2006-2007 School Year What's a Mom To Do

By Bob Roach

The time is almost here for your child to go back to school. How can we make this year this best that it can be? In the next few paragraphs I will give you some ideas that will improve the educational experience for your child.

If this year is going to be more successful than last year, something has to change. I am going to advise you to focus on just three areas to improve your child's' attitude and aptitude in school. These are the three areas I advise you to concentrate on: Goal setting, reading, and incentives.

Goal Setting

Before the new school year starts, you as a parent, should sit down with your child and discuss the previous years progress in school. At this time you need to positively encourage and praise the accomplishments of the previous year. I know that you are creative enough to find positive feedback. Then it is important that you discuss the importance of having a written plan for the start of a new year.

This is where you introduce the idea of goal setting. Talk about the importance of knowledge and how much power it gives us over those who are not educated. Let your child know that you think education is important. Be real and sensitive with your child as you share your own educational experiences with them.

Then the two of you need to write down at least three realistic short term and two long term goals for the up coming year. If you are like most of us you are thinking... like what. That depends on the child. If you have a child that is in the second grade and they read on the fifth grade level, then you may want to challenge your child to read books of his or her choice that are at the sixth grade reading level. However if they are already a strong reader, you may want to challenge them to spend more time reading science or social studies material. Make the goal specific. (Read magazine articles about science in the first week of school for thirty minutes every other day)

Short term goals should address the weaknesses, that you are aware of, from the previous year. If spelling was a problem then set a realistic goal to be able to spell a specific number of new words each week.

Long term goals on the other hand should deal with outcomes. They should also deal with the ability to do something rather than just having knowledge. A basketball player learns to pass, dribble and shoot. A long term goal would be the ability to actually play the game. A sixth grader needs to know about the scientific method. The long term goal would be using the scientific method to either prove or disprove a theory. Post your goals on the bulletin board or refrigerator in your house.

Reading

I can not over emphasize the importance of encouraging your child to read. You can not start too early. Every one preaches about reading to your infant and that is important. But, we must get our children to transition from being read to, to reading for either knowledge or entertainment. I include entertainment because of the importance of having good early experiences in reading. Not only will this help your children comprehend more but it will also help them write better!

Incentive

I can hear you now. "How do I get my child to actually do anything? I can't even get him to make up his bed or empty the trash." It is at this point that I inform you that if they are young it is easy. All you have to do is work on their value system. Continually lead by example so that your young child will know that you value education. It is amazing how much they want to be like us when they are little. Do you remember when your child had that play lawn mower and wanted to mow just like dad. Well, let me tell you. If your child does not see you reading and leading by example then it will be very difficult to convince them that they should value education.

On the other hand, if they are already in middle school, you may have to work even harder. Because now your child will not think it is important just because you say it is. It will take a very creative parent to make fun and games into learning experiences that will enhance a child's' education. Now you have to be creative enough to make it fun. I can not over emphasize the importance of making sure that your child has a value in education. Very few people do anything if they do not believe in it.

Let's review our keys to success, If we want this school year to be a great learning experience for our child we must put a plan in place by setting short and long term goals. If we do this we will send a great message to our child. They will know that we our willing to invest our time in helping them have a productive year. We must also make reading available and fun for them. And in order for this plan to work we must make sure they have incentives to actually do the work.

Here is to you! A toast, "May you and your children have a productive, educational, and fulfilling year."

Bob Roach Father of one and middle school teacher of literally thousands over the past thirty years. To find out more parenting tips write me at: rproach@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Roach

Essential Oils How To Use - Aromatherapy Spray

By KG Stiles

Pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic uses and benefits. The method applied can affect your results. In this article I will talk about how to use an aromatherapy spray to enhance the health of your living environment, as well as its ambiance.

First, please remember that essential oils should never be applied neat (undiluted) to your skin. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this! This includes the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. When using oils neat for inhalation purposes please exercise care and dispense your oils on a tissue or cotton ball for direct inhalation.

Allow Your Senses the Healing Presence of Your Own Personalized Room Spray. Scent Your Personal Space using the following recipe to create an aromatherapy room spray. Please use colored glass bottle misters.

