You are here: Home / 2008 / Archives for October 2008

62 Days Until Christmas

October 30, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Christmas gifts.

Image via Wikipedia

Saving money on gifts.

Every year we spend a lot of time and money on sibling presents for my in-laws. There are 6 of us total now and it ends up being at least $200 if not more. I had suggested that this year we do something a little different. All of us are strapped for cash this year. Adding $200 for adult presents just did not seem all that important to me. I would rather each of us focus on the kids and making this holiday season special.

So what is a family to do? This year the adult siblings are going to do fun gifts. We have a $5 limit I am looking forward to this as I love to fine gifts that do not cost a lot but are worth a lot or have value.The savings on the will help a lot and that makes me happy.The amount of stress this relives is awesome, as getting money for all these gifts when I am worrying about heating my home.

What can you do with 5 dollars well if you pool all the money togeather you have about 30 bucks.
So one idea i had was to to get some maison jars and layer in all the dry goods for cookies and attach the recipe.

Makes about 48

1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 chocolate chunks

Mix the white ingredients, then put then in the bottom of the jar, than add the brown sugar and end with the chips. Decerate with some Calico place over lid with a rubber band add ribbon cover rubber band.

Don’t forget to attach card with the following instructions:

Cookies in a Jar

Store jar in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
contents of this jar

1 cup unsalted butter or margarine
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Separate the chocolate chips from other ingredients use a colander. Beat butter until creamy. Add sifted ingredients into butter. In a small bowl, beat egg with vanilla. Add egg mixture into butter mixture until blended well. Stir in chocolate chunks. Use a teaspoonfuls of batter, spaced 2 inches apart , onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake 8 minutes. Than place on a cooling rack!!!!

More Gifts in a Jar:

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Webkinz Smoothy Moves

October 30, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Luxor (video game)

Image via Wikipedia

Smoothy Moves is a great new game on Webkinz. I am addicted. It is a lot like Luxor which you can play at yahoo.com. I personally have found it to be a little more difficult. I hate when the kids beat my high game! This game is a great matching game for the kids. They have to match foods quickly before they empty into the center. You should give it a try. It is loads of smoothy fun!

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Webkinz Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Webkinz is Letting Me Down

October 24, 2008 By 1 Comment
play games to get Kinz Cash to buy things for ...

Image by The Shifted Librarian via Flickr

While I am sad to admit it I play in Webkinz World. My kids have more money in Webkinz World then they could ever spend! I find it fun to play. Many of the games are the same games that you find elsewhere… so why not play for the kids. I love to play Where’s Wacky. It is a great memory game that keeps me on my toes. It also makes the kids try and try to beet my high score. Of course they have not done it yet, but it does keep the fun in it.

The trouble is lately Webkinz will either not load at all or once it does the games are not playing up to speed. This has been quite disappointing. During nap time I come to the computer and say ok… I will allow myself one quick game of Where’s Wacky, then I will fold the laundry. Every time for about a month now that I have done this the site does not load or work properly. While I can handle the disappointment the kids are not as mature. They are mad! With all of the money that Webkinz brings in for Ganz one would think that they could afford to have their system working properly.

COME ON WEBKINZ… QUIT LETTING US ALL DOWN!!

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Webkinz Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

63 Days Until Christmas

October 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Mittens

Image by laurenatclemson via Flickr

Christmas Cards

I was looking out the window this morning and noticed something… A heavy frost covered the earth. As I was bundling the kids up with hats, scarves, and mittens I was thinking that Christmas was really getting close. The leaves on the trees are falling at a pretty quick pace now and the air has a frosty chill to it. It really is almost here.

Today I am thinking about title=”Christmas card” rel=”wikipedia” class=”zem_slink”>Christmas cards. I am debating if I should buy cards or make them. Another option is to send cards via email. I am in a pickle about the whole thing.

  • The traditional writing out cards and mailing them: This is what my intention is every year. I fill out all the cards, address them and lick the envelope closed. This is where is all falls apart. I never actually mail them. This means that all of that work I have done is essentially wasted. While I do like this option best there are a few things to consider about it. The first thing is that I forget to mail them out. Then it is like I never did it in the first place. The other thing that I think it is important to consider is the cost. Once you buy the cards at about $5-$10 per box (and we all know we need at least 3 boxes if not more) then you also have to pay postage to mail them.
  • Making cards: To save some money this is a good option. Although it will still cost the same in postage the cards in a craft store would be cheaper then buying cards. If I were to stamp them I am sure that in the end it would be cheaper. I could also let the kids help. This would be a great activity for movie time Sunday
  • E-Cards: While these are quite cost effective I think that they loose something. They are not as personal and thoughtful in my eyes. While i is nice to see something in the email I think that it is even better to see something in your mail box that you can keep close to you all season long.

