Simply Tasheena: November 2016

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Before we start, I am very aware that the holidays are NOT all about receiving gifts. (Get it? Got it? Were Good!) From being a single mom to a one income household. I know this scenario far too well. For me, it was primarily educating myself on financial literacy. I didn’t see how I could afford to save when I was living beyond paycheck to paycheck. When I did have an extra $1 or $5 the last thing I was thinking about was saving it. I felt that I worked hard and deserved X. Does any of that sound familiar? I try my best to use this platform to help all people any way I can with financial literacy. I have shared several times on the blog ways I save money on everyday expenses. I thought it would appropriate to share what I’ve done in the past that has worked for my family. I remember Christmas eve being at Target swiping my credit card and it declined. I remember waiting for my billing cycle to close to give me a little more time to come up with the money to pay for the items. Sharing tips below that I’ve used and applied and some I still apply daily.

The List

One of the first things that you should do is create a list with three columns in one column list the people that you will buy for. In the second column the gift idea for that person. In the third column the price of the gift or how much it will cost to create the gift if it’s homemade.

Sell what you don’t need

I am at a point in my life where less is more. I am getting rid of a lot of STUFF and I’m not just buying to buy. Look around your home. Items you no longer want/need and list it on Postmark. Postmark now accepts men and children’s clothing as well. This is one of the first steps that you should take. Christmas is currently a little over a month away. You could also the Facebook Marketplace or groups (not sure what it’s called) I’ve never used it before. However, it might be a great option for you.

Consign

If Poshmark is not your jam try bringing your gently used items to your local consignment shop. Most consignment shops either pay you out or you will have to wait for your items to sell.

Sites I Love/Used to sell items

Postmark

eBay

Craigslist

Rewards Programs

I am a huge advocate for the programs below. I use them and love them. You can now use eBates in-store at select stores. Ibotta is great as well for in-store purchases.

Ebates

Percentage off of online and in-store purchases (payout quarterly) Last year I purchased a pair of Ugg for my daughter. I visited two of my favorites sites and they pretty much were the same price. However, the percentage of the cash back was different. Which one fo you think I went with?

Ibotta

In-store purchases (available for most stores) I mostly use it for Groceries, Target, Walmart (even Sally’s) You have to reach I believe $20 to cash out.

Newsletters

I sign up for all of my favorite store newsletters and mailings. For example, During this time you will start to receive free offers at stores such as Victoria Secret and Bath & Body Shop. I also receive better offers in the mail than offered in store and by email.

Free Samples

I turn free samples to mini gifts that are perfect for teachers and neighbors. For example, If I receive a free sample of coffee. I'll purchase a mug from the Dollar Tree and turn it to a super cute gift.

Dollar Tree

Don’t sleep on the Dollar Tree. During the summer time, they had really cute gifts for kids. I also stop at varies Dollar Tree’s because they do not all carry the same items. Watch a few Dollar Tree haul videos to see what's possibly out there.

Make It

I have a silhouette machine and I love creating personalized gifts. I made a few here. You can purchase a t-shirt from the Dollar Tree and decorate it to your liking. Walmart is also a great option for sweatshirts as well. Don’t forget to go on Pinterest for DIY holiday gift inspiration.

Homemade gifts

If you enjoy baking or crafting this be the perfect option for you. You can easily create edible gifts for your friends that have sweet tooth.

Coupons

Don’t have a coupon? Google it while online shopping or in-store. Most stores will accept valid coupons on your phone.

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2 comments

I have a confession, I'm not one of those people who love chocolate. I have to be in the mood for it. Don't get me wrong, I love snickers, and Hersey bars with almonds. But just plain chocolate. Not so much. I remember being a child and going to Wendy's with my parents and having a softy for $1. I remember it was so huge. However, after two or three sips. I would typically give it to one of my siblings. I remember thinking to myself. Who don't they make other flavors for $1. (thankfully they do now) That also applied to plain and chocolate milk at school. All I wanted was strawberry milk. (sigh) As an adult I typically reach for all things caramel and/or strawberry. Yes, I'm one of those people who like strawberry caramel sundaes. However, I was in one of those moods for some super yummy chocolate chip cookies, and boy. This recipe did not disappoint. I opted to use the mini chocolate chips because I had them on hand and my family loved them. Our home smelled amazing, and these cookies were so yummy warm. (also had them cooled too). What I love about this recipe is that I was able to make the recipe without the assistance of my Kitchen Aid mixer which was a plus for me because cleanup was a breeze.

Recipe adapted from

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Sift together dry ingridients (flour, baking soda and salt; set aside).
In a medium size bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown and white sugar until mixed well.
Beat in the egg, and egg yolk until light and vanilla.
Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended.
Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon.
Roll a scant half-cup of dough into a ball. Place formed dough onto cookie sheet
Bake, reversing position of cookie sheets halfway through baking, until cookies are light golden brown and outer edges start to harden yet centers are still soft and puffy (approximately 11-14 minutes). Do not over bake.
Allow cookies to cool on sheets until able to lift without breaking. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.