Book Sale!

http://www.childrens-educationalbooks.com/read-free-childrens-books-online.htm

I love to read! Books are a wonderful way to escape from life, however, they can be rather expensive. Borowing from the library is one way to get to read your books for free. Another way is to trade books with friends or to buy books used.

One other way that our family loves, and is happening this weekend at the Confederation Library here in Charlottetown, is a library book sale.  This a great way to get books for a great price and if they are in good enough condition can be used for gifts for parties or Christmas. I wish they had information on their site about it. The sale takes place tomorrow from 10-5 and it's cash only. Tell me of any good deals you get at the sale.

Enjoy your day!

Frugal Christmas Gift

Are you done all you need to get done for Christmas next week?

Well if you are in the midst of trying to get everything bought and are still looking for a frugal, thoughtful gift, I have an idea for you.

What about a photobook?

These are great for gifts to grandparents, siblings, and children alike. The cheapest I have found is around $10 and they go up from there. With Kodak, the cut off date was December 12, but do not fear! Walmart has a one hour photobook!

(http://www.walmartphotocentre.ca/express/express_landing.aspx?q=1TNdPiVTZ7l80_liCae7L89OlhPJ2nzZqE,bjPllAUhV9ug1xYva5_Ws7d8vQtEa3jPi0imqX8jBlk8tP,6xvkg--)

Simply go online and load up your pictures and they email you when they're done. As an aside, my two books that I ordered ended up taking 3 hours, but I felt this was still great as everywhere else wouldn't even have been done by Christmas.

How can anyone not like getting a book of photos of the past year or of their life or a wonderful event? Touching, frugal and will be much appreciated.

Enjoy your day!

This Christmas - be more frugal

I had an interesting conversation with a friend the other day regarding Christmas presents being purchased for her children. She was feeling horrible because the item that her daughter truly wanted was less than $20. She was worried that she wasn't spending enough on her daughter.

Isn't it amazing how marketing effects us?

Marketing tells our children that they NEED this and that and ask for this and ask for that. This is cool, if you don't have it, you're not cool. They have it all around them with commercials, magazines, school and friends.

(One of the many reasons that I don't have cable here, I don't like my children being influenced by what the commercials say is the neatest thing that they need. I love that they come up with what they truly want. Sorry for the rant.)

Unfortunately, it seems to effect us as adults. We are programmed that if we love our child, we will spend a certain amount on them. If we spend less, we must not love them.

Does a dollar amount really say how much we love our children?

Think back to last Christmas and all that you bought for the children in your life. What are they still playing with? What were they still playing with 6 months, 4 months or even a month after Christmas?

Recently I listened to someone who gave a talk about what people remember or cherish about Christmas. Not one person said about a gift that they got. All talked about playing a game with family, smelling a wood fire, eating sweets, attending Church, doing service for others.

Please don't buy things for the sake of buying things. It won't get used, it will just collect dust, and you'll have wasted your money. This Christmas be more frugal.

So this Christmas, I challenge you to look around, talk to the people that you WANT to get gifts for and find out what they truly want, need or will use. It doesn't matter the amount you spend, or if you spend anything! It matters about the love you're sharing. It's about remembering the real reason for the season -Christ.

And as a Christmas present to me, feel free to share a thought or two of what your memories of Christmas are that didn't cost any money or even better, no money.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday!

Does that statement bring you dread or excitement? What if I said it was a child's birthday? How are you feeling now? When did children's birthday parties become such a big event? Store bought cakes, events not at home, presents bigger and better than last year's? Kind of reminds me of Harry Potter's cousin's birthday.

We had several birthdays celebrated in our home in the past couple of months. With four children, planning huge parties for the entire class at a restaurant, bowling, paint ball or whatever is not an option. To have a party at home is just as natural as breathing and I didn't even give it a second thought until a parent of one of the children brought it up. They asked if it's a new trend to have parties at home or was I just that brave or crazy to do this, and where was the rest of the class? With these thoughts in my mind, I thought it would be best to discuss the blessings of having a home party.

Here are my rules for having a great frugal birthday party for your child.

