The SpendLessTV.com Money-Saving Blog

BOO!

It’s easy to make Halloween a Haunted Spectacular event! We’ve got all the goo, ghosts, goblins and more you’ll need to create a budget-friendly Halloween party, including costumes, Halloween decorations, Halloween party food, drink ideas, recipes, and more.  Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween!

Want to put together a quick Halloween party without a lot of fuss and expense? No problem:

Halloween Food and Party Ideas – Halloween doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be fun!  ”Garage Sale America” author Bruce Littlefield gives budget friendly food, party decoration and yard transformation ideas.

Halloween Party in an Instant! - How to create a quick, creative and affordable Halloween party with pointers from  Christopher Hughes, Co-Founder of One Hour Parties.

Halloween Finger Food - A new twist for Spooky Halloween Finger food, Breadstick Witch Fingers. This simple recipe idea from Arlene of CookingWithSugar.com, is fun to make, quick and easy.

Three easy Halloween decorating ideas from HDTV’s Jennifer Perkins:

Halloween Glow In The Dark Bat Tree - Glow-in-the-dark bats make a fun, but not-too-scary, party accent.

Halloween Outdoor Decor - Spook up your yard for Halloween in just a few short hours with these easy decorating tips.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Tips - It’s easier than you think! Here’s an introduction to pumpkin carving, featuring tools of the trade and tips on pumpkin Jack-O-Lantern preservation.

Crafter Karen Weisman gives tips to turn your tabletop into an almost instant Halloween scene:

Halloween Spiders? Easy to Make! - Spiders are a classic Halloween decoration!  See how easy it is to make spiders out of nothing more than pipe cleaners.

http://spendlesstv.com/index.php?call=free-coupons&from=home Table Pumpkin Patch? Easy! - Easy-to-make pumpkin patch for a children’s (or anyone else’s!) Halloween or fall party decorations.

An Easy lightning-quick idea –  just the thing for any last minute Halloween costume:

DIY Statue of Liberty Crown – How to Make a Statue of Liberty Crown for July 4th or Halloween, a fabulous must-have for any costumed celebration!

And… not-to-be-missed: our previous Halloween post:

Wallet-Happy Halloween - 12 EASY tips to make your Halloween holiday a haunted hit while keeping your budget happy.  

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U.S. Father’s Day: June, on the third Sunday of the month.

Create a fantastic Father’s Day! Here are tips on affordable & eco-friendly gifts, preparing a top notch meal,  DIY crafts for gifts that both kids and adults can create, and pointers on how to be a fantastic host for Father’s Day. We give you everything you need to create a fabulous day for Dad while keeping your budget balanced and your wallet full!

Grilled Sausage 3-Course Under $35 - Budget friendly gourmet 3-Course meal under $35  - Father and son chefs, Joe Isidori, Executive Chef of NYC’s Harbor Restaurant, and Arthur Isidori, Saucier Chef at Admiral’s Cove in Juniper, Florida, together show their recipes for Tomato Salad,  Tomato Basil Pasta,  Sweet & Spicy Grilled Sausage, and Chocolate Cupcakes.. UMMM!

Top 5 Eco Gifts for Father’s Day - Save money, the earth, and bring a smile to Dad with these 5 top budget and eco friendly pics for Father’s Day gifts from EcoBold.com founder, Steffany Boldrini.

Gifts for Dad that Kids Can Create - Emily Hover from PioneerPartyandGift.com gives 7 easy, fun & budget friendly DIY ideas that kids can create for Father’s Day gifts for Dad.

Make a Paper Wallet in Under 2-Minutes - How To Make a paper wallet – Easy DIY using only paper that anyone can do and Dad will love. Great for business cards or photos, too!

5 DIY Father’s Day Gifts - Lisa from lisafroststudio.com shows 5 easy and inexpensive DIY projects you can make for Father’s Day gifts that Dad will really appreciate!

6 Steps to Hosting a Great Father’s Day - Sometimes just a little undivided attention is all that Dad needs to make his Father’s Day celebration truly special. Here are 6 tips to being the perfect host of a perfect day for Dad.

