Creative? OR Problem Solver?

Daughter number three (S) called to chat tonight.  I suspect one reason she called was to express her ire about something I say on this blog.  She told me to stop saying I'm not creative, because, yes - you are.  As a patient mom I explained that I'm not creative, but I do excel at problem solving.  Here's the difference.

Creative people envision something, then have the ability to bring it to fruition.  They dream up a bouquet of flowers, envision it, then go to the task of creating it.  They do this with all things.  I do not envision, nor do I create.  Believe me I tried when I was a young mother.  I finally gave up and accepted creating was not a strength.  No harm in that.  The truth is the truth.  I was at peace with it.

Problem solving is indeed a strength I possess,  Recognizing this brings on a confidence that can't be taken away in any way.  I don't brag about it, it is what it is.  Just like recognizing creativity eludes me, is what it is.

My children are creative.  It's a genetic pass down from their dad's side of the family.  They have the best of both of us - creative and pragmatic.

Let me explain what I mean when I refer to problem solving by using a couple of examples.

In the past:  When the children were small there was quite a bit of chronic illness in our home. (Two members at the same time.)  I worked three jobs, but it wasn't always enough money to go around.  I knew if the cupboards were bare, the kids would feel they were poor.  So what I did was fill the frig with good snacks such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, and apple slices.  The fridge was full and for all they knew there was nothing they 'wanted'.  I did the same thing with the cupboards.  I left quite a few cereal boxes that were close to empty to make it appear as if the cupboards were full, but the reality was quite different.  Problem solved.  The children thought there was plenty of food, only I knew the reality.

In the present:  Currently the Christmas presents are getting wrapped.  I ran out of tags.  But, I do know how kids notice if someone has a tag and they don't.  Their little spirits get dinged.  So I have two types of Santa wraps.  I cut out a Santa from one wrap and used it as a tag on the package wrapped in the other Santa paper.  Problem solved.



I used a brown Santa as a name tag on the paper with the red and white
Santa.  The grand will never know this tag is any different than
 most of the others.


 

That - to me - is the difference between creativity and problem solving.  Both have a place in our lives and both serve us well.  Besides, I have the yoo toob ladies to help me appear to be creative.  That's my secret.  I copy what I see that I like.  Sometimes with a personal spin, sometimes not.

Stay safe!

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Years ago I went to a cookie exchange with my small children.  So you know it was years ago.  One mother took the time to make small wreath ornaments for all of the participants.  I loved that little ornament and hung it on the tree for years.  The thing is, I don't know what happened to it.  So when I found a simple crochet pattern to make that wreath three days ago, I was so excited I looked for items in my home to make the wreath.  The pattern used plastic rings, red and green yarn - red being the color that was looped through the wreath to make a bow at the bottom.

I had none of the supplies the original pattern called for, but I was determined to make the wreath ornament.  I could certainly use wheat colored yarn with slender raffia ribbon, but how to replace the plastic ring was the dilemma.  Checking out the small stash of craft supplies that were on hand I eyed gold pipe cleaners.  Bingo! 

The end result was I took two pipe cleaners and twisted them together, then folded them in half and formed a circled.  Taping the ends together was not enough to hold them together so yam was wrapped around the make shift ring.  The end result was sturdy and a perfect copy of the plastic ring used in the original project.  I don't consider myself creative, bit I am a fairly decent problem solver.

The wreath ornament, done with what I had on hand. No
one would ever know I didn't use a plastic ring as the
center.  The next one I'm going to try is a snowflake
ornament.

A friend found that a cat loved using her raised bed garden as a toilet.  Needless to say this was not acceptable, but she could not catch the cat to discourage it from returning.  She did the next best thing.  A wall of plastic forks lined the area to discourage the behavior.  The problem was solved.

The same friend uses clothes pins to mark what is growing in the garden.  They last for years and her cost was zero since she had them on hand.

Each of these scenarios were created using the idea that 'Necessity is the mother of invention'.  Each of these scenarios also created a sense of pride.

Not everyone thinks they  have the gift of problem solving.  In the same way I admit I'm lacking in the creative gift area.  I think these things can be obtained (to a degree) by trial and error.  Just as I have embraced a road to finding a speck of creativity in myself, anyone can achieve the critical skill of problem solving.  I do admit that it takes time.  But, as I tell my children (and grandchildren)  you're going to be around anyway, may as well use the time as wisely as you can.

