The SpendLessTV.com Money-Saving Blog

The perfect way to start saving money is… with a party of course! A New Year’s Eve party is just the ticket to prove to yourself that you can have a fantastic evening, look sensational, eat, drink and be merry, even host an event – and all while staying on budget! These videos give wallet-friendly ways to enjoy and/or host a New Year’s Eve bash so you can go ahead and usher in the New Year with a new “can do” attitude! So, go ahead, celebrate!

Easy New Year’s Eve Party Ideas – Better Homes & Gardens Holiday Editor, Evette Rios, shows Hoda and Kathie Lee ideas to dress up your New Year’s Eve party with quick craft projects and re-purposing holiday decor.

New Year’s Eve Party Comfort Foods on a Budget - Executive chef at New York’s Stanton Social, Chris Santos, shows recipes for budget-friendly comfort party dishes without spending over $80. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, Potato Skins, Mac & Cheese, Chicken Caesar Bites, Ginger Sparkler Cocktail, Guinness Cake.

New Year’s Eve Party for under $100 - Owner and operator of A Perfect Event, Debi Lilly, gives tips to create a low-cost but elegant New Year’s Eve party using items you may already have on hand.

Inexpensive New Year’s Eve Party Ideas - Bryan Rafanelli, event designer of Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, shares his tips for easy ultra-affordable and ultra-fun New Year’s Eve Party ideas that everyone will love (including your wallet).

New Year’s Eve Fabulous on a Budget – Co-founder of SmartCookies.com and co-author of the Smart Cookies Guide to Making More Dough, Sandra Hanna, gives her top tips to enjoy a lavish New Year’s Eve party (or any party) on a budget.

You might also like:

• 10 New Year’s Eve Bash on a Budget Ideas
• Celebrate the New Year in Style and On a Budget
• How to Succeed at New Year’s Money Resolutions

Link to this article: http://is.gd/Bhrm4i

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Kwanzaa occurs for 7 days, Dec 26 – Jan 2. On each of those 7 days, a candle is lit, and many stories and historic traditions are honored, but on day 7, the final day,  a lively celebration with traditional foods, drink, music, dancing and gift-giving is enjoyed by friends and family.  Here are some activities, recipes, and decorating ideas to make any Kwanzaa Celebration a happy and festive event (and they will keep your wallet smiling, too!).

Kwanzaa Kinara Craft - A Kinara candle holder out of paper, to last all 7 days. A fun and easy craft that even the very youngest can do, from CraftClub.com

Awesome Homemade Gifts – Thoughtful and creative gifts are a Kwanzaa tradition. ”Good Day Wisconsin” Reporter,Rachel Manek, shares three creative and easy DYI projects that make meaningful and budget friendly gifts, each costing less than $5.00.

How to Make an Origami Gift Box – Creative, eco-friendly, DYI & perfect for any gift-giving budget: An origami gift box. Supplies: only 8 squares of paper. Perfect for putting little gifts into. If you’re a beginner this is a nice project to start with from StormTheCastle.com

Kwanzaa Table Decor – Celebrate Kwanzaa with personal and rustic table decorating ideas. Tips from event planner, Tangie Murray, in this excerpt from the design TV show, “Sheila Bridges, A Holiday Show”

Sweet Potato Tartlets – A quick recipe from ”Down Home with the Neelys” hosted by Pat and Gina Neely on the Food Network. Using a Kwanzaa traditional vegetable, the sweet potato, they show how to make easy individual sweet potato tartlets.

Spoon Bread - Here is an easy recipe with a healthier spin on corn spoon bread, a Kwanzaa holiday favorite, from Chef Wilbert Jones from Healthy Heritage Kitchen

North African Meatballs - Melissa D’Arbian, host of the Food Network’s “10 Dollar Dinners” shows a delicious dollar-stretching North African inspired meatball dish.

Link to this article: http://is.gd/v7iT6K

This article was originally posted 12/26/2010.

