How to Make a Christmas Centerpiece for Under $5

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If you want a super cute Christmas centerpiece but don’t want to spend a lot of money, check this out. Recently I was in charge of a large Christmas dinner where we had to feed 350 people. I had 36 tables to decorate with only $40 dollars to spend on decor. Crazy right? For the center piece I came up with a super simple, yet classy idea of a mason jar, cranberries, fresh pine,  water and a cute burlap tie. Then on the tables I gathered cute pine cones from outside (free!), left over pine branches and spread them down the table. We had the tables covered in white paper, then ran a green paper down the middle for the table runner. That’s it! Super simple and we stayed under our $40 budget. It looked really nice too. If you want a cute Christmas centerpiece on a budget, then be sure to try this out.

Christmas Cranberry Jar Centerpiece

Items you will need:
Mason Jar or Glass Vase (use ones you have on hand or borrow from a neighbor if you need a lot)
Fresh Cranberries- about a 1/2 cup- 3/4 cup per jar  (found at your local grocery store in the produce area)
Water
Burlap twine
Fresh Pine tree branches (go to a local tree farm and ask for the leftover branches-FREE!)

Directions:
Wrap the burlap twine around the top of the vase or mason jar
Add the fresh pine branches to the bottom and add in your cranberries
Fill the mason jar or vase with water so the cranberries get to the bottom of the ring
That’s it! You can make a ton of these for super cheap.

The BEST and EASIEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe!

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Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning is one of my favorite traditions! But I’m not the mom wanting to spend hours in the kitchen so finding this amazing recipe that’s quick and easy was just what I needed to carry the tradition on! This recipe was giving to me by a friend when I was explaining my problem of not wanting to be in the kitchen all day. We’ve now made these cinnamon rolls multiple times for different holidays, family get together and just to give out to neighbors. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy these just as much as we do!

One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
3 1/2 cups warm water
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup oil
6 Tbsp yeast

Combine these together and let sit (I cover mine so the yeast will activate) for about 15 minutes. Then add in:

1 Tbsp Salt
3 Eggs
10 1/2 cups flour

Mix together for 10 minutes and then let rest for 10 minutes. (if it’s still really sticky, mix for a minute longer)  After it’s rested for 10 minutes place some oil on the counter (yes oil not flour) and roll out your dough. You’ll want to divide your dough in half and press half of it into a rectangle shape. Spread out 1/4 cup of melted butter. Then in a bowl mix together 1 cup brown sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Once mixed well sprinkle over the butter. Roll up tight but not too tight. Take a bread knife (one with a serrated edge) and cute into 12 even slices and place on a greased sheet. Repeat with other half of dough. Let rise (timing depends on the temp in your kitchen but you want them to be large in size) After, bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. To make your frosting combine:

1 cube butter
2 dashes of salt
2 tsp vanilla
6 cups powdered sugar

You’ll want to add these to your rolls when they’re still warm but not right out of the oven, let them sit for a minute or two before adding your frosting. Then, enjoy!

Just a side note, these make 24 LARGE rolls! I usually half this recipe when making it just for my family unless we’re planning on sharing in quick case I’ll make the full recipe!

5 Unique Ways to Save Money on Groceries

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It seems like we are always talking about how to save money on one thing or another.  I mean, of course we are, that’s why were are here, right? To save money! But it does seem like we are always going over the same ways to save money over and over again.  That’s why today we are going to talk about unique ways that we can save money on groceries!

