FEATURED STORY
Six More Weeks of Winter for Decluttering
The sky was overcast as Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his Western Pennsylvania burrow early Saturday morning. He “told” his Inner Circle handlers that he hadn’t seen seen his shadow, and to expect an early spring. But the world’s most famous marmot is notoriously inaccurate. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the woodchuck has zero […]
TALES FROM THE CLOSET
Tales from the Closet brings you all the reading material you need to become and expert at organizing.
ORGANIZING WEBSITES
Use the list of resources below when its time to organize your things. No matter how big or small the job is, you’ll find any one of these websites helpful.
Hoarders Help
It's time to remove the emotional value from the items you never use and the ones that clutter up your home. Remove the clutter and get organizational advice.
Quick Tips
Make Memories This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day: It’s the Thought That Counts
A Valentine’s Date Doesn’t Need to Be Costly
Don’t Overspend on Valentine’s Day
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Make Memories This Valentine’s Day
Instead of buying things for Valentine’s Day, do things with the special people in your life. Shared experiences create memories and deepen relationships. Try volunteering with a nonprofit together, creating a memory book to collect mementoes of the times you’ve shared, or making time to engage in uninterrupted, one-on-one conversation. “Don’t fall victim to the prefabricated crutch of hackneyed floral arrangements and ill-advised, gigantic stuffed bears,” Frugalwoods says. “Instead, seek authentic intimacy with your partner, your family [and] your close friends.”
Valentine’s Day: It’s the Thought That Counts
On Valentine’s Day, it really is the thought that counts. To keep your celebration inexpensive yet heartfelt, Frugalwoods readers suggest tailoring all gifts and observances to their recipients. Outdoorsy types might like to take a hike in the woods; art lovers will enjoy a trip to the museum. Homebodies (and workaholics) might like to take a night off to bake some heart-shaped cookies, order a heart-shaped pizza or cook a special favorite meal. Make your own cards, or simply leave Post-its around the house inscribed with romantic affirmations.
A Valentine’s Date Doesn’t Need to Be Costly
Valentine’s Day deserves a good date night — and you can keep most dates cheap even if your love interest has specific tastes. Esquire suggests visiting a trendy pop-up museum, taking a cooking class, bowling or playing arcade games for “old-school” fun, taking a winter hike (with a tumbler of hot coffee), going to a bar for a karaoke or trivia night, scheduling an indoor rock-climbing session or spa day, and 16 other plans. Whatever you choose, none of the magazine’s ideas should cost more than $100, and all focus on a shared experience rather than material goods.
Don’t Overspend on Valentine’s Day
The temptation to overspend is substantial on Valentine’s Day — and the nation’s jewelers and chocolatiers encourage it. But you don’t have to spend a lot to make your partner feel special, PopSugar says. Instead of stretching your credit to buy more or more extravagant stuff, try a gag gift exchange or watch a romantic movie. Make handmade vouchers for chores and other favors, or revisit the memories that make your relationship special over a home-cooked meal. If you really need something as a couple, agree on a gift you’ll enjoy together and make a day out of buying it.