Easter Events in Altoona PA: Fun for the Whole Family!

Looking for something fun to do this Easter weekend? Altoona, PA area is home to a variety of Easter Sunday events that are perfect for the whole family! From easter egg hunts and parades to concerts and magic shows, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Easter Egg Hunt at Lakemont Park

What's better than an Easter Egg hunt? How about some family-friendly activities on the 16th of April at Lakemont Park! Join Central Blair Recreation Commission for their annual event, where you can get your photo with The Bunny starting at 10 am. Rides through town are $3 per person so grab friends or loved ones—or even strangers if they seem friendly enough!--and go have fun together while enjoying this free outdoors activity

Community Easter Egg Hunt at Talleyrand Park

Come out and join us for an exciting day of egg hunting on April 16th at Tallyrand Park! There will be three different age groups, so there's no need to register or pay--just show up ready with your kids between the ages of 12-15 years old. We're looking forward to seeing you all this Saturday morning from 10 am until 2 pm when we can hunt together as one community.

15th Annual Bunny Blitz 5K Trail Run & Walk

The Bunny Blitz is back for another year of fun! This 5K walk/run takes place at the Harpster Ballfield on Ball Field Rd., Pennsylvania Furnace, PA 16865. The race starts with registered pre-race participants who are waiting to launch their journey around 9:00 AM while everyone else gets going by 10 AM sharp so they can be ready when it's time to cross that finish line after breaking some sweat in our beautiful valley!

Easter Egg Hunt at Logan Valley Mall

The hunt is on! Invite your little ones to take part in the Easter Egg Hunt at Logan Valley Mall. From March 18th until April 17, they can head out with you and search for those eggs hidden all over store windows as well as common areas like bathrooms or inside food courts where no one would think of putting them.

Fun Stay at Home Easter Celebrations

  • Decorate eggs

  • Easter Egg hunt in the house

  • Make homemade Easter baskets

There are plenty of other great Easter events happening in Altoona PA this weekend. For a complete list of events, be sure to check out the Altoona PA Visitor's website. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the Easter weekend!




10 Tax Prep Tips to Make the Process Easy and Stress-Free

Tax season can be a stressful time for many people. But it doesn't have to be! With the right tips and tools, you can make the process easy and stress-free. In this blog post, we will provide you with a tax prep checklist to help make tax season a breeze.


- Start early: The earlier you start preparing for tax season, the easier it will be. Begin by gathering all of your relevant documents and information. This will help you avoid last minute stress and scrambling to get everything together.

- Use a checklist: A tax prep checklist can be helpful in ensuring that you don't forget any important steps. It can also help you stay organized and on track throughout the process.

- Gather your documents: In order to file your taxes, you will need to have a number of documents handy. These include your W-­‐two form, income statements (such as bank statements and investment account information), receipts for deductible expenses, and proof of any tax credits or deductions you are claiming.

- Use a tax preparer: If you don't feel comfortable preparing your own taxes, consider using a tax preparer. Tax preparers can help make the process easier and less stressful. They can also offer advice on how to reduce your tax bill and avoid common mistakes.

- Check for errors: Once your return has been prepared, be sure to check it over for errors. This includes reviewing all of your information and ensuring that it is correct and accurate. If you find any errors, be sure to corrected them before filing your return.

- File electronically: Filing your taxes electronically can save you time and money. It's also more secure than mailing in paper returns.

- File on time: Tax returns must be filed by April 15th each year. If you miss the deadline, you will incur penalties and interest charges.

- Get organized: Organization is key when it comes to tax season. Keep all of your documents and information in one place so that you can easily access it when needed. This will help minimize stress and make the process simpler overall.

By following these tips, you can make tax season a breeze! So get started today and enjoy a less stressful tax season this year.

**Full Disclosure: I am not a tax preparer or financial consultant of any kind.

Spring Cleaning Tips: How to Organize and Declutter Your Home

Spring is a time for new beginnings. It's a time to clean out the old clutter and make way for new beginnings! If you're looking to get your home organized and decluttered, then you've come to the right place!

Spring Cleaning Checklist

First and foremost, make a plan! This is probably the most important step in getting your home organized. You need to know what you're going to do and where you're going to start. Once you have a plan, it will be much easier to get started and stay on track.

If you're not sure where to begin, start by decluttering one room at a time. This can feel overwhelming, but it's definitely doable if you take it one step at a time. Tackle one room at a time and give yourself plenty of time to get the job done. I recommend creating four piles: keep, donate, sell, or trash.

Another great way to organize your home is to create designated zones for each activity. For example, have a specific spot for your mail, another area for toys, and so on. This will help keep everything organized and easy to find.