#1 DO NOT buy a cake. Man, those cakes cost $20 and upwards! That's a present! Unless you really can't bake, and I mean like you destroy a cake mix, make your own cake. We have had everything from spiderman to elmo to a plain round cake with funky candles and sprinkles. Cakes don't have to be an art piece. They are going to be devoured in two seconds. Make it simple. The favourite here is the money cake my Nanny use to make. As you are baking your cake, you wrap up one of each of the following in wax paper; loonie, quarter, dime, nickel and penny. They are the wonderful prizes the children look for while eating. Recommend it for ages 5 and up. Others we have done had crazy candles, funky colour icing, sprinkles and decorations on it. Try it.

#2 DO NOT invite the entire class, school, every person your child has said hi to over the years. A good rule of thumb is however old your child is, that would be the maximum amount of children to invite. We end at 10 children because it just gets crazy. When you have children in school, church, hockey, karate, or whatever else, they can make a lot of friends in a lot of places. Get them to only invite their closest friends and if anyone gets upset, tell your child to blame it on their parents who put a limit on the amount of people allowed to come.

#3 DO have your party somewhere free! People shell out so much to rent out a hall, take children to a video game or paint ball place when it's easy to just do it at home. Remember, if you aren't inviting EVERYONE, you have more room in your home to have them. If your child really wants to have it somewhere else, tell them that it will be part, or all, of their present to have it there. It can become really costly to take everyone out, unless you are getting the guests to pay their own portion as their gift to the birthday child.

#4 DO ask your child want they want to do at their party. We over schedule our children so much with extracurricular activities that it even carries over to their parties. In actuality, they just want to play with a bunch of their friends. We have a few organized games at younger parties, twister, pin the something on something, scavenger hunt, bean bag toss, etc and we usually set something artsy up like paint a picture, do a nature craft, learn a new craft technique, make your own pizza, decorate your own cupcake for the birthday song etc. We allow free play time and running outside with tag, hide and seek, soccer etc. Unless it's pouring rain or absolutely freezing cold, we love for everyone to have time outside. Lately, our daughter has wanted to have her friends over for a movie birthday night (not a sleepover! They just get to stay late, like 10pm and then go home). Most of them have even watched the movie already and just love eating munchies and watching a movie with their friends. VERY EASY PARTY!

#5 You DON'T have to give a tonne of candy in a loot bag. Recently our son came home from a party with a tennis racket and ball from the dollar store. One was given to each of the boys instead of candy. We have done a small craft package, silly bands, hair elastics and clips or playdoh. All of these are available at the dollar store and last much longer than the candy and are around the same price.

#6 You DON'T have to have the biggest, most expensive gift in the world for your child. Find out what your child truly wants, not the latest whatever, but what they really want and will keep for a longer period of time. Last year, our oldest wanted an ipod touch. REALLY, REALLY wanted one. Well, the price was WAY more than what we spend on a birthday present. He proposed having a combo Christmas/birthday present (his birthday is 7 weeks before Christmas) and he was willing to contribute some of his own money to pay the difference. Was it worth it? Totally. He learned the cost of things, how to appreciate it more and saving his money for something worthwhile.  This year, the same thing happened as he wanted a guitar for his birthday. It's a wonderful way to go.

#7 When giving a gift,  DO give an actual gift  as it can be way cheaper than a gift card or cash. It's a little more work on your part, but can save you money if you are looking around for sale items.

#8 DO make a homemade card. Really, there are not many children that care about keeping the card. Yes, you can get a card at the dollar store, but other than that, they are $4 and up! CRAZY!

#9 DO reuse your gift bags to wrap presents in. Or use flyers, packaging paper decorated up or old newspapers. It's going to be recycled anyway. Why spend the money on the wrappings that get destroyed?

What are you money saving ideas for parties? Would love to hear them and share with everyone else. Drop us a line!

Enjoy your day!

Frugal Valentine's Day Ideas

It's coming up. That one day of the year where we all get together to celebrate love and especially to celebrate our love for the person that we are inlove with. Unfortunately, it has become totally commercialized and can be very expensive. For the next bit we are going to be highlighting inexpensive or free Valentine's Day ideas (or any other dating event for that matter!)


