How to Get and Decorate a Tree on a Budget
Are you trying to figure out how to afford a tree this year? Not to worry! There are some great ideas out there on getting a tree and decor at a very low cost.
The world is a bit crazy and very expensive right now and I get it. Due to a sale fail on my home all of my Christmas stuff is buried at the back of our storage unit and there was just no way that I was going to dig through it to try and find it. That being said, I’m on a super tight budget this year so I needed to try and figure out how to get our Christmas tree and decor as cheap as possible. If you are also looking for how to get and decorate a tree on a budget, check out these tips.
How to Get and Decorate a Tree on a Budget
Go to the Forest
You are able to cut your own tree down from most National Forest locations for a small $5 fee. Go to this website to get your permit.
Check Out Your Local Buy Nothing Group
Check out Facebook for your local Buy Nothing Group (most communities have them). This year I have seen tree stands, fake trees, ornaments, and household decor all being given away this year on my local Buy Nothing group.
FB Marketplace
If your Buy Nothing Group doesn’t have what you need, be sure and check out the FB Marketplace in general for deals on trees and decor. Locally on FB Marketplace I spotted a 6 foot tree for $10, a huge box of ornaments for $5 and more!
Ask Friends and Family
Ask your friends and family if they happen to have any Christmas decor that they don’t plan to use anymore. I know I always have leftover stuff every year that I would be happy to give away to any of my loved ones that asked for it.
Tips for Writing a Great Christmas Letter
Have you ever received a Christmas letter in the mail? Do you love them? If you are wanting to write one yourself, you can! Here are some wonderful tips for writing a great Christmas letter to send out to your friends and family.
Christmas letters are often full of fun, sweet and interesting things that families have been up to over the years and I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love being in the loop and hearing great things about my friends and family.
Tips for Writing a Great Christmas Letter
These tips for writing a great Christmas letter will help you put together a great one!
Don’t Brag
Some people don’t like Christmas letters because to them they feel like people use them to brag to others. Don’t be the one to do this. Yes, you want to share all of the good things, but don’t do it in a bragging way. Also keep in mind that not everyone has had great, successful years and you don’t want to make them feel bad about that by only focusing on the great thing that have happened to you.
Don’t focus on materialistic things or financial things, rather, focus on great things that have happened with your family and memories made together.
Make it Cheerful
Start out with a cheerful greeting. A “Hello, Family” “Merry Christmas, friends” or similar intro into the letter will get it started the right way.
Add Color
This may seem like a childish addition to your Christmas letter, but I assure you, adding color to your letter makes it even more cheerful, therefore more fun to read. I actually like to buy some Christmas themed paper to have the Christmas letter printed on.
Send it Out on Time
Be sure to send your letter out in time for your recipients to receive it before Christmas. I recommend sending it out anytime from the day after Thanksgiving to about a week before Christmas.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Whole Family!
Christmas is almost here! 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! Order today to get them in time
Stocking Stuffers for Dad
- Deck of Cards
- Canned Nuts
- Golf Balls
- DVD’s
- Hand Warmers/Feet Warmers
- Gum/Tic Tacs
- Deodorant/Body Spray
- Cologne
- Magazines
- Sunglasses
- Drill Bits
- Mini Flash Lights
- Gift Cards- Home Depot, Movie Theaters
- Socks
- Tie/Bow Tie
- Tie Clip
- Texting gloves
- Hair Gel
- Razor & Shaving Cream
- Pocket Knife
- Beef Jerky
- Trail mix
Stocking Stuffers for Mom
