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Archive for November, 2009|Monthly archive page

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The Budget Smart Girl’s Annual Gift Guide 2009 Part Two

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on November 27, 2009 at 7:32 pm

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Here is the second BSG holiday gift guide. There will be a third one next week and the following week will be the stocking stuffer gift guide. Some gift ideas will be included in the newsletter. Plus, as I’m still getting a dozen e-mails a day regarding bargain gift ideas, I’ll be putting them on Twitter. If you don’t follow me on Twitter yet, it’s www.twitter.com/budgetsmartgirl
Okay, here’s the second list.

For the Photographer…the person who prints a lot

I fit into both those categories and here’s something that caught my eye. The Epson Stylus NX415 delivers fast print speeds and flawless photos every time. Boasting a large 2.5-inch LCD screen, built-in memory card slots, and PictBridge™ compatibility, the easy-to-use all-in-one effortlessly prints stacks of borderless photos up to 8.5”x11”, without even turning on the computer. I checked prices on this one, the lowest I found was $69.95, but definitely check the Internet and your local electronics store.

Two Books of Interest
These caught my attention immediately.”The Frugal Foodie Cookbook,” a cookbook written by successful author, baker and busy mother, Lara Starr. She writes her cookbook with busy moms in mind and those interested in cooking on a budget. Best-selling author BJ Gallagher writes “It’s Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been”. This book is a great gift for those who are making a life change and need a hand to hold while doing it. Maybe a great gift for someone who lost a job in 2009 and thinking about what to do next!
Side note:both these authors will be visiting BSG site next year for an interview and to share more tips with us.
http://www.vivaeditions.com

Save Time…some your legs


Are people psychic or what? So many people send gift suggestions for items I need! I often head upstairs forgetting that I was supposed to bring the towels from the dryer or the can of tomatoes from the pantry. The other scenario, I’m carrying too much and have to make two trips. The One Trip Tote is my answer. Give this to any busy lady for Christmas and I’m sure she’ll love you www.onetriptote.com $37.95

Don’t Make a Budget


You know I would never tell you to do that, but Ken Robinson author of Don’t Make a Budget: Why it’s So Hard to Save Money and What to Do About it has some useful tips if you are struggling with your finances or can’t figure out what you’re doing wrong. Seems like a perfect addition to the Budget Smart Girl bookshelf. Ken will be chatting with me in the New Year and I’ll be sharing his tips and advice with you on the site. He’s agreed to give BSG readers a discount on the book, it normally costs $20.50 with shopping but he’s offering $15 for the book with free shipping. At the check-out you’ll need to enter BSG1 for free shipping and BSG2 to buy the book at $15. Ken said the offer is good until 12/31/09 and he can only offer free shipping in the continental www.dontmakeabudget.com

Avon Calling
When I was young, Avon just sold cosmetics, but now it’s sells…well just about everything. As I like value for money…and as getting something nice for yourself whilw you’re shopping for others is nice too, this one made it to the list.
Avon has a camcorder that is easy to use for just $79.00. It has Auto-focus lens, built in 128MB flash memory expandable up to 4GB (memory card not included), mass storage, built in microphone and LCD Display. There are 11 user friendly applications: 1. Camcorder 2. Digital Camera 3. Photo Album 4. MP3 music Playback 5. MP4 Video Playback 6. FM Radio 7. Games 8. Calendar 9. e-Book 10. Voice Recorder and 11. PB Web Camera. It’s only $79.00 with any $20.00 beauty purchase. www.avon.com
Side note: I’ll be featuring ways to earn more income in 2010 and chatting with an Avon representative who’s going to give us some insider tips and share her experiences of working with the company.

Chic Gems
Okay, here’s another jewelry gift and best of all they’re giving BSG readers a 25% discount. Enter the code BUDGET during checkout at www.ChicGemsEtc.com or by phone at 888.801.8265. This offer cannot be combined with other offers, has no cash value and can only be used online at Chic Gems or by phone. Offer expires 12/31/09.

Some Relaxation


Some of my favorite gifts are ones I can use well beyond the holidays, things like bubble baths and soaps. Check out the good stuff at this site…and while you shop the site, you can also listen to relaxing music! www.aftertherayne.com

Okay, that’s it for today. The third and final gift guide will be posted on the site next week. Now I’m off to sort through the holiday decorations.

