Holiday Shopping Tips AND My Personal Gift Giving Tips

Wow! The Federal Trade Commission is climbing on board to help Americans make good choices this year when it comes to shopping. They have an online article with tips for the consumer. Quite interesting! Interesting when it's the government who (some people feel) are the one's at fault for their personal financial problems and debt. How so? Well, look at the commercialism and temptations put forth on a daily basis through every medium possible...television, radio, oversized billboards, magazines, etc. They are all FTC approved. (Actually, I don't know how it really works and everyone needs to blame someone to feel better about themselves!) Now, it seems some of the companies are targeting child audiences for their credit cards and so forth. Is that ludicrous? My kids don't even know how to count change back from $1.00 and they are already watching commercials of Shopping Barbie with her own credit cards. My take on that...teach your kids the cash only lifestyle! If you don't have the money, you can't afford it. If you don't have the money, don't buy it. Don't put the purchase on plastic when you know (or maybe you don't) that it'll take you longer to pay it off than you intended. Am I making sense?

So really, take the FTC's advice but go cash only. Here are the bullet points...

• Shop around
• Read sale ads carefully
• Consider time and travel costs
• Look for price-matching policies
• Go online
• Consider bargain offers
• Clip coupons
• Ask about sale adjustments
• Keep track of spending
• Save receipts
• Ask for gift receipts
• Ask about refund and return policies
• Keep good records
• Ship early
• Keep an eye on your wallet

My personal addition to this list of tips...

• Create a budget of how much you will spend for each person...do you have 15 neices and nephews? If you spend $25 per child, that's already $375! Do the kids really need that toy or gadget? How about making a coupon that says "This coupon is good for one hour of game time with Auntie So & So." That coupon costs you one hour for time spent, and  10 minutes to create the coupon on Word.
• Make your presents...pick up on your long lost hobby of sewing or painting. Create a photo album for your loved ones of all the favorite pics over the 2008 year. Printing pictures can cost as little as 9 cents a print on Snapfish.com. (Well, that was the latest deal I saw. It's always changing.) So, pick up a photo album for $5, print 25 pictures for under $3...and voila! You've got a personal and inexpensive gift for under $10 that will more than likely never be thrown away. Actually, it's a great gift for the kids, too. Write little captions to put in with each picture.
• BAKE! Everyone knows this time of year is the baking time of year. Pick 5 different cookie or bread recipes and divvy them up into some decorative plates. Easy to find at your local Dollar store or 99cent store. You'll have a gift to share with 5-6 friends and their taste buds will love it.

Anyway, my theme this year is to keep it simple. I avoided Black Friday today at all costs. I have plenty of materials in my own house to create gifts. I have more time than money these days, so bring on the creativity! Good luck this season and don't go overboard! 

Black Friday & Thanksgiving Weekend Sales...How To Save

Some of the best things to do this year for the holidays during our challenging economic times...spend time looking for the sales. Go to the stores and malls with a predetermined list of things to buy for EACH person you are buying for. Go online and take advantage of free shipping deals. Stay away from the crowds and craziness because time is money. Shop for everything in one place. Create a budget and stick to it. Less is more. Keep it simple. OR you can also think of ZIGGY! (You'll understand what I mean as you read on.)

This is the weekend when most retailers collect on a large percentage of their revenue for their annual sales and profits, but this year we will most likely see a drop in sales. Many large retailers are facing hard times so much that they are closing down! This year is a little different. More people are calling in their local food banks, social services, and financial assistance programs due to these economic hard times. These are your average American families who are now seeking assistance because of employment lay-offs and salary decreases (option rather than losing one's job altogether). It is a challenging time for many people in our country right now.

However, the absolute BEST thing you can do is...STAY HOME! Take a look at your life. Take a look at what you already have. Be grateful for it all. Think about the important people in your life. How much time do you spend with these individuals? Time is a great gift. Stay home and don't shop if you know you have a credit card bill with a $6000 balance and a minimum payment of $150 a month. Believe me! I am learning the hard way (for the 3rd time in my short life now)! Proud to say that this year my spouse and I have switched to a 'cash-only' lifestyle and have stuck to that for 90% of 2008. That's a record to be proud of. Next year is going to be awesome! 'Cash-only, baby!' and 'Financial Freedom!' are the two mantras we live by now. Yes, the $6000 credit card balance is there but it's dwindling down. Even for true emergencies, we do our best to not pull out the credit card and we use cash or debit. Why spend money that is not there? We understand that better now.

