DIY and Tips – Couponista Queen ~ Saving, Eating, Crafting

Have Summer Fun Without Breaking the Bank

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Ways to Have Summer Fun without Breaking the Bank

“Mom! I’m bored!” How many times have you heard that as a parent during summer vacation? Summer break should be a time of fun and relaxation for the entire family, but lots of the time, that fun can be really expensive. Family fun doesn’t have to be so expensive that you need to mortgage the house. These ways to have summer fun won’t break your bank account wide open since they’re all budget friendly family fun ideas and will allow your family to have a blast during the warmer months.

Shaving Cream Balloon Fight – Put a new spin on the classic water balloon fight and use shave cream filled balloons instead! Your kids will love that they are getting to make a mess and you’ll love that it is so easy to clean up! Turn on the water hose and spray the kids down! See how to make them over at Totally The Bomb

Nerf Gun Wars – Grab a few Nerf guns and head outside! Play tag or hide ‘n seek where the person who is “it” has to successfully tag someone with a Nerf dart instead of by hand. Want to make it even more fun? Make multiple people “it!”

Nature Hunts – Print out a scavenger hunt list and turn the kids loose on a nature hunt! They’ll have fun tracking down the items on your list and you’ll enjoy how low cost it is! Add a small prize to make it even more fun.

Hiking trips – Pack up the kids and your favorite backpack and head out to do some hiking on the trails. Most trails are open to hike for free but if you do come across one that charges, the fees are usually reasonable. Don’t forget big spray,snacks, and plenty of water for everyone.

Pool Party – If you have a backyard pool, throw a pool party! Grill hot dogs and hamburgers and let the kids and their friends have a blast! If you don’t have a pool, most city pools are inexpensive for admission for the day.

Outdoor Movies – During the summer, see if your local city has a day and place that it shows movies outdoors. These things usually happen at the local parks or courthouses, and in my area the libraries also do this. The movies that they choose are family friendly and best of all? They’re free to attend! Bring a blanket and snacks to sit on and enjoy the show!

Farmers Markets – If your area has farmer’s markets during the summer, check them out for cheap family fun! Most aren’t just booths of produce and yummy foods, but instead have music, petting zoos, and other forms of family fun too.

Flea Markets – The same can be said for flea markets. There is usually cheap food, music and other forms of family friendly entertainment. Plus? If you have a lot of clutter to get rid of, you could check into getting a booth and make some extra cash while you’re at it!

Road Trip – When most people hear the words road trip, they think a long one, but they don’t have to be. Pack the kids in the car with drinks and snacks and just drive around your local area. You’d be surprised at the hidden gems that are all around us but go unnoticed! Check out these Road Trip Savings Tips

Camping –  If you have a tent and sleeping bags, you are half way to camping! Most state parks offer very affordable camping sites that bill per day. Spend the weekend with your kids away from technology and just get to know one another as a family again! You’ll be glad you did and your wallet won’t be too much lighter.

Enjoy your summer break!

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Creative Uses for Cream of Tartar

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Creative Uses for Cream of Tartar

Most people think of using cream of tartar in the kitchen, to accomplish tasks such as preventing sugar from crystallizing and stabilizing egg whites. But, they don’t realize they can clean with it as well. For example, as you can use this pantry item to do the following.

Naturally Repel Ants

Ants are such a nuisance, and kind of gross, too.   A paste made of cream of tartar and vinegar works wonders for repelling ants around the house.  Put it at entry ways and wherever you see them getting in.  For active infestation, reapply every few days.

Clear Drains

There’s no need to buy caustic drain cleaner when you can do this instead. Mix together two ounces of salt, two ounces of baking soda and one tablespoon of cream of tartar. Pour this down the drain, followed by one cup of water. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, before rinsing everything down.

Polish Stainless-Steel Appliances

Make your stainless-steel appliances shine by making a paste consisting of cream of tartar and a little bit of water. Use it just like you would traditional furniture polish.

Clean Stained Shirt Collars

When you need to remove “ring around the collar,” it’s simple to do with cream of tartar. Sprinkle it liberally, directly on the stain. Rub it in and watch the ring magically disappear. No soaking required!

Clean Dingy Aluminum Cookware

Dingy pots and pans?  Clean them with a paste of cream of tartar and water.  Apply on the stains, wait a few minutes, and then wash as usual.

