Looking for some great food ideas that are cheap and yummy?

Some of you will remember Mr Bargain Queen, my husband and occasional contributor to this blog. Among his many talents, he’s a fantastic cook.

Here’s some great food ideas he wrote some time ago, that you might’ve missed — they’re still delicious!

Here’s another reason to keep your receipts!

After-Christmas sales are in full swing as stores try to clear their inventory and get people to use those gift cards they received beneath the tree. Prices are dropping everywhere.

That’s good news if you’ve got some more shopping to do — and it’s great news for everyone who kept their receipts from Christmas shopping!

Here’s how to take advantage of the sales to get some money back.

…

Here’s a great idea from Angie at YouLookFab: save those cardboard wrapping paper rolls after you’ve used up the paper, cut them in half, and use them as boot shapers to keep your boots from getting bent out of shape! It’s an idea I’ve put to use in my favorite pair of boots and it works fabulously.

If you’ve already thrown away the rolls, or have more boots than rolls, then check out Angie’s post for more ideas…

Have you been told over and over again that “It’s the thought that counts”, but you still feel pressured to spend more on someone simply because you feel that they deserve something special? Sometimes it seems that “special” and “costly” are synonyms, but really that’s not the case.

As I shared in My gift shopping strategy, or why small gifts rock, I’m a big fan of gifts that don’t break the budget. If you’re still worried…

It’s Christmas day and you just found out that your aunt is coming to Christmas dinner at your mom’s, but you don’t have a gift for this unexpected guest. The stores are closed and it’s far too late to get anything shipped in time. What do you do?

First off, don’t panic. I’ve got some last-minute gift ideas to get you out of this jam.

I admit, I love the ’snooze’ button. If I have to choose between sleeping in or washing my hair, dirty hair it is.

Luckily, there’s no need to choose; dry shampoo is the answer:

Dry shampoo, the kind that comes in a spray, is a lifesaver for limp morning locks. These powder-based formulas help to soak up grease and usually add a pleasant scent while doing so. A quick spritz, a little fluff, and you’re good to…

Psst: If you’re still looking for a Halloween costume idea, you might enjoy this article from the BQ archives…

Halloween is just around the corner and if you’ve been into a costume shop recently, you know that store bought costumes do not come cheap.

Most costumes are only worn once or twice, giving them a very high cost-per-wear — and assuming that you get into the holiday spirit, you can expect to wear a different costume each…

The colloquial expression “s/he’s got class” is used to indicate that a person has intelligence and savoir faire. While some sociologists say that ‘class’ is largely determined by where and to whom you were born, ‘class’ in the popular sense is something we can all have.

The key to being classy, is to be the best you possibly can be: in your dress, but also in your speech, manners, knowledge and skills. It’s about making the…

Photo: Mars Infomage, flickr.com/marstheinfomage

The stock market has crashed, a world-wide recession is said to be starting — and cheap chic is the topic du jour:

• The Rocky Mountains News asked can cheap be chic?, but delivered an article on whether cheap shoes are comfortable. Disappointing, but then the article to match the headline can be written in a word: “Yes.”
• Forget the stock market, invest in a coat says The Telegraph (UK). (Via The Thoughtful Dresser.) I’ve justified more than a…

Does somebody you love still wear these? Do them a favor today and let them know:

I love you, but your jeans must go
They’re so short, they let their odd socks show

The waist is high, in the old-style manner
The thighs reminiscent of MC Hammer

The acid wash is carbon dated (said Buffy)
Did you know they make you look quite stuffy?

Time moves on and seasons change
But sometimes people stay just the same

Winter gives way to spring and moth,…