  1. Leave the kids at home. Seriously, do not take the kids to the grocery store with you.  I don’t care if you have to run out at midnight while they are asleep and your spouse stays with them, but you will easily save money doing your shopping without the kids.  This is for two reasons:
    1. Kids are known to ask and ask for extras while you are shopping and because you are a good parent, you often consider buying it.  Avoid the temptation by leaving them at home.
    2. Kids are hard work, when you are focused on them, you can’t put all of your focus onto making sure you are staying under budget.  
  2. Shop the clearance rack.  Okay, I know what you are thinking.  The clearance rack at the grocery store?  Yep! Here you will find foods that are nearing their expiration, are scratched or dented, the item has been discontinued, or the packaging has been changed up.  All perfectly good food, just at half the price or less!
  3. Shop at pharmacies.  Weird, right? That said, pharmacies such at Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens often have some really great deals on grocery items.
  4. Bring your headphones with you and listen to upbeat music. I recently read that the slow music that they play in grocery stores is a way of calming you, therefore having you take more time, therefore having you spend more money.  Try playing your own music next time to see if that helps.
  5. Avoid buying juice.  If juice is on your shopping list, don’t even look in the juice aisle.  Instead, check out the freezer section where they sell frozen juice concentrate.  This way you don’t have to pay for the water that has been added to the juice.

How to Save Money Eating Out

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So, you like to go out to eat, huh? Me too! The problem I discovered though is that having three children can mean that our family can easily spend between $50-$100 for ONE meal when we go out to a sit-down restaurant. I mean a trip through the drive through typically costs us over $30, so yeah, eating out is not exactly budget-friendly. I have found some ways to cut back on the costs though so that it is a little less painful to our wallet.

Join rewards clubs. If you have a favorite restaurant, be sure to check into whether or not they have a rewards club. My family really likes Red Robin for example, so we signed up for their Red Robin Rewards program. Every 10th burger is free and you often get coupons for BOGO free meals or free appetizers or desserts when you spend $10, etc. This definitely helps cut back on the cost a bit.
Sign up for e-newsletters. Be sure to sign up to receive emails from your favorite eatery, because they often they send out coupons and special offers that way.
Use coupons. Be sure to check out this site to see if we have posted any good restaurant coupons lately to help save you money. You can also do a quick google search.
Use gift cards. During the holiday season, many restaurants offer bonus deals, such as buy $50 in gift cards, get $10 free, etc. This is a great way to add to your restaurant budget without any extra work.
Choose kids eat free (or cheap) days. Many restaurants offer Kids Eat Free days, or, alternatively, kids eat cheap! Many restaurants have one day per week when their kids menu is either free with an adult entree or you can get the kids’ food for $1.99 per plate. When my big kids were younger, this is the only way that we would ever go out to eat, that way it was cheaper.

Ultimate Stocking Stuffer List for the Whole Family!

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Christmas is just a few weeks away. If you’re getting done with your presents, you may still have your stockings to finish. I like to have some fun, unique ideas to put in stockings. Here is a fun list for dad, mom, teenagers, kids, babies, and pets. A good place to find most of these items is your local dollar store. If you want to shop from home for these items you can always use Amazon, Target and Walmart. These stores have competitive prices and you can get them shipped right to your home!

Stocking Stuffers for Dad

  1. Deck of Cards
  2. Canned Nuts
  3. Golf Balls
  4. DVD’s
  5. Hand Warmers/Feet Warmers
  6. Gum/Tic Tacs
  7. Deodorant/Body Spray
  8. Cologne
  9. Magazines
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Drill Bits
  12. Mini Flash Lights
  13. Gift Cards- Home Depot, Movie Theaters
  14. Socks
  15. Tie/Bow Tie
  16. Tie Clip
  17. Texting gloves
  18. Hair Gel
  19. Razor & Shaving Cream
  20. Pocket Knife

Stocking Stuffers for Mom

  1. Hand Lotion
  2. Lip Balm/Lipstick
  3. Face Mask
  4. Hair Elastics
  5. Note Book
  6. Gift Cards- Spa, Restaurants
  7. Nail Polish
  8. Favorite Candy/Chocolate
  9. Nylons/Tights
  10. Jewelry- Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet or Rings
  11. Tide Stain Sticks
  12. Makeup
  13. Texting Gloves
  14. Flower Seeds
  15. Beanie
  16. Perfume
  17. Dry Shampoo or Hair spray (Trial Size to fit)
  18. Scarf
  19. Makeup Remover Wipes
  20. Candles