With these three options for cards it is difficult to know which way to go. Because I think that it would be fun and different I think that the girls and I will make cards this year. It would be a fun addition to our Movie Sunday and perhaps we could even use foam stickers to make it. This would make it even more special to the kids. The next time I head to the craft store I am going to pick up the supplies so that we are ready on a moments notice to make some cards.

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , ,

64 Days Until Christmas

October 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment
The Nightmare Before Christmas

Image by Chrischang via Flickr

The Nightmare Before Christmas

A little breather

Today I decided to take a little breather.  I have been thinking more and more about Halloween and it has taken up most of my day.  It is just about one week away and I still have to figure out costumes.  Thinking about Halloween and Christmas together makes me think of the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas.  What a cute movie.  The kids and I have been listening to our Halloween music on our ipod all week.  We have it all from the, “purple People Eater” to “Witches Brew“.  This week end we have a party to attend.  I am still working out what we will be.  The theme is someone famous of the opposite site.  Because I have been so focused I think that it would be fun to have Rob be Mrs. Clause and I could be Santa.  He is not as into it as I am.

As far as the Christmas season I am feeling quite good about it.  I have done so much planning.  I must say that my budget is not going quite as well as I would have liked.  Things are just really tight right now.  I may have to look at the budget again in a few weeks and make changes that I need.  There are a lot of things that are already done:

  • I have picked dresses out for the girls.
  • I have an appointment for pictures in the beginning of Nov.
  • I have a cookie list.
  • I have downloaded some of my favorite music so that it is ready to go on Black Friday.
  • I have asked the kids what they really want.
  • I have looked at some black Friday web sites and continue to monitor them.
  • I have assessed our traditions and am thinking about some new ones.
  • I have bought my craft supplies that I need to get an early start on presents.

All in all I think we are all off to a great start.  The days are flying by and it is nice to know that when they start to go quicker and quicker we will all be prepared!

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Webkinz Halloween

October 22, 2008 By 3 Comments
Webkinz Madness

Image by Cayusa via Flickr

Webkinz has done it again. They are all set for Halloween and just in time. They have various items for your pets so that they can enjoy the fun and festivity of Halloween. They have everything you could want to decorate your Halloween Hollow room. The bed is great looking and the TV is just downright spooky!

There are also some Halloween treats for your pets if they are good. The one thing that I do not see this year are costumes. Perhaps I am missing them but I could not find them. I thought that this was sad. The girls had such a great time last year dressing their Webkinz up for trick or treating. I was suprised that they did not do them again this year! It would have been something that could have been sold in stores so that kids could really dress their pets.

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Webkinz Tagged With: , , , , ,

65 Days Until Christmas

October 22, 2008 By 2 Comments
A folk tale depiction of Father Christmas on r...

Image via Wikipedia

Traditions

A huge part of Christmas and the entire holiday season are traditions. I was thinking about the things I remember as a kid and have been thinking about what new traditions I can make for my family. Don’t get me wrong we already have a few that we have brought from our childhood. I think that it is important to have one that is new to us if not completely new.

The first and biggest tradition in my family is Elmer the Elf. Elmer has been watching over this family since the 1800′s. It is a tradition that has not died and continues to be passed. Starting on Thanksgiving, the children know that Elmer is watching. He works for the big guy and is there to assure that you are being good and not bad. If he catches you being good he will leave you a small prize the next morning. It adds excitement and certainly keeps the kids on their toes. They want to be good at the hectic holiday time. There have been times in my family that we have had to call Elmer but he always takes care of it. Elmer is a special magical part of our holiday season. Sometimes we know he is watching because he leaves his hat behind.

Another family tradition we have is to spend Christmas Eve. together. It is a time that is cherished. All of the kids get together and play while they anticipate Santa’s arrival. We have a beautiful dinner, chat and enjoy each other. It is like the end to all of the running around and hustle and bustle. We track Santa on the computer and usually get home just in time.

We also, like everyone else I know, leave cookies for Santa and a few carrots for the reindeer. Sometimes we leave egg nog instead of milk because Santa likes it a little more. It is the second to last thing before bed. Of course we read twas the night before Christmas right before bed.

A tradition we used to have but that has died was movie time Sunday. On Sundays from Thanksgiving to Christmas we used to get together and choose two holiday classics to watch. Everyone had their week to share the two that they like the most. While watching the movies together we would do crafts, enjoy each others company, wrap gifts or write our holiday cards. It was so special and I miss it. I think that this year I will start doing it again! I hope that others think it sounds fun!

So there are the traditions we have already. I am looking for a few new ones to start. I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions. I have a few in mind but thought that it would be nice to know what you family does for Christmas to make it special.

