Ready for Black Friday?

Top 10 Tips to Getting the Best Bargains on Black Friday

By Donna L Montaldo, About.com Guide

 http://couponing.about.com/od/seasonalsavingszone/p/blackfriday.htm?nl=1

Black Friday - The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year:

 

Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving and has earned the reputation of being the busiest shopping day of the year. The name was adopted from an accounting term - red ink denotes a negative profit margin, where as "in the black" denotes a positive profit margin. Many retailers make or break their sales goals between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the season kicking off on the Friday after Thanksgiving, hence the name "Black Friday." 

 

1. Check Out the Ads:

 

Your local Thanksgiving Day newspaper will be stuffed like your Thanksgiving turkey with ads, coupons, and circulars. This will be your number one source to local Black Friday savings. It will also help you organize your day to maximize savings, since many stores offer special discounts that are time specific. Example: Receive an extra 10 percent off if you shop before 11 a.m.

 

2. Do Your Research Before Friday:

 

If you are hoping to scoop up a deal on Friday on a big-ticket item, go ahead and get your research out of the way as soon as possible. A bad product is a bad deal no matter how cheap it costs. Being knowledgeable about the products you want to buy will help you avoid being sucker-punched with loud advertising for poor products. About.com is chocked full of buying advice on a wide variety of products from professionals who have the knowledge to help you make good decisions.

 

3. Compare Prices:

 

Utilize price-comparison Internet shopping sites such as PriceGrabber.com to assist you in comparing product prices. Compare the "options" included with the product. Some retailers will low-ball the advertised price on a stripped down product, and then you will be charged extra for the necessary parts that will make the product perform as expected. A good example of this is often seen with super low-priced computer printers that come without the cable (cord) or printer ink.

 

4. Look for Early Bird Shopper Discounts:

 

The Early Bird Shopper will be the real winner on Black Friday. Stores offering early-day shopper specials usually run the deals from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and with no "rain checks," which means once they run out of the products, you are out of luck. Scanning the ads and routing your trip based on your buying priorities will be important with the time-sensitive deals that will be offered.

• List of Store Hours and Early Bird Sales on Black Friday

5. Beat the Crowds with Night Owl Discounts on Thanksgiving:

 

Internet shoppers can beat the early birds by shopping online in the pre-dawn hours of Black Friday. Many retailers will be posting their Black Friday specials, which can be ordered online and picked-up at your local store. Special "Web only" deals will also be available starting as early as Thanksgiving eve. Many of the the aggressive outlet malls and factory stores will be opening Thursday at midnight, with early bird promotions in hopes of capturing your dollars before the competition has opened.

• List of Black Friday Midnight and Early Bird Sales at U.S. Outlet Malls

6. Bring the Ads:

 

Many stores offer a "lowest-price" guarantee; however you may be required to produce a copy of the exact product being advertised for less. Most local retailers will not meet Internet prices even when the product is advertised on the same company's website, but it cannot hurt to try. Print the Web page that details the product and shows the advertised price. It may give you additional bargaining power and push the sales person into waiving other charges such as assembly fees.

 

8. Know the Store Policies:

 

Knowing the store policies on returns can help you determine where to buy. A previous trend of extending "return days" during the holidays is being seen less this year. Many retailers are including restocking fees and shorter return deadlines. Almost all of the major retail chains have clamped down on requiring receipts for returns and exchanges, and many keep a database of individuals who tend to abuse return policies. If you get onto an "abuse" list, prepare yourself to be turned down.

• The Small Print On Return and Free Shipping Policies
  
• The Hidden Costs of Restocking Fees
  

9. Ask for Gift Receipts:

 

Gift receipts generally include a description of the item purchased but do not disclose the price paid. Including gift receipts inside the gift box will make returns or exchanges easier for the gift recipient. Without proof-of-purchase, the recipient may be turned down for returning or exchanging the item or risk receiving an exchange for the current selling price of the item.

• Keep That Receipt!
  
• Tips on Returning Gifts Hassle Free
  

Since many retailers begin permanently slashing prices as soon as Black Friday is over, the difference between what you pay for a gift during December and what it sells for in January can be significant. Including a gift-receipt should help insure a hassle-free return experience for gift recipients.

10. Saying "Charge It" Can Pay Off

Obviously, there is no bargain in running up high credit card bills and paying big interest rates, however, with proper spending disciplines intact, using the right charge card can be of value to consumers. Many credit card companies entice consumers with free benefits, which include extended free warranties, return protection and sale price protection.

• Warranty Coverage - Your credit card company may offer to double or triple a manufacturer's warranty for free on a product you purchase - a good option instead of purchasing a service contract that costs money and has a shorter duration period.


• Return Protection - A credit card company may guarantee a refund on a product up to 90 days where as the store may not. This is becoming particularly more important as retailers stiffen the allotted return days.


• Sale Price Protection - Some of the credit card companies will offer this protection and refund you the difference if a product you buy is marked down further than the price you paid within a certain time frame (usually 60 days).

An enormous amount of advertising, locally and online, can be confusing and nearly paralyzing to the Black Friday bargain hunter. To maximize the benefits of hitting the stores on a day where there are big crowds and a better deal around every corner, developing a plan and doing preliminary research will help insure that the day is a shopping success.

Have fun saving money while you shop!

My Thoughts

Just reading through the ten steps made my head reel.  What more the actual bargain hunting?  But then, that's what it's supposed to do, i think.  Make our heads reel.  Well, just take heed.  Let your needs (and your budget) make decisions for you.

HONORING MOTHERS

Honoring Mothers on Mother’s Day
Daily Inspiration
By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, Lifescript Personal Coach
Published May 06, 2011

Today’s message is a simple one directed at important people. These figures are female and their role is one of the most treasured among families. Who is this VIP? In a word it’s… Mother! As you know, Sunday is the day that we annually celebrate the wonder and magnificence of our moms. In my opinion, moms are the most noble, significant and unselfish creatures on earth.

One of my favorite quotes about mothers comes from a woman named Tenneva Jordan: “A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” For those of you fortunate to still have your mother in your life, I hope you let her know how much she’s loved and appreciated. If, on the other hand, you’ve lost your mother or are estranged from her, this will be a tough weekend. Whether you have a mother or just know women who are good mothers, take this day to honor the special people who create, shape and touch so many lives.

Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com

Follow Dr. Sklare on Health Bistro!

MY THOUGHTS

I'm sure we all have stories of how great our mothers are.  I wonder if our mom's have stories of how much we appreciate them.

Bin Laden Killing Spurs Travel Warning

Bin Laden Killing Spurs Travel Warning
By Robert Longley, About.com Guide  May 2, 2011

Even as Americans celebrated the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces in Pakistan, the U.S. Department of State warned of possible reprisals against Americans and issued a worldwide travel alert warning of anti-American violence.

"Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations," states the Travel Alert, which remains in effect until August 1, 2011.

The State Department also noted that some U.S. Embassies and Consulates, especially in the Middle East, might be temporarily closed during the warning period due to security concerns. "U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate," states the Travel Warning.

Travel information is always available at the State Department web site -- www.travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling             1-888-407-4747 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-888-407-4747      end_of_the_skype_highlighting       toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at             1-202-501-4444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-202-501-4444      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      .

MY THOUGHTS

I think the same warning has been issued here.  On a less serious note, of course.  But a warning just the same.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRAVEL WARNINGS AND TRAVEL ALERTS

What is the difference between travel warnings and travel alerts?

By Kathleen Crislip, About.com Guide
http://studenttravel.about.com/od/safestudenttravel/f/warning_pa.htm?nl=1

Question: What is the difference between travel warnings and travel alerts?

Answer: Travel alerts (formerly called travel public announcements), generally short term in nature, are issued because of situations like political unrest, recent violence by terrorists and on anniversary dates of specific terrorist events, and contain information about terrorist threats, political coups and other short-term conditions which may pose "significant risks to the security of American travelers," according to the government website. Examples of travel alerts would be those regarding 2006/07 and 2007/08's drug gang violence in Mexico, or 2008's trouble in Thailand and Mumbai.

