Resolutions

I heard this morning on TV that the top resolutions are always about money and health. And guess what? They top my list.

On the health front: eat better, exercise more, lose weight.

On the money front: be smarter about money, pay off debt, save more, plan for retirement.

I did some reading for this post and found that the top stories seem to be about how to make the resolutions stick. Most articles talked about being specific; being realistic and making a commitment to check back on the specific goals. With that in mind... I need to add more specificity to my resolutions: add a vegetable or legume to four dinner meals each week; walk on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons; create a meal plan geared to losing 1.5 pounds per week; research before making purchases and find ways to save money before each purchase (that is after truly defining the need for the purchase); add x dollars to my monthly car payment each month to pay it off 1 year early; automatically deduct x dollars from my checking account on the 20th of each month and send percentages of that money to both my retirement fund and my savings account. You get the idea...

Phew... that feels more concrete.

But the best story I found was on adding your resolutions to the confetti streamers released in Time Square on New Year's Eve. Talk about commitment. (Most of the stories I read did mention writing the resolutions down and sharing them with friends and family. This idea takes that to a whole new level.)

All you have to do is visit the Times Square Information Center and add your resolutions to the Wishing Wall. Those resolutions will be added to the confetti pieces that are set adrift at the midnight ball drop. Find the Times Square Information Center at 1560 Broadway (between 46th and 47th Streets). If you are not in NYC, add your resolution online at the Wishing Wall site.

Happy New Year! And best of luck with those resolutions!

-reenie

White Christmas?

It's Christmas Eve day, and that age-old question is on your mind: will we have a white Christmas at our house? How about at Aunt Norma's house? It all depends on where you and Aunt Norma live. See below for the National Climatic Data Center's statewide map showing snow probability for Christmas (based on data accumulated between 1961-1990). Here's hoping you get your Christmas wish -- whatever that might be.

Merry, merry, one and all.

-reenie

No Peeking...no, really, no peeking!

My goodness... it's almost here. I'm hoping all of your gifts have been purchased or you're here to do some last minute shopping (and save money at the same time - BONUS!).

The final step is wrapping. Now the job I usually consider kind of a hassle can be extra fun....

Have you seen these new ideas from Hallmark? I think these are a hoot and will bring a ton of smiles and laughter to your holiday celebration. These new "Peek Busters" bags feature motion-activated sensors that use sound to let the "peeker" know they've been caught in the act of looking-where-they-shouldn't. Boy, I can picture that caught-in-the-act face as I type this. Yes, child, I'm talking about you!

-reenie

Experiential gifts

So, you have a friend or family member that is on an un-cluttering binge... "no more stuff," they say. BUT you want to treat them with a gift. If 'stuff' is off the table, consider experiential gifts. These gifts may create happy memories that last a lifetime, and what more can you ask of a gift?

Sporty Ideas

Four!! How about a golf club membership or golf lessons? If your gift recipient is more into giggles than golf-whispers, think mini-golf.

Tickets to a Professional Sports game or a College game. If you have an avid fan in your midst... a ticket to a favorite team's home game might bring on the cheers.

An afternoon of horseback riding, or a series of lessons for the budding equestrian.

A day of kayaking or time in a canoe at a favorite nearby body of water.

Rock climbing-gym gift certificates. A great way to get that climbing bug under control when the weather is too cold for outdoor adventures.

Sky diving lessons. Not for me... that whole being-up-high thing, but I've known folks who use a sky diving lesson as a way to mark a big lifetime milestone. Me? I like my feet on the ground, and there are indoor options available for folks like me (and children).

Family Fun

Amusement park passes. Enough said. These would make anyone feel like a kid again.

Children's Museum passes. Imagine the year-long of fun a family could have if you bought them an annual membership.

Travel

Do you live near the water? How about a gift certificate for an afternoon cruise? If you don't live near the water -- how about a 2-3 day cruise?

Weekend away at a Bed and Breakfast or cozy Inn. Talk about a romantic gift... yes, please, let's talk about it!