BASIC RECIPE FOR YOUR AROMATHERAPY ROOM SPRAY:

To freshen and deodorize your personal and private space, as well as promote a germ free living environment simply add your essential oils to 4 ounces of distilled water, shake well and spray. The amount of oil used will depend upon the purpose of your aromatic mist.

Air Freshener ~ 40-60 drops essential oil in 4 ounces of distilled water, shake well and spray. Suggested oils to use: Lavender, Sweet Orange, Atlas Cedarwood

Deodorizer ~ 60-80 drops essential oil in 4 ounces of distilled water, shake well and spray. Suggested oils to use: Lavender, Lemon, Himalayan Cedarwood

Anti-microbial ~ 80-100 drops in 4 ounces of distilled water, shake well and spray. Suggested oils to use: Lemon, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Bark

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest™ system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

KG Stiles is a certified Aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR. USA

PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's book, “Aromatic Medicine - Pathway to Health,” and her DVD about her AromaTest System of Healing, "Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal," are scheduled for release in 2006.
Click to learn about Essential Oils Basic Kit (4 oils)
Click to learn about KG's other PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products Menu
Click to learn about Essential Oils Complete Kit (9 oils)

Contact KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles

Internet Banking - How Secure is It?

by John Gibb

The biggest concern that people have when they start using Internet banking is security. The media is full of scare stories about foreign hackers breaking into thousands of bank accounts and draining out all the money, leaving some poor old couple missing their life savings. Many people have even been scared out of signing up for Internet banking at all by these kind of stories, thinking that it somehow puts them at risk. However, as long as you take the time to learn a little about the Internet, nothing could be further from the truth.

Before we go any further, there is one thing that is absolutely the most important thing you can know about Internet banking security. It is this: there is absolutely no guarantee that emails are from who they say they’re from. E-mail was designed back before people were concerned about Internet security (that’s why you get so much spam), and if you know what you’re doing, it’s really very easy to make an email look like it came from absolutely anyone, anywhere. With this in mind, you should simply ignore any email that says it comes from your bank, and never click any links that the emails may contain.

That’s the biggest risk out of the way, but there are still a few other things to watch out for. When you go to your bank’s website, make sure that you’ve really ended up at the right place by looking for the address in the address bar towards the top of the screen – it should be the address of your bank’s website, not anything strange. Also, make sure to look for the padlock icon in the bottom-right of your screen, as this tells you that your connection is secure. If you’re ever in doubt, close your web browser and start again, copying the bank’s website address carefully from a letter they sent you.

John Gibb is the owner of Internet Banking Guidance .

For more information on internet banking check out
http://www.internet-banking-guidance.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

New Perspectives: Increasing Your Creativity and Imagination Using the Art of Reframing

By Dan Goodwin

As creative people, we can, ironically, at times be very un-creative in our ways of thinking. We may have certain ideas, habits or assumptions that are burned into our behaviours and we simply do without questioning whether there is a better way, or even if there is another way at all.

What’s Reframing?

Reframing is a way to look at situations, behaviours and motivations in different ways and finding new perspectives.

If we think literally about reframing a picture, a sleek black modern frame around an old master or landscape is likely to makes us look at the painting within rather differently.

Similarly, a decadent gilt-edged gold frame around a modern piece of abstract expressionism is likely to cause an unexpected and different reaction too.

Let’s consider two elements to reframing. Firstly, reframing a negative inner voice or critic -

Find the Positive Intention

We all are aware of negative thoughts that crop up in our minds at the most inconvenient times. Consider looking at these slightly differently though. The next time you have a negative or critical voice in your head, stop and ask what the positive intention is behind that voice or criticism.

Be open to a number of possibilities. Often, our inner critic will go into overload when we’re approaching something new or different, simply as a way of trying to protect us. Often too, the protection is from “failing”. The logic here is simple - “If you don’t try, you can’t fail”.

Keep asking your inner critical voice what the positive intention is behind the negative criticism, until you can agree. What is it exactly that you’re inner critic wants to achieve by criticising you in this way?

New method, same result

Next, use your creativity to find all the other possible ways you can achieve the same positive intention, the same outcome your inner critic wants to achieve by criticising you.

Make the assumption that there ARE different – and possibly better – ways of getting the same outcome. Pick three of the best options then imagine going through each of these in your mind, and experiencing the outcome.

