I accepted an invitation to a holiday blogger event at BJ’s Wholesale Club. I didn’t think there would be much I would want to buy there, but tried to go with an open mind about what I’d find. If nothing else, I figured I’d find things that are useful for The Most Fabulous Readers on the Planet (that’s you!) which is the point of inviting me to this event in the first place.
Showing posts with label Christmas/winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas/winter. Show all posts
Monday, November 25, 2013
4 Ways for Small Families Can Save Money at a Warehouse Club
I have this preconceived notion that the only way to save money at a warehouse club is to buy giant sizes I don’t have room to store of products full of stuff I won’t buy due to additives, etc. that won’t save money for our small family of two people and the most cuddly dog that ever lived. I got almost an equal number of yeses and noes when I asked Can Small Families Shop At Warehouse Clubs and Save Money? I figure I’ll never know for certain unless I shop at a wholesale club and find out myself.
I accepted an invitation to a holiday blogger event at BJ’s Wholesale Club. I didn’t think there would be much I would want to buy there, but tried to go with an open mind about what I’d find. If nothing else, I figured I’d find things that are useful for The Most Fabulous Readers on the Planet (that’s you!) which is the point of inviting me to this event in the first place.
I accepted an invitation to a holiday blogger event at BJ’s Wholesale Club. I didn’t think there would be much I would want to buy there, but tried to go with an open mind about what I’d find. If nothing else, I figured I’d find things that are useful for The Most Fabulous Readers on the Planet (that’s you!) which is the point of inviting me to this event in the first place.
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11/25/2013 05:33:00 PM
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Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Homemade Pumpkin Jerky Dog Treats
Lacey was glued to my side all weekend.
I know it is because she loves me.
It has nothing to my cutting, gutting, and drying pumpkins into treats for her on Lazy Budget Chef.
This is a great time to get a deal on discounted Halloween pumpkins and make them into dried pumpkin dog treats to give as Christmas gifts.
Yes, dogs get Christmas gifts in this house. Always!
Learn how I make allergy free dried pumpkin dog treats on Lazy Budget Chef.
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I know it is because she loves me.
It has nothing to my cutting, gutting, and drying pumpkins into treats for her on Lazy Budget Chef.
This is a great time to get a deal on discounted Halloween pumpkins and make them into dried pumpkin dog treats to give as Christmas gifts.
Yes, dogs get Christmas gifts in this house. Always!
You can make my pumpkin jerky treats in the oven if you do not have a dehydrator.
Learn how I make allergy free dried pumpkin dog treats on Lazy Budget Chef.
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11/05/2013 08:18:00 AM
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Sunday, November 3, 2013
Drop Cloth Patio Chair Covers
It only took me 8 years to realize I should do something to protect the chairs on my front porch from rain and winter snow unless I want to keep making my chairs over every two years or so.
That is not a difficult thing to do. But I’d rather spend that time working on a new project, like helping our girl Lacey become a balanced and confident dog. That project gives kisses!
My chair projects do not give me kisses.
Sad Lisa
That is not a difficult thing to do. But I’d rather spend that time working on a new project, like helping our girl Lacey become a balanced and confident dog. That project gives kisses!
My chair projects do not give me kisses.
Sad Lisa
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11/03/2013 12:54:00 PM
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Nine Christmas Time and Money Saving Tips That Will Save Your Sanity (and Money Too)
During one of our first Christmas Eves I had a meltdown.
Husband waited until the very last second to purchase and wrap gifts because we
were waiting on payday (we run a cash only house with the exception of our
mortgage and car payments.)
We stayed up until the wee hours of the night wrapping gifts. Wrapping gifts less than 24 hours before the paper is ripped off seems pointless. Not to mention, I try to keep Christmas Eve low key and chill time to gear up for the happy Christmas frenzy the following day.
We stayed up until the wee hours of the night wrapping gifts. Wrapping gifts less than 24 hours before the paper is ripped off seems pointless. Not to mention, I try to keep Christmas Eve low key and chill time to gear up for the happy Christmas frenzy the following day.
