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Ready, Set, Shop!

   I love to shop. I know a lot of women out there are with me on this one. I think there’s just something in our DNA. Whether its jeans, shirts, dresses, or jackets, there’s just something about buying a new item. If you’re lucky enough to do it without kids, it takes on a magic of its own. If you can’t swing that, online shopping really isn’t a bad way to go. I have to admit before kids I never really bought clothing online. But, once you have kids, you do a lot of things you never did before.

   To be honest, online shopping is really not bad and is so much easier when you have kids. You don’t have to lug around the stroller. You don’t have to stop at every potty in the mall, and you can browse for as long as you want without a salesperson bugging you or your child having the meltdown of the century. I’ve really come to like it, especially around the holidays when the stores are so crazy with super long lines. If you’re lucky enough to get free shipping, there’s really no reason not to try it. A warning though…once you do, you may get hooked.

–Kristina
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Holiday Shopping Ideas

   What do you get for the person on your holiday shopping list who has everything? Lord knows they don’t need another scarf or sweater or a pair of slippers. These are the people who you usually buy gift cards for so you don’t have to drive yourself nuts, right? Well, not necessarily. There are actually a lot of cool gifts out there if you just take the time to look. I know, I know, who has the time? But, if you actually take the time, you may make some new best friends! I’ve seen everything from cool gadgets, to dolls, to even some interesting candles just waiting to find a new home with that person who has everything.

   Once again, if that’s still not your thing, sometimes gift cards are the best route to go. I know I’m doing a lot of those this year. Not because I’m being lazy (really), but because I know people will really enjoy them. They will definitely be the right size, won’t need a gift receipt and won’t need to be returned. Sometimes it takes a little of the hustle and bustle out of the holidays, and we could all use a little of that every now and again, right?

–Kristina
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Getting on Board with Technology

 

   When it comes to phone technology, I think I was the last person on the planet to get a smart phone. I was walking around with a “dumb phone” for ages. I think Fred Flintstone had better technology than I did.  With that said, I have to admit I don’t know how I lived without my little iPhone! I have formed a special relationship with this little piece of technology. I take her everywhere I go, and she even goes to sleep with me to recharge her batteries!

 

 

   Besides the actual phone, there are also a lot of cool accessories. Let’s start with the case. There are some really cool ones out there when it comes to the iPhone or any other phone out there. You can pretty much get any design. There are even some you can personalize with pictures of your loved ones. Once again, all this smart phone stuff is really new to me. There is even technology that allows you to fly a helicopter. Now that’s cool! I don’t know if I can get on board with that, but that is definitely cool! I know a lot of people who would love that for a Christmas gift, or any other gift for that matter!
–Kristina
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Cooking with Spices

   I’ll be the first to admit, when it comes to food, I’m a pretty boring eater. I kinda like to stick with what I know. With that said I envy people who are adventurous when it comes to their food. You know who you are. You’re the kind of people who always order something different when you go out, even if it is at your favorite restaurant. You always like to try something new. Yeah, not me. I’m the type of person who usually has a favorite and sticks with it. I guess you can say I don’t fall under the category “variety is the spice of life.”

   When it comes to spices, there are a lot of people who really like to turn it up a notch. There is nothing too spicyfor their palates. Again, I applaud you. There are also a lot of people who like to go the sweet route.  I’m more of a plain old salt and pepper girl myself when it comes to spices.I know, I know..boring. Maybe that’s why I’m not the best cook either! My husband always asks if we have certain spices in the house and I just look at him like he has three heads. Maybe it’s time to kick it up in the kitchen!
–Kristina
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Ready, Set, Print!

   Before my daughter learned where I keep the printer paper, it used to last me forever. One package could last for months and months. But now, that is not the case. Somehow, she is using more of it than I am. She seems to be turning into a Picasso who likes to create several pieces of daily artwork. God forbid she uses the same piece of paper more than once. Don’t get me wrong, I love her creativity and would much rather she does this than sit in front of the TV. But, coloring in a coloring book wouldn’t be so bad either.

   Of course, I’ve tried to tell her to only take one or two at a time. But, how well does a three-year-old really listen? I think you know the answer. So, naturally, when I’m ready to print some coupons, because like I’ve said before, I’ve never  met a coupon I didn’t like, I find myself searching for paper. There are plenty of scribbles. Excuse me, I meant to say masterpieces…but those won’t cut it. So, that usually means a trip to the store, to pick up some more paper. Just add it to the list! A mother’s work is never done!
–Kristina
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That’s a Wrap!

