Monday, November 24, 2008

It's me again!

The economy has tanked, it's winter and why are some radio stations playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving?

Not much we can do about the economy. It needs to reset itself. Clip coupons, eat out less and conserve cash! The holiday season does not mean that you need to go into debt. Make gifts, give the gift of time or barter. Seriously.

I bought a ton of gifts from Hallmark on clearance (and with a coupon). Target's clearance section is skimpy for the holiday so, I am checking my alternate sources. Put a clearance item in a cute bag (also found on clearance) with tissue and you look like you did something special. You can be thoughtful and frugal.

The best gifts I ever received were:
  • a towel to wrap around my body after a shower
  • an afghan made by Grandma
  • recipes

I have to admit that I am somewhat crafty. I recently took a sewing class (at 25% off) and made pajama pants. Cut out two pieces of material, sew the crotch, sew the legs and hem. Instant gift. And fleece is on sale/clearance at most sewing stores. Some stores even have ready made pajama pants for around $7 each (fleece and thermal). I also make body creme (mango and/or shea butter with jojoba oil).

Okay, that's it for holiday gift ideas.

Frugal JD

Monday, November 10, 2008

I'm back . . . . been around the world or does it just feel that way

Man, what a week. President-Elect Obama! It's sad that I was too afraid to even hope for this.

Every time I watch the clip of Sherri Shepard on the View, I lose it. I rarely cry but, that has done it twice and I am tearing up just thinking about it.

Dude has his work cut out for him. The country is in shambles. Banks closing, businesses filing BK, homes being foreclosed. I actually found a home in the city I live in (IN CALIFORNIA) for $153,000. I haven't seen a home (with garage and fireplace) for that price in about ten years. It actually looked livable from the pictures. Now, I had to say that because I saw others that were priced higher that I would not use to house a dog.

Oh, back to my point. I just read Fresh's blog and he said that these are not the Huxtables, entertainers, sports figures . . . these are two people (Harvard Educated Attorneys) that worked hard and believed in each other. Can you imagine the belief Michelle had when her husband said he wanted to run for President? I want that kind of belief in my mate (which is why I am single).

I say that I am single because I am still a bit too selfish for that. But, I have yet to meet the man that makes me feel he can move mountains. Ever had that kind of faith in someone you dated/married?