PACK A FRUGAL SHOE BOX FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

My family has enjoyed contributing to this charity for a long time. These may be the only gifts the children receive at Christmas, if not all year. We typically fill numerous shoe boxes (or plastic containers) with free and clearance items. I begin to look for bargains as soon as we finish the current boxes, stockpiling them in preparation for next November.

I spent more on this container's contents than normal ~ a full $3.69.

The pajamas were regularly $16.99, reduced 90%, and the doll set was $2 on clearance. Everything else was free.

R & R

I recently enjoyed my annual trip, referred to as the sabbatical or mental health days by my family. I share in my book how and why this tradition began. The getaways have become lengthier and nicer over the last 18 years.

I worked a little and rested a lot. I shared laughter with a dear friend and her husband. I saw the apartment where we lived when our oldest child was born. I enjoyed fresh seafood every day. I found great deals for future gifts, which I cannot share for obvious reasons. Maybe later.

Yes, the restaurant of which I wrote still serves my favorite appetizer for a meal.

Did I mention I had fresh seafood every day??

SCRIMP WHERE YOU CAN ~ SPLURGE WHERE YOU MUST

I wrote about this in my book and teach at my workshops, but it cannot be stressed enough. Scrimping is not a good practice when safety issues, quality and priceless memories are the issue.

Baby cribs, car seats, medicine, and specific foods for a diabetic are just a few that immediately come to mind where safety and quality are concerned.

Hire the best photographer you can afford for those special moments in life. I love my (very!) dated but priceless wedding pictures.

SAVINGS OF 75%

There is no way I would want to pay $130 for this order! Paying $33 is an amount more in line with my shopping history.