Ordinarily I don’t recommend kitchen items as gifts, but I’m going to make an exception for this.  It’s a large, 3-station buffet with three 1-1/2 quart chafing dishes.  Killer price, too:  only $69.99…that’s a savings of $130 (regularly $199.99).  Order from JCPenney.

PHOTO courtesy of jcp.com

This is a great gift for the nerd on your list!  This 192-page hardcover collection contains photos and reproductions from the Marvel comic books.  Only $19.95.  Order from The Lakeside Collection.

photo courtesy of lakeside.com

This is a great buy at only $79.99 (regularly $159.99)!  It has a drawstring waist, down lining, and detachable hood with faux fur.  Comes in five great colors (I like Bright Berry or Vanilla).  Sizes S, M, L, XL.  Petite sizes available.  Order from Chadwicks.

photo courtesy of chadwicks.com

This beautiful 10-wale, machine-washable corduroy jacket is available in 6 solid colors with floral lining, or botanical print.  Solids are $79.  Petite sizes available.  Order from Talbots.

1.  Eat out one less time per week.  Make an effort to eat at home on Friday nights, but go easy on yourself by making that your easy night to cook (tacos, hamburger helper, etc).  Or better yet, choose one night a week to let your spouse do the cooking!

2.  Pick up a meal from your grocer’s deli department instead of buying takeout from a fast-food restaurant.  You may be able to feed 4 for $16 instead of a typical $30 at a fast-food establishment.

3.  Order water with your meal at a restaurant instead of ordering a soft drink or iced tea beverage…that’s a savings of $2.50 per person!

4.  Try a different grocery store in your area.  Even the chain store prices vary between locations. 

5.  Save on pet food by asking what “people” foods your pet can safely eat.  Our dog has allergies and the vet told us to give him a baked potato.  Now we do that a couple of times a week, saving us a few scoops of that expensive special dog food.

1.  Resist the urge to remodel!  Let’s face it….remodeling is BIG business.  There didn’t used to be stores like Home Depot around 30 years ago.  Don’t fall into the replace it/update it trap.  Instead, change paint, switch out hardware or light fixtures, an replace window treatments with blinds (or replace blinds with window treatments) to achieve a new look at a fraction of the cost of remodeling.

2.  Don’t buy top-of-the-line appliances.  Do you really want to be married to your diswasher fro the next 10 years?  Or would you rather be able to replace it without guilt when that newer technology (and/or finish) comes along?

3.  Save money on artwork!  Buy artwork at yardsales, thrift stores, or at library sales.  Another alternative….frame a piece of your child’s artwork from school.

4.  Do less laundry!  Ask your kids/husband to only throw jeans & shorts in the hampter after 3 wearings.  Also, use the timer feature on your washer to delay starting loads of laundry until the cheapest water usage times (check with your water company…but the cheapest times are usually 10 am to 4:30 pm, or after 10 pm).

5.  Use detachable screens in windows in spring and fall, or during summer evenings as a cost-saving alternative to air conditioning.

I admit it…I love to shop, but the devil is in the details!  I’d much rather order tights online that trapse all over town looking for the right color and size.  If you’re like me, these are for you:  6 colors of opaque tights to choose from.  Only $9.99 each, or $6.99 each if 2 or more are purchased.   Sizes S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X.  Control-top available.  Order from Chadwicks.

photo courtesy of chadwicks.com

Kmart may have fallen out of favor over the last few years, but it is a great place to find toys for kids. Sometimes they have stuff you cannot find anywhere else (not on purpose!). I’ve even walked in and found specials on toys I had just picked up that day for 1/2 the price I just paid.
If you have a little girl, they probably like Barbie..

This is a classic leather hobo bag for fall!  Don’t you just love the outside pocket in front?  Top magnetic snap and fully lined.  Chocolate brown.  Order from Talbots.$134   $179.

photo courtesy of talbots.com

The femine jacket returns this fall in this beautiful woven jacket.  Available in 5 gorgeous colors.  Wool/viscose.  Fully lined.  Dry clean.  $179.  Petite sizes available.  Order from Talbots.

photo courtesty of talbots.com