These make for a fascinating read. Just the tip of the iceberg. Good records were kept. Note the recording of the value of the gifts. Sorry about the formatting.
Happy New Year!
Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.
£. s. d.
By the Lady Margaret Strainge, a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it.
With the Qene her Majestie.
Duke, Marquisses, and Earles.
By the Duke of Norfolke, in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde 20 0 0
By the Marquis of Winchester, High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells 20 0 0
By the Marquis of Northampton, in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes 20 0 0
By the Earle of Arundell, Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, 30 0 0
By the Earle of Shrewesburye, in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes 20 0 0
By the Earle of Darbye, in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes 20 0 0
By the Earle of Pembroke, in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells 30 0 0
By the Earle of Bedforde, in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes 20 0 0
By the Earle of Rutlande, in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells 20 0 0
By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells 15 0 0
By the Earle of Westmerlande, in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns 10 0 0
By the Earle of Oxforde, in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns 10 0 0
By the Earle of Northumberlande, in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells 10 0 0
With the Quene her Highness.
By the Earle of Warwike, a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke.
Delivered to the Lady Cobham.
By the Viscounte Mountague, in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes 10 0 0
With her said Majestie.
Busshopps.
By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury, in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns 40 0 0
By the Archbusshop of York, in soveraigns 30 0 0
By the Busshop of Duresme, in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells 30 0 0
By the Busshop of Ely, in a red vellat purse, in angells 30 0 0
By the Busshop of Wynchester, in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells 20 0 0
By the Busshop of London, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes 20 0 0
By the Busshop of Salisbury, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes 20 0 0
By the Busshop of Worcester, in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes 20 0 0
By the Busshop of Lyncoln, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes 20 0 0
By the Busshop of Chychester, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes 10 0 0
By the Busshop of Norwich, in a blew silk purse 13 6 8
By the Busshop of Hereforde, in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes 10 0 0
By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry, in a red satten purse, in angells 13 0 0
By the Busshop of Rochester, in a red purse, in gold 13 6 8
By the Busshop of Saint Davies, in a red silk purse, in angells 10 0 0
By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells 10 0 0
By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells 10 0 0
By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes 10 0 0
By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes 10 0 0
With her said Majestie.
Duchesses and Countesses.
By the Duchess of Norfolke, in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells 20 0 0
By the Duchess of Somerset, in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts 14 0 0
By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes 5 0 0
By the Countess of Pembroke, in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells 15 0 0
By the Countess of Bedford, in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes 10 0 0
By the Countess of Darby, in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes 10 0 0
By the Countess of Oxford, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes 5 0 0
By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager, in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes 12 0 0
By the Countess of Shrewisbury, in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes 10 0 0
By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes 10 0 0
By the Countess of Huntingdon, in a red purse, in angells 10 0 0
By the Countess of Northumberland, in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells 10 0 0
By the Countess of Rutland, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes 13 6 8
Showing posts with label Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gifts. Show all posts
Friday, 31 December 2010
Friday, 24 December 2010
Shopping as Gift Part 2: Gift Cards or Cash Encore?
For the last few days, my inbox has been filled with offers of gift cards. Physical gift cards arrive quickly. E-giftcards are, of course, instantaneous.
I wrote yesterday about how pre-holiday shopping excursions could be part of the gift. Mulling over earrings and perfumes with Miss Em is a lot of fun. Returning later to buy something I know she will like is also fun. Stress-free gifting! A great concept.
It occurred to me that gift cards and cash, which many find inappropriate at worst or unimaginative at best, could be factored into the shopping as gift concept (should I trademark???).
For instance, why not put $$$ into an envelope with a note: Let's go shopping on XX and you can pick out a gift?
Or, if you know where your recipient likes to shop, why not include a gift card with a similar note?
You could even do this across the miles. I wrote a little while ago about getting a new toaster oven with an Amazon card I was gifted. THANKS AGAIN, DEAR GIVER.
An un-anticipated advantage of this tactic is that your money can go farther. The recipient can choose a full-price item or can take advantage of the post-holiday sales.
So, if you want to buy me a gift card, I always appreciate Amazon, Garnet Hill, or LL Bean. THANKS IN ADVANCE. You know I'm kidding, Dear Readers. You presence is a gift in itself.
I wrote yesterday about how pre-holiday shopping excursions could be part of the gift. Mulling over earrings and perfumes with Miss Em is a lot of fun. Returning later to buy something I know she will like is also fun. Stress-free gifting! A great concept.
It occurred to me that gift cards and cash, which many find inappropriate at worst or unimaginative at best, could be factored into the shopping as gift concept (should I trademark???).
For instance, why not put $$$ into an envelope with a note: Let's go shopping on XX and you can pick out a gift?
Or, if you know where your recipient likes to shop, why not include a gift card with a similar note?
You could even do this across the miles. I wrote a little while ago about getting a new toaster oven with an Amazon card I was gifted. THANKS AGAIN, DEAR GIVER.
An un-anticipated advantage of this tactic is that your money can go farther. The recipient can choose a full-price item or can take advantage of the post-holiday sales.
So, if you want to buy me a gift card, I always appreciate Amazon, Garnet Hill, or LL Bean. THANKS IN ADVANCE. You know I'm kidding, Dear Readers. You presence is a gift in itself.
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Shopping can be the Gift: The Invention of Tradition
Shopping as Gift. A weird concept, is it not? Let me explain. I am hardly one to offer holiday tips, since my family (thanks, mostly, to me) is rather haphazard in the holiday department. What traditions we have are ad hoc and keep changing as we change.
So, for instance, Miss Em was enamored of fairy tales for many years. So each year, we would get her a beautifully illustrated book of fairy tales. These were met with happiness, so we continued. Till one holiday: a ho-hum response.
My favorite fairy tale book.
The next tradition developed by accident. We were at Zita's, which is mainly a head shop. She does have some jewelry appealing to the young (and lots of items for piercings--not that kind of jewelry). One year, Miss Em expressed a desire for something. I went back and bought it. She was happy.
The gift looked something like this.
