Ashley Marcin's blog

10 Packed Lunch Ideas You'll Want to Steal From Your Kids

Getting everybody's lunch ready weekday mornings can be a real chore. Save time and money with these lunches enjoyed by kids and parents alike.

13 DIY Clothing Projects for Men

Upgrade a wardrobe and cut your clothing costs with these simple and stylish DIY menswear projects.

7 Online Workout Videos for Free or Cheap

If you can reach the Internet, you can get a great workout, led by an expert, for little or no cost. Try these channels that get your sweat on.

12 Unique Ways to Use School Supplies

If you went overboard stocking school supplies this year, don't fret. There's plenty of cool re-uses for your plethora of pencils and erasers.

10 Useful Items You Should Never Throw Out

The next time you're on a declutter rampage, give your toss pile a second thought. Some of that stuff can be put to good re-use.

7 Simple Ways to Get Motivated for Your Workout

Getting up the gumption may be the hardest part about about staying fit. Try these simple gumption getters the next time you need some.

10 Cheap Ways to Make Your Apartment Awesome (Without Losing Your Deposit)

Upgrade a drab apartment with some clever, frugal design ideas that won't leave a mark, so you can leave with your deposit.

9 Satisfying Stir-Fries in 20 Minutes or Less

The wok is a one-pot wonder — toss in the ingredients, stir, and in minutes you have a delicious dish. Try these recipes for a quick weeknight dinner.

How to Ensure You Get the Home Loan You Want

Ever since the real estate crash, mortgage lenders have tightened requirements. That means to get a loan, you have to be well prepared.

7 More Quick Tips and Tricks for Better Posture

Improve your posture with a few simple exercises, stretches, and habit changes.

5 Smart Ways to Save on Back-to-School Clothing

Back-to-school means lots of new clothes — and not just for kids. Whether shopping for students or former students, stick with a plan and save.

Make 15 Junk Food Favorites Healthier and Cheaper at Home

Junk food can be tough on both wallet and waistline. Maintain the health of both with these easy copycats of your favorite packaged foods.

You're Doing It Wrong: 6 Health and Fitness Rules That Have Changed

Health and fitness guidelines come and go almost as quickly as donuts become muffin tops. Get up to date on the latest health rules.

4 Workout Recovery Essentials for a Healthier Body

Get more out of your workouts — and feel less post workout pain — by following a simple post workout routine.

10 Things Healthy People DO NOT Have in Their Homes

Make your next decluttering campaign all about getting rid of the stuff that's making you sick — like all this stuff.

12 Delicious and Cheap Nut Butter Recipes to Make at Home

Peanut may still be the king of nut butters, but there are plenty of nutty new challengers — most of which you can make right at home, for cheap.

The 12 Herbs and Spices Every Pantry Should Have

Not sure what spices to stock in your pantry? These 12 herbs and spices cover most kitchen situations — whether cooking or baking.

How to Eat Well on Just $20 a Week (With Meal Plans!)

If you shop smart and keep your recipes simple and healthful, you really can eat for a whole week on just $20. Here's how.

10 Easy Pesto Recipes (And Only One Uses Basil!)

Go beyond basil with these 10 delicious pesto recipes that use everything from cilantro to beets!

Are You Smarter Than Your Sibling? (Your Birth Order Might Provide the Answer)

Who's smarter — older siblings or younger ones? It all depends on when you ask.