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Gift Cards are a great idea. They are the most popular gift, and perfect for last minute shopping. But unfortunately, the reports are showing a heavy increase in the incidence of scams and fraud involving gift cards.

There are however, simple steps you can take to avoid being a victim of gift card scammers. Similar to what you should check for at ATM and cash machines, check for any sign of tampering. If possible, rather than grabbing a card straight off the rack, opt to purchase cards being stored behind the counter or in a locked display case, also keep your receipt and be sure to include it when giving a card as a gift.

These  short videos reveal more of what to be watchful of:

• Gift Card Scams, Packaging
• Gift Card Scams – Scambook.com
• Gift Card Scams, Online
• Two Tips to Avoid Gift Card Fraud

There have been recent new regulations passed that apply to Gift Cards. This article, New Gift Card Perks a Plus for Consumers, gives more resources and information on consumer gift card protection, expiration dates and fees, from Clarky Davis, a personal finance advisor  who wrote this article for our affiliate partner, CareOne Debt Relief.

Related posts:

• Do Gift Cards Have Fees?
• Alert! ATM and Cash Machine Scams

Link to this Article: http://is.gd/gvgfa0

Gifts that are thoughtful, clever, fun and beautiful for under $10? YES! Here are 12 ideas that are perfect for the “Grab Bag” event, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, thank you gifts, and even THE gift for THE friend or THE family member… you’ll find ideas here that will make a great impression for anyone on your gift list – and won’t put a dent in your wallet, either.

Bright Porcelain bowls. Serve dips, hold fruit, nuts, chips, or brighten  your morning cereal with these welcoming porcelain colorful vessels. Their updated design is inspired by retro motifs from 1950′s diners. 5.5″diam. x 2.6″h; 18oz. Microwave and dishwasher safe. From West Elm. $8 each.

Colorful bracelets made from real guitar strings! Designed by Hannah Garrision & Steve Bernstein. The guitar strings are made in China; the bracelet is handmade in the U.S. with lead-free nickel and brass. Available at UncommonGoods. $7 – $10 each.

The healing power of comedy is now available in an over-the-counter form. Apply this Emergency Clown Nose liberally as needed. A necessary accessory for removing splinters or applying band-aids. Side effects may include chuckling, chortling and guffawing. Nose made of polyester. From UncommonGoods, created by professional clowns Rosie Cole and Lloyd Brant to promote their philosophy of healing through laughter.  $5.

iPlunge Stand for Cell Phones - A portable plunger made for watching movies and mobile video hands-free. An in-a-pinch fix for propping your mobile device on any level surface, the iPlunge makes watching the tube as easy hitting play. Fits easily in purse or bag. To use: slightly moisten the suction cup and attach to the smooth backside of your mobile device. No plumbing required. At UncommonGoods. Made of rubber and wood. $6.

Glass Candlesticks. Handmade from handblown and heat-tempered clear borosilicate (“beaker”) lab glass these candle holders are graceful glass sculptures in three light-as-a-feather yet durable styles. From CB2, $4.95. each.

Three white porcelain squares on renewable bamboo tray custom fit with recessed holders. Sleek modular presentation for condiments, dips, sauces. Bowls are dishwasher and microwave-safe. Wipe bamboo tray with dry cloth. At CB2 $9.95.

Bright green cable with eight magnets displays photos, memos, cards and notes without the need for overwhelming your walls with excessive pins, nails or tape. Weighted end keeps the 59.5″ cable straight.  At CB2. $6.95

Dandisleeve rubber coated reusable mug holder is an eco-friendly alternative to paper protectors and the handle makes it even more convenient. Fits various sized cups and thermoses. Comes in colors green, red or black, at Amazon.com. $9.69.

A fresh idea for wall display or a bulletin board alternative; the Sticky Wall Organizer sticks to any smooth surface (making it perfect for most dorm rooms). Any lightweight object will stick to it. From Organize.com. One 4-inch square clear gel adhesive, $7.99.