What better way to start off with than food! Chocolates and candy are the first thing that comes to my mind. I have done some searching to find some sites that offer recipes and directions on how to make chocolates and candy.


Chocolate Truffles sound so delicious. I found a great sounding recipe over at the Pastiche Family Portal. I think that the only thing that I would add to this or any chocolate making recipe, would be to pour the chocolate into moulded ice cube trays for a shape as well. Just a thought.

Chocolate Truffles 1 1/2 (12 oz ) bag of sweet chocolate 1 15 oz can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla grated chocolate

Melt chocolate in double boiler or however you prefer. Add milk, salt and vanilla and stir until smooth and thick. Remove from stove and cool. When cool use butter on your fingers and take about 1 teaspoon of mixture and roll into balls and coat with grated chocolate. You can also roll the balls in red and white sprinkles for some color and then put in your mini cupcake holders.


If you don't know how to make chocolates and would like a full tutorial. I found a link to one place here. 


Another idea would be to take pretzel sticks and dip them in melted chocolate. You can get red chocolate at baking supply store or bulk stores. Melt it over a double boiler and dip the pretzel in it. Then you could always take the chocolate covered pretzel and roll them in sprinkles, cinnamon hearts or double dip them in a second colour for a different effect. 


I wonder what chocolate has to do with Valentine's Day? Anyone know.


Next chocolate thing, more dipping.


Mix up a batch of shortbread cookies and use Valentine shape cookie cutters to cut out shapes to bake. After they are baked, you could icing them, or you could dip them in melted chocolate as well. Then there are always chocolate dipped strawberries and other fruit. You could even do a fondue together!


Well, that's all my chocolate stuff for the day. I figured I would start with these so that you have time to taste test them ;) 


What do you like to make from chocolate for Valentine's Day? Please drop a comment off and share. 


Enjoy your day! 

Last Christmas Frugal Idea

Are you still looking for a gift and live on PEI or are buying a gift for someone here on the Island? I was contacted about the books of gift coupons that you are able to get. They are only $25 and have LOTS of 2 for 1 deals inside. Here are some of the ideas that are in there:

2010 Super Value Coupon Book is now on sale and

is the biggest and best edition yet!

• All offers are 2 for 1 or Buy One - Get 1 Free
• No restrictions, No days of the week restrictions
• All coupons start from date of book purchase and are valid till Dec.31, 2010
• All Coupons are transferrable (don't have to stay in the book)
• Books are only $25 and you get over $2,700 in potential savings!

* All offers have (2) coupons per book unless otherwise indicated.