More fantastic Father’s Day ideas in these related SLTV posts:

• Father’s Day: Fantastic and Wallet-Friendly
• The Gift… Basket?
• 9 DIY Gift Ideas – Sensational Home Accessories from Recycled Items

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2012 Easter: April 7

Easter occurs at that time of year when everything is blooming new and fresh, and here in the East coast of the U.S. we begin to venture outdoors once again after a long winter’s hibernation.  The holiday conjures up thoughts of colorful flowers, candy, gift baskets, outdoor games, and a spring feast to celebrate with friends and family. Here are easy Easter entertaining tips with everything from decorations, to tasty meals, to kids games and craft activities to create an abundant Easter celebration without putting a dent in your budget.

Spring Vegetarian Greens & Quinoa Pie – Mary Margaret Chappell, Vegetarian Times Magazine Editor shows easy vegetarian recipe for a dish that’s sure to compliment any Spring table and every guest’s appetite.

Easter Feast, 3-Course, Serve 4, Under $35 – Executive editor of Gourmet Magazine, ”Doc” Willoughby shares a 3-course Easter feast that serves 4 people for under $35. Budget recipes: Spring Greens Salad, Herb Roasted Pork Loin, & Lemon Glazed Butter Cake.

What to Do With All Those Eggs – Diet editor and author of Finally Thin,  Kim Bensen, has some healthy quick ideas for serving leftover hard-boiled Easter eggs.

The Best Way to Peel a Hard-Boiled Egg – We use this technique and it’s hands down the best way to peel hard-boiled eggs –  especially handy when you have several to do.

Easter & Spring Table Decor - Simple budget-friendly Easter or Spring decoration ideas for your table and home, that would also make great favors for guests and hostess gifts from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine editor, Heather Morgan-Shott.

DIY Easter Basket from Recycled Items - A member of the San Diego Craft Mafia, CrafterMeagan Rae shows clever, easy ways to make budget and eco-kind Easter baskets from items you probably already have at home.

Stretch Your Easter Basket Goodies - Fun, healthier and eco-friendly ways to stretch your Easter basket goodies to last all year long. Money saving expert Denise Winston gives budget friendly ideas.

Kids Easter Game - Easy DIY project kids can do using Crayola Model Magic Fusion & plastic eggs to make this fun matching game. Perfect for Easter day – or any day – fun

More happy celebration suggestions on SLTV Channels:

• Holidays
• Entertain, Event, Party

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The first night of Passover 2012 will be celebrated on the evening of Friday, April 6.

Like so many holiday celebrations, the Passover celebration is centered around the dining table. Stories of long ago are shared while tasting foods that symbolize the meaning of this holiday. This is a time to appreciate a delicious and creative meal together with family and friends. But a holiday feast for all does not have to be a budget stretch. Here are delicious, affordable spins on traditional recipes taken from all around the world that would make any Passover feast (or any feast at all) a memorable one.

Moroccan Charoset Truffles - Recipe for a Passover traditional food, Charoset, usually prepared with apples & walnuts, takes on a Moroccan spin with dates, raisins, and walnuts, served up as little truffles. Easy recipe from Zabar’s Chef, and author of Fistful of Lentils, Jennifer Abadi

Mexican Inspired Matzo Ball Soup - Matzo Ball Soup with a Mexican spin. Dos Caminos restaurant chef Meghan Young shows her recipe, which is perfect for bringing a new twist to this traditional Passover menu dish.

Honey Chicken Recipe – Cookbook author and founder of  kosher.com, Jamie Geller, shares an easy, affordable Honey Chicken recipe that is perfect for holidays or an elegant dinner party.

Potato Kugel Recipe - Quick & Kosher: Meals in Minutes Cookbook author Jamie Geller shows how to make Potato Kugel. A savory and budget friendly vegetarian addition to any meal, any time of day, and perfect for Passover.

Noodle Kugel - Food TV’s “Good Deal” host and cookbook author Dave Lieberman shares his grandmother’s quick, easy, and budget friendly recipe for noodle kugel, a creamy and crispy sweet baked dessert.

Passover Fruit Cobbler - Fruit cobbler recipe is a refreshing alternative to Passover’s usual desserts. This clip is part of “Sweet Dreams” show on the TV Food Network hosted by cook book author Gale Gand.

