Holidazzle

Between moving and beginning a new career I don't think I have stopped to take a breath! Naturally I am going into the holidays full blast and am trying to do my best to make it work on the Americorps punitive pay scale. I figured it out to $1.09 per hour, with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for one year. Considering we cannot legally take on any other work (yet people are allowed to attend school full time?!) in order to be considered fully dedicated to our position, this whole $1.09 an hour thing sucks.

However, nothing will diminish my Christmas cheer.

So for this entry, bear with me, I am attempting to introduce ideas for gift giving when all you have is practically lint in your pocketbook.

There are a ton of ways to save during the holidays- and not just by going out linebacker style on Black Friday. Websites specializing in half price items, special sales, etc. can save you tons of mulah. One of my favorites this season has been http://www.overstock.com/ . While not essentially a great web platform to search for items with, this site has serious deals to offer. Shipping and handling usually comes at a low price to free depending as well. I am truly in love with their home decor and jewelry departments. In fact, my brother and sister-in-law will be getting a very nice mod wood vase in which to decorate their home with!

If you are prone to anxiety when it comes to online shopping-hacker phobias or intense stress over the pitfall of the nation I like to call USPS, there are some great ideas out there for DIY gifts. In years past I have purchased clear wine glasses, some acrylic paint, and gone to town on making holiday or fun and flirty goblets.

Two years ago I believe I indulged family members with homemade truffles from an easy Kraft recipe involving cream cheese and dipping chocolates. I've also done homemade acrylic painted boxes lined with felt, personalized Christmas ornaments, and handcrafted jewelry (I'm not crafty at all-seriously). I honestly believe you can do a family of four for under $20 if you put in enough thought or time.

As always, just remember that as long as you put your heart into gift giving- no matter the price, taste, or (hopefully not) hideousness of a gift they will appreciate and recognize the effort put in.

Avoiding the call of Duty

Do you sometimes feel the need to wait until the last minute for a big decision or project? Sometimes in certain situations (naturally outside of the professional world but more in reference to taking jobs, decorating, packing, etc.) I find myself needing to wait until things are down to the wire. Why do I put myself under this stress? I've been thinking about this and realize I think about doing things, how they're going to get done, all the intricate details of what's needing to be done- and then when that is all fed up with and the deadline needs to be met it all works out perfectly.

For instance, this move to Texas!~ I have random things thrown in a room, know where things are, and have sort of packed up some clothes but not really. I leave this Monday at 8:30am for the long drive. Why am I sitting on my couch watching jeopardy? Well. I know where everything is, what needs to be done, and generally how I want to do it.

Is this just laziness or am I gifted? I think it depends on my ability to pull it off. Slightly worried- but who likes packing? No one.

Also I'd just like to add that when I went to take out some clothes to cut down on baggage I ended up with three more bags than I started with.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

Sticky Situation!

This past week I have fallen in love with easy decorating all over again. Whether it's for my new apartment or a kid's room to that theory of the perfect man pad also known as the "Garage Mahal" in my dad's case I'm just craving those stick on wall decals.

At target you can find a plethora of over priced wall decals including a chandelier shadow with mini crystals to stick to a wall for added spice. The problem is the price. Phrases to make rooms homey and filled with cherishing thoughts go for as much as $22.00! I found the chandelier on clearance for $15.00.

For those of you with the pocketbook quick cash to blow that's great. But after some research I've found that decals can come in many different price packages. At http://www.tradingphrases.com/?gclid=CK_OsMSP4qQCFQgKKgodIXNpKA you can find them as high as $200. These are giant stickers people!~

Definitely do your research instead of just plopping down and forking over money no matter what the design. http://www.roommatespeelandstick.com/ has a very large selection and while it still boasts some prices close to those at Target's clearance aisle, I feel like there are much better selections and complex images that are set to the same price range.

You can even get chalkboard decals and mirror peel and stick decals for affordable insta-decorating. While I may stray towards some nerdy designs myself there are all sorts of choices and options for any sort of decorating and design you are looking for.

