Is that a southern saying, or do other areas use it too? "All over but the crying..."
I have decided that after many years, I'm giving up one of my hobbies. I plan to sell out my herd of rabbits. I have debated it quite a bit and I won't lie- there have been plenty of tears as I think of letting my beautiful babies and hard work leave me forever.
There are a lot of reasons, but this isn't the place to discuss them. Instead, I want to focus on the New Year.
2014 is the year:
I will finish my book. Yes, it's going to happen THIS YEAR. I've told myself you either finish it, or delete it. No excuses.
I will work on my Thirty One business. Things have been going really well, but I won't lie, I've also been lazy. I'm going to ROCK this year and have more payouts like November- when I equaled what I would have made at my last job.
I will finally use my stash of yarn before I go off and buy more. It's gotten a little ridiculous. I am going to finish up some custom pieces, then build up a stockpile to sell in Greensboro, one of the last rabbit shows I have.
What are your goals for 2014?
-Kristen
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The Last Christmas Mile- (12 Months of Christmas Post)
Welcome to December! If you have been following the tips in this blog this year, hopefully you are mostly done with your Christmas preparations- if not completely finished!
If you haven't been following along, it's time to PANIC!! Kidding...sort of. :)
Perhaps you still have a few people on your list, folks you just could not find the perfect gift for. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Look at the names left on your list. Are all of them a situation where a gift is necessary? Perhaps there are a few where a beautiful note written in a lovely card, hand chosen or hand made, for them may suffice. Write of a wonderful memory the two of you made during the year and tell them how much their friendship means to you. Perhaps attach a candy cane or two in a fun flavor, or tie it to the handle of a dollar store mug that you stuffed with hot chocolate packets.
Tim's Granny loves oreos, but she never buys them for herself, saying they are too expensive. Every Christmas you can bet she ends up with various kinds of oreos, lovingly wrapped by different family members. Perhaps your friend loves Godiva chocolate, gourmet cheese or a Hickory Farms summer sausage but can't bring themselves to splurge. You could get them a small item, under $5 and give them a beautiful card to go with it.
Tim never gets to have anchovies on his pizza because I think they are gross. It doesn't stop me from buying him a tin or two and putting them in his stocking, to be used when we made individual pizzas.
Have you considered a coupon book? Perhaps your friend has children but can't afford a babysitter, or can't find someone she trusts. Make her a booklet of coupons offering one free babysitting evening per month (or even just give her six coupons to be used when she wants). Talk about a huge value to her, but very inexpensive for you!
The sky is the limit with coupon books- dog washings, one house cleaning, one homemade meal, a garden weeding, a car wash- whatever you feel comfortable doing is a good idea to put on a coupon!
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
If you haven't been following along, it's time to PANIC!! Kidding...sort of. :)
Perhaps you still have a few people on your list, folks you just could not find the perfect gift for. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Look at the names left on your list. Are all of them a situation where a gift is necessary? Perhaps there are a few where a beautiful note written in a lovely card, hand chosen or hand made, for them may suffice. Write of a wonderful memory the two of you made during the year and tell them how much their friendship means to you. Perhaps attach a candy cane or two in a fun flavor, or tie it to the handle of a dollar store mug that you stuffed with hot chocolate packets.
Tim's Granny loves oreos, but she never buys them for herself, saying they are too expensive. Every Christmas you can bet she ends up with various kinds of oreos, lovingly wrapped by different family members. Perhaps your friend loves Godiva chocolate, gourmet cheese or a Hickory Farms summer sausage but can't bring themselves to splurge. You could get them a small item, under $5 and give them a beautiful card to go with it.
Tim never gets to have anchovies on his pizza because I think they are gross. It doesn't stop me from buying him a tin or two and putting them in his stocking, to be used when we made individual pizzas.
Have you considered a coupon book? Perhaps your friend has children but can't afford a babysitter, or can't find someone she trusts. Make her a booklet of coupons offering one free babysitting evening per month (or even just give her six coupons to be used when she wants). Talk about a huge value to her, but very inexpensive for you!
The sky is the limit with coupon books- dog washings, one house cleaning, one homemade meal, a garden weeding, a car wash- whatever you feel comfortable doing is a good idea to put on a coupon!
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Regifting- Revisited
The following post originally appeared on Keep Me Sane on November 21st, 2011.
As the holiday season approaches, we reach the sticky subject of Regifting.
Is it right, is it wrong? Let's see.
NEVER EVER EVER regift something that has been used or opened. I'm sorry, that's tacky. Would you give someone a cookie with a big bite taken out of it? No. Or if you would, please don't ever give me a gift lol.
Don't regift crappy gifts. Wait, I know, that's generally WHY we regift, but if YOU don't want that sweater with the sequined puppies on it, obviously no one else will either. Donate it to a charity or take it back to the store if you can't bring yourself to keep it.
If you DO regift, try to do it for a separate group of friends. If your usual group consists of you, Friend A and Friend B, don't take A's gift and give it to B. Chances are, A is gonna see it and recognize it- or else, you'll have to lie about it and that's never good.
What if someone gives me a coffee maker? I don't like coffee, I don't drink it and I never make it. As long as I don't open the box, this is a gift that could easily go to someone else- perhaps someone that DOES drink coffee. Of course, I could also just return it to the store (if I have a reasonable idea where it comes from).
So, in short, I'm ok with regifting, if done properly. Make sure it's a clean, unused item that actually fits the person or is something you genuinely think they'll enjoy. If you really hate the item, take it back to the store or give it to charity. There is always the yard sale option.
-Kristen
As the holiday season approaches, we reach the sticky subject of Regifting.
Is it right, is it wrong? Let's see.
NEVER EVER EVER regift something that has been used or opened. I'm sorry, that's tacky. Would you give someone a cookie with a big bite taken out of it? No. Or if you would, please don't ever give me a gift lol.
Don't regift crappy gifts. Wait, I know, that's generally WHY we regift, but if YOU don't want that sweater with the sequined puppies on it, obviously no one else will either. Donate it to a charity or take it back to the store if you can't bring yourself to keep it.
