Countdown to Christmas: Black Friday

Black Friday: To Shop or Not to Shop?
Black Friday is quickly approaching and before long the ads will begin appearing online, in stores, and on television. Black Friday is fun for some, chaotic for others, and then there are those who go to grab items just to be a part of the Black Friday fiasco and in an attempt to get a free gift. However, are the deals on this day really worth standing in line all day Thanksgiving or waking up at 2 or 3AM to hit the morning sales and potentially ill customers (probably due to lack of sleep and over eating at Thanksgiving)? Well, in some ways.....YES!


As crazy as it sounds, there are items that are worth getting up for, as for the waiting in line all night... that's debatable. Here are a few items worth the Black Friday hassle.

• Tools-lots of tools are majorly discounted and if looking for tool sets, pressure washers, or other large items, good deals are available. The kicker is, they are only available for the hours given in the ad, which is usually when the doors open, and only while supplies last. Just be ready for long lines, but in past experiences, people have been pretty patient and nice around the tool section on this day.
• Toys-It is painful to admit, but yes, there are awesome toy sales at this time. Some of the best happen to be on Lego's, popular action figures, games, toddler toys, Barbie Dolls, and larger items like bikes, bounce houses, and play houses. There are great deals but one has to get to the desired location as soon as possible because toy stores get CRAZY!
• Home Appliances-Refrigerators and washer and dryers usually have a featured spot in the Black Friday ads. If in need of these appliances, this is a great time to buy, and can potentially save one thousands depending on the appliance or appliances needed.
• Electronics-Perhaps the biggest sale of all, or at least the most sought after, behind toys, is electronics. It is the number one thing that gets people to line up for days sometimes in order to get something new or on sale. Televisions, computers, phones, camera's, and even items such as games and DVD's to go with them are marked down a lot for a small window of time. They are worth going to the sale for but it can get crazier than shopping for toys, because the electronics empty quickly and a large amount of folks hit it hard right at opening.

Even though these are offered at stores, there can be better bargains online, especially when it comes to toys and clothes. The probably, sometimes, with buying larger furniture items online come with the shipping and handling. No matter what is being bought, beware of the shipping and handling because sometimes going to the store is less expensive. Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Countdown: Lights, Decorations, Action!!!

Christmas Lights and Decorations

It may seem early, but it is time to start checking the lights and determining how the home will be decorated. Why so soon? Well, decorations and lights can become a huge expense and to cut the chances of spending more money than desired all at once, it can be beneficial to buy items before hand which will help keep more money in the bank during the holidays. As for decorations, it is so hard to walk past the enticing ornaments, wreaths, decorative trees, mats, towels, and everything else without getting something. So, in order not to go over board now or during the Christmas season, here are some helpful tips.

Preparing to Decorate for Christmas

• Check the lights and yard decorations to be sure they work-if they do not, retailers (such as Sear's and Wal-Mart), usually have decent prices on lights and sometimes, before the Christmas Season gets into full swing, there are items that are marked down quite a lot.
• Make a list of what will be needed for the inside and outside, light wise, and go ahead and buy now. Buying two or three packs of lights now will help out the wallet come December, unless the house is going to look like Clark Griswold's, but if so, more power to ya!
• Want to make some money before the holidays? After going through lights and decorations (including towels, tablecloths, and dishes), determine what can be kept and what might need to go. Sell on eBay or have a Pre-Holiday Yard Sale (there is money to be made at a yard sale). This way some money is made and can potentially be spent on gifts or other decorative items. In fact, the community or family could have a Holiday Yard sale together.
• Make a list of decorative items needed or desired, stick to the list. For so many of us, it is so easy to go into the store and forget we have twenty Christmas hand towels in the closet or three tablecloths or 2 things of garland and some wreaths stored away. By going through this stuff now and making a list, it will be easier to avoid the retail stores plan of making the consumer buy items they already have.
• Check decorations and lights now. Don't necessarily pull out everything but before buying the Fake Greenery with the colored lights or the Santa pillows, look through the items at home and be sure something is not being bought that is already at the house with which to decorate.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Christmas Countdown