- Hand Lotion
- Lip Balm/Lipstick
- Face Mask
- Hair Elastics
- Note Book
- Gift Cards- Spa, Restaurants
- Nail Polish
- Favorite Candy/Chocolate
- Nylons/Tights
- Jewelry- Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet or Rings
- Tide Stain Sticks
- Makeup
- Texting Gloves
- Flower Seeds
- Beanie
- Perfume
- Dry Shampoo or Hair spray (Trial Size to fit)
- Scarf
- Makeup Remover Wipes
- Candles
- Long Phone cord
- Portable Phone Charger (Power bank)
Stocking Stuffers for Teen Boys
- Mini Cereal Box
- iTunes Gift Card
- Body Spray/Deodorant
- Hair Gel
- Key Chain
- $1.00 bills
- Tie/Bow Tie
- Pencils/Pens
- Texting Gloves
- Beanie/Hat
- Favorite Soda
- Card Games
- Favorite Candy
- Gum
- Flash Drive
- Comic Book
- Ear Buds
- Hacky Sack
- Car Air Freshener
- Phone Case
- Wireless Speaker
Stocking Stuffers for Teen Girls
- Chapstick
- Nail Polish
- Gum
- Journal
- Ear Buds
- Magazines
- Texting Gloves
- Hair Spray/ Hair Gel
- Jewelry- Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets or Rings
- Cute Socks
- iTunes Gift Card
- Mini Cereal Box
- Perfume
- Magnets for lockers
- Glitter Pens
- Beanies/Hats
- $1.00 Bills
- Key Chains
- Favorite Candy
- Favorite Soda
- Manicure Set
- Teeth Whitening Kit
- Cell Phone case
Stocking Stuffers for Boys
- LED Glow Sticks
- Books
- Book Light
- Favorite Candy
- Hot wheels Cars
- Slinky
- Life Saver Story Books
- Tie/Bow Tie
- Watch
- Piggy Bank
- Slime
- Electric Toothbrush
- Tsum Tsum
- Homemade Gift Cards- (“Stay up Late”, “No Chore Day”, Out to Lunch”)
- Bath Color drops
- Bubbles
- Crayons
- Favorite Soda
- Character Gloves
- Mini Cereal Box
Stocking Stuffers for Girls
- Life Saver Story Books
- Electric Toothbrush
- Jump Rope
- Watch
- Silly Puddy
- Backpack Keychain
- Glow Sticks
- Tsum Tsum
- Homemade Gift Cards- (“Stay up Late”, “No Chore Day”, “Out to Lunch”)
- Character Gloves
- Favorite Soda
- Glitter Pens
- Chapstick
- Stickers
- Small purse
- Favorite Candy
- Hair Bows/Headbands
- Tights/Leggings
- Crayons
- Bubbles
- Press on nail set
- Washi Tape
- Glitter
Stocking Stuffers for Babies/Toddlers
- Tsum Tsum
- Bubbles
- Teething Toys
- Gerber Puffs
- Baby Food
- Mini Books
- Hair bows
- Soft mini blanket
- Bibs or Burp clothes
- Rattles/Small toys
- Hats & Gloves
- Shoes
- Fun Socks
- Plush Toys
- Finger Puppets
- Board Books
- Fruit Snacks
- Finger Paint
- Sunglasses
- Play-Doh
Stocking Stuffers for Dogs or Cats
- Chew Toys
- Leash
- Collar
- Teasers for cats
- Treats
- Holiday bows
- Tennis Balls
- Sweaters
- Stuffed Animals
- Dog shoes
- Grooming Supplies
- Clothing/Outfits
Affordable and Personalized Gift Ideas
Are you busy trying to figure out some great gift ideas that won’t break the bank, but will also have a personalized touch? Maybe it’s just me but I feel like gifts that have a personalized touch are just a little bit more meaningful. Unfortunately though, personalized gifts are often expensive and difficult to get your hands on. Not always though!
These affordable and personalized gift ideas will be a hit with friends and family alike and will make you feel much better about your gift giving this year. Check out the list below and add anymore that you can think of in the comment section.
Affordable and Personalized Gift Ideas
All of these gifts are great and some of them are free! Can’t beat that!
Photos
Photos are my favorite gift to give to grandparents. Let’s face it, many of the old timers in our lives are DIFFICULT to buy for. My father in law, for instance, literally buys whatever he wants, whenever he wants. He is basically the most difficult person to buy for ever. I love getting prints of my kids printed out and using these as gifts during the holidays. They are always loved by their grandparents.
Be sure and check back with us often for any new free or cheap photo enlargement deals!
Food
I have mentioned this before, but food is one of my favorite gifts to give. I have a few things that I am better at making than others so I like to focus on those and put my personalized touch into making my favorite recipes for those I love.
