The Best Thanksgiving EVER!!!

This by far has been the best Thanksgiving ever! God has a way of putting his arms around me, pulling me tight and saying, "Rachel, just trust me." Several months ago we started a remodel of our kitchen and dining room. We sold our dining room table with the hope of getting a new one. In the mean time Mark lost two jobs and all the extra spending came to a quick halt and all the income was now being used to keep us in our home, the van in the driveway and food on the "plate". With the holidays fast approaching I sat down with the boys one on one and asked them what made the holidays special for them. Our youngest said the same thing he said last year, "Having family come over and everyone eating at the table together." He then followed that with, "Mom, I really hope we can get a table before Thanksgiving." I promised him that we would have one. Not knowing how that would happen but I said, "Caleb, lets trust God to provide us a table." The day before Thanksgiving we still did not have a table, I woke up early, put down the seat in the van and went on a table hunt. After praying again, I had in mind a thrift shop I should visit so I set off to find a table trusting that God would provide. I wanted to keep it around $30 but would stretch it to $40 if I absolutely had to. I went into the thrift shop and saw two tables! I saw one table that was just made for my little dining room but knew out of the two it would be the more expensive one so I went to the cheaper looking table. To my shock the cheaper table was priced $124.99!!! Oh, my heart sunk. I thought if this one is the cheaper looking one and its $124.99 what it the other one marked? I stopped and said, "Lord, you know Caleb wants a table for Thanksgiving and I really want this table because its just the right size for my dining room but its in your hands." I walked over to the table and had to take a double look because it was priced $12.99!!!!! Yes, just twelve dollars and ninety-nine cents! Oh, my heart jumped for joy and I was overwhelmed once again with God's love for us.
The guy who marks sold on items was walking by and I said trying to curb my enthusiasm; "I would like this table please!" He came over to write me a ticket and laughed. When I questioned what was funny he said, "I'm not sure who priced this table but we never price tables at $12.99 but I'm going to give it to you for that price!" I said, "I know who priced that table and He priced it just for a little boy named Caleb!"
Since I saved so much on the table I decided to see if they had any goblet glasses which I needed to go with the China my Aunt Donna gave me a few years ago. Each time I use the china, I borrow Mom's glasses and I just wanted to see if I could get a set of my own. I said, "Lord, I did not ask for glasses but if you see fit to give me a set I sure would be appreciative." I went over and would you believe I found a set of 11 for just $2.99!!!!! I am telling you we serve a wonderful Saviour.
Next, I was off to get my produce for Thanksgiving. I had a coupon for $5 off $20 so I was excited to get $20 for just $15! When I pulled into the store I noticed a missionary that we support walk into the store and I felt the Lord telling me to give him my coupon. I was so blessed with what the Lord saved me that I walked into the store to give him the coupon but I could not find him. I was only going in for produce but found myself in the frozen food section where I spotted an elderly lady who was putting food back. She was obviously very poor, had an unappealing odor about her and was missing most of her teeth. My heart went out to her but I walked right on by. Then I felt that tug on my heart again to give her my coupon. When I went back I heard here say to herself in a quite voice, "I only have $9 and I need 7 days of food." She then went on to say if she bought bread she could stretch that but was stressed because bread went up .20 cents. I knew she did not have $20 to use my $5 coupon. She then got scared and said she needed to hurry so her ride did not leave her and she rushed to the check out lane. I quickly picked up the items she put to the side added several more items and rushed to the check out with her. This is a store where they do not bag your item so I threw a bag at the cashier, told her I want to hurry and give these items to the lady in the other lane and please bag them for me. The elderly lady had problems paying for her food so I snuck the large bag of food into her cart with out her seeing it and turned around to pay for my food. By this time my cashier has tears in her eyes and asked me why I did that. I told her about what the Lord did for me that day and how her store sent me the $5 coupon and how I wanted to give back a portion of what the Lord gave me. Then the elderly lady cashier turned around and had tears in her eyes and asked if the elderly lady knew I did that and my cashier said, "No, she was just being a blessing today." The elderly lady's cashier gave me a big hug and with tears in her eyes thanked me. As I walked outside my heart broke because I saw the elderly lady loading her items into a very old truck but she had fear in her eyes because she knew the extra food was not hers. She put her items in the truck and started looking in the bag. She looked up but was trying to move fast so she did not get into trouble by having an extra bag she did not pay for. I walked up to her, put my hand on her arm and said, "I just wanted you to have a happy Thanksgiving," She looked at me with tears in her eyes and thanked me over and over again. She got in her truck, with the biggest smile I have ever seen and was truly Thankful for those few groceries. It made me think of my own life and how I may not have fresh paint on my walls, I may not have the new dining room set, I may not have new carpet, I may not have all that I want but I have so much more and I am so thankful for what He has given me.
When I came home I sat Caleb down and said, "Caleb, what did Mommy promise you we would have before Thanksgiving?" With the biggest smile he said, "A TABLE!" I told him the story of the gift God gave us and he said, "Mom, I thought you forgot so I did not say anything." We unloaded the table and he asked if he could do all the decorating with the table cloth and dishes!

