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While it’s easy to get carried away during the holiday shopping season and spend more than you can afford on that perfect holiday gift for a special person in your life, you don’t have to spend lots of cash to give a great gift. Love isn’t measured by the money you spend on someone. Actually, the most treasured gifts come from the heart. 

Here are a few ideas to make gift-giving more affordable: 

• Consider a thoughtful, homemade gift instead of one that’s store-bought.

Homemade sugar scrubs (find a link) are easy to make with simple ingredients you may even have around your house, and they’re great for smoothing dry, cracked winter hands and feet. Or put your baking talents to work and make some yummy breads or cookies for friends and neighbors!

• Give an experience. 

Time spent together can be the most memorable gift of all, and it doesn’t have to cost a thing! Check out our list of top Bay Area beaches here. 

• Skip the gift-giving tradition altogether, or change it up and make brand new holiday traditions. 

Gag gifts from among items you already own are sure to bring out the fun and laughter at your family gathering! 

Author’s note: When I was a child, my dad’s family had an ugly monkey statue that made the rounds each Christmas. Somehow, my dad ended up with it every other year...

• Draw names instead of giving gifts to everyone on your list. 

This is especially important if you have a large family or a large group of friends on your gift list. It’s much more affordable to buy for one person than ten, and you can take the time to find a truly thoughtful gift for the recipient of your gift.

You can give a thoughtful gift even when you’re living on a budget. With these money-saving gift-giving tips, not only will you have a lower credit card bill in January, it might even be your most memorable holiday yet.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Making the Holidays Affordable, Part I: Gift Giving on a Budget appeared first on Other CMS.

Build a deck or patio. 

Adding outdoor space can make a small home feel more spacious – particularly if you live somewhere with a temperate climate that allows you to maximize your outdoor time. This can be as simple as laying patio pavers, setting up chairs, and dragging out a fire pit or grill to invite people to sit and enjoy the space.  

Install shutters. 

Shutters are an inexpensive upgrade that add symmetry and curb appeal to your home. Shutters are typically made of aluminum, wood, or vinyl, and vinyl tends to be the least expensive option. To further cut costs, consider adding them only to the front of your home and skip the sides and back, which fewer people see. 

Build a fence. 

An aluminum or vinyl picket fence closes in your property and makes it feel homey. Not to mention, if you have children and/or pets, a fence allows you to comfortably let them play outside unsupervised. If you rent your land, be sure to consult your landlord to confirm you’re permitted to construct a fence and, if so, what types of fences you are allowed to install.  

Add open shelving. 

Open shelving in kitchens and bathrooms is stylistically popular and can give your home a chic, polished feel. To keep the cost low, take advantage of reclaimed or salvaged wood options to construct your open shelving. You can find reclaimed wood products at vintage shops, flea markets, yard sales, or even scrap yards. Recycling materials is not only good for your wallet – it’s good for the environment as well! 

Paint. 

Paint is the cheapest and easiest way to transform a home. For an instant upgrade, add a fresh coat of paint to your interior and exterior walls, cabinets, or even your doors. Keep in mind that neutral tones tend to be the most versatile and make your space appear larger. 

Swap out your light fixtures.  

An old, outdated light fixture can be an eyesore – not to mention, some fixtures naturally emanate less light than others. Check your fixtures to make sure they aren’t taking up too much space and to confirm that they’re casting enough light into your rooms. Then, replace your old fixtures with simple, neutral ones, and add high-quality bulbs to ensure you are keeping your living space light and bright. 

DIY your shelving. 

DIY modular shelving units can add a stylish and functional touch to a bedroom or living area. Plywood is a versatile building material and can be covered with a layer of wood (or wood composite) and fresh paint. Use the unit to not only store important items but also to display special keepsakes, without creating additional clutter or eating up valuable floor space. 

Install new skirting. 

Adding new skirting to your mobile home can instantly refresh its look. If you rent your home, speak with your landlord to ask for a replacement or seek permission to install it yourself. 

Spruce up your cabinets. 

If replacing your cabinets entirely isn’t in the budget, there are simple ways to give them a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Try swapping out your cabinet pulls, removing the doors to give them a chic open-shelving look, or add a fresh coat of paint. 

Cover your walls. 

If you own your home and have the freedom to be creative, add some visual interest by covering your walls with shiplap, reclaimed barn wood, beaded board, or even painted corrugated metal. On top of adding a stylish new look to your home, this additional layer will also help with insulation and noise control. 

When making small upgrades to your home, keep in mind that you can take it one step at a time. Don’t feel pressured to make all the changes you want, all at once. Set a budget, and enjoy working through them one-by-one. Even the smallest change can make a world of difference, transforming your home into a space that’s not only functional but also life-giving. 

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful. 

The post Ten Affordable Upgrades for Your Manufactured Home appeared first on Other CMS.