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.

Mountain Dew Can Tree

Surprisingly, this Christmas tree of cans is beautiful. The tree topper is just funny. Bringing junk together in the right way "can" work. LOL

Free Safety Latch Starter Kit

image: pgconsumercare.secure.force.com

So easy to get yours. Simply click here and enter your information.

Switching Gears to Christmas!

image: loveisinthedetails.ca

As you can see, a Christmas tree can be made out of anything, even bottles! You just have to make sure your objects form the shape of a tree. The objects don't even have to be green as you will see in my future posts. I personally would have gone with cardboard as the shelves due to being thrifty with time and money. Cardboard is easy to cut, though you would need bottles in the center to help support the weight of the above layers. This is a real eye-catcher!

Baked Pumpkin Seeds

This is such an easy snack to make! Where I'm from, pumpkins are very easy to grow. I throw a few pumpkin seeds in my yard and the next year I have a pumpkin patch. Each year I save some of the seeds so that I can grow some pumpkins in the coming year. The rest of the seeds are eaten or given to the local squirrels who really enjoy them. So here is how you bake/toast pumpkin seeds.

1. Get a pumpkin and cut the top off (any pumpkin will do).
2. Reach your hand inside to grab a clump of seeds, pinching them off of the gooey strings.
3. Wash the seeds in a colander and let them dry. It takes them a long time to dry. You can put them on a paper towel, but remove them promptly and place back in the colander or the paper towel will stick to the seeds.
4. Place the dry seeds in a bowl. Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to coat the seeds.
5. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the seeds. Shake around to mix.
7. Spread seeds out on a pan, bake for 7 minutes. If you go much longer, they may start to pop as one of my varieties did. Surprisingly, that variety even tasted a lot like popcorn (in a condensed form).

Have fun throughout the years growing different types of pumpkins and tasting the seeds. I have found that each variety of pumpkin has its own unique flavor. Okay, I just about ate the entire batch while typing this – better save some for my family! Have a great day! Oh, if you know of any great spices to add to the mix, feel free to share!

Free Sample - Garnier Face Wash

image: startsampling.com

This is an easy one. Just click here and keep in mind that you can actually have 2 samples per household. While supplies last! If clicking isn't working for you, try pasting this into your browser: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/590sulpnaelc/

I was able to get samples (they will arrive in 4-6 weeks), but the page looks different now. Could I have gotten the last samples? Maybe so - because they were out of the 'Nourishing' variety.

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.

Simple, But Big Impact

image: lushome.com

It's very interesting how a coat of paint can make such big impact on an item that is usually taken for granted. If you are a bold person who loves nature, this could be a simple project just for you. Paint a branch in your favorite color and let it make a bold statement. This works for other items as well. Many objects can be given new life with a fresh coat of paint – shifting the feel or mood.

Save $25 at Walmart

image: walmart.com

If you are shopping at Walmart anyway this season, then take advantage by signing up for a Walmart credit card and getting a $25 statement credit. I just did. In fact, I did the same thing last year as well. As soon as I pay off my first bill, I eventually cancel the credit card so that I don't have to deal with extra paperwork each month. It's definitely worth my time and has not affected my credit rating. I've been playing the credit card game for about 2 decades now. The savings does not need to be reported on your taxes since a purchase was required to receive the reward. It is considered an incentive. Click here to sign up at the Walmart website.

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.

Branch Wall Art

image: lushome.com

Supplies:
broken branches
hot glue or screws (I get these items at estate auctions in junk boxes)
hand saw or band saw
scrap wood
black paint and brush

Acorn / Branch Centerpiece

image: bhg.com

This is such an attractive centerpiece that works in so many ways! First off, you can make it by gathering items from around your home and outdoors (so it is inexpensive). Second of all, it is grand, but you can see through it (so it's not blocking any faces). And finally, it's easy! You just need to paint a few acorns for pizzazz. I like how it is well balanced with the branch coming out over the nut server. It makes cracking some nuts open very enticing!

Give Thanks Grouping

image: lilluna.com

This is just a cute conglomeration of this-and-that which ends up looking shabby chic and awesome! Maybe it will spark some of your own ideas. You can simply cut up some fabric from something unwanted and stain it brown if necessary to form the "GIVE" banner. This grouping works so well because it sticks with neutral colors such as white, tan, and brown. I always get free pumpkins for my projects. I either get them for free after Halloween; or save the seeds and throw them in my yard so that I have pumpkins for the next year. There are plenty of seeds in a pumpkin, so save some for roasting! Yum.

Free Stud Earrings, Limited Time!

image: dailysale.com

This is pretty simple and no catches to it that I could find. You just need to click here. Then add the item to the cart and checkout. It will look like your order didn't go through, but it did. It will be in your pending orders. You have to be a new account holder. You have to supply your shipping address and phone number (but no payment information).

