I've also seen a tip where leftovers should be stored in a glass or clear plastic container. If you put it in something you can't see, chances are you'll forget about it easier than if you put it in something that you will be able to look at as a reminder that it's there.
I SO buy in bulk...I found a new type of diapers that I like for one of my kids. I am purchasing 3 packages tomorrow because they are on sale. These will last me 2+ months.
We rent a movie, and make a really nice dinner. That includes some small appetizers, main course, and a hand made dessert. I look forward to those days the most, its so satisfying to make it all!
911 has turned the airline industry on it's head and it has yet to fully recover. 911 is also responsible for the TSA frustrations, and checked bag fees, and overworked unfriendly flight attendants, and loss of inflight amenities. Most Legacy air carriers never fully recovered from the financial and moral devastation of 911 (deaths of passengers, flight attendants and civilians lead no demand for flying for a long time, and on top of that death lawsuits etc... Unless the government would take over the airline industry (and I seriously hope they don't) airline corporations will still will seek to eek out a profit dealing with sky high fuel prices and hefty Union salaries for their workers, and airport fees and plane maintenance, and why not I ask? Airlines are no different from the Nike corporation, they too are entitled to seek out profitability. There are lots of people out there still willing to spend their hard earned cash on overpriced sneakers made in China as well as middle seat on an airplane with fuel surcharges sans the pretzels and pillows and smiles of a lost era. Why? Because Nike still makes great sneakers and air travel is still the fastest safest way to get to where we are going fast. Moreover, if we had a rail system spoiled Americans that we are, I am sure we would have issues there eventually too especially if became a target of terrorism which would bring TSA onboard there as well. But most importantly at this time in the life of most Americans, air travel is the very least of our problems right now, honestly people should be happy then can afford a ticket to fly with 9.6 percent unemployment.
We just had a birthday party-- made cupcakes, paid for BBQ for 25 but it was well worth it. Spent almost nothing on decorations (lots of balloons and cheap crepe paper) and used what we had to serve.
Education is so different now and will continue to be different in the future. One part is the traditional school system. But the internet allows you to learn on your own and any kid with motivation can learn things above and beyond what is taught in school.
Usually a frugal celebration at my place is best achieved with a potluck-byob. Everyone brings a cheap, previously prepared staple meal or a baked good item like pie, cake, cookies, etc; and a dirt cheap bottle of wine (and usually the cheaper the wine, the funner the time, in my experience). Even if only a handful of people show up, there's ALWAYS enough food and wine for everyone to enjoy. The rest is history!
Food isn't what makes it a celebration for us, it's the people. Having people over, but mostly for a normal meal, keeps the cost down. Also, we can see the fireworks reasonably well from the baseball field across the street, so we don't have to drive downtown and fight the crowds.
We live in what some people may call a desirable school district though there are several good ones in my area. Compared to many, our home is lower priced though there are many houses and condos in a similar price range, so picking the district and then finding a bargain can be done.
What I would also recommend is figuring out how school districts assign students to schools. Not all districts have use neighborhood concept; many have magnet, special interest (e.g., arts, foreign language), and charter schools that attract people from all over.
I use coupons to buy the basic stuff that I need then I also visit Costco for items like paper plates or sodas because they have awesome deals on bulk necessities.
When we go camping, we always pre-plan our meals with the other families. One family is responsible for the meat portion of one of those meals to cover all of us. We usually bring at least one side dish, and one package each of bacon, eggs, bread, and a gallon of milk. It still ends up being a lot of food, but it's less than if we each had to bring for our family alone.
When you work from home, I think that it is just as easy to get carried away with doing work at times when you shouldn't be. Especially if you have a "workaholic" personality. Your suggestion to create a set work schedule and to stick to it, is great. It helps to avoid the stress and prevent burnout.
We have had so many great birthday parties for our daughter. First a theme. Example: carnival. Then we searched sites and magazines like Family Fun, dollar stores and sales. We used giant cardboard box for ticket booth, hula hoop for football toss, sheet of plywood with balloons on it that husband made, I made the cake..took a jar and put candy in it...you guess the number of candies you win. I could go on but it was hugely successful and cost us next to nothing. Our teenage daughter and her friends helped serve food and ran the games because it was fun for them. Innovation, coupons, Dollar Tree..they all made it successful. And actually FamilyFun was my mainstay for almost all our parties.
I've also seen a tip where leftovers should be stored in a glass or clear plastic container. If you put it in something you can't see, chances are you'll forget about it easier than if you put it in something that you will be able to look at as a reminder that it's there.
I SO buy in bulk...I found a new type of diapers that I like for one of my kids. I am purchasing 3 packages tomorrow because they are on sale. These will last me 2+ months.
I like you on FB.
