Have you ever thought about how crazy people get during the holiday season? People are rushing to find presents and to wrap them and to bake traditional Christmas goodies as well as go to parties and entertain others. Every year I listen to people complaining that time is going so fast and that they do not have everything done that they wanted done. They complain about the number of people at the mall and how hard it is to find parking and that they are maxing out their credit limits. I do not understand why people feel a need to put off all the things that go with preparing for a holiday until the last minute. I do my Christmas shopping year round.
Every year after Christmas there are huge sales. This is when I do a great deal of my shopping and I get great cheap Christmas gifts. By cheap I mean the price, the quality is always great. Each year I buy for roughly the same people. There may be a birth in the family or an addition of a friend, but the core people remain the same. As I am shopping through the year if I see something that I think would make a nice gift for someone I will buy it, especially if it is one sale. This way I am able to safe money with the cheap Christmas presents, yet the person gets a nice gift. Many times during the holidays if you are looking for cheap Christmas presents they look cheap, and everyone that haws been out shopping has also seen the items and knows that they are cheap. We all like to save money, especially on the gifts we give, but we do not want to be considered cheap.
By spreading out the gift buying through the year I do not put such a big strain on my pocketbook all at once. Also I do not have to spend as much time in the malls when they are crowded. This gives me extra time to bake, entertain and enjoy the season. I have one closet in a guest bedroom where I store the gifts that I buy through the year. My husband laughs that there are times when I get surprised at the gifts that I bought a long time ago and have forgotten about. I keep a list of everyone we buy for. If I found cheap Christmas presents for the person I cross their name off so when it is closer to the season I will remember who I still need to shop for. I keep the list in the closet with the gifts so I know where it is. I have to admit that there are times when I do get surprised at what is in the closet. The things that were bought in January of February get forgotten as time passes.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Monday, 20 October 2008
I found this great article today about stocking fillers it Christmas Stocking Fillers 2008-My top 5 Different filler Ideas For Men, Women and Children
Christmas Stocking Fillers 2008 - My Top 5 Different Filler Ideas For Men, Women and ChildrenBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=My_Linh_Duong]My Linh Duong
Depending on how early or late you like to do your Christmas shopping, soon everyone will be in full Christmas shopping mode, whether it will be searching for individual Christmas presents or a variety of Christmas stocking fillers.
When it comes to looking for stocking fillers, there is such a large choice, and this in itself can make it quite a time-consuming task. Traditionally, stocking fillers tend to be relatively small, inexpensive and often 'obvious' items such as chocolates, sweets, stationery for the kids or toiletries for adults. However, there really is not reason not to 'think outside the box' a little to try and make opening a filled Christmas stocking that little bit more unique.
In this short article I am going to compile my own top 10 stocking filler ideas for men, women and children to include gifts which are a little bit different and also falls within the important criteria of being inexpensive. This, I hope will help you not only to save time and take the stress out of searching endless ideas, but to help you buy things that are a little bit different.
Stocking Fillers for Men
1. Men's toiletries such as shaving foam and deodorant- although yes, these types of fillers may be a little 'obvious', there is no getting over the fact that they are useful and are always needed by man. Why not buy his most-liked brand?2. Gadgets- it's true to say most men love gadgets. The key is to buy small and inexpensive gadgets to put inside a stocking. I would recommend items such as a Sonic Keyring Finder, Credit Card Sized Card Light or and Emergency Phone Charger. All these 3 items are small and inexpensive, the highest cost being the emergency charger at £6.99.3. Novelty and Funny gifts- Christmas is mostly about fun and laughter, so putting a funny novelty present inside a stocking will no doubt go down a treat in Christmas Day. Gifts such as The Screaming Flying Monkey, and The Arse/Face Scented, both at £4.99, are not just fun but will cause much laughter!4. Essential Accessories - for example, if one of your fillers is in fact an emergency phone charger that requires batteries, why not slip in a couple of packs of batteries to go with it!5. Munchies- now, you really can not go wrong with putting in a range of his favourite sweets, chocolate bars or biscuits.
Stocking Fillers for Women
1. Beauty and Toiletry Gifts- it's fair to say most women, if not all, love to be pampered, look and feel good. So why not put in a couple of her favourite soaps, essential oils or bath salts? 2. Gadgets- not all gadgets are for men! An excellent stocking item that falls within his category for women and is inexpensive are flashing mobile phone charms eg MoPods and of course the Emergency Phone Charger. The MoPods attaches to her mobile phone and the little character flashes and spins when the phone rings. Priced at just £4.99, it won't put a dent in your pocket.3. Novelty and Funny Gifts- I would recommend funny and inexpensive wind up toys, such as the Racing Grannies or the Chicken and Egg Race. The fact that they can be played with 2 people adds that extra bit of fun to Christmas. Both are £7.99.4. Essential Accessories- again, batteries are a prime example. Or maybe a new Ipod Arm Band, for her to use when she's running or at the gym?5. Munchies- I would recommend self-indulgent chocolate bars or the more healthy options such as dried fruits.
