Bouquets fit for a Queen, at Flower Girl Prices

 

Spring is in the air. Flowers, trees and plants are about to burst into bloom, and that means Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Hence, the gift of a little greenery seems the natural way to honour mom on her special day. That being said, botanicals can fluctuate wildly in price; So it pays to be smart about your purchase and shop around.

Where to Buy:

·         Floral boutiques can be quite tempting. Arrangements are ultra-luxurious and buying is a snap (particularly for out-of-town gifts). However, know that you will pay a hefty premium for the convenience.

·         Shopping online is an excellent alternative. There’s a plethora of less expensive options for moms near and far -- and you can surf the net in your PJ’s.

·         For large or multiple purchases, floral wholesalers are the perfect choice. Starting prices are very reasonable and you’ll be rewarded handsomely for volume buys.

·         Most grocery and convenience stores stock a fabulous array of plant life, at rock-bottom prices. Some even offer free delivery.

·         Do you have bushels of blossoms languishing in your own back garden? Why not put them to good use? No gift is more personal than flowers you grew yourself.

·         Wildflowers are the sentimental choice and a lovely option, especially when money is tight.

What to Buy:

·         If mom has a green thumb and prefers a gift that lasts, potted plants are a great choice. Additionally, many flowers, herbs and luscious greenery are versatile enough to be enjoyed both indoors, and out.

·         Floral arrangements are best for those less herbaceously inclined. They provide immediate gratification, require minimal work and are perfect pick-me-up for apartment or condo dwellers.

·         Dried, fabric or plastic flowers are out of fashion at the moment, and not great feng shui. Stick to live plants for the occasion. Remember, Mother’s Day gifts should never be ‘practical’ in nature.

·         No matter what you purchase, stay within budget. Buy bunches of simple flowers, or a few exquisite blooms – depending upon her preference. Be sure to choose favoured colours and bright, jaunty arrangements suitable for the occasion.

Presentation:

·         Offering flowers wrapped in paper is acceptable, but be aware that it’ll require more work on the recipient’s part (finding a suitable vase, trimming stems and arranging).

·         A more considerate and impactful way to present a bouquet is to pop them into a pretty vase or container:

o   You can find surprisingly impressive vases at the dollar store, for a mere pittance.

o   Pick up a stash of inexpensive vases for year-round use at discount outlets or warehouse sales.

o   Discover unique or unusual containers at flea markets, or garage sales. Such vessels allow for more innovative and customized arrangements.

o   Recycle your own superfluous vases, without shelling out a dime. Just be sure they’re clean and intact.

·         Whether you’re presenting flowers in a simple vase, or an extravagant jardinière, arrange them beautifully. Insert stems one at a time, trim on the outside. Carefully balance flower types and colours, and ensure your bouquet doesn’t appear sparse.

·         A pretty ribbon can go a long way in providing the final touch. Coloured tissue and cellophane help create an even more stunning display. All these can be purchased from your local dollar store.

·         Create floral gift cards from business card stationary. Office supply stores have appropriate designs for hand-written messages, or you can custom-print on blank business cards.

Pretty blooms provide a classic and greatly appreciated gift on Mother’s Day. It’s the ideal way to thank mom for all that she’s done for you, throughout the years; But it doesn’t need to be extortionate to be impressive. With a little thought and effort, you can dazzle and delight, without going in the red.

For more timely and ingenious money-saving tips, please follow http://champagnelifebeerbudget.blogspot.ca/.

Look Like a Million Bucks without Spending a Fortune

Years ago when I began buying beauty products, I regularly reached for the cheapest option on the shelf. As a starving student, fancy makeup was an indulgence I could ill afford and this often meant opting for chalky powders and waxy creams – many of which just didn’t last. About a decade or so later, my eureka moment happened. I was travelling and my compact got smashed. Due to the dearth of selection near my hotel; I was forced to splurge on a high-end face powder. Instantly I realized I could never go back to the ‘kewpie doll’ look again.