How about planning a winery tour?

Learning is Fun

How about cooking classes for the budding chef?

Knitting classes or sewing classes at a local shop.

Computer training for someone new to the laptop scene or someone looking to improve current skills.

Fun and Relaxation

Can we say spa day? Amusement Park for stressed-out grown-ups. Bring it on!

Movie and dinner passes. Can't go wrong. Throw in free babysitting if giving to a friend with small children. Talk about being a hero!

And save even more money when you find local gift certificates at a discounted price... nothin' better.

-reenie

Gifts for him

I am a self-realized Geek. I admit it. Working on this list has made me near giddy. SO many fun gadgets -- I had to scale myself down a notch just to be able to include some non-gadget ideas.

This first idea could work for all ages of "him." And I know it would make me giggle with delight on Christmas morning. How about a pair of the Eyeclops Night Vision Goggles? The possibilities are endless!

Or... hold onto your steering wheel.... how about the Knight Rider GPS by Mio. No, I'm not kidding. Yes indeedy -- this one comes complete with Kitt's voice and some red lights to make you feel like Knight Rider (makes the near-new Australian-accented guy on my portable model almost worth trading in).

The Moshi IVR alarm clock takes waking up on time to new levels of fun. I mean waking up in the morning to go to work can be a little tiresome, but what if you can tell your alarm clock what to do? (No. I don't mean that!) This model allows you to set the time and alarm time via voice command. It will also answer you when you ask it what time it is or what the room temperature happens to be. Forget being 'for him' -- I want one of these!

Now this next item would make a great stocking stuffer - because you'd want to be sure it was available before any other packages come along. Or attach it to a gift that really needs it. The Zibra Open It! does just that, and more. As the materials say... this little beauty cures "Wrap Rage." The Open It! easily opens clamshells, toy packaging, boxes, CDs, DVDs, battery compartments and more.

For the traveler in your life consider the Belkin FlyThru for easy movement through the security line. This TSA-approved laptop bag allows you to keep your laptop in the bag. How? FlyThru isolates your laptop on one side, allowing security agents to easily identify it through a clear window. All you have to do is unzip it and lay it flat on the screening belt. It's that easy. Goodbye security-line-stress on that next business trip.

Cue the Monty Python soundtrack... "I'm a Lumberjack, and that's OK." And so are these great "The Screens Gone Plaid" boxer briefs from Paul Frank. These just scream winter and holidays in one fell swoop.

That's all for now. This list could keep on going, but these should give you some great ideas. Right? Yes? I thought so.

-reenie

Co-worker gifts

This category is hard. Depending on the size of your work environment -- this could be a huge commitment. I think it's great to come up with a theme that you can duplicate -- there is no shame in giving the same trinket to multiple co-workers -- and you can mix it up within the theme (this will make more sense as you keep reading). One word of advice: if you have a close relationship with one or two of your co-workers, and you want to do something more for them than for others in your office, do it 'offline' (AKA: away from the office).

This list may feel random... but it's long to give you plenty of options.








Stuff connected to work

• How about a cool calendar? This is where theme could be fun... calendar for each person, but each different to match the personality.
• Fun mouse pad. Get something pre-made or consider customizing. Many local stores offer this option.
• Hot new business book on a subject they really enjoy or use in their job (here's to hoping it fits both categories!!).
• Gift cards for local coffee establishments or lunch spots.

Gifts for home

• A fun bottle of wine. If you are feeling especially creative, some companies allow you to customize wine labels.
  
• Hand-crafted soap or hand cream. Can't go wrong with a holiday scent.
• Lovely jar of jam (see this in hostess gifts, too). I love getting jams, mustards and other goodies I don't usually splurge on for myself. Extra points if they are locally made.
• Homemade goodies in beautiful (re-usable) containers. I make a mean batch of chocolate/craisin/peanut candy. Of course, I make an extra batch for my own house.
• A magazine subscription. I've noticed lots of bo-go ("buy one-get one") deals this year.
• A handcrafted ornament. Again on that theme idea. (You can get multiples of a type, but all can be slightly different.)

