Christmas Craft

The problem: Too many different styles of Christmas decor. The answer: re-purposing and revamping it so it all fits my style & donating what I know I won’t use. Enter: the DIY Christmas garland from scraps of ribbon.

Check out the solution over at a Frugal Lifestyle Blog. 

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Christmas Crafts

Looking for a fun, inexpensive, and easy Christmas craft?
Check out Housewife Eclectic: Canning Lid Ornaments

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Christmas Gift Ideas: Best Selling DVDs

Looking to expand your DVD collection this Christmas? Need a few good flicks to keep you entertained on a cold, snowy night? Here are the ten most popular movies selling on Amazon right now. 

1. Brave
$15.99

2.  The Amazing Spider-man
$14.96

3. Secret of the Wings
$19.96

4. Marvel's The Avengers
$19.96

5. The Dark Knight Rises
$14.96

6. Homeland: The Complete First Season
$29.96

7. The Walking Dead Complete Second Season
$26.49 (that's more than 50% off regular retail!)

8. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
$17.96

9. Magic Mike
$14.96 (50% off retail)

10. The Walking Dead The Complete First Season
$14.99

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Best Selling Christmas Albums of All Time

Do you know what the best selling holiday (Christmas) albums of all time are?
According to Billboard Magazine the top-selling holiday albums in the U.S. dating to the advent of Nielsen Soundscan data in 1991:

1, "Miracles - the Holiday Album," Kenny G, 1994 (7.23 million)

2, "Noel," Josh Groban, 2007(5.28) (I know this is my favorite album! I listen to it every year!)

3, "These Are Special Times," Celine Dion, 1998 (5.17) (individual mp3s available on Amazon for the first time this year, including her incredible duet with Andrea Bocelli on "The Prayer")


 
4, "Merry Christmas," Mariah Carey (5.12) (including her amazing "All I Want for Christmas Is You" for 99 cents)


 
5, "Christmas in the Aire," Mannheim Steamroller, 1995 (3.73)

6, "A Fresh Aire Christmas," Mannheim Steamroller, 1990 (3.61)

7, "Christmas," Mannheim Steamroller  1990(3.48)
(If you don't have the money to buy all 3 Mannheim Steamroller albums and are wondering which one is best, my money is on Fresh Aire, because it has "Carol of the Bells" on it, and it really just is not Christmas for me until I've had my own air drum solo and conducted my invisible orchestra to that song!)

8, "Now That's What I Call Christmas!, 2001" various artists (3.39)
Features classics from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Perry Como, Elvis, Beach Boys, and others. This is also possibly the album played on repeat non-stop in every mall across America ad nauseum. And yet, is still awesome!


9, "Christmas Eve and Other Stories," Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 1996 (3.19)


10, "When My Heart Finds Christmas," Harry Connick, Jr., 1993 (3.08)
For some crazy reason this album is only $6.53 on Amazon right now! (I just checked and it is $9.99 on iTunes.)
Including my personal favorites- 
"I Pray on Christmas" (Love me some gospel swing at Christmastime!), "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and his estimable "O Holy Night."

Albums that just missed the top ten are Andrea Bocelli's "My Christmas" 2009 (2.59 million) and Susan Boyle's "The Gift" 2009 (1.9 million) (currently only $5.75 on Amazon). I'm surprised to see that Michel Buble isn't anywhere on the list. He's earned the nickname "Mr. Christmas" for his beautiful albums, Michael Buble's Christmas, and Let It Snow. My guess is that we'll see Bocelli, Boyle, and Buble all move up into the top ten with time.









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Tablets for Kids

Looking for the right tablet to buy your child this Christmas? Here are the best tablets for kids as reviewed by Consumer Reports.
All products were tested for  display quality, battery life, and ease of use of the touch-screen interface for each device, and of course, were kid-tested for approval as well.

