Invitations

Make your own themed party invitations by hand or design them from your computer. Many websites offer free pre-designed invitations that can be customized by you! For example, HP has a creative studio page where you can select the perfect invitation to customize, and print out for free. You can save even more of your money, by sending your invitations out electronically.

Decorations

Make your own decorations from what you have laying around your home, or log on to your computer and Google, "Print a Party."� To your delight, page after page of websites will appear with free printable ideas for fabulous parties. These sites offer printable banners, cupcake cups, gift tags, favor box templates, matching stationery and so much more. If you aren't into making your own decorations, Dollar Stores carry a variety of cute and cheap themed party decorations as well.

Party Favors & Prizes

Make your party favors from scratch or find them online at one of the many print a party websites. Printing your own party items costs less than purchasing ready-made. You can customize your goodies and treats to match your party theme. Dollar stores usually carry little boxes, draw string bags or cellophane bags, to create cute party favors as well. Tie them into your theme by printing a cute tag or sticker to attach to the bag.

Paper Products

Purchase your matching paper products from a dollar store. This would include paper plates, cups, utensils, and plastic tablecloths. You could get crepe paper streamers. Buy solid colors that match your party theme. Bring out other colors by printing decorations, buntings, banners or signs that will coordinate with your fabulous party!

Games

Print the games you want to play off the internet, for free. The internet has sources for Printable Pin the tail on the donkey, Pin the nose on a clown or Rudolph, pin the pepperoni on the pizza or hat on the snowman. You can find more games than you can possibly need. The internet hosts sites that have printable games for all ages such as Trivia games, word games, Holiday bingo, relay race games, Word scramble games, balloon games, and about as many other kinds of games as you could imagine. If you don't find games matching your particular theme, find an image, blow it up into a poster size, and make your own Pin the "whatever" game or customize the other games by adding theme graphics to your printable pages.

There are party games for all different ages of people, so enjoy the plethora of websites who offer their ideas to help you! One of the many party printable websites I have used can be found at http://freebies.about.com/od/birthday-freebies/tp/birthday-party-games.htm or google '20 (Birthday Party Games That won't cost you a dime by "Stacy fisher)Don't stop there, as there are hundreds of sites with wonderful ideas and helps.

Food

Whoever suggested the notion that you are obligated to serve a full meal at a birthday party is definitely out in left field. There are no rules. Go ahead and just serve cake, which is in vogue as well as fabulously frugal. A cake mix out of the box or made from scratch only costs a couple of dollars to make, but if you buy one from the bakery, you can break the bank!

Get creative, and get on the internet. You'll find all kinds of cupcakes galore. They are very easy to make and you can find matching printable cupcake picks and cups. Did you know that you can even bake cupcakes inside the ice cream cones?

Now that you have the tools for a frugal but fabulous birthday party, it is now your turn to make it happen!

This article was originally published on FamilyShare.com. Check out these other related articles: (Tips for scrapbooking cheaply), (How to save money on groceries without cutting coupons) and (5 Ways to thrive on a family budget).

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Why document through blogging?

The best answer for this question is... "because it is fun!" Blogging is very much akin to journaling or writing in a diary but much faster, and easier. Blogging becomes a permanent, private or public, form of expression. Blogs are not only written and read, but they can be printed into a picture book to enjoy.

Blogging your child's life is not only the perfect way to preserve all of the important moments, through word and photography, but it is a great photo organizer. Do you have boxes filled with bent and torn printed photos that have been tucked away for years? Have you long since forgotten the details of where, when and with whom those photos were taken? Blogging overcomes those stumbling blocks because daily or weekly blogging keeps track and records all of the memories that are precious to you.

Blogging digitally preserves memories and photos that will last forever. You can scan old photos, certificates, and artwork into your computer, then add them to your blog. Technology makes it simple to snap a photo from your camera phone, and email it to your home computer. Digital cameras can store hundreds of photos on one little memory disc, which easily transfers to your computer.

How to blog?

Two of the most popular free blogging platforms are Blogger and WordPress. With a few simple steps in either platform, you can create a blog that can be customized, or left as is, and will immediately enable you to begin to post and document your child's memories. Just add a photo that you have stored on your computer, and you will have instantly documented those wonderful moments you don't want to forget.

If I were to create a Blogger blog, I would go to blogger.com and view the step by step instructions provided on how to "create a blog,"� for free. If that isn't simple enough, you can also view a YouTube video tutorial at [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA4s3wNvK8](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA4s3wNvK8) or click on the "video tutorial"� link at the bottom of the page. Follow the steps to create your blog, then start blogging. It is as simple as that.

What to blog?

You can blog whatever is on your mind because once you have your blog created, you can post anytime. You can even create blog posts through your iPad, and iPhone immediately when, special moments happen. Just snap the photos on your camera phone, go to the blogger app on your phone, and post the memory before you forget.