Travel alerts are milder than travel warnings, in which the State Department recommend that Americans avoid travel to a country altogether because of its long term instability or "...when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff." In winter, 2009, travel warnings existed for travel to and/or in Iran, Iraq, Haiti, Nepal, the Philippines, and Israel, the West Bank and Gaza among 22 other countries and areas; an example of a temporary warning was the travel warning issued during the spring, 2008 turmoil in Tibet, for instance, or the update of an existing Haiti travel warning after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

I've been traveling in countries when the US government issued travel alerts for that country, and I've always been perfectly safe -- however, though it is always important to follow basic travel safety rules when you're on the road, times of unrest abroad necessitate particular attention to safety. If a travel alert has been issued for a country, consider registering with the US embassy in that country (more on that below).

Remember that Uncle Sam will help you with emergency evacuation from a troubled country, but it comes in the form of a repatriation loan via the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS), which can be called upon to rescue you from a bad situation abroad. We've always heard that repatriation loans are like dialing Dad for dollars if unexpectedly destitute and that, just like when calling home, you have to wait overseas for the money to arrive and eventually repay that loan (and explain how this happened, too). The situation in Lebanon in summer, 2006, showed this to be the case, when Americans needing help to get out of the country got the help and a big bill -- though those bills were forgiven after public outcry, there is no reason to believe you'll ever get an ultimately free ride home if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

MY THOUGHTS

Better safe than sorry!

VIA DOLOROSA

The Beauty of the Via Dolorosa
As seen by the great artists

http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Galleries/Beauty-of-the-Via-Dolorosa.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=11&ppc=&utm_campaign=Bible&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_term=yahoo.com.ph

What is the Via Dolorosa? You've seen the Stations of the Cross in every Catholic Church you've ever visited. But what are they all about? Sometime around the 15th Century, a tradition developed in which believers - particularly on Good Friday - would retrace the steps that Christ took to Calvary.

If you visit Jerusalem today, 14 stations are marked along the "Via Dolorosa," Latin for "Way of Grief" or "Route of Suffering." Let's take a walk down the Via Dolorosa through the eyes of such great artists as Michaelangelo, Van Dyck, El Greco, Mantegna, Caravaggio and several whose names history has forgotten, but whose masterpieces still inspire us today.

The artwork above is Station 14: Lamentation Over the Dead Christ (1490) by Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506) on display today in Milan, Italy at the Panacoteca di Brera museum

Jesus is Condemned to Death

Station 1: Jesus is Condemned to Death. We all know the story of how Jesus was tried so unfairly -- but before he was presented to Herod and then Pontius Pilate, he was mocked, reviled, brutally beaten and given a faded purple robe, a crown of thorns and a reed as a royal scepter. In this painting by the great artist Caravaggio (1571-1610), whose full name was Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Jesus is about to be scourged, His back torn by the Roman lashes.

Jesus is given His cross

Station 2: Jesus is given His cross. Jesus was mocked by Herod, rejected by the crowd demanding the release of a murderer, Barabbas, then condemned to die by Pontius Pilate. He was made to drag a rough wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem. Only a week before, the crowds had rejoiced and hailed Him as the Messiah during His "Triumphal Entry," throwing down their coats and palm branches before Him. This classic artwork, "Christ Carrying the Cross," was painted in 1580 by Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541–1614), the great Cretan painter known to the world simply as El Greco.

Jesus falls for the first time

Station 3: Jesus falls for the first time. No one seems to be able to remember the name of the artist who portrayed our Lord stumbling under the weight of the cross in painted tiles. This 100-year-old mosaic is part of the Stations of the Cross at Our Lady of the Assumption church in Claremont, California.

Jesus encounters Mary, His mother

Station 4. Jesus encounters His mother. As He struggles under the heavy burden of the cross, our Lord spots His distraught mother in the crowd. This artwork is part of the Stations of the Cross in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Connecticut. Regrettably, the artist of this 100-year-old watercolor is unknown.

Simon of Cyrene carries the cross

Station 5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross. Exhausted from His ordeal, abandoned by His disciples, Jesus struggles to carry the cross - but cannot. So, the Roman centurion in charge orders a visitor from Cyrene, Africa, to help. Mark 15:21 says Simon was the father of "Alexander and Rufus." Both are mentioned later by Paul in his Epistles as leaders of the early church. The artist of this painting is unknown.

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Station 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus with her scarf. The Bible does not mention Veronica, however tradition says that she was a follower who could not contain herself any longer and came to His aid, wiping his face with her scarf. Some say she was the woman healed in Matthew 4:20. Her scarf was said to bear Jesus' image -- but unlike the Shroud of Turin, has not survived to modern times. It is believed to have been destroyed in 1527 when Rome was looted by mutinous troops of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. This bas relief carving and painting is one of the Stations of the Cross at the Catholic Church of Glanmire Parish in County Cork, Ireland.

Jesus falls a second time

Station 7. Jesus falls a second time. The biblical account does not detail just how many times Jesus stumbled, however tradition tells of three separate times when He fell to the ground under the burden of the cross. This wood carving is by an unknown sculptor.

Jesus sees the faithful women

Station 8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem. The biblical account tells of how the women who had followed our Lord throughout His ministry were among the few who were faithful throughout His terrible ordeal on Good Friday. The Bible does say that the Twelve Disciples were afraid - with only John the Beloved Disciple standing with the women at the foot of the cross. This sepia-tone print is taken from a 19th Century printer's engraving. The engraver's name is not known.

Jesus falls for the third time

Station 9. Jesus falls for the third time. The biblical account is clear that our Lord had difficulty in the long trek to the hill called Calvary. This beautiful wood carving is from the Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Jesus is stripped of His robe

Station 10. Jesus is stripped of His robe. The Bible tells of the soldiers at the foot of the cross gambling for His seamless robe. Crucifixion was a dehumanizing, brutal means of execution. The condemned were given no dignity - and allowed to suffer, lingering between life and death for as long as a week, according to historical accounts. This watercolor was painted by French artist  James Jacques Tissot (1836-1902).

Jesus is nailed to the cross

Station 11. Jesus is nailed to the cross. The brutality of crucifixion defies human imagination. Here, the Lord's hands and feet are pinned to the cross with rough iron spikes. This bas relief sculpture is part of the Stations of the Cross at Ludwigskirche (St. Ludwig's Church) in Darmstadt, Germany.

Jesus dies on the cross

Station 12. Jesus dies on the cross. Bearing the sins of the world, the Son of God looks out at His tormentors and says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Then, the sky darkens, the earth trembles, the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies in the Temple is torn in two - and the Lamb of God dies. This carving has been one of the Stations of the Cross for more than 100 years at St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa.

Jesus' body is removed from the cross

Station 13. Jesus' body is removed from the cross. It is over. This dramatic oil painting is by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). The artist put himself into the painting as the mourning figure in blue, penitent and shaken with suffering, helping remove Christ's body.

Jesus' body is laid in the tomb

Station 14. Jesus' body is laid in the tomb. The faithful women and the Disciples are assisted by Nicodemus and place His body in a new tomb in a garden nearby donated by Joseph of Arimathea. This painting, "The Lamentation," is by the Flemish master Antony Van Dyck (1599-1641) and is on display at the Palais des Beaux Arts de Bruxelles museum in Brussels, Belgium.

He is risen! Allelujah!

The Resurrection of Jesus. Although not traditionally part of the Stations of the Cross, the Resurrection is often included as a fifteenth station signifying the triumph of good over evil, of life over death and of hope over despair. After years of official atheism in Russia, this masterpiece is again on display in a place of prominence at the State Russian Museum in Moscow. It is "Appearance of Christ to Mary Madgalene," painted in 1835 by the Russian master Alexander Ivanov (1806-1858).

