Layout:
Home > Archive: October, 2009

Archive for October, 2009

Holiday Gift Saving Tip 2

October 15th, 2009 at 08:01 pm

Recap Tip 1| Plunder the resale sport store for outdoor equipment for kids! I visited one yesterday in search of a 'cruising' skateboard for my boy. Sheesh, they are expensive new (almost $200). Well, the reason I went there was to obtain a USED board.

VOILA! There was one, only one, available. They apparently are the hot thing, and go fast. The price was a moderate $70. I will go for it because of reasons previously put forth on this blog (more action, less electronics!) The employee was super helpful, urging me to bring in items from home to recapture some of the costs of the board. Also calling another source in search of a good used item for me. And giving me a coupon for a couple bucks off whatever I decided. Sweet.

Today Tip 2| Troll Craigslist for good used electronics. My girl is ready for a digital camera. She has a film camera and has taken good care of it. I am ready to stop developing film, even by mail.

A check of nearby digital camera offers yields a Kodak Easy Share C613 for $50. OK, first thing is to check it out on CNET for review of the equipment and new prices.

Good camera, especially fit for the young photographer and priced fairly (half the new price).

Next step is to really find out the condition and what is not being disclosed by the seller. I politely ask via email how old it is, how much used, and particularly what is NOT being included.

The seller explains this camera was used for about 10 pictures and the little disc is not included (memory card). Period. I agree to meet and have a look.

VOILA! I offer $45 which is accepted. Need to get a memory card and a couple rechargeable batteries.

If you need more gift saving tips, look no further! Here's what under $10 can get from

Text is Pretty Cheap Jewelry and Link is http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com
Pretty Cheap Jewelry

AUTUMN STONE EARRINGS

Smooth serpentine bar, vintage glass, and quartz chip in subdued classy tones.
Text is Order here and Link is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31467066
Order here

RECIPE JOURNAL

Exquisite cover features a colonial embroidered home complete with the picket fence. Slim blank pages ready for family heirlooms, mementos and snapshots.
Text is Order here and Link is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10547590
Order here

PEARLY WHITE GUITAR PICK EARRINGS

Fun and pretty in white, blue and sterling silver. Great for teens.
Text is Order here and Link is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17663316
Order here

So NOT spendy on gifts!

October 13th, 2009 at 09:04 pm

Have my list, checking it twice.

My kids are pre-teen and approaching the age of electronics (er, more so than already??).

But I always prefer active, educational gifts at birthdays and holidays. So that leaves out movies, music, video games, and mindless whatnot.

Chapter 1 - The Boy

1. He asked for a 'cruising' skateboard. His current skateboard is for tricks and is admittedly getting rather banged up. Been racking my brain how to come up with a good solution without spending a small fortune. BINGO!! I called the resale sports store and YES they have them. OK, hopefully their selection has a model that is good, great or passable but I'm jazzed that I'll be able to put one under the tree.

2. It's time. Or rather, he needs a watch. Easy peasy with a trip to Target or a coupon to Penneys.

3. And a cell phone. So fortunately our plan is really inexpensive to add a line, something like $10/mo. No internet, texting or junk of course. Husband wants to give the boy mine and give me a new one. Whatever, ok.

4. Little (educational, active) stuff. Books, puzzles, chewing gum, pajamas. Ok, the last stuff isn't educational, fine.

Chapter 2 - The Girl
(coming soon)

And a few ideas for YOUR unspendy gifts.

DOLPHIN, MOON, & STAR EARRINGS
Cute dolphin charms leap under abalone moon and sparkling swarovski crystal stars. A rainbow of pastel colors; lavendar, mint, cocoa, powder blue (not shown), butter (not shown). Only $5.99 ea.
Order at:

Text is Pretty Cheap Jewelry and Link is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32193527
Pretty Cheap Jewelry





Thanks for the time to peek!

Rock, Paper, Scissors

October 9th, 2009 at 03:44 pm

and a little time. That's just about all it took to make these distinctive cards:

(ok, flower, paper, scissors. Not rock, but you get the idea).

GARDEN POT

Full planter of sunny yellow, warm peach and harvest reds on a blank notecard. This card features sunflower and bougainveilla.

BIG ROUND VASE

Ancient style vessel contains a spray of wine reds on a blank notecard. This card features bougainveilla.

BLUE 'GLASS' VASE

Modern footed vase contains a bouquet of wine reds on a blank notecard. This card features bougainveilla.

I make all of these designs with genuine flower petals and stems harvested from my yard and environs. It is a slow but easy craft pressing and drying the plants. A true link to the past as well.

Then using a scrap of specialty paper, I free hand cut the containers. Pots, vases, urns, let your imagination have fun. How about a window sill, curtains with or a table top? Plain black paper works fine, or a scrap of felt or fabric.

All of these cards are available for $3.25 ea at

Text is Pretty Cheap Jewelry and Link is http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com
Pretty Cheap Jewelry. An inexpensive way to show your good taste this holiday season. Great for thank you, party invite, get well and birthday.

WATCH FOR NEW DISTINCTIVE CARDS COMING SOON!