Free up money in your grocery budget.
Manipulating your grocery money is something I’ve done for years to be able get a little extra of what I need (and want) during the holidays. But how do you do it and not eat mac and cheese every night? Well, with a little planning and effort, you can pull off wonderful, comforting meals, and have presents under the tree. Oh, who are we kidding…and a new outfit for yourself!
Menu planning should be done each week regardless if it’s the holidays. So if you are not used to creating a menu and shopping list each week, this is a great time to start. Planning a menu each week and being organized with your shopping list not only keeps you organized, but saves you money.
I love to buy my flour, vanilla extract, sugars, butter, yeast and spices at Sams or Costco. I save a lot of money this way and bake all holiday long for half the cost if I were to have bought my supplies at a grocery store.
Plan a baking day in your week.
This is a must. Nothing fantastic comes without some effort and this is no exception. Baking, even when not the holidays, is a good idea. It not only saves money, but also more nutritious as you know what ingredients are in your food! Baking breads is a staple around here and don’t be intimidated by this baking bread thing, it is easy and your family will love your efforts. The texture is perfect, the taste is outstanding and the smell is out of this world. Click here for my easy, homemade bread recipe and here for many more delicious, baking day ideas.
Make your baking day fun!
Put your favorite Christmas music on, light a candle, wrap around your favorite apron, and go to town creating a little Christmas magic!
Organize your gift-giving lists.
Plan your Christmas! This is so important. You will save money just by planning your gift-giving lists, wardrobe needs, baking and more. Keep track of your budget for each person, your coupons and receipts, account for the money used for decor, and most importantly you need something to harness all of these plans…
Introducing Planner Perfect’s Christmas Planner!
Beautifully designed with dividers to organize your gift lists, donations, holiday baking, card lists and more. Small enough to take with you and can be used year-after-year.
I am giving away one of these beautiful Christmas planners over at my blog, Planner Perfect. Be sure to check out all the information, a more detailed look into the Christmas planner, and the details on how you can win!
These tips are tried and true. I have a family of nine and have been using this method for years. Manipulating your grocery money by buying in bulk, planning your meals and a baking day, and organizing your gift lists are all a surefire way to put some fa-la-la-la-la into your holidays.
Have a wonderful time being organized for the holidays, friends!
About Jenny Penton
Great tips – love the binder – great way to keep everything organized – and a way to document gifts you give each. I chose this post as one of My Friday Favorites – check it out here – http://wp.me/p2hp9V-GG
Happy Holidays!
Thank you Maureen!