Quench your dog’s thirst while on the road with the Pet Water Bottle Top. The plastic top fits most standard water bottles and the flow can be adjusted for any size pet. Made of plastic with an adjustable flow for any size pet. The bright orange color ensures you won’t mistake your pet’s bottle for yours.  Includes an adapter to fit different bottle types. From Organize.com. $5.69.

You don’t always need staples! This handy (and environmentally friendly) device cuts a tiny flap in the corner of your paper, and folds it in on itself, tucked in a tiny paper pocket. Sleek, small, and coming in chaotic-evil black, deep blue, and smokey “clear”, the Staple Free Stapler can clip together up to five sheets with ease. We personally use this and love it! From ThinkGeek $6.99 – $7.99

The Credit Card Lightbulb means no more struggling to find your keys, or squinting while trying to read the menu when the restaurant is too dark. Handy when traveling, too. This unusual card looks like a flat incandescent bulb, but push the bulb vertical and it unexpectedly lights up. The rest of the card serves as a stand. The same size, though slightly thicker than a credit card you can easily store one in your wallet or purse. From ThinkGeek.com. Batteries included, $4.99

More Gift Ideas that Won’t Stretch Your Wallet in our posts:

• 15 Almost Free Easy DIY Gift Ideas
• The Gift… Basket?
• 10 Cool Picks for Gifts Well Under $30

Link to this article:   http://is.gd/hegumK

Entertaining on a budget isn’t always easy, and the holiday season puts even more added demands and challenges on your  budget. This is, after all, a time to bring in some brightness and share some fun with friends and family.  Is it really possible to enjoy hosting a holiday party without breaking the bank or over-stretching your wallet? Absolutely! We’ve posted several entries on holiday entertaining on a budget before, and this year is no exception. Here are 8 videos loaded with pointers to host a party on a budget, from decorations to serving food, to dealing with holiday hosting stress, all to make it easier for for you and yours to enjoy a little more holiday happiness!

Retro Tinsel DIY Tree, Under $30 - You could make your own retro inspired Tinsel Tree for under $30. Decorate for a party, and use year after year. Here are how-to directions plus some other great tree alternative ideas from Threadbanger.com.

Saving Cash on Holiday Parties - Deal pro and consultant at savings.com and creator of LivingWellSpendingLess.com, Ruth Soukup, gives tips on how to have a great time hosting a budget-friendly holiday party.

Holiday Appetizers Budget Friendly - Three delicious, fast and affordable holiday appetizers, complete with wine pairing suggestions from Chef Hosea Rosenberg to make your party gourmet and your guests feeling great.

Simple Savings for Holiday Meals - WalletPop.com editor Andrea Chalupa gives simple tips to save money when planning holiday meals. Tip #1: Start now! P.S. re: the tip on refreshing up rolls, we suggest the paper towel should be damp.

Entertaining on a Budget - Planning ahead, grocery shopping tips, decor ideas, and how to deal if you really can’t afford to host this year.. pointers to enjoy the holidays on a budget from the Shopping Queen, Fatima Mehdikarimi.

How to Throw a Care Package Party –  Throw a holiday party that gives back this season by hosting a care package party. Here, Celebrations.com expert Mark Addison shows you how to create a festive, beautiful and charitable fete.

Cool Ideas for Hot Holiday Entertaining - Everything you need to create a smashing holiday event with tips from greeting guests, to table settings, to decorations, to party favors from designer Robert Verdi.

Budget Savvy Entertaining - Make these holidays stress free, budget-friendly and enjoy entertaining with these creative ideas from event planner Sebastien Centner.

Related Articles from our affiliate partner, CareOne Debt Relief:

• How to Keep the Holiday Spirit Without Being Burdened by Debt
• Layaway – An Emerging Shopping Option this Holiday Season
• How to Save MoneyThis Holiday Season

Link to this article: http://is.gd/Gww9rW

Spruce up your space, (or create a great gift) with a little do-it-yourself. Here are easy-to-do eco-friendly projects that will turn those tired household objects you’re thinking of tossing out into beautiful and useful home accessories. They make great gift ideas, too!

Make a Vase from Magazine Pages - Recycle your old magazines by creating a vase, bowl or vessel using nothing more than glue and pages from a magazine. This video gives an easy DIY tutorial.

Home Decor Recycle DIY - Easily repurpose thrift store purchases or items from around your home… sometimes all you need is a little spray paint! Decorator Susan Phillips shows DIY home decor transformation ideas in this clip.

Repurpose Home Decor Items – This video from designer Soshana Gosselin gives easy ways to freshen up your home decor by repurposing, recycling and re-inventing items you already have.

DIY Cans to Votive Holders – This segment shows a simple DIY craft recycling project to transform an empty aluminum can into a votive holder. All you need is an empty can and scissors!

A Basket from Magazine Paper - Recycle your old magazines with this easy DIY craft project to create a cool and stylish multi-use basket out of nothing more than magazine pages and glue! Easy how-to directions in this clip.

Chinese Takeout Lantern DIY - Crafter Shiho Masuda transforms Chinese takeout containers into mini tabletop lanterns. Beautiful video shows DIY recycling craft directions to brighten your dining or coffee table.

Make a Book Safe – Take an old book and recycle it into a secret place to store precious or favorite items. A clever gift idea, or double a gift’s goodness by using this as an eco-friendly gift box! Video shows how you can do it.

Make a Vase from A Plastic Soda Bottle – Eco-friendly DIY: Create a vase from a plastic soda bottle. Simple DIY in this clip provides instructions. All you need is a bottle, scissors and rocks. Consider displaying several together in various sizes and colors. Add flowers and it’s complete! Makes nice gift!

Soda Can Lantern DIY - This clip shows how to make a recycled DIY lantern/candle holder out of a soda can. Extremely simple to do. (Be careful of sharp edges when pulling out the strips).

You might also like:

• 5 Tips to Avoid Holiday Shopping Hassle
• 8 Eco-Friendly Happy Holiday Ideas
• 15 Almost Free Easy DIY Gift Ideas
• How to Control Your Holiday Spending

Link to this article: http://is.gd/7M382g

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Giving a gift that lets someone you care about know you are thinking of them does not have to cost a fortune or break your budget. Here are 12 unique gift ideas all for less than $30, that would suit anyone, anytime, from kids to great-grandparents – while suiting your bank balance as well.

Give the gift of warmth and comfort with a cozy throw. This welcomed wrap is available in an array of colors and patterns to suit any personality and every decor. From JC Penney. Machine washable microplus polyester. $14 – $25.

These pilsner beer glasses are sure to add a earthy hand-crafted twist to any bar collection. Handmade in Colombia of recycled and repurposed glass. Sturdy and strong, the heavy glasses have a slight green hue. From UncommonGoods. Set of 2, $24.

Chill the party with this red powdercoated sheetmetal tub with cut-out side handles. Watertight. Clean with a damp cloth. Made in India. From CB2, $19.55.

Bring memories home with this darling Sandy Feet Casting Kit. You can use it for either footprints or handprints. Simply make a foot or hand print in dense, moist sand. Collect beach water in the cup provided; mix in the special powder to it, then pour the mixture into the print impression. You can even personalize your print with the included stylus, and use the cord to make your footprint ready-to-hang. Allow 20 minutes for it to harden, then gently scoop the print out. Use the special keepsake pail to tote your creation home! The kit can make two children’s feet (up to size 2) or one adult foot. Parental supervision required. Contents made in the USA; tin made in China. Sand not included. From UncommonGoods. $15.

Charge your cell phones in style with the Garden Charging Station. Keep your counters looking neat and tidy and add a little decor with this “grass” filled decorative container.Easily hide all your charging cords by placing them under the grass and run 1 extension cord to the Charging Station. Available in black or white. 10.5″ L x 6″ W x 3.5″ H. Extension cord not included. At Convenient Gadgets & Gifts. $22.95

Guitar Pick Punch – Create your own recycled guitar picks quickly and easily with the Pick Punch. Turn expired credit cards, old gift cards, hotel key cards, and other thin plastic into perfectly-shaped guitar picks. The heavy-duty Pick Punch features a steel head that can cut through materials up to 1mm thick. Good idea for DIY earrings or necklace pendants too! From UncommonGoods. $25.

HABA/TC Timber Master Builder Series. This large block set allows children to use and learn the same engineering principles the Romans followed. In true Romanesque style, this 54 pc set of solid wooden blocks is sure to entertain young and old architects alike. Note: This set does not come with building instructions. From Maukilo.com.$26.99

The Hess Toy Truck – We just can’t help it – we love this gift! (yes, it was on last year’s list, too) Since 1964 Hess has released a new model toy truck in November each year; and kids (no matter what age) never tire of collecting them and playing with them. They often are actually two vehicles and feature high quality realistic fun with extras like flashing lights, sirens, lifts or ramps. Available at participating Hess Gas Stations, starting November 11, 2011, and they sell out fast! Batteries included, $26.99.

Tabletopics. Played with family, friends or during a candlelit dinner for two, each card in a Tabletopics sets asks a different thought-provoking, conversation-starting question. Choose from four different sets – Couple’s Edition, Family Edition, Original Edition, and Dinner Party Edition. All four sets are guaranteed to keep the fun and conversation flowing. (we can personally attest to that!) The set of 135 cards are housed in acrylic 4 x 4″ square cube. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. From RedEnvelope. $29.95

This leather and stainless steel jewelry token manages to be both rugged and refined. The versatile leather necklace is expandable up to 35 inches and is available in four colors. The necklace is available in Black (pictured), Brown, Red or Pink. Specify necklace color and up to six letters for custom engraving. Not suitable for children under 12 years of age. From Enchanted Memories $29.99

This cheeky money clip serves its purpose, even if you’re light on cash. The engraving, rich in humor, says it all (and then some):  “The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket.” – Kin Hubbard. Made of aluminum and made in the USA, from UncommonGoods. $18.

More creative and wallet-friendly gift ideas in our posts:

• The Gift… Basket?
• 15 Almost Free Easy DIY Gift Ideas
• 10 More Cool Pics for Gifts Well Under $30

Link to this article: http://is.gd/U3mmRM

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Watch for The Free Shipping Event and Special Offers from Thousands of Merchants – Next Year!!!

Free Merchant Shipping Day in the USA was Friday, December 16, 2011

The U.S. Postal Service’s Annual Free Shipping Day,  is a one-day, online-shopping event when hundreds of merchants offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve, and many merchants offer additional special discounts and deals to shoppers to accompany their free shipping day participation. Last year there were over 1,000 merchants participating. There are over 2,000 participating merchants for 2011. Offers are for the continental U.S. only and the delivery promise is only for in-stock merchandise.

For 2011, the event begins at 12 a.m. EST on Friday, December 16, 2011 and ends at 12 a.m. EST December 17, 2011.

Check the list of merchants and their specific requirments, and their special offers at: freeshippingday.com and enjoy your savings!

Related Videos for further savings:

Shipping Discounts for the Small Business Owner - Tips from Rob Martinez from Navigo Shipping Consultants.

Cheapest Overnight Shipping: FedEx, UPS or USPS? - The answer might surprise you.

Cost Effective Marketing for Small Business - Marketing expert, Joe Polish’s Exclusive SpendLessTV.com video gives invaluable pointers.

And check this earlier SLTV post, A Great Shipping Bargain, all about Flat-Rate shipping.

Link to this article: http://is.gd/XRpq1N

Holidays bring their unique share of additional budget stress and strain. Everything around you begins to shout, “Spend more, more, more!”  There are so many more last-minute pressures: invitations, events, meals, gifts and guests to shop for. Everything screams ” Spend more!”… except perhaps your budget. How to balance the increasing holiday demands while keeping a handle on your spending and keeping your budget in control can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Here are excellent videos and resources with easy and actionable pointers to help you succeed in maintaining control and navigating the holiday (and any other) season on budget.

Videos with tips from experts:

Controlling Your Holiday Spending – Credit.com’s personal finance expert and author of Reduce Debt, Reduce Stress, Gerri Detweiler, gives ways to stay in control of your spending for the holiday season. Tips on credit, rebates, returns, rewards and more.

Holiday Spending Control - This video from financial planner, wealth management advisor and author Stewart Welch shares 3 easy and effective tips for spending wisely over the holidays.

Favorite Holiday Shopping Tips - Personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi shares her favorite holiday shopping tips to help you receive the best bargains and keep your sanity and budget in order in the process.

Holiday Spending Insight - Find you’re getting into financially stressful situations during the holidays? Mike Sullivan, Director of Education at Take Charge America, reveals why and gives good basic tips to steer clear of holiday spending pitfalls in this video clip.

Holiday Spending & Budgeting: Get Control -  Millions of Americans still carry debt from last holiday season! This clip gives one simple tip that could save you big and keep you in control of your credit, debt and spending budget.

More expert holiday and budgeting tips from people who have been there before in these articles from our affiliate partner, CareOne Debt Relief:

• Don’t Let the Season Scare Away Your Budget
• Straight Talk on Debt: We All Make Mistakes
• Ask the Expert: Stay on Track for the Holidays!

Link to this article: http://is.gd/YcPYfE

You can increase the value of your money when you shop by choosing gifts and items from organizations that donate their profits to deserving causes. Why not put your money toward enriching the lives of others while at the same time giving a beautiful gift to a friend, family member, or even yourself?  Enjoy giving gifts that give back this holiday season or throughout the year.

Charity Water - Since its inception in 2006, Charity Water has developed 4,000 projects that will serve over two million people around the world with clean and safe drinking water. This video shares their story. Proceeds from their gift shop help support operating costs and fund sustainable clean water solutions in developing countries. Charity Water gifts range from $12 and up: wrist bands, bracelets, gift cards, stationery, calendars, iPod and laptop Gelaskins, eco-friendly thermos hydration bottles, T-shirts and hoodies.

The Amber Chand Gift Collection – This gift collection offers beautiful gifts made by craftswomen from areas of conflict and post-conflict around the globe. Here in this video Amber tells the story of her company, while showcasing the gifts. All Amber Chand Collection gifts are under $50.

TOMS One for One, Giving New Shoes - For every pair of TOMS shoes you buy, TOMS will give one new pair to a child in need.  Together with their giving partners, they have given over 1,000,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need around the world. Toms eco-friendly shoes are designed for all ages and use no animal by-products. Prices start at $38. This video tells the story of TOMS worldwide “One for One” campaign.

TOMS One for One, Giving Eyesight - For every pair of TOMS sunglasses you buy, TOMS will help give the gift of sight to a person in need. Eye care is provided through partnerships with expert eyecare organizations throughout the world. TOMS offers three classic shapes for their sunglasses, with hand-painted details. See the story of TOMS world wide “One for One’ Giving Eyesight campaign.  Sunglasses are $135 and $145 per pair.

Ebay for Charity - Take advantage of the huge array of products available on Ebay while knowing your purchase will benefit a worthy cause. eBay has designed eBay Giving Works, a format where sellers may commit to donate all or a percentage of their listing’s final sale price to the non-profit of their choice. The blue-and-yellow ribbon identifies those listings that support nonprofits through eBay Giving Works. This video with Ebay Giving Works General Manager, Kristin Cunningham explains how it works.

You might also like:

• Gift Giving Ideas (That help Charities, Too!)
• How to Give Without Being Taken
• Shop to Give, 7 Resources You Can Easily Use to Give Back as You Shop

Link to this article: http://is.gd/f2SA4s

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