Reframing situations

Another way reframing can help us exercise and increase our creativity is to look at everyday situations in new ways, and consider what the stories behind them may be.

Imagine a young man walking down the street wearing a certain pair of designer sports shoes. What could the possible reasons be that he’s wearing this particular brand and style?

Maybe it’s because they’re the latest model from this manufacturer and all his friends wear them? Maybe he worked for a rival brand and left on bad terms and is wearing them as an act of defiance?

It could be that his father works for the company and gets the sports shoes at a cheaper price? Or he has a foot injury and these are the only shoes he’s tried that he finds comfortable?

Or maybe he just liked the colour..?

This is just a simple example and of course there could be many other alternative explanations. The point is, we can look at a very simple scenario and imagine a whole host of possible ways of looking at it, or “reframing” it.

Practice this short exercise yourself and imagine the most wild and implausible background intentions and stories to everyday happenings.

Use reframing to inspire your own creative work

Both of the above methods help us look at common everyday occurrences in a different way. How can you apply the idea of reframing to your own creative works?

Whatever creative projects you’re currently working on, think of all the different ways you could look at them, the different ways ANYONE could look at them, and use this to inspire you in different directions.

Maybe that new painting you’re working on is a special commission for the King of Spain? Maybe it’s going to be a purely physical painting, the first you’ve ever painted without a story behind it? Maybe it’s going to be the quickest painting you’ve ever done? Or the slowest?

These are just possible ideas of what the piece of work might be about, they don’t have to be true even.

Sometimes a simple reframe is all we need to get us started again on a difficult project. The more imaginative you can be, and the more you can use these ideas, the easier and more spontaneous your creativity will become.

© Copyright 2006 Dan Goodwin.

Creativity Coach Dan Goodwin is the author of “Create Create!”, a FREE twice monthly ezine for people who want simple and powerful articles, tips and exercises to help them unleash their creative talents. Sign up right now and get your FREE “Explode Your Creativity!” Action Workbook, at http://www.CoachCreative.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Goodwin

What You Can do About Identity Theft

By Chet Holcomb

Identity theft is a serious problem nowadays. Almost everyone is susceptible to being a victim. As technologies advance, so does the capabilities of such crime from developing further. Identity theft happens when somebody uses your personal information in order to commit fraud and other crimes. There are many ways that criminals can get into your personal information. They can get your personal information from other businesses or institutions where have been a customer.

There are companies that may be keeping your personal information and these businesses are prime targets for identity thieves. One way they can steal these personal information records is by being former employees. Criminals may also be able to get their hands on these records by bribing other employees. More technologically advanced criminals may be able to hack these records online. They can also trick other employees to give them such valuable information that can be worth millions to those who need them.

Other ways that criminals may be able to steal your personal information is through stealing your mail as well as your bank or credit card statements. Your personal information can even be stolen from your tax records. Other criminals can simply go through your trash or that of careless companies who do not take good care of disposing of confidential but seemingly unwanted records.

Some criminals even go to the extent of using high tech gadgets in order to retrieve your personal information from computers, and other storage facilities. There are just many methods available for criminal to steal your personal information if you are not very careful with it. It can be a very costly problem for you aside from being a very inconvenient situation. Before identity theft can do further damage, you should be able to take the necessary precautions in order to stop it on its tracks.

If you feel that your personal information has been stolen in any way, there are some things that you can do in order to fight against it. One of the best ways to catch identity theft is by regularly checking your credit records and bank statements. The most costly of identity theft are those that concern your credit card. Once a criminal may have control over your credit records and information, he may be able to use it at will in your very expense. The criminal gets the money, you pay for it. That is as easy as it gets. In order to prevent it from happening to you, you must be always aware of your credit record and bank statements.

You must have a good idea of what your purchases are and how they come up in your credit records. Noticing anything out of the ordinary can mean that someone may have been using your account without you knowing it. Once you notice such discrepancies, you must report it immediately to the concerned authorities. Report it immediately to your bank or to the credit institution to which you are a member.

