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Frugal Gift Idea -- Homemade Bath Salts

There is nothing more relaxing than a nice warm bath with scented bath salts, and I thought bath salts would make a great holiday gift.  That is, until I saw how much they cost.  Have you seen the outrageous prices of bath salts recently??  

This prompted me to come up with a homemade version for gift giving.  This is a great gift and very frugal.  You could add a bath sponge to make a nice gift set.  

Here is the recipe for Homemade Lavender Bath Salts:

1 cup Epsom Salts

1 cup dead sea salt

1 drop red food coloring

1 drop blue food coloring

1 drop lavender essential oil

1 tsp. dried lavender (optional)

Mix in a large bowl for at least 2 minutes or until ingredients are very well blended.  Using a funnel, pour into bottles or jars.  You can decorate your jar with labels, gift tags, or ribbon.  

Online Shopping -- Getting a Good Deal

If you are looking for some great websites to help you save money while shopping online, MSN's Money Central has an article with 8 top sites for online shopping that can be very helpful.  

I like to combine orders with Amazon and get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.  If you use Coinstar and convert $40 worth of change into an Amazon gift card, you can get an extra $10 gift card for free!  Offer is good now until December 7th.  Details can be found here.

Also, Restaurant.com has great discounts on gift certificates for various restaurants, and if you order through uPromise, you will get an added percentage towards college savings.  Use promotional code THANKS to get 70% off.  Offer is good until tomorrow.

More on Thanksgiving Leftovers

Getting tired of turkey yet?  Give your leftovers some fresh appeal with these great recipes:

1. Paula's Home Cooking -- Includes recipes for Pumpkin Bars and Turkey Pot Pie.
2. Leftover Cranberry Sauce -- Mix with Cream Cheese for a great bagel spread.
3. CD Kitchen -- Easy recipes for leftover turkey.
4. Turkey Casserole Recipe -- Uses leftover turkey and stuffing.
5. Leftover Sweet Potato Cake -- Use up those leftover sweet potatoes and make a delicious dessert.
6. Sweet Potato Biscuits -- Another creative way to use up those leftover sweet potatoes.

Hope everyone had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!  If you have a great leftover recipe to share, leave a comment and tell us about it.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Don't forget to get your entry in for our coupon giveaway, and be sure to check out my recipe for Turkey Chili to use up those leftovers.

Have a great Thanksgiving money-saving tip to share?  Leave a comment and tell us about it.  You will automatically be entered for the coupon giveaway too!

Frugal Fall Craft -- Autumn Tree

Here is a frugal fall craft I did with Emily (4).  You will need construction paper in fall colors, a sheet of cardstock (for the background), and some glue.  For younger children, pre-cut the tree trunk and leaves for them.  The older kids can do this by themselves.  Put down lots of glue, and let your child arrange the leaves on the tree.  Emily also wants me to add that there are leaves on the ground as well, so your child can add some to the ground if they wish.  She enjoyed this fall craft very much!

Make sure you don't miss any great money-saving tips, and become a follower of this blog by clicking here!

Coupon Giveaway

I am doing my very first giveaway this week!  I am a huge fan of coupons because the savings really do add up.  Last month I saved a couple hundred dollars using coupons. 

For this drawing, I thought it would be appropriate to give away 50 free coupons (many are for organic items)!  The coupons are already clipped for you and ready to take to the grocery store to help save your hard-earned money.

To enter this giveaway:

1. Become a follower of this blog.  Do this by clicking here.  Becoming a follower will put you in for three entries.  Those of you who are already followers will automatically be entered three times as well.
2. Leave a comment on the Frugal Family Fun Blog, and tell me about some of your family's favorite frugal activities, or what it is you love the most about this blog.  Your comment can be on this post, or any other post dated from November 25-December 5th.

This giveaway ends Friday, December 5th @ 6pm EST.  Winner will be chosen by random.org, and contacted via email for mailing address information.

