Fun and Functional Gifts

We talked about doing some different types of wrapping or containers for gifts - now let's talk about some fun and functional gifts that are a bit different.
I don't like doing what everyone else is doing.  I want to give that one gift that keeps on giving and the one that they will be talking about or thinking of us when they see/use it.
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I love getting anything home crafted.  It could be a scarf, hat, lap throw, pretty kitchen towel, canned goods, bath salts, hand scrub - ANYTHING that someone takes the time to make is special.

Think about putting together baskets/bags of things everyone uses or needs.
Items can be cleaning products - homemade or store bought.  Goodies to snack on.  Adult themed baskets.  Poker night baskets.  Game night baskets.  Snuggle & read baskets.

Cleaning pack - I would enjoy (some may not).  New home owner, newly married, college student..

 

Movie night snacks

 

                             Adult night entertainment - poker party, adult game night, etc.

Think about getting inexpensive books (2nd hand, dollar stores) and an inexpensive throw.  Good for a reader.
Books, candle, and hot chocolate mix.
A nice mug, a packet of hot chocolate mix and some fuzzy socks (all stuck in the cup)
Get a pretty thrift tea cup and a box or two of fancy tea bags & a small bottle of honey
Card games and some snacks
Board game/puzzle for the family
Kleenex, chicken soup mix, cough drops, cold meds
A basket filled with different jar mixes (homemade)

Do you have someone who spends a lot of time baking or in the kitchen.  Go cooking/baking themed.

Baking items - cookie/cupcake decorating.  How about an ice cream sundae topping basket?

Fun for the baker.

Vintage accessories

There is just no end to fun and different ideas.  Think about the receiver, and what they enjoy doing and HAVE FUN and  BE CREATIVE.

Know a prepper?  Maybe some jar mixes of different goodies.  Heirloom garden seeds to put back for the future.  A box of shells for hunting.  Jerky seasonings.  Tarps, plastic rainwear, anything camo.  Insulated socks.  Hand warmers.  Life straws, etc.

CALENDARS - would be great for the busy Mom, college students,  co-workers, etc.  I know many people keep track of things with their 'devices' - but it nice to be able to just glance at the wall and see what it happening.  I like the idea of adding all family birthdays to the calendar and giving to family members.  No more forgotten birthdays!

College student who doesn't make it home often - rolls of quarters for laundry.  Maybe even a basket of laundry supplies.

Oh golly, there are just unlimited ideas that are fun, functional, and many that can be quite frugal!  Watch for mark downs, use coupons with sales, check dollar stores, and have a ball putting together some memorable gifts.

GET CREATIVE
HAPPY GIFTING!!!!!!

Ideas for Fun & Unusual Containers for Homemade Gifts

It is that time of the year.  Everyone will soon be  busy baking goodies and thinking of ways to gift them.  You may be making cookies, candy, bread, muffins,  mixes, bath items, etc.
Many give to teachers, daycare workers, neighbors, co-workers, service folks, acquaintances, friends, family...................

Wrapping these items gets a bit boring sometimes.  Let us think outside the BOX!
You may have all kinds of items around the house that you can use, and haven't even thought about.  IF by some chance you don't - think Dollar Tree!  You can get all kinds of neat items to put goodies in.
I figure when gifting my goody baskets or just yummies - I want the outside package to be useful as well.  Kind of like 2 gifts in one.

We all know about using reusable grocery bags, baskets Mason jars, etc.  Here are a few more fun ideas.

I buy a whole package of brown paper lunch bags - they can be decorated, tied with jute or ribbon, old car fronts affixed, colored by kids etc.  Cheap and easy and fun!

I received this bag when buying from a craft bazaar - keep those card fronts!

Any kind of plain bag can be decorated at home.  These are great for gifting cookies or candies or small loafs of breads (all wrapped in plastic or foil.

Plain brown mailing paper can be purchased in rolls pretty cheaply.  This would be great for any kind of gift, crocheted/knitted items, throws, clothes, etc. Decorate  simply.

Think about using some items that have been passed down through the family or vintage items that have been purchased at thrift stores/flea markets or yard sales.  Have some fun with it.

Here are some items I walked around the house and found.  All kinds of jars, mugs and fancy glasses, tins, even a vintage pitcher.  My mind is thinking of all kinds of goodies I could put in these.  Hard candies, cookies, fudge, drink mixes, bath salts (how lovely in a pretty wine glass!) a pitcher full of  tea mixes or picnic items, or even cookies.  The pitcher would be a lovely addition to any kitchen!