The day before Thanksgiving he "decorated" the table the best an 8 year old could do! He wanted to have a special gift for our guest, Grandma, so he wrapped up a Christmas gift and set it at her place.

Grandma LOVES tea so he have her.....

A mini tea cup Christmas ornament! I see a little of his Daddy coming out in him!

We gathered in our little dining room together and enjoyed the best

Thanksgiving EVER!

Our Annivrsary

Its Thanksgiving & Our 15th Anniversary!!!

This week Mark and I are celebrating out 15th wedding anniversary. This past weekend Mark made me feel like I did the day I said, "I do" For several weeks Mark has been planning a special date for us and did not say anything except to save the date. The only people who knew was our oldest son, my Dad and my sister. Its amazing that no one leaked anything about this special date. I'm not the type to snoop because if someone is working hard on a surprise I don't want to spoil it. I did not find out one thing and that made it even more exciting! After our youngest sons soccer game on Saturday we came home and got dressed for a day on the town. Anticipation mounting, we got in the van and headed towards Charleston. Mark gave me and envelope that said, "I love you!"

Inside was a gift card for a manicure and pedicure! So off to the mall we went! Mark sat patiently while I enjoyed being pampered!!

Next, we were off again, this time to downtown Charleston where we parked and went shopping at the market a famous tourist attraction. What girl does not enjoy shopping but it was fun just walking hand in hand with him. After the market we walked over to the Double Tree Hotel where he informed me we were going on a carriage ride (which is my favorite thing to do downtown!) To my surprise a private carriage pulled up for just the two of us!!! I was so excited I forgot to get a photo! It was a cool brisk day and I was happy I had my coat but again to my surprise Mark had them bring a blanket! Mark brought with him a black bag and when we pulled up to the stop to get our route assignment he pulled out two coffee mugs and hot cocoa!!! Just when I thought it could not get any better he pulled out hand dipped chocolate strawberries (yes, he dipped them at my Dads house and hid all the evidence)!!!

I could not believe he went to so much trouble. Each stop on our date represented something in our past. He said the carriage ride was because I should have always been treated like a princess. My honey has always been romantic but this date surpassed everything he has ever done for me.

In the middle of the carriage ride he gave me another gift. Our oldest son Kyle, drew a picture of us on our wedding day. It brought tears to my eyes and again, I could not believe all the planning that went into this date. What a special day! And it was far from over...

This was one of many views on our carriage ride. Mark talked the driver into just driving and not do the tour, so we could just enjoy one another and the spectacular scenery.

