As Saturday of last weekend approached we had our usual busy afternoon of dance and figure skating lesson schedules. But wait!! It was the last night of the year!
My husband was away at his mother's for the night ... 100 miles away. It was just me and 2 kids.
What to do? My younger child lives in a fairy tale. She is crushed (or at least highly disappointed) if the Christmas tree isn't up by a certain date, if the Hannukah candles aren't lit all the nights, and if WE DON'T STAY UP TILL MIDNIGHT NEW YEAR'S EVE.
Oy.
I looked at local offerings, only one was available for kids. Although it was a reasonable deal ($15 tix for a live comedy show where we have been before and enjoyed) it was extremely likely already sold out. And I really wasn't keen on going out so late. With kids.
So we improvised. And had a most satisfying FRUGAL'est party ever. HIP HIP HOORAY!!
See the party details below, but please allow me the privilege of showing some of what's on CLEARANCE at
Text is Pretty Cheap Jewelry and Link is http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com
Pretty Cheap Jewelry so far (more to come):
Rosette Earrings Dramatic Blue and Red
Inspired by a county fair ribbon, I've handmade wire rosettes in navy blue wire. The color is set off by blood red wire on a black glass drop, and a cut red glass bead above. CLEARANCE $5. Order
Text is here and Link is http://www.etsy.com/listing/89737382/rosette-midnight-blue-and-red-earrings
here or click to see more details.
Kid's Gloves Silver Heart on Black
Little hands will love the sequin silver hearts. Cute row of green buttons add playfulness. Fits about 5 year to 10 year old. Half off at $7. Order
Text is here and Link is http://www.etsy.com/listing/89663049/knit-gloves-black-heart-kids
here or click to see more detail.
Gold ZigZag Earrings
Striking gold wire lightning shapes end in milky white cut stone briolettes on these modern, natural earrings. 12K gold filled flattened french hooks. Half off at $7.50. Order
Text is here and Link is http://www.etsy.com/listing/89525067/gold-zigzag-earrings-sale
here or click to see more detail.
Gold Abstract Flower Earrings
Whimsical lines and curves in gold wire remind me of spring. A bit of peach coral, white glass, mint green wire, and clear crystal add to the design. Big handformed hammered 14K gold filled french hooks. Order
Text is here and Link is http://www.etsy.com/listing/89525630/gold-abstract-earrings-sale
here or click to see more detail.
And now the party scoop!
First: Invited one of her ice skate friends over who also did not have a special thing planned. These two were perfect match for a midnight soiree together!
Cost: $0
Second: Stopped at the video rental store with them both for a little entertainment. We miss SO MANY movies over the year it's easy to pick something. If you think I am stuck in the past, FINE!! YES I go to a LOCAL INDEPENDENT video store IN PERSON!! And just to add fuel to the fire, this place has a "Rent one/Get one Free". We picked out "Rio" and "Mr. Bean's Holiday". Both very easy watching and I approve wholeheartedly.
Cost: $5.
Third:Order pizza delivery. So you think this isn't special? We order pizza maybe twice a year.
MAYBE TWICE A YEAR. How about you? Our homemade pizza is SO MUCH BETTER and we regularly make gourmet style with exotic cheese and toppings. Not to mention I bristle at the cost and less healthy aspects of the delivered stuff. Needless to say, it was FUN and convenient and added a festive party feel. I had a coupon for buy one/get one free from another LOCAL INDEPENDENT business NATURALLY!!
Cost: $23 for two pizzas
The end? I snoozed starting about 10pm, my older went under the covers shortly thereafter, and the two girls whispered and giggled keeping each other up until ten minutes before midnight. They awoke me, my son joined us (he set his watch alarm!) and we all WHOOPED IT UP for about 30 minutes with Dick Clark and little champagne flutes of Martinelli!
YAY for pleasing kids and greeting 2012 with a positive safe outlook!