We just finished a weekend garage sale here and we met our goal! I thought I'd take a few minutes to share with you the reasons that I believe our sale was successful.
10. It was organized. I organized each table by category. We had a kitchen area, toy area, clothing area, etc.
9. My items were clean. I took out a tub of clorox wipes and periodically cleaned off dust and grime on items that were for sale.
8. We kept great business hours without getting overwhelmed. We were only open from 9-3 on Friday and 9-noon on Saturday. This was adequate time to sell and gave us plenty of time to rest and rejuvenate.
7. We had a great location. We live on a busy street. We get a LOT of drive-by traffic. If we didn't live here, I would have went somewhere else.
6. We had a FREE box. It was nice to be able to give away some items for free and it helped boost everyone's morale.
5. Multiple families participated. The more families, the more stuff, and the bigger the sale!
4. We had a set 1/2 price time. On Saturday at 10:00, everything that was left went to 1/2 price and boy - did it fly out of my garage!
3. We had great signs. We used bright marker colors, attached balloons, and wrote in large letters. The other great thing was using old candidate signage to staple our signs on, so that they could go in the ground easily.
2. We had refreshments that went to a good cause. Who can resist lemonade from a kid who donates to the food pantry? This stand helped people linger longer and we met some real nice folks :)
1. We always had adequate help. There was a minimum of 2 adults present at all times. We could tag team customers and even help carry items to cars. No one felt ignored.
All in all, this was one of our most successful sales to date. Hope these tips help you when you plan your next garage sale.
Showing posts with label top ten. Show all posts
Showing posts with label top ten. Show all posts
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Beyond the Tie and Tools : Ideas for Father's Day
It would be so easy to buy the standard striped tie or a new ratchet set for Father's Day...wouldn't it? But, that would be so predictable, and so not creative. Here are a few ideas for great Father's Day gifts:
A keepsake canvas like this.
A BBQ apron and some grill tools from Dollar Tree will make a grilling Papa proud.
A coffee mug from Snapfish with a Starbucks card inside.
Car wash supplies - or better yet, gift certificates for a local car wash!
A 2-fer pass for golfing...tell him to take a buddy along.
A firepit and some hot dog sticks.
A new cooler filled with his favorite beverages.
Tickets to a pro game.
New sunglasses and flip flops.
A gift card to his favorite lunch place - what freedom to have lunch with no budget guilt!
That "thing" that he's been wanting...you know what it is. In our house its a kettleball and lawn mower wheels.
Have fun surprising your Papa this Father's Day!
A keepsake canvas like this.
A BBQ apron and some grill tools from Dollar Tree will make a grilling Papa proud.
A coffee mug from Snapfish with a Starbucks card inside.
Car wash supplies - or better yet, gift certificates for a local car wash!
A 2-fer pass for golfing...tell him to take a buddy along.
A firepit and some hot dog sticks.
A new cooler filled with his favorite beverages.
Tickets to a pro game.
New sunglasses and flip flops.
A gift card to his favorite lunch place - what freedom to have lunch with no budget guilt!
That "thing" that he's been wanting...you know what it is. In our house its a kettleball and lawn mower wheels.
Have fun surprising your Papa this Father's Day!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Top Ten - Family Fun MODIFIED REPOST
Cheap Family Fun
In honor of summer days...here is a list of my Top Ten things to do for cheap family fun!
10. Get a Redbox movie, pop some corn, and have a family movie night. Two free codes are: DVDONME and BREAKROOM. Sign up for their monthly emails where you get a free code. We just watched Gnomeo and Juliet this way! Otherwise, you pay just $1 for a fun-family night.
9. Eat out at a restaurant where kids eat free on weekends. A good family place is Steak N Shake (and the kids get cute packets to color and free crackers while you wait for your meal.) Panda Express also has a free kids night.
8. Visit a local Farmer's Market to browse and shop for fresh produce/baked goods. The larger markets can be both a feast for your tummy and your eyes. :)
7. Visit a local museum. Where I live, we ask for a local children's science museum membership as a Christmas gift. It gives back to our local economy, fuels my children's growing minds, and gives us free entertainment throughout the year. With our membership, we can visit hundreds of other science centers through out the US for free.
6. Visit a local park or metropark to walk, bike, feed ducks, and play. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it! A great local place to visit is Rotary park.
5. See how far you can get on a tank of gas (or a half tank). We have made "free" trips to public beaches on Lake Erie for gas only. If you pack snacks in a cooler and sand toys, you can have a great adventure for little money. In Ohio, there are many places of beauty for free or minimal admission.
4. Have a family library day. Don't be rushed. Take time to play computer games, read a few books in the library snuggled in a chair, and pick some fresh music for your week. Leave with a free movie and you've got your evening planned also... While you are there, sign up for the summer reading program also.
3. Spend quality time with your friends. Organize a pot luck dinner. Play cards. Blow up the kiddie pool, set out a slip 'n' slide, and let your kids make friendships that will last as long as yours have.
2. Have a family campfire in your backyard's fire pit. Make smores and tell stories. Experiment with pie-iron pies and pizzas. If you feel really adventurous, sleep in your backyard and watch the stars.
