Free Calorie Tracker!

image: myfitnesspal.com

I'm really liking this website! At myfitnesspal.com, I can easily type in any food I eat and track the calories along with other things like fat, sugar, sodium, and more! I've entered my starting weight and measurements. This is something that I am going to use for a month. It is really helping me to take notice of what I eat. I noticed my daily protein allotment was down, so I started eating more meat. Also, I enter my daily exercise and it tells me automatically how many calories I burned each day and what I am expected to weigh in 5 weeks if I continue at my current pace. This is a really great free tool. I stumbled across it by accident the other day when I was looking for a calorie counter. This is what I was looking for and so much more! It's perfect!

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

An Inexpensive Hair Makeover:

This is such an easy way to jazz up your hair without having to pay to go to a salon. The added bonus is that the color will wash out in 3-4 shampoos (non damaging). Simply add color to clean hair and blow dry or air dry. You can find this product at Target stores. Check out what I did to my daughter's hair today using "pink pop" and "purple mania". I only added a few drops. This product will last us for years (if not the rest of our lives).

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Cheap Entertainment!

image: newyorkholidaychoristers.com

Get together with a bunch of friends and go caroling. I made an event on Facebook and we'll be gathering in the center of town tomorrow to do a caroling power walk. That's right! We'll be getting exercise while we sing our favorite songs of the season spreading cheer. Some of the songs will be non-traditional including the Grinch, Santa Baby, Do You Wanna Build a Snowman, and Snow Miser. I'm simply printing lyric sheets for each person and we'll be winging it! Everyone was asked to wear something red so that we look like a planned group.

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Cozy Christmas Lights

images: ljdavy.wordpress.com

Here is an easy way to dress up your Christmas strands. Tying strips of scrap fabric around the strands adds a feeling of warmth even when the lights are turned off. It's like garland and lights in one. Check out the special, cozy glow when the lights are turned on.

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Rolled Magazine Containers

image: tocrave.blogspot.com

This one is a rather easy project to do – great for a rainy day. Simply cut magazine pages to any length desired. Add some interest by cutting them at varied lengths. Be on the lookout for words that you like. If you like a word or saying, be sure to cut right above the words so that when you roll it, your words will show. Once you have a bunch of pages rolled, just hot glue them right to a tin food can!

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Unwanted Book or Magazine Pages – Inexpensive Craft Project

images: makethebestofthing.blogspot.com

What a soothing glow this light fixture creates! Check your clean garbage bin to see what paper you have that could be used for a masterpiece such as this. Supplies: unwanted paper, paper punch(es), thread and sewing machine (or glue), and a hot glue gun. The strands are attached to the existing light using small dabs of hot glue.

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Don't Pay to go to a Gym!

image: crazymomjournal.wordpress.com

Join me in doing the squat challenge. I'm on day 18 today. You can do squats while you watch TV or while you work at the computer. I took photos along the way so that I can chart my progress. Who wouldn't want a nice butt? So far, I am seeing improvement after just a little over 2 weeks of this. It only takes about 7 minutes a day. Who doesn't have 7 minutes?

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

A Garden of Sweater Pillows:

image: Angella Eisman

Give new life to unwanted sweaters with this great technique. You can even start with a drab pillow and simply add on by sewing sweater strips right over the top. Work the sweater strips round and round, ruffling as you go.

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Re-Purpose Those Sweaters!

image: acultivatednest.com

So, you don't have the heart to throw away unwanted or damaged sweaters? Look no further! You're going to love snuggling up with these babies in the winter months!

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Christmas Card Wreath

It seems like such a waste to throw out Christmas cards! Instead, conglomerate a wreath for your door! Simply clip them into strips and curl them up. Simply bend a metal coat hanger into a circle and tape or staple the pieces on. Cut out some cute characters like the snowman shown here. Think about colors as you are clipping. This wreath focuses on pastels.

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Free Christmas Window Cling

image: cbn.com

Simply click here to get your free window cling and sport your love of Christmas!

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Don't Throw Out Your Magazines!

image: crafthubs.com

After viewing this, I will never look at an old magazine the same again. Like I said yesterday, take junk, rearrange it right, and you now have a treasure!

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

How to Fix a Dent in Wood! So Easy!

This is actually very easy! I fixed our grandfather clock. So very pleased! I think I have perfected a technique!