In subsequent years, we returned to Zita's and other local gift shops. We were in search of the gift. So-no-there wasn't a real surprise, though I did purchase the item later. It occurred to me that the gift was not the receiving, but the hours of exploration beforehand, as Miss Em decided on her favorites. The hours were pleasant and stress-free. No Shopping ADD (thanks to Revanche for this useful term).
I can't imagine doing this with my son or husband! But for teenage girls, it seems perfect. At least for my girl.
Have you ever made shopping part of the gift?
P.S. According to historians, traditions can be, have been, and are invented! So we can do it too.
So, for instance, Miss Em was enamored of fairy tales for many years. So each year, we would get her a beautifully illustrated book of fairy tales. These were met with happiness, so we continued. Till one holiday: a ho-hum response.
My favorite fairy tale book.
The next tradition developed by accident. We were at Zita's, which is mainly a head shop. She does have some jewelry appealing to the young (and lots of items for piercings--not that kind of jewelry). One year, Miss Em expressed a desire for something. I went back and bought it. She was happy.
The gift looked something like this.
In subsequent years, we returned to Zita's and other local gift shops. We were in search of the gift. So-no-there wasn't a real surprise, though I did purchase the item later. It occurred to me that the gift was not the receiving, but the hours of exploration beforehand, as Miss Em decided on her favorites. The hours were pleasant and stress-free. No Shopping ADD (thanks to Revanche for this useful term).
I can't imagine doing this with my son or husband! But for teenage girls, it seems perfect. At least for my girl.
Have you ever made shopping part of the gift?
P.S. According to historians, traditions can be, have been, and are invented! So we can do it too.
Monday, 20 December 2010
My First Groupon! And a Good Gift Idea: Museum Membership
One of my colleagues who is kind of a shopaholic told me about Groupons (group coupons, but you probably know that). As someone seeking the attainment of TRUE--as opposed to FALSE--frugality, I tend to shy away from advice offered by indebted people who discuss how they "saved" $1000 on children's clothing (while spending how much?).
But I joined anyway, just to check things out. Groupons offers deals by your locality--hence, restaurants, massage therapists, and so on, will offer a discounted price IF (and only IF, as my math teacher used to say) a certain number are sold.
So far, I have deleted all offers without opening the email. But today came an offer for an inexpensive membership to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. We've been meaning to do this anyway. In addition to its exhibits, the Ogden hosts Ogden After-Hours on Thursdays, with musical performances.
The membership should help us in our quest to get out and about more.
To tell you the truth, museum memberships are always worth the cost. Whether art museums (I have been a member of MOMA, Chicago Art Institute, and others) or children's museums or anything, the membership makes you go more. That's a good thing. Even if you don't go--shame on you!--you are supporting a cultural institution.
What a great gift too!
Are you a museum-o-phile?
But I joined anyway, just to check things out. Groupons offers deals by your locality--hence, restaurants, massage therapists, and so on, will offer a discounted price IF (and only IF, as my math teacher used to say) a certain number are sold.
So far, I have deleted all offers without opening the email. But today came an offer for an inexpensive membership to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. We've been meaning to do this anyway. In addition to its exhibits, the Ogden hosts Ogden After-Hours on Thursdays, with musical performances.
The membership should help us in our quest to get out and about more.
To tell you the truth, museum memberships are always worth the cost. Whether art museums (I have been a member of MOMA, Chicago Art Institute, and others) or children's museums or anything, the membership makes you go more. That's a good thing. Even if you don't go--shame on you!--you are supporting a cultural institution.
What a great gift too!
Are you a museum-o-phile?
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
How to Cook: An Answer
Not THE answer, of course. In my strolls through the blogosphere, not to mention real life, I am always meeting people with the same lament: I CAN'T COOK.
Helpful types are always proffering advice: Get Mark Bittman's cookbook. It's so easy. It's true. It is. But giving someone such a massive tome is often counterproductive: all those recipes are intimidating.
So here's how to begin, carnivore version. Get a slow cooker. Buy a piece of pot roast beef (chuck, brisket,whatever). Put it in the cooker with a little water and an onion. Too hard? Throw in some of that dried onion soup mix. Cook for a long time. This will give you enough for several meals.
Are you a vegetarian or a vegetarian wannabe? Mash up some beans (drain them!). Put on a tortilla with some cheese. Roll it up. Heat in the oven, the microwave, or in a pan. Serve with salsa.
See? It is not a big deal. If you eat both items, you have the basis for 3 meals--half the week.
If I had to recommend one cookbook for the timid cook, vegetarian or otherwise, it would be Jeanne Lemlin's Quick Vegetarian Pleasures. This is not as well known as other veggie cookbooks that, to my mind, are far inferior. (Mollie Katzen comes to mind.) Everything is good and easy. Many of her pastas and grain dishes are one-dish meals. Some are so simple: rice mixed with broccoli and feta, for instance.
The book is short so it doesn't provoke a panic attack or send one back to reading The Paradox of Choice.
If you MUST get the Bittman, this is what it looks like.
The Lemlin (or the Bittman, really) would make a great gift for the holidays. Lemlin lives in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, near where I visit every summer. I wonder if I've ever caught a glimpse of her strolling through the wonderful downtown.
Helpful types are always proffering advice: Get Mark Bittman's cookbook. It's so easy. It's true. It is. But giving someone such a massive tome is often counterproductive: all those recipes are intimidating.
So here's how to begin, carnivore version. Get a slow cooker. Buy a piece of pot roast beef (chuck, brisket,whatever). Put it in the cooker with a little water and an onion. Too hard? Throw in some of that dried onion soup mix. Cook for a long time. This will give you enough for several meals.
Are you a vegetarian or a vegetarian wannabe? Mash up some beans (drain them!). Put on a tortilla with some cheese. Roll it up. Heat in the oven, the microwave, or in a pan. Serve with salsa.
See? It is not a big deal. If you eat both items, you have the basis for 3 meals--half the week.
If I had to recommend one cookbook for the timid cook, vegetarian or otherwise, it would be Jeanne Lemlin's Quick Vegetarian Pleasures. This is not as well known as other veggie cookbooks that, to my mind, are far inferior. (Mollie Katzen comes to mind.) Everything is good and easy. Many of her pastas and grain dishes are one-dish meals. Some are so simple: rice mixed with broccoli and feta, for instance.