1. Organize a game night for LOTS of friends. Invite families. Have everyone bring a snack to share and play group games like Scene-It, Charades, Catch Phrase, Cards, etc. We used to do this regularly and I truly miss it. Our Game Nights would really draw a diverse crowd : singles, students, seniors, toddlers, teens, baby-boomers, and babysitters! It was great fun, cheap, and a night of laughter with minimal cleanup.
In honor of summer days...here is a list of my Top Ten things to do for cheap family fun!
10. Get a Redbox movie, pop some corn, and have a family movie night. Two free codes are: DVDONME and BREAKROOM. Sign up for their monthly emails where you get a free code. We just watched Gnomeo and Juliet this way! Otherwise, you pay just $1 for a fun-family night.
9. Eat out at a restaurant where kids eat free on weekends. A good family place is Steak N Shake (and the kids get cute packets to color and free crackers while you wait for your meal.) Panda Express also has a free kids night.
8. Visit a local Farmer's Market to browse and shop for fresh produce/baked goods. The larger markets can be both a feast for your tummy and your eyes. :)
7. Visit a local museum. Where I live, we ask for a local children's science museum membership as a Christmas gift. It gives back to our local economy, fuels my children's growing minds, and gives us free entertainment throughout the year. With our membership, we can visit hundreds of other science centers through out the US for free.
6. Visit a local park or metropark to walk, bike, feed ducks, and play. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it! A great local place to visit is Rotary park.
5. See how far you can get on a tank of gas (or a half tank). We have made "free" trips to public beaches on Lake Erie for gas only. If you pack snacks in a cooler and sand toys, you can have a great adventure for little money. In Ohio, there are many places of beauty for free or minimal admission.
4. Have a family library day. Don't be rushed. Take time to play computer games, read a few books in the library snuggled in a chair, and pick some fresh music for your week. Leave with a free movie and you've got your evening planned also... While you are there, sign up for the summer reading program also.
3. Spend quality time with your friends. Organize a pot luck dinner. Play cards. Blow up the kiddie pool, set out a slip 'n' slide, and let your kids make friendships that will last as long as yours have.
2. Have a family campfire in your backyard's fire pit. Make smores and tell stories. Experiment with pie-iron pies and pizzas. If you feel really adventurous, sleep in your backyard and watch the stars.
1. Organize a game night for LOTS of friends. Invite families. Have everyone bring a snack to share and play group games like Scene-It, Charades, Catch Phrase, Cards, etc. We used to do this regularly and I truly miss it. Our Game Nights would really draw a diverse crowd : singles, students, seniors, toddlers, teens, baby-boomers, and babysitters! It was great fun, cheap, and a night of laughter with minimal cleanup.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Top Ten Reasons I've Stopped EXTREME Couponing
10. Who needs 50 pouches of tuna? We are turning into cats!
9. My husband's diet calls for a lot of eggs and lean meat = no coupons; sales or manager's specials only.
8. I have never gotten enough gas points at Kroger to amount to anything.
7. The local stores never have what I want (I made 3 Walgreens trips this week to leave empty handed every time.)
6. I am trying to cut out processed foods.
5. I am re-falling in love with Aldi.
4. Time. Have I mentioned that we also home-school and its the end of the year?
3. We have MORE than ENOUGH - for us. Not for the block, but for us...
2. I do not want to be compared to THAT television show, period.
1. Gas prices! Good grief; I need to become a hermit.
9. My husband's diet calls for a lot of eggs and lean meat = no coupons; sales or manager's specials only.
8. I have never gotten enough gas points at Kroger to amount to anything.
7. The local stores never have what I want (I made 3 Walgreens trips this week to leave empty handed every time.)
6. I am trying to cut out processed foods.
5. I am re-falling in love with Aldi.
4. Time. Have I mentioned that we also home-school and its the end of the year?
3. We have MORE than ENOUGH - for us. Not for the block, but for us...
2. I do not want to be compared to THAT television show, period.
1. Gas prices! Good grief; I need to become a hermit.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Cheap Weekends
Yes, folks, it is time for another installment of cheap weekends, Hope-Filled Home, Style.
Top Ten Things You Can Do for a Cheap Weekend This Weekend
10. ROAD TRIP - how far can you get on a tank of gas? Eat at a local restaurant while you are there.
9. Girly Night - paint your little one's nails, curl hair, take a bubble bath, watch Cinderella (while wearing tiarras) and make a memory!
8. Go Sledding - we are supposed to get snow! Take the kids sled-riding. No sled - use garbage bags!
7. International Day - cook an international meal, draw a replica of the country's flag, get festive music from the library, and make table décorations. (Example: Japanese/Chinese food, flag, music and origami.)
6. Library Lessons - have a treasure hunt in the library. Send your kids to find 5 specific type of books in the children's department. (Our favorites are: a cook book, a seasonal book, a science book, a biography, and a fun book.) Talk about why they chose each book.
5. Camp In - set up sleeping bags in the living room. Have hot dogs and microwaved smores for dinner. Tell a spooky story and sing camp songs. Look at a book of constallations.
