Cheap, Homemade Valentine Craft Projects

After 25 years as a public school teacher, homeschool parent, VBS-Sunday school-CCD teacher, project organizer, parent, club leader and do-it-yourselfer, I've cut out more crafts pieces than I care to remember! I've assembled countless crafts for units, themes and holidays over my career. And though it was enjoyable, it took a lot of energy and organization. Here are tips to simplify those crafts, cheap and easy. Note: as you read the linked articles, you'll notice numerous spelling errors. My spellcheck/edit tool wasn't functioning at the time and I've not been able to fix it. I apologize for those mistakes. Read more

Scary Halloween Party Foods and Treats--Cheap, Easy

Want to scare some little ghosts and goblins this Halloween? Make these cheap spooky trick-or-treat party goodies. Ghoulishly yummy, monstrously healthy, these treats will satisfy every vampire, witch, bat, zombie, ghost, mummy and creature on your Halloween party guest list. Set out food in bowls, buffet style. Label each treat, just in case ghouls don't recognize them. Before eating, play the blindfold game. Give each guest a paper plate and blindfold them. Give out samples of each item, tell them what it is and let them touch and feel it before eating. Everyone should be good grossed out. Here's the menu (did I mention this was a cheap, easy party?) Read on for spooky Halloween party food tips 

Cheap Kids Parties--Throw a back-to-school bash for your kids

Labor Day is a bittersweet holiday. It's a time of summer endings and fall beginnings. Why not start the school year off on a fun note with a back-to-school party? Here's an easy and cheap kids' party plan for students in preschool to middle elementary. You can do this whole party for roughly $2-$3 per guest. Throw a back-to-school bash for your kids 

Best Books for Infants and Toddlers

Best ABC Books to Teach Letters of the Alphabet to Children
There are literally hundreds of ABC books to teach letters of the alphabet to children. Authors and illustrators across the genre spectrum have written ABC books for children. Here are my recommendations for best ABC books, based on words and pictures. Read More