The book is short so it doesn't provoke a panic attack or send one back to reading The Paradox of Choice.
If you MUST get the Bittman, this is what it looks like.
The Lemlin (or the Bittman, really) would make a great gift for the holidays. Lemlin lives in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, near where I visit every summer. I wonder if I've ever caught a glimpse of her strolling through the wonderful downtown.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Two More Picture Books for the Young and Not-So-Young
I am gradually emerging from the end-of-semester stupor. Soon I will respond to blog comments left over the past few days: I've had to be so responsive to the zillions of pieces of work recently received that it's hard to respond to anything I don't absolutely HAVE TO.
My daughter, Miss Em, loved my blog post yesterday about Napping House.
She confided that she didn't love the book quite as much as I did; maybe I read it too much?
Anyway, in my quest to revive the fortunes of the picture book, I will recommend two other favorites. Both are WORDLESS books. The illustrations can provoke endless discussion, with readers of different ages getting different things from the books.
First is one we have packed away in the attic, awaiting a new generation.
Second is one we checked out of the library time and again.
Frugal Son, for whom this was a particular favorite, was stunned to hear we never owned a copy of this one. Perhaps I should buy one for him.
Do you have a soft spot for wordless books?
My daughter, Miss Em, loved my blog post yesterday about Napping House.
She confided that she didn't love the book quite as much as I did; maybe I read it too much?
Anyway, in my quest to revive the fortunes of the picture book, I will recommend two other favorites. Both are WORDLESS books. The illustrations can provoke endless discussion, with readers of different ages getting different things from the books.
First is one we have packed away in the attic, awaiting a new generation.
Second is one we checked out of the library time and again.
Frugal Son, for whom this was a particular favorite, was stunned to hear we never owned a copy of this one. Perhaps I should buy one for him.
Do you have a soft spot for wordless books?
Monday, 13 December 2010
The Napping House: Our House
When Mom and Dad are teachers and children are college students, the entire household runs along the rhythms of the academic calendar. As of last night, we are ALL DONE.
And now we enter The Napping House.
This remains one of my all time favorite picture books. We still have ours, packed away for some future recipient. There was an article in the New York Times recently, chronicling a change in the publishing industry: so many parents are pushing their children away from picture books and towards chapter books and other more "mature" early readers that the industry is publishing fewer and fewer picture books each year.
Don't do it, Dear Readers! Picture books are wonderful and, in the best, there's a lot going on in the illustrations. I'm sure they develop some part of the brain that chapter books do not. Our children read both, and I'm sure they are the better for it. I know I'm the better for having read all those picture books with them.
Isn't it great that on a coldish day, we can talk about "our cozy bed" in the "napping house where everyone is sleeping." So today, we're drinking tea, taking occasional naps between our feather beds and the big down comforters. We're all wearing thrifted cashmere sweaters and fuzzy slippers.
Eventually--on account of the wakeful flea--everyone in the napping house wakes up and goes outside. We don't have the flea, but I suppose we will all get back to work soon enough.
If you have a child to buy a gift for, think about The Napping House. Or buy it for yourself, just in case a child comes over. Or just in case you feel in need of a little beauty in word and picture.
And now we enter The Napping House.
This remains one of my all time favorite picture books. We still have ours, packed away for some future recipient. There was an article in the New York Times recently, chronicling a change in the publishing industry: so many parents are pushing their children away from picture books and towards chapter books and other more "mature" early readers that the industry is publishing fewer and fewer picture books each year.
Don't do it, Dear Readers! Picture books are wonderful and, in the best, there's a lot going on in the illustrations. I'm sure they develop some part of the brain that chapter books do not. Our children read both, and I'm sure they are the better for it. I know I'm the better for having read all those picture books with them.
Isn't it great that on a coldish day, we can talk about "our cozy bed" in the "napping house where everyone is sleeping." So today, we're drinking tea, taking occasional naps between our feather beds and the big down comforters. We're all wearing thrifted cashmere sweaters and fuzzy slippers.
Eventually--on account of the wakeful flea--everyone in the napping house wakes up and goes outside. We don't have the flea, but I suppose we will all get back to work soon enough.
If you have a child to buy a gift for, think about The Napping House. Or buy it for yourself, just in case a child comes over. Or just in case you feel in need of a little beauty in word and picture.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Tete a Tete: Mason Pearson Knockoff?
I am at the end of grading, a painful process, in which I go head to head (though not in a tete a tete) with student work. (I hope my wonderful French teachers--Mlle. Moore, M. Giordano, M. Moore, and M. Danon--are not looking at this wielding their red pens, looking for any little mistake. I KNOW I need circumflexes and an accent. I am too burned out to find out how to do them. Thanks for understanding.)
Anyway, every time a holiday comes around I fantasize about buying myself a Mason Pearson brush.
I've actually owned a few. I first bought one when I was in high school WITH MY BABYSITTING MONEY. They were about $12 at the time, representing about 16 hours of labor. Within 10 minutes of ownership, I left it in a NYC phone booth, When I returned 2 minutes later, it was gone.
I went back to the store in tears and bought another, representing another 16 hours of labor. I had it for many years. Mine didn't last forever, even though people say they do.
Amazingly, I found one in New Orleans, at a yard sale in a fancy neighborhood. It was 75 cents. That didn't last forever either, though it did last a long time.
I don't really need one. Today--newsflash--I learned that Target carries a knock-off. This was news a few years ago, but not being a reader of Allure magazine or of beauty blogs, I missed it.
Has anyone used the knock-off? What do you think of the hairbrush tete a tete (Sorry again to French teachers)? Is it a crime to buy a copy of an iconic brand? Is it a crime for said iconic brand to charge so much for a hairbrush?
Anyway, every time a holiday comes around I fantasize about buying myself a Mason Pearson brush.
I've actually owned a few. I first bought one when I was in high school WITH MY BABYSITTING MONEY. They were about $12 at the time, representing about 16 hours of labor. Within 10 minutes of ownership, I left it in a NYC phone booth, When I returned 2 minutes later, it was gone.
I went back to the store in tears and bought another, representing another 16 hours of labor. I had it for many years. Mine didn't last forever, even though people say they do.
Amazingly, I found one in New Orleans, at a yard sale in a fancy neighborhood. It was 75 cents. That didn't last forever either, though it did last a long time.