Stocking Stuffers for Teen Boys

  1. Mini Cereal Box
  2. iTunes Gift Card
  3. Body Spray/Deodorant
  4. Hair Gel
  5. Key Chain
  6. $1.00 bills
  7. Tie/Bow Tie
  8. Pencils/Pens
  9. Texting Gloves
  10. Beanie/Hat
  11. Favorite Soda
  12. Card Games
  13. Favorite Candy
  14. Gum
  15. Flash Drive
  16. Comic Book
  17. Ear Buds
  18. Hacky Sack
  19. Car Air Freshener
  20. Phone Case

Stocking Stuffers for Teen Girls

  1. Chapstick
  2. Nail Polish
  3. Gum
  4. Journal
  5. Ear Buds
  6. Magazines
  7. Texting Gloves
  8. Hair Spray/ Hair Gel
  9. Jewelry- Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets or Rings
  10. Cute Socks
  11. iTunes Gift Card
  12. Mini Cereal Box
  13. Perfume
  14. Magnets for lockers
  15. Glitter Pens
  16. Beanies/Hats
  17. $1.00 Bills
  18. Key Chains
  19. Favorite Candy
  20. Favorite Soda

Stocking Stuffers for Boys

  1. LED Glow Sticks
  2. Books
  3. Book Light
  4. Favorite Candy
  5. Hot wheels Cars
  6. Slinky
  7. Life Saver Story Books
  8. Tie/Bow Tie
  9. Watch
  10. Piggy Bank
  11. Slime
  12. Electric Toothbrush
  13. Tsum Tsum
  14. Homemade Gift Cards- (“Stay up Late”, “No Chore Day”, “Out to Lunch”)
  15. Bath Color drops
  16. Bubbles
  17. Crayons
  18. Favorite Soda
  19. Character Gloves
  20. Mini Cereal Box

Stocking Stuffers for Girls

  1. Life Saver Story Books
  2. Electric Toothbrush
  3. Jump Rope
  4. Watch
  5. Silly Puddy
  6. Backpack Keychain
  7. Glow Sticks
  8. Tsum Tsum
  9. Homemade Gift Cards- (“Stay up Late”, “No Chore Day”, “Out to Lunch”)
  10. Character Gloves
  11. Favorite Soda
  12. Glitter Pens
  13. Chapstick
  14. Stickers
  15. Small purse
  16. Favorite Candy
  17. Hair Bows/Headbands
  18. Tights/Leggings
  19. Crayons
  20. Bubbles

Stocking Stuffers for Babies/Toddlers

  1. Tsum Tsum
  2. Bubbles
  3. Teething Toys
  4. Gerber Puffs
  5. Baby Food
  6. Mini Books
  7. Hair bows
  8. Soft mini blanket
  9. Bibs or Burp clothes
  10. Rattles/Small toys
  11. Hats & Gloves
  12. Shoes
  13. Fun Socks
  14. Plush Toys
  15. Finger Puppets
  16. Board Books
  17. Fruit Snacks
  18. Finger Paint
  19. Sunglasses
  20. Play-Doh

Stocking Stuffers for Dogs or Cats

  1. Chew Toys
  2. Leash
  3. Collar
  4. Teasers for cats
  5. Treats
  6. Holiday bows
  7. Tennis Balls
  8. Sweaters
  9. Stuffed Animals
  10. Dog shoes
  11. Grooming Supplies
  12. Clothing/Outfits

 

 I hope this list will help you out and give you a few ideas of what you can add to your stockings. Do you have any other favorites? Comment and let us know!

Awesome & Frugal Neighbor Gift Ideas To Give Out This Christmas!

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Neighbor gifts are hard – you don’t want to spend to much but you want it something practical they’ll like. But who needs more cookies? And we all know costs can add up fast! Here’s a list of 15 awesome (at least I think so) neighbor gifts you could give out this year that aren’t going to hurt your pocket book later on!