Don't procrastinate! The longer you wait to tackle that mess in the corner or clean out those closets, the harder it will be.

Cleaning Products Checklist

When it comes to spring cleaning, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference. Here are some must-haves that will help you get the job done quickly and easily:

- A good vacuum cleaner: This is essential for getting rid of dust and dirt. Make sure you have a model that's suitable for your needs. My favorite is the Bissell Cleanview Rewind. This vacuum cleaner is AMAZING if you have dogs! My pups are short haired but this thing picks up ever little strand!

- A dust mop or duster: These are great for getting into those hard-to-reach places. I love to use my Swiffer after I vacuum and I follow that up with a good ole fashioned wipe down with my O-Cedar mop. This winning combo deep clean leaves my floors squeaky clean!

- A good all-purpose cleaner: This will come in handy for cleaning just about everything.

- A window cleaner: Keep your windows looking shiny and new with this handy tool.

- Furniture polish: Give your furniture a fresh coat of polish for a polished look.

- Carpet cleaner: If you have carpets, it's important to have a good carpet cleaner on hand. This will help get rid of any stains or dirt that's been ground into the fibers.

When it comes to spring cleaning, there are a few essentials that you'll want to have on hand. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, essential oils, and microfiber cloths are some of my favorites! These items can help you clean just about everything in your home.

For more spring cleaning tips, check out our other blog posts! We have plenty of helpful advice that will make getting your home organized a breeze. Happy spring cleaning! :)

Cool Car Gadgets You Need for Your Vehicle

If you're like most people, you spend a lot of time in your car. Whether you're driving to and from work or taking road trips, your car is an important part of your life. That's why it's important to have the right gadgets and accessories to make your time in the car more enjoyable. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the coolest car gadgets on Amazon that you need for your vehicle!

One of the coolest car gadgets on Amazon is the Portable Car Jump Starter. This device is perfect for emergencies, and it can jump start your car up to 20 times on a single charge! If you're ever stranded on the side of the road, this gadget will be a lifesaver.

The Cleaning Gel is the perfect solution for those hard-to reach spaces. This product can be used on car air vents, steering wheels and consoles as well!

Another must-have for your car is the Car Phone Holder. This holder attaches to your car's air vent and holds your phone in place so you can use it as a GPS or for hands-free calling. It's a great way to keep your phone safe and within reach while you're driving.

So what are you waiting for? Add these cool car gadgets to your Amazon shopping list today!

LEOPARD PRINT CAR COASTER

Like riding in style? Frugal Fashionista offers an array of car cup coasters perfect for keeping your cup holders so fresh and so clean clean.

Ideas for Leftover Valentine's Day Chocolates

Valentine's Day is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. People spend a lot of money on their loved ones, and as such, they might have excess chocolate. If you receive some chocolates from somebody special during Valentine's Day and don't want to eat them all yourself, here are some ideas for leftover valentine's day chocolate:

Share with Family & Friends!

Leftover valentine's day chocolate can be shared with family members or friends who didn't get any chocolates that year. You can give them out as small gifts or just hand them out to neighbors or people who pass by your house.

Donate it!

Leftover valentine's day chocolate can be donated to local food banks or shelters, which will gladly take care of them for you. You know the chocolates are going to people in need and won't just be thrown away when you give them away.

Use it in a Recipe!

Leftover valentine's day chocolate can be used as an ingredient in other recipes. There are tons of web pages that offer delicious recipes that use chocolate, so experiment until you find something yummy!


In conclusion, leftover valentine's day chocolate can always find a purpose! If you want to get rid of it fast, just give it to somebody else who might want or need valentines day chocolates. If you're going to eat them all yourself anyways, try using leftovers for other recipes. Otherwise, don't be afraid to donate valentine's day chocolates for a good cause.

The 10 Best Valentine's Day Date Ideas

February 14th is just around the corner, and if you're looking for Valentine's day date ideas for your significant other this Valentine's, we've got you covered! Here are 10 of our favorite ideas that will be sure to impress.

Top Ten Ideas for Valentine's Day

Fancy Dinner

Looking to melt your significant other's heart? Enjoy a romantic dinner at your favorite Italian restaurant. Italian food is incredibly romantic, and what could be more perfect than sharing a delicious meal with your loved one?

Botanical Gardens

Take a relaxing stroll through a botanical garden. Botanical gardens are often bursting with color and life, making for the perfect backdrop for a relaxed date afternoon.

Valentine's Date Night

Sip on some wine at the local vineyard!

Wine Tasting If you're living near a winery, consider visiting for a tour and tasting experience. It's fun to learn about the art of making wine together, and what better way to do that than by sipping on different types while learning directly from the source?