   So the presents are bought (well almost), and now it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty and do some wrapping before the big day. If you’re lucky, you only have to wrap them once and stick a nice name tag on them all and decide whether to put on a green or red bow. But, for a lot of us, those packages have to go a lot further than just under the tree. That means a trip to the post office for some shipping.

   I’ll admit, I don’t usually have to send out a lot of packages. So, I guess you could say I’m lucky. But, when I do, there are usually a lot of supplies to get…the boxes, the special paper and sometimes even some special tags and tape.  Once you have it all ready to go, it’s time to ship those packages off. Here’s a word to the wise mommas…don’t take your kids along if you can help it. Every time I go to the post office, I always have some type of kid drama. The lines are usually a little longer too this time of year, which doesn’t help the situation. So just remember, wrap, pack, and go it alone (if you can!).
 
–Kristina
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Different Gift Ideas for Kids

   I’m sure this Christmas plenty of Barbies, trucks, and board games will find new homes under plenty of people’s trees. But, sometimes, gifts like that can get boring. Sure, they’re an easy buy, but honestly, they’re boring. There are a lot of other cool gifts out there for kids; you just have to look a little further than just down the toy aisle that blinds you with different shades of pink. You know what I mean?

   I’ll admit I fall into the boring and easy trap just as easy as the next momma. I’m always jealous of one of my friends who always buys the most unique gifts whether it’s for me or for my kids. You will never find her picking up a toy at a big box store. I know she shops local a lot and sometimes finds some cool stuff online too. Gifts like that also have a more personal feel to them.  I honestly wish I had the patience and time to do that. While many things get lost in toy land, it’s very rare that one of those unique gifts will get a one way ticket to the bottom of your child’s toy chest.

Giving Back with Charity Christmas Cards

   ‘Tis the season for giving, we all know that. If you’re like me, you’ve probably gotten a lot of things in the mail from charitiesover the past month or so. Mailing labels and cards are always a biggie this time of year. I don’t know about you, but I always feel guilty about keeping those things without sending a little bit of money back. Cards and labels cost money to make and I feel like I’m taking from those who they are trying to help by not giving a little something back in return.

   Sometimes it’s nice to know that you are actually helping others by just sending a Christmas card their way. It’s especially nice because we all know where a lot of those cards end up at the end of the season…in the trash. So, if people are just going to throw them away, you might as well not waste money by just buying them at any old store. The way I look at is that if you’re going to spend money on cards and take the time to write them all out, you might as well help people in the process. After all, isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?

Let’s Give a Hand for Special Gifts

   As a parent, I’m sure many of you out there will agree that homemade gifts from your kids are the best thing ever. As a child, I remember how excited my Mom and Dad were to get my one- of- a- kind goodies and now I know why. Anyone can take your little one to a store to buy you a gift, but it really means so much more when those gifts are from the heart and made from their little hands.

  Besides getting homemade gifts from your kids, it’s nice to get other special presents that someone made by hand, rather than something mass produced in some factory. We all know, it’s the thought that counts. That’s why when someone thinks about getting you something different, it really does count. There are places you can go to get gifts made by hand or there are other gifts you can do yourself. Before I had kids I had more time to be crafty, but now that is definitely not the case! So, I do admire you mommas out there who can still be Martha Stewart while wearing your Mom hat! For those of you who can’t (like myself), there are plenty of other hands out there that can make those homemade gifts this year and still give it a unique flair!

Give the Gift of Food

   If you’re like many people this time of year, you’re in the middle of the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. With that comes the daunting task of finding the “perfect” gift…if there is such a thing. Sometimes you search and search in hopes of tracking down the one thing that will put a smile on even the pickiest person. Even when you think you’ve found that “it” gift, you get an “oh, this is nice” as a response, when you know what they’re really thinking is, “where in the world did they come up with this gem?”

   Sometimes the best way to avoid all that awkwardness is to gift to give is food. I mean, really, who doesn’t like to snack? If you say no, then I really don’t think you’re human. After all, we all need to eat! If you don’t know what to choose, there are a lot of yummy snacks out there that are also good for you too. Not everything you put in your mouth automatically has to earn you an hour on the treadmill! There are a lot of places to choose from too, you just really have to decide which way to go. Think about it this way…the gift of food always fits and you never need a gift receipt!