Easy Elegance

I found a great tip while re-reading an old Halloween decorating magazine that can actually work in a quick situation for any added elegance. Any four to six (depending on table size) matching clean pillow cases will do. Preferably I would choose white or black cases.

Pick up some thicker ribbon coordinating with your decor, or in a contrasting color (making white and black for instance). Pin the ribbon around the pillow case just below halfway down the chair back.

These can definitely be updated in other crafty ways for different holidays, but I thought it was a great way to update a room from everyday to special occasion worthy in a matter of minutes and for a pretty cheap price.

We used to do something similar to this for recruitment in my sorority- but it involved about thirty girls ironing, folding, pinning, and one hot mess of work to make it as beautiful as it became. This can easily be stored, washed, and whipped out at the last minute if needed.

Microsoft Magic!

Sometimes my faith is restored in the pc and Microsoft's ability to win everything-even in the face of google and Mac awesomeness.

While reading the newest Women's Day magazine (a must have for any person wishing to make a house into a home in my opinion!) they introduced Microsoft WD to me. Previously I had only been seeing items like this working with the iPhone...and only in Cosmo.

Microsoft WD is an application which allows any web accessible smart phone (with a camera!) to access hidden information from advertisements, pictures, etc. In the most recent Women's Day they outlined how to find them (a little square with polka dots a little larger than a postage stamp and a big WD in the middle). I downloaded the app at http://gettag.mobi and once you have that you simply find the WD on pages or ads- access the app-take a picture- and it automatically uploads and sends you the mysterious hidden surprise!

So is it that easy? It is once you get the hang of how to actually take a picture the app will recognize. It took me about 5 times so don't give up! Other than that it is a very straightforward process. So far I have been registered to win a full laundry "solutions set" from Wisk (first prize) or a free bottle at least for one of five hundred second prizes.

I only had time to go through one before it was time to throw the laundry around. However! In one magazine alone there are about 15 other items to either enter to win on or to receive free stuff from. Exciting, no?

So check it out-and let me know what magazines you like to use this with!

Preparing for the Worst

As I am preparing to move to Austin, Texas, I am going through all of my belongings and trying desperately to figure out how to minimize to the point of one small saturn ion as transportation.

Luckily a gal pal of mine is deciding to move with me and we are sharing a two bedroom apartment. She's able to bring a car as well as a truck full of her things and furniture. So I do know that things could definitely be worse. She is able to bring some things that I would want to bring but do not have room for, extra furniture, etc.

However- one small car, one small little saturn ion- and someone who loves clothes, shoes, and kitchen appliances. I don't know how I am going to do it.

Fruity Fun Fact

Did you know that you should eat fruit on an empty stomach in the morning because it takes a long time to digest? Eating fruit later in the day or with other foods actually creates a toxic acidity increase and it is more likely to rot than be digested while still having quality nutrients.

You can read up on more nutritiously shocking facts in the book Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin.

Third Degree Glass Factory

I'm kind of bummed out about this next fact but while visiting St. Louis I found out about this amazing little place and didn't get to visit it. Third Degree Glass Factory has classes on glass blowing, kiln working, and more, its own gallery, and also holds events (some free) each month with bands, food, and fun for all ages. You can even bring in a bottle of your favorite drink and have them melt it down into a plate for 10$.

While I was down there they had a free event at night with a bluegrass band, bbq, and glass blowing artists for entertainment. Children and adults could make? or have made? a paperweight or give 10$ for a plate.

I really wish I had had the time to go to this event or at least check out the factory. You can sign up for classes or rent space to practice your art for a practical and reasonable fee. I wish I could find a place in Minnesota like this. I might have to put in the time to hunt down some glass artists and see if there is a factory or studio where I could begin learning the art.

Summer Savings

Growing up I remember piling into the van, jeep, and assortment of cars throughout the years with my family and heading to a good movie. If you are looking for something to do with friends, family, or a significant other an automatic idea (to me anyways) is to do just that. These days it's an easy 10.50$ in the Midwest just for one ticket and once you add popcorn or any other sort of treats- you're beyond most 'casual' date or outing pay range.

