How To Spend Less And Save More For Christmas

Christmas Is Coming

Just because Christmas is a few months away doesn't mean you should put it out of your mind. When it comes to getting ready for Christmas being prepared is the key!

Start Early

It's never too early to get your Christmas Shopping done! Buying throughout the year makes is less of a burden on the bank account.  It may sound like a strang idea, but a lot of it has to do with the right mindset. 

Tips For Year Round Christmas Shopping

1. It's Better To Give. When you're out and see a great deal, instead of grabbing it for yourself, think if someone on your Christmas list would like it and purchase it for them instead. You'll still have the thrill of the good buy but you'll also be chipping away at your To-Do list at discount rate!
2. Hit The Clearance Area. Right now a lot of beach items will be on sale, but what child wouldn't want their favourite character beach towel to use as a bath towel year round? Perhaps you have people on your list that travel to tropical destinations over the winter. They would find a lot of summer themed items useful for their trip. 
3. Grab The Seasonal Deals. With this being the back to school time of year, use that to your advantage. It's a great time for deals on electronics, stationary supplies and dorm-room decorative items.
4. Pay With Your Points.  If you have points racked up on a card use it for gift purchases. Store point cards get you everything from fancy perfumes to laptop computers.

Now the bulk of your shopping is done but it's still a good idea to have some extra cash around for those last minute co-worker, secret Santa and/or hostess gifts ready. It's time to prepare for that too!

Get Out Your Piggie Bank

Today is September 2nd which means Christmas is 113 days away (give or take a few hours). If you skip your coffee run and put away a toonie a day, you'll have $226 saved up to help with the last minute shopping!

Living Frugal - Be Realistic

Tips For Saving Money In Canada

This post was inspired by an inquiry on the Bargain Hunting Momma Facebook Group.  Also make sure to check out my friend Jennifer's Bargain Hunting Momma blog for great info!

As you know we've been posting about Low Cost And Free Events in the Kitchener Waterloo Area here on the Stuff To Do With Your Kids In Kitchener Waterloo blog since 2009.  The blog came from our need to take each of our kids to events that didn't have us breaking the bank.

We would run into people that would say "Hey I didn't see you at the Firefighter Open House (or insert family friendly event here).  Our response was "Had we known about it we would have been there" We found many other parents felt the same way and so this blog and facebook group was born.

Beyond events we are pretty proud of how frugal we are.  Here are some ways we save and can help you on your saving journey as well.

The DOs and DON'Ts of Saving Money

1. Visit our Online Coupons For Canadians Pinterest board
2. Watch Gail Vaz Oxlade's Til Debt Do Us Part. You can learn a lot from this show.
3. Don't buy something just because it's on sale. If you don't need it right now, save up for when you can actually afford it.
4. Don't use your credit cards for shopping. Only use them for car repair emergencies, parking lot machines and reserving hotels (but let the booking agent know you will be paying cash for your stay)
5. Read the post on how to Save Money On Cell Phone, Home Phone, TV and Internet
6. Pay extra funds to your mortage (also fall under #2), imagine how much extra money you'll have a month if once your mortage is paid off
7. Don't buy a big house. A big house means more electricty to light, higher heating bills, more grass to cut etc
8. Always have a full meal at home before you head out. Places like movie theatres expect you to buy large snacks to get you through the next few hours. If you have just had a meal, there is a good chance you won't need all that extra stuff. Check out this blog post for more ways to save money at the movie theatre
9. If you have a spot for a garden, start a garden. My friend Jane knows a lot about urban gardens, so be sure to check out her Fresh Endeavours Facebook Page. 
10. Find ways to use what you have grown like this one coming up at the Kitchener Market Bernardin canning: Thursday, Apr. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Looking for a way to store your produce longer, or to transform it into a useful preserve? The second part of our Bernardin Canning workshop, water bath canning, is a technique that can be used on your vegetables, fruits, jams, jellies, and pickles. * This class costs $2 email
11. Enter online contests to for free stuff!
12. Price match! Unlike the USA we don't have double coupon days, but we have price matching!
13. Extra savings if you price match and have a coupon to apply to the savings
14. Staycation! Find lots of Stuff To Do in your area! Finding low cost events in your area will also save you on gas (and possibly parking)
15. Be environmentally friendly by re-using items
16. ?????????

What is your idea for #16? Leave your money-saving tip in the comments!!! We want to know how you live frugal too!

 

Save Money On Cell Phone, Home Phone, TV and Internet Just Like I Did

Focusing On Family Budgets

As you know I'm always looking for ways to help families save! That's how the Stuff To Do With Your Kids In KW blog and Facebook Group got started.

As you may have read on my personal blog I received a Blackberry Z10 on Cityline!
If you know me then you know that this is my first Smartphone (yes I know most don't believe me when I tell them that).

So long slider cell phone with a cracked screen!

Now that I have this new piece of tech I wanted to find a way to have a great plan without costing me a ton of cash!

HELLO CELL CHOICE!

I got to know Josh through the Chamber lunch that I often attend for my workplace.  His presentation about how he does all the searching/haggilling/bargain shopping for me was fantastic and he was the first person I emailed after I got home from Cityline.

Wondering How It All Worked Out?

Well this is my facebook post ..... 

Hi Everyone!
To get the info from Josh please use my name as your referral in this link
http://cellchoice.ca/referrals
I just want to let you know that I just saved a bunch of cash on my Rogers & Fido Services! Josh is fantastic at finding you deals on your cell phone, tv, home phone & internet costs. He saved me about $40 per month! Plus he did all the leg work with setting up my blackberry! He charges $50 for a personal shopping fee and then 3 months worth of your savings. My invoice total from him is $175 which is peanuts compared to all the money I'll save from here on in on my Rogers & Fido Services.
& once again To get the info from Josh please use my name as your referral in this link
http://cellchoice.ca/referrals
Ok have a great weekend everyone!

Can you tell I was uber excited!?!?!?! 
So if you want to see have you can Save Money On Cell Phone, Home Phone, TV and Internet Just Like I Did then contact him through the link above and let him know Lisa McDonald sent you!

Now I can use my Smartphone To Find My Stuff!

Family Fun In February - Stuff To Do With Your Kids In Kitchener Waterloo

Hope everyone had a great Family Day Weekend!

This must be a good deal for families! Over 3000 purchased already!!!! Fantasy Fair - $20 for a 4-Person http://www.wagjag.com/?w=99117&wid=2c7dcef4ea90b05c642db06b3c128dfc


BLAST TIME!!!

Homeschool Day at the Waterloo Region Museum (Doon)

Friday, February 22, 2013
9:30am – 5pm
10 Huron Road
Summary: Explore the exhibits in the Waterloo Region Museum and enjoy hands-on historical games and activities. $5 per child. Teaching parent receives free admission.

Fri. Feb. 22, 10:30 – 11:30 am, Pioneer Park Library, 150 Pioneer Dr, Kitchener

KPL Family Storytime and Craft

PWA Wrestling @ The Alpine Club Feb 22
Pure Wrestling Association
Doors Open at 7:00PM
Bell Time at 8:00PM
Tickets can be purchased at Combinations Sports - 306 King St W in Kitchener, or by calling 519-998-8799. PWA will deliever tickets in the area
VIP Front Row - $25
VIP General - $20
(VIP gets you in at 6:30pm to meet Tommy Dreamer)
Front Row - $20
General Admission - $15
Kids 10Under General - $10
https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/338443346270662/

Feb 23
Visit Caribbean Kitchen to soak up the flavours of the Caribbean while you sway to reggae and calypso beats at the Kitchener Market from 11am to 1pm.

Wilmot Heritage Day
When: Saturday February 23rd, 2013
Where: St. Agatha Community Centre
Time: 11 am to 3 pm (*Awards Ceremony at 1pm)
Free event -activities listed here  http://www.heritagewilmot.ca/heritageDetails.php?Heritage-Day-2013-Wilmot-at-Play-Toys-of-our-Childhood-1

Coldest Night Of The Year
4-7:30pm
Cameron Heights Collegiate
https://www.facebook.com/events/330913510356424/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Creative Writing Club
Bring a pencil, a notebook and your imagination! Grades 3 – 6.
Call 519-743-3558 to register. FREE
Sat. Feb. 23 at 2:30 pm, Country Hills Library, 1500 Block Line Rd, Kitchener

City Parent Family Show
Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)
Start Date Sunday February 24, 2013
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A fun filled day hosted by City Parent Magazine with everything for families! Education, camps, attractions and live entertainment! Note - It does not state cost to attend please contact The Waterloo Region Museum for the cost to attend this http://waterlooregionmuseum.com/upcoming-events.aspx

Waterloo region Family Network presents: A Parent's Guide to Bullying
Monday, February 25, 2013
7 – 9pm
Location: Resurrection Catholic Secondary School
455 University Avenue, West
Kitchener
Alyson Schafer. Parents learn a new understanding of bullying behaviour that calls for a new approach to prevention and intervention. Tickets: $25. Tickets can be purchase online at http://wrfn.info/programs/seninars-and-workshops/
 or email info@wrfn.info
 or call 519-804-1786. Please register your children for daycare by calling 519-804-1786.

The Breakfast of Champions
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
6:30 – 8am
Location: Hacienda Sarria
1254 Union Street
Kitchener,
We are very excited to report that Kitchener Rangers' Coach, Steve Spott and Canada's Olympian in Women's Hockey, Cheryl Pounder will be the speakers at a breakfast at Hacienda Sarria. The hospitality and culinary students of Conestoga College, under the direction of an Executive Chef, will be cooking a breakfast worthy of champions. Tickets are $25 each and a table is $200. This event will be of interest to hockey enthusiasts of both genders and all ages.
 www.breakfast.nutritionforlearning.ca

Feb 27
91.5 The Beat Corus Feeds Kids Day at Harveys
Kids 10 & under eat free w/adult meal purchase.
Cost of kids meal is donated to local community fundraising
Details here http://www.915thebeat.com/CorusFeedsKidsPage.aspx#

Feb 28
Visit Carlos from 91.5 The Beat as he walks on a treadmill @ The Athletic Club for 24 hours for The Heart & Stroke foundation. Info here http://www.915thebeat.com/Blog/Carlosblog/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10504617



LOOKING AHEAD

March 2
Pledge To End Bullying @ Fairview Park Mall
beginning at 10:30am times and activities listed here http://www.fairviewpark.ca/en/centreinfo/Pages/ThePledge.aspx

Canstruction Waterloo Region
Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 17, 2013
Location: Conestoga Mall
550 King Street, North
Waterloo,
Summary: Canstruction, a food and awareness raising event, provides teams of architects, engineers, designers, tradespeople and students a chance to extend their creativity. You can build an impressive structure out of thousands of cans of food showcasing your talent and company name to more than 10,000 viewers at Conestoga Mall during March break. The food in your build will be shared with the community.
Phone number: 519-743-5576
www.thefoodbank.ca

Clarky's Kids Day at Cookie Cutters
Friday, March 15, 2013
9am – 8pm
Location: Cookie Cutters
36 Northfield Drive
Waterloo
Summary: Please join us at COOKIE CUTTERS on Friday, March 15th for face painting, raffle draws and refreshments as we help to raise funds for Clarky's Kids. Clarky's Kids is a local charity sponsored by The Kitchener Rangers and former Ranger and current New Jersey Devil, David Clarkson, to help local families dealing with childhood cancer.
On March 15th, Cookie Cutters will donate $3/cut to Clarky's Kids so book your child's appointment today! Let's work together to help those in need.
Thanks, in advance, for your support!
Phone number: 519-880-0528
www.haircutsarefun.com

March 16
Kitchener Market
St Patricks Day celebrations
Join us for kids in the kitchen, crafts, food and more
Irish dance academey and Shannigans will be here to entertain

22nd Annual Cambridge Coin Club Show
Saturday, March 16, 2013
9am – 4pm
Location: Cambridge Newfoundland Club
1500 Dunbar Road
Cambridge,
Summary: Presented by the Cambridge Coin Club. Buy, sell, trade and evalute at 52 tables. Tokens, trade dollars, coins, paper money, militaria, sports cards, CTC coupons. Admission free! Proceeds to charitable organizations. Free admission!
Phone number: 519-622-0111

K-W Cambridge Postcard Memories Show and Sale
Sunday, March 17, 2013
9:30am – 4pm
Location: Bingemans
425 Bingeman Road
Kitchener, ON
Summary: South Central Ontario's Largest Post Card Expo-10's of thousands of cards from pre 1900 to post 2000's. Free parking, door prizes, leading dealers. Admission $5. Children under 12 free when accompanied by adult. stamphogg@hotmail.com
 Phone number: 519-885-3499

MARCH BREAK
I'll be doing a separate post about March break activities soon, so if you know of any Free or Low Cost Events over March Break please leave them in the comments at the bottom of this post! Thanks!

March Break @THEMUSEUM (Downtown Kitchener)

Admission rates apply
Sat March 9
11am - Meet the Zookeeper
1pm - Contemporary School of Dance

Sun March 10
11am to 2pm - Goodlife Booth
1pm - Meet KiM our Kids In Motion Mascot

Mon March 11
1pm - Play with 'snow' in THEMUSEUM

Tues March 12
10:30am - Magic of Dance with Ballet Jorgen Canada

Wed March 13
9am - Member Morning
12:30pm - Fire & Ice Mad Science Show

Thurs March 14
1pm - Plasma Race Cars

Fri March 15
1pm - Play with 'snow' in THEMUSEUM

Sat March 16
11am - Meet the Zookeeper
1pm - Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory Show

Sun March 17
1pm - Safari Science Reptile Show

March Break Madness

Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 17, 2013
Location: Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)
10 Huron Road
Summary: Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm. March Break fun! Every day hands-on activities and demonstrations are scheduled for the whole family. Regular admission

Monday, April 15, 2013
Taste Of Woolwich
at Breslau Mennonite Church, 226 Woolwich St. S.

Meet local farmers & restaurateurs, see cooking demonstrations by chefs & local youth, sample and buy savory foods, and learn about the benefits of buying local!
Admission $5 per family; $2 per adult
Times & activities are listed here http://ow.ly/hW8OO

ONGOING EVENTS
Fantastic news from The Kitchener Market
COME DINE WITH ME CANADA IS COMING TO KITCHENER!!!!
Info for applying
The best way for anyone to apply is to go to www.comedinewithmecanada.com
or contact us directly at comedinewithme@propertelevision.com
or call 416.598.2500 x 303.
Make sure to tell them Michele from The Kitchener Market & @Those2Girls sent you!

Grand River Rocks - What's Up Youth
50 Borden Ave Kitchener
What's Up Youth
What's Up Youth is a drop-in program for kids (under 18) that runs every Saturday night from 6:30-8:30pm. Belay staff takes care of all technical aspects, allowing children to climb on the roped walls. The cost for the 2 hours is $10 per child. CASH ONLY please. Harness rental is included, but shoes are not. Shoe rental is an extra $5. Newcomers, please come 10-15 minutes early to sign waivers.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whats-Up-Youth/100274786704282

Need some fun for the young ones?
Kids Hop at The Kitchener Market Every
Tuesday from 11am - noon
http://kitchenermarket.ca/events.aspx?cid=70220

KPL Kids’ Club
Free family stories & crafts at the Kitchener Market. Saturdays from 9 to 11 am.

Artlab (winter 2013)
Instructor: Christine Ball
Saturdays, Jan 19 - Feb 23
Ages 6 - 8: 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Ages 9 - 13: 2:30 - 4:00 pm
$15 + HST / class
Saturdays are fun at the Gallery! Join us in the art "lab" as we experiment with new ideas, materials and techniques. Projects are inspired by themes in the Winter 2013 exhibitions. Suitable for all skill levels.
Feb 9 - Recycled Books
Feb 16 - Hybrid Toys
Feb 23 - Painting with Different Tools
https://www.kwag.ca/en/programs/KidsClasses.asp

New Cricket Program in Kitchener! www.cricketinkitchener.com
Cricket In Kitchener is looking for female players, volunteers and coaching staff for all of our programs! Noe experience required! Please conctact cricketinkitchener@gmail.com
or phone Katie Bjorkenstam or Evan Bjorkenstam at 519-954-8525

•Bertie's Place - infants to kids in Grade 1 can participate in a volunteer-run playgroup from September to April on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Albert McCormick Community Centre. Cost: $2 per visit or $25 for a season pass. http://www.waterloo.ca/en/gettingactive/dropinprograms.asp

•Time Out - caregivers and kids aged newborn to six enjoy creative play, games and songs on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Manulife Financial Soccer and Sports Centre in Bechtel Park. Google Map. Cost: $5 per visit (one adult and up to four kids) or $45 for a 10-visit pass. http://www.waterloo.ca/en/gettingactive/dropinprograms.asp

Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)
Starts Saturday February 2, 2013
10 a.m. to noon
Saturdays in February, children ages eight to ten years of age can discover the Waterloo Region Museum through fun activities and games. Every month features a new exciting theme for children to explore. Advance registration $35 plus HST per child per month or $10 per session plus HST. Membership discount applies. Capacity is limited. http://waterlooregionmuseum.com/upcoming-events.aspx

KPL Lego Block Party
We provide the Lego, you provide the imagination! Ages 5 – 12.
Call 519-748-2740 to register. FREE
Tues. at 6:30 pm, Feb. 5 – 26, Pioneer Park Library, 150 Pioneer Dr, Kitchener

KPL Splish Splash Storytime
After a story, jump in the pool!
Wed. at 7:00 pm, Feb. 6 – Feb. 27, Forest Heights Library, 251 Fischer-Hallman Rd, Kitchener

KPL Writing Workshops for Teens
with Heather Wright, author of Writing Fiction: A Hands-On Guide for Teens
Four 1-hour workshops on plot, dialogue, character development and action/suspense.
Feb. 6 – Mar. 6 at 4 pm. Email christy.giesler@kpl.org
to register. FREE


I know many enjoy the coupon codes for fun activities that I list here. I've started a whole coupon pinterest board.  Here are the super easy instructions for claiming these coupons!

Step 1
Visit http://pinterest.com/those2girls/online-coupons-for-canadians/

Step 2
click on the pics to get the coupons

How easy was that?
FYI we're getting our next Those2Girls Show You How To Save Event organized! When we have all the details set you'll be the first to know!

Keep Smiling!
Lisa