One final idea... maybe forgo a gift altogether and make a donation to a local charity, school or school sports team, local arts organization or park in the name of your department.

Enjoy this special month.

-reenie

Gifts for HER!

Okay... this post is for those needing to buy a gift for a loved one (or not so loved one, but important, nonetheless) of the female persuasion.
This list is sort of rambling. I've tried for the last few months to keep my eyes on some new products -- to add to the regular line-up of great ideas to get you through this very delicate process.

Pampering
Did I hear someone say spa, or for the more budget conscious -- how about manicure or pedicure? I love nothing more than having a few moments of personal pampering, and as I try to streamline my life, this is one experiential gift that makes my body forever grateful; not to mention my nail beds.

Keeping Warm
OK... a new coat would be dandy, but if that's not in your budget... how about a lovely merino wool wrap. It's the kind of gift that screams "hug" during the cold winter (especially if her office happens to be cold or she finds herself on lots of chilly airplanes). There's a great company in Maine that creates gorgeous scarves and wraps (Swans Island Blankets), but my guess is that there are plenty of local companies offering luxurious options as well.

Personal Beauty
I've been hearing great things about MAC Pro Eye Makeup remover. No kidding. Apparently it's all the rage with models because the cucumber extract spares your skin the irritation that some removers cause. Could be a great addition to a Christmas stocking (I mean Santa might need a little help, right??).

Making Memories
A nod to the Geek in me. I LOVE the Flip Video camera. It's super intuitive, and what a great gift around holiday time. You'll be recording those festive morning moments in no time.

Yummy Treats
On a recent trip to the left coast (also known as California)... I stumbled upon salt-topped chocolate caramels. Who knew salt and chocolate together could really work?? I've already sent them as gifts to family and friends.

Oh, and Stonewall Kitchen products can make even the most novice cook seem like a world-class chef. Pair a great sauce with some beautiful kitchen accessories and lovely linen kitchen towels, and, voila, you've made that budding cook feel 'specialista.'

A Fool for Traveling
I love to travel, and I'm a sucker for a great bag (be it carry-on or check-able size). If the woman in your life is doing a fair amount or travel -- make her day easier with a bag that fits her travel needs (think laptop carriers and where they are located on that carry-on piece; being slowed down in security fighting with your bag to release your laptop can be a a real drag). How about adding a monogram or something else that helps her easily identify said new luggage in a sea of black bags...

The Sweet Scent of the Holidays
Perfume. You can't go wrong with perfume. Enough said.

Bright and shiny
There's always jewelry, but as my daughter has reminded me more than once, you can go wrong with the wrong jewelry. If you don't know her taste -- don't guess. It's that simple. Tackle this category with some trepidation, but if you know her style -- you really could make her day! Better still, if she has a favorite local jeweler stop by and see if she has left any not-so-subtle hints with her fave sales reps.

Happy gift hunting!

-reenie

Shopping safely online

If you’ve not shopped online before it might feel like a scary experience. But there are some steps you can take to feel better about your next online shopping trip.

Know Who The Seller Is
If I’m ordering from a new company…I try to check out reviews or search for any news stories about their reputation. I also like to know their physical address and phone number.

Using a credit card makes it safer
When you use your credit card to pay you have the legal right to dispute charges made to your card. This applies to items that have not been received or misrepresented, but also works for charges you did not authorize in the first place (the main reason checking your statement every month is so important).

Single-use and substitute credit card numbers
Check if your credit card company offers single-use or substitute card numbers meant specifically for online shopping. It allows you to use your credit card without exposing your real account number online. Not all credit card issuers offer this option, but it’s worth checking out if it will give you more peace of mind.

Keep good records
It’s always a good idea to print out or save a digital copy of your online order receipt. Make sure all of the information you need is on the page. I keep a special folder in my email program for online shopping and keep any emailed receipts in that folder until my transaction is complete, in addition to making digital copies of the receipts I see during the online order process.