As promised more Christmas decorations in my home.

The lighting is the worse in this powder room, but I hope you can
see the moose nested on the shelf.  There's a bit of whimsy in
tis room because the kiddos use it quite often when they visit.

I removed a picture and replaced it with the wreath.  I consider
this wreath a symbol of the Alpha and Omega.  The reason for
the celebration of Christmas for me.

It's Beginning to Look a Bit Like Christmas

Even if it's chilly outside the sun is out early this morning.  Saturday began with winter coat weather and ended up with spring coat weather.  Maybe today will show the same kind of love.

I had an appointment yesterday and decided to go to the bank first as well as return clementine's that were green with mold.  I packed up the fruit then left the house without it.  I was afraid that too much time would pass before I brought them back so I stopped into the grocery store to speak with the produce manager.  He assured me it would be OK to return them on Monday.  He explained that since they come from Spain in a wooden box, they have a difficult time inspecting them because most of them can't be checked by sight.  That's OK with me, a slight inconvenience is better than not because the fruit is a product of Spain.  No GMOs or other naughty things to make us ill.

 Friday evening  the family celebrated daughter number three's birthday by going to a restaurant of her choice.  We went to one of those Japanese steak houses with four kids in tow.  Their behavior was exceptional so we all had a good time.  The chef cooked and chopped and made a volcano out of onion rings to impress the kiddos.  They were indeed impressed.

Thursday night daughter number three and I went to the Dollar Tree to grab stocking stuffers.  We left about 7:00 PM and returned home after 11:00 PM.  Most of that time was actually spent in the dollar store.  I ended up with a few stocking stuffers and a few items I needed for the house - batteries, tape - that sort of thing.

I found the cutest chef hats for the little ones to wear
when they're helping their chef dad in the kitchen.

Earlier in the week I ordered a set of flameless candles from amazon.  Since my credit card points are tied into amazon my out of pocket expense was zero.  There's a sconce above the Nativity set on the fireplace.  I saw that sconce as the perfect place to put a candle to represent the Star of David over the set.    I'm pleased as punch with the outcome.  Small things like this bring joy to my heart.  My friends and family put up with listening to my exuberance when I gush about such small joys.

Stretching the imagination!  The 'star' works for me.

My daughter brought the Christmas tree down to the living room because I thought I was unable to.  How embarrassing to find all I had to do was turn it upside down so the branches folded in to make the task a one person (a short person) task.  Now I know!

Packages are ready to be mailed this week, as well.

My frugal hack for the week was bought at the dollar store.  I bought a pack of three small gift bags and three small frames at a total cost of four dollars.  The fabric handles were removed from the bags, then the bags were placed in the frames.  I have a set of three Christmas pictures.

One of the pictures went in the powder room.  I add a few
small items on the shelf in there because the kiddos use
this room quite often during visits to grandma's house.

I've also been thinking about my life lately.  Someone close to me challenged me to look at what it is I like to do, asking why I don't go to functions with other seniors and meet new people.  I thought about it and decided I really am not interested in meeting new people and making new friends.  Every friend I've always had has been placed in my path, I've not looked for them.  I'm content with my life and really don't want to search for other things.  If they fall in my path, I'll prudently assess the situation and if it's meant to be, I take up the challenge.  My life is filled with peace and activities I like to do.  I think she wasn't thinking about my readers as friends, either.  I so appreciate all of you in my life.  Only thirty something have added their names to the 'followers' list, but about 400 to 500 people read this blog each week.  This number is small compared to other blogs, but I feel I'm reaching those who are truly interested in learning.  So, this is where I thank you all for sticking with me.  You're all quite a nice gift.

Stay safe!

New prayer for my Catholic friends.  Short, simple and to the point.  This prayer was given to Sister Lucia when she was praying in the convent chapel as an adult.  As a reminder Lucia was one of the three children of Fatima.

" By Thy pure and immaculate conception, O' Mary, obtain for me the conversion of Russia, Spain, Portugal, Europe, and the whole world.  Amen." 

Disclaimer:  When we say a prayer that is addressed to Mary, we are asking that our heavenly mother carry the prayer to the Throne.  What man doesn't give his mother special recognition?  Sneaky, I know, but so effective!  I am in no way trying to influence anyone.  As stated this was put here for the many Catholic friends and family I have in my life.

