Simplifying Christmas Day 1~ Simplifying Budget and Gift List

First off, Welcome Welcome to the first ever Simplifying Christmas meme! To find out what it's all about CLICK HERE and have some fun participating! :) And remember, every time you sign the McLinky at the bottom of this post and share a link to your blog about Simplifying Christmas you can enter to win........

Drum roll Please.......

A Simple pampering basket for you to pamper yourself with after Christmas is over. :)

Included in the Basket is:

A Brand New copy of Debi Pearl's Fiction Book "The Vision" (Very good read!)

A new 2010 day-planner covered by me ;-) in designer quilter fabric

A pretty travel coffee cup in coordinating colors as your new day planner

A sample package of Gheradelli Carmel coffee

and

A bottle of Peppermint foot lotion

So! Let's get busy and have some fun!

Today's Topic is about Simplifying our Budgets and Gift Lists.

I have heard so much on "how" to do this. But it eludes me almost every year. I either feel guilty for cutting down my guest list, or for spending too much!

We have a lot of extended family. And even "cheap" $5.00 gifts adds up pretty quickly. Try about $120 dollars. That's $120 that could of gone towards my own kid's Christmas.... Does that sound selfish?

This year's budget for my kid's is $150 for all three of them. So in essence I am spending $30 more on my own kids than the extended family.

My husband isn't even included in that budget.

One hundred and fifty dollars is quite a bit of money during these times. Then to spend $120 more on top of that; it is $270! Wowzers!

Every year we hear the same story on blogs, in Facebook statuses, articles, chain emails, yada yada yada, "Christmas isn't about gifts, it's about Jesus' birth, and spending time with family!"

But every year if you don't get something for someone, you may end up wondering if they will be mad at you for the rest of your life because they got you something, and you didn't get them something?

I like the idea of giving cookies to neighbors. But for some reason cookies just doesn't seem like enough for close friends and family. Does it?

So, still I am in a delima. I think I came up with a solution to this years crisis. I am going to make some gifts that cost about $1.00-2.00 a piece to make. But that does add up too.

And don't get me wrong, I am all for giving more than receiving. But one shouldn't go into debt over Christmas, right? And what about those that have a hard time giving? Should we make them feel bad if they can't give a gift?

So.... I want to hear how everyone is handling your budgets and gift lists this year? Please write. I can't wait to see. :)

So! Get to writing! And then sign the McLinky!

Ps. The goodie Basket above, cost me about $4.00. No joke! ;-)

Don't Forget!

The Simplifying Christmas Meme is starting TOMORROW!!! Be sure to sign up *now* to get an extra few entries for the prize. I shall be unavailing the the goodie package tomorrow on the first post!

Get the Details HERE.

Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY November 30th, 2009...

Outside my window...

Beautiful, balmy, Sunny November Day!

I am thinking...

About the upcoming Meme that I am hosting here starting tomorrow! Check out the information HERE, and participate if you want. I am giving away a free prize, with multiple chances to enter for it!

I am thankful for...

Limes. I love them in iced cold water. Hmmmm! Delicious!

From the learning rooms...

Gearing up to do a Christmas Lap book from Hands Of A Child, and working on the "basics" until we start the lap book.

From the kitchen...

Leftover soup

I am wearing...

My Pajamas

I am creating...

A painted Tea Set for my Daughter's Christmas present

I am going...

To take my girls to Choir practice

I am reading...

Grace Walk, by Steve McVey

I am hoping...

To do my one mile walk everyday this week

I am hearing...

The Dog munching on his dog food

Around the house...

Sweetie is finding a shirt to wear to choir, and I think Tiny Boy, and Bean are playing outside

One of my favorite things...

A good back rub

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Working on School, and having fun with the Simplifying Christmas Meme, and More Christmas preparations. :D

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Tiny Boy with His Great Grandpa during Thanksgiving. ♥

To See other's Daybooks be sure to visit The Simple Woman's Day Book

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Eve Before the Feast of Thanksgiving I thought it would be fun to have a fancy tea party. Decorated with a Cornucopia, and fall leaves. A Real Table Cloth too! :D

The Menu Included Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Apples drizzled with Carmel, Homemade Chocolate Chip Scones, Orange Juice, and Lady Grey Tea. And we topped the scones with.....

