Forget the “Christmas Creep.” It’s More like the Christmas SHOVE!
Welcome back!
Photo from Flickr
Every year I complain how the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier every year. This year I started to see Christmas items creeping on to store shelves in August! I would just shrug my shoulders and walk by. However this year, it has been decided that we as a nation will just skip thanksgiving. The Sunday after Halloween my husband and I were reading the Sunday paper and the sales flyers were decked out for the holidays. We also noticed Christmas commercials on television on November 1st.
I don’t know about all of you, but I still have pumpkins on my porch, and as far as I know pumpkins are not a Christmas decoration. I see more and more houses lighting up their Christmas decorations. Has America forgotten that there is a between Halloween and Christmas? I admit it is usually pretty common to see Christmas decor before Thanksgiving, but I cannot recall seeing it this early. A few of my local radio stations have started playing Christmas music only.
I understand that with the economy still recovering that stores do not quite know what the retail sales will look like this holiday season. I went into a Kohls this past weekend and was amazed that they had decked their halls, with Christmas music included! My husband and I just looked at each other as if we had stepped into another dimension. It’s just too early.
The last thing I would like to say on this topic; keep a good eye on those advertisements for amazing deals. I was watching tv about two weeks ago when an advertisement for Walmart came on. They were advertising a gaming system for a deeply discounted price along with a $100. gift card for purchasing the system. This sale was to take place on a Saturday morning starting at 8am. I thought to myself, wow what a great deal. Then the commercial aired again, this time I read the small print at the bottom of the screen and it said, “limit 10 consols per store.” WHAT? That just seemed so wrong to me as desperate parents would be crowded in to their local Walmart stores to take advantage of this sale, and learn that the store only had 10 gamming consols.
There are good deals to be had out there, I am sure of it. Just make sure to read the small print. As for me, I will not be hanging my Christmas lights until AFTER Thanksgiving.
Martha Stewart.. This is reality calling!
Photo from Flickr
I have been a Martha Stewart fan since I was a teenager. My mother and sister used to make fun of me for my Martha Stewart obsession. I have always admired how she has such attention to detail and makes sure that things are done properly. I do recognize and always have, that she tends to go a bit overboard on some things. I have been a loyal reader of her magazine and I used to watch her show on NBC. I bought her products and I was even going to go to a book signing.
As the recession hit, I continued to watch her show. She had on guests like Jim Cramer who was talking about stocks and the stock market. While this is helpful to some, it is not helpful to all. While the rest of the country geared up for the recession, to me it seem as if it was business as usual at Martha Stewart Omnimedia. I watched her show to see if she would have money saving tips for the average American household, but I never saw anything of the sort. Eventually I got fed up and just stopped watching her show. Last week I read an article that said that viewership was down for her show. I was not surprised.
My annoyance did not stop with her television show either. I continued to read the magazine but I soon found myself feeling betrayed. I felt like the Martha magazine was targeted to a different audience, one that had not been effected by the recent recession. Recipes and crafts in the magazine still required pricey ingredients and pieces. While she talked about the recession did she actually realize what the average middle class household was going through? The final straw for me was a piece about what every woman should have in their closet. While the pictures were beautiful, the clothing was outrageously priced.
I eventually started reading the magazine Real Simple. I like this magazine because I feel like it has the same quality as the Martha magazine but that it is more accessible to the average middle income house hold. They too have their out- of touch artciles too, but not as bad.
Even though I have been annoyed by Martha Stewart’s constant bragging about the vacations she goes on or the show about designer dresses, I do not hate her and I occasionally do watch her show. I just wish that she would realize that we aren’t all millionaires and target her show that way. I bet if she did, her ratings would go back up.
An Inexpensive And Elegant Dinner
Although I may be what some consider “cheap” I do not eat like it. I do not believe in eating garbage food. I believe that what you put into your body you can expect to get out of it. Now I am not saying I eat lobster and drink champagne, but there are staples that I must have in my house. The recipe below are made from items that I alway have in my house. I accompany this meal with a red wine. I prefer Robert Mondavi cabernet. Just a note on wine, you usually get what you pay for when it comes to wine, so it is worth the few extra bucks. This recipe should feed about 4 people. This recipe just goes to prove that one can eat will and not spend a fortune. So without further ado here is one of my favorite meals;
Ingredients
1 pound of good linguini (I prefer Barailla)