The next challenge was to find my favourite products at a reasonable price. Then I discovered department store beauty give-aways. Every few months, major chains provide generous bonus ‘gifts’, when you purchase name brand cosmetics. For example buy $60 of Estee Lauder make-up and get $175 worth of product thrown in for free. These offers often include a mix of high-end, like brand cosmetics, toiletries, creams, attractive makeup bags, and/or purses. It may seem a lot to spend on a wand mascara and tube of lip gloss, but when you consider the entire offer, it is the smart way to shop. You can quickly accumulate a plethora of top-shelf toiletries, for the same price as comparable products from discount lines. You’ll also receive several impressive extras.

Assuming I’ve convinced you to give cosmetic bonuses a chance -- let me share a few tips to get the most out of these lucrative offers:

·         Request to be on department store ‘beauty offer’ mailing lists, for advance notice of cosmetic giveaway dates (via post, email or phone).

·         Choose bonus offers where you’ll use at least 50% of the gift. If most of the extras aren’t any good to you, it isn’t much of a bargain.

·         Ask friends about their favourite cosmetics and occasionally try competing brands. You might discover a new preference and it’ll provide you with multiple bonus opportunities, year-round.

·         Lux department stores may require the biggest initial outlay, but gifts tend to be far superior. Prioritize upscale store giveaways.

·         Avoid buying beauty items in-between special offers. If you plan well, you should have few purchasing emergencies.

·         Track inventory and replenish, but don’t stockpile toiletries for too long. Cosmetics don’t stay fresh forever.

·         Share lipstick colours and superfluous items that you’ll never use with friends and family (or put them in a bag for your next charity drop).

·         Don’t get married to any one brand. Sometimes the less costly option is just as good. No need to splurge, if it’s not necessary.

Sometimes we get stuck in false economies. Buying cheap generally offers minimal satisfaction and the product often comes up short on results. Practice these simple steps and you can indulge your preferences, look your absolute best and keep your cash in your wallet.

For more great money saving ideas, please follow me on http://champagnelifebeerbudget.blogspot.ca/.

Stocking your Freezer with Delicious Home-Made Meals

As we bid farewell to February and usher in March, the long winter days can seem never-ending. So why not take advantage of this extra time to get organized and ahead of the game? Jump-start your year by preparing homemade frozen meals for school lunches, family dinners and entertaining -- you’ll eat healthier, spend less and it’ll reduce a great deal of your day-to-day stress.

Chill Out, Winter is the Perfect Time to Defrost the Freezer.

• Gradually deplete long-standing frozen food stocks (especially commercially prepared products), a few weeks prior.Place delicate food items in your fridge-freezer, during the thaw.
• Stack remaining food in coolers or plastic bins, and place inconspicuously outdoors. Secure lids well, so inquisitive critters can’t gain access.
• Hair dryers, rubber mallets and blunt chisels are great tools to expedite your thawing efforts. Proceed carefully and gently, to avoid accidents or damage.
• Defrost within twelve hours to minimize spoilage.
• When finished, restock your freezer in an organized and logical manner…and don’t forget to plug it back in.

Starved for Inspiration?

• Devote an entire day or weekend to cooking -- and little else.Plan the dishes you’d like to prepare, ahead of time. Include healthy options, personal favourites and a good variety, to stave off boredom.
• For greater efficiency and cost effectiveness, prepare food in reasonably large batches.
• Thaw out any meats and stock plenty of fresh vegetables, pulses and starches, the day before your cook off.
• Have lots of spices, herbs and sauces at the ready, to maximize taste.
• Sample mains: spaghetti bolognaise, sweet and sour chicken, vegetable curry, lemon trout, peanut pork, mushroom risotto, sweet pepper beef, etc.
• Sample starches: wild rice, whole wheat pasta, naan bread, rice noodles, spaetzle, polenta, jasmine rice, etc.
• If need be, refer to library cookbooks, your own stash of recipes, or the internet for further inspiration.

Savvy Storage.