We rent a movie, and make a really nice dinner. That includes some small appetizers, main course, and a hand made dessert. I look forward to those days the most, its so satisfying to make it all!
911 has turned the airline industry on it's head and it has yet to fully recover. 911 is also responsible for the TSA frustrations, and checked bag fees, and overworked unfriendly flight attendants, and loss of inflight amenities. Most Legacy air carriers never fully recovered from the financial and moral devastation of 911 (deaths of passengers, flight attendants and civilians lead no demand for flying for a long time, and on top of that death lawsuits etc... Unless the government would take over the airline industry (and I seriously hope they don't) airline corporations will still will seek to eek out a profit dealing with sky high fuel prices and hefty Union salaries for their workers, and airport fees and plane maintenance, and why not I ask? Airlines are no different from the Nike corporation, they too are entitled to seek out profitability. There are lots of people out there still willing to spend their hard earned cash on overpriced sneakers made in China as well as middle seat on an airplane with fuel surcharges sans the pretzels and pillows and smiles of a lost era. Why? Because Nike still makes great sneakers and air travel is still the fastest safest way to get to where we are going fast. Moreover, if we had a rail system spoiled Americans that we are, I am sure we would have issues there eventually too especially if became a target of terrorism which would bring TSA onboard there as well. But most importantly at this time in the life of most Americans, air travel is the very least of our problems right now, honestly people should be happy then can afford a ticket to fly with 9.6 percent unemployment.
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We just had a birthday party-- made cupcakes, paid for BBQ for 25 but it was well worth it. Spent almost nothing on decorations (lots of balloons and cheap crepe paper) and used what we had to serve.
We go for a picnic, walk around the parks and then go out for ice cream. It soesn't cost much, but is usually a whole afternoon of fun.
Education is so different now and will continue to be different in the future. One part is the traditional school system. But the internet allows you to learn on your own and any kid with motivation can learn things above and beyond what is taught in school.
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/oshkoshbgosh123/status/85857650998386688
i like wisebread on facebook
go to the park and do a potluck
Usually a frugal celebration at my place is best achieved with a potluck-byob. Everyone brings a cheap, previously prepared staple meal or a baked good item like pie, cake, cookies, etc; and a dirt cheap bottle of wine (and usually the cheaper the wine, the funner the time, in my experience). Even if only a handful of people show up, there's ALWAYS enough food and wine for everyone to enjoy. The rest is history!
Most of our celebrations are planned far before the date. I put down the menu, things to buy, where to buy, and what to buy.
We're not into things. So, we want to have an experience than buying gifts. At the same time, our gifts won't look cheap.
For example, if it's my husband's birthday I'd cook his favorite meal (like buffet in hotel) and give him pleasant surprises.
Food isn't what makes it a celebration for us, it's the people. Having people over, but mostly for a normal meal, keeps the cost down. Also, we can see the fireworks reasonably well from the baseball field across the street, so we don't have to drive downtown and fight the crowds.
I celebrate with pot lucks.
We live in what some people may call a desirable school district though there are several good ones in my area. Compared to many, our home is lower priced though there are many houses and condos in a similar price range, so picking the district and then finding a bargain can be done.
What I would also recommend is figuring out how school districts assign students to schools. Not all districts have use neighborhood concept; many have magnet, special interest (e.g., arts, foreign language), and charter schools that attract people from all over.
I "like" you on FB @Tonyamrader
I use the silver polishing cloth they give me when i get the jewelry. It works well, but i HATE that it turns black and I can't wash it.
Good article! Will def have to try this.
I use coupons to buy the basic stuff that I need then I also visit Costco for items like paper plates or sodas because they have awesome deals on bulk necessities.
When we go camping, we always pre-plan our meals with the other families. One family is responsible for the meat portion of one of those meals to cover all of us. We usually bring at least one side dish, and one package each of bacon, eggs, bread, and a gallon of milk. It still ends up being a lot of food, but it's less than if we each had to bring for our family alone.
When you work from home, I think that it is just as easy to get carried away with doing work at times when you shouldn't be. Especially if you have a "workaholic" personality. Your suggestion to create a set work schedule and to stick to it, is great. It helps to avoid the stress and prevent burnout.
Like you on FB
http://twitter.com/miriama59/status/85795110381559808
We have had so many great birthday parties for our daughter. First a theme. Example: carnival. Then we searched sites and magazines like Family Fun, dollar stores and sales. We used giant cardboard box for ticket booth, hula hoop for football toss, sheet of plywood with balloons on it that husband made, I made the cake..took a jar and put candy in it...you guess the number of candies you win. I could go on but it was hugely successful and cost us next to nothing. Our teenage daughter and her friends helped serve food and ran the games because it was fun for them. Innovation, coupons, Dollar Tree..they all made it successful. And actually FamilyFun was my mainstay for almost all our parties.