I knew things had to change unless I wanted to ruin every
single holiday for the rest of our lives with an annual argument.
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1/01/2013 08:00:00 AM
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Friday, December 21, 2012
Shop Christmas Week Discounts to Save Money Next Christmas
It's a few days before Christmas. I have stuffers for the stockings ('cause I like to help Santa out - he's a busy guy on Christmas Eve!) All of the gifts are tagged, wrapped, and under the tree.
Now is the time to go Christmas shopping!
For next year.
It will save you time, money, and sanity next year.
Most frugal tipsters suggest you save money by buying Christmas wrapping paper and decorations at a deep discount the day after Christmas. Unfortunately with new sales cycles and the bad economy pushing stores to offer the steep discounts early, and such there may not be much available on December 26th. But, those things ARE available at the deep discount Christmas week.
Now is the time to go Christmas shopping!
For next year.
It will save you time, money, and sanity next year.
Most frugal tipsters suggest you save money by buying Christmas wrapping paper and decorations at a deep discount the day after Christmas. Unfortunately with new sales cycles and the bad economy pushing stores to offer the steep discounts early, and such there may not be much available on December 26th. But, those things ARE available at the deep discount Christmas week.
I took this screen capture of Sears Christmas Shop today.
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12/21/2012 03:28:00 PM
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Renaissance Christmas Tree
I like Christmas and the excuse to dress up the house in its party clothes. This year it all seemed like work I had to do instead of work I wanted to do because Husband and I are feeling the loss of the biggest Christmas lover of all - Blitzkrieg.
Blitzkrieg didn't know anything about oil lamps burning longer than they should, or a baby being born in a barn, or if a special hunk of tree is burning in the fireplace. All he knew is when I brought certain boxes and tubs in from the garage (Blitzkrieg knew the difference. I moved some tubs into the house when cleaning the garage one summer. Blitzkrieg got excited and did the Pekingese Dance only when he saw me move the Christmas tree box into the house during the project), the Christmas tree was going up with a special soft blanket underneath to sit on. The Pack Leaders put things under the tree (but not in the special space we eventually left for Blitzkrieg to sit under the tree.) Then a special day comes when the humans divide the spoils to the pack and you go to bed with a belly full of homemade dried sweet potato treats.
Yeah, so basically, if you have a pet that clues in about the holidays, their understanding is all on a purely materialistic level despite your best efforts.
Blitzkrieg didn't know anything about oil lamps burning longer than they should, or a baby being born in a barn, or if a special hunk of tree is burning in the fireplace. All he knew is when I brought certain boxes and tubs in from the garage (Blitzkrieg knew the difference. I moved some tubs into the house when cleaning the garage one summer. Blitzkrieg got excited and did the Pekingese Dance only when he saw me move the Christmas tree box into the house during the project), the Christmas tree was going up with a special soft blanket underneath to sit on. The Pack Leaders put things under the tree (but not in the special space we eventually left for Blitzkrieg to sit under the tree.) Then a special day comes when the humans divide the spoils to the pack and you go to bed with a belly full of homemade dried sweet potato treats.
Blitzkrieg photo bombing by cloth gift bag tutorial post.
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12/19/2012 08:30:00 AM
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Monday, December 17, 2012
How to Make a Lush Christmas Garland for Free
I love big fat plush and lush Christmas garlands. I'm talking massive amounts of magazine worthy evergreen and boughs of holly. Sadly, I can't find anything like that for sale, real or fake. The one time I found something I liked, it cost scary money. Being a budget minded gal, I left the budget busting garland where I found it - at the store.
Keep reading! I'll teach you how to make this lush evergreen
Christmas garland for little to no money!
I haven't seen anything like it since. All of the fake evergreen garland I see now looks anemic and hateful.