I read something somewhere once. It was actually a little Ziggy cartoon ad. Ziggy was walking by a retail store that had a big sign that read "SAVE 50% OFF EVERYTHING!" He hesitated. Hmm...all the great deals I can find! BUT then reality kicked in. Ziggy had a life that was satisfying already. He didn't need anything else in his life. The bubble above his head displayed his thoughts..."But I can save 100% if I just walk away..." Well, the bubble said something like that. But you get the idea, eh? Save 100%! Don't shop! What about writing a poem. Write a letter to someone. Letter writing is a lost art form. What about pulling out those watercolors or acrylics and creating a nice little painting for someone. Labors of love! Those are the best gifts to give and to receive. 

So again, my message for this holiday shopping season...and the best weekend of all for this is usually Thanksgiving Day Weekend...SAVE 100% and STAY HOME! Save your money and create gifts from home. It's therapeutic. It's calming (for me anyway.) And your checkbook, wallet, and savings account will love it. 

Move Over Lance and Lacey...It's Brooke and Warren Time

This is only my opinion, but I think Lance and Lacey made some wrong moves last night. They did great...but in comparison to their competitors, they just lost their chance at the trophy. Lance and Lacey looked great. The hip hop style and moves were awesome. Lacey has some great choreography and enthusiasm. BUT Brooke and Derek were smokin' hot! Warren and Kim were entertaining! I suppose it comes down to the voters! That's all of you...I think. I didn't vote. I had to put the kids to bed. They stayed up past their bedtime watching Dancing With The Stars.

Brooke and Derek did an awesome freestyle! The moves were advanced and amazing. Brooke was steaming and it was just...awesome! My whole family was oo-ing and ah-ing! Check it out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aojEs4grRU

Lance Bass Steals the Show

Lance Bass stole the show on Monday night! He was hot, scoring tens on both dances with his talented partner, Lacey Schwimmer. (He experienced a 'shoe-falling-off' wardrobe malfunction, but pulled through as if it never happened.) Lacey was great and obviously had a hand in putting together some seriously difficult, exciting, and fun choreography. Move over Brooke...I think Lance is your competition for the night! Read the LA Times Online Blog article reviewing the whole night.

More on Lance if you don't know much about him...
He is a former member of the ever popular boy band, NSYNC. He currently has a book out entitled Out of Sync: A Memoir which is a personal account of his experiences in the boy band, how it changed his life, when and how he came to terms with his sexuality and going public with it, along with other behind-the-scenes tales. (Okay, I haven't read the book. I'm getting this information from book descriptions and reviews. I'll pick it up and thumb through next time I stop at Border's.)

All in all, Lance Bass proved himself worthy of this season's Dancing With The Stars Championship last night. He was smokin' along with his partner. We'll see what happens tonight! Stay tuned, 8:00 pm PST for the recap show; 9:00 pm PST for the results!

The New Bachelor: Jason Mesnick and Son

People can hardly wait for January to meet the next eligible bachelor, Jason Mesnick. This will be the first season that a man and his son will have the opportunity to find a new wife and stepmother. Entertainment Tonight announced the news back in August this year. Okay, so it's not really the son who gets to select a new mom, but certainly Jason Mesnick is considering the motherly qualities of the next installment's leading ladies. Gorgeous Mr. Mesnick is not just looking for the love of his life. He is looking for a family.

Dancing With The Stars Final Four

We are down to the Final Four dancers in the nation's family favorite Dancing With The Stars: Warren Sapp, Lance Bass, Brooke Burke & Cody Linley. Who is going to win? No doubt that each of these four has his/her own fan base. But if the callers-in vote strictly on dance-ability, it would have to be Brooke. Surely if all the NFL crew...fellow players, spouses, extended family members, football fans, producers, coaches, etc. all call in, Warren could take the lead. Lance is very good, too and Cody is the cute one. My personal opinion is that it'll be between Brooke and Warren. I mean, check out this beauty...



Then check out this athlete!



It's a tough one this season! Do you vote for Beauty or the NFL Beast (who also happens to be light on his feet!)? Don't forget to call in or log on and vote!!