Cherished Gifts and Cherished People

With a bit of sadness, Christmas day has come and gone.  I. like many of you, look forward to this day all year.  Some of us even begin preparing for it the day after the festivities are over.

I have begun to plan for next year by going to Wal Mart with my daughter and purchasing three rolls of Hallmark wrapping paper for next Christmas.  Along with that there was a pack of 100 tags that I brought home and some tissue paper to put in the Christmas gift bags I got for .50 cents each.  Everyone knows the gift bags stay at grandma's house to be recycled for nest year.  My small part in keeping the environment healthy as well as the budget.  I bought more bags this year because I found wrapping most gifts this year had my body, especially my hands, in an uproar.

This year I waited to wrap gifts.  As time went on I found myself with the bulk of the wrapping being done two hours before my guests arrived.  I don't ever want to do that again.  My hands were in pain and my back was not in the mood to like me very much.  The task completed and the gifts under the tree just in time for the guests to arrive.  2015 will be different.  The gifts will get wrapped as they come into the house.  Of course I will forget what's in the wrapped packages so I will put a little note on the bottom to remind me using small print.

I received some tear jerking gifts this year.  My grandson asked me if next year I could get gifts that didn't make me cry.  I'm not sure, but I doubt it.  Time to learn to turn your head when the tears flow.  It's only for a few minutes anyway.  Call it preparation for when you get married.

Our eldest daughter found a picture of her dad when he was on ship in the Navy.  He was 17 or 18 years old trying to learn the guitar.  The picture was a bit beat up so she took it to a friend and traded baby sitting services while her friend and her husband shopped for Christmas in trade for the work her friend did on the picture.

The result of her efforts is a large black and white photo framed in a sturdy black frame.  I'm going to have my husband's ID bracelet attached to the frame to be displayed over the fireplace.  Of course I also cried when my son sent me the bracelet that his dad gave to him.

Daughter number two sent me 2 items that brought tears escaping.  When I opened those gifts I was alone so no one had to be uncomfortable.  I got a picture pillow of my grandchildren and a reusable grocery bag with another picture and the words 'Best Grandma' under the picture.  I see this as a conversation starter when I'm grocery shopping.

Daughter number three surprised me with a shadow box for my husband's flag from the Navy I received when a color guard played taps at his service.  I have been meaning to find one for years, but never remembered when I was out shopping.  Another choked up time when I was thanking her for the great gift.  Her response was she didn't want the kids to unravel the flag while they were playing in the loft.

The one and only son is not to be forgotten.  No tears when I opened a gift from him, only a big smile.  He sent me a large gift card to a national chain.  There's some fun in my future with this gift.

This Christmas was filled with appreciation and lots of fun and great company.  I sincerely hope all of my readers had a warm and happy time with those that you love.

Gifts of love that I will always cherish from people I already cherish.

Merry Christmas, The Menu, and Reflection

Just two days before Christmas day.  How exciting!  The Italian cookies are made as well as the sugar cookies I got from Noreen's Kitchen video.  Because my hosting will be on Christmas Eve today is the day I will make the Italian ricotta cheese cake so it can set up in the refrigerator for a few hours.  The crust is made from graham crackers, but I didn't have regular ones so I crushed up the kiddie snacks that have chocolate in them.  It sounds like it will work because a person can't go wrong with chocolate filled grahams - can they?

I spent yesterday in the kitchen slicing and dicing veggies, finishing up the cookies and slicing cheese.  I also wrote down the menu and decided I needed an additional dish with substance.  The menu will be"

Meat tray
Rolls
Macaroni salad
Veggie platter
Wine from my cousin's vineyard  ( award winning and goes down so dang easy)
You can check him out here:    http://rizzowinery.com/
Flavored ginger ale
Cheese and cracker plate
Ricotta cheese cake
Dorittos (for the kids)
Cookies
Pickles from the garden
Russell Stover chocolates
Hot chocolate in Santa mugs
Jello with home made whipped cream
(Not necessarily in that order.)

44 cookies just before baking.  The remainder were cooked the next day which made the total 72.

The finished product.   Iced and sprinkles even the kiddos will be attracted to these.

The mess that was made after the cookies were done.

