I don't use much regular powdered milk. I think the last time I bought it was over a year ago; however, I do use powdered buttermilk quite frequently for making salad dressing, pancakes, & bread. The price at my local grocery is up 25% in just over a couple of months! Ouch!
That's a good question, one that deserves a more personal response. If you can get in touch with me through the "contact us" section, I will be happy to give your situation some thought and get back to you. In these instances, I like to know a little more about what your kids like so that I can give a more focused answer.
All year, as you're out and about, find really really discounted things. CLEARANCE is my middle name.
Everything from cute stationary supplies, to name brand clothes, to any leftover toys the stores are trying to get rid of.....
Save it all up, and get them a cute container of some sort to set it all up in.
Wrap it in a piece of that celophane stuff, like a gift basket, put on a bow at the top, and there you go.
They'll have a goodie basket to pick through and discover, that will take at least 5 minutes to see everything! And it will have been CHEAP!
But they'll love it.
It's like a treasure chest, and you never know what you might find inside!
Even some candy saved up from Halloween can be a filler at the bottom.
You could put a $5 bill in a kid type container, too, inside the basket. Or a gift card....along with all the other small trinkets and treasures.
Adults love picking through gift baskets, too. It's just fun. I love it. My Sister in Law LOVES when I get her name for Polyanna, because that's what I do.
I shop at Ollies, Ross, GoodWill, (they got good stuff in there sometimes! You have to check back often! It's not all used! It's leftovers from stores, etc...)
Just keep your eyes out ALL YEAR, and start a Christmas box.
And if you get a gift from someone, you really don't like or can't use, SAVE IT!!! BUT, first, tape a piece of paper to it, saying, "From Aunt Betty", or whoever it's from, so you don't accidentally give it back to Aunt Betty!!
I have a collection of nice candles, Bath and Body Works stuff I never used, and I pack it into gift baskets when I can.
It's GREAT!
Do you have any suggestions for what to get my niece and nephews for Christmas that doesn't involve me blowing a fortune and feeding the frenzy?
My husband and I are very frugal people and try to live a simple life. Our ten month old doesn't have a ton of toys...most of them were gifts or yard sale finds, but they can all fit into 2 little wicker baskets we have in his bookcase. We don't want to get into the habit of making "things" the focus of Christmas, so I think that we are just getting him a balloon and a xylophone this year. That's the easy part.
My brother-in-law and his wife, however, are the exact opposite of us. They smother their kids with every possible gadget and toy imaginable and spend WAAAY above their means, the whole year but especially at Christmas.
Last year, I got them each a shirt that was $5 on sale because that was what our budget allowed us. The gift was opened and thrown aside in less than 2 seconds and the next gift was being torn into. I know that for a kid, a shirt isn't fabulous, and we want to make them happy, but we will not overspend on them just to give "awesome" gifts like their parents lavish on us.
What can I do? I am sure that the parents don't like that "we spent x on them and they only probably spent y on us." We tell them that we try to not overspend and they say that it is okay, but then they make little comments and their body language says otherwise.
I was thinking that I could take the kids out to do something fun, but I need some ideas. I asked the parents to please don't buy for my husband and I and we would just buy for the kids this year, but they said that that takes all of the fun out of Christmas. Any ideas for how to get by on the cheap without looking cheap would be much appreciated.
Since my kids are in their 30's & toys have changed considerably, can toys be put thru the dishwasher? Thought it might be a quicker, easier way to clean/sanitize them.
I used to sort toys & store away about every three months. Kept the 'newness' a lot longer.
Blocks -- my brand of reality/humor (one of my children had to have a butterfly bandage after tripping over a LEGO duplo).
Reading the list of reasons for recalls makes you realize how tough toy-makers have it (though they certain can check for the basics -- small parts, sharp edges, and lead) as kids seem to come up with the wackiest things to do with toys.
I thought this article was very informative and useful.