The devil is in the details
Before you click that final “Submit Order” button, make sure you check all of the details. Check that the item description, know the delivery charge, the total cost, the delivery timeline, the return and refund policy and how customer service works.

Security checks
When you are on a retail page where you need to provide payment information make sure the address line changes from an “http” to a “https” or “shttp.” The addition of that “s” lets you know that the page is secure. Understand, too, how the seller will safeguard your personal information during the sale and after. Most sites have a link to that information. If you don’t see one…contact the seller for more information.

Happy, and safe shopping!

-reenie

Cool Hostess Gifts

I have a few holiday parties to attend between now and mid-January. I'm always on the lookout for interesting hostess gifts (and these gifts can apply to some other people on your holiday list, too).

Candles
Can't go wrong with a candle. But I think a locally-made one is even more special. Check your community for artisans making hand-crafted candles.

Candies
How about a lovely box of chocolates from a local candy maker.

Jams, jellies and other specialty food items
These are the kinds of things I never buy for myself..or, at least, feel guilty when I do. I love having a special jam in my fridge for the holidays...makes Christmas morning toast even more fun. Or a special mustard dresses up sandwiches made with holiday meal leftovers.

Spices
Another one of those items that feels like a personal indulgence. What about a basket or a tea towel holding 3-4 tins of beautifully-fresh spices from a local spice company. Some of my spice jars could date back to just-out-of-college which, trust me, makes them way too old!

Travel ideas
If you have a special connection to your host, and know travel is in their immediate future...what about some travel guides for their Spring vacation destination.

Hand lotion or dishwashing soap
How about a lovely scented dishwashing soap - maybe even something from the more-green category. Also - this time of year...hands get dry and chapped, especially if you are the hostess and doing lots of prep work. Pamper them with a luxurious hand cream. Wrap them in a pretty holiday dish towel to keep with the theme.

Toast them well
Wine or champagne is always a lovely gift, and I think a handwritten note on the bottle makes the gift even more special. Your hosts will know who to raise their glass to -- after the party is over. Don't forget great coffees and teas, too. These beverages make lovely gifts as well. I also love cute cocktail napkins -- consider including with your special bottle.

A word about flowers...
They are beautiful and a beautiful hostess gift, but I recommend sending them ahead of the party so your hostess doesn't have to drop everything and arrange a bouquet when you arrive. Send them the day before, and you can save your host/hostess a decorating task the day of the party.

Happy, happy holiday parties to you!

-reenie

Save some cash...save the planet

I started decorating my house the day after turkey day. I've been like a little kid waiting to do it. The lights just make me happy....what can I say?


Speaking of lights...think about picking up new LED lights for your home-decorating needs. LED bulbs use a fraction of the wattage of regular old-holiday bulbs and they last longer too! Many retailers offer special savings on these holiday must-haves.


Consider using old newspapers and magazines for wrapping some gifts. Save the special wrapping for those extra-special gifts. Wrap just three presents with your own recycled paper and help make a big impact on the environment. Better yet…get complementary gifts to hold other gifts…think oven mitt for new kitchen utensils, or a beautiful jewelry box for new earrings.

Use natural, found-in-nature accessories to dress up packages…like a fir tree bough or a sprig of holly (just be sure to only use if pets and small children can’t get near them). Saves on tossed ribbon. Again, some packages will always need ribbon to feel special, but mix it up and have fun and help the environment at the same time.

Consider cutting down on clutter, and buy “experience-gifts” instead of things. How about a family four-pack to an indoor amusement center or a family membership to the local Children’s Museum? Does someone special in your life love to golf…how about a golf membership at your local course?

Make the world wide web your best savings-tool. Comparison shop online and make sure to check for bargains on various saver sites. Always make sure you factor in shipping and handling costs if you buy online.

Buy local when you can. Saves transportation fees and packaging. Even better –- save when you use local merchant savings offers through this site.

