"And my father always took me to the library. We were both book addicts." --Cornelia Funke, author

One of the best "nifty, thrifty tips" I can give is to use your local library--often!  At the modern library, people can not only take out books, but also put in a pre-order for a newly released book, and borrow books-on-tape, videos, DVD's, foreign language learning programs, magazines from all over the world, software, computer games (usually meant for learning--which is another added benefit!), video games, and much more.  The library houses regular worldly newspapers for reading, research books, computer databases for research, and the computers on which to conduct that research.  Several libraries offer free classes from how to use your computer, digital camera, software; to how to do geneology research, knit, or scrapbook; to kids' classes on drama, building of models, and writing creative short stories; to book or historical club meetings.  All of this is free.  Just remember to return or renew items on time.  Libraries are not just a thrifty find; they are a necessity-- especially in these trying times.  

Get Your Holiday Paper Goods This Week!

Do your kids ask you where you got your fabulous wrapping paper at the holidays? No, mine don't either. Does anyone? No--unless it is handmade (my favorite), no one cares how much is spent on wrapping paper or paper goods. So why spend a ton of money on these items? The key, though, is to not wait until Black Friday and the days beyond, when you will spend precious time waiting in line for these items. This is definitely the week to get to the Dollar Store (Dollar General or Family Dollar) to pick up holiday paper goods. I'm trying not to even think about the holidays yet, but a shopper can save a ton of money by getting wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, bows, tape, all paper goods used for holiday meals, plastic utensils, tins for baking as well as other winter items that seem to get misplaced easily such as gloves, hats, and socks all at a dollar store. Make your holiday time less stressful--spend less money on the items that matter less and don't wait in line for them.

The Hand-Me-Down Circle, A Way to Give Back

I have to tell you how wonderful my friends are!  One of them just handed-me-down a big bag of clothes for two of my children.  Her children are one size larger than my daughter and son, though they are a year younger.  Yes, I know when I was younger, "hand-me-downs" weren't my favorite clothes, but the times have changed.  How best to save money has become a necessary part of the SAHM's job these days.
  My kids pored through these bags completely excited, pulling out this sparkly item or that pair of jeans--my daughter especially.  Hand-me-downs from other peers help her to be her own little "fashionista"!

The Friday Flyers are Here!

So, it's here!  The day I actually look for the mail because the new ShopRite flyer comes.  I could (and do) look online for the flyers and the coupons, but it's just not the same as looking at the actual flyer.  I would love to be an "Extreme Couponer" but my "stockpile" is more of a tiny, very needy "pile" right now because my teenage and preteenagers (as well as my shrinking food budget money) are sneaking from it.  I'm out of everything and the prices at the store are out of control.  As the holidays approach, it's time to start looking for deals and stocking up so that I can feed everyone that comes to visit.