I am so tired of seeing posts on Facebook about how fast Christmas is approaching this year. I am completely stressed out about it! I have very little money to get my kids gifts, which means that, once again, I will not be getting anything for anyone else. This fact breaks my heart, because I love giving gifts on Christmas. I will probably end up making a bunch of cookie tubs to give out.
My lack of money has a bright side, though. I will not have to spend time trying to figure out what to get people. Some people are easy to buy for. Take myself, for instance. Buy me an elephant and I am one happy girl. I don't need Tibetan Singing Bowls or scented candles, though I would love those things, too. My mom is easy to buy for. Every year I hit up Black Friday sales and buy her some dvd's. She has quite a collection, and by adding to it, I increase the number of movies I have to pick from when I raid her collection.
What are your go-to gifts for hard to buy for people?
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Our First Christmas With Lillie
If it was up to me, I would leave our Christmas tree up all year long. It takes me a very long time to get the ornaments on it every year, and it would be so much easier if I didn't have to take them back down again.
Last year, we didn't have Lillie. She is such a pretty cat, but I am convinced that her father was satan himself. She has such a mean streak in her. I call her demon cat most of the time. Brandi walks around the house carrying a pillow in front of her, because Lillie is known to attack without any warning. I am not looking forward to see what she does when we finally do put the Christmas tree up this year. I know she is going to try and climb it, and I am sure that my ornaments are going to end up broken and all over the house. I have no idea how I am going to keep her away from the tree. I like to think that it is just the kitten in her that makes her crazy and mean, but she is a year old now, and that phase should have been over and done by now.
I would love to know how you keep your pets away from your Christmas tree. I am open to advice from everyone. Keep in mind, though, that Lillie is a jumper, and deaf as a door nail.
Last year, we didn't have Lillie. She is such a pretty cat, but I am convinced that her father was satan himself. She has such a mean streak in her. I call her demon cat most of the time. Brandi walks around the house carrying a pillow in front of her, because Lillie is known to attack without any warning. I am not looking forward to see what she does when we finally do put the Christmas tree up this year. I know she is going to try and climb it, and I am sure that my ornaments are going to end up broken and all over the house. I have no idea how I am going to keep her away from the tree. I like to think that it is just the kitten in her that makes her crazy and mean, but she is a year old now, and that phase should have been over and done by now.
I would love to know how you keep your pets away from your Christmas tree. I am open to advice from everyone. Keep in mind, though, that Lillie is a jumper, and deaf as a door nail.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Stuff
I am pretty impressed with myself. Why, you ask? Well, it's because I have already started my Christmas shopping. I don't have much yet, but I plan on taking a little bit of money out of every paycheck and buying a gift or two for my kids so that by the time December rolls around, I'm not scrambling to find the money to buy gifts. I have asked my kids to make their lists, and I plan on doing a little shopping online.
My girls are easy to buy for, because they love jewelry and makeup. Ryan, on the other hand, is harder for me to buy for. He's into cars and fishing and electronics, and I honestly don't know much about those things. I can check out ThinkGeek to get ideas for gifts for Ryan, and I know I can't go wrong with Home Depot coupons. My ex works at Home Depot, and we have done Christmas shopping there in the past. I think at this point, Ryan has just as many tools as his dad does. There is also the option of using some GoToMyPC promo codes and getting him something he could use with his computer, because this kid is always online, no matter where we are. I;m sure once he finishes his list, I'll have a better idea of what to get him.
My girls are easy to buy for, because they love jewelry and makeup. Ryan, on the other hand, is harder for me to buy for. He's into cars and fishing and electronics, and I honestly don't know much about those things. I can check out ThinkGeek to get ideas for gifts for Ryan, and I know I can't go wrong with Home Depot coupons. My ex works at Home Depot, and we have done Christmas shopping there in the past. I think at this point, Ryan has just as many tools as his dad does. There is also the option of using some GoToMyPC promo codes and getting him something he could use with his computer, because this kid is always online, no matter where we are. I;m sure once he finishes his list, I'll have a better idea of what to get him.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Out Of School For Summer
I can not believe the kids are already out of school for the summer. This year is going by so fast! I have a feeling that Christmas is going to sneak up on us before we know it. Last year, I wasn't able to get the kids much, because I was short on money. I do not want that to happen again this year. They insisted that what I was able to afford was more than enough, and I know they meant it, but I want to do better this year. That means I need to start shopping now.
Each of my kids have different tastes. Brandi is my girly girl. She loves to wear dresses and have her hair done "just right" every single day. She is very picky when it comes to her clothes. I bet if I could find some louben dresses in her size she would be in heaven. She also loves earring and necklaces. For the past few years, I have made sure that there was at least one of each of those things under the tree, especially ladybug themed ones. The kids loves ladybugs.