However... is it really necessary to point out that blocks can hurt if you trip over them, throw them at another child, or have them ricochet off a wall? Any toy can be damaging if you include the possibility that.
We opted out of all of it this year. Last year we went out early for a couple of good deal items but we refused to camp over night or any of the other crazy strategies. Last year it seemed like the only way to get the really good deals was to camp overnight and fight for the 10 or so of that item. It just wasn't worth doing that and never will be.
I had to drop one of our kids off at the mall mid day on Friday. It was horrible even outside. People were rude, driving crazy and downright dangerous. One driver decided a minor speed reduction was a good enough reason to drive in the oncoming lane, almost drive into the front of my car to force her way back in. All because a driver further up hesitated for a moment and slowed down. There were pedestrians everywhere too that could have easily been hit had they not noticed her sudden creative driving. A man with his entire family in tow almost t-boned my car because he was speeding down a lane of parked cars. I can't even imagine what shopping inside must have been like.
Other than that nightmare we spent the day at home and went out for coffee far far away from the malls later that day. In short we spent quality time with our kids.
I had a fear that I'd get hammered for writing what was on my mind, but it's great to know I'm not alone. Like I said, I love a bargain, but the cost on Black Friday is something you pay for with your spirit and good will. I believe "living large on a small budget" means living a good life, and I for one don't intend to screw anyone over to make my own life a little better. Thanks folks.
I think it's always best to look at our experience as children when looking for toys that will make lasting gifts. Most of us has fond memories of plastic blocks (I won't use any brand names, since the particular brand doesn't matter). I've even heard stories from my high school students about how they still bust them out once in a while with their friends.
Here are some of the winners from my childhood and toys that my own boys still play with even though they've had them a couple of years:
1. Plastic blocks. For the relatively low cost of small new sets add novelty and renew interest. My son is really into that red movie car, so he'll be getting a small set blocks based on the movie.
2. Wooden railroad sets. Again, both name brand and non-branded ones are available. When the kids are older, you can even make or buy some wooden projects that could go nicely with them.
3. Art supplies. I'm a big fan of buying these when they are on sale--last year's hot product tie-in can usually be had for less than the non-branded ones at clearance time. We have a big bin of odds-n-ends that we sporadically restock.
4. Tactile learning puzzles. Tangrams, sliding car puzzles or the like, marble mazes, and the like can be found at teacher-supply shops and entertain my kids for hours. Most good ones can be added on to by buying new puzzle cards or pieces, stretching the life of the initial purpose. Like other toys, the boys interest in them comes and goes, but I find that when they are interested, it's for a pretty intense few days.
You get what you look for -- you can not separate the observed from the observer. Hence, your personal pre-disposition towards psychics, et al, influences how you view these events.
This is not to say there are not charlatans, there are. But no degree or education guarantees a skill level in anything. And many, many states do not even have basic construction standards for housing, electrical work or plumbing.
BTW, without psychic sensitivity, you would not be able to even taste food. Oh, and all psychic events have a physical counterpoint so physics, science, et al, actually does not contradict or rule out psychic activity.
While Black Friday is viewed as a day for acquiring goods at bargain prices, over the years I've found the insanity comes from feelings of inadequacy and/or a fear of NOT having enough money for the holidays, getting the latest DVD player or some other item that "just happens" to have a limited inventory (like the manufacturer did not know Christmas/holiday shopping was coming this year.....).
The outrageous behavior and disregard for one's fellow humans, et al, shown on Black Friday illustrates an unconscious defiance of feelings of inadequacy. It is this "lack/inadequacy" mentality which drives the consumer gluttony, a sharp contrast to the original purpose behind Thanksgiving and ironically, the day before Black Friday and its infamous frenzies.
As a small business owner, I'm all for consumerism. As a human being, over the years I find myself wondering what the point of gift-giving has become. My nieces, lovely people, are constantly bombarded with "things" (high-priced techie gadgets) by parents to the point where nothing I gift is given more than perfunctory perusal and "thank you auntie," and depending on whether or not I'm in favor with the parents this year or out, I may not even get a thank-you. It is as if even gift-giving (or lack thereof) amongst relatives has become competitive and substitutes as a symbolic communication of some sort.