MY THOUGHTS

Here's a picture of Sta. Veronica that has been in my family for ages.

Why is Holy Week not the same dates every year?

Why is Holy Week not the same dates every year?

1)The first thing to remember is that you are using the Moon calendar ... based on the phases of the moon.

2) Jesus died on Nisan 14, when the Jews celebrated the Passover (Exodus 12:11,18, Leviticus 23:4, 5; Numbers 8:3, Esther 3:7, Matthew 26:19)

You have to realize that Nisan 14 is nothing more than 14 days after the new moon nearest to the spring equinox (No matter if it's before or after the vernal equinox)

3) The spring equinox falls on March 20 each year.

4) The New Moon occurs every 30 days

5) Remember, 14 days after the New Moon nearest to March 20 ... No matter if it's before or after March 20.



Now let's practice...

Take for example the spring equinox of 2010 and 2011 and the new moon ...


New Moon of 2010 before and after the equinox or March 20:

New Moon (March 15, 2010*) - the visible New Moon over Jerusalem was on March 17, 2010 -

Equinox (March 20, 2010*)

New Moon (April 14, 2010*)


Note that the New Moon nearest to the vernal equinox is the New Moon of March 15, 2010 ...

Ones the Jews have determined the closest moon to the vernal equinox ... they count 14 days from that point (the new moon)... taking us to Nisan 14.

In 2010, the 14th of Nisan fell on March 30, 2010 (Remember the days begin in the afternoon until the following afternoon).


Let's look at 2011:

New Moon (March 4, 2011*)

Spring Equinox (March 20, 2011*)

New Moon (April 3, 2011*) - the visible new moon over Jerusalem is on April 4 -

*Astronomical new moon


As you can see, the new moon nearest the vernal equinox is the one that will fall on April 3, 2011. If we count 14 days from the visible new moon over Jerusalem... it will take us to April 17, 2011.



The Catholic Church celebrates Easter on the Sunday following the full moon of the new moon nearest to 20 March or vernal equinox.

This year the full moon will fall on April 18, 2011. So the next Sunday is 24.

So the Holy Week will run from April 17 until April 24, 2011.


PD: The Passover kept of by modern-day Jews is set to coincide with the astronomical new moon, not the visible new moon over Jerusalem, which may come 18 to 30 hours later. Also, most Jews today keep the Passover on Nisan 15, not on the 14th as Jesus did in harmony with what was stated in the Mosaic Law. The Memorial or Commemoration of Jesus death kept by Jehovah's Witnesses is set to coincide with the new moon over Jerusalem.

MY THOUGHTS

All that math!  Doesn't matter why - I guess!  More important is how you view holy week and what you do about it.

SOMEWHERE TO GO DURING HOLY WEEK

Kuh's Tagaytay hideaway
FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo The Philippine Star Updated April 16, 2011 12:00 AM 0 comment to this post

When life in the city gets somewhat too suffocating, some stars usually hie off to, if not foreign shores (Hong Kong and Bangkok are favorite destinations), Boracay to unwind, never mind if the faces they bump into are the same ones from Manila they are running away from.

Tempo’s Ronald Constantino is right.

“The perfect place to be during the Holy Week is Metro Manila,” said Ronald who is packing his things for a post-Lenten holiday “somewhere” with STAR contributor Bibsy Carballo. Hola! “Everybody goes out of town and Metro Manila is all too suddenly quiet and peaceful, no traffic and no ‘intrigues’ since TV is off, so it’s ideal for meditation and soul-searching.”

But where does Kuh Ledesma go to relax, recharge and renew herself on weekends and during the Lenten Season? 

Yes, to her own Hacienda Isabella (named after her daughter) in Tagaytay City which is only more than an hour drive away. The place has been consistently receiving rave reviews for its tasteful, unique and rustic style, laid-back ambience and impeccable service (the buffet offers food for all kinds of palates).

“During Holy Week,” Kuh told Funfare, “an option of healthy organic food will be available aside from the Hacienda’s best-sellers.”

The Hacienda is open to guests.

“We accept walk-ins for special breakfast, lunch or dinner,” added Kuh.

More than the gustatory delights, Hacienda likewise offers “food for the spirit” at its daily Bible classes and inspirational talks conducted by Kuh herself and other speakers who are Bible teachers.

(Note: For reservations and inquiries about the Holy Week package, call 726-6485 and 721-1936, or mobile phones 0920-9539488 and 0917-8139065.)

Holy Week events at Kamay ni Hesus

And if you happen to be at the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban, Quezon, here’s Fr. Joey Faller’s schedule of activities for the Holy Week:

• Palm Sunday, April 17 — Commemoration of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, morning and afternoon Masses, and Estacion General (Via Crucis at Grotto);

• Holy Monday, April 18 — Morning and afternoon Masses and stage play Biglang-Bigla Isang Umaga;

• Holy Tuesday, April 19 — Afternoon Mass, and continuation of stage play;

• Holy Wednesday, April 20 — Morning healing Mass and afternoon Mass, and continuation of stage play;

• Maundy Thursday, April 21 — Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Washing of the Feet, Holy Communion, Procession, Benediction, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament;

• Good Friday, April 22 — Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, Communion, Procession, and continuation of stage play;

• Black Saturday, April 23 — Continuous veneration of the Image of Crucified Christ and continuation of stage play; and

• Easter Sunday, April 24 — Eucharistic celebrations.

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare.)

MY THOUGHTS

I've never been to Kuh's hacienda. I can't really say if it's a good place to go or not. But it's near enough to risk it. We took a risk at Sonia's and it was good.  We risked going to Nature Spa and have gone there 2x already.  We risked eating at this quaint italian restaurat in Tagaytay.  I can't remember the name but I can still remember the taste of their excellent pasta and how tranquil you feel eating under the trees with all those glittering lights. 

I'd say it's worth checking out Kuh's place.

I've been to Kamay na Hesus and I will never dare those stairs again.

VOLUNTEER VACATIONS

Volunteer Vacations
For the Thrifty Traveller
http://www.frugal-living-tips.com/volunteer-vacations.html

Volunteer Vacations, are they for me? If you like experiencing life without all the tourist hype and love to get your hands dirty, then I would say yes they are.

It is perfectly possible to visit some of the most exotic, and beautiful places in the world without spending a fortune and enjoying a holiday that makes a difference as part of your frugal living plan.

By taking a working vacation, you help could be helping a very good cause or just helping the local economy and all on a shoestring budget.

By volunteer vacations, I don't mean a placement for months at a time, but a short break, from a weekend to two weeks, either short or long haul, where, for the cost of a little work, the overall expense is reduced, in some cases drastically.

There is the added advantage that you get a much richer experience of the place you are visiting than the tourist on an often overpriced package holiday may do.

Does this all sound a little risky? - Not at all these days, there are many specialist travel agents well experienced in providing volunteer vacations, with all the safety precautions taken into consideration and checked out before hand.

It does require a little thought and planning on your part, though. Obviously, there's no point in volunteering to dig ditches if you have a back problem, or volunteering to do something you really wouldn't enjoy. After all this is meant to be a holiday.

Also, it does help if you have a specific skill. But that doesn't necessarily mean eight years of medical school or a degree in horticulture, just being fluent in English is a sought after skill, for instance.

How to find volunteer vacations.

There are lots of websites out there that can find you the perfect frugal living vacation; here is a selection of some of the longer established organisations:

The Earthwatch Institute (www.earthwatch.org) specialise in environmental placements. They have teamed up with Travelocity (http://leisure.travelocity.com) to offer grants to qualifying volunteers, which could cut the price of your vacation even further.

Global Vision International (www.gviusa.com) is a very well organised site; it has sections for U.S., U.K., Irish and Australian volunteers.

They specialise in placements of one week or more, and at any one time have over 100 different projects to choose from.

These are mainly long haul. The support given to volunteers by GVI is excellent, and they are on hand to help 24 hours a day in the unlikely event that you run into any problems, however minor.

