Holidays and Birthdays

DIY Stocking Stuffers - let's brainstorm

timzagain — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:56:22 GMT

Inspired by an article I read elsewhere on the 'net. What DIY stocking stuffers can you come up with?

Here are my ideas:-

"Business" cards for the kids - I did this years ago with the older kids. I created the cards using the templates in Microsoft Publisher, added clip art related to their hobbies and gave them job titles like "Future Olympian" etc. Cost was minimal - three sheets of card stock from my home office supplies (one sheet per child), printer ink etc. The kids LOVED them. No addresses - just name & home phone number.
Coin purse - I was given a piece of silver "pleather" that was about to be discarded by a local costume designer. A few cents for a zipper and voila - "instant" coin purse. Since I was already planned to include key rings in the stockings, I can attach them to the coin purses.
An organizer to hang earrings - a cheap photo frame, a piece of plastic canvas cut to fit into the frame and that's it.
"Reindeer poop" - chocolate covered raisins or peanuts repackaged with a homemade label
A purse sized first aid kit - band aid, antiseptic wipe, OTC pain relievers etc in a small ziploc bag
Earrings/ bracelets made from my stash of jewelry making supplies
A homemade Christmas ornament

Requests for gift cards and other gift-giving issues

karenteacher — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:15:35 GMT

I asked my mother what gifts would be appreciated by my stepfather, his son, daughter-in-law, and their kids - and the answer was, for all of the adults, gift cards. I have a problem with this; I don't like giving gifts cards, for the same reasons I don't like giving cash - it's impersonal, I almost always spend more on gift cards than gifts, both to not appear too cheap and because gift cards cannot be bought on sale, and I don't particularly like when people ask for cash. I mean, great, they're saving for something they want to buy at Best Buy that costs several hundred (or more) dollars - but I see requests for gift cards as little more than begging for cash. Opinions on people who ask for gift cards? Ideas for solutions?

In addition, I see my step-father's son and his family only once a year - I doubt we would recognize each other if we passed on the street, as we were all adults when our parents married (a second marriage for both) - and while I have no problems at all buying gifts for the kids, by the time I buy gifts for the parents as well I've spent well over $100, and have yet to recieve a gift I haven't returned, because we really don't know each other; they insist on buying me a gift because I buy something for their kids, and I'm not comfortable not giving them a gift in return. My mother asks for a list, which I give her - but my sister-in-law has yet to buy a gift on the list, and has never bought something I had any use for (last year she bought a fondue pot that required a sterno can or similar open flame source - I returned it for most of the cost of a rug I'd been wanting to buy) - and the average value of the things I've managed to return has been around $25. I don't mean to sound ungrateful - but they all live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, so I generally end up driving there with my dog, which costs $150-250 round trip, then I spend money on gifts for adults I don't know, so they can buy a gift for me - and while I buy something from the list my mother recommends, I don't know that they've ever gotten anything they want either. I crocheted some trivet/hot pads and asked my mother if they might like something like that, but apparently they don't cook a lot, and she doesn't think they'd use them - what they apparently want is some type of flat screen projection TV (I'm not really sure - my mother wasn't either), which is why they want gift cards. The kids are easy - the older one, a girl, likes books (she spent 2 months reading the set I bought her last year), and the boy likes building toys, so he's probably getting k'nex, unless I get another recommendation. But I don't know what to do about the parents, and my step-father wants gift cards too - he's saving for something else at Best Buy (I can't remember what) in the $300-400 range. I really can't afford to spend $75-100 for gift cards if I can come up with a better solution... but I have no idea what that might be.

And then there's work... for those who don't know, I'm a special education teacher, and in the past, I've given gifts to every teacher who works with my students, along with every member of the special education department and a few other people on staff - last year I gave out homemade cookies and home-dried fruit. Due to a rearrangement in how we deliver services, that could be as many as 40 people... and I don't have the same relationship with people I work with this year as I did last, so I'm thinking of changing it... but I'm known for giving something to everyone, and I'm not sure what to do - although I may give dried fruit again; it went over big last year (in fact, a couple of people cited weight concerns, and didn't want the cookies), and I've got lots. But other ideas would be welcome.

Plans for Christmas 2009

timzagain — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:46:22 GMT

I know its a bit early, but have you given any thought to planning for Christmas 2009?