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  1. DIY Clementine Wreths
  2. “Twizz” The Season to be Jolly
  3. Wrapping Paper and Tape with Cute Card
  4. “Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas From the Ding Dongs Next Door!”
  5. Santa-Tizer Gift
  6. “There Ain’t Muffin Like Good Friends”

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7.�� Tic Tac Christmas Labels
8. � Paper towel Gift with printable (did this last year – they loved it!)
9.�� Have a “Holly Jolly” Christmas
10. Joy Soap Gift
11. Soda-Lighted You’re My Neighbor
12. Merry Christmas to a “Grate” Neighbor

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13.� “Don’t let your dishes pile up this busy holiday season! Let our family “do the dishes” this week
14. Redbox Neighbor gift idea with popcorn
15. Bread and jam
16. Bless You tissue pack (or box)
17. Rolled up coloring pages with a box of crayons

What do you guys do for neighbor gifts? Or do you just scratch them and throw a neighborhood party? Have you through about donating that money to someone in need – maybe even within the neighborhood? I want to hear it all in the comments below!

How to Find Inexpensive, Last Minute Holiday Gifts

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So, Christmas is inching closer and closer and you still have some gifts to buy, but your wallet is feeling a little empty.  What can you do? Where can you go to find inexpensive, last minute gifts? Well, my friends, I have a couple little tricks up my sleeve and I am here to help!

Amazon.  Okay, we knew it had to be mentioned, right?  Amazon is a place where you can find just about anything your heart desires, plus you can get it shipped to you in just two days with Prime, or even OVERNIGHT sometimes.  This is a great way to get just about any gift you want right away.

Food gifts.  Food gifts can be made anytime and they are almost always appreciated!  When I am unsure of what to give a person for a gift, I always go with a food gift.  Whether it is fudge, toffee, cookies, or this awesome Fireside Coffee. Not only will you be presenting them with a great gift, but they will know that you put a lot of time and effort into their gift which is a gift in itself.  I don’t know about you, but food gifts are my favorite!

 

Gift cards.  Gift cards aren’t exactly what I would consider a very personal gift.  However, if you are shopping for someone that you know is in need, or if you are shopping for a teenager or college student, gift cards make amazing, last minute gifts!  Most retailers offer them, you don’t have to spend time deciding on the gift and and for online shoppers, many retailers can actually email the gift card to the gift recipient, or you can print it out instantly.  Easy peasy!

 

No gifts.  If you are that strapped for cash, remember Christmas really isn’t about the gifts.  It is about so much more than that. If you simply can’t afford it, be honest with your friends and family.  I’m sure they will understand.

 

How to get family photos done on a budget

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Are you wishing that you had the budget to get family photos done?  Let’s be real here, family photos are such a staple in our lives, but boy oh boy can they be expensive!  I’ve found some ways though to save on this expense, check them out here:

Ask a friend.  I’m sure you have a mom friend out there who has a nice camera.  Why not ask that friend to take the photos for you. Find a nice spot in your house or outside location to take the family to and smile pretty!

Use your phone.  Just about everyone I know has a smartphone with a nice camera these days.  Why not use that? I am actually using photos taken of my kids using my smartphone for our holiday photo this year. Most of these phones have timers too so you can take a family photo even if you don’t have anyone else to hold the phone or ask a friend or family member to do it for you.  All you need to do afterward is get them printed out at a store like Walgreens or Walmart (they offer size choices).

Check out Groupon.  They have so many deals available for photography studios.  I took my kids in last year and had a session done with several prints for less than $20.  You will often find deals from the Picture People, JCPenney studios and more. Also be sure to keep a look out for promo codes.  Groupon releases those often which can bring your costs down even more.

