Ask the readers: it is OK to buy a Christmas gift from thrift store?

Holiday season to try frugal person patience: there are so many temptations to spend. Of course, all we want to enjoy a festive nature time this year, but when you can draw the line? And how the fugal is too frugal?

Michel writes with great question. It is sort of dilemma facing the picture itself. Here is its history:

Like you I am a big proponent of thrift store shopping. Saves money, and it is simply more fun, go to the Mall – at least for me. Since I live in the area of New York, I am happy that many of the area thrift stores are full of fantastic things, including quality of designer and brand name clothing, many of which are worn only.

The latest thrift store trip I picked up two designer bags as a Christmas gift for my college adult nieces, but now I'm having second thoughts.

On the one hand there is no way they will ever really take buses and Kate Spade bags for their own e.on, on the other hand, I don't know if they share my acceptance and love to thrifting, and they may not respond well to the thought of someone else is gifted cast-offs.

Since the new versions of these bags are my budget, there is no way to transfer these things as something different. What you? it is tacky to purchase gifts thrift store?

My initial response to Michelle question is that of course is a good idea to purchase gifts thrift shop-do it all the time! But perhaps this is because of the way in which my family has set up his gift exchange.

In my family, adult $ 5 gift exchange: each of us buy something not more than five Bucks for every other adult costing. This forces any budget folks to get creative. And, therefore, thrift stores are really fantastic place to find gifts. Garage sales, too. (And I spent many hours of entertainment for trawling Amazon transactions.)

Here below my favorite example: a few years ago I found a set of pens good preparation for ten Bucks in the garage sale. My brother, to be used to draw the House plans (although he no longer), and I think they would make a great gift for Christmas. I haggled the price up to five Bucks. Back home, I user the actual price for pens. They usually sell for about $ 70. Result! (I'm not sure if Jeff to use them, but this is the best $ 5 gift, I am ever give.)

Obviously, not everyone is in a situation where given bargain buys from garage sales and social acceptable is thrift stores. But I would like to Licenzopolu?atelaima that there are plenty of people there for whom this kind of thing it's okay, at least to some extent.

But this is sort of an issue where a certain need to poll a wider audience. Not everyone shares my love of purchase of used. In fact, many readers of GRS deplore thrift stores. Instead of steering Michel down (probably misleading) my own time, it is probably best to respond to the field from different points of view.

Do you think? When is a good idea to buy gifts from the thrift shop? It is always well? Was never well? And what of the specific situation of Michel: must it feel any shame for Designer bags used to nieces this Christmas?

This article is to help readers, frugality, translator

View the original article here

Cinnamon Bear: Old Time Radio Christmas tradition-

Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request

Because I love The Cinnamon Bear so much, I post this same article every year. This year is no different, except that I’m posting it a couple of days early to give you time to download the files. If you have young children — and even if you don’t — I encourage you to listen to these old radio broadcasts with your family.

Holiday traditions don’t have to be expensive. Some of the best traditions don’t cost anything at all.

When I was a boy, Christmas meant The Cinnamon Bear. During the weeks before Christmas, a Portland radio station (KEX) would broadcast a fifteen minute episode of this story every night.

The Cinnamon Bear chronicles the adventures of Judy and Jimmy, and their fantastic trip through Maybeland as they search for the missing Silver Star that belongs atop their Christmas tree.

I loved the cast of characters and the exotic locales: the Root Beer Ocean and the Inkaboos, the Wintergreen Witch, the Looking Glass Valley, the Crazy Quilt Dragon. And, of course, I loved Santa Claus and the North Pole.

Because of the vagaries of copyright law, most old-time radio broadcasts are now in the Public Domain. The Cinnamon Bear is freely distributable. Some radio stations still broadcast the show every year. But don’t worry about hunting for it: I’ve gathered all of the episodes here for you to download.

Collected below is every episode, in order. The program is meant to be heard once per day between November 29th (that’s Monday) and Christmas Eve. It was one of my favorites when I was a kid, and modern parents tell me their children love it, too. Enjoy!