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

66 Days until Christmas

October 21, 2008 By Leave a Comment
baby christmas portraits

Image by brungrrl via Flickr

Christmas Pictures

As I had stated in my first post of this series I really feel that it is important for us to get pictures done this holiday season. Analiese is now one and a half and the only picture I have of her it from when she was a month old. As you can imagine she has changed quite a bit since then! It is amazing how much they all have changed. Abigail is now an obvious “Tween” and Emma has lost her little baby face and looks all grown up now. I am amazed at the changes and would like to make sure that we do not miss all of them.

As we all know I am on a tight budget this holiday season. I had budgeted no more then $100 for pictures. I would also like to have cards which are the picture this year. I know it is cheesy but I have never had them. It would also make holiday thoughts and cards easier to fill out. Today my goal is to access the cost and perhaps find some discounts for pictures.

  • The Picture People: This is the first place I searched. They moved out of the mall closest to me but depending on the prices it could be worth the trip. I notice that they have eliminated their sitting fees. For me this is great. It is $19.99 that I can but another sheet of pictures with. There are coupons on their site to be printed and used. The one that is there right now is save 20% off of your entire order. This is not a bad deal. I am seriously considering this option because I know that they come out nice.
  • Sears Portrait Studio: They offer a $9.99 package price on their web page. The portrait sheets are more then The Picture People at $19.99 each. I then have to consider that I will have to pay a $14.99 sitting fee. It is not clear on their site if this is one fee or a per person fee. I think in the end this will end up being more expensive then their $9.99 package leads me to believe.
  • Wal-Mart Picture Me Studios: They seem to have the best deal around as they usually do. On their website they offer a peek at the holiday options so that you can plan early. Right now they are offering a picture package bigger then Sears for only $4.99. In addition to the savings there they also have no sitting fees. The down side is they do not list their portrait sheep price. I have had pictures done at Wal-Mart Wbefore also and they have done a great job.

It is hard to pick where to go. I think that I will schedule with Wal-Mart and see how they come out. If they are great then I can buy more. If they are awful I have only spend $4.99. I am going to book this today so that I will have it all set before Thanksgiving. The prices will still be less and it will not be as hard to get an appointment.

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Becca Cosmetics – New Glossy Lip Tint | Angel Kisses

October 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Well I have purchased another Becca Cosmetics product to review. Becca Cosmetics new glossy lip tint angel kisses. I think that it is quite wonderful. To start with it has a strawberry taste to it that makes your lips delicious for you and anyone else who has to pleasure to taste them. It was a great added bonus to this product.

Angel kisses is a wonderful new gloss. As we already know I love lip gloss. It is so sexy and stays shiny for much longer then plain lipstick. Angel kisses has a faint tint of color but I have used it as a clear coat. Last night I colored my lips in with my favorite lip liner. I just love to way the color looks. After that I was able to put angel kisses glossy lip tint over it to make it shine and pop. I cannot wait until I can use it again! I am thinking it will be great over some of my lip stick colors also. I did think that $23 was a little high price wise although I did notice that you use less of it then some other brands which will remain nameless. As always you can go to www.beccacosmetics.com to purchase this product or search it in Google. Be warned though it is currently sold out on their website. It is worth searching for though!

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

67 Days Until Christmas

October 20, 2008 By 3 Comments

Image via Wikipedia

Christmas Cocktail Party:

So here we are with only 67 days to go. It is all going to quick already! My husband, Rob, thinks that I am nuts. He has reminded me that there are still things that need to be done for Halloween and Thanksgiving and has yet to understand why it is so important to keep Christmas in my mind. Men do not always get it. We were at a friend’s house last night and it got me thinking that we have made good friends in the last few years. Having kids has really been wonderful for our couple social life. Before this point we ALWAYS had separate friends. Now we have a wonderful group of friends.

With this being said I am trying to think and think about how we can make it a little special with friends as well as family this Christmas. I have decided that I would like to have a cocktail party. It will of course have to be an adult only party!!! This seems like the best way to go. Kids, while I love them, can take the fun out of plans from time to time.

Because the holidays book quickly for people I would like to send out invitations around Thanksgiving. This way people will know not to book the night and it will be saved for me. I think it will be a great chance for all of us to get together and have some good old fashion fun. Sometimes I wish I lived about 100 years ago when people all gathered around the piano and sing carols together with a cocktail in hand. People now will think that I am nuts! If I ask men to gather around a piano and sing a carol they may have me committed. I am not sure when it became so uncool to sing and have a good time with friends. Perhaps we will try it anyway. At the very least it would give us all something to laugh about later.

If I am going to have a small holiday party I am going to have to prepare. As I have said this month and half of next month are the times that I have to prepare and plan. I will have to go through my party planning checklist. This will assure that I will be ready. I am planning on sending out invitations online. I often use EVite.com because it is so quick and easy. Perhaps you would like to plan a holiday party as well. What will you do at your party? Please feel free to share. I am looking for some good ideas!

Becca

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Christmas Countdown Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts