Ali James

• Make expensive gifts for less with just a pinch of virtual inspiration Published 12/04/2011 at 6 p.m.

  How often have you seen a cute gift idea online and balked at the price? Particularly if you factor in the number of gifts on your never-ending holiday shopping list.

• Earning extra cash with direct sales made easier with social media, tech gadgets Published 11/13/2011 at 6 p.m.

  "Most of the parties that I do, about 80 or maybe even 90 percent, are all online parties," says Jessica Hunt, a Scentsy independent consultant. "People don't want 20, 30 or even 15 people in their homes. They would rather ...

• Ali James: Cut cable for cheaper options Published 10/16/2011 at 6 p.m.

  "When we were kids we could only watch cartoons on Saturday mornings," my husband told our two young children, only to be met with blank stares. "We were the remote control. We actually had to get up to change the ...

• Local students rely on high tech, low tech, no tech to say organized Published 08/29/2011 at 4 p.m.

  "Whenever I'm not organized my grades go down," admits Andrew Simpson, a junior at Carter High School. "In general, I lose assignments and notes and don't study as much."

• Choosing the right sport for your child is a family affair for local moms Published 08/05/2011 at 4 p.m.

  The weather may still be sweltering outside, yet Nicole and Tyler Farris are signed up and eager to play their respective fall sports.

• KnoxMoms.com: Mom repurposes found objects into idyllic backyard playspace Published 07/02/2011 at midnight

  A friend gave Ann Ely a copy of Rusty Keeler's "Natural Playscapes," and the local mom of two was instantly hooked. The book focuses on a new movement in children's outdoor play areas in which the entire space is filled ...

• KnoxMoms.com: 20 family activities that won't break the bank Published 06/04/2011 at midnight

  Your little rays of sunshine will love our picks of inexpensive, yet memorable, activities that will keep the whole family entertained all summer long.

• Knoxmoms find summer freebies, deals Published 05/23/2011 at midnight

  Just two more days and school is out for the summer. Stop the "Mom, I'm bored" refrain from driving you insane or making you broke with these affordable and free activities.

• KnoxMoms.com: Low cost celebrations big on fun for frugal mom Published 05/10/2011 at 5:23 p.m.

  Local mom Melissa Cox can throw a children's party for less than $50. According to Cox, mom to Easton, 6, and Makenlee, 4, all it takes is a bit of strategic planning.

• KnoxMoms.com: Corryton mom starts the party early Published 05/10/2011 at 5:22 p.m.

  Penny Harrell enjoys her children's birthday parties so much that as soon as one celebration is over she starts planning the next party - up to a year in advance.

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