Each year I share my love and caring with those who touch my heart. Whether the 'chosen ones' are capable of noticing anything more than the dollar or social-competition value of the tangible product is questionable. And with each passing year, I'm leaning towards a strictly "competition-value driven" appraisal.
Before you spend 3500.00 or get involved in a heloc. Go to and Check out www.SuperchargeYouMortgage.com ..Turn your speakers on first. I own my home free and clear and am now working on my investment properties. You can also find "Supercharge Your Mortgage" at Amozon books as well.
The only reason I have tolerated commenters' product plugs is because I wrote my series of mortgage posts in response to those wishing to purchase accelerator products like these (mentioned by #25 and others), and it seems reasonable that I should allow vendors, writers, etc. to express their viewpoints.
Still, if you can download my spreadsheet, you can most likely figure out how to use it for nearly any mortgage with adjustments for your situation. If you still need help though. let me know so I can put together a spreadsheet for you, no charge.
Amen!!!!!
Until we consumers stop acting like crack addicted, shopaholics, retailers will continue to successfully behave like pushers and pimps.
We complain about lost American manufacturing jobs and the negative aspects of our global economy, then show up on the doorsteps of retail stores, at 4AM, to do physical battle over foreign made crap.
Today's Wisebread blog not only touched me with the thought of how many families missed a chance to spend a calm, restful day continuing to give thanks, but it also assured me why "Wise" is a suitable portion of your blog title.
I hope you have a holiday season filled with true meaning and tons of time with your family.
Regards,
Chip Schneider
YES!!!!! This is exactly what I commented in the other Black Friday article. I was the person who said how bad humanity gets, and how greedy and unthoughtful everyone is, and how the whole meaning of Christmas is totally forgotten, by this one horrible day.
I was imagining yesterday, the parents running, pushing, falling, stepping over people who fell, in their mad rush for the ultimate bargain, sitting by the Christmas tree a month later, quiet, cozy, smiling, as their children opened their loot...never imagining exactly HOW their "role model" parents GOT their loot!
Pushing and shoving, grabbing and waiting waiting waiting....
Sorry. NOT my idea of Christmas...even a month before it.
Here in Canada, it's Boxing Day -- the day after Christmas -- that's like this. And while watching fisticuffs arise between sweet little old ladies is sometimes amusing, it really does speak volumes about our maniacally consumerist society. This is a really good post and that video is indeed sobering.
so can i honestly go buy a new one and replace it with the one i have? Im on my 3rd one, and the most current was sent to me from the repair center, brand new, but there is a video card issue and i cannot get video. its been 9 days since i called and was put on an "escalated" level, and i havent even recieved the box yet. i was going to buy one to do the switch yesterday, but than i looked at the serial # windows and figured they would check and i wouldnt be able to switch. the one i have is brand new, manufactured 10/20/07, and it doesnt work. it still has the clear plastic on it. think it will work?
I never go shopping on Black Friday. Yes, there are great deals all over the place, but it's not worth it to me to fight through all the people and deal with the frustrations, etc. I don't like shopping to begin with, so when I go, I at least try to make it a relaxing time--not a mad-dash-scratch-your-eyes-out event.
If more folks read posts like yours, maybe this mania would decrease. There is no reason in the world that I can think of to go sit out in the cold all night to buy something.
And once again, we all might become more civil if we spent less time in the stores and more time with people we care about.
I don't use much regular powdered milk. I think the last time I bought it was over a year ago; however, I do use powdered buttermilk quite frequently for making salad dressing, pancakes, & bread. The price at my local grocery is up 25% in just over a couple of months! Ouch!
