I recently ran across this post and immediately book marked it for future reference. I desperately try to limit the amount of garbage that leaves this house and always look for ways that items could be reinvented for another purpose. That is why I loved Rachel's idea for using those blue plastic trays that sliced mushrooms come in. With a little creativity and minimal amount of money they can be packaged in pretty ribbon and given as hostess gifts or other thanks you tokens. Normally I don't buy mushrooms in this form due to the higher price and limited shelf but recently I discovered trays for 50% early in the morning running an average per tray as little as 70 cents. One morning I sent my hubby on a mission to get some for my upcoming cream of mushroom soup marathon and he returned with 12...Ok a little over the top but I didn't complain because....
1. He was up at 7:00 in the morning buying half priced produce with all the other die hard bargain shoppers
2. I had an upcoming end of year brunch for my mothers club and knew 10 of these would be perfect for a gift for the nursery workers.
So after canning my dozen bottles of homemade cream of mushroom soup I soaked and washed the trays and set forth making the tags. I used paper from my scrap stash and tied them up with some pretty ribbon I picked up at the Dollar store. Inside I packed them with my pumpkin cookies, mini butterscotch zucchini muffins and several candies.
Tuesday morning I brought them with me to the final Mother's club of the year. A local church in the area hosts this gathering and this being my first full year attending I cannot say enough about this group of ladies. I have met the most wonderful people from all ages and walks of life, but one thing we have in common is the love for our kids and being a mom....mom's that need a little break from time to time. Allowing us to take part are the dozen or so nursery workers who are strictly volunteer and come every single week to watch our little ones while we sit, eat, drink coffee and socialize with adults. What an amazing gift. Although this token of appreciation was a small gesture I wanted to do something to let them know they have not gone unnoticed and I appreciate them more than they know. I will miss this bunch of laides but many friendships were formed and numerous summer get together's are planned.
So start looking at the stuff you toss out and ask yourself "can this be used in a creative way?" I keep a Rubbermaid tote in the basement and toss in any item similar to this. If it does not get used for gifts more than likely a craft will be made by my little guy.
For more frugal ideas visit Biblical Womanhood online