Any kind of big mixing bowl or holiday dish could be filled with packages of baking mixes (think pancake mix, muffin mix, cookie mix, etc.), kitchen utensils or a kitchen towel, or cookies or candy.

A colander with pasta, spaghetti sauce, a shaker of parmesan cheese and maybe a spaghetti fork.
A round baking pan - with pizza sauce, mix for dough, shelf stable pepperoni, and a shaker of cheese.
A terra cotta flower pot filled with flower/garden seeds and a pair of gloves.

All home stores sell these.  It may be plain or it may have the store name on it - it doesn't matter.  Check with your local grocery deli or bakery and you may be able to get them for free.  These are great for making up goody baskets for preppers or just for filling up with a variety of home made items.  It is sturdy and can be used for other things by the receiver.  Good old buckets would work as well.
A bucket can be used for a guy with a 6 pack of their favorite beer and snacks, or car washing supplies.
A minnow bucket would be cool, with fishing supplies.
Wrap loaves of homemade bread in kitchen towels. 
Old gallon jars (like pickle) filled with birding or squirrel goodies for the outdoorsy person - or fill with kitty or doggy treats.

Do you have any old picture frames hanging around (LOL).  They can be gifted with children's art, family pictures (new and old), made into jewelry racks, collages, filled with old recipes, etc.

There are just so many options for original packaging.  Why be boring?  Have fun with it.  Holiday gifting is supposed to be thoughtful and fun in my opinion - and we just all need to raise it up a level!

I will post a few ideas this Thursday and next Thursday of some different gift ideas that can be put together for little money.  I just want others to have fun with this and not be so serious.  It seems many 'serious' gifts are never really used. 
I figure everyone has to eat and we all have hobbies or interests - so why not give a gift that shows some thought of the recipient's likes and be FUN!!!!

Goody bags and homemade goodies gifted one year.

Take a walk around the house and see what you can get creative with.  We all need to de-clutter and we all love to recycle and we all like to save money - so lets get creative.

You have any fun ideas?

Frugal Happenings 11/25

Good morning everyone.  I hope this finds everyone healthy and rested.
What a strange week it has been.  I stood for 2 days cooking, but it was worth it.  I sent food home for 2 other families, and we will be eating on the meat for many more meals in the future.  Lots and lots of food.
We had our 12 year old 'baby' kitty pass over the rainbow bridge.  That has been so very sad for us and for the other kitties.  THANK YOU all for your kind words this week.
I didn't do ANY Black Friday shopping this year.  I generally go to Menards only on Black Friday - but was pre-occupied this year and had no interest at all.

We have had cold and cloudy days.  We also had about 3-4 days of actual sun!  How wonderful.  Today is foggy  yet partly sunny - the calm before the storm.  Tonight a front moves in and it supposed to get quite windy and rainy (here) and temps dropped.  Tuesday is supposed to have a high in the 20's!!  YUK!

My frugal week:

• Finished deep cleaning (I thought) before Thanksgiving.  This weekend I have thrown myself back into it trying to keep busy.  I have de-cluttered more, trashed more  and cleaned even more!
• I do believe I have laundered everything that wasn't nailed down!  Gotta keep my mind busy.
• All laundry in cold and many items line drying in the basement (free humidity!)
• Our friend/neighbor brought me some goodies he got a food pantry and doesn't eat.  We got 2 bottles of mint choc. syrup for ice cream, flavored oats and a chicken salad/cracker snack

• He also mowed our front & side yard while mowing his for the last time.  It mulched up leaves and looks nice.
• Eating lots and lots of leftovers this week!
• I made 8 bags (2 C each) of ham broth for the freezer
• Turkey carcass is in the freezer to be made into stock at another time
• I did run to Kroger for weekend specials.  I got limit 5 - 1 lb. butter for 1.99 ea.  Also got 5 boxes (various flavors) of Triscut crackers for .99 ea.  And I purchased a 6 quart - really nice - crockpot for a gift for 19.99.

• I did a quick color job on my hair (FINALLY).  I mixed and used 1/3 a box of dye.
• Bagged and froze lots of ham and turkey for future meals.  Slices and many bags of pieces for soups and beans.  We had a lot left after eating on it for 3 days and gifting a bunch.  Considering turkey cost .37/lb. and my ham was a clearance ham that cost .89/lb. - not too snaggy!  Lots of cheap meals.

