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He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in still another village where he worked in a carpenter’s shop until he was thirty. Then for three years, he was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office …
With only a few days to go before Christmas, it’s easy to allow a sense of panic to set in. Could you use a rescue? Perhaps a few ideas for doable, desirable gifts? Maybe a stocking stuffer or two? And wouldn’t it be great if you can do all of this without leaving the house? […]
Yes, I did. I made Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. In fact, I’ve made this recipe four times in 30 days just to get it right. I call it research. You know, honing my pastry skills. My family calls it delicious and please make some more!
If you woke up this morning with a sense of panic realizing there are just days until Christmas, let me offer some sweet relief—a compilation of my favorite things that I have purchased from my own money, with all details updated and now gathered into one convenient place. You’re about to discover that my […]
Sure they want toys, but underneath it all, what kids really want for Christmas (adults, too) just might surprise you. What we really want isn’t in a store. So, how can we give those we love what they really want for Christmas? I have a few ideas in today’s post … and I hope you have some, too. Will you add them in the comments area?
Short on cash this holiday season? Maybe it’s time to start thinking about gifts that don’t come from a store, but from the heart—a gift of time and talent. It’s going to require some (all?) of your free time over the next week or so, but it sure beats going into debt to buy a bunch of gifts for others—or missing out altogether because you refuse to show up empty-handed.
In today’s post …. idea starters! Practical, reasonable and doable Christmas gifts that don’t cost a dime!
See you there … xo m 🎁 ❣️
Eighteen days until Christmas. While you let that sink in, allow me to whisper one word in your ear: Re-gifting.
The act of re-gifting—passing on as new a gift someone else gave you—is controversial but only because of those who do a noticeably bad job of it. After all, if every act of regifting were carried out flawlessly, no one would find it distasteful, or even consider it a thing.
Face it, some people are just not easy-to-buy-for. That’s why I’m here to help—I’ve got you covered!
Finding the perfect gift for teen boys and girls is almost impossible. Teenagers like what they like. Funny thing. I’m kinda’ the same way. So what do teens like? Here are some really cool ideas to get you started. Before you read on, make sure you have your sense of humor handy. This Gift Guide for Teens is nothing if not a lot of fun, no matter your age.
Whether it’s something from your kitchen, craft room, woodworking shop, or computer, there’s nothing like a homemade gift. A tree ornament, a plate of cookies, box of fudge, note cards, tiny birdhouse—just a few of the many homemade gift ideas with universal appeal. Today, I have ideas for you that don’t require special skills or months of lead time. One in particular is, well … sew easy! I love homemade gifts both to give and receive. No wonder I have so many favorites.
If you have kids in your life age 3 and up to young adult, consider these excellent books to get those conversations started—discussions that will begin to open the doors to financial literacy.
These are the best gift ideas ever for foodies, gourmet cooks, and home chefs because they’re super useful—affordable, too!
Spending hours and hours creating Gift Guides for you, My Dear Readers, is the way I control my urge to splurge. Apparently my shopping gene doesn’t include actually owning the things I shop for—it’s the thrill of the hunt (no pun intended). And so, I let myself go nuts … for you! See how that works?
I’ve never been a school teacher, but I am a parent. I wish I’d known years ago what I know now about what teachers really want for Christmas. I would have skipped the “Teachers Have Class!” coffee mugs and gone more for …
Looking for some great campervan gifts for friends or family members who just got their new van, are more seasoned RVers or serious campers?
As gifting opportunities go, the biggest one of all is just around the corner. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of my readers are feeling somewhat stressed, even panicked. Last-minute shopping has a way of doing that, especially when you have zero gift ideas when it comes to the grandparents and seniors on your list. But not to worry. You have plenty of time and if you’re short on ideas, here you go!
Mr. Hard-to-Buy-For is no match for these ideas that you can still order and get in time for Christmas!
This is so much fun, no specific skills required. All of these ideas are super doable. More than that? You should be able to make these gift for about $10 or less.
You really can shop with CASH online at Amazon, Target, Kohl’s, Walmart … absolutely no credit card or debit card required. Let me show you …
Unsure of the perfect gift for that special child? Concerned about availability, shortages, and disruptions in the global supply? You can relax because I’ve compiled a list of sure hits for a variety of ages that are available right now (including fast shipping) and updating it daily. These are the hottest toys this holiday season […]
Gifting friends, family, co-workers teachers, and others with a jar of your own signature Luxury Hand and Body Cream will definitely put you on the map. It’s a homemade gift you would actually like to receive! It’s that good. And what better time than this weekend to make Christmas gifts? It’s quick and easy!
Great news! Time is one of the most important ingredients in homemade extracts. Fortunately, with Christmas nearly five months away, you’ve plenty of that! AND the price of vanilla beans has dropped considerably! I’ll show you where to get them …
Father’s Day is a fabulous, wonderful day to show Dads how much we love them, how special they are—and a great opportunity to poke a little fun, too! Here to help with lots of last-minute gift ideas …
For less than the cost of a week’s worth of restaurant meals, I can show you how to set up a starter kitchen that will get that special someone in your life excited about cooking at home. Just But for newly minted grads or newlyweds, this will get them started cooking great cheap meals in the kitchen …
Enjoy this Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021—a fun selection of gifts to delight every kind of mother— even those who say they don’t need a thing. But hurry. Some of these items are time-sensitive, which means you have no time to lose. Sun., May 9 will be here before we know it!