I don't really need one. Today--newsflash--I learned that Target carries a knock-off. This was news a few years ago, but not being a reader of Allure magazine or of beauty blogs, I missed it.
Has anyone used the knock-off? What do you think of the hairbrush tete a tete (Sorry again to French teachers)? Is it a crime to buy a copy of an iconic brand? Is it a crime for said iconic brand to charge so much for a hairbrush?
Friday, 10 December 2010
Cold Weather Wear for the Deep South
You would think that--living in the Deep South--I would have Florida temperatures year-round. NO. It has already gone below freezing a few times. Basically, we have horrible high-humidity heat for many months, followed by a week or less of autumn, followed by a coldish and damp winter, followed by a few days of spring. So even though I don't need the warmest winter clothing, I do need some. Plus, my old house is pretty drafty, in spite of Mr. FS's efforts to insulate and our use of ceiling fans.
Cold weather calls for comfort clothing. So does Finals Week, especially for teachers, who labor on after students have finished, and who have had several weeks of absorbing toxic levels of student anxiety and tales of disaster.
Naturally, in my case, the thrift store has provided. My latest comfort cold weather wear?
Bottoms (these turned up in a men's small, which fit me fine):
Outer layer on top:
The pants are the exact ones I found. While I would never spend that much on sport pants (since I don't do any of the winter sports they are intended for), they are toasty warm. The cape-jacket is similar. Mine is reversible navy wool (navy tweed inside) MADE IN WALES. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I get lots of things like that. I'm sure it was bought on vacation and never worn. I have already worn it non-stop since I got it.
In these two garments we see the opposing philosophies of cold weather wear. The pants are made of polypropylene, a synthetic I've probably misspelled. The topper is wool, of extremely good quality, which will last forever. The pants will probably pill and get disgusting in a few years.
Strangely, since the pants look like leggings, I can wear them when I'm out and about, and look perfectly au courant. And the topper is great, because I can wear layers and layers under it.
You may think this is outdoor wear...and it is. But I should mention that I am wearing the combo indoors too. It HAS been cold inside.
And what of my accessories? I found a pair of fingerless gloves that I bought Miss Em several years ago. They were bought for an 8th grader. Needless to say, they are too dorky for her now. They are great indoor and outdoor wear for me. You can even write a blog post while wearing them
Headgear: a problem. Since reading Duchesse's post about sheepskin earmuffs, I am filled with desire for a set for myself. Hey: a gift I would actually want!
Cold weather calls for comfort clothing. So does Finals Week, especially for teachers, who labor on after students have finished, and who have had several weeks of absorbing toxic levels of student anxiety and tales of disaster.
Naturally, in my case, the thrift store has provided. My latest comfort cold weather wear?
Bottoms (these turned up in a men's small, which fit me fine):
Outer layer on top:
The pants are the exact ones I found. While I would never spend that much on sport pants (since I don't do any of the winter sports they are intended for), they are toasty warm. The cape-jacket is similar. Mine is reversible navy wool (navy tweed inside) MADE IN WALES. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I get lots of things like that. I'm sure it was bought on vacation and never worn. I have already worn it non-stop since I got it.
In these two garments we see the opposing philosophies of cold weather wear. The pants are made of polypropylene, a synthetic I've probably misspelled. The topper is wool, of extremely good quality, which will last forever. The pants will probably pill and get disgusting in a few years.
Strangely, since the pants look like leggings, I can wear them when I'm out and about, and look perfectly au courant. And the topper is great, because I can wear layers and layers under it.
You may think this is outdoor wear...and it is. But I should mention that I am wearing the combo indoors too. It HAS been cold inside.
And what of my accessories? I found a pair of fingerless gloves that I bought Miss Em several years ago. They were bought for an 8th grader. Needless to say, they are too dorky for her now. They are great indoor and outdoor wear for me. You can even write a blog post while wearing them
Headgear: a problem. Since reading Duchesse's post about sheepskin earmuffs, I am filled with desire for a set for myself. Hey: a gift I would actually want!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
The Best Gift for Children aged 5-14: Klutz Create Anything With Clay
Oh, I am a lazy girl. Here is another re-post from last year. Honestly, I don't have many good gift ideas. So when I have one, I have to re-use it--ditto for posts, I guess.
This is not a joke. I know what it is.
The Klutz Incredible Clay Book.*** EWRGH. This masterpiece is out-of-print??? Ok, then you must buy its successor: Create Anything with Clay.
This is under $20.00 and is a book filled with pictures of creations and a set of fimo (or sculpey) clay with which you can make anything in the book. Or whatever you want.
I know this from experience. I am not too good on gifts. Each year we used to go to Pasadena for the holidays, where we had to buy gifts for 3 nieces. Most of my efforts were ho-hum.
One year I gave the aforementioned Klutz book to one niece and watched the whole group of 5 children play with the clay for the whole day. And much of the rest.
The clay is in bright colors and flexible enough to make tiny things. Then you bake it in the oven (or toaster oven)* to harden. Why is it so much fun to make tiny hot dogs in buns with squiggles of mustard? Or tiny cabbages? I don't know why we are so delighted by miniatures, but it is so.**
My mother-in-law braved the post-Christmas crowds to buy MORE clay at the crafts store.
This became my go-to gift and it was always a hit. Even with my video-game addicted nephews.
I just thought of ANOTHER great gift. Stay tuned.
Do you have any foolproof gifts for kids?
*ANOTHER USE FOR THE TOASTER OVEN!
**An academic book that explores the miniature.
This is not a joke. I know what it is.
The Klutz Incredible Clay Book.*** EWRGH. This masterpiece is out-of-print??? Ok, then you must buy its successor: Create Anything with Clay.
This is under $20.00 and is a book filled with pictures of creations and a set of fimo (or sculpey) clay with which you can make anything in the book. Or whatever you want.
I know this from experience. I am not too good on gifts. Each year we used to go to Pasadena for the holidays, where we had to buy gifts for 3 nieces. Most of my efforts were ho-hum.
One year I gave the aforementioned Klutz book to one niece and watched the whole group of 5 children play with the clay for the whole day. And much of the rest.