4 Tablespoons of olive oil or enough to coat a medium frying pan
3 Cloves of fresh garlic. Do not use jared garlic.
1 Tablespoon of crushed red pepper
1/2 Cup of tomatoes. The tomatoes can be diced fresh or canned. You can use any type of variety of tomato that you like
1/4 Cup of Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
To start set water to boil in a large pot for the pasta. Add salt to the pasta water (about 2 tablespoons). Meanwhile, in a seperate frying pan, coat the pan with olive oil. Heat the oil with medium heat. While the oil is heating finely chop the garlic and add to the oil. You want the garlic to brown slowly. After the garlic has browned add the crushed red pepper. By now the water should be boiling and add your linguini. While your pasta is cooking add diced tomatoes to the olive oil pan.
When the pasta is done drain it and dump it into the pan with olive oil. Toss the pasta over medium heat so the olive mixture coats all of the pasta. Once it is fully coated, serve the pasta hot. Pour Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy. Bon Appetite!
Inexpensive Spring Break Fun
Tis the season for Spring Break for many students out there. While thoughts of Spring break usually gravitate towards fun vacations in sunny warm destinations, many are cutting back this year due to the economy. However, just because funds may restrict big travel plans for this upcoming Spring Break, fun is still out there to be had for all ages.
I grew up in a household, where my parents always seemed to struggle with financial obligations. I spent many Spring Breaks at home with my younger sister, while our friends were jetting off to islands and Disney World with their parents. While our parents could not afford such elaborate vacations for my sister and I, my mother always went out of her way to made sure we had a great time. We spent most spring breaks hosting sleepovers, having movie marathons, and playing outside.
As my sister and I got older, my mom would take us on day trips into Chicago for the day. While this may sound really expensive, it was not. In my family, it was understood that we walked, no cabs for us. We would be so excited to go, it did not matter how far we wold have to walk. At one time, the museums had free days that we’d go to. Mom would pack a lunch for us and we would take the train into the city. The whole day would maybe cost us $40. We always had a blast.
My mother had another ingenious idea, to take a car trip to see our cousins and family in Nebraska. Every Spring Break for almost 10 years my mom would pile my sister and I into the car and down I80 we would go. We would stay with family to minimize costs. My sister and I were lucky to have cousins close in age. We would play for a week strait, while my mom had time to visit with family as well.
I found that my most favorite Spring Breaks were the low key ones. One year when my sister and I were in high school she decided that we would be allowed to re-do our bedrooms over the break, after all paint is cheap. We each helped work in each other’s rooms. We had so much fun. It was a wonderful treat.
So, keep in mind, Spring Break does not have to be outrageously expensive. Just remember to keep it loose and fun. Find fun things that you can do cheaply and enjoy your time off!
Brunch on a Budget
When I think of brunch, I think of elegant food and mimosas. I also think about how expensive it can be to host a brunch in your home. I recently had the pleasure of having my mother and her boyfriend to brunch at my house. I love to entertain, but it can be pricey.
I was delighted at the thought of having my mother over for the first time since I had moved into my new home. However, the dread of how much a brunch meal was going to cost set in. Rather than freak out about the situation. I decided that I would spend as little as possible and still have a wonderful brunch. Brunch is supposed to be a mix between lunch and breakfast foods.
I started my planning with by looking online for traditional brunch menus. I searched many websites so I could get a well rounded idea of what to serve. After I had a good idea of what kind of food I wanted to serve, I looked up some brunch recipes. I took stock of what I already had in my pantry and went from there. I found some wonderful recipes on the Food Network website. Not only were some of the recipes inexpensive to make, but they were sophisticated. From these recipes, I made a shopping list.
Once I got to the grocery store, I priced out everything I would need. I chose generic or store brand goods where I could. I spent less than $15 on my whole meal! My brunch, looked beautiful and tasted delicious. It looked as if I had spent a fortune. I simply took everything I had bought and put it in nice serving dishes. My table looked beautiful.
We all had a wonderful time. My guests were very impressed with all of the yummy foods that were available. I will include my menu for those of you who are interested. As always, continue to enjoy entertaining in your home, just remember it does not have to be expensive to do.