Here are some of the things I'm looking at:-

Christmas Eve Dinner - even with the simplification of the menu, I was still stressed and too tired to enjoy the evening. I still spent a lot of money on food, rentals (not enough chairs at my house) etc. I am seriously thinking of either having it catered or semi-catered or better yet, going out to eat!
Gifts - start shopping NOW! I start shopping a few months in advance for the nephews, nieces etc, and that works well - those gifts were all bought by early November. The part I HATED about shopping this year, was trying to find gifts for our kids, DH and really close relatives. I tend to buy them later in the year, when I get a clearer picture of what they want, but it was too much stress this year.
Gift wrapping - make more fabric gift bags during the year. I sew often - there's no reason why I can't make a bag or two as I am working on other projects. It's a lot better that trying to sew 25 bags at the same time!
Christmas Savings Account - I haven't done it in previous years, but I think I will start right now by setting aside a few $$ every month.

Christmas decorations

Pat — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:23:00 GMT

Do you buy new Christmas decorations every year? I haven't bought new in a very long time. Most of my ornaments are from when the kids were little. A few are the ones they made, but most are ones I made over the years. I use almost no bought tree ornaments, but garlands, wreaths and so on, have to be bought every few years because they don't last well. The last garlands I bought are beaded, bought on sale. They were a dollar each, but rather short, so I bought several of them. I'm hoping they'll last longer.

I get excited when I see decorations in the stores and always want to buy some new ones, but I don't have room to put any more than I have!

Another Birthday Freebie

Virginia Needlewoman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:59:05 GMT

If you live near a Buffalo Wild Wings, you can register online at their website. They send out coupons for things including a Free Dessert for your birthday if you order an entree.

The menu sounds really good. There is one located in Newport News.

What Is Under the Tree at Brandy's House

Brandy — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:02:47 GMT

I have a start on my 2009 Christmas gift list and so far it's a frugal beginning:

Husband

$1 Miracle on 34th St. DvD

6 Year Old Daughter

$5.99 -ladybug necklace, ordered on sale from Avon
.99- Avon bubble bath sampler for the stocking
Free with register reward- stuffed animal lady bug to go with necklace as set
$1.17- stocking stuffer candy

Son

$1.17 - stocking stuffer candy

18 year old daughter

$36- Thanksgiving Holiday box from Angel Food
$3- Christmas kitchen towel and mitt set
$1- Christmas cookie cutters

Mom

.25 funky mug that reminds me of her, I am putting together a tea basket this year for her and Dad
.50- wooden frame box that we found at a yard sale. This has poem about mothers on the front and opens like a box but hangs on the wall. My daughter has already picked and dried flowers that we are placing on some wallpaper or fabric to be affixed to the inside of the box.
$1 Miracle on 34th St. DvD

Dad

.39- I found him a neat looking wall hanging from the thrift store that displays rope ties with a nautical feel.

Stocking stuffer ideas for 'tween girls

timzagain — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:22:42 GMT

I've just checked my stocking stuffer stash and I am not sure that I have enough, particularly for my DD who's almost 12. Here's my list of the things I've already got for her. Please feel free to add your suggestions:-

Roll-on body glitter
Gold spray paint for the hair
Shower gel
Purse sized comb, brush and mirror
Colour Changing Mood necklace (she bought the same necklace today when she went to the $ store with her school friend & her mom!) - now I have to find an alternative!
Nail polish
Diary/ address book set
A new set of markers
Books - one of the Hardy Boys series and one word search book
Hair accessories
Earbuds ($ store version - she destroys the cheap ones and the expensive ones equally quickly!)
Photo Frame
Small wristlet
Candy
Mini Bottles of perfume

Is this enough "loot?'

saving on gift wrap

ljean — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:36:55 GMT

For over twenty years I have saved extra sturdy boxes with separate lids. At Christmas I used the prettiest wrapping papers to wrap the box and its lid separately. The box is tied with ribbons to keep it closed. Each box can be reused every year.

Not only does this save money on gift wrap, it makes gift-wrapping a very speedy process! It does take some storage space if you accumulate enough boxes; but the boxes can be nested to save space, and they can be used to store Christmas decorations.

