Use Your Local Library

I LOVE going to the library. It cost absolutely nothing to join and all that was needed was identification along with proof of residence. With a family library card, we are able to check out up to 35 items at a time. These items include books, movies, magazines, CD's, and even puppets (weird, right?). I can easily find things for myself, my husband, and even my toddler. Through the library's website, we're able to renew items, search for items, request items that aren't available, and have available items reserved and set aside to save us time. I can get in the library and check out an item that's being held for me in less than 60 seconds, making it incredibly convenient. Typically, checked out items aren't due back for three weeks (even newly released movies). So, what are you waiting for? Go check out your public library and stop wasting money at the bookstore (and on movie rentals). 

What I got on my most recent trip to the library

Homemade Play Dough

This homemade play dough is simple to make, cheap, and far better than the store bought variety. It is completely nontoxic, doesn't crumble, and has no smell whatsoever. With about ten minutes and some ingredients you probably already have, you too can make this awesome play dough. Here's what you'll need:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup table salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup water
• food coloring

In a cold saucepan, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar, whisk in water and oil. Place saucepan on burner over medium heat. Stir constantly using a rubber spatula. Make sure you scrape the sides and bottom of the pan with every stir. Once it becomes one large clump and you are unable to stir it any longer (this only takes a couple minutes), remove it from heat and place the dough on your counter. Allow to cool for a few minutes then knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes. Add in food coloring as you knead.

Store play dough in a plastic container with a lid or in a ziplock bag. 

Watch TV for Free! Get an Antenna

Antennas have come a long way and chances are, they're nothing like you remember. They are now smooth and sleek, usually easy to hide, and most don't require frequent adjustments in order to better your signal strength. 

I have two televisions in my house, each with its own antenna. The antenna on my living room TV cost roughly $45 while the antenna I use on my upstairs TV was $35. I figured being higher up, less strength and range capabilities would be needed, and I was right. Both antennas can pick up all the network television TV channels. For those of you who don't know what network channels are, it means that I can pick up all the big stations, like ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX. I also get CW as well as a few different versions of PBS, such as the Create Channel. I think in total, I get 19 channels, all completely free of charge.  Picture quality is great with the bigger channels being broadcasted in HD. You'd honestly never know the difference. Between my antenna, Netflix, and the internet, I can honestly say I do not miss cable television whatsoever.

Before you purchase an antenna, I suggest you go to http://www.antennaweb.org. There you can learn everything you need to know about what kind of antenna will work best in regards to your location. That site helped me learn that all the major TV towers are within a 25 mile radius from me, with the majority of them being southwest of my house. This helped me choose an antenna with the appropriate range. If you are far away from TV towers, there is still hope! You can purchase a rooftop antenna to wire your whole house. Some people even have luck installing them in their attics if outside installation isn't possible. 

If you have an older, analog TV, you are going to need to buy a digital converter box in addition to an antenna. This will convert the signals from the antenna (which are digital) to analog so that your TV can use them. Converter boxes cost approximately $30 and come with their own remote, which you'll need to use to change the channel. If you have a newer, digital TV, then a converter box is unnecessary. Just plug the antenna straight into your television and you are good to go.

Flat antenna mounted behind the TV

RCA antenna that can be painted any color