Movies I Can't Wait to See + Affordable Gift Ideas
/There are many good movies coming out this winter that I can't wait to see. Memoirs of a Geisha is rumored to be one of the hottest movies of this year. And Jim Carrey has a new movie coming out, Fun with Dick and Jane, that looks really funny. And of course Chronicles of Narnia! Lucky for me, I have some free movie tickets! I am definitely a big movie fan. I'm also a big fan of saving money!
If you haven't noticed yet, the freebies have been sparse this month and it's really bothering me! I've found out that the freebies are not very common this time of year. However, I'll keep searching for more good stuff to share with you. Here's something new:
For fun--Quiz: Which Holiday Character are You Like?
Check out this article- "Santa On a Shoestring", tips on saving money this Christmas
Here are more affordable and/or last minute gift ideas:
~Magazine subscriptions. Wrap up a current issue of the magazine, with a note (12 more to come!)
~Framed photo
~Gift baskets. Match the basket you are making to the reciepient's interests. This could include a movie basket (Blockbuster gc, popcorn, hot chocolate), pasta basket (colander, pasta, sauce, cheese), chocolate lovers basket (gourmet chocolates, dessert mixes), be creative!
~Gifts in a jar: Collect Mason-type canning jars in several sizes. Wrap brightly-colored fabric over the top of the jar, and tie it in place with a length of twine, ribbon or raffia. Print out and attach a tag with the recipe and instructions for use. Here's some recipes:
Chunky Chocolate Cookies
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup jumbo chocolate chips
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Layer ingredients in order given in a one-quart wide-mouth canning jar. Make sure you pack each layer firmly before adding the flour mixture. It will be a tight fit. (Wipe down the inside of the jar after you add the cocoa powder.) Tag: Empty contents of jar into a large mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend. Add 3/4 cup butter or margarine (not diet) softened to room temperature. Add 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. The dough is sticky and you will need to finish mixing with your hands. Shape into walnut-size balls and place 2-inches apart on parchment lined or greased baking sheets. Bake at 350¦F 11 to 13 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove to racks to finish cooling. Makes 3 dozen cookies.
Zucchini Bread in a Jar
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
3 eggs
2/3 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
3 cups peeled zucchini, grated
1 cup chopped nuts
In large bowl cream sugar and oil with electric mixer. Add eggs and mix well. Add water and vanilla and mix well.Place dry ingredients in a separate large bowl and blend with a whisk. Add creamed ingredients to dry ingredients and mix with whisk and spoon.Place 1 cup batter each into six (6) well-greased one-pint wide-mouth canning jars. Wipe batter from rims.Place jars on a baking sheet. Bake at 325¦ F for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Wipe rims. Place hot sterilized seals and rings on hot jars. Keep in refrigerator for prolonged storage.
~And if you must regift (it's recycling afterall!), here's some tips to do it the right way:
1. Never admit to regifting. This is not a good thing to admit to.
2. Keep it organized. Designate a closet or drawer for unwanted gifts.
3. Label all regifts. Do this after receiving the gift.
4. Check the box for anything that personalizes the gift to you and remove it.
5. Whoever receives the gift should not be acquainted with anyone in your circle of friends or relatives of the person who gave this to you.
6. When you match up a gift with the recipient and personalize it to them, this can be pulled off in a classy way. For example, if you have a beautiful scarf to give, be sure you match it with someone who will appreciate it.