You can have your credit card or account blocked temporarily to prevent any further purchases by the identity thieves. Another thing that you can do is by immediately closing the accounts that you know are being tampered with. You can also file a complaint with the police and submit a copy of the complaint to your creditor as proof that you have been a victim of such crime.

Chet Holcomb of Identity Theft Assist researches and supplies information to help peoples protect their there valuable credentials from identity theft.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chet_Holcomb

How to Make Your Own Homemade Catfish Bait

By Darren Takenaga

Have you ever been fishing and witnessed someone catching all the fish? I have many times. When I see someone hauling in stringers full of fish I get very curious. On occasion, I have asked about their secret techniques pertaining to equipment and bait.

A lot of times I will get the polite smile and response such as “just lucky today” or “you know…same ol’ stuff.” I’ll ask what type of bait and that is usually when I will get the silent treatment. The typical response, “sorry, secret family recipe” or “if I tell you, I’ll have to kill you.”

Through the years, I have collected some very useful information concerning fishing baits. The most important realization was that the people who were catching the most fish were not using store bought baits. It seems that they made their own baits.

Some anglers in the past divulged some secrets pertaining to their baits. I thank them for it. I have developed my own formulas but this is not the time or place to reveal them. However, I have compiled the main ingredients found in the most potent catfish bait formulas.

I want to encourage you to develop your own formulas based on these ingredients found below. You will notice that these ingredients are easy to find. You can find the majority of the supplies at a well stocked grocer.

When developing your own formulas, do not use all the ingredients listed. Just take three or four items and see what happens. You are not bound to the items listed below. Feel free to test others.

I have found the most important aspect of making your own bait is testing. You will need to test your homemade bait several times because maybe a certain day, the fish aren’t biting, or there are no fish, or some other variable that has nothing to do with the potency of the bait. Bring several batches of your baits on your fishing outing and test several to increase your chances of success.

Another tip is to write everything down. You don’t want to develop bait and find that it is successful only to realize that you forgot how to make it. Also, you can make batches of bait for literally pennies a pound. You may store the batches in zipper plastic bags in the freezer.

Since these ingredients are for developing catfish bait, I will warn you ahead of time to do your experimenting in the garage or outdoors because some of the ingredients have a pungent smell and some create a mess.

1) Uncooked oatmeal – popular as a base (keeps all the ingredients together in a doughy mixture)
2) Baking flour – another popular base
3) Corn and wheat flakes or similar types of cereals – base to keep bait on hook
4) Water – required in most cases to help make the mixture workable
5) Garlic salt – found in most store bought baits (probably a good idea if you used it also)
6) Garlic powder – similar to salt but may alter the fish attractant properties
7) Can of tuna – found in many homemade bait recipes. Maybe the old timers know something.
8) Anise oil extract – almost a requirement for all types of fishing bait
9) meats from the meat counter (raw livers, brains, fish parts) – the more blood, the better
10) canned or packaged meats such as cat food, dog food, spam, sandwich meats, hot dogs – an alternative to the raw meats
11) cheeses – smellier the better – think limburger or rotten cheddar
12) miscellaneous – fish food pellets, cattle feed pellets, molasses, gelatin mixes, can of corn, strawberry soda, bbq sauce
13) Zipper storage bags – great for mixing your ingredients, storage, and taking to fishing hole.

Remember, if it smells, is bloody, or rotted, it might be a great addition to your catfish bait formula. I hope this will information will get you started in developing your own secret catfish bait.

The most important tip of all is to remember to have fun. Share the experience with your family and friends. Have contests on who catches the most fish with his or her bait. I guarantee you will remember the fishing stories for the rest of your life.

Darren Takenaga is an outdoor enthusiast, and avid angler.

Visit http://www.catfishbaitandtips.com/ to discover secret fish bait recipes to fill your stringer full of fish.

Email: darren.takenaga@gmail.com You may also join my Free Ezine called Fish Bait & Lure. It is a monthly publication delivered via email and contains a fish bait recipe and anything else of interest to fishing enthusiasts.

http://www.MakeYourOwnFishBait.com/subscribe.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Takenaga

Understanding the Frugal Lifestyle

By Martin Lukac

If you want to learn how to save money, you might want to consider becoming frugal. It isn't exactly what you are thinking.

