Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Next Payday

I have a list that I created at this Black Friday website; http://www.black-friday.net/ It has all the things my family and friend might want. And since it's not how much you spend but how much you save, it's given me grandioso visions of a classic Christmas movie...

 Pan to me in a long cashmere jacket with fur trim, adorable hounds-tooth snowboots with my arms full of boxes of colorfully wrapped packages going high above my head. Close-up on rosy flushed cheeks and sparkly glossed lips with a warm, giving smile.  Ahhhh, sounds fab doesn't it?

But then I look at my bank account and it's a bummer. I check my lottery ticket, no luck. Wasn't there a sweepstakes I entered? A forgotten aunt's will leaving me an estate? I look at the magazines on the rack featuring "100s of gifts under $100" and in reality I need them under $10.



So here is MY list for great finds in a frugal economy that will make you feel great.

For friends that inspire you to be a good person!

Canned Foods. Ok, not so glamorous on the outside. Go to your local grocery store and spend $20 (or $5/friend) on canned foods, boxed meals, etc to donate to the local food bank. Once home, stack them in a beautiful arrangement and take a picture. Then create a festive little card with this picture as the front of the card. Write a heartfelt note to those friends that says you donated to the local food bank in their honor because their goodwill inspires you.



For friends that are moms and need a break!
A Thermos Add-A-Cup Beverage Bottle. It is insulated & has 2 cups attached. $9. But not just any Thermos; you will fill it with a bottle of wine.
Tie a bow, show up at their house (but not unexpected, that's the worst if your a busy mum) and take her & the kids to the local playground that's within walking distance. Surprise her with a glass of wine and good chatter while the kids play away.


For fashionista ladies...
A great accessory is a wonderful find; a cult-label accessory is even better. Check out this super cute Blooming headband from Vera Bradley. It's in their trendy Frill collection, $9 and comes in a wide array of colors. My favorite is "Makes Me Blush", a pep of color on a white snowy day.



For the guy friend...
This one is SO easy. Basketball season is just around the corner. Buy him the iphone HoopsGeek app for $4.99. It has real time game tracking, all sorts of stats, create your own stats, etc. Something he can really geek out on.




Lastly, the boyfriend. Only you know the things that make him swoon. If he's a vinyl lover, search the local shops for a rare vintage piece. For sports, tickets to the minor-league hockey team will find good seats at an affordable price. If he's a pig, just get yourself something from VS and be done with it.

Above all, RELAX. It's a season for peace and goodwill not major credit debt.