The volunteer has to organise their own airfares, insurance, and in some instances, transfers from the destination airport.

United Planet (www.unitedplanet.org) again specialise in long haul volunteering vacations. Again they have hundreds of projects to choose from. They also have a useful section on obtaining sponsorship, which can help cut the cost of your vacation even further. Their fees do not include airfares.

Cheap Tickets (www.cheaptickets.com) have a volunteering option where it is possible to take a few days out of a leisure holiday to take part in a volunteering opportunity. They also have options of taking a few days out in the U.S. to help with different projects in a range of areas. This is useful for planning short breaks.

Own Country Holidays

Depending where you live, there are any numbers of country-based charities offering vacations for volunteers, for example:

The American Hiking Association (www.americanhiking.org) offers opportunities to mend trails, provide visitor facilities - ideal for outdoor types.

The National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) offers a range of activities in the U.K., from painting lighthouses, to stewarding in Stately Homes. If history is your bag, then these are excellent.

MY THOUGHTS

Sounds promising. I may not go for camping or backpacking but I might just go for a volunteer vacation.

SAVING ON VACATIONS BY CAMPING

Camping Holidays
For The Perfect Cheap Vacation.


Camping holidays, are they for you? Well you either love or hate camping, there doesn't seem to be much of a middle ground.

Many of us first experience camping when we are children, going away with mum and dad or with the local kids club.

It was all high jinx; scary stories and waking up in a damp sleeping bag and you may be wondering why as an adult would you want to do that again.

Well things have changed over the years and camping holidays are now a little less basic and with a little effort are great fun for the whole family.

If you want to get away from it all and your budget is tight, frugal camping holidays could be the perfect solution.

What are the choices for frugal camping holidays?

There are plenty of different places you can now pitch your tent, it all depends on what sort of camping experience you are looking for. For instance there are:

* Get away from it all sites - these can be basic with just a shower block and toilet facilities. But they are great for being in the middle of nowhere where you can truly enjoy the countryside and get away from all of life's hustle and bustle.

* Seaside sites - If you enjoy being by the sea or want to have a family beach holiday then these sites are perfect. They normally also include some sort of onsite family entertainment centre where the kids can play and the adults can have a lively drink or two.

* Trekking - if you really want to see the countryside and are into some serious walking then trekking with your tent on your back and visiting specially allocated small trekking camping sites could be for you. These sites attract the adventurous types and you could find yourself sitting round campfires in the evening swapping stories with other trekkers.

The equipment

Keeping it frugal, simple and light to carry especially if you trekking is often the first consideration when taking camping holidays. However there are some essentials that if you travel without could ruin your entire vacation.
Sleeping comfort

You can either decide to:

* Sleep on just a ground sheet - rather hard on your back and you may end up getting wet.

* Airbed - these are comfortable and only require blowing up. However they can be heavy to carry.

* A sleeping pad - lightweight and easy to carry, these rolls provide a little comfort.

* Camping bed - these are raised off the ground like a hammock are quite comfortable but a little more difficult to carry around.

The sleeping bag you choose will depend on the time of year you are travelling. During the summer only a lightweight bag is required but it is always better to go for something a little warmer, as it is much easier to cool down than to warm up.

Cooking equipment

If you are going for the full camping holidays experience then you will be cooking under the stars. If there are only a couple of you then a single gas stove is all you will need.

They are light and easy to carry and are great for single pot cooking. If there are more of you and you are not planning to carry your equipment around with you then there are full outdoor stoves available, these are probably better if you are cooking for a family, as your menu options are greater.

However be frugal with just how many pots and pans you really need, after all you don't want to have to carry around with you heavy unecceassry items if you don't have to.

Plan your meals before you go and only take the cooking utensils you will require. To keep costs to a minimum, take your own pots and buy some cheap plastic plates etc from the cheap stores rather than from the camping store.

If you are trekking and planning to camp often then it would be advisable to buy the proper camping utensils as they have folding handles and stack together for ease of transportation.

Lighting

You will need a torch to find your way to the toilets during the night. Invest in a wind up one that will reduce the cost of batteries and can also be used forever more at home. A little gas lantern will be needed to light your tent at night. Only have one per tent and use aluminium foil to reflect the light as they can be a little dim for reading with.

MY THOUGHTS

I've had very few camping trips in my lifetime. My memories of them are not worth repeating. All I can remember is the uncomfortable, messy feeling. A tent is not my idea of a vacation. Even if it's just for one night. Maybe I should try it again. If I follow these tips, maybe my perspective (and my experience) might change.

SAVING ON FAMILY VACATIONS

GOING ON A FAMILY VACATION ON A TIGHT BUDGET

from the article "Cheap Family Vacations For the Frugal Lifestyle"
www.frugal-living-tips.com

Cheap family vacations that will keep everyone happy are a reality for a family used to the frugal living lifestyle.

Planning ahead and spending your money wisely can still lead to a great vacation, all you have to do is to stay away from all the tourist money grabbing traps and to tell your children before you go that you are all on a budget.

I find that if you let them know this before hand it causes fewer arguments and upsets later and most kids are reasonably understanding if you treat them as grown ups.

MY THOUGHTS

watch out for the tips on When to travel, Where to stay, Where to go, What to eat.

New Year - New Ways

New Year - New Ways

The beginning of each year brings the opportunity for planned personal or professional change. The challenge to those who want to improve aspects of your life is to have clarity, stay the course, celebrate each day that actions are taken in furtherance of your goals, and have the courage to make course corrections when our change methods are not working.

If we are clear in what we want, there is a greater likelihood of success. If we have the courage to put the goals in writing (which is one of the most important steps in changing) and the self-discipline to stay the course even when the excitement and enthusiasm wears off-our success is more assured.

What is the secret to goal achievements? Why do some people succeed where others falter? Why so some people seem so confident in their ability to get what they want? The secret is that there is no secret. The success factor depends not upon one's circumstances but upon what one is willing to do in the circumstances.

The people who succeed while facing small or large obstacles are those who become engaged and emotionally invested in their goals. They focus like a laser beam upon their desires and plan of actions. They are persistent, even when faced with obstacles, and they continue to maintain a "can-do attitude".

The biggest obstacle that each of us face is our own lack of self-discipline. We can find many other things to do rather than work on our self-improvement plan. When we lack the self-discipline it is often because we really don't want to achieve a particular goal, at least not enough to fight the inertia that we inevitably experience.

When the excitement of setting goals has worn off and the true work begins, we may find our enthusiasm has waned also. It takes self-discipline to keep our enthusiastic mind-set turned on and turned up. A true, genuine, and heartfelt desire for a particular change in our lives is of paramount importance; otherwise a goal becomes merely a wish because of emotional, physical and mental laziness.

The question for the week for those who are contemplating or planning changes is, "Why do I want this change and how will it improve my life?"


Affirmation for the Week:

"I welcome changes and I will use my tools of self-discipline, focus, and enthusiasm to create a better life for myself."


Have a contemplative week

Mary Rau-Foster, E-mail Mary

Copyright 2010 by Mary Rau-Foster. All rights reserved.
However, if you find this information helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to print this page and put it on your bulletin board, or download an Adobe PDF file with a printable version. Thank you.

http://www.workplaceissues.com/mmm20101227.html

MY THOUGHTS

often, the reason we fail is because our definition of success is faulty. "when our ladder is leaning on the wrong wall, we will just get to the wrong "success" faster. i'm not saying it's easy. we live in a world where success is measured by the cars we drive, the office we keep, the high-rise we live in. true success is when you have made a difference in this world, in the life of a person - no matter how mundane or small it may seem. so, what's my goal for this year? to be a better Christian. i think this is the only way i can make a real difference - in myself and in others.