Kasi is more of a jeans and tshirt kind of girl. In fact, that is what you will find her in everyday. She has a bad habit of always wearing a jacket, too. This drives me crazy, because even though it has been ninety degrees outside, she still insists on wearing jackets. Maybe she will find a windbreaker lightweight or two under the tree this year.
Ryan is going to be easy to shop for. He recently dropped his brand new cell phone, which I paid a pretty good sum of money for, into the creek. I was able to get him a new phone, but it was the cheapest one the store carried. I know he wants a more sophisticated phone again, so that is a priority for me. It won't be an android or an iphone, because they are not supported by my carrier, but it will be something similar to one of those. I wonder if a marc by marc jacob wristlet for iphone 4s would work on whatever I get him?
All I know is that if I start shopping now, I may be able to have a good bit of things for each of them when Christmas rolls around.
Each of my kids have different tastes. Brandi is my girly girl. She loves to wear dresses and have her hair done "just right" every single day. She is very picky when it comes to her clothes. I bet if I could find some louben dresses in her size she would be in heaven. She also loves earring and necklaces. For the past few years, I have made sure that there was at least one of each of those things under the tree, especially ladybug themed ones. The kids loves ladybugs.
Kasi is more of a jeans and tshirt kind of girl. In fact, that is what you will find her in everyday. She has a bad habit of always wearing a jacket, too. This drives me crazy, because even though it has been ninety degrees outside, she still insists on wearing jackets. Maybe she will find a windbreaker lightweight or two under the tree this year.
Ryan is going to be easy to shop for. He recently dropped his brand new cell phone, which I paid a pretty good sum of money for, into the creek. I was able to get him a new phone, but it was the cheapest one the store carried. I know he wants a more sophisticated phone again, so that is a priority for me. It won't be an android or an iphone, because they are not supported by my carrier, but it will be something similar to one of those. I wonder if a marc by marc jacob wristlet for iphone 4s would work on whatever I get him?
All I know is that if I start shopping now, I may be able to have a good bit of things for each of them when Christmas rolls around.
Friday, April 20, 2012
I'm Already Thinking About Christmas
Last Christmas was hard on me. I barely had enough money to have gift for my own kids under the tree, and I didn't have any money to buy for my family and friends. I do not want that same thing to happen this year, so I am going to start my shopping early.
I want to try and do a lot of my shopping online, and have it shipped directly to my house. That way, everything will be in sealed boxes and my kids can't snoop. I found some cute stuff on Geek Gadgets 2012, and I also found some weird stuff. For instance, they have an ice tray that makes ice cubes that look like pot leaves. Who would want something like that?
My mom is always easy to shop for, but my dad is difficult. I know he likes to read, so I was thinking of using a few AbeBooks coupons and getting him a book or two. The only problem is that I have no idea what to get. I love reading fiction, but I think he is more into biographies and Christian books. Anyone have any recommendations?
If worse comes to worse, I can find some Amazon promotional codes and buy a bunch of generic gifts that will work for anyone. There have been times in the past when someone has given me a gift and I had nothing to give in return, so I would make a plate of cookies for them. I want to avoid that from now on, so having a secret stash of gifts would be wonderful.
I want to try and do a lot of my shopping online, and have it shipped directly to my house. That way, everything will be in sealed boxes and my kids can't snoop. I found some cute stuff on Geek Gadgets 2012, and I also found some weird stuff. For instance, they have an ice tray that makes ice cubes that look like pot leaves. Who would want something like that?
My mom is always easy to shop for, but my dad is difficult. I know he likes to read, so I was thinking of using a few AbeBooks coupons and getting him a book or two. The only problem is that I have no idea what to get. I love reading fiction, but I think he is more into biographies and Christian books. Anyone have any recommendations?
If worse comes to worse, I can find some Amazon promotional codes and buy a bunch of generic gifts that will work for anyone. There have been times in the past when someone has given me a gift and I had nothing to give in return, so I would make a plate of cookies for them. I want to avoid that from now on, so having a secret stash of gifts would be wonderful.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Some Christmas Pictures
Me and my kids.
My mom and my kids.
This is my favorite picture from Christmas...Brandi's face when she saw my mom had gotten her the bike she wanted!
Boo and her new bike.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Almost Done Shopping
I must be crazy! Due to financial restraints, I have not yet finished my Christmas shopping, and Christmas is five days away. I have to go shopping Friday when I get off of work because that will be my last paycheck before the big day. The stores are going to be so busy I am actually dreading having to go.