Polish Copper

Simply combine one tablespoon of lemon juice with two tablespoons of cream of tartar. Rub it all over the surface of the copper and then wipe clean.

Restore Scratched Dishes and Porcelain

Cream of tartar removes scratches on dishes.   It also works on the porcelain in the bathroom.  Combine warm water and cream of tartar to make a really thick paste. Apply it liberally to each scratch, wipe with a clean cloth, and rinse. Easy-peasy!

General Household Cleaner

You can make a by mixing together equal parts of white vinegar and the tartar. You’ll find that this safe and affordable cleaner will clean most of the surfaces in your home… including grout and the inside of your oven!  Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if the vinegar smell is bothersome, or if you just prefer scented.

Tip: For better deals than the grocery store baking aisle, look for sales on cream of tartar at craft stores (Like Michael’s with a 40% off or 50% off coupon!), or find cream of tartar online.

These are just a few ways you can clean with cream of tartar. Using natural ingredients that I know are safe to consume are a better alternative than something with chemicals in it that I cannot even pronounce.  Plus I usually have this stuff on hand for baking and royal icing.  Look for a few bottles on sale and try some of these.

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Road Trip Savings Tips

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Road Trip Savings Tips

Are you planning on taking a road trip this year?  Whether it’s a short one or long, you will want to be prepared with these savings tips to help make your trip a fun, more easily affordable one (so that the next one is more likely!).

Plan Ahead

Scheduling when and where you are going to go will help you save big on your road trip.  This can be viewed similar to a trip through the grocery store.  Think about it like this, if you don’t have a list, you are far more likely to grab whatever food you think looks good at the time and  you are far more likely to be sucked into those impulse purchases. If you don’t have a game plan on your trip, chances are you will be more willing to stop at places that will force you to spend out of your budget.  Places like Booking.com offer last minute hotel and motel deals that are super cheap, an can often be cancelled at the last minute if your plans change! 

Designate a Savings for the Trip

Like many other things, road trips are something that you really shouldn’t borrow for.  A fun, relaxing road trip becomes a lot less relaxing when you have to worry about how you are going to pay the bills that come along with charging everything.  Uses your credit cards wisely to take advantage of the perks, then pay that bill off immediately with the money you already saved for your trip.

Maintain your Vehicle

This is the most important thing you can do in preparation of your road trip.  Maintaining your vehicle can not only save you money, but it can, quite literally save your life.  Make sure that your oil, water and other fluid levels are all where they need to be.  Check your tires to be sure that they are in good condition and aired up to the proper levels.  Clean air filters can also help improve your fuel mileage = gas cost savings.  All of these things will keep you safe on the road, plus they also make it less likely that you will run into mechanical failures while on your trip, which can easily blow your budget and ruin your fun.

Score Cheap Gift Cards

Saving right off the top is excellent!  I LOVE to visit a site like Raise [NEW Raise customers get $10 off $25 CLICK HERE] to see if they have any discounted gift cards that I can utilize along the way.  There are tons from fast food places to gas stations.

Pack Necessities (Along with Your Clothes)

Yep, you need to bring clean clothes and food, you know that, but don’t forget the other necessities that you will need to bring with you on a road trip:

  • First Aid Kit – You really should always have a first aid kit in your car anyway, but it is a must have on a road trip.  Bandages, gauze and light medications can be handy in case of any small emergency, but it can also help prevent unnecessary stops along the way. (First aid supplies are not cheap at truck stops and convenience stores.)
  • Entertainment – This is especially true if you have children with you.  Make sure you pack TV/DVD players or tablets, road trip games and small toys.  You will save your own sanity by doing this because there will be less “Are we there yet” questions and boredom stops.
  • Food.  You need to be sure and have food on hand for emergencies (stick some granola bars in your First Aid Kit), but you also need to keep food on hand for snacks, so that you are not stopping a rest areas or driving through restaurants regularly, which can add up quickly if you are not careful!
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Surprising Things You Can Clean With Denture Tablets

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Surprising Things You Can Clean With Denture Tablets

You may be surprised to learn that denture tablets are great for cleaning more than just false teeth.  Who knew, right?  Here are several things that you can clean and freshen using denture cleaning tablets.  Stock up on a box or two next time you see a good sale.