4. Charades - teach your child the art of playing a game without a game. Play a rousing game of charades and laugh til you cry!
3. Indoor Bowling - use empty 2 liters (with stones, sand, or water) and set up your own bowling alley in your living room. Keep score on a chalboard or dry erase board.
2. Frugal Progressive Dinner - Go somewhere for appetisers (Arby's) a sandwich/entree (Subway/McDonalds), and desert (Dairy Queen or Wendy's for Frosties!)
1. Go to an outside place in the winter - think the zoo (some animals are more active in cooler temps), the park, or a walking trail (looking for signs of animals and new growth.)
Whatever you do, enjoy your weekend with the ones you love!
Top Ten Things You Can Do for a Cheap Weekend This Weekend
10. ROAD TRIP - how far can you get on a tank of gas? Eat at a local restaurant while you are there.
9. Girly Night - paint your little one's nails, curl hair, take a bubble bath, watch Cinderella (while wearing tiarras) and make a memory!
8. Go Sledding - we are supposed to get snow! Take the kids sled-riding. No sled - use garbage bags!
7. International Day - cook an international meal, draw a replica of the country's flag, get festive music from the library, and make table décorations. (Example: Japanese/Chinese food, flag, music and origami.)
6. Library Lessons - have a treasure hunt in the library. Send your kids to find 5 specific type of books in the children's department. (Our favorites are: a cook book, a seasonal book, a science book, a biography, and a fun book.) Talk about why they chose each book.
5. Camp In - set up sleeping bags in the living room. Have hot dogs and microwaved smores for dinner. Tell a spooky story and sing camp songs. Look at a book of constallations.
4. Charades - teach your child the art of playing a game without a game. Play a rousing game of charades and laugh til you cry!
3. Indoor Bowling - use empty 2 liters (with stones, sand, or water) and set up your own bowling alley in your living room. Keep score on a chalboard or dry erase board.
2. Frugal Progressive Dinner - Go somewhere for appetisers (Arby's) a sandwich/entree (Subway/McDonalds), and desert (Dairy Queen or Wendy's for Frosties!)
1. Go to an outside place in the winter - think the zoo (some animals are more active in cooler temps), the park, or a walking trail (looking for signs of animals and new growth.)
Whatever you do, enjoy your weekend with the ones you love!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Top Ten Ways to Save NOW on Your Grocery Budget
The grocery budget is one of the most flexible lines in your family's monthly budget. Utilites don't change much, car payments and mortgage are consistent, and gasoline is a requirement...but are the ho-ho's that you want to buy? NO! Grocery shopping is the one place where you can get flexible and creative. If you are struggling with your check-out totals, if you are bug-eyed when you get to your car, if you are embarrasssed to tell your spouse what you spent...then this is the post for you, my friends!
So, in traditional, Hope-Filled Home style, here are my...
Top Ten Ways to Start Saving NOW at the Grocery Store
10. Love Your List - make one every time you step foot in the store. Even if you are going in for milk and bread, write it down and keep yourself accountable to it.
9. Make a Meal Plan - know IN ADVANCE what you are going to be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week that you are shopping for. Knowing what you are going to be eating makes your shopping easier, promotes less waste, and gives you no reason to hit a drive-thru.
8. Shop Sales - make your meal plan based off of what is on sale. Hamburger on sale? I see meatloaf... Good price on apples? I see apples in lunches and apple crisp for a special desert. Don't plan your list around what you want to eat, plan what you want to eat around what's on sale!
7. Clip Your Coupons - clip coupons on Sunday afternoons. 15 minutes clipping and filing can save you major moolah every week. For every coupon I clip, I am able to: buy a luxury item (Dove chocolate), pay down debt, take a trip to Disney, etc. Don't believe me? Taking only 5 .50 coupons to Meijer/Kroger saves you $5 off your bill (they double coupons at that store.) That equals $20/month or $240/year. If you took 15 coupons each visit, that would equal $720/year. I think that's enough for park tickets, don't you?
6. Stockpile for Savings - when something goes on an exceptional sale, buy more than one. Buy as many as you have coupons for. Ask your neighbors to save their coupon inserts for you for a FREE way to get extras. Some people buy extra coupons that they want on ebay, but I see no reason to spend more money to save money. Regulary, frozen vegetables end up free after sale and coupon. Buy 4 bags, or 6, or 10 and use them when you need them.
5. Lose the Loyalty - don't think that you are always getting the best deal when you shop where there are "low prices everyday." You aren't. You are getting conveiniece, but may possibly spend more money. Check out your ads and go where the best deals are. I regularly shop at 2 stores and then hit Aldi once a month to stock up on some canned goods there. I never shop somewhere "just because." I know exactly why I am going there, and it's because the have the best deals on...cheese, chicken, crackers, pasta, etc.
5 1/2. Lose the Loyalty Part 2 - don't always buy Skippy because you've always bought it. Your family may like Peter Pan better...if not, you can always hide it in cookies :) Buy what's on sale and/or what you have a coupon for. More times than not, you will be surprised.