I would have been done weeks ago if I had more money, but there just never seems to be much left after I pay bills every week. I know there are ways I could have gotten some cash, like taking advantage of a Utah cash advance place, but I want to do this all on my own without having to add more bills to my already full months. I've used cash advance places in the past and they have been lifesavers. Especially when en unexpected expense pops up.
But, right now, I can't take on another bill. My plate is full enough. My kids will get what I can afford to get them and nothing more. I have learned this past year that living within my means is boring, but necessary. I've spent too many years not being able to pay rent each month and having our cable turned off. It's been ten months (WOW!) since my husband left, and I am doing a great job on my own.
And it feels so good!
I would have been done weeks ago if I had more money, but there just never seems to be much left after I pay bills every week. I know there are ways I could have gotten some cash, like taking advantage of a Utah cash advance place, but I want to do this all on my own without having to add more bills to my already full months. I've used cash advance places in the past and they have been lifesavers. Especially when en unexpected expense pops up.
But, right now, I can't take on another bill. My plate is full enough. My kids will get what I can afford to get them and nothing more. I have learned this past year that living within my means is boring, but necessary. I've spent too many years not being able to pay rent each month and having our cable turned off. It's been ten months (WOW!) since my husband left, and I am doing a great job on my own.
And it feels so good!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Shop ALDI For Your Holiday Party
Last weekend, I had an intimate little Christmas party. Okay, so maybe "party" is not the right word since it was just myself and a very special friend of mine. I served some simple foods that paired well with wine, all courtesy of my local ALDI grocery store.
It had been a while since I had shopped at ALDI, and I honestly had no idea they had such a wide selection of wines, all very reasonable priced. In fact, everything they sell is reasonable priced at almost 50% less than traditional supermarkets. I got four different bottles of wine, totaling about $24. Since I am not normally a big drinker, I was a little clueless when it came to picking out the wines I wanted. The manager of the store heard me talking to myself and came over to help me find the selections I needed. She was awesome! She even walked around the store with me as I selected the rest of my purchases. I was very impressed with the customer service I received. The only drawback was that I forgot that they do not bag your groceries, so I had to purchase a reusable shopping bag to bring my things home in. It was only $1, and I can use it again the next time I shop there (or anywhere else!), so it was worth it.
My favorite wine was the Gonfalone Chianti, and I served it with cheese and crackers. I used a recipe ALDI supplied for a Baked Brie, and I can not tell you how delicious it was. It was so simple to make, too.
ALDI Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
1 wheel edenVale Brie Cheese
1/2 cup Southern Grove Dried Cranberries
1 cup Burlwood Cellars Chardonnay
1/2 cup Berryhill Blackberry Fruit Spread
Directions:
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Place unwrapped brie on a foil-lined baking sheet. Heat in oven 12-15 minutes or until brie is warmed through and soft to the touch.
2. Meanwhile, bring dried cranberries and white wine to a boil in a small saucepan. Add fruit spread, reduce heat to medium high and simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring often.. Sauce is ready when liquid has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
3. To serve, pour over warm brie. Can be eaten alone or spread on crackers.
The final result:
Okay, so maybe it doesn't look as good as it tasted, but trust me when I tell you it was delicious! I served it with ALDI's Savoritz Entertainment Crackers - Six Cracker Assortment. I plan on making it again the next time I have guests over.
I am big on desserts, so I also bought a Belmont Premium Cheesecake Sampler and paired that with the Chaza Moscato, as ALDI suggested.
This was my friend's favorite wine. I liked it, too. In fact, we finished off this entire bottle! I am a huge cheesecake fan, and I can say without question that this cheesecake was awesome. I especially liked the turtle slices. The raspberry was great, too.
ALDI has so many great selections when it comes to party food, and this time of year, we are all either having our own or attending friends and families Christmas parties. You can look like a rock star if you hit up ALDI first and arm yourself with some of their wines. Just don't forget to pick up all the goodies they offer that pair with the wine so well.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ALDI and received a gift certificate to facilitate my review
It had been a while since I had shopped at ALDI, and I honestly had no idea they had such a wide selection of wines, all very reasonable priced. In fact, everything they sell is reasonable priced at almost 50% less than traditional supermarkets. I got four different bottles of wine, totaling about $24. Since I am not normally a big drinker, I was a little clueless when it came to picking out the wines I wanted. The manager of the store heard me talking to myself and came over to help me find the selections I needed. She was awesome! She even walked around the store with me as I selected the rest of my purchases. I was very impressed with the customer service I received. The only drawback was that I forgot that they do not bag your groceries, so I had to purchase a reusable shopping bag to bring my things home in. It was only $1, and I can use it again the next time I shop there (or anywhere else!), so it was worth it.