Brunch Menu
Fluffy scrambled eggs with a dash of seasoning salt
Cinnabon cinnamon rolls from Pillsbury
A cheese filled coffee cake (store bought)
A container of “mini muffins” which included blueberry, lemon and bananna nut (store bought)
A bag of frozen blueberries, strawberries and raspberries
Fried potatoes with onion
Coffee
Tea
Orange Juice
Milk
The Library, all the Entertainment You can Stand
Most communities have a public library within a drivable distance from their homes. Libraries have been around forever, therefore they have been mostly forgotten, except by the select few. Well, my friend the time of looking to the local library for entertainment is back. For little to no cost, everyone can participate, all you need is a library card.
Today’s library has more than books to entertain you. My local library has videos and DVD of feature length films which are available to be rented. They also have books on tape, for those of you how do not prefer read. The tapes you have, can be imported into an MP3 on your computer. The possibilities are endless when at the library!
If you do like to read or if it bores you, try a book from the non-fiction department about something exotic, like a travel book, or a recipe book. These can be a ton of fun, on a snowy or rainy day. I always love to look at gardening or fashion books with beautiful pictures. Want to go on an exotic vacation but cannot afford it, get a picture book and substitute.
As I said earlier many libraries also offer multi-media selections. Learn a new language on cd, or listen to music from a favorite artist, or even surf the internet. Many libraries offer free internet to those who hold a library card for that particular branch.
Another great benefit that you may find at your local library is a book club. My local library has a wonderful book club that meets once a month during the lunch break hour, to accommodate professionals. If your local library does not have one, and you are a habitual reader, start one.
Most libraries offer classes on many different subjects, for only a few dollars. This can be a great way to entertain yourself cheaply. My local library has lamaze classes to basket weaving. Most of the classes meet in the evening, so that more people can attend. Also look to see if any clubs meet at your local library.
Most people never set foot into their local library. There is a treasure trove of entertainment to be had. Be brave, go in and get a card. Learning something new is a wonderful way to entertain yourself. The Library is a very budget conscience way to entertain yourself, just watch those fines.
Why Confessions of a Shopaholic will Bomb
Hollywood has long been out of touch when it comes to the average American. The glitz and glam, are something that is reserved for that kind of life. We don’t see women in big elaborate gowns going to the grocery store everyday, nor do most of us have the dramatic elements in our lives that Hollywood would like to make so common. I like movies as much as the next person. I am not slamming all movies. I am however very critical of the new film Confessions of a Shopaholic.
These are some of the hardest economic times since the Great Depression. 62,000 jobs were cut on Monday. Foreclosures are rampant, and there are those out there who cannot afford to feed their families. Movies have long been a way for audiences to escape the realities of daily life, but this movie goes too far.
What person in their right mind would put out a movie about a woman whose whole live is made up of shopping? The book, which the film is based upon was written in a different time. A time when conspicuous, no questions asked consumption was perfectly acceptable to most people.
In the preview, the character played by Isla Fisher, she actually battles other characters over a sale for boots. I ask the question, how out of touch can Hollywood truly be with their general audience? Don’t get me wrong, I like a chick flick as much as the next girl, but this film makes me want to vomit. I have absolutely no desire to see some spoiled rich girl indulge herself in an unsustainable lifestyle, in front of audiences that cannot even afford to keep their homes!
I personally will be boycotting this film. I do not support a materialistic society at all; which is exactly why the economy is in its current state. The character seems to think that money is not a realistic, tangible object and has absolutely no thought of what she is actually spending it on, nor the damage that it is doing to her future.
The movie may actually be good and it may have a good lesson about honesty and living within your means. But that’s not how the marketing is portraying this movie. All the ads show is a woman (and other women) going crazy over purses and using credit cards.
I have heard from so many people who feel that the timing of this movie release is just in bad taste. I hope that this movie flops and shows Hollywood, that we as the American public do not want to see people have absolutely no regard for money and spending it like it grows on trees. When we are losing our homes and jobs.
We don’t need movies from Hollywood showing us an unattainable lifestyle when our economy is having the troubles that it’s having. Especially when it’s materialistic people like the main character of this movie, that have brought us down.
Trailer of this Travesty:
How to Save Money on a Date; Have it at Home
Date night just seems to be getting more and more expensive, to share a nice night out with a loved one. My husband and I have ditched the traditional date route, of dinner, dancing and a movie. Instead we have decided to have our date nights at home. To many this could sound lame, but it’s actually really wonderful. Date night at home really does have its benefits, especially when the weather is really nasty. We started our at home date nights about a year ago, when we were so stretched for cash, that we could not afford to go out.
