tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post6978231336162155238..comments2024-02-02T07:13:37.313-06:00Comments on Like Merchant Ships: That mid-November panicUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-49195490365837076592008-11-25T18:57:00.000-06:002008-11-25T18:57:00.000-06:00It's really the season for colds and flu. Drink up...It's really the season for colds and flu. Drink up some more juice and eat fruits! A wedding in the family is always a big event. I love the fact that it brings families together. With regards to the fifty cent presents, that's really a tight budget. Why not personalize Christmas balls or ornaments, so that they can hang it on their trees? I just love crafting! Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-29409993466805883612008-11-22T23:43:00.000-06:002008-11-22T23:43:00.000-06:00I always appreciated it when our Principal gave us...I always appreciated it when our Principal gave us an extended lunch as our Christmas gift (usually one hour instead of 30 minutes)! It didn't cost him anything (except a little organizing!)--we could take it any day in the Spring, and he (well, his secretary) would arrange other teachers and aides to cover our classes. Talk about frugal! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-50119153490515648612008-11-22T12:56:00.000-06:002008-11-22T12:56:00.000-06:00Oh, what a beautiful dress! Please tell me what t...Oh, what a beautiful dress! Please tell me what the fabric is--organza? I am sewing my little girl's first flower girl dress for next summer and am gathering ideas. Yours has most definitely inspired me. Thanks! ShannonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-38902619696324474582008-11-22T08:54:00.000-06:002008-11-22T08:54:00.000-06:00I think a charity donation sounds like a great ide...I think a charity donation sounds like a great idea. Maybe to an education relsted non-profit?3beansaladhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12186797368427271059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-85795867931795328692008-11-21T14:16:00.000-06:002008-11-21T14:16:00.000-06:00Meredith, how about a 'breakfast kit' for your emp...Meredith, how about a 'breakfast kit' for your employees? If you buy coffee in bulk, that could be divided in little bags...add a teabag or two, as well. Add a muffin -- Wal-Mart has huge packages of these individually shrink-wrapped, if you're not up to baking them (I think doughnuts too). Add some of your pretty decorations, like a sprig of evergreen. (I love what you do with so little cost on decorations.) <BR/> Cookies could be subbed, and call it a 'coffee break' kit.Cindy Brickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11632889506030476848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-83587787923296643322008-11-21T09:31:00.000-06:002008-11-21T09:31:00.000-06:00Check out Kiva.org. It's a microloan program for ...Check out Kiva.org. It's a microloan program for 3rd world nations. <BR/><BR/>You could donate to a charity (person) of your choice and since they have a near 100% repayment plan, the gift would continue to give over and over (if you chose).Danahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15461821047590597378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-83359440364137941432008-11-20T16:39:00.000-06:002008-11-20T16:39:00.000-06:00I'd go with the charitable donation -- for 50 cent...I'd go with the charitable donation -- for 50 cents each (or $50 total), a little trinket is likely to get tossed, but $50 can purchased a lot of food at Aldi's which can be donated to a local food pantry in the employees' (or the department's) names.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-22827111800832371652008-11-20T13:50:00.000-06:002008-11-20T13:50:00.000-06:00How about one of those chocolate coated spoons tha...How about one of those chocolate coated spoons that you stir into coffee? Make some of those, get those big tubs of pirouette cookies and put a couple each into clear cellophane bags and tie with pretty ribbons.<BR/><BR/>Clear plastic spoons -- $1/25 at dollar tree = $2<BR/>Chocolate -- I say splurge here and spend $2 each on some Giradelli chocolate bars. One bar should do about 10 spoons = $10<BR/>Piroutte cookies -- Get a big tub at whole foods, 4 tubs should be enough, last time I bought them they were $1.99 = $8<BR/>Clear baggies -- I bought some at Walmart last year, $4 for a pack of 50 baggies = $4<BR/>Ribbon -- if you have scrappies, then use those (cause ya know whatever's free works best for me!) or spend $2 at Walmart and get a couple of those big $1 spools of thin red gingham (or brown would be good for the theme) = $2<BR/><BR/>So that makes it up to about $24 for 50 gifts. I would love to get one of these, something I would use and not end up as clutter. You even have money to spare in case cookies are higher or you think you need another chocolate bar.<BR/><BR/>Good luck!<BR/>Hugs, honey!<BR/>GinaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10183421175434834004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-74697697930288934532008-11-19T22:56:00.000-06:002008-11-19T22:56:00.000-06:00WOW...looks like you've got your work cut out for ...WOW...looks like you've got your work cut out for you!