Click here to download a free Valentine’s Day cookbook–22 different dessert recipes to spice up the holiday

I love the free Favecraft books because they offer projects so simple that I can usually find the materials needed laying around the house.  Click here to download.

Because I feel you really can’t have enough desserts, here’s another excellent free cookbook from Mr. Food.  Click here.

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First, the crust…

Perfect Pie Crust Recipe

Method

1 Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor; pulse to mix. Add butter and pulse 6 to 8 times, until mixture resembles coarse meal, with pea size pieces of butter. Add ice water 1 Tbsp at a time, pulsing until mixture just begins to clump together.  If you pinch some of the crumbly dough and it holds together, it’s ready.   If the dough doesn’t hold together,  add a little more water and pulse again.  Note that too much water will make the crust tough.

2 Remove dough from machine and place in a mound on a clean surface.  If you want an extra flaky crust, shmoosh the dough mixture into the table top with the heel of the palm of your hand a few times. This will help flatten the butter into layers between the flour which will help the resulting crust be flaky. You can easily skip this step if you want. Gently shape the dough mixture into two disks. Work the dough just enough to form the disks, do not over-knead.  You should be able to see little bits of butter in the dough.  These small chunks of butter are what will allow the resulting crust to be flaky.  Sprinkle a little flour around the disks.  Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour, and up to 2 days.

Ingredients

            Directions

1.  Place cherries into a saucepan over medium heat, and cover the pan; heat cherries until they release their juice and come to a simmer, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir often.
2.  In a bowl, whisk the sugar with cornstarch until smooth; pour the mixture into the hot cherries and juice, and thoroughly combine. Return to low heat, bring to a simmer, and cook until the filling has thickened, about 2 minutes; remove from heat, let cool, and use as pie filling.

My pictures for the actual assembly of said Pop Pies decided to not to transfer, so here’s a picture of the finished product again…

Assembly

• Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out two crusts per pop.  Lay one shape flat, then gently press the pop stick on at the base.
• Add 1 tbsp of cherry filling–if you use too much it leaks out and looks like your Pie Pop is bleeding.
• Lay the top heart shape over the filling
• With a fork, gently press the edges together.
• Bake the pops for approximately 20 minutes–I baked four pops per cookie sheet.
• LET COOL for a good hour before removing from the pan or rack.
• Decorate as you like–I tied pink bows on the sticks.

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Thanks, Carla!

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Premium Business Cards from Vistaprint have more uses than just the traditional business contact card we think of!  Moms can use them to create blank cards with a simple titles like “Mom’s Clues” and use them for jotting down clues for fun activities or creating trivia contests for kids to keep occupied. Design a card with a pretty design and a blank backside and have your kids create their own memory game. They can draw 2 each of a variety of pictures, shuffle them, and flip them over 2 at a time to test their memory. We use these as family contact cards for play dates.  Right now you can get 250 premium cards for $10 including shipping!

Thanks, Deal Seeking Mom!

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Click Mr. Box above to download a free Valentine’s Day cookbook–22 different dessert recipes to spice up the holiday.

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I love “Food & Wine” magazine, but I’m all for a free option.  Click here to download a big pile of healthy food and wine recipes, and you’ll be subscribed to free daily updates with recipes, coupons and special offers.

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H&R Block Free Edition • This is for taxpayers with simple returns. For more information, go to HERE.

 

Turbo Tax Free Edition • Tax-prep software company Intuit offers this option, also for fairly simple returns. Go to HERE for details.

In-store at Walmart • Select locations nationwide are offering free preparation of simple tax forms through a partnership with H&R Block and Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service, good only on 1040EZ forms. For more information, go to HERE.

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Thanks, One Cheap Chick!

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Exercise & Fitness:

Get a free week’s pass to 24 Hour Fitness–I love this one because with my schedule, 3am might be my only chance to work out!  Click here toprint your pass and  find your closest location.

Curves has always been one of my favorite fitness options.  Just girls, incredibly supportive atmosphere, and you can print out a guest pass here that’ll only cost $10.00 to try them out.

Are you a “stay at home and do it on my own” sort?  The Biggest Loser has an amazing “Home Coach” program that you can try out for 2 weeks for a mere $1.95.  Click here to learn more.

Healthy Meal Plans & Recipes:

Sometimes just trying something new makes a diet bearable.  Click above to download Fave Diets–find some cheap new options–in both calories and cost.

Back to new and tasty–more low-calorie recipes from Mr. Food by clicking above.

Another free cookbook from Fave Diets–still low cal, but very quick to make.  Click above to download.