Food

A & W - Bacon & Egger $2.49

A & W - Sausage & Egger $2.49

A & W - Deluxe Breakfast $4.39

A & W - Teen Burger, Fries & Pop $8.07

Beanz - Specialty Coffee $3.99

Big Burger - Cheeseburger $3.45

Big Burger - Crispy Fries $3.99

Boston Pizza - Kids Meal FREE

Boston Pizza - Appetizer 9.95

Brackley Drive In - Popcorn & Pop

Brits Fish & Chips - Appetizer $9.95

Captain Sub - 1/2 Sub $5.29

Causeway Bay Linkletter - Entre' $15.00

Dairy Queen - Chicken Sandwich Basket $6.99

Dairy Queen - Medium Blizzard $4.49

Dominos - Large Pizza $23.25

Dominos - XLarge Pizza - $29.75

Fitz Cafe - Cheeseburger Platter $5.95

Globe World Flavours - Soup & Sandwich $9.95

Globe World Flavours - Dessert $7.00

Great Canadian Bagel - Cream Cheese Bagel $3.39

Greco - 12" Pizza $16.70

Greco - 1/2 lb Donair $6.90

Greco - 12" Garlic Fingers $9.75

Juice Zone - Breakfast Wrap $7.98

Juice Zone - Macha Green Tea Smoothie $5.21

Little Christos - 9" Pizza $11.88

(1) Lot 30 - Appetizer $10.00

(1) Mel's Petro Canada - Fresh To-Go Sub $4.29

Parkdale Ultramar - 2 Piece Fish & Chips $6.99

Parkdale Ultramar - Cheeseburger Platter $5.99

Parkdale Ultramar - Daily Special $8.49

Pita Express - Pita Combo $8.99

Razzy's Roadhouse - Famous Razzy's Platter - $8.79

Richard's Seafood - Steamed Mussells - $7.75

Rollo Bay Greens - Double Burger & Fries - $8.95

Sam's Restaurant - 12" Pepperoni Pizza $12.99

Seatreat - Fish Burger Platter - $8.15

Shaddy's - Appetizer $6.95

Smitty's - Classic Burger $8.99

The Old Triangle - Brunch $11.00

Timothy's - Specialty Coffee $5.00

(1) Winsloe Petro Canada - Fresh To-Go Sub $4.29

Entertainment, Golf, Services, Retail

Absolutely Fabulous Tanning Package $30.00

Alanna's Photography 16x20 Portrait Enlargement $250.00

All Occasion Florist - Boquet $10

All Occasion Florist - Helium Balloon $5.00

Booktales - Books $50

Brackley Drive-In - Round of Mini Golf $5.00

Brookvale Skiing - Cross Country Pass & Rental $18.00

(1) CARI Pool - General Admission $6.00

Clyde River Golf - Green Fee $40.00

Combat Zone - 20 minute Lazer tag 8.50

Curves - 1 Month Membership $55.00

Dianna's Grooming - Pet Nail Clipping FREE $10.00

Dynamic Fitness - Drop In Class - $15.00

Faces - Lipstick $14.50

Faces - Nail Polish $7.50

Flower Buds - Boquet $10.00

Forest Hills Golf - Green Fee $23.00

French River Golf - Green Fee $20.00

Good Taxi - Cab Ride - $7.50

Healthy Vibes - Detox Session $25.00

Island Web It - Web hosting $38.85

Lou Lou Clothing - Watch $15.00

Naturally Fit - T-Shirt $24.99

(1) Oland's Barber Shop - American Crew Hair Gel $14.75

Oredco - Bag of Compost $6.00

Personal Trainers - Starter Package $99.00

Repeats Clothing - Merchandise $10.00

Rollo Bay Greens - Green Fee $19.92

Sherwood Pharmacy - Sunglasses $25.00

Smooth Cycle - Bike, Ski or Snowboard Tune-up $35.00

Stanhope Golf Course - Twilight Green Fee $40.00

Strathgartney Highlands Golf - Twilight Green Fee $15.00

Stratford Video - DVD Rental $4.75

Sun City Tanning - Tan $8.78

That's Entertainment - DVD Rental $5.37

The Box Office - Movie Rental $5.00

T-Zone - 3 T Zone Sessions $21.00

Wentworth - Lift Pass $33.63

Winter Bay Campground - Tent Site $12.99

Offers are All 2 for 1 - All the time!

ORDER your own book or as a gift/stocking stuffer and get

SAMEDAY DELIVERY FREE within greater the Charlottetown area

Phone 626-7538 or 940-7917.

email orders to svcbook@gmail.com

Hope you are all ready for Christmas. I am almost there. I am going to take a vacation from posting for the next week and a bit and will be back in the new year with more tips and a different area of frugality. Please send in your ideas and thoughts either through comments or to smile_zil at yahoo dot ca.

Merry Christmas and

Enjoy your day!

One BIG Gift Idea

I must admit, that I am starting to run out of ideas of frugality for Christmas. Thankfully, my husband reminded me of one of the main things that we do here that I haven't posted about.

Right now, I would like you to think about how much money you spend on your significant other for Christmas and how much they spend on you. Have the dollar amount in your head? Ok, now think about how much each of you spend on birthday presents for each other and add that on. Now add Valentine's Day, Mother and Father's Day and anniversary gifts. Have a grand total? Does it surprise you?

When we did this several years ago it totally surprised us how much we spent. We decided then and there that it had to stop. There were so many other things that we wanted to get that we couldn't get because of all of the taken presents that need to be given. So we tried something new.

We decided to buy one big gift each year for us that would encompass all of the gift giving holidays and we would decide on the gift together. Sometimes, it's something for the home, sometimes more for one person than the other, sometimes it's something that we both really want. For example; one year we bought new bookshelves and an entertainment stand, another year we bought a new monitor for the computer, another year a video camera and another year a recumbent stationary bicycle to be able to workout on at home. We still get something small for Christmas to open with the family. And it truly is something small that we want or need; pj's, movies, chocolates, you know, something SMALL.

