Fun and Easy Ways to Go Green

Earth Day 2013 is less than a week away.  How are you planning to celebrate? Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of green to go green.  All you need is a little time and some motivation to recycle what you already own.  By repurposing materials you would otherwise toss in the trash, you are not only saving money and showing your kids simple ways to save the planet, but you’re also giving them an outlet to showcase their creative energy. Placemats:  Rather than spend cash on everyday placemats, consider making your own with poster board, old magazines and … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day Sales, Coupons, and Freebies

Valentine’s Day isn’t too far away. Do you have everything you need? If not, then you may want to check out these special Valentine’s Day sales, deals, coupons, and freebies. If Valentine’s Day is your very favorite holiday, then this is the blog for you! Quizno’s has a coupon for a free cookie. There is no purchase necessary. Just visit Quizno’s on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2013, and use the coupon. Yankee Candle has a limited edition Valentine’s Day candle. Get a True Rose Jar Candle or True Rose Tumbler Candler (and Hearts Jar Candle Holder) for $34.99. These are … Continue reading

A Very Frugal Christmas Part IV

  Once the layers of chocolate were set but before they were hard snap set, I cut the big slab of peppermint into two by two inch pieces.  Gathering up all the candy tins that I had saved or found on clearance over the last year, I started filling the tins with both peanut brittle and peppermint bark to give as gifts to brothers, sisters, and our parents (the grandparents).   Two hand crocheted cotton washcloths accompanied each tin of candy and the parents (grandparents) also received an updated family photo that my husband and I took ourselves to save money … Continue reading

Target Markdown Schedule for Christmas

Take advantage of the Target markdown schedule for after Christmas deals. The day after Christmas, Target will generally mark it’s seasonal merchandise down to 30 percent off, which is great if there was something that you want to make sure that you don’t miss. Some items go quickly, such as Christmas trees and decorations for the yard. This bigger ticket items may be worth getting right now, with the new discount. Other items may be worth waiting for until the discounts go to 50 percent, generally five to seven days after Christmas. Get ready to grab light strings and gift … Continue reading

After Holiday Sales at Barnes & Noble, Target, Michaels, and More!

Did Santa forget to bring you a gift that you had your heart set on this Christmas? Was your Christmas tree a few decorations shy from being as stunning as you hoped for? Did the Christmas lights burn out? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes” then it is definitely time to shop some After Christmas Sales. Here’s a few that are happening right now! Target is having a “Year End Clearance” sale. Items in this clearance will be up to 65% off. As with all clearance sales, you might find different products at individual stores. You … Continue reading

Christmas Break Boredom Busters

Today is the last day of school for many kids in our area.  Their Christmas break begins this afternoon and I’m sure they couldn’t be happier.  Their parents, on the other hand, may not share the same feeling. A week from now those same kids may be climbing the walls looking for ways to keep busy.  If you fear boredom will get the best of your brood before Santa flies into town, consider putting your kids to work making these simple and inexpensive holiday decorations that you can use to brighten up your home or give as gifts: Pretty Presents:  … Continue reading

Barnes & Noble has 8 Huge Holiday Sales!

Barnes & Noble is having not one, not two, but 8 “Huge Holiday Sales”! Now is a great time to shop for gifts for the readers in your family. There’s sales on books, toys, Christmas cards, and gift items. Sale number 1: Buy 2 Toys & Games, Get the 3rd Free Choose from a total of 2,513 toys and games. When you purchase 3 or more eligible toys and games you will get the one that is the least expensive for free. This offer is valid through December 17, 2012. The website might have more choices than your local Barnes … Continue reading

Old-Fashioned Holiday Fun

“Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money.”- Unknown Buy, buy, buy.  Spend, spend, spend.  These days it seems the holidays are more about spending money than bonding with loved ones.  I suppose you could bond over how much you’ve spent on each other, but wouldn’t you rather save your cash and share the richness of laughter and warm embraces? Instead of going into debt trying to prove how much you love your favorite family members and friends, consider spending time with each other having fun with these holiday-themed activities: … Continue reading

Upcycle Your Holidays

If your home is already crammed to the gills with “stuff,” the prospect of adding even more items during the holiday season can make your skin crawl. One way to alleviate this uncomfortable feeling and save money at the same time is to learn the fine art of upcycling.  Pinterest has made a fortune from the fad, so there’s no reason you can’t benefit as well. Before heading to the mall to drain your wallet on expensive Christmas-themed paraphernalia, gather your kids and take a tour of your home.  Look for items that can transformed into amazing holiday presents and … Continue reading

Finding the True Meaning of Christmas

My 8-year-old has a severe case of the Christmas gimmies.  Unfortunately, I have myself to blame for her very unmerry malady. Whereas I am by no means showering the kid with pre-holiday presents, I haven’t been doing a very good job focusing on the “reason for the season” either. I’ve been swept into the chaotic tsunami that is the month of December.  Gifts to buy, wrap and mail; cookies to bake, decorate and distribute; cards to take photos for, write and stamp; and the list goes on and on. As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the … Continue reading