Frugal Mom Blog

By Kathy Wilson

There was a day in our history when people actually spent time on Fourth of July decorations. They were homemade but sincere, and represented deep patriotism. I think that patriotism still exists today, and we can celebrate with Fourth of July decorations that are easy to put together and low cost. Here are some excellent ideas to get you started.

• Pick up some red, white and blue bandannas and wrap them around your existing throw pillows, then knot in the back. You can use this indoors, or on the porch or deck.
• Use red, white and blue ribbon from the dollar shop to tie up your napkins, wrap around your door wreath or create streamers of ribbon from the back of each chair.
• Print out American flags from the internet, and use them to cover the inside of a window. Be sure to face the flags to the outside, and fit them up edge to edge. The result is a patchwork of American flags shown from your front windows which is quite eye catching. One place to print out free flags online is http://www.printourflag.com/
• Buy red, white and blue craft foam from the craft store. Cut them into star shapes of three different sizes. Layer the different sized shapes onto each other and glue together. Tie the stars from porch overhangs, trees and mailboxes to let your Fourth of July decorations spread patriotic cheer! The kids will love to help with this!
• String white holiday lights through trees to create fireworks appeal! Drape them from porch rafters as well, or wrap around deck railing.
• Cover coffee cans, boxes or other containers with patriotic paper, and use to hold utensils, napkins, or condiment bottles.

Use your imagination, and make your Fourth of July decorating the most memorable yet!

Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist, and editor of The Budget Decorator. For thousands of free budget home decorating ideas visit her at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com.

Celebrate Dad this year with a gift from the heart.

1. Hobby Day – Does Dad have a hobby that he loves to do, but rarely has time for?  Plan a day for him to go golfing, fishing, or work in the garden.

2. Detail the Car – Give Dad the gift of a clean car.  Do a super good job cleaning and polishing the car inside and out.

3. Make him his favorite dinner or dessert – if the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then he will surely love you making him his favorite dishes.

4. Scrapbook a mug – If Dad is a coffee drinker, put together a special mug filled with pictures of the family and special occasions.

5. Do his chores – Mow the yard, weed the garden, wash the dog…whatever needs to be done.

6. Get him books from the library – Does Dad love to read?  Go to the library and pick out books he will enjoy reading.  Give them to him in his favorite chair (or his hammock!) and promise him an uninterrupted day of reading. You can also include handmade bookmarks from the kids.

7. Special Outing – Is there a car show he’d love to go to?  What about a sporting event?  Put aside your own desires and go do something just for him.

8. Music – Find all his favorite songs and put together a playlist for him to enjoy.

9. Coupon Book – This tried and true frugal idea is a great way to give gifts of the heart.  Give coupons for back rubs, car washes, romantic dinners…you get the idea!

10. Pictures – get creative with pictures.  Frames can be bought at the dollar store, and prints can be printed locally very inexpensively.  You can also make a mini scrapbook for him to keep at work.

11. Plan a day with a friend – Does Dad have a friend that he doesn’t get to spend much time with?  Talk with his friend’s family and plan a day for the guys to get together for a fun day.

12. Make a garden stepping-stone with handprints just for Dad.

13. Letters to Dad – Let each child write (or dictate to you) a special love letter telling him how much they love him.

14. Dinner and a movie – Cook his favorite dinner, and rent his favorite movie for everyone to share together.

What fun and frugal things have you done for Father’s Day?