If you DO regift, try to do it for a separate group of friends. If your usual group consists of you, Friend A and Friend B, don't take A's gift and give it to B. Chances are, A is gonna see it and recognize it- or else, you'll have to lie about it and that's never good.
What if someone gives me a coffee maker? I don't like coffee, I don't drink it and I never make it. As long as I don't open the box, this is a gift that could easily go to someone else- perhaps someone that DOES drink coffee. Of course, I could also just return it to the store (if I have a reasonable idea where it comes from).
So, in short, I'm ok with regifting, if done properly. Make sure it's a clean, unused item that actually fits the person or is something you genuinely think they'll enjoy. If you really hate the item, take it back to the store or give it to charity. There is always the yard sale option.
-Kristen
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Black Friday Shopping
The Black Friday Ads are out. I'm very disappointed to see that a ton of the stores are starting their sales during or even before Thanksgiving dinner.I could go on a long, long rant about how disrespectful I find it to start your sales during a time when people are supposed to be able to be with their families, but I'll stick to my point.
If you are thinking about going Black Friday shopping, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1.) Compare prices. Usually BF prices are pretty comparable, so why go to three stores for three different items when you can get all three at the same place for a few dollars difference? Consider the cost of your time and gas when deciding if it's worth that $1.00 savings.
2.) Have a game plan. Know where you are going and what you are getting. Having everything written down helps you keep your cool when you get in to the shoving and pushing crowd- you won't criss cross the store or miss out on that waffle maker you forgot you were buying your aunt.
3.) Divide and Conquer. If you have other family members going out, see if they are willing to divide and conquer. Ask them to pick up X and Y for you at Store A, while you grab Z for them while you are shopping at Store B. Make sure you trust the person to pick up your items and pay you promptly for what you get for them.
4.) Don't sacrifice family for stuff. Like I said- the sales are starting earlier and earlier. All these deals will be available online and at various retailers. Amazon.com usually does a great job matching deals, you will just have to fight online to get them. Regardless, remember- it's Thanksgiving. Your family changes daily, someone here this year may not be around next year, as sad as it is to think about. Don't sacrifice your time with loved ones to rush out and fight for cheap junk.
-Kristen
If you are thinking about going Black Friday shopping, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1.) Compare prices. Usually BF prices are pretty comparable, so why go to three stores for three different items when you can get all three at the same place for a few dollars difference? Consider the cost of your time and gas when deciding if it's worth that $1.00 savings.
2.) Have a game plan. Know where you are going and what you are getting. Having everything written down helps you keep your cool when you get in to the shoving and pushing crowd- you won't criss cross the store or miss out on that waffle maker you forgot you were buying your aunt.
3.) Divide and Conquer. If you have other family members going out, see if they are willing to divide and conquer. Ask them to pick up X and Y for you at Store A, while you grab Z for them while you are shopping at Store B. Make sure you trust the person to pick up your items and pay you promptly for what you get for them.
4.) Don't sacrifice family for stuff. Like I said- the sales are starting earlier and earlier. All these deals will be available online and at various retailers. Amazon.com usually does a great job matching deals, you will just have to fight online to get them. Regardless, remember- it's Thanksgiving. Your family changes daily, someone here this year may not be around next year, as sad as it is to think about. Don't sacrifice your time with loved ones to rush out and fight for cheap junk.
-Kristen
Friday, November 1, 2013
Thankful for Deals! (12 Months of Christmas Post)
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? "Ha, yeah right" you are saying. "There were no 12 Months of Thanksgiving posts!"
This is one of my favorite sales times of year. I often stockpile certain items that go on sale- like Cream of Chicken Soup. It tides us over the rest of the year for certain items and that equates to saving money.
This has nothing to do with anything Christmasy, I'm aware. Hang in there with me.
This is a time where a lot of food item coupons come out and there are a lot of sales. How can you use that?
If you're planning on baking gifts, now is the time to get your baking items! Take advantage of those pie crust deals, the sales on chocolate chips, etc. If you need it, you can usually find it on sale, sometimes as loss leaders to get you in the store!
You can often find great items to go in snack or favorite-food gift-baskets on sale around this time too. If you're buying food items, just make sure they won't go bad before the next year- I like my gift baskets to be good at least through February.
It's also a great time to pick up canned goods for donation to local food pantries. If your Christmas is a little more about giving back than getting stuff, consider how much you can stretch your donation by buying on sale and using coupons.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
This is one of my favorite sales times of year. I often stockpile certain items that go on sale- like Cream of Chicken Soup. It tides us over the rest of the year for certain items and that equates to saving money.
This has nothing to do with anything Christmasy, I'm aware. Hang in there with me.
This is a time where a lot of food item coupons come out and there are a lot of sales. How can you use that?
If you're planning on baking gifts, now is the time to get your baking items! Take advantage of those pie crust deals, the sales on chocolate chips, etc. If you need it, you can usually find it on sale, sometimes as loss leaders to get you in the store!
You can often find great items to go in snack or favorite-food gift-baskets on sale around this time too. If you're buying food items, just make sure they won't go bad before the next year- I like my gift baskets to be good at least through February.
It's also a great time to pick up canned goods for donation to local food pantries. If your Christmas is a little more about giving back than getting stuff, consider how much you can stretch your donation by buying on sale and using coupons.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Time, is on your side- (12 Months of Christmas Post)
Welcome to October! If you haven't been following along, be sure to catch up on the other 12 Months of Christmas Posts here.
October is a good time to look for those gifts you need to purchase. You're still beating the rush, you're leaving yourself plenty of time to compare prices and if you need to purchase anything online, you've got a lot of built in time for shipping, delays- anything that might cause you stress on say- December 21st.
If you are looking for custom pieces, say something made by a local artisan or on etsy, you are giving them plenty of time to get an item made, have it proofed, do any last minute changes, etc.
Looking for your purchased items now gives you the opportunity to do price comparisons. Often you can find comparable or better prices online, saving you time and gas money- why run to four different stores to find that perfect item when you can order them online and have them delivered to you?
Planning ahead and buying online can also help you save money- sites like Ebates are shopping portals that give you cash back, while sites like swagbucks is a search portal that awards you points that can be redeemed for all kinds of perks- amazon gift cards, paypal, etc.