• Purchase inexpensive, transparent (plastic or glass), stackable, single-portion containers for freezing.
• Preserve food texture and taste, by placing starches in small separate containers (away from meats/vegetables/sauces). This also allows for different food combinations i.e. curry and rice, curry and naan, etc.
• Store similar items together to help identify and locate meals, with ease.
• Colour code or label containers to eliminate potential confusion.
• Reheat within the same vessel for delicious no fuss meals, in minutes.

Enjoy the Fruits of your Labour.

• Access whatever you want to eat, whenever you want it, for weeks to come -- without spending a dime.
• Improve your diet by preparing plenty of healthy, vegetable laden options to choose from.
• Never get caught off-guard by unexpected company again. Rest easy knowing that you have a wide array of meals available, at a moment’s notice.
• Avoid wastage by utilizing aging fridge ingredients to create more delicious frozen dishes.
• Create a never-ending supply of choice meals, by cooking a few additional dishes, every couple of weeks.

By following these simple steps you’ll eat better and stay on budget, with much less fuss. For more great ideas on how to save money and live better, please follow “Leading a Champagne Life on a Beer Budget“.

Enjoying Valentine’s Day Together

 

Some people avoid Valentine’s Day like the plague -- and with good reason. But if you’re in a loving relationship, you’ll likely feel compelled to show your partner that you care on February 14^th. So is there a way to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day, without stressing out, or splashing out? Just follow these few simple steps and true romance will be yours!

Pick up a Card

• It’s the least you can do. Really, the very least.
• It doesn’t have to be schmaltzy or fancy…but trust me, this small effort will go a long way.
• Save trees or make your stand against commercialism another day -- these are pretty transparent excuses for not doing the absolute minimum.
• eCards don’t count. Going to the store too onerous? Begrudge spending a few bucks on your partner? Perhaps it’s time to revaluate the relationship.

Dining on Valentine’s Day

• Valentine’s one of the busiest days of the year for the restaurant industry. If you dine out on Feb 14^th you’ll pay top dollar, the service will suck and you’ll be lucky to get a mediocre meal. Avoid, avoid, avoid!
• Pick an alternate night to celebrate, if you want to treat yourselves to an evening out on the town.
• For an intimate meal, order in, or cook something simple together.
• If you do decide to eat in, don’t allow one person to slave away in the kitchen, whilst the other dines alone -- that‘s no fun at all.

Romantic Activities

• Plan a cozy night in without the kids, TV, computers, phones or other daily distractions constantly bombarding you.
• Go for a couples massage. You can often claim the expense through your insurance and it’s a relaxing treat for both of you.
• Take in a romantic movie.
• Visit a local attraction, art gallery, or museum together.
• Do what you love as a couple -- go night skating, learn to snowshoe, dance, walk or go bowling. All you need is a little imagination.

Keep Gifts Small and Sentimental

• Valentine’s gifts aren’t crucial, but the right trinket can earn you a lot of relationship points.
• Presents needn’t be expensive. A nice bottle of wine, a favourite candy or pretty bunch of flowers are excellent examples of appropriate gifts.
• You can also impress with less by picking up a well chosen book, collectable, or novelty item for that special someone.
• Lingerie is a risqué and a risky purchase -- and it’s often more for the giver, than the receiver. My advice is to play it safe and focus on love, not lust.
• Avoid expensive jewellery, unless you’re flush with funds or about to get engaged.

One last tip -- be gracious and considerate of others on Valentine’s. Not everyone is madly in love. Although friends may be happy for you, know that there’s a fine line between sweet…and saccharine. Finally, enjoy the day for what it is and don’t put too much pressure on yourself!

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Get Home from Your New Year's Party Easily, Safely and Inexpensively

Who amongst us hasn’t spent hours frantically trying to hire a cab, on New Year’s Eve? At that point, we’d pay just about anything to get home expeditiously. It’s a nightmare that most of us are very familiar with, yet we repeat the process year-in and year-out. So how do you avoid that frustration, while staying on budget?

Driving isn’t a great idea, because many of us want to celebrate the season with abandon (and drinking and driving is simply out of the question). Public transit may be the answer, but if you’re not close to city routes, or you’ve missed the last bus or train -- the journey home could be a long and dangerous one. Most of us prefer to take taxis at New Year’s because it’s often the most convenient, reasonable and safe way to get around, especially when we‘re all spiffed up. But that’s precisely why taxis are so hard to hire on New Year‘s.