My favorite wine was the Gonfalone Chianti, and I served it with cheese and crackers. I used a recipe ALDI supplied for a Baked Brie, and I can not tell you how delicious it was. It was so simple to make, too.
ALDI Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:1 wheel edenVale Brie Cheese
1/2 cup Southern Grove Dried Cranberries
1 cup Burlwood Cellars Chardonnay
1/2 cup Berryhill Blackberry Fruit Spread
Directions:
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Place unwrapped brie on a foil-lined baking sheet. Heat in oven 12-15 minutes or until brie is warmed through and soft to the touch.
2. Meanwhile, bring dried cranberries and white wine to a boil in a small saucepan. Add fruit spread, reduce heat to medium high and simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring often.. Sauce is ready when liquid has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
3. To serve, pour over warm brie. Can be eaten alone or spread on crackers.
The final result:
I am big on desserts, so I also bought a Belmont Premium Cheesecake Sampler and paired that with the Chaza Moscato, as ALDI suggested.
ALDI has so many great selections when it comes to party food, and this time of year, we are all either having our own or attending friends and families Christmas parties. You can look like a rock star if you hit up ALDI first and arm yourself with some of their wines. Just don't forget to pick up all the goodies they offer that pair with the wine so well.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ALDI and received a gift certificate to facilitate my review
Last Minute Shopping
Christmas is a week from tomorrow. Seriously, people, how did that happen? Where did this past year go?
I am not even close to being done with my Christmas shopping. I haven't gotten a thing for anyone but my kids. A lot of that has to do with my not having any money. I also have no idea what to get anyone this year. I still have to get a few things for Ryan, and I'm not even sure what else he wants. It is so much easier for me to shop for my girls. I don't want to ask Ryan for a list, because now that he is 16, he is asking for things like a car and Sea Ray boat tops.
I feel bad that I didn't get anything for my nieces and nephews. I will have a little extra money this week to do some last minute shopping, but I am going to spend it on my kids. I still need to get stuff for their stockings. I am usually done with my shopping my the beginning of November, so having to shop on Christmas Eve is going to be interesting.
I hope I make it out of Walmart alive!
I am not even close to being done with my Christmas shopping. I haven't gotten a thing for anyone but my kids. A lot of that has to do with my not having any money. I also have no idea what to get anyone this year. I still have to get a few things for Ryan, and I'm not even sure what else he wants. It is so much easier for me to shop for my girls. I don't want to ask Ryan for a list, because now that he is 16, he is asking for things like a car and Sea Ray boat tops.
I feel bad that I didn't get anything for my nieces and nephews. I will have a little extra money this week to do some last minute shopping, but I am going to spend it on my kids. I still need to get stuff for their stockings. I am usually done with my shopping my the beginning of November, so having to shop on Christmas Eve is going to be interesting.
I hope I make it out of Walmart alive!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Christmas In February
I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about Christmas and how I am unable to get the kids all the things they really want, seeing as how I don't have much money this year. I've told them that to make up for it, I will let them have some money when I get my taxes back in February to buy whatever they want. The girls both want cell phones, but I am not sure that will be possible, since a gift like that comes with a monthly bill that I can not afford. I was thinking I might try to talk them into laptops. Ryan already has one, and the girls are constantly fighting over mine. Having their own would stop the fighting.
Of course I would do some research first to find the best deal. There are Think Geek coupons online that I can use on all kinds of electronic devices and other things, and of course I am sure I could find a Dell coupon or two as well. My computer is a Vaio, and I love it, but it cost me $600, and I am not going to be able to spend that much on my kids. My mom has a Dell, and she has never had a problem with it.
Ryan is going to be harder to buy for. Since he already has a laptop and a cell phone, it will be harder to find something that he wants. He has been talking about an xbox, but if I get that, which I plan on doing, it would be for all of them, not just him. Maybe I will just hand him a ThinkGeek promo code and let him decide what to get for himself. I would give him a price limit, of course. Otherwise, he's likey to spend my entire refund check.
Of course I would do some research first to find the best deal. There are Think Geek coupons online that I can use on all kinds of electronic devices and other things, and of course I am sure I could find a Dell coupon or two as well. My computer is a Vaio, and I love it, but it cost me $600, and I am not going to be able to spend that much on my kids. My mom has a Dell, and she has never had a problem with it.
Ryan is going to be harder to buy for. Since he already has a laptop and a cell phone, it will be harder to find something that he wants. He has been talking about an xbox, but if I get that, which I plan on doing, it would be for all of them, not just him. Maybe I will just hand him a ThinkGeek promo code and let him decide what to get for himself. I would give him a price limit, of course. Otherwise, he's likey to spend my entire refund check.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Christmas Money
I am desperately trying to come up with ways to make a little extra money in the next couple of weeks so that my kids will have a few more gifts under the tree Christmas morning. I know there are odd jobs to be found, my problem is finding something I can fit into my already tight schedule.