Chocolates Anyone?

Indulge in some decadent chocolate together. Chocolate is always a winner when it comes to romance, so why not indulge in some of the best together? The Frugal Fashionista adores Peanut Butter Meltaways from Garnders Candy in Huntington, PA. These melt in your mouth original chocolates filled with peanut butter are absolutely to die for. Caution! You might eat them all! They are offering free shipping right now on any order over $75!

Valentine's Date Night

Live Performances

Get tickets to see your favorite band or orchestra perform live. Nothing says "I love you" like shared interests, and there's nothing quite like a live performance to get the heart racing.

Stargaze

Stargaze together on a clear night. What could be more romantic than looking up at the starry sky and sharing your thoughts and dreams with the person you love?

Valentine's Date Night

Plan a Picnic

Plan a picnic in your favorite spot. A picnic is always a great way to spend time outdoors surrounded by nature – perfect for couples who love spending time together. Take a bike ride to your picnic destination to add more spice!

Day Vacay

Take a day trip to explore somewhere new. If you're looking for an excuse to travel, Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity! There's no need to go far – any new place nearby will do.

Valentine's Date Night

Room for Two

Book a hotel room, order room service and enjoy some quality alone time. Sometimes all you need is some quality time alone with your partner to feel loved and appreciated.

Dinner Date Night In

Cook a delicious meal together. Cooking is a great way to show someone how much you care, and what could be more romantic than cooking a special meal together? Make dinner date night even better by also making it a movie night! My ultimate go-to is the Harry Potter series.

Valentine's Date Night

Spa Day

Spice things up by going for a luxurious spa day. A relaxing day at the spa is always a winner when it comes to romance – perfect for couples who love being pampered.

We hope that one of these date ideas sparks your imagination and helps you create a truly memorable Valentine's Day this year! No matter what you choose to do, we wish you all the happiness in the world. Happy Valentine's Day!

Tips for Keeping Your Home in Tip Top Shape

Do you want to know how to keep your home in tip-top shape? There are many home maintenance tasks that need to be taken care of on a regular basis. We will discuss the most common home repairs and home maintenance tasks that need to be done regularly. This way, your home can stay in great condition!

Sinks

One of the most common home repairs that are needed in the kitchen is fixing leaks. A leaky faucet can waste a lot of water, so it is important to fix it as soon as possible. Another common kitchen repair is replacing a broken light switch. If you have a dark kitchen, then installing some more light fixtures can be helpful too.


Windows

Another of the most common home repairs in the bedroom is repairing a broken window. If you have a broken window, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Getting a replacement window ensures the safety and also can help lower your gas and electric bills! Look for more Energy Efficient.

Home Improvement


Outside

One of the most common home repairs that are needed outside of the home is sprucing up the decor and ensuring all entryways are clear of debris. This includes the trim, the porch, and the driveway. Making sure that all of these areas are clean will help your home look nicer and also be safer for guests.

Checking Your Air Filters

If you don't change the air filter regularly, it can cause the HVAC system to work harder than necessary and increase your energy bills. Be sure to also clean the coils on the outside of your HVAC unit at least once a year.

One of the most common home maintenance tasks is changing air filters in heating systems like furnaces and heat pumps. This prevents dust from circulating through your home which can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma for those who suffer from breathing problems. Another commonly neglected home maintenance task that must be done regularly is cleaning dryer vents on gas or electric clothes dryers. Lint build-ups create fires so make sure this gets cleaned out at least once a year!

Entryways

Home Improvement

Another often overlooked home maintenance task is checking caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows. If these are not in good condition, cold air can seep into your home in the winter, making your heating bill skyrocket. Be sure to check these areas every few months and replace them as needed.


These are just a few home repairs and home maintenance tasks that need to be done regularly to keep your home in good condition. Comment below if you would like more home maintenance tips!

Pennsylvania Gardening Tips: Top Ways to Grow Your Garden

The days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up – it's finally springtime! For gardeners in Pennsylvania, that means it's time to start planting. There are many different ways to grow a garden, so we've put together a list of our favorite gardening tips for Pennsylvania. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, these tips will help you be garden-ready this year!

Don't worry if you think gardening is difficult. There's no right or wrong way to do it! You may cultivate anything from a modest window garden to a sizable raised bed in your backyard. It just depends on what kind of space you have available, how much time and energy want to spend gardening and where your interests lie.