 

iXL 6-in-1 Learning System, $38.49 (54% off retail) 

Features six distinct interactive options--such as a Digital Reader, Game Player, and MP3 Player 

Pros:
Popular with younger children ages 3 to 7.
Long battery life (13.7 hours on average)
Open and closes like a book (only child tablet to do that)
Runs on 4 AA batteries
Accepts up to 5 custom profiles
Rugged

Cons:
Small 3.3 inch screen
Requires a custom profile
Requires installation software (comes in box)
Requires synching with another computer
No camera

LeapFrog LeapPad1 Explorer $79.00 (21% off retail) 

Help your child create and learn with the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer. The learning tablet gives you access to more than 100 educational books, games, videos, and apps. Subjects like mathematics, reading, and science are covered in a fun and interactive way. The LeapPad's built-in camera can shoot video, allowing kids to make animation and art to share with family and friends.

Pros:

Adjusts level of difficulty to child's ability

Easiest to use and most fun (according to Consumer Reviews)  

Encouraging male voice

Volume control 

Parents can customize math skills and spelling lists in games

Parents can synch it to website and follow child's progress online

Built-in camera with video capability

Cons:

Must set up profile, connect to website, download updates, not quick process (30-45 minutes)

Not pre-loaded with a lot of content

Must buy additional apps and cartridges

VTech InnoTab Learning Tablet

Vtech InnoTab 2 Learning Tablet $69.99

Give your child their own durable touch-screen tablet with VTech's InnoTab 2 Learning App Tablet. This multi-functional tablet for children ages 3 - 9 includes a photo/video camera, a 5-inch touch screen, 2 GB of onboard memory, an SD card slot for expandable memory, and media players for MP3s, photos, and videos. The InnoTab 2 comes with an art studio, coloring app, one e-book, two motion sensor games, and 2 free downloads from the Learning Lodge Navigator. Additional songs, games, e-books, and videos are available for purchase online on VTech's Learning Lodge Navigator.

 

Pros:

Most fun games according to kids

Only tablet with adjustable tilt screen

Profile set up on device, does not require connecting to a computer

Preloaded with several games

E-reader preloaded with books

Includes art studio, music player, coloring book, calculator, notepad, clock, calendar

Parents can track progress online (after synch)

Cons:

No animated guide character (still has male voice guide) 

No Camera

Buy additional e-books and apps on cartridges, at $25 each.

VINCI 7-Inch Touchscreen Mobile Learning Tablet (8GB) $199

VINCI Tab, VINCI's first early learning system, comes complete with part of the VINCI Early Learning Curriculum. The games, story books and music videos are specifically designed for fun, parent-guided and interactive education which is mapped to be inter-connected and designed to provide levels of learning according to each child's age and capability.

Pros:
Best display
Best touch screen
Most "adult" tablet
Runs on Android
3 mp camera
Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers

Cons:
Costs more than some non-kid tablets
Protective bumper makes it difficult to use side controls

Not a lot of preloaded content
Less intuitive (compared to other tablets)

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Kindle Fire and Folio Case! Free Shipping, Great Gift!

Still looking for that perfect gift for yourself or someone else? Get a Kindle Fire from Amazon for just $199, and get a Kindle Fire Lightweight MicroShell Folio for just $14.95 from buy.com. Free shipping on both items, both can still be ordered and received by Christmas Eve!








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Free Picture of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ by Liz Lemon Swindle (one of the pictures available)

Would you like a free picture of Jesus Christ to place in your home this Christmas? Some wonderful people in Texas are giving away FREE pictures (you pay for the shipping though)!
You can get all the details on Meridian Magazine on why and how.

Faith is born from a relationship with Christ. Like any relationship, it begins by spending time together. We spend time with the Lord as we pray and study His word. But in a world filled with distractions it can become easy to forget Him unless we surround ourselves with meaningful reminders. By putting a picture of Christ in our homes we are creating a reminder to ourselves, and those we love, to spend time with Him each day.

Here is how you can order a picture-

1.     Begin at Home

The Lord taught us that we should be doers of the word and not just hearers only.

If we are going to realize the power that art has in transforming other’s lives we must begin with our own.

