In all the days before the holiday, today is my least favorite. It must be done but it’s a stressful and difficult task – creating a holiday budget! The good news is that once you commit to a budget, there are lots of easy and fun ways to stick to it and keep track of your budget and gift list. Whether you use a sheet of paper, an smart phone app, spreadsheet or accounting software, today is the day to {Read More}
Gifts In A Jar – A Great Last Minute Christmas Present
October 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It’s almost Christmas. Don’t you hate that feeling when you realize you’ve forgotten someone? Or worse.. a neighbor swings by with a gift and you have nothing in return? If you’re like me, the last thing you’ll want to do is run out to the store to grab something. Traffic, crabby people .. and more money on the credit card? No thanks. What if you could make a personal gift instead that your friends and family will love? Usually when {Read More}
Buy 2, Get 3rd Free for Geoffrey’s Birthday Sale at ToysRUs
September 19, 2011 By 1 Comment
It’s not often I write to tell you about sales, but this one is just too good to let go by without sharing with you. ToysRUs is having a Buy 2, Get 3rd Free Sale for Geoffrey’s Birthday. This offer ends September 24th and is In STORE ONLY. However, you can get some nice discounts and get a jump on your Christmas Shopping. You’re going to have to do it anyway so why not buy the items on your list {Read More}
Frugal Living: Christmas Shopping All Year Long
December 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment
If you’re a last-minute shopper during the holiday season, you’ve no doubt fallen victim to sky-high prices of gift items. During the holidays, it’s a well-known fact that department stores and shop owners hike up their prices to take advantage of the high demand. If you want to avoid spending huge amounts of money on items that aren’t that expensive in the first place, consider shopping off-season, particularly just after the holidays. During this time, prices go back to normal; {Read More}
Special Last Minute Gift Ideas and Remembering Why We Celebrate Christmas
December 20, 2010 By 1 Comment
There are two things going on this week: 1) we have a few gifts left to make, and 2) we have to remind ourselves why our family celebrates Christmas. Sure, the gifts have to be made, the menu has to be planned, we have to go to the grocery store, we have to plan our travels, there’s school programs to go to… the list seems endless. Between Thanksgiving and New Years, my family hardly takes a breath. All this stressing {Read More}
It’s O.K. To Eat Pizza On Christmas Day
December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Really!! It’s perfectly fine. And it just might be what we have for Christmas Dinner 2010. I’m O.K. with that. because this year we decided to go simple. There are no decorations outside (we live off a main road & no one can see them anyway). Our tree is white with blue & white flickering lights. It’s really pretty and reminds me of snow & cool weather. There are no other decorations on the the tree. We do have a {Read More}
Time Saving Holiday Cooking Ideas
December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Last week I talked about making Cut Out Sugar Cookies ahead of time and putting them in the freezer. That way, when the kids are ready to decorate them, they don’t have to ‘patiently’ wait for the preparation. It’s a nice short cut to get right to the fun part. But, no matter how well I plan ahead, there are still times when a quick batch of cookies is needed, and the freezer is empty. When I’m surprised by a {Read More}
Christmas Breakfast
December 13, 2010 By 1 Comment
We all have our favorite tried-and-true holiday recipes. Still, I’m always looking for special recipes to add to my list of choices for a holiday brunch or luncheon. The following two recipes can be made the day before and then baked for a delicious breakfast. French Toast Soufflé If you love French toast for breakfast or brunch, then you’ll love this baked version of French toast that turns an ordinary favorite into an easy-to-make soufflé! 14 to 16 slices hearty {Read More}
Chocolate Mint Squares
December 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Bake this recipe for a decadent chocolate mint brownie for your Christmas cookie platter or tray. Chocolate Mint Squares First Layer (Brownie Layer) 2 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate 1/2 cup butter 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup sifted all-purpose flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish. In the top of a double boiler over hot water, melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add eggs and sugar; stir until {Read More}
Vanilla-Chai Icebox Shortbread Cookies
December 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons Watkins Pumpkin Pie Spice 2 teaspoons Watkins Ground Ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons honey 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla Extract Icing 1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted 1 teaspoon Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract or Original Double Strength Vanilla Extract 1 tablespoon water In a large bowl, sift or whisk together flour, {Read More}
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