After getting off the carriage ride I again forgot to snap a photo of us or the carriage! The date was far from over and the next step took my breath away! So after the carriage ride we went to California Dreaming restaurant. I told him I did not mind waiting so we could sit by the water but again, he had made reservations and we had a table before he even parked the car.
At dinner I could see he was not feeling well but not wanting the evening to end he asked if I wanted to go shopping? I could see in his eyes that he was in pain due to some physical ailments he has been dealing with so I decided now would be a good time to give him my gift. As a surprise to him I saved some money back from a job that I worked and rented the Bridal Suite near our home. It had a hot tub in the room which I knew he would really enjoy considering how much pain he had been in the past few weeks. He had no idea at all! I packed an over night bag and took it to the hotel that morning so he was clueless! I told him, "Now its time for me to give you my gift!" He was shocked because he no idea I had a surprise of my own. I reached in my purse and got the hotel card out, put it between both hands and gave it to him. Needless to say he was now overwhelmed! I was not the only one with tears in their eyes! Then he blew me away one more time. He said he had one more surprise for me. He pulled out a little red box and said, "Rachel, I love you more today then I did 15 years ago and I am so glad you are my wife." When I opened the box I started to shake and tears rolled down my cheeks because he gave me.....

my wedding ring! About two years ago it broke and we did not have the money to fix it. I could not ware it at and I missed it everyday. Often I would just pull it out and look at it and I longed to have it back. I looked for it a the day of our date because I wanted to have it with me on our date even if in my purse but I could not find it. I thought I lost it and my heart was heavy. Getting the ring this time was even more special then getting it the day of our wedding because I know the sacrifice that went into getting it fixed. God truly blessed me with my Prince Charming. Although the path this 15 years has not always been easy I never wavered knowing God put us together and God makes no mistakes. I am thankful on this Thanksgiving for my husband and I look forward to many, many, many more years with him. Thank you honey for making me feel like a Princess and for making me Mrs Littleton

Back!

Its been a crazy few weeks and not that this week is any less busy but maybe I can get back with the bolg a little this week. I am so excited to tell you about the anniversary date my husband took me on this past week and many other things. For now I'm going to leave you with the new Michael's coupons found here. I'm off again but hope to come back later today with more. Have a great day everyone! Enjoy the Thanksgiving countdown!!!

Military Appreciation

Golden Corral's 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide. The free dinner meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. To locate a Golden Corral near you, visit www.goldencorral.com/locator.

Dollar General

Go here for a 10-20% off coupon from Dollar General. I love this little store! They always have those unique items and this year I have noticed they have some name brand toys. Our boys wanted a Tony Hawks tech deck skateboard ramp and it was $30 at other stores, I found it at Dollar General for just $12! They also have the money jugs that count the money as they go in the jug. Its a great way to teach the kids to save! They are the large jugs and they are only $6! A great deal! Be sure to check out all the cute Christmas decorations too.

Veterans Eat Free

Just a reminder that Applebees is offering a free meal to Veterans tomorrow on November 11, 2009. Go here for all the information and enjoy!

FREE Cane

This is a great deal and one that is so usefull! On Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will be giving away 25,000 Hugo® canes free of charge to United States Military Veterans in need of mobility assistance.

Thank you Sam's!!!

Toys R Us Hasbro Sale

Take advantage of the biggest game sale of the year at Toys”R”Us! Below are some of the game deals you’ll receive when you shop at Toys"R"Us Sunday, 11/8 through Saturday, 11/14. Plus, receive a $10 gift card (In-Store only)with any Hasbro game purchase of $25 or more when you shop in a Toys”R”Us store through 11/14. The gift card offer is available in stores only and quantities are limited; no rain checks. The card is valid six hours after activation and expires on 12/31/09 except where prohibited.

Some games are on sale for $3.99 with a $2 mail in rebate makes them just $1.99! The following are a few of the games on sale this week! Rebate form found here

• Candy Land
• Chutes and Ladders
• Disney Princess Chutes and Ladders
• Super Hero Squad Chutes and Ladders
• Memory Game
• Hi Hi Cherry-O
• Don't Break the Ice
• Ants in Pants
• Monopoly
• Sorry (my boys favorite right now)
• Jenga
• Scrabble

The mail-in rebate is offered by Hasbro and is only valid on purchases of specific Hasbro games through 1/31/10. You can find the official rebate form at participating Toys”R”Us stores while supplies last. Your rebate must be postmarked by 2/15/10 and received by 2/28/10 with all requested documentation. Allow 60 days for delivery of rebatecheck by mail.

