Lighting adds a festive mood to any party, so take those Christmas string lights collecting dust in the basement, or hit up the craft and party stores NOW, while everything Halloween is on sale, and Christmas decorations (including lights) are already taking over the shelves. Hobby Lobby and even Walgreens are great places to try. String lights from your deck, along a pathway or in trees...and for inside your home, use a vase, ball/mason jar (like I did) or really any clear container and … [Read more...]
Ten Ideas for Fall Fun!
October 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Millennium kids of all ages, yes 6 to 60, are wasting too much physical energy and maybe some mental acuity by hanging out in front of the television and computer. Let’s get off the couch and sharpen our minds and bodies together! Instead of hibernating, let’s Generate! Save money, have fun! 1.) Pumpkin patches & local farms are always a great source of colorful, inexpensive, green fun! Activities start in August and often run through December offering holiday craft activities for … [Read more...]
Ten Halloween Frugalista Costume Ideas!
October 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Back when I was in First Grade (olden days) I remember my mom, Bless you Evelyn!, trying to make me wear a cheesy store-bought bride costume delivered hot off the press from the Sears catalog! I was a pretty compliant kid, but that was my limit! No Bride costume, not then, not ever! I changed my mind later but you all know how that turned out. The Sears Bride costume was I think the ONLY thing I have every really wasted in my life. I passed it along to a cousin in kindergarten (sorry … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Save on Halloween; Candy to Costumes!
September 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
If you can believe it, Halloween is now only a month away! It's often as much fun for adults as it is for kids. You're allowed to dress goofy without the weird looks and the parties and caramel apples and leftover candy isn't bad! What could be better? Well - doing it on the cheap is one way! Click on this LINK to shop online for children's, adult (and even pet) costumes! Free shipping on $75 or more! SAVING ON CANDY: Comparison shop - Look for sales, use your … [Read more...]
Sell Your Old Gold? Maybe, Maybe not
September 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I am nostalgic about a number of things; family, holidays, old photos, good times and...jewelry. When I first saw the ads to "SELL OLD GOLD"! I was motivated to rummage through my jewelry box and see if there was anything valuable (but not nostalgic) that I might profit from. That experience taught me that I was TOO nostalgic! HOWEVER, what I did find were numerous pairs of earrings, pendants and bracelets that I no longer wore, but were special to me. What I did was gather them up, clean … [Read more...]
Cash Crunch? Layaway!
August 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
"The past is not a gift one can layaway" - Emily Dickenson Dear $uper $aver: I have been hearing a lot lately about "Layaway". I have a few friends who are doing all of their Holiday shopping on "Layaway". I know that this is a process that was big a few decades ago, but I don't think that I really understand the process. Can you enlighten me? Lorraine Y., Houston, Texas Dear Lorraine: Looking back I think that I grew up in an era that was definitely "pre-credit card" if you can … [Read more...]
Leftovers!
May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Just a quick tip to remind you not to discard leftovers. I received a HUGE ham from a friend as a holiday gift and ham for dinner, ham n' eggs and ham sandwiches can only go so far. I stretched it out (still stretching) and made some wonderful Ham Salad in the blender. Just cube ham and put in the blender on chop; add minced sweet gherkins or sweet relish if you don't have pickles, chopped onions, a little pepper--I think ham is salty enough, Miracle Whip to taste and a little chopped … [Read more...]
Cheap St. Patrick’s Novelties!
March 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
What is more fun than celebrating the little holidays and special days in every month? Celebrating them as CHEAPLY as possible, that’s what! I’m trying to celebrate MORE for LESS these days and one of the places that is helping me do that is THE ORIENTAL TRADING COMPANY! Where did I get my mardi gras beads? OTC? St. Patrick’s Day shamrocks? OTC. Easter baskets, grass, plastic eggs, etc. etc? OTC. (not to be confused with the OC) I’ve been writing about the OTC since 1980 when … [Read more...]
Fat Tuesday Restaurant Specials — Or Celebrate at Home!
March 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Today is Mardi Gras, which means, Fat Tuesday, in french. If you are itching to celebrate tonight, head out to one of these restaurants, all of which are offering specials. Don't forget your beads! T.G.I. Friday - Pardi Gras - happy hour begins at 4pm and they'll be offering Mardi Gras specials and half-priced drinks AppleBees - Mardi Gras 2 for $20 specials on their "Bourbon Street" inspired menu Ruby Tuesday - 2 for $20 menu specials (March 1 - April 7) Pizza Hut - Family sized … [Read more...]
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