Authentic English Clotted Cream. A Co-worker of my husband told me that Whole Foods sold it. I have always been anxious to try it. And my husband picked some up for me.
He did have a slightly disgusted face. He thought it looked like "Rotted cream" instead of "Clotted Cream" ;-)
It was actually quite delicious. More mild than cream cheese, not as heavy, but at lot more thicker than butter.

Care for some Apples?

Our tea party was followed by a reading from a children's book on the History of Thanksgiving. Sweetie about has that thing memorized.

Looking forward to the feast in the morning. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

~In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you~
I Thess 5:18

Monkey Sees, Monkey Does

I am sure the majority of the population has seen something like this. But it sure is cuter when your own kids do it. Especially when it's a skinny, wispy, slight of thing, strawberry blond five year old. ♥

Stay At Home Mom??

This is the view I view alot these days.

I laugh now at the dreamy day dreams I used to dream about being a "stay at home mom". You know the ones: Baking Cookies, beating rugs outside in the fresh balmy air, reading to my kids on the couch most of the afternoon (with beef stew simmering on the stove of course). Then working on hand stitching a quilt while my baby (don't have one as of yet, and no I am not pregnant) plays and coos on the floor while giggling with delight when he/she catches my eye.
You know this type of picture:

I write this all in good humor though. I do get to squeeze in reading my kids, and I am very thankful for Viking Sewing machines! :D

Review of Molly's Money Saving Digest November 2009

I was contacted by "Molly Green" at Econobusters and asked if I would like to review her latest November issue of Molly's Money Saving Digest.

I have been a fan of "Molly Green" for a few months now. I receive her free email newsletter updates, and have already purchased a few of her Digests.

Her digests are *filled to the brim* with awesome ideas and tips on how to save some extra money. The past issues I purchased was Molly makes $5 dinners and $3 dollars desserts, FULL of really tasty recipes. I also purchased October 2009 Money Saving Digest which was about Learning from the Great Depression; which I thoroughly enjoyed, and took away a lot of helpful ideas from that issue.

he November Issue is all about Photography. This issue really caught my attention, as I, within the last year really started to play around with becoming a better picture taker.

This digest covers:

Couponing continued from previous digests

Getting started with scrap booking your family photographs, and how to do it frugally. Scrap booking is something that I have done in the past, and it can get very expensive if you aren't careful! There are helpful links included in the digest that will help you find your supplies at great prices

Digital scrap booking is covered as well.

Digital Scrap booking is something that I have recently begun to play around within the last couple of years, and it is a super duper time saver.... and the end result is amazing! Especially when you get a hard bound book made from it.

Again, links are provided on where to get free or very inexpensive digital scrap booking downloads. I have only heard of website, but have never heard of the other Digital Scrapbooking sites.

There is also *really* cool photo craft idea using a photo collage room divider. And of course many links to other awesome photo crafts, that I am itching to try out!

Another feature in this issue are mouth watering slow cooker recipes. The photographs of these recipes are amazing and tantalizing; I can't wait to try one of them.

The Slow Cooker Lasagna looks soooo good!

An encouraging and practical article about distressing during the holidays is a MUST read for this time of year. It perfectly coincides with my "Simplifying Christmas" meme. (Pssst! Don't forget to sign up! CLICK HERE to read about it more)

There is another awesome article about turning old curtains into something cute and wearable.

My MOST favorite article in this digest was on how to take better pictures. It covered everything from different types of cameras, to different picture hosting websites, free photo editing software, Lighting, Shadows and proper holding of your camera, back drops and props, what to wear, and getting your kids to cooperate. This article was extremely valuable. There was also a piece on how to store your photos safely and properly. I will defiantly be using MOST if not all of these tips when I take pictures next time.

The ending piece of the digest was an inspiring story of one family that bought their house debt free at an amazing price and are slowly remodeling bit by bit debt free. Some amazing before and after pictures are included.

And there is just SOOOO much more in this Digest that I am having a hard time remember all the awesome things written in there.

The ending pages has a list of awesome links to help you save money as well.

This E-Digest only cost $4.95, and all the information in it well worth the price!

Molly is also running a special deal. Buy five previously written digests, and get 20% off the total, PLUS Get the November Digest FREE!

You can find out more information and details for this awesome offer by CLICKING HERE

And just for fun, here is a photograph that I played around with after reading about all the cool photo tips in this issue:

Before:

After:

Simplifying Christmas

This time of year, aka "the holidays", always pops up on me unexpectedly. But this year, it seems I am just getting over the stress last Christmas and it's already Christmas again! And the stress isn't our finances I am talking about.