Good luck!!

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Making the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers can save you money, and there is no reason why leftovers should be boring.  

Here is my all-time favorite turkey chili recipe.  It's so easy!  Make a batch of corn bread to go with it, and you have a fabulous post-Thanksgiving meal to use up that leftover turkey!

Turkey Chipotle Chili

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can diced tomatoes

1 small can tomato paste

2 cups cooked turkey, diced

2 cups chicken or turkey stock

2 chipotles in adobo, finely chopped

1 can kidney beans

1 can navy beans

In large pot or dutch over over medium/high heat, add olive oil and saute onion and pepper.  Add tomatoes, stock, beans, chipotles, and tomato paste.  Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin to taste.  Let simmer for 20 minutes.  Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

More Fun with the Fireplace

We have been taking advantage of our fireplace during this cold time of year.  Last night we roasted hot dogs over the fire.  We had hot dogs w/buns, and baked beans for dinner.  Then we read The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog.  This is one of Emily's favorite books, and we enjoy the other Pigeon books as well.

Frugal Family Activities -- Lehigh Valley

If you are lucky enough to live in the Lehigh Valley, here are some frugal indoor family activities you can enjoy for $5 or less!

1. Allentown Art Museum -- On Sundays admission is free to the Allentown Art Museum, and the kids can enjoy Artventures.
2. Lowe's/Home Depot Workshops --  The first Saturday of the month is Home Depot's Kids Workshops, and Lowe's features kids clinics every other week.  The kids get a little apron, and a small wooden project to put together, and a certificate of completion.  It's free!
3. Bounce U -- Purchase a Bounce Pass for $25 and it is good for 5 bounce sessions.  Just $5 per session. 
4. Emmaus Movie Theatre -- A second-run movie theatre in downtown Emmaus.  Matinees are just $3.00.
5. Farmers Market --  The Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer's Market is an Allentown favorite.
6. Roller Skating --  Try Skateaway Roller Rink in Bethlehem.  Admission is just $5 for Saturday or Sunday night.
7. Bowling --  In general, bowling is very affordable.  Try the Emmaus Bowling Center.
8. Coffee at the Perk --  You can enjoy some terrific coffee at The Perk on Main in Emmaus, and treat the kids to some tasty desserts.
9. Hershey's Chocolate World --  Take a day trip to Hershey and experience Hershey's Chocolate World.  Admission is free, and you get a free chocolate bar at the end of the tour.
10. Lower Macungie Community Center -- Upcoming events include Pictures with Santa (2 photos for $10), free movie night, free open gym, and free drop-by storytime. 
11. Promenade Shops in Saucon Valley -- One of our favorite things to do is to stop in for storytime at Barnes & Noble.  The kids usually do a small coloring or craft project afterwards.  Instead of going to the cafe at the bookstore, we head over to Fresh Market where Emily gets a free cookie at the bakery section, and I get a free sample of coffee!

Do you have a frugal indoor activity that I forgot to mention?  Leave a comment and tell us about it!

Frugal Gift Idea -- Jar Mix Recipes

Looking for some easy, inexpensive homemade gifts for the holidays this year?  Try jar gift mixes!  Purchase some inexpensive 1 or 2 quart mason jars to get started.  Get the kids involved and you have a great frugal holiday activity the entire family can enjoy.  Here are some great resources to help you add a homemade touch to your holiday gift list.  

1. Soup Mix in Jar Recipes:  Recipes include Minestrone Soup Mix, Vegetarian Black Bean Chili Mix, and more!
2. Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipes:  I plan to try the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Mix... yum!
3. Quick Muffin Mix in a Jar Recipe:  Includes instructions to make blueberry muffins.
4. Brownies in a Jar:  Makes a full 9" x 13" pan.  Delicious and easy to make!
5. Spiced Tea Mix in a Jar:  Well-received by the tea-lover on your list.
6. Lighted Potpourri Holiday Jars:  These are decorative and easy to make.