Written Message
Written letters are becoming a lost art. Grab a pen and a nice piece of paper and take some time to write out a letter to someone that you care about, making sure to include kind words and compliments to that person.
If you are looking to bring a smile to someone, this one will surely do it!
Clever And Festive Ways To Thank Your Host This Holiday Season
Hosting Holiday gathering is great, but let’s be real. It’s A LOT of work. I just hosted Thanksgiving at my house and I was so tired I was ready to sleep by 7:30 that day and relaxed the entire day after.
To show your Holiday host how much you appreciate them for opening their home to you, you can bring them a festive gift. Here are some ideas for clever and festive ways to say thank you this year!
Clever And Festive Ways To Thank Your Host This Holiday Season
I have found all of the following to be a hit when it comes to thanking holiday hosts.
Flowers
Everyone loves flowers, right? Find them a cute bouquet of flowers already in a vase (they don’t need more work on their plate). Flowers are a great way to brighten a home so many hosts love them.
Food
Food is one of my favorite gifts to give. I like to make cookies, cocoa mixes, and more for gifts in general so I think these are already a great idea. If you are attending a dinner party though you can bring a dessert or dish that will pair well with the meal.
Alcohol/Wine
Grab a nice bottle of wine or your guests preferred alcohol (hard cider is always a fun one over the holidays). Add a personalized thank you tag for an added bonus.
Thank You Card
To show your appreciation, you can give your host a thank you card. You can even send them an e-thank you card. This is a low cost way to show your appreciation.
Just Tell Them
Sometimes something as simple as taking someone off to the side to say thank you is enough. I know that this Thanksgiving I had several people stop to say “thank you for all of your hard work this year, it does not go unnoticed” hearing this from my friends and family made it worth all the work.
Frequently Asked Questions: Selling at Consignment Shops
Are you trying to clear out the clutter in your home? Do you have too much stuff in your closets? Too many clothes taking up your space that you simply no longer wear? Well, you could pack it all up in a bag or two and take it to the nearest charity shop or you can offer it up for free to friends and family. What if you want to make some of your money back though? What can you do about that?
You can sell it online on apps like Mercari or Poshmark, you can post them for sale on Marketplace or you can take them to a consignment shop and have someone else sell them for you. Have you ever sold clothes at consignment shops before? Here are some frequently asked questions about selling at these handy places.
Frequently Asked Questions: Selling at Consignment Shops
Does The Store Take a Cut?
Yes, you can expect the store to take a cut of your clothing sale. How would they make money otherwise?
How Much of a Cut Do They Take From Your Sale?
How much of a cut each store takes is going to vary. Make sure you get this information before you hand over your items so that you can decide if it’s worth it to you. Remember though, you are using their space, their personnel and their advertising. All of those things are valuable.
What Type of Clothing Do They Accept?
This is another thing that will vary from store to store, but you will find that some stores will carry only higher end items, while others will take various brands. All consignment shops though are going to require your clothing to be in good shape with no rips, stains, etc. Also note that many shops won’t take your items if they are not currently in fashion.
Who Sets the Price?
I know you may have an idea in your mind about how much you should be getting for your item, but the store is in charge of what the price will be. This is their business, they know what they are doing.
Tips on How to Save More Money this Black Friday
Have you noticed that Black Friday deals started right after Halloween? I sure did! They have been going on and off for quite some time. It’s easy to get caught up in all of the sales and buy on impulse, not realizing that you didn’t get the best deal. Check out these tips to help you save even more money this week as we come to Black Friday.
- Have a list of what you want to buy. If you don’t know what you want or need then you will be buying a lot of unnecessary items which can add up fast. Doing this alone will help you save more money this season. I write up a big list of everyone that I need to buy for and then add the items in for each person. This will give you a road map for your purchases.
- Know the deals for the store you are shopping. This may sound daunting, but it’s actually very doable. If you were going to shop at Kohl’s then check their front page and look at what coupon codes you can stack together as well as what amount you need to get to to score their Kohl’s cash. Or, if you are shopping Target, checkout their Target Circle coupons and make sure they are clipped for those items you are buying. Be sure to check the main page of the store you are shopping, grab those coupon codes and any other cash back, rebates or deals that are available. This will help you save even more money.