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #1: “Paddy O’ Cinnamon”
[Originally broadcast 29 November 1937 — 2.59mb, 11:18]
Judy and Jimmy write letters to Santa. The Silver Star Christmas ornament is missing and the kids go up to the attic to find it. They meet Paddy O’Cinnamon (The Cinnamon Bear) who tells them the Silver Star was taken to Maybeland by the Crazy Quilt Dragon.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #2: “Weary Willie”
[Originally broadcast 30 November 1937 — 2.59mb, 11:44]
Paddy O’Cinnamon shows Judy and Jimmy how to de-grow so they can follow the Crazy Quilt Dragon to the Lollipop Mountains. They climb into Paddy’s Soda Pop Airplane and fly through the tunnel.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #3: “Crazy Quilt Dragon”
[Originally broadcast 01 December 1937 — 2.71mb, 11:51]
Feeling remorseful for drinking their Soda Pop and stranding them in Looking Glass Valley without fuel, Weary Willie has the Stork fly them out on his back. They catch Crazy Quilt but he drops the Silver Star in the Root Beer Ocean.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #4: “The Inkaboos”
[Originally broadcast 02 December 1937 — 2.70mb, 11:46]
While they try to find the Silver Star, Judy and Jimmy are captured by the Inkaboos. King Blotto is insulted and sentences them to die in the Immense Inkwell.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #5: “Weasley the Wailing Whale”
[Originally broadcast 03 December 1937 — 2.84mb, 12:25]
Crazy Quilt comes to the rescue. The children escape to the Root Beer Ocean, where they see the Silver Star floating on the waves.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #6: “Samuel Seal”
[Originally broadcast 04 December 1937 — 2.91mb, 12:43]
Wesley the Wailing Whale swallows the Silver Star. Samuel Seal recovers the Silver Star from Wesley, only to have Penelope the Pelican carry it off.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #7: “Presto the Magician”
[Originally broadcast 05 December 1937 — 2.85mb, 12:26]
Judy and Jimmy meet Presto the Magician. He pulls Penelope the Pelican from his hat, but she has dropped the Silver Star on the Island of Obi.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #8: “Candy Pirates”
[Originally broadcast 06 December 1937 — 2.73mb, 11:55]
Judy and Jimmy are captured by Captain Taffy and his Pirates. They take the kids to the Magic Island and loan them a rowboat.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #9: “Roly-Poly Policeman”
[Originally broadcast 07 December 1937 — 2.83mb, 12:21]
Judy and Jimmy are on the Magic Island, where the Roly-Poly Policeman has taken their Silver Star for his uniform. But before the kids can get to him, Crazy Quilt Dragon runs off with the Silver Star again!

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #10: “Professor Whiz”
[Originally broadcast 08 December 1937 — 2.79mb, 12:10]
Paddy O’Cinnamon, the Cinnamon Bear has disappeared. Judy and Jimmy are chasing Crazy Quilt Dragon to get their Silver Star. Professor Whiz tells them about the Wintergreen Witch. They follow Crazy Quilt into the Picture Forest, where they meet Fraidy Cat.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #11: “Fee Foe the Gentle Giant”
[Originally broadcast 09 December 1937 — 2.91mb, 12:41]
Fee Foe the Gentle Giant shows Judy and Jimmy the Goody-Goody Grove and invites them for lunch. They start to follow Crazy Quilt when it suddenly gets very, very dark!