<BR/> <BR/>As a side note, I would like to invite you and your readers to participate in my blog's giveaway @ tjssweethome.blogspot.com <BR/>Thanks for sharing!Tommie Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18352916891565138436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-63475843569650172492008-11-19T21:54:00.000-06:002008-11-19T21:54:00.000-06:00My favorite principal gift? Just plain cookies on ...My favorite principal gift? Just plain cookies on trays in the lounge. Little gifts- I am with Jane on this one- are not something I cherish....<BR/>I like the cookies in a brown bag with a nice ribbon as well. Most principals do not give gifts (this is my 10th school)Janettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10054888725603183006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-68471283761750579392008-11-19T21:07:00.000-06:002008-11-19T21:07:00.000-06:00Walgreen's has Starbuck's coupons in store (hangin...Walgreen's has Starbuck's coupons in store (hanging in the aisle) for 1.00 off any product. They have a box of 3 truffles that are 2 for 3.00. That makes them 50 cents a box. I got some today for little gifts or stocking stuffers.<BR/>LisaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-90245323332426631202008-11-19T20:26:00.000-06:002008-11-19T20:26:00.000-06:00Re the employee gifts:One thing that we've done fo...Re the employee gifts:<BR/><BR/>One thing that we've done for the last few years is buy bulk chocolates, in different shapes and sizes. We have a chocolate factory near here and we can buy lots of interesting stuff. <BR/><BR/>Then we get pretty clear small cellophane bags. You can stamp them if you have stamp stuff, but you fill them with some chocolate and tie with some gold ribbons. It looks more expensive than it actually is.<BR/><BR/>You can also pick up pretty lip balms and things like that at dollar stores and mix it all together, and it's not that much!<BR/><BR/><I>Visit <A HREF="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">To Love, Honor and Vacuum</A> today!</I>Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06842674051346091248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-22110609980263555222008-11-19T14:22:00.000-06:002008-11-19T14:22:00.000-06:00I always go the almond bark route when I need smal...I always go the almond bark route when I need small gifts on the cheap. Fry's (Kroger) usually has snowflake shaped pretzels for a dollar during Christmas season. Those partially dipped in white almond bark are pretty in a bag tied with a red or green ribbon. I also mix a box of chex cereal (rice or corn--store brands are fine) with a bag of pretzels, a container of cashews and a box of fruit loops (for color and a little fruity flavor) and mix with white almond bark. Spread over wax paper. Then break apart and put in bags. Very fast and easy and makes a bunch. Everyone I give it to loves it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-24113657578724710682008-11-19T11:06:00.000-06:002008-11-19T11:06:00.000-06:00A charitable contribution is not the same as a gif...A charitable contribution is not the same as a gift-especially if the gift repicipient hasn't asked for a donation to be made in his name. Supporting a charity is a very personal choice. It would be hard if not impossible for you to choose a charity that nobody would object to supporting.Maggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09116624901562951493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-89729949787747588142008-11-19T09:27:00.000-06:002008-11-19T09:27:00.000-06:00I'm going with baked goods: cookies, muffins, or b...I'm going with baked goods: cookies, muffins, or brownies. Something simple! Most people will love a home-baked goodie.<BR/><BR/>Don't wear yourself out with this holiday project. Maybe your husband or a friend can help you with the baking and the bags. If you know any teenage girls at church, I think this would be a great time to ask for some help. Take care of yourself. Can't wait to see what you come up with!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-76317724213463464482008-11-19T08:56:00.000-06:002008-11-19T08:56:00.000-06:00Oh, and congrats on the wedding! We have a family...Oh, and congrats on the wedding! We have a family wedding in Jamaica coming in spring. I hope not to be pregnant for our trip though... I'm looking forward to traveling with the kids.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07398765438599269210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-2658790434785174732008-11-19T08:54:00.000-06:002008-11-19T08:54:00.000-06:00I am all for edible gifts OR the donation. Or bot...I am all for edible gifts OR the donation. Or both. : )<BR/><BR/>I love a little chocolate dipped pretzel rod or something like that ... homemade caramels? Only a couple so as not to spoil diets.<BR/><BR/>You are so wonderful at the baking and making, if it's not a big hassle to pull that off, that's the gift I'd like best.