Posts tagged Christmas
Double celebrations: a guest post
Aug 19th
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- Image by weennee via Flickr
Double Celebrations: A Guest Post by ohAmanda
I’ve known Amanda since before she added the “oh” to her name! When we first met, I was actually still in diapers! Since then we’ve played together, worked together, even “missioned” together. We double dated together, stood beside each other at our weddings, and now we’re parenting together … or at least both trying to figure it out! I love Amanda. And if you read her blog (which I’m sure most of you do), I can honestly say she’s the same person in real life that you read every day. Clearly. I am the lucky one in our friendship!!
She got me into this whole “blogging thing” and she was kind enough to Guest Post for me today on my little old blog! Tomorrow we’ll celebrate two very important dates in our household – my Daughter’s 2nd Birthday and our 11th Wedding Anniversary. Amanda knows a lot about double celebrations & she’s here to share some tips, ideas and warnings – so you will NOT end up making a Birthday Cake like the one pictured to the left!
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December is a busy month in our family. Not only do we have the regular Christmas parties and tree trimmings, we also have my dad’s birthday at the beginning of the month. Then my husband’s on the 23rd and my mom’s on the 24th. That’s right, Christmas Eve.
My mom’s family always celebrated her birthday AND Christmas on Christmas Eve. I have no idea why. It seems like a much better deal to make the 24th just a birthday and forget Christmas Eve even exists. But what do I know? The last few years (after my grandmother died) we started doing exactly what I suggested–celebrating my mom’s birthday on Christmas Eve. And that’s it. We usually meet for breakfast, because honestly, you can pretend it’s not Christmas Eve, but it is and there is shopping and wrapping to be done!
Having only one celebration per day is just such a relief! It’s nice to not dig the birthday presents from underneath the tree. It’s fun to watch only one person open up gifts. It’s fun because we get to see my mom have a day all to herself! (Well, with just a bit of wrapping and shopping afterwards…)
My husband has another perspective on Christmas birthdays. He says he hated it as a kid–he usually got ripped off with only one combined present for BOTH events. He got birthday gifts in Christmas paper and never had a birthday party. But as an adult? He loves having a birthday at Christmas because he’s guaranteed to be with his family. We’ve lived all over the country in our married life–and usually my May birthday was celebrated with cards in the mailbox and late birthday presents from family and friends. But for him–he got to be with his family on his birthday because we were already gathered for the Christmas celebration. Everyone is on Christmas break, there are special events all around town and his birthday seems more magical than normal!
So my tips for celebrating TWO occasions on ONE day?
1. If you can, move one of the events to another day. Contrary to what the word sounds like, there is nothing holy about a holiday. You can celebrate it a day later and therefore have a chance to honor the birthday child. My husband even suggested doing a half-birthday party in the middle of the year in lieu of a party on the actual day!
2. Buy 2 gifts. Just do it. If it feels like you’re spending too much money, then put away $50 six months earlier so you can save it for that special day and not spend the money at the same time. And don’t forget about the appropriate wrapping paper.
3. Have birthday celebrations that reflect the season. I love this 4th of July Birthday Party from MomAdvice. What a fun way to wrap up both celebrations and make the holiday seem to focus on the birthday child! You never know your 4th of July-baby might think the fireworks are just for him!
4. Ask family to get involved–hint that birthday cards are important, ask for separate presents and beg them not to mention the “other” holiday on your child’s big day.
5. Think outside the box. Do something different–plan a half birthday party (my husband’s suggestion), decorate the house more than normal, start a unique birthday tradition {like my party plate!} or something even more exciting!
Whatever you do make sure your child knows you honor, love and celebrate them on their special day!
Do you have birthdays on holidays? Or two birthdays on one day? How do you keep the celebrations separate?
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Amanda is a former Children’s Pastor turned stay-at-home-mom. She blogs at ohAmanda {her daily blog} and Impress Your Kids {the crafty parenting blog}. She’s also a 2010 Disney Mom, bibliophile and a long time lover of purple.
Frugal Friday … birthday style
Aug 12th
A Frugal Birthday!
I love going all out for birthday parties – yes, even at 5 years of age and under!
But, I love going all out frugally! And I believe it’s totally possible!
