Times of Transition

Living Large on Less is in a time of transition between administrators.  Both the former administrator and the new are also both in times of transition as well.  Unfortunately, in the midst of all these transitions, Living Large on Less has suffered severe neglect.  From the bottom of both of our hearts we sincerely apologize.  More frequent posting is a definite priority, one we are working very hard on.  Thank you so much for being patient and hanging in there as we learn a new groove. 

 

Anyway...a topic of much interest to many right now is how to celebrate special occasions in a big way with little financial cost.  If you were to conduct an online search right now the sheer volume of answers to this question would astound you.  Trust me on this.  Ideas for saving money without sacrificing quality and meaning are abundant.  Not only is the number of ideas overwhelming, the variety of ideas brought forth is truly unbelievable.  Who knew there were so many ways to cut costs when celebrating.  Best of all, there is at least one usuable suggestion for everyone.  Not that long ago ideas found online were primarily usable only by people living in urban or metropolitan areas.  Now, however, even those of us living in rural areas can find usable information online.  It's absolutely wonderful.  Truly, it is.  Even the most creative souls can hit the brick wall of nothing when planning a special celebration.  Being able to tap into the well of creative genius offered online is a marvelous opportunity.  Why not use it to the full?

 

Here are a few of the most shared celebration ideas.  The majority were written for wedding or anniversary celebrations, but we think they could be adapted to work well for any occasion.

• Eliminate excessive food expense by making the event potluck.  A common tip given was to assign individuals specific foods such as salad, dessert, chips, drinks, etc. to avoid ending up with an entire table full of one type of item such as desserts.  Another suggestion was for the host to furnish the main course or meat and guests furnish salads and/or desserts.  A number of people shared that they had done this for their wedding receptions with tremendous success.
• Rather than serving a formally catered meal at a wedding reception, a large amount of people served cold cuts for sandwiches, relish trays, and salads to cut down the costs.  Serving an informal meal in this way allowed the guests to begin eating right away.  This eliminated the long, unpleasant wait for the bride and groom to FINALLY arrive at the reception. 
• An idea that was completely new to us was the one requesting that each wedding guest bring a food dish for the reception in lieu of a gift.  Those sharing this suggestion said this worked wonderfully and guests loved it.  
• Save on decorations by using items you already have, especially those that are symbolic of the person(s) being celebrated.  For instance, there was a lovely wedding centerpiece created using an antique scale and flowers.  Pocket watches, jewelry, and other significant items would lend themselves to this personal stye of decorating very well.
• Many contributors shared that keeping it simple had saved them not only money, but had also eliminated stress.
• Keep the large scale items neutral in color and add small punches of accent color.  For example, tableclothes in ivory or white scattered with rose petals of the accent color. 
• Ask friends with talents to help you out.
• Create a scrapbook of fondest memories by having guests each write their fondest memory of the person being honored on paper provided.  After each guest has handed in their page, the pages are placed in a prepared book and given to the guest(s) of honor.  This was shared as an idea for a birthday, wedding, and anniversary celebration.
• Make a DVD of favorite pictures put to favorite songs as a gift for the one being honored.
• Use materials from nature and spray paint to match the colors being used.  One example of this would be spray painting pinecones or acorns gold.  Glue can be brushed on and the item then dusted with glitter if added sparkle is desired. 
• If you have an item you like but it's the wrong color, paint it and use it.
• Recreate the meal eaten on a couple's first date or wedding reception for an anniversary celebration.
• Have guests dress in the style of clothing that would have been worn the year an anniversary couple was married.
• Play music from the year a birthday person was born.

Obviously, there are hundreds of fabulous suggestions and ideas left untold.  There just isn't enough time or room to include them all. 

So, WHAT DO YOU DO TO CELEBRATE LARGE ON LESS?  Please share your favorite tips with us by leaving a comment or emailing us at youcanlivelargeonless@gmail.com.  We are so excited to hear from you! 

 

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Do you garden?  If so, what is happening in your garden right now?  Are you shutting down for the season or do you garden all year long?  Living Large on Less is thinking about doing a gardening post and would love to hear all about yours.  Garden updates can be left as a comment or shared in an email sent to youcanlivelargeonless@gmail.com.  Gardening is one of the easiest ways to Live Large on Less.  If you have a gardening tip or story of any kind please feel free to share it with us in either a comment or email.  ALSO...if anyone has a tip or suggestion on getting rid of stickers and/or sandburs PLEASE share!!!

 

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Are you doing something you never dreamed you would do?  OR  Are you doing something you said you would NEVER do?  How have you adjusted your lifestyle to Live Large on Less?  Has more than your lifestyle changed?   Do tell in a comment or email at youcanlivelargeonless@gmail.com.

 

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Until next time, remember that sometimes less is more, but other times...it's just less.  So please choose carefully and wisely keeping loved ones LARGE and stuff less.  Saving money and losing precious moments with those dearest to us will always be a loss, never a gain.  We love you and are praying for you!  Blessed Mama