No one should go home hungry.  Some people will drink and their mates will drink soda as the designated driver.  The kids will paly (act nutty) in the loft and the adults will pretty much ignore any cries for help unless someone decides to hang over the railing.  I can lock all the doors on the second floor and let the grands be a bit free for a couple of hours.

Uncle J will read The Night Before Christmas to settle the kids in for the night just before everyone goes home for the night.  We are having a pajama party theme so everyone can fall into bed when they go home.

Before the activity begins I'll take a few minutes to reflect on the blessings I have and miss those family members that can't be with us.  Some day it would so nice for us all to be together on Christmas.  It would be a miracle if this ever happened, but I understand traveling 900 miles on Christmas is not an ideal situation for families.  We each want to feel the peace of the season and we do this best by being home. 

It's also a time I allow myself time to think about my husband.  I miss him every day, but so much so on Christmas.  I think of the Christmas that he super surprised me with my fist computer.  I cried I was so happy.  The poor man thought I was sad and hurried to tell me I could take it back if I didn't like it.  The only other time he was afraid I didn't want something was when we renewed our vows in front of the congregation - following mass - after 40 years of marriage.  He asked me if I loved him.  Didn't I want to renew?  Through water leaks I told him they were tears of happiness.

That he suggested we renew our vows was a gift from heaven because I'd asked him a number of times through the ten years prior to his passing and he would poo poo the thought.  This time he asked me.  He passed nine months later.  Do you see why I can't stop loving this man.  I know it's suppose to be until death do us part, but I guess I'm like a puppy (a cute one, of course) my loyalties will always be with this man.  And so to you my love, I offer a blessed Christmas.  Save a spot for me and don't forget to pray for us while you have a good seat near the throne of God.

Merry Christmas to all my readers.  You are a part of my life now.  God bless you all and may all you endeavor to accomplish in the new year be blessed.

Stay safe.

Angie

The start of the pierogies for Christmas dinner.

Pierogie dough rolled out.  Not too think or they will be too gummy.

The potato filling placed in the middle.



The finished product before they went into the freezer.

More Verbal Wanderings

Good morning dear readers.  Today the sun is shining making me think it may be warmer out there.  Nope!  It's chilly as December should be.  Not freezing though, so we're good to go.

My early morning was spent watching my favorite yoo toobers while drinking my vitamin Isotonic.  I'm on to the coffee at the moment which will be followed by a bowl of cereal or oatmeal.  I haven't decided yet.  That's the luxury of being retired.  I'm not forced to make decisions well before hand.

The new year's agenda book came out this morning with appointments written in and the old one put away.  Why is keeping the old ones so important?  It's not like I'll remember I put anything in it when I'm looking for dates.  No, I'll scratch my head and look every where else, then remember the agenda.  Good thing I have the time to go through that long process.  The thing is I'm not that organized with paper work so my journey to hunt something down is extensive.  Perhaps the new year will bring with it a desire to do something about that.  I know it's pure laziness on my part so I do have control that I don't exercise in that area.

I made up a holiday jar of the cookie mix I got off of Noreen's Kitchen on yoo toob this morning.  Three cups of the mix along with crasins and walnuts went into the jar with an instruction tag attached to the jar with twine.  This has been done a million times, but it's still a cute and thoughtful gift for a neighbor or work associate.  Bread is also in the bread maker to be served with dinner tonight.

I used a small piece of wrapping paper to cover the jar lid.  A small rubber band holds the paper in place then the screw top is placed over it.  I wrote out the instructions by hand on lined paper then taped it on a gift tag after I carefully cut it to size.  A piece of twine wrapped around the jar holds the tag and instructions in place.

This afternoon I have a couple of errands to run and a medical appointment.  My doctor is trying to get in all of my medical needs before the year ends.  Nothing serious, just the I'm aging and we need to keep up on things type appointments.  This is the first year I've had to see a physician on a schedule.  So I've done pretty well for myself.  I did mention to her (the doctor) that that life will not be focused on healthcare.  I will do my part with good eating and exercise and accept some of the changes that age brings.  My main concern is that my children are not saddled with a broken body to care for. 

Every year I ask God for something for Christmas.  This year I was greedy and put in three requests.  One is for a long time friend - well two are - so I need to know when the miracles happen M.

I'm excited for tomorrow to come because that is when my grandson will be helping me make the perogi I mentioned in a previous post.  The recipe came from my husband's grandmother quite a few years back.  It took me an entire day to tweak the recipe because it was given to me in pinches and handfuls.  LOL  I can still picture the conversation we had on the phone over that recipe.  Precious memories from a terrific lady.