Yes, some frugal people hang their laundry to dry on a clothesline. Some make their own soap and crochet plastic grocery bags into doormats. Others find joy in freezing every leftover scrap.

You will find that frugal people take great joy in creative ways to save money. One of the most amazing I've come across is saving the water that runs in the shower as you wait for it to warm up to water your plants or flush your toilet with.

The first lesson of living frugal is to do what works for you. I don't have the time to spend making soap or saving my shower water. You simply have to look at the creative ways you can save money in your own life. For example, simple ways to start include buying a less expensive soap or spending less time in the shower.

You will find that as you start practicing little frugal things, you start looking at the world a little differently. It really is addictive. My household has had a total makeover. I shop differently and use things differently.

Frugal living is an endless process. There is something always new to learn. There is one more penny you can save.

The key is in paying attention to what you spend and where you spend it. You have to track every penny you spend. Look at the trends in your shopping. Commit to not purchasing anything else until you have used up what you have.

For example, I found that I was spending $200 every two weeks for groceries. I was also throwing away food (such as salad) that I bought too much of. Now that I am shopping once a week, that spending is cut in half. And we are eating it all and eating fresher fruits and veggies.

One thing that really works for me is to focus on what is inside my home. It's not about keeping up with the neighbors. That lifestyle will land you in debt and never satisfy you. The more we stay home, the less we spend. We use what we have, not making a shopping trip whenever we feel like it. I've found that years of shopping has led me to be able to complete thousands of projects without ever buying another craft or scrapbooking item. I plan to use everything before I buy anything else.

If you save money on something, don't spend it on something that doesn't matter. You won't ever see the pennies you are saving if you don't put them away. Saving on your groceries may not matter at all if you take the savings and spend them. Put your weekly savings into a jar or savings account or investment. Pay off that debt. Contribute to an IRA. Make those pennies count.

You have to have goals. Why do you want to be frugal? If you don't have a reason to save money, you won't. Work towards your goal every day. And remember -- we are all human. We slip up and buy things we shouldn't. We make financial mistakes. But all you can do is get back on track and deal with it. And look for a new way to be frugal.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com

and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Lukac

New Driver Car Insurance - Tips to Save Money with Your New Driver

By Jessica Farrell

As a new driver, expect to pay more for your car insurance than you would if you were an older more experienced driver. All is not lost, however, there are things you can do to take the sting out of the cost of insurance and lower your rate.

1. Vehicle: Stay away from brand new, very expensive, very fast, sport cars. Expensive cars cost more to insure, the more horse power, the higher and the premium. Go for something that is older, with many safety features. Companies offer discounts for features like automatic seatbelts, airbags and anti-lock brakes.

2. Drivers Education: As a new driver, it will help your insurance rate if you take an approved drivers safety course. Chat with your insurance agent before taking the course. You want to make sure that they recognize and approve of the institution offering the class. Aside from getting good driving information, you do want to get the insurance premium discount so make sure that it is one accepted by your insurance carrier.

3. Sober Driving: This is a no brainer, but needs to be said. Driving while under the influence is not only dangerous, but costly in more ways than one. If you are stopped with a DUI, not only will your insurance rates increase, if you are under aged, it is illegal and your insurance company may void your coverage.

4. Student Drivers: If you're a new young driver that is still in school, maintaining good grades (B average or above) may earn a discount of up to 25% of your insurance premium.

5. Talk to your agent. Your insurance agent is aware of various discounts offered by the insurance company. You might qualify for some of them, but you won't know unless you ask.

6. Compare: Get quotes from more than one company. Shop around. Hang in there. You're only new once; rates will go down with driving experience.

View our Recommended Car Insurance Company for New Drivers, a simple site that has an easy to fill out application. It also has a lot of great info about Home Insurance and Health Insurance
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Farrell

Frugal Gifts for Frugal Gals

By Cheryl Johnson

A frugal gift is measured first by it's usefulness. Speaking from my own experience, I would say that my most appreciated gifts are those that I not only find useful, but that I would have had to purchase myself at some point. With that in mind, the frugal mind that is, the gift actually serves two practical purposes; It is useful and saves me money.

If you are a frugal gal, this task will be much easier for you. If great minds think alike, the same is true of frugal minds. Simply look within yourself. The frugal gal can get excited about the most ordinary of items. For the rest of you, here's a little help.

