Fwd: [thesimple_life] Thinking ahead to Christmas Savings!

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thesimple_lifeReply-to: thesimple_life-owner To: thesimple_life Sent: 11/7/2008 6:35:58 A.M. Pacific Standard TimeSubj: [thesimple_life] Thinking ahead to Christmas Savings!

 

 

 

 

The Simple Lifeby Sheryl SimonsI don't believe we are heading toward a great depression, but I do believe that the stock market is correcting itself. I believe lending institutions, and the people who re-mortgaged their homes, or bought too much "stuff" for their own good are all to blame. Anyone who uses credit unwisely had a part in our countries fiasco. And now comes Christmas when we are just trying to make ends meet. So what to do? Here are some ideas to make Christmas nice and simple, and not spend a fortune. Have a party! (how is that going to save me money? – you ask) Tupperware, Home and Garden, Pampered Chef – any kind of gift you think the loved ones on your list would like to receive, is the kind of party you can have. And, you will earn dollars to spend for FREE! Especially if you encourage your friends to have a party, too, then you earn extra points = more gifts! You can even give a catalog to your daughter, or mother, and let them pick their own gift (nothing worse than getting something you'd never use!)Coupon! Enclose a coupon (that you promise yourself you will fulfill) for lunch out, home-made dinner, babysitting, car-washing, who knows? The sky's the limit! And you can enjoy the rewards by enjoying time with your friend or say an elderly relative who might be lonely, by just spending time. That's the bonus of this gift. Or how about going through all those old photos with your parents, or older relatives. Write down or record stories from the past!Landscaping or indoor plant. Watch yard sales or resale shops for neat plant pots, and keep your eyes out at local greenhouses for great fall sales. Home Depot recently had all their trees, shrubs and roses on sale for 75% off! Give the gift of a plant and even offer to plant it now or in the spring (you may have to overwinter it in your own garden. Make sure to plant it, though, many plants will not survive the winter in a pot outdoors.What is your skill? Cooking, baking, birdhouse-making? Make your gifts and see a real smile on someone's face! Tuck cookies in a nice basket with a nice cloth napkin to towel. Give a pan of Lasagna that is frozen and ready to warm up – with instructions included. Make a game or a birdhouse, or a quilt. Shop for ideas without spending money! I'd rather get a basket of homemade cookies than something someone put good money into that I really don't need. Anonymous Surprise! Sneak over and shovel someone's walk while they are not home, or still sleeping. Leave a note, but don't reveal who did it!Teach a craft! Know how to knit or crochet? Teach a friend who wants to learn (or a grandchild), or – help them paint a room, or learn to wallpaper. My friend's daughter sent her a photo album and now that her son is several months old, sends new pages to add to the photos that her and hubby started together. She can also update these online, when she is busy, and her mom and sister can order the prints and they are sent right to her home!Make your own gift baskets. You know those baskets with body lotion, wash, bath accessories, etc? How about a basket with a bag of popcorn, cheese powder, and other flavorings, or a basket of ice cream sauces, and ice cream dishes? Or a coffee basket complete with mugs, and maybe some muffins.Recycle last years cards. Cut off the front of the card and glue to a folded piece of card stock! Or you can cut around the design. It will give a 3D look without buying those expensive cards."If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm."~~Bruce BartonScotch Oatmeal MuffinsINGREDIENTS:1 cup quick-cooking oats1 cup buttermilk1 cup flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon soda1 egg, slightly beaten1/3 cup brown sugar1/3 cup cooking oilMix dry ingredients. Add moist ingredients all at once and stir just to mix. Bake @ 400` about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Great with some of that homemade jam or jelly you canned this summer!Keeping it Simple,SherylPlease contact me with recipes, questions, comments and simple living ideas that work for you. Email: thesimple_life AOL Search: Your one stop for directions, recipes and all other Holiday needs. Search Now.