Our Frugal Lifestyle

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Passionate about eco-frugality. I used to party hard, clubbing my way from pay-packet to pay-packet. Never getting ahead, just getting by. Then came our much wanted baby with no savings in the bank - only an old car. Changes were made to our lifestyle and we didn't turn back. In the past 6yrs we purchased a flat, found employment, lived below our means, built an emergency fund, purchased a reliable car and saw the financial benefits of our frugal lifestyle. Our only debt is our mortgage. Our aim is to manage our cash flow wisely, pay off our home quickly and eventually work for pleasure, not necessity. Join us on our journey, share insights, tips and tricks to help us and others to get ahead while having a good time.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Pinata

Hi Everyone,

Dolly and I worked on TO DO craft project today. A Birthday Party Pinata. I was inspired by someones blog but I don't remember who - so forgive me for not linking. We used our memory, adapted their method and created our own mini version of a Pinata ready for filling with sweets and chocolate gold coins. It's supposed to be a crown - but I think it kind of looks like a castle. No matter, as kids have great imagination and itch to have fun. And this party will be fun :-)

This was our process:

Cut a cereal box down to size and shape.



Cut crepe paper.



Cover box in glue.



Paste crepe paper in layers.



Paste embellishments.



Cover any bits that you missed with crepe paper such as the top flaps and bottom.




And Voila one Pinata ready to be be filled and whacked.



So there you have it! This Eco Frugal woman has achieved one of her aims again. Using trash and saving money. The only cost was crepe paper we used 1/4 of a $2.40 packet and glue. So roughly 80 cents and less than 1 hour of our time for one Pinata in the shape to fit our Princess And Knight themed Birthday Party. (You could make these as an inexpensive birthday gift for kids or adults. Just fill it with trinkets or sweets).

We have more crafting to complete this week in preparation for the party in 2 weeks time. And.. cupcake making for the school classroom where I will attempt something I have never made before. This will be my year of challenging myself by making many things myself to save cash, be creative, include my daughter and prevent the buying of new or over packaged stuff.

How about you? Ready to Party in style but cut costs by being organised and making it yourself? Let me know any tricks or ideas you have..

10 comments:

  1. If/when I ever have kids, I want them to have a Princess and Knight themed party. Yours looks like it will be SO MUCH FUN!!

    Pinata looks great!

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    Replies
    1. The pinata looks really good and it sounds like Dolly is going to have an awesome party. Other than Amelia's this year, usually my family helps with the cooking, this saves money but especially time on a day when you are super busy.

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  2. I used to pinata pigs for my kids parties. Blow us a balloon, papier mache the outside, stick loo roll legs on with sticky tape, papier mache over the top, loo roll cut down for the nose, curly tail, little ears, paint the lot pink and paint eyes ect on it - I used to cut open a section, stuff with sweets and stick down - nice and easy to make

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  3. awesome pinata - im having one for MY next party - feck waiting till i have kids lol!

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  4. It looks amazing!

    I showed my niece your blog last night and she is so excited about DOLLY'S PARTY too.

    Have the fun is looking forward to something!

    I bet she can't wait.

    Sft x

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  5. Here is my frugal chocolate cake, Cheap as eggless, butterless and milk free. Bit of coloured icing and the kids are happy! Saves heaps not purchasing a ready made cake or packet mixes. Lovely and moist. Hope you will try it!


    Dry ingredients -
    3 cups Plain flour
    2 cups Sugar
    1/2 cup Cocoa (Homebrand Cocoa is far superior to Bournville Cocoa)
    2 tsp Bicarb soda
    1 tsp salt


    Wet ingredients -
    2 cups cold water
    1/2 cup oil
    2 tbspoons Vinegar
    2 tsp Vanilla



    1. Sift together the dry ingredients into a bowl.
    2. Place all 4 wet ingredients into a jar with a lid, and shake vigorously.
    3. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
    4. Pour into greased, paper lined tin.
    5. Bake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours in 180 degree oven.


    Enjoy!

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  6. Excellent idea Stephanie - I'm sure you daughter loved making this! She and her friends will have a ball whacking this, I suspect!

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  7. This is a good idea on how you can involve your kid in planning his own party.Let him make his crafty pinata so he can have a sense of responsibility on his own event. This is a great bonding too.

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  8. When your kid is involved in planning the party, it could definitely turn into a great bonding time between you two from the beginning up until the time when you need to clean up after the party.

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Thanks for commenting - I love getting feedback, sharing experiences and learning from you.