-Kristen
October is a good time to look for those gifts you need to purchase. You're still beating the rush, you're leaving yourself plenty of time to compare prices and if you need to purchase anything online, you've got a lot of built in time for shipping, delays- anything that might cause you stress on say- December 21st.
If you are looking for custom pieces, say something made by a local artisan or on etsy, you are giving them plenty of time to get an item made, have it proofed, do any last minute changes, etc.
Looking for your purchased items now gives you the opportunity to do price comparisons. Often you can find comparable or better prices online, saving you time and gas money- why run to four different stores to find that perfect item when you can order them online and have them delivered to you?
Planning ahead and buying online can also help you save money- sites like Ebates are shopping portals that give you cash back, while sites like swagbucks is a search portal that awards you points that can be redeemed for all kinds of perks- amazon gift cards, paypal, etc.
-Kristen
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Let's Start Wrapping This Up (12 Days of Christmas Post)
It's September now- we've talked about making gift baskets and making canned or dehydrated food. We've shopped the clearance, made lists of gifts in jars, gleaned nature during our vacations and now you tell me "But I'm not really that crafty- not enough to make someone's gift."
Way to wait until August to tell me this.
The truth is, you don't have to be that crafty. In the modern age of pinterest, youtube and the wonderful google, you can find dummy-proof step-by-step instructions on how to do pretty much anything.
However, let's say you prefer to buy your gifts. Nothing wrong with that as long as you watch to catch the sales, keep your budget in mind and don't wait until the last minute.
There is still savings to be had here.
Consider, if you have children, giving them cheap brown parcel paper and allowing them to draw the decorations on the wrapping! You can do the same with brown paper bags or even computer paper for small gifts. Trust me- this is one that grandparents will squee over.
A simple candy cane or a cheap $1 ornament attached to a plain package dresses up a gift more than that $5 a roll foil paper.
Save the colored funny papers from those Sunday newspapers you get anyway. It's an "old school" way to wrap that costs you no additional money. Some folks use sales ads or suggest wrapping sports gifts in the Sports pages. Do it how you want :).
Save gift bags when given to you and reuse them later.
Buy paper, Christmas cards, tissue paper and gift bags when stores mark their items down to half off or more. Even if you only get one roll, one bag of bows, etc. during the sales, you are still saving money.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Way to wait until August to tell me this.
The truth is, you don't have to be that crafty. In the modern age of pinterest, youtube and the wonderful google, you can find dummy-proof step-by-step instructions on how to do pretty much anything.
However, let's say you prefer to buy your gifts. Nothing wrong with that as long as you watch to catch the sales, keep your budget in mind and don't wait until the last minute.
There is still savings to be had here.
Consider, if you have children, giving them cheap brown parcel paper and allowing them to draw the decorations on the wrapping! You can do the same with brown paper bags or even computer paper for small gifts. Trust me- this is one that grandparents will squee over.
A simple candy cane or a cheap $1 ornament attached to a plain package dresses up a gift more than that $5 a roll foil paper.
Save the colored funny papers from those Sunday newspapers you get anyway. It's an "old school" way to wrap that costs you no additional money. Some folks use sales ads or suggest wrapping sports gifts in the Sports pages. Do it how you want :).
Save gift bags when given to you and reuse them later.
Buy paper, Christmas cards, tissue paper and gift bags when stores mark their items down to half off or more. Even if you only get one roll, one bag of bows, etc. during the sales, you are still saving money.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Gifts in a Jar (12 Months of Christmas Post)
Mason jars come in various sizes and shapes. Wide mouth jars can make very excellent containers for all kinds of jar gifts. Tie a bit of ribbon to the jar, use a little fabric over the top and it's gorgeous! Just be sure to look for wide mouth jars.
Food Mixes: Cookies, Brownies, Cakes- there is no shortage on the internet for wonderfully fun, attractively layered mixes in jars to be given as gifts. Don't underestimate an awesome jar of cornbread mix, along with a lovely printed recipe.
Pie in a Jar: If you can find the right size jars, you can bake small pies right in the mason jar! These are fantastically fun ideas and you'll have your friends and family ooohing and aaahhing over them.
Bath Items: Sugar Scrubs, bath salts- this is another sky's-the-limit jar gift idea. I like finding funky shaped jars (the best I found were at Lowes, of all places...).
Memories: Place beautifully typed or hand written memories on bits of colored papers and fill up a jar with them. Tie a candy cane to the outside of the jar and paint it or just wrap a bit of ribbon around the top. It's a very thoughtful gift for someone who has everything.
A quick google search will turn up hundreds of ideas, so get started! Be sure to check the sunday inserts for coupons on Ball Jars! Last year I scored lots of great jars at Dollar General.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Vacation Items- (12 Months of Christmas Gifts)
It's July- the big time for vacations and when millions of people flock to the beach or other destinations.
The beach is a perfect place to pick up special gifts- literally- for free. Hunt the shores for sea shells and use them to glue to a plain store-bought (or hand painted) picture frame. This could work great as a gift for a mother or grandparent, especially if you have an old picture of the family at the beach.
Gather seashells and sand from the beach. Put the sand in a vase (try the dollar store), place a candle in the sand (make sure it's slightly buried in the sand for stability) and sprinkle cute shells you found (or bought cheaply at the gift shops) around it. You can do this same thing with beautiful pebbles from a mountain stream.
Pick up river rocks if the beach isn't your thing. Wash them well and let them dry, then use a paint pen to write words on each rock that describe your recipient- "Funny", "Happy", "Inspiring"- try to do around 10, then package them in a cute little container. Write a beautiful note to the person you are gifting them to, to let them know where the rocks came from and that each one describes how you feel about them. This is a perfect pick-me-up gift and a nice bowl picked up on clearance could make a lovely way for them to be displayed year round.
Even if you don't want to make a gift, try looking for unique items while you are shopping on vacation. You never know when you'll find a completely unique item in one of those funky little tourist shops- it's a great way to avoid a big box store and you can even share that you got the item in X- a subtle way to share with the person that you were thinking about them at a time other than Christmas.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
The beach is a perfect place to pick up special gifts- literally- for free. Hunt the shores for sea shells and use them to glue to a plain store-bought (or hand painted) picture frame. This could work great as a gift for a mother or grandparent, especially if you have an old picture of the family at the beach.