4. Make Meatless Meals - once a week, enjoy a meatless meal for savings on your grocery bill. Have pasta with sauce, pancakes with fruit, or baked potatoes and salad. Think simple and save.
3. Use Cash Only - never ever use a credit card to buy your groceries! Do you know how much you would end up paying for them after interest? I don't even recommend using your debit card to buy groceries. Why is that? When you take cash to the grocery store and you commit to only using that cash, (ie $60) you are less likely to impulse buy and more likely to stay under budget. What happens if you get to the register and your total is $62? Put something back. Don't use your debit/credit because then you are more likely to add even more (like the candy bar, magazine, gum, or pop by the register.) Just don't do it, trust me on this!
2. Freezer Cook - spend a Saturday cooking up some of your favorite meals or casseroles and deep freeze them for a later use. Have company coming? Pull out a lasagna instead of hitting the store. Need to feed a crowd? Thaw out that chowder in the microwave and crockpot it for down-home comfort food. Forgot to make a meal plan/feel uninspired with the grocery ads? See what's already in your freezer and go from there! In 5 hours (with the help of 2 girlfriends), we put up 45 meals (15 per family.) What a helper and a timesaver that was (and so much healthier than the local drive-thru!)
1. Start Small - be encouarged! Make attainable goals. Be realistic with yourself. You don't have to go into the store and save 80% on your bill... Evey dollar counts. Every time you eat leftovers instead of pizza, every time you say no to an impulse buy, every time you find something for free - celebrate! Bring out the nice dishes and toast yourself on a job well-done. You deserve it!
So, in traditional, Hope-Filled Home style, here are my...
Top Ten Ways to Start Saving NOW at the Grocery Store
10. Love Your List - make one every time you step foot in the store. Even if you are going in for milk and bread, write it down and keep yourself accountable to it.
9. Make a Meal Plan - know IN ADVANCE what you are going to be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week that you are shopping for. Knowing what you are going to be eating makes your shopping easier, promotes less waste, and gives you no reason to hit a drive-thru.
8. Shop Sales - make your meal plan based off of what is on sale. Hamburger on sale? I see meatloaf... Good price on apples? I see apples in lunches and apple crisp for a special desert. Don't plan your list around what you want to eat, plan what you want to eat around what's on sale!
7. Clip Your Coupons - clip coupons on Sunday afternoons. 15 minutes clipping and filing can save you major moolah every week. For every coupon I clip, I am able to: buy a luxury item (Dove chocolate), pay down debt, take a trip to Disney, etc. Don't believe me? Taking only 5 .50 coupons to Meijer/Kroger saves you $5 off your bill (they double coupons at that store.) That equals $20/month or $240/year. If you took 15 coupons each visit, that would equal $720/year. I think that's enough for park tickets, don't you?
6. Stockpile for Savings - when something goes on an exceptional sale, buy more than one. Buy as many as you have coupons for. Ask your neighbors to save their coupon inserts for you for a FREE way to get extras. Some people buy extra coupons that they want on ebay, but I see no reason to spend more money to save money. Regulary, frozen vegetables end up free after sale and coupon. Buy 4 bags, or 6, or 10 and use them when you need them.
5. Lose the Loyalty - don't think that you are always getting the best deal when you shop where there are "low prices everyday." You aren't. You are getting conveiniece, but may possibly spend more money. Check out your ads and go where the best deals are. I regularly shop at 2 stores and then hit Aldi once a month to stock up on some canned goods there. I never shop somewhere "just because." I know exactly why I am going there, and it's because the have the best deals on...cheese, chicken, crackers, pasta, etc.
5 1/2. Lose the Loyalty Part 2 - don't always buy Skippy because you've always bought it. Your family may like Peter Pan better...if not, you can always hide it in cookies :) Buy what's on sale and/or what you have a coupon for. More times than not, you will be surprised.
4. Make Meatless Meals - once a week, enjoy a meatless meal for savings on your grocery bill. Have pasta with sauce, pancakes with fruit, or baked potatoes and salad. Think simple and save.
3. Use Cash Only - never ever use a credit card to buy your groceries! Do you know how much you would end up paying for them after interest? I don't even recommend using your debit card to buy groceries. Why is that? When you take cash to the grocery store and you commit to only using that cash, (ie $60) you are less likely to impulse buy and more likely to stay under budget. What happens if you get to the register and your total is $62? Put something back. Don't use your debit/credit because then you are more likely to add even more (like the candy bar, magazine, gum, or pop by the register.) Just don't do it, trust me on this!
2. Freezer Cook - spend a Saturday cooking up some of your favorite meals or casseroles and deep freeze them for a later use. Have company coming? Pull out a lasagna instead of hitting the store. Need to feed a crowd? Thaw out that chowder in the microwave and crockpot it for down-home comfort food. Forgot to make a meal plan/feel uninspired with the grocery ads? See what's already in your freezer and go from there! In 5 hours (with the help of 2 girlfriends), we put up 45 meals (15 per family.) What a helper and a timesaver that was (and so much healthier than the local drive-thru!)
1. Start Small - be encouarged! Make attainable goals. Be realistic with yourself. You don't have to go into the store and save 80% on your bill... Evey dollar counts. Every time you eat leftovers instead of pizza, every time you say no to an impulse buy, every time you find something for free - celebrate! Bring out the nice dishes and toast yourself on a job well-done. You deserve it!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year - Hope Style (top Ten)
Happy 2010!!!
This year, I hope to:
1. Pray harder and for others - start a journal.
2. Pay off our car payments and snowball that money to student loans.
3. Have a family game night once a week and ENJOY IT!
4. Lose 20 pounds by eating less and moving more.
5. Go to Disney World (debt-free) with the 2 best kids in the world!
6. Stay more organized, overall.
7. Have once a month date nights with my man...who I still want to love when the kids are gone.
8. Say "no" more often (and lose the guilt over doing so.)
9. Eat out less.
10. Be less wasteful - start recycling more.
I am attempting to be realistic about these goals and want to make this the best decade ever! Here's to a great year!!!
This year, I hope to:
1. Pray harder and for others - start a journal.
2. Pay off our car payments and snowball that money to student loans.
3. Have a family game night once a week and ENJOY IT!
4. Lose 20 pounds by eating less and moving more.
5. Go to Disney World (debt-free) with the 2 best kids in the world!
6. Stay more organized, overall.
7. Have once a month date nights with my man...who I still want to love when the kids are gone.
8. Say "no" more often (and lose the guilt over doing so.)
9. Eat out less.
10. Be less wasteful - start recycling more.
I am attempting to be realistic about these goals and want to make this the best decade ever! Here's to a great year!!!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Top Ten Practical Gifts for a Mother with Small Children
Here is my list of the Top Ten Practical Gifts for a Mother with Small Children (like me...)
10. Batteries, all shapes and sizes
9. A secret stash of chocolate for stressful days
8. A gift certificate for a massage or a new hair cut
7. A just-for-fun book (not on parenting, organizing, cooking, or cleaning!)
6. Babysitter a gift card for a date night
5. Freezer meals
4. Bath products - fancy ones that we would never buy ourselves
3. Magazine subscriptions (All You contains coupons!)
2. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (they do wonders for crayon on the wall/floor)
1. A night away (a women's retreat ticket, classical concert/ballet, scrapping weekend, etc.)
10. Batteries, all shapes and sizes
9. A secret stash of chocolate for stressful days
8. A gift certificate for a massage or a new hair cut
7. A just-for-fun book (not on parenting, organizing, cooking, or cleaning!)
6. Babysitter a gift card for a date night
5. Freezer meals
4. Bath products - fancy ones that we would never buy ourselves
3. Magazine subscriptions (All You contains coupons!)
2. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (they do wonders for crayon on the wall/floor)
1. A night away (a women's retreat ticket, classical concert/ballet, scrapping weekend, etc.)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Top Ten - Thanksgiving Style
I am thankful for...
10. A place to call home
9. My church and its mission
8. Unlimited long distance
7. In-laws that I actually like
6. Finances that allow me to stay home with my children
5. Freedom - both political and spititual
4. Friends who have become family
3. A patient, unwavering, faithful spouse
2. Answers to prayer: Grant and Reagan Grace
1. "God with us," who delights in me, and has no beginning and no end!
10. A place to call home
9. My church and its mission
8. Unlimited long distance
7. In-laws that I actually like
6. Finances that allow me to stay home with my children
5. Freedom - both political and spititual
4. Friends who have become family
3. A patient, unwavering, faithful spouse
2. Answers to prayer: Grant and Reagan Grace
1. "God with us," who delights in me, and has no beginning and no end!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Top Ten Homemade Gifts
In the spirit of Christmas, I give you my personal Top Ten Homemade Gifts! Hopefully this will inspire you to create something for someone you love this year...
10. Coupon Booklets (I have done a pizza of the month book, a baked good of the month book, babysitting, housecleaning, backrub books, etc.)
9. Soup in a Jar/Coffee in a Jar (Many forms of dried beans can be layered in mason jars for a nice gift as well as gourmet coffee mixes.)
8. Embroidered Tea Towels or Bread Cloths (Does anyone realize how much TIME goes into cross-stitching? If that doesn't say love, I don't know what does!)
7. Personalized Notecards/Notepads (Using computer or stamping skills you can make adorable gifts for friends and family to enjoy.)
6. Homemade Ornaments (Go beyond pasta angels and let your creativity flow using paper products to create masterpieces that will be treasured for years - need inspiration - hit the library!)
5. Fresh Baked Bread (Wrapped in a tea towel and tied with a bow, fresh bread makes a thoughtful and useful gift!)
4. Felt Food for Kids Kitchens (Use felt to create: fried eggs, pancakes with butter, sandwiches, etc. for your little friends play time.)
3. Scrapbooked Calendars (Everyone needs a calendar; why not one filled with photos of great memories?)
2. Hairbows/Headbands for Little Princesses (These are the rage right now and can be super easy to make and enjoy.)
1. Heartfelt Words (Absolutely NOTHING beats a well-written letter or poem about how much or why you love/admire/respect someone. Need to get a little classier? Have it printed on parchment paper and framed for a gift. I received this for my birthday and it beat out anything bought in a store.)
Have yourself a merry little Christmas...love the ones you've been blessed with well...
10. Coupon Booklets (I have done a pizza of the month book, a baked good of the month book, babysitting, housecleaning, backrub books, etc.)
9. Soup in a Jar/Coffee in a Jar (Many forms of dried beans can be layered in mason jars for a nice gift as well as gourmet coffee mixes.)
8. Embroidered Tea Towels or Bread Cloths (Does anyone realize how much TIME goes into cross-stitching? If that doesn't say love, I don't know what does!)
7. Personalized Notecards/Notepads (Using computer or stamping skills you can make adorable gifts for friends and family to enjoy.)
6. Homemade Ornaments (Go beyond pasta angels and let your creativity flow using paper products to create masterpieces that will be treasured for years - need inspiration - hit the library!)
5. Fresh Baked Bread (Wrapped in a tea towel and tied with a bow, fresh bread makes a thoughtful and useful gift!)
4. Felt Food for Kids Kitchens (Use felt to create: fried eggs, pancakes with butter, sandwiches, etc. for your little friends play time.)
3. Scrapbooked Calendars (Everyone needs a calendar; why not one filled with photos of great memories?)
2. Hairbows/Headbands for Little Princesses (These are the rage right now and can be super easy to make and enjoy.)
1. Heartfelt Words (Absolutely NOTHING beats a well-written letter or poem about how much or why you love/admire/respect someone. Need to get a little classier? Have it printed on parchment paper and framed for a gift. I received this for my birthday and it beat out anything bought in a store.)
Have yourself a merry little Christmas...love the ones you've been blessed with well...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Top Ten Easy Items That Freeze Well for Beginning Freezer Cookers
Is anyone thinking about trying freezer cooking? Here is a list of my favorite easy things that can be frozen without a lot of hassle.
A great way to get started is to simply double your recipe when you cook. Ex: If you are making lasagna for dinner, double your recipe and freeze the 2nd for later. This is easy to do on a regular basis and really saves on your drive-thru trips for busy nights.
Top Ten Easy Items That Freeze Well for Beginning Freezer Cookers
10. Pancakes - make the whole box of mix at once and freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick breakfasts.
9. Chunked Chicken Breasts - crockpot, boil, or grill extra chicken and cut it up into quart freezer bags to be used for chicken alfredo, BBQ chicken pizza, chicken helper, or in salads.
8. Lasagna - make 2 instead of 1 and freeze the 2nd for an easy, satisfying dinner later in the month.
7. Cooked Ground Beef - cook extra and freeze in quart freezer bags to get a jumpstart on pasta sauce, tacos, or hamburger helper on a busy night.
6. Chili - make a huge pot and freeze the leftovers for quick lunches or a simple supper.
5. Muffins and Quick Breads - when you bake, make an extra batch or two for the freezer. Simply wrap in foil (breads) or put in freezer bags (muffins) for quick breakfasts on the go or to serve with coffee hour.
4. Tator Tot Casserole - ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, frozen veggies, tots, and cheese make a comforting supper. Make 2 - 1 for dinner and one for the freezer and have NO prep work next time around!
3. Twice Baked Potatoes - think about this, if you can buy it in the freezer case at Kroger, you can make it yourself and freeze it for later. Its healthier and cheaper this way too!
2. Meatloaf - when mixing meatloaf for tonight's dinner, mix a 2nd for later in the month. Put it in a loaf pan and freeze uncooked to save you time, next time.
1. Baked Ziti - my favorite recipe for baked ziti makes a TON. I fill a 9x13 for today's meal and freeze the rest in gallon sized Ziplocs for later. All I have to do is: thaw, dump, and add cheese for an easy family-favorite!
Hope this inspires you to put something away for a rainy day...or a hectic day...or an "I don't feel well" day...or a "company's coming" day...or a "help someone in need by providing a meal" day.
God bless you as you feed your families!
A great way to get started is to simply double your recipe when you cook. Ex: If you are making lasagna for dinner, double your recipe and freeze the 2nd for later. This is easy to do on a regular basis and really saves on your drive-thru trips for busy nights.
Top Ten Easy Items That Freeze Well for Beginning Freezer Cookers
10. Pancakes - make the whole box of mix at once and freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick breakfasts.
9. Chunked Chicken Breasts - crockpot, boil, or grill extra chicken and cut it up into quart freezer bags to be used for chicken alfredo, BBQ chicken pizza, chicken helper, or in salads.
8. Lasagna - make 2 instead of 1 and freeze the 2nd for an easy, satisfying dinner later in the month.
7. Cooked Ground Beef - cook extra and freeze in quart freezer bags to get a jumpstart on pasta sauce, tacos, or hamburger helper on a busy night.
6. Chili - make a huge pot and freeze the leftovers for quick lunches or a simple supper.
5. Muffins and Quick Breads - when you bake, make an extra batch or two for the freezer. Simply wrap in foil (breads) or put in freezer bags (muffins) for quick breakfasts on the go or to serve with coffee hour.