A friend of mine does house cleaning, which sounds like it would be an easy way to make extra money, but I honestly don't know if I have it in me to clean a stranger's bathroom. I mean, I used to have to clean the restrooms when I worked fast food, so I guess it's not that much different. Right? I also know someone who cleans office buildings at night, which would be okay if I could find someone to watch my kids. There are places like green cleaning oklahoma city who hire people to clean commercial businesses, but I think I would want to find places on my own, that way I am paid directly. Does anyone know if businesses do that? Hire people off the streets to vacuum their floors and wash their windows? You might need to have some type of license or something.
I know Christmas is only a little over two weeks away, so I am probably out of luck. I do have gifts for the kids, though not as many as I would like. The good thing is, none of my kids believe in Santa anymore, so they understand that I did the best I could. In fact, Brandi found my stash of gifts and admitted to me that there wasn't a lot there. When I told her I wished there was more, she said to me, and I quote, "Christmas is about family, not presents, so it's okay, mom".
I seriously have the sweetest kid in the world!
A friend of mine does house cleaning, which sounds like it would be an easy way to make extra money, but I honestly don't know if I have it in me to clean a stranger's bathroom. I mean, I used to have to clean the restrooms when I worked fast food, so I guess it's not that much different. Right? I also know someone who cleans office buildings at night, which would be okay if I could find someone to watch my kids. There are places like green cleaning oklahoma city who hire people to clean commercial businesses, but I think I would want to find places on my own, that way I am paid directly. Does anyone know if businesses do that? Hire people off the streets to vacuum their floors and wash their windows? You might need to have some type of license or something.
I know Christmas is only a little over two weeks away, so I am probably out of luck. I do have gifts for the kids, though not as many as I would like. The good thing is, none of my kids believe in Santa anymore, so they understand that I did the best I could. In fact, Brandi found my stash of gifts and admitted to me that there wasn't a lot there. When I told her I wished there was more, she said to me, and I quote, "Christmas is about family, not presents, so it's okay, mom".
I seriously have the sweetest kid in the world!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Christmas Shopping
So, we are less than a month away from Christmas. For the first time ever, I am not done with my shopping. In fact, I only started shopping this past weekend. A lack of money has a lot to do with it, as does the fact that my kids are being pretty tight lipped about what they actually want this year. I think it might be partly my fault, since they know I am struggling with money, so they don't want me to feel bad if they ask for something that would be impossible for me to get for them.
I have more for the girls at this point, simply because they are easier to buy for. I was having trouble buying stuff for Ryan, so I took him shopping with me and he picked out a bunch of stuff for himself. Sure, he won't be surprised Christmas morning, but at least he is getting things he wants. I know there are things he didn't ask for that he really wants, and most of those things are electronic. To be honest, I would needs a few Geek Gadgets and Discount Coupons to afford even the cheapest of the things he wants, but I promised him, and the girls, that when I get my tax refund in February, they will each get $100 to spend on whatever they want. I also promised to buy them an xbox, which is what they really want. They seem to have developed an unhealthy addiction to Call Of Duty, which they play at their dad's house.
I was talking to my sister the other night while we were Black Friday shopping about how I am not going to be able to get anything for my nieces or nephews this year. She understands, but that doesn't change the fact that I really wish I could. I especially wish I could get something for my newest niece who was born yesterday. I could use a Things Remembered coupon to get something engraved for her. I also wish I could get more for my mom and dad, seeing as how they have both done so much for me this past year. I could use some RedEnvelope promo codes to get each of them something special, but I will probably end up just letting the kids paint them some ornaments or something. Luckily, I have a stash of unpainted ornaments that I have accumulated over the years during after Christmas sales.
I am hoping my kids, and my family, won't be too disappointed this year. I plan on making it up to them next year, though, when I am more financially secure.
I have more for the girls at this point, simply because they are easier to buy for. I was having trouble buying stuff for Ryan, so I took him shopping with me and he picked out a bunch of stuff for himself. Sure, he won't be surprised Christmas morning, but at least he is getting things he wants. I know there are things he didn't ask for that he really wants, and most of those things are electronic. To be honest, I would needs a few Geek Gadgets and Discount Coupons to afford even the cheapest of the things he wants, but I promised him, and the girls, that when I get my tax refund in February, they will each get $100 to spend on whatever they want. I also promised to buy them an xbox, which is what they really want. They seem to have developed an unhealthy addiction to Call Of Duty, which they play at their dad's house.
