg, ask your friend if you can trade off watching each other’s kids! This week you drop off the kids at her place and next week she can drop off hers to you! No money spent and no worrying about how that babysitter is doing! Find Groupons or coupons If you have never used a Groupon you have no idea how much money you could be saving! Basically you go to their website find the place you want to eat and buy the coupon!! For example: you want to go out to pizza. So you look up the pizza Groupons, they say you can get $20 worth of food for only $10!! That’s $10 free for your night out already!  Another way to save is saving those coupons that come in the mail! Instead of throwing them to the side, save them for possible places to eat out! There is always a buy one get one or buy one get one half off coupon at restaurants you love! If you’re more interested in doing things online you can look up Restaurants.com for huge money saving deals! Plan a night in Remember when you were teenagers and you just hung out with each other at your house? Why not recreate it! Order in a pizza, rent a movie and enjoy each other from the comfort of your own couch! If you have kids, you can always plan your date night for a little later at night or maybe plan it on a night they are having a sleep over! Plan a date day instead Dates aren't always just at night either! Having a date during the day can be just as exciting and a little easier to plan, especially if you have school aged children! At any restaurant the lunch menu is cheaper than dinner! Your kids are at school so no need for the sitter! Even if you can only meet for 30 minutes on each other lunch break it’s still a time set aside that says “I’m thinking about you.” There are a lot of ways to make your date night cheaper and memorable!  Be creative when you’re planning! There are no rules on what time of day your date has to be and easy ways to get around the pricey babysitters! Dates should be fun and memorable not stressful and expensive! Being home for a night in with your spouse is nice, but now you have money saving tips to allow you the occasional night out! By EJ, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Show of hands, who can open up their pantry and see everything..? Hmm, nope! Not me, at least not six months ago! My pantry was a disaster! I dreaded going into it to find an item I know is in there somewhere! Let’s face it, the pantry is a quick place to shove everything when someone is coming over or when you’re in a rush to get the kids and the groceries just into the house and out of your hair. Do you ever go back in and fix it? Nah! It’s easier to walk away and shut the door! What if you could make your pantry pretty? What if you could make your pantry less stressful? You’d bake and cook more often, right? Ok, maybe not, but a least you’d be able to see all those groceries and know what you have! I’m going to let you in on a secret to an organized pantry! Ready? Let’s get started! Find some baskets/bins First you’ll want to find some cute baskets to put stuff in! Try to find long, wide and shallow bin or baskets. Grab a basket for snacks, sauce packets and any other small items you have that tend to fall through the cracks or get lost in the crowd. Cereal containers Cereal boxes can get smashed or left open. Maybe even spilt onto the ground on occasions and that’s where cereal containers come in handy! They help to keep your cereal fresher and that snap top help prevent the spill accidents from happening! Consider a hanging organizer An over the door organizer is a great tool to store sauces, soda cans or the jar of peanut butter! It’s an easy way to get things lined up according to what they are and let you see what you have. Cans or the worst part of the pantry!  You have to play Tetris to get them in there and then pull them all around to find that can of corn when you need them! With the over the door organizer they are right there, lined up like ducks in a row staring at you. Shelving it That’s right it’s time to get to organizing! Take your time with this, make sure you think about where you put things! Organize shelf by shelf so you don’t disrupt your already somewhat categorized items! Put them away in an order of convenience. For example, cereal bars, popcorn, gummy bears would all go in your snack bin. Cans normally get put on the bottom shelf because they are easier to see etc. Once you’ve put everything back, you’re done! That’s it! Everything now has its rightful spot. No more shoving things where ever they fit, you have just put a small filing system into your pantry! You probably pulled a few items out and said “Huh, I didn’t even know we had this.” Well now you won’t have to do that again! You won’t find yourself buying repeat groceries just to come home move two things and see you already had it! I hope have a fresh new look in your pantry relieves some of that unwelcomed stress. Now when you want a snack you’ll be able to see and know what you have, rather than digging to find you don’t have it and get flustered and walk away! By EJ, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Are you tired of being in the kitchen and always having to hunt down your favorite knife, only to find it somewhere it shouldn't be? Maybe one of the reasons you dislike cooking or being in the kitchen for meal time is because it’s too cluttered. Hopefully by using some of the ideas we have listed below, it will encourage you to get in your