The Christmas Gifts Under $10 Challenge

timzagain — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:15:31 GMT

O.K. I'm on the Christmas bandwagon again. I love everything about Christmas including gift giving. I'd love to shower my loved ones with expensive gifts. However the current economic climate, and my financial reality make that impossible. So I've set myself a challenge - how many gift ideas can I come up with for $10 or less. For the sake of this challenge (and for the sake of fellow Dollar Stretchers who may be craft-impaired), I'm excluding craft/ sewing projects. Please jump in with your own suggestions

Here's my list. These are items that I have either bought already or I have added to my list of ideas for specific people on my lists

For everyone

Music CD's
Movie
Board Games

For ladies

Leather checkbook cover or credit card sleeve - $10
Journal (dollar store) and a nice, inexpensive pen - $ 3 - 4
Trendy handbags (Check Walmart) -$ 10
Mug filled with packets of hot chocolate & a few candy canes to make mint-flavoured hot chocolate
A manicure/ pedicure mini gift "basket" - pedicure flip flops, clear nail polish, one coloured nail polish, dollar store manicure set, instructions for a DIY manicure or pedicure, in a suitable container to store everything - $6
Inexpensive cookbooks (if they LOVE cooking - if you hate cooking as much as I do, you might take such a gift as a hint about your cooking skills) - I saw some nice ones in the nearby dollar store. I'd probably bundle 3 or 4 - ($5 max)
Bath sets (gel and salt) plus a nice long handled scrubbie. A wooden handled scrubbie looks more expensive that the ones with the plastic handles
Makeup brushes & maybe makeup if you have a good idea about the colours they'd normally wear
A nice set of makeup bags
Eyeglass accessory set I saw at Wal Mart - a nice case, coordinating cleaning cloth, a necklace for keeping glasses safely around your neck and a bottle of eyeglass cleaner. - I paid $5, reduced from $7

For girls

A set of 12 flavoured lip glosses (under $4 at Walmart)
Wallet age appropriate designs - $5
Craft kits e.g. decorate your own hat, bag - ($10 and under)
Journal & novelty pen - I bought 3 cute journals, and a set of 3 novelty pens - total cost for the three gifts $6
High School Musical Stationery Sets (diary, photo album, mini-notebook, pen) -$3 each at either Ross Dress For Less or Marshalls
Fashion watches (also from Marshalls)
A trinket box with a piece of inexpensive silver jewelry ($7 - 10)

Christmas Menu

brenl — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:04:44 GMT

I know several has started buying christmas. I was wondering if anyone has started planning their Christmas Eve and Christmas day meals yet? If you have got any ideas have you started buying supplies yet? I have been putting a little thought into it. First we go to the in-laws for Christmas Eve supper. Christmas Day Nothing planned for breakfast yet. For lunch I am wanting to do a meat and cheese tray , chips not much else figured out yet. Last year I did the meat tray and it went over good. My family liked it. So share your ideas and plans.

How do you manage christmas and keep it fair and equal?

TiffanyJohnson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:39:09 GMT

How do you keep it fair between kids without over buying for one, and under buying for another? Or make both stockings seem equal for different kids (i mean your not going to buy a 16 year old girl the same thing as a 5 year old boy) But dont you make it seem like neither got a better "load" from santa? In my house we had a dollar limit, but it hurt feelings when my younger brother asked for something big and then didnt get "as many" as someone who wanted cheaper things. (this was before they found out about santa and when they didnt understand that santa has a budget)

How do you keep your older children from telling your smaller children that santa is really your parents? Bribe them, or tell them that they wont get a christmas if they tell? And if someone does tell them at an age younger than you want them to know, how do you console them?

Do you have anything that gets put in stockings EVERY single year, for us kids it was an apple, an orange and a handful of assorted nuts (i found out we actually got the same number of each kind as everyone else)

Are stockings first or last? do you do any gifts at night? or is it all in the morning? Do you let them open one on christmas eve? Do you have any gifts sitting out before christmas morning, or do you hide them all away?

Do you give your children (When they are little in the dollar store) money to get their family members (in your house) gifts, and/or help them make gifts?

I want to design a (non-edible) christmas village decoration

TiffanyJohnson — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:06:36 GMT

I want to design it mostly out of household things boxes, tubes, cloth scraps, clothes pins, pipe cleaners, popcicle sticks, pom poms, christmas wrapping paper ect.

i want to include, trees, houses, people, (caroling people as well as bystanders), garland, a bonfire, lights (not real working ones), snow, snowmen, and anything else you want to add.

Any tips on how to make what, i figure ill make the house by cutting boxes to size adding windows and doors, to light a few ill add an electronic tealight candle, ill make wreaths for front doors from shiny green pipecleaners, idk about people, for the main christmas tree, green paper cone and put ornament stickers and baby tinsels on it, maybe little plastic beads too. I'll use cotton and glitter for snow, for chimneys maybe oven baked clay (help?), Ill use three styrofoam balls for snow-people, popcicle sticks would make up the wood for the bonfire, or maybe twigs, should i use a pinecone for a tree instead? I may make reindeer "yard ornaments" out of pipecleaners....for "house lights" glitter glue balls on clear fishing wire (made on wax paper and peeled of after they dry)

i dont know how to do the people, and if someone can tell me a way to do people ill add "song books" to their hands

any ideas?