At Home Gardening

Getting Started

Start small with an easy-to-grow plant like tomatoes or peppers, then add in more challenging vegetables as you gain experience over time! If gardening isn't for you, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy springtime without planting anything at all – just get outside and enjoy the fresh air! If you're new to gardening, planting a new garden may seem like a daunting task. But don't worry – it's pretty easy! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Create a spring gardening checklist!

  • Choose a sunny spot in your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.

  • Plan ahead! Layout your garden ahead of time so you know what you'll be planting and where.

  • Plant seeds in rows or clumps of three to five plants for easy harvesting later on down the line.

  • Use mulch around newly planted seedlings to help protect them from frost damage until they're fully established this springtime gardening season!

Flower beds and gardening paths are the perfect way to add beauty as well as functionality to your yard. They're also great for people who have limited space but still want something beautiful! Just remember that these areas need regular maintenance too – it's not just about planting flowers once or twice per year anymore, so make sure you know what kind of gardening you're getting into before starting one yourself.

Keeping Your Garden Insect Free!

Bugs can be a real problem for the gardener, especially in Pennsylvania where springtime gardening is popular. This is because insects are attracted to warm weather and will start laying eggs as soon as it arrives, which means they'll often take over your plant's leaves before they've had a chance to grow.

One way to help prevent this is by using an organic gardening method like companion planting. This involves grouping plants together that have natural properties that either repel or attract insects, so you can have a garden full of beautiful flowers while keeping the bugs at bay!

Companion planting also helps improve soil health and assists in the growth of your plants. Some good combinations to try include:

- Basil and tomatoes: The strong smell of basil repels tomato pests like whiteflies.

- Nasturtiums and cabbage: Cabbage pests are repelled by the peppery taste of nasturtiums.

- Marigolds and aphids: Aphids hate the smell of marigolds, so planting them near other

- Carrots and onions

- Beans and corn

- Radishes and lettuce

If you are looking for a gardening project that will last all season long, why not try building a raised bed? These are perfect for people who have limited space or want to garden in an area that doesn't get a lot of sunlight. You can buy or build your own raised bed, and then fill it with a variety of soil amendments to create the perfect conditions for gardening.

Just make sure you're careful when planting near trees – their root systems can often compete with nearby plants for water and nutrients. And if you're not sure what type of gardening you want to do, try starting small by planting some vegetables (like tomatoes) in pots before expanding into larger beds!

If gardening isn't your thing but you still want to enjoy springtime outdoors, why not start a garden club? This is the perfect way for people who love gardening without all of the work involved with it to get together and share tips, ideas, and even plants! There are gardening clubs all over the state of Pennsylvania, so there's sure to be one near you. So what are you waiting for? Get gardening!

DIY Fabric Softener Recipe - How to Save Money on Your Laundry

DIY Fabric Softener Recipe - How to Save Money on Your Laundry

By Hannah Hauser

Ever read your receipt after a big shopping trip and wonder at how much of your hard-earned money you just spent on seemingly nothing special? This happens to me all the time - I mean, really, how can a few shopping bags cost so much?! It’s crazy how prices continue to rise, but last time I checked, my paychecks weren’t getting any bigger. So I started looking at some of the things I bought to see where I could cut back a little bit and save some money, and I found out I can make my own DIY fabric softener for half the cost with only three ingredients!

Why You Should Be Making Fabric Softener Now

Let me start by saying that for YEARS, I did laundry just fine without using any fabric softener at all. My husband was the one who first suggested making a change, and I’ll be honest - I was reluctant. I had been washing my own things since high school, thank you, and as a true creature of habit, I just didn’t feel like changing up my laundry routine. 

I was comfortable with buying whatever detergent was on sale, throwing all my laundry in the wash (sorting be damned), and measuring out an approximate capful of detergent. Dump it in, hit start and forget it until the washer sounds the come-get-your-shit-it’s-clean alarm. Throw it in the dryer with a dryer sheet or two and leave it there for…. days? We won’t get into that.

So the idea of adding fabric softener to my lazy yet mostly effective routine just sounded incredibly… domestic. I somehow imagined fabric softener as laundering on a whole new level: I was afraid of turning into a Laundry Connoisseur. 

You probably know one - that person who ALWAYS separates whites and colors and actually uses different spin cycles for different items. They know what temperatures to run, and what Borax is (HINT: it’s not that comedy you watched once). They are the person you call frantically when you get a stain on your favorite shirt because they will be able to tell you - drawing from some sort of 1950s domestic housewife gene - exactly how to treat it, and you do the thing and breathe a sigh of relief because It. Always. Works. 

So despite my fears of becoming more domestic, I decided to give fabric softener a try. I picked one with the nicest sounding scent and added it to a load of towels.