Be sure to decorate your jar and include a gift tag with instructions to make the recipe.  Know a good jar mix recipe that I did not add?  Leave a comment and tell us about it!

Saving Money on Thanksgiving

Since the cost of food as risen, Thanksgiving dinner could cost you 6% more this year than previous years.  Here are some of my favorite ways to save money on Thanksgiving, while having a festive dinner the entire family will enjoy.

1. Kid Art -- Try not to spend money on decorations for your holiday table.  Instead, get the kids busy with some easy craft projects to help decorate.  This year, we are having Emily stamp a solid tablecloth with leaf stamps using fabric paint and fabric markers.  Kids can also make centerpieces, and place cards.  They can even make Thanksgiving Wreaths.  Get creative!
   
2. Planning  -- This is probably the most important aspect of having a Thanksgiving on a budget.  As with most of the frugal life, planning is crucial to getting the best deals at the best possible time.  Plan your side dish menu around items that are on sale and that can be combined with a coupon for maximum savings.  Couponmom.com can be a great resource for planning your Thanksgiving menu.
3. Potluck -- Consider hosting a potluck Thanksgiving dinner this year.  Ask your guests to bring a side dish, bottle of wine, or dessert to share.  This helps foster a sense of community, and helps lighten the load for the host.
4. Frugal Recipes -- For more money saving tips and great Thanksgiving recipes, visit MoneySavingMom.com.  She includes recipes for Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Dinner Rolls, and more!
5. Buy What You Need -- Try not to go overboard buying too much food.  If you need help with this, see Estimating Food Quantities for a Party.
6. Volunteer -- Your entire family can help out at a food kitchen.  Not only will your Thanksgiving dinner be free, but you will also cultivate a better sense of what Thanksgiving is all about.

Have a good Thanksgiving money-saving tip to share?  Leave a comment!

Frugal Friday Challenge

Today's Frugal Friday Challenge is to stay home and have a family game night!  Pick out a board game, and afterwards make a dessert together.   We are planning a cherry-themed family fun night. We will play Hi-Ho-Cherry-O with Emily (4), and afterwards we will be making cherry mountain pies.

To make cherry mountain pies, you will need 1 can cherry pie filling, white bread, and a pie iron. Start a fire in the fireplace, and when the fire is good and hot, start loading up the pie iron. You basically make a cherry pie filling sandwich with the white bread, close up the pie iron, and stick the whole thing in the fire. Cook to desired doneness, and serve warm.

Make Your Own Organic Cleaning Supplies

In honor of Cleaning Day at the Deneen Household, here is a fantastic video demonstrating how to make your own organic cleaning supplies.  I will be trying several of these out today.  Making  your own cleaning supplies is better for the environment (no harsh chemicals), and will save you money!

Cleaning Day

Today is cleaning day in our house.  I am planning to attack the clutter that has taken over the dining room table, but sometimes I lack the motivation to clean and I keep procrastinating.  There is never any end to the cleaning, and I can come up with about a million excuses not to clean.  When the house is not neat, I tend to get grouchy because I cannot find things, or I avoid having company over because the house is too cluttered.  

When I find myself putting off the cleaning, I go to FLYLady.net for some inspiration.  Her approach to keeping your house neat and tidy is brilliant.  You start with baby steps.  First, you keep your kitchen sink shining.  Then you work on  your morning routine, and one zone of the house. 

From the site:

Are YOU living in CHAOS?
(Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)

Do you feel overwhelmed, overextended, and overdrawn?
Hopeless and you don't know where to start?
Don't worry friend, we've been there, too.

I have found FLYLady to be a terrific resource, and I hope you do too!

Alternatives to Buying New Books

Do you have a bunch of old books collecting dust on the shelf?  Want some new books?  Try one of these great swapping sites!  

Many of these sites feature printable postage, so you can mail right from your home -- very convenient AND frugal.  