Five Ways to Welcome Change in the New Year

Five Ways to Welcome Change in the New Year
By Elizabeth Lesser


Raise your hand if you've had a crazy year with lots of changes--good, bad, or otherwise. OK! Just as I thought; we're all in this together. The most difficult change I've been dealing with is my sister's cancer diagnosis and treatment. Sitting by her bed in the oncology unit the other day, I came across words by the great Sufi master, Hazrat Inayat Khan: "Walking on the turning wheel of the earth, living under the ever-rotating sun, man expects a peaceful life."

Reading them, I had an a-ha moment--I let go of demanding that life be predictable, easy, peaceful. Such a relief! I decided to make my New Year's resolution be about welcoming change with a willing heart. If you want to join me in this, here are some helpful ways to proceed.

Elizabeth Lesser is the cofounder of Omega Institute and the author of "Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow."

Expect Change
Since we live in a changing universe, expect change. Good change, difficult change, destructive change, transformative change.

Make Friends With Change
Try not to fight change. Make unconditional friendship with it, in whatever form it arrives.

Relax Into the Mystery
There is so much more to this life than we can ever understand through our tiny brains and fearful hearts.

So in times of big change, it's good to be gentle and kind and patient with yourself. And to relax. The best peacemakers are those who are at peace with themselves.

Receive Change's Message
Be still and listen deeply for the truth that is carried on its winds--information about the past, wisdom about the present, and direction for the future.

Come Alive
Join forces with the dynamic flow of life. The African-American theologian Howard Thurman said: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive."

And so, as the old year changes into the New Year, ask what makes you come alive, and then go do it--for your own sake, and in service of the greater good.

MY THOUGHTS

destructive change? like tearing the whole house down so you can build a new, much better one? i kept thinking back to the many changes i've had in my life.i've had good changes, difficult ones, changes that changed me. i must say, its the destructive changes that truly transfoms us. the change that breaks you,that pulls you to the ground. the change that makes you start all over again. the change that makes you come alive. reborn into a new life. ready. accepting. actually looking for change. i'm sure the new year will be full of changes. just like the past ones. and i don't mind. it can get scary. it's hard to let go sometimes. especially if you can't find the reasons why. i learned how to accept change when i learned how to trust. i 've come to trust my Creator for all the changes in my ilfe. He knows best. He changes best.

Best and Worst Holiday Foods

Best and Worst Holiday Foods

David Zinczenko, author of the Eat This, Not That! series of books, offers tips to help you make healthier food and drink choices this holiday season.By David Zinczenko
Original Content | October 27, 2009

The Eat This, Not That! Guide to Holiday Food
Whether your weakness is mayo-spiked deviled eggs or rum-spiked eggnog, the holiday season is packed with one belly-bloating temptation after another. In fact, studies show the average person consumes an extra 600 calories a day between Thanksgiving and New Year's, which translates to an extra 6 pounds of lard.

While everyone's entitled to a little indulgence, there's a fine line between festive and fattening. Fortunately, making simple food swaps helps keep the pounds down without sacrificing merriment. You don't have to diet. You don't have to deprive yourself.

Cocktails
Worst cocktail:
Gin and tonic (8 ounces)
240 calories
22 g sugars

Drink this instead:
Champagne
100 calories
5 g sugars

Before your raise your glass to good health, consider your own. The sad truth is that light-tasting tonic water contains as much sugar as two glazed doughnuts, making it nothing more than a glorified soda. Champagne is just as bubbly but contains only one-fourth of the sugar and half the calories.


http://www.oprah.com/food/The-Best-and-Worst-Holiday-Foods/2

Dip
Worst dip:
Spinach and artichoke dip
300 calories
19 g fat

Eat this instead:
Salsa (1/4 cup)
10 calories
0 g fat

The wrong dip can transform healthy veggies and a whole grain pita into vessels for fat and hundreds of extra calories. Avoid creamy, cheesy dips at all costs and stick to the tomato-based salsas and bruschetta, which are low calorie and offer a healthy serving of vegetables to boot.

http://www.oprah.com/food/The-Best-and-Worst-Holiday-Foods/3

Side Dishes
Worst side:
Baked potato with butter and sour cream
400 calories
14 g fat (6 g saturated)

Eat this instead:
Roasted red potatoes (1/2 cup)
100 calories
5 g fat (1 g saturated)

The difference here is in the toppings. Add bacon and cheese to the mix, and add an extra 150 calories. Another smart sides rule: Not all salads are paragons of virtue. Greens with croutons and Italian dressing pack in 140 more calories than a serving of peas with pearl onions.

http://www.oprah.com/food/The-Best-and-Worst-Holiday-Foods/4

Hot Drinks
Worst hot drink:
White chocolate mocha (20 ounces)
660 calories
22 g fat (15 g saturated)
95 g sugars

Drink this instead:
Café au lait with peppermint syrup (20 ounces)
150 calories
5 g fat (3.5 g saturated)
17 g sugars

Sugary coffee concoctions are a holiday shopping staple—but the wrong one could deliver more calories than a Big Mac! Avoid mochas, lattes and cappuccinos and order a café au lait with a spurt of flavored syrup instead.

http://www.oprah.com/food/The-Best-and-Worst-Holiday-Foods/5

Desserts
Worst dessert:
Pecan pie à la mode
810 calories
65 g fat
55 g sugars

Eat this instead:
Chocolate fondue
340 calories
10 g fat
28 g sugars

In the wide world of holiday pies, nothing is worse than a slice of pecan. Blame the filling, which is a sickly-sweet sludge of corn syrup and sugar. Fondue, in comparison, is a fun and relatively healthy way to splurge after a big meal. Angel food cake makes an ideal dipper: light, low in calories and virtually fat-free. Fruit is even better.

http://www.oprah.com/food/The-Best-and-Worst-Holiday-Foods/6

Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
Simple Eat This, Not That! food swaps will make holiday weight gain a thing of the past. These holiday party survival rules may even help you lose weight:

•Watch what you drink. The average American consumes about 450 liquid calories a day. Forgoing the fancy holiday drinks means extra room for other sweets and treats.
•Snack smart. Protein-based snacks, like jumbo shrimp, cheese or prosciutto, will make you feel full longer than carb-loaded breads will.
•Master the buffet. Use a small plate—a study from Cornell University found that you'll serve yourself less, but feel like you've eaten more!

David Zinczenko is the editor-in-chief of Men's Health magazine and co-author of the Eat This Not That! series of books.

http://www.oprah.com/food/The-Best-and-Worst-Holiday-Foods/7

MY THOUGHTS

champagne! champagne would really hit the spot. and i love salsa. the bottled ones, of course. who's got the time to make their own salsa? not me. that's for certain. i miss cooking though. maybe next year. or not.

Beat the Bloat this Holiday Season

10 Ways to Beat the Bloat
Try Changes in Your Diet and Exercise
By Jill Weisenberger, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., Lifescript Nutrition Expert
Published December 26, 2010


Is your belly bulging after yesterday’s holiday feast? Follow these 10 bloat-busting tips and you’ll fit back into those skinny jeans again...

1. Hydrate
Drinking water is probably the last thing you want to do when you feel like your belly is about to explode.

But downing several glasses a day will restore the sodium balance so your body will give up fluids. Water also flushes your system and keeps your digestive tract moving so you don’t become constipated.

Ditch the sodas and other carbonated beverages. You may think they’ll make you feel better by inducing burping, but all they do is add gas to your system and increase bloating.

Instead, quench your thirst with water – the perfect, all-natural drink.

If you have to dress it up, add lemon or lime slices or an instant low-calorie flavor pack, like Crystal Light, Propel, Water Sensations or any store brand. Stash them in your purse or gym bag.

If you love the taste of fresh lemon and lime, try crystallized True Lemon and True Lime (TrueLemon.com) in individual packets with no sweeteners or calories

Many water-filled fruits and veggies can help hydrate you. Grab in-season, juicy fruits like tangerines and kiwis for a healthy snack. Or dine on a fruit salad or a plate piled with hydrating vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers.