kitchen and start cooking. What better time than now to take control and make your kitchen work for you. Check out our list of simple changes you can make to get an organized kitchen. Sticky Stuff – Find one location for items like honey, syrup, jams, or spill-able products. Lazy Susan’s work great to store items of this kind. Place it in a location where it won’t get knocked over all the time by arms & hands passing by. Cookbooks – Don’t let your cookbooks just pile up. Put up an inexpensive shelf and get those standing up so you can actually use them for what they were meant for. Put the spine side out so you can reference what you have in a quick easy fashion. All too often cookbooks get shoved in drawers or piled on top of the refrigerator. Give them a home & purpose in your kitchen. You’ll be glad you did. Wall use -  Don’t be afraid to use the walls in your kitchen. There are many inexpensive ways to adhere simple hanging hooks to your walls without damaging them. This will allow you to make more room in drawers and save counter space as well. Hang items such as pot holders, aprons, towels, measuring spoons, and small cutting boards. Like things together – Find one location for things alike. Keep all plastics together, pots & pans nested inside each other, glass bowls nested, and baking pans all in one spot. Place items in the most logical drawer or cupboard for use. Don’t put your baking pans on the top shelf where you have to get a step stool each time you need to make a cake. Stop, take a minute and really think logically about where to put various items. You will be thankful you did. Favorite Kitchen Tools – Keep your favorite spoons, spatulas, whisks etc. close to your stove for easy access while cooking. Find a canister or vase to place them on the counter within reach. This will also help you cut down on time with Food Prep because your tools are right at your fingertips. Drawers Divided – Get a drawer organizer for your utensils. This will allow you to separate your forks, spoons, and knives alike. It will make setting the table a little more easier. Perhaps it will trigger you to get the dishes done because you will soon run out of clean forks. Pantry – Organize your Pantry similar to how a Library is organized, by category. Keep like items together. Group cereals in on spot, place all cans together, rice & beans in one location, and items like potatoes, garlic & onions in one place. With your potatoes, garlic & onions, find small storage baskets to keep them separated. Don’t place potatoes, garlic & onions loosely in your pantry…give them their own basket. This will make retrieving items a little quicker. Give everything in your kitchen a home. Get organized and you will be happy you took the time. A clutter free, clean kitchen means a happy cook. Which will lead to more tasty food on your table. By Michelle, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Keeping kids busy and involved in activities can be expensive.  Since many times children are not sure of what they are really into, parents my find that they have spent a large chunk of their hard earned money on an activity that their child quickly is no longer into.  With little work however you can find many resources that are inexpensive and will allow you child (or even you) to try out a music or other fine art for free. Bring on the Music Music is important to share with every child.  Exposure to music can be both inspiring and even therapeutic.  Having an older child learn an instrument can not only be a learning experience or but a great hobby. One option could be for your child to learn how to play guitar.  This is a great instrument for children to learn and the cost can be relativity low.  You may even be able to rent a guitar at your local music store.  Although music lessons can be expensive, great resources like TakeLessons resources can give you a variety of easy to follow lessons for a low price. Dance Your Heart Out If it is dance classes that you are on the hunt for, try finding a couple of studios in your area and requesting a free trial class.  Some studios may even allow you to attend classes for a week at a discounted rate if you ask.  Here are some pointers for getting free or low cost dance classes: Ask for at least one free class (especially children ages 7and younger) If a friend attends a studio, see if they are allowed to “bring a buddy” to class for free Explain that your child has not attended dance before and you want to do a twice a week trial for half price Ask if you could barter for a free trial.  Maybe you can do some thing in exchange for a month or more of free classes, like create a website for them or sew costumes Create a Masterpiece If it is art that you are looking for, you can start with your local museum.  They may have programs that are free or low cost for families in the area.  If you have a grandparent or friend that has a museum membership they may also be able to secure free or low cost art classes.  If you are looking to for saving money on art courses, you can also try virtual instructors.  This program provides online learning and all you have to buy is a few supplies. If you are looking to explore opportunities for exploration of the arts, there are many resources out there to help you build a passion for the arts in your child.  Children as young as two years old can benefit from the arts and it is a great opportunity for both parents and children to express themselves.

