7 Ways to Save Money on Easter with the Kids
Another holiday is coming up this week. To my family and myself Easter is not about the Easter bunny and how much stuff we can get, but we do like to celebrate and have a good time. All of the baskets, candy, eggs, and dyes can get expensive very quickly. Here are some tips to save.
1) Save your Easter baskets and plastic eggs for next year. I heard someone say the other day that they saved money this year by not purchasing new baskets. Do people really buy new baskets each year? Why would you purchase a new basket when you only used it once? Sometimes I am shocked by the wastefulness of money and extra materials unnecessarily put into our environment. I wrap our Easter buckets and eggs in a plastic bag and put them in the attic for next year.
2) Shop now for next year. Of course it’s too late to do this for this week’s Easter, but it’s not too late to start for next year. I wait until seasonal stuff goes 75-90% off and then I purchase novelty items. My children are still in the primary grades of school and so each year their teachers ask for things for Easter, Christmas, Halloween, etc. Last year I purchased $10 of sparkly stickers at CVS for $1. I proudly sent them to school this week with my son for their Easter baskets.
3) Check out community events. I know in our area some churches and towns are having egg hunts. These are completely free. Take notice of banners, church signs, and facebook posts from your city or town.
4) Take advantage of sales and deals. Just this week CVS had some free Easter items after the Extra Care Buck rewards. Sometimes there are coupons for candy in the Sunday paper.
5) Avoid egg kits and make your own dye. Mix 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and 1 cup of hot water, and, then add drops of food color until you are happy with the hue. The directions are on the back of many food coloring packages. I have also used natural items such as onion skins and cabbage. Boil the items with vinegar and water to release the natural colors.
6) Use what you already have. As I already mentioned, I am using the Easter buckets and eggs from last year but this time I am referring to stuffing the plastic eggs. Last night I stuffed several eggs with stickers and things that we already have here at home. I also took some money from the coin jar and put quarters in a few of the eggs. The kids will be glad to get a little spending money.
7) Consider purchasing a gift instead. In the past I have usually given my children a small gift rather than a basket full of stuffed animals, trinkets, and things they don’t need. Consider a Bible, dvd, cd, or some other item. My children get more than enough candy and treats from school and church so I try to get them something more useful.
These are just a few ways to save. Can you add to the list?
image sxc.hu
December 22, 2010
12 Useful Tips for Regifting
We have all received gifts that we find unuseful. There are some things that can be returned and other items leave you wondering where in the world they they came from. Rather than tossing or donating your unwanted gifts, consider repurposing them by regifting. Although regifting may sound tacky to some of you, here are some useful tips to consider.
1. Don’t give partially used gift cards. I received a used gift card more than seven years ago when my daughter was born and I still remember it like it was yesterday. The gift card was for $17 and some change. It left me wondering if they returned something and just gave me the gift card from the return or if someone gave them a gift card and they used it, and were giving the leftovers to me. If you have a gift card with an odd amount on it, consider adding a few dollars to it so that you can use it for a gift. Rather than giving someone a gift card with $17.86 on it, add $2.14 to make it an even $20.
2. Only give new unopened gifts. If you have to dust it or clean it first, then don’t regift it.
3. Consider using your unwanted gifts for a gift exchange party. Some refer to this game as Dirty Santa. I have played it with family, co-workers, and at church Christmas parties. It is actually pretty fun. You pick a number and that determines when you’ll get a turn in the game. The first person picks a wrapped present and they unwrap it. Then the next person can take the first person’s present or choose a new wrapped present and unwrap it. Each present can only be taken twice. Honestly, I think this is one of the best ways to unload an unwanted gift. For these gift exchange games, it’s usually assumed that people will bring something funny or something they don’t want.
4. Don’t just regift something to get rid of it. Make sure the person will like or appreciate the gift.
5. Remember who gave you the gift in the beginning. Don’t regift the item to someone who will show it the person who gave it to you. You don’t want to regift that book to your cousin who will show your aunt.