2. Cut Down on Salt
Salt makes your body retain water. But cutting back on it isn’t easy – nearly 80% of the sodium in our diets comes from packaged or canned foods and restaurant meals. And 9 in 10 Americans are eating too much salt, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Think fresh and unprocessed. Prepare more meals at home and buy low-sodium convenience foods.

You’ll win by eating plain fruits and vegetables, but be careful about the dipping sauces or salad dressings. Their salt content can bring on the bloat.

You can’t judge a food’s saltiness by its taste, so study the nutritional information on food labels whenever possible: a 6-inch tuna sub sandwich has more than 1,000 milligrams (mg) of sodium, but an ounce (1/4 cup) of salty peanuts has only 160 mg, about the same as a cup of fruit-flavored yogurt.

At home, hide the saltshaker.

Add flavor to your dishes with lemon, garlic, basil, rosemary, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, or any of favorite herbs and spices.

3. Skip Sugar Alcohols
These sugar substitutes – sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, lactitol, mannitol, erythritol and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH) – could be lurking in any food marked “sugar-free.”

Sugarless products may save a few calories, but they linger in your gut, where normal bacteria make a meal of them. The result? A lot of gas.

4. Be Wise About Dairy
A great source of calcium, protein and other nutrients, dairy also contains lactose, a natural sugar.

Nearly 50 million Americans are lactose-intolerant, meaning they lack enough of the enzyme lactase to completely digest lactose. Undigested lactose causes gas and cramping.

Some lactose-intolerant people can eat cheese and yogurt without discomfort, because much of the lactose breaks down during processing. They may even drink small amounts of milk.

If dairy bothers you, start drinking about one-fourth to one-half cup milk twice a day and work up to about two cups daily.

You can also try lactose-reduced milk or Lactaid, an over-the counter lactase supplement. Take it each time you eat or drink dairy foods.

If you avoid dairy or eat very little of it, you’ll have to work extra hard to meet your calcium needs of about 1,000 mg to 1,300 mg per day. Try calcium-fortified soy milk or orange juice instead.

5. Eat Potassium-Rich Foods
This mineral triggers the kidneys to excrete more sodium.

Most fruits and veggies are loaded with potassium, but some are extra packed: bananas, mangos, melons, papayas, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and nuts. OJ is another great source – but watch out.

Fruit juice is a concentrated source of natural sugars, which means the calories can add up fast.

6. Eat Small
Feel stuffed? Eat smaller portions to give your digestive tract a chance to work.

If small meals leave you hungry and low on energy, perk up with a healthful snack. Or divide your meal into two and eat them 2-3 hours apart.

If a typical lunch includes a sandwich, broccoli and apple salad, and yogurt, switch to two mini-meals:

Mini meal #1: 1/2 sandwich, broccoli and apple salad

Mini meal #2: 1/2 sandwich, yogurt

7. Savor Every Bite
Don’t gobble. Slow down and enjoy your food. You swallow more air when you race through a meal. More air in your belly means more bloating.

8. Take Beano
Plenty of disease-fighting foods – like beans, broccoli and beets – cause gas. But don’t skip them.

Instead, try Beano, an over-the-counter digestive supplement, breaks down their complex sugars into simple sugars before your gut’s bacteria can chow down and leave you with a gas crisis.

Also check out the 10 Best & Worst Foods for Your Tummy.

9. Move It
Get off the couch. Feeling bloated and sluggish is no reason to skip your workout.

You can move gas quickly through your system with a little huffing and puffing. Turn on some loud music and dance the bloat away. Take a walk. Or play tag with the kids.

10. For Chronic Bloat, See a Doctor
Most bloating is no cause for concern.

MY THOUGHTS

this is just a welcome article. i've gobbled so many food the past 3 days i feel really bloated. i've started hyrdrating and eating fruits and veggies for potassium. will start on dairy tomorrow. and dancing again.

Creative Ways to Make Your Gifts Stand Out

Be a Wrap Star! 5 Creative Ways to Make Your Gifts Stand Out

Good things come in great-looking packages. We've got nifty and thrifty tips to help you deliver perfect presents.O, The Oprah Magazine | November 16, 2010

Prop Stylist Elizabeth Press traces her gift-wrapping prowess to her mother, whose creative, budget-conscious ideas—like wrapping boxes with painted newspaper comics, pasting gift certificates inside hollowed-out books, and making decorative stamps out of eraser carvings—proved that a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. "She really understood presentation,"Press says. "Her creativity could turn even inexpensive gifts into something fabulous."

Now Press has her own cost-saving tricks. To achieve a chic, monochromatic effect, she says, "let leftovers be your guide."If you have lime-colored ribbon from Easter, use green paper. And forget traditional holiday color combinations: Pair pink with red, yellow with gold.

1. Keep it Monochromatic
Combining any two shades of the same color "is a straightforward scheme that looks really modern,"says Press. FYI: Matte, solid-color papers tend to cost less.

2. Add Nontraditional Accents
Unexpected finishing touches are likely sitting idle in your drawers and closets. Instead of tying a bow, use cord to attach an ornament or dreidel; pin a brooch or faux flower onto ribbon; top children's gifts with chocolate coins or a glued-on toy. Press particularly loves to decorate with alphabet stamps, spelling out the recipient's name or initials, because "they instantly make a present feel personalized."

How to Make Your Own Stamps
What you'll need:
1. A rubber eraser (at least two inches wide) or a large potato sliced in half widthwise.
2. A marker to draw a simple shape on the eraser or sliced potato.
3. An X-Acto knife to carve away the eraser (or a kitchen knife for the potato), leaving the raised shape.
4. Water-based paint—or a leftover can of acrylic wall paint, diluted in a bowl.

Brush the paint onto your carving, test it on scrap paper, and stamp up your ribbon, paper, etc., in random patterns. "The idea is for it to look fun and homemade, not perfect,"stresses Press.

Tip #3: Think outside the cardboard box

3. Think outside the white cardboard box
Pick up colorful, inexpensive containers from stores like Pier 1, or use Chinese-takeout cartons from a party store (perfect for cookies and candy), tea towels or scarves (ideal for wine bottles and other odd-shaped offerings), and ID-badge sleeves (fun holders for gift cards). "You don't need wrapping paper if you have pretty fabric or containers,"Press says.

4. Focus on the Bows
For about $50 at stores like Staples, you can buy hundreds of feet (years' worth!) of kraft paper. Use it for all your presents, then dress them up with colorful ribbons. Classic hangtags give an old-fashioned "special delivery!" effect

5. Personalize Your Paper
Use a printer to make unique backdrops: a color photo of you with the gift recipient, a googled image of an Impressionist painting, a vintage map. "It takes relatively little effort,"says Press, "but it's the icing on the cake."

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list with our giftfinder!

MY THOUGTHS

i love wrapping gifts. more than the shopping. it's a pity i'm done with all the gifts before i found this article. i'm so interested i was tempted to unwrap them and use some of the ideas here. except for bows. i can never tie a ribbon. except the laces on my shoes. and i don't want my gifts to look like footwear.

Fresh Holiday Home Decor

Fresh Holiday Home Decor

Event planner Debi Lilly shares tips on how to use fresh fruit and flowers in your holiday décor.By Erin E. White
Original Content | November 17, 2000

Fresh Holiday Décor
Welcome your friends and family to your home this holiday season with festive décor that anyone can create. Event planner Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event shares tips and photos from a family Christmas Eve party she planned for a client in the Chicago area. "It is so much fun to decorate this time of year because you can start in November and continue adding special touches for more than month," she says. "Little extra touches help make the holidays a special experience, and guests notice and enjoy the extra touches too," she says.

Create a Key Lime Wreath
Fresh fruit is a great decorating resource during the winter months, Lilly says. "Especially with the cool weather we have in the Midwest, fruit can last outside for at least four weeks," she says. To create this key lime wreath, use straight pins to secure key limes to a Styrofoam ring, Lilly says. Then, secure a few cranberries around the wreath with straight pins topped with small pearls. "You don't have to hide the pearl pins—they become part of the design," Lilly says.