Although you may question some items on the list, remember, the frugal gal enjoys frugal things! She looks to get the best value for her money and this IS what makes her happy! It just makes sense that providing a practical frugal gift that may also save money, will make her happy. Isn't that what great gifts should do? So here's to happiness and the pursuit of the frugal lifestyle! Happy holidays, happy birthdays, happy Mother's day, etc. etc. etc....

FRUGAL GIFT BASKET IDEAS

Some of these unique gift baskets might seem odd or unusual to the average person. If you're a frugal gal, you'll completely understand. The rest of you will just have to trust me.

THE LAUNDRY GIFT BASKET

For the frugal gal who holds onto things until they fall apart (or even after they fall apart). This is the gal who has a laundry basket held together with duct tape, tied together with string or rope, or repaired several times with other various ingenious methods. Probability is, she may not even have a laundry basket. I have several produce boxes (they are extremely strong, especially banana boxes) that make wonderful laundry carriers! And, they are free. Fill a sturdy laundry basket with one or two boxes each:
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
20 Mule Team Borax
A few bars of Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap

I say "sturdy" basket because it will inevitably be put to the test by a frugal gal! If your frugal gal doesn't need a new laundry basket, you can give these gifts in an appropriate size traditional gift basket or just gift bag 'em. This is a great gift for anyone who doesn't mind saving money. And, I don't know anyone who minds! I would mix up one batch and put in a tightly sealed container. (You can make a decorative container yourself i.e. - a quart mason jar and some decorative fabric banded over the top. Tie with pretty ribbon.) Place with the laundry detergent ingredients to get them to try it and started down the right path. Include the following Laundry Detergent Recipe with the Laundry Basket Gift.

Powdered Laundry Detergent

1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.

Options:
1. If budget allows, throw in some cloth napkins, utility towels, bath towels, hand towels, or washcloths.
2. Make a little book with a variety of laundry tips, tricks, and homemade recipes. This is great for a new bride.

THE CLEANING GIFT BASKET

The frugal gal makes her own cleaning solutions and is always looking for cleaning and organizing tips. The cleaning basket might include such items as, a couple of spray bottles, steel wool, a pumice stone, cream of tartar, vinegar, baking soda, gloves, scrub brushes, utility towels or cleaning rags, dusters, cloth diapers (make great cleaning rags), household cleaning and organizing tips book or recycling tips.
Top with a personalized cleaning shirt or apron or any other little cleaning gadgets you think your frugal gal might find handy. Throw in a coupon for a coffee break date, with you, at your home, her home, or a local coffee shop! Your treat of course.

THE KITCHEN GIFT BASKET

The kitchen basket contents is limited only to your imagination! This is a great gift for anyone who loves to cook. Frugal gals know the importance of saving through cooking. If you're a frugal gal you can reflect on your own needs and frequent uses to spark some ideas. By the way, the "basket" doesn't have to be a basket. Did that make sense? You'll see what I mean. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Baker's Basket: Fill a large mixing bowl or basket [she'll probably get more use out of the bowl ;-)] with baking tools and/or supplies as much as will suit your budget. i.e. - Wire whisks of various sizes, wooden spoons, measuring spoons and cups, a sifter, cookie cutters, rubber spatulas (you know, those things you use to scrape every last bit of batter out of the bowl. My husband and I still argue about what these are called), a bag of bulk yeast, can of baking powder, various spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, etc.), vanilla extract, or anything else you know your frugal gal or cook will use or needs.
Top it all off with a personalized apron. Make or buy an apron and write the person's name or a personal message, poem, or saying on it, using a fabric paint pen or paints. Other contents might include a cookbook, some of your own favorite recipes printed neatly on a recipe card or made into a mini cookbook, a recipe file, cookbook stand, well I could go on and on.

2. Cook's Basket: Fill a large stock pot or basket with a variety of cooking utensils or supplies. i.e. - Most of the above items could be considered as well as, ladles, cutlery, small strainer/s, tongs, special seasonings, cooking spices (Italian seasoning, cumin, onion powder, garlic, oregano, thyme, etc) and again, top it off with a pretty apron! Throw in a cookbook if your budget allows and/or toss in some homemade recipes for taco seasoning, chicken bake coating, stuffing, whatever you can find to replace higher priced store bought mixes.
A good idea might be to actually make the mixes and give them already mixed in a tightly sealed container or jar along with the recipe. How to save money on groceries tips or book.