As our gift, you can receive a free picture of the Savior to display in your home by going to: www.pictureofchrist.org/freeprint

Pictures still speak the most universally understood language. – Walt Disney

2.     Share with Others

The Lord has asked each of us to share the “good news” of Christ. We can do this by giving our friends and neighbors a picture of the Savior this Christmas. This gift bears a powerful witness to others that we are Christians who know and love the Lord. To receive your pictures of Christ go to: www.pictureofchrist.org/partner

Another way to share with others is by talking about your experiences. It is amazing that over the short three years of the Lord’s ministry He healed thousands. Even more remarkable is the realization that He did this one-by-one. Certainly, He could have healed en masse the crowds who gathered for His help. Yet, He took the time to touch and talk to each person individually. You can do the same by sharing your witness of Christ at: www.pictureofchrist.org/share

3.     Give a Gift

There are many this holiday season who need the Lord, but are not sure where to find Him. You can help by donating pictures of Christ to those in prison, the military, or other local charities. Just go to: www.pictureofchrist.org/give

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Best and Worst Christmas Songs

(Video: Erin's Top 6 or 7 or 8 Worst Christmas Songs Ever)

So now that you know what I consider to be the worst Christmas songs ever to be, I thought I'd share what I think are the best of the Christmas musical offerings!
I found this list of the 99 most essential Christmas masterpieces on Amazon today ($5 instant download!), and it is just beautiful. The kind of music you want to be playing in the background as you watch the glowing yule log on the TV.

Harry Connick, Jr "When My Heart Finds Christmas"   My favorite song? "I Pray on Christmas" #11 I sing that song all Christmas long. (My secret love and talent- thanks to my high school and elementary music teacher, I can sing gospel and swing with the best of them!)

Christmas isn't Christmas without a gorgeous version of "O Holy Night." And every year I find myself searching for the perfect rendition. This year that goes to Nathan Pacheco , who's older sister I grew up with. His mother was even my voice teacher for a while. So maybe I'm a little biased. But the boy can sing!! (Seriously, check him out!)

My overall favorite Christmas album also changes from year to year. This year that place in my heart goes to Josh Groban's Noel album

If you haven't heard the Josh Groban "duet" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on "O Come All Ye Faithful" you are missing out! It gives me chills!

One of my absolute most favorite Christmas songs will forever and always be I'll Be Home for Christmas by Frank Sinatra. Another secret love of mine (not so secret if you were ever my roommate) is belting this song loudly whenever I hear it.

We listened to a Fresh Aire Christmas a thousand times over as a family when I was younger. I still love this album. And I still, not so secretly, like to pretend I'm conducting my imaginary symphony when I hear Carol of the Bells.

A new album out this year that is pop in nature, but is actually tolerable and enjoyable is a Very She and Him Christmas.  She and Him is voiced by the popular Zooey Deschanel of "New Girl" fame. But if you haven't caught her there yet, you may remember her from "Elf?" Remember when she sings "Baby Its Cold Outside?" If you like her voice in this clip, you'll love her (much better) version on the Very She and Him Christmas CD, which I might add, you can download instantly for $3.39!

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Great weekend deals!!

Looking for some great Christmas music? How about Christmas with the Rat Pack for $5? (21 songs for $5! instant download!)
Or avoid the misery of pop holiday songs with The 99 Most Essential Christmas Masterpieces from Amazon for just $5 (instant download- no waiting for a CD in the mail)!

You can save money on your Christmas shopping with these great deals!

Save an extra 20% off sale items from Shoes.com with code 20SALE now through 12/12/11 + Free Shipping!

Eddie Bauer 12 Days Of Gifts - Day 2 Deal

Free Shipping on All Orders from bebe.com! Use Promotional Code: bebefs25 (12/16/11 Only)

On Monday, December 12, save up to 70% off + FREE Shipping 5pm 12/11 – EOD 12/12 from Sears!

And don't forget that before you buy anything online, check to make sure you are getting a good deal by comparing the price on Amazon!



 

Awesome Deals on Amazon

Who doesn't get excited for an HDMI 6ft Cable? I know the idea gets my heart racing. Normally, such a hot commodity goes for an outrageous $39.99. But act now and you can save 94%! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I said save 94%!! For a mere $2.25 (and free shipping) this beautiful 2 meter cable can connect your electronics in no time!

Next on our list of products you just can't wait to buy, and have nothing to do with the product above-


You can get your very own the Hunger Games Trilogy Box Set for 50% off. Considering the popularity of this series, and how nice a boxed set looks under the tree, what are you waiting for? Buy it now for $28.49. (who doesn't love a random, but true, number?)