This was a roasting pan filled with ham and turkey AFTER.  We had lots leftover.  I do not know how to cook a little!!

• Got all the extra holiday cooking pans put back up in the closet in basement.  Some pans I only use a couple times a year
• Totally cleaned and straightened the laundry room area

Meals this past week:
Shepherd pie and salad (I had made 2 pies last week)
Fried chicken and salad
Chicken/bean/rice burritos (beans/rice from freezer - chicken leftover)
Pizza
Thanksgiving dinner
Turkey Manhattan's (hot turkey sandwich - split, mashed pots and everything smothered in gravy)
Ham, turkey - dressing and green bean casserole

Snacks - holiday sweets!  Cherry cheesecake, fruity Jello salad, and brownies


Exactly one month from today is Christmas Day - oh my.  It will be here before we know it.  Are you ready?  I am getting there, but more to do.  Oh, and there is all the baking and goodies!  We will definitely be watching our diets after the new year!!!!!!!

How was your week?  Any great deals to be had?  Tell us how you have been frugal.

I pray you are all safe and healthy, as well as your families.  Remember to take a moment each and every day to be thankful for the people, pets and things you have in your lives - it's what makes life special.
Blessings this week from our humble home to yours.

Morning Sadness

This morning our sweet, lovable, and precious kitty - Pooty - crossed the rainbow bridge.
She has been losing weight and in the past few days seemed to be breathing harder.  This morning she seemed distressed in breathing, so to the Vet we went.

X-rays deemed she was in extreme heart failure.  The Vet said it was the sort of thing that humans get, when in need of a heart transplant.  There was nothing we could have done.
He brought her back in the room, and I was holding her and kissing her, when he suggested putting her down - and she passed in my arms on her own.

We are just so saddened.  She was 12 years old.  We rescued as a little baby when she showed up in my flower bed!
I am so very THANKFUL that we got those 12 years with that sweet and gentle soul.
Coogy and Lilly seem a bit confused - they keep walking around as if they are looking for her, which I am sure they are.
Our fur babies are our children - we love them so much.

She will return home next Friday.  We have all our babies cremated after they crossover.

       This was one of the last pictures taken of her last month.  Such a sweet and beautiful kitty.

Tears are flowing and sadness is being felt by both of us.
Rest peacefully my sweet baby.

Thanks & Giving - The World

I know that the Thanksgiving holiday celebration is an American tradition.  It represents the  celebration of the Pilgrims and their Indian friends in the fall of 1621 - giving thanks for their first harvest in the new land.

We now get together each November with family for Thanksgiving.  It is supposed to be a day of giving thanks for all we have.
In that 'definition' - it can be celebrated whenever you want and should be celebrated all over the world.  Having a day of giving thanks should just be a regular event for everyone.
As a child, basically every Sunday was a day of thanks.  Lots of family appeared at and around the table and we had wonderful large meals - no one was ever turned away, and there always seemed to be enough!  Granted, it wasn't on the grand scale of Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter - but it was always a celebration of thanks and family.

It seems that now the day has become a day of over indulging and football and parades.  It is considered the day the holiday season really begins in America.  It is the day for giving thanks for what we have - so the next day/days can be spent spending money we don't necessarily have  on things no one really needs and fighting with strangers over that stuff - just a time gluttony (on many levels).
If you live somewhere other than the U.S. - you just can't comprehend the total and absolute madness of 'Black Friday' (the day after Thanksgiving).  It truly is shameful!

 

I challenge EACH OF YOU no matter what country you live in - to spend the day or a day that you pick, truly giving thanks for all your blessings.  Make it a true celebration.
I  give thanks each and every day on some level.
Days that we get to spend with family are joyous and special.


In the U.S. we are now heading into the coldest part of the year.  There are so many folks that have no homes, no proper clothing, no nutritious food, and they live on the streets.  I just can not fathom this!  Many are families.  I know for a fact it happens - it just is so hard for my brain to understand and comprehend.  How can we allow this to happen?
The nights that get so cold, my mind wonders to these folks and how they are trying to survive and stay warm.  (I realize for some it is a choice - but not all).

If you have a family (could just be you and your other), a roof over your head, warmth, food to nourish you body (no matter how simple) and a reasonable amount of health - you are INDEED BLESSED!!!!!!!
Not everyone is so fortunate.