The clay is in bright colors and flexible enough to make tiny things. Then you bake it in the oven (or toaster oven)* to harden. Why is it so much fun to make tiny hot dogs in buns with squiggles of mustard? Or tiny cabbages? I don't know why we are so delighted by miniatures, but it is so.**
My mother-in-law braved the post-Christmas crowds to buy MORE clay at the crafts store.
This became my go-to gift and it was always a hit. Even with my video-game addicted nephews.
I just thought of ANOTHER great gift. Stay tuned.
Do you have any foolproof gifts for kids?
*ANOTHER USE FOR THE TOASTER OVEN!
**An academic book that explores the miniature.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Gifts for Teachers: The Frugal Way
Since this is the season of TEACHER GIFTS, I'm taking the liberty of reposting an oldie (but I think still goodie).
No, I'm not going to recommend that you buy a mug with an apple on it. Or a mug that says A+ Teacher. These are to be found at any Dollar Store.
There are also scores of such mugs, along with similarly emblazoned teacher gift items, at any thrift shop. Do not burden your child's teacher with these; your teacher has already donated last year's gifts. Since my definition of frugality involves getting the most from the resources of time and money, even $1.00 mugs are not frugal, since every teacher is given scads of these, every year.
Frugal Son had a wonderful teacher in grade school. Mr. Callahan was so gifted at classroom management that his class was filled with a large percentage of kids with behavior problems. At assemblies, I would watch with awe as he, with only a small gesture, would quiet down a kid about to go out of control. Mr. Callahan was also an artist, and retired in his 40s to pursue that full-time. He disappeared from our purview after Katrina. If you see him, say hi.
Mr. Callahan also had a gift for gifts. He told his class that he didn't really need anything. So no gifts were necessary. This in itself was thoughtful, since more than half the children at the grade school received free or reduced lunch. But, he said, if their parents HAD to buy him something, they should mention that he didn't need any coffee mugs. He already had a lot. Oh, and he needed socks, calf-height, size 10 and always appreciated coffee beans.
What a wonderful gift to us. Frugal Son and I spent perhaps an hour at the local coffee shop deciding what kind of coffee beans to purchase. There were so many choices: Colombian, Tanzanian, Ethiopian, and more. We picked two half pounds because we couldn't decide on one kind.
At the year end party, Mr. Callahan opened his gifts. He got a lot of coffee and a few pairs of socks. Then he opened a box and out came a mug. Grade school kids don't have the "politeness" of adults. One child blurted out, "You said you didn't want any coffee mugs." Without missing a beat, Mr. Callahan replied, "I wasn't talking about THIS mug. This is the exact one I wanted."
Many thanks, Mr. Callahan. The lesson here for recipients: if possible, indicate what it is you want. For givers, consumable gifts (who wouldn't want coffee? or tea? or a gift card?). We often gave teachers bouquets from our garden. These were always well-received. The best-received gifts: appreciative notes from parents and children.
Dear Readers: what are your best gifts for teachers?
No, I'm not going to recommend that you buy a mug with an apple on it. Or a mug that says A+ Teacher. These are to be found at any Dollar Store.
There are also scores of such mugs, along with similarly emblazoned teacher gift items, at any thrift shop. Do not burden your child's teacher with these; your teacher has already donated last year's gifts. Since my definition of frugality involves getting the most from the resources of time and money, even $1.00 mugs are not frugal, since every teacher is given scads of these, every year.
Frugal Son had a wonderful teacher in grade school. Mr. Callahan was so gifted at classroom management that his class was filled with a large percentage of kids with behavior problems. At assemblies, I would watch with awe as he, with only a small gesture, would quiet down a kid about to go out of control. Mr. Callahan was also an artist, and retired in his 40s to pursue that full-time. He disappeared from our purview after Katrina. If you see him, say hi.
Mr. Callahan also had a gift for gifts. He told his class that he didn't really need anything. So no gifts were necessary. This in itself was thoughtful, since more than half the children at the grade school received free or reduced lunch. But, he said, if their parents HAD to buy him something, they should mention that he didn't need any coffee mugs. He already had a lot. Oh, and he needed socks, calf-height, size 10 and always appreciated coffee beans.
What a wonderful gift to us. Frugal Son and I spent perhaps an hour at the local coffee shop deciding what kind of coffee beans to purchase. There were so many choices: Colombian, Tanzanian, Ethiopian, and more. We picked two half pounds because we couldn't decide on one kind.
At the year end party, Mr. Callahan opened his gifts. He got a lot of coffee and a few pairs of socks. Then he opened a box and out came a mug. Grade school kids don't have the "politeness" of adults. One child blurted out, "You said you didn't want any coffee mugs." Without missing a beat, Mr. Callahan replied, "I wasn't talking about THIS mug. This is the exact one I wanted."
Many thanks, Mr. Callahan. The lesson here for recipients: if possible, indicate what it is you want. For givers, consumable gifts (who wouldn't want coffee? or tea? or a gift card?). We often gave teachers bouquets from our garden. These were always well-received. The best-received gifts: appreciative notes from parents and children.
Dear Readers: what are your best gifts for teachers?
Monday, 6 December 2010
Standard Gifts: Preppy Style
How I happened upon a blog called Daily Prep is something of a mystery. Muffy Aldridge is a very good writer. She's one of those people absolutely certain of her opinion: Navy=YES, Black=NO. I look on such people with awe: I am so wishy-washy.
I have learned, from my occasional visit, that "I am not a preppy, nor was meant to be." I am disqualified by many things. My taste in colors is but one: my favorite colors to wear are black (a no-no), cobalt blue, purple, cranberry (also no-nos).
The other day I found news I can use, at least in the blogging department. It turns out that Standard Gifts may, in fact, receive the preppy seal of approval. Muffy LOVES key rings made by Leatherman. In her post, she presented an array of these as they awaited wrapping. They are so cute (I think that's a prep-approved word). Little whales, sail boats, and more, all in your choice of color.
Naturally, I felt I had to peruse the offerings. What would I choose? I am so non-preppy: I don't play tennis or golf. I don't know how to sail, although my father had a sail boat for many years. I didn't see any with books, which would have been perfect.
I know. A crab-themed key ring. Not because I go crabbing. Not because I like crab very much (other seafood is more to my taste).
