Stay put: Holiday travel is more expensive than traveling at other times of the year and bonus, it’s hyper stressful with long lines, crowds, and layovers due to nasty winter weather. Stay put. Call your family on the holidays to say. “I love you” and all of that, but honestly, does it really matter when you see your family if you typically only see them once or twice a year anyhow? I’ve always thought that visiting during the holidays only is totally overrated. Go visit in April instead!

Go potluck style: Potlucks aren’t as tacky as some people think, in fact some can be elegant and they create an easy-low-stress environment right from the start. Have everyone bring a dish or two, lay them out on a long table and sit on the floor with plates. Casual, more fun, less stress, and fewer groceries you’re responsible for.

Skip Black Friday: I KNOW people love this day, but it’s so freaking stressful. All the crowds, all the running out of deals, all the hassle. Save sanity and time, and skip it. Shop on a school day, early morning when the stores are less busy and when there’s less pressure. This will save you money because you’ll be clear headed enough to stop and consider all purchases.

Make it a gift card Christmas: Instead of spending lots o’ cash and time looking and looking for the perfect gifts, buy gift certificates in bulk. Good ones that won’t cost the farm include movie theaters, Whole Foods, iTunes, the local coffee shop, or Borders. $25-40 will get you a lot at all these places – well, except the movies nowadays, but it’s still enough for a nice day or evening out.

Keep entertainment low-key at parties: Easy finger food, drinks, friends and a nice garland or two is seriously enough to get a holiday party started. Pull out a low-cost white board for Pictionary and rent a movie suitable for kids, so that other people aren’t stressed out with having to find a sitter. Really, having a holiday party with a kid’s area will make you the most popular party thrower of the season.

How are you keeping the holidays low-stress and low-cost this year?

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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 too early to do this now but when these items go on clearance after Halloween, consider buying some things for next year.  Last year I was able to find some costume accessories for 90% off.

6)  Repurpose an item.  My friend gave me a firefighter costume for my younger son.  It was too big for him but I was able to take the black cape and use it for my older son’s vampire costume.  A simple black cape can go a long way.

What ways do you save on Halloween?

Please stay tuned for part 3 of 10 ways to save on Halloween.  Also, please check out Part 1.

image sxc.hu

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

For many, money is tight this year.  That doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great Valentine’s Day.  Dismiss your expectations about what Valentine’s Day should be.  This is a day to make your mate feel special and to spend time one another. 

1)  Make a romantic dinner at home.  I don’t know about you, but in the past few years, I have given up on going out on Valentine’s Day.  It is not fun to go to your favorite restaurant and wait an hour or more to be seated.  It’s not romantic at all!  Instead, make a special meal at home.

2)  Create a romantic ambiance. Dim the lights, light some candles, and play soft music.  You probably already have the candles in your home.  If not, you can pick up some for just a few dollars.  If you don’t have the music, set up a free playlist at youtube or borrow some music from your friends.

3)  Make your own Valentine’s cards.  A store bought card that says, “Love you” isn’t very special.  What makes a card special is that someone took the time to write something meaningful inside the card.  A handmade card also shows sincerity.  There are websites out there with free clip art or you could make a card and put a picture of the two of you on the cover. 

4)  Swap babysitting with a friend.  Offer to watch her kids on February 14 if she’ll watch your kids on February 15.  Remember, you don’t want to go out on the 14th anyway.  You could also wait until the kids are in bed to celebrate.

5)  Enjoy a movie at home. Last year, my hubby and I did not have a sitter, so I made a special dinner and after the kids were in bed, we enjoyed the silence in our home and watched a movie together.  I bought some sparkling grape juice for just a few dollars and some strawberries.  It was fun just to spend time together.

6)  Make your own decorations.  The internet is full of crafts, garland, and the sweetest decorating ideas.  Many of them aren’t time consuming.  For a fun activity, get the kids involved.