THE FOOD GIFT BASKET

1. Frugal Food Basket: Mix up some master baking mix, pancake mix, cookie mix, or muffin mix. Pick and choose or give them all in tightly sealed containers or jars and attach recipes for using and the mix recipe. Decorate accordingly of course. Specialty rice and rice mixes, bean mixes, bean and rice mixes, oatmeal, and couscous. A pack of herb seeds or starter plants for indoor herb gardening. Top it off with an apron, or a gift card from your local grocery store.

2. Treat Gift Basket: Now this one is great to give the frugal gal food items that her budget, or frugal mind, just won't allow. Even frugal gals have favorite gourmet items that they love but rarely treat themselves to. For instance, I love Macadamia nuts. But they are very expensive, making them cost prohibitive for my financial goals right now.

If you don't already know, ask a spouse or close relative what items the recipient enjoys. Fill a basket or other creative container with those foods and other various specialty foods, snacks, nuts, and/or cheeses. Remember to take into consideration any diet restrictions and select your contents accordingly.

3. Coffee or Tea Gift Basket: I'm a true coffee lover. But, as a frugal gal, I know that a common brand will get me through the day just as well as a gourmet brand. That doesn't change the fact that I enjoy a good cup of gourmet or specialty coffee once in a while. But, with my current financial goals, the treat comes few and far between. The coffee basket will definitely be appreciated by the frugal gal who loves a good cup of joe! Pack that basket with several different brands of gourmet or specialty coffee or a lot of the one brand you know she loves. Include a permanent coffee filter to fit the brand of coffeemaker she uses to show you haven't forgotten her practical side! You can easily adapt the contents to fit the tea lover instead. Top it off with a nice coffee cup.

THE GARDENER'S GIFT BASKET

The gardener's basket is simply a collection of any supplies a home gardener might need; A garden knee pad, gardening tools, seeds, (starter plants if it's the right time of year) Gardening books and tips. Starter pots. Containers for the container gardener. Gloves and a hat.

SEWING GIFT BASKET

Fill a basket or sewing box with a variety of sewing notions. Include some decorative fabric or a collection of scrap fabrics; Sewing patterns or instructions for home decorating sewing tasks or sewing level appropriate apparel patterns. In other words, keep it real. Not everyone is a seamstress but, most frugal gals can make a curtain or pillow cover given simple instructions. Your frugal gal might be a mender or a seamstress. Choose your gift basket contents accordingly. Include such novelties as velcro, snaps, hemming tape (or fusion tape), iron on patches, as these will be handy for most frugal gals.

Now don't worry frugal gals, I've got your back! ;-) I wouldn't want your friends and family to think you will be offended if they give you a non-frugal gift. So here's my last thought......

Although the frugal gal will love and appreciate the practical, useful, gift like no one else can, she is indeed a woman. So, if the notion strikes, you may certainly reward her with a luxury gift. The frugal gal will enjoy a luxurious treat that she would not normally consider for herself. For example, a trip to the salon for a professional manicure, pedicure, or hair style.

If you know your frugal gal has had her eye on an outfit, or other item, that she's convinced she doesn't need but secretly admires and wants, of course (if your budget allows) Get It For Her! Odds are she won't buy it for herself and she will surely be happy to receive it as a gift. She'll get to have something she wants but doesn't actually need, and still remain faithful to her lifestyle or financial commitments.
I hope these ideas help you create beautiful gifts for anyone in your life. Choosing a basket theme to suit the recipients interests or needs is always a winning gift. Personalized gifts are more appreciated and keep on giving. Each time the recipient uses the item/s they are reminded of the thoughtfulness of the giver.

Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com/ - a self-help plan, ideas, and resources for a simple proven debt elimination strategy, household budget planning, frugal living, and practical home business ideas . Money saving tips for monthly bills, home decorating, gifts, weddings, groceries, clothing and much more save money every day.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Johnson