Stocking Fillers for Children
Most Children always wish for the latest toys or games from Santa, which are often much higher priced. I would leave out this type of gift as the main present, and concentrate on finding small and inexpensive fillers. My 5 ideas are:1. Christmas Light Up Boxing Pens- these fun pens are of Santa, Snowman or Rudolph. They have boxing arms operated by a lever, and light up when you write. Price at merely £1.99, why not put one of each character in the stocking!2. Small miniature toy cars are loved by all boys. 3. Flashing or glow in the dark toys- for some reason, most kids seem to have a liking to toys that flash or glow. Therefore why not add one of these to his toy collection, such as a Flashing LED Strobe Ball. This is a bouncy ball which, when bounced flashes in an array of colours. Examples of glow in the dark would be stick on stars for his bedroom. Both can be bought at less than £3!4. Jumping Beans- children seem to have so much energy and love to run around like crazy. I'd therefore recommend a box of Jumping Beans which wriggle and jump unpredictably for the kids to try and catch. As it is Christmas, why not let them try chase and catch the beans to their hearts content! A box of 5 jumping beans can be bought for less than £2.5. Arts and crafts- for the quieter child who prefers to draw and make thing, I would suggest a set of fashion doll stickers, colouring pencils or a mini arts set. Kid's craft are very popular, easy to find and also very cheap!
I hope that this list has given you some ideas for this year's Christmas Stocking Fillers.
My Linh Duong writes articles on
Monday, 13 October 2008
Christmas tree | artificial Christmas trees
I did not grow up in a very religious family. As a matter of fact, I think my father was an atheist. We didn't really talk about religion very often, and we only went to church a couple times a year. Nevertheless, we loved Christmas. There was the gift giving, the decorating, and most of all, the Christmas tree. Christmas trees were a fine tradition in my family. We would put more effort into decorating the tree every year than we would put in to almost anything. We would start picking out new Christmas decorations month ahead of time, get the whole room prepared, and finally go and pick out a tree.
Sometimes, we would have to get an artificial tree. We moved around a lot because of my dad's job, and some apartments simply won't accommodate a nice big Christmas tree. Nevertheless, some of the artificial Christmas trees were pretty nice. My favorite times, however, were when we got to go out to the woods and pick out a fresh tree to cut down and take back home. There is nothing like natural xmas trees. They have a beautiful scent, a natural look, and a majesty that imitations can never quite capture.
Of course, the Christmas tree ornaments are every bit as important as the tree itself. In my family, we would switch off duty as lead decorator. In particular, we would each have a chance to pick out the Christmas topper. One year, I even made a Christmas Star myself out of papier-mâché. When I saw it years later, I realized that it was not a very well made art project. At the time, however, I was so proud of it. All my family complimented me on it, and it looked great above that Christmas tree. It was one of the best Christmases that I remember, and I still have pictures of it to this very day.
Of course, Christmas lights are also an important part of getting your Christmas tree in shape. When I was growing up, all that we had were those old strands strung in series, the ones where all the lights will go out if one bulb goes out. I remember spending hours going through each individual light bulb, trying to find the culprit. When we got the newer, better quality ones it was a relief. After all, we were all sick of Christmases where the tree lights would go out at the last minute.
Sometimes, we would have to get an artificial tree. We moved around a lot because of my dad's job, and some apartments simply won't accommodate a nice big Christmas tree. Nevertheless, some of the artificial Christmas trees were pretty nice. My favorite times, however, were when we got to go out to the woods and pick out a fresh tree to cut down and take back home. There is nothing like natural xmas trees. They have a beautiful scent, a natural look, and a majesty that imitations can never quite capture.
Of course, the Christmas tree ornaments are every bit as important as the tree itself. In my family, we would switch off duty as lead decorator. In particular, we would each have a chance to pick out the Christmas topper. One year, I even made a Christmas Star myself out of papier-mâché. When I saw it years later, I realized that it was not a very well made art project. At the time, however, I was so proud of it. All my family complimented me on it, and it looked great above that Christmas tree. It was one of the best Christmases that I remember, and I still have pictures of it to this very day.
Of course, Christmas lights are also an important part of getting your Christmas tree in shape. When I was growing up, all that we had were those old strands strung in series, the ones where all the lights will go out if one bulb goes out. I remember spending hours going through each individual light bulb, trying to find the culprit. When we got the newer, better quality ones it was a relief. After all, we were all sick of Christmases where the tree lights would go out at the last minute.
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Christmas Shopping in Cork City
Christmas Shopping in Cork City
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mairead_Foley]Mairead Foley
Cork is a vibrant city in the south of Ireland and has endless shopping possibilities. You'll find all the usual high street stores, shoe shops, record stores, bookshops as well as designer boutiques, antique and souvenir shops. The majority of shops are open from 9.30am to 6pm (Mon - Fri) with many staying open late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the run up to Christmas. The majority of department stores and high street shops tend be open on Sundays (usually 2pm - 6pm) during December and there are also plenty 24 hour grocery shops.