Gay-Marriage Will Eventually Prevail

I've stated my take on this issue for the most part. I even got a nasty email from someone who disagreed with me and I'm alright with that. Truth is, ladies and gentleman, that I also agree that this issue will eventually prevail. The sentiment across the nation in support of this "right" is too strong for the issue to not keep coming back. And for all the closed minded individuals who are stuck on what "marriage" traditionally is, times are changing. Times have changed for many things and in many ways. Do you really love yourself? Then you should love and respect others in what they want if it doesn't hurt you. What are you really afraid of? That someone is challenging the core of you and what YOU stand for? Be sure of yourself! But be sure that you are allowing others to be themselves without judgement from you.

Read this great article by Anna Quindlen entitled "The Loving Decision."

Read this great article about what this issue brought to us this weekend.

It's happening in Boston, Seattle and Connecticut.

The gay-marriage issue has only just begun.

Young Cody Linley, Julianne Hough, & Derek Hough

This guy is so cute. He's got good moves and he is just so cute. He made it to the Final Four and maybe that's because everyone wanted to see Julianne Hough dance just once more. I thought he would get eliminated but he's holding on! AND, he is a great dancer. He's young and energetic and has awesome potential. Check this out!



No doubt, his original partner Julianne Hough is TOTALLY AWESOME...even post surgery. Check her out here with Derek Hough. You can also view a nice interview with Mary Hart about this brother and sister duo. They're so cute together. Derek also has some GREAT sexy moves!

Jennifer Aniston vs. Angelina Jolie

So the cat fight continues. Angelina and Jennifer. Well, no not really. Not a cat fight. It's a shame that the media has to use these nice people for the sake of media attention, hence mo' money, mo' money. I personally like Angelina and Brad together more than I liked Jennifer and Brad together. BUT both ladies are classy in their own ways and it's a shame that the media has to get caught up in sharing their personal feelings or thoughts. The media has a way of magnifying a feeling that was really almost petty. It comes with the celeb territory, I suppose. (May I add that her Vogue photos look HOT!)

Sarah Palin Is A Hypocrite

Sarah Palin, you are such a hypocrite. You were just talking a few days ago about the media or whoever, talking about issues and YOU and taking things out of context, using information against you. You even said something about "where people are getting their information" and doing their homework on issues. You need some serious schooling yourself. As you said, this is the way of politics. But now you are out of it. You are done. So, keep your negativity to yourself and show some respect and support to our President Elect.



Just stop talking. She wants to call Hillary Clinton to tell her "More power to ya!" Maybe you can say, "Hey, can I show ya how ta hunt moose in yer spare time?" Hey, and this blogging is fun when I can blog about you! I'm not in my basement because I don't have one, but I am in my pajamas.

FREE 8" X 11" Photo Album from Snapfish...But First...CLEAR THE CLUTTER

I just love Oprah! She is so awesome! She and Peter Walsh are on a mission to get this America cleaned up! With today's economy, their suggestion is to start in the home. Start with your own personal environment. Throw away stuff you haven't used, touched, worn in 12 months. Clear out the space. Get yourselves organized. Here is a link to get more info and details. See what Peter and Oprah have to say.

In addition, what do you do with ALL of that artwork your children bring home from school. They've got a great idea for that, too! Oprah is promoting Snapfish who is giving away a FREE 8" X 11" Photo Album that documents all of that wonderful work into a bound, official book. Awesome idea! Retail Values at about $30. Act now. It's only for a short time.

The World's Oldest Profession: Prostitution

This has been such a controversy for many a days. Remember the great movie "Pretty Woman" starring the lovely Julia Roberts? Will that go down as a classic for our culture? This is also a profession not stranger to many a culture. Maybe I would consider spending a weekend with the guy for the price of $25,000...including two hours of sex? Hmm. He'd have to be disease and drug free and NOT a fatal attraction sort of guy. Of course, I wouldn't consider this now. I have a wonderful husband and children. But, if I were single and unattached and needed to pay off my student loans from medical school, this is a nice option. It's no wonder that at the Las Vegas strip clubs, you may find 'contracted' workers earning supplemental income by night (or day in the 24 hour town). Then the lady's 'real' job is lawyer, doctor, teacher, etc. Unethical to you? Unheard of in your pristine and innocent walks and circles of life? Well, it's reality ladies and gentleman. The oldest profession in the world.