Hire a newbie. Check out the Facebook Marketplace or simply your Facebook timeline. I have seen countless people advertising incredibly low photo session prices to get their business up and running and get their name out there.  Many of these people are wonderful photographers, they just need to build experience. Be that experience for them and save while you are at it!

Do you typically get family photos done?  How are you able to get that expense down?

Fun, Family Winter Activities that are Cheap

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Are you wanting to spend some good, quality time with your family this wintertime?  Are you also needing to keep your budget in check? I hear you, my friends! We are a family of five on a budget, and we are always looking for fun ways to spend our time that doesn’t include spending all of our money.

Here are some of the fun, family winter activities that are cheap that we often do with our kids.

Sledding.  So, we live in an area that doesn’t get too much snow, but in order to reach snow it’s only about an hour’s drive.  So, for this activity, it does cost gas, but that’s it! We pack up our family’sleds, pack some lunches and have fun sledding on the bunny hills.

Hiking.  Like I said earlier, we don’t get too much snow where we are so the weather is usually comfortable enough to hike in.  Most of my family loves to hit the trails anyway and it’s fun to see them in a different setting than they are the rest of the year.

Present wrapping parties.  This is my teenage daughter’s favorite thing to do during the month of December.  We put on Christmas music, make some cocoa and have fun wrapping gifts. I have typically shopped for the gifts throughout the year so they are already ready for wrapping!

Movie nights.  The weather is cold, the sky is dark, sometimes you just don’t want to go outside.  That’s why a nice movie night in the house is fun! You can rent a new movie for just a couple bucks or you can stream a classic for free on Netflix or go digging through your old DVDs!  The movie possibilities are endless.

Volunteer.  There are many homeless people dealing with freezing cold temperatures and not enough food, clothing or shelter.  Why not take your family down to volunteer to help them?  This is a great lesson to teach the kids, a wonderful way totimend tmei and you are helping change lives!

25 Days of Christmas Activities on a Budget

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This a great time of year to spend time with family and friends. There are so many fun events and traditions to do during the month of December and you really don’t need to spend a lot of money on them. We love doing something every day in the month of December to get us in the Christmas spirit. Here are 25 activities that won’t cost you lot of money and will help you get ready for Christmas.

  1. Find a new sledding hill
  2. Host a “Favorite Things” party
  3. Decorate your home inside and outside with lights and decor
  4. Read a Christmas story and snuggle
  5. Find a family in need and drop off a Christmas goodie
  6. Go caroling around your neighborhood or to a care center
  7. Write Christmas cards to family members who live far away
  8. Make homemade ornaments for the tree
  9. Buy a favorite cereal, wrap it up, place it under the tree. In the morning have the kids open the boxes and eat their favorite cereal
  10. Make a gingerbread house. Make it extra special by inviting a neighbor over to help
  11. Family drive in search of Christmas lights
  12. Shovel driveways for your neighbors
  13. Make snowflakes out of paper and put them around the house
  14. Make sugar cookies and deliver to neighbors
  15. Host a “Polar Express” night where friends come in pjs, you watch the movie and have hot chocolate and popcorn
  16. Shop for presents for siblings or cousins
  17. Go visit Santa at a new location
  18. Watch a new holiday movie
  19. Attend a local Christmas party, tree lighting, or holiday parade
  20. Donate a toy(s) to a local shelter or family that may be in need
  21. Build a snowman and make a snow angel
  22. Attend a Christmas church service
  23. Make and wear an ugly sweater
  24. Have a snowball fight
  25. Read Luke 2 in the Bible and act out the Christmas story

Countdown to Christmas Ideas!

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Can you believe Saturday is the 1st of December? December is the month of making memories with my family! From baking cookies to getting stuff together to donate we always find a reason to celebrate the season. I wanted to mix things up this year and add some new things to do to celebrate so I’ve compiled a list to share with you too! From activities, crafts, service idea and even frugal ideas you’ll find something fun for your family too!