Baked-On Food

Baked-on food can be a real pain, and sometimes soaking alone won’t get the food off. Fill the dish in question with warm water. Toss in a denture tablet or two for large dishes, and allow everything to soak for roughly 60 minutes. You may need to apply a bit of elbow grease, but not as much as required when you don’t use the tabs.

Coffee Makers

If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, try this the next time you need to clean your coffee maker. Fill the receptacle with warm water. Add two denture tablets and allow the coffee maker to go through a complete cycle. Rinse it out. Repeat, using clean water, for two more cycles to rinse thouroughly.

Smelly Shoes

The method of cleaning smelly shoes is similar to cleaning other things mentioned here. Fill your sink with warm water. Add up to three denture tablets. Let the shoes soak for up to one hour and rinse them thoroughly.  For best results, air dry.

Narrow Vases

This tip is more than a little bit ingenious. That gunk that is left when you are done with flowers in a vase is unsightly.  Fill the container with warm water. Pop in one tablet. After a couple of hours, the vase (or narrow bottle) should magically rinse clean. A bit of shaking on your part may be necessary.

Ceramic Tile

Add three or four denture tablets to a spray bottle of warm water. Spray on ceramic tile and allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes. Rinse and dry as you normally do.

Tomato-Stained Plastic Containers

Don’t throw away your favorite plastic container, just because it happens to be tomato stained from your favorite red sauce. Fill it with warm water. Add a denture tablet. After 60 minutes or so, the stains should wash away with hot, soapy water or a run it through the dishwasher on the top rack.

Now, you have a good reason to stock up on denture tablets. Compared to some other cleaners, they’re easy on the budget and aren’t full of harmful chemicals. So, what are you waiting for? … get cleaning!

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Adorable! 18 DIY Valentine Boxes to Make

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One of my fond memories of being a child at Valentine’s Day was my mom helping to make the best and most beautiful Valentine box to hold all of the treasures from my classmates.  She was so clever!  I always had the most wonderful box to take to school.  I am making my first Valentine Box with my own daughter this year, and looked around for ideas.  I found so many cute ones I decided to share!  Enjoy this list of 18 DIY Valentine Boxes to inspire some creativity for your own!

Bugaboo City – Felt Valentines Day Mailbox

Dream a Little Bigger – Painted Valentine Mailbox

Red Ted Art – Valentine Mailbox Made From a Cereal Box

Living Well Mom – “Love Bites” Bug Valentine Mailbox

I Heart Crafty Things – Bee Valentine Mailbox

Just a Girl and Her Blog – Lego Ninja Valentine Mailbox

Artsy Fartsy Mama – Panda Valentine Card Box

Design Dazzle – Unicorn Valentine Card Box

Frog Prince Paperie – Valentine Puppy Love Mailbox

One Creative Mommy – Rocket Booster Valentine Box

The House That Lars Built – Valentines Day Pinata Box

Design Improvised – DIY Pom Pom Heart Valentine Card Holder

DIY Adulation – Recycled Pokeball Valentine Box

Silicon Valley Mamas – DIY Lego Brick Valentine Box

Mouse Ears Mom – Mickey and Minnie Inspired Valentine Boxes

Foster 2 Forever – Darth Vader Valentine Box

Peppermint Plum – Rubiks Cube Valentine Box

Pretty Plain Janes – Kitty Cat Valentine Box

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10 Unique (Some sorta naughty) Activities to do with Your Honey on Valentine’s Day

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10 Unique (Some sorta naughty) Activities to do with Your Honey on Valentine’s Day

We all love getting gifts, but in all reality, your time is worth more to the person you love than the cost of even the most valuable gift. When you have been married as long as I have, cute little gifts are great, but not what you need. Let’s face it; we all need to spice things up every now and then! Here are 10 unique (Some sorta naughty ones!) activities to do with your significant other on Valentine’s Day!

#1 Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane

The restaurants are busy, the stores have millions of helpless lovers searching for the best gift, and the whole couple world has cupid on their head. Instead of joining in the chaos, take your spouse down memory lane. Visit an old park, your favorite place, or where you first met. Make it an adventure that no one else will be on.