Tired of the same old Christmas music? Then check out A Very She and Him Christmas from Amazon MP3, and download the whole album for a mere $5 and a few seconds later, you can spare your ears from the overly-played crap on the radio!

Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Store

Get deals on baking needs, ornaments, organizational tools, recipes, and more from the Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Store!

Up to 70% off Avon! 12 Amazing Deals

Shop AVON for your Holiday Gifts. 12 Amazing Deals, one each day. Up to 70% Off. FREE Shipping with any order. Check out code: CYBER2011. Click AVON and get savings today. Check back here for more deals.

20% off Foot Petals with code

 

Get 20% off the entire Foot Petals collection with code AFPVIP2010

Buy Starbucks online!

Buy Starbucks coffees, teas, drinkware, and gift cards online!

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Tempur-Pedic Pillows

A deal I can heartily endorse! I have one of these pillows and I love it!

Nook Tablet from Barnes and Noble

 

NOOK Tablet™ - Our Fastest, Lightest Tablet with the Best in HD Entertainment, for $249 at BarnesandNoble.com!

• HD movies, TV shows and music from the top names—Netflix, Hulu Plus™, Pandora® & more
• World's most advanced VividView™ 7" Touchscreen
• Over 2.5 million books, magazines, comics & kids' books
• Lightning fast Email, Web & smooth streaming video
• Thousands of must-have apps like Angry Birds and Epicurious
• 16 GB of memory —yet ultra-light and thin
• 11.5 hours of battery life
• Always free NOOK support in-store

And it is only $249, and includes free shipping! 10% Off Coupon at BarnesandNoble.com for First Time Buyers! - Use this code X8A8C9Y at checkout

(The Kindle Fire only has 8gb of memory and 4 hrs of battery life, weighs a little bit more, and lacks a brick and mortar store to help you with your questions.)

50% off at Barnes and Noble

Holiday Sale: Save up to 50% off on Holiday Gifts at Barnesandnoble.com! (Good through December 24)

Emergency Essentials 3 Day Kit on sale for $27.99

Get a 3 Day Lite Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials for just $27.99!

Christmas Deals at Barnes and Noble

Apparently there are some people who really do their Christmas shopping before December. Personally, I've never understood that concept! Going out in December in the cold, moving in the crowds, and seeing the decorations is all a part of the Christmas experience for me! But I have to admit now that most of my family lives in far flung places I do most of my shopping online and have it shipped directly to them. By searching out deals online, and not having to drive to the mall, and then the post office, I save a ton of money.



I love John Grisham books and I can't wait to get to this one!

Did you know the Nook Color has a fun feature called "Lend Me" where you can "borrow" books from friends who also have Nooks? So if you are thinking you wouldn't want a Nook because you wouldn't have anything to read on it, you are wrong! We can be friends on there (I have one and I LOVE it!!) and you can borrow all my books (and I have about 50!).

Another reason I love Nooks is the reduction in printing books. Authors and publishers are still making their money (and I'm a huge advocate of authors getting paid better for their work!), but production goes down, saving both trees and the cost to the consumer. 

And for all you people who think that e-readers don't feel like real books (trust me, you get over that in about 30 seconds of actually holding one in your hands) did you know you can get fun book covers for your Nook? (I have the Paterson quote cover and I love it.)


In my humble opinion, Barnes and Noble is one stop shopping for Christmas. There is something for everyone there! (And I'm not getting paid to say that. I really believe it. Just ask my family.) Your kid isn't a book reader but loves Angry Birds? No problem! (Did you know you can play Angry Birds on your Nook? True story. Also, its way better on a Nook than on a phone because it is so much bigger!)

I have to admit, I think this series looks totally cute. I may have to read it just to find out.


And let's not forget the best gift of them all- the gift card!  The gift that says, "You are impossible to shop for, so go buy it yourself!"


Another fun and interesting fact- if you are concerned that someone may have a Nook, and therefore you wouldn't want to give them a book, you can always give them a gift card. Nook users can apply the gift cards to their accounts to buy eBooks.

Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more at BarnesandNoble.com!