My girlfriend Patti subsisted almost entirely on Crystal Light during her diet.  Click the box above to order your own for free.

Remedy Life is one of the best companies for excellent freebies and a free magazine full of health and wellness inspiration.  Click the box above to sign up.

 Women Freebies is as simple as it sounds–free high-quality samples from name brands you like.  I included them because so far this month, I’ve received weight loss supplements, vitamins, an exercise band and some low-cal drinks.  Not bad, eh?  Click the box above to sign up.

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Need a little help kick-starting that fitness program?  Don’t we all, honey…  24 Fitness is offering a free week pass to try them out and see if it’s a good fit for you.  Click here to learn more.

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I know it can be infuritating to watch everyone else chow down on forbidden foods–but when you’re managing diabetes, there’s still options f0r yumminess.   Click here to order the new Diabetic Holiday Cookbook & Recipe Guide.  It’s free, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you can eat, rather than what you can’t.

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KMART

Is offering a free $5.00 gift card with any in-store or online purchase of at least $50. Go HERE for more information about this promotion, which is good through Saturday, Dec. 17.

Target

A free $10.00 gift card with the purchase of at least $75.00.  Go HERE for details of Target’s offer, which is good from 5 p.m. Friday through noon Saturday.

Aeropostale
Spend $100.00 receive a free $25 eCard (online only)

AMC Theatres
Get a $5 Concession Card for every $30.00 that you spend on AMC gift cards

Barnes and Noble
Buy $100.00 in gift cards, receive a $10 eGift Card free

Ben & Jerry’s
Get a free scoop of ice cream when you buy a $10.00 gift card

Benihana
Receive a $10 Promotional Card when you buy $50.00 worth of gift cards

Best Western
Earn a $10 gift card for every $100.00 Travel Card that you buy

Black Angus
Get $5 in Bonus Bucks for every $50.00 in gift cards that your purchase

Bonefish Grill
Buy $100.00 worth of gift cards, get a $20 bonus card

California Pizza Kitchen
Purchase $100.00 in gift cards, and receive a $20 Rewards Card

Carl’s Jr.
Get a free $6 burger when you purchase a $20.00 gift card

Carrabba’s
Purchase $100.00 in gift cards, get an extra $20 gift card

Cheeseburger in Paradise
Receive a $10 bonus card for every $50.00 in gift cards purchased

Children’s Place
Get a $10 ecard for every $40.00 ecard that you buy

Chipotle
Spend $30.00 on gift cards get a free burrito, bowl or, salad or order of tacos

Claim Jumper
Receive a $10 Reward Card for every $50.00 in gift cards that you buy

CVS
Get a $5 e-gift card for every $25.00 in e-gift cards that you buy. Can be used online or in store.

Famous Dave’s BBQ
Buy a $25.00 gift card, get a $5.00 rewards card. In store only

Dell
Get a $75 eCard for every $400.00 in eCards that you buy

ExxonMobil
Purchase $100.00 in gas cards, get a $10 gas card

Fleming’s Steak House
Get a free $20 gift card for every $100.00 gift card that you buy

Food City
Score $15.00 off your next purchase when you buy $150.00 in gift cards. Certain gift cards excluded

Fuddruckers
Receive a $5 gift card for every $25.00 in gift card purchases

Half Price Books
Get a $5 coupon when you buy a $25.00 gift card

Hardee’s
Get a free 1/4 lb Little Thickburger when you buy a $20.00 gift card

IHOP
Give a $25.00 gift card, and get $5 off your next visit

Jamba Juice
Buy a $25.00 gift card, get a free 16 oz. smoothie

Joe’s Crab Shack
Score $5 in Bonus Bucks for every $25.00 in gift cards that you buy

Lettuce
Get a $25 bonus certificate for every $100.00 in gift cards that you buy. Good at 40 restaurant brands

L.L.Bean
Place a $50.00 order, and get a free $10 gift card

Maggiano’s Little Italy
Spent $100.00 on gift cards, get a $20 Bonus card, plus a subscription to Food & Wine Magazine

Marriott
Buy $250.00 or more in gift cards, receive a free $50 Hertz gift card

Max and Erma’s
Get a $5 Bonus Holiday Card for every $25.00 in gift cards

Morton’s Steakhouse
Buy $500.00 in gift cards, get $100. Buy $300 in gift cards, get $50.00

Ninety Nine
Spend $25.00 on gift cards, and receive a $5 bonus card

Noodles & Company
Score a free Sandwich Duo with every $25.00 gift card purchase

Outback Steakhouse
Get a $20 bonus card for every $100.00 in gift cards purchased

Rafferty’s
Earn a $5 Bonus Card for every $25.00 gift card purchased

Red Robin
Get a $5 Bonus Buck for every $25.00 in gift cards purchased

Romano’s Macaroni Grille
Get a $5 bonus with every $25.00 gift card that you buy

Ruby Tuesday
Buy $50.00 in gift cards, get a $15 bonus coupon. Includes free shipping too!