Proposition 8 Controversy

Saying yes to Proposition 8 was like saying "No, you cannot love to your heart's desire. You cannot live the rest of your life with the one that you love." That is so wrong. What about all of these 'same sex' marriages who are forced to marry because of an out-of-wedlock unwanted pregnancy, yet the parents demand a shotgun wedding? Is that right to allow that couple to get married? I love Keith Olbermann. Accept love between people of the same sex. If you will remember, it was not long ago that blacks could not marry whites. It was, at one point, illegal in many states. That is ludicrous. Please, everyone. This is your opportunity to move in the direction of making things right! This is love. What are you afraid of ?!?!?

People who claim to be Christian, what about loving all people? Okay, whatever! So you do believe that. But what gives you the right to not allow two loving human beings to share the same sanctity that you enjoy as a heterosexual. Treating ALL people the way you want to be treated yourself. What is that? Doesn't Jesus want us to love and accept all others? And if that means accepting their choices in committing to a lifelong promise, shouldn't that be alright?

Even Governor Schwarzneggar has lightened up on the issue (probably due to pressure from his wife.) He suggests to opposers of Proposition 8 to not give up. In the past he has rejected legislation that allowed same-sex marriage. Now, he encourages "backers of gay marriage" to not give up, to keep not giving up until your point was heard and until the change you want is made.

Onliner Jennifer Seale writes about this issue and concludes "In short the only reasons people have for opposing it is fear. Fear of something different. Fear that their child might be gay. Fear that they might be gay themselves. Fear that has no basis, no logical reason, and is ultimately blind to a whole group of citizens who should have the same rights to happiness as straight people." Click here to see her whole article.

"Hello, Barack" and "Goodbye, George"

Today is the big day which marks the official transition of 'out with the old' and 'in with the new'. George leaves the White House and Mr. Barack Obama takes his place. Michelle and Barack Obama meet with President Bush and his wife, First Lady Laura Bush, in another historic moment. This is a traditional moment as presidents change leadership every four (or sometimes eight) years.

They will now exchange words in the Oval Office today. Behind closed doors. No reporters allowed. What in the heck will the say to one another?? How will President Bush respond to the eloquence of President Elect Barack Obama? I wish I could put a hidden microphone or camcorder in the Oval Office to get it on tape. Will they discuss that secret presidential memoirs that is alluded to in the movie National Treasure?



The Book of Secrets? (I am so gullible when it comes to this stuff!) Will President Bush show Barack Obama the secret compartments in the main desks and where the keys are kept? Will President Bush share with Barack Obama the current conspiracies that are lingering in today's political arena that only the presidents and their closest contacts know about? What exactly is Preseident Elect Obama inheriting from eight years of confusion, suffering, turmoil, mess, lies, etc., etc.? I'm not trying to be negative, but one wonders what the 'truth' is when it comes to politics. I think I watch too much television.

Airline Succumbs to Duct Tape on Onry Passenger

It is understandable for fellow passengers to get upset or frustrated about out of control children on an airplane ride in limited space, physically and with limited audial surroundings. Being a parent of young children myself, my family has had our few moments. I think my children have been taught well. But adults and unruly behavior? What has this world come to? Were drugs involved? And the use of duct tape?? Is this even legal? I would have been pissed off. Could there have been other options? What was the real story on this person? Is this passenger ready to file suit because I know I would be! What in the world is this world coming to? Will I ever ride on this airline? Did the airline staff get in trouble? What did other passengers do and say? Geez, people! Get a grip on yourself.

Britney Spears & Madonna Together, Plus More!

The unstoppable duo take on Los Angeles in a small snippet of together again. Madonna brings out Britney Spears as a special guest at her Sticky and Sweet concert in Los Angeles at the Dodger Stadium. Madonna looking HOT and Britney in a conservative black and white outfit. Still with her groovin' moves. Did you know that Madonna is a damn 50 years old! I better look that good at 50!




Flashing back, have you ever seen this clip? I suppose this is the extended version of the Britney & Madonna kiss. However, in this clip you get to view all the celeb reactions! It's great entertainment on stage plus the celebrity reaction. Kudos to the camera guys of VMA!