Bagel Bites

I had to laugh when getting this email today because I just asked my nieces and nephews what they wanted when they came for Christmas Eve and they said, "You know those little pizzas on bagels, we love those!" We have fun finger food and this year we are letting the kids choose. So, Hannah, Brandon, Jordan, Taylor these are for you!

Go here to print your coupon too!

Thanksgiving Coupons

Go here to print some Betty Crocker coupons good for your Thanksgiving dinner and even dessert.

$10 off $30 Bath & Body Works Coupon

Go here to print a $10 coupon for Bath & Body Works! This should make for a great Christmas gift or maybe a nice hostess gift.

Old Navy Sale

On Saturday November 7th Old Navy scarfs will be on sale for only $1! Call ahead to confirm if your store is participating. Limit is 5!

For all my Charleston friends, our stores are participating in this sale. I am going to get a few for my niece and nephews who are coming from MN for Christmas.

Thanks Couponers Untited for the Tip!

Hamrick's Coupon

Turkey Dinner For 8 for $20!!

A turkey dinner for eight as low as $20! According to a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation, last year'saverage cost of a turkey was roughly $1.19 per pound. Beginning today, select Grade A turkeys are available for 40 cents per pound at Walmart. These gobblers are part of Walmart's $20 Thanksgiving menu guaranteeing familyfavorites will be on the dinner table this holiday season. Walmart's $20Thanksgiving feast includes

• One 12-pound Grade A turkey


• Three 11 to 15.5-ounce cans Green Giant vegetables


• Two 14-ounce cans Ocean Spray cranberry sauce


• Three 6-ounce boxes of Stove Top stuffing


• One 5-pound bag of red potatoes


• One 12-count package of Sara Lee dinner rolls


• One 22-ounce pumpkin roll cake

Our local Goose Creek Wal-Mart (the only one I called) is participating in this sale! The meat manager said he just put out about 100 turkeys so its a great day to buy a turkey! THANK YOU WAL-MART!!!!!!!

Christmas Lights

What a great deal! Take your old Christmas lights to Home Depot from Nobember 5-15 and get a $3 coupon for each set (up to 5 sets) good on any energy efficent LED Christmas lights. Home Depot LED lights will be $5.97 during the promotion or only $2.97 each after the trade in coupon! Sound like a good week to get set for decorating!

All You Survey

WOW!!! Keep an eye out for November 20th issue of All You Magazine (found at Walmart) and inside the first few pages you may find a survey with a prepaid envelope. Complete the survey and mail it in and you will receive a $10 check! The surveys are not in all magazines, but are randomly distributed. Thanks Couponers United for the tip!

Meatballs

This week I found more ground chuck on clearance so I made another batch of meatballs for my family. The thing I hate about making meatballs is rolling the balls. Yuck! Today I tried using my ice cream scoop and it worked perfectly! I have about three different size scoops and was happy with each size. Today I wanted the larger balls so the normal ice cream scooper was perfect! Yeah, no more slimy hands!! The following recipe made 20 large meatballs which fit perfectly in my slow cooker. Hope you enjoy having slime free hands too!

Ok, so as promised I made the meatballs for the boys for dinner this evening and let me just say YUMMY!!!!!! I am not a big meatball fan so I made these just for the boys and my honey knowing they would love them. I normally do not like them because they have so much filler that just turns my stomach. Not these! They were delicious if I do say so myself! I can't wait for my honey to get home so he can try them. They were super simple to make, below is the recipe if you would like to try them too.