6. Make sure all the paper and tape from the original gift is gone. You don’t want evidence that the item was already gifted to you. (You need to be careful of this issue on things you buy from the store as well. I have seen items on the shelves that had a little bit of tape or wrapping paper left on the boxes.)
7. Be careful what you say about the gifts people give you. I’ve heard of people telling others humorous stories about the gifts they received from others and then regifting the items the next year. The people knew the item was a regift because they remember hearing the stories from the year before.
8. Make sure you know what’s in the box. You may get a present that has a crock pot on the box, but that doesn’t mean that there’s a crock pot inside. Some people simply reuse boxes. It would really be a mess if you thought you were giving someone a crock pot, but you gave them something else. Or worse, there could be a card inside with your name on it.
9. Only regift current items. And by that I mean don’t give someone an old CD, discolored cologne, a bath product that is no longer sold, etc. I remember one year someone gave me a set of Bath & Body Works products. I took it back to exchange it for a different scent and found out that Bath & Body Works had new and different packaging from what was on my gift. To make things worse, when I opened the gift, there was an expired coupon inside.
10. If you don’t have money for a gift, then choose something that your friend has complemented in your home. Then tell them that you didn’t have any money to buy them something, but you knew they really liked the crystal clock you have on your dresser, and you wanted them to have it. Honesty would probably be appreciated and the person would actually get something they like.
11. Don’t regift handmade items. Handmade items are very personal and the person receiving the item will be sure to ask, “Did you make this?”
12. Consider using your unwanted gifts for those in need. Each year, I know that my church will collect coats, blankets, and toys. I also know that each year I will assemble shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. I have used things that we have received to help fill the shoeboxes. (Of course the items were new.) This is an inexpensive way to bless others with a new item of something that you don’t need.
If you don’t want to regift, but don’t want to hurt your pocketbook, try this certificate from Regiftable.com. You can make a certificate for something you want to give someone, such as free babysitting. I’d love for someone to give me some free babysitting or housecleaning.
Do you regift? What items have you regifted? Do you have any regifting tips?
image sxc
December 4, 2010
Easy Kid-Friendly Snowmen Ornaments
Are you looking for an inexpensive gift idea for family members? Maybe you’re looking for an easy Christmas craft for the kids. You might like these snowmen ornaments.
For this project, I purchased a box of shatterproof bulb ornaments. I think you can get them for about $5 for a 24 pack. I used some inexpensive Apple Barrel paint that we already had and I painted the kid’s fingertip with white paint and pressed it onto the ornament to make the snowman and snow. Then I used a fine tip paint brush to add the eyes, nose, and buttons. Once the front was dry I painted the kids’ names and the year on the back. These are a nice keepsake gift for family and close friends.
Teacher Tip: When pressing the child’s finger onto the ornament have them look away at an object. When children are watching they tend to want to press it themselves or the resist the motion, and many times you will end up with a blurry mess.
Do you have any inexpensive ornament ideas to share?
For more Christmas ideas, be sure to visit Little Fun; Little Learning.
November 28, 2010
Recipe Ideas for Leftover Turkey
One of the things I hear weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas are people concerned about the amount of turkey they’ll have left over. They want to serve their family and guests turkey, but they’re hesitant because of the waste involved. Rather than letting good food go to waste, try some of these ideas for your left over turkey.
Turkey and gravy - We had this one Friday night. I simply made some gravy out of cornstarch and chicken boullion and warmed the turkey in the gravy. I added some leftover sweet potatoes and rolls and made some green beans and mashed potatoes. The kids enjoyed the meal.
Turkey sandwich - This one is a given, but it is one of my favorites. Some people like their sandwich with mayonnaise and onions. I like mine with mustard on white bread.
Turkey salad - This is another family favorite. I chop up some turkey, add some mayo, diced dill pickles, salt, and pepper, and it’s as good as chicken salad. I also like to make ham salad.
Turkey and rice - Cook rice according to package directions, add desired seasonings. Throw in some chopped turkey and some vegetables. You might also like to make a gravy.
Turkey wraps - Add some turkey, cheese, and fresh vegetables to a lettuce slice or tortilla.