#2 Go Skinny Dipping

Bring out your wild side. I mean you’re already together, so it’s not like your spouse will see anything forbidden. It might be cold, but the exhilaration of jumping naked into a pool of cold water with your love is sure to heat things up.

#3 Get Matching Tattoos or Piercings

Getting a tattoo or piercing certainly isn’t the norm on Valentine’s Day, but if you are both into getting a new tat or piercing, why not do it together? Pick something you both would like and make the leap.

#4 Go Sing Karaoke

Who knows, you both may be the next American Idol! Couples who sing together are couples who stay together. So, go out to your favorite Karaoke bar for a few drinks, and sing your hearts out. Of course, you could come up with a special song just for your spouse.

#5 Play Truth or Dare

Oh, come on. you know you want to know what the dare is! Just because you are coupled up doesn’t mean you don’t have secrets to tell or things you’ve never done. Have Valentine’s Truth or Dare, and see how fun and steamy your night can get.

#6 Play Your Their Favorite Video Game

Some of us have a significant other who is a hard-core gamer. Usually, it’s just one or the other that enjoy the games, so if you’re the one that isn’t too into it, surprise your SO with a game night complete with drinks, popcorn, and a little friendly competition.

#7 Be Goof Balls

They say laughter is the best medicine and that goes for having a healthy relationship as well. When you are constantly being a grown up, sometimes it’s just fun to let go and be goofballs. Here are a few ways to laugh it up:

  • Go shopping and have a cart race for everything on your list. Winner gets something from the loser.
  • Make blanket forts and tell stories.
  • See a comedy show or better yet, try an open mike night yourself!
  • Go to an arcade and play all the fun games.

#8 Become Tourists in Your Own City

Go around your city, taking pictures and acting like tourists. Pretend to be different people. Ask other people to take pictures of you, and ask them what the best places in town to do are. You may be surprised how much you can learn from other people about the city you live in.

#9 Make Memories in Your Car

Remember the days when you would go park in an exclusive part of town just to make-out? Reminisce on those adrenaline times of yore, and make some memories in your car. Figure out where “make-out hill” is in your town (probably good to know when your kids are older, too).  Bonus if you clean out all kid detritus first.  Nothing sexy about stale Cheerios stuck in your hair.

#10 Play Strip Bedroom Blackjack

This is a fun Strip Bedroom Blackjack game you can find online to spice up your life. The seductive deck lets you play games like poker, blackjack, go fish, or rummy in new and erotic ways. Just make sure if you have kids there is a babysitter!

What other unique Valentine’s Day activities have you done with your spouse? Share some fun ideas in the comments below!

 

 

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20 Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Crafts

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I heart every one of these amazing DIY Easy to make Valentine’s Day Crafts!  Great for fun activities with kids of all ages.  There is something for everyone to enjoy.  Check them out.

1. Foam Valentine’s Day Hearts
2. Pencil Arrows
3. Salt Dough Heart Footprint
4. Fruit Loops Craft
5. Valentine’s Sun Catchers
6. Easy PlayDoh Craft
7. Duck Tape Frame
8. Cotton Ball Stamped Heart Card
9. Sign Language Valentine’s Day Card
10. Votive Jars
11. Heart-shaped Crayons
12. Toilet Roll Love Bugs
13. Gift Wrap Valentine’s Flowers
14. Potpourri Heart
15. Valentine’s Day Trees
16. Glitter Rock Valentines
17. Heart-Shaped Animals
18. I Love You to Pieces Card
19. Thumbprint Heart Jars
20. Yarn Wrapped Hearts

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DIY Valentine Cherry Scented No Cook Pink Playdoh

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SUPPLIES NEEDED

2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup salt
Pink food color, optional
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cherry flavoring
3/4 cup cold water
Glitter, to decorate
Valentine cookie cutters: Wilton 3 Piece Hearts Cutter SetWilton Comfort Grip Heart CutterWilton 2 Piece Cushioned Grip Lips with “XO” Cookie Cutter Set, Multicolor 

diy-valentine-cherry-scented-no-cook-playdoh-couponistaqueen-com-directions

DIRECTIONS
1.   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2.  Add the pink food color, vegetable oil, cherry flavoring and cold water and mix until well incorporated. The cherry flavoring is red and gives the playdoh a nice light pink color. If you prefer the playdoh a darker pink (like we did!), use a touch or two of food color.