3lb of Lean Ground Beef
3 Eggs
1 package of Crushed Saltine Crackers
3tbsp Onion Onion
3tbsp Garlic Garlic
1tsp Accent
2tsp Creole Seasoning
1 Bottle of Kraft Original BBQ Sauce
1/4 cup Grape Jelly

• Add first seven ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
• Roll into any size meatballs you desire. (use an ice cream scooper or cookie scoop)
• Place on baking sheet covered with foil. I like to bake mine about 10-15 minutes just to get some of the grease out and to seal the flavors.
• Remove from oven, let cool
• Place in a freezer bag and freeze until ready to use.
• This recipe will make 24 meat balls

How to Prepare

• When ready to use, remove as many as you need out of the freezer bag and place half in your crock pot (frozen is fine). Oh, don't forget your crock pot liner!!!
• Add BBQ sauce and grape jelly in a small mixing bowl, mix well.
• Pour over half of meat balls, add remaining meat balls and top with remaining BBQ sauce.
• This evening I wanted to cook them fast so I cooked them 3 hours on high, but if you're leaving for the day, cook on low. When you get home, remove the lid and it will thicken up and be oh, soooo yummy!

You can find this and many more recipes at Blessed with Grace and Grocery Chart Challenge

Disney Trip

Would you like to go to Disney? Me too!!! Go here to enter to win a FREE trip from Pier 1 Imports. Good Luck!

Kellogg's Coupons

I've been on a cereal hunt to make Christmas treats (I'll post recipes soon). I was happy to see all the Kellogg's coupons here today. I hope these help you save this week too! Remember when buying cereal to keep an eye on the price because it fluctuates more then any items I've seen. One week it will be $4.49, the next week BOGO free, the next $1.99 so make sure to buy low and stock up then when you're ready for more it will be at its low price again.

Golden Corral Free Meal

Golden Corral is having Military Appreciation. On Monday, November 16, 2009 from 5 - 9 PM Go here for all the details and have a great time!

Free Meal For Veterans

As a Thank You for your service to our country Applebees is honoring veterans and active duty military with a FREE meal on November 11! All you have to do is show your military ID. Enjoy a FREE meal and THANK YOU for keeping us free.

Go here for further information.

CVS Coupon

Another great CVS coupon!!!

Go here to print your

$5 off $20 and its good until December 31!!!

Publix Deal of the Day

By far my best shopping trip at Publix ever! Receiving the news that my husband lost his job on Friday was another shocking blow to our family so buying groceries took on a whole new plan this week. God is in control and we are taking it one day at a time continuing to learn and lean upon Him. I am so thankful that I have been learning how to use coupons and how to get the best deals. This is by far my best deal! Today I purchased four bags of Nut Clusters, a gallon of Milk and a loaf of fresh still warm French Bread. Without coupons this would have cost my family $18.96; however, with my trusty coupons and sale items we paid just .15 cents!!! Yep! Just .15 CENTS!!! I used coupons from all over the place today! I used the coupons I found a few weeks ago at Food Lion which were store coupon so I was able to match with manufactured coupons, a milk coupon from Bi-Lo and a $4 off $15 coupon from Rite Aid (its gone but you can use this one for $5 off $25), then I used the $4 Publix coupon for Nature Valley items which I found on the Publix website. It ends today but if you hurry you can go get some deals too using these coupon.
Since Publix also had the $4 coupon for General Mills products I went ahead and purchased these four boxes of Chex mix so I can make some goodies for Christmas. They had Frosted Flakes Cereal on sale for just $1.99 and I used the $1 off Target Coupon found here making them just .99 cents per box. Then they had BOGO free butter and I had .55 cent coupons so I used two since I purchased two items. This total was $29.98; however, with coupons I paid just $2.83!!!