With so much to document in the life of your child, you may wish to use some of the following ideas to get started (and don't forget to take digital photos for each):

• Growth.

• Motor milestones, including all the "firsts" (teeth, words, crawling, walking, etc.).

• All important occasions (christening, blessings, baptism, etc.).

• Family vacations, parties, events and activities.

• Funny things they choose to wear, say, or do.

• Messes they make, and outfits during dress up.

• Words, and expressions.

• School days, holidays, seasonal days, snow days, bad days, good days, tooth fairy days.

• Feelings you have at special moments for your child.

• Boo-boos, tantrums, food fights, and play messes.

• Sport events, dance recitals, school programs, plays.

• Anything else you can think of.

Jenna G., a young mother of four from Powell, Wyo. documents each of her children's lives through her family blog, updating three - four times a week. Some of her posts include her children's favorite things, which lists 20 questions each child answers in his or her own way. She always includes some cute freshly snapped photos of her children. Some of those 20 questions include their favorite things to eat, animals, activity, TV shows, song, friends, sports, places to go, books, etc. Others pertain to what makes them happy, what they want to be when they grow up, and what they like to do when they have Mommy or Daddy alone time. Along with these questions, she documents her baby's weight, and milestones and adds a current photo each month.

Now that you understand the why's, how's, and what's about blogging to document your child's life, all you need to do is get started. It is so much fun that some people think it is addicting. What a wonderful and healthy addiction; keeping track of your child's life, while enjoying the fun of blogging. Don't forget to print your blog each year into a treasured book for your whole family to enjoy.

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I began looking into digital scrapbooking, and soon found the solution for making scrapbooking affordable. I am not saying that there isn't an expense incurred in the process, but the cost, storage and mess is so much less than what I was doing with paper and physical elements that I quickly saw the value of being converted to digital scrapbooking.

I liked the idea of being able to change the colors, crop and size my photos, and so much more, by using photo editing software. I began to understand the endless possibilities for creating one-of-a-kind projects, then being able to share them with others without any additional cost. I also understood that the greatest cost of digital scrapbooking came from the software, so I experimented with several different graphic design programs before I found the two that were most compatible with my needs. I became a digital convert, and from that moment on, I have truly enjoyed this wonderful and fulfilling hobby.

Digital scrapbooking is essentially creating beautiful page layouts, using desktop publishing programs. It involves photo editing, adding digital elements that include papers, clip art, borders, frames, templates and so much more. Just about anything you can find on the Internet can be used in digital scrapbooking unless it is under copyright. All of these elements combined, are not only organized on the computer but saved and stored in files on your computer, as well. No filing cabinets, drawers, or tubs and storage containers are needed in creating digital pages, which virtually eliminates the clutter and mess normally made working with physical elements.

When you are ready to print your digitally created scrapbook pages or other digital projects, you have so many choices of ways to print. Some include printing full 12" x 12" pages or size them to smaller sizes to fit in any size scrapbook. Photo books are another wonderful option, and become family treasures, that can be recopied over and over. Printing your pages on a calendar to enjoy all year round is another way to display your digital scrapbooking pages. You can also display your pages on your blog, enabling others to share your creations, and even print their own copies from your blog. I have even seen scrapbook pages printed onto fabric and made into beautiful keepsakes in the form of photo quilts and wall hangings. When you're creating digitally, the only limits on what you can do are based on your abilities and imagination.

The cost of desktop publishing or scrapbooking programs vary as do the skill level necessary to use them, but the time you spend learning the programs will be so enjoyable, and you will see more applications for your investment than just scrapbooking by hand. Many desktop publishing programs come loaded with digital elements readily available for use in your projects. There are also countless sites and designers online, who offer free samples that you can download and store on your computer for your personal use. These designers and digital scrapbooking stores have countless other digital kits, papers and elements in all colors and themes, and are available for purchase, but once you have purchased anything digital, it is yours to keep and use as often as you like.

There will always be a cost associated in the printing of your digital scrapbook projects, whether at home from your own printer, or sending your projects to be printed professionally. I have found that Costco and Walmart Photo Centers can usually accommodate most of my projects, and their prices are generally the lowest of other printing stores. They not only print a variety of sizes of photo pages, but also offer to print your pages into beautiful hard or soft bound photobooks. Once created, photobooks can be reprinted over and over to share with others. The cost of reprinting a scrapbook page or photo book is so much less than having to buy duplicates of all the paper and elements, then taking the time to remake each page.

There are a lot of online photo book publishing companies. Some of them, such as Shutterfly, Snapfish and others, will offer specials of up to 50 percent off the normal publishing price, and sometimes will offer free books, or a buy-one-get-one-free offer, which is a huge savings.