Service Ideas:

  • Take treats to the local fire/police department
  • Leave a thank you note for your mailman
  • Leave some goodies for the UPS man
  • Send letter to soldiers overseas (or care packages)
  • Go through toys and donate to a local shelter
  • Donate food to your local pantry
  • Leave a $1 or two in your next Redbox rental when you return it
  • Pay for the persons drink behind you at the drive thru
  • Hand out flowers to random strangers
  • Visit your local retirement center
  • Go Christmas caroling
  • Let someone go ahead of you in the checkout lane
  • Rake your neighbors leaves (or shovel their snow)
  • Take hot chocolate or coffee to the bell ringers at the store
  • Make Christmas cards for long distant family members
  • Call a check in on a friend
  • Help your siblings
  • Do an extra chore
  • Leave some diapers at a diaper station
  • Leave some quarters in a vending machine for someone else
  • Visit the animal shelter to volunteer

Activity Ideas:

  • Make hot chocolate
  • Attend a play
  • Decorate a Gingerbread House
  • Go Ice Skating
  • Put up your Christmas lights
  • Take family Christmas pictures
  • Take pictures with Santa
  • Make cookies for Santa
  • Decorate your Christmas tree
  • Take your kids out to buy their siblings/parents Christmas gifts
  • Tie a fleece blanket together
  • Make some DIY ornaments (great ideas on Pinterest)
  • Have a Christmas tree picnic
  • Have a Christmas themed scavenger hunt
  • Make Christmas tree cones (make out of Ice Cream cones and frosting)

More Activities that are FREE:

  • Game Night
  • Build a snowman
  • Watch family videos
  • Drive around looking at Christmas lights
  • Look at how other country celebrate Christmas
  • Read a Christmas book
  • Make paper snowflakes
  • Make bubble beards while in the tub
  • Watch a Christmas movie (the library has tons of free ones you can borrow)
  • Write a letter to Santa
  • Call relatives and sing Christmas Carols over the phone
  • Sleep together near the tree (I don’t recommend Christmas eve though 😉 )
  • Go sledding
  • Make snow angels
  • Have a snowball fight
  • Lazy day (great when the kids are out of school) just relax and enjoy some Netflix
  • Have a red or green day

The best way to watch TV without paying for cable.

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Since we are just about to roll up into 2019, I figure most of us are familiar with the no-cable idea since we have been talking about it for ages. In case any of you are still wondering how to go about making the switch to no-cable though, I got you!  If you have no clue what the best ways to ways TV without paying for cable are, here are some of my favorite streaming tips for ya:

 

  • Netflix – While the prices of Netflix have gone up over the years, it is still much less expensive than cable or satellite.  At the time of this article, Netflix is running between $7.99 per month and $13.99 per month. When was the last time you paid $13.99 for cable?  My family very rarely watches anything that isn’t on Netflix, so this is our favorite streaming service.
  • Amazon Prime.  Do you pay for Amazon Prime already?  Did you know that you can stream thousands of movies and TV shows?  It’s true! Another thing I love about Amazon streaming is that you can actually rent Pay Per View events on this service.  My husband is a MMA fan and the one thing that he hated about giving up cable was the inability to have fight nights at our house because we could no longer rent PPV events.  Well, that is no longer true with Amazon!
  • Hulu.  Hulu is a great, low-cost option for streaming live TV or at least shows that are currently playing.  
  • DirectTV Now.  This is a higher cost streaming service, but it is closer to the cable/satellite service that you are used to.  Stream live TV whenever and even DVR your shows. It starts at around $40.

 

Okay, I also must put it out there that if you are anything like me, you watch too much TV as it is.  As soon as I canceled cable in my life I started getting so much more done and having so many more experiences!  I hope you experience the same results as me!

Tips for Staying Sane During the Holidays!

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The holidays for some people are incredibly difficult. Whether you are alone and stressed about dealing with the holidays like that, or you have to go be surrounded by a large group of people that bring you stress or anxiety, I understand!  I understand all of these stresses. I have been in a different place during many different years of my life so I truly do get it.