So, how do you go all out, frugally?
1. Take advantage of sites like Swagbucks & Ebates. Earn points and then use those points to purchase gifts.
2. Take advantage of “group buying” sites such as Groupon, Living Social and Tipper. These sites allow you to purchase gift certificates at a price of at least 50% off – often times, much greater. And most of those certificates are valid for 6 months or more. Now is the perfect time to snatch one or more up for a Christmas gift or birthday present.
3. Enter giveaways! Blogs and companies are always hosting giveaways. With a listing such as this from MommySnacks, you can find new giveaways every day. Often times, I’ll enter hoping I can win because it would be perfect for another family member!
4. Start a Gift Bin. Mine grows a little throughout the year!
5. Start a Party Bin. I just raided mine for the recent Birthday Party we had last weekend and now it’s time to start filling it up again!
This post is part of the It’s a {month long} Party! Click here for all posts in this series.
- Post linked to Frugal Friday at Life As Mom.
Works for me wednesday … ebates
Aug 10th
Save Money for Christmas While You Buy Presents Throughout the Year!
Sounds great right?
And better yet it’s totally possible. All it involves is a little planning, which sometimes I admit I’m not that great at.
You know I’ve spoken before of my love for Swagbucks. And aside from earning Swagbucks while you search, one of the other great features is that you can earn Swagbucks while you shop! So, buy shopping at popular online stores (the only catch is beginning your purchase at Swagbucks) you can earn & then use those later for Christmas!!
If Swagbucks isn’t your thing, another great site is Ebates! Same concept (without the searching). Just start your purchase at the Ebates site and you’ll earn Ebates on the purchases you make!
There’s over 1200 online stores affiliated with Ebates!
And it gets better … if you’re not signed up, you can sign up today & receive $5 Cash Back or a $10 Gift Card … just for signing up!!
Just think. All the Birthday Presents you buy throughout the year could be saving you money on Christmas Presents in December!
This post is part of the It’s a {month long} Party! Click here for all posts in this series.
- Post linked to Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.
Disclosure: Affiliate links included in this post – so you save money, I make money & then you go tell someone else & make some money too … and everyone’s happy:)
Saturday stumbles
Jul 30th
Saturday Stumbles
Did you “stumble” any posts this week?
Do you have a post linking up all the best posts you’ve read this week??
If so, be sure to link up at the end! It’s super easy to join in, so give it a try!
I’ve been LOVING all the Christmas in July post floating around the blog world the last several weeks! You can read some of my past stumbles here and here.
And now a few things I’m highlighting this week:
Decorations & Preparations ~
Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Craft by Thrifty Decor Chick: I love, love, love this whimsical look! It just makes me smile!!
Holiday Packages from Tom Kat Studio: Did you see that The Tom Kat Studio is having a Christmas in July Sale? All her Holiday Printable Packages are just $5. A steal!
Gift Ideas ~
Messy but Beautiful Artwork by Impress Your kids: I was in love with this as soon as I saw it!! Definitely copying this before the holidays. I’m on the hunt for our perfect verse!
Subway Art from Tatertots & Jello: If you prefer a more modern or clean look (or like me, you prefer both!), then check out this tutorial.
Foodie Stuff ~
Christmas Cookie Kit: This is one of those gift & food combos – the best kind of gift, in my opinion! Doesn’t this just look like it’d be fun to get? I’m thinking a teacher, neighbor or even a child’s friend.
Chocolate Mint Cookies by A Southern Fairytale: Oh I love chocolate & mint & cookies … so combined? Yummy!!
Do you have a stumble post? Or a post of your favorite posts? We all call them different things, but let’s link up! I’ll bribe you with tweets of your post and comment love too! Just leave your blog name in the link up below. Please be sure to link to your actual post – not your blog. Here are some guidelines if you like to read things like that! Feel free to grab the button if you’d like. And if you tweet, be sure to use the hashtag #SatStumbles so we can find each other & others can find us!
Saturday stumbles
Jul 23rd
Saturday Stumbles
Did you “stumble” any posts this week?
Do you have a post linking up all the best posts you’ve read this week??
If so, be sure to link up at the end! It’s super easy to join in, so give it a try!