This year, why not book an airport Limousine for the festivities? That’s precisely what we do when we just can’t miss that all-important flight; So why not give our holiday celebrations, just as much forethought and gravitas? Limousines are far more luxurious than taxis and generally cost the same, or even less. Share the ride with your fellow partygoers and it’s a no-brainer. All that’s required is a little extra planning.

Step 1: Book the Limousine

• Choose a departure destination for your group (i.e. your apartment).
• Decide upon pick-up times both to, and from, the party (i.e. 9:00pm and 2:00am)
• Have the party address on-hand for the call.
• Book a few days in advance, to ensure availability.
• If there are more than four people in your party, hire additional Limousines.

Step 2: Gather the Troops

• Ask the members of your party to be at your departure destination at least 15-30 minutes before the Limo is scheduled to arrive.
• Provide drinks, nibbles and music to make the wait more enjoyable.
• Inform everyone that the Limo will leave as scheduled -- with or without them.

Step 3: Skip the Nightmare

• Keep an eye on the clock around the time your Limousine is expected for pick-up (and lookout for it‘s arrival).
• Have your group ready to go at the appointed time.
• Enjoy a safe, economical and luxurious ride home with your friends.

For more great ideas on how to live well and avoid overspending, please click ‘follow’ on
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Enjoying a Fun Filled Holiday -- Without Going into Debt

If each December you promise not to over-stress or go crazy with holiday spending, yet things never seem to go as planned -- this article is for you. Staying on budget without losing your mind is possible, but it requires a bit of planning.

Getting organized is the easiest way to reign in spending and still enjoy the holidays. By mapping out the festive season (and doing so early on), you set yourself up for a stress free and economical closeout to the year. Prioritize. Break tasks down into manageable chunks. Target weekly goals and tick items off your list, as you go. By investing a little bit of effort upfront, you’ll save time, money and a great deal of unnecessary aggro.

February through December:

• Pick up ideal and/or silly price gift items, as you see them. These will be great for holidays, birthdays and much more.


• For bargains, shop at discount stores, big box retailers, warehouse or seasonal sales, outlet malls, craft fairs, flea markets, second hand shops, etc.

October:

• For holiday travel, get transportation, accommodations and activities booked early; Otherwise, prepare to be flexible with dates and arrangements.


• Align family celebrations well in advance, to avoid disappointment.


• Hosting a holiday party? Send ‘save-the-date’ notifications so your invite doesn’t arrive too late to be accepted.


• If you exchange wish lists, request (and create) them promptly. This allows time for the purchaser to compare prices and easily locate items.

November:

• Send or RSVP to holiday invitations, and mark them in your calendar.


• Identify volunteer activities in which you’d like participate. Budget sufficient time for them, in your schedule.


• Plan for ‘can’t miss’ holiday events i.e. School Recital, Office Party, Santa Claus Parade, Nutcracker Ballet, etc.


• Pick up parcel items and post international packages first.


• To reduce holiday spending and free up time, draw names for gift exchanges, set spending limits, or agree to gift embargos (where appropriate).


• Leave ego out of it. Don’t spend more than you can afford just to impress.


• Eliminate unnecessary or unappreciated gifts and donate to charity instead.


• Perform a gift inventory and shop to fill gaps. Some items are impossible to find on sale i.e. gift cards -- and malls are far saner in November.


• Choose your 2012 holiday décor theme (if different from last year).


• Shop for entertainment non-perishables early. This may include alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, party plates, napkins and cutlery, candy, crackers and nuts.


• Buy more cards than you’ll need, along with sufficient postage. Write and mail cards and keep the remainder handy for anyone that you may have missed.


• Purchase gift bags and coloured tissue at the dollar store. They’re a fraction of the regular price and can be re-used, year after year.


• Hang outdoor lights while the weather’s still relatively mild.


• Bake your socks off and freeze what you can. It’s extremely satisfying to pull out home-baked goodies for any occasion, even at the last minute!