In this post last minute ideas to celebrate Valentines Day including dozens of gifts that are sure to please your Valentines without breaking the bank, divided into three categories—Gifts for Kids, Gifts for Her, and Gifts for Him. Honestly, this is so much fun.
Don’t worry that time is short. I’ve also included a slick way you can legally and ethically sign up for Amazon Prime Shipping, use it to send your Valentine’s Day gifts (to yourself or to others) and not have to pay for it. Really, It’s OK. Amazon wants you to do this.
All that and more in today’s post. See you there!
xo m ❣️
It is a social custom in this country to give cash gifts—also referred to as tips or gratuities—during the holiday season. But to whom? And how much? Here’s my take on the matter….
Need a last-minute gift for a neighbor, friend, a beloved teacher, or anyone else on your gift list? Here are six great ideas that won’t take much time, and certainly won’t break the bank …
For years, I’d attempted to make caramel corn, without success. It was either too soggy or too chewy. Or the caramel turned sugary. Once, I needed a hammer and chisel to get the stuff out of the bowl.
I had really given up until my encounter with Popcornopolis. I had to figure this out―I had to find a way to create a reasonable facsimile in my kitchen that would hit the mark without breaking the bank.
I am excited to let you know is that I believe I have … oh my, yes! The recipe, instructions, and very important final step, all of that in today’s post ….
See you there! Love, Mary 👌❤️
If you could use an injection of fresh ideas for how to make this Holiday Season meaningful for the children in your life—whether near or far—take a lesson from my friend, Connie Copeland!
I am enjoying the unique holiday tips and tricks readers have been sending my way, to be shared with you. Over and again, I find myself saying, Wow! Why didn’t I think that? …
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You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show those you love how much they mean to you. Here are some of my favorite DIY gift ideas that hit the mark for giftees of all ages—for less than $5 …
Looking for fun stuff for the kids? Well, yes, because it can’t be ALL about socks, underwear, and science experiments. Sadly, we no longer have the Sears & Roebuck Wish Book to find all kinds of a fun stuff! But you can dry those tears because here are some of the best ideas ever for […]
For nearly a decade I’ve been making vanilla extract for Christmas gifts. And every year I find myself scrambling because it’s a process that requires a minimum of three months—six months or even six years is even better! Vanilla extract gets better and better with age.
But all that has changed since discovering how to make vanilla extract using my Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. Instead of months, Instant Pot vanilla extract takes about one week from start-to-gift!
Pretty sure you’re going to love this! See you there … xo m ❣️
Recently, my husband and I made a quick getaway to experience autumn in the tiny town of Lititz, Penn. The colors of fall were at their peak, the air was crisp with just an occasional sprinkling of rain. In a word? Perfect!
When the holiday season arrives, the best gifts just might be from your kitchen. And when those gifts are extra decadent, well that just makes them even better. A couple of years ago I got the crazy idea to take my homemade gifts of food beyond cookies, cakes and pure vanilla extract to bacon. […]
If you are or ever have been plagued by credit card debt, I can nearly guarantee expenses related to Christmas have contributed greatly to that miserable situation. You know I’m right and unless we do something to stop that pattern, things are about to get much worse for you. Christmas is right around the corner. […]
Even if you didn’t have an abundant garden this year, don’t worry. You can still make these wonderful gifts of summer to hold onto for Christmas. You can find everything you need at a local farmer’s market. How wonderful it will be when you welcome the holiday season knowing your gifts are ready to go. We are […]
Good news! Another Black Friday is in the books. You survived—unscathed I hope. If you bag some amazing bargains without going into debt—great. Me? Just as planned, I stayed home, cleaned up from Thanksgiving. Today? My husband and I will put up the tree and dress the house for Christmas! I’m so excited.
I’ve got a bunch of my favorite tips to share into today’s post. With any luck, they will trigger your best tips and tricks, which I hope you’ll share in the comments! See you there … Love, m xo 🎄
P.S. We got 16-inches of snow a few days ago—so beautiful! But it’s so cold, the snow has not begun to melt. More snow expected today. I love this, and here’s why: We live where we work, or maybe better stated—we work where we live. Either way, we only leave the house if we want to, not because we have to.
P.P.S. We own two businesses (one each) and have just completed construction on our new offices, complete with a most spectacular view of the golf course and the Rocky Mountains. If that sounds fabulous, it is! How can we do this? One reason: We have no debt—none. It wasn’t always that way, as you may know about me and my dark financial past—a story for another time.
Several readers have asked recently about the best inexpensive headphones and earbuds both for themselves and their kiddos. Today seems like a great day to respond. Generally, these are the best values, price points and styles of headphones for adults and kids, too: Best inexpensive wired earbuds Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbuds are smartphone compatible with integrated […]