Smokey Bones
Give $50.00 in gift cards, get $10 in Bonus Bucks

Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ
Receive $10 in Bonus Cards when you buy a $50.00 gift card

Steak and Shake
Buy $20.00 in gift cards, get a $5 certificate

Taco Bell
Get a free combo when you buy a $20 gift card

Ted’s Montana Grill
Buy four $25.00 gift cards, and get a bonus $20 gift card

T.G.I. Friday’s
Earn a $5 Bonus Bites card for every $25.00 in gift cards that you purchase

Tony Roma’s
Score $15 in RomaBucks for every $50.00 in gift cards purchased

Uno
Get a $5 bonus voucher for every $25.00 that you spend on gift cards

Vons
Get $15.00 off your next shopping trip, when you purchase $100.00 worth of qualifying gift cards.

Thanks for the help, One Cheap Chick!

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This one’s GREAT for new cooks–lots of excellent recipes with careful step-by-step instructions.  Click here to download.

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Friday 12.16:

Draper’s Christmas Festival runs through Saturday, Dec. 17 and includes entertainment, visits from Santa and other activities. Go here for details.

The Live Nativity Scene plays tonight at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City–over 4 dozen volunteers and here of sheep, goats, (even camels!) re-create the beautiful story from the Bible.  It takes about 30 minutes to walk through, so dress warmly.  The event runs Dec. 15-17, and Dec. 22-24.  Go here for more info.

 I LOVE this–see how trees are decorated all over the world in honor of Christmas with the “Trees of Diversity” show in West Valley City.  It’s fascinating to see how different cultures interpret the same Holiday.  Admission is free and the event runs through 12.29.  Go here for more info.

The Utah Figure Skating Club is staging their annual Christmas Extravaganza Ice Show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the South Davis Recreation Center in Bountiful. Tickets to the family-friendly show, which celebrates 60 years of figure skating in Utah, is only $3.00 per person, with free admission for children under 5 years of age. Go HERE for more information about the show.

Saturday 12.17: 

 The Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City is offering free admission on Saturday, Dec. 17. (Admission to the museum is always free the third Saturday of each month.) There’s also a free family-oriented art activity at 1 p.m. where children can make colorful pinwheels by experimenting with oil pastels and paper. For more information, go HERE.

 Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshop creates this cute wooden train today, the workshops start at 10am, and you’ll want to register for your closest location by going here.  (Print your registration and take it with you.)  The workshop, train and sometimes the apron and safety glasses are free.

Michael’s Arts & Crafts holds a free workshop for kiddos to make a poinsettia card, the classes run noon to 2pm, find your closest location here.  Sneaky inside tip: all their Christmas items are 70% off!  Click here for a 40% off one item coupon, and a 25% off your entire purchase coupon for frames.

Monday 12-19:

 The Miller family is offering its annual Christmas Carole Sing-Along on Monday, Dec. 19. This event is free and families are invited to sing along with an orchestra. Free parking and a holiday treat is provided, and prizes such as free tickets to a Bees game and coupons good at Megaplex Theatres, Miller Motorsports Park and Fanzz stores will be handed out while supplies last. Go HERE for details.  (Editor’s note: this event is emotional and very important to the Miller family since the passing of Larry, it gives them so much happiness to see everyone come together again.)

Thank you, THANK YOU to the most fabulous Frugalista ever, One Cheap Chick!

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Thanks, Lovely Little Snippets!

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Important points to consider:

• Be consistent: set aside an hour–or what you can spare–a day to work and take as many surveys as they offer you.  They’ll track who’s always participating and send you better options.
• Be realistic: you’re NOT going to get rich doing surveys.  But you can earn a helpful addition to the household budget  if you stick with it.
• Be accurate: pay attention to what they’re asking you.  Most companies utilize software that track inconsistent answers.
• I’ve checked all these companies with the Better Business Bureau, if you’re looking at one not on this list, check for complaints or non-payment before applying.

UPDATED LIST– there’s some new contenders that look really promising:

Consumer Advisory Group makes it simple to earn gift cards quickly, unlike some of the research groups I’ve struggled with.  Female?  Click here.  They’re short on male participants, so your chances of getting in are excellent, so click here.