3.  Remove the playdoh from the mixing bowl and place on a flat, lightly floured working surface. Knead the playdoh for about 5-6 minutes until a soft and elastic dough forms and the color (if using dye), is evenly distributed. You will LOVE the cherry scent!!

4.  You can use cookie cutters to make Valentine shapes such as hearts and big lips, etc.  Sprinkle glitter onto your shapes to make them sparkle and shine even more! Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

*Store in ziplock bags for up to 3 months.

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20 Awesome and Creative DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

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True love is not measured in dollars, but in things like time and care and thought.  I treasure each homemade gift I have ever been given.  To know that someone cared enough about be to create something with their own hands means the world to me.  Make something memorable, with your own hands, and gift it with LOVE.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

  1. DIY : Valentine’s Pom Pom Bouquet from camillestyles.com
  2. Glitter Heart Key Chain DIY from flaxandtwine.com
  3. Cute As A Button Valentine from sugarandcloth.com
  4. Handmade Valentine’s Gifts: DIY Wire-wrapped Heart Necklace from happyhourprojects.com
  5. DIY Tin Can Valentine’s Votive from camillestyles.com
  6. DIY Wooden Polaroid Gift Set from sugarandcloth.com
  7. Valentine Tea DIY Gift Sets from bakelovegive.com
  8. DIY Candle Carved With Initials from helloglow.co
  9. Gold Polka Dot DIY Vase from linesacross.com
  10. Mini Mason Jar Valentines from artfuldays.io
  11. Jewelry Box Of Chocolates from wellmadeheart.com
  12. Free Printable “LOBSTERS FOREVER” from patchworkcactus.typepad.com
  13. Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift For Him from blitsy.com
  14. Pomegranate Sugar Scrub from thecasualcraftlete.com
  15. DIY Paper Sack Vase & Realistic Faux Flowers from craftberrybush.com
  16. How To Make A Sentimental Carved Heart Wood Slice from averageinspired.com
  17. DIY Kraft Paper Bouquet from thebeautydojo.com
  18. Valentine’s Day Craft! Dollar Store Gold Dipped Heart Dish Tutorial from domesticbliss2.com
  19. Free Printable Wine or Champagne Valentines from allforthememories.com
  20. Valentine Rose Lollipops from creativemeinspiredyou.com
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DIY Valentine’s Day Craft and Decor Projects

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Vicky Barone – DIY Mini Heart Mobile

DIY Candy – Clay Conversation Heart Hair Bows

The Decorated Cookie – Conversation Heart Jewelry

A Bird and a Bean – Valentines Day Candy Wreath

Happiness Is Homemade – Valentines Day Love Hoop Art

Creative Green Living – Glitter Mason Jar Mug

Trish Sutton – Wine Cork Heart

Vicky Barone – DIY Valentines Day Garland

Ribbons and Glue – Paper Ribbon Topiary

Live Craft Love – DIY Valentine Chalkboard with Heart Clothespins

DIY Candy – Conversation Hearts Magnets

Mason Jar Crafts Love – Valentine Glitter Votives

Shaken Together Life – Valentine Yarn Wrapped Trees

Make It Love It – Crepe Paper Rose Heart Decor

Lil Luna – Love You Always Valentines Sign

Sisters Suitcase Blog – LOVE Yarn Letters

Snap Creativity- Conversation Heart Chalkboard

I Heart Naptime – DIY Lipstick Heart Valentines Wall Art

Brite and Bubbly – DIY Valentines Day Emoji Pinata

Studio DIY – DIY Conversation Heart Leggings

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12 Christmas Ornaments for Kids to Make

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  1. Dried Orange and Clove Ornaments
  2. Felt Christmas Tree Ornaments
  3. Christmas Card Ornaments
  4. Bottle Cap Reindeer Ornaments
  5. Snowflake Pipe Cleaner Ornaments
  6. Olaf Salt Dough Ornaments
  7. Paper Mache Christmas Tree Ornaments
  8. Wool Ornaments
  9. Mini Photo Frame Wreath Ornaments
  10. Dried Pasta Ornaments
  11. Christmas Bow Wreath Ornaments
  12. Easy Tin Foil Ornaments
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12 Jolly Gingerbread Crafts

