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1. Get Collaborative

If money’s been tight all year, your children are likely aware you’ve been trying to cut corners. Get the family together and brainstorm about ways to spend less on gifts. They may enjoy coming up with ways to give their time to teachers, aunts, and cousins instead of store-bought items.

2. Co-host

Just because a function takes place at your house, that doesn’t mean you need to be solely responsible for hosting. Ask your sister to share the responsibilities to cut down on costs. She may appreciate the opportunity to do something together.

3. Barter

Lots of people list items–both used and new–they’re looking to trade on Craigslist. Search through the barter ads or list your own to find holiday presents, decorations, and more.

4. De-clutter

Now is the perfect opportunity the clear your space for a more calming environment. You may be able to earn extra cash by selling those items in a yard sale or online.

5. Share a part of you

Instead of giving away store-bought items, look through the possessions that mean something to you, and give them to your friends and family. Include with each a note that explains why you chose that specific piece of you to share.

6. Let other people off the hook

Make a wish list online for your friends and family that includes inexpensive gifts; or even gifts that don’t cost any money, such as a babysitter for a specific date in January. This allows them to feel they’re giving you something you want without breaking the bank.

7. Use your passion

Do you do what you love for a living? If not, use it now. If you play the guitar, write a song for your significant other.  If you’re a great writer, offer to revamp your friends’ resumes. Why not give the gift of your passion and skills to friends who can use them?

8. Hand deliver holiday notes instead of mailing cards

Your grandmother may prefer a note expressing what she means to you over a card everyone else received with your signature at the bottom.

9. Make a cash daily limit

This one is more practical than meaningful. People often don’t realize how little things add up, particularly when using credit cards. If you commit to only spending what you have in cash in your wallet, you’ll save on impulse buys, like food and decor items.

10. Show your children what matters

Kids will always have wish lists for Santa; but they’ll learn a lot about value by watching you. Don’t just tell them it’s the thought that counts–show them through your interactions with people who give and receive your gifts.

A destination wedding to an exotic locale offers a great opportunity to continue your healthy regimen of diet and exercise in the days preceding your wedding. We’ve come up with the top ten ways to look and feel your absolute best during the week-long wedding celebration with family and friends. Here is part one of our list of Hawaii’s fun and unique activities to stay in shape before the big day. By the way, before you hit the beach take a cue from the local girls who won’t wear anything except Pualani Hawaii.

1. Surf Lessons

Even if you’ve never attempted to ride a wave, surfing in paradise with your closest friends is a must-do during your trip. The stylish water sport with Hawaiian roots not only defines the laid-back lifestyle of the islands, but is also a total body sculpting workout. Surfer girls are strong and lean with incredibly flat stomachs, so get off that beach chair and dive right in!

Check out the Kelea Surf Spa on Oahu  (www.keleasurfspa.com) and the women’s-only Surf Diva in La Jolla, California (www.surfdiva.com).

2. Yoga

A wonderful stress reliever, yoga is a great way to relieve any pre-wedding jitters. A beginning yoga class can be just as relaxing as lying on the beach, so why not arrange for a group class at one of the many studios throughout Hawaii? The Studio Maui, a fully equipped yoga and dance facility on the north shore, is an excellent alternative to a traditional bachelorette party.

3. Horseback Ride

Horseback riding is a wonderful way to experience the spectacular views and varied terrain of Upcountry Maui while getting a moderate-impact, lower body workout. Equestrians work their glutes and inner thighs throughout the entire ride in the saddle. Did you know that riding at a gallop can burn up to 526 calories hourly!? Take in stunning mountain views or ride freely along the pristine, unspoiled beaches of Maui. Check out the Maui Horse Whisperer Experience for a full or half day riding adventure.