Home can be the most romantic setting with a little effort. Set the mood, light some candles. When my husband and I do date night at home, we usually refrain from cooking, unless we cook a special meal for each other. While there is still a cost for ordering in, it is much less than dining out. Plus, we don’t have to go out in the cold weather. We can also have a bottle of wine with dinner at a much more reasonable price. Plus, there is the added benefit of not having to drive home after enjoying a bottle of wine with our dinner.
We will usually rent a movie, pick one from our on-demand from our cable provider, or watch one of the favorites that we own. Keep your romantic evening going in front of your television. Think of your living room as your own personal movie theater. Make popcorn and pick up candy to make it feel more authentic. Even though the movie and snacks may cost money, it will still be less that one would spend on one ticket at the movies. Sometimes we’ll even move our movie night into our bedroom so we can snuggle up together, which you can not do at the movies.
Date night at home allows a lot of freedom to do whatever you like, with your special someone. However, when you are having a date night at home, it is important to remember that you’re on a date, let the dinner dishes soak in the sink. Would you get up and do the dishes at a nice restaurant on a date? If you have children, see if they can stay at a friend’s house for the night. Date night at home, is still a date.
Be flexible with date night at home. Sometimes my husband and I will watch a move, or television. We have even slow danced during nice dinners in our own living room. We’ve also had mock picnics in our living room. Why not? Dinner and a movie doesn’t have to be the order of the evening, do whatever you and your spouse enjoy.
Date night at home can be so much fun. Some of my best dates with my husband have been at home. I actually prefer to have a home date night with my husband than go out. With the current rescission, things just seem to keep getting more expensive. I would prefer to save the money. When I actually think of the value of a dinner and a movie, out, I often don’t feel that it was worth it. So, give it a try, a date night at home. See where it takes you.
A Sarcastic Take on the Rotten Economy
I was doing some research for the blog, when I came across a video that reminded me to laugh in this tough economy. With current economic situation the way it is, it is so easy to get so serious that on can’t look at the funnier things in life. Now, I am not saying that someone who is having their house repossesed would and should be laughing.
I like this video because it reminds us all not to take everything too seriously all of the time. Remember to laugh every now and then. It is said that laughter is the best medicine. Now, regarding the video, I do not agree with the tips that are given to save money but I really do get a laugh out of the sarcastic approach. So enjoy, and remember it is okay to laugh.
The Austere Wedding: 10 Tips For a Cheap Wedding on a Budget
Photo from Flickr
Every little girl dreams of the most special day, her wedding day. For many women, their imagination has painted an unrealistic image of the day. Images of insanely expensive weddings are pushed on females of all ages. Books, magazines and movies show elaborate weddings, usually ignoring what the cost of these events actually is.
Just because it’s a tough economy doesn’t mean that you still can’t have a nice wedding. Tough times will require you to pare back your elaborate plans and create some realistic expectations.
I got married two years ago and managed to do it on the cheap. People still tell me that I had the nicest wedding that they had ever been to. I saved a lot of money and I have helped a lot of friends do so as well, and now I want to help all you brides out there that are looking to save a few thousand dollars. Here are my Top Ten Ways of Saving a Money on your Wedding Day.
Top Ten Ways to Have a Wedding on a Budget:
1. Lower Your Wedding Expectations
I know this may seem harsh, but this is a harsh lesson to learn. I had all of the wonderful images of the big white wedding, memories of beautiful movie weddings. I had never given much thought to what a wedding would actually cost. What a slap across the face, when the realization of what the type of wedding that I had grown up seeing in movies and magazines would actually cost. Now, in saying lower your expectations, I am not saying you’ll have cheap looking wedding, I am just saying be realistic about what things really cost.
2. Wedding Photographers Can Be a Huge Waste Of Money
This was the biggest sticking point in my wedding planning. I was shocked to see how much wedding photographers actually charged just to shoot the wedding, which is really only a cople hours worth of work. I shopped around, a lot. My first choice was extremely expensive, but once I lowered my expectations, I chose another wonderful photographer. I was able to negotiate a deal to shoot the wedding.
The pictures were great but I soon realized that the wedding pictures were so expensive that I couldn’t afford to buy any of them! This was when I realized what had really happened, the shooting fee was cheap so that the money would be made in picture sales. I wish I would have realized this before hand. Honestly, I feel that my photographer was a waste of money. Member of my family shot many great pictures themselves while the photographers shot mostly the same photos. I could not tell the difference between the two.