- Use the Holiday Match Price Guarantee. If the store that you shopped has a price match guarantee, then use it! I’ve called many times to Target’s customer service and had them adjust the price on an item I bought that was now on sale and at a lower price. It totally works! They give you that money back, easy peasy. So do a quick check this week to see if you can score some money back from items you’ve already bought AND keep a lookout for price drops until Christmas.
- Check out Freebies2deals often. You will see the HOT deals and items posted here throughout the day. I know there will be items posted that are on your list. So be ready!
Favorite Sides that will be a Hit for Your Thanksgiving Meal
It’s that time of year again when we get to bake and cook to our hearts content. The past few years we have found some fun recipes to add to our traditional Thanksgiving meal. These are made from scratch and not your typical dump and go recipes. They do take some time, but it’s well worth it. Your family will love it!
- Homemade Green Bean Casserole from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.
- Raspberry Jello Pretzel Salad by Six Sisters Stuff
- Lion House Rolls by A Bountiful Kitchen
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping by Allrecipes.com
- Homemade Stuffing by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
How to Politely Request No Christmas Gifts
I don’t know about you, but I have had it up to here (picture me holding my hand above my head) with clutter and stuff! I absolutely love Christmas and I truly appreciate any gifts and the thought that people are thinking of me and caring enough about me to give me a gift, but I simply don’t need more stuff. My husband feels the same way.
While I don’t want to be rude or hurtful to anyone, I want to make sure that I am able to let others know that I don’t want any gifts during the holidays. If you feel the same way, but you don’t know how to go about letting people know, check out these tips on how to politely request no Christmas gifts.
How to Politely Request No Christmas Gifts
These are all great gift ideas for anyone on a budget.
Just Be Honest
Honesty is always the best policy. If you truly just don’t want any gifts this holiday season, tell your friends and family. Explain that you have everything you need and you don’t want them to worry about spending their time or money on you.
Offer Alternatives
Personally I love the alternatives to holiday gifts that I have discovered and focused on over the last few years. I have found a real love for food gifts, experience gifts and just time with my loved ones.
For example, in recent years, my husband and I will often forgo gifts and instead we will schedule a weekend away or a date night at a new restaurant. That time together is far better than a material thing to me.
If someone is having a hard time with the idea of not getting you a gift, suggest that they can make you that recipe that you love so much, or maybe you can schedule a trip together, or how about dinner at one another’s homes? All of these are great ways to let someone know you care about them without giving a typical gift.
Fun Hobbies That You Can Do for Free
Saving money is a part of every adult’s life. Worrying about how to pay your bills, whether you will have enough for groceries, and whether you can afford a new article of clothing you really wanted can get really stressful. To relieve that stress, you sometimes need to cut loose and have some fun. But, understandably, when you are worried about finances, you can’t have too much fun; especially not the kind that requires money. So, in this article, we are going to share a few hobbies that you can do for absolutely free.
Play Casino Games
The first choice is a bit unorthodox. You may be asking “But wait, don’t casino games require payment?” And ordinarily you would be right. But that is the case only if you visit casinos. If you gather a small group of friends for a poker night, nobody will know if you use papier-mâché, wooden chips, or pretty much whatever you have lying around as a substitute for cash.
Alternatively, if you don’t have many friends with an interest in card games, you could always make an account at an online casino. If you were to check out Novibet, you would find that many of the featured casinos have the “free play” option, where you can play for absolutely free, without any risk.
Read the Classics
In 2022, often you will hear older folk bemoan the fact the youths don’t read. And while this is the case, there are extenuating circumstance. For one, rarely do we have time for reading. And for two, books are often overpriced.
However, if you have been looking to read more often, you can always turn your gaze towards the classic pillars on which modern literature rests. All of the classics can be found on numerous online websites. Project Gutenberg is certainly the most prominent among them.
Currently, Project Gutenberg has over 60,000 documents. Meaning there are more books than you, or anyone, can possibly read in their lifetime. And the best part is, they are all, absolutely free. You can read them through your phone, tablet, or PC, at absolutely zero cost.
