Fru-Gal Friends

Subject: 'My Treat' idea... Tue 24 Apr 2007, 8:26 pm

I wasn't sure where to post this but it is a savings idea (of sorts) so I put it here.

How about we each get a little empty used jar (say an empty coffee can or jam jar or such) all cleaned out of course Razz

and, starting from now, use it to save $1 per week (or add a little more if you can afford to) from now until Christmas. There are approx. 34 weeks until Christmas so we can decorate the jar and label it 'My Christmas Treat Jar'.
Then, come Christmas, we can treat OURSELVES to a little personal treat, say: a haircut at the hairdressers, a fancy new scarf, new gloves, a handbag, a new book, or a bottle of perfume, whatever we fancy that we've saved enough for....or if we had family members do the same everyone could have a meal...

The point is so that you can treat yourself to a personal 'guilt-free' treat that you've budgeted for.

What do you all think?

I have an empty coffee can all set to go! idea

In fact I think I'll keep two more so DH & DS have one each also!
(They think I'm nuts Razz

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~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Tue 24 Apr 2007, 8:54 pm

Love this idea - what a wonderful idea for the kids they could have one each .. I think I do one for my DIL .. thank Skin
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Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Tue 24 Apr 2007, 9:06 pm

You know gayla, it really would be a good idea for kids who get pocket money to teach them to save a little, they could even decorate their own for added incentive!

I'm going to try to decorate my can to look like a santa coat, I want to make it a fun challenge!
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~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Tue 24 Apr 2007, 10:32 pm

I do not think you are nuts! We save our change in jars and twice a year (spring and fall) we cash them in and have "fun day". This is a no guilt allowed day and we usually end up going to a large,lovely book and music shop that we just love. It is good to treat yourself every once in awhile. It is like a mental health day,because it sure makes you feel a bit happier inside!
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MARY

Moderator Age : 27 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 1790

I love this...I am going to do this for my kids and they can use the $ to buy some little gifts for the family Smile

Great idea!

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Wed 25 Apr 2007, 6:33 am

Great idea Skin....I especially like it since it is a treat for ourselves...I seldom by anything except groceries and household items because I don't "need" anything and feel guilty to buy "wants."
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Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Wed 25 Apr 2007, 5:53 pm

Very cool idea Skin! I'm getting my "piggy bank" ready this week.

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Wed 25 Apr 2007, 9:45 pm

I was thinking for the litlle grands all under 5 .. but we already have the older children in the house Sarah & Mike the have to save some, tithe, and have some for pocket money

I am going to start three for my Dil as a special surprize for them during the holiday to spoil themselves.
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Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Sat 28 Apr 2007, 11:07 pm

Okay!!! I've decorated my empty coffee can using old items I found around the house...so the whole craft cost me NOTHING!!! Very Happy

I was going to buy some red & white felt but ended up not going out yesterday...luckily enough.
I remembered DS had an old pair of red towelling slipper-socks which he'd grown out off. They had a bit of pilling outside so I turned one inside out, cut the foot off and slipped it over the can......now I needed white trim....hmmmm....the sock idea was handy....so I found an old white overstretched sock in DH's drawer (no idea why I hadn't thrown it in the bin scratch

) so I cut two rings off it and used them top and bottom for collar and hem, roughly stitching in the raw edges....
I couldn't find my button jar, as I know there are a few nice brass buttons in it, so I've had to make do with the first 3 matching buttons I could put my hands on (I intend to change this). Lastly came my funniest recycled object.......*DRUM ROLL PLEASE*......I used an old black bra-strap for the belt laugh

I would've preferred to use black velvet ribbon but didn't have any Crying or Very sad

, anway the bra-strap gave me a giggle Laughing

Now, when I was looking for my buttons I saw our pet's collars hanging up and I thought to myself......if I wanted to make one of these jars for someone else I'd put in a little more effort and buy a black cat or puppy collar at the dollar store to use for a belt idea

I will make more, I enjoyed it and this first one was FREE if imperfect!
Since they're for Christmas, I think I'll do a snowman next......I'm sure there are lots more odd white socks around here somewhere... Twisted Evil

I'll be able to use mine every year so it's totally recyclable!

Wouldn't these be a cute way to give small Christmas gifts.....like make-up, candies, gift certificates, coffee sachets, etc?

BTW....I posted a photo in Portail of my attempt Razz

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~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Sun 29 Apr 2007, 5:33 am

Skin,,I left you a msg.at this picture,,,way tooo creative,,LOL,,love the bra strap!

Moderator Age : 27 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 1790

Sounds great Skin...lol...you are very creative...lol...I will lokk at pics in a minute Smile

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Sun 29 Apr 2007, 7:19 am

Thanks Donna, it just proves that you can recycle just about anything...teeheehee laugh

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~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Sun 29 Apr 2007, 10:14 am

I used a red vase I had around the house I put a box with envelope for the kids and the gils my Dils but jars in their bed rooms I added a little something to their jars to get them started
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Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Sun 29 Apr 2007, 2:23 pm

Your can looks great skin! The bra strap is my favorite part though.

Subject: Re: 'My Treat' idea... Sun 29 Apr 2007, 5:04 pm

That is so cute SF...you are a very crafty gal!
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MARY