Turkey soup - There are many varieties of turkey soup. You could make a cream based soup or a Mexican style soup. Use your favorite chicken soup recipe using turkey instead of chicken.
Turkey stock – Rather than purchasing chicken stock from the store, make your own and freeze it to use later in soups and stews.
Turkey pot pie – Chop up some turkey, add a bag of frozen vegetables, mix in some gravy, and top with a pie crust or pour on a liquid Bisquick mixture and bake.
Don’t forget to store your turkey properly.
Other resources:
Recipe Goldrush
All Recipes
National Turkey Federation
Healthy Eating Made Easy
Jennie O
What are your favorite turkey recipes?
image sxc.hu
November 22, 2010
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Recipe Round-Up
I have been cooking and freezing lots of pumpkin these past few weeks (more on that later) and so I’ve been searching around the web for new pumpkin recipes. I am definitely interested in trying some new desserts and I’ve really been wanting to try pumpkin pancakes. Here are some of the recipes I’ve found.
Pumpkin Blondie
Pumpkin Blondie - Linette’s recipe sounds delicious. I’m looking forward to trying these soon.
Turkey Cupcakes – These aren’t made from pumpkin, but I wanted to share because they’re just so cute!
Pumpkin Pie Noir – Caramelized pumpkin sounds delicious!
Pumpkin Pie Dip - Sounds great to serve with sliced fruit, graham crackers, bread, or gingersnaps.
Pumpkin Chai Pots de Creme with Pumpkin Seed Brittle – Looking for something different to try?
Honey Punkin Cream Cheese Pie – Sounds delicious and easy to make!
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls – These look so good and offer a subtle way to incorporate pumpkin into your meal.
Pumpkin Waffles – These would be great to cook and freeze for later use.
Pumpkin Pancakes – Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up to the smell of pumpkin pancakes?
Pumpkin Carrot Cake Muffins – Oh my. Which recipe do I try first?
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins - You might like a little chocolate with your pumpkin.
Pumpkin Muffins – I’ve been looking for some pumpkin bread and muffin recipes to try. This one uses sweetener instead of sugar.
Pumpkin Bread and Muffins – PickYourOwn.org always has wonderful ideas for using fresh fruits and vegetables.
10 Different Ways to Use Pumpkin – I like the idea of using the pumpkin shell as a soup bowl. You could also bake the soup inside the pumpkin and then eat the pumpkin when you’re done.
Pumpkin Soup – Another recipe from PickYourOwn.org.
If you have any pumpkin recipes, please feel free to leave them in the comments for others to enjoy.
image (c) Linette Gerlach
November 21, 2010
Spiced Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing
My friend Heather posted a picture of her spiced cupcakes on facebook and I thought of you all. She was kind enough to share the recipe with us. 
These would be really cute as a dessert for Thanksgiving.
Spiced Cake:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Put cupcake liners in cupcake pans. In a small mixing bowl whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground ginger. Cream the butter, sugar and salt in an electric mixer. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the dry ingredients and the buttermilk alternately. Bake approximately 18 minutes (or until toothpick comes out clean). Let cool completely.
In the meantime take 24 caramel candies ( the ones you can buy in a bag for a dollar) and pinch one end, and forming into a pie shape. Set aside.
Buttercream icing:
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup shortening
- Pinch salt ( I like popcorn salter.. it is finer and dissolves easier)
- 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Beat the butter, shortening and salt together until creamy with an electric mixer. Add half the confectioners’ sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Combine the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Gradually beat in the remaining confectioners’ sugar alternating with the cream mixture until it is all incorporated and the frosting is light and fluffy.
Buy some premade fondant if you aren’t used to working with it . . . it is much easier! You can purchase it at any craft store or Walmart.
Roll the fondant out, use confectioners sugar to keep it from sticking. Place the caramels on the fondant and cut to size. Pinch the fondant onto the candy.
Ice the cupcakes, place the caramels onto them pushing down slightly. Then just add a “dollop” of buttercream to the top to complete the pumpkin pie look.
Thanks Heather for sharing!
images (c) Heather Waldron