Valentine’s Day is not the only day you should take time to show someone that you love them.  It should be a reminder that everyday should be Valentine’s Day.  Bring back date night in a big way!  Romance should be evident in your relationship all the time, not just on the 14th of February. A Romantic Night In If you don’t live in a big city where a blissful night on the town is possible, you can still have an incredibly romantic evening by staying in. Have a movie night, a picnic on the living room floor or a candlelight dinner out on the patio.  It will be like a date night if you send the kids off to sleep over at a friends or to bed a little early. All you need are some candles, a great meal (get take out to go if you don’t cook) and a movie and you are ready to go.  You’ll feel like you've spent a night out on the town but really you never left your house! If you have kids, have a light dinner with them at your normal dinner time and then have a little larger meal later in the evening after they have gone too bed.  Better yet, get a fancy dessert and some wine and have dessert on the patio by candlelight! Personal Gifts to Top it Off Giving a gift is something that will have even more meaning if done on when someone is not expecting it.  Leaving a gift on the kitchen table for her to find when she wakes up in the morning is a great way to make her day.  You may not say, “I went to Jared’s,” but with a bit of thoughtfulness and creativity, “I went to Personal Creations” will be just as special (if not more so) in the end.  Nothing better than a surprise that says I love you. Leave a Note Here’s a challenge and an idea!  Buy a pad of those multi colored Post-it notes and challenge yourself to write one out everyday.  Stick it on the coffee maker, the mirror or on top of the tub of butter in the fridge. Make your note simple but meaningful.  Here are some great ideas of what to say: Thank you for everything you do for me I love you I love waking up next to you When I think of you, I always smile You remind me everyday how lucky I am Life is much better with you in it The truth is, the couples that make everyday like Valentine’s Day are the ones that have longevity in their passion for each other.  If you are a couple of tired parents that are desperate for a date night or a couple that has been together forever and just need to reconnect, it is never too late to start.

We spend so many days waiting for the moment to clean our house again, only to find when that moment comes; we’re straightening up with no actual time to clean. If we are lucky to have the place looking immaculate on a regular basis, can we say the same for our outdoor living space? Right around March 20th, we will officially kick off the spring season as the weather get warner and the sun is out a little bit more. It serves as a reminder that with the equinox, the days and nights are about equal length of time (close to 12 hours). So let’s gain the exposure of the sun to help synthesize the Vitamin D in our bodies! In simpler terms, let’s get out and play! Getting Started For starters, if you have a bi-weekly gardener that tends to the lawn, ask him (or your husband) to do more detailed work such as a deep raking to clear and control any thatch that has built up. While heavy fertilizing is done in the fall, a lighter feed can be done with either compost or a chemical fertilizer. Make sure you also have the right tools for planting and gardening before you get started.  A small trow, rake and gloves are a good start. Scotts is a popular brand and comes complete with a schedule for lawn fertilization. Then, if you’re prone to weeds, consider an herbicide. Finally, service the lawnmower to ensure it’s ready for an active summer ahead. Now you’re ready to re-create a more inviting and fulfilling space. Invest in durable, weather-resistant patio furniture or add new colors to an existing theme. A decent shade structure or canopy is also wise. The pop-up brands are fine but be mindful of its hazards on windy days. The dollar store stocks all kinds of seeds, landscape-type signs, and materials like spades and gardening gloves. If you’re a do-it-your-selfer, stock a workbench with soil, rocks, and terra cotta pots for spring projects. Don’t forget about the kids; even that child within! Chalkboard paint is all the rave these days. Some local craft supply stores sell them in green and black. Find a side of the shed or purchase marine plywood (best for the outdoor elements) to use the paint on. You can even bring the beach to your backyard by purchasing a toy sandbox. You’d be amazed at the colored sand available at walmart.com! Buckets, shovels, and similar items are often at the dollar store too. I’ve opted for using tablespoons, spatulas, and strainers in ours. With the extra chalk pieces near your homemade chalkboard, you can create a more permanent effect that won’t smudge. Simply soak chalk in a solution of 1/3 cup sugar to 1 cup water for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, it can be used right away. Now you have the means to draw out a hopscotch game for the older kids. Get yourself some exercise and play a round or two yourself, why don’t you? Whatever you decide to do, spend the time now, spring cleaning your backyard. Your kids, spouse, neighbors, and guests will be delighted you did! By Sheila, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

