Our Thrifty Luau Party
My two youngest children’s birthdays are in the month of July. For now, while they are young, we combine their parties into one. (FYI: They are also best friends.) It also works out to combine the parties because some family members drive a few hours to attend. Sorry if you didn’t need to know all of that. The information just helps to set up the story behind all of this. 
With a combined party, I try to come up with a theme that will work for both of them. One year we did Dora and Diego. Another year we did the princess and the frog. This year it was a luau. The luau theme was decided because the kids wanted to have a pool party. And who doesn’t like a pool party?
A few months back I found these nice beach themed supplies at Walmart. The large plates, napkins, and small plates were on clearance for only $.50 per pack for a set of 20. At Walmart I also found a box of 30+ leis on clearance for $3.
Later I found some luau straws at Walmart for about $2.50. They had little flowers around the top. For music, I found a two-pack of Luau cds at Walmart for $5. Yes, Walmart was my go-to store for the party theme.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the way I cut back on the party expense is to make my own cake/cupcakes. I surf the internet looking for ideas of easy things that I can do. I ended up making these cute beach/luau themed cupcakes using miniature Teddy Grahams, fruit rolls ups, candy, and tiny umbrellas. I even found a $1 tear-off coupon for the Teddy Grahams at Food Lion. You can see more pictures of the luau themed cupcakes and also some links to other luau/beach themed cakes and cupcakes.
Of course, a Luau needs to have a cookout. As you probably know, July is the time to get cookout supplies on sale.
Here’s approximately what I spent on this party:
- paper plates, napkins, leis, table cloths, straws - $9
- luau cds – $5
- cupcake supplies (I made two batches.) – $9
- hotdogs and buns – $10
- chili - $0 (my aunt brought this)
- potato salad – $0 (my aunt brought this)
- chips – $3 (bogo)
- veggies (carrots, cucumbers, celery) and dip (used triple coupon sale for the dip)- $4
- sodas – $3
- pasta salad – $3
All in all, I spent less than $50 on everything and fed lots of people, plus we had leftovers to eat. By taking advantage of clearance deals, July cookout savings, making the cupcakes myself, and taking advantage of other sale promotions, I was able to give a nice party for a small fraction of what others might have paid.
How do you save money when throwing a party?
July 27, 2010
Trash to Treasure: Old Windows and Doors
I am a bit fond of using old windows, doors, shutters, drawers, and other items and creating them into something new. Some other day soon I plan to show you some ways that we have done this in our home. Before I do though, I wanted to share this bit of information with you.
RoboJunker has a page with lots of pictures of ways to reuse vintage windows and doors. I thought some of them were quite creative.
Enjoy!
Thanks to Cherry Hill Cottage for the link.
July 27, 2010
$5 DVDs at Lifeway Christian Stores
I really enjoy the $5 dvds, cds, books, and gifts that Lifeway offers. I have used them for gifts and I have also used some of the movies for our family movie night.
Here are some of the $5 dvds Lifeway is currently offering:
- Angels Love Donuts
- Desires of the Heart
- The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
- Billy: The Early Years
- Waterproof
- Deceived
- Left Behind: Tribulation Force
- Second Chances
- The Wager
- Smugler’s Ransom
- Apostles of Comedy
- Experiencing God in the Here and Now
- Forgiveness
- Encouragement for Single Moms
- Mandie and the Secret Tunnel
- Clancy
- Swan’s Bail Out Laughter
- Swan’s Life is Short
- Matchmaker Mary
- Home Beyond the Sun
Visit Lifeway’s website for more information.
July 26, 2010
Free Event: Lifeway Christian Stores Kids Day
Join Lifeway Christian Stores this Saturday, July 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., for the “Princess & Super Heroes Kids Day!” Look for snacks, crafts, activities, and savings! Plus, the brand-new VeggieTales DVD, “Sweetpea Beauty,” will be available! So mark your calendars — you don’t want to miss this exciting, fun-filled event!
July 25, 2010
Target Deals 7/24/10
Sometimes you can go into Target and not find a thing and other times it’s like you hit the jackpot. Yesterday was one of those jackpot-type days. My two youngest children had birthdays this month. Some relatives gave them money and gift cards for their birthday.