Writing is Always Fun
Perhaps if you took the last suggestion to heart, reading all those classics has kindled a fire inside you. So, grab a pen (so-to-speak, of course), and put words to paper. Tell your own story and create a world to rival all of the classics.
And if fiction writing isn’t your thing, then maybe give journaling a go. It has been shown that writing down your thoughts is an excellent way to improve your writing skills, your ability to memorize/study, an even your mental health. It is precisely for this reason that many psychotherapists suggest journaling for people who have a tough time with anxiety, depression, or even just expressing themselves.
Another thing you can do is write down your thoughts on the books you’ve read. This will help you to better understand and remember all of the plot points, characters, and themes that come along with reading.
Aqua the Crab Silicone Utensil Rest – $19.97
Okay, this one might not be a NEED, but it is certainly a want. Especially for me! I also have quite a few people on my shopping list that love to cook so this is going to make a great gift for them!
Aqua the Crab Silicone Utensil Rest
This item will ship free for all Amazon Prime members. Or, regular members can score free shipping by adding $35 or more worth of eligible items to your cart. You can get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime here.
Top 5 Family Friendly Places to Visit in San Francisco
I recently returned from a fun adventure in San Francisco, California and I had to share my must-do list. This time I was NOT traveling with kids. However, most of these activities I would take make kids and do them the next time we are there. San Francisco has so much to offer and I loved every second I was there.
- Bike across the San Francisco Bridge to Sausalito. Check with your hotels and see if they offer free bikes or discounts on your bike rental, most do. Biking from Fisherman’s Warf to the bridge is around 3 miles and then over the bridge to Sausalito is a bit more, but so worth it. Take your time and enjoy the ride. When you make it to Sausalito stroll through the small down and charming street. Eat a yummy lunch and sit by the water for a little break. Then the best thing to do is ride a ferry back to Fisherman’s Warf with your bike. That way you get to see the city by water. It’s beautiful.
- Ride a cable car. This totally lives up to the hype. You need to “hang out” as you are on the cable car. It’s terrifying, but totally worth it. We did it a few times. Be sure to get on the route that goes by Lombardi street. You can even hop off there and walk down the curvy street which is beautiful. A way to save on transportation in the city is to get the multi-day passes if you are there for awhile. One Cable Car ride is $7, so it will add up. You can also walk the city pretty easily.
- Ghirardelli Square is a must. Not only do they have amazing ice creams and sauces, the view from the square is breathtaking. Try to be there at night when the square is lit up with lights and the sun is setting on the bay. There are plenty of places to sit right there by the water and enjoy the view.
- Painted Ladies. If you are a Full House fan then this is a fun place to be. I’m still so surprised at how many people love this show and want to see those houses. There is a green hill and park for the kids across from the houses. You could pack a lunch and enjoy being outside.
- Find yummy places to eat. You’ll notice when you go to San Francisco that the normal chain restaurants are not to be found. It’s kind of nice. It makes you get outside of your comfort zone and try something new. We went to a few new places and loved them! Try these out: Codmother’s Fish & Chips, Eight AM, El Rancho Grande, Crepe Cafe, and Ghirardelli.
5 More Gifts Under $5 That Will Look Like You Spent Much More
Have you noticed how much more expensive everything seems to be lately? Of course you have. It’s all people are talking about these days it seems. That’s for good reason. Granted I live in a state with a high cost of living, but just to fill up my tank it is costing me double what it did a few short years ago.
I am pretty close to going back to my extreme couponing life, but until then, I am going to save money wherever I can and right now that means Christmas. I simply cannot justify spending a lot of money this Christmas, as much as I would love to spoil all of my friends and family. So, yesterday when I started looking into great gift ideas for $5 or less, I was surprised by how many I found!
5 More Gifts Under $5 That Will Look Like You Spent Much More
These are all great gift ideas for anyone on a budget.
Tea Infuser
Many stores (online and brick and mortar), have tea infusers in the $5 and under range. I am a huge tea lover and have been for years but I never bought my own infuser. I was giving one for a gift 2 years ago and absolutely loved it. It was my favorite gift that year! Tea lovers appreciate small gifts like this.