Keep in mind that summer nights are great to be out in and if you are looking for a pocket saving way to view some new flix search around for your local area Drive In! For instance in the Minneapolis area there are a few, the same goes for the St. Louis metro. It might be a bit of a drive out of the city or to another town but they are guaranteed to start at dusk and most play THREE films. More often than not you can get 3 films for the price of one-if not cheaper!

Some other perks to this great little outing are the ability to bring your own coolers, snacks, and all the fixings to get cozy with the people with you. The early films usually play kid friendly flicks while the later play a range from family friendly to adult only. Additionally you can pile up to save on gas, double date, or bring multiple cars for a more convenient hangout with a large group. Between the movies activities range from grilling to drinking to blaring music that someone brought on an old school boom box or tricked out car.

Take a blast from the past, get your money's worth, and enjoy a great summer night out on a budget with this great idea!

Plastic Bottle Plethera

The bounty of plastic bottles is outrageously high, especially when I am at home it seems. In the area I grew up in there is terrible water. If you go not much further out most of it is well based. While this is not an excuse and it is certainly not applicable to every area- many people use bottled water for their own justifiable reasons. Whether or not you or I agree doesn't matter. However, one thing is for certain- they need to stay out of our landfills. Here are some things I have found that can contribute to the cause:

Things to Do with a Plastic Bottle

1. Cut off the top, fill with potting soil and plants.
2. Using small water or pop bottles, fill one or two at most with gravel or rocks. Replace the cap on the bottle tightly. Place the bottles in the upper portion of your bathroom toilet to displace the water. You will not only recycle the plastic bottles but cut down on how much water is used each time your toilet is flushed! Do not use dirt or sand in case the bottle breaks open though-you will be cleaning it out for weeks!
3. Flashback to 7th grade and play spin the bottle
4. Place a small pop or water bottle in the freezer half full of water or juice. The next day, fill it with the same liquid and you have an ice cold drink for morning and afternoon. It also doubles as an ice pack for lunch boxes without taking up more space.
5. Keep recycling. Many items are now made from recycled water bottles! T-shirts, sleeping bags, and more are included in this list. Don't stop now!
6. If you work with kids there are some pretty cool science experiments and crafts that you can do with them or for them that include re-using plastic bottles such as oceans in a bottle with oil, water, and food coloring.
7. Modern artists have found ways to make a name for themselves by re-using plastic bottles, will you? Check out a chandelier made from bottle bottoms: http://www.treehugger.com/stuart-haygarth-recycled-bottle-drop2.jpg
8. If you have a dog there are these great toys that you can find almost anywhere that are fun shapes or animals that you cover a plastic bottle with. It makes it safe for your pet to play and chew on that crunchy noisy bottle. Recycle it when it's been decimated by your dog's chomping abilities.
9. If you need a funnel in a jiffy, cut the bottom off and remove the cap. Voila! Funnel in a flash!
10. Make a birdhouse by covering it with paint or fabric (try sanding the bottle first to get the paint to stick). Cut a hole high up on the side and hang in a tree.

Readers: Do you purchase bottled water?

E-Reader: The New Best Friend

I never got into the whole ipod thing. I've had a few, but frankly I'm not one of those people who obsesses over music lyrics and bands people have never heard of. If I hear something and I like it, I like it. I don't know if I will necessarily go download fourteen albums of theirs off itunes, but I will like the song.

If any of you are like me and have a higher passion for reading than anything else, we have been sorely left out of this whole personal passion technology phenomenon....until now. Many of you have seen advertisements or heard of friends who might have e-readers. I am here to tell you they are the best thing since sliced bread. My brother and sister-in-law bought me the Barnes&Noble e-reader, the Nook, for my graduation present. While the Nook might have some haters out there in the hardcore technology world I have found that I am obsessed with it.

Here are some things to share about my beloved Nook:

1. Larger than an ipod, smaller than an ipad
2. Not heavy at all
3. Definitely will fit in my purses, even my going out purse!
4. Wi-fi accessible
5. Can be reconfigured to accept non Barnes&Noble books if you really wanted to go through the hassle
6. Can store music, pictures, and more
7. Short charging period
8. Made to not hurt the eyes
9. Touchscreen navigation pad
10. Gives you access to cheaper versions of books due to cut costs in production (no paper, no extra publishing costs!)