If anyone in the family is reading this and wants the recipe, leave a comment and I'll get it to you through private message.

That's it for today since life is slow and simple for me.  I wish the same for my readers.  Stay safe.

Noodles and Ornaments (Oh My!)

I'm watching the sun set and the temperatures plummet as I wait for the water to boil so I can pop the noodles I just made into it.  The process went a bit quicker this time because I bought a pizza cutter from Rada.  It cut the cutting time in half.  So about seven minutes for making and kneading the noodle dough because I have gotten quicker as my confidence has soured and five minutes to cut the dough.  I'm down to 12 minutes of hands on time.  This doesn't take into account the 10 minutes the dough needs to be wrapped and put in the refrigerator to rest.



From one egg and 1/2 cup of flour I got a little over a half pound of noodles.


Earlier this week a trip to the Dollar Tree with two of the grandkids so they could do their Christmas shopping was good for me, too.  Sitting on a shelf were four Santa mugs waiting to go home with someone.  I paired them with a tray that was 1.25 at a thrift store and ended up with a hot chocolate 'station' for the kids on Christmas Eve. 


 

How cute are these?  The kiddos can take them home with them after they indulge in their cocoa.  Maybe I'll learn how to make marshmallows to float on top of the cocoa.


The decorating is almost done as the tree was done today.  I thought I purchased a few ornament after Christmas last year.  The problem is I did, but only three.  The tree is a bit bare, but decked in ornaments that are kid friendly.  After Christmas I'll go to purchase a few more.  The only other items I want are a nice tree skirt and a large Santa.  I may grab a garland, as well.  I'll know when I get there.

The tree is a bit bare, but I don't think the grands will care.  There's plenty to capture their attention for now.  My favorite is the sheep.  He's soft and cuddly.  This will be the first year that the 2 year old will notice things.  I bet she goes straight for the sheep ornament.


The weather in this part of the East Coast has been cold, but no snow, thankfully.  I'll take the ocean winds any day as long as the white stuff doesn't pile up.  It's not that I'm not use to snow, it's that I don't like it when it reaches well above the window sills.  Besides, the sun shining even in the winter season keeps people in a good mood in this part of the country.  There's a smile every where you go.  And, for no reason, at that!

Stay safe.

 

The Christmas Table Will See Food From My Garden

When I wake up in the morning my first line of business is getting cleaned up then sitting with my ISOTONIX vitamin drink ( http://www.shop.com/ )  and checking out the yoo toob videos of my favorite posters.  This morning was a bit different because I slept until after nine and the pup had to go out.  Can you imagine my surprise when the door opened and it was in the mid seventies?  The pup was so happy she's laying in the rocks soaking in the heat.

I was happy because my first thought was my winter garden plants and the question of their survival.  My happiness quickly turned into excitement as I raked the protective layer of leaves off the tiny seedlings.  Oh my God!  Thank you for protecting my efforts.  Every type of plant, including the garlic, survived the freezing temperatures.  Even the garlic has begun to break it's way through the soil.  The spinach, carrots, lettuce, beets, and radishes - along with the strawberries and even the rose bush - survived.

Radishes happily searching for sun light.

There are only three beets out so far.  This is encouraging to me to look for the rest of them each morning.

Not too many carrots are up yet.

The spinach has the largest yield so far.  Two nice rows of my favorite veggie.

The garlic is from the crop I grew last year.  This is the crop that is most exciting to me.  My efforts are being rewarded.

The parsley is also from seed from a plant I grew during the summer.

You may remember that the rose bush was from a small plant my daughter gave me for Mother's Day.  Oh baby, how you've grown.

The strawberries have quadrupled in size from the small five plants that went in the ground in the late spring.


Can you see why I'm so excited?  The food won't be ready for Thanksgiving, but I'm counting on some of it for Christmas dinner.  After four years of research and failure, I am growing a garden with a 100% success rate.   What a terrific Christmas gift this is.

CVS Shopping Spree

CVS has two sales and a free item this week.

1.  A coupon for free paper towels from the coupon machine.  Slide your CVS Extra Care Bucks card under the scanner to receive this one.  Along with this free coupon I received a .50 coupon off any purchase.  The more you shop there, the higher your coupon.  Mine was a small one.