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12/17/2012 01:16:00 PM
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Friday, December 14, 2012
7 Dazzling Christmas Trees
Husband and I took a much needed vacation last week. We went
to Frankenmuth Michigan, which is a lot like Brigadoon but
with lederhosen. You can read about the first part of our trip on Lazy BudgetChef: I Ate My Way Around Frankenmuth, Michigan here.
Examples of the items they sell to commercial customers are all around
the store.
The two things Frankenmuth has going for it are:
- It is a Bavarian town
- It is Christmas year round
There is a giant Christmas store in Frankenmuth called
Bronner's. Husband described as, “It looks like Christmas threw up in here” although
he meant it in a nice way. It is hard to impress upon anyone who hasn’t been
there that Bronner's is not your typical pop up Christmas shop.
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12/14/2012 08:30:00 AM
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
10 Minute Gift: Cabinet Knob and Wine Cork Bottle Stopper
I decant our big ol' bottle of mouth wash into a prettier and easier to mange glass bottle. I'm surprised I haven't broken the bottle over the years given my traditional zombie like state as I get ready in the morning.
Instead of accidently breaking the bottle, Husband and I break the cork bottle stopper just to keep life interesting.
On a recent lunch date with an out of town friend followed by some serious drooling at a nearby Anthropologie, I came up with a plan to make an unbreakable (but cute!) bottle stopper for my bathroom.
Basic green mouthwash rates a 3-4 (moderate hazard) on EWG's Skin Deep database so that's what I buy. Also, we hate the taste of the lower rated mouthwashes - blergh!
Instead of accidently breaking the bottle, Husband and I break the cork bottle stopper just to keep life interesting.
Oops!
On a recent lunch date with an out of town friend followed by some serious drooling at a nearby Anthropologie, I came up with a plan to make an unbreakable (but cute!) bottle stopper for my bathroom.
How to Make a Bottle Stopper
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12/12/2012 09:37:00 AM
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Monday, December 10, 2012
West Elm Confetti Garland Knock Off
I found a bag of purple glass ball ornaments covered in hot glue and foam from a failed Christmas wreath project in the garage this year. A few hours of picking hot glue off the salvageable Christmas balls I have enough to hang them on my DIY garden trellises to turn them into trellis Christmas trees.
I made the stars from recycling bin cardboard using the tutorial in The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 (one of last year's Christmas gift. Thanks sis!)
It looks like I accidentally changed the outdoor Christmas decor color scheme to purple, silver, and turquoise from red and white sparkly glam Christmas decor. That's OK. Change is good.
I need something to tie the greenery around the door to the trellis Christmas trees near the yard. I thought I found it in West Elm's Confetti System Garland but it only comes in red.
A few days later I got blue and turquoise tissue paper in a delivery.
Light bulb moment!
I made the stars from recycling bin cardboard using the tutorial in The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 (one of last year's Christmas gift. Thanks sis!)
It looks like I accidentally changed the outdoor Christmas decor color scheme to purple, silver, and turquoise from red and white sparkly glam Christmas decor. That's OK. Change is good.
I need something to tie the greenery around the door to the trellis Christmas trees near the yard. I thought I found it in West Elm's Confetti System Garland but it only comes in red.
A few days later I got blue and turquoise tissue paper in a delivery.
Light bulb moment!
How to Make West Elm Paper Confetti Garland
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12/10/2012 08:00:00 AM
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Thursday, December 6, 2012
Pop Can Poinsettia Wreath
I appreciate a good wreath. In fact, I like them so much I have a whole Pinterest board devoted to nothing but wreaths (give me a follow on Pinterest and I'll follow you back!)
Johnnie from Saved By Love Creations metal poinsettia wreath is my newest pin. Lookie! Lookie!
At first I thought Johnnie took a metalworking art class because the poinsettas are so sculptural and the wreath is expensive-looking.
Johnnie from Saved By Love Creations metal poinsettia wreath is my newest pin. Lookie! Lookie!
I love the paint technique she uses too. Photo courtesy of Saved By Love Creations.