I've heard great things about the Sony e-reader too. The only problem I have ran into (aside from being too lazy to set up the probably illegal reconfiguration of its downloading software) is that in order to even download the free items from the Barnes&Noble eBooks section, you have to have an account with a default credit card on file. I'm not entirely sure I wish to set this up, so user beware.

Cutting Corners

For every woman out there who has been to a nail salon- I KNOW how you feel about giving up that weekly to monthly pedicure or manicure. Something about nail technicians and their salons relax us. It probably has something to do with the ultra concentrated chemicals in the air or those luxuriously comfortable massage chairs. Either way, it feels great and you and I both know it.

For what economists are calling the "Great Recession," it is in the forefront of every one's minds to cut costs by eradicating our guilty pleasures.

Unfortunately, those no whip soy raspberry iced lattes, pedis and manis, waxing, and unlimited texting plans are what keep us women running. Unless the men or family members and friends in our lives want to see our worst sides I suggest keeping these things around! Guilty pleasures are our ways of de-stressing, relaxing, waking up, and socializing. So how do you keep these things around when it is time to pinch pennies?

First of all it's realistic that everyone has to CUT BACK. Cutting back does not mean giving up entirely though. Withdrawing ourselves from minute pleasures often leads to a spending splurge and pleasure binge which we regret later. What's worse-is that many of our female comrades are employed within these guilty pleasure industries. We hurt ourselves, our friends, and industries by withdrawing completely!

The Plan

To make the most of your money figure out the amount you need for all necessary expenses.

• Education Costs
• Food (groceries and 1-2 meals out per week)
• Housing
• Electricity, Gas, Garbage, Sewer, etc.
• Gasoline/Diesel fuel per week

Tally your expenses and subtract them from your monthly income. Out of the remaining money pledge to put aside 10% of what is left into savings. Whether it is 1$ or 1,000$ paying yourself first is KEY to having money in the future!

Next, figure out how much you spend currently on your guilty pleasures. Try and cut that in half to begin with, even if you have money to cover the expenses. We are trying to save here people!

Now that finances are figured out it is time to figure out exactly HOW we are going to make it without those delicious lattes and pedis. How do we stretch?! Do we need to stretch?!

Hair
Haircuts are meant to be planned about 6-8 weeks apart depending on how fast your hair grows and the type of cut you have. This is a pretty reasonable pleasure and it is far enough apart to plan ahead without stretching or skimping on. The same goes for hair color as well, and some people even prefer to wait 2 to 3 months on dyeing hair. Once again, this is very reasonable to plan for.

For haircare products, use professional brands. Professional brands contain higher concentrations of product which means you do not have to use as much each time. Many salons have sales so ask your stylist the next time you are in for an appointment. Depending on how many people in the household use the products they can usually last for several months. Conditioner does not need to be applied every day and there are leave in sprays which can be used on the days you don't use conditioner if your hair requires it.

Nails

Many stores carry the widest variety of supplies for at home manicures and pedicures. These supplies can last for many months if not a year or two. For a great mani/pedi you will need nail polish, clippers, and a file. For extra special pampering you can purchase your own cuticle oil, buffers, and exfoliators for cheap prices. Sephora and Walgreen's even carry shaving tools to rid your feet of rough, dead skin.

If you are into french nails I just purchased a nail pen set tonight that worked pretty well. It will definitely take some practice, but it still looks pretty good if you take your time. I purchased a Sally Hansen French Manicure Kit in Le Bon Bon at Walgreen's today. This is just one of many nail pen sets that allows for quick no fuss nail painting. I might try and find another option for the base color on behalf of it not being sheer enough for my personal taste- but it definitely does the job.

Coffee
There is no way around it. You are going to be hard pressed to find a way to make at home coffee taste like Starbucks. While there are some great coffee makers, presses, grinders, flavor syrups, and mugs out there-it just won't happen. Cut back and call it a day on this one. Suck it up with a crappier cup of joe on weekends and three work days per week. One thing I have done is use it as a reward for when I arrive early to where I'm supposed to be or take the bus instead of paying for parking that day. It helps keep this as a special treat rather than a raging "necessity" for functioning personality.