Passover Coconut Macaroons- TV Food Network’s “Barefoot Contessa” Chef Ina Garten shares her recipe for coconut macaroons, a traditional Passover sweet dessert cookie.

More budget-friendly holiday entertaining ideas:

• 8 Ideas for a Happy Hanukkah Party on a Budget
• SLTV’s Food, Drink, Cooking Channel
• SLTV’s Entertain, Event, Part Channel
• SLTV’s Holidays Channel

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Free Money-Saving  Coupons for Groceries, Home Decor, Cookware, and More:

Academy Awards night is a great opportunity to enjoy some Hollywood glitz, glamor and celebrity excitement right in your own home. Whether a full fashion formal sparkling event, or just snuggling on the sofa with a ballot and a sparkling drink, Oscar night can be enjoyed without breaking the bank or straining your budget.  The videos here give tips on hosting, easy recipes, quick cocktail ideas, games, and even swag bag favor ideas, to make your red carpet party at home fabulous.

Oscar Party Worthy of Awards - Early Show contributor Katie Lee shows how to host an Oscar party with simple tips, recipes, and planning ideas perfect for any budget.

Secrets of Celebrity Parties - How to set the tone and create super successful parties that won’t hurt your budget…Do what the celebrities do! Tips from ThePartyGoddess.com’s, Marley Majcher.

Party Hors d’oeuvres - These appetizers are perfect for an Oscars Party! Affordable, impressive ideas from Celebrations.com contributing expert AndreaCorreale.

Oscar Party for the Ladies – Everything you need to create an affordable, fun alternative to a red carpet full fancy feast party: make it a girls night out, ultra casual and just desserts, aka: sweats and sweets, from celebrity event planner, founder of Chic Events, Rachel Hollis.

Red Carpet Fashion Look-A-Likes, Oscars ’09 – You can get the red carpet glam looks. Nextpert.com trend and style reporter, Katlean De Monchy, shows how and gives resources for the celebrity looks-for-less fashion trends.

How to Tie a Bow Tie - Craig Stokes, host of Style Minute, shows you how to tie a bow tie. We reviewed several instructional videos on this topic, and Craig’s is without a doubt the best!

Want to enjoy the Academy Awards but you don’t have a TV? Not a problem, catch our previous post:

• Watch Free – LIVE – TV on Your Computer, Mobile Device, and Television Set!

More budget-smart party ideas:

• Entertain, Event, Party Channel  
• And The Oscar Goes To… our collection of Academy Award Winner associated MUSIC  videos
• How to Host a Golden Globe Awards Party on a Budget

Related SLTV Videos:

• How To Get Free Movie Tickets
• Movies: Tips to Save – Catey Hill

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It’s easy to treat all the loves in your life to affectionate surprises with these amore-filled Valentine’s Day ideas that your wallet will adore, too!

Rich Romantic Times for Less – Pointers to set the stage for unforgettable romantic dates that won’t over-burden your wallet, in this SpendLessTV.com Original clip from Sean Stephenson, Relationship expert, therapist, speaker, and author.

Chocolate Recipes for Valentine’s Day – Prepare a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner?Easy! Food historian, Francine Segan, shows two beautiful, affordable, and simple recipes using – what else?  Chocolate!

How To Have a Happy Valentine’s Day on a Budget - 7 Easy how-to steps you can use to warm someone’s heart on Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money.. ah… doesn’t that sound nice?

Valentine’s Day Savings - Kelli Grant, SmartMoney.com Senior Consumer Reporter, gives Valentine’s Day tips on how to keep spending on budget and save money when buying gifts for your loved one.

Chinese Inspired Budget Valentines Gifts – Budget friendly Chinese inspired gift ideas: Everything you need to create a romantic thoughtful afternoon and evening for your Valentine.

Valentine Treats for Kids - Kit Bennett from AmazingMoms.com shows how you can easily make Valentine’s Day special for your kids with fun-to-eat heart shaped treats & snacks throughout the day.

Make a Rose from a Paper Napkin – How to make a DIY easy, fast, romantic rose from a paper napkin… Doesn’t get much more budget-friendly than that!