So please, IF you find yourself out shopping this weekend or anytime - thinks of others,  Maybe buy a few inexpensive fleece throws, cheap gloves or stocking caps, thrift store blankets, non-used (from your home) winter coats, etc. and give to the local shelter or food kitchen to help others.  Getting super deals at the grocery?   Donate some to food pantries for those in need.
Think of others less fortunate - that is what the entire holiday season is about.
THAT IS WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT!

We have always donated to the shelters and food pantries.  ALSO, think about getting some small toys for the kids that are part of homeless families in shelters - they don't understand why they have nothing.

I believe as citizens of Earth, we have an obligation to help others.  If each and every person did SOMETHING, no matter how small, for another person - this would be one totally blessed and wonderful world.

BE KIND, BE GIVING, LOVE those LESS fortunate.
Be the help that you want to see.  The next time you think, "something should be done" - be one that DOES SOMETHING!!!

THANKS AND GIVING BLESSINGS TO ALL MY FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD!

Frugal Happenings 11/18

Good morning.  We are on the downward spiral of the month.  For those in the U.S., Thanksgiving will be here in a few short days.  It seems that Christmas comes very quickly after that - then the year is over.  2018 has gone by in flash.

We have had a lot of winter weather this week.  It seems like we got about a split second of Spring and a split second of Fall this year.  Summer came and went and then it became winter.  It does appear that we will have more fall like temps this next week, which is nice, since so many people will be traveling.
We had ice, cold, wind and flurries this week.  No snowfall accumulations like many had - thankfully. 
It is kind of funny - we are all so used to snow, ice, cold and ick (not that we like it), yet others can not even fathom what that could be like. 
For some strange reason, my allergies have been raging this week.  That is crazy considering everything outside is dead and it is so cold.

My frugal week:

• I put away all my canning supplies until at least after the holiday season!
• I did do a little bit of Christmas and winter decorating.  Trying to get myself into the holiday mood - it hasn't worked yet!  LOL

                                                               My little baby tree

Came across this candle holder I had forgotten about.  It holds jar candles nicely and gives a pretty glow

• I rearranged some smaller furniture items - not much I can move, but it feels good to have it a little different
• Air dried all the bread for dressing
• Continued working on deep clean.  Just about done - then it will just be normal daily, weekly stuff
• Washed and polished the hard wood floors (on hands and knees)
• Thawed & strained some  watermelon juice I had in freezer and added it to fruit juice.  Tasty.
• Had about a half inch left in the bottom of a wonderful smelling jar candle - chipped it out and using as melts
• Preparing ice for company Thursday
• We received a $250 Wal-Mart GC using bank card points!!!!
• Ham and turkey are both out of the freezer and thawing in frig
• Did NOT shop at all this week. Did NOT leave the property!  WOO-HOO
• Made up my menu for Thanksgiving and checked my pantry for ingredients.  We have all we need
• Normal weekly activities - making tea & cooling outside, laundry in cold, meals at home, using what we have, etc.

Meals this past week:
Chili with crackers and butter (I love that combo)
Chili/cheese covered rice
Chicken/rice casserole and spinach
Sloppy Joe's, green bean/corn mix and pickled veggies
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Shepherd's Pie and salad
Chicken salad sandwiches and fresh veggies with ranch dressing
We ate apples and peanut butter, some peaches from freezer and ice cream for treats
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I have absolutely enjoyed the day or two that we have seen the sun this week!  I sure do appreciate small things like that.  Cloudy skies can get you in a gloomy state for sure.

This week  (probably today) I will finish the deep clean.  I will probably start my holiday baking on Tuesday.  I have a small kitchen, so I have to do things in shifts!  There won't be many here, but I think my brother-in-law may be coming (doubtful on MIL) and we have a friend (next door) coming for dinner.  Of course I will send goodies home with both and we will enjoy leftovers for days.  That is my FAVORITE part - little or no cooking for a few days!!!!!!!
Can't wait for that cold turkey sandwich the day after.  I think I look forward to that more than any part of dinner.

What have you done this past week to stay frugal?  Any good stocking up deals?  Working on Christmas yet?
Are you all ready for Thanksgiving?
Let us know what you are up to.  Love hearing from each of you.