-reenie

This gadget gives me the warm fuzzies

It's that time of year...time when families get together and tons of pictures are taken -- video, too. But remember when your family didn't have that spanky digital camera or camcorder, and your family memories lived on slides? I remember, boy do I remember, and I have the boxes of my Dad's old slides to prove it. I just stumbled upon this new product, and though I have not yet gotten one for myself -- felt I should share it with you. Especially with the end-of-year holidays charging into full swing. This way if Aunt Eileen starts reminiscing about that Christmas dinner from years ago -- you might just be able to show it to her on your laptop, or better yet, knock her socks off when you present her with a framed print of that special day.

Check it out:





Ion's Slides 2 PC USB gadget attaches to your computer and allows you to quickly scan those old 35 mm slides. To learn more about it, click here.


...and all for under $100 dollars.

This one might just have to land on my personal Christmas list.

-reenie

Dressing for the Holidays

OK...I know this is where I am supposed to talk about the 'LBD,' right? Well, I happen to live in a cold climate, and find that the LBD ('little back dress' to the uninitiated) can be hard when the temps drop below freezing. I, for one, am all about tailored black slacks, perfect party shoes, and fun tops (OK, perfect party shoes sometimes have to be replaced by bulky boots - but only while in transport-to-the-event mode). I figure this way...if I have multiple events to attend, I can just have one or two go-to black slacks hanging in my closet and a variety of tops. I tend toward tunic tops and jacket type models. I think I look stylish, and I'm not feeling the need to purchase multiple LBDs -- typically more expensive than jewel-toned and sparkly tops (think beautiful evening sweaters, too). I also find that I can mix them up, even year-to-year, and I'm not having that dreaded "have I worn this in front of this group of people before?" question popping into my head.

If the LBD is your thing -- I urge you to find one that fits perfectly and that makes you feel like a million bucks. Though I did just read an article that red dresses tend to make you more "attractive" to members of the opposite sex -- so much more attractive that male dates may actually feel inclined to spend more money on you. So if more attention (and more generosity) is what you're after -- changing from LBD to LRD may be your best bet. Decisions, decisions...

-reenie

Food Safety Over Thanksgiving

I will never forget a large family gathering a number of years back. I was the only healthy person at the table, yet the hostess insisted on cooking the full-blown meal. Needless to say, I was a little concerned about what I might "catch" from eating the lovely meal. Thankfully - I remained healthy (and the rest of the group 'mended' quickly), but that memory got me thinking about my own upcoming holiday feast (I will be hosting my very small family for Thanksgiving), and how I should pay careful attention to all of those food safety tips we all hear about. Thanksgiving is all about the bird - and we all know there are some specific rules for dealing with uncooked poultry.

I found this great site from the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. It highlights these important ideas for preparing the perfect Holiday Feast:

• Deciding on fresh or frozen turkey and how to keep them freash and ready to cook on Thursday, November 27


• What size turkey to buy


• How to safely thaw a frozen bird


• Cooking time and the proper completed (fully-cooked) temperature -- be sure you have a meat thermometer before the big day!

The biggest tip is probably to plan ahead. I don't know about you, but it definitely seems like this November holiday snuck up on me. I'm busy making lists and plotting my countdown to turkey day. Now is the time to start figuring out those details!!

Happy planning, and Happy EARLY Thanksgiving!

-reenie

Packing the right way

So, for a girl with an avowed passion for great suitcases (all bags, really, ask anyone in my family)... I pack like a true novice. I have friends who can pack a carry-on for a week in Europe. I need the same space for my toiletries and shoes. I've had to do more travel lately, and am facing holiday travel in the coming weeks. Thought I might pay better attention to both the better-packing-info I've been reading and the aforementioned friend who packs like a pro.

Things I'm learning:

Size does matter. Be sure your airline carry-on is the real deal. I have a bag that I thought was the right size, but found out the hard way that it's just a teense too big to qualify for carry-on status. If you are planning on bringing your cherished possessions onto the plane -- choose the 22" carry-on when shopping for your next suitcase. But I do recommend checking your carrier's Web site for their specific rules for carry-on luggage. Oh, and for the record, if it doesn't have wheels -- it's not coming with me.