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #12: “Rhyming Rabbit”
[Originally broadcast 10 December 1937 — 2.88mb, 12:34]
Judy and Jimmy meet up again with Crazy Quilt, who says the Wintergreen Witch forced him to steal the Silver Star. While trying to find their way back to the Wintergreen Witch’s house, they encounter the Rhyming Rabbit.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #13: “The Wintergreen Witch”
[Originally broadcast 11 December 1937 — 2.85mb, 12:25]
The Wintergreen Witch tries to take Judy and Jimmy’s Silver Star and change the kids into mice, but they get away. After their hurried flight, Crazy Quilt sits on the Silver Star and breaks it.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #14: “Queen Melissa”
[Originally broadcast 12 December 1937 — 2.81mb, 12:16]
Crazy Quilt suggests that they all visit Melissa, the Queen of Maybeland, who can tell them how to fix the Silver Star.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #15: “Snapper Snick”
[Originally broadcast 13 December 1937 — 2.78mb, 12:08]
Judy and Jimmy learn that they can only read Queen Melissa’s magic instructions in total darkness, which only occurs in the Wishing Woods. On the way there, the kids meet Snapper Snick the Crooning Crocodile, who swallows the magic instructions.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #16: “Oliver Ostrich”
[Originally broadcast 14 December 1937 — 2.85mb, 12:26]
Snapper Snick explains that he reads by eating and that’s how he is able to read in the dark. Judy and Jimmy learn that the magic instructions direct them to the the Wishing Well. On the way, they meet Oliver Ostrich who eats alarm clocks. Oliver directs them to the Wishing Well — Paddy O’Cinnamon, the Cinnamon Bear, falls in.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #17: “Muddlers”
[Originally broadcast 15 December 1937 — 2.83mb, 12:22]
Judy and Jimmy use their one wish, given by the Wishing Well, to get rescue Cinnamon Bear, and now they can’t fix their Silver Star with the Wishing Well’s magic. While trying to get out of the Wishing Woods, they encounter the Muddlers and the River of Mud.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #18: “Cocklebur Cowboys”
[Originally broadcast 16 December 1937 — 2.82mb, 12:18]
Slim Pickens and the Cocklebur Cowboys of the Purple Plain come to the rescue of Judy and Jimmy, Cinnamon Bear and Crazy Quilt, pulling them from the mud.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #19: “Wooden Indian”
[Originally broadcast 17 December 1937 — 2.82mb, 12:19]
Judy and Jimmy are being chased by Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, a wooden Indian who wants Crazy Quilt’s pelt for his girlfriend Many Happy Returns. Judy trades her looking glass to him instead. After he leaves, they encounter the Wintergreen Witch again in the Golden Grove.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #20: “Flying Hat”
[Originally broadcast 18 December 1937 — 2.79mb, 12:10]
The Grand Wonky arrives in the nick of time to banish the Wintergreen Witch to Looking Glass Valley. While searching for the Singing Tree, they find the Flying Hat and it has a mysterious note attached.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #21: “Snowman”
[Originally broadcast 19 December 1937 — 2.74mb, 11:59]
The mysterious note invites the crew inside where they find chairs just the right size for all of them. The Flying Hat carries them to the Land of Ice and Snow to get the Silver Star fixed. They ask the Snowman how to find Nicki Froodle, as Queen Melissa told them. Nicki turns out to be an Elf, and he takes them to see Santa Claus.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #22: “Santa Claus”
[Originally broadcast 20 December 1937 — 2.78mb, 12:08]
Santa Claus welcomes Judy and Jimmy and introduces them to Jack Frost who repairs the Silver Star only to have it vanish again.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #23: “The Bad Dolls”
[Originally broadcast 21 December 1937 — 2.90mb, 12:39]
The Bad Dolls have stolen the Silver Star. Santa orders out the Tin Soldiers to capture the Bad Dolls and return the Silver Star.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #24: “The Parade”
[Originally broadcast 22 December 1937 — 2.86mb, 12:30]
The Wintergreen Witch appears again aiding the Bad Dolls in defeating the Tin Soldiers. Santa orders out reinforcements while Judy and Jimmy watch the Christmas Parade. After the Parade, Captain Tintop brings back the Silver Star.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #25: “Captain Tintop”
[Originally broadcast 23 December 1937 — 2.87mb, 12:30]
Captain Tintop tells how they defeated the Wintergreen Witch and then the group goes to a grand banquet hosted by Santa Claus. After the banquet, Crazy Quilt runs off with the Silver Star once again.

The Cinnamon Bear, episode #26: “North Pole”
[Originally broadcast 24 December 1937 — 2.78mb, 12:09]
Crazy Quilt heads for the North Pole with Santa Claus, Judy, Jimmy, and Nicki Froodle in pursuit. They catch Crazy Quilt and tackle him to recover the Silver Star. Then they wake up in the attic just in time to decorate the Christmas Tree.

When I was a boy, my brothers and I huddled around the wood stove and listened to the show on AM radio. Now, through the magic of technology, you can download these mp3s, curl up under your electric blanket, and listen on your iPod. Better yet, tuck your children into bed and listen to the story with them. This is a wonderful no-cost holiday tradition.

Enjoy!

This article is about Odds and Ends??

View the original article here

Reader Story: Inexpensive gift ideas for Christmas (and Beyond!)

This sent a post from Shelley Turner is part of the "reader stories" property is "get Rich slowly. Some of the stories contains general advice; others are examples of how GRS reader achieve financial success — or failure. These stories feature seriously folks from all levels of economic development and all sorts of income.

They are coming! Like it or not, the holidays — and buy the Perfect Gift-related stress (WRS) — are just around the corner. I actually like Brainstorming a gift ideas and told I have pretty good it. Today my secrets sharing with you.

Best gifts are suitable for the recipient, yet does not cost a small fortune. You want the user to a gift to say "I know what you like", not "the clue, what do you get the gift of a longer duration for compulsory military service is not in any case, but this is". I got leopard-hair belt once. Anyone who knows me, or has seen, how I dress, to understand, that have ever been (and never will be) leopard-hair of the belt, the time that I had to be used. Gift such as that screams "I just bought you something because I was".

A gift to give the basic rules
Before you buy, take a few minutes to consider whether the recipient is in his house or his or her desktop, what he or she uses her do what she wants to discuss, if he wants to eat and even what he considered his refrigerator. Even if you don't know him that well, this will help to get some ideas, the recipient of the rules of procedure.