At first I thought Johnnie took a metalworking art class because the poinsettas are so sculptural and the wreath is expensive-looking.
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12/06/2012 10:26:00 PM
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Friday, November 30, 2012
How to Make Doctor Who Dalek Potholders
Husband is a great guy. He puts up with living with DIY projects
in process more than he likes (note: he hates it,) while also encouraging me by bringing home odd things for me to “do
something with” because “you are creative” and “they were just going to throw
it out. You can make it useful again.”
If there is anyone on my gift list who deserves a homemade
Christmas gift it is Husband.
My guy likes to cook. He likes Doctor Who (because
he has excellent taste in science fiction).
He also likes to keep his fingers from burning off around the stove. Homemade
Dalek potholders? Perfect!
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11/30/2012 08:00:00 AM
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Monday, November 26, 2012
Build a Beer Advent Calender
It's time Christmas countdown calendar time! Whoo hoo!
Advent Calendars are a very Danish way to celebrate Christmas.
I never had one.
Clearly, I was horribly mistreated as a child. This has nothing to do with my parents didn't want two kids fighting over one daily calendar prize which we probably didn't need since Christmas was coming or extra treats that could negate the use of the most magical parental phrase to get two little girls to behave instantly, "Santa is watching."
Nope. It was out of pure parental meanness. I tell ya.
Now that I'm all grown up (stop laughing. It's true.) I guess I could get my own Advent calendar and countdown Christmas any. way. I. want.
I choose this.
Neener. Neener.
Advent Calendars are a very Danish way to celebrate Christmas.
I never had one.
Clearly, I was horribly mistreated as a child. This has nothing to do with my parents didn't want two kids fighting over one daily calendar prize which we probably didn't need since Christmas was coming or extra treats that could negate the use of the most magical parental phrase to get two little girls to behave instantly, "Santa is watching."
Nope. It was out of pure parental meanness. I tell ya.
Now that I'm all grown up (stop laughing. It's true.) I guess I could get my own Advent calendar and countdown Christmas any. way. I. want.
I choose this.
Neener. Neener.
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11/26/2012 08:30:00 AM
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Monday, November 19, 2012
20 Cute and Eco! Christmas Ornaments
I think my love of tree ornaments comes from Grandmother
making me ornaments each Christmas of my teenage years so I’d have a set when I
went out on my own. My favorites will hang on our family Christmas tree. It
feels like she is still with us during Christmas.
I carry on the Christmas tree ornament gift tradition. I
give each of my nine nieces and nephews a Baby’s First Christmas ornament on
their first Christmas. Santa always puts a new ornament in Miss 3 of 9’s and
Mr. 7 of 9’s Christmas stocking since those are the only kids who do stockings
(besides my house.) I usually buy those ornaments so I don’t tip them off that Santa
sometimes has help filling their stockings from this side of the North Pole.
Not to mention, I get to satisfy my ornament addition, um fascination, by
spending a lot of time browsing for their perfect yearly ornament.
Let’s check out some Christmas tree ornament eye candy!
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11/19/2012 02:06:00 PM
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Thursday, November 8, 2012
32 Gifts for Crafters and DIYers
I asked a bunch of my favorite craft and DIY bloggers what cool gifts for women they received or are on their gift list. While we all agreed gift cards to our favorite home
improvement and craft stores are always winners, sometimes the people in our lives are looking for new and unique gift ideas because they have gone to the gift card well a little too often.
Ironically, most of the gift ideas we talked about I've gotten or given as gifts myself. True story.
Gift Ideas for a Quilter
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11/08/2012 02:53:00 PM
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Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Make a Louboutin Inspired Bracelet
As a green DIYer and crafter, I sometimes use products that may contain not so
eco friendly ingredients. Generally, it is only one small component and I am fine with it because it
contributes to the greater good of remaking the object into something clever, useful, or beautiful and saving it from the landfill. However, I am always on the lookout for an eco friendly equivalent that works just
as well or better.
