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Creatively Frugal Ways to Start the
New Year Right
Think about the things people
typically do in January: buy new calendars, get organized,
declutter, begin a diet and exercise program, etc. Now, tell us
how you do these ‘New Yearsy’ things creatively and
inexpensively.
"January is my month to begin my 'notebook.'
I use a simple spiral style to compile ideas for the
coming year. These include a page of ideas for
gifts for the coming year including Christmas. I
then can take advantage of sales as they come up. I
also have a page for reviewing the costs of the
previous Christmas so I can try to 'trim' the budget
for next year if I want to. I like to create a page
for future craft projects I might want to get done
this coming year...including an inventory of
materials I will need to buy. I like to spend time
in January taking inventory of my wardrobe and
discarding items I no longer want. I also spend time
'altering' or mending clothing I already own
especially items I will need in future seasons.
Simply hemming a dress can really update the look as
dress lengths are a little shorter now. I use a page
in my notebook to list accessories I might want to
further enhance what I already own. I keep a
separate page in the notebook for items I might
want/need that can be often found in thrift stores.
Obviously this notebook is used throughout the year
as things are added often. I have a 'monthly' page
that lists appointments or any tasks I plan on doing
that month. I like to keep the notebook in my
kitchen or next to the TV so it is convenient for me
to review daily. I realize this is pretty organized
but it certainly keeps me from becoming overwhelmed
with things that have to be done! I am sure it helps
me save money as well.
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My other January
routine is to purchase all our vitamins for the two
of us for a year. Vitamins are on sale in January
and it is a good time to stock up. We make a point
to walk daily as often as we can even though our
winters are cold....exercise keeps us healthy and if
we can endure it in the winter the rest of the year
is a piece of cake!" ~ Janice
Editor's Note: Thanks to this reader for taking time to share
her ideas!
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