2. Purchase one Purex laundry detergent for $6.29 (at my location) and get two (2) free.  You can do this scenario twice on a card.

3.  Many items in the store have a small sign under the shelf that says if you buy $30.00 you can choose a $10.00 gift card.  There were a number of choices for the gift card, but I only noticed the CVS one because I wanted to use it towards the Purex.

I bought Christmas stocking items at CVS rather than at the Dollar Tree.  Adding in 2 boxes of Klennix tissues and I reached the $30.00 rather quickly.

I did two transactions.  The first paying for the Christmas items to receive the 10.00 gift card (GC), then the laundry soap and paper towel.  After using the gift card and .50 coupon, as well as the free paper towel coupon, I paid 1.47 out of pocket.

Why did this make sense to me?  I would have purchased the Christmas items at the Dollar Tree with no $10.00 gift card given to me.  We* also need laundry soap.  Four free soaps and free paper towels made quite a bit of sense to me.

Christmas items
All of the items were on sale.  30.00 plus tax (1.80)
I can't take a picture of the entire haul because the recipients read this blog.

Purex
Regular price $37.74 for six
I bought six at a cost of $12.58
After using the GC and .50 coupon I paid $1.47 out of pocket

Paper towel
Free with .79 coupon

Total spent, including tax
$33.27

*I don't have pictures of the other items because I did the detergent scenario for my daughter.  She ordered Scency items for me and I paid her with the detergent.  After all of her shopping she ended up with 21 bottles of detergent.  Keeping it all in the family!

Here's some of the items I got.  The Kleenix was .99 a box, the gum and Russell Stover santas were .88 each. The pez dispensers cost the most at 1.59 each.  

CVS website

Leap Frog and Legos

Leap Frog Tag Junior Book Pal is 17.99 at Amazon.  This 49% off of the regular price.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U5R1Y2?ie=UTF8&tag=myfrugadve-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001U5R1Y2


Amazon also has Legos B1G1 50% off
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000635581

Buffalo Wild Wings GC

Buffalo  Wild Wings is offering a free 5.00 GC with the purchase of a 25.00 card.  Great way to send a gift without the added cost of shipping.

Go here then choose the promotions tab.

http://www.buffalowildwings.com/

Bath and Body Works

Bath and Body Works has a number of stocking stuffers for 5.00, in store or online.

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=11081642&cp=2484777&cm_mmc=CH-_-20101216SC-_-9000102-_-subCELLO&cm_lm=radqueen1@msn.com

BOGO Yankee Candles and More

It looks like Yankee Candle has some nice coupons for in store purchases.  Large jar candles are B2G2 and votives are 1.00 with printable coupons.  A new coupon will be added every day until and including 12/24. 



http://www.yankeecandle.com/cgi-bin/ycbvp/freestyle.jsp?category=/Retail/IN-STORE+PROMOTIONS

Walgreens Money Maker

http://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/hallmarkcoupon.jsp

There's a money maker  deal at Walgreen's for wrapping paper.  Clip the .50 coupon for Hallmark wrapping paper.  Wrapping paper is BOGO this week at Walgreens, so 2 rolls will cost 1.49. with the coupon.

Add to that a register reward for 5.00 if you buy 2 rolls of paper and 4 tissue paper at .33 each, and you've got a great money maker.

Steal Deal

2 rolls paper @ 1.99
Q .50  (1.49)
4 tissue .33 (1.32)

Total 2.81

RR 5.00 ( always read the fine print)

Money maker + 2.19

You can try to print out 2 .50 coupons.  If this works for you then the money maker goes up to 2.69.

You can find additional information at www.walgreens.com looking in the weekly circular.  Make sure you check out their coupon policy, too.  I don't have trouble at Walgreen's, but some ladies do have to get a manager who knows the coupon policies.  Walgreen's tends to have a lot of exceptions which frustrate me.  So I normally don't go here.  I don't mind working for my deals, I just don't think stressing over them is very healthy.

Walgreen's

Crayola Color Wonder Stow and Go Studio is on sale at Walgreen's for 9.99.  There is also a coupon in the holiday circular for 4.00 off any gift 9.99 or more good on purchases on 12/8 and 12/9 only.

http://www.walgreens.com/store/store/product/product_details.jsp;jsessionid=mGJw0hai+yoNHcpT8ebVfg**.p_dotcom55?id=prod5692692

6% cash back at http://www.ebates.com/

Giving This Season

No matter what the stats say, we all know the country is in a recession.  Food prices have climbed in the past few weeks and gas has gone up.  Our electric bill will rise 4% this month.  It's difficult stretching every penny to provide for our families.

