On The Cheap - mcall.com

Hit the graveyard trash to spruce up your garden

Spencer Soper — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:42:00 GMT

Discarded flowers are a cheap option for getting spring bulb plants and hardy mums.

Being a bona fide cheapster takes dedication, forcing folks to ask themselves just how far they are willing to go.

Mom will thank you for this useful gift

Spencer Soper — Sat, 11 May 2013 22:17:00 GMT

A sewing kit will help to get her out of a jam, and last longer than flowers.

Before we recently reconnected with Barbara Edelman in Emmaus to hear more about her Mother's Day herb gift idea, she offered something that really piqued our interest.

Give mom a little herb for Mother's Day

Spencer Soper — Sat, 04 May 2013 21:42:00 GMT

A potted plant lasts longer than flowers and will help mom to save.

Mother's Day is just a week away and people everywhere are struggling to think of the right gift. For the right price, of course.

Salvage discarded gardening supplies

Spencer Soper — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:08:00 GMT

A Bethlehem gardener finds tomato cages tossed in the trash.

We were glad to recently reconnect with Barry Donchez in Bethlehem, an inspiring guy who enjoys growing his own food without shelling out a lot of money on gardening supplies.

Don't trash that old fish tank

Spencer Soper — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 22:15:00 GMT

Turn it into a greenhouse and save.

When that sun peeks out, it's tempting to go do some work in the garden.

No budget? The show must go on

Spencer Soper — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 22:17:00 GMT

Trexler Middle School uses trash for props in musical.

Last month we told you all about Jaime Bloss, an art teacher at Governor Wolf Elementary School in Bethlehem who helps her students turn trash into treasures to help the school save on art supplies and inspire her students to be creative with whatever materials they have.

Cheapster unimpressed with oil sprayer

Spencer Soper — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 22:08:00 GMT

She says she's going to stick with the expensive variety that comes in a can.

We shared a great tip from Abby Weaver in Allentown last year who pours cooking oil into a plastic spray bottle to grease pans and casserole dishes rather than buying canned cooking spray.

Easter eggs forever

Spencer Soper — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 22:48:00 GMT

Saving them saves money and builds up memories.

Four years ago we introduced you to Jennie Spinozzi in Nazareth, who has been collecting an impressive assortment of hard-boiled, dyed Easter eggs since 1982. We especially love her egg that looks like Elvis.

Buy used threads when losing weight

Spencer Soper — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 22:15:00 GMT

Consignment shops can help dieters stay in style.

Joanne Jackson has lost 80 pounds over the past two years. That alone is an incredible accomplishment, and she looks great.

Trash becomes art at school

Spencer Soper — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 23:14:00 GMT

Governor Wolf Elementary students turn foam trays into Aztec-inspired masks.

We recently got a note from a school principal, but not the kind of letter you get worried about. It came from Jodi Sponchiado at Governor Wolf Elementary in Bethlehem.

Don't waste lipstick

Spencer Soper — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:32:00 GMT

A small cosmetic brush will help you use the whole tube and dig up big savings.

There was a lot of news last week about billionaires after Forbes magazine published its list of the world's wealthiest people, which included eight Pennsylvanians.

Make the dollar store the 50-cents store

Spencer Soper — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 00:58:00 GMT

The bargain basement is even cheaper when you use coupons.

What if we told you that something absolutely incredible — the inflation-fighting phenomenon known as the dollar store — could get even better.

Used tires can save a lot

Spencer Soper — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 01:03:00 GMT

They can cost one-third the price of new ones — but exercise caution.

A few months ago we had a tire blowout on the highway.

Empty lipstick tubes make great sewing kits

Spencer Soper — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 00:45:00 GMT

The Toilet Lady comes through with another great tip.

Today we want to pay tribute to someone we feel very fortunate to call a friend: Irene Zalutsky.

A great Valentine's Day date for $35

Spencer Soper — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:10:00 GMT

Women can play for half price at Buzzy's Billiards in Allentown.

This time of year we like to do some soul-searching to find our inner Cupid. He's hiding in there somewhere, sporting a washable diaper and carrying a bow made with an old guitar string.

How to make instant oatmeal

Spencer Soper — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 00:07:00 GMT

A convenient breakfast doesn't have to cost a bundle of money.

Margaret Buell, who teaches math at Parkland High School, had a probability question when she shared with us her tip about saving on oatmeal.

Skimp on tea, but not the flavor

Spencer Soper — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 23:25:00 GMT

Flavored beverage can give you more than just one cup.

Brrr.

Make your own flu remedy

Spencer Soper — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:00:00 GMT

Smoothies can help to keep kids nourished when they're sick.

Something special comes along this time of year to remind many of us about the joys of parenting.

Queen of Cheap crown goes to nickel coffee lady

Spencer Soper — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 00:22:00 GMT

Cup of joe tip earns the most votes in our annual On the Cheap contest.

We sure spent a lot of time last year discussing ways to save on coffee.

Five ways to save in 2013

Spencer Soper — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:35:00 GMT

Here are five easy ways to save in the new year.

We sure hope most of you are doing better with your New Year's resolutions than we are.

Pick this year's Queen of Cheap

By Spencer Soper — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 23:58:00 GMT

Cast your vote and let your voice be heard

Some of you are probably trying to figure out a way to heat the house with all of that wrapping paper and all of those credit card bills now that Christmas is over.

Drill into the savings

Spencer Soper — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 00:26:00 GMT

You can refill soap dispensers cheaply.

Diane Kovacs works in a hospital, so she knows all about preventing the spread of germs.

Buy a Christmas tree for a Lehigh Valley charity

Spencer Soper — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 23:50:00 GMT

Local organizations offer nice selections and a way to give back to the community.

If shopping for a Christmas tree is still on your to-do list, we've got a great tip for you.

Tomato plant cages make great Christmas decorations

Spencer Soper — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 04:10:00 GMT

String some Christmas lights on them and watch the neighbors go 'Ooh.'

Quick! Someone get the phone number for Mensa, that international group for really smart people.

Old campaign signs can bring a rosy future

Spencer Soper — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:58:00 GMT

The metal frames from the old posters can be used as stakes to hold in mulch around your rose bushes.

When Dan Snyder read the column about Rick Daugherty's cheap congressional bid, he had to share his own election-related tip.