Kohls

Christmas is popping up in stores everywhere and "it is so tinsel!!!" Micheal's has wreaths and bows ready to be crafted into something spectacular, glass and wooden ornaments ready to be painted, and Target has lanterns, Christmas animals (dressed in Holiday gear), simple wooden messages such as "NOEL" or "JOY", and lights! Lots and lots of lights. Sears, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Belk's, and lots of other retailers are getting in on the early Christmas action. All are pushing Halloween off the racks as fast as possible and pushing for Christmas layaway's in order to get this season started.

Christmas Layaway

To layaway or not to layaway, that is the question.

Well, layaway can be good, but it if one goes overboard, then not so good.

• One tip on layaway, like Santa, make a list and stick to it.
•  Try not to do layaway's at multiple stores due to the fact that it gets confusing and often more expensive, stick to no more than 2 stores.
• Pick a specific topic for layaway (ex. Kids toys, kids Christmas gifts), decide which area of the shopping will be the most and whether or not it would be beneficial on the purse to shop now, pay in full later, or just shop as the season goes.
• Keep the list to a minimum of 10-15 items. So many folks end up laying away thousands of dollars of toys because of lack of preparation and due to the fact that starting early and sometimes forgetting how much is on layaway is easy to do. In the end, it would have made more sense to just buy the items instead of laying away so much. Keep it simple, decide what need to go on layaway and what can just be bought.
• Don't Forget the layaway's and the deadline to pay. Keep  it marked on the calendar, as a reminder in the phone, whatever needs to be done to remember, there is nothing more frustrating at this time than totally forgetting, going in to the store and realizing it is not on layaway anymore.

The only reason to not layaway, is if it can be afforded to shop throughout the season or if the item is priced really well, can be afforded, and hid till Christmas morn. Either way, here are some tips, hope they help. Merry Christmas!!

Best Books for Christmas

Christmas Books: A Christmas Story, The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever, Mrs. Miracle and More!!!

 

 

 

Cannot express my excitement over the first Christmas book that arrived in the mail box yesterday, Call Me Mrs. Miracle. It's true, this writer has not read the book, but has seen the movie and love it. So, to start this Holiday Season off, this is the first in many Christmas stories to be read. Throughout the years, there have been some awesome Christmas books written, and for anyone who wants something to get them in the Christmas Spirit, try these Holiday Favorites:

 

• A Christmas Story-"RALPHIE!!!" The story of a boy and the journey to get his Red Rider BB Gun. A classic movie and book. The book is different in some ways but the favorite stories are there and it is just as funny and joyful.

 

• Skipping Christmas-This book inspired the movie Christmas with the Kranks and is an easy read. Very Christmas and pretty similar to the movie.

 

• Humor for the Holidays-everyone has holiday mishaps, and this book has tales of hilarity from Thanksgiving to New Year's. From mom's realizing a baking party is not as fun as TV makes it out to be to Dad's going insane trying to find a specific toy or fix one that is broken, this book has it all. Light hearted, gets anyone in the mood and even brightens the mood because everyone can really relate to some of the stories. Highly recommended for the Holiday season.

 

• A Christmas Carol-can't mess with a classic, go for it and enjoy.

 

• The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever!- Story of a mom who takes over the church pageant and comes to terms with the fact that there is more drama both in and out of the pageant, especially when a set of misfit kids join in the event. This is perfect for kids to read, 2nd grade and up. Very cute, funny, and heart warming.

 

• The Christmas Jar and the Christmas Sweater-both are a tear jerker, so be prepared, but the stories are absolutely phenomenal and really bring the meaning of Christmas to the front burning.

 

• A Charlie Brown Christmas-yep... like Scrooge, don't mess with a classic and do not be ashamed to read this book, it is filled with Holiday cheer!!!!

There is so much more and soon to come, recommendation for kids (a ton!) Add any favorites to the comments and have a Merry Christmas!!!



Easy Christmas Gift Baskets

Christmas Gift Baskets

 

Ties the season to start Christmas shopping! Went into Micheal's, where all Fall stuff is up to 60% off and all baskets 50%, or more, off. On top of it all, wreaths, ornaments, and Christmas décor have started filling the shelves fast and of course, it took all this girls strength not to grab a cart load of items. However, while walking around, the thought of Christmas gifts flooded my mind and with baskets on sale, lots of $1 items up front (from cards, air fresheners, and list paper to stickers, pencils, calendars and planners), the thought of going ahead and making some baskets seemed logical.

 

Right now, for most places, is the time to buy baskets or items to place in them-unless one wants until the week after Christmas and has Christmas on New Year's, which is doable. There is usually sales at Micheal's but when a 19.99 basket is marked down to 4.99, it's gotta get bought. Right now, depending on what one wants to put in the baskets and the size of the basket, one could create a Christmas gift for well under $20-using small to medium sized baskets. Here are some ideas for a Christmas Gift Basket.

 

 

Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

 

• Office Supplies-small stapler with stables, pens, planner, note pads, sticky notes, a bag or box of chocolates, and perhaps, a gift card from Office Supply as a bonus.
• Home Basket-2 magnetic notepads, hanging air fresheners or some potpourri, pens and pencils, notepads or planners, small calendar, kitchen towels and hand towels for the bathroom, a seasonal throw, tablecloth or placemats, candles, a gift card to Kohl's, Target, or another favorite store with good home supplies.
• Candy Basket-Nuts and candy-a favorite is Virginia Peanuts from Colonial Williamsburg, Lindt Chocolate, Russell Stover offers seasonal chocolates, Hickory Farm's peppermint melts (totally yum!), or keep it simple and just place bags of M&M's, Reese, or other favorites found just about anywhere into a basket.
• Garden Basket-Seeds, garden gloves, garden shovel, lotion or hand therapy soaps, clay pots (small), a gardening books.
• Family Fun Basket-summer is ending and sales are running wild on summer fun toys. This would possibly be a larger basket, because kids would be included, add some water guns or a water balloon blower to it along with bubbles, a family movie (lots of good ones for $5 at Wal-Mart and Target), books for the kids and adults or just adults, beach towels, coloring books and crayons, a grill set for the grillers, some coffee cups and coffee, and even a gift certificate to a family event or place were the family enjoys going.

All of these are suggestions of what to put in the baskets, but this is a wonderful time to buy and baskets make terrific gifts and can be cost efficient. When choosing a basket, make a list of what is wanted to go inside before hand, size up the basket and go from there. Try to stick to a list like the big Jolly guy. Merry Christmas!!!

Legos Christmas

 Christmas Toys: LEGOS

Most kids love LEGOS and with the help of the movie named "Lego Movie," the famous building blocks have become even more famous and added more fun designs to their collection. Even so, many kids see specific LEGOS and asked for them, but when the holidays come around they are no where to be found! Not only that, but when found online, they are at retail price or over by 25%-50%. It's insane, and it is because the sellers know people will buy at Christmas, so the prices go up. So, as a mom of three boys who absolutely love to build, it is crucial to start buying now and looking for deals.

Wal-Mart

There are Ninja Turtle, City, Super Hero's, and Lego Movie LEGOS marked down to $15 (for some of the larger items), and new LEGOS have arrived. Even so, the best part about this store is the fact that they do offer sales on toys throughout the Christmas season, sometimes up to 30% off on LEGOS, but this can still add up and if there is a deal for some of the large or medium sets, usually $30 and up, grab it.