Take a chance to think about it and the amount of money and stress it can save you.

Enjoy your day!

8 sleeps left

That certainly doesn't sound like much time in my mind with all that I am still behind on, but it does leave time for a couple of more posts before Christmas. Today, let's think about those that have control, uh, time in our children's lives when we, the parents, aren't around. That's right, I am thinking of teachers, bus drivers, daycare providers and support staff etc.

Many schools are now saying not to bring in a gift to the teacher because of tight times and they don't want other children to feel bad, but some schools still allow it and some people just still give a gift anyway. So what do you give? You know you want to give something that is going to be practical and economical - and preferably not a mug, a teacher can only drink so much right?

Some ideas have been mentioned before like baked goods or homemade ornaments, but there are other ideas out there.

Why not make a donation to a charity in their name?

Donate a book to the library in their name. Record a book on tape for the classroom.

Have your child make up coupons for the teacher to be able to use. Examples for teachers would be:

Promise not to talk to my friends during the class for one day.

Will clean chalkboard/wipeboard for you.

Will pick up litter in classroom.

Will straighten all the chairs in the classroom.

Will clean up books and toys.

Will water classroom plants.

Will run errands for you today.

The list can go on and on the more you think about it.

Other ideas may be donating a game to the class for rainy day recesses. Paper for the printer. New markers or paints. Flash cards. Other supplies that may be running low or would be extra special.

Food for the class pet or even a class pet. Fish are not expensive if they already have a tank. Or you could even donate a tank that you have at your home that you aren't using any more.

Again, plants are always a wonderful idea. They brighten the classroom and help with the air quality.

Offer to help with an after school project or to come in to volunteer at the school. Every school needs volunteers.

The list can go on and on. What are you doing for your educational staff this year? Please share with us.

Enjoy your day!

PS. With Christmas coming to an end soon, I am looking to start a couple of new series in the new year for being frugal. What are some areas that you would like to learn more about being frugal in? Please email myself or list a comment. Would love to hear from you.

Homemade Frugal Christmas Gifts

Alright ladies and gentlemen,

Here is the list you have all been waiting for: the easy homemade Christmas list. I have compiled, from my own library, reader submissions and research online, a list of homemade items that are easy, economical and frugal for your perusal. They take no time at all, are great for neighbours, teachers, nieces and nephews, your own children, or anyone else you can think of. Be prepared, this is a LONG post with LOTS of pictures.

To start the list, take a look around your home and all the plants in it. Are there some that are over crowding their pots? Some that you don't want around anymore? Some that you just don't have the time to care for anymore? Why not regift them to someone else? Split the plants and pot them in lovely new containers and wrap them up with a beautiful bow and instructions on how to care for them. They would be much appreciated.

You took the perfect picture this summer, fall, spring, winter, candid moment and you don't just want it on your desktop. Why not get it printed off (costs pennies) and get a second hand frame to repurpose and send it off to someone as a gift. Wonderful thought. Much easier than making a picture frame. Trust me. I checked it out.

Another painting gift that is so appreciated is a child's painting. You can get canvas, paints, pastels and other media at Dollarama. They also have some paint by numbers there as well that would be great to try out. Either frame it or leave it on a shelf for a wonderful gift.

Then there are always the wonderful food presents. Homemade bread, jam, salsas are wonderful things from your pantry. Put a pretty ribbon or place it in a basket with some homemade linen napkins or place mats and your all set.

Then you can always do soup, brownies, and cookies in a jar.

(Photo from http://www.nhmade.com/listdetail.cfm?recordID=214)

Ever try to make homemade chocolates? My husband loves to make these for presents. I have never tried them, but here is a place to check out how to do it.