So ask yourself, do you really need a professional photographer? Is there a few family or friends that can shoot the day for free?
3. Wedding Flowers and Wedding Decor
Let’s face it, flowers make the decor to many brides, myself included. There are a few money saving options when it comes to flowers and decor. First of all, try to think rationally. I know it can be hard, being swept up in the spirit of it all, and the florist is counting on that. Know what you want before you go to a florist and be firm on what you had pre-decided. Also, if you tell the florist that you are having an event besides a wedding, you’ll save a ton of money. There is a wedding mark-up, it’s true. Many services hear the word wedding and they know they can charge more. Another tip is, think about doing the flowers and decor yourself. This can save a ton of money. If you’re not talented enough, see if there is a friend or family member who is. Flowers are insanely cheap from a wholesale florist.
4. Wedding Music
There are so many ways to save money here. My husband and I burned a CD with our ceremony music on it. We did not pay to have someone preform. Honestly, the music on the CD was wonderful. We made sure to bring a back up just in case the original CD did not work. The reception music can easily be done with an I-pod. Most DJ’s use I-pods these days. When searching for music for the reception, look for a deal. Watch out for that wedding mark-up. Make sure to ask around, ask other brides who they used and if the entertainment was a good value for the money.
5. Wedding Reception Venue
There are so many ways to save money when it comes to where to hold the event of your special day. First of all consider how many people you have to accommodate, and what will you be feeding them. The options range from all inclusive banquet halls to the local VFW post. My husband and I originally found a great deal by asking a locally owned eatery to host the reception. Just keep in mind, some facilities have kitchens on site and others do not. If you choose a venue that is not equipped to accommodate a dinner service, you may have to rent equipment and hire a caterer, so beware because that can add up quickly.
6. The Wedding Guest List
This can be such a touchy issue for many brides. If you plan on having a reception where you will be feeding guests, it comes down to the simple question of, how many people can you afford to feed? I know this seems harsh but you must look at this issue practically. Also make sure to take into account how many people your venue can accommodate. Don’t go broke feeding people that you don’t even know! You’ll need to make some tough decisions about who needs to be there on your special day. You don’t need to invite your friend from second grade that you haven’t seen since, well, second grade.
7. Wedding Contracts… Always Leave a paper trail!
I cannot stress this enough! This is the most important money saver when planing a wedding! When I walked down the aisle, I was so naive. I did read about how to plan a wedding and thank God that every book said leave a paper trail. This piece of money saving advice came in handy twice for me during my planning. The first time, with the bridal shop where I bought my dress. and the second time when my reception venue pulled out 5 weeks before my big day. Remember signed contracts are legal documents, and in case you do have to go to court, you are going to need those. Make sure to keep all receipts and contracts organized and in one place. The more paperwork that shows that you held up your end of a contract, the better it is for you if something does go wrong.
8. Do Your Wedding Homework
Research your vendors. Get recommendations from other brides. Word of mouth is very important. I bought my wedding dress from a terrible dress shop, that was notorious for bad service. I had found out after the fact that everyone in the area knew not to do business with that particular shop. Luckily, I had my contract and a rather large paper trail to save my ass and my dress. I would also recommend reading up on saving money on weddings. There are some really great books out there, so start reading.
9. Saving money on the Wedding Dress
For many brides this is the most exciting and important part of the wedding, with the exception of marrying the spouse of your dreams. Again be so careful here. I hear constantly of brides that have been put through the ringer by the dress shop they chose. Check up on the practices of the dress shop that you choose. Make sure they aren’t letting others try on your dress (my personal experience). Also, look other places for alterations, but when looking else where make sure to get references. Also, some dress shops will discount dresses if the bridesmaids get their dresses there too, which can be a good deal.
10. Think With Your Head Not With Your Heart
I know this is so hard to do for the excited bride, but it is a necessity. Think about what you are really paying for. Really think about the decisions that you are making. Do not let people pressure you into decisions. Many vendors expect brides to be irrational, and that makes them easy to persuade and manipulate. Stand your ground, this will be your day after all. In retrospect, I was able to do this and it saved me thousands of dollars. Wedding planning can be a fun thing, just try to keep emotion out of it as much a possible.
Do you have any tips on holding an Austere Wedding? Please post them in the comments below!
