There's no more snow in the forecast but the temperatures are not above the mid 30's for the next ten days. Looks like the snow will hang around for a while.
Before I began yesterday's blog post, I looked out the window to see what the weather was like...nothing going on. After I finished the post I checked again and - wow - there was snow and lots of it. I quickly got my coat and took the the fall stuff out to the trailer and brought in the light weight tree ornaments as well as one other light weight container! It was cold and snowing hard the entire time.
I did manage to find a place and set up the tree...even got the lights on. I also made a pasty and it tasted really good. A nice change from the left overs from Thanksgiving.
Today my plan is to hang the ornaments and make pear butter. The rest of the day I hope to spend in my studio working on current projects. What do you have planned for today?
Did you take some time to look over your gift list (if you give gifts.)? Can you find things to change? Have you jotted down ideas for inexpensive gifts?
Yesterday I talked about how making your own collection is cheaper than purchasing a collection already put together. A few years ago I put together spa boxes. I found nice containers (boxes with lids and/or baskets) and then added body wash, bubble bath, shower vapors, a scrubby, a candle, and fluffy socks. The entire cost for each box was $6.35. Much less than the $20 to $35 boxed spa set. Today the same would probably cost $9.50. More than a few years ago but still much cheaper than a boxed set!
What other collections can you make? How about a popcorn collection, or a baking mix collection, or even a sewing or hobby collection? Puzzle books (i.e. crossword, sudoku, word finds, adult coloring books,) are really cheap at discount stores like Dollar Tree. They would make a great collection. Add some crayons or colored pencils and/or notepad and you have a great gift.
What other 'outside the box' ideas can you discover, especially ones that fit folks that you are giving gifts to?
If you haven't already done so, get your gift list set. And that includes removing some folks from the list. I have found that when I wrote to my friends about not giving gifts, they were just as happy to discontinue as well.
Why do this? Well, even if the gifts aren't purchased or made yet, the fact that you have a plan will give you peace of mind. Your won't have to worry about it...basically, you've got this under control.
There's one other aspect of giving gifts that I want to touch on and that's giving yourself a gift. This gift isn't purchased but it's something you give yourself. It's the gift of patience, of no perfection and of loving yourself. It means that when you need to rest, you give yourself the needed time. Or when you are creating something like a holiday meal perfection is not your standard. And finally, that you are worthy of being loved.
That's all for today...
Talk with you tomorrow...