This year, I really want to make Christmas more Simple and building happy Memories.

Sweetie's most important wish for me is to make her homemade cinnamon rolls to eat for her Christmas breakfast.

Sure she wants presents, but it isn't her focus. It's the whole process of Christmas that she wants to experience.

Another Pet Peeve of mine is "the keeping up with the Jones'" or that "certain lady who's name starts with an "M", that does everything perfectly, because it's her career" mentality of Christmas. Maybe it's just my imagination, or my perception of the whole thing.

But it just feels that way. From presents, to decorations, to Christmas activities. It seems to be done up REALLY big. And I always feel guilty that I didn't do more than I did. Especially buying everyone that "perfect, unique and personal gift".

I am just exhausted thinking about it! Maybe I am Scroogie about this whole thing. But I just want to stop the crazy expectations, and enjoy my family. Build happy memories. Not expectations of how things should be around this time of year. And in turn get upset, stressed, or maybe even a bit bitter over the whole thing.

And it's so easy to get caught up in all the hoop lah!

I think back the the "Little House" series I read when I was little girl. Christmas was a big deal to them. But very simple. I remember reading about how Laura and Mary each received a tin cup, an Orange, a peppermint stick, and a brand new shiny penny. They felt like it was the *richest* Christmas ever. Especially when Mr. Edwards brought out the Sweet Potatoes from his pocket for the Christmas meal!

Why can't it be like that now? Why do we do the things that we do? Is it because we are expected to? Or guilted into it? Or.... are we too spoiled?

So, starting December 1st...I am going to start a "meme" called "Simplifying Christmas" throughout the whole month of December right up to Christmas Eve. My goal is to encourage and be encouraged to keep Christmas Simple. Hope you will join me!

My plan is to have a post everyday about our Christmas preparations, and how we are keeping things simple. Then have a McLinky up so you can post your related "Simplifying Christmas" topic in the McLinky, and we can all get encouraged!♥

I have googled this subject of simplifying Christmas, and have only come across articles that just leave me with a discouraged feeling. So let's pull together!

I think I want to make the first "topic" of discussion of Simplifying Christmas about our Christmas gift list and budget. How should we simplify our gift list? And how should we simplify our budget? I hope to have my post up late November 30th, early December 1st morning. Be thinking about this topic.

Please Sign up join me December 1st!

1. To those who sign up before December 1st, will win a Christmas Goodie package. Something that will be crafted by me and maybe a few other little things. Not sure what as of yet. ;-D

2. Also, if you blog about this meme on your blog, and give a link back to here, and tell me about it the comments you will receive two entries into the giveaway.

3.Share about this on your facebook, and let me know in the comments, and that will earn you another entry.

4.Tweet about it, you will earn another entry. ♥

5. Grab the button up top, or on the sidebar of my blog, post it on your blog somewhere, and comment about it in my comments, and you have gotten yourself another entry. :-D

6.Every time you write a "Simplifying Christmas" post and sign the MckLinky during the meme, that will also count as an entry; giving you the possibility of 24 entries

Don't forget to sign the MckLinky!

Here are a few rules and guidelines to this meme:

1. Publish your Simplifying Christmas post on your blog.
~Please post a link back to the main page of my blog. This is a courtesy to me, as well as your readers--they will know where to join in the fun, too. Feel welcome to use the Simplifying Christmas graphic button.
2. Copy the "permalink" from from your Simplifying Christmas post, not the link to the front page of your blog.
~People may be looking through these links all week long. It you link to your main page, it will be harder to find your Simplifying Christmas post. For instructions on how to do this, go HERE.
3. Add your permalink to MckLinky.
~Do not sign MckLinky until you have your Simplifying Christmas post published on your blog. This is only fair to the other participants. Links that I feel are inappropriate will be removed.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, November 16th, 2009...

Outside my window... It's BEAUTIFUL! Not a cloud in the sky that I can see from the west side of my house. And the doggie is outside enjoying the beautiful weather.

I am thinking... About GUILLOTINES thanks to my wonderful brother in law

I am thankful for... Simple Pleasures that I am trying to be more "mindful" about

From the learning rooms... Going to start working on the unit of The History of Thanksgiving with the kids

From the kitchen... Spaghetti with meat sauce, and Broccoli

I am wearing... Black Gauchos, purple T-shirt

I am going... To take the girls to choir practice.