Here are some terrific alternatives to buying new books:

1. Your Local Library --  Nothing beats your local public library.  It is free and convenient.  If they do not have what you are looking for, ask a librarian for an inter-library loan.
2. Paperbackswap.com -- Mail a book, get a book.  No late fees, or hidden charges.  Any book you request is yours to keep, share, or swap.
3. Titletrader.com -- Swap video games, CDs, DVDs, and used books.
4. Swaptree.com -- Trade books, CDs, DVDs, and video games.
5. Swapbooks.com -- Sell. Buy. Swap.
6. Bookmooch.com -- Swap books for free.
7. Booksin.com -- Any book or DVD for 4.49 postage.
   
8. CampusBookSwap.org -- College students can buy or sell used textbooks.
9. Whatsonmybookshelf.com-- Trade books using a simple point system.
10. Cash4Books.net -- Sell old books.  They pay shipping!  They will pay for used books 3 days after receiving them.

See one I missed?  Leave a comment and tell us about it!

Easy, Homemade Holiday Food Gifts

Good Housekeeping is featuring a great article on homemade holiday food gifts that anyone can make. Get the kids involved and make it a family activity. They are fast, frugal, and festive!

Save Money on Airfare and Travel

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and it is rapidly approaching.  Traveling does not have to be a huge expense with these money saving tips. You can enjoy a relaxing vacation, even while on a budget. 

Here are some great ways to travel without breaking the bank.

1. When to Book -- The best time to book your airfare is Wednesday from midnight to 1a.m. in the time zone of the airline's headquarters. For example, United is headquartered in Chicago, and Delta is headquartered in Atlanta. This happens to be the time when the computer systems of most airlines purge the records of the reserved but unbooked lower fare reservations. Take advantage of these low rates immediately after this occurs and you will save big bucks.
   
2. When to Travel -- Traveling during the off-peak season can have many perks. Not only do off-peak seasons offer considerably cheaper hotel stays, they also offer fewer crowds, less traffic, and shorter lines.
   
3. Coupons -- Consider purchasing an Entertainment coupon book for the city you will be visiting. These books are usually around $25, and can save you a considerable ammount of money on hotels, car rentals, restaurants, shopping and more. The Entertainment Book is also a great resource for ideas of things to do, and places to go.
   
4. Vacation with Friends -- One of the most memorable vacation experiences can be those shared with other family or friends. Split the bill for a large beach house, or a cabin in the woods. If there is a kitchen available, and you cook your own food, you will save even more money.
   
5. Food & Dining -- Again, the Entertainment Book can be a great resource for dining or eating out. All-you-can-eat buffets usually offer great deals. Also, filling up with a big brunch, skipping lunch, and going someplace nice for an early dinner can save you money while traveling. Find out if any restaurants near your destination offer an early-bird dinner special.
   

Frugal Gift Idea -- Learn to Knit

My MOMS Club recently got together at a local cafe for a knitting class, and we had tons of fun.  The kids played and watched some television while we learned how to knit.  It actually got me thinking about homemade Christmas gifts.  

A great way to save money on gifts this year is to make some yourself.  Here is a video tutorial to teach you how to knit.  (It's easy!)  Not only will you learn a new skill, but you will also be able to make gifts such as: scarves, dish clothes, place mats, etc.

Happy knitting! 

Make Your Own: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix

The weather is getting colder, and it feels like one of those days to snuggle in and make a nice warm cup of hot chocolate.  The kids can help make the mix, and the entire family can enjoy this sweet treat -- without breaking the budget.  Here is one of my favorite recipes for inexpensive hot chocolate mix:

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix

20 Crushed Peppermint Candies

1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Powdered Coffee Creamer

1 Cup + 2 Tbsp. Powdered Baking Cocoa

Store in air-tight container.  To mix, add 3 heaping tablespoons of mix to 1 cup of hot water.