Thanksgiving Celebration

Brandy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:51:49 GMT

If you celebrate Thanksgiving, what are your plans for the holiday?

Breakfast Basket E-Z Oatmeal muffin recipe

Halfpint — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:00:29 GMT

Inexpensive, easy to make, delicious to eat Oatmeal muffin recipe will NOT break the bank. For those of us who will be giving away home-baked gift baskets, a great idea would be to pack along these muffins with a fancy jam or marmalade, a few packs of herb tea, and voila, Breakfast Basket for a holiday gift!

Oatmeal Muffins

INGREDIENTS:

1 CUP OF ALL PURPOSE FLOUR

1/4 CUP OF WHITE SUGAR

1 TEASPOON OF BAKING POWDER

1/4 TEASPOON OF SALT

1/4 TEASPOON OF CINNAMON

1 CUP OF MILK

1 WHOLE EGG

1 CUP OF OATMEAL (QUICK COOKING OR REGULAR WORK FINE)

1/4 CUP OF VEGETABLE OIL

____________________________

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES

GREASE MUFFIN PAN WITH BUTTER OR NON-STICK SPRAY. (FESTIVE MUFFIN LINERS WORK WELL HERE!)

In the meantime, sift together all the dry ingredients, set aside. Meantime beat the egg and milk. Add the oil.

Combine wet ingredients into the dry. Mix just until it is combined--be sure not to over-mix. Spoon the batter into prepared pan, until the cups are 2/3 full.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes (depending on your oven, so double check). Check for done-ness by inserting a toothpick--if it comes out clean, they're done!

Cool on rack, and enjoy!

(PS these freeze very nicely when they are completely cooled. Definitely freeze if you are doing bake-aheads for the holidays!)

Janet

Stocking Stuffers 2009 - Any Ideas?

timzagain — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:14:30 GMT

DH and I have 4 children - 3 girls, ages 11, 17, and 17 (not a twin - blended family) and a young man of 19.

I'm looking for stocking stuffer ideas particularly for the guys! I'd like to keep the costs down, but on the other hand, I'd like the stocking stuffers to be really nice. Last year, I was very surprised to learn that the kids look forward to the stockings as much as their "big gift" - I'd like the theme to be useful but cool.

Here are a few of my ideas so far:

Digital photo keychains for the older girls
The usual lip gloss, makeup, nail polish etc
Cute panties for the girls
Phone cards for the girls (our son has his own cellphone plan)
Auto emergency kits - cell phone chargers for the car, flashlights etc for the older children
Clutch handbags/ wristlets - I've seen a few inexpensive ones around. I'll choose different colours so that they can share them
Novelty stationery

It's always harder to fill the guys stockings cheaply - DH is into cycling, and even the smallest items seem to be a bit pricey for stocking stuffers. Socks and toiletries hold absolutely no interest for DSS - haven't a clue what to put into his stocking.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Gifts for Teen Boys

Brandy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:37:24 GMT

My little man isn't so little anymore. The days of picking him the latest Lego set or action pack of figures is past. So what do we give him this year that says he is special to us and that he will enjoy.

I have a few ideas but I'd love some feedback or additional suggestions.

Personal care set-

He has asked for a razor to begin shaving. I have seen the Gillete gift packs with razor and shaving cream or we could go with an electric razor.

My husband has a personal care gift pack from last year that has some unopened pieces like the box with the shaving brush and dish with the shaving soap in it. If we purchase a razor, I could toss these into the set.

My son loves Axe deodorant, shower gel and shampoo. The showering items are not cheap so I don't buy them often. This would be a good addition to a personal care set.

Video game

This seems the common gift lately.

Video gaming chair

He has asked for one of those chairs for gaming with the outlets and all that.

If I think of more, I will add them.

Hosting a Holiday Party on a Budget

arianasilver — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:36:42 GMT

We know that the holidays are fast approaching. We're all watching our pennies, but that doesn't mean that we can't host a holiday party for friends and family and still keep it all in the budget! Why don't we brainstorm on how we can host a party and still save. What are some of your tips, comments, recipes, decorating ideas, and anything else you can think of?

Here are some of the things I was mulling over last night.