That's a good question, one that deserves a more personal response. If you can get in touch with me through the "contact us" section, I will be happy to give your situation some thought and get back to you. In these instances, I like to know a little more about what your kids like so that I can give a more focused answer.
All year, as you're out and about, find really really discounted things. CLEARANCE is my middle name.
Everything from cute stationary supplies, to name brand clothes, to any leftover toys the stores are trying to get rid of.....
Save it all up, and get them a cute container of some sort to set it all up in.
Wrap it in a piece of that celophane stuff, like a gift basket, put on a bow at the top, and there you go.
They'll have a goodie basket to pick through and discover, that will take at least 5 minutes to see everything! And it will have been CHEAP!
But they'll love it.
It's like a treasure chest, and you never know what you might find inside!
Even some candy saved up from Halloween can be a filler at the bottom.
You could put a $5 bill in a kid type container, too, inside the basket. Or a gift card....along with all the other small trinkets and treasures.
Adults love picking through gift baskets, too. It's just fun. I love it. My Sister in Law LOVES when I get her name for Polyanna, because that's what I do.
I shop at Ollies, Ross, GoodWill, (they got good stuff in there sometimes! You have to check back often! It's not all used! It's leftovers from stores, etc...)
Just keep your eyes out ALL YEAR, and start a Christmas box.
And if you get a gift from someone, you really don't like or can't use, SAVE IT!!! BUT, first, tape a piece of paper to it, saying, "From Aunt Betty", or whoever it's from, so you don't accidentally give it back to Aunt Betty!!
I have a collection of nice candles, Bath and Body Works stuff I never used, and I pack it into gift baskets when I can.
It's GREAT!
Hope this helps you!
Happy Holidays!
Do you have any suggestions for what to get my niece and nephews for Christmas that doesn't involve me blowing a fortune and feeding the frenzy?
My husband and I are very frugal people and try to live a simple life. Our ten month old doesn't have a ton of toys...most of them were gifts or yard sale finds, but they can all fit into 2 little wicker baskets we have in his bookcase. We don't want to get into the habit of making "things" the focus of Christmas, so I think that we are just getting him a balloon and a xylophone this year. That's the easy part.
My brother-in-law and his wife, however, are the exact opposite of us. They smother their kids with every possible gadget and toy imaginable and spend WAAAY above their means, the whole year but especially at Christmas.
Last year, I got them each a shirt that was $5 on sale because that was what our budget allowed us. The gift was opened and thrown aside in less than 2 seconds and the next gift was being torn into. I know that for a kid, a shirt isn't fabulous, and we want to make them happy, but we will not overspend on them just to give "awesome" gifts like their parents lavish on us.
What can I do? I am sure that the parents don't like that "we spent x on them and they only probably spent y on us." We tell them that we try to not overspend and they say that it is okay, but then they make little comments and their body language says otherwise.
I was thinking that I could take the kids out to do something fun, but I need some ideas. I asked the parents to please don't buy for my husband and I and we would just buy for the kids this year, but they said that that takes all of the fun out of Christmas. Any ideas for how to get by on the cheap without looking cheap would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Katie
Since my kids are in their 30's & toys have changed considerably, can toys be put thru the dishwasher? Thought it might be a quicker, easier way to clean/sanitize them.
I used to sort toys & store away about every three months. Kept the 'newness' a lot longer.
You are too kind :)
If it weren't that those poor people were suffering so over their loved ones, those videos with the psychic on Montel's show would be really funny.
"She got shot!"
"Well no..."
"He's under water. They just can't find people when they're under eater."
"He died in 9/11."
How dumb did she look?
Blocks -- my brand of reality/humor (one of my children had to have a butterfly bandage after tripping over a LEGO duplo).
Reading the list of reasons for recalls makes you realize how tough toy-makers have it (though they certain can check for the basics -- small parts, sharp edges, and lead) as kids seem to come up with the wackiest things to do with toys.
Parents will be thanking you for this one. Congratulations on the success of your Dawn article too, by the way.