What about my personal favorite? Justin Timberlake adds an awesome touch to the S & S Concert. Surprise everyone! Will Justin and Britney follow Madonna to Las Vegas? I hear that's one of their favorite cities to frequent. Whatever the case, I should've been there in L.A.! Will I ever get to see a concert like that? I hope Madonna will continue her streak. She's on it, baby!

Brooke Shields and Bad VW Commercials

These are some commercials that are, quite frankly, getting on my nerves. It's good to see Brooke Shields doing more in her life. But I have to agree with some reviews that these VW ads make no sense. As a parent myself, the connection is just not there. It is really...really...really just annoying. Really. Hopefully the time will pass and VW will find that these commercials are not helping to sell their cars. Rather, they are just making people see that Brooke Shields is well and keeping busy with her work, and that pregnant women are being used in a confusing manner to sell cars. I just don't get it people!

Barack Obama Heard Around The World

The victory was heard around the world. According to one news source, a majority of the WORLD was awaiting this moment. Countries from every continent hurried in their support for Obama's win, international citizens from every corner, believers who have never stepped foot on U.S. soil, all have the reign of hope in their hearts.



This is, of course, not without some doubt. Some countries will be watching Obama closely. "An enemy of the United States is an enemy of Obama." Still, we are hopeful.




Barack Obama. Phenomenal. Historical. Diplomatic. Marvelous. New. Hopeful. Promise. Change. Positive. Eloquent. Intelligent. Fair. Multi-cultural. Outstanding. Unbending. Sincere. Profound. Remarkable. Awesome. Awe-inspiring. Exalted. American. Dream. Belief. Victory. Enormous. Credible. Peaceful. Calm. Inspirational. Unparalleled. Aspirational. Intense. Knowledgeable. Sensational. Unique. Thorough. Reflective. Serious. Deep. Esoteric. Learned. Wise. Shrewd. Enlightened. And so on.




Click here to read along as Barack Obama speaks to the world following his landslide win.



All prayers and good vibes are sent your way, Barack Obama! It's time!

The Obvious Buzz of the Day: Mr. President, Barack Obama

The obvious buzz of the day is this most historical news that will go down in the history books and the lives of the diverse American. Barack Obama is our President Elect for the next term 2009-2012. He is our 44th President and the world has been watching. The world is behind this man from the mountains of Japan, to the fields of Africa, to the vineyards of Italy, to the islands of the Pacific Ocean, and beyond. I personally had family from Canada and Germany Facebooking their joy at the news of the Obama victory. This is truly a spectacular event.

Congratulations, Barack Obama!

Congratulations! This is what we all need! We have needed this for so long! What an historic event, historic president, historic citizens and their nation. I am thrilled to see this country high on hope. What a key event for this country and for so many people, for so many cultures. Not just the African-American person, but for him and her and for all of us. This is a profound moment in time for everyone who believes in the values that this country stands by. Congratulations, Barack Obama! God Bless You and Your Family! Congratulations! Congratulations!

Obama or McCain, McCain or Obama & the Swing States

What are you going to do? Which way will you vote? Barack Obama or John McCain? What is the latest scoop on all of you undecideds and swing states? It's not too late to make up your mind. BUT the question is who is the best of the contenders? Of course a matter of opinion. A matter of morals, ethics, finances, health, feelings about foreign issues and policies, war and ending the war or starting another war, immigration, pro-choice or pro-life, and so on and so on and so on. Most important, please get out there and vote if you have not already done so. Here's a little bit of analyzing for you to chew on...



Good luck and may the best candidate win!

Halloween 2008 Review: Sugar, Costumes, & Odd Events

Are you or a family member suffering from sugar high or sugar overload from these past couple of days of school parties, work parties, trick-or-treating, and now the ever growing trunk-n-treating? You are not alone. What is everyone saying about eating too much candy or chocolate? How much is too much? Look at this friendly website that has physicians as its regular article contributors for some talk on this topic.

What is the other hubbub this year? Mask sales and make-up popular? Will mask sales determine our next President of the United States? Check this out:



What about all the people who love their pets? Is this getting out of hand? Or are pets people, too?




Oh...and do you remember Michael Jackson and Thriller? You must! That was one of the key extended storytelling music videos of our time. It's been so popular...you have to check this out and the things people do!