7)  Make your own fabulous desserts.  Enjoy a special treat together such as the famous frozen hot chocolate.  No Fuss Fabulous has a recipe that sounds pretty simple and they show you how to make it as a gift for friends.  Or use your left over candy canes to makes the cutest heart lollipops and cupcakes or make heart shaped cheesecakes from Skip to My Lou.

8)  Forget the store bought gift and give your spouse something special from you.  You know your spouse and you know what he/she likes (or at least you should!).  If your husband is always begging you to go to the car show with him, then tell him you’re taking him to the car show.  If you husband’s love language is touch, then give him a 30 minute massage.  If your husband’s love language is words of affirmation, then make individual hearts for him with special sayings on them or things you appreciate about him and place them in random places throughout the house, or you could tape them to the door for a heart collage.

9)  If you want to buy something for your special someone, begin shopping ahead of time and looking for something that doesn’t cost a lot.  If your honey likes cars, then maybe you could buy a magazine subscription.  If your significant other likes coffee or chocolates, then you could make them a basket of homemade treats with a few favorite store bought items.  Get creative and stay within your budget.

10)  Let the kids be thrifty too.  My kids love to make things.  Get the kids involved by letting them make their own valentines this year.  Family Fun has some really cute Valentine card ideas.  Of course, you can search the web for printable Valentines too.

11)  I know I said 10 ways. Consider this a bonus.     Try not to send flowers this year.  The mark up at Valentine’s Day is insane.  If you do want to give flowers, consider buying them from your local grocery store or supermarket.  They actually have some nice fresh flowers and arrangements for a fraction of the cost.

Also consider checking out 50 Thrifty Links for Valentine’s Day.

What ways can you save this Valentine’s Day?

images used with permission of SkipToMyLou

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

I would like to say, however, that we really enjoyed seeing family.  We only get to go home once a year but this year seemed especially hectic for some reason.

Dec 23rd – I worked a 10 hour shift and packed some

Dec 24th – I worked an 8 hour shift and packed some

Dec 25th – We flew to Houston and then took a 1 hour drive to my dad’s.  Total travel time: 11 hours

Dec 26th – We visited with my dad, mom, all my sisters, and had Christmas at home

Dec 27th – We took some time to go and see Kemah Boardwalk.  I was amazed at how hurricane Ike tore up Galveston.

Dec 28th – We said goodbye to my family and drove 3 hours to my aunt’s house in south Texas.  There we had a good time with my mom’s side of the family.  This was the first year my grandma wasn’t there to great us and it was very hard for me.

Dec 29th – My kids got to feed the cattle and ride around on the ranch.  They had a great time with their cousins.

Dec 30th – We ate lunch at my favorite restaurant from childhood and drove 2.5 hours to my sister’s house.  My mom and sister met us and my older sister and her two kids for dinner.

Dec 31st – We flew to Missouri to see my mom and dad.  Total travel time: 11 hours

Jan 1st – We celebrated my dad’s birthday and had Christmas in Missouri.  Turkey Butt finally got Chou Chou.  She didn’t put that silly doll down for days!  My allergies kicked in so I started taking Benadryl every 4 hours until Monday.

Jan 2nd – We played with the kids and mom and my dad even got to hang out with Turkey Butt for 2.5 hours while we put away the tree.  I had to call my doctor’s office to get DH an antibiotic as he was ocne again very sick.

Jan 3rd – We took the kids to the park for a while.

Jan 4th – We finished packing and flew home.  We fell into bed around 1 am.  Total travel time – 10.5 hours

Jan 5th – I had to be at work at 7:30 am.  By the time I got home, my eyes were bloodshot and my face still had lovely hives from my allergy attack at mom’s.  My co-workers said I looked like I was wasted!

Jan 6th – I took the kids to school and baby sitter and then took a nap.

Total travel time: ridiculous and I lost count

Total allergy/sick time: way too much

Total family time: priceless

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

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I wanted to get everyone into the winter holiday spirit before kicking off December. However, I didn’t just want to post classic Tree Hugging posts. That said, with a little help from the rest of the channel, I rounded up a huge list of killer holiday (and eco-friendly) posts.