O wow!! This is totally cool....seeing that I cant fit into MANY of my jeans since I had my little bub. lol :P
I thought this article was very informative and useful.
However... is it really necessary to point out that blocks can hurt if you trip over them, throw them at another child, or have them ricochet off a wall? Any toy can be damaging if you include the possibility that.
We opted out of all of it this year. Last year we went out early for a couple of good deal items but we refused to camp over night or any of the other crazy strategies. Last year it seemed like the only way to get the really good deals was to camp overnight and fight for the 10 or so of that item. It just wasn't worth doing that and never will be.
I had to drop one of our kids off at the mall mid day on Friday. It was horrible even outside. People were rude, driving crazy and downright dangerous. One driver decided a minor speed reduction was a good enough reason to drive in the oncoming lane, almost drive into the front of my car to force her way back in. All because a driver further up hesitated for a moment and slowed down. There were pedestrians everywhere too that could have easily been hit had they not noticed her sudden creative driving. A man with his entire family in tow almost t-boned my car because he was speeding down a lane of parked cars. I can't even imagine what shopping inside must have been like.
Other than that nightmare we spent the day at home and went out for coffee far far away from the malls later that day. In short we spent quality time with our kids.
I had a fear that I'd get hammered for writing what was on my mind, but it's great to know I'm not alone. Like I said, I love a bargain, but the cost on Black Friday is something you pay for with your spirit and good will. I believe "living large on a small budget" means living a good life, and I for one don't intend to screw anyone over to make my own life a little better. Thanks folks.
You just named the all-time favorite toys at our house....
I think it's always best to look at our experience as children when looking for toys that will make lasting gifts. Most of us has fond memories of plastic blocks (I won't use any brand names, since the particular brand doesn't matter). I've even heard stories from my high school students about how they still bust them out once in a while with their friends.
Here are some of the winners from my childhood and toys that my own boys still play with even though they've had them a couple of years:
1. Plastic blocks. For the relatively low cost of small new sets add novelty and renew interest. My son is really into that red movie car, so he'll be getting a small set blocks based on the movie.
2. Wooden railroad sets. Again, both name brand and non-branded ones are available. When the kids are older, you can even make or buy some wooden projects that could go nicely with them.
3. Art supplies. I'm a big fan of buying these when they are on sale--last year's hot product tie-in can usually be had for less than the non-branded ones at clearance time. We have a big bin of odds-n-ends that we sporadically restock.
4. Tactile learning puzzles. Tangrams, sliding car puzzles or the like, marble mazes, and the like can be found at teacher-supply shops and entertain my kids for hours. Most good ones can be added on to by buying new puzzle cards or pieces, stretching the life of the initial purpose. Like other toys, the boys interest in them comes and goes, but I find that when they are interested, it's for a pretty intense few days.
You get what you look for -- you can not separate the observed from the observer. Hence, your personal pre-disposition towards psychics, et al, influences how you view these events.
This is not to say there are not charlatans, there are. But no degree or education guarantees a skill level in anything. And many, many states do not even have basic construction standards for housing, electrical work or plumbing.
BTW, without psychic sensitivity, you would not be able to even taste food. Oh, and all psychic events have a physical counterpoint so physics, science, et al, actually does not contradict or rule out psychic activity.
While Black Friday is viewed as a day for acquiring goods at bargain prices, over the years I've found the insanity comes from feelings of inadequacy and/or a fear of NOT having enough money for the holidays, getting the latest DVD player or some other item that "just happens" to have a limited inventory (like the manufacturer did not know Christmas/holiday shopping was coming this year.....).
The outrageous behavior and disregard for one's fellow humans, et al, shown on Black Friday illustrates an unconscious defiance of feelings of inadequacy. It is this "lack/inadequacy" mentality which drives the consumer gluttony, a sharp contrast to the original purpose behind Thanksgiving and ironically, the day before Black Friday and its infamous frenzies.
