Portfolio Categories: LIVING ON THE CHEAP

Delight family and friends with a “live” Easter basket this year. Eye-catching plant baskets containing tasty, “bunny-worthy” ingredients like lettuce, parsley, edible flowers and carrots make great decorator pieces and save you money. Living Easter baskets provide you with good-for-you goodies long after traditional baskets are empty. Follow these simple steps for creating your own tasty Easter basket.

Prepare your basket

Freshen up your basket and help it stand up to watering by applying spray paint. Before spraying, wipe down the surface and handle to eliminate any dust or dirt. Use a glossy paint, and in a well-ventilated area, spray with several thin coats, waiting for the basket to dry in between coats.

Once it’s dry, line the basket with a 1-inch layer of sphagnum moss or with plastic that you have poked with holes to allow for drainage. Fill with potting soil to within an inch of the top rim of the basket.

Choose plants

Bunnies like nibbling on a wide variety of tasty selections, including the following:

• Greens. Oodles of lettuce varieties exist, including romaine, red leaf and oak. Other greenery for making tasty salads includes arugula, mesclun, cilantro, Swiss chard and kale.
• Herbs. Add pizzazz to your cooking with fresh, tasty herbs, such as basil, chervil, chives, dill, mint, oregano, sage, thyme and the all-time bunny favorite — parsley.
• Carrots. No Easter basket would be complete without carrots. Because this plant is a root vegetable, you must plant carrots by seed. Though they will take some time to grow, you can enjoy the other plants in the basket while you’re waiting. For the quickest results, choose baby carrots, including fun selections that look like golf balls and multi-colored varieties.
• Radishes. Radishes must also be planted by seed. There is even a variety known as the Easter egg radish, which comes in white, purple, pink and red.
• Edible flowers. Blooming plants make a pretty addition to your Easter basket, and some flowers are edible. Good choices include nasturtiums, pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, violets and dianthus.

Planting and Care

• Plant greens, herbs and edible flowers in the basket at the same level they are in their existing nursery containers, leaving 2 to 3 inches between plants. While you want to leave room for growth, you also want the basket to appear full. If you are also planting seeds, sprinkle them in between the plants and press them into the soil to the same depth as the width of the seed. For very small seeds like carrots, simply sprinkle them on the soil surface and then cover with a very thin layer of soil.
• Water your basket well after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy. If you planted seeds in your basket, mist to avoid washing the seeds away.
• Feed your basket monthly with a ½-strength solution of an organic fertilizer. Organic foods have a NPK ratio listed on the packaging no higher than 15-15-15.
• Be a bunny and harvest the plants in your basket often, which will keep things looking full and lush.

If you want a garden that turns heads but don’t want to empty your wallet in the process, do your own landscaping. It’s easy to familiarize yourself with the basic principles of design in order to create the yard of your dreams.

Decide on a theme

Figuring out the theme of your garden gives you a blueprint from which to draw in terms of plants, hardscape and accessories. A cutting garden, for instance, would contain plants ideal for bouquets, such as tea roses, cosmos, zinnias and tulips. Such gardens do especially well in raised beds, which you can easily and inexpensively build yourself. Knowing the theme of the garden also helps you pick out accessories. A cutting-style garden, for instance, is the perfect home for a gazing ball and arbor.

Draw up plans

Like landscape designers do, draw up the plans for your garden on paper or on the computer. Doing so allows you to make a pleasing design and will alert you to when things aren’t fitting well or if you have empty holes to fill. When the design is still on paper, it’s easy to move things around and eliminate items if necessary.

Create garden rooms

Just as the interior of the home has various rooms, such as living and dining rooms, entryways and kitchens, effective gardens contain the same elements. Look at your exterior in terms of rooms with various functions. For instance, plan for an outdoor kitchen and dining area, a living room area for sitting and chatting, and consider adding items like lounge chairs and hammocks where you can take an afternoon nap.

Blend hardscape and plants

An eye-catching garden does a good job of blending plants with hardscape items, such as pavers, retaining walls, barbecues, arbors and gazebos. You want a good mix of both types of items to create a garden that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Generally, hardscape items are put in first and then you plant around them.

Consider mature plant size

Educate yourself about the eventual size of plants before including them in your landscape design. Some trees can reach 60 feet tall and wide, making them unsuitable for many home landscapes. Removing an overgrown tree can be costly. Make the right choice in the first place, and save yourself money and headaches.

Have any money-saving tips to share for doing your own landscaping?

If cabin fever has you tired of staring at the same walls, it’s time to make some refreshing changes and redecorate. With a little imagination, creativity, and minimal spending, you can transform your space into a cozy, stylish refuge. Try these simple, budget-friendly decorating ideas to breathe new life into your home.

1. Reconfigure Your Furniture Layout

Simply moving furniture around can instantly add new energy to a room. Reconfiguring your layout not only enhances the look of your space but can also improve its functionality.

To get started, measure your room and transfer the dimensions onto graph paper (or use a room-planning app). Mark permanent features like outlets, switches, windows, and doors. Then, cut out scaled representations of your furniture pieces and experiment with different arrangements until you find the perfect layout.

2. Create Eye-Catching Focal Points

Instead of redecorating an entire room, focus on creating one stunning focal point to draw the eye and anchor the space. This could be a vibrant painting above the fireplace, a decorative baker’s rack in the kitchen, or a luxurious set of throw pillows on your bed. A single, well-placed item can make a big impact.

3. Use Paint to Transform Your Space

Paint is one of the most affordable ways to completely change the look and feel of a room. For just a few dollars per can, you can revamp walls with a fresh coat of color. Try using two or three complementary shades for added depth, or experiment with faux painting techniques to create a custom, high-end effect on a budget.