Gather seashells and sand from the beach. Put the sand in a vase (try the dollar store), place a candle in the sand (make sure it's slightly buried in the sand for stability) and sprinkle cute shells you found (or bought cheaply at the gift shops) around it. You can do this same thing with beautiful pebbles from a mountain stream.
Pick up river rocks if the beach isn't your thing. Wash them well and let them dry, then use a paint pen to write words on each rock that describe your recipient- "Funny", "Happy", "Inspiring"- try to do around 10, then package them in a cute little container. Write a beautiful note to the person you are gifting them to, to let them know where the rocks came from and that each one describes how you feel about them. This is a perfect pick-me-up gift and a nice bowl picked up on clearance could make a lovely way for them to be displayed year round.
Even if you don't want to make a gift, try looking for unique items while you are shopping on vacation. You never know when you'll find a completely unique item in one of those funky little tourist shops- it's a great way to avoid a big box store and you can even share that you got the item in X- a subtle way to share with the person that you were thinking about them at a time other than Christmas.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Gift of Summer
Give the delicious gift of summer this Christmas. As we are are gearing up to enjoy the summer months, stop and consider how they can help you gift this Christmas.
If you are anything like me, you end up with more garden produce than you can use. Even if you don't garden yourself, produce is plentiful and prices are low at your local Farmer's Market.
Consider canning extra- whether it is salsa, plain tomatoes, beans, applesauce, stew ingredients (just add meat!)- whatever you want to share. You already have it on hand anyway, all you need is a few jars and canning apparatus. This may not be the cheapest way to go if you don't already have a pressure canner on hand.
You could also freeze excess to be used to cook special treats in December.
Jams and jellies with a fresh loaf of bread or a fun recipe for bread could make a delicious and inexpensive gift basket.
During apple season, why not use a dehydrator to make some homemade apple chips? You could even give a gift basket made up solely of dehydrated food- fruits, veggies and beef jerky! Just plan now and make sure to seal everything in good quality foodsaver bags. Consider home made trail mix for any "outdoorsy" friends and family.
If you can make it, you can gift it.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
If you are anything like me, you end up with more garden produce than you can use. Even if you don't garden yourself, produce is plentiful and prices are low at your local Farmer's Market.
Consider canning extra- whether it is salsa, plain tomatoes, beans, applesauce, stew ingredients (just add meat!)- whatever you want to share. You already have it on hand anyway, all you need is a few jars and canning apparatus. This may not be the cheapest way to go if you don't already have a pressure canner on hand.
You could also freeze excess to be used to cook special treats in December.
Jams and jellies with a fresh loaf of bread or a fun recipe for bread could make a delicious and inexpensive gift basket.
During apple season, why not use a dehydrator to make some homemade apple chips? You could even give a gift basket made up solely of dehydrated food- fruits, veggies and beef jerky! Just plan now and make sure to seal everything in good quality foodsaver bags. Consider home made trail mix for any "outdoorsy" friends and family.
If you can make it, you can gift it.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Yard Sale Season (12 Months of Christmas Post)
Ahhh May. The time of year where the pollen has mostly died down, even our friends and family to the North are finally putting away the snow and a staple of summer begins to show up in your local newspaper- Yard Sales!
Keep an eye out, while you're out and about. I can't tell you how many times I have found new-in-the-box items at yard sales. Most recently, I found two crystal "sweet trays" that are Christmas themed, still in the box, for $1 each! I bought them both and they will be making their reappearance this December in one of those various "draw a number, steal a gift" parties that small groups are so fond of. Perhaps you can find a beautiful plate that can be washed and later grace the table of a friend, piled high with heaps of freshly baked Christmas cookies. Vases, mason jars, pots- there are tons of items that can be useful to the forward thinking gifter!
If the thought of buying your loved ones gifts from someone's front yard makes you feel a little squeamish (and for some folks, it does!), check out the christmas decor that is usually available. Maybe you can find a new strand of lights to replace the burned out one for pennies on the dollar. Maybe there are boxes of Christmas cards that you can use. You just never know what you'll find in the modern day treasure hunt known as yard sales, garage sales, estate sales, etc.
If you find some out of season clothes still with tags on them or toys new in the box for a good price, why not consider picking these items up to donate them during the Christmas season?
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Keep an eye out, while you're out and about. I can't tell you how many times I have found new-in-the-box items at yard sales. Most recently, I found two crystal "sweet trays" that are Christmas themed, still in the box, for $1 each! I bought them both and they will be making their reappearance this December in one of those various "draw a number, steal a gift" parties that small groups are so fond of. Perhaps you can find a beautiful plate that can be washed and later grace the table of a friend, piled high with heaps of freshly baked Christmas cookies. Vases, mason jars, pots- there are tons of items that can be useful to the forward thinking gifter!
If the thought of buying your loved ones gifts from someone's front yard makes you feel a little squeamish (and for some folks, it does!), check out the christmas decor that is usually available. Maybe you can find a new strand of lights to replace the burned out one for pennies on the dollar. Maybe there are boxes of Christmas cards that you can use. You just never know what you'll find in the modern day treasure hunt known as yard sales, garage sales, estate sales, etc.
If you find some out of season clothes still with tags on them or toys new in the box for a good price, why not consider picking these items up to donate them during the Christmas season?
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Coupon to Christmas (12 Months of Christmas Post)
It's April now. How ya hanging in there? If you haven't started considering Christmas, go back and read the 12 Months of Christmas posts to catch up.
Now is a great time to gather materials if you haven't already. Consider craft stores like Michaels, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby, etc. Each week they come out with some new, awesome coupon- 40% off 1 regular price item! 50% off 1 item, 25% off your whole order including clearance.
Why pay full price for items you need? Is there a person in your life that loves to bake cookies? Why not put together a cookie basket- include cookie cutters, a cookie sheet, mixing bowl, sprinkles, etc- and buy each item with a coupon! Save things like sprinkles for closer to Christmas, but there is no reason not to buy the non perishable items earlier. Simply make note of what you bought.