Artisan Hot Sauce
Do you have a hot sauce lover in your life? Spring a few bucks for some Artisan Hot Sauce for them! My son and I are both hot sauce lovers and we love trying out new sauces whenever we get the chance.
Personalized Sticker
I have several small businesses local to me that create personalized stickers. My daughter goes to college with a girl who creates them for extra money and she charges $4 per sticker. I love these things!
Do a quick Facebook or Instagram search to see if you have any similar places near you. If all else fails, ask your teens. They may know.
Cookies
I love food gifts! I also love homemade gifts. Imagine a gift that is both! Why not go through your pantry and find the makings for some cookies. Put them in a cute storage bag and present them as gifts to your neighbors, friends and family.
Beard Brush
Beard brushes and combs can be bought for just a few dollars and they are always a hit with the men in my family. If you are looking for a gift for a man in your life on a budget, this one is always a hit.
5 Gifts Under $5 That Will Look Like You Spent Much More
It’s no secret. Times are tough out there. This Christmas, let’s all make it a goal to not overspend or go out of our way to buy extravagant gifts when we simply can’t afford it. Really, even if you can afford it, you never know what the future holds, so now is a great time to put some focus on the meaning of Christmas instead of how much you can spend on it.
I know you still want to give great gifts though and that is wonderful! I have some great ideas on how you can do just that. Here are 5 gifts under $5 that will look like you spent much more.
5 Gifts Under $5 That Will Look Like You Spent Much More
Looking for great budget items when shopping this year? Look no further than this list:
Pretty Wine Glasses
Dollar Tree has some really cute stemless wine glasses and they are just $1.25! Buy a set of two of those with a pretty box, or a set of 4 so your gift recipients have plenty to go around. Either way, you are under $5 and no one is going to think it was less than $5.
Cute Notepad & Nice Pen
This makes such a cute gift for the list maker or journal keeper in your life. Check out Dollar Tree, Target Dollar Spot, Dollar General and more for a fun, cute notepad (usually $1-$2) and grab a nice pen to go with it.
Adult Coloring Book
Coloring is a great stress reliever and unfortunately many of us adults are stressed out! How about grabbing a great adult coloring book (Amazon or Dollar Tree) and pairing those with a 10 pack of colored pencils?
Bath Bombs
Most of the women that are on my shopping list love bath bombs. These always make a great gift idea because they encourage us to take some time for ourselves. Bath bombs can be found just about anywhere for less than $5.
Coffee Mug Set
Just like the wine glasses mentioned above, you can get some really cute coffee mugs at Dollar Tree for just $1.25 each. Grab 2 matching ones and gift a set to the coffee lover in your life.
Make Your House Feel Cozy For The Holidays with Twinkle Lights
Are you ready to be surrounded by Christmas? I am! Seriously, I don’t know what is different this year, but I am just ready to be surrounded by Christmas decor, sipping hot cocoa and enjoying the fire while looking at stockings hung on the mantle.
BUT….According to my family, it’s a little too early for the stockings and non stop Christmas movies, so instead I’m breaking them in easily with some twinkle light decorations to get everyone in the Christmas mood. If you are wondering where to hang this fun holiday decor staple, here is how to make your house feel cozy for the holidays with twinkle lights.
Make Your House Feel Cozy For The Holidays with Twinkle Lights
There are so many things that you can do with twinkle lights year round, but it’s really fun to add them to your home decor for the holidays!
Accent Your Mirrors
I have a large mirror in my living room and I have adorned it with white twinkle lights scattered with winter foliage and it looks beautiful!! Even my husband (who pays no attention to detail whatsoever and prefers to leave me in charge of all decor) commented on how pretty it was!
Wrap Them Around Your Banisters and Railings
Wrapping twinkle lights around your banisters and railings is a great way to accentuate these pretty parts of your home and to give your home that warm, holiday vibe!
Wrap Them With Garland and Accent Your Windows, Mantle, Doorways, Shelves, etc.
I absolutely love the look of garland strung throughout my home during the holiday season, but twinkle lights wrapped up in it takes it to a whole new level! Next to my Christmas tree, this is my favorite holiday decoration.