I spend $48.94 but paid just $2.98 with a savings of $35.96

Create A Plan

Last week we were busy cleaning out and getting the house in shape for the upcoming holidays. I tackled our "computer room" which sounds fancy but we live in a small 1000 sq ft home with no garage and no attic space so we converted one room to a storage area and work room. It was way out of control so I spent time getting it organized and it feels so good to have it all clean and ready for storing all the extra Christmas groceries and wrapped gifts. Christmas can be overwhelming when I start thinking about gifts. meals, decorating, the added expense, family coming to visit and on and on. I must admit, until I create a plan I can get qoite overwhelmed. If you wait until the week before Christmas to start planning then you are really going to be stressed out. Some people love that last minute rush but not me. This past week I created a plan so things can get into prospective and I can start working the plan. The following are a few steps I took this week to get myself organized:

1. Create A December Schedule of Events - I take an empty calendar and start writing all the activities for the month. I include family fun times too like going to see the Christmas lights, decorating the tree, outdoor decorating, shopping day, gift wrapping evening, fill out Christmas cards...etc Just don't get so organized that you are not flexible. Plans change and things get added so remember your calendar is not set in stone its just a guide.


2. Create A December Menu - Life gets so busy this time of year so if you have your meals planned all the way through the new year it will make things sooo much easier. Since we have family gathering for about 8 days at Christmas I plan the menu send it to my family along with a schedule of activities for the week. I used to stop the planning a few days after Christmas but now I take it all the way through the new year so I don't feel like I am planning again after Christmas and neglect the New Year activities. I get it all done in one swoop.


3. Create A Gift Giving List - A few years ago Hallmark had these cute little binders that helped you organize your Christmas. In the binder was an area for gift giving. Since I shop all year long for Christmas I love having a spot to write down what I purchased. I don't know about you but if I don't write it down I'm not going to remember. So keeping a list of what I purchased and who its going to keeps me from over buying in one area so I don't end up with 20 girl gifts and no guy gifts! You can create your own binder or notebook by making categories like menu, gifts, Christmas card list (include addresses so you're all ready), family wish list...etc

With just a little planning and a little organization you can have a great holiday with a lot less stress. One day our children will be grown and will have families of their own, as much as I want to put a stipulation in their wedding vows that they will be at our home on Christmas I know that will not fly so I've decided to cherish every holiday that we have them home.

Michaels Coupon

Time for more coupons from Michael's. This week I'm concentrating on making more gifts for my family for Christmas so this coupon is going to come in handy. I hope is helpful for you too. Go here to print your coupon it good through November 7, 2009. Go here to see all the free demos Michaels is hosting for November and December. I love the little snowman pot.

Christmas Planning Week Two

Last week in our home we started to really concentrate on gift giving. I was able to make a few gifts (which I can't show you because the recipients are looking! tee hee!!!) We also started the kids thinking about what they are going to do for others this holiday. To start our youngest found some wooden photo frames that he is painting for Grandparents and our oldest decided he is going to make our Christmas cards this year so he started on those and they are beautiful. They cleaned out their closet and donated a big bag of toys to a cherity. They loved cleaning out their closet, they found treasures they did not remember they had. This week we are going to continue on working on gift giving. Below are some ideas that might spark some gift giving ideas for you too.

This Weeks Top 10 Low Budget Gift Giving Ideas:

1. Clearance Section - This week I ran into our local Dollar General store to get a few items and I founds some really cute cloth duffel bags for just $2! I am going to take them to the local shop and have my nieces monogram placed on them (which will cost me $9). Keep an eye open because stores are wanting to move merchandise so you can find some great deals. I already dropped off the bags so I'll show you a photo when I get them back.



2. Christmas Ornaments - Have you seen the beautiful ornaments out this year! Wow! I was looking at some last week at the local dollar stores and I was surprised to see they were only $1-$2. A few years ago my Mom stared giving all the kids an ornament every year with their name on it. We just purchased a few paint pens and do it ourselves. The kid love it and year after year its so special to pull them out of the box and see a love note from Grandma. One day they are going to be very special for our boys.



3. Dollar Tree - I love this store! Some things are junk but if you keep an eye open you can find some real treasures. Mom is working on Christmas stockings so this week I was looking for inexpensive items she could add to the stockings. I found some great treasures at the Dollar Tree. A girl can't get enough make-up so when I found name brand lipstick and gloss for just $1! I tested one out and let me just say I can't wait for the stocking!!!