Jelly beans in a jar with a prescription for when to eat them is a great idea for children. Red for happiness. Green for health. Yellow for sadness, etc.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfWp7AfXpMpJLBgYxBImwuMDvLHoFB4xdpmsZbGWCldm1tk5tJHdDF0fA0whhupzmqOiLKTv8_Bqmv4j3UDCxcYQEoyH2gab00GjPy5fyhVrWNotbSlbN5IlJ9HisWCEGG9yzADcYmxJB/s1600-h/CANDYLOGOsat.jpg)

Homemade playdoh (saltdough) and some cookie cutters are a great gift.

(http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com/2008/11/10/easy-peasy-playdough-recipe/)

Then you can make a smelly gift of potpourri. This site has recipes for a bunch of different types of potpourri.

Another smelly recipe is for homemade bathbombs, bath salts, bubble bath and bath oils.

In the mood and have the time to sew? Why not make something for everyone?

How about some polar fleece mitts, hat and scarf? Or knit them? Check out this site for wonderful ideas, lots of wonderful recycled handmade items and directions.

Want to make a pair of pj's? Here is an easy, free pattern to make these lovely pants.

How about a tooth pillow for the little ones? The tooth fairy would never lose a tooth from these.

Or special pillow cases for a child? Learn how to make one here.

Every child loves to throw things. Give them something softer to throw, like bean bags.

And then, to end them all, why not wrap them in a reusable gift bag that you made that they can use for their groceries, or whatever else? Tipnut has links for 35 patterns. Check them out.

(http://unabashed.wordpress.com/make-a-reusable-grocery-bag/)

What are you doing for homemade frugal gifts this year? Let us know!

Enjoy your day!

Christmas Visiting and Neighbour treats

My apologies for my tardiness today. I was laying subfloor with my father in law in our home for most of the day. (Got a good deal after calling all five building supply stores around here) I also want to thank you all for the comments that you have been leaving here. It's wonderful advice that you all are sharing and I will start posting more about the comments in the next little bit. It's been crazy here.

Anyway, as I was working with my FIL today, I got to thinking deeply about our society and the condition of it today. I know this isn't the place to post all of the thoughts I had on this, maybe a future post on my personal blog, but I was thinking how people just don't talk to each other anymore. I mean in their neighbourhoods and all. Really, does anyone really visit anymore? That's an art all on it's own that is dying. I can remember as a child going to the neighbours, aunts and uncles, old family friends and some of my parents coworkers homes or whatever over the holidays. The song by Bing Crosby comes to mind of Christmas in Killarney.

There, after visiting for a little bit, the plate would arrive. You know the one. It has about a dozen different delectable sweets for you to choose from. Well, as I mentioned in an earlier post about cookie exchanges being a frugal and fun way to get the baking done, what about neighbour gifts? Do you give your neighbour a gift? Do you even know your neighbour?

If not, what a great time of the year to go and meet them! A simple gift to give for a neighbour, teacher, church member, piano teacher (or other activities) or a family member would be a tin of sweets. This is a very nice gift, frugal and thoughtful altogether!

Besides sweets, there are also homemade preserves; strawberry jam, salsa, jellies, peppers, etc,; a loaf of bread (preferably homemade ;)), a homemade ornament and there are thousands of other ideas. Just something simple to say you are thinking of them.

Enjoy your day!

Christmas Frugal Giveaway AND a deal as well!

So this chick, Angela Biggley, has a wonderful prize for a give away here on Maritime Penny Pinchers. Check this pic out:

Wouldn't you want it? I know I do. I wonder if I can leave my own comment and try to win. It would make a wonderful present that you don't have to purchase for Christmas this year!

It's simple how to get it. All you have to do is leave a frugal tip comment here on my blog and you will be entered in the contest. Post about the giveaway and come back and leave another comment WITH the link to your post and you get a second entry, be a follower, or become one, and leave an entry stating you are a follower and you get another entry. Contest starts today and ends December 3rd, 2009.

PLUS being the nice woman she is, she is going to give a gift to each and every one of you that come down to the Farmer's Market at 100 Belvedere Ave in Charlottetown either tonight, from 4pm-8pm, or next Wednesday December 2nd from 4pm-8pm. IF you mention that you heard about her here on the Maritime Penny Pincher Blog, she will give you 10% off your items that you purchase at her A Quilt and a Cake stall. She's on the righthand side right when you walk in, but you have to mention the blog to get the deal. Check her out. LOTS of handmade stockings, aprons, quilts, cup cozies, and lots of baby items all for a really decent price. Plus it's homemade and local. Come visit Angela from A Quilt and a Cake at the Farmer's Market here in Charlottetown.