 

That being said, it is not impossible to stay sane this holiday season.  How? You ask. Well, here are my favorite tips for staying sane during the holidays:

 

  1. Cancel your plans.  If being around family causes you stress, then consider canceling plans that you have to be with them.  Your mental health is more important than sticking to tradition. Try to be kind about canceling, but don’t feel guilty about it.
  2. Focus on being grateful.  I have found that instead of focusing on how anxious or stressed I am about something, if I start the day feeling grateful about something else, it helps to take my mind off of the negative.  Sometimes I have to force it, but it can do the trick!
  3. Keep a journal.  Journalling is hugely beneficial in all aspects of life, so it is safe to assume that it can also help you get through the stress of the holidays.  Don’t worry, you can cuss out your journal all you want without disapproving looks from anyone.
  4. Keep it short.  Explain that you can only stay so long and then stick to that time frame.  If you have a clear cut exit strategy, it helps get through the process a little easier!

 

Do you have a stressful time dealing with the holidays?  What tips do you have for others going through it?

Tips for Staying Sane During the Holidays

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The holidays for some people are incredibly difficult. Whether you are alone and stressed about dealing with the holidays like that, or you have to go be surrounded by a large group of people that bring you stress or anxiety, I understand!  I understand all of these stresses. I have been in a different place during many different years of my life so I truly do get it.

 

That being said, it is not impossible to stay sane this holiday season.  How? You ask. Well, here are my favorite tips for staying sane during the holidays:

 

  1. Cancel your plans.  If being around family causes you stress, then consider canceling plans that you have to be with them.  Your mental health is more important than sticking to tradition. Try to be kind about canceling, but don’t feel guilty about it.
  2. Focus on being grateful.  I have found that instead of focusing on how anxious or stressed I am about something, if I start the day feeling grateful about something else, it helps to take my mind off of the negative.  Sometimes I have to force it, but it can do the trick!
  3. Keep a journal.  Journalling is hugely beneficial in all aspects of life, so it is safe to assume that it can also help you get through the stress of the holidays.  Don’t worry, you can cuss out your journal all you want without disapproving looks from anyone.
  4. Keep it short.  Explain that you can only stay so long and then stick to that time frame.  If you have a clear cut exit strategy, it helps get through the process a little easier!

 

Do you have a stressful time dealing with the holidays?  What tips do you have for others going through it?

How to Save Money on Your Holiday Decor

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Do you plan on decking your house out for the holidays?  You know what I mean, lights, garland, outside decor, poinsettias, and the whole shebang?  I know that you and I both know people who have spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on their holiday decor and neither of want to do that, am I right?

That’s okay!  We can deck our homes out with great holiday decor and still have it look great even without spending all of that money.  Here’s how to save money on your holiday decor so you can keep your budget in check this holiday season.

  1. Thrift shops – Most holiday decor is not specific to the year in which is was made.  Why not see what kind of thrift shop deals that you can find on decor that someone decided to donate last year?  Thrift shops are a great way to save big money on lots of different holiday stuff!
  2. Dollar store. You can buy cute little decor pieces, ornaments, and more than that at the dollar store. I love this because if you don’t have room to store stuff throughout the year, you only spent a dollar on it so you don’t have to feel bad about getting rid of it.
  3. Nature.  Go out and pick some pine cones up off the ground, pick up some tree branches.  All of these things can be used to make cute holiday decor.
  4. Food.  Food can make great decor in itself.  I like to put out holiday cookies in a clear cookie jar as a centerpiece for my table.  I also think candy canes make great decor as well and they are super cheap to buy!
  5. FB Marketplace.  I have seen lots of free Christmas decorations run across my feed on my local FB marketplace postings, how about you? If you haven’t yet looked at FB Marketplace, be sure to do that because you can find some truly great deals.

What is your favorite, budget-friendly decorating tip for the holidays?

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