I was talking to my sister the other night while we were Black Friday shopping about how I am not going to be able to get anything for my nieces or nephews this year. She understands, but that doesn't change the fact that I really wish I could. I especially wish I could get something for my newest niece who was born yesterday. I could use a Things Remembered coupon to get something engraved for her. I also wish I could get more for my mom and dad, seeing as how they have both done so much for me this past year. I could use some RedEnvelope promo codes to get each of them something special, but I will probably end up just letting the kids paint them some ornaments or something. Luckily, I have a stash of unpainted ornaments that I have accumulated over the years during after Christmas sales.
I am hoping my kids, and my family, won't be too disappointed this year. I plan on making it up to them next year, though, when I am more financially secure.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Christmas
I am really stressing about finding money for Christmas gifts. I am not sure my own kids are going to have much under the tree, so I know I won't be able to afford gifts for my nieces and nephews. You have no idea how much this is breaking my heart. They shouldn't have to be neglected because I am tight on money, but I don't know what to do. I have nine nephews and six nieces, so even toys for infants are out of my budget. I used to make the kids gifts, but this year I just don't have the time. Or the money to buy the supplies to make anything.
It's hard when every cent coming in has to go towards the bills, but that's how things are for me right now. I told my kids they may wake up Christmas morning to IOU's in their stockings. By this time every year, I am usually so excited about the holiday season. This year, I just don't feel the same. I plan on putting up my tree this weekend, which I hope will help get us all into the holiday spirit.
If not, I am sure once I start baking my Christmas cookies the smell alone will get me excited about Christmas.
It's hard when every cent coming in has to go towards the bills, but that's how things are for me right now. I told my kids they may wake up Christmas morning to IOU's in their stockings. By this time every year, I am usually so excited about the holiday season. This year, I just don't feel the same. I plan on putting up my tree this weekend, which I hope will help get us all into the holiday spirit.
If not, I am sure once I start baking my Christmas cookies the smell alone will get me excited about Christmas.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Mixbook Christmas Card Review
"a leading photo products company that helps people create custom photo books, cards, and calendars. Whether starting from scratch, or using one of our thousands of professionally designed templates, every Mixbook product is 100% customizable. With Mixbook, you can truly Make It Yours™".
The process of making my card was simple enough. I just picked the design I liked and uploaded the pictures I wanted to use. It seriously only took me about ten minutes to finish my card, and I think it came out great. I have to say, though, that with the variety of cards they offer, I had a hard time deciding on the perfect card for my family. I am more into the whimsical than the traditional, but trust me when I say they offer something for everyone. You can even start from scratch and make a card that is completely your own.
If you are looking for an affordable place to order your Christmas cards, check out Mixbook. You can find them on twitter and facebook, too. I love mine, and if you want me to mail one to you, email me your address. Or message me on Facebook.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Easy Money From Title Loans Miami
No matter how hard I try, I can never sleep in on the weekends. My body is so used to getting up at 5:15am every day, no matter how late I stay up on Friday or Saturday nights, I am still up really early the following day. I was excited about the extra hour of sleep we got last night, but I was still up at 6am this morning.
It's nice being up before the kids and having some time to myself, but this morning I found myself stressing about money. No matter how much I work, there never seems to be enough money to do all the things I would love to do with the kids. I can't even think about Christmas without having a little panic attack. I have been thinking a lot about how I am going to find the money to get the kids gifts, and someone recommended Title Loans Miami . While I don't live in Miami Florida, I know there are title loan places close to where I live. Getting a title loan is a good option for people who can not qualify for conventional loans, or when an emergency arises and you need money right away.
I still have over a month to find some extra money, so I am not going to panic yet. At least not completely panic. I wouldn't trade the life I have right now for anything. I am happy, and my bills get paid every month. I am taking care of my kids and being the mom I have always been, which just so happens to mean I am still awesome. I am sure my kids will be happy Christmas morning no matter how much, or little, is under the tree. They know that Christmas is about more then the gifts you get. It's about God and being with family. And I have been blessed with a wonderful family who loves us.
It's nice being up before the kids and having some time to myself, but this morning I found myself stressing about money. No matter how much I work, there never seems to be enough money to do all the things I would love to do with the kids. I can't even think about Christmas without having a little panic attack. I have been thinking a lot about how I am going to find the money to get the kids gifts, and someone recommended Title Loans Miami . While I don't live in Miami Florida, I know there are title loan places close to where I live. Getting a title loan is a good option for people who can not qualify for conventional loans, or when an emergency arises and you need money right away.
