Friday, December 24, 2010

I'm a HubNugget Candidate!

I'm sure many of you remember me telling you recently that I wrote about an experience I had with a homeless person on HubPages. Well, I didn't expect anything to come from it, other than to get people thinking about this issue, but it turns out, it got me nominated for the HubNuggets Award!!!!

This is an award than can only be won by new writers to HubPages and I'm so excited that I got picked! Winning it though, happens on a voting system. So if you wouldn't mind going to this link and reading it (if you haven't already) and voting for it if you like it (by clicking the vote-up button), then I would be very thankful!

By the way, I  hope you all are having a Very Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

I'm on a Giving High

We were getting some groceries today when a man in a wheel chair caught our attention. He was holding a sign, asking for help, much like the man I told you about a few weeks ago. This man was younger though, maybe in his 30s and was wearing a thin jacket.

Because of the experience I'd had before, we'd talked about what we could do as a family to try to help and make a difference to those who needed it. We decided that instead of letting our numerous coats take up space in the closets, we would go through them, take out the ones we weren't using and put them in the car in case we came upon anyone who needed them. Today we got to give the first one. The man was grateful and never asked for any other thing from us.

It's funny how something so simple can have such an impact. We were able to give something we no longer needed to someone in distress. It was no effort on our parts, beyond going through our closet (which really needed done anyway) and it cost us nothing.

The feeling we got in return though, was priceless. If only every reward in life were that easy to obtain! I thought I'd share this with you, in the chance that you may also have some extra things in your house that you might give to someone in need. You don't have to venture out and look for those who need it if you prefer not to (and if you're alone, you probably shouldn't do it that way anyway), but there are organizations (such as the Salvation Army, Deseret Industries, etc.) you can donate your surplus items to. It takes very little effort, and the reward is instantaneous.

So if you happen to be in a giving mood, and have something you're able to give, then what better time to do it than now? God Bless!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Last Minute Shoppers Will Jump on This Deal!

I remember the days when I left everything to the very last minute when it came to Christmas. But with the popularity of shopping online, I've jumped onboard and have gotten things done in record time this year (a record for me anyway). I almost wish I had waited though, when my brother-in-law mentioned a deal he got on Amazon today. I checked and it's still there! What's the deal you ask?

It's a Playstation 3 160 GB for $298.30. That by itself isn't a bad price, but it comes with a $100 promotional credit toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com. If you're like me, and use Amazon for anything from diapers, to movies, to books and even clarinet reeds, then this is an awesome deal. I nearly went for it myself when reality sat in and I realized we'd spent our Christmas budget and I'm supposed to be budget-wise. Haha! Darn that voice of reason!

Anyway, if you have a gamer in your household and have been thinking about getting one of these, this would be the perfect time. It also has a built-in Blueray player, which by itself is a great thing.

Just thought I would share, just in case any of you out there are seeking some deals for you last minute shopping! Good luck to you!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Don't Get too Caught Up

With nine days left 'til Christmas, retailers are being swarmed with customers anxiously trying to complete those Christmas lists. Businesses are bombarding us with advertisements for all the latest and greatest gadgets for the special people in our lives. We want to wow our loved ones on Christmas day, so we scramble to get all those things on their wish lists in hopes they will feel loved and that they will love us more in return.


It's so easy to get caught up in the hype, and no doubt it's a great feeling to watch someone's face as they open a gift you've given them. But it's important to not forget what this whole thing is about in the first place. And just what is Christmas about anyway? If you ask a child, no doubt you'll get the answers: "Toys!" "Presents!" "Santa!" "Reindeer!" and "Cookies!" We have to admit, that's certainly become a big part of it. But is that really the most important message we want to send?

I have some friends and family members who have experienced job loss in this economy. They all have families to take care of and children who are anxiously awaiting that jolly old elf. Some have asked for help from their churches or from family to provide some of those presents under the tree. Others are scaling back and only providing the necessities. All are feeling the pressure from outside sources to give more than they are financially capable of this year.

It's easy to get caught up in the holiday shopping hype, and heaven knows I've done it too, but we need to try to take a step back and remember why we do this in the first place. Christmas isn't about giving our children, family and friends the latest and greatest things money can buy. It's not even about that big dinner you may serve to your loved ones. It's not about the parties or the cookies or the cards. While all of those things are nice, and feel great to both give and receive, it's the by product of the holiday, but not the reason for it.

Christmas is about the gift we all were given with the birth of our Lord. The way He came to be in this world; the lessons He taught while He was here; and the way He died for us were His ultimate gifts to us. These are gifts we will never be able to match, no matter how hard we may try.

It's so important to not let the message of the season get lost with all those material things. Christmas is about giving. Most of us got that part of the message. But it's not about having the best gift or the most gifts or the right gifts. It's about coming together and sharing, loving, caring, helping, and remembering. It's about all those good things that we all love to experience and be the recipients of. 

