Simple ways to make family life easier, save money, and stretch the things you already have. You may not need to buy more—you may simply need to use what you already own in a new way.
Simple foods can stretch your grocery budget a long way. These 10 hardworking staples are easy to keep on hand, easy to use, and help me get more meals from what I already buy.
October is a great month to shop with a plan. From end-of-season outdoor deals and fall essentials to Halloween timing and early holiday sales, here’s what I’m watching for this month.
Create thoughtful gifts from the kitchen with homemade tea and herb blends. Learn how to combine dried herbs, package your blends, and turn simple ingredients into personal gifts that don't cost a lot.
Northern New York pet owners may qualify for reduced-cost spay and neuter services through Spay-Neuter-Now. Find current prices, eligibility information, participating clinics, and application steps.
Taco night doesn't have to mean a special grocery trip. See how using what you already have, making your own taco seasoning, and stretching leftovers can make your pantry work harder for your family.
New York's 2026–2027 HEAP heating benefits are scheduled to open October 1. Learn about furnace and boiler repair, replacement, Clean and Tune assistance, and heating help for eligible homeowners and renters.
The September edition of The Candy Foote 5 is here! Discover a local business to support, a strategic shopping idea, a useful kitchen find, a free resource, and a simple way to give back.
I’ve learned that some of the most useful foods in my kitchen are also the simplest. Here’s why I look for one-ingredient foods and basic pantry staples when I shop—and how they can help stretch my grocery dollars.
Prescription medicine can be expensive, but help may be available. Learn practical, verified ways Northern New York families can compare prices, find assistance programs, and reduce prescription costs safely.
Out of brown sugar? Learn how to make light or dark brown sugar at home with only granulated sugar and molasses. It is quick, easy, and ready in minutes.
Protect your pets without adding another expense to your budget. Find upcoming free rabies clinics in St. Lawrence County, registration information, and what you should bring.
Help me stock our local food pantry. Send any amount through Venmo, and I will use the donations to purchase pantry items and personally deliver them.
After homeschooling 12 children over 33 years, I’ve learned a lot about curriculum, patience, letting children learn naturally, and what really matters. Here’s what I would tell myself if I could go back to 1993.
Have potatoes that need to be used before they go bad? Learn how I preserve potatoes for the pantry using current safe pressure-canning guidance.
At 57, I already qualify for several senior discounts—and you might, too! Find out where to save, what age qualifies, and how to make each discount work for your budget.
Rediscover old-fashioned kitchen skills that help you stretch your grocery budget, waste less food, use what you already have, and build a better-stocked pantry.
Before paying full price for a New York fishing or hunting license, check whether your family qualifies for free or reduced-price options.
These easy cinnamon apples take just a few minutes to make and are a simple snack kids and grandkids love. See how I make them and the Pampered Chef tools I use.
After homeschooling 12 children for more than 30 years, I learned a lot about choosing curriculum—and wasting money on programs that weren’t the right fit. Here are my best tips for choosing homeschool curriculum that works for your child, family, and budget.