By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
Robert T Bell/flickr
At this time of year, New Year’s resolutions abound. Most of them have to do with weight or money. Many of these resolutions don’t make it past the first week of the new year.
How about instead of trying to STOP doing old things, one decides to START doing new things.
Here is a list of 10 new things that one could easily start and continue:
catd_mitchell / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Seems like every year we make resolutions only to break them, but could it be that in the end we are saving money by not sticking to them? Below I calculate the amount of money spent on meeting New Year’s resolutions and share tips to getting them done on a budget.
What type of calendar are you after? stevegarfield / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
It’s that time of the year when companies give out free calendars to promote their products or business. Getting your hands on one doesn’t mean you will have to shell out money. Below I’ve listed several sites offering FREE 2012 calendars. If you know of more free calender offers, let us know in the comments!
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
Markus Rodder/flickr
Tired of the usual Thanksgiving traditions? Want to put the giving back in Thanksgiving? Try these 10 ideas.
- Volunteer on an organic farm in Italy in exchange for room, board, education and culture. I’m sure there would be a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner on an organic farm. There are farms willing to take volunteers all over the world.
- Help out at a food bank.
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
wuestenigel/flickr
Now that Halloween is past us and we’ve eaten all the candy corn and miniature Snickers bars that we can hold, it is time to turn our attention to one of my favorite of holidays – Thanksgiving. Although Thanksgiving has become as commercialized as all the rest of our holidays, you can still create a special family event that brings years of memories without destroying the budget.
Here is a list of ten wonderful frugal and homemade Thanksgiving decorations.
L*Ali / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com Yazmin Cruz.
Thanksgiving should be a day were we gather with friends and family to give thanks and catch up, but hosting or attending a large gathering can create anxiety. Let’s face it, there is are a lot of things that need to get done before we can sit down and chow! Below I share 10 tips to keep you sane. Best of all, they will save you money!
1. Skip pre-holiday parties – There are so many parties and gatherings around this time, but you don’t have to go to all of them to be in the holiday spirit. Attend high-priority events, like your company’s Thanksgiving potluck and Thanksgiving lunch at your child’s school, and skip the rest. Not only will you cut the cost of buying hostess gifts, but you’ll have more time to plan your Thanksgiving dinner. You can always go next year! (more…)
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
Zager Family / Flickr
Halloween is behind us and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I love Thanksgiving because it is a time for family, reflection and thanks. The following activities can help you create a special day.
- Make a Thanksgiving scrapbook. Every year, take a picture of who you sit down with. Note who is the oldest and who is the youngest. Enter in any special relationships (Aunt Josie just got engaged to Fred) and where people are currently living. Over time, this will become a treasured family album.
- A variation on a scrapbook is a yearly
lordog / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Don’t get me wrong, I love apple and pumpkin pie — served warm with a scoop (or two) of vanilla bean ice cream. These pies complete a Thanksgiving meal. But if you’re in charge of dessert this year, change it up a bit and try your hand at making one of these six non-traditional turkey day sweets. (If you’re in charge of the bird, here’s how to cook a perfect turkey.)
Flan
If you’ve never tried flan, you’re missing out! This is a custard topped with caramel that’s similar to creme brulee. I’ve taught several friends how to make this decadent dessert using my family’s recipe. I like that it’s so easy to make and it keeps well in the fridge so you can make it ahead. The Food Network’s Ellie Krieger has a pumpkin flan recipe similar to mine. You can either use ramekins for individual portions or make one to share. If you’re traveling, don’t flip it till you arrive or you’ll end up covered in caramel.
Veteran's Day 2011 Freebies! Credit: US Army Africa/Flickr
I’ve compiled every known Veteran’s Day 2011 freebie, coupon, and deal right here! Proof of service is required to get these deals. There are a lot of repeats from last year, but hey, free is free! Also check with your local museums, orchestras, and community groups for free Veterans Day entertainment and activities!
Applebee’s - Vets get a free meal at Applebee’s on Nov. 11, 2011 with proof of service.