If you are like me, you have things lurking in your closet that have had a shelf life of over a decade. Yes, that is a confession. However, this Spring I am turning over a new, less hoarder like, leaf. I have already started by taking loads to Goodwill! This is something that didn’t take long and has really changed the way I look at my closet and its contents. Though it may be hard to let go, if you follow these steps, you may actually feel like you have more to wear! Where to Start Start by clearing a place in your room to make piles for “might donate” and “MUST donate”, I found my bed to be a perfect place for this. Without putting too much thought into it, start taking out the things you know for a fact you do not intend to wear again. Like those jeans that will only fit again in your skinny dreams. I am not talking about clothes you are keeping for motivation, I have nothing against goals, but there are certainly articles of clothing, that even if you could fit them, may not even be age appropriate or in fashion so let them go now. Those go in the “MUST donate” pile. Once the clothes are in that pile, they do not come out under any circumstance… not even for crafting… that was for you folks out there like me, who can come up with a million ways to reuse instead of reduce. Now peruse the closet for items that you feel you will wear or could wear. If you haven’t worn it in over six months for reasons that do not have to do with weather, it might be time to say good-bye. This is the shirt that looks alright when you put it on, but it seems to be made of fabric that grows throughout the day, making you look like a sack of potatoes by dinner time. Take these items and put them in the “Maybe donate” pile. Do not forget to consider your shoe collection when making these decisions. Yes, those old school Converse are still cool, but they are near sole-less and it is time to let go. Grab a couple trash bags , the “MUST” pile goes directly into the bag, no second thoughts. Go through the “maybe” pile one more time and be real. Ask yourself honestly, “Will I wear this again?” This is your chance to say goodbye to your potato sack shirt once and for all! I promise you will feel better once you add it to the donation bag. If you have cluttered messy shelves, like I did, take everything off of them and refold, putting like items together. One stack for shirts, one stack for sweaters and so on like that until all of your shelf items are in neat stacks. Now choose where you want them to go back into the closet. Looks good, right?? Lastly, rearrange your clothes so that everything is sorted by article type; for example, all long sleeved shirts together, all jeans in one area and so on like that until the entire closet is sorted. You can do the same thing with your shoes (heels, sneakers, etc). Now sit back and admire your handy work, YOU DID IT! Not only will your closet look better, you actually know what you have hanging and folded. No need to run out to buy more leggings, you just discovered your stockpile you didn’t even know you had. You will surely notice the difference when you get dressed. Nothing is hiding anymore, you know where your favorite things are and you can easy move hangers because clothes are no longer jammed in there like sardines. Good job, now repeat in every room until your closets are free of their decade-old skeletons! By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

How many times have you walked to your linen closet and opened the door and thought “Geez! What a mess!” I know I did it all the time!  Every time I got the extra second I would go and move things around which really just resulted in the same mess just in different spots! Lets’ face it, closets just never look good. They all have things shoved in random places just so we can get the door shut! Well I for one was tired of looking at and tired of the embarrassing look of it! Surely there’s got to be something we can do with this! Then a fabulous idea hit me!! Using these six very simple steps you’ll transform your closet into to something worth showing off! Buy Baskets! I decided to go the local Dollar Tree and pick up some flimsy baskets and one shorter sturdier one! *TIP: BUY A BASKET FOR EACH ITEM YOU WANT TO SHOVE IN THERE! I BOUGHT ONE- FOR WASHCLOTHES, ONE- FOR HAND TOWELS AND ONE- FOR SHEETS. PICK BASKETS OR BINS THAT WORK BEST FOR YOU OR YOUR DÉCOR Find a three (or more) drawer organizer! I went to Wal-Mart and Target to find the best deal on a three drawer organizer. Once I found the one I wanted I loaded it up with all my hair care products, hair blow dryer, feminine products etc. Basically the little stuff that I “need” but have no room for.  *TIP: BUY THE SIZE THAT WORKS FOR YOUR STUFF AND BUDGET! OBVIOUSLY NOT EVERYONES CLOSET WILL ACCOMIDATE AN ORGANIZER SO SOME CAN SKIP THAT STEP. Tear everything out of the closet! Once you’ve got all your baskets, take everything out of your closet! You’re going to be starting over the organizing of the closet so go ahead and throw it all behind you on the ground! Start organizing! Start one basket at a time! Get all of the sheets rolled up and in the basket, then all the washcloths rolled and into the basket. So on and so forth! Then bring your new drawer organizer into play and start filling it in the way that best suits you! Help out your towels Bring your towels back into the picture. Decide if you would like to folded them or rolling them and then put them in their new spot! Experiment with what will work with your space and let you get the most storage. Now take a step back! Back up a few steps and admire your work! What has been driving you crazy is now done!! It’s maintained, manageable, decorated, organized and best of all it cost you little to nothing! Another task cleaning out your closet may have accomplished is showing you all the stuff you have you don’t really need! It could be things taking up space, stuff that seemed like a useful tool or maybe you’ll even find something you’ve  been looking for, for months! Now that you’ve given your bathroom linen closet a complete makeover you can use this simple and cheap idea on those other pesky closet giving you trouble! By EJ, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for us to show the ones we love just how much they mean to us. But this doesn’t mean we have to spend an extravagant amount of money. Many of us have lost sight of what exactly this day is all about. We find ourselves trying to out do our friends by getting the most expensive lavish gifts for our Valentine. Let’s bring it back down to reality with a few simple tips to having a love filled, meaningful Valentine’s Day. The Gift that keeps on Giving Put your creativity to work. Set aside some time to sit down and think of what your Valentine likes. Think of the things they enjoy doing for fun. Maybe it’s spending time with you playing a round of miniature golf. Perhaps, enjoying a glass of wine after a long day of work. Possibly a day off from cleaning the house. Or even a romantic candlelit massage from you. Whatever it may be…write them down. Make your own Valentine’s Day booklet of coupons/vouchers. Be creative on your delivery…maybe put it under their cup of coffee in the morning with a simple piece of chocolate. Let them know they can redeem each coupon any time of the year they want to. So be careful…don’t put things on the coupons that you are not willing to do on a moments notice. Need a template for your coupons? Visit us on Pinterest for more ideas. Valentine’s Day for the classroom The dreaded thought as a parent of making ALL those Valentine ’s Day cards for all the students in your child’s class. Let us help you put that to rest. Thanks to many of the creative parents out there and the ways of social media. We have access to many neat & fun ideas for you to make cute Valentine ’s Day cards for everyone. There are a ton of ways on how to create money saving Valentines using pencils, rulers, play-doh, and yes…even candy. Check out these fun ideas, and let your kids help make them too. One of the best feelings as a child is that of involvement. So involve your child in the process of making your very special Valentines. Click HERE for ideas. Romance & Spontaneity One thing women (and men) love the most is being spontaneous. Why not surprise your Valentine with a Romantic dinner. Send them an invite created by you for a special dinner. Tell them to show up to dinner dressed to the nine’s, complete with their favorite fragrance. Prepare a meal for them. If you don’t cook or are short on time…put out some plates, order food from their favorite restaurant off of the “to go” menu, light some candles and voila! Dinner is served. For dessert pour some champagne or bubbly beverage of some kind and share a piece of cheesecake. Afterwards, ask your Valentine if you can have a dance. Put on some music and dance the night away. Holding each other close, remembering why you fell in love. This will for sure spark your love in an undying way.  Do a little snuggling on the sofa and watch a romantic movie via Netflix it will all remind you of how much you love eachother. Say “I LOVE YOU” Most importantly…Say “I Love You” to your Valentine not just once during the day…But rather throughout the day. Whether it be through a voice message, text, email, facebook, or even twitter. All too often we find ourselves getting wrapped up in life and we don’t say, “I Love You” enough. Saying “I Love You” will guarantee your Valentines heart to remain full all day long. And of course, it’s 100% FREE! Happy Valentine’s Day!  