Use all of the space. If you are bringing shoes...use the space in the shoes to tuck socks or any other small items.

The dreaded liquid diet. I have always had a hard time with packing toiletries. Now that we have the security limitations - I'm even worse. One big word of advice. It is very likely - OK, maybe not every time, but most times - that where you are heading will have shampoo, liquid soap, etc. Be sure you check current airline carry-on regulations when packing your security-area-baggie. Check this site for up-to-date information on what and how much can go into your carry-on.

Just like science class -- heavy falls to the bottom. Put your heavy items in first - whether they are things or clothing items. If you are traveling for work -- put the notebooks in first. BUT if you need the heavy stuff upon arrival - you may need to adjust this rule.

Plan ahead for those items you pick up on the other side. Do you have an easy-to-stow smaller bag to tuck into your suitcase in case you need another bag for the return flight? If not - I suggest checking them out now -- while you have time. Nothing worse than having to buy a bag you don't really want or need just because you're in a jam. Shop for the one you really want and like.

Plastic surgery doesn't help these wrinkles. If you want to reduce wrinkles while traveling, place old dry cleaner bags between layers of your clothes. It doesn't completely prevent the wrinkles, but it helps. Plus, I like having them on the return trip to keep dirty clothes separated from the clean pieces.

Roll and fold. Best to roll soft items like jersey knit or flannel (picture your PJs); but fold pants and more substantial shirts.

I know my community has a great travel shop with super ideas/items for helping you pack. There are great online retailers, too. If air travel is in your immediate future... I recommend checking these out. Local department/discount stores also offer great options. A little planning now will help your packing process go far more smoothly. And we all need one less hassle during the holiday season. Right?

-reenie

Make Your Home Safe

OK…it’s that time of year when I start realizing that safety at home is a big deal. Why is that? It gets cooler, the time changes and I start using my fireplace. I’m reminded, too, that I’ll have more people in and out of my home during the holidays and I want all of them to be safe.

Here are a few of my thoughts:



When I change my clocks – I change the batteries in my smoke detectors. Sure, the battery would probably last more than six months, but changing the clock is a great reminder, and I can spare a battery or two for this peace of mind.

If you have a fireplace – make sure you have your chimney cleaned. I’ve driven by far too many homes with chimney fires to feel any other way about this.

Make sure you have your furnace cleaned and serviced on a prescribed schedule. I think it’s usually based on gallons of oil burned, but I make it an annual event. It’s a recurring task in my PDA. It’s a quick way to make sure everything is working OK, and it helps with fuel efficiency.

I don’t use a space heater, but I have family members who do, and I always get nervous because I know I’m not disciplined enough to use one. Yes, I know other people are – I just know myself. Please, please, if you use a space heater in your home – be careful and use only as directed.

Candles. I love them and I especially love having holiday-scented ones around this time of year, but, again, back to the discipline thing. I’m also concerned when I use them because I have inquisitive pets. Keep everyone in your house in mind when you light candles.

Finally – do you have a fire extinguisher in your home? Please, if you don’t, get one now.
I’m sure this will be an ongoing list, but these are the ones that are top of mind for me right now. As always – please add your thoughts in the comments section.

-reenie

My November horoscope said to start my holiday shopping early

I have started. I actually stood in line at a local store this past weekend to buy a Wii Fit for my college-aged daughter. I was FIRST in line, and expect Mother-of-the-year status to be bestowed upon me on December 26. I think they only had six or seven of the games, so I feel sorry for all of those other Moms behind me in line.

I only have the one child and have known that the Wii Fit was her big desire for the last few months, but it got me thinking about those Christmas shopping trips of years ago – when I’d need to know the top toys.
I recently found the Toys”R”Us Fabulous 15 list of hot toys for 2008. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never heard of some of these items, but then again, my 19 year old has outgrown most of them (but her Wii Fit did make the list).