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  1. Stuffed Gingerbread Boy and Girl Craft
  2. Gingerbread Puffy Paint
  3. Life Sized Gingerbread Girl
  4. Gingerbread Play Dough Man
  5. Paper Plate Gingerbread Man
  6. Scented Gingerbread Man Ornaments
  7. Toilet Roll Gingerbread Man
  8. Kid Made Gingerbread Ornaments
  9. Montessori Gingerbread Decorating
  10. Easy Gingerbread Man Card
  11. Felt Gingerbread Men
  12. Fingerprint Gingerbread Man Painting
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14 Adorable Angel Crafts

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  1. DIY Angel Tree Topper
  2. Clothespin Doilie Angels
  3. Cereal Box Angel
  4. Snowflake Angel Craft
  5. Paper Plate Angels
  6. Toilet Roll Angel Girl
  7. Egg Carton Angels
  8. Pinecone Angels
  9. Bowtie Noodle Angels
  10. Peg Angels
  11. Paper Towel Roll Angels
  12. Plate Christmas Angels
  13. Paper Christmas Angels
  14. Coffee Filter Angel
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Practical Tips for a Debt-Free Holiday

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debt free - financial concept - isolated text in vintage letterpress wood type

Practical Tips for a Debt-Free Holiday

If you have a tendency to overspend when it comes to gift buying for the holidays, you’re certainly not alone.  Billions will be spent over the Holiday season, and not all of it smartly.  Countless consumers find themselves in the same cash strapped and sinking boat when the bills come in January. But, there is a way to not let that happen!   Keep reading, to learn some practical tips for a debt-free holiday.  Your wallet will be glad you did.

Create a Budget and Gift List

Creating both a REALISTIC budget and a gift list BEFORE you shop is absolutely one of the best and easiest ways to eliminate a mountain of post-holiday bills. Figure out your approximate budget, first.  Then make your recipient list.  Maybe this is the year to be brutal and cut some of the extras from that list.  Talk to the adults in your family and see if you can perhaps draw names for one gift rather than buying for everyone!  In our family we do a $30 gift for an adult, then we play rob your neighbor.  For best results, it’s recommended that you buy one gift per person, instead of two or three smaller items. Chances are, the first option will cost you less than several small gifts, and be nicer.  

Avoid Credit Card Spending, UNLESS…

…YOU are very disciplined!  Statistics indicate that shoppers who use credit cards spend up to 18 percent more on holiday gifts.  Why?  Because the actual cash isn’t leaving your hands, it is easy to say that you will pay that off later, NO problem.  It is too easy to buy things that you actually cannot afford, even at great deal prices.  If you’re concerned about the purchase protection that comes with using credit cards, then limit yourself to a single rewards-based card that will actually be useful to your life.  AND make sure that you pay that card off immediately, as soon as the bill comes in so you don’t forget.  Accruing interest on Uncle Bob’s sweater just is NOT the way to ring in the new year.

Save Money with Shopping Apps and Cashback Sites

There are scads of shopping apps available today, many of them at no cost to you. KNOW your prices!  Use apps like Amazon, Flip and Cartwheel to compare and look for sale items already on your list, get coupons to save money, and to get ideas for gifts you’re still unsure about.  Also, when you shop online, try using a site like Ebates or TopCashBack which pay you a percentage of your purchase in cash! [See Earning with Cashback Sites this Holiday]

Keep Track of Purchases

Keeping track of purchases as you make them helps you maintain a debt-free holiday. When you don’t write down what you buy, as soon as the transaction is complete, you run the risk of overspending… simply because you can’t remember all that you’ve gotten who.  Keep that list with you so that anytime you buy something, you can add it to your list and cross of that name!  I like to also add what I spent on the gift so I KNOW where I am at and can adjust accordingly.

Don’t Allow Guilt Dictate Your Spending

If you need to cut back on spending, don’t allow guilt to talk you into buying things for people you need to trim from your list. Most people will understand your situation and won’t hold it against you if you can’t afford to buy them anything. Consider a gift of your time (free babysitting or handyman help, for example) or make it yourself.  [See 30 Easy and Frugal DIY Holiday Gifts]  ALSO, don’t get guilted by your kids into spending more than you can afford or are comfortable with.  We all want to get our kids everything, but set a limit and STICK TO IT.  