Target

Target is having sales as well, emptying the racks to fill them with newer more expensive toys. When a sale happens at Target on LEGOS, really consider whether to buy or not. Sometimes, the LEGOS are still cheaper online or at Wal-Mart, but sometimes they are better bought at Target. In many cases, Target and Toys-R-Us have the better selection, and on the plus side, both stores eventually have them on sale for 60% off and have half off sales throughout the holiday season.

EBay
Okay, EBay is great and there are some deals, but it gets frustrating when it comes to toys especially specific ones and people bet more than what they would pay at the store sometimes. If it is the holidays, the lowest prices go really fast and the rest get higher the closer to Christmas it gets. Also, beware scams. When searching for specific sets, some sets in the photos are not real, look carefully, but for the most part they are. Some deals can be found, but lately prices and bidding have really gone beyond the purchasing price at some retail chains.

Amazon

Yes!!! Amazon has some promising prices, which will hopefully stick around. Some of the Harry Potter characters are as low as $1.99-some of the main characters are $7.99 and under (which for this series is wonderful). There are deals on all sorts of toys on here and some are series that are very popular and as low as $5.99. So far, this and Wal-Mart are the places to shop, but with the holidays coming, sales will pop, so keep an eye out.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Memory Ornaments

Grove Park Inn

Christmas Tree Memorial Ornaments

Christmas is a sentimental time for so many. The glow of the lights, sounds of bells and carols, displays of reds and greens, smell of fresh baked goodies, and sights of families coming together bring back special memories. Personally, it has become evident that the years are flying by and each year the importance of holidays and being with loved ones and cherishing the moment becomes even more dear, one way in which this family cherishes and continues to share memories of years past and present is by decorating the tree with memorial ornaments.

Memorial Ornaments

For us, such ornaments are not always fancy and many include pictures. Most of them are school and church ornaments that are saved with such care one would think they were glass. Sometimes, the tree is decked out in Christmas cards from years past, including letters and at other times it becomes the cartoon tree with Simpson, Garfield, Peanuts, and SpongeBob characters, mixed with a variety of family photos from vacations, gatherings, holidays, and special moments. No matter what memory brings joy to you this season, here are a few suggestions for a memorial tree.

Memorial Ornaments:

• Christmas Cards: Use a single hole punch, punch a hole in the top corner of the fold of the card, place a ribbon throw the hole and tie onto the tree.
• Family Photos: Use photo sites or create photo ornaments at home annually. Make one for each season with multiple photos and decorate the tree with past and present pictures, be sure to add a recent ornament each year and be utterly amazed at how much everyone has grown and where they have been.
• Children's Tree: This is great for families with multiple children or older ones, decorate the tree with nothing but handmade ornaments by parents and kids. Each year, have the kids make a new ornament to place on the tree, perhaps a painted ball or even a handwritten note card with a ribbon through it. This goes great with family photos or cards as well. Don't forget to add candy-canes, they make the display even more fun.
• Cartoon Tree: It sounds silly, but most folks have favorite cartoons or shows from younger years, plus kids love putting something they like to watch or read on the tree. So, pullout those silly ornaments, buy some new ones for the kids and get multi-colored candy canes to add to the colorful and fun display of favorite cartoons.
• Christmas Movie Tree: Most folks have a favorite song, story, or movie of the holiday season. Use it as a way to create a theme and even a memory tree. Since this family loves almost all Christmas movies (good family ones), A Christmas Story, Home Alone, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Polar Express, and many others often show up on the branches. These movies bring back those nights of lying on the sofa, snuggled with the kids when they were so young, dancing to the songs, and eating holiday treats while enjoying a good story.
• Armed Services: As a military spouse for 8 1/2 years, a patriotic tree (and one that goes up at Halloween) is a no brainer. Use photos from deployments, home comings, vacations, different stations, and small American flags to decorate the tree. Instead of garland or tinsel, use a red, white, and blue ribbon. Just a great way to remember the journey the family has been on while serving the country and how thankful and bless every moment is when able to be together.

Enjoy making memories, remembering those happy ones, and decorating with all of them. Merry Christmas!!!