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The Budget Smart Girl’s Annual Gift Guide 2009 Part One

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on November 25, 2009 at 7:13 pm

Not sure if it’s a sign of the times but this year I had a tough time narrowing down the best budget friendly gifts to make it to this list. I’ll admit, I just couldn’t limit it to the usual dozen This year there will be more than one guide. There will also be some mentioned in the BSG newsletter. There will also be a stuffing stocker guide. And as the gift ideas are still rolling in, I might put them on Twitter too.
So how did I pick this year’s lists? One they had to be under $100. Any company willing to offer you guys a discount were included. And third, as I like to promote entrepreneurship, many of these gifts were from companies that are just getting launched. In these tough times, let’s give them a hand if we can.
Okay, let’s getting rolling…

A Cook Book for Everyone

Taste of Home, #1 cooking magazine in the country has published The Taste of Home Cookbook, Cooks Who Care edition, filled with good food and good stories and packed with delicious budget-friendly recipes that use everyday ingredients, so you won’t break the bank to make a mouth-watering meal. The Taste of Home Cookbook not only has 1,300 plus recipes, but features 21 heart-warming stories of people helping others through food-related efforts. When you buy the cookbook you also get access to exclusive bonus web content of 349 additional recipes; 30 how-to videos demonstrating specific techniques or recipes; and community boards that allow visitors to share their own Cooks Who Care stories. I got to preview this cookbook, it’s beautiful and, well, I think it will become a favorite on my shelf. And did I mention that you also get a free year’s subscription to Taste of Home magazine too? Price $29.95. www.tasteofhome.com

The Eat Cleaner Ensemble

I love any gift that gives you more than one item for your money and this one fits the bill. The recipient even gets a year’s subscription to a magazine. The Eat Cleaner set includes-
•4 oz. all natural concentrate of Eat Cleaner — a revolutionary wash that rids foods of harmful pesticides, wax and bacteria — it’s odorless, colorless, tasteless and has the added benefit of keeping fruits and vegetable from browning
•Scrub brush for produce
•Bright Green salad spinner that doubles as a serving or storage bowl.
•One year subscription to Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food magazine
•This Wash and Dryer Kit is available at www.eatcleaner.com for only $22.00 and includes free shipping.

Something for The Teenage Girls

There’s something else teenage girls love…besides the Twilight books and movies and that’s beautiful skin. Check out the Good For You Girls® 100% Natural Skin Care for Tweens
Price range: $13.99 to $24.99.
They sell a kit $24.99 that contains everything a girl needs to start a healthy skin care routine including 100% natural Gel Cleanser, Refreshing Toner and Oil Free Moisturizer. Created with only the purest, natural and organic ingredients that are effective and safe for young skin, all Good For You Girls products are free from parabens, petrochemicals, sulfates, synthetics, phthalates, dyes and irritants. And they are vegan-approved and cruelty free. www.goodforyougirls.com

Don’t Keep Giving Money to the Coffee Shop


Okay, some people are going to hate me, but I’m always amazed how many people sit in line at the drive through at my local coffee store. Buy this next gift for someone, add a package of coffee and look how much money they can save in 2010. It’s a heated mug that you can take with you. Plug the heater mug’s power cord into a computer’s USB port or vehicle’s 12V DC power outlet and beverage stays warm indefinitely. http://cableorganizer.com/outlet/EFL-1421000.html $21.20

Goodies for the Holidays

No holiday would be complete without some sweet treats. These cookies called Chip’netzel and are made from pretzels and potato chips and covered in white or dark chocolate. The company sent me two boxes to sample. They’re delicious, not too sweet and yes, only a few are left! An extra hour on the treadmill for me this week. The cookies come in a signature tin or gift box for around $25 plus shipping and handling. Check them out at www.sarasnacker.com

GOGO

You’re heard of the BOGO now there’s the GOGO.
Just in time for the holidays, CVS and The Container Store are offering GOGOs (Give One, Get One) on their online gift cards. For instance, when you purchase $100 in eGift Cards at The Container Store, a $25 gift card is added to your cart. Use it for yourself or as another “free” gift for someone on your list. It’s a great way to check off some folks on your holiday shopping list and get a little something extra in return! And CVS is giving $5 back on every $25 card purchased – another great way to save this holiday season.

