Weekend Plans, Food Waste Friday & Christmas Cheer!

First and foremost, I am happy to report, zero food waste this week!! This is really going better than I had planned.

Weekend Plans…

I don’t have much on my schedule; actually, I don’t have anything on my schedule. Which is perfect. H and I are both wiped right out from a week of delivering papers in the snow and rain. I think a weekend of relaxation is needed.

We’re going to finish assembling our gingerbread house, watch some Christmas movies and maybe go for a walk or something.

If you follow me on Twitter, you may remember me talking (or tweeting, lol) about handing out Christmas cards to the people we deliver newspapers to. Basically, our manager approached us and recommended that we do so. I thought about it and decided to price out cards.

Cards are expensive if you have to buy over 200 of them!! And then finding ones that say “Happy Holidays” because you don’t want to offend anyone is another challenge! We checked the dollar store, but couldn’t find anything.

So I decided to make some on the computer.

*picture removed… because, well… you just never know who’s reading your blog!*

I got them developed into a 4X6 picture and will include it with the papers we deliver this weekend. This is not only easier it’s also cheaper! For 205 copies, it cost $34. Which isn’t the end of the world.

We have already received some Christmas gifts from people we deliver to, so it’s nice to share the holiday cheer!

Frugal Dreamer on December 18, 2009 | Filed Under Food Waste Friday, Holidays

16 Comments

Jessie on December 18th, 2009

I love that you found an inexpensive way to connect with all those people you deliver papers to!

Annie on December 18th, 2009

Terrific idea!!

Ginger on December 18th, 2009

I think that is so sweet that you want to be giving and warm on the holidays like that, but why on earth are YOU giving THEM cards?

It’s traditionally the other way around! You’re the one that provides the service to THEM all year round, so they should be showing their appreciation for the work you do. Same as with a hairstylist, nail tech, etc.

We give our paper girl a card at xmas, but we would never expect anything from her.

Again, lovely sentiment, but WHY? (and why is your manager recommending this? And if he is, HE should be paying for it all as a business expense, not you!!!!)

The Asian Pear on December 18th, 2009

I totally agree with Ginger on this. But it is a really sweet sentiment.

i did something similar with my work contacts but mine was just an email.

The Lost Goat on December 18th, 2009

Well, it is to their advantage to have people continue purchasing newspapers on their route. It’s also a good reminder that your paper delivery is a service, performed by a person, so deserves a holiday gift.

Jerry on December 18th, 2009

That is so sweet that you did a little something for the people you deliver to. I loved getting a card from our mail carrier. I think it makes life so much more pleasant to feel like you “know” the people that come into your lives even briefly. I think it’s our insurance for remaining humane to each other. Some people wouldn’t even want to take the time and it shows that you are thoughtful to have done it. It may lead to getting some cookies left for you on your route!
Jerry

Jennifer on December 18th, 2009

It’s so cute that you’re giving little cards to all of your delivery clients! Great way to cut down on the costs of it as well.

Ginger on December 18th, 2009

Goat: Yes I agree. But those costs should be covered by the newspaper, not the delivery people. The delivery people do not directly benefit from increased subscriptions, it is the newspaper that does. Frugal Dreamer is just an employee of the newspaper/delivery service, she should not incur any costs at all.

Frugal Dreamer on December 18th, 2009

Ginger: I wish that I didn’t incur any costs! I have to pay for elastics, plastic bags and fuel. The more “clients” I have on my route = more money in my pocket.

And any nice things we do, like elastic the paper, ensure that it doesn’t get wet when it rains etc.. just helps with tips!

I totally understand your point of view though, it seems silly to have to pay out of pocket. But we’re just trying to provide good service!

Frugal Dreamer on December 18th, 2009

Jerry: Thanks for commenting! I agree with you. I can’t really explain WHY we did it, we just figured it was a nice thing to do?

You said it perfectly!

You too, LG!

eemusings on December 19th, 2009

I too agree with Ginger, it should be the other way around. Nonetheless, I love your idea – you are so creative

Frugal Dreamer on December 19th, 2009

eemusings: If it helps, we have been given $50 so far and 2 box of chocolates!

meinmillions@gmail.com on December 19th, 2009

The card that my carrier stuck in with my paper reminded me that I need to give him a holiday gift. It had his address on it, so in a way it was kind of gift grubbing…

Frugal Dreamer on December 19th, 2009

meinmillions: Yeah, I heard some people include an envelope asking for tips! Which is quite rude in my opinion. A lot of people have already given us something, and this is just our way of wishing them a Merry Christmas and saying thank you.

Notes From The Frugal Trenches on December 20th, 2009

Well done you for finding such an inexpensive way to give out cards! That is a lot of cards!!

This Thrifted Life on December 20th, 2009

Great idea! I’m sure your customers will really appreciate that extra touch.