Thrifty Links for 11/15/09

I have been surfing the internet this weekend and “stumbling” some articles.  Here are some great ones that I’ve found.

Christmas will be here before we know it.  Rather than buying bows for packages, try this idea for making bows from magazine pages.  These bows save money, repurpose your magazines, and avoid more products being throw away.  I think I will have to try these this year.

Times are tough and many of us have had to tighten our budgets.  We all have a service to offer.   This information on how to barter online is helpful. 

Custom made aprons seem to be the new rave.  Rather than paying $45-75 for a handmade apron, consider making one yourself.  Here are 52 free apron patterns to get you on your way.  These would make great Christmas gifts too!

My favorite coffee beverage is a caramel macchiato.  I’ve been wondering how many calories are in the macchiato and I found this coffee calorie guide today.  These calorie amounts are enough to keep you away from your coffee fix.  Thankfully, I’ve learned how to make my own caramel macchiatos at home.  I’ve been using skim milk and Smuckers sugar free caramel syrup.  I’m hoping the next time I make my own vanilla syrup that I can use less sugar and a little Splenda.

In our house, we prefer homemade playdough.  The texture is better, is lasts longer, and it’s really inexpensive to make.  Children sometimes learn easier when several of their senses are stimulated so I was pleased to see a recipe for pumpkin pie scented playdough. 

What interesting articles have you found this week?

image sxc.hu