http://www.containerstore.com/giftcard/index.htm

https://cvs.cashstar.com/gift-card/buy/

It’s Free

You know I like to pass along info about anything you can get for free. If you have a college student on your list, here’s something to tell them about. It’s Scitable, a free online science resource for college students that is poised to replace textbooks as we know them. It’s simple, free, and fun – so give the gift of education, just sign up for your free membership to the site, log on and join the millions of other students/parents/knowledge-seekers out there searching for more than books can provide. Scitable is the place where education meets social media – students, educators, parents and scientists come together to ask questions, give answers and can research from over 30 different Nature journals, as well as newly-authored, peer-reviewed articles from members of its staff. www.nature.com/scitable

An Alternative To Credit Cards
Many people say they would buy more gifts online but hate using their credit card. If that’s you, try ebillme. www.Shop.eBillme.com It’s offered by over 800 online retails sites including Sears and K-Mart. Check out their Black Friday site where they’re featuring gift ideas and discounts when you pay with cash instead of credit. (That’s a great way to keep tracking of your spending and keep your budget on track too).
http://shop.ebillme.com/occasions/black-friday/deals

There are also coupon codes for some specific product discounts http://shop.ebillme.com/occasions/black-friday/coupons/

Holiday Entertaining

If there’s a party in your future this holiday season, you might want to use a Sterno’s buffet kit to keep the food warm while you enjoy the festivities. Sterno’s buffet kits are ideal for both indoor and outdoor entertaining. The kits include a newly designed folding rack for easy storage, standard size pans so the rack can be used over and over again, a water pan to keep food temperatures and textures uniform. Each kit also comes with Sterno’s patented gel fuel which is known as the high-quality, safe and reliable heating solution.
And here’s the good news, the company will give away full size kits to four lucky readers. The company can only ship them to an address in the US, so this is for US residents only. The first four people who leave a tip about ways to save money during the holidays…or you can e-mail them to me as well, wins one of these kits. Good luck everyone!
Sterno’s half-size buffet kit will be available at Wal-Mart stores beginning September 2009. The full-size kits will be sold at regional retailers. The suggested retail prices for these reusable and portable buffet kits are $15.99 to $19.99 (full-size) and $9.99 to $12.99 (half-size). www.sterno.com

For the Little One


I was sent a whole bunch of ideas for young children, but this one won me over. It’s under $20 and I hope you think it’s as cute as I do. www.leapfrog.com

My Pal Scout and My Pal Violet
Age 6 months+
$19.99

Jewelry That Won’t Break the Bank

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend but not when you have to mortgage your house to pay for them. Paula Huckabay is the designer/owner of http://www.pacificjewelrydesigns.com. Many of her necklaces and earrings are in the $20-25. She wanted me to tell you that each piece is jewelry is always gift boxed ready for gift giving and insured shipping is always free in the US.

Get Crafty

Have someone on the list who loves to knit, or maybe used to like to knit but they have arthritis or can’t find the time to knit with regular needles. Here’s something that’s perfect. The Knifty Knitter. The company sent me some samples and while I haven’t tried them yet, I can’t wait to get started on a project this weekend. They sent a few photos of projects you can make with their products. I’m thinking even if you don’t buy one for a friend or family member, get one for yourself, make some hats, scarves, whatever and sell them on sites like Etsy.
The Knifty Knitter line is available at a lot of different places, including Toys R Us, Amazon, Wal-Mart and others.
http://www.provocraft.com/products/index.products.php?cl=knifty%20knitter has some useful information, including the different looms as well as some projects. Under $20

For the Photographer

I’m guessing you have at least one budding photographer on your list this year. Here’s a product called LightScoop. which is for anyone who has a dSLR camera – Canon or Nikon – and wants a lightweight, convenient, inexpensive gadget that easily creates pro-quality for indoor photos…yes, no more red eyes! It costs just $35 and more information can be found at www.lightscoop.com

Bags for Everyone

Don’t know about you, but sometimes I go through a bag or two a year. I was happy to hear about this company, Ecogear www.ecogear-products.com that sell eco friendly bags of all kinds at prices that won’t break the bank. Ecogear bags are made from special materials including Ecoweave (Ecogear’s patented PVC-free, harm-free coating), sustainable components, such as natural canvas, and toxic-free dyes.
They retail from $29-49.

Help Our Four Legged Friends
You know I love helping charities, here’s a press release I received and promised that I’d pass it along to you-
In addition to the festive gift ideas for the holidays, there is another way to get into the spirit of giving this season.
On Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season, shoppers can help needy pets by shopping online with major retailers including Macy’s, Amazon, Zales, Walmart and iTunes. Consumers can log on to these retail sites through www.BringPetsHome.org and a portion of the purchase (amount varies by retailer) is automatically donated to shelters nationally or locally, at no additional cost to the shopper.
Additionally, one shopper will be selected and have $5,000 donated to the shelter of their choice and s/he will also win a $5,000 online shopping spree, courtesy of Intervet Schering Plough Animal Health.
For more information visit http://www.bringpetshome.org/shop/shop.aspx.

That’s probably enough ideas for this first guide. I’ll try and post the second one on Friday. There’s more good stuff to tell you about and some discounts too. Take care and Happy Thanksgiving

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The Blog-Good Buys at Trader Joes and Michaels

In The Blog on November 23, 2009 at 3:55 pm

This really is the best time of the year to be a Budget Smart Girl. Maybe you saw my posting on Twitter last week. I stopped by Michaels craft store while I was waiting to get the oil changed in my car and discovered great stocking stuffer gifts for just $1. Here’s a photo of the some of the calendars I bought. At the check-out I also got a coupon for 40% off any item in the store.

And yesterday I was near a Trader Joe’s. You know I can’t resist heading into their stores. Lots of good stuff and prices I like. In fact, I think they offer better deals than my local co-op these days. Only wish they had one closer to my home! Sometimes it’s just fun to browse the shelves and freezers to see what’s new. On this trip I found these frozen cubes of herbs.

I bought one basil and one cilantro. I think they also had chopped garlic too. These are ideal for the winter to keep in the freezer. No cleaning and chopping herbs and no waste. I’m wondering if you can reuse the containers in the summer when herbs are plentiful to make your own winter supply.
I also found great deals on green beans…two pound bag just $1.99. Natural shampoo, no sulfates which I’m told strips the color from your hair for just $2.99. And I can’t start my day without a nice cup of tea. I found these English Breakfast teabags for just $1.99.

This week on Budget Smart Girl, the first of this year’s Budget Smart Girl Holiday Gift Guide. I say the first because this year I had an enormous response when I put a call out for gift suggestions. Over 350 people responded and I can tell you it was tough picking the best. So tough, it might be three gift guides with year, along with the stocking stuffer guide. Nothing is over $100, in fact, if I recall the most expensive item is $80. Some companies are offering special discounts, one is going to award four lucky winners a…well, I won’t give it away just yet. Some gifts will help you be more budget minded and the guide has everything from food to jewelry.

What’s on my wish list this year? A new digital camera with interchangeable lenses so I can pursue more of my hobby of photography in 2010. And an Aero grow garden so I can save money by growing food indoors year round.

Have a good week and Happy Thanksgiving.

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Holiday Entertaining on a Budget

In Budget Smart Cook on November 19, 2009 at 7:51 pm

Who isn’t watching their money these days? I’ve overheard people saying they’re buying gifts and that’s it, no holiday entertaining this year. But that’s not what being a Budget Smart Girl is about. It’s living the good life, yes, even throwing a party while not breaking the bank. Whether you’ve been asked to take an appetizer or side dish to someone else’s party or feel like throwing one of your own, you can serve guests foods that are pleasing to the eye and stomach and still stay within your budget.
Here are some of my ideas-

Cheeses and Meats

Not just a cheese and cracker platter, although it doesn’t take long to create one, but this is something that my mother used to put together for my birthday parties when I was a child. I’m not sure if she came up with the idea herself, but I’ll let her take the credit anyway. Mom would buy a couple of large baguettes to use as the centerpiece for the table. She’d then buy packages of cocktail sausages, put them on cocktail sticks and put them into the baguette. Another thing she used to do was put cheese and fruit together on the sticks. I like to put pineapple chunks with a reddish orange cheese and mandarin orange segments with varieties like Swiss cheese. (Cans of both pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges are on sale now) The best thing about using a loaf of bread as the centerpiece is nothing goes to waste. During the meal you can break it up and eat it with the cheese or even dip. And it doesn’t take much effort to slice it, toast it and serve it with things like meat and salsas.

