It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Shopping: Ugh.

As you all know I have already started some of my Christmas shopping. I have also done some of it online. Taking advantage of the free shipping. Also, I now LOVE using coupons and such to get deals. Well, I never knew this before, but I just googled "Coupon Code" and the name of the store I was shopping at- and I found coupon codes to use. I saved 25% off at The Children's Place and 25% and 30% off one item at Borders. I had no idea it was that easy! Borders was free shipping, and TCP was $5. I saved $7.00 at TCP (so it was like I got shipping for free, plus $2) and I saved $14 at Borders. GO ME.

Things are tight for everyone now a days, and I have made a pledge. I have pledged to buy most of my Christmas Gifts from people who make things and sell them, or from others like me who have a home based business. I also plan to try to make several gifts myself. I think in all cases this is a win-win. I mean, I am supporting more of the little people than just the bigger corporations, and the things I make myself will be made with much love!

Have you ever heard of Fly Lady? I have done her home cleaning program before, and I signed up for it again.

I just got this email today, and in reading it, I totally agreed with all of her suggestions for Christmas Presents. I thought I would share it with all of you, and encourage you to think of buying homemade/home business this year. Think Home Interiors, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Etc. Also, you can go to Etsy.com. These are all home-made goods that people sell, and let me tell you there are some gorgeous things on there. I found a gorgeous Mom necklace that I made my hubby buy me for my Birthday :). Good Luck!

When shopping doesn't overwhelm your time, it can be a fun part of the
holiday season and get you in the spirit of the season. The problem is
it can be very time consuming and only add to your stress when you
have a busy holiday agenda.

Here are ways to streamline your holiday shopping:

Shop early!!! The best way to not get stressed is to get it done
early. Buy a gift or two each week to help budget your purchases.
(Consider shopping year round…next year).

Don't over spend—stay on budget. Don't feel guilt if you can't spend
as much as someone else. Be realistic.

Shop during off-peak hours and shop alone. Think mid-week and during
the daytime. Plan ahead and schedule a day off or arrange for a
babysitter.

Make a list. Stick to it!

Just because it's on sale, doesn't make it a bargain. Don't buy what
you don't need. If it's not on your list of needed things, chances are
you still don't need it.

Shop online. There are many great gifts you can buy online—no need to
waste gas or hunt for a parking place at crowded malls. Armchair shop
this year! Buy before December 18th!

Gift certificates. A great clutter-free gift! I can't think of a
person that doesn't like to get a gift certificate/ card. Ask your bank
(or bank card services) for a card that can be spent anywhere.

Got family? Have a gift exchange. If you have too many people in your
family, agree to pick a name and buy one really nice gift instead. One
really nice gift is so much better than 5 battery-operated gadgets!

"If you can't wear it, or eat it—forget it". Do not buy more do-dads,
knick-knacks, or "set-me-outs" (my Southern girlfriend calls them
that!) Don't buy clutter for your home--or anyone else's!

Make or bake. Be creative and thoughtful. Get the kids involved. Make
hand painted ornaments or put together a gift basket of micro-wave
popcorn and a DVD for a family to enjoy together. Bake cranberry nut
pumpkin bread and attach the recipe with a festive ribbon. Who can't
resist a gift from the heart?

Pamper yourself. Make sure you get plenty of rest and eat healthy
food. Try not to over-indulge and dress yourself nicely. When you look
and feel your best—you will surpass all holiday expectations!

December 23rd. Go to the mall just because you feel like it (this is
one of my favorite things to do). Buy a mocha latte and dress festive
and watch the people rush by!

BTW, if you ask an adult what his or her's favorite childhood memory
of holidays past--it would be spending time together--not the gifts
received.

For those who are interested in Fly Lady info, you can go here: www.flylady.net The year I did her Flying through the Holidays program, I had the best Christmas ever (as an adult that is, haha!)