The main shopping area in the city centre is Patrick Street. Here you'll find excellent fashion stores, books, music, crafts, and jewellery - basically everything that could possibly be on your shopping list. Merchants Quay Shopping Centre is home to such retail giants as Marks & Spencers, Dunnes Stores, Debenhams, SuperValu, Adams, 3G Phones, Laura Ashley, Boots and Brian De Staic. Other shops along Patrick include A Wear, Moderne, Argos, Vero Moda, Mango, French Connection, Penneys, Monsoon, Barretts Shoes, HMV, Oasis, River Island, Brown Thomas, Swamp, Quills, The Body Shop, Benetton and Waterstones Book Store as well as many more. The atmosphere on the street is very festive with background Christmas tunes playing and you'll always find Santa Claus here!
There are a number of markets in Cork City. These include the English Market and the Corn Street Market. The English Market is a great place to find the freshest local produce (fruit, vegetables meat, cheese and seafood) as well as foods from all over the world. There are entrances to the market on Patrick Street, Grand Parade and Princes Street. It's worth wandering around here just to soak up the lively atmosphere (it's usually very busy at Christmas time) and absorb the sights, sounds and smells. Corn Market Street also has an outdoor market selling a range of food, clothes and toys etc.
If you don't want to venture into the city centre, there are a number of shopping centres outside the city. The largest is, of course, Mahon Point (Munster's biggest shopping centre). There's plenty of free parking here which is great. Inside you'll find Debenhams, Tesco, Next, Zara, River Island, Monsoon, Sam McCauley, Jack & Jones, Carrig Donn, Champion Sports, Berksha, Jane Norman, Principles, A Wear, La Senza, Ecco, Lacoste, Adams, Perfume Direct and many more! There's a cinema here, should one of your shopping companions get bored and there are also plenty places to stop off for a coffee and a bite to eat.
So don't be a shopping victim this Christmas, instead, treat yourself to a shopping/leisure break in Cork, the capital of the south of Ireland.
Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com
Visit GoIreland for all you need to know before visiting Cork, like what to see and where to go. Have a look at our [http://www.goireland.com/cork/hotels-in-cork-county-page1.htm]Cork hotels page and book a hotel for your Christmas shopping break in Cork now!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mairead_Foley http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-Shopping-in-Cork-City&id=1544843
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mairead_Foley]Mairead Foley
Cork is a vibrant city in the south of Ireland and has endless shopping possibilities. You'll find all the usual high street stores, shoe shops, record stores, bookshops as well as designer boutiques, antique and souvenir shops. The majority of shops are open from 9.30am to 6pm (Mon - Fri) with many staying open late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the run up to Christmas. The majority of department stores and high street shops tend be open on Sundays (usually 2pm - 6pm) during December and there are also plenty 24 hour grocery shops.
The main shopping area in the city centre is Patrick Street. Here you'll find excellent fashion stores, books, music, crafts, and jewellery - basically everything that could possibly be on your shopping list. Merchants Quay Shopping Centre is home to such retail giants as Marks & Spencers, Dunnes Stores, Debenhams, SuperValu, Adams, 3G Phones, Laura Ashley, Boots and Brian De Staic. Other shops along Patrick include A Wear, Moderne, Argos, Vero Moda, Mango, French Connection, Penneys, Monsoon, Barretts Shoes, HMV, Oasis, River Island, Brown Thomas, Swamp, Quills, The Body Shop, Benetton and Waterstones Book Store as well as many more. The atmosphere on the street is very festive with background Christmas tunes playing and you'll always find Santa Claus here!
There are a number of markets in Cork City. These include the English Market and the Corn Street Market. The English Market is a great place to find the freshest local produce (fruit, vegetables meat, cheese and seafood) as well as foods from all over the world. There are entrances to the market on Patrick Street, Grand Parade and Princes Street. It's worth wandering around here just to soak up the lively atmosphere (it's usually very busy at Christmas time) and absorb the sights, sounds and smells. Corn Market Street also has an outdoor market selling a range of food, clothes and toys etc.
If you don't want to venture into the city centre, there are a number of shopping centres outside the city. The largest is, of course, Mahon Point (Munster's biggest shopping centre). There's plenty of free parking here which is great. Inside you'll find Debenhams, Tesco, Next, Zara, River Island, Monsoon, Sam McCauley, Jack & Jones, Carrig Donn, Champion Sports, Berksha, Jane Norman, Principles, A Wear, La Senza, Ecco, Lacoste, Adams, Perfume Direct and many more! There's a cinema here, should one of your shopping companions get bored and there are also plenty places to stop off for a coffee and a bite to eat.
So don't be a shopping victim this Christmas, instead, treat yourself to a shopping/leisure break in Cork, the capital of the south of Ireland.
Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com
Visit GoIreland for all you need to know before visiting Cork, like what to see and where to go. Have a look at our [http://www.goireland.com/cork/hotels-in-cork-county-page1.htm]Cork hotels page and book a hotel for your Christmas shopping break in Cork now!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mairead_Foley http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-Shopping-in-Cork-City&id=1544843
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