I still have over a month to find some extra money, so I am not going to panic yet. At least not completely panic. I wouldn't trade the life I have right now for anything. I am happy, and my bills get paid every month. I am taking care of my kids and being the mom I have always been, which just so happens to mean I am still awesome. I am sure my kids will be happy Christmas morning no matter how much, or little, is under the tree. They know that Christmas is about more then the gifts you get. It's about God and being with family. And I have been blessed with a wonderful family who loves us.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Save Money Buying Christmas Gifts
I have been thinking a lot about what I want for Christmas, which is pretty funny because I don't have anyone to buy me presents anymore. Well, I have my parents, and they always give me great gifts, but I don't have a husband anymore, so there is no one to buy me that something special. Make sense?
Anyway, there are a few things I want that I will probably end up buying for myself after Christmas when I have some extra money. I really want a blender, which may seem like a funny thing to want, but I borrowed my mom's a couple of months ago to make a frozen mixed drink, and I am hooked. She asked for her blender back, so I am going to need one of my own. I want a good one, too, which means it will probably cost me a small fortune, But, I know I can find some Savings.com coupons to use and save some money.
I also want a breadmaker. Nothing tastes better than freshly baked loaf of bread, which I know for a fact because my mom loves to make bread in hers. And it is so good! Especially when you dip it in her homemade spaghetti sauce.
One other thing I would love is to be able to buy my kids what they want for Christmas. Unfortunately, this year, money is so tight I don't know how I am going to get them anything. But, I will find a way, because my kids deserve to have presents under the tree. I can wait until I get my taxes back next year to get the things I want, but my kids will have what they want Christmas morning.
Anyway, there are a few things I want that I will probably end up buying for myself after Christmas when I have some extra money. I really want a blender, which may seem like a funny thing to want, but I borrowed my mom's a couple of months ago to make a frozen mixed drink, and I am hooked. She asked for her blender back, so I am going to need one of my own. I want a good one, too, which means it will probably cost me a small fortune, But, I know I can find some Savings.com coupons to use and save some money.
I also want a breadmaker. Nothing tastes better than freshly baked loaf of bread, which I know for a fact because my mom loves to make bread in hers. And it is so good! Especially when you dip it in her homemade spaghetti sauce.
One other thing I would love is to be able to buy my kids what they want for Christmas. Unfortunately, this year, money is so tight I don't know how I am going to get them anything. But, I will find a way, because my kids deserve to have presents under the tree. I can wait until I get my taxes back next year to get the things I want, but my kids will have what they want Christmas morning.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
It's Almost Time
I can not tell you how excited I am that it is almost time to decorate my house for Christmas. If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you know that at the Holidays, I tend to go overboard. This year, since it is the first Christmas it will be just the kids and I, I want to do it up big. I was in the dollar store the other day and I found the cutest Christmas Tree magnet set to put on my car. It has several pieces, and trust me, when I put it on my car I will take a picture to show you how adorable it looks.
I am also searching for more decorations for my house, because while I do have a bunch, I kind of want to avoid using the stuff that will remind the kids of their dad. I want this to be a special time for them, not a stressful one. I found these Christmas Designs that you can put on the wall of your home, and I fell in love with these red balls.
I have the perfect place for them to go, too. I also want to find some of those decorations that go on your door jams. Do you know what I am talking about? This is the first place I have lived where I would be able to use something like that.
What special decorations do you have for your home?
I am also searching for more decorations for my house, because while I do have a bunch, I kind of want to avoid using the stuff that will remind the kids of their dad. I want this to be a special time for them, not a stressful one. I found these Christmas Designs that you can put on the wall of your home, and I fell in love with these red balls.
I have the perfect place for them to go, too. I also want to find some of those decorations that go on your door jams. Do you know what I am talking about? This is the first place I have lived where I would be able to use something like that.
What special decorations do you have for your home?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Making It Special
Today is October first. That means Christmas is less than three months away. It also means that three months from today we will welcome in 2012. Where has this year gone? For me, personally, 2011 has been a year of many firsts. I don't want to get into all of that again, but my loyal readers know all about it. I am looking forward to what 2012 will bring. My 40th birthday and my divorce. What an awesome present to give to myself, right?
But first, I must find a way to get through Christmas. Other than an xbox, the kids really haven't asked for anything specific. They are too old for toys, though I'm pretty sure Santa will bring the game Sorry. We used to have it, and it was my favorite game to play with Brandi. But, during the move, the cards that went with it were lost, and there was really no way to play without them, so we threw the game away.
I am thinking about getting both of my girls some personalized stationery. I know most of you are thinking that with facebook and email, who even writes letters anymore. I think that hand written letters of thanks and even just little notes to let someone know you are thinking about them are awesome, and I want to teach my girls that. Growing up, I used to have several pen pals. I remember going with my grandparents to Christian retreat and making some wonderful friends. I kept in touch with several of them for years simply by writing letters back and forth with them.