4. Tator Tot Casserole - ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, frozen veggies, tots, and cheese make a comforting supper. Make 2 - 1 for dinner and one for the freezer and have NO prep work next time around!
3. Twice Baked Potatoes - think about this, if you can buy it in the freezer case at Kroger, you can make it yourself and freeze it for later. Its healthier and cheaper this way too!
2. Meatloaf - when mixing meatloaf for tonight's dinner, mix a 2nd for later in the month. Put it in a loaf pan and freeze uncooked to save you time, next time.
1. Baked Ziti - my favorite recipe for baked ziti makes a TON. I fill a 9x13 for today's meal and freeze the rest in gallon sized Ziplocs for later. All I have to do is: thaw, dump, and add cheese for an easy family-favorite!
Hope this inspires you to put something away for a rainy day...or a hectic day...or an "I don't feel well" day...or a "company's coming" day...or a "help someone in need by providing a meal" day.
God bless you as you feed your families!
My Guest Post Posted
Follow this link to see my 2nd guest post and get an idea for weekend fun. *
http://dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com/2009/10/guest-post-10-things-to-do-for-cheap.html
*This is a similar post to one I have done before with a few adaptations...
http://dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com/2009/10/guest-post-10-things-to-do-for-cheap.html
*This is a similar post to one I have done before with a few adaptations...
Friday, September 18, 2009
In My Opinion - A Pet is Money Well Worth Spending
We just had to put down our 12 year old English Bulldog last night. He was a loyal dog, loved our family, and was a laid-back kind of pet. You all know that I am obsessively frugal. I want to clarify that I believe that a pet is a great way to spend money. Dolph was a gift to our family. We received him when a friend was being transferred for work and couldn't take him along (he was 4). We had him through infertility, pregnancy bed rests, the birth of two children, and now the preschool years. I would do this all over again! So, in memory of Dolphie, I give you my Top Ten reasons to spend money on a pet:
10. A pet teaches your children responsiblity.
9. A pet is a home-security system.
8. A pet forces you to exercise and minimizes gym costs!
7. A pet is a counselor when you need one.
6. A pet can be free entertainment - they can be really funny :)
5. A pet keeps you warm when you are cold.
4. A pet eats your leftovers willingly (don't tell the vet I said this...)
3. A pet is always there when you come home.
2. A pet protects babies sleeping in cribs.
1. A pet adds to your family dynamic by giving love, companionship, and loyalty.
We miss you, Dolphie. You were a good dog!
10. A pet teaches your children responsiblity.
9. A pet is a home-security system.
8. A pet forces you to exercise and minimizes gym costs!
7. A pet is a counselor when you need one.
6. A pet can be free entertainment - they can be really funny :)
5. A pet keeps you warm when you are cold.
4. A pet eats your leftovers willingly (don't tell the vet I said this...)
3. A pet is always there when you come home.
2. A pet protects babies sleeping in cribs.
1. A pet adds to your family dynamic by giving love, companionship, and loyalty.
We miss you, Dolphie. You were a good dog!
Friday, August 28, 2009
My Top Ten Reasons to Bake From Scratch
Hope's Top Ten Reasons to Bake From Scratch
10. The aroma of rising yeast and baking chocolate!
9. The warmth of the oven. (When you are done baking, crack your oven and heat your home for "free!")
8. It's cheaper than buying from the store, duh...
7. You can teach your kids science (bread rising), math (measurements), and reading (cookbooks.)
6. You control what goes in (controls allergies, preservatives, fiber) - what, there are chickpeas in the brownies?
5. You can freeze (aka. "Freezer Bake") for quick breakfasts and snacks.
4. You can use up the garden's bounty - waste not, want not. (Zucchini bread, anyone?)
3. Home-baked goodies make wonderful, economical gifts. Add a ribbon and a dollar-store wooden spoon or whisk tied on and you are set!
2. Your kids may not remember their toys when they grow up, but they will remember their favorite pie, cookie, cake that Mom made. (Mine were these soft sugar cookies made with sour milk...mmmmm!)
1. Baking is a LOST ART! Have the courage to recapture it and make memories that will last for generations to come.
Baking feeds your body, fuels creativity, and is a natural relaxer. I believe it is truly good for the soul.
My favorite recipe (and a BIG seller at my Farmer's Market):
Cranberry Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups grated fresh zucchini or yellow squash
2/3 cup melted unsalted butter
2 teaspoons baking soda
Pinch salt
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup dried cranberries
Directions
10. The aroma of rising yeast and baking chocolate!
9. The warmth of the oven. (When you are done baking, crack your oven and heat your home for "free!")
8. It's cheaper than buying from the store, duh...
7. You can teach your kids science (bread rising), math (measurements), and reading (cookbooks.)
6. You control what goes in (controls allergies, preservatives, fiber) - what, there are chickpeas in the brownies?
5. You can freeze (aka. "Freezer Bake") for quick breakfasts and snacks.
4. You can use up the garden's bounty - waste not, want not. (Zucchini bread, anyone?)
3. Home-baked goodies make wonderful, economical gifts. Add a ribbon and a dollar-store wooden spoon or whisk tied on and you are set!
