Holiday Heads-Up Part 2

Well, I've done a little more reading and little more shopping since my first holiday post.

I'm convinced that to make it through December 31 debt-free, you absolutely MUST have a plan! Have you been to the stores that are playing Christmas music already?!? I want to not like it, but it's hard when that Christmas-y feeling makes you feel so good. And, it makes me feel like shopping for gifts, new decorations, ingredients for favorite recipes... the list goes on.

So on my most recent trip to a national chain craft store, I'll confess to you that I didn't have a plan. I had a few scraps of a plan floating around my brain, but no solid plan for what I was looking for or who I was shopping for. But, at times like these I do tell myself one thing: if it's not on sale, you don't need it. And so I began my  quest for gifts and goodies for the holidays. Maybe I should have left my wallet in the car, but I still think I made out okay.

If you're family, you may want to stop reading if you don't want to know what you're getting for Christmas. :) I found some great deals that will incorporate a home-made touch with a practical gift: note cards.

I was able to purchase note cards and envelopes in bulk at half off. Then, I purchased special embellishments at the same discount. For storage, I found wooden boxes on sale that the kids can decorate and personalize. I would be delighted to get this gift! And the best part? I was able to get all of the supplies and the box for less than $7/person (about 15 note cards each).

I've also been gathering Ball jars (or similar) for homemade candies. Check out the second-hand store for jars, mugs, tins, or plates that will dress up your candy and cookie gifts. Treats will be made just before they are gifted, but I was able to purchase ribbon at half price for these gifts too and the cost will be easily under $2/gift. Perfect for friends and neighbors.

Lastly, I've been watching my Walgreen's ads. You may not have a Walgreen's, but I assume other drug stores have similar sale items. I've been watching for when specialty and holiday candies go on sale. For under a dollar, I can gift a sweet treat... wrap in a new, holiday tea towel or tissue paper, tie on an ornament (I purchased tea towels & ornaments last year on clearance), and use that discounted ribbon! These will make lovely teacher gifts.

Please share your own ideas! I'll be back with one more post... maybe about holiday decor, but I haven't decided. Thanks for reading!

Holiday Heads-Up

It seems like it wasn't that long ago that I was a young bride browsing the shelves of a certain mega-bookstore in Fort Collins, Colorado. B.K. (before kids) my hubby and I would spend hours milling around the bookstore reading the dust covers, paging through table of contents, and rummaging in the bargain bin for our next read.

It was more his hobby than mine, but even then I loved to find a bargain! On one such outing, I stumbled on a book that would forever change my spending and my holidays. Debt Proof Your Holidays by Mary Hunt is just a little book, but it has big ideas that can change your entire outlook on the upcoming holiday season.

And if you're like me (I'm guessing many of you are), you're already thinking about Thanksgiving straight through to Christmas and dreaming about the things you'll give, what you'll cook, the parties you'll host, and the events you'll attend. The "problem" is it all costs money and it all takes time! And heaven knows that we do not have an unlimited budget for the holidays.

Have you even considered making yourself a budget? Ah-ha. Your answer tells a lot about you.

Living on a budget is a way of life for us. This one book was really a springboard for completely rethinking how we spend money day-in and day-out. In fact, you can find Mary Hunt's entire philosophy at her website: Debt Proof Living. There are many other great resources for staying on a budget and I'll plan on doing a piece about those in the new year. For now, I want to talk about ideas for keeping your next six weeks (YES IT'S ONLY SIX WEEKS!!) in the black.

I'm going to make this post a three part series. Please share comments along the way with resources and ideas of your own that will be helpful to others and a reminder to yourself that you can get through the holidays with less stress and less debt!

Today, let's reflect on the question that Ms. Hunt puts forth in her holiday book: what do you value and how will your Christmas celebrations reflect those values?

What is most important to you and your family? What brings you the most joy? What do you wish you had or had not done last Christmas? How do you want to feel on January 1, 2012?

Here are some thoughts to get you moving. I highly recommend starting to write your thoughts out journal-style and read them as you move through the coming weeks.

Do you love cooking and baking? Is it important to you to send Christmas cards and/or a family newsletter? Do you want to decorate your home? If so, how much is enough? Are there special traditions that you want to include? Are there parties you want to attend or some that you should skip this year? What is a reasonable spending limit? Do you need to talk to kids ahead of time about what Christmas will look like this year?

This is what I know. Just yesterday I saw that Walmart released their Black Friday sales. Not only that, they are starting those promotions at 10pm on Thanksgiving night (so much for Black Friday). Target will open at midnight with its door buster sales. And this is only the beginning. The buying, the rushing, the busyness, the stress will happen if you let it.

It is NOT too late to make this your best holiday season ever. And that doesn't mean more gifts, more parties, and more spending. It may actually mean less. But that's up to you. Have you started planning? What's your strategy?


"I will examine my holiday activities in light of my values, and because there's no way I can do it all, I will choose those things that bring the greatest joy and happiness to me and my family." ~Mary Hunt from Debt Proof Your Holidays

Card Game Tip for kids

We love to play games as a family. With the clocks turned back and the days turned shorter, more than ever were thinking about indoor activities that don't involve turning on the TV or sitting behind a computer.

One of our favorite games is Uno (close second place includes Old Maid and War). But we quickly found out that little hands have trouble holding all those cards! So, in honor of shorter days and family time I wanted to share this great little trick I discovered.

Save an empty egg carton and flip it over. First, cut off the lid - you won't need that part. Then, cut slits in each round egg-shaped compartment. Now cards can be held in place with no hands! Make one for each little person and they can be easily stored in a game closet or cabinet. (I think I originally saw this idea in an issue of Family Fun magazine, but don't remember for sure who to credit.)

Hope you enjoy many fun, family nights together this fall and winter!

2 for $16 Lego Building Class!

Bricks for Kids in Southglenn Mall is offering this juicy deal for preschoolers (ages 3-5)! The two-hour classes are a half price special today and you don't want to miss this for the little explorers in your life.

You'll want all the details, so go to Juice in the City and plan for a fun day out with your little ones.

Trendz Boutique Deal

I'm guessing most of us are still on the search for those select items that will complete our winter wardrobe. You can get them for half-off when you purchase today's deal from Juice in the City!

Trendz Boutique in Littleton is owned by two local moms who will help you make the perfect selection. You'll find a unique selection of women's fashion with something for every body type. And your supporting local business. Go you!

Click HERE for all the details and to purchase your deal.