How to save money for Thanksgiving!!!!

In america during holiday season families waste approximately 25% or more of all food prepared. 

Norman Rockwell's painting "freedom from want" looks picture perfect to the type of ideal thanksgiving dinner most of us know. Those faces of anticipation around the Thanksgiving table have probably permeated all of our ideas of the holiday. Norman Rockwell's idea of Thanksgiving involves turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and green beans, however it does not mean that you have to be obligated to any of these dishes especially if these dishes have gone uneaten previously. Consider scaling back to save money, time, effort, and waste. Here are some helpful tips to help you save money.

Tip 1 

Consider using smaller plates. Many people tend to take more food and become wasteful when using larger plates. By using smaller plates people are more likely to finish all of there food. 

Tip 2

Buy seasonal and off brand items. Food cost have risen drastically over the years so consider going to the nearest farmers market to stock up on seasonal products for your feast. Purchase off brand products which taste just as good if not better than your name brand products. Guys its only the nae your paying more for.

Tip 3

It's so easy to decorate during fall season use what you have on hand. With Thanksgiving being in the fall season you can find a lot of decorations right in your backyard. 

How to get donations on special events, or advertisers for projects

You can get money to help fund your project, whether it is a special event, magazine, or anything in between. How? Well its simple. Special events can assuredly generate revenues especially if it is well planned. If you are repeating a past event, you are in a better position to know how to reduce your costs as well as predict your net income.Special events  provides an opportunity to invite new people and thus broaden your constituency. No other form of fundraising can bring so much pleasure to both the organizers and the participants. Special events can be both rewarding and fun. Special events signal to the public at large the numerical strength of your constituency and the resulting leverage that you can bring to bear on any issue your group might decide to tackle. Successful events become traditions in their own right, drawing old and new participants each year. Focus on small to mid sized companies locally and understand the information that is readily available online. It's not hard at all, just take your time and put in effort and you can actually develop some superior relationships that work. 

1) Research and make a list of companies that can coincide with what you have in mind for your project and appeals to your values. 

2) Make contact, with technology being so advanced these days many think it is easier to send emails or mail. It is best to start off by making a personal connection lie a phone call or a meeting. This is how you convince them your awesome. When they ask "Do you have anything we can look at"? You of course should reply, "Yes" then give them your pitch. This works especially if you have a clearly mutual benefit. Your not selling here your simply making a connection that benefits everyone.

3) Have a specific request ready. When requesting donations it is best to have a nicely crafted template for the type of donation you are requesting.If you are requesting food talk a little about what the food is for and who will benefit.

 Offer an opportunity that promotes their business at your event. Ask if they have flyers or some sort of marketing material about their business they would like displayed at your event. Follow up with an email. Because mainly business owners are busy, email and phone calls are usually a good way to follow up from your in person meeting. 

4) Make your appreciation known. Even if you do receive a donation send a thank you card that includes a photo from your event. This encourages them to donate again in the future. 

Saving Money on Halloween Costumes

Halloween is now less than 4 weeks away, however you can still decide on a perfect costume for you and your little one(s). It's always a good idea to start early to avoid the late crowd that occurs late in October. Consider these 3 strategies to avoid spending a whole lot of money on a costume.

1) Look at what you already have on hand. Is your child in sports? If so he or she could use their uniforms for a costume. A child who plays soccer, football, or basketball could go as a soccer player, basketball player, or football player.              
    If your child is in dance, or cheerleading you can use these also

2) Check craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores. There are already a bunch of costumes up for sale on craigslist. Start searching now and don't forget you can negotiate the price with the seller. 

Yard sales and thrift stores often have alot of costumes that are in great shape and have only been used maybe one time.

3) Buy clothing with a Halloween costume in mind. If you are planning on purchasing your children certain clothing items such as a raincoat. Consider buying one that looks similar to what the child desires to be such as a Spongebob rain coat or fireman.

Also children's pajamas can double up as a costume.