Monday Message

Tis the season to make some great homemade gifts! What are you making?

“From President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, we hear: "Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year's supply of food . . . and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free."
“We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes of life.”

Remember, as you shop try to be frugal. Turn on those creative juices. I have been noticing a few toy commercials and the toys were huge, finding room I am guessing will be the next issue. The kids will probably play with the box but come summer they will be a dollar or two at yard sales - yep, I see it every year.

Remember, start your own family traditions to add to those you grew up with.

http://www.contestformoms.com/81-christmas-ideas.htm - here are some ideas.

Look for inexpensive ways to have fun with your family.

This is a stressful time so take time for yourself. 

Remember, don’t be duped into having to do what others are doing, etc. You don’t have to keep up with anyone.

When we decorated the tree we would have hot cocoa or eggnog thinned with milk. I would make breadstick knots. If you don’t have time, pick up the breadsticks in the can, dip each in melted butter then in sugar and cinnamon and tie in a knot. Bake at 350 till golden.

They will remember cookie making and delivering to people who could use some cheer.

It really is about being together.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=frugalwebsites&view=detail&mid=BA2B0DAC10CD0ECBF303BA2B0DAC10CD0ECBF303&FORM=VIRE - this is a great tip!

http://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/12/monday-message.html - more ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PhuM7K-Yf0 - second part on learning crochet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7-6PBsfMuo - third part on learning crochet.

http://diyagain.com/10-amazingly-easy-sewing-tricks-for-beginners/ - sewing building skills

This is my favorite sewing machine (my work horse). She has helped me learn and sewed clothes for my girls. Just saying you don’t need a new machine to learn on.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229331806000681467/ - scroll down to get inspiration loved these ideas.

Do funky designs with pancakes like a gingerbread boy or girl, an ornament, a Christmas tree. Color the batter and let them make their own. Never met a kid yet that doesn’t like to cook.

http://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2013/10/monday-message-fugal-christmas.html - lots of ideas here

Keep looking for deals to stock your pantry.

Sit down, put your feet up, get pen and paper and hot cocoa and plan to learn a skill a month. Give this some serious thought and make a list, under your items what things can help you achieve your goal?

I encourage you to seek out charitable things to do.