Here it is:
-50's Diner from Step2
-Bakubelt Action Kit from Spin Master
-Circus Ring from Playmobil
-Classic Lights and Sounds Trike from Radio Flyer
-Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker from JAKKS Pacific
-EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles from JAKKS Pacific
-FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVIN' PUP from Hasbro
-Imaginext Spike the Ultra Dinosaur from Fisher-Price
-Laugh & Learn Shop & Learn Walker from Fisher-Price
-Little Mommy Sweet As Me Baby Knows Dolls from Mattel
-Pink 8GB iPod nano from Apple
-Pink Tag Reading System from LeapFrog
-Sesame Street Elmo Live! from Fisher-Price
-Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Twilight from LEGO Systems, Inc.
-Wii Fit from Nintendo

I also read an online article noting that Webkinz topped Internet searches in August. Though after playing on the Webkinz site with a 7-year old pal – figure that might have been a summer-vacation kind of thing. Keeps the little tykes occupied.

I’ll share more toy ideas as time passes and we get closer to the holidays! Let me know if you have any great ideas to share.

-reenie

VOTE TODAY!

Vote today, please! Some things in life are precious. This right is one of those things. Now before you ask me to get off my soapbox, I’ll calm down. Just promise me you will vote!

I’d like to add some levity here.

Have you seen these cutie pies from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company? No matter who wins the election – these Veep candidates would make VIP additions to your collection.

Have you seen these guys at the online America-store?
I need one - I know I do.

So, if you haven’t voted yet – stop computing and do it now. Please. This is probably the only time I’ll ask you to leave your seat. Ever. Promise.

-reenie

Holiday Shopping in a Bad Economy

I’m guilty. I left my holiday shopping to the end of the year, and now, with the current economic crisis hitting every headline I see, I’m getting a little worried about how to make the holidays special for those I normally treat with gifts. I’m not ready to forego holiday gift-giving altogether, so below find my plan on shopping smarter this year:

-Make a list and a budget. This may be an oldie, but it sure is a goodie. Your list should include the people you want to buy gifts for, the extra you will spend on food and beverages with visitors dropping by, holiday decorations, extra travel, holiday card purchases, even postage. Your list needs to be full of detail if you’re going to make the idea of sticking to a budget work. Once you determine what you can afford for each person – stick to that amount. I know it’s hard, but it’s the only way you can protect your savings. No one wants to be paying off holiday debt in June.

-Research deals online. If you can buy discounted gift certificates from local merchants, do it. This is your money we’re talking about. Know what things costs and where the best deals are before you even leave your house. The Internet can really be your friend in this process. But you knew that already!

-Sales are only valuable if you were going to buy the item to begin with. If you were not planning on needing that cute new pair of gloves, you just spent more than you should have. Just because it’s on sale, does not make it a bargain for your wallet.

-Know return/exchange policies BEFORE you buy. If you’re buying gifts it’s important to know this. Many retailers offer gift receipts… I encourage you to keep them or even enclose them with the gift. It makes everyone’s life a lot easier in the long run, and if an item gets discounted after you bought it… your recipient still gets the full value of what you spent, as opposed to the new discounted price.

-Avoid my biggest mistake while holiday shopping. What is it you ask? Buying for myself. That’s what it is. I recommend putting off personal purchases until after the holiday season. You’ll know exactly where your budget stands, and you’ll reap the benefits of after-holiday markdowns.

Most important this holiday season: try to minimize stress. Be true to yourself on what your budget can allow. This season is about togetherness, family times and good cheer. Try to enjoy those parts above all else.

-reenie

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

It’s hard to imagine that holidays will be here soon, but soon it will be! If you’re hosting your family or local friends for any of the major November and December holidays, you might want to start planning now for any furniture or room upgrades. Keep in mind that some furniture can take six-eight weeks to order, so plan now to be ready to roll out the Christmas feast on that new dining room set. If you need to do some interior upgrades…plan now on what you need, so you have plenty of time to fit the work in -- whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Think new paint, new cushions or other accent pieces to spruce up your home.