4. Ocean Kayak & Snorkel

Even a novice will have fun kayaking on pristine Hawaiian waters. A guided adventure is safe and a not too strenuous workout. The trip includes the opportunity to swim among the Hawaiian sea turtles that live in the coral reefs abundant with tropical fish. And depending on the time of year, you can see dolphins, manta rays, and (a safe distance away!) whales. Whale season is April to December. Makena Kayaks is your best choice on Maui.

5. Hike into Maui Waterfalls

Hiking into the exotic valleys of Hawaii will give you a glimpse of the islands you will never forget: immense waterfalls from 10 to 40 feet high, crystal clear swimming pools under the falls, magical rain forests, and fresh-water streams. You’ll burn calories and have fun on this adventure–you can jump and rope-swing into several of the falls, plus you learn about the amazing tropical landscapes from Hike Maui’s naturalist guides.

6. Stand Up Paddle Surf

Stand up paddle surfing may look intimidating, but I’ve been told by a fellow non-surfer that it is a little less difficult than regular surfing, and stand up paddling will give you an amazing core workout. On Oahu you can take lessons from Paddle Core Fitness, at Ala Moana Beach. Instructor/owner Reid Inouye says, “It’s basically like walking on water. You’re looking down, you can see all the ocean life, but at the same time it’s a good workout that hits your upper body, core, sides, legs, cardio.” To learn more, check out Paddle Surf Hawaii.

7. Bike Down the Volcano

For the uninhibited, bike down Maui’s dormant volcano, Mt. Haleakala, at sunrise with Maui Mountain Riders for the ride of your life! It’s not strenuous exercise, but you will be invigorated by the sheer beauty and clean mountain air as you coast along the roadway.

8. Diamond Head Trail, Oahu

Diamond Head is an extinct volcanic crater located in Honolulu a short distance from Waikiki. If you are fit, you can easily do the hike in under 30 minutes and the spectacular 360-degree views of the island are well worth the effort!

9. Molokai Mule Ride

This island is the least developed in the Hawaiian chain and the Molokai Mule Ride is an amazing experience. You’ll ride down 1,700 feet of spectacular sea cliffs through remote areas of this park that can only be seen via this tour.

10. Romantic Beach Walks

I saved this one for last because in all the frenetic activity of welcoming your guests, you may need to be reminded to escape each evening with your husband-to-be. The magical moments alone at sunset will be your most enduring memories of this lifetime trip.

Expand your circle of friends or find someone special to date. These clubs, social groups, and dating events are sure to help you meet people in Portland.

1. Bergfruende Ski Club

Even though they call themselves a ski club, this group gets together for all kinds of events including dinner parties, camping trips, and nights at the theater.

2. Events and Adventures

A singles group for active people with events every day of the month.

3. Portland Skyliners

A social club for tall people. In order to join, Men must be at least 6′2" and women at least 5′10" without shoes.

4. 8 Minute Dating

You’ve probably heard of speed dating. At these events, you’ll spend 8 minutes with 8 perspective dates. When two people find a mutual connection, your contact information is exchanged.

5. Columbia River Orienteering

Orienteering is a competitive sport where participants navigate through various checkpoints in designated areas, from city parks to wooded forests. This group offers events for people at all levels. Beginners are welcome.

6. Willamette Sailing Club

Sailing enthusiasts get together for racing clinics, social events, and regattas. This is the only small-boat sailing club in Portland, dedicated to boats under 20 feet long.

7. Portland Meetup

Meetup is an organization that’s all about connecting people with common interests, from politics to pets. You can find groups of people to connect with or start your own group, and it costs nothing to join.

8. Mazamas

This group’s activities revolve around hiking, climbing, and conservation. They also offer classes such as Basic Climbing and Avalanche Awareness for people interested in outdoor adventure.

9. Oregon Trails Club

Hiking, biking, kayaking—this group does it all. If you love the great outdoors and you’re looking to explore Oregon, join the Trails Club.

10. Walking and Running Clubs

Train for a race such as the Portland Marathon or just find other runners and walkers to hit the trails with.