More in our post: 20 Big Time (& Budget) Valentine Day Ideas. Yep! 20! We give you more wallet-friendly and love-filled ideas for gifts, decorations, kids crafts, recipes, fashion, champagne, date ideas, and yes – even weddings!~

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Recently we did a write up on eating healthier while saving money on groceries. That post, The Miracle Money Saving Healthy Grocery Shopping Tip, showed how saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on healthier food choices, and to make healthy shopping even more convenient for you, we featured some fantastic online searchable databases that shoppers can use to find local farmers markets and locally produced foods within their nearby community. We also included About.com’s invaluable List of Seasonal Produce by Geographic Region; and links to several of our featured videos that give grocery shopping tips and strategies to save money while food shopping which includes recipes you can use to enjoy  preparing healthier real food.

The following important video came to our attention, and is a perfect example of how easily we may be scammed into confusion about what “real” food is, and how we even pay more for what we don’t take a simple, few minutes to find out about. It’s the perfect example of how to spend more and get less.

We hope the pointers in this video helps you to steer clear of the Blueberry Scam, (and other flavor scams as well!)

Don’t miss this important clip:

Avoid the Blueberry Scam - Are the berries in most blueberry bagels, cereals, breads & muffins real blueberries? Would you call artificial colors, hydrogenated oils & liquid sugars “real blueberries?” here’s the truth from, The Health Ranger, investigative reporter, Mike Adams.

For further money saving and healthier food shopping tips:

Catch our previous posts:

• The Miracle Money Saving Healthy Grocery Shopping Tip
• Vegetables Save You Money

And see our channels:

• Coupons & Grocery
• Food

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It’s time to ring in a new year, and these bash-on-a-budget New Year’s Eve Party ideas give you everything you need to celebrate with easy style and affordable fun – that are great for any year!  Best wishes for a bright and happy new year!

New Year’s Eve Quick Party Set Up – Quick inexpensive touches  to warm up & decorate your home, welcome guests, set up a bar and prepare your dining table from designer, Stephen Saint-Onge.

New Year’s Eve Affordable Fun - The Creative Juice show’s Cathie Filian,  shares easy fashionable & affordable ways to kick off a New Year’s Eve party with tips on hats, clocks, decor, signs, kids activities & more.

New Year’s Eve Bash on a Budget - Create a successful elegant New Year’s Eve event: set a beautiful buffet & dinner table using repurposed items, easy DIY tips, & appetizer ideas from Senior Editor, All You Magazine, Amy Goodman

New Year’s Eve Decor, DIY - 2010, 2011, or whatever year, here are tried-and-true celebration DIY ideas from ThreadBanger.com for decor, streamers, noise makers, count-down clocks, food, drink & fun to bring in whatever year it is!

Appetizers Under $1 Each -  Celebrate with easy & affordable ideas from Myrecipes.com’s Holley Johnson. She shows how to create delectable New Year’s Eve appetizers for less than $1 each, perfect for every budget!

Quick No-Cook Party Foods -   Perfect for a New Year’s party; inexpensive no-cook appetizers, party favors, and a cocktail idea to keep your guests happy and keep you on budget from Author of “The Comfort Table” Katie Lee.

Bubbly Quick Tips - Add some sparkle to your party. Sogood.tv food & wine blogger Heather Johnston, presents a two minute crash course in picking the perfect sparkling wine or champagne for your budget.

Budget Bubbly - Kim Haasarud, author of 101 Martinis, stirs up a holiday cocktail & recommends champagnes, sparkling wines & non-alcohol festive drinks for any budget.

New Year’s Eve Party Activities – Ideas to celebrate  New Year’s Eve with fun party games that friends & family can enjoy from Paisleydoor.com.

Spruce Up New Year’s Eve With Costumes - Dress Up is a fun New Year’s Eve tradition. Include a wardrobe station for an inexpensive festive way to decorate, entertain your guests and spice up your party. GetSocial.com’s Allana Baroni shows how.

More celebrating & party pointers in in our post:

• Celebrate the New Year in Style and On Budget

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Recently we celebrated USA’s National Cheesecake Day.

We posted several deals, recipes, and coupon links to our Twitter feed (no pun intended!) The National day of honor has passed, but there still are some luscious cheesecake deals to be had! We’re providing them here, so you won’t miss out on these delicious opportunities to enjoy!

Many of these offers are ongoing – so posting updated status is impossible. If you are interested in any of the offers below, please click on the links to see if they are still in effect. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Join Cheesecake Factory in fighting hunger – Cheesecake Factory is partnering with The American Idol live! Tour and Feeding America:  donate $5 and you get a FREE slice of cheesecake!

The Lite-Ful Cheesecake – Receive 10% off Online orders, 10% off In-Store for one cake, 15% off In-Store for two cakes, plus Free In-Store tastings. Coupon valid through September 30, 2010.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese – Free Cheesecake Recipes.

Junior’s Cheescake – The Original Brooklyn Location Only - Free Plain Cheesecake Slice when you purchase a lunch entree, eat-in or take-away –Or– $4.00 off any whole cake at their Retail Bakery.  Coupon valid through December 31, 2010.

Eli’s Cheesecake Company – Located in Chicago, Eli’s was named one of the “Sweetest Attractions” in the U.S.A. by TripAdvisor.com!  They are celebrating by offering this deal for a limited time: Stop in the Cafe for $10 off order of $50 or more, or Shop online and receive $10 off on all Eli’s Best Sellers with Coupon Code: BEST9

Cheesecake Martini ?  Yep… for real!  Here are recipes for, count ‘em: 15 different flavors of the Cheesecake Martini.

Louis Armstrong performs “Cheesecake” - Armstrong appearing on Bing Crosby’s Hollywood Palace TV show.

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We know you care, and your Dad will too!

You can show Dad you have real heart for him, and also hold onto your real savings at the same time with these videos loaded with easy budget-friendly or even free do-it-yourself gifts, gift baskets, recipes, entertaining and activity ideas Dad will love!

Father’s Day the Home Shopping Way – Every father deserves the best, and what better way than with Home Shopping? What dad wouldn’t appreciate a little comedy with his socks and BBQ?  Catch this Karen Alloy comedy.

Meetballs 3-course, feed 4, under $35 - Chef Bill Poirier from Boston’s restaurant, Sonsie, whips up a 3-course-meal for 4 people, for under $35 budget. Spinach salad, turkey meatballs, & chocolate ricotta!

Summer Grilling , Serve 8 for $10 Each – Cook up a 3-course meal for 8 people and for under $10 each with recipes from David Joachim and Andrew Schloss, Authors of  Mastering The Grill.

Cupcake Father’s Day Gifts - Everyone loves cupcakes and the author of   Hey There, Cupcake! shows how to decorate dessert for a special Father’s Day.

DIY Coin and Key Keeper - Give Dad a hand for pocket change & car keys with this one-of-a-kind do-it-yourself tray that any child can make!  Easy DIY from Crayola Creative Workshop.

DYI Photo Frame from a CD Case - An easy DYI gift project from Crayola Creative Workshop: turn an old CD case into a bright and bold picture frame that can hold a special message.

Origami Necktie and Shirt Card - So Easy to do! A DYI origami necktie and shirt card that’s sure to bring a smile to every dad.

Men’s Spa at Home - Men like to indulge too. Check out these at home men’s grooming products and gifts to pamper the man in your life from Lenny LaCour.

For more gift ideas, that are sure to please, check out these blog posts:

• The Gift… Basket?
• Father’s Day Fabulous (and Frugal)

These previous posts mention  great resources for nice discounts and even free fun local activities you may want to make part of your Father’s Day plan :

• Hidden Deals! Ye Olde Telephone Book Bargains
• End Cabin Fever For Free

Father’s Day FACT:  Did you know:

Scholars claim the tradition of Father’s Day can be traced in the ruins of Babylon where a young boy called Elmesu carved a Father’s Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. Elmesu wished his father good health and a long life. The idea of a Father’s Day celebration in the U.S.A. originated in 1909 in Spokane, Washington, when Ms. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd was listening to Mother’s Day sermon.  Sonora pondered if there is a day to honor mother then why not for father and she began a rigorous campaign to celebrate Father’s Day in the U.S.  It wasn’t until  1972 that a permanent national observance of Father’s Day  was established by President Richard Nixon. More Father’s Day facts

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