Artistic Apple Designs
Apples are another hearty fruit that make an impression when used as outdoor holiday décor. Lilly used a hot glue gun to adhere Lady and Gala apples on a cone-shaped Styrofoam form that can be purchased at a craft store. Depending on your color scheme, Lilly says you could also use Granny Smith or Red Delicious apples."The trick is not to use really big apples," Lilly says. "Try to use smaller apples that are around the same size." This idea can also be used indoors for a table center piece, Lilly says.

Illuminate with Cranberries
Cranberries are another one of Lilly's favorite fruits to use outdoors. Here, she puts a sophisticated spin on a holiday luminaries. "Instead of using a paper bag and sand and a small candle, we used these large, glass cylinder vases, placed a pillar candle inside and filled the bottom with cranberries," she says. "Make sure the container you use is tall enough to block the wind so that your candle won't blow out."

Also, Lilly says it is important to use fresh cranberries versus frozen. "Frozen cranberries can get mushy and bleed and won't be very pretty. Fresh cranberries keep their color and shape up for weeks," she says.

Adorn Your Front Door
Don't be afraid to pull out garland, pinecones and silky ribbons to decorate your front door. "A lot of people think they can't use [silk ribbons] outdoors and think they need to use the stiff plastic, ribbon, but that isn't so. We love to use the thick, wide, silky ribbon, and it holds up beautifully outdoors," Lilly says.

A Special Mantle Scene
Continue using fresh fruit and flowers to decorate indoors, and if you have a fireplace, deck it out for the holidays! Here, Lilly created a winter white scene over a mantle by pinning white carnations to a floral oasis foam ring. "You just submerge the ring in water and it soaks up the water, then you cut your carnations with about a half an inch of a stem and poke them into the wreath," Lilly says. You then secure the carnations to the wreath with pearl-topped straight pins. "The floral oasis foam gives the carnations a water source, and if a few of the carnations begin to turn brown, just pop them out of the wreath and replace them with fresh carnations," she says.

Use garland, pinecones and more fresh fruit designs to top off your holidays mantle, and don't forget to add some candles too. "We always decorate with candles; they just create such a warm and inviting mood and are perfect indoors or out," Lilly says.

MY THOUGHTS

exciting isn't it? espcially for someone like me who couldn't even find the time to put up the plastic xmas tree. i missed decorationg for xmas 2 years in a row. next year i hope schedules won't be so hectic so i can try one or two of these fresh holiday decors.

5 Ways to Stay Sane Over the Holidays

5 Ways to Stay Sane Over the Holidays
By Lesley Dormen
O, The Oprah Magazine | December 03, 2010

You know that woman who glides through the holidays effortlessly turning out fruitcakes, entertaining fractious family members, and thinking up unbelievably perfect gifts without being a wreck inside? We don't, either. Holiday stress is now part of the human condition. As the familiar tension digs its heels in, consider a dose of calm from Alice Domar, PhD, author of Self Nuture and one of our LLuminari experts.

1. Reassess. Create a list of everything you do for the holidays and notice which activities make you queasy even thinking about them. In each case, ask, "Who am I doing this for?" Your husband? Your children? Your mother? If you're going through the motions only to meet your own expectations, perhaps you could cross off that activity this year. If you're doing it for others, suggest something different. Instead of cooking up a huge family Christmas dinner, for example, propose making reservations at a special restaurant. Anxious about the usual New Year's Eve party? Your husband might be more than happy to ditch it and escape with you to a romantic hotel.

2. Check your perfectionism at the door. Are you a working woman who is comparing her baking and tree-trimming efforts with those of someone who doesn't have a full-time job—or with the way your stay-at-home mother handled the holidays? Are you envisioning your Christmas party right out of a movie? "We put so much of this pressure on ourselves," says Domar.

3. Put yourself on the receiving end. Come up with gifts that will benefit you as well as the other person. Instead of getting your friend a $50 sweater, use the money to take both of you for a manicure/pedicure. Buy two tickets to a play or concert. Convince your family to pool what everyone would have spent on presents and hire a massage therapist to give half-hour shoulder rubs as you all sit around at your holiday gathering.

4. Break the routine. If you're losing sleep over where the family should spend the holidays, "start a new tradition," says Domar. If a large get-together is too complicated or torturous, suggest seeing relatives separately. Or arrange for everyone to put their family gift money toward going on a cruise together. If logistics are suffocating, celebrate a month later when travel is easier and fares are cheaper.

5. Buy a few extras. It's everyone's worst nightmare: the beaming acquaintance who shows up unexpectedly with a gift. You can sometimes get away with, "Oh, I haven't wrapped yet," but Domar suggests protecting yourself by having a few extra generic gifts ready—a pretty little vase, a blank journal on nice paper, a lottery ticket. And if the reverse happens—you buy someone a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind treasure and she has nothing for you, or pulls out some $2 trinket? "It's very hard to gauge what other people will spend," says Domar. "They may have a different gift-giving style. They may be having financial difficulty. Don't let it ruin your holiday."

MY THOUGHTS

somehow, we've managed our family christmas celebration in such a way that it won't put too much stress on just one or two persons who would play host. for years, we've been going out of town - to some resort or private pool. no rushing to clean the house, buy groceries and then slave over the stove. no cleaning after wards and putting away china and silver. now we have all the time to just laze around. more time to just bond together. of course, it can be expensive. so we start saving for christmas at the start of the year.

survive holiday shopping with kids

Survive Shopping with Small Kids
Get Your Shopping Done and Save Your Sanity
By Michelle Kouzmine, About.com Guide

I know just how you feel, embarrassed, desperate, ready to jump into the closest, deepest hole. You look around and see other people happily shopping with their well behaved kid while yours loses it after the first 15 minutes in any store.

Yep, my kids have thrown super-duper, massive fits in the mall too. Did I give up shopping? No way! I just made a few simple adjustments to our shopping routine to make the entire process more enjoyable for the entire family.

•Eat before you leave and feed the kid.
Keep everyone's energy and blood sugar levels nice and high by starting the trip off with full stomachs.
•Tell your child ahead of time exactly what will happen.
For example, "We are going to buy you a pair of shoes. The salesperson will measure your foot, and then we will try on several pairs. We will choose the best ones and buy them for you."
•Bring along no-mess snacks.
Bring a snack to keep your child from getting hungry and tired. A snack is also a good distraction in case your kid gets bored. Make sure the snack is a no-mess snack such as dry cheerios.
•Bring an umbrella stroller.
If your child is under five and tends to tire easily, bring along an umbrella stroller to give his feet a break. Some shopping malls rent out strollers for a small fee.
•Let your child bring a toy along.
Most children like to bring something from home with them wherever they go. Let your kid bring a small item with him to keep him occupied while you shop.
•Promise a small reward for good behavior.
On the way to the store, promise your child a small reward if he is well behaved throughout the trip. The reward can be a trip to his favorite food stand or a small trinket from a vending machine.
•Get your child involved in shopping.
Most small children are not overly interested in fashion, but if you try, you can get your child more involved in choosing his wardrobe. When buying shirts for example, pick the style and let him choose the color. Actively look for items that you think he will like such as a backpack featuring his favorite storybook character.
•Take shorter shopping trips.
Marathon shopping is sure to end badly. Budget your time wisely and take several smaller shopping trips. Soon your child will get used to shopping and you will be able to increase your mall-time bit by bit.
•Shop online
If your kid is really going through a tough patch, and shopping together seems impossible, do some of your shopping online. Just about anything is available through online stores these days.

Eventually, your child will grow out of this difficult stage and you can begin shopping normally again. Until then, be patient and use these tips to make shopping with your kid easier.