You guessed it: because I am VERY CRABBY at the end of the semester.
I have learned, from my occasional visit, that "I am not a preppy, nor was meant to be." I am disqualified by many things. My taste in colors is but one: my favorite colors to wear are black (a no-no), cobalt blue, purple, cranberry (also no-nos).
The other day I found news I can use, at least in the blogging department. It turns out that Standard Gifts may, in fact, receive the preppy seal of approval. Muffy LOVES key rings made by Leatherman. In her post, she presented an array of these as they awaited wrapping. They are so cute (I think that's a prep-approved word). Little whales, sail boats, and more, all in your choice of color.
Naturally, I felt I had to peruse the offerings. What would I choose? I am so non-preppy: I don't play tennis or golf. I don't know how to sail, although my father had a sail boat for many years. I didn't see any with books, which would have been perfect.
I know. A crab-themed key ring. Not because I go crabbing. Not because I like crab very much (other seafood is more to my taste).
You guessed it: because I am VERY CRABBY at the end of the semester.
Friday, 3 December 2010
Gift Cards. Cash: Appropriate Gifts?
I come from a cash-giving family. I still remember the last time I saw my born-in-the-Old-World grandmother Sylvia. Even though I was 30 years old, she shuffled over to a cabinet and brought out a $20.00 bill for me. In contrast,Mr. FS comes from a family that sees cash gifts as "vulgar."
Gift cards might seems like a good "gift": cash-like, but without the vulgarity many people might associate with cash. But the rise of "sell-your-gift-card sites"--as outlined by Donna Freedman recently--suggests that gift cards may not be a welcome gift. Actually, now that I think of it, Donna's post suggested the gift card sites as a way to get a discounted gift for your intended recipient. You can buy unwanted gift cards for a certain percentage off.
I noticed, though, that the gift cards I might actually want came with a very small discount. That's because everyone else wants them too. And I know that I have occasionally received gift cards and found them a pain to use. Plus, I was always afraid that I would lose them, to the delight I'm sure of the merchant.
Yesterday. my eagerly-awaited toaster oven arrived! We use our toaster oven all the time; they are a fairly short-lived appliance unfortunately, whether you buy at the higher or lower end. We recycled our busted high end Cuisinart and unpacked our low end Black and Decker.
Oh. how wonderful to have a working toaster oven. At the end of the semester especially bread with melted cheddar is a welcome comfort.
And guess what? We bought the toaster oven with an Amazon gift card we received. Given the length of my Amazon wish list (which is really a reminder list for us), I guess I have to say that an Amazon gift card would be welcome--even for gift-haters like myself.
Thank you to our gift-giver. We are so happy with our gift.
What do you think about cash? gift cards, Amazon or other? Giftworthy or cop-outs?
Gift cards might seems like a good "gift": cash-like, but without the vulgarity many people might associate with cash. But the rise of "sell-your-gift-card sites"--as outlined by Donna Freedman recently--suggests that gift cards may not be a welcome gift. Actually, now that I think of it, Donna's post suggested the gift card sites as a way to get a discounted gift for your intended recipient. You can buy unwanted gift cards for a certain percentage off.
I noticed, though, that the gift cards I might actually want came with a very small discount. That's because everyone else wants them too. And I know that I have occasionally received gift cards and found them a pain to use. Plus, I was always afraid that I would lose them, to the delight I'm sure of the merchant.
Yesterday. my eagerly-awaited toaster oven arrived! We use our toaster oven all the time; they are a fairly short-lived appliance unfortunately, whether you buy at the higher or lower end. We recycled our busted high end Cuisinart and unpacked our low end Black and Decker.
Oh. how wonderful to have a working toaster oven. At the end of the semester especially bread with melted cheddar is a welcome comfort.
And guess what? We bought the toaster oven with an Amazon gift card we received. Given the length of my Amazon wish list (which is really a reminder list for us), I guess I have to say that an Amazon gift card would be welcome--even for gift-haters like myself.
Thank you to our gift-giver. We are so happy with our gift.
What do you think about cash? gift cards, Amazon or other? Giftworthy or cop-outs?
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Holiday Gifts for Children: Amy's Decision/Amy Dacyczyn
I was talking to a colleague, Amy, yesterday. She mentioned that she does not buy her two children (boys--aged 8 or so and 3???) Christmas gifts. She said, "We give $500.00 to charity each year and I send all the standard recipients (teachers,for instance) a note describing the charity."
WOW! I always think I am such a free-thinking, free-spirited, unconventional person. I guess not.
Here's what's interesting. She went on to say that her kids didn't mind. That they had tons of toys, all gifts from family and hand-me-downs from friends. AND THAT THEY STILL HAD TOO MUCH.
I opined that many material desires expressed by children are implanted by the parents. My colleague agreed. My children rarely asked for the latest toy, for instance. As I've said before, they would go to the homes of their friends to play with the "popular" toys, while the friends would come to our house and play with what we had. No complaints from anyone.
But NO HOLIDAY gifts for kids! What a concept! Amy Dacyczyn of Tightwad Gazette fame wrote about how she gave each of her six children a few new items each holiday accompanied by a few stashed yard sale finds. She wrote about how some people wrote accusing her of child abuse: kids deserve new toys, they said.
What do you think of my iconocalstic colleague's decision? And what about Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced decision)?
WOW! I always think I am such a free-thinking, free-spirited, unconventional person. I guess not.
Here's what's interesting. She went on to say that her kids didn't mind. That they had tons of toys, all gifts from family and hand-me-downs from friends. AND THAT THEY STILL HAD TOO MUCH.
I opined that many material desires expressed by children are implanted by the parents. My colleague agreed. My children rarely asked for the latest toy, for instance. As I've said before, they would go to the homes of their friends to play with the "popular" toys, while the friends would come to our house and play with what we had. No complaints from anyone.
But NO HOLIDAY gifts for kids! What a concept! Amy Dacyczyn of Tightwad Gazette fame wrote about how she gave each of her six children a few new items each holiday accompanied by a few stashed yard sale finds. She wrote about how some people wrote accusing her of child abuse: kids deserve new toys, they said.
What do you think of my iconocalstic colleague's decision? And what about Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced decision)?