 Become a member of our Fresh Ideas Panel!
Please share your thoughts with us on our product ideas and offerings.
By sharing your opinions with us you are eligible for monthly giveaways!

Click here to apply.

The NPD Group is a good one because they pay cash as well as gift cards.  My girlfriend tells me they have quite a frw monthly giveaways as well.  Click here to apply.

 Vindale Research is the industry leader–I’ve been trying to get on with them for over a year, but I’m apparently not that mysterious demographic they need.  My girlie Carmen has scored a pile of things from ice cream to hair product to review and keep.  Depending on what they need, you can earn from $5.00 to $75.00 per survey.  Click here.

Pinecone Research is my personal favorite–$3.00 for every survey.  They pay promptly, the products are fun, and they often send you the goods to try out!    They’re looking specifically for Spanish-speaking households.  Click here.

Inbox Dollars is another consistent earner–and they’ll kick in $5.00 for a signing bonus.  Click here.

Ipsos i-Say has a contest where new particpants can win a cash prize of $5,000.  With this company, you complete surveys for points: which you “spend” on items like tv’s, iPads, etc.  Click here.

With Valued Opinions, you can earn up to $5.00 per survey.  You then redeem your account value into gift cards to use.  Click here.

 
I’m very interested in Global Opinions–you’re taking surverys and using products already on the market to improve them.  One of my girlfriends just got her first check and confirmed it was DEFINITELY worth her while.  Click here.

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Wells Fargo
Number of jobs: 10,000+
Sample job titles: Tellers, personal bankers, customer service representatives, underwriters

Sears/Kmart
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Retail sales, repair technicians, store managers

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Financial advisers

ServiceMaster
Number of jobs: 1,100+
Sample job titles: Customer service representatives, residential and commercial sales, technicians, trainers, management positions

Chico’s FAS
Number of jobs: 1,000+
Sample job titles: Retail sales, corporate positions, some seasonal

Fresenius Medical Care North America
Number of jobs: 1,100
Sample job titles: Clinical managers, acute-care registered nurses

New York Life Insurance
Number of jobs: 500
Sample job titles: Sales, management

Tango Transport
Number of jobs: 400+
Sample job titles: Truck drivers

Thanks, MSN.com and CareerBuilders.com!

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Click here to see the YouTube tutorial, but the basics are these–scan a barcode (groceries, toys, clothes, anything.)  The Red Laser App with then scan the ENTIRE WORLD and give you a breakdown of price comparasions in other stores and online.   You can then decide if it’s worth it to drive to another store or hit the laptop.

Don’t you LOVE IT?  The app is free and available on iTunes…just click here.

Thank you Rachael, you are my Queen.

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I was noodling around on eBay the other day and actually saw this same DVD bid up to $25.25.  True story.  Why not just pick it up for free?  It’s a beautiful vacation planner from Disney Cruise Lines–full of discounts and sneaky inside tips.  Zachie and MacLean just liked watching it because it’s so well done.  Pick it up for free by clicking here.  PS: you think I should send this link to the lady who put the winning bid on eBay? 

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Thanks to AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films, children with special needs have a chance to enjoy new releases, too.  The sound is turned down, the lights do not go out completely, and no one’s going to screech “down in front!” if your little person wants to wander.  Up next is a special showing of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One” on November 30th.  Find your closest participating theatre here.

In December, look for a showing of the new “Muppet Movie” on Saturday, 12.3.  Find your closest location here.

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Gluten-Free Coupon Roundup:

$1/1 Food Should Taste Good product, $1/1 POM Wonderful product, $1/1 Idahoan product (should make for free potato packages), $0.85/1 Gluten Free Bisquick, $1/1 Udi’s Gluten Free Bread, $1/1 Rudi’s Gluten Free Bread, $0.75/1 Lundberg Brown Rice Pasta, $1/1 Schar product. See this post for a complete list of gluten-free coupons available.

Free Gluten-Free Ebook:

You can get a free copy of the Ebook, Easy Gluten Free Recipes From Around the World by Patricia Browne. You will need to subscribe to her site and confirm your subscription via email, at which time she will email you the link to the free ebook.

Free $10 Credit to Vitacost:

 You can get a completely free $10 credit to Vitacost to purchase gluten-free food when you sign up as a new customer. Shipping is $4.95. Plus, you will have the option of referring your own friends, and for each friend that signs up, you will receive a $10 credit. Vitacost sells many gluten-free brands, including Bob’s Red Mill, Tinkyada, Larabar, Arrowhead Mills, and many more, usually at least 25% off retail.