Sit back, browse, read, and linger in the holiday bliss!

Remember, no matter the treat or recipe, you can always green it up by exchanging organic and natural ingredients for conventional.

50 Cute and Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas

Cherry Dot Cookies

Organic Holiday Cookies!

Hey It’s Sugar Cookie Day – worth it for the pretty snowy cookie image alone.

Bacon Nut Stuffing – don’t forget, pork is a high pesticide food item, so buy organic if you make this dish.

Top 10 Turkey Tools

Pumpkin Cheesecake – one of my personal favorite treats.

What Else Is In Your Beer? AND Vegan Beer & Wine – I know beer and wine do not make a meal, but hey, they are treats, and if you have a drink, you may as well get the best.

Don’t forget to green up your holiday crafts by using recycled materials when possible.

Making Festive Ice Wreaths

yo-yo Christmas tree ornaments

Easy Christmas Crafts for the Kids

24 Things To Make – A Crafty Christmas Countdown

Beautiful Christmas Wreath Ideas You Can Create Yourself

Quick and Easy Christmas Wreath Idea – Snowflake Wreath

Homemade Recycled Holiday Luminaries

Embroidered Christmas craft how-tos

Christmas in July Crafts for Kids

Christmas sewing & crafting tips and tricks

Free holiday projects from around the bead-osphere!

Free Holiday Projects

Favorite Christmas tree ornament tutorials, free patterns & ideas

50 Holiday Things You Can Make Yourself

Thrifty Christmas Crafting

Homemade Christmas Ornament Ideas: Pinecones

How to Make a Candy Christmas Wreath

Make Your Own Pop Up Christmas Card

Green up your homemade holiday gifts by using recycled materials and natural and organic ingredients when possible. You can apply this thinking to almost any homemade gift idea.

Homemade Eco Gifts You Can Make for the Holidays!

Fabric Covered Journal Tutorial

How To Make Your Own Bath Salts

A Gift You Can Make With Your Children~ Hot Chocolate Mix Jar

Make Your Own Solar Light!

DIY Eco Chic Soap

Make Your Own Oilcloth Bags

Cheap Christmas Spa Basket Gift – Heating Pads

When it comes to green holiday tips you can do a lot; be a smart consumer, save energy, reuse items, and way more.

Turn Cereal Boxes into Gift Boxes

Green Product Review: Green Christmas Book

Tips on Staying Healthy During the Holidays

Green Christmas Shopping – 3RLiving Exclusive Discount to Unplugged Living – 3R Living has the coolest green gear, and now, you can score it for less.

• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #1
• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #2
• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #3
• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #4
• Meaningfully Frugal Christmas Tip #5

How To Reduce Your Winter Heating Bill

Weatherization Assistance Programs

Easy ways to save money when gift shopping online (conserve gas, stay at home and shop).

The First Snowfall – A Day for Fun and Quilting Inspiration

Snow! Snow Everywhere!

25 Reasons To Get Outside During Winter

Christmas Tree Coat Stand

Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

Decorating Your Holiday Table – with the goodness of soy

Christmas Lights

Decorating Your Coffee Table for Christmas

Great Kitty Stocking Stuffers – recycled tins, natural kitty treats!

15 Unique Christmas Gifts – many recycled!

Steal This Christmas Gift Please!

Kitten Christmas Pictures – you know me; NOT a pet fan. So if I’m posting kitten pictures, you can bet your hide they’re flippin’ adorable. Even I was moved.

Best Holiday Books, 2008 – kid friendly! Use the library or share with friends to be extra green with holiday books.

Christmas Party Game Idea – Family Tree

Green Holiday Gift Guide: Great Books for Kids

Holiday Lights Video

[Image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Growing up in a military town brings in me a special patriotism.  Also, being married to a fella that served in the Marines kind of helps with that too. 

My uncles, my hubby, and my late grandfathers all served their country.  I feel quite proud of them and the sacrifices they made.

Well, it’s late and I’m starting to ramble.  I just wanted to let our service men and women know how much we appreciate them.  You’re not forgotten.  We appreciate the sacrifices that you made for us.  I’m proud to be an American!