If you’re serving turkey and ham, take a note from most caterers and roll the meat up and then serve it on platters. One trick that does make deli cuts go further is to layer the meat with a mixture of cream cheese and herb like dill. Spread it on top of the meat, top this with another slice and continue until you’ve got a stack and then cut them into bite size wedges.

And speaking of meats, how about serving mini-burgers. They seem to be very popular appetizers in restaurants these days. Mini hamburgers, turkey burgers and even things like black bean burgers.

And I know cheese balls seem to be out of vogue right now, but they really are a great budget stretcher when you’re entertaining a crowd. How about disguising it? Roll the mixture into a log shape and cut it into medallion style pieces and place each one on a cracker or piece of toasted bread ready for your guests to sample.

Pastry
Whether it’s filo, puff or short crust, pastry is a bargain buy. Short crust pastry can be turned into mini quiches, puff pastry can be made into cheese straws, and filo can be used for sweet and savory fillings things like tuna salad, chopped chicken, cheese and spinach.

Yes, Cream Cheese Comes to the Rescue Again
Remember the edible gift article I wrote the other week? About how you can turn cream cheese into a gourmet treat? Here’s another idea I came with. I bought a package of Starkist Salmon Creations. When I opened it, I thought it would make a great appetizer if it was combined with cream cheese. And I was right.

Here you can see I piped it onto cucumber slices. Salmon and cucumber make a great combination. And if you use low fat cream cheese, it’s an appetizer, even those watching their weight can enjoy at your party. Total cost, well, here’s where using coupons on double coupon day pays off. The salmon was $1.85, I had a coupon for 50 cents so that was just 85 cents for the salmon. I had a $1 coupon for the cream cheese, no they didn’t owe me a dollar but the cream cheese ended up being free. The cucumber was 69 cents. So for $1.54 you have an appetizer.

Desserts
Desserts are probably the cheapest thing to serve guests, well, at least this time of the year. Who says they have to be cakes and dishes you’ve cooked all afternoon. The stores have sales on top of the line chocolates. So how about a chocolate and fruit platter. Cakes and cookies are also on sale. I’ve sometimes bought brownies and cheesecakes and used holiday themed cookie cutters on them. One year I had brownies in the shape of Christmas trees, topped with cherries and whipped cream. And for the cheesecake I’ve used round cookie cutters and drizzled melted dark chocolate each mini cheesecake.

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Free Stuff and Other Goodies I’ve Found on the Web

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on November 19, 2009 at 7:41 pm

Sometimes people send me links to these sites, sometimes I find them myself, either way, these might help you save or make some money.

Free Cookbook
If you like cooking and reading, you’ll love this. Desert Breeze Publishing is giving a free e-book cookbook you can download from their site. I’ve already downloaded my copy and can’t wait to try some of the recipes. An added plus, you get to read some sample chapters from their books. Visit www.desertbreezepublishing.com

Another Free Book
This one is courtesy of The Couponizer. It shows you how to save money using coupons and other good stuff. I downloaded mine and it looks like it’s through a site called Eversave who also offer coupons and news via their newsletters. www.thecouponizer.com/latest_news.php

Get Rid of Unwanted Holiday Items
I’m only kidding. I’m sure every gift this year is going to be a keeper. But you can make some extra money on eBay. Did you know every 30 days you can list five items for free? www.ebay.com

Campbells for the Holidays
Campbells Web site just had a makeover and you’ll want to head there. www.campbellkitchen.com Click on ‘savings center’ and you’ll find $15 worth of coupons for just about everything you need for the holiday meals.

Make It Easy on Yourself
And speaking of soups. The other day I was making a pot pie. I usually make my own white sauce or gravy but was pushed for time and headed to the pantry. I used a can of cream of chicken soup with about half a can of milk. Tasted great, was low cost and saved me time and one less saucepan to wash.

Don’t Buy It, Rent It
I found this site www.crowdrent.com seems you can rent just about anything and also rent to other people. As usual use caution, check the small print etc. Not getting something valuable returned or broken isn’t budget smart.

Make Me an Offer
Seems like there are lots of these sites popping up now. http://www.offers.com This one has news and deals about everything from travel to infomercial products.

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The Blog-Get There Early for the Deals

In The Blog on November 16, 2009 at 7:45 pm

Seems like we’re all looking for great deals these days. My local DIY store started selling things like foods, body lotions, DVDs a few years ago. In fact, it’s one of the best places to get deals…and holiday gifts. This week they were advertising St. Ives body lotion for $3.49 with a mail in rebate of $3. I use that brand and for a final price of just 49 cents, what a deal. The sale started Sunday, I headed in there today (Monday) and the shelves were empty. A clerk told me they sold out within the first hour but will be having another shipment in today or tomorrow. I asked for a raincheck and realized I hadn’t needed one those in many years because they’re now called ‘sorry slips’. Another sign of the times!

While I was running errands I decided to do some holiday shopping. The stores were empty but the sales were everywhere. I wonder just how low prices will go on Black Friday. This is my favorite time of the year to stock the freezer. I’ve been combining sales at the supermarkets with coupons I’ve been finding at various sites…and shopping on double coupon day. Last week I saved $24 and the freezer is filling up.

And I’d like give another mention to Fantastic Sams. Remember the great haircut I got there for just $9.99? Last week I had my hair highlighted there for $64.99. I have two colors put in my hair and every place else charges me an extra $15 for the second color and it’s rare that I pay under $100 for highlights. I not only saved some money but once again my hair looks great.

This week on Budget Smart Girl…I go looking for some deals and free stuff on the Web. And some ideas for budget friendly entertaining.

Have a good week.

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Saving Money with Edible Gifts

In Budget Smart Cook on November 12, 2009 at 6:10 pm

The holiday season is a time of entertaining, shopping and gift giving…and trying to keep your budget under control. Sometimes the best gifts are the homemade ones that someone knows you’ve put time and effort into making just for them.

If you’re short on cash this year, how about giving an edible gift to the hairdresser, the newspaper delivery guy, or the mailman? They also make ideal gifts to keep in the freezer or the pantry for those moments… and I know we’ve all had them, when someone out of the blue knocks on your door and gives you a gift. They’re also ideal take home gifts for dinner guests.

So what kind of foods can you make other than the dreaded fruitcake? Here are my top picks.

Cookies, Brownie and Loaves
You can rely on your own favorite recipe or try something new. You also have the option of making up the dough and not baking it so the recipient can use it when they’re looking for a quick snack, or you can make up a batch and tie them together with red or green raffia.
Loaves are another idea to try. Once again you can opt to bake them yourself, or put them in foil pans and give as is. One of my favorite ways to present this type of gift is to bake about four varieties, slice them and give each person about two or three slices of each variety. That way everyone’s sure to get something they really like. Some of my favorites for the holidays are chocolate chip/pumpkin and a ginger, pear and chocolate combination.
There’s one more option when it comes to things like cookies and brownies and that’s to layer all the dry ingredients in a decorate jar. Put the instructions for baking on the outside and let the recipient add their own ingredients like eggs, milk, etc. Another idea, and this one is going to cost a bit more, is to take a muffin mix, put it in a red or green bag and then attach it to a muffin pan.

Sweet Treats
If you’ve ever stopped by a gourmet chocolate shop you’ll know just how much they charge for things like truffles and they’re one of these easiest and usually most inexpensive treats to make. Most of the chocolate companies have recipes on their Web sites, companies like Hershey’s and Nestle. You’d be surprised just how close to the real thing these recipes can be and for pennies less. I usually put mine in a box that I’ve found sitting around the house. I wrap them in tissue paper, place them in the box and they look exactly like the ones at the store.

Soups
With all the various beans and dried vegetables and spices you can get these days, you can easily make a dried version of just about any type of soup. One of my favorites is dried cheese filled tortellini with split peas and dried red peppers. Try visiting a local co-op in your area and stop by their bulk food section. You’ll find just about everything you need for these types of recipes and at bargain prices. Just like the cookie mixes you can layer the ingredients in a jar. I use Mason jars for soups and write the instructions on a tag and tie it around the neck of the jar.

Casseroles
Okay, this one might sound a little strange to give as a holiday gift, but it’s a really thoughtful gesture for maybe a neighbor who’s a senior and all alone for the holidays, or maybe a family who’s having a hard time making ends meet.

And don’t just think about making gifts to give away. Keep some in reserve for yourself and use them all year round. Whether it’s frozen cookie dough or brownies, or a whole shelf of dried soup mixes, stores have bargain prices on lots of baking supplies this time of the year, so what better time to stock up.