B&B deal – Vets stay free at dozens of B&B’s nationwide on Nov. 10, 2011. Some 515 B&B’s are paticipating. Book your free night soon because these sell out quick.
Car wash - Vets get a totally free car cash on Nov. 11, 2011 at more than 822 participating locations nationwide.
cobalt123 / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Preparing a turkey for the traditional Thanksgiving meal can be a daunting task. After all, it’s the main dish. Below I share 15 tips to roast the perfect Thanksgiving turkey that is tender, juicy and delicious.
- Size matters – Allow one pound of turkey for each adult guest at your dinner. For example, if you are serving 10 people, buy a 10-pound turkey. This provides a generous serving of turkey and guarantees extra turkey for leftovers.
- Thaw your bird - The best place to do this is in the fridge. It may take up to (more…)
I dressed up as a guy with a big fat beer belly for Halloween, a costume suggested by reader Claudia Williams. Thanks to the nearly 100 readers who suggested ideas for the costume contest. I was not able to convince my husband to cross dress as my girlfriend, unfortunately. I told him he would look really sexy, but he did not budge.
I created my entire costume from stuff around the house, though a better fitting cap would have helped. Still, I think my beer belly looks pretty real!
StarMama / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching it’s time to decide what will be on your menu. To get you started, I share my five favorite sources of free recipes below.
Thanksgiving on a budget is possible as long as you start preparing early! Although, I tend to roast my turkey the same way every year, I’m already browsing the five sites below to decide on the sides and desserts I’m making this year.
Still looking for a costume? Candy? Or decorations at a fabulous price? Links to ALL our Halloween coupons and freebies are here.
HOT! $2 Chipotle Burrito - Dress in a farm-inspired costume (think tractor, pig, hay) and get a burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos for just $2 at Chipolte. That’s one hot Halloween food discount!
Today! Free donut - Get a free Halloween or pumpkin spiced donut at Krispy Kreme when you show up in costume on Oct. 31, 2011. Yum!
Our dog Darwin at the pumpkin patch.
Can’t wait to give our candy and see great costumes tonight!
My stash of Halloween candy. Shhh...my husband doesn't know.
This post is brought to you by PureCostumes.com where you’ll find the latest in halloween costumes. Use coupon code BARGAINBABE65 to get free UPS ground shipping on orders over $65.
For pumpkin carving ideas, go here. Many of the Halloween coupons and candy deals I posted on Tuesday are still valid. Find last minute frugal Halloween costume ideas here. Check your local flyer for exact prices and deals, as they may vary by region.
HOT! $2 Chipotle Burrito - Dress in a farm-inspired costume (think tractor, pig, hay) and get a burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos for just $2 at Chipolte. That’s one hot Halloween food discount!
Today! Free donut - Get a free Halloween or pumpkin spiced donut at Krispy Kreme when you show up in costume on Oct. 31, 2011. Yum!
A MEGA Rite Aid candy deal and Halloween sale is happening Sunday and Monday, Oct. 30-31, 2011.
- 8-packs of mini Butterfinger, KitKat, Snickers, M&Ms, and Reese’s are $1 each (same price as dollar store!)
- Fun size and Snack size bags of candy from Snickers, Kit Kat, Reese’s Snickers, Butterfinger, M&Ms, and more are 2 for $5
- Large bags and boxes of Hershey’s, Mars, or Nestle variety packs are $10
- Peeps and Reese’s peanut butter cups are $.88
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
MegaMind mask on cool dude
With Halloween only moments away, here are six last minute frugal activities, costumes, and decorating ideas.
- The MegaMind website. This site is full of activities that will keep you and your kids busy through Halloween week and beyond. Click above to enter the site, then click or skip intro (or watch it because it’s cute), and click on games, and activities. This will land you on a page where you can select an action figure to download. There are other activities as well – a board game, comic books, bookmarks, brainteasers, card games, and coloring sheets. There is enough cool stuff here to make an entire MegaMind party. A truly great site for a MegaMind fan who is young or old, as you can see from the picture to the right.