MY THOUGHTS

i remember going to the mall with my nephew and my niece. the minute we entered the mall, my nephew persuaded me to go to the toys area. of course, he got his toy. as soon as he got what he wanted, he felt instantly hungry. right after eating he wanted to go home. i thought his tummy was aching. apparently, that was a ploy. he wanted to go home so he can start playing with his new toy. moralof the story - if you want to enjoy your holiday shoping with kids, get the toy last.

Make Holiday Work with this Xmas Wrap Ideas

Top 8 Cheap Christmas Wrap Ideas
By Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide

Christmas wrap doesn't have to be expensive to be festive. Here are several low-cost gift wrap ideas:

1. Oatmeal Containers
Cardboard oatmeal containers are the perfect quick-wrap solution. Just wrap a band of wrapping paper around the outside of the container, and stick your gift inside. For a truly spectacular finish, cut a circle of paper to go on the top of the lid.

2. Recycled Gift Bags
Gift bags are pricey, and it's sad to think that many of them only get used once. Get in the habit of saving all of the bags that you receive, and you'll have a near-endless stash of Christmas bags to draw from.

3. Kids' Artwork
Do you have a budding artist in the house? If so, save his or her larger drawings and paintings, and you'll have a steady supply of wrapping paper. Want to work in that Christmas theme? Encourage your child to draw Christmas pictures – and prepare for an explosion of red and green artwork.

4. Kraft Paper
Give your Christmas gifts an old-timey look by wrapping them in Kraft paper. You can pick up large rolls of this brown paper from office supply stores, or cut your wrapping costs entirely by saving your brown paper grocery bags (currently making a comeback).

5. Take-Out Containers
Rinse out empty Chinese take-out containers or ask for a few extras when you order, and you'll have a clever gift box that doesn't cost a thing.

6. Wallpaper
Thrift stores often have a large collection of wallpaper – no doubt the leftovers from countless do-it-yourself projects. Dig through the stores' offerings, and you're likely to find several patterns that would work perfectly for Christmas (green and white stripes, silver and gold designs, etc.).

7. Fabric
Have a box of too-small-to-use fabric scraps? Put them to use as gift wrap, and you'll turn clutter into a treasured gift. Long forgotten scarves can also be put to use for this purpose. Dig through your own collection, or sift through thrift stores to find what you need.

8. Reusables
Get creative, and make your gift wrap a part of the present. Wrap a gift in a purse, a tin, a trinket box, an old suitcase or a reusable shopping tote. Shop yard sales and thrift stores often, and there's no end to the number of clever containers that you can find to put presents in.

MY THOUGHTS

i've tried oatmeal containers.i use boxes often. yes, i've recycled gift bags. last year i used wallpaper. actually,i made a mistake.it was so cheap, i thought it was wrapping paper. I think i'll use fabric this year. i'm clearing out my closetand i'm sure i'll find nice fabric that i can use to wrap gifts. such a splendid idea for this christmas holiday.

Make Christmas Holiday Work: Budget Gift Ideas

Giving Christmas Gifts on the Cheap
Cheap Christmas Gifts: Why Not Start a New Tradition?
By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com Guide
Updated November 19, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

According to a Consumer Reports poll, Americans are scaling back their holiday spending in droves. (This may be due to the fact that so many people are hurting from the financial crisis right now, plus more than 12 million consumers are still carrying debt from last winter's holiday season!) If you’re happy with your holiday spending level, you may simply want some holiday gift ideas. However, if you would like to cut down on spending in attempts to avoid the stress of holiday debt, here’s a creative list of cheap Christmas gift giving ideas. Perhaps you can start a new family gift-exchanging tradition, allowing you and your entire family to save more each and every year.

Draw Names
Many families, especially extended families who are spread out in different cities, adopt the name-drawing tradition for gifts. Basically, each family member only buys one gift. Whom you give to, and who buys for you, is determined by drawing names from a hat. This is known around many office circles as "Secret Santa."
This strategy can really save you money in terms of buying for and shipping gifts to several individuals. Not only does it save you the stress and expense of shopping for multiple people, but it can also ensure that everyone gets one nice gift. The drawback is that you may end up paired with someone who you aren’t close to, or you may find it difficult to not buy a special gift for the relatives to whom you feel closest.


Just Give Gifts to the Kids
Another strategy for large extended families is to have each relative only buy gifts for family members under 18. This greatly cuts down costs and ensures that those who might appreciate the gifts most -- kids -- are the ones who get them. It then becomes a sort of rite of passage when the kids grow older and switch to the gift-giving role.

Place a $15 Limit
Another strategy people employ is putting a spending limit on each gift. While you and your family can choose whatever number you want, keeping the dollar amount low can sometimes spark people to become more creative with the money that they do spend, taking advantage of sales or putting a lot of thought into the best way to make the most of the allotted budget. While this may cut down on the number of expensive gifts exchanged, it also takes a lot of the pressure off of the situation. There’s no more feeling like you need to spend a lot to show people how much you love them, worrying about spending more or less than they spent on you, or looking "cheap" if you shop the sales.

Books Only
Agreeing to give books only can be an excellent way to keep costs down. Buying loved ones just the right book is a way to show that you know them well and understand their taste. Books also provide hours of fun reading in addition to some interesting topics of conversation. Giving paperbacks can ensure a pretty low cost, and including a gift receipt can basically make any book a "coupon" for any other book the recipient wants (if it turns out you didn’t quite capture his or her tastes). This may not work as well for a non-reading crowd, but this is a great way to go for a group of avid readers.

Homemade Gifts
Gifts that you make need not be comprised of pipe cleaner, tissue paper, or painted macaroni. Most of us have some sort of creative side, and you’d be surprised by what you can create if you put that creative side to work. Some of my favorite gifts to make and receive have been family photo albums, quilts, custom-made place mats, crocheted blankets, custom-made CDs, hand-painted pottery, and cookies. Some gifts do take considerable time to create (especially en masse), but those who enjoy creating often find it a worthy trade-off. Here’s a list of more gifts you can make, with instructions.

Thoughtful Cards
Because “it’s the thought that counts,” if your group is really on-board with saving money, you may want to consider just exchanging thoughtful cards. The key is for the card itself to be blank -- you create the meaningful message. For those who want to try their hand at poetry, even an average quality poem goes over really well with most recipients -- how many of us get poetry written especially for us? For those who can’t even force a crude limerick, writing about fond shared memories or the qualities you love most in your recipients tends to work just as well.

Coupon Books
Creating a book-o'-favors for your loved ones, including good deeds especially for them, can be an incredibly thoughtful money saver. Coupons offering free babysitting to busy parents, airport trips to the frequent traveler, or a hand-delivered homemade meal to just about anyone can be a welcome and thoughtful gesture. (The possibilities are wide open when you create a coupon book for a spouse or child!) The key to making this one successful is to be sure to follow up and push people to actually use the coupons, or include a specific date on which they should be used, if possible.

Yummy Gifts
While cookies, brownies and bars tend to be gone within days, few faces fail to light up when presented with tasty treats. I love About.com Southern Food Guide's fabulous holiday cookie recipes. If the sugary stuff would be an unwelcome diet saboteur, you can always assemble a healthy fruit basket, wine and cheese basket, or come up with your own cheap-and-tasty basket idea.

After-Christmas Shopping Spree
Recently, "Super Human Radio" host Carl Lenore shared this one with me: Why not buy the gifts right after Christmas, when everything is drastically reduced? While this one may not be for everyone, it does have some bonuses: Fewer returns and exchanges of not-quite-right gifts, obvious savings, and the "fun" of doing something slightly different than everyone else. You can still exchange beautifully-wrapped “IOUs,” give a picture of the gift you intend to buy, or provide small "token" gifts (like candy) on the actual holiday.

MY THOUGHTS

i wish i have the talent and the creativity for homemade gifts. i think i'll opt for the kids only this year. well, at least the kidsget a gift each. for the rest, i needto think of gifts for the family or for the couple. i used to do the after-christmas shopping. i'm not recommending it if you have a small space at home. remember you will have to keep that for a year. of course, you can use them for birthdays. still, storage is an issue.