Thrifty Thursday

1. Stockpile meat while on sale. Hot dogs aren’t too expensive, but hamburger, chicken, and ribs can be a little more pricey!  At our latest cookout, we had smoked chickens.  I had spent less than $.80/lb. for the whole chickens, and boy were they delicious.  They were all already in our freezer too!
2. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to help. Most of your friends and family won’t mind bringing a side dish or dessert.  Many people ask us if they can bring something anyway, so we just let them help!  This can also save on stress for the host or hostess too!
3. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun! Very few people are going to be worried about whether your paper napkins match your paper plates.  Don’t go overboard on the decorating.  Your friends are there to spend time with you, not to see how fancy your yard is.
4. Work out of your stockpile and use sale items to supplement. If you go to one store in one week and buy everything for a cook out, you are going to spend a ton.  Plan what you are serving according to some items you already have in your stockpile or what is on sale for the week.
5. Have a plan for leftovers. Unless you are better at planning than us, there will probably be leftovers.  Work them into your menu for the week or plan another small get together.  Don’t let those leftovers go to waste!

Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week? Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share? If so, please leave a comment or link up below!

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Ok.  I feel kind of funny writing this one, but with National Teacher Day coming up soon and the end of another school year rapidly approaching, I thought it would be a timely topic.

Gifts Teachers Need:

• Small gift cards to Office Supply Stores
• Office Supplies (like Post-its, pens, paper, etc.)
• Personalized Labels, Sticky Notes, or Cards
• Anything for their classroom (photos, posters, decor, etc.)

Gifts Teachers Want:

• Small gift cards to grocery stores or restaurants ($5 to Starbucks is great for a coffee lover!)  Really, you don’t have to spend much.
• Books or book gift cards
• Notes from parents or students (Seriously, a note means A LOT!)
• Small items relating to a hobby

What are your teacher gift ideas?

Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week? Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share? If so, please leave a comment or link up below!

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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is less than a month away, so it is time to start thinking about gifts for that special woman (men, start now and your wife and/or mother will think you are thoughtful…)!  Remember, this is Thrifty Thursday.  If you are looking splurge on your mama this year, this is not the list for you. 

• A card with a carefully written, thoughtful note.
• A framed photo collage. Buy your own frame (check the clearance items).
• A spa basket of her favorite pampering items (ideas from your stockpile of course).
• A night of free babysitting or just away from the house (make sure it happens).
• Flowers.  The planting kind, not the cut kind.  That way they last longer.
• Time.  Plan something that you both like to do!
• Small items for her hobby, not something she has to do, something she likes to do. (Cooking, quilting, scrap-booking, etc.)

What other thrifty ideas do you have?

Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week? Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share? If so, please leave a comment or link up below!

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Today I have a vlog for you… you will have to let me know if you like this little change on occasion!

Here is a link to a re-purposed chair planter. And another. One last post with 15 planter ideas!

What other great {thrifty} spring projects do you have?

Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week? Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share? If so, please leave a comment or link up below!

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Is this a “deal”?

When you first start your thrifty journey (especially with coupons), you are so excited that every deal seems like the best deal in the world!   (And if you are just starting and buying things you need, it probably is a deal!)

After some experience and thought, here is how I try to determine, “Is This a Deal?”

1. It is not a deal if you don’t have the money to buy it.  If you charge something and pay interest, you negate any savings you may have experienced.  Even if it is the best deal in the world, it is better to wait until you can really afford it.
2. It is not a deal if what your buying is not something your family can use ever, especially if it is not easily donated.  No matter how great the deal, I have learned to steer clear of many types of medications and perishable food items.  If it is not used by anyone, an item is not a deal.  (Plus I know that there are people out there who will use it, so I leave it for them!)
3. It is not a deal if you have sacrifice your conscience to buy it.  Using coupons dishonestly is not worth it.  If a deal makes the hair on your neck stand up, it is not really a deal.
4. It is not a deal online if you have to give out too much personal information.  Don’t ever give your Social Security number out online.  Also, make sure a deal you are buying online is a secure site if you are using your credit card.  It is not a deal if your personal information is stolen.
5. It is not a deal just because a blogger or coupon forum says it is.  Make sure when taking advantage of a deal that it is right for your family.  I have found deals on blogs that blew me away with how great they were, BUT I have seen deals that aren’t really deals as well.

How do you determine a deal?

Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week?  Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share? If so, please leave a comment or link up below!

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