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Experts say that the longer you are married, the more effort is required to stay that way. Keeping this in mind, I have composed a list of 20 suggestions of simple things we can do to be nicer to your spouse.

1. Remember often, why you married him instead of why you shouldn't have. Remind yourself of the good feelings you had before it got hard and complicated - for example when you experienced raising children, changing jobs as well as diapers, housework, division of labor and had more bills than money.

2. Look past the love handles, spare tire and crow's feet. Everyone gets those over time, but if you love your spouse deep enough, and don't point out his flaws, your vision will change and each new wrinkle or gray hair will become beautiful to you.

3. Communicate by restraining yourself from doing all the talking. Give your spouse the courtesy to share in the conversation. Listen well, and listen more than you talk.

4. If you think you know your spouse so well that you can complete his sentences... Don't!

5. Make weekly date night a priority. Take turns asking each other out and planning your dates. Don't let other things get in the way of your date night.

6. Serve your spouse! When you lose yourself in the service of your spouse, love grows deeper and happiness is the result!

7. Develop an attitude for gratitude. When your spouse makes the effort to do something nice for you, show your appreciation and acknowledge it. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you have been thought about warmly during the day, and it is also heartening to know your thoughts and actions have been appreciated.

8. Smile and laugh a lot. A sense of humor keeps a marriage fun.

9. Don't dwell on past mistakes. Learn to forgive, and forget, then move on.

10. Take turns enjoying and discovering each other's individual interests. Participate equally in these.

11. Pick your nose if you have to, but don't pick a fight. My grandmother use to say, "The first fault finder smells his own behinder." Let the small things go, and choose your battles wisely.

12. How would you like it if every little thing about you was examined under a magnifying glass? Forget the lint in his navel, oiliness of his skin, nose hairs, and extended length eyebrows. He'll be more apt to let you trim them if you aren't constantly nagging.

13. Remember the three finger rule. If you are pointing at him all the time, be quick to remember that three fingers are pointing back at you. You have as many or more faults, so start by cleaning out your own closet before you begin working on his.

14. Learn to say I'm sorry. Don't keep track of who says it the most.

15. Compromise by definition means to negotiate or agree upon by making concessions. A happy marriage is give and take, so be sure to give more than you take.

16. Be a me firster! Don't wait for your spouse to say I love you, and don't keep track of who says it the most.

17. A soft answer turneth away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). The louder it gets, the worse things become. Speak softly, especially during times of anger and stress.

18. Don't pretend to know it all. Think about how happy it would make your spouse, if you let him think he taught you something, every once in a while.

19. Always kiss good night, good morning and good bye. You never know when it will be your last chance to do so.

20. Be your spouse's greatest and most trusted, loyal fan.

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Gift giving within families can become quite an expensive proposition. Even in small families, budgeting for Birthdays, Christmas, and other occasions, could break the bank! I have devised a plan for those who need to budget their limited funds for gift giving throughout the year. The first part of the plan is to set up a budget. The second part of this plan will follow up with tips, ideas and helps for gift giving, that will keep you well within a doable budget.

Set a budget for yearly gifting and chart it out. Determine the amount you have to spend, particular members you want to gift, and the occasions you would like to recognize. Using Chart 1 (see picture on the bottom) as an example of how to budget, insert your own information on the customizable and printable Chart 2.

1. List the names of persons you would like to gift on the column to the left.

2. List your predetermined yearly budget limits next to each name.

3. List the events across the top that you would want to recognize.

4. Divide your budgeted amount between the event(s) that you choose to recognize, per individual.

5. Amounts you list under each event that you would recognize might vary. You may choose to spend a little more money for your parent's gifts than you spend for your siblings. You may wish to spend a little more Christmas and Birthdays, than you will for graduations or other occasions. You set the budget that you can live with and stick to it.

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1. Is your spouse in denial of his addiction?

2. Has your spouse acknowledgedor admitted that he thinks he might have a problem with addiction?

3. Has your spouse asked for helpwith his addiction?

Denial

Probably the most important issue you face in getting help for your spouse is getting him or her to admit the problem. Denial is huge, and addicts tend to have all kinds of excuses to justify using, ignoring the actual root of their problems. When they use, they temporarily numb their sorrow and pain, and for a short time, they escape their own reality. When the effect of their drug wears off, they repeat the cycle, gradually losing the ability to live without it. Constantly feeding their addiction never addresses the underlying cause of their drug usage.

Acknowledgement

Once your spouse can understand or at least acknowledge that he or she has become dependent on addictive substances, then the door is open for your help. Move quickly because that door could close just as rapidly as it was opened. Let him or her know that you are on his side and you want to help.

You are not trained in addiction recovery, and though you want to help your spouse, your best option is to contact a professional who is trained in treating addiction. You may want to have already done your research and found out about addiction treatment facilities before talking to your spouse.