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Holiday Gifts for the Budget Savvy

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on November 12, 2009 at 6:03 pm

I’m not sure if it’s all the catalogs landing in the mailbox or the ads on TV, but I decided to get a head start on buying this year’s gifts. One way to stretch you holiday budget is to make a few homemade gifts. Whether it’s food items or just something that costs around $5, here are some things that have worked for me.

Breads and Cakes
Instead of wrapping them in foil or cling wrap, buy an inexpensive tea towel, wrap it around the bread and tie the ends into a bow.

Gift Certificates
Not ones you buy, but the kind you put together yourself. You can make them on the computer, or even get your children to create some. Try giving an invitation to afternoon tea at your house complete with tea sandwiches, scones etc. Breakfast in Bed…always a nice gift for your spouse. Get out of Making Dinner card for someone who’s been under the weather. It also makes a nice gift for someone who’s taking care of someone who’s ill.

Mittens, Mugs and Cocoa
I was thinking about this while I was raking leaves and how welcoming it is to come inside and wrap your hands around a mug of hot cocoa. Give a cocoa mix along with a pair of mittens, you can also opt for dry soup mixes, or go with mittens, mix and a mug. Another idea is to put some cocoa mixes inside the mittens.

A Good Book
One of my favorite ways to pass a lazy Saturday afternoon during the winter is to curl up with a good book and something warm like a mug of tea. If you’re going to give someone a gift card from a bookstore, or just a book, why not include a box of tea, or even coffee.

Cookies
Everyone loves sampling holiday cookies, but try to think of novel ways to pack them. Maybe an old lunchbox, a Chinese restaurant takeaway box or if you have a lot of cookies to give to one family, a pizza box… just make sure it’s free of pizza sauce!

Indoor Garden
A year ago I won a set of candles that were stored in a really attractive canister. I kept thinking about what I could do with it and where I could display it. When summer rolled around I had my answer. I made holes in the bottom, filled it with soil and planted four different herbs in it. It sat on the patio table all summer long, supplying me with herbs for lots of meals. It might be a bit early for herb gardening, but look around for a decorative container or can. Buy a small bag of potting soil and put it inside, along with packets of various herb seeds ready for spring planting.

PB and J
How about the gift of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Not the actual sandwich, but a jar of peanut butter, jam, and a bread mix. Most companies are now making organic or natural PB and at budget friendly prices. If you’re a PB fan like I am check out this site for some ideas and for less than $7 you can buy a jar of gourmet PB. www.pbloco.com.

Car Emergency Box
This is something I’ve been thinking about putting together for my own car. Buy a file box or maybe you have one sitting around the house. Add a flashlight, some first aid supplies, maybe even a blanket, some energy bars etc.

Cream Cheese and Bagels

kitchen gifts for blog 003

kitchen gifts for blog 005

Here’s a cream cheese mix I made last week. It was so delicious I’ve not only been eating it on toast for lunch, I’m thinking it will make a great gift too. It’s simple to make and all you need is 8 ounces of cream cheese, about ½ cup of sun dried tomatoes that you’ve soaked in hot water. (I buy mine in the bulk bin section at the supermarket) and about 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning mix. I used the Mediterranean Grinder Rub mix from The Spice Hunter www.spicehunter.com. Just put everything in a food processer and blend.
Other mixes I’m going to try are roasted red peppers and chopped garlic. Salmon and dill. And I also thought about a spicy mix using chili powder and cumin. Put the mix in a container, buy a package of bagels or a gift certificate to a bagel store and it’s an inexpensive but tasty gift.

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The Blog-Holiday Deals and More

In The Blog on November 9, 2009 at 8:05 pm

The other day I was looking at the coupons sitting on my kitchen table and not to mention all the $5 or $10 gift cards the stores are sending through the mail and thought now’s a great time to be a Budget Smart Girl. Seems everyone wants our holiday money and they’re willing to give us bigger incentives than ever before to get us into the stores. Last week one of the local supermarkets had a dollar sale. I stocked up on packages of fish, shrimp…okay the packages weren’t huge but combined they make a great meal. I also stocked the freezer with $1 loaves of bread, $2 blocks of cheese and Pillsbury pie crusts. I’m buying more this week because the packages had $1 coupons on them. This week they’re 2 for $5. Wednesday is double coupon day which means I’ll get two packages (four pie crusts) for $3. At less than a dollar a piece, if I factor in my time and ingredients, I’m not sure I can beat that price.