Maybe you want to crochet your sister a scarf. Find a pattern, figure out how much and what kind of yarn you need, then look for "no dye lots"- you can buy a skein at a time at 40% off. If you need 3 skeins at $5 each, you will spend $9 buying them with coupons separately, rather than rushing to get them all at once in early December because you waited too long. If you have a friend or two that you often go out with, maybe they will be willing to buy the yarn for you with a coupon and money you provide (most craft places accept printable copies or take them right off your phone).
Know someone that wants to learn a craft? Put together a crafting basket the same way- one piece at a time, with a coupon!
Even if you want to skip all this homemade stuff, keep your eyes out for coupons or sales run in your stores. Have a Vera Bradley fanatic in your household? Their outlet often posts great sales. Bath & Body Works lover around? Pick up their favorite scents with a coupon such as "Get a Free Signature item with any $10 purchase" or during their semi-annual sales.
Coupons are your best friends as long as you don't wait too long. Even in December, there are still great deals to be had, but beware of buying something just because it's on sale or overspending because of a great deal. Keep in mind, if you bank on the sales at Christmas, you may spend more in time and gas than you save trying to find hot items. If you must shop the toy/electronic sales, try to limit who you need to buy for to just a few people, rather than leaving your entire list to the last minute. This gives you the opportunity to shop the deals, without setting you up for marathon shopping weekends.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Now is a great time to gather materials if you haven't already. Consider craft stores like Michaels, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby, etc. Each week they come out with some new, awesome coupon- 40% off 1 regular price item! 50% off 1 item, 25% off your whole order including clearance.
Why pay full price for items you need? Is there a person in your life that loves to bake cookies? Why not put together a cookie basket- include cookie cutters, a cookie sheet, mixing bowl, sprinkles, etc- and buy each item with a coupon! Save things like sprinkles for closer to Christmas, but there is no reason not to buy the non perishable items earlier. Simply make note of what you bought.
Maybe you want to crochet your sister a scarf. Find a pattern, figure out how much and what kind of yarn you need, then look for "no dye lots"- you can buy a skein at a time at 40% off. If you need 3 skeins at $5 each, you will spend $9 buying them with coupons separately, rather than rushing to get them all at once in early December because you waited too long. If you have a friend or two that you often go out with, maybe they will be willing to buy the yarn for you with a coupon and money you provide (most craft places accept printable copies or take them right off your phone).
Know someone that wants to learn a craft? Put together a crafting basket the same way- one piece at a time, with a coupon!
Even if you want to skip all this homemade stuff, keep your eyes out for coupons or sales run in your stores. Have a Vera Bradley fanatic in your household? Their outlet often posts great sales. Bath & Body Works lover around? Pick up their favorite scents with a coupon such as "Get a Free Signature item with any $10 purchase" or during their semi-annual sales.
Coupons are your best friends as long as you don't wait too long. Even in December, there are still great deals to be had, but beware of buying something just because it's on sale or overspending because of a great deal. Keep in mind, if you bank on the sales at Christmas, you may spend more in time and gas than you save trying to find hot items. If you must shop the toy/electronic sales, try to limit who you need to buy for to just a few people, rather than leaving your entire list to the last minute. This gives you the opportunity to shop the deals, without setting you up for marathon shopping weekends.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Friday, March 8, 2013
It's Better Than Good-Enough, It's Great- (12 Months of Christmas Post)
Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see someone's face light up with something I've made. Cookies? A nice meal? A handmade scarf? I love it.
Any other time of year, we love to give things we've made to people we love, or have them give something to us.
Why is it that around Christmas, that nasty little voice makes us second guess ourselves?
"That isn't good enough."
"Oh, so you made presents? Tightwad."
"You're so weird and different for not just buying things."
Let's rethink these for a second:
"That isn't good enough." No, it isn't "good enough"- it's better. You made something that is 100% unique. Even if you used a pattern or followed a recipe, there will never be the exact same item out there ever. It's better than good-enough, it's GREAT!
"Oh, so you made presents? Tightwad." You only spent untold hours in planning and making an item. You only spent the cost of ingredients or materials. You only put your love in to every stitch, stroke or stir. You gave up your free time when you could have been napping, watching tv or just staring out a window. What a scrooge you are to put your love and so much thought and effort in to a gift!
"You're so weird and different for not just buying things." How dare you not just toss out a few bucks and get something "just to be done with shopping"? You truly are a weirdo for overthinking a gift that could make someone smile. Be like the rest of the world and just buy something poorly made that will break in 6 months and will be forgotten before the wrapping paper is thrown away.
I love homemade gifts. Last Christmas I received a handmade Christmas ornament from a friend and I am in love with it- every time I go to trim my tree, I will think of her. Had she given me a $25 gift card to a restaurant, that would have been appreciated, but forgotten as soon as the meal was over.
One of my favorite gifts from my little brother ever came three Christmases ago. He was a poor student in Nashville. Come Christmas, he gave me a stocking full of Coke Rewards caps, a small Rottweiler stuffed animal (I love rotties) and a bag of these delicious sugared nuts a place in the Mall in Nashville sold. The nuts were shared around the family and eaten quickly, the stuffed puppy is collecting dust somewhere and the coke rewards caps have all been redeemed- but I will never forget when I saw all those codes. It's silly, but it showed me that he really stopped and considered what I like (saving money!) and spent his time collecting them for me. It wasn't done in a rush because he needed to check my name off his list. In a few more years, time will cloud the memory and the nuts and stuffed puppy will be forgotten, but I don't think I'll ever forget how much thought and effort he put in to a silly stocking full of drink caps.
So no, his gift wasn't just "Good-Enough". It was Perfect.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Any other time of year, we love to give things we've made to people we love, or have them give something to us.
Why is it that around Christmas, that nasty little voice makes us second guess ourselves?
"That isn't good enough."
"Oh, so you made presents? Tightwad."
"You're so weird and different for not just buying things."
Let's rethink these for a second:
"That isn't good enough." No, it isn't "good enough"- it's better. You made something that is 100% unique. Even if you used a pattern or followed a recipe, there will never be the exact same item out there ever. It's better than good-enough, it's GREAT!