Drug and alcohol treatment facilities are expensive, though many times insurance companies will cover some or most of the cost. Contact your health insurance company and find out about your coverage. They may already have a list of facilities in your area that are covered under your policy. You can also find a list of addiction treatment facilities and programs in your local area by researching online or looking in a telephone book.

There are other organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous that offer free recovery group meetings, as well as family support groups. Alcoholics Anonymous work with all types of addictions as well Alcoholics.

Addiction's hideous influence isn't exclusive to the addict. Addiction affects the entire family and more. Be sure to research and inquire about family support groups for yourself and others affected by your spouse's addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous have Al-Anon groups, which were originally designed for the support of the spouses of Alcoholics who were attending the AA meetings. It has since evolved to be a wonderful group designed for the support and healing of spouses and families of addicts.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also has 12 step recovery and support program for addicts as well as for family support. These meeting focus on all types of addictions and there are group meetings, found all over the world and in different languages, for all addictions. They even have specific meetings that address and focus on pornography and eating disorders. You can find information about the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Programmeetings by going to http

//addictionrecovery.lds.org/

Asking for help

When your spouse finally admits that his or her addiction has taken over his or her life and realizes help is needed, be sure to let him or her know how proud you are for the courage it took to admit this to you. Let your spouse know how important he or she is to you and your family, and express how grateful you are that your spouse would acknowledge the need for help.

When dialogue is open, do your best to not accuse or say things that would put him or her on the defensive. Let your spouse know that you love him or her and you have observed things about his or her behavior that concern you. Do your best to keep the tone of your voice soft, non-judgmental and supportive so your spouse will be receptive and listen to you. Let him or her know that you will be there for support as his or her health and well-being is of the utmost importance to both you and your family.

Many spouses have the mistaken impression they have the tools and ability to cure their spouse's addiction. Addiction is bigger than both the addict and spouse. It can engulf both in unhealthy, codependent behaviors that compound the problems they are already having. Seek professional help and don't let yourself get drawn into believing that if you love and pray hard enough, and you have more patience then even Job, the problem of addiction will just fade off into the sunset. It won't! Not to say that your love and patience isn't an important part of recovery, but let the professionals do their job they have been trained for while you do yours in the supportive role.

There is hope in healing, and you can break the bands that bind you both. Your lives can be changed from the devastating effects of addiction. Take the first steps toward recovery and find joy and peace in life once more.

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If you are suffering with addiction and finally realize that it is bigger than you are, that it consumes your thoughts, every moment of every day, then it's time to ask for help. You have tried to stop, but you feel so horrible, and you continue using just to manage your pain. You realize you can't do it by yourself and desperately need help but feel unworthy and embarrassed.

Recovery Begins Through Asking

Acknowledging you have a problem is actually the first step toward dealing with your addiction, and who better to ask for help than from those who care about you? Asking for help is a huge step in the right direction.

Perhaps you feel that admitting you are addicted to anyone is a sign of weakness, but in reality, it is a sign of strength and courage: one that provides hope, for both you and your loved ones. But how can you tell them about your addiction, let alone ask them for help?

You're Not Suffering Alone

You may think you have kept your addiction secret, but most likely those who care about you—your family or friends—already know. Addicts don't suffer alone. Friends and family are just as affected as you but in different ways. Reaching out and asking for help could be the greatest blessing in both of your lives.

Ridding yourself of addiction isn't easy and could prove to be one of the most difficult things you will ever do, but the payoff will be far greater than the price you are now paying. Besides the help of family and friends, you will need the help of professionals who are trained in dealing with addictions. Your addiction has taken a great deal of time to get to the point you are at now, so you need the help of those who are trained and experienced to make recovery happen.

You have nothing to lose but everything to gain, so just do it. Ask someone for help. Don't be ashamed or let fear stand in your way of recovery. Everyone is in need of help, in one form or another at some point in their lives, so don't be afraid to ask. It is a very humbling experience, but if you don't take the risk and seek help now, who knows how much longer you will even be around to have the opportunity to ask.

Trust a Higher Source of Power

Right now, you are at a turning point with your addiction and besides your family, friends and professionals, you also have your Heavenly Father to turn to. Put your trustin God. He will be there for you and always has been; even when you pushed Him away, He was there. He knows your heart, and loves you dearly. Let Him into your life to help you with your recovery. When you can turn your mind and will over to the Lord, understanding you are powerless over your addiction, that is when the healing begins. Your heart will turn, and your desires will change.

You, who have been lost and have lived with anger, lies, self-loathing, depression, anxiety and fear, can once again find peace and healing. You can break the chains of addiction and experience the change of heart that comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ, all things are possible.

"...Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened..." Bible, Matthew 7:7-8.If you struggle with an addiction, don't hesitate. Speak to your loved ones today and ask for help. Pray for help from God, too. Lose your fear and start knocking!

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