December:

• Cook/bake edibles that can’t be frozen or perish quickly, and purchase remaining seasonal treats for parties or entertaining.


• Erect and decorate the Christmas tree. This can be a time-honoured family tradition, a relaxing solo pursuit, or fun social affair with friends.


• Wrap gifts. Again, gift bags and tissue render this a far less onerous task.


• Play your favourite Christmas carols while you work, to get you into the holiday spirit.


• Enjoy the festivities and savour the magic of the season!

January:

• Keep the holidays feeling ‘special’ by dismantling Christmas trees, holiday lights and decorations promptly. Raggedy icicle lights don’t add curb appeal in mid-March!


• Store your holiday decorations carefully, so you can enjoy them in coming years. Plastic drawer bins provide both good protection and easy access.


• Shop Boxing week sales for deep discounts on next year’s cards, decorations, etc.

If you feel you’ve already fallen behind, don’t worry -- there’s still time to catch up. Many steps don’t apply in all cases. Start with October tasks and compress the roadmap to suit your particular needs. You’ll enjoy the 2012 holiday season like never before…and stay on budget. Season’s greetings to all!

* Please note that this roadmap is designed with Christmas in mind, but many elements could be employed for Chanukah, Kwanza, or other seasonal celebrations.

Creating a Reusable Halloween Wardrobe

Halloween is one of my favourite holidays for many reasons -- mostly because you can celebrate with as little (or as much) fuss, as you please. However if you do decide to go all out any particular year, it can get quite expensive. That’s why assembling your own permanent costume stash or tickle trunk, makes so much sense.

If you think owning a dress-up box is just for kids and kinks, then think again. Putting together your own fancy-dress collection makes more sense than you might imagine -- and amassing a costume wardrobe can be fun and relatively cheap, if you incorporate the following tricks.

Everything Old is New Again:

• Most costumes can be recycled, but it’s surprising how many get trashed after just one wear. Be smart and store this year’s costume/s for future use.
• Tired of wearing the same ol’ get-up, year after year? Exchange tired ensembles amongst family and friends, to get more mileage out of them.
• Put together new looks by re-imagining costume components. Create a magician, an equestrian or a jazz dancer, all with the same black top hat.

The Upside of Fashion Faux Pas:

• Ever asked yourself “What the heck was I thinking?” during a closet cull. Fashion mistakes provide great costume inspiration.
• Those black leather pants become too racy for primetime? Halloween’s perfect for pushing fashion boundaries and unleashing your alter ego (somewhat).
• Head to your nearest Sally Ann for cheap and outrageous attire. A quick visit will give you some terrific ideas and it’s a wonderful way to give back.

Details, Details, Details:

• Don’t forget to collect old accessories too. Shoes, belts, hats, jewellery, sunglasses, tights, ties, scarves, etc. are all incredibly important when completing a look.
• Throw in any silly toys you may have lying around the house. These bits and bobs serve as great costume props, with just a little imagination and vision.
• Augment your creations with items from your regular wardrobe. For instance, a flared skirt can quickly become a cape, with a few pins and ribbon.
• Visit dollar or big box stores to pick up finishing touches, at knock-down prices.

Kiss and Makeup:

• Sift through your cosmetic drawer for questionable choices from the past. Weird and flamboyant colours work best for fancy-dress.
• False eyelashes/nails, coloured/sparkle hairspray and wigs can all be used over and over, if stored carefully.
• Don’t keep perishable cosmetics for too long. Note that Mascaras and creams will expire before powders.

By collecting these items gradually and wisely, you can create your own permanent costume wardrobe. And you don’t have to wait until Halloween to break out the fun either; Costumes are perfect for theme parties, children’s events and they inject a bit of life into everyday celebrations. Why not host your next Indian meal, decked out in a sari, sandals and gold bangles? With your new tickle trunk, you’ll always have the right kit on hand -- and won’t have to spend a dime, to look the part.

For more clever and timely dollar-stretching ideas, please click the ‘follow’ button athttp://champagnelifebeerbudget.blogspot.ca/.