A Gift for you and a gift for me! Gotta love frugalness!

Empire Theatres has this amazing deal on right now. If you buy gift cards from them right now and total at least $30 in any forms of denominations (you know 3 $10 ones or 1 $30 or whatever in between), you get $30 in EXTRA coupons to either use, give to someone else, or split them up! How's that for you? Check it out and see if it works for you. Remember, read the fine print.

Enjoy your day!

Frugal Christmas Gifts: reduce, reuse, recycle, REGIFT!??!?!

We all know that we need to be environmentally friendly, and we often try because we want to make a change, or because the law tells us we have too. But have you ever thought of being environmentally friendly at Christmas?

Today, we are thinking of regifting. Have you ever regifted a present or received a regift? What are you thoughts on this? Do you know the rules of regifting? Or when or what to regift and not to regift? Well, today the rules get explained.

Some of the preliminary questions to ask would be:

Is it reusable?

Is it in good condition?

Will someone want it? Don't just get rid of your junk to someone else.

Do you remember who gave it to you so that you don't give it back to them?

Is it a personal one of a kind item that the original gifter may recognize if they venture over to the new receiver of this gift?

There are a few more questions that you should read about over at regiftable.com that's where some of these questions came from. Check it out.

Then once you have answered these questions, you need to think of this:

You need to update the wrapping paper.

Make sure it's clean and usuable. You don't want to give someone a broken light, hairdryer, whatever, right? Regifters are to be thoughtful about these things.

Don't give used clothes, specifically, those with stains and rips on them. That's just not cool.

Don't tell the receiver. They may not know, or they may think that you went to a thrift store or somewhere else. If they truly question you, you will have to tell them.

There are a few more ideas about what and what not to regift over at msn money. Check it out to make sure you don't break any rules. Just think these things, although it takes some work, are saving you money.

I'll tell you, I regifted a lot of things, more specifically right after we got married. I had a lot of tea towels and glasses that just didn't match and I couldn't figure out where to return them too, so they were regifted. All the recipients were very grateful. I don't see anything wrong with it and have never been insulted with receiving one either. Especially when it's a thoughtful gift.

So let me know, have you ever received a regift or given one? We all would love to hear your story. And don't forget to send in your frugal ideas.

Enjoy your day!

Frugal Homemade Christmas Gifts

Okay readers, I want your contributions please. I would like to post over the next couple of days ideas, instructions, or where to buy frugal homemade gifts. I have some ideas that I have come up with to share, but I would like you to share with the rest of us your ideas as well. Please email me a link, instructions, or your idea to smile_zil at yahoo dot ca. I would love to hear from you and to share with everyone your idea! Thanks in advance.

Enjoy your day!

Frugal Flowers

Everyone love's flowers whether cut or grown in a pot or even better, in your garden! Well now, my dear reader's, is the time to start thinking of spring! I know it's not even winter yet, and personally, I am having a hard time thinking it's coming when we have gorgeous weather like we have been having. I am not complaining though.

Anyway, a lot of places that sell fall bulbs have them on for 50% off right now! That means that you can buy twice as many! These make excellent gifts just in a bag, or you can put them in a pot for a present for Christmas, and have them be forced bulbs for them to be able to enjoy spring a little sooner. They will just have to keep them in a cool, dark place for the 6 weeks after Christmas.

Also, check out school fairs and craft shows for bulbs, or see if a friend wants to divide the bulbs that they have that may be taking over their flower garden. It's always nice to share.

I, recently, attended my children's school fair and was able to purchase daffodil and tulip bulbs from Vesey Seeds for $1 a bag! I am just thrilled about this as they are usually about $8 or so. Can't wait for next spring!

So think of bulbs for next year, for Christmas this year, or something to brighten up your winter.

Enjoy your day!

Wanted for a Frugal Christmas: Tupperware, Everyday Style, Epicure, Scentsy, and all those lovely things?

