Frugal Wedding Tips

No matter how bad the economy gets, people will still have babies and get married. You don't have to spend thousands to have that wedding of your dreams. The first step is to figure out a realistic budget. You don't want to start out your new life still paying on your wedding years later. We saved a lot of money by doing many things ourselves. We had a buffet style lunch, which is actually very common in this area, and we were able to buy the items at a good discount through a food distributor. You can save money on alcohol by getting kegs of beer and boxed wine or skip it completely. I know some people have saved money by having a cash bar.

There are many great sites that have quality wedding invitations at a fraction of the cost. Many of these sites also have wedding favors like napkins and such. You can buy your dress on clearance or it might be cheaper to have it made. Of course this would be cheaper if you know someone that might offer a discount, and if you want a simpler design. We also saved money by skipping the limo since the hall was so close to the church. You can also save money by doing the bouquets yourself or someone you know. You might be surprised at how many people have a talent that can help you. Many people will offer a nice discount or do it for free as a wedding present. I got our wedding cake this way. My mom had a cousin that owned a small bakery, and we asked her to do my cake. She offered to do it for free as a present to us. All we had to pay for was the topper which cost us $25 at her cost. I also saved money by using a tuxedo shop that offered us a great special. If we rented 10 tuxes, then my husband got his free. That wasn't a problem since we had 8 groomsmen, and both the dads also wanted to rent a tuxedo. We did pick simpler tux but it still saved us $80. There are many great ways to save money and still have a wedding you will never forget.

TMR Frugal Living Tip #53

Today's thrifty tip is buy your wrapping paper and gift bags now for next year. It's not always easy to find solid colored items, but I do find a few which is great to use for birthdays and other occasions. I really like the gold and silver for wedding presents. I also buy my greeting cards for next year. Many stores are offering 50% and, if you wait until next week, then you can get 75-80% off. Of course they are picked over more and less good items to choose.

Apologies To My Readers & EC Droppers

I have to say I'm sorry for not dropping at EC as much the last couple of weeks. I also have to say I'm sorry to my readers for not writing as much. I've been so busy with the last several weeks getting ready for Christmas, doing a Tupperware event with my mom, and volunteering a lot more at my son's school. I have been neglecting my other blogs more and barely keeping up with this one. I need to learn to manage my time a little better than I am right now.

I'm hoping that I will be able to start substitute teaching at my son's school after the Christmas break is over. The pay is pretty good for a mom who hasn't worked outside the home in almost 9 years. I sold on Ebay for the last 8 years and made enough money to supplement our income nicely. To be honest I'm bored. I have done the SAHM thing long enough. I want to get back out in the world of people again and, while I love chatting with some of my online friends, it's just not the same. The school said I would be able to work pretty much 40 hours a week. The schedule is great since I go to work and leave at the same time as my son, no weekends, and I get the same vacation so this is perfect. If I decide that I like working at the school, then I am planning on taking the para test so I can become a teacher aide next August. I'm excited about this new opportunity, but I will keep up with my blogs. I still enjoy writing them, and I plan on waking up earlier so I can still have time to write and drop before school.

I also have some changes in store for next year. I really want to do more contests and giveaways on all of my blogs. I also want to do more product reviews. Some of the reviews won't be compensated, but just something I want to do. I'm also curious about some of these "As Seen on TV" products. These reviews will be completely honest and not biased in the least. I might even give a few of these away. Definitely come back next week on New Year's Eve. I won't give out details yet, but it will tie in with goals and changes for the New Year.

I hope everyone has a very safe and Merry Christmas!

This Old Floor

I love living in an older house. I always knew I wanted to live in one with original wood flooring when I bought my first house. Old houses have so much character and charm to them. I get a certain feeling when I walk into one like they are telling me a great story from the past. We are trying our best to preserve our house and not modernizing it. We are slowly making the house look as nice as it did when it was built. It just gives me a great sense of pride and accomplishment as I finish another project. Older homes aren't for everyone, but I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Aloe Vera for Acne?

I have used many different acne creams and face washes over the years. Using aloe vera is the best acne treatment to help keep my acne under control. I start with a good oil-free facial cleanser and then an oil-free moisturizer. I usually apply the aloe vera after washing and before the moisturizer. The aloe vera is helping to heal some of my old acne scars, and it's really great on existing pimples. I have a plant and just break off a small piece. The most important thing to remember when treating acne prone skin is to use oil-free products and cosmetics.

TMR Frugal Living Tip #52

Today's thrifty tip is make some handmade gifts this year for Christmas. Not only does it save money, but you can give a gift that is more personal and better suited to the recipient's taste. It's also nicer since it comes from your heart. The best part is it can be anything. If you have a great talent, then use it to make gifts. If you have a loved one that has small children, then make a coupon to babysit one night or day for them. It could be a gift basket filled with items that you know someone would really enjoy. You can also make gifts in a jar like mixes and just write the directions on a nice card attached to the jar. There are many different kinds you can make from hot chocolate to soups, and even candy mixes. You can also do this with bath salts or milk bath. I made this over the weekend with my mom to hand out small samples in our Tupperware containers. All we did was combine powedered milk with a box of Calgon or store brand powdered bath. Make sure it's not bubble bath and powdered form. Just combine the two in equal parts in a container. Just be creative and it's amazing what you could come up with when you do.