2. Your kids may not remember their toys when they grow up, but they will remember their favorite pie, cookie, cake that Mom made. (Mine were these soft sugar cookies made with sour milk...mmmmm!)
1. Baking is a LOST ART! Have the courage to recapture it and make memories that will last for generations to come.
Baking feeds your body, fuels creativity, and is a natural relaxer. I believe it is truly good for the soul.
My favorite recipe (and a BIG seller at my Farmer's Market):
Cranberry Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups grated fresh zucchini or yellow squash
2/3 cup melted unsalted butter
2 teaspoons baking soda
Pinch salt
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup dried cranberries
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in the grated zucchini and then the melted butter. Add baking soda and salt and mix in. Add the flour, a little at a time. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg and mix. Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Divide the batter equally between 2 greased loaf pans, or 4 mini loaf pans.
- Bake for 1 hour for large loaves, 30 minutes for mini loaves. Test with a toothpick.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Turn out onto wire racks to cool thoroughly.
Makes 2 regular loaves or 4 mini loaves.
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Cheap Weekends
Here is a list of my Top Ten things to do for cheap weekend fun!
10. Get a Redbox movie, pop some corn, and have a family movie night. Two free codes are: DVDONME and BREAKROOM. Otherwise, you pay just $1 for a fun-family night.
9. Eat out at a restaurant where kids eat free on weekends. A good family place is Steak N Shake (and the kids get cute packets to color and free crackers while you wait for your meal.)
8. Visit a local Farmer's Market to browse and shop for fresh produce/baked goods. The larger markets can be both a feast for your tummy and your eyes. :)
7. Visit a local museum. Where I live, we ask for a local children's science museum membership as a Christmas gift. It gives back to our local economy, fuels my children's growing minds, and gives us free entertainment throughout the year. With our membership, we can visit hundreds of other science centers throught the US for free.
6. Visit a local park or metropark to walk, bike, feed ducks, and play. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it!
5. See how far you can get on a tank of gas (or a half tank). We have made "free" trips to public beaches on Lake Erie for gas only. If you pack snacks in a cooler and sand toys, you can have a great adventure for little money. In Ohio, there are many places of beauty for free or minimal admission.
4. Have a family library day. Don't be rushed. Take time to play computer games, read a few books in the library snuggled in a chair, and pick some fresh music for your week. Leave with a free movie and you've got your evening planned also...
3. Spend quality time with your friends. Organize a pot luck dinner. Play cards. Blow up the kiddie pool and let your kids make friendships that will last as long as yours have.
2. Have a family campfire in your backyard's fire pit. Make smores and tell stories. If you feel really adventurous, sleep in your backyard and watch the stars.
1. Organize a game night for LOTS of friends. Invite families. Have everyone bring a snack to share and play group games like Scene-It, Charades, Catch Phrase, Cards, etc. We used to do this regulary and I truly miss it. Our Game Nights would really draw a diverse crowd : singles, students, seniors, toddlers, teens, baby-boomers, and babysitters! It was great fun, cheap, and a night of laughter with minimal cleanup.
Here's to a good weekend! Let me know what you did to enjoy yours!!!
10. Get a Redbox movie, pop some corn, and have a family movie night. Two free codes are: DVDONME and BREAKROOM. Otherwise, you pay just $1 for a fun-family night.
9. Eat out at a restaurant where kids eat free on weekends. A good family place is Steak N Shake (and the kids get cute packets to color and free crackers while you wait for your meal.)
8. Visit a local Farmer's Market to browse and shop for fresh produce/baked goods. The larger markets can be both a feast for your tummy and your eyes. :)
7. Visit a local museum. Where I live, we ask for a local children's science museum membership as a Christmas gift. It gives back to our local economy, fuels my children's growing minds, and gives us free entertainment throughout the year. With our membership, we can visit hundreds of other science centers throught the US for free.
6. Visit a local park or metropark to walk, bike, feed ducks, and play. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it!
5. See how far you can get on a tank of gas (or a half tank). We have made "free" trips to public beaches on Lake Erie for gas only. If you pack snacks in a cooler and sand toys, you can have a great adventure for little money. In Ohio, there are many places of beauty for free or minimal admission.
4. Have a family library day. Don't be rushed. Take time to play computer games, read a few books in the library snuggled in a chair, and pick some fresh music for your week. Leave with a free movie and you've got your evening planned also...
3. Spend quality time with your friends. Organize a pot luck dinner. Play cards. Blow up the kiddie pool and let your kids make friendships that will last as long as yours have.
2. Have a family campfire in your backyard's fire pit. Make smores and tell stories. If you feel really adventurous, sleep in your backyard and watch the stars.
1. Organize a game night for LOTS of friends. Invite families. Have everyone bring a snack to share and play group games like Scene-It, Charades, Catch Phrase, Cards, etc. We used to do this regulary and I truly miss it. Our Game Nights would really draw a diverse crowd : singles, students, seniors, toddlers, teens, baby-boomers, and babysitters! It was great fun, cheap, and a night of laughter with minimal cleanup.
Here's to a good weekend! Let me know what you did to enjoy yours!!!
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