You know how much I love the Internet for finding the best deals. A few weeks ago I went searching for some essential oils to use in my homemade cleaning products. I found a company called Vitacost www.vitacost.com. They had some of the best prices, the service was fast and best of all I’ve found a wonderful source for healthy snacks. With my order they included a flyer for items like dried organic fruits, nuts, trail mix, all at unbelievable prices. For example, trail mix 12 ounces, regularly $11.50, their price $5.75. With the holidays around the corner I’m always buying fruits and nuts for cooking so I know where I’ll be shopping this year. They offer a free catalog so it’s worth checking out.

This week on Budget Smart Girl…it’s time to start thinking about holiday gifts and while the annual Budget Smart Girl’s Holiday Gift Guide is still a few weeks away, this week I’m focusing on ways to save more money by making homemade gifts.

And this week is your last opportunity to leave a money saving tip in the comment section or if you prefer e-mail the tip to me and it will be featured in the November Budget Smart Girl newsletter. Best tip wins the cereal giveaway.

Have a good week.

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How to Have a Fuss Free Thanksgiving

In Budget Smart Cook on November 5, 2009 at 8:02 pm

Whether it’s your first time making the Thanksgiving meal or your 21st, the big day can be tough on your nerves and your budget. I’ve found the key to any successful holiday meal is lots of preplanning.

The first step is to think about what you want to serve. Are you going to stick with traditional recipes everyone enjoys or try something new? One word of caution here, and I speak from past experience, if you’re opting for the something new, give it a test run a couple of days before the big day. There’s nothing worse than having a major cooking disaster when you’re in the middle of putting together a big meal. Or even worse, finding out it tastes awful and you’re stuck with leftovers not even the dog will try to steal from the plates.

Plan Now
I usually plan out the menu and start to make my grocery list a couple of weeks before the day. It not only gives me plenty of time for last minute changes, but I can keep my eye on the supermarket flyers for sales on items I’m looking for.

Sales are Everywhere
And speaking of sales, this time of the year is ideal for finding bargains. All supermarkets discount certain items to encourage us to spend our holiday dollars at their store. The other great thing is you can buy lots of non-perishable items at bargain prices and store them in the pantry or freezer for use in the New Year.

My favorite buys during the holidays are cans of mandarin oranges, pineapple, pumpkin and mushroom soup. I’ll even buy a couple extra bags of flour, nuts and cranberries and freeze them. I also stock up on packages of stuffing, which I make up, divide it into up into several containers and freeze. And if you’re not already tired of turkey, this is a great time to stock up. You can even ask the meat department to ground some up for meatloaves and meatballs.

Do the Work The Day Before
I’ve found what works for me is to prepare as much as I can ahead of the day. I always add onions and celery to the stuffing. I’ll sauté these the day before, pop the mix in the fridge and add it to the stuffing the next day. I also clean and prepare vegetables like carrots and green beans the day before.

Don’t Forget Dessert
Desserts are always something I make ahead of time too. I never want to tie up valuable oven space. I normally make a couple of desserts a few days before the holiday meal and select something that can be just reheated in the microwave or even the oven while we eat our main meal.

A Way to Save Money
Preplanning also saves you money. Most retailers know we’re pushed for time at this time of the year and stores are brimming with convenience foods like prewashed and cut vegetables and fruits. If you don’t have to make a mad dash to the store a couple of hours before they close, you can avoid the added temptation and cost.

The Perfect Turkey
And one thing that panics most people is cooking the turkey. Over the years I’ve found two things that really help make the turkey taste great. One is I never put the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey, instead I opt for chopped onions, celery and carrots. The vegetables steam while the turkey cooks which gives the turkey a more intense flavor. Another tip is to keep the turkey moist at all times, nothing spoils the meal more than dried out turkey. I usually add a couple of cans of chicken stock to the roasting pan as soon as the turkey starts cooking and continue to add a can or two throughout the cooking process.

And don’t worry about leftovers; my philosophy is it’s not a holiday meal without lots of leftovers. One thing I love about the time between Christmas and New Year is the leftovers; not only do I get to eat some of my favorite foods every day but I also get to take a mini-break from the kitchen.

Thanksgiving Web Sites
Here are some sites I bookmark and visit during the holidays-

www.whatscookingamerica.net/
www.rd.com/openContentCategory.do?contentCategoryId=284
www.butterball.com/en/index.jsp

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