Thrifty Thursday: Brown paper packages...

..tied up with string...

Try not to hum (or loudly belt) and channel your inner Julie Andrews today.  It can't be done - she is just infectious!

Speaking of brown paper packages, I have really enjoyed my take on christmas wrapping this year.  I've saved money, and our gifts have a classic, simple flair that really puts me in the spirit.

Enter standard packing paper from Target.  I think my roll was around $5.

Enter cheap ribbons: You can stock up with Michael's weekly coupons or at the Dollar Store.

Enter Gloss Finish Scotch tape: Gives it a nice, clean finish.  I found regular scotch tape didn't have enough stick power to hold the heavy paper.

The paper lasts -forever- and even after all my wrapping, I still have a huge roll left.  My only complaint is that it does curl up and I have to weight it down to get it cut and folded the way I want.  But, hey, no biggie.

I had some fun Christmas stamps I got on clearance last year, so I jazzed some of them up a bit.

Now, I did want something pretty that the kids on my shopping list could really rip into.  I don't think the brown paper will have that satisfying riiiiiiip that I was going for.  But, I managed to get all kiddie gifts wrapped with a small roll of colored paper.  When usually, I'm going back for several rolls each year.  And honestly, the more trips I make out this time of year, the more tempted I am to overspend.

What style did you go with for Christmas wrapping this year?  Sunday comics DO count.  In case you were wondering. :)

8 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Fabulous Frugalista

Are you a Frugalista?  Or are you just married to one?

Either way, I thought it would be fun to share some ideas for shopping for that frugal someone in your life. And if that person just so happens to be you, no judgement.  Merry Christmas to you, from you.

1.  ALL YOU magazine subscription - TONS of high value coupons and fabulous articles about frugal living.  Added bonus?  Delicious and affordable recipes.  They have amazing deals year round.  Here's the latest one.

2. Printer Ink & Paper - Printing coupons eats up a good amount of ink and paper.  Keep your Frugalista stocked up so she can print and save to her heart's content.  If this doesn't sound very warm and fuzzy to you, maybe go with a gift card to an office supply store.   

 3.  Mason Jars - Amazingly frugal accessory.  From canning in season veggies to planters to catching those quick, summer fireflies.  Fill them with cookie ingredients and she can recycle the jar.

4.  Local produce co-share or co-op membership - Rising produce prices will hurt even the most careful Frugalista's budget.  Research options in your area, and give her the gift of saving on fresh fruits and veggies year round.  Some even deliver to your door!

5.  Sewing Machine - A cornerstone to a frugal lifestyle is learning to upcycle or recycle clothing and household fabrics.  An art form I haven't attempted since the 7th grade, but am anxious to learn how.  Here's a beauty I've been eyeing....

(Source)

6.  Baking/Cookware - Why buy it when you can bake it?  Fresh cookie sheets, mini loaf pans, muffin trays, and cooling racks will freshen up the cupboards and be an inspiration to cook from scratch more.

7.  Dave Ramsey Cash Envelope System - Paying with cash is a powerful tool when living on a budget. I love my wallet and what it does for my accountability.  Start small and use cash for all your groceries.  You'll be amazed to see how much you save when you know you can't swipe that magical card.

8.  Journals/Planners/Organizers/Sticky Notes - A true Frugalista likes to make lists and plans.  She scouts sales, coupons, and has attainable goals.  Help her on her journey to greatness with a new 2012 calendar or planner.  Be sure to see what she uses now, she'd hate for you to waste your money on something she won't really use.

Your Fabulous Frugalista will love a purposeful and meaningful gift this Christmas.  Somehow this list represents a truer meaning to Christmas than a new Lexus topped with a giant, red, bow.

Note to Self:  Stop watching car Christmas commercials.

Make Haste, Make Waste

Since our move into the new digs, I've been battling my need to hurry up and decorate.  I want to be intentional with our attempts at design.

But with Thanksgiving in less than a week (eep!), house guests, and general life madness... I'm just ready to get this decorating checked off my list. Yes, I want the pictures to be straight.  No, I do not want to spend another weekend staring at a blank wall.

(Found this little tip for hanging frames on Pinterest.  Oh, how I love it!)

With my new impatience, I find myself more called to buy simple fixes.  Instead of carefully following a plan and executing it frugally.

It makes me remember that planning and being intentional in most areas of life, will in fact, save you money.  For example, using the frames we already have instead of buying new sets, is frugal and purposeful.

I might not have the pretty details or clean finishes in my home, but I like my frugal and repurposed finds.  Who knows, maybe this frugal quest will make me more of a DIY-er then I had once thought possible.

I'm remaining optimistic ;)

Ways to Save During a Move

Well, we made it.  We didn't move far, just across town.  But, if you have moved any distance before, you know the headaches, hassles, and stress that come along with the endeavor.  Throw an active toddler in the mix, and you're just trying to cling to sanity.

Luckily, I had lots of support from my family and a husband who was not against hiring movers.  This was our first "grown up" move because we did not U-Haul it ourselves.  It was worth the price and time to have someone else do the heavy lifting.

I was determined to hold our budget together, even though money was coming in and out of our checking account pretty swiftly last week.  Deposits, moving fees, and other odds and ends stack up.  Here are a few tips I picked up that helped us stay on track during the move.

• Borrow boxes and storage bins from friends who have recently moved.  Check out Craigslist, tons of people are trying to get rid of their moving boxes.  Some charge a small amount, but I found a family with a garage full for free.  They were ready to tie them to my car roof!
• Meal Plan.  You are bound to get take-out at least once during a move, but think ahead so you don't find yourself in line at Subway for the 5th time in 2 days.  When they start to know about your love for olives, you might be in trouble.  Just keep lots of easily prepared items on hand, and you won't feel the urge to run out.  
• Keep your written budget or check roster on hand.  You might not have internet up and running right away, and you can't monitor or manage your accounts.  Have a good handle on what bills might be due, especially if you pay them exclusively online.  
• List your needs and wants.  This is such a common theme in my internal monologue, and I am still struggling with slowly making our new place a home.  For example, we need a washer & dryer, but I want a new dining set.  Like, really want.

What helped you stay on budget during a move?