I am open to any other ideas for unique gifts, so if you have any, please share. I want to make this first Christmas of it being just the four of us at home a special one, with special gifts.
But first, I must find a way to get through Christmas. Other than an xbox, the kids really haven't asked for anything specific. They are too old for toys, though I'm pretty sure Santa will bring the game Sorry. We used to have it, and it was my favorite game to play with Brandi. But, during the move, the cards that went with it were lost, and there was really no way to play without them, so we threw the game away.
I am thinking about getting both of my girls some personalized stationery. I know most of you are thinking that with facebook and email, who even writes letters anymore. I think that hand written letters of thanks and even just little notes to let someone know you are thinking about them are awesome, and I want to teach my girls that. Growing up, I used to have several pen pals. I remember going with my grandparents to Christian retreat and making some wonderful friends. I kept in touch with several of them for years simply by writing letters back and forth with them.
I am open to any other ideas for unique gifts, so if you have any, please share. I want to make this first Christmas of it being just the four of us at home a special one, with special gifts.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Jewelry
I love jewelry. I have this bracelet that I wear every single day. Brandi gave it to me a couple of years ago for Christmas. It's a silver bangle, and on it, the word "mom" is written in several different languages. On the inside, it says "a mother's love is the greatest gift of all". It's beautiful.
I also wear earrings every day. These are my newest obsession. I buy several from handmade online stores, because I love the beauty of something made with love by someone who loves what they do. Did that just make sense? I would love to try and make my own someday, if I could ever find the time. Sites like beadcrafty.com have the most beautiful beads. My problem is deciding which beads would look good together. I could probably assemble something halfway decent from a kit, but I just don't have an artist's eye, so picking different beads that compliment each other is over my head.
My mom makes beautiful jewelry. She most definitely has an eye for it. I don't think she has had the time to make anything new in a while, unless she is hiding it all to give as Christmas gifts.
Yes, mom, that was a not so subtle hint that I want jewelry for Christmas. Slick, right?
I also wear earrings every day. These are my newest obsession. I buy several from handmade online stores, because I love the beauty of something made with love by someone who loves what they do. Did that just make sense? I would love to try and make my own someday, if I could ever find the time. Sites like beadcrafty.com have the most beautiful beads. My problem is deciding which beads would look good together. I could probably assemble something halfway decent from a kit, but I just don't have an artist's eye, so picking different beads that compliment each other is over my head.
My mom makes beautiful jewelry. She most definitely has an eye for it. I don't think she has had the time to make anything new in a while, unless she is hiding it all to give as Christmas gifts.
Yes, mom, that was a not so subtle hint that I want jewelry for Christmas. Slick, right?
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thinking Of Christmas
Every year around this time start thinking seriously about what to get family members for Christmas. I mean, there is less than four months left before the big day. My kids are easy, because they supply lists of exactly what they expect (or hope to see) under the tree from Santa. The adults in my life are a little harder to buy for, because at this point, they have everything they need, and most of the things they want. I always have the hardest time figuring out what to get my dad. I mean, the guy can only get shirts from me for so many years.
I saw these Gift Hampers online, and thought they would make the perfect gifts for all the "hard to buy for" people on my list. A lot of the hampers have meat and fish in them, but as I was looking through the Christmas Hampers I found one full of cake. Yes, they have the most delicious looking petit fours. Don't they look yummy?
When we had cable, I used to watch a lot of food network, and a lot of the chefs would make these tiny little cakes. I have always wanted to try them, and I figure if I give these as a gift, the recipient would have to share. Right?
The website actually had a nice selection of Christmas Food Hampers. There was one that had a whole little pig in it, and I thought about getting it for my mom, just to see her expression when she opened the box and a dead pig was looking up at her. I mean, how would you react if you opened a Christmas gift and saw this looking up at you?
I bet you could thing of a few people who would find that funny. I know I would. My mom may not find it funny, but I am sure those of us watching her open it would die laughing.
I saw these Gift Hampers online, and thought they would make the perfect gifts for all the "hard to buy for" people on my list. A lot of the hampers have meat and fish in them, but as I was looking through the Christmas Hampers I found one full of cake. Yes, they have the most delicious looking petit fours. Don't they look yummy?
The website actually had a nice selection of Christmas Food Hampers. There was one that had a whole little pig in it, and I thought about getting it for my mom, just to see her expression when she opened the box and a dead pig was looking up at her. I mean, how would you react if you opened a Christmas gift and saw this looking up at you?
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