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
The Best Gifts for Kids 3-8
Even though I'm bad at gifts, I do know several excellent gifts for kids 3-8. These are not the kinds of gifts that will cause a moment of ecstasy when the wrapping is torn off. In fact, they might get a rather low-key response....or even be ignored. But long after Tickle-Me Elmo is in the donation box, your recipients will be playing with these. In fact, if you take cost-per-play (based, of course, on the cost-per-wear concept), these items are practically free.
1. UNIT BLOCKS. I bought these when my kids were little and they were played with every day for 8 or so years. They became roads, puppet theaters, and Noah's Ark. Make sure you get UNIT BLOCKS (this will embed math in your child's head); mine were maple. Twenty years ago, my set of 60 cost over $100.00. I got mine from a school supplier. Like many other things, these are now available from Amazon and are cheaper, perhaps for ecological and economic reasons that might upset us.
2. PATTERN BLOCKS. These make fantastic patterns and provide hours of fascinating play. These are fun for adults too.
3. CUBE BLOCKS. These were a particular favorite of Miss Em, who called them quilt blocks. Here is something similar.
All you need for the rest of the childhood years are a few dolls/animals, some plastic animals, some little cars or similar. Maybe a marble run.
4. OK. Can't resist that memory. Get a marble run too. You need to watch the little ones with the marbles, however.
And remember: GOOD art supplies. Your children can play with the toys du jour when they visit their friends. Their friends can play with the blocks at your house.
With the money you save on toys, you can .... do something wonderful. Your choice.
Any other good ideas?
1. UNIT BLOCKS. I bought these when my kids were little and they were played with every day for 8 or so years. They became roads, puppet theaters, and Noah's Ark. Make sure you get UNIT BLOCKS (this will embed math in your child's head); mine were maple. Twenty years ago, my set of 60 cost over $100.00. I got mine from a school supplier. Like many other things, these are now available from Amazon and are cheaper, perhaps for ecological and economic reasons that might upset us.
2. PATTERN BLOCKS. These make fantastic patterns and provide hours of fascinating play. These are fun for adults too.
3. CUBE BLOCKS. These were a particular favorite of Miss Em, who called them quilt blocks. Here is something similar.
All you need for the rest of the childhood years are a few dolls/animals, some plastic animals, some little cars or similar. Maybe a marble run.
4. OK. Can't resist that memory. Get a marble run too. You need to watch the little ones with the marbles, however.
And remember: GOOD art supplies. Your children can play with the toys du jour when they visit their friends. Their friends can play with the blocks at your house.
With the money you save on toys, you can .... do something wonderful. Your choice.
Any other good ideas?
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Another Standard Gift: Recommended by Experts
While the standard gift may be scoffed at by people for whom gift giving is a pleasure, for those of us who--to be plain--suck at gifts, a list of good ones would come as a relief.
I just remembered a standard gift suggested by two eminent tastemakers: Chuck Williams of Williams-Sonoma fame and Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa fame. As it happens, they recommended the same gift. I read interviews with these luminaries. Each featured the same question: What do you recommend for a wedding gift. Each said they gave a set of French glass bowls to all newlyweds. I checked Williams-Sonoma and they now carry an American version of the iconic bowls.
However, you can still find the French version, which, of course, is oozing with je ne sais quoi.
Here is another standard gift I would love to receive. Since I--and presumably most others--did not receive a set at my wedding, I would be happy to get these for holiday or birthday.
Would you? Keep gift suggestions coming, please.
I just remembered a standard gift suggested by two eminent tastemakers: Chuck Williams of Williams-Sonoma fame and Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa fame. As it happens, they recommended the same gift. I read interviews with these luminaries. Each featured the same question: What do you recommend for a wedding gift. Each said they gave a set of French glass bowls to all newlyweds. I checked Williams-Sonoma and they now carry an American version of the iconic bowls.
However, you can still find the French version, which, of course, is oozing with je ne sais quoi.
Here is another standard gift I would love to receive. Since I--and presumably most others--did not receive a set at my wedding, I would be happy to get these for holiday or birthday.
Would you? Keep gift suggestions coming, please.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Standard Gifts: Easy Gifts for the Holidays, Too Easy?
I first encountered the concept of the standard gift in the very first organizing book I ever read: Totally Organized.
As I recall, the author mentioned that she had a standard gift for weddings: first, monogrammed pillowcases, and, since she wrote the book, a copy of her book! What a good idea.
When my children were little, the great bargain mecca in my area was a Scholastic Book warehouse sale. This was sort of a secret and open only to teachers. Someone told me about it; I called; and yes, college teachers were eligible. In truth, the sale was open to anyone who knew about it.
One feature of this sale was the "Fill Your Box for $25.00" area. You can get a lot of books--not to mention small educational toys--in a box. These treasures filled our gift shelf for years, saving us time and money.
Since I am not a gift-giving diva like my blogfriend Duchesse or my real-life friend Brigitte, both of whose choices amaze me with their brilliance, I must rely on the one or two sure-fire gifts in my repertoire.
For youngish men, I've already recommended (AT LEAST 5 TIMES) the great pen.
For youngish folk in general, I recommend the Rick Steves travel pack. I got one for Frugal Son a few years ago and may get one (shhhhhh) for Miss Em. Perfect for going abroad.
Garnet Hill, a catalog I've been mooning over for many years, has a good deal for folks of all ages: a cotton fleece throw. At the moment it is half price ($30) and has free monogramming. It comes in yummy colors and would be a wonderful gift for children, teenagers,and so on. It would even be a wonderful gift for ME. That's saying a lot, since I hate getting gifts as a rule.
Do you give standard gifts?
As I recall, the author mentioned that she had a standard gift for weddings: first, monogrammed pillowcases, and, since she wrote the book, a copy of her book! What a good idea.
When my children were little, the great bargain mecca in my area was a Scholastic Book warehouse sale. This was sort of a secret and open only to teachers. Someone told me about it; I called; and yes, college teachers were eligible. In truth, the sale was open to anyone who knew about it.
One feature of this sale was the "Fill Your Box for $25.00" area. You can get a lot of books--not to mention small educational toys--in a box. These treasures filled our gift shelf for years, saving us time and money.