Check out my before and after pics!

This is miraculous! Do you see that tiny line that is left? I could actually stain that with some Old English now or a Sharpie marker and it wouldn't even be noticeable. This kind of stuff makes my day!

For hundreds of money and time saving techniques that show results consider Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!

Organize Junk and it Becomes Treasure

image: blog.craft-e-corner.com

I think if anything is place purposefully, it can transform from junk into treasure. See for yourself. I have several shallow scrap drawers where I throw paper scraps. 1 drawer for red/orange/yellow shades, 1 for green/blue/purple shades, 1 for neutral light colors such as white, creams, and tans; and another drawer for neutral dark colors. This makes it easy to find the right color. When I receive junk mail, I usually throw colorful pieces in the appropriate drawer. If you take your time and master the art of placement, the results can be endless.

image: utahvalleyhomeschooling.blogspot.com

image: tripadvisor.com

image: pinterest.com

image: froot.nl

image: flickr.com

$2 Subs at SUBWAY are Back!

image: SUBWAY

Limited time only, posted 12/9/14. Cold Cut Combos or Meatball Marinara!

Learn how to save like a pro with my new book,
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!
On sale now in paperback or Kindle form at Amazon.com.

How to Make Dollar Bill Roses

Enjoy my video on how to make money roses. Okay, I'll admit – I'm really not all that classy for a regular gal. But compared to other cheapskates, I am pretty high up on the classy scale. This is me trying to be professional (trying). I hope you learn something new!

Simple Holiday Card

This card does the trick. It's simple, festive, and fun! Although, you probably won't want to mail this one. I always save buttons, rhinestones, and scrap paper. I throw my little treasures in a drawer labelled "embellishments". I even keep junk mail flyers to be able to reuse any colorful elements from them instead of just tossing them in the trash. Notice that Michelle didn't just throw the buttons on. She arranged them in order of the rainbow (except for the last two buttons which are raspberry and cotton candy colored which softens things up a bit). I must be thinking of sweet things.

Simplistic Decor

image: childrencenter.net

These are so easy. When I make these, I use paper scraps and brads (the little clasps you find on envelopes). But you could use staples; it's much easier. Make these in any size and hang them from thread or fishing line – so festive!

Sample of Dove Body Wash

You do not need a Sam's Club membership to get your sample.

image: samsclub.com

Simply click here to provide your shipping address and date of birth.

Learn how to save like a pro with my new book,
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!
On sale now in paperback or Kindle form at Amazon.com.

Fanciful Pine Cones

image: vital-design.com

There is something fun about nestling little balls inside of pine cone crevices. I found these projects at vital-design, but I don't recommend visiting their site. When I did, a whole bunch of pages began opening up with ads and whatnot. They wanted people to download the project instructions which I am leery of doing. Why not just post them online? It's like they want to give out a virus with it or something. I'm just too skeptical. Anyway. Some round objects and a bit of glue could get you some pretty fancy looking tree ornaments. This would be a great project for kids. The first photo appears to be round beads wrapped in colorful paper. If it were me making that particular project, I would use decoupage glue and tissue paper; or thin, colorful, patterned paper scraps. Finally, I'd tie some beautiful ribbon or string through the one end to create an ornament.

image: vital-design.com

Free Samples, So Easy

image: p&geveryday.com

When I feel like trying new products at no charge, I visit P&G. Click here to sign up to receive free samples with no extra hassles.

Learn how to save like a pro with my new book,
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!
On sale now in paperback or Kindle form at Amazon.com.

A Common Branch

image: lushome.com

I'm still on my branch kick. Branches are free, and offer so much! I have really been taking notice lately that good design is greatly about similarity – a common ground. In this scene you'll notice that there is a common theme. Many of the objects are just two-toned, are silhouettes, have a pastel ground, and are mostly rectangular or square. What impact! But good design also has something to do with layout. Had these items just been laying on the table, it would look like a jumbled, rather boring mess. The branch is a key element here. Wouldn't it be neat to make a family tree using this same technique?

Free Candle

images: willy_deals

Click here to get started. You will need a Facebook account for this one. Still, very easy!

Learn how to save like a pro with my new book,
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!
On sale now in paperback or Kindle form at Amazon.com.