I am not a collector, so prefer to practical and useful gifts. However, if the gift recipient is a collector, who is the perfect opportunity. Although his collection is filled with expensive items, you can find frequently within small token of that collection, which can give him. Buying a great gift for someone, regardless of the occasion, the trick is to buy the recipient would receive a — not what you can to enjoy.

Often a consumable gift, which includes the momentary PLEASURE and then disappears is the best, especially when people are usually around the holidays, many gifts. Consumables can give, enjoyed, and without becoming the Stuff will be remembered.

My husband, 90-year-old grandmother is a perfect example. What can give the 90-year-old woman, who already has everything there is to know what he wants and needs? Not that much. However, I know that he enjoys a really good cup of coffee. And I found some butter cookies, and some European jars of preserves made his original in Denmark. Will give him the gift of this same year. He tells me, he is waiting eagerly for our gift because he not only during the winter and to enjoy the benefits of consuming it, but because it is a small reminder of his own country.

An inexpensive gift ideas
Regardless of what the gift you choose, if it is something the recipient to use over and over, you can give a great gift without spending too much. The following are some of my favorite cheap gift ideas. These are all of the hostel and pay less than $ 20. You can customize it to fit your budget, gift idea. Some of these may be the Hostess gifts holiday parties can participate.

A personal note cardsA book by his favorite authorMonogrammed wine stoppersTravel journalEngraved metal bookmarkMonogrammed SOAP barsBread basket quick bread or muffin mix insideDog or cat breed-specific items with — calendars, notepads, keychains, their petCookbook etc. (specific subjects such as fondue, vegetarian, appetizers, or you can get the book, which represents their hometown as Chesapeakeen Bay, etc.)Custom insulated tote-style lunch bag (introduced his favorite snack within) Sports items — to select a group of his favorite team, Mug, hat, t-shirt, scarf, etc (fill with his favourite Mug hard candy) gourmet chocolate bars tied to tape or raffiaFavorite bubble bath & bath with gift cards pillowWallet or a cash insideAmaryllis or Paperwhite bulb packageOld old fashioned favorite candy jar fill or interesting disc knitted, knitted or crocheted scarf or hatBBQ sauces, hot sauces, BBQ facilities, rubs (some is a fun titles), etc. with SOAP dishHandmade snackHand of SOAP dish on your favorite ice cream toppingDecorative candy Bowl favorite candyOrnament, which represents the current hobbyCharm there adding charm braceletT t-shirt from your favorite restaurantCrabtree & Evelyn hand therapy (super-rich hand cream) Nice colored pencils and/or drawing of the notebook artistsSmall decorative Bowl and dip weight mixHand towels initials embroidered (in particular, if a recently married) package

Here are some More ideas a little explanation:

Remember that you can also go to other larger gifts, theatre tickets, cooking classes, such as to purchase and other "experiences". If you are a well organized, you can purchase all year round and collect interesting gifts along the way. My sister-in-law is January, date of birth, but often find the stuff he does love the summer, so buy it, and keep them for a period until the date of his birthday.

Check the clearance and luggage racks, ski racks, 365 days a year to get a better item. Unless you can really enjoy going shopping in the weeks before Christmas, you may notice that buy gifts in advance except in the case of savings in costs, but also do a bit more relaxing, as well as the holiday season.

A note on the packaging
When packaging your gifts, you can you are stuck in the gift bag or wrapping paper, unless you want to only. Tulle (that bind the birdseed, rice/throws up the material used for the wedding) is a large abnormally-shaped items, such as bowls & dip weight alloys, candy, ice cream bowls & jars, bottles of hot sauces for vegetarians, SOAP, etc polyethylene. It is really cheap for the purchase of two or more colors in the yard, and the recipient will be able to see what you gave him without dismantling it is, in particular, for the benefit of the Tulle. Hostess gifts, so they do not need to open them upon receipt.

Other tips:

These Magazines roll up completely, the height of the food and wine bottle bags. Chinese boxes, and a small Tin buckets are inexpensive and use the job beautifully. Bread baskets all sorts of items to keep the fun and they again in the basket at a later time.

When packaging your own gifts, use your imagination!

Gift can be fun — If you let yourself be creative and take a few minutes to think about the recipient. Line: if he interests on it, it is a great gift for him!

Happy gift-giving!

Reminder: This is the story of one yourself to our readers. Keep nice. Blogging for more than a decade after I have thick skin, but it can be set to your story out publicly for the first time the scary. Remember that this was sent to the author is not a professional writer and only learning about money than you have. Henceforth, unduly nasty comments from readers stories of deleted or modified.

This article is about the cleaveth, News Reader, News

View the original article here