Uniquely Creative Holiday Gifts!

I will be frank–times are  financially tough around here. Last year, Amazon was my go to for Christmas, but this year is different. I often see the most unique gifts in little boutiques, but let’s be honest–I can’t afford boutique prices. So what do I do? I decide to turn to Pintrest. I get ideas from pinners, then put a unique twist of my own to them. Not only has it saved me a TON of money, but it has also been a fun way to dig into my inner creative side. So far I have only had one or two bumps along the way–mainly being burnt my the hot glue gun, but that’s not too bad for making  homemade gifts for 7 different people (so far that is).  Although my gifts may not be from the trendiest shop or by the hottest designer, I made them and I am proud. Did I mention my new best friends have become a hot glue gun and modge podge! So as this holiday approaches, keep in mind it is not about how much money you spend, it’s about spending time with those you love. Get creative and make something for your friends and family members that shows your creativity. Don’t waste your money on a boring gift card or another gift set from the beauty store. Do it yourself!

 

Here are just a few things I’ve made so far!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snip and Clip

Let’s face it guys– our economy is not at its best. Although the job rate is slowly back on the climb, employers are not able to offer the compensation they once were. It’s not that they necessarily don’t think candidates don’t deserve it, it’s that many internal costs of running a business has also increased. It is not easy to run a business especially with the issues our economy is facing.

Well this blog is not going to find you a job or give you the winning lottery numbers but, it should help you manage to save some money while shopping for your families essentials. We’ve all seen the shows and heard the stories of the people who spend close to nothing on a whole month’s worth of groceries. I was a bit hesitant about this whole couponing idea until I saw how easy it was to do.

I’m not going to sit here and say it is easy to because it does take work and patience (which I am working on). About a month ago I got a Sunday paper and collected the coupons, then continued just about each week following. All I did was check the sales papers for the  two local grocery stores and made lists of what was on sale and looked for a coupon. Everyone has their own system but that is mine. I ended up spending $50 on $120 worth of groceries at Harris Teeter. SCORE!!! I also look through to find good prices to local restaurants, stores, and entertainment on groupon.com. We got concert tickets for $22 a piece! Can’t beat that. It can be a little time consuming but trust me you and your bank account will definitely appreciate it. Happy Couponing!

All You Magazine has some great tips for people who are interested in couponing and need some ideas on where to start. http://www.allyou.com/coupons-deals/easy-couponing-00400000061681/

Hobby Happiness

How much time do you actually sit down and take sometime to yourself doing something you truly enjoy?  We all have hobbies. Some of my hobbies include writing, tanning, and hosting parties.

Writing is therapeutic for me. Some people do yoga others take walks to go to clear their mind. My therapy is writing. Nothing helps me get into my zone like writing. There is nothing in particular I write about– just whatever  comes to me at the moment. It is my way of expression. Sometimes I write for an audience but other times I write to meditate or help gather my thoughts.

Sometimes I take my iMac to the pool with me and write by the pool. Which brings me to another one of my favorite things to do–TAN! I know there are many risks in soaking up the UV rays so I do my best to protect my skin. Now that is summer I try to lay out a few hours a week in order to get my much needed Vitamin D intake.

Sometimes while at the pool I entertain. Summer+parties=AWESOME! My boyfriend Quentin isn’t a fan of sitting out in the sun but if I ask him if he wants to grill at the pool, 9 times out of 10 he agrees. We grill at the pool all of the time! We invite friends and family over at least once a week to grill poolside. Everyone is invited. My favorite item for him to grill is kabobs! We have a system. I put them together (we switch up or veggies and protein every single time) and he grills! It’s a win win situation for us and our guests always LOVE them!

These are a few of my hobbies. I’m sure yours may very but the point of this blog is to have fun. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Do things you enjoy. laugh often, and make the most of every day!