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07398765438599269210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-31017957537930202412008-11-19T08:17:00.000-06:002008-11-19T08:17:00.000-06:00Another idea (not sure what this comes out to be c...Another idea (not sure what this comes out to be cost-wise!) is dipped pretzel rods. They are much faster to make than cookies. Melt some chocolate (I like almond bark in either milk or white chocolate flavors), coat half of a pretzel rod and, if you like, sprinkle with colored sugar(red or green!) and lay on waxed paper to dry. I think 2 per person is fine. When I make these, I like to spread the melted chocolate on waxed paper to make coating the long pretzel rods easier.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10862253001383767918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-75459255892011948392008-11-19T03:40:00.000-06:002008-11-19T03:40:00.000-06:00Meredith, if you make 100 gifts for Christmas &...Meredith, if you make 100 gifts for Christmas & have your three lil' ones to take care of then I'm going to say you are Mother of the Year, life & eternity because there is no way I could do that. You are already amazing.<BR/><BR/>I love the dress Elise is wearing. <BR/><BR/>Congratulations to your Brother. I hope he has a lifetime of happiness.DeeAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09828180415060097031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-76549104237180928422008-11-18T23:35:00.000-06:002008-11-18T23:35:00.000-06:00Ah, I think I should be double-panicked because I ...Ah, I think I should be double-panicked because I hadn't even started getting panicked yet! I'm excited to see what you come up with for your brother's wedding AND the work Christmas gifts. This year I am thinking of a copy of a family recipe that is easy but requires an unusual ingredient and 1 recipe's worth of that ingredient. Still need to price it out.Tubo Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13648885392472180009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-83219102762037458302008-11-18T22:59:00.000-06:002008-11-18T22:59:00.000-06:00Meredith- You crack me up! I laughed out loud pi...Meredith-<BR/> You crack me up! I laughed out loud picturing you whipping around your kitchen with little baby John strapped on the front. It sure would rock him to sleep!<BR/> Is this for the annual Christmas breakfast you and your husband host for the teachers in his school? What about still having the nice breakfast and then taking the fifty dollars you would spend and getting something for the teachers lounge that all the teachers would use or appreciate? Would they like a new radio or coffee pot or whatever for their lounge? A bird feeder to watch outside the window? Or something (maybe even on clearance in the off-season lawn and garden section) that could be used outside in the spring? My mom was a school nurse for years and while I know she appreciated all the thoughtfulness of people remembering her, there were always too many knicknacks to unload after the holidays were over. Everyone has such different tastes, it seems, and some of the gifts she got sometimes just made us roar with laughter. (I've got good memories now, just remembering all that!)<BR/> It sounds like a lot to commit to baking something, but then again, I am always amazed at the things that you manage to pull off. And one more note: congratulations to your extended family and your brother on his upcoming wedding! If he doesn't care, I'd love it if you post some photos!<BR/> Keep us updated! I cannot wait to see what you do with a budget of fifty cents!<BR/> SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-89598167155715677252008-11-18T21:25:00.000-06:002008-11-18T21:25:00.000-06:00I'd rather receive no gift than a "junky" cheap gi...I'd rather receive no gift than a "junky" cheap gift that I would soon throw away.<BR/><BR/>I second the idea of an Xmas ornament (but what can you get for 50 cents??) So it really does look like the best thing to go with would be something edible. How about if the hubby helps you with the cookies? :) You could organize it all and get everything together if he's not a baker - but that way you could tend to the baby while supervising.Edihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01881967873653190545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-84787538180873078552008-11-18T20:16:00.000-06:002008-11-18T20:16:00.000-06:00You are just an amazing woman, that is all I can s...You are just an amazing woman, that is all I can say! ♥Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08910644413175366761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-44393301749686850432008-11-18T19:23:00.000-06:002008-11-18T19:23:00.000-06:00Ornaments are a nice idea. A friend used to make c...Ornaments are a nice idea. A friend used to make candles in old wine glasses and teacups found in thrift stores...but 100? wow. <BR/>I'd LOVE home made cookies! Can you bribe one of the higher up employees to help you make them? <BR/>good luck, you are always so thoughtful.<BR/>LisaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-11434478518961230842008-11-18T17:56:00.000-06:002008-11-18T17:56:00.000-06:00Meredith,you might like to read cuppa-cuppa blog t...Meredith,<BR/>you might like to read cuppa-cuppa blog today. It talks about Thanksgiving on the cheap.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com