Learn new ways to save like a pro with my most recent book. Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way! Available in Paperback or Kindle form on Amazon.com. Yearly savings amounts are conveniently listed so that you can hone in on the tips that will save you the most! Book includes hundreds of great tips organized by category.

Clever Thanksgiving Centerpiece

image: bhg.com

Chalkboard paint is awesome! It comes in spray cans and bottles. For this project, it is easier to use the bottled paint as you can simply paint it onto a platter. I often wondered what I could do with old dishes that have hairline cracks or damage. If you don't like a pattern, you can spray the dish white and then paint some black chalkboard paint in the center. You could do several plates and hang them on your wall using dish hangers. Change your sayings every now and then or add your Monogram. The possibilities are endless.

50% OFF, Michaels Arts and Crafts

Need a craft, art, or decorating supply? Now's your chance to get 50% off. Click here for the coupon (good through 11/22/2014).

image: Michaels

Learn new ways to save like a pro with my most recent book. Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way! Available in Paperback or Kindle form on Amazon.com. Yearly savings amounts are conveniently listed so that you can hone in on the tips that will save you the most! Book includes hundreds of great tips organized by category.

Voluptuous Wreath Project, So Easy!

You'll need an old pool noodle or similar item. Simply tape it together to whatever size wreath you desire. You could make a mammoth wreath to hang on a fence or on the side of your house depending on how much of the pool noodle that you use. Collect corn tassels, wheat, or any other natural item that you have readily available to you. Poke the gathered items into the pool needle in any manor you desire. You may need a pencil or sharp object to punch a hole into the noodle. In fact, you can punch all of your holes at once before you place any sprigs into the form. This might make the project easier to handle. Have fun!

Free Yogi Tea Samples

Yogi Tea for Body and Mind (Lots of flavors to choose from)

image: yogiproducts.com

To get your free samples, click here and follow these steps:

1. Enter your name and email address twice.
2. Choose your sample tea selection and click 'send request'.
3. Check your email, click 'get your gift of Yogi tea', enter your mailing address, and submit request.

It actually only takes a minute or two and the varieties look very delicious!

Learn new ways to save like a pro with my most recent book. Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way! Available in Paperback or Kindle form on Amazon.com. Yearly savings amounts are conveniently listed so that you can hone in on the tips that will save you the most! Book includes hundreds of great tips organized by category.

Feminine Fleece Ear Warmers Project

image: atsecondstreet.blogspot.com

This is such a cute project. If you have a sewing machine, buy some scrap fleece or use an old fleece jacket to create this look. You can add buttons for easy adjusting. If you only have a needle and thread, use a fleece band that you already have and simply add a rosette. It does not have to match in color. These also make great gifts!!!

image: atsecondstreet.blogspot.com

$2 Subs at SUBWAY!

image: SUBWAY

Participation may vary. Starts 11/15/2014.

Learn new ways to save like a pro with my most recent book. Yearly savings amounts are conveniently listed so that you can hone in on the tips that will save you the most! Book includes hundreds of great tips organized by category.
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!Available in Paperback or Kindle form on Amazon.com.

Easy Acorn Wreath Project

images: danamadeit.com

If you can't find acorns, you can use any large quantity of nuts, seeds, beans, or pods that you can find!

1. Optional: bake nuts for 15 minutes at 350 degrees to kill off any insects or little creatures that may be hiding inside.
2. Bind straw or other item to create a form for your wreath; or simply purchase a form.
3. Glue nuts diagonally to the form using hot glue (skip the back). If you can think of a cheaper, efficient method, please share.
4. Optional: paint wreath with leftover spray paint. You could also brush or dab paint on.
5. Hang with saved gift ribbon or cut up some old fabric.

Learn new ways to save like a pro!
Book: Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!Available in Paperback or Kindle form on Amazon.com.

Fall Craft, Leaf Roses!

image: designsponge.com

This is such a fun and easy project.
Click here for instructions.

Learn new ways to save like a pro!
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!Available in Paperback or Kindle form on Amazon.com.

$1 FLEECE HATS! THE CHILDREN'S PLACE

image: The Children's Place

This is an awesome deal, but hurry, I'm sure they will go fast!

Learn new ways to save like a pro!
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!Available in Paperback or Kindle form on Amazon.com.

