We’re all a bit overstuffed from the holidays and are trying our hardest to use up leftovers. What do you do with leftover eggnog? Here are a few of my favorite things to do with the tasty treat.

This article is for all you romantics that may be short on money, or just plain frugal.

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When Geri and I hit the After-Christmas sales, one item I always watch for is nice boxes of chocolate candy that I could give to my husband, teachers, co-workers, or children for Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, then there’s Easter, Father’s and Mother’s Day, and my husband’s birthday is in the Spring too. So getting nice chocolates at 75% off the retail price is simply smart shopping.

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Fill Your Mittens with Gifts

We use stockings to hang from our mantles awaiting Santa’s gifts. We use them to tuck gifts inside for friends and co-workers.  This year change it up a little and try using beautiful mittens. Whether you buy them or make them yourself, fill them with candy, gift cards, gift coupons or any small gift.  Bigger is not always better, think of something small that will fit inside a mitten.   Be creative!!

Sometimes your favorite mitten goes missing. Don’t you hate that?  This is a great way to use those mittens who are missing their mate.   Now, that feels better!

Dollars are tight, but there are still children and family to buy for this Christmas. Here are some tricks and tips that Geri and I have used this Holiday season to stretch our buying power this year. Some tips you may already know and love, but hopefully, others will inspire you to saving greatness.

A dear friend every year invites me to join her and her daughter, sister, niece, etc. for a “family” shopping day during the Christmas holidays.  We meet in the downtown area come rain or shine.  We shop, visit, laugh and of course have lunch.

Do a little research ahead of time so you know what the weather has in store for you as well as where you might want to have lunch—make reservations.  Dress comfortably with good walking shoes.  Bring your backpack or a comfortable purse.

This is one of their family traditions that I am grateful to be included.  Think about starting a tradition like this with your family.  Share your ideas with us.

If you like to give gift cards as gifts you may not know that you can purchase them online at a discounted price.  Explore PlasticJungle.com which sells new or partially used gift cards.  “Many people have gift cards that they don’t want or will never use, so having cash is the better alternative, especially in this economy,” says the site’s Marc Gendron.   Many times you will find deals up to 40 percent off.  The site guarantees all cards listed.

You can buy a gift card and use it for your gift shopping (save you money) or give it as a gift.  You can also sell one that you received and cannot use. Checkout this website!

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Gobble Gobble

A turkey carcass with a little meat left on it makes a tasty broth.  Try this recipe:

  • 1 turkey carcass
  • 1 large chopped onion
  • 2 chopped celery ribs
  • 4 quarts water
  • Fresh bay leaf
  • Fresh thyme
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Add all the ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil; lower the heat and let simmer for 3 hours.  As it simmers, remove any of the foam sitting on the top.  Strain the broth.  As the broth cools, remove any fat that rises to the top. Discard the carcass, but keep any meat for your soups.

Use what you need then freeze the remaining broth.  You can freeze the broth in ice trays or baggies.