Shop All Year

Spreading your holiday purchases over an entire year will lessen the pressure and panic of having to come up with all those funds at once.  You will make better choices financially in December if you already have half or more of your shopping done before Thanksgiving!  Be smart about it though.  Don’t just grab stuff at full price, but if you see something that you know your picky Sister-in-Law will love, by all means grab it.  And shopping for the next year right after Christmas this year is a great way to stock up on wrapping paper and cheap gifts for your gift closet.  [See How to Build A Gift Closet without Breaking Your Budget]  Don’t get stuck paying full price at the last minute when you can stock some gifts at home — purchased on awesome sales, of course!

These are practical tips for a debt-free holiday, and you can adjust them to suit your situation.  But even by taking advantage of just one or two of them, you’ll save money. The most important thing to remember is this. Christmas isn’t all about presents. It’s about spending time with family and the spirit of the season.

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15 Snowman Crafts For Kids and Adults

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15-snowman-crafts-for-kids-and-adults-titled
15 Snowman Crafts For Kids and Adults

1. Vicky Barone – Snowman Mason Jar

2. Twin Dragonfly Designs – Melted Snowman Ornament

3. Craftaholics Anonymous – Cute Button Snowman Frame

4. Eclectic Momsense – Button Snowman Gift Tags

5. Raising Little Superheroes – Snow Play Dough (Edible)

6. Kid’s Craft Room – Tin Can Snowman Craft

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7. Simple Fun For Kids – Handprint Snowmen Christmas Ornaments

8. Gift of Curiosity – Plastic Bottle Snowman Craft

9. East Coast Mommy Blog – Snowman Door

10. The Cards We Drew – Snowman Holiday Card Holder

11. Twin Dragonfly Designs – Snowman Magnet Craft

12. Typically Simple – Snowman Ornament

13. Easy Peasy and Fun – Cotton Ball Snowman Craft

14. Craftaholics Anonymous – DIY Toilet Paper Roll Snowmen

15. Artsy Craftsy Mom – Paper Plate Snowman

 

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30 Easy and Frugal DIY Holiday Gifts

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One of the best parts of the Holidays is putting my hands to service making gifts for those I love and cherish.  Spending a lot is not necessary to give the richest gift of all — your time and love put into the “perfect” gift.  See this list of 30 gifts YOU can make, and skip the mall.

30 DIY Easy and Frugal Holiday Gifts

Confessions of an Over-worked Mom – Easy Homemade Simmering Potpourri

Mission to Save – Bath Supplies Gift Basket

Mission to Save – DIY Pedi-in-a-Jar Gift including free printable tags

Ann’s Entitled Life – How to Make Your Own Lavender Bath Salts

Mama Likes to Cook – Sriracha Salt

Thrifty DIY Diva – DIY Coconut and Lime Bath Scrub and Foot Soak

The DIY Mommy – Make a Snow Day Survival Kit Chritmas Gift

Melissa Knorris – No-Knead Bread Mix in a Jar

Raining Hot Coupons – Peppermint Sugar Scrub with free gift label

Raining Hot Coupons – Gingerbread Sugar Scrub

Designer Trapper – Dotted Sharpie Mugs

Crazy Little Projects – Monogrammed Christmas Hot Chocolate Mugs

Crazy Little Projects – 3 Cookie Jar Recipes with printables

Savvy Saving Couple – Reindeer Hot Cocoa Cones

Home Making Hacks – DIY Candy Cane Sugar

Snappy Gourmet – Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix – Original, Mexican, and Peppermint

Thrifty Jinxy – DIY Swirl Vase

Thrifty Jinxy – Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Jar with free printables

Country Fit Family – Kids Art Coasters

The Frugal Girls – How to Make Photo Coasters

Six Figures Under – Homemade Fudgy Brownie Mix

My Frugal Adventures – Homemade Body Butter Recipe

Cleverly Simple – Glitter Candle Holder

Frugal Coupon Living – DIY Mani-Pedi in a Jar

Surviving a Teacher’s Salary – Simple Sew Aromatherapy Heat Pack

Style Me Pretty – DIY Gingerbread House Kit

Bubbly Nature Creations – Nail Kit Ornaments

Bubbly Nature Creations – Dip Mix Ornaments

Live Laugh Rowe – DIY Frosty the Snowman Candy Gift Pots

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