Please share pictures! 😉

We have several bookcases in the room where we celebrate. I've hidden $20 in ones in the books. I did make them stick out a little, so it wasn't overwhelming. Making a Cash Gift exciting is something I love learning about! Let us know how it goes---it's such a fantastic way to gift them the Ski Trip! Money Cake: Money coming out of a Tissue Box. This youtuber made a box that the money "explodes" out of.

I really enjoy CF in 1995 P&P . . . but now he just REALLY bothers me (as an actor). I really enjoyed Tom Selleck in the original Magnum PI . . . but now he just REALLY bothers me in Blue Bloods.

Our estate planning attorney knew how to deal with all of these situations. He set up a "pot trust" where all the inherited money would go into one pot for the minor children, so if there were uneven needs, everyone would be provided for. But we didn't pass away while our five kids were minors. But we specified that my dh's brother and my brother would confer to decide who would be the guardian. Either one of them could have stepped up, but there was no way to know what their situation was at the time of our death. Thankfully, estate planning attorneys are very experienced in smoothly dealing with difficult situations. It does make you think/discuss the options, but they can usually direct you. EVERYONE in your family will be grateful that you're getting the paperwork in order. Add Durable Power of Attorney, and Power of Attorney for Healthcare as well. It really helps those who are trying to help! I'm sure the Hive will chime in with lots of suggestions.

Now's a great time to plan for next year. I love budgeting, so I can keep up with everything (5 kids, 2 spouses, 4 grandkids) Empty Nest. We spend the same amount on each of our 5 kids (always have). If the child is married, the same amount is split between the couple. We do $10-15 for each grandkid ($10 for toddlers, $15 for olders). We set aside a specific amount each month, like a Christmas Club, to fund the December spending. A youtuber I follow said she saves her credit card cashback rewards, which fund their Christmas. Great idea. I'm looking forward to hearing others' strategies.

I don't have these, but when the kids were in middle school, I hid a few small returnable gifts in the hall closet. I was always nervous that some gifts would "bomb", & it really helped to have a few small extras just in case. In a jam, my go-to choices are consumable gifts (mainly homemade food treats).

Literally 5 minutes ago, I bought an LG CordZero A927KGMS . It's $500 new, but Ebay had new/open box for $300. Our son & his wife highly recommended this model. We've had an Electrolux canister for literally 20 years, so this is a big step for us!

Another option is simple Craft Projects. Our dgd laughs because I usually plan projects that are too complex for her age! But it's just something fun we enjoy doing together. You can buy random supplies, or all-in-one kits. (I just put it all away when they're not here.) I think the kids' Duplos are what the grand-kids play with the most. (age 3-8)

I would just deed it to a neighbor at no cost. We researched conservation bequeaths (?!?) and we thought the legalities/regulations were very complex. I think it's better to get your name off of the deed completely.

I have no pets, but love her channel. Thank you! Here's an example of her before/after: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzNua65PJPw

Another option would be for your dd to find a sewist in her town who is willing to make the dress (& affordable, can meet the deadline). Maybe search on FB, or get names from a dry cleaner, or fabric store, or the person who does alterations at a local bridal store. The sewist will likely have some styles that she has sewn before, & would be confident/successful in constructing the dress. Again . . . trying to think backwards, toward your goal!

Adding = Are you intending to sew it yourself? If so, I would go online (like Etsy) or in person (like Hobby Lobby) and look thru patterns you have the ability to sew. I would "work backwards" so to speak . . . from available options, rather than "dreaming" of an idea & seeing if you can execute it. I like the freedom the bride is giving the bridesmaids . . . but even as a sewist, I would quickly eliminate complex designs!

If you get stuck, you could DIY = print out a pattern from the Internet, & use a small knife to cut out the shape?

We aren't drinkers either, but we drive to the liquor store and buy the Birthday Gal her choice of beverage, using her ID. Hard lemonade is an easy option. Maybe a concert or nice restaurant meal. We aren't big drinkers OR big spenders!

@CTVKath and @knitgrl. Same! (Shared earlier in this thread). Thanks for sharing. (Some variations)

Midwest here. My brothers put so much rice in my suitcase as we left for our honeymoon that it took YEARS for me to get it out of the nooks & crannies.... They loved pranking me....

I frequently have baking mishaps! I'd just freeze the raw dough & bake in the new oven. But I absolutely want to hear your success stories! Maybe there's a grill insert that improves the baking (even heating)?

Thanks! Maybe it was our medical insurance that specified the 60yo age?!? I'm not going to procrastinate!

I turned 60yo last week, so this is in my near future. Thanks for the warnings!

Consider "Spatchcock"ing the Chicken (butterflying). (OK--I see @Ausmumof3 suggested it, too!) https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/spatchcock-chicken/ And I'd pull out the crockpot, airfryer, hotplate, etc. I'd also consider just asking a neighbor to use their oven, then keep the cooked items warm with towels & cooler chest.

I reconcile ALL of our accounts/CC, & have found mistakes that I made, expenses I forgot about, etc. I'm not looking for bank errors, I'm looking for MY mistakes! And it just forces me to evaluate our finances.

For me, Fridays are my Hobby/Project Day. I plan for it, to make sure it happens. I also refined my To Do List-- Column 1=The tasks specific to each of the next couple of days. Column 2 = Incremental steps for my current larger projects.

I turned 60 last week, & went out to lunch 4 times, with 4 different friends. It's my favorite way to celebrate!

Or lots of Spackle?