i realized last night I didn't spend a thing at any "Major Chain" stores

[NMDemDist2]

for Christmas

Hubby got a specialty astromer's chair from a micro company in Maryland

Stepmom got a re-worked Carosel Horse bought at a thrift store and redone with paint from a locally owned Ace Hardware and things I had around the house. Pics here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=287&topic_id=1518&mesg_id=1518

Everybody else got baked goods from flour etc from a small local Natural Foods store or coffee goodies from my local, family owned coffee roaster packed in tins and baskets from the thrift store

Total spent on Xmas, $300 (over half went for hubby's chair)

:woohoo:

crossposted from Frugal and Energy Efficient Living Group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=353

[Lugnut]

1. That's excellent

I didn't do too badly either. I went slightly over $300 only because I gave a few hand painted things as gifts. A few things were from regional chains but most were from locally owned businesses.

I've promised myself to start planning earlier for the hand painted items in the future. :)

[NMDemDist2]

2. i didn't exactly plan it that way, it just turned out that way

my mall-phobia may have had something to do with it though....