4. Magazine Subscription - Amazon has been offering great deals on yearly magazines. Go here to check out the deals this week and keep an eye open for a magazine someone on your list might enjoy all year long . Then be creative how you give them the gift. For instance...this year my brother wants gardening magazine so I am giving him a basket (from the thrift shop) with a plant (that I started from one of my plants), a yard decoration, a few yard tools (found on clearance), a current copy of the magazine and a note that says enjoy a year subscription. It cost me less the $20 for a great gift (including the year subscription).



5. Movie Gift Card - Cold weather is coming or in your area my already be upon you. Our boys enjoy going to the movie and we have a theater near us that they can so see a movie for just $2.25. It make for a great activity on those cold or in our area hot days. I'm going to put a gift card in a popcorn bucket (in Targets $1 section) with theater candy, glass bottle of Coke and give it to my nephews.



6. Gifts From The Garden - Often when shopping I find great containers at the thrift shop. This summer I found a resin cowboy boot that I just loved. I brought it home and my Dad put a start in in for me and it sits on my front porch. I just love it and it only cost me $.99 cents including the potting soil. Keep an eye open for discounted containers, baskets, pots and replant some of your starts and give as gifts. Even plant some herbs and give along with a new cookbook.



7. Fudge - This year I am making Cookie Cutter Fudge for some smaller gifts. Its quick and easy and will delight any recipient. Go here for the recipe. After you create your master piece put it inside a cellophane bag, tie with a beautiful ribbon and add a name tag.



8. Personalised Apron - Did you know you can purchase aprons at Sams in a triple pack? They have limited colors to choose from but if you take them to be monogrammed or add unique saying then it will make for a great gift. If you're up to it they're an easy sew too.


9. Board Games - I have seen some great prices on board games lately but my favorite place to get games is again the local thrift shop. Just about all our games have come from the thrift shop. Our shop puts them in a plastic bag but if you ask they will let you open the bag to make sure all the pieces are in the box. Usually on the back of the box it will list all the pieces that should be in the box. If we don't know how to play I will make sure instructions are in the box too. I usually pay less then $2 per game and we have a great collection. Often the boxes look new so they would make for a great gift!


10. Clothing - This past week I concentrated on one of my sisters for Christmas and I was so pleased to find her a three beautiful gifts that were brand new at the local thrift shop. I came home and looked them up online and all three pieces were valued at $169.00 and I paid only $12! We had a talk in our family a few years ago about giving and receiving thrift store items and we were all in agreement the we would love them. Its nice that I can give her a few beautiful gifts but they did not break my bank.

Okay, so that is my top ten list for this week. I hope it sparks some ideas for you and you can start shopping and saving this week too. I look forward to seeing what treasures I find this week. One thing I will be working on is making and canning Apple Butter. Come back for those details and the recipe. I would love to hear your tips for a frugal Christmas too!

Targer Shipping Offer

Target is offering FREE shipping on orders $50 or more. Go here for information and to start shopping. Remember type clearance into the search engine for even greater deals.

Toys R Us Coupons

Toys R Us has another coupon! Go here for a $5 off $25 coupon which will make for some great deals this week. Coupon is good through November 6 so make sure to print and have it on hand for that quick trip. There are also some great baby item coupon on this page as well. Happy Shopping!

Menu Planning Monday

This week is catch up week! By that I mean I am catching up on some of the meals I had planned but did not get to them and I already have the supplies. Nothing fancy just trying to uses what we have on hand. So this week on our menu is the following....

Sunday - Corn Dogs, Steak Fries and Raw Vegetables

Monday -Baked Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Broccoli and Rolls

Tuesday - Red Beans and Rice

Wednesday - Oatmeal, Eggs, Bacon and Toast

Thursday - Potato Soup and Grilled Cheese

Friday - Tacos

Saturday - Sloppy Joes, Steak Fries, Raw Vegetables