I am reading... Nothing much at the moment. I want to get a new book though. ;-)

I am hoping... The house stays clean! ;-)

I am hearing... The dog barking outside, and Leapfrog's Letter Factory on the TV

Around the house... Tiny Boy is playing Dress up and the girls are getting dressed for the day.

One of my favorite things... Stevia

A few plans for the rest of the week: Focusing on School

Here is picture for thought I am sharing.

This is what I woke up to this morning. Sweetie was "decorating" for a party. Some party!

To read other lady's day books be sure to visit The Simple Woman's Day Book

Fall Happenings

It seems like my life has gotten *busier* than when the kid's were little tiny babies and toddlers. I can barely catch my breath most days it seems.

I even bought myself one of those day planner thingies, and to my utter astonishment each square in the calender seems to be filled.

When I first got married, and I tried to be Martha Stewartish, hubby "invested" in a pretty day planner for me. But Alas! I *NEVER* used the thing. It just wasn't needed.

My life was pretty "boring". Well strike that. It wasn't boring, just well....um...... I could at least remember what I had to do during the week, because pretty much everyday was the same except for the occasional wedding or baby shower.

So this year is the first year that I am actually using one, and to my utter shock and dismay I *FORGOT* something, even when I wrote it down on my day planner's calendar!

It happened to be the county fair entry forms deadline. And Bean and Sweetie were both looking forward to participating in entering some items.

Thankfully, Praise the Lord, I know someone who knows someone and I was able to enter a few of their projects in the fair.

So the above ditty is why I haven't really been very faithful to my blog except for some memes here and there.

This week was/is no exception in the "busyness" department.

Monday was a MOPS meeting, taking the girls to choir practice and Grocery Shopping.

Tuesday, Cleaning the House, and had wonderful friends over for supper.

And today....well, I was very tired today for some strange reason, and didn't get much done. Tomorrow, I will be working on sewing dresses for the girls upcoming Thanksgiving Choir Performance,

Friday, a field trip to the chocolate factory and a picnic afterwards.

Saturday, a birthday party and the choir performance.

And in the middle of that I need to try to fit some schooling in there and the daily grind of household chores. Such as cooking, making beds, sweeping, feeding the dog, taking the dog to potty, and other fun stuff.

So that's basically it. Just the life of a busy "Stay At Home" mom.

Sigh.....I don't even Want to think about the month of December!

And here is a little "sneak peek" at the dresses I am working on for the girls Thanksgiving Choir performance.

Simple Woman Day Book

FOR TODAY October 19th 2009...

Outside my window...

It's a beautiful Chilly morning. The Sun is shining, and hardly a cloud is in the sky

I am thinking...

How to slow down and do quality things rather, than harried and hurried craziness

I am thankful for...

That we found my husband's wedding ring that went missing this weekend

From the learning rooms...

Working on a unit study of Germs. We are almost completed with it. Then we will work on making items for the county fair that's coming up

From the kitchen...

Leftovers!

I am wearing...

Kelly Green Pajama Pants, a Purple T-shirt that I got at my husband's Company's family picnic yesterday, and socks

I am creating...

Centerpieces for my MOPS meeting next Monday

I am going...

To take my girls to Choir practice and the pet store to get crickets to feed our tree frogs

I am reading...

"The Unschooling Handbook"

I am hoping...

That I get everything done today without stressing out, LOL!

I am hearing...

My Kid's watching Franklin

Around the house...

In the middle of decorating for fall

One of my favorite things...

Sleeping with the windows open on a chilly night, and snuggling up to my husband

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Try to keep the house clean and maintained in the midst of a busy life. Finish working on the centerpieces for MOPS, a tea party at a friend's house tomorrow, and Maybe a Mom's Night out

Here is picture for thought I am sharing

Feeding the Ducks at a local park

Be sure to read other's Daybooks over at "The Simple Woman's Daybook"

Oh Me Oh My!

I think this boy needs a brother. Tu-Tu (pun intended) many girls are in the house.

I was sitting at the computer this morning checking Facebook, and these precious princesses greeted me. Only one of them was indeed the ugliest princess I have ever seen! Of course they giggled and laughed and thought they played a good joke on me. If only their father could see them.

Oh Me Oh My!