No time for major upgrades? No extra cash for new furniture? You can make a room look completely different by changing where furniture is placed. And don’t just think about the furniture already in the room you're tackling. You have your whole home to explore. It’s amazing how many pieces can be re-purposed and make a room come to life in a whole new way. Adding some new angles and some new color accents can be a great way to refresh a tired room.

Mi casa et su casa
Is your home ready for overnight guests? Keep in mind, when we live in our homes day in and day out we stop noticing the piled up clutter. If you know you’ll be hosting people over the upcoming holidays, take a walk around your house, but pretend you are seeing it for the first time. I know it sounds hard, but just try to see what your guests might see and tackle those clutter-filled areas FIRST.

If you have a guest room, really focus on that area. Make it an oasis for the people who will be staying with you. Be sure you have great linens and that things smell fresh and clean -- bring on the Bounce or your favorite fabric softener. Collect all of those sample product bottles you’ve been storing up and make a welcome basket for guests (we all forget to pack at least one essential when we travel). Guests staying a while? Stop by your local Convention and Visitors Bureau and pick up area walking maps and activity brochures… you might also find some great ideas for you and your family -- for when the guests are gone.

There's nothing good to eat
Everyone eats differently, and gets hungry at different times. Think about creating a healthy-snack area in your kitchen and let guests know where it is. Heck, let your family know, too. You never know who might have a late-night munchie attack.

Whatever you do -- keep breathing

Don't let the holiday season make you crazy. Keep up on the daily clutter before it become a week-sized mess. Empty the dishwasher when it's done. Toss unnecessary mail in the recycle bin before it lands on a desk. Most important: keep BREATHING! In. Out. In. Out. That's it.

-reenie

Halloween Planning

Halloween is on Friday night this year. Are you ready? There's plenty to do before All Hallows Eve is upon us. Don't let it make you crazy. If you haven't started yet... this post is for you.

Things to keep in mind:

-Are your pumpkins carved? Have you figured out a safe way to light them on Halloween night?

-Have you gone over trick-or-treating safety rules with your kids?

-Are your decorations out? If you decorate every year…consider designating a specific, and well-marked, box for all Halloween items.

-Have you checked out the local Fall Fairs and Festivals in your community? Fall is a great time be outside with your family and friends. We’ll be heading into the busy Holiday season before you know it. Get outside now while you still can!

-Make sure to schedule some apple picking and pumpkin-patch-visiting time. See note above on enjoying brisk Fall weather.

-Buy Halloween treats ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to get them ready. Just be sure you don’t start snacking early. Do you have the perfect bowl? I have one – just for Halloween, and it goes back into that well marked storage container the next morning.

And…the most important part:

Costume ideas for you
-The sock monster…safety pin odd mate-less socks to your clothes (just remember to match them back up after the party)
-Paparazzo…camera-hound vest, sunglasses, camera bag on your shoulder, camera around your neck and a rolled up fan mag in your back pocket: instant celebrity-chaser
If all else fails… think kitty ears with some strategically placed eyeliner whiskers

Costume ideas for the kids
-Lego: find a large box that your child can pull on and wear over their body (after you’ve cut holes for their head and their arms). Attach empty food containers (like margarine or dip tubs) with a glue gun to the front. Spray paint desired color (make sure to select paint that sticks to plastic)
-Bag of jellybeans: find a clear plastic bag and cut holes for legs and arms on the bottom and side seams. Have your child step in; fill with small blown up balloons. Tie bag at neck with a big ribbon

If all else fails, check out this silly site for true last-minute, and I mean last minute, ideas. Note...last minute does not always mean good, but I promise, many are fun!


Last but not least…
Have you thought about a costume for Fido? I’m just sayin’… he might want to be part of the fun, too. Plenty of websites have costumes for dogs, but I venture that local pet stores have a good selection, too! You know you want to!

-reenie