It seems this would be a good time to let donations go, if not for just now.  You may have to, this would be a personal decision.  No one would blame you for waiting a while before you think of the needs outside of your family.

I made a personal decision to continue to donate.  Even one can of veggies to the church food pantry is helpful.   Someone would benefit from that food.  This can be seen with the post office food drive that's held each year.  If each household donated one food item, the local pantry would be overflowing.  Our local schools hold events with admission of a food item.  No one in my area goes without food because of the events held in my area.

Beyond that there are some things worthy of thought. 

1) The dollar store has hats and mittens.  Many schools have a giving tree that can be filled with these items.  The ones I found at Real Deals are stylish and warm.

 2) Free items from drug store shopping can be donated to a shelter or a school.

3) The ToysRUs game deal (8 games for 1.25 each post) can be used for donating or gift giving and donating.

4) Free or low cost food items are great for giving.  No one knows how much you paid for an item.

5) Dollar store flash cards or crayons or a small stocking stuffer will put a smile on a child's heart.

The gift doesn't need to be grand.  It only needs to come from your heart.

If you have any other suggestions please leave a comment.  We love suggestions.

It's Time to Think About Filling Christmas Stockings

Most families that celebrate Christmas include stockings filled with goodies in their traditional gift cache.   This year our kid's stockings will be filled for the grandchildren rather than the adult child.

Since I've been wondering what to put into the stockings I am reminded of what we filled them with when our kids were young.  There were no dollar stores then so we had to be prudent, but with the advent of dollar stores we can go wild.

Here are some suggestions to get your thoughts flying:

Zero - 1 year old.   Parent's pick.  They really aren't aware of what a tradition is.

A huge orange
crayons
coloring / activity book
matchbox cars
Barbie clothes
candy that they can never have during the year (those huge suckers come to mind)
dollar gift certificates for french fries at a fast food place (the 21st century treat)
a huge wrapped sugar cookie with a theme cutout (cars, dolls, etc)
'designer' socks
'get out of jail free' coupon(s), they don't have to do a chore when they hand this in
coupon for 2 stories read to them before bed
recipe for their favorite snack and an invitation to help prepare it
coupon for staying up 1/2 hour longer on a Friday night ( I wouldn't give too many of these.  A child will usually get up at their normal time on Saturday  feeling the effects on Sunday, and sleeping later then)

All of these suggestions can be had for 1.00 or free.


If you have any ideas or traditions to pass on to the readers, I encourage you to add them in the comment section.  I am always willing to learn.

Christmas is Love in a Stocking

Christmas is my favorite holiday. It's a time when even the most hardened of hearts swells with good will. I love, love, love Christmas!

When we started our family we decided it was important that the children understood what Christmas stood for. It is, after all, a celebration of a birth. The birth of Jesus. It may not have always been known by our kids that Daddy had anything to do with this, but both of us felt it was important to let the kids know that Jesus was an important part of our family life.

Having four children, one who was sick for quite a few years, money was tight. But the rest of what family offers wasn't. I remember the year our youngest daughter was born (in December) my husband handed me $40.00 for gifts for the other three kids, 2 days before Christmas.

Money in hand, and a prayer in my heart, I went to a local discount store. I had so much fun. When I went into the store the toys on my list popped out at me. They were all on sale at a deep discount. I left the store with bags of gifts and 2.00 in my pocket.

I spent that 2.00 on candy and oranges for the Christmas stockings.

Back then we had coupons and rebates, but nothing like what is available to us today. I probably could do better with some time to plan and watching the ads, if my shopping trip were today.

Each year I learn a little bit more about the true meaning of Christmas. Today I see it is more about the family being together concept than the gifts. Back then the gifts made it fun because everyone was young. Today the gifts have become a small part of our celebration, even though there are grandchildren. The gift I am thankful for is our family, with Jesus as our leader. And the food has taken second place in the fun.

I'm thankful for the family that is our legacy. I'm thankful for the food on our table, but I will miss my husband's presence - although I know he will be here in spirit. I am also thankful for that.