When I find a craft supply that promises me eco friendly
ingredients AND is no odor AND eco-friendly AND water based AND low VOC I get excited. I racked my brain for an excuse to try them gift idea that lets me use the Delta Soy Stain and Soy Craft Paint I saw for sale on Scribbleshop AND makes a few Christmas gifts early.
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10/10/2012 08:30:00 AM
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Sunday, July 15, 2012
Do You Have an Emergency Weather Plan?
Last week as my next door neighbors and I were outside and commented how the beautiful clear blue sky, quickly turned into a gray-purple-puke colored Tornado Sky.
The winds kicked up unexpectedly, rain, thunder, and lightening pounded down. Over 300, 000 people in Ohio lost electricity as Mother Nature tossed around trees and power lines with the force of a full on toddler kicking and screaming mega meltdown.
Fortunately, we were one of the lucky few that had electricity. This is surprising because if there is a blackout, we are almost always in it. Often for several days at a time.
We did not experience a tornado because even those some areas estimated 75+ mile an hour winds, there wasn't any rotation. The crazy, unexpected, snuck up on everyone including the weather service experts, was a derecho.
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7/15/2012 01:00:00 PM
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Monday, April 16, 2012
How to Make a Photo Canvas that Won’t Put You in the Poorhouse
Many of my friends and family have my photography hanging in
their houses.
One of the best photography classes I ever took was from my father in his kitchen. One by one, my Dad handed me a different type of camera lens, various telephoto, macro, and specialty lenses. I put them on my film camera body and looked through his kitchen window and at the same pot of flowers to understand what each lens did to my subject.
Except me.
Photography is our family hobby. My grandfather started the
tradition. He passed the hobby onto his children, my father and my aunt. My dad passed it onto me.
One of the best photography classes I ever took was from my father in his kitchen. One by one, my Dad handed me a different type of camera lens, various telephoto, macro, and specialty lenses. I put them on my film camera body and looked through his kitchen window and at the same pot of flowers to understand what each lens did to my subject.
Many of my family and friends have my photo hanging in their
homes. I’ve been asked to shoot photos for others too.
Photography wise, it’s a cobbler’s kid doesn’t have any
shoes situation around here. Here’s my photo collection. One photo of Husband and Blitzkrieg on my desk.
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4/16/2012 08:55:00 AM
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Thursday, January 26, 2012
Stitched Love Note
Valentine’s Day gifts for Husband are hard. I use all my good
gift ideas for Christmas.
Husband usually gives me candy or flowers. I don't do that in case I duplicate. Although for our first Valentine’s Day, I gave him an anatomically correct chocolate heart.
18 years later it’s still in the box in the back of our refrigerator. I’d show you the real thing but I’m too afraid to open the box.
Husband usually gives me candy or flowers. I don't do that in case I duplicate. Although for our first Valentine’s Day, I gave him an anatomically correct chocolate heart.
18 years later it’s still in the box in the back of our refrigerator. I’d show you the real thing but I’m too afraid to open the box.
I told Husband he had my heart - and gave him this
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1/26/2012 02:00:00 PM
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Sunday, January 15, 2012
What is the Strangest Thing You Do to Save Money?
I watched the Extreme Cheapskates special on TLC. True to
reality TV, they presented and edited the people featured as weird in the lengths they go to save money even though I read many of those tips, like
washing and reusing plastic zipper baggies (heck! I do it myself) on blogs and
in The Tightwad Gazette books long before this show was a twinkle in a
producer's eye.
Our green and frugal ways mean the amount of our weekly household trash is usually one small plastic bag of trash.
Frugality, just like green living, is all about balance.
What works and is normal for some, others just can’t go there. I’m all for boxing
up and taking my restaurant leftovers home with me (a quick, easy, and cheap lunch
option for the following day!) but I personally draw the line at asking other people for their leftovers at the restaurant, while one guy on the show
does it all the time – to his wife’s embarrassment which makes good TV.
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1/15/2012 02:00:00 PM
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