We had been talking for weeks about not just buying something to be buying it and spending our money wisely on things we wanted and would play with. I think we did pretty well. They both proved to be frugal shoppers.
Here are some of the things we purchased:
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No-Spill Big Bubble Bucket reg $9.99, $4.98
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Gazillion Bubbles 64 oz. reg $9.99, $4.98
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Jump Master reg $3.99, $1.98
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Toy Story 3 marker by numbers reg $4.99, $2.48
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Hello Kitty sparkly flip flops reg $7.99, $3.98
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Kai-lan bathtime dragon boat set reg $14.99, $3.74
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Twin barrel water blaster water gun reg $20.09, $5.02
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2 rakes reg $1.99, $.98
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Xhilaration brown shoes reg $16.99, $4.24
- Green t-shirt reg $4.99, $1.24
- Americana t-shirt reg $4.99, $1.24
- 2 pc Tankini (w/50 SPF) reg $12.99, $6.48
- Merona purse reg $10, $2.50
- Card Making Kit $1.00 (Dollar Section)
- 2 Composition notebooks $.25 each
- 10 packs of Crayola crayons $.25 each
- Chuck Norris t-shirt (for hubby) reg $7.99, $3.98
I bought all of the Crayons for school, our bag for church, and the shoeboxes we do for Samaritan’s Purse each year.
- 3 Mega Blocks Halo Wars sets reg $19.99, $4.98 each
Since these were such a great deal, I bought three of these for Christmas gifts. If we don’t use them, then I can donate them to the toy drive.
Have you found any deals at Target lately?
July 23, 2010
80% Off at Restaurant.com
Save 80% off at Restaurant.com and get $25 dining certificates for only $2. Simply enter the promo code PLATE at the checkout and hit “apply”. This sale ends Saturday, July 31, 2010.
If you are new to Restaurant.com: Restaurant.com is a service that provides printable dining certificates to restaurants. You can type in your local zip code (or the zip code of your vacation destination) and browse the available restaurant certificates for that area. There is usually a minimum purchase required when using the certificates. For example, if you purchase a $25 certificate then you would probably be required to spend $35 at that restaurant. Also, a 18% gratuity is sometimes included at the restaurant on the pre-certificate amount. I have never encountered a problem with using these certificates and they provide a nice way to try out different restaurants.
July 23, 2010
Printable Coupon: OFF! Clip-On Repellent
I am a mosquito magnet and so I have been curious about the OFF! Mosquito Repellent Clip-Ons. No spray is involved. You simply clip them on and they’re supposed to deter mosquitos for 12 hours. My friend’s parents have tried them and they said they work great and then I heard about the coupon, so I am thinking of trying it.
The printable OFF! coupon is for a free refill when you buy the starter kit. If you have a coupon for the starter kit, that would be even more savings.
Have you tried the OFF! Clip-On Repellent?
July 22, 2010
Free Tea Day at McAlister’s Deli
Enjoy a free glass of McAlister’s sweet tea on Thursday, July 29. No string attached.
Visit their facebook page for more info.
July 21, 2010
Free Song Download: “We Cry Out” from Jeremy Camp
This is the last week to get the free song download for the Jeremy Camp song “We Cry Out”. Simply become a fan of Jeremy Camp on facebook and click on the “Free Song” tab to download.
Enjoy the free music!
July 21, 2010
Wordy Wednesday: From My Yard
We purchased our home less than a year ago. During this time, we have thoroughly enjoyed watching the flowers and plants arrive during different times of the year. It seems as though when one plant becomes dormant, another blooms.
Here are a few recent pictures from my yard.
I’ve been trying to figure out the name of this one. According to some googling, it appears to be an Agastache Blue Fortune. If that is incorrect, please let me know. Thanks.
Beautiful Phlox. All of the plants and flowers in my yard are low maintenance, which is a definite plus for me!
I have always thought these were Black Eyed Susans but when I was looking on a website today, they had these listed as Redbeckia Goldsturm. Perhaps that is the proper name for them. Are these Black Eyed Susans to you?
This is a low growing creeper and looks great around the rock border. It looks like this through nearly the entire year. I would like to have more of this plant, so I would appreciate anyone helping me to identify it.
Happy Wednesday!
images (c) Karen Weideman
