The Organizing Blog always advises using creativity to save money on things you ordinarily might buy. This year, try making your own holiday cards! Not only will you save money, you’ll create distinctive-looking greetings the recipients will love. Use felt, glitter, string and construction paper to craft your own cards. HGTV has 14 do-it-yourself ideas that will wow your friends and family, including a whimsical Santa-with-cotton-ball-beard idea that will help get the kids involved in making one-of-a-kind cards for everyone on your mailing list.
Tag: holiday tips
A Valentine’s Menu That Only Tastes Like a Million Bucks
With Valentine’s Day arriving midweek this year, you might have a special dinner date set for Friday or Saturday night — and if you’re on a budget, you may be doing the cooking yourself! The ol’ surf-and-turf is a favorite romantic repast, but your options are limited only by your time and creativity. The Kitchn suggests sumptuous starters such as lobster bisque and deviled eggs, main dishes such as grilled branzino and parmesan risotto with shrimp, and decadent “sweets for the sweet” such as panna cotta and dark chocolate brownies, plus adult beverages that are sure to make the mood buoyant.
Valentine’s Day Without the Diamonds
Early on in a relationship, many people expect extravagant dinners and diamonds on Valentine’s Day. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to show you care, says Cherie Lowe, author of Slaying the Debt Dragon. “Don’t be cheap with your love. Instead, find ways to display just how much you care by making your own gifts.” Make your own cards, she suggests, or write a longer, more heartfelt letter. Bake cookies or prepare your partner’s favorite meal. Finish a household fix-it project without being asked. On this holiday, the clichés often ring true: It is the thought that counts, so make memories that last a lifetime.
Renovate Your Wardrobe for the Holidays
The holidays are a great time to donate your lightly used clothing. If you attend any parties or events this season, you will probably get the chance to go through your wardrobe and find out what does and doesn’t fit, and which outfits you still enjoy wearing. Everything else can go into a bin or bag and get donated to ClothingDonations.org. Then, you can take advantage of holiday deals to buy a few new favorite clothing items or add them to your gift list. You’ll renovate your wardrobe and make room for that stylish new stuff at the same time you help the nation’s veterans!
Decluttering Pays Holiday Dividends
If you haven’t done so already, do a quick decluttering around your home before you put up the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations. Each room in your home should take only one or two hours to declutter, according to Slow Your Home’s handy guide, and the rewards will be huge. Not only will you have more space for guests and gifts when the big event arrives, but you’ll also have a better idea of the things you and your family have already (and which are no longer of use or need to be replaced) before you shop. Decluttering will also help you decorate in a more mindful way now and into 2018.