Friday, December 12, 2008

Frugal Friday: The Holiday Version

This week I have lots to share so let's just jump in shall we?

Easy Inexpensive Last Minute Gifts:
Forced Bulbs


Remember this Frugal Friday? Well here are the Paperwhites in action...

(recycled glass container, recycled glass beads, felt bucket from
Target dollar section, bulbs -- total cost $3.19)

(recycled containers, recycled glass beads, bulbs -- total cost $2.19 a piece).
Notice the labradork in the background. I gave up cleaning my windows ages ago.

Another Easy Last Minute Gift:
Homemade Moisturizing Body Scrub


(Please note I ran out of sugar while making this photographic batch.
I recommend filling containers completely for gifting.)


Ingredients:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp olive oil (optional)

Mix well and place in pretty container. Recipe may be doubled or tripled as needed for container size. I found these lovely glass containers in the spice section of my local Whole Foods Market. They were three dollars a piece and can be re-used multiple times.

I used this scrub in the shower this morning and now my skin feels soft and supple. And the bonus? You can lick your lips while washing your face - mmm mmm! It sure beats chemical moisturizers!!!


Inexpensive Holiday Decorating:
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

In Oregon you can cut your own Christmas tree from the forest. Simply go to the Forest Service office and get a permit. Total cost $5.00. Be sure to follow all the rules and regulations that come with the permit - we definitely want to be environmentally and socially responsible, as well as, frugal. Searching for and cutting your own tree makes a wonderful holiday tradition. Check with your local forest service office for details.


(Mr. Peculiar procuring this year's tree)

Inexpensive Holiday Ornaments:

Back when we were students and had less than no money we had to make all our own tree decorations. We went out into the backyard and gathered up pine cones. Then we sprayed them with glitter paint and used a hot glue gun to attach a ribbon to the bottom of each cone. These ornaments have lasted 12+ years and are still one of the first items we put on our tree. It is a gentle reminder that the holidays are not about material possessions but about the spirit of the season.


And don't forget. You can also make origami ornaments that would look wonderful on any tree.

Inexpensive Gift-Wrapping:
Use What You Have


I can not take credit for this idea. Mr. Peculiar came up with this gift wrap all on his own: a pillowcase and a napkin ring. What could be easier?


++++++++

And now time for a little personal sharing. Remember this post? I pledged to participate in the Jingle Bell Run. Well, true to my word we did. Here is a photo of myself, middle daughter, the boy and some family friends just before the race.


My finish time? Well let's just say my running partners were six and eight-years-old.


And finally .... here's a sneak peak at some of the felted bags I've been working on.

Happy Frugal Friday all!

8 comments:

donna said...

Some great tips Shalet. I love your new bags too....when are they going to your etsy shop?

Abigail said...

You are one amazing woman! What a fantastic post! We make ornaments every year, and I couldn't think of anything for this year. And now I have an excellent peculiar-momma idea. Thanks, Shalet! xxoo

Anonymous said...

Lol, those were great! Love the bath scrub one.
a.

Anonymous said...

These are such great ideas. I'm going to try making the body scrub! I love the photo of your Labradork. Our windows have dog noseprints on them, too!

(The word verification on this comment is "pukedutp" Yuk!)

Memories Of Mine said...

Wow I love your crafts they are so beautiful.

Congratulations on the run and sometimes it doesn't matter where we place what is important is that we did what we set out to do. Good on you. :)

ELK said...

these are superb tips as well as the photos that go with them...go visit Shutter Sisters dear!

Anonymous said...

good stuff, shalet!

and congrats on winning the bracelet!

:)

earthmama said...

I want to comment on each and every suggestion! WOW!! Thank you for the wonderful tips!! I am loving your felted bags! great work! Really into the forced bulbs too!