If you’d like to say something nice about your favorite military person or if you’d like to leave a general message to our military and veterans, please feel free to do so in our comments section.  Thanks!

free clipart

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Just a few days old.

Gee, who do you think she looks like?

My brother and sister-in-law thought she needed a bigger head.  Here she is on her new Barbie throne.

Happy Birthday!!!!!

images from Karen

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Chloe of Tangled Thread shares a few festive fireworks and needlework patterns.

Kerri and Cory at Marriage Actually talk about why having a shared past is one of the best parts about being married.

Heather at A Creative Journal shares her first memory of firecrackers with a view from Australia.

Christine at Mad Cropper remembers Guy Fawkes Day, a day celebrated in New Zealand with lots of fireworks. Find out why Guy Fawkes is celebrated by the English and most commonwealth countries. It is indeed a blast from the past!

Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork, provides a quiz for her readers.  See how many of the quilt designs you can connect with historical Americana – events, objects or people.

Marye at Baking Delights reflects on just how much menu’s have changed over the years while at Kettle and Cup she shares a modern twist that many are sure to love with her Non-Alcoholic Long Island Iced Tea.

Kelly Saunders at Thrifty Mommy shares her favorite 4th of July memory.  Check out the surprise.

Char and Christine continue Camp Weary Parent with this weeks Patriotic activities:  Star Spangled Rocket and a week full of other fun projects.

Marcie and Mary Emma are blasting through books with Fourth of July and summer recommendations at One Book Two Book. Make sure to check out Fourth of July Books for Teens and The 10 Best Fourth of July Picture Books

Linette at Robust Cooking shares 10 Healthy 4th of July Dessert Ideas.  At Mother Earth’s Garden she calls out the old saying about corn – “Knee high by the fourth of July.”  At She Knows Parties, she shares fond memories of her summers and holidays as a child.

Karen at Thrifty Mommy has a very special reason to celebrate the fourth.  Check out the photos as she shares one of the most memorable nights in her families’ lives.

Christina at SoloMother shares her own experiences of celebrating the 4th of July in the nation’s capital.

Susan at PlayLibrary shares her memories of playing the classic game of Zimm Zamm during her family’s annual July 4th barbecue celebration.

Eliza at Babylune reflects back on early holiday celebrations with baby on board and looks to this years celebration – their first out of the military.

And finally, there’s Gayla at MomGadget – Without fail, each year her memories race back to an earlier time when life was much simpler and she’d celebrate her summer holiday with relatives down in the holler in the hills of Kentucky – this year – she shares a Bluegrass Kinda Fourth of July.

To all our readers in the U.S. – we wish you the happiest and safest of holidays – and everyone else, thanks for allowing us to share our own memories with each of you.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Judges from around the blogosphere will judge the best entries for the following categories:

Best Holiday decoration of a Blog – Any blog or blogger who has decorated their blog for the holidays either entirely or in an subtle way. Prize: $20 USD via Paypal and links from channel blogs.

Best post about Christmas on a Blog – The best posting about Christmas or holiday activities on a blog. It can be religious or non-religious, but should celebrate the spirit of the season. Prize: $20 USD via Paypal and links from channel blogs.

Best Holiday image or video on a Blog – The best display of your own personal holiday decorations on a blog. It can be religious or non-religious, but again, should celebrate the spirit of the season. Prize: $20 USD via Paypal and links from channel blogs.

All you have to do to win is submit your entry to our Holiday Blogging Awards host post. Be sure to include the link to be judged or risk disqualification. It’s THAT Easy and what’s better than FREE Money!?!

Nominations will close at midnight December 13th and winners will be announced on Monday December 17th.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

This year for Mother’s Day, I have asked for a very frugal but very time consuming gift.  I have asked for the bedrooms to be painted and the closets redone before the Little Man gets here.  We were already going to do it but I didn’t see any need to waste $ with any other gift.  It is exactly what I want and I don’t have to worry about any other money sent.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy