Here's to 2011...Goodbye 2010!

How are you going to ring in the New Year? Will you be celebrating with friends or family?  Possibly a significant other & some mistltoe?  Maybe you will be traveling to Vegas or New York City? Or maybe like me, you will be celebrating an anniversary of sorts (my husband and I were married on New Year's Eve 2008). There are so many great ways to celebrate and so many options that it can become overwhelming. So, if you want to save a couple bucks, here is my list of Top Ten fun things to do on New Year's Eve that won't freak your wallet out.   

10. Babysit- Even at 29 years old, I can honestly say I love to watch friends & relatives kids on New Year's Eve.  Some times if you just don't feel like doing anything, it's nice to let those who don't get to go out as often enjoy a night on the town.  Plus, the kids are usually in bed pretty earlier and you can max and relax the rest of the evening and possibly make a few bucks doing it.   

9. Host an "Everyone Bring Something" Soiree - Invite whoever you want over to join you to ring in the New Year!  But, everyone has to bring something.  From a bottle of wine to paper plates, make it laid back and worry free.  The only think you need to provide outside of your contribution is your house. 

8. Game Night - Whether it's at your place or someone else's, if everyone brings a game the night could be filled with endless possibilities!  Some of my favorites are Texas Hold Em', Apples to Apples and Cranium.  So bring a game & something to drink for the night, and you will be all set!   

7. Head Somewhere Off Season to Celebrate (like the beach) - I love the beach! And I especially love the beach when it is quiet and cheap to rent a condo or beach house.  The time to go when you want a discount is usually October through April and some places you can rent for 1/4 cost you would during the "in season".   

6. BYOB Dining- Find a great restaurant that has a 'bring your own bottle' policy.  The amount of money that you can save just by bringing your own wine, beer or liquor out to dinner will save you enormously on the bill!!  Don't skimp on the tip though.  :0)

5. Get Dressed up for NO REASON AT ALL! - Wear something out that you love & haven't worn in awhile.  Even if you are going to the pub down the street to drink a few beers, getting dressed up makes you feel better.     

4. Share a Ride - My friends and I did this in college to make some extra cash a couple times.  We would drive our friends & their friends & their friends, etc. out for the night and be the designated driver. So instead of cabs, they would use us and we would charge less than cab fare to drive them to the party and/or bar.  And because they knew us, we would get better tips!    

3. Rent Movies - Whether it's Netflix, Blockbuster or DirecTV, everything you could want to watch is right at your fingertips!  Get in your snuggie & hang out on the couch with some good snacks and some great films to make it a very chill night. 

2. Volunteer - There are a lot of places in and around where you live who could probably use some help in ringing in the New Year.  Whether it's by helping out at a local shelter, or volunteering to help with a parade or celebration of sorts, there is lots to do and volunteers are always appreciated!   Contact your city council or local police department to see what you can do to help make the New Year a fun & safe time for everyone.
1. Order In - You can pretty much get ANYTHING deliverd to your front door these days.  So, take advantage of all the world of delivery has to offer and be catered to on NYE without spending a lot.  From pizza & sushi to beer & wine, you can pretty much get everything you want brought right to your front door. 

So Happy New Year to you and those you love!  Enjoy however you want & be safe. 

Cheers!




 

To Each His Own Holiday Celebration

It is that time of year!  A time for celebrating, eating, drinking & being merry.  It is a great time of year for a lot of people and a more difficult time for others.  I find myself getting extremely giving this time of year; wanting to make sure everyone has something to eat and a place to go for the holidays.  I am blessed to come from a family who has opened the door to those in need since before I was even a twinkle in their eyes.  And now, twenty-nine years later, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree and I too do the same. The holidays truly should be more about giving & less about receiving in my opinion.  So, my thoughts are to incorporate a way to "give back" into all of your gift giving, entertaining, and celebrating throughout the holiday season.  There are many charities who have special programs specific to the holidays where you can buy "two for one" toys or gifts, or you can donate $10 and a sponsor will match your donation.  Some companies will even match an individual contribution to a charity so make sure you reach out to the human resources person in your office to find out what your policy is. 

If you are looking for some guidance, the site Network For Good is great because it gives you access to 1.2 million charities all over the world to donate to.  You can purchase a gift card that has a certain amount of money, become a monthly supporter, and/or set up what's called a "Charity Badge" where you can get people to help support the cause you are supporting this holiday season. There are also ways to have links set up on personal & work websites that go straight to the charity of your choice.  So, during this holiday season, remember that gifts are great but more important to those who are in need than those of us who are blessed to have everything we need.  Happy Holidays!