The National Retail Federation reports that Americans spend nearly three billion dollars on Halloween. Three billion dollars?!? :gasp:
Here are some money saving tips to help you enjoy Halloween a little cheaper.

7)  Do it yourself.  There are lots of costumes and decorations that you can make yourself.  I like this idea because it means that your costume will be unique and not like everyone else’s.  Check out this list of 50 do-it-yourself Halloween ideas.
8)  Look online or in magazines for ideas.  Sometimes I have a hard time getting creative but it’s easier with the help of others.  Some of the sites …read more

I have read that the average family spends about $40-50 on Halloween. Of course, this is an average and it varies upon where you live and how many children you have. I’m sure there are some people that spend way more than this amount.
It doesn’t take long for Halloween expenses to add up. Here are some ways to save.

4)  Shop yard sales.  When I moved last year, I had an entire table of holiday decorations.  There were Christmas ornaments and decorations and Halloween costumes.  These unused items frequently turn up at yard sales.
5)  Shop after-season clearance sales.  Of course, it is …read more

It doesn’t take long for the cost of Halloween decorations and costumes to add up.  Although it may not seem like it, Halloween is just around the corner.  Here are some tips to save.

1)  Check out the selection at close out stores.  One year my husband stopped in a close out store and found Spiderman and Backyardigans costumes for only $5 each.  Those costumes would have cost us at least $40. The kids were thrilled!
2)  Borrow from a friend.  Check with your friends to see if anyone has any costume pieces that you can borrow.  Sometimes you can borrow enough for a whole …read more

The season is changing. The air is a bit cooler, the days are getting shorter, and I’m feeling the need to see the colors red, orange, and yellow.  Here are some tips for keeping the costs down with your fall decorating.

7)  Grow your own.  It’s a little late in the year for this option, but next year you might want to consider planting some things that you could use for decorating.  Perhaps you could have a garden with pumpkins and gourds.
8)  Take something you have and give it a new purpose.  That plain glass bowl you have would look great …read more

It’s time for another season of the year.  Why not bring some color to your home with some fall decorations?  Here are some ideas for saving money while decorating for fall.

4)  Look for sales.  A few years ago, I needed to plan an inexpensive fall craft for our women’s church group.  I found that some craft stores have their fall flowers and accessories 50% off at the start of the season.  I bought bunches of fall flowers and we made fall wreaths.
5)  Check Craigslist or Freecycle. People are constantly getting rid of things and you never know what kind of …read more

Fall is my favorite season. I just love the smell, the crisp air, and the beautiful bright colors. If you’re looking to bring some of fall into your home or work place, you might try some of these tips for saving money on your decorating.

1)  Do it yourself. I’m certainly not the most crafty or creative person, but many times if I can see an idea I can copy it or make it my own.  There’s no need in paying $50-60 for a fall wreath when you can make your own for $15.  Look online for do-it-yourself fall decorating ideas.
2)  Check …read more

Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight.  If you’re usually late for church (ahem) then leave it alone until after church is over. 

You will need: 
16 oz pumpkin
1 cup sugar
12 oz can evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
dash nutmeg
yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped nuts
2 sticks butter
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup Cool Whip
Mix together items from list 1 (list at the top).  Line 9×12 baking dish with waxed paper.  Pour mixture into dish.  Pour 1 box yellow cake mix over mixture.  Pat gently.  Sprinkle 1 cup chopped nuts over cake.  Melt 2 sticks butter and pour over nuts.  Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes.  Allow cake to cool.  Invert onto plate.
For topping, mix together 8 oz …read more

Check out Old Navy’s Fall preview Sale.  I’m not into skinny jeans but their colored jeans look really great!  In high school, I’m dating myself here,  I had just about every color jean there was and several shirts to match.

I’ve been sick this weekend and now you are getting benefits from my downtime.  I have been surfing the web today for ideas for children’s Thanksgiving crafts and activites.  Below I have provided you with links for 10 sites that I think you will find very beneficial.  I have bookmarked them all under my favorites. 
Annie’s Home Page – coloring pages, stories, games, links to other sites, and craft ideas.  Annie linked me to some other great sites.
Enchanted Learning – crafts, decorations, printouts, worksheets, and activities.  Cute craft ideas.  I used one them with my 4 year old preschool class last …read more