Graduation Season and Milestone Celebrations

Tis the season for grads everywhere to be having their parties, inviting family and friends to celebrate their accomplishments. Recently (as in yesterday) I held my own to celebrate my graduation from the University of Minnesota. Normally, a lot needs to go into the planning of these parties- cleaning extensively, ordering tables, preparing food, etc. This year we did things a little differently and it saved a lot on time which we would have otherwise spent cleaning and cooking.

This year we surprisingly didn't cook much at all. I say surprisingly because if you know my mother then you know that everyone would be begging and or forcing her to cook their favorite dishes for the party. Instead, we ended up with great food that everyone enjoyed actually being delivered! If you are from the St. Louis, MO area the name Imo's should be known in your household. If you aren't from around this area, let me sum up this great pizza place for you: BEST IN THE WORLD.

Aside from being the best, we happened to have a family friend who offered to do the cooking. Now even if you don't have a family friend who owns a great Italian pizza place we all know someone who would be willing to help cook for a celebration. Any sort of help really cuts down on the time you spend cooking yourself. This can free up space in your kitchen, potentially save on expenses, or can be a great way to get together with other family members before the party. In fact, while our main dishes were taken care of, my mother, sister-in-law, and grandmother came over to spend time together cutting up fruit and vegetables for trays while we all were able to spend time with my 8 weeks old baby niece. The biggest piece of advice here? Don't put the burden of your entire event on yourself and only yourself. This is a happy occasion, involve your closest friends and family or whomever is willing to help. There are tons of ways to share tasks and make it fun or at the very least make this event run smoothly.

For decorations many places have deals on regular baloons. I wouldn't waste money that could be spent on multiple types of decorations. Most often themed milestone celebrations are few and far between so even if you plan on throwing them again, they are cheap enough to not keep around. Additionally most of these themed decorations are one time use items that easily rip, break, or deteriorate in some other fashion. Stick to easy, cheap, and accessible decorations that will fit with any gender or level of celebration. Balloons, flowers, and table cloths are the easiest way to spruce up your event for a cost effective price.

To further add to the atmosphere create an audience friendly music list on your ipod, put on a mixed cd, or thrown on a radio station that plays greatest hits. Remember who is invited when creating any playlists and unless this is an adult friends only type of party these lyrics should not involve swear words! Try to avoid them if you can. If you are having children present head to your local dollar general or other such store and purchase some bubbles or playing cards. They will be more interested in how bored they are then what you just graduated from or how old you are turning. Remember happy kids equal happy parents, and the more time you want to spend with the parents the more ideas you might want to have for children.

For food at these milestone celebrations keep it SIMPLE. Have two items available for a main dish and multiple, easy side dishes. For our party we had italian sub-sandwhiches, red pasta, pasta salad, salad, fruit, veggies, dips, and chips. Guests were provided with their choice of lemonaid, sweet tea, or beer for the adults. If you are having more guests than your dining room table provides for never do a sit down dinner! Make sure the food is accessible, keep it replenished, and make sure it is the appropriate temperature.

Stock up on toilet paper, spend the money on a candle, spray, or other form of odor deleting substance, and put out fresh towels in the bathroom. Put on your party dress, and you are ready to celebrate!

Tips:
Expect guests an hour to two hours before the actual start time of the event. You will be prepared better, and more often than not someone you know will come over early!

Pick out your outfit, or at least narrow down the choices at least two days in advance. Do not paint your nails the day of the event they will always mess up.

If your event is squeezed into a jam packed schedule, begin at least three days ahead minimum. Clean at night and order/pick up decorations during lunch breaks, before work, or on your way home.

Always be prepared for weather to turn sour. If you are able, open house events allow people to come when they can and afford the host the ability to most likely be able to actually accomodate guests who are around when bad weather strikes, even in the tiniest of homes. If all guests are at the event at once this might not be possible. Not totally necessary, but you never know.

Send out the invitations four to two weeks ahead of time depending on how large the event is. Always include parking instructions.