Light the Way October 6

In colder parts of the country putting up outdoor lighting has to be done very early if you want to save yourself some headaches, and possibly some frostbite.  Yes, I know it's still way too early even in those cold areas but since I'm seeing the Halloween decorations going up in my neighborhood I realized a few Christmas lights on the shrubs and bushes might just set them off very nicely...and give you a big jump on your Christmas decorating.  Here's a great video to help you light the way...

Set Up the Shrub Lighting - Holiday Decorations

October 4 ~ Fill the candy bowl

While everyone else is buying Halloween candy, pick up a couple bags of Starlight Mints.  They're available year round in both red (peppermint) and green (spearmint).  Fill up a big bowl of them an leave it on your desk to share with co-workers.  This simple little candy can remind you to keep the Christmas spirit in your heart.

A little Comedy Oct 3

Thought I send a smile to everyone today...  Dumb but funny, so let yourself laugh...

The old fashioned Christmas Club October 2

I remember when almost everyone had a "Christmas Club" account at the bank.  You don't hear much about them anymore.  I suppose it might have to do with the economy, or the increase in credit card use.  I've actually begun to contribute to a medical flex spending plan at work.  I save up my medical expense receipts and turn them in when it gets close to the holiday and I want to start my shopping.  It's a good idea, but I admit it doesn't always work because some emergency will come up before that and I need a little extra cash.  But, if you don't spread your Christmas shopping out throughout the year, some kind of a Christmas club is a good idea.  You might also want to encourage your children to become savers, and the idea that they will be saving for an event might make it a little easier to get them started.  Find a fun piggy bank that represents what they are saving for as a reminder to them.

Reader's Digest Memories Sept 30

Everyone remembers making Christmas trees out of readers digest magazines don't they? Here's a YouTube...very boring if you're already a magazine folding pro...but if not, it's a great idea for young kids, boy scouts crafts, girl scouts crafts, or Sunday school craft time.  
 Our YouTube instructor has you limiting the number of pages, but I think you could just use the whole magazine if you want.  My added hint...glittery pom poms make great "ornaments" for your magazine paper tree.

Special Cards for Special People Sept 29

Yesterday we talked about the budget and mentioned those people that we give gratuity gifts to.  One thing that will really be remembered is if your card to those people is something special just for them.  Here are some great ideas from some artistic friends at Greeting Card Universe.

Have a Plan Sept 28

It's not too early to start thinking about your Christmas budget.  Take some time before the shopping season is in full swing to decide who is on the gift list.  And don't forget to add those gratuity gift recipients, the mailman, the doorman, the kids bus driver, your gardener, your hairdresser etc.  Also make sure to include any gifts that will be expected at the office, for the office party or gift exchange, and those that the kids will need for their parties.  Yes, they add up quickly and can really break your budget if your not careful.  

Careful planning can not only save you some money, it  can give you a more stress free holiday.  If possible once you have your list and some reasonable gift ides for everyone, start shopping now... look for sales and enjoy some savings.  But, be careful...once you have found and purchased a gift for someone on your list be sure to cross them off so you don't make the mistake of purchasing another item.  Also, remember that room you made in the closet a couple days ago?  Find a nice box to keep all of your advance purchases together in one spot so you can find them later.

September 21, 2010 "oh look...a tie"

     I remember with great fondness all the years of buying my Dad a tie for Christmas. He was always very gracious and acted so excited and grateful for the lovely gift. Little did I know at the time, this was just another one of the hundreds he already had hidden in his closet with the hopes that he never really had to wear any of them. Yes, I did see him wear some of them, he had a job that required a shirt and tie, but most of them were boring to say the least. 
     A tie however is still a great gift idea for the Dad who has to wear one. What is really nice though, is to make sure that the tie suits his taste or expresses his personality. If you're even just a little bit creative you can make Dad a one of a kind tie that he'll surely cherish forever. Zazzle is a website where you can personalize a number of gift type items, ties being one of them. (Yes...I'm plugging another one of my shops here)... Here is a sampling of the ties I have available at my shop on Zazzle, but once you're there, you can start from scratch and design your own tie especially for Dad.

Design a personalized gift at Zazzle.

     While you're there be sure to check out some of the wonderful Christmas ties. However he feels about Christmas...form serious and sentimental to funny and sarcastic...they have 'em all.

September 20 ~ Day one of this new blog

Welcome Welcome everyone!!!

So, the idea that the special feeling you have a Christmas needs to be with you all year has prompted me to start this blog.  I intend to post a little something each day to keep the Christmas spirit alive.  Be it a tip or hint, a recipe, a craft idea, a gift idea, some act of kindness or charity, or just a wish for comfort and joy...hopefully each and every day I can spread just a little bit of the love an joy that is the true meaning of Christmas.

As I sit here in my living room in South Carolina, Christmas seems to be so far away.  There is a football game on TV in the background and I can feel the cool breeze coming from the air conditioner.  Yes, it is supposed to reach near record temperatures here tomorrow with the highs in the upper 90s...not very Christmas-y at all, but then again, I have seen many people doing their Christmas shopping in shorts and flip-flops down here.

For today I would like to share with you some great Christmas cards (yes, you need to start thinking about them now - especially if you want to do something custom) that you can find on Greeting Card Universe.  Whatever you could possibly want to say, whatever your profession, to whom ever you want to send them to, I'm sure you can find it here...  Here are just of few of the thousands of Christmas cards available...

Many of the artists on this site are more than happy to help you by customizing their designs just for you.  So stop by and take a look, I'm sure you'll find something perfect for your needs.