A Frugal Merry Christmas #2

 Another group of my favorite stores for gifts:

1.  True Leaf Market carries a variety of seeds and propagation supplies, including one of my go to Asian seeds from Kitazawa Seeds.  Use coupon code Holiday24 for 15% off items from their holiday gift guide.

2.  King Arthur Baking has something for everyone, but if you are shopping for someone with a gluten allergy they have some of the best gluten free baking mixes.

3.  Calamity Ware carries calamity themed ceramics.  I sent my brother the coffee mugs one year and he loved them.

4.  Burpee Seeds is offering 25% off plus free shipping on orders over $50.  I love their collapsible tomato cages.

5.  Warmies are stuffed animals, slippers and scarfs filled with heating beads and lavender.  Heat them in the microwave and climb into bed for a peaceful sleep.  My daughter loves her sloth and my husband loves the slippers.  They are offering a BOGO for the weekend.

6.  Voluspa is a candle company that sells candles made of coconut oil.  Their Noble Fir scented candles smell so authentic that you will think there’s a Christmas tree in the room.  They are 20% off for Black Friday.

I hope you get some inspiration from this list of my frequently used and favorite stores.

God bless,

Pam

Frugal Christmas Gifts: Meal Planner

 I am the first to admit that planning meals can be a challenge for me.  I never know if I will feel well enough (rheumatoid arthritis) to cook a full meal.  We keep certain staples in our kitchen for simple meals in case I am not well.

A meal planner is a great tool and I especially like one that doesn’t lock me into a certain date, but can be utilized whenever we need it during the week.

My husband does most of the grocery shopping, so the accompanying grocery list is a must.

Good for young people just starting out or us older folks learning to adjust to new challenges.

God bless,

Pam

Frugal Christmas Gifts: Japanese Hand Hoe

 From now on I’m going to recommend gifts that you can get quickly, usually from Amazon.

This hand hoe is, by far, my favorite gardening tool.  I use it every day and it only requires occasional sharpening and oiling for maintenance.

It is lightweight and sturdy.  And since I usually garden sitting, due to my arthritis, this length of handle works well for me.  Your favorite gardener will thank you.

God bless,

Pam

Frugal Christmas Gifts: Loops Earplugs

 If you have someone in your life with a sensitivity to sounds these earplugs are an attractive, affordable, and effective option.  They come in different colors and strengths; from high noise blocking for sleep to partial noise blocking for everyday activities.

Loops come in a variety of colors and they look like jewelry, not earplugs, so you won’t be hesitant to wear them in public.

I have misophonia and it can negatively affect my ability to enjoy myself if my trigger noises are present.  But I have been able to handle my misophonia much better since I have purchased these earplugs.  Loops come with several different sized ear plugs and a small carrying case.  Right now they are having a buy three get one free sale.

God bless,

Pam

Frugal Christmas Gifts #2

Sometimes it's fun and a bit more memorable to put a few of your favorite things together for a gift.  How about a cute little (or not so little) Totoro mug, silicone lid (keeps your drink hot) and some honey ginger crystals.

Sooo cute!

God bless,
Pam

Frugal Christmas Gifts: Everything Seasoning

Homemade food gifts are always a fun gift to make and receive.  This is the seasoning sprinkled on the top of everything bagels.  It is also good on meats and potatoes.

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
1 Tbsp. sesame seeds
1 Tbsp. dried minced garlic
1 Tbsp. dried minced onion
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Mix thoroughly and placed in a decorative container.  Can be doubled, tripled, etc.

Look at the dollar or thrift store for a decorative shaker.  Place the spice mix and shaker in a basket with a pretty ribbon and Ta Da a frugal Christmas gift.

God bless,
Pam

Homemade Bath Salts

This is another frugal Christmas gift idea.  Today I was given some fresh rosemary and I decided to make an invigorating herbal bath salt.

Find a decorative jar (found mine at Target), fresh herbs, essential oil (optional), vitamin E oil (could also use almond oil, olive oil or jojoba oil) and epsom salts.

Basic Ingredients

Place a cup of epsom salts in jar or bowl.  Finely chop your herbs to release their essential oils.  Today I am using rosemary which some people are sensitive to, so I recommend testing this herb on your inner elbow to make sure it won't irritate your skin.

Mix the chopped herb into the epsom salts.

This mixture smelled nice and strong to me so I chose to not add the essential oil.  If it is not fragrant then I would add 10-20 drops of essential oil.  Since I did not add essential oil I decided to add a heaping teaspoon of vitamin E oil.

Stir and stir again until the oil is mixed throughout the salt.  It will all come together, just keep working at it.  At this point it is ready to use as a bath salt.  If you want to turn it into a salt scrub add more oil (olive, almond or jojoba) until it reaches a scrub consistency.

I like to add a pretty shell collected off of our local beach to use as a scoop.

The lid of the jar can be labeled and decorated if you wish.  Get creative and enjoy!

God bless,
Pam