I wish I could tell you there was a night-and-day difference when I smelled them after drying. But I really didn’t notice anything special with that first load - except that they didn’t smell old or musty. That was enough for me to keep using it, and the more I used fabric softener on my laundry, the more I began to notice a difference in the overall softer feel and slight scent boost in my things.

Now I’ve become accustomed to using fabric softener along with my regular laundry detergent. My new problem was that my preferred fabric softener (Gain Moonlight Breeze) was EXPENSIVE! Like, unsustainably so. Not good when you’re trying to pinch pennies wherever you can.

So my husband and I decided to try making our own fabric softener. Turns out there are tons of recipes out there, and we took bits and pieces from several to make our own. This version only uses 3 ingredients and takes about 2 minutes to mix up. This recipe makes about 96 ounces.


DIY 3-Ingredient Fabric Softener Recipe

pic1.jpg

1 15 oz bottle of conditioner

3 cups distilled white vinegar

6 cups water


You’ll also need:

A large mixing bowl

A whisk

A funnel

A 96 oz jug or storage container

1. Combine the conditioner and vinegar together in the mixing bowl. 

2. Whisk together to avoid fizzing and to better break down the mixture. Whisk until well-blended - there should not be big chunks of conditioner. 

3. Add the water to the mixture, stir, and pour via funnel into the storage container. 

Mixing the ingredients
pic3.jpg
Pour mixture into bottle
Boom!  It's done.  Simple

I use an old Gain fabric softener or vinegar bottle to store it. You’ll want something with a lid so you can periodically shake the fabric softener just to keep it mixed well. I usually shake it every 1-2 loads to keep it fresh. After shaking, it’ll be mildly fizzy but that is normal.

I use one capful or approx. ⅓ measuring cup per full load of laundry. Experiment with the right amount for you - it may vary depending on your water, machine or laundry load.

Homemade for Half the Price

That’s it folks! Talk about going domestic - I’m all about it now! And it saves me money! Here is the cost breakdown:

Vinegar = $2.69 for Great Value brand (large jug)

Conditioner = $1.06 for Suave Essentials conditioner (strawberry is my current favorite!)

So for less than $4.00, I can make the same amount of fabric softener when I used to pay $8-10 or more for the name brand stuff. Half the price?! Yes, please!

Try out this fabric softener recipe and let us know how you like it! Or if you have other money-saving tips or laundry recipes to share, leave us a comment below! 




DIY After Shower Spray Recipe

When I say that I’ve tried everything, I mean I have tried nearly every cleaning solution out there, in an attempt to keep our shower clean. Now I know our shower is actually clean. It has to be after the hardcore scrubbing I do every single week. However it’s a pet peeve of mine to see stains in our shower stall. I CAN’T STAND IT! We don’t get many visitors, but I have a huge fear of anyone taking a glimpse inside our shower and thinking it’s a dirty mess.

I currently make my own bathroom cleaner which I’m happy with, but in the week that passes between each deep cleaning, orange stains develop and they are very difficult to remove. In the past I’ve tried a few different store bought sprays to use right after you get out of the shower, and they haven’t really made any difference. I’ve decided to make my own and give the after shower spray another try. I’m crossing my fingers that it will make my weekly cleaning a little easier.

At this point I’ve been using the spray for nearly a week. Before providing a complete review I’d like to use the spray awhile longer, and then update with a more detailed review. For now I’ll give you guys my recipe.

DIY After Shower Spray Recipe

  • 1 1/2 Cups Water

  • 1 Cup White Vinegar

  • 1/2 Cup Rubbing Alcohol

  • 1 teaspoon Liquid Dish Soap (I always use the blue Dawn dish soap for my cleaning recipes)

  • 15 Drops Essential Oil (Use oil of your choice . Lemon is a good one. I didn’t have lemon for this batch so I used Eucalyptus)

  • Spray Bottle

After Shower Spray Ingredients

After Shower Spray Ingredients

As far as making this spray it’s very simple. Just find a spray bottle and dump all the ingredients in. I didn’t have an extra bottle around, so I grabbed one for $0.97 at Walmart. In my local store I found it near the garden supplies. Also note that the essential oil is not required. I added it to my recipe as I was shooting for a more desirable smell. I don’t care much for the smell of vinegar and adding an essential oil really helps. Using the spray is simple. When you get out of the shower simply mist this through the shower. I hit the problem areas a little more. I couldn’t resist making my own decal to put on the bottle. If you need one email me and I’ll be happy to make one for you. :)

Here’s the finished product!  DIY After Shower Spray

Here’s the finished product! DIY After Shower Spray

If you like this recipe please be sure to click the little heart, comment below and share with your friends and family.