Kelly Crawford

So it’s that time to think about Christmas gifts (isn’t this a dilemma–tradition balanced with budget balanced with true meaning of Christmas? )

And for some reason, our budget always feels a little tighter around this time.  And this year, the economy poses a heightened need for frugality.  But, my personality seems bound with the mantra:  “Necessity is the mother of invention”…and so I invent.

I thought it would be fun, since there are quite a few of you clever ladies here, to share ideas, inspiration and tips about all things saving money and/or preparing for Christmas.  My ideas are probably all old hat, but I’ll mention a few again for newer readers.

Ideas for saving money during the holidays (or any other time, for that matter):

• Turn the thermostat down just a notch or two, and wear an extra layer.
• Turn the hot water heater off at night, and use the hot water stored in the tank the next day.  Turn it on again, if needed, the next evening for dishes/baths.
• Cook a lot of soup.  ‘Tis the season!  *See below for one of our favorite, cheap soup recipes.
• Think unconventionally about gifts and wrapping.  Just because they bombard us with advertisements, doesn’t mean we have to buy everything.  I’ve mentioned that one year we didn’t buy any wrapping paper or bows.  It seems silly to spend money on an item that will be ripped off and discarded if I can come up with a cheaper alternative.  I think I’ll do it again this year.  We used brown paper grocery bags, old fabric/quilt pieces and ribbon, leaves, stamps, pine cones, etc.  Maps make nice wrapping for the right person or old wallpaper.
• Don’t overlook thrift stores and yard sales for great gift finds.
• Consider suggesting that family gatherings focus on fellowship and meal time instead of buying gifts.
• Draw names.

Homemade Gift Ideas:

• Candles: Make a log candle holder, or a teacup candle, or this cute Hershey can candle for your chocolate lover!
• Block puzzle: We did this one year.  A great way to recycle old greeting cards or calendars.
• Wood crafts:  Look around and use what’s there!  Kathy @ Teaching Good Things is ever creative.   She can turn anything into something wonderful.  They made these gift tags and family-name wall hanging with a saw, a magic marker and some ribbon.
• Chalkboard: Go wild with some chalk board paint; chalk boards as message boards are the in-thing.   Who wouldn’t love it?  Oh and speaking of chalkboard paint, applied to the wooden discs above, our crafty neighbors used them as place cards.

There are more ideas in Easy Homemade Gifts.

Maybe a post ahead on how to make a little extra money for spending!

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Black Bean Soup

I’m not much for measuring, so this soup is just based on your preferences and family size in determining amounts.  The ingredients are in no particular order, and you can substitute ingredients if needed:

Black beans, cooked and left in juice

Chicken broth or water with butter and spices

Cumin

Chili powder

Salt, pepper

Garlic, onions and celery, sauteed in olive oil or butter before adding to soup

Hint: Puree half of the beans for a hearty texture.  Serve with cheddar cheese and sour cream.  Yum!