As a small business owner, I'm all for consumerism. As a human being, over the years I find myself wondering what the point of gift-giving has become. My nieces, lovely people, are constantly bombarded with "things" (high-priced techie gadgets) by parents to the point where nothing I gift is given more than perfunctory perusal and "thank you auntie," and depending on whether or not I'm in favor with the parents this year or out, I may not even get a thank-you. It is as if even gift-giving (or lack thereof) amongst relatives has become competitive and substitutes as a symbolic communication of some sort.
Each year I share my love and caring with those who touch my heart. Whether the 'chosen ones' are capable of noticing anything more than the dollar or social-competition value of the tangible product is questionable. And with each passing year, I'm leaning towards a strictly "competition-value driven" appraisal.
Before you spend 3500.00 or get involved in a heloc. Go to and Check out www.SuperchargeYouMortgage.com ..Turn your speakers on first. I own my home free and clear and am now working on my investment properties. You can also find "Supercharge Your Mortgage" at Amozon books as well.
The only reason I have tolerated commenters' product plugs is because I wrote my series of mortgage posts in response to those wishing to purchase accelerator products like these (mentioned by #25 and others), and it seems reasonable that I should allow vendors, writers, etc. to express their viewpoints.
Still, if you can download my spreadsheet, you can most likely figure out how to use it for nearly any mortgage with adjustments for your situation. If you still need help though. let me know so I can put together a spreadsheet for you, no charge.
Amen!!!!!
Until we consumers stop acting like crack addicted, shopaholics, retailers will continue to successfully behave like pushers and pimps.
We complain about lost American manufacturing jobs and the negative aspects of our global economy, then show up on the doorsteps of retail stores, at 4AM, to do physical battle over foreign made crap.
Today's Wisebread blog not only touched me with the thought of how many families missed a chance to spend a calm, restful day continuing to give thanks, but it also assured me why "Wise" is a suitable portion of your blog title.
I hope you have a holiday season filled with true meaning and tons of time with your family.
Regards,
Chip Schneider
YES!!!!! This is exactly what I commented in the other Black Friday article. I was the person who said how bad humanity gets, and how greedy and unthoughtful everyone is, and how the whole meaning of Christmas is totally forgotten, by this one horrible day.
I was imagining yesterday, the parents running, pushing, falling, stepping over people who fell, in their mad rush for the ultimate bargain, sitting by the Christmas tree a month later, quiet, cozy, smiling, as their children opened their loot...never imagining exactly HOW their "role model" parents GOT their loot!
Pushing and shoving, grabbing and waiting waiting waiting....
Sorry. NOT my idea of Christmas...even a month before it.
Sad. Really sad.
That's the spirit!
Here in Canada, it's Boxing Day -- the day after Christmas -- that's like this. And while watching fisticuffs arise between sweet little old ladies is sometimes amusing, it really does speak volumes about our maniacally consumerist society. This is a really good post and that video is indeed sobering.
so can i honestly go buy a new one and replace it with the one i have? Im on my 3rd one, and the most current was sent to me from the repair center, brand new, but there is a video card issue and i cannot get video. its been 9 days since i called and was put on an "escalated" level, and i havent even recieved the box yet. i was going to buy one to do the switch yesterday, but than i looked at the serial # windows and figured they would check and i wouldnt be able to switch. the one i have is brand new, manufactured 10/20/07, and it doesnt work. it still has the clear plastic on it. think it will work?
I never go shopping on Black Friday. Yes, there are great deals all over the place, but it's not worth it to me to fight through all the people and deal with the frustrations, etc. I don't like shopping to begin with, so when I go, I at least try to make it a relaxing time--not a mad-dash-scratch-your-eyes-out event.
If more folks read posts like yours, maybe this mania would decrease. There is no reason in the world that I can think of to go sit out in the cold all night to buy something.
And once again, we all might become more civil if we spent less time in the stores and more time with people we care about.
But then, I'm going against "the American Way."