Udi’s Holiday Essentials Giveaway:

Udi’s is giving away 10 “Holiday Essentials Kits” every day on their blog through November 30. Simply answer the “Joy Mission Question” for the day, and you will be entered to win. You can enter once each day, Monday through Friday. The kits include gluten-free pizza crusts, sandwich bread, cookies, a reusable shopping bag, and a Gluten Freedom T-shirt!

Gluten-Free Deals From Amazon:

 You can purchase several different types of Heartland Gluten-Free Pasta from Amazon for as low as $2.12/package with free shipping. In addition, you can snag Rise Bars at $0.99 each shipped. And remember those GoPicnic meals last week? Now there’s a coupon to make the savings even better!

Surviving the Holidays Gluten-Free:

Emily from Our Frugal Happy Life has written a great post on surviving the holidays while eating gluten-free.

Thanks, Gluten Freely Frugal!

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I’m liking the Personalization Mall this week for two things:

1. I’ve a close friend who personalizes everything who just had twins.  Imagine all the things that must be stamped, sewn, embroidered or, like, branded with their initials!

2. The Personalization Mall already has a whole pile of Fall and Christmas decor on sale for as much as 65% off.  And personalization is free.  Click here to look around.

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Cuisine Routine

Sneaky inside tip: there is also a gluten-free menu plan you can download.

Thanks, Homemaking Expert!

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We already know I’m the slacker who’ll be sending out Holiday greeting cards in, like, March.  If you’re the sort who’d actually like to get them out while the tinsel is still on the tree, I have a killer offer for you from Vistaprint:

20 Holiday Cards, 140 Labels and 1 Engraved Pen for $4.99!  Get a head start on sending out holiday cards this year! Choose from over a thousand designs and personalize with your own holiday greetings. Then, create custom return address labels to make sending your cards a breeze. Interested in adding a handwritten message in some of your cards? Don’t forget to pick up your personalized engraved pen to make writing notes a breeze! Shipping not included.  Click here to get started, Vistaprint is extremely user-friendly.

Here’s what you’ll do: 

1. Select holiday card type on first page
2. Choose holiday card design from gallery
3. Go through all customizations
4. A page for free labels will show up in the order flow
5. Customize labels and continue to cart
6. In the cart, click the link at the top of the page to order the free engraved pen

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Thanks, One Cheap Chick!

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Okay, this is seriously the baby of Awesome and Fantastic.  Don’t you hate it when you buy something and it goes on sale the next week?  Most retailers will give you a refund on the difference–if you know about it.  Shop Sanity tracks your purchases and issues alerts on sales and refunds.  You’ll also have a system that holds all you recipts for returns and tracks your packages for you.   And it’s FREE.

And it’s FREE.  Is this not excellent? Click here to sign up.

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Thanks, Beth McHale!

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Thanks, Coupon Cravings!

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“Build it, don’t buy it” is our new mantra at the Collard household.  Store bought tombstones (the good ones) run between $20.00 and $45.00 apiece, and they’re small.  Let’s go:

Home supply store rigid foam insulation sheets to start–about 4×8 sized sheets are best.  They come in various thicknesses and cost $6-9.00 apiece.  If the tombstones are going against an exterior wall, you can go thin…if further down the lawn, I’d suggest a thicker sheet to stand up to the elements.   Each sheet should make around 6 tombstones.

Step one: draw your designs on the foam.  Go simple–you can add balls, evil cherubs, gargoyles and other fancy bits from the Dollar Store afterwards.  Cut out with a serrated knife.

Step two: “age” the stones by shaving edges, creating cracks, etc.

Step three: paint with LATEX primer (oil-based will eat the foam.)

Step four: you can now use spray paint (which will not eat the foam because of the latex primer you applied) to coat the stones.  Shade the edges and the cracks with darker gray or black to highlight the aging on the stone.  Now, you can put your friend’s names on the stones, and finish with spanish moss, vines, and leaves secured with a glue gun.

Step five: I attached a 2×4 on the back with adhesive (read the label to make sure it won’t eat the foam) and drilled holes for two or more large nails to drive the tombstones into the lawn.  The extra effort makes them sturdier and they’ll last several years.

You can do it–and I can help!  Todd

(Editor’s note: if you end up doing this project, The Todd will show you how to turn your front yard into a full graveyard for a Halloween night photo-op later this month!)

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Thanks, One Cheap Chick!

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