"Oh, so you made presents? Tightwad." You only spent untold hours in planning and making an item. You only spent the cost of ingredients or materials. You only put your love in to every stitch, stroke or stir. You gave up your free time when you could have been napping, watching tv or just staring out a window. What a scrooge you are to put your love and so much thought and effort in to a gift!
"You're so weird and different for not just buying things." How dare you not just toss out a few bucks and get something "just to be done with shopping"? You truly are a weirdo for overthinking a gift that could make someone smile. Be like the rest of the world and just buy something poorly made that will break in 6 months and will be forgotten before the wrapping paper is thrown away.
I love homemade gifts. Last Christmas I received a handmade Christmas ornament from a friend and I am in love with it- every time I go to trim my tree, I will think of her. Had she given me a $25 gift card to a restaurant, that would have been appreciated, but forgotten as soon as the meal was over.
One of my favorite gifts from my little brother ever came three Christmases ago. He was a poor student in Nashville. Come Christmas, he gave me a stocking full of Coke Rewards caps, a small Rottweiler stuffed animal (I love rotties) and a bag of these delicious sugared nuts a place in the Mall in Nashville sold. The nuts were shared around the family and eaten quickly, the stuffed puppy is collecting dust somewhere and the coke rewards caps have all been redeemed- but I will never forget when I saw all those codes. It's silly, but it showed me that he really stopped and considered what I like (saving money!) and spent his time collecting them for me. It wasn't done in a rush because he needed to check my name off his list. In a few more years, time will cloud the memory and the nuts and stuffed puppy will be forgotten, but I don't think I'll ever forget how much thought and effort he put in to a silly stocking full of drink caps.
So no, his gift wasn't just "Good-Enough". It was Perfect.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Friday, February 15, 2013
After Holiday Clearance (12 Months of Christmas Post)
I hope you all enjoyed your Valentine's Day! Tim and I don't celebrate it, but I *do* celebrate the clearance afterwards.
It's amazing how many Holiday Clearance Sales will help you take care of your Christmas needs. Obviously after-Christmas sales are a great time to stock up on wrapping paper, bags, bows, ribbon, etc- you can even get a few gifts for next year.
Enter Valentine's Day: The main colors are red, pink and white. Amazing, because red and white are great Christmas colors. Baskets, candles, clearance yarn- if you've got your lists of what you want to give or make for Christmas this year, now is the time to start checking out clearance to see what you can score for cheap to help you!
Saint Patrick's Day: Oh, here is another great color for Christmas- GREEN! Check out Craft Stores for the best selection of clearance.
Easter: A great time to pick up cheap baskets or maybe some of that Easter Grass to fluff up your basket a bit. A bunny lover in your house? Check out home decor and jewelry too! Easter Eggs can be used as molds to make your own bath bombs.
4th of July: Red, White and Blue! Stars and stripes are everywhere, this could be a great time to score rustic home decorations, or items for gift baskets- think Picnic, napkins to round out food baskets, etc.
Halloween: This one could be a little trickier, but maybe someone in your household loves black or orange. If you can find candy clearanced that isn't Halloween packaged, it will keep well until Christmas.
Thanksgiving: Perfect for last minute baskets, candles, etc.
And now it's Christmas! We can start full circle again :).
So don't forget to check out those clearance sales through out the year! Especially keep your eye out for baskets, yarn (if you knit or crochet) and candles through each of the holidays.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
It's amazing how many Holiday Clearance Sales will help you take care of your Christmas needs. Obviously after-Christmas sales are a great time to stock up on wrapping paper, bags, bows, ribbon, etc- you can even get a few gifts for next year.
Enter Valentine's Day: The main colors are red, pink and white. Amazing, because red and white are great Christmas colors. Baskets, candles, clearance yarn- if you've got your lists of what you want to give or make for Christmas this year, now is the time to start checking out clearance to see what you can score for cheap to help you!
Saint Patrick's Day: Oh, here is another great color for Christmas- GREEN! Check out Craft Stores for the best selection of clearance.
Easter: A great time to pick up cheap baskets or maybe some of that Easter Grass to fluff up your basket a bit. A bunny lover in your house? Check out home decor and jewelry too! Easter Eggs can be used as molds to make your own bath bombs.
4th of July: Red, White and Blue! Stars and stripes are everywhere, this could be a great time to score rustic home decorations, or items for gift baskets- think Picnic, napkins to round out food baskets, etc.
Halloween: This one could be a little trickier, but maybe someone in your household loves black or orange. If you can find candy clearanced that isn't Halloween packaged, it will keep well until Christmas.
Thanksgiving: Perfect for last minute baskets, candles, etc.
And now it's Christmas! We can start full circle again :).
So don't forget to check out those clearance sales through out the year! Especially keep your eye out for baskets, yarn (if you knit or crochet) and candles through each of the holidays.
-Kristen
Catch up on all the 12 Months of Christmas posts here.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Debt Proof Your Christmas- (12 Months of Christmas Post)
No, this isn't an accident. I am really posting about Christmas in January. GASP! I'm doing a blog series this year that I have entitled the 12 months of Christmas. Each month there will be a post about getting ready for Christmas, saving for gifts, or whatever! :).
I'm reading a book called "Debt-Proff Your Christmas", by Mary Hunt. As something that made me giggle, I bought this book at 90% off just recently, as it was considered a "Christmas" item.
The book centers around the Christmas rush and how we get caught up in the frustration of the season, often spending way more than we can afford in order for our families to be happy (or so we think), when a simpler approach really is the best way. It's chock full of great homemade ideas, new ways to do gift exchanges and helpful advice.
I sat down last night and made a file called Gifts. In it, I wrote the names of my Mom, Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law and Grandmother. Then I broke them down farther by Christmas, Birthday, Mother's Day, etc. Any occasion I buy for, I wrote down. Then I wrote down what I planned to give to each of them on each date. Some might be more vague than others- for instance one might say "bath gift basket" while the other might say "K-Cup spinning tower from Kohls".
This is going to go a long way to help me this year. No more buying something, then finding something better. No more hustle and bustle around crowded malls because I thought I had something that I didn't have. I have 11 months (to the day) to get ready for Christmas, there is no reason to put it off until my only option is to choose something too expensive and charge it.
