A Step Ahead of Christmas with Cheap Deals

I was telling someone this weekend that the secret to enjoying the Christmas holidays often rests in the ability to think of Christmas well ahead of day. Advanced planning is the only way to save money, time and effort in preparing for the holidays. So, start now in order to enjoy a hassle free holiday. Here are a few tips to get you started...

Be a perennial shopper. Keep an eye out throughout the year for great sales and clearance items that you can take advantage. Pick a theme an build gift baskets around it by filling it with end of season items, great sales items, and clearance items that you find throughout the year. Examples: (1) Flip flops, beach ball, beach towel, beach chair (with fan!), frisbee - all for $23. (2) Golf shirt, Scrabble (golf version), box of golf balls, and magnetic poetry - golf version - $25. (3) Stainless steel coffee thermo, 3 lbs of gourmet coffee, NY Crossword Puzzle book -$18. (4) Hand painted needlepoint canvas, assorted threads, needlepoint scissors, and needle case - $20. Great stuff. Cheap Prices. True Bargains.

Store Gifts in One Location. It's just easier to keep everything in one place. I put all gift purchases in an armoire. And organization is key to saving effort. In the armoire, I've got gift bags set up for the different themes, labelled with the intended recipient's name. I toss items in the bags, so everything is pre-sorted come the holidays.

Make your gift list. I keep my gift list in my armoire. I cross names off the list as I stock the gift armoire with purchases. This helps me keep track of who I've bought for, what I've bought, and how much inventory I've got left to work with.

Know your sales. I've been tracking my favorite stores for so long, I know when the best time to do my shopping. Every Columbus Day weekend, Toys R Us runs a Buy One; Get One Free Hasbro Game Sale. LL Bean Outlet runs a 50% off Canvas Tote bag sale. Michaels runs 25% off Everything in the Store Sale. And yes, every year, I'm there stockpiling, games, tote bags, and arts & crafts at deep discount.

Yard Sales, Garage Sales, Estate Sales, whatever - just go. You'd be amazed at the great gifts that you can be found at bargain prices. A copper weather vane (great gift for a friend's barn), original edition Scrabble (for a crossword enthusiast), antique tools and hinges (for a woodworking hobbyist), and a cordless cookie gun and cake decorating kit (for me, the baker- even I need a luxury every now and then.)

Staples Back to School Sale

April showers bring May flowers and Staples Back to School sales in July. aBck to school deals are a great way to stock up on supplies and save money too. Last year, I stock my home office completely with the weekly deals at Staples.

This week's weekly flyer features $.01 (penny) deals, $1 deals, Easy Saver Rebates, and a special $5 off $20 purchase coupon. Most deals are limited to 2 items per customer (so don't forget to drag your spouse along, ring his purchases separately, and double your supplies and savings). These deals end on July 15. Read Coupon Sudoku (below) to max. saving money.

Penny Deals
Staples pencils 8ct. 1¢ (until 7/15)
Staples Copy Paper 1 ream for 1¢ (Final price after you submit $3.68 for an online rebate)

Dollar Deals
Photo Paper 4″x6″ for $1 (Final price after you submit $8.99 for an online rebate.)
Pencil cases, $1
Stapler, $1
5 " scissors 2pk., $1
BIC Wite-Out Quick Dry, 2 Pack, $1
Pink Wedge Erasers, 3 Pack, $1
Sharpie Major Accent® Highlighters, Assorted, 6 Pk, $1
BIC Velocity Stick Fashion Pens, Assorted, 5 Pack, $1
Scotch Magic Tape, $1

Coupon Sudoku
And now for alittle Coupon Sudoku - my term for how to line up your purchase to maximize your savings in minimal time:

Scenario #1: Spend less, Save 50%+
Buy the tollowing items:
(2) of every dollar deal ($16)
(2) reams of Copy Paper ($3.69 each)
==========================
Subtotal: $23.38
Less $5 off $20 coupon = $18.38
Less $7.36 in rebates($3.68 x 2, for the reams of paper)=
$11.02 (final price)


Scenario #2: Get more money back than you actually spent.
Buy the following items:
(2) Staples Photo Paper ($9.99 each,)
(2) Staples Pencils 8 Ct ($.01)
========================
Subtotal: $20
Less $5 off $20 coupon= $15.00
Less $17.98 in rebates ($8.99 each x2 for the photo paper) =
$2.98 net profit - Yes, you make more money than you spent


Random Note: And since there is almost always a McDonalds near a Staples Store, you might as well celebrate Free Coffee Monday. Get a free 7 oz iced Mocha or an 8 oz hot McCafe Mocha at participating McDonalds from 7 am to 7 pm.

Key Lime Pie. 4 Steps to Deliciousness

Needed to whip up a quick dessert for some unexpected guests stopping by. After raiding the pantry, I decided whip up a Key Lime Pie. Next time you're caught in a similiar situation, save yourself some effort and time driving to the market, waiting in line, etc. Once you read the recipe, you'll realize how easy it is to make. Costs $4 to make from semi-scratch; $14 to buy at the market. The $10 saved buys an awful lot of Ice Cafe Lattes this weekend.

Ingredients:
1 Ready Made Graham Cracker Pie Crust
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup Key Lime Pie
Whipped cream
1/4 finely chopped walnuts
2 limes, thinly sliced, for garnish

Step by Step:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees

1. Using an electric mixer, combine the milk and egg yolks at slow speed. Gradually add the lime juice. Mix until well blended and mixture has thickened.
2. Poor batter into the graham cracker pie crust .
3.Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool and refrigerate until chilled.
4. Top with whipped cream, chopped walnuts and lime slices.

Time Saving Tips for Holiday Projects

Holidays are just around the corner. No time like the present to start thinking about your projects are presents. So, here are some tips for you to consider:

1. Plan ahead. Make the most of your time by planning ahead. Organize your projects, develop your checklists for supplies, keep an eye on estimated time for completing. Whatever you've estimated for time, tack on an extra 30% to ensure on-time completion. I usually start planning in April and collect items over the course of several months for my projects.

2. Load balance. Keep an eye on your availability to complete. Be careful not to take on more projects than you can realistically handle. Nothing like over-committing to drive up your stress level and reduce your own level of fun.

3. Set Aside Time. Carve out some time for yourself either daily or weekly basis to work on your projects. Looking to squeak out some extra time? Look for opportunities to multi-task. Toss a small project in your bag and work on it when you've got a few ideal moments (e.g., waiting for a dr. appointment to begin, kid pickup at school, waiting for jury duty selection to begin, etc.). Or round up your friends for a bi-weekly project social. See your friends, chat, gossip and complete whatever you're working on.

4. Dummy it Down. Simplify and Pick Easy Projects. Eliminate a level of stress by picking smaller projects, ones that are less complicated, time-demanding, and with fewer color choices or in.While I love to tackle complex needlepoint projects, I also recognize that the holiday season probably isn't the best time to do one. Pick a smaller project and give yourself a break. Remember it's ultimately the thought that counts, not the scale of effort.

5. Make Multiples. Make multiples of the gift you're making. Set yourself up with a simple production line for whatever you're making. Repeating the creation process gets easier with each one you complete, saving you time and effort in the long run.

6. Cut your coupons. By planning ahead (see Tip#1) and using your coupons, you plan out your materials list, saving yourself time and money. Take advantage of craft store's weekly sales and use store coupons to maximize your savings. And remember, most stores honor their competition's coupons if they sell similiar merchandise. So look for opportunities to double-dip on your savings.