By Michelle, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about shelling a couple hundred dollars out for dinner, movie, and/or drinks. Men can earn brownie points by doing what we want, at home! What a great gift they would be giving by just offering to help out and get things done around the house. Just think of how relaxed you'll be knowing you didn’t mistakenly pick your loves second or third favorite restaurant or broke out in a sweat waiting an hour to get a table. You could help out at home for a couple hours and then the two of you can sit back and relax...together! Valentine’s Day can start the moment you wake up Saturday morning (unless you happen to be off on Thursday, February 14th or the day after). A cute breakfast treat for you, your beloved, and/or your kids (yes, they still deserve your love, attention, and affection, even if this day should be all about you!) is to make heart-shaped muffins or cinnamon rolls. The trick I learned is to place a marble in the tin, pressing in the liner to create the top crease. Afterwards, you can tint the icing with red food coloring for extra sweetness and wash it down with strawberry milk! Grab an afternoon sitter or take your kids along for a spouse/family picnic in the park. It can be your local neighborhood one, or better yet the city/county regional park where you can rent bikes, hike on a trail, or visit a nature center. Lunch can include many things on the side that are red or pink like strawberries, Jell-O, bell peppers, grapefruit, cranberry, or lemonade juice, and kidney beans for the salad, topped with pink Catalina dressing (tastes amazing by the way!). The evening can then be spent cuddled on the couch watching a romantic film on Netflix, past TV shows under the romantic comedies section, or even hitting Redbox at the local supermarket. Add some Red Hot cinnamon candies to your popcorn to spice things up with a glass of red wine and then grab a romance novel before retiring for the night. Don’t forget to talk about how much you appreciate one another and maybe exchange cards or personal notes you made. The kids can also get involved by decorating a day or two before, then hang things around the house, making it more festive. Happy Valentine’s Day cupids!

It might seem a little early to get that garden going, but there are plenty of things you can do now, while the sun is scarce, that will ready the earth for the summer garden of your dreams. If you are first timer, this is the blog for you. A few easy steps to get a starter garden up and growing. Find a suitable area in your yard. This spot will get the ideal amount of sun needed for your greens to grow. You can find that information on the back of your seed packs or on the insert from the sprouts you can purchase at nurseries. The garden area should also be big enough to fit what you intend to grow. For example, tomato plants should be planted about two feet apart. Don’t make the mistake of over planting, though the garden will be all right at first, it will soon be a plant war zone as all the roots and leaves compete for resources. Better to chose and plant only what fits in the space. Once you find your spot, it is time to weed out any unwanted shrubbery and turn your soil. Depending on the soil type, this is easily done with a shovel. Start at one side and dig shovel-length deep, turning the soil as you go. The soil should be loose and crumbly, this makes it easy for your seedlings to take root. At this point you can test your soil. There are soil testing kits sold at most places that carry gardening supplies. The information from the tests will indicate whether or not you need to add nutrients to the soil so that it will be ready to grow your delicious lettuce patch or beanstalks or broccoli! If you do not want to get dead serious with water droppers and test tubes, you can simply add compost or planting soil to the ground to be safe. I like to do a layer of new planting soil and leave it to settle for a week or so. Then I go back and work the planting soil into the ground with the same technique used to turn the soil. Once the last frost has occurred, it is a safe time to plant! If you have a decent garden budget, you can purchase your sprouts from any local nursery. If you are on a budget, I suggest sticking to the seed packets. Seeds can be started in a nursery tray indoors and plants can be transplanted when it is warm enough outdoors or you can wait until it gets a little warmer and start your seeds outside in nursery trays. Some seeds can also be scattered directly into the garden. Choose whichever method is best for you. Now it’s time to just add water and soon you will see your garden grow before your eyes. True, you may run into a garden pest or other such issues along the way, but as long as you are attentive to your garden’s needs, you will find that it is only a matter of time before you are enjoying the fruits of your labor. Good luck and happy gardening! By Sheila, Free Stuff Finder Contributor