1.) Start planning now. Everyone knows the key to saving money is to plan ahead and be organized. Now is the time to decide what type of party you'd like. Do you want to have a small dinner party, or an informal get together? Think about your guest list. Who do you know for sure you want to invite? Keeping the party on the smaller side is more than likely going to save you money. Do you want to provide everything, or do you want to go potluck? Edey posted a great Flylady link in another post about getting your home cleaned and organized.

2.) Send out the invitations soon. "Premium" days in the month of December quickly fill up on people's calendars. Once your guest list is ready, write out your invitations (a cheap pack of Christmas cards from the dollar store will work nicely) and get them in the mail by November 21st. There's always free online invitation services like www.evite.com for your friends and family that have email.

3.) What about children? You might want to consider having an informal get together where your guests can bring their children. Formal adults-only parties are always fun, but its nice as a guest to know you don't have to book and pay a babysitter for another holiday party. If you have children of your own it makes it much easier. Will there be a teenager or two to keep an eye on the other kids? You can set them up in a den or separate room with a TV and some Christmas classics on VHS or DVD. What about some crafts for them to do? Not only will the activity keep them happy and occupied, it also gives them something to take home. There's plenty of great low-cost craft ideas on the internet, just do a search for "christmas crafts for children" and you'll have all the ideas you'll ever need! Plan the crafts out now so you can gather up the materials a little at a time when the budget allows. For pre-made craft kits, small toys and other things like that, try www.orientaltrading.com.

4.) Decorating isn't even necessary if you're already set-up for the holidays. What about some ideas for a beautiful and frugal centerpiece for your holiday dinner table or buffet? I always take a box of colored round Christmas bulbs and mound them up in a glass bowl on our kitchen table. Its festive, easy and looks really elegant. Candles of varying heights on a platter are always nice, just make sure there's nothing flammable dangling that could cause a fire. Look to your local dollar store to suppliment your decorations. If you don't have a nice table-cloth you can pick one up cheaply here, or cover your table in a nice print of Christmas wrap (bought on sale last year after Christmas, of course. )

5.) What about food and drinks? Going non-alcoholic can save you a lot of money. So can mixing up an punch where you're using a large ratio of juice/soda/sparkling water to alcohol. If you've received bottles of win through out the year that you haven't used, consider a mulled wine in the crockpot. BYOB is always an option. If you're serving alcohol be prepared to take keys and call cabs if necessary. In this day and age you can be held responsible if someone drinks at your party and has an accident driving home.

Platters of sliced cheese, crackers and summer sausage are a nice buffet filler. If blocks of cheese go on sale throw them in the freezer now to use for your party. Crudite and a dip are a snack buffet staple. Chop your vegetables for the tray yourself a day ahead, its always cheaper than buying pre-chopped veggies and platters. A simple dip of sour cream and a powdered ranch dressing envelope should run you under $3.00 and can be used for veggies or potato chips. How about making up a big container of chex mix for your guests to nibble on? Buy ground beef on sale and bake off and freeze meatballs. When party time comes dump them in the crockpot with a jar of grape jelly and a jar of chili sauce for an easy delicious hot option. Platters of homemade cookies, candies, brownies and maybe some cupcakes with a sprinkling of green, red or blue sugar (made from granulated sugar and a drop of food coloring mixed with a fork) are all easy and don't require a fork.

If you'd rather have a dinner party, plan your menu now and pick up ingredients a little at a time or when they go on sale. Make what you can a day or two ahead so you have more time to spend with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

If you don't have enough serving pieces check out your local dollar store, thrift/second-hand store, or ask to borrow from someone. Why buy a punch bowl you'll use maybe once or twice a year when your aunt has a lovely one that she'd be willing to loan? You can get plates, cups, napkins and disposable silverware cheaply at a dollar store or discount place like Family Dollar, Dollar General or Ollie's.

So what are your tips and ideas? I think it would be easy to pull off a small holiday party for under $50 if you're organized and shop for bargins. What do you think?

What's everyone's Christmas budget this year?

Cinnamonhuskies — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:06:13 GMT

I haven't figured mine out yet. I had $500 cash last year and went slightly over. It was for dh, ds1,ds2, sister, BIL, nephew, neice, MIL, BIL, BIL, BIL, SIL, SIL. (The last 6 got small gift cards.)

Baptism/Christening gift...

Chrallen — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:18:14 GMT

My husband and I are very excited to be the Godparents of a 2 month old on February 15th. What do you give for this occasion? I have been to very few and we do not have children yet so I am confused. Is it always money or a religious trinket of some sort? My friend is on the practical side and they have very little space. I apologize if I put this in the wrong spot. I chose here because there is often gift talk in this section. Anyway, I'd appreciate any and all ideas.