If you find the New Year brings you lots of debt, I highly recommend you check out this book. If you live locally, I'll even let you borrow my copy.
Stay Tuned for another blog post that is going to be entitled "It's Better Than Good-Enough, It's Great."
-Kristen
I'm reading a book called "Debt-Proff Your Christmas", by Mary Hunt. As something that made me giggle, I bought this book at 90% off just recently, as it was considered a "Christmas" item.
The book centers around the Christmas rush and how we get caught up in the frustration of the season, often spending way more than we can afford in order for our families to be happy (or so we think), when a simpler approach really is the best way. It's chock full of great homemade ideas, new ways to do gift exchanges and helpful advice.
I sat down last night and made a file called Gifts. In it, I wrote the names of my Mom, Mother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law and Grandmother. Then I broke them down farther by Christmas, Birthday, Mother's Day, etc. Any occasion I buy for, I wrote down. Then I wrote down what I planned to give to each of them on each date. Some might be more vague than others- for instance one might say "bath gift basket" while the other might say "K-Cup spinning tower from Kohls".
This is going to go a long way to help me this year. No more buying something, then finding something better. No more hustle and bustle around crowded malls because I thought I had something that I didn't have. I have 11 months (to the day) to get ready for Christmas, there is no reason to put it off until my only option is to choose something too expensive and charge it.
If you find the New Year brings you lots of debt, I highly recommend you check out this book. If you live locally, I'll even let you borrow my copy.
Stay Tuned for another blog post that is going to be entitled "It's Better Than Good-Enough, It's Great."
-Kristen
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Disappointed After-Christmas Sales
I have to admit- I was sorely disappointed with the after-Christmas Sales this year.
I luckily didn't "need" much. I had already made the decision to wait until wrapping paper and bags went to 75% off because I have such a good stock of them already. We have plenty of Christmas cards and ornaments, so I was mainly there to find a replacement Christmas tree (ours burned out) and take advantage of any interesting little things- special candy, baking items, etc.
Target was a bit of a disappoint, as I knew it would be. They had no Christmas trees, the candy was 30% off or less and paper goods were impossible to find. It looked like a tornado had hit the store, but I accept that is due to rude shoppers and not due to anything Target did. Most of the baking items weren't on sale and there were no dog toys or anything else of interest there. They appeared to mostly have ornaments and wrapping paper left.
Walmart was a bigger waste of time-the first one had almost nothing. The second Walmart did yield a green, pre-lit Christmas tree (we got the only one there that was pre-lit with white lights!) and I found a table top white tree. It is much smaller than what I was looking for, but it will work for my purposes. We picked up very little else- I found a small travel cup that was on sale for half off, but most of the candy and food items we were interested in were not on sale at all, even though they were in the Clearance aisle. Tricky Tricky Walmart.
The best yields came from Bath and Body Works and Michaels.
At Bath and Body Works I spent $38 and saved $90. Considering $30 (not including tax) was spent on Christmas gifts for five folks next year, that isn't bad at all! :). I also splurged on a few little $3 body washes for myself.
Michaels is where I did my best deal of the day. I bought myself a crochet needle case with 24 needles in it for $17.50! It had normally been $35, but they had a 50% off one item coupon and I was quick to take advantage of it.
Overall, it appears to me that stores are stocking less merchandise for the holidays. I've heard from numerous people that some are taking apart certain gift baskets and selling the items individually for regular price- which seems to me to be illegal.
I think more people are out and about hunting the deals. The crowds are pushing shoppers to get up earlier and earlier- I just refuse to be up at 5am to be out shopping.
I suspect this year will be my last year of feverish after-Christmas shopping.
-Kristen
I luckily didn't "need" much. I had already made the decision to wait until wrapping paper and bags went to 75% off because I have such a good stock of them already. We have plenty of Christmas cards and ornaments, so I was mainly there to find a replacement Christmas tree (ours burned out) and take advantage of any interesting little things- special candy, baking items, etc.
Target was a bit of a disappoint, as I knew it would be. They had no Christmas trees, the candy was 30% off or less and paper goods were impossible to find. It looked like a tornado had hit the store, but I accept that is due to rude shoppers and not due to anything Target did. Most of the baking items weren't on sale and there were no dog toys or anything else of interest there. They appeared to mostly have ornaments and wrapping paper left.
Walmart was a bigger waste of time-the first one had almost nothing. The second Walmart did yield a green, pre-lit Christmas tree (we got the only one there that was pre-lit with white lights!) and I found a table top white tree. It is much smaller than what I was looking for, but it will work for my purposes. We picked up very little else- I found a small travel cup that was on sale for half off, but most of the candy and food items we were interested in were not on sale at all, even though they were in the Clearance aisle. Tricky Tricky Walmart.
The best yields came from Bath and Body Works and Michaels.
At Bath and Body Works I spent $38 and saved $90. Considering $30 (not including tax) was spent on Christmas gifts for five folks next year, that isn't bad at all! :). I also splurged on a few little $3 body washes for myself.
Michaels is where I did my best deal of the day. I bought myself a crochet needle case with 24 needles in it for $17.50! It had normally been $35, but they had a 50% off one item coupon and I was quick to take advantage of it.
Overall, it appears to me that stores are stocking less merchandise for the holidays. I've heard from numerous people that some are taking apart certain gift baskets and selling the items individually for regular price- which seems to me to be illegal.
I think more people are out and about hunting the deals. The crowds are pushing shoppers to get up earlier and earlier- I just refuse to be up at 5am to be out shopping.
I suspect this year will be my last year of feverish after-Christmas shopping.
-Kristen
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Bah Humbug
It's official- I'm the grinchiest grinch of them all this year.
I've decided those Christmas decorations are just not getting put up this year.
The Christmas tree is out and mostly undecorated. It is a pre-lit fake tree and half of the lights on the top portion suddenly winked out. It felt a bit like putting lipstick on a pig to decorate the tree and then have the lights not working, though some friends sent us a beautiful bunny ornament- it is holding court in the middle of the tree, sparkling in it's singular glory.
The mantle remains unadorned- not stocking are going to be hung with care by the chimney this year and I don't even have a good place to put out the Nativity scene, so that probably won't happen either.
We have had so much going on and with it being approximately two weeks until Christmas, I just don't feel like going through the hassle of spending all night decorating, only to have to take it down so soon afterwards.
I just don't care about Christmas this year. I'm so tired of the freaking out over presents and having to go to everyone's Christmas parties even though everyone there would rather be anywhere else. No one ever comes to our house, so why should I kill myself trying to make it looks festive?
At least it is almost over. Bah Humbug.
-Kristen
I've decided those Christmas decorations are just not getting put up this year.
The Christmas tree is out and mostly undecorated. It is a pre-lit fake tree and half of the lights on the top portion suddenly winked out. It felt a bit like putting lipstick on a pig to decorate the tree and then have the lights not working, though some friends sent us a beautiful bunny ornament- it is holding court in the middle of the tree, sparkling in it's singular glory.
The mantle remains unadorned- not stocking are going to be hung with care by the chimney this year and I don't even have a good place to put out the Nativity scene, so that probably won't happen either.
We have had so much going on and with it being approximately two weeks until Christmas, I just don't feel like going through the hassle of spending all night decorating, only to have to take it down so soon afterwards.
I just don't care about Christmas this year. I'm so tired of the freaking out over presents and having to go to everyone's Christmas parties even though everyone there would rather be anywhere else. No one ever comes to our house, so why should I kill myself trying to make it looks festive?
At least it is almost over. Bah Humbug.
-Kristen
Friday, December 7, 2012
Christmas Sales
I have to work the Day After Christmas this year.
I'm actually really sad, because I do so much after christmas shopping. We all know this is the BIG one- the time even folks who aren't frugal shoppers rush out to buy.
*sigh*
I normally stock up on Christmas bags, wrapping paper and cards (or, if I'm feeling daring, I wait until they go 75% off! It depends on how the stockpile looks) as well as Christmas packaged food and paper goods, paper plates, etc.
It's also a great time to get those "candy cane" rawhides for the dogs, since they also go half off.
Some folks do all their Christmas/Birthday/Mother's Day/etc shopping the day after Christmas. I have always been torn on that. I will ABSOLUTELY buy "little something" gifts and gifts for the Christmas parties we have to go to each year.
I kind of feel bad buying those baskets of soap that obviously come from Walmart at Christmas time and then giving them as gifts in June. We all know what the Walmart stuff looks like. We all know you bought the $15 basket for $7.50.
However- you let me find nice, non-obviously-Christmas-Clearance-gifts and I am all over that.
I also like to shop for any decorations or items I just have to have. This year I think we need a new Christmas tree, since half the lights have burned out and I'm tired of hotwiring it each year and wrapping the exposed wires in electrical tape. This is when we buy Tim his inflatables.
Last year I bought a mini doughnut maker. Just for fun.
So, while I won't be expecting the haul I usually bring away, I should still be able to score some good deals after I get off work. I'm just sad I won't get to enjoy a yearly tradition- but hey, at least I am employed!
-Kristen
I'm actually really sad, because I do so much after christmas shopping. We all know this is the BIG one- the time even folks who aren't frugal shoppers rush out to buy.
*sigh*
I normally stock up on Christmas bags, wrapping paper and cards (or, if I'm feeling daring, I wait until they go 75% off! It depends on how the stockpile looks) as well as Christmas packaged food and paper goods, paper plates, etc.
It's also a great time to get those "candy cane" rawhides for the dogs, since they also go half off.
Some folks do all their Christmas/Birthday/Mother's Day/etc shopping the day after Christmas. I have always been torn on that. I will ABSOLUTELY buy "little something" gifts and gifts for the Christmas parties we have to go to each year.
I kind of feel bad buying those baskets of soap that obviously come from Walmart at Christmas time and then giving them as gifts in June. We all know what the Walmart stuff looks like. We all know you bought the $15 basket for $7.50.
However- you let me find nice, non-obviously-Christmas-Clearance-gifts and I am all over that.
I also like to shop for any decorations or items I just have to have. This year I think we need a new Christmas tree, since half the lights have burned out and I'm tired of hotwiring it each year and wrapping the exposed wires in electrical tape. This is when we buy Tim his inflatables.
Last year I bought a mini doughnut maker. Just for fun.
So, while I won't be expecting the haul I usually bring away, I should still be able to score some good deals after I get off work. I'm just sad I won't get to enjoy a yearly tradition- but hey, at least I am employed!
-Kristen
Monday, November 26, 2012
Decorating for Christmas
It's after Thanksgiving now and a lot of folks are thinking about decorating for Christmas.
Shoot, scratch that- a lot of people have already decorated. I saw tons of houses that had all their outdoor decorations up before Thanksgiving Day.
I typically wait until December 1st to put up our tree and allow Tim to put his beloved inflatables in the front yard. It serves a two-fold purpose: 1.) We continue to use less power until all those lights end up getting plugged in and 2.) I can procrastinate.
Maybe I am crazy, I just prefer to wait until December gets here to start worrying about Christmas- the Most Stressful Time of the Year.
My goal this year is to curb any impulse to buy new decorations. Every year we end up with more and more crap to put out! Perhaps it is time to retire some of the old decorations anyway.
-Kristen
ETA: I came home from work, guess what was greeting me from the front yard? All three of Tim's inflatables. "Well it was warm, I thought it would be easier to get them up now." Bah humbug.
Shoot, scratch that- a lot of people have already decorated. I saw tons of houses that had all their outdoor decorations up before Thanksgiving Day.
I typically wait until December 1st to put up our tree and allow Tim to put his beloved inflatables in the front yard. It serves a two-fold purpose: 1.) We continue to use less power until all those lights end up getting plugged in and 2.) I can procrastinate.
Maybe I am crazy, I just prefer to wait until December gets here to start worrying about Christmas- the Most Stressful Time of the Year.
My goal this year is to curb any impulse to buy new decorations. Every year we end up with more and more crap to put out! Perhaps it is time to retire some of the old decorations anyway.
-Kristen
ETA: I came home from work, guess what was greeting me from the front yard? All three of Tim's inflatables. "Well it was warm, I thought it would be easier to get them up now." Bah humbug.
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