Saving money doesn’t have to be painful. You can save $1000 in one year without even trying if you use the following plan, which combines an old trick (coin jar) with new methods (online banking) to make it easy and fun to save. Several strategies combine to save you money that you won’t even miss!

When chilly winter weather arrives, we tend to go into semi-hibernation, avoiding the outdoors and sticking to the warmth of our homes. What's the bright side to not being able to do your favorite outdoor activities? Winter offers up plenty of time to snuggle in and read a good book.

Before you dig into that latest bestseller or a read-it-20-times classic, you need to craft the perfect space to cozy up with your new book. Create the ultimate reading escape with these five easy steps.

Perhaps you own a serving tray that, except for the occasional party or breakfast in bed appearance, usually sees the inside of a cabinet most of the year. When not using that cute item on those one or two occasions, don’t shove it out of sight. You can easily vamp up your home décor with those pretty platters.

Serving trays often come in fun patterns, and in every shape and size. Whether you use quirky vintage versions or sustainable modern designs, you eco devotees, these four repurposing ideas using serving trays will have you wanting to serve up new décor all over your home.

A new year means out with the old and in with the new… calendar. For those of you who still prefer hard copy calendars to digital versions, what do you do with your favorite calendars when a new year rolls around? Do they get tossed in the recycling bin? Or maybe, like me, you stash them in a drawer somewhere—not willing to throw them away, but also not exactly sure what to do with them?

This year, try a new tactic you calendar hoarders. You can easily convert those out-of-date calendars into creative envelopes and cards to use for birthday cards, invitations and thank you notes throughout the year. Discover how to revamp your old calendars in four easy steps.

Okay, who’s willing to admit you asked for an iPhone 4S for the holidays even though there’s a perfectly fine iPhone 4 residing in your tote? We’re all guilty of coveting new technology this time of year... but make sure you recycle your old stuff. While recycling or finding homes for old iPods, phones and computers used to be a drag, it’s no longer so difficult, at all. A myriad of organizations, businesses and companies can help you find a place to recycle or re-purpose your electronic lifeline of yesteryear.

When you think of a vintage table setting what comes to mind? Frou-frou lace tablecloths and flamboyantly patterned dishes anyone? That’s the old school way to decorate vintage-style.

Vintage doesn’t need to be frilly or fussy. Incorporating select vintage elements (think classic silver candlesticks and eclectic tableware) into your holiday table setting can create a timeless tablescape that wows. Fancy up that family table vintage-style this year with a few decorating tricks.

Back when you were a kid, cookies and milk were de rigeur for Christmas Eve. Somewhere along the way, you developed a more sophisticated palate -- that is to say, you started boozing. Take a break from the brandy-laced nog, the mulled wine and the peppermint martinis with these traditional recipes that are suitable for kids and well-behaved adults alike.

Need a last-minute holiday tree? Any old books gathering dust around your home can supply you with the eco-makings for an adorable tabletop Christmas tree. Just make sure you use books that won’t leave you feeling guilty for ripping their pages out.

These four inspiring ideas will have you rethinking all of your future holiday trees. Ready to get crafty you bookworm?

I can usually describe the holidays in one word: BUSY. With divorced parents and stepfamilies that extend across five states, the holidays turn into marathons of food, forced merriment and kind-of-meaningless gifts. Still, as I've gotten older and (questionably) wiser, things seem to have quieted down a little. 

This year, we'll join tens of thousands of people who volunteer to share their joy during the holidays.

Holiday aromas are everywhere we go this season: in department stores, grocery stores, malls and especially craft stores. Pine, ginger, cinnamon, citrus and spice seem to fill the air this time of year, inviting us into that cozy spirit. Unfortunately, it often takes a load of artificial candles, sprays and chemicals to actually produce those intoxicating aromas. Instead, recreate holiday scents using all-natural ingredients. Here are four great DIY tips for making organic holiday scents for the house.