New Poll

Pat — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:14:54 GMT

Dollar Stretcher has a new poll up for the coming week. The question is "Are you adjusting your Christmas spending this year?" It kind of goes along with the Christmas budget thread, I think.

Anyway, go and vote, then let us know. I'm spending about the same this year, maybe a little more but not much, but I haven't voted yet. Don't let that stop you, though!

Edited to add the link! http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09nov02p.cfm

My Birthday Coupons

Virginia Needlewoman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:12:09 GMT

Last year I signed up at various websites (restaurants) to see what they would do for birthdays. I did this because my favorite place to go for my birthday was Steak & ale, which went out of business. I also did it because neither Mom nor my aunt can take me out for a meal.

I'll have fun this year because Uno sent me a coupon for a Free Entree. Ruby Tuesday's coupon is for a Free Handcrafted Burger, which is so different from the Free Dessert of other years. Chili's will give me a Free Dessert with the purchase of any entree. Red Robin will give me a Free Burger. Fazoli's is giving me a Free Dessert or a Free Lemon Italian Ice. Stone Cold Creamery sent me a coupon for a Free Creation.

It's lovely that these places have given me coupons for free food, but I really miss the food at Steak & Ale along with the mini apple pie with vanilla ice cream. The apple pie was big enough to split with Mom. Steak & Ale had really good food; Mom liked the salmon and I liked the beef.

You might as well say that my stockbroker is taking me to lunch on Friday, November 6th. She's having a Pig Pickin' that day.

It should be a nice birthday.

Christmas is coming and I'm excited...

timzagain — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:43:09 GMT

Did I mention that I have been described by my family as a Christmas Junkie? I LOVE Christmas, and even though things are looking a bit bleak financially, I'm still looking forward to the gift giving, the family events, the church Christmas play etc, etc.

Today I paid a visit to a ship called the Logos Hope - a floating bookstore is the best way to describe it. It's a missions ship, which visits countries all over the world, spreading the gospel, helping in communities in addition to the book fair component. Well, it's just docked here in Barbados, and I bought myself a 2-CD album of Christmas music - the good old classics, performed by contemporary Christian artists. I was SO excited - I paid US $5 for 20 songs of exactly the kind of Christmas music I love. I'm playing it now and it's definitely getting me in the Christmas mood. I'm planning to go back again - hopefully to complete some more of my Christmas shopping. I saw some books that my DD would love - brand new, but half the normal retail cost.

Actually the CD would make a really good Christmas gift/ stocking stuffer ... except that there is no one on my gift list that is as much into Christmas music as I am. What the hey...maybe I'll buy a few more copies as my hostess gifts.

Another Christmas project just landed on my lap today - the primary school that our girls attended (where I also work part-time) has asked me to spearhead a team to enter a tree-decorating contest. We have to decorate a 6ft to 8ft tree with ornaments made by the students. The tree will be displayed in a nearby mall. Should be fun, especially since I have to figure out a way to do this frugally - this has been a last minute invitation, and not in the school's budget. The top prize is a large sum of cash for the winning school. A colleague said that my face lit up like a Christmas tree when I heard about the project. Actually, I'm starting to feel like a kid in a candy store.

Odd Birthday Gift

Toni B. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:26:18 GMT

My friend received a rather odd gift for her 61st birthday from her SO. It was a drill with an auger attachment for gardening. They have lived together for 5 years and the situation clearly benefits him more than her. What kind of message is he sending to her? I'm just trying to see how others would feel about this.

Black Friday ads have begun

TizzyLizzy — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:49:25 GMT

...not sure where to post this, but some of the BF ads are up already with many more coming yet this week and next. Google in your favorite site. There's also a t-shirt (what took 'em so long, lol??) for BF available with profits going to Susan G. Komen foundation. Liz.

Halloween Costumes!

rachel wilson — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:46:20 GMT

Hi All,

Halloween is coming! Halloween is a combination of Celtic and Roman festivals combined with ancient Gael beliefs that on the 31st October the boundaries between the world of the living and the world of the dead overlapped. Costumes and masks have been worn on this day for centuries and our selection of Halloween fancy dress costumes, accessories and room and table decorations contains everything you could ever want to get ready for your party.

Dressing up in the scariest halloween costume possible is an essential element of the 31st October

Keep Sharing and Reading!