4. Add Indoor Plants for a Natural Touch

Adding greenery is an inexpensive and effective way to bring color and life into your home. A tall floor plant can brighten up a dull corner in the dining room, while a trailing vine in a hanging basket can make a bedroom feel more spacious and vibrant. Plants are a simple, beautiful way to elevate any space.

5. Repurpose Used Furniture

Look for hidden gems in your attic, basement, or at local garage sales and thrift stores. With a little elbow grease, you can clean, repair, and repaint or stain used furniture to match your current décor. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—old pieces can be repurposed for new uses with a bit of creativity.

What low-cost redecorating tricks have made a difference in your home? Share your ideas and inspire others to decorate on a dime!

In addition to protecting your home, many simple maintenance tasks can also benefit your wallet. Addressing seemingly small issues—like drippy faucets or peeling paint—can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. These five easy home repairs are quick, inexpensive, and highly effective at saving money over time.

1. Repair Worn-Out Caulking

Old or damaged caulking around sinks, bathtubs, and showers can allow water to seep into walls and floors. Over time, this moisture leads to mold, mildew, and rot—resulting in costly structural repairs.

Re-caulking is a simple, budget-friendly fix that protects against water damage. As a general rule, you should replace caulk every three to five years to maintain a watertight seal.

2. Touch Up Peeling Paint

Peeling paint may seem like a cosmetic issue, but it actually exposes wood surfaces to sun, moisture, and pests. Left untreated, exposed wood can warp, split, or rot—leading to expensive repairs.

Touching up peeling areas with fresh paint protects your home’s exterior and extends the life of wood siding or trim. Use leftover paint if available, or bring a one-inch-square sample to your local hardware store for a color match.

3. Fix Leaky Faucets

Dripping faucets waste more water—and money—than you might think. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Water Science School, two faucets dripping at 30 drips per minute waste about 5 gallons of water a day, totaling more than 2,000 gallons a year.

Stop the waste by replacing worn-out rubber seals and washers. This simple fix costs just a few dollars and can significantly reduce your water bill.

4. Unclog Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters prevent rainwater from draining properly, leading to roof damage, leaks, and foundation issues. To protect your home, clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year—especially after fall and spring seasons.

This small maintenance task ensures water flows safely away from your home, reducing the risk of costly structural damage.

5. Replace Dirty HVAC Filters

Clean HVAC filters help your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently, extending their lifespan and improving air quality. Dirty filters force your system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear.

Change your furnace and air conditioner filters every four to six months to keep the air fresh and your system running smoothly. It’s a quick, easy task with big long-term benefits.

What easy home maintenance chores have helped you save money? Share your tips and help others make smart, cost-saving home improvements!

Move out of a rental, and you’re likely to have plans for the security deposit your landlord has been kindly holding for you. Make sure you get your hard-earned money returned when you vacate the premises by keeping the following five tips in mind.

Pre-qualify your potential landlord

Before agreeing to the rental, check out the individual or company renting the apartment. Look on the Better Business Bureau’s website for information and check online reviews.

Perform your own pre-move-in inspection

Inspect the apartment or house before you move in, noting any problem areas, such as discolorations on the walls and chipped tiles. Take time-stamped photos during the inspection, so you have proof of the apartment’s condition before you move. Give a copy of the photos and your inspection report to the landlord.

Read your lease

Once you sign a lease, you’ve agreed to whatever it says, so it’s important to read it thoroughly. Check the fine print for cleaning fees to be taken from your deposit. If possible, renegotiate the lease to state that you will leave the premises spotless upon your departure and will therefore get the entire deposit returned.

Keep thorough records

While living in the rental, record all significant events that occur. For instance, if there is a leak under the kitchen sink that causes water damage, note this and how the issue was resolved. That way you won’t be charged for damages when you move out.

Give adequate notice

Check your contract regarding how much notice you are required to give before moving out. Vacating early can cause a forfeiture of part or all of your security deposit. Most landlords require a 30-day notice. Make the record official by sending the notice to your landlord by certified mail with return receipt requested. Doing this will provide proof that you sent your move-out notification in a timely manner.

Have any other effective tactics for getting a security deposit returned? Please share them in the comments.

Budget dates can be better than those at fancy restaurants. The emphasis on relating and innovating rather than impressing creates a low-pressure situation that gives you a chance to build chemistry and develop memories. The following free or cheap date ideas are heavy on relating and light on the wallet.

People watch

Take up residence in a crowded place like a shopping mall or coffee shop, sit back and, as inconspicuously as possible, analyze passersby or those sitting nearby. Try to read lips and watch body language and then compare notes with your date. You’ll probably never know if you’re right about what’s going on, but hearing what each of you think is entertaining, and the sport is totally free.

Visit open houses

If there are new housing developments nearby featuring model homes, spend the day roaming through mansions, condos and everything in between. This enlightening activity shows new trends in home building and interior design, and you’ll probably walk away with some great free decorating ideas.

Browse an art gallery or museum

Art galleries require no admission and museum tickets are usually reasonably priced. Some museums also feature free admission on certain days of the week, for special occasions or if you qualify by age or membership in certain organizations.

Go to your local bookstore

Visit your local bookstore, get a cup of coffee or tea if it’s available, and look for your favorite books. Then trade with your date and see what he or she thinks of your taste in literature. You’ll discover what you both like to read and may find common interests.

Walk along the water

Water tends to soothe the nerves and encourages conversation to flow. If you live near water, whether it be the ocean, a lake or even a stream, walk and see where it takes you. Bring along a picnic or small snack and stop along the way to refuel and enjoy the view.

Hit the rink

Take a trip down memory lane or try something new and roller skate. It usually costs very little for admission and skate rentals, and this is a good way to discover if your date is adventurous.

What cheap date ideas have you found to be fun?