A MINIMALIST JOURNEY

Join us on scaling down! As a person who is tired of too many possessions, I have made the decision to become a minimalist and I'm not alone. Why would someone want to be a minimalist? In my life, I feel like things weigh me down. They take up time and of course money. It costs money to house and clean objects. It's just tiring. You know the saying, "You don't own things, things own you." When you die, you can't take it with you. I want to spend my life enjoying experiences, spending time with my family and friends. Extreme minimalists own about 100 items. A comfortable minimalist might own 150 things. I probably own a million things (maybe more). I wonder if we have to count every piece of paper. If we have to include electronic documents. I might own 2 million things. It took me 36 years to accumulate what I have. I hope it does not take that long to get rid of it. So to start this process, I am going to sell my nicer belongings on eBay and at my antique/flea market booth which does not require me to be present to make a sale (it is also free to keep the booth running – I would not pay rent for a booth). I simply need to tag an item and go. If you don't feel comfortable selling items in those ways, you can opt to hold a yard sale once or twice a year. This will require you to store things away which is something I want to avoid. I will scan or photograph paper documents to store in my computer, being sure to back everything up. I will throw out junk and donate clothing to a local charity. Any metal items will be placed in a box for recycling. To maintain progress, I will need to be careful not to buy too many items. For every item I purchase, I must get rid of one item I own. I will not apply this rule to consumable items such as food, toothpaste, or toilet paper. I am going to make a list of goals so that I stay on track. Feel free to follow along and try this out yourself. Adjust anything as necessary to suit your lifestyle and situation.

(Update: I find it easier to organize the daily tasks on my website which can be followed just like a blog. To continue your minimalist journey, please visit www.classycheapskate.wordpress.com.)

1. Spend 30 minutes each day going through things.
2. Get four boxes to help organize items throughout each week. Label the boxes as donate, booth, eBay, and recycle. Trash can be thrown in a trash can.
3. Items that I am going to keep will be photographed and posted on this page so that I can start inventory. They will have to be important to me if I am willing to waste my time photographing them.
4. Mondays - items in donation box should be dropped off at a collection box (only if box is full)
5. Tuesdays - scan or photograph paper items, file away in computer, back up
6. Wednesdays - photograph eBay items
7. Thursdays - if you have a large enough load, take metal items to recycling center.
8. Fridays - tag items in booth box, take to booth to be sold (only if box is full)
9. Saturdays - list eBay items
10. Sundays - do your 30 minutes of sorting, then rest and relish in your progress!

So, here it goes! I'm not looking to scale down to just 100 items. I think that is too drastic. My goal is to own a lot less and I know it will take time to scale back. It will be interesting to see how many items I end up with.

Set the timer for 30 minutes. Grab your camera! As you go through things, photograph the items that you are keeping. Don't photograph consumable items such as toilet paper or food as they will most likely disappear in a few days anyway. If you have excess consumables such as 40 bottles of face cream that you could never possibly use before they expire, get rid of them. Make it a goal to only purchase what you will use from now on. Consider this a learning lesson and a new start. Also, do not photograph fixtures in your home (items that would sell with the house such as ceiling lights or large appliances). If you have a home business, keep business items separate. They are not part of your personal life. However, you can go through things in the same manner being sure that you only have what is necessary to run the business. If you have children, a spouse, or a roommate; they can try this process with you. If they are not going to, you do not have to deal with their things. Just make sure they have their own allotted space and that you have yours.

Here are photos of things I am keeping: (You can keep your photos in a folder on your desktop or another convenient place.)

11/8/2014 – Notice that there are no photos! I'm doing really good so far. I did keep some pencils, but they are considered consumables. Since today is Saturday, I had better go sell anything that is in my eBay box.

11/9/2014 – Okay, I kept my first item. A pre-lit flocked tree. What a big first choice! One good thing is that it serves two purposes. Our cat uses it as a climbing toy. Climbing posts are like a hundred dollars or more at pet stores! I would never buy one. I bet the ornaments for the tree are going to add up my numbers fast. The good thing is that there are 4 people in my family. So only a quarter of the ornaments will be mine. What I really like is that the tree always has the lights on it and is easy to move. It comes apart into 3 pieces and even folds up. I got it at the end of season for about $13 at 95% off. It was originally about $260 at Target.

#1 Flocked Christmas Tree

11/10/2014 – Items I've decided to keep:

#2 Flocked Ball Ornament

#3 Colorful Ball Garland

#4 Bird Ornament

#5 Bird Ornament

#6 Bird Ornament

#7 Bird Ornament

#8 Red Berry Garland

#9 Red Rose Blooms

#10 Orange Ornament

#11 Snowman Ornament

#12 Snowman Ornament

#13 Flocked Ornament

#14 Vintage Santa

#15 Vintage Soldier

#16 Bear Ornament

#17 Snow Angel

#18 Snow Angel

#19 Glass Asparagus

#20 Lady Tree Ornament

Note: I find it easier to organize the daily tasks on my website which can be followed just like a blog. To continue your minimalist journey, please visit www.classycheapskate.wordpress.com.

KOHL'S Free Stuff!

Sign up for Kohl’s rewards at http://www.kohls.com/feature/rewards.jsp. Earn a birthday surprise and more! I just got 100 tealight candles, a pack of ruled paper, and a sock monkey Christmas ornament for 29 cents using my free rewards coupon. The best part! – I didn't have to spend anything to earn the reward. Total saved: $34.70!

New book will teach you how to save like a pro!
Living Big on a Small Income, The Classy Cheapskate Way!
Available in Paperback or Kindle form at Amazon.com.