Since I am not a gift-giving diva like my blogfriend Duchesse or my real-life friend Brigitte, both of whose choices amaze me with their brilliance, I must rely on the one or two sure-fire gifts in my repertoire.
For youngish men, I've already recommended (AT LEAST 5 TIMES) the great pen.
For youngish folk in general, I recommend the Rick Steves travel pack. I got one for Frugal Son a few years ago and may get one (shhhhhh) for Miss Em. Perfect for going abroad.
Garnet Hill, a catalog I've been mooning over for many years, has a good deal for folks of all ages: a cotton fleece throw. At the moment it is half price ($30) and has free monogramming. It comes in yummy colors and would be a wonderful gift for children, teenagers,and so on. It would even be a wonderful gift for ME. That's saying a lot, since I hate getting gifts as a rule.
Do you give standard gifts?
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Ready for Gift Giving? Young Male Edition
Well, I lucked out. I am bad at gifts to begin with, plus my kids say "Nothing" when I ask. (Funny, that's what I say in all sincerity.)
Frugal Son has a triple-whammy coming up: holiday, birthday, graduation. He mentioned that his friend Michael is spending next semester in Argentina and that he would like to visit during Spring Break. I said, "How about a plane ticket as our gift to you?" This elicited a smiley emoticon: SUCCESS!
If a ticket to Argentina is not on the radar screen for the guy in your life, how about my standard suggestion for any occasion, including graduation: the LAMY SAFARI pen. I have recommended this before, and will continue to do so. You can't go wrong with this one, whether for stocking stuffer or what you will.
My son picked yellow, but the other colors--including clear--are nice too.
Any other ideas, dear readers?
Frugal Son has a triple-whammy coming up: holiday, birthday, graduation. He mentioned that his friend Michael is spending next semester in Argentina and that he would like to visit during Spring Break. I said, "How about a plane ticket as our gift to you?" This elicited a smiley emoticon: SUCCESS!
If a ticket to Argentina is not on the radar screen for the guy in your life, how about my standard suggestion for any occasion, including graduation: the LAMY SAFARI pen. I have recommended this before, and will continue to do so. You can't go wrong with this one, whether for stocking stuffer or what you will.
My son picked yellow, but the other colors--including clear--are nice too.
Any other ideas, dear readers?
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Gift Advice from the Duchesse of Gifts
Duchesse left a lovely comment the other day:
A dinner you make for a loved one as Funny About Money did is a gift; making a CD of an elder's favourite music, or restoring an old photo (not very expensive). Writing someone a poem, or playing a board game with kids until they want to stop... I could go on. It's not about spending money.
Now, if you read Duchesse's blog (on vacation now), you know that the gifts she selects are simply perfect. Really. She's got the gift.
Note, though, that her concept goes beyond buying. Mr. FS doesn't buy me gifts. That's because he knows I don't really want anything PLUS I'm too picky and he knows he could never figure out what I want.
Every now and then, he surprises me. Out of the blue, he'll say, "I finally got around to putting up that extra shelf you wanted." OR "I got some whatever so now I can fix the whatever you complained about." Half the time (nay, more), I don't even remember making the request. But he does.
He does the same for Miss Em. She is always creating artworks, some very large. He's always figuring out how to frame or display these sometimes oddly-shaped artifacts.
As Duchesse pointed out elsewhere, the key to gifts, whether in the material realm or outside it, is paying ATTENTION.
What's the best gift you've ever given? Gotten?
A dinner you make for a loved one as Funny About Money did is a gift; making a CD of an elder's favourite music, or restoring an old photo (not very expensive). Writing someone a poem, or playing a board game with kids until they want to stop... I could go on. It's not about spending money.
Now, if you read Duchesse's blog (on vacation now), you know that the gifts she selects are simply perfect. Really. She's got the gift.
Note, though, that her concept goes beyond buying. Mr. FS doesn't buy me gifts. That's because he knows I don't really want anything PLUS I'm too picky and he knows he could never figure out what I want.
Every now and then, he surprises me. Out of the blue, he'll say, "I finally got around to putting up that extra shelf you wanted." OR "I got some whatever so now I can fix the whatever you complained about." Half the time (nay, more), I don't even remember making the request. But he does.
He does the same for Miss Em. She is always creating artworks, some very large. He's always figuring out how to frame or display these sometimes oddly-shaped artifacts.
As Duchesse pointed out elsewhere, the key to gifts, whether in the material realm or outside it, is paying ATTENTION.
What's the best gift you've ever given? Gotten?
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Holidays vs Well, Everything
I was reading one of my favorite blogs Budgeting in the Fun Stuff. Her post concerns something she read on Yahoo--how to save $1000.00 for the holidays by cutting this and that: vacations, landline, movies, whatever. Like BFS, I went through the list too--you can't cut something you don't have or don't do, so these lists work best for those high on the profligacy meter.
So I was thinking and thinking...only to realize that I don't have to save $1000.00 for the holidays because I don't spend that much. The only recipients of holiday largesse are my two kids, neither of whom wants all that much, or so they say.
It's easy for me, because my family was completely lackadaisical about holidays and birthdays. Mr. FS grew up with blow out Christmases, but he has gradually converted to the lackadaisical.
I give this background to warn you: for me to give up the holiday blowout is like me giving up cable. I don't have cable. I don't want cable.
With my lack of credentials established, let me ask: why would you want to give up, say, a vacation in order to have a holiday giftfest? Isn't it better to have a nice pace of treats now and again, rather than scrimping to have a major over-the-top fest?
You know what my answer is? What's yours? Are holidays a sensitive area for you?
So I was thinking and thinking...only to realize that I don't have to save $1000.00 for the holidays because I don't spend that much. The only recipients of holiday largesse are my two kids, neither of whom wants all that much, or so they say.
It's easy for me, because my family was completely lackadaisical about holidays and birthdays. Mr. FS grew up with blow out Christmases, but he has gradually converted to the lackadaisical.
I give this background to warn you: for me to give up the holiday blowout is like me giving up cable. I don't have cable. I don't want cable.
With my lack of credentials established, let me ask: why would you want to give up, say, a vacation in order to have a holiday giftfest? Isn't it better to have a nice pace of treats now and again, rather than scrimping to have a major over-the-top fest?
You know what my answer is? What's yours? Are holidays a sensitive area for you?
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