Everyone has a wish list. Everyone LOVES something that is small, yet totally not in the budget and when one is living frugally, there can be a lot of things on that want list. There could be people that you are exchanging with that want things on those lists and let's face it, they don't always come cheap. But you can have it, and afford it too!

If it's from tupperware, epicure, scentsy, everyday style or any of these party throwing shopping nights there is a way to have your product and afford it too. Recently, I attended a friend's party for one of these businesses and there was a surprise box that was able to be purchased for $15, but worth $50. I bought one. I was pleasantly surprised with what was in it: some Hallowe'en decorations, and a lovely figurine that I was actually looking at and couldn't justify, for someone for Christmas. I love going to these parties because there are usually door draws and there is always something on special.

Even better than buying the deals, is getting the product for free! Host one of these parties and you get a portion of the sales in free product and often other special deals only available to the hostess. When booking a party, ask the consultant if there has recently been a party that you can book off of. The reason? When you book off of a party you get a gift or credit to be able to purchase some of their products at your party.

Recently, I held one such party. I booked off of someone else's and received $15 towards product. I had some friends in, the hostess provided most of the food, and after the sales were all done, I had a total of $50 in free product! Plus, two people booked off my party so I received something for each one of those! I was able to get everything that I wanted on my wish list and only had to pay $1.36. Plus, I was able to purchase another item that I was looking at for a gift for 1/2 price.

So that is my tip to you, it's not too late for Christmas parties yet. If you don't want to have people in to your home for a party, think about having one at work, or just bringing the catalogue in to work for everyone to place an order. You can still get the benefits from it. Try it out and see if you like it.

Enjoy your day!

Christmas Frugal Gifts

This is one of the areas that I wanted post about and I am glad that I waited. A reader submitted a wonderful idea for a great and frugal homemade gift. Staples does their personalized calendars and apparently, according to our reader, the deluxe style A and B are on for 50% off. I am not sure what the regular price is, but I went on to their site and their personalized calendars start at $9.99.

What a great gift for grandparents, or family from away, or a friend that you had a special trip with that you want to remember about, or what ever reason! It's a great thought. Check it out.

Over the next couple of weeks I am going to be posting more frugal gift ideas, both homemade and store bought, and some more ideas from the readers, keep it coming! Remember you can post on here or email me at smile_zil at yahoo dot ca

Enjoy your day!

Crafty Christmas Frugal Tip

We have entered the season of CRAFT SALES! They are held at lots of schools, community centres, rinks, churches, etc. Check your paper or online for them. But craft shows are a great place to go and find something unique, local and inspiring.

Craft shows, I find, are kind of like yard sales in that you can dicker on the price. They don't answer to big box stores where they have to toe to the company line, they don't have to worry about consulting too many people as they are usually their own boss. That means the sticker on the price is a suggestion and the more you buy from one vendor, the better the deal you can get.

If you are a crafty person, go to the craft shows for ideas and make sure you bring your camera. When you see something you like and you know is within your talent level, snap a picture and then you can make it at home for a present to someone else.

So happy crafting and,

Enjoy your day!

Christmas Giveaway Tip

Another Christmas Frugal tip for you today (I am on a role today!) Winning giveaways is a great way to get Christmas presents for free! Because of that I am sharing the wealth of a nice apron giveaway.

This give away is not, unfortunately from me, but from my dear friend Tami. And really, I don't want you to go over and comment because I WANT TO WIN! I am posting a link to her site on here so I can get an extra entry. Sad eh? But, my mom raised me to be a good (ugh) sport, and to share, so here you go. The link to her sight :( Tell her I sent you that way. It won't do anything for me entrywise, or you even, but it will help me to feel better that I helped someone out.

Enjoy your day!

1/2 price and coupon Christmas Tip

I have a lovely deal that I can't wait to cash in on. On the back of my Rice Krispie box that I got on sale for $3.99, there is a coupon for $10 off boardgames! That in and of it's self is a great deal with Christmas coming, but, it get's better than that!

Zellers this week (starting on Friday) have their board games of buy one game get the second for 1/2 price! Use this WITH the coupon and they are practically giving it to you! Everyone loves getting games at Christmas. Check it out.

Enjoy your day.