So maybe this year would be a good year to sit down and talk about why we celebrate this holiday, or any other holiday. You might find that the memories you create with this discussion will be more lasting than any one of those presents under the tree.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas Entertainment for Families

One of our favorite activities as a family is watching movies. We like all kinds, but at this time of year we take out the Christmas movies and start watching them in November to get into the Christmas spirit. I decided to write up a short list on HubPages (though I made add to it later, as I realize I've left off lots of really good ones!) of some of the great movies we've watched again and again.

It's entertaining, cost effective (as we're only out the one time cost of the DVD--oh, and the popcorn) and it can create some great memories of time spent together family. So, if you're looking for some ideas to watch with your own family, or even on your own, check out my list. I'm open to hearing what you're all watching too. The list is by no means all inclusive!

Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Family

City Deals

I've been using this site for a few months now, and I've yet to be disappointed. If you're looking for cheap family entertainment, then City Deals is definitely the place for you. The first deal we ordered was in October and I jumped on the passes to Cherry Hill's Halloween attraction, Scary Hill. I got six passes for $14 (it would have been $24, but I had a $10 referral bonus I used). This ended up being quite the deal for all we got with it, and we'll be sure to watch for it again next year, since the kids had a blast.

They offer discount certificates for amusement parks, movie theatres, restaurants, bowling, golf and many other things you can think of. Plus, they're constantly expanding. They also have a feature that will allow you to request a deal from a business you're interested in, but can't find on their site.

Right now is a great time to check them out, as they're offering even better deals for Christmas. The gift certificates you can find on there are a very affordable gift idea for that special someone on your list.

So if you haven't already, be sure to check them out. Go on and save some money and have some fun while you're at it!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Finally Done with Christmas Shopping!

I think this is the earliest I've ever finished my Christmas shopping, but man, am I glad to have it behind me (now it's the thought of the wrapping that's intimidating). I did a lot of my shopping on Amazon (love those Lightning and Gold Box Deals they're doing for the holidays), through book clubs (buy one, get one with free shipping for members), Kohls (with those coupon codes from RetailMeNot), The Children's Place (yes, with coupon codes and clearance deals) and Barnes and Noble (with a 30% off one item coupon code: H4W9V7M--which I got for signing up for their kids club).

Oh, and speaking of some of those Amazon deals, I found The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Two-Disc Special Edition) for only 17.99! So if you're a Twilight fan, I'd jump on it before that deal is gone. This could also be a gift idea for the Twilight lover in your life.

I've definitely gotten my money's worth this year and I've got more to show for it, too. Which is a good thing considering that I've got a larger family this year! We're actually spending less money this year, compared with last year, but I don't think anyone would notice. Not only that, but our kids are great and are thankful for every thing they receive (and if they weren't, I'd seriously consider giving them coal instead! Haha!).

So how are all of you making out? Got any tips you can share? I'm wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Whatever holiday you celebrate, may this season bring you only good things!

Friday, December 3, 2010

What's in Those Video Games?


If you're anything like our family, then you're probably overwhelmed with all the possible Christmas gift ideas for all the people on your list. One of the things that is probably on that list is a video game (or two!). But unless you're a big time gamer with multiple subscriptions to those gaming magazines, then you might be lost as to what kind of game you want to buy.


I've learned what works and what doesn't and have narrowed it down in my article for HubPages for those of you who are in the same boat I found myself in. Take a look!




Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Make Your Own Easy Bake Mixes!

So my oldest daughter got an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas a few years ago. At the time, we bought several mixes to go with it and payed little attention to the portion size or cost. Well, she liked it, but it wasn't something she could do by herself back then, so after a few uses it was put in the cupboard with the leftover mixes and mostly forgotten about.

Well, she found it last night. I was busy taking care of the baby, and she begged to use it. I finally said she could, if she could do it all by herself (she's ten now). She readily agreed to those terms and I listened with half an ear to how she was doing with the whole process from the next room. She did great! In fact, she loved it so much, she declared after using all the mixes up that she wanted more for Christmas.

I've been trying to figure out what to get her anyway, so I jumped on the idea. Well, after spending a part of my morning searching for Easy Bake refills, I'm very disappointed. Are they serious? Sure these mixes have a long shelf life, only need water and are very convenient, but are they really worth $6-$15 for what amounts to only a few cookies and tiny cakes (okay, so I'm not counting the learning experience)?

Maybe I'm just cheap (the economy has certainly contributed to that) but I just can't do it! Still, I don't want my daughter's budding interest to fly out the window either. Though she does bake with me quite a bit at this time of year, she felt a real sense of accomplishment in doing it by herself and I didn't have a heart attack at the idea of her operating my kitchen equipment. LOL

So I did a search on whether or not you can make your own Easy Bake recipes and I found a website that offers a ton of them! They even rank them as to how easy or hard they are. That's awesome! So I quickly saved it in my favorites and decided I had to share that link for 250 Easy Bake Oven recipes with all of you.

So if you decide to get your little one an easy bake oven (lots of fun, and pretty inexpensive by itself), don't go broke buying up all those mixes! Let your child keep on learning and make your own mixes. It's a great way to save money!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Homeless Dilema


I just had to write an article after the experience I had leaving the store today. I thought I'd share it here with you. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue.

The Homeless Dilema