Weekend Getaway

My husband and I haven't had a vacation since our honeymoon. That was well over 10 years ago. We are planning our first family vacation next year to Walt Disney World. I thought it would be wonderful to have a nice weekend getaway, just the two of us, for our anniversary next year. I have never been to Las Vegas and would love to go one day soon. We aren't really into gambling, but there is so much to do and see on the strip. The best part is there is usually a great special combining air fare and las vegas suites to make the deal even sweeter.

Nostalgic Cleaning

I was helping my dad clean out his garage over the weekend. It's amazing the things this man still owns. We found boxes of old computer components, games, and even a couple of tape drives. He also had boxes of comic books from when he was a kid and baseball cards. I'm helping him to sell his treasures on ebay. It was a nice trip down memory lane. I even found a couple of my old items I had as a kid.

TMR Frugal Living Tip #51

Today's thrifty living tip is extend the life of your clothes with simple alterations. What I mean is cut long sleeve shirts into short sleeve or jeans and pants into shorts. Of course you would either need some basic sewing knowledge or know someone that could do this for you. My mom is an excellent seamstress and does sewing jobs for me. I do know how to sew but I don't have a machine, and I don't really enjoy sewing like she does.

I mainly do this for my son's clothes. This is really great for uniform pants so I don't have to buy shorts since the pants are usually too short for the next winter. They will still fit nicely in the waist so this is ideal. I know I save at least $20-30 by doing this plus I donate them so less in the landfills. My mom does an excellent job hemming and you can't tell they weren't bought this way. I also have done this with his winter pajamas and jeans. I have bought a couple of knit shirts that were on a great sale, but I really wanted short sleeve. I paid $3 each and I wear short sleeve more since weather is warmer more during the year. Wear your favorite item longer with a simple alteration.

Get Cozy this Winter

Even with the recent drop in gas prices, many things are still expensive like heat. I am very fortunate not to live in a cold climate. I don't have to use my heat as often as many others. If you are trying to keep your heating costs down, then lower that thermostat and get cozy by using an electric blanket to keep warm.

TMR Frugal Living Tip #50

I hit a milestone today readers. This is my 50th TMR tip of the day. I really enjoy writing these, and I do apologize for not actually posting one each day. I'm trying really hard not to repeat any of these. Now, without further commentary, on to the actual tip.

Today's TMR thrifty living tip is bring your own containers when you go out to eat for leftovers. My friend and I were discussing this the other day. She has a favorite Chinese restaurant, but they put her leftovers in a styrofoam container. We know this isn't good for the environment. So she now brings in a small food container, which can be anything, that she has in her purse. They could care less, and it's another small way to help with trash reduction in our landfills.

Do You Know a Sports Fanatic?

Then you should really think about buying them sports gifts for the holidays. My husband loves getting LSU Tigers shirts, hats, and even books. Last year I bought him a book about college football that he still keeps reading over and over. I always try to buy things that people have a passion for whether it's sports, cooking, games, or whatever. It's a gift they love and will use again and again.

Save Money by Fixing Leaks Yourself

Most people want to call a plumber the moment they notice their kitchen faucets are leaking. Sometimes it's an easy fix that could save you at least a hundred dollars or more. First turn off the main water valve, then put some rags inside the faucet neck. You don't want water spilling on you. Then you will see a nut that connects the faucet to the fixture, so unscrew it to take off the faucet. Then check to see if the washer is old. Replace it if it is and check to see if that stops the leak when you turn the water back on. If not then it could be either you need a whole new fixture or you need a plumber.

November 10 Top Droppers

I just wanted to post my top 10 Entrecard droppers for the month of November. First I would like to thank everyone that drops on my blog daily. I really appreciate it. I also try to drop on everyone daily. Thanks again to all my droppers. I'm showing a little link love. All the blogs below each dropped all 30 days in November. They show the last 31 days, and check out these great blogs!

Random Ramblings

Computer-Aid

Dungeons and Dragons Corner

Lofty Matters

Is 8 Enough?

More than Sew So

"Cents"able Momma

Symphony of Love

Darnuth Keep

Alteredevents

TMR Frugal Living Tip #49

Today's thrifty tip is to reuse and rewash food containers and plastic ziploc baggies. I'm sure you have read this tip before but it's such a great one. I never reuse anything that contained raw meat. I love those small plastic containers that deli meat comes in. My husband uses these to hold his bolts, screws, and nails. They are clear which makes it easier to see what is inside. They stack nicely. I also like to these for leftovers to give to other people. I never give out my Tupperware containers and use these instead. They make great containers to use for homemade goodies and treats.