May you and yours have a safe and wonderful week.  Praying that all that are traveling have a safe journey.  Remember to take time to be grateful for the small things and give blessings to others whenever possible.  A smile, a kind word, a dollar - could change someone's day, week, or month.

I saw this quote the other day and loved it.  "The best you can do is the best you can do."  Bob Costas
We all need to remember that and not beat ourselves up.  NO ONE is perfect.
Just do what you can - and let the rest happen.  Life is a journey we can't predict or control.

Blessing from our humble home to yours!

 

The Rule of Half

Have you ever heard of this?  
It is basically the story of my life, and has been for ages.  Now there are stories about this idea on the news!  They are saying it's the new way of thinking!  LOL- it's been the frugal way forever!!

The idea is to use half or less of just about everything.
Manufacturers recommend serving sizes, measures and uses for items.  Their purpose?  To get you to use up the product and buy more - thus making more money.
Frugal folks have been using LESS for ages and SAVING money.  This principle can be utilized for just about anything.

If you go out to eat - try buying one meal and splitting it.  Buy just appetizers and split.  Order water.  Buy one dessert (or better yet - eat dessert at home).

I like to buy concentrated fruit juice - I always add at least one extra can of water than that it states to use.  If making kids drinks like Kool-aid - use less sugar than called for.
Try using a little less coffee in a pot each day.  Use a tea bag more than once.

Soaps of all kinds can be watered down.  I have a bottle that I fill 1/3 with shampoo  - then add water.  Let it 'melt' for a day then shake.  It makes more suds than full strength.
Make you own foaming soap - 1/3 bottle (soft soap bottle) of body wash or liquid soap and fill with water.  Works perfectly.
Liquid laundry soap - I always use a lot less than recommended.  Soap doesn't easily wash out of clothes and can actually damage them.  Most people don't actually get their clothes that dirty - so less soap works fine.  Now if you have mud or grease on clothes you will need to experiment.

                       Dish soap watered down and a splash of vinegar added to help cut grease.

Along the lines of laundry soap - cut fabric softener sheets into 1/3 or 1/2 size pieces - works just as well.  Better yet, just use vinegar in your rinse - or throw in a drier ball or ball of foil into the drier.

All cleaning products can be diluted down.  Simple remedy - use vinegar and baking soda to clean.  Works for most things.
I also like peroxide instead of bleach - keeps whites white and colors brighter.
Toothpaste - use a pea size drop on brush and it works great.
Lotion - a little goes a long way.  Think about using a natural ingredient like coconut oil - a big jar can be purchased cheaply and will last for ages!

Food - if we eat less it is healthier.  There are many of us that could stand to lose a few pounds.  Meat should be consider a side, not a main course.  Use a palm size piece per person.  (I know this may take some getting used to - but try).
If using meat in soups, stews or casseroles - use half of what is called for and load up with veggies.
About the only place I don't recommend using half - is in baking.  Baking is more scientific than everyday cooking.
Meals for CHILDREN - place half of what you think they should have on the plate.  Odds are that will be enough - if not then give them more.  No more waste!!!!  Same idea with milk or juice - start with a half glass - then add more is needed.

Think along these lines with things like cable as well.  I can bet money that you only watch a portion of the channels you receive.  Cut back your package to basic!  Think Netflix or other service.  Cheaper and you still get variety.
Go back one level on Internet speed if possible.  Odds are you will not notice the change at all and it is cheaper. 
Do you really need that fancy phone?  Seriously - who  needs internet connections while shopping or in the car???  Use a simple phone and keep it for emergencies only.  Saves money on phone and plan!
I wish we could eliminate 'smart' phones - as they have truly DUMBED UP the world.  No one interacts much any more - they are spending all their time looking at the phone.
(OK - sorry that is a whole other rant!!)

Utilities - can be halved as well.  keep of lights when not truly needed.  I very seldom turn on a light during spring and summer months - as well have daylight early and late.  I use more in the fall/winter.  Turn them off when leaving a room.  Turn the heat down or the cool temp up.  Dress accordingly.
Don't just run water all willy-nilly!!!  Be mindful of what you use.  Do full loads of laundry.  Don't leave running when doing dishes, brushing teeth, etc.


The RULE OF HALF works for about everything.  It is the frugal way!  Use less - save money.
Consciously think about everything you use and at least TRY to half it.  You may be quite amazed!
You surely will save dollars and foil the plan of the manufacturers!!!!!  WIN - WIN!