Felt + Wool ='s Awesome!

image: decor4all.com

How cute is this? A little felt, a little wool, some thread, and ribbon – it's pure fancy! I found the wool balls for sale online, but would much rather make my own. There is a felt artist that I admire. The artist is Hine Mizushima. I will show a sampling of the art below. I would really love to spend more time with this material. The art form is called needle-felting. Felt can be made from natural fibers such as wool or with synthetic fibers such as acrylic. It can be a rather long process, but would be a fun thing to do during car rides. Here is a beginner video.

image: store.ornamentea.com

image: Hine Muzushima

A Handy Tree to Have Around

image: Mr C

Talk about a classy tree! Again, it doesn't matter what you make a Christmas tree out of. What matters is that you use the same material for for the whole tree. If the tree isn't colorful, feel free to jazz it up with a few ornaments.

Free Immune Support Samples

image: Zarbees

Simply click here! You don't even have to "like" the company on Facebook if you don't want to. Just enter your mailing address and email address. That's it. Choose from adult or children's varieties.

Learn how to save like a pro with my new book,
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!
On sale now in paperback or Kindle form at Amazon.com.

Fanciful Feather Trees

Bullocks Wilshire Feather Christmas Tree

So, I doubt many of us have enough feathers to create a tree this elaborate! However, you might be able to gather enough feathers to create a tree like mine. My daughter has the privilege of storing her owl hair clips and bands on it. It adds a spark of color! All you need to do to create a feather tree is to roll a cone shape out of paper or cardboard. Then glue the feathers on in an attractive manor. So simple.

A Felt Wonderland!

image: decor4all.com

Okay, I'm still on my felt kick. I have a new love for felt! I used to see scraps of felt at the bottom of dollar boxes that I would buy at local estate auctions and cringe thinking how tacky they were. But now I look at felt in a new light. Depending on how you use it, it can be magical.

image: decor4all.com

Most Awesome Book Signing Event!

Yes! This will be my most awesome book signing yet! The Classy Cheapskate book will be reduced to $10 and with every purchase I will be giving away freebies valued up to $20 or more! Guests will wonder how this is even possible! Well, it's possible because I just might be the Queen of Deals. This is precisely why anyone looking to take control of their money and time should buy this book.

If you can't make it to the book signing, just email jamiejay123@hotmail.com and let me know that you want the deal. I will sign a copy of the book and send this deal direct to you – simply pay $10 plus $5 shipping within the United States. I accept credit cards and other forms of payment through PayPal (an easy and secure online payment service – no need to sign up for an account). Offer expires 12/4/2014.

EVENT:
December 4, 2014 from 6 PM - 9 PM
249 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801
During the Sunbury Late Night Holiday Shop

Free Magazines

I just earned 12 issues of Parent magazine and 10 issues of Family Fun by taking 1 survey! Check out e-rewards. It has been my favorite survey site for many, many years.

Learn how to save like a pro with my new book,
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!
On sale now in paperback or Kindle form at Amazon.com.

Space Saving Christmas Tree

image: loveisinthedetails.ca

Some people just don't have room for a tree. This wall tree solves the problem. Though it will take some time, it sure looks like a fun project. It really doesn't matter what objects that you use, or even what color; as long as you create a Christmas tree shape. If you have children or collect geocache treasures, you should be able to find plenty of trinkets to stick to the wall. I would think that removable sticky tabs would be the best option for adhering the items. Do you see how they cleverly hid the electrical outlet? You could even cut up Christmas cards that you receive and simply double over tape to adhere pieces to the wall. Or don't cut the cards and simply overlap cards until you create the perfect shape.

Free Slushie or Coffee!

Get a free 16 oz. slushie or coffee today at Turkey Hill to celebrate Black Friday! Awesome!

Button and Bead Tree

image: loveisinthedetails.ca

So whimsical! This button and bead tree is fun to make and fun to look at. Most of my spare buttons are picked up in junk boxes at local estate sales. This type of button is from my great grandmother's era. Nowadays they do make colorful pastel buttons specifically for crafts. You can pick them up at arts and crafts stores. But, I usually like to get my supplies for free or practically free. What other types of trinkets could you make a tree out of?

Free Music, MP3 Downloads

image: allyou.com

Need a little background music for your gatherings this festive season? Look no further! There are plenty of free selections here.

Learn how to save like a pro with my new book,
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!
On sale now in paperback or Kindle form at Amazon.com.