Tag Archive for surviving Christmas

Merry Christmas, Meager Budget is Now Available!

November 10, 2012 Sarah Beals 9 comments
I am SO excited to tell you about our brand new ebook,

Merry Christmas, Meager Budget

 

Let’s face it, this economy is tough and everyone is feeling the pinch. My sister Beth and I wrote this book to give you tips, tutorials and plain old Yankee know-how to help you:

  • Limit your spending during the holiday season.
  • Plan your calendar so you don’t run yourself ragged.
  • Decorate your home on a dime.
  • Create thoughtful gifts on a limited budget.
  • Whip up some delicious recipes in the kitchen.
  • Create fun memories for your kids without breaking the bank.
So, if just the thought Christmas tires you or you feel it has become more a test of endurance than the joyous holiday it was meant to be, you might consider finding some inspiration in this book.
Chapters Include:
  1. Rejecting Commercialism and Embracing What’s Important
  2. Four Sisters and What We Love
  3. Making Memories Without Breaking The Bank
  4. Rethinking Christmas Goals
  5. Old-Fashioned, Farmhouse Inspired Crafts
  6. Holiday Fun for the Frugal Family
  7. Twenty-six Boredom Busters for Little Ones
  8. Cozy Up Your Home For Christmas
  9. Merry Gifts to Make {$10 or less}
  10. Gifts for Children
  11. Your Favorite Frugal Ideas
  12. Favorite Family Recipes
  13. Advent Verses For Children
  14. Free Printable Christmas Tags and Labels
This is in a pdf. format, so you can either read it on your computer, or on a mobile device or e-reader.
117 pages
$3.99

Add to Cart

Crafts and Decor, Decorating, Holidays , , , , , ,

Stressed? Rest.

November 29, 2011 Sarah 9 comments

Don’t you sometimes feel as though the hurry and scurry of the Christmas season leaves you depleted? Know what? It is not even December and I am already feeling anxiety to get it all done.

It all starts Thanksgiving night. Can we not even have just one day to focus on God’s goodness? No, we are encouraged to quick– wash those dishes, pack up that turkey and get out and get spending! Christmas is upon us!!  I think I feel an ulcer.

I want to be a fun mom at Christmas. I want to be a great wife and hostess. I want to send heartfelt cards with handwritten  messages. I long to uphold family traditions. But all of these things-good things- must be secondary to a heart seeks God and longs to know Him.  When we are dry and empty during the holidays, chances are we have been so busy icing cookies and stringing lights that we have neglected our relationship with the Lord.

If you are dry spiritually, stressed financially, anxious about tomorrow (or December 25th!) might I suggest that you sit with the One who can help you? Grab your Bible, and a mug of tea and feed your soul!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matt. 11:28-30

Meditate. Ponder. Be still and know that you have a God who loves you and cares about the in’s and out’s of your life, but who wants more for you than what is on the surface. He wants you to know Him. And that takes time.

Problem is, we have no time during the Christmas season. So we have to schedule it and guard it, so that it isn’t gobbled up with other things.  We need to be Word- filled so that we can properly represent Christ and love others well.

Who cares if your home looks ”Martha Stewart” worthy,  if you’re miserable to the people who live there in the process? Know what I am saying? Mkay then! :)

I like Elizabeth George’s advice for making decisions:

“We must say no not only to things which are  wrong and sinful, but to things pleasant, profitable, and good which would hinder and clog our grand duties and chief work.”( A Woman After God’s Own Heart, pg. 32.)

There is nothing wrong with having a holly, jolly Christmas. But let’s not neglect what is most important.

“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

Linked to Miss Courtney here

***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON ANY ADVERTISEMENTS THAT APPEAR ON MY BLOG. WORDPRESS AUTOMATICALLY PUTS THEM ON BLOGS WITH A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF VOLUME AND IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT  THEY ARE SOMETIMES INAPPROPRIATE.  I WILL BE CHANGING OVER TO WORDPRESS.ORG SOON, AND HOPEFULLY THIS WILL REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU!***

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My Christmas Survival Strategy

November 25, 2011 Sarah 3 comments

The Christmas season is upon us! Did you go out shopping early this morning? I stayed in and avoided the stores, but did some online planning. I will do most of my shopping from my living room this year. :)

Speaking of shopping, are you wondering how you can get it all done while staying in budget this year? Me too. I am a gift giver by nature and want to be as generous as our budget will allow. I want to be a blessing to others, but also want to be respectful of my husbands budget and not overburden him.

So, here is my plan of attack. My goal is to bless others while still being a  blessing to my husband this Christmas.

1. Prioritize my  list. I can’t buy for everyone, although I’d like to.  So I have to narrow it down somehow. Kids, hubby, parents and sisters always make the list. :)

2. Divide and Conquer–your money, that is. Consider using an envelope system with the allotted amount per person in a single envelope. When it is gone, it is gone. If you are purchasing online, stick closely to your budget to avoid maxing out your credit card. :) Remember to search for online coupons…you can usually find them for every store!

3. Make handmade gifts or treats. Each year I make handmade ornaments, candy, chocolate covered pretzels, etc…and make up gift bags for those I  still want to give something special, but cannot afford to buy for.  Sometimes I sew, make candles, paint, etc…Check Pinterest for inspiration galore!

4. Refuse to give in to consumerism. Advertisers spend big money trying to lure you into buying extras…decide what your needs are and stick to that.  “Beware of coveteousness.” Remember that Christmas is not all about material goods. Celebrate with simplicity.

5. Save money by decorating with fresh greens. If you live in the country, snip greens from an oblidging evergreen tree, and fill a basket with berries and a pretty ribbon. Check the LL Bean catalog for greenery idea inspiration, or do a google image search. By filling a basket with fresh floral foam, and then adding your greens, you can make a beautiful, inexpensive, great smelling centerpiece for pennies.

What ideas do you have for celebrating within your budget? Please share with all of us in the comments! We could all use the help!! :)

***PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON ANY ADVERTISEMENTS THAT APPEAR ON MY BLOG. WORDPRESS AUTOMATICALLY PUTS THEM ON BLOGS WITH A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF VOLUME AND IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT  THEY ARE SOMETIMES INAPPROPRIATE.  I WILL BE CHANGING OVER TO WORDPRESS.ORG SOON, AND HOPEFULLY THIS WILL REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU!***

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