Last week I mentioned that I would reading all the Christmas in July posts that I could find! And thanks to some really great carnivals I have not been disappointed! Now if only I got started on some of those Christmas projects!
Ornaments ~
Playful Partridge by Retro Mama: So cute! And with her great tutorial, even I might be able to pull this off! My Sisterchicks all need one of these!
Monogrammed Ornaments by Embellished Bayou: In all honesty, I doubt I have a steady enough hand to make these look good, but they are so cute! I think they’d make great gifts or just a few on my tree!
Gift Ideas ~
Grandma’s Sweets from How Does She?: I love this idea! And it’s so versatile. I can picture it as a quick and easy Sunday School or Pre-School Teacher Gift too.
Hand-Trees from According to Kelly: So cute!! A grandmother would be crazy not to love this! I wish I had seen this before making my Thanksgiving Tree – I would have totally stolen the “hand idea”.
Foodie Stuff ~
Do It Yourself Smore Kit by Twig & Thistle: So this is really a gift & food combined – the best kind right! I’ve never given our neighbors gifts before, but I just might!! How fun would this be to receive?!?
How to Decorate Christmas Light Cookies by A Southern Fairytale: I’m horrible, absolutely horrible at decorating cookies. But I wish I could pull these off!! I just think they’re fun & whimsical!
Do you have a stumble post? Or a post of your favorite posts? We all call them different things, but let’s link up! I’ll bribe you with tweets of your post and comment love too! Just leave your blog name & if you have a cute little title, leave that too. We’ll share the linky love! Here are some guidelines if you like to read things like that! Feel free to grab the button if you’d like. And if you tweet, be sure to use the hashtag #SatStumbles so we can find each other & others can find us!
Saturday stumbles
Jul 16th
Saturday Stumbles
Earlier this week I stopped in Hobby Lobby for a little birthday-bash (both kiddos in August!) planning. And my heart got a little giddy. Not because of the fun summer items out or even the back-to-school things, no none of that. I got giddy because the Christmas Trees were coming out!! Ornaments, decorations and the whole nine yards!! I think this either makes people extremely frustrated or (for people like me) it puts a spring in your step & makes your heart sing!!
I love thinking about Christmas in July! And apparently, I’m not the only one!
The blogging world is all about some Christmas in July too!
So if you’re like me (and if you’re not – well sorry Scrooge!), then you might enjoy some of these fun posts:
Skip to My Lou, A Southern Fairytale, and According to Kelly are all joining forces to bring us a Handmade Holiday: Bake, Craft & Sew Along – How fun is that!! It kicks off this Monday & they have over three dozen bloggers in the loop to give us some inspiration. Should be fun!
TipJunkie is also hosting a Christmas in July extravaganza starting July 18th. And like always, she wants to feature YOU!
And to help your tummy get in the Christmas Spirit, check out this post from Alli-n-Son. She has seven yummy Christmas in July Recipes listed. My stomach is growling!
So, Merry Christmas in July to you!!
And on a personal note …
Thank you everyone for linking up. I’m so happy to read your posts & help spread the love through twitter shout-outs. Thanks for helping our little Saturday Stumbles linky grow!
Do you have a stumble post? Or a post of your favorite posts? We all call them different things, but let’s link up! I’ll bribe you with tweets of your post and comment love too! Just leave your blog name & if you have a cute little title, leave that too. We’ll share the linky love! Here are some guidelines if you like to read things like that! Feel free to grab the button if you’d like. And if you tweet, be sure to use the hashtag #SatStumbles so we can find each other & others can find us!
Works for me wednesday … the gift bin
Jul 13th
The Gift Bin
Two weeks ago I talked a little bit about my Party Bin and you guys gave me some more great ideas & tips to make it even better. So, I’m hoping we might be able to help each other out again!
Now I’ve heard of people having Gift Closets before & believe me I wish I had one, but space is much to be desired and frankly I don’t have enough. So I resort to a Gift Bin. It still fills the same concept and idea.
Do you have a gift bin (or are you one of the lucky ones with a closet)?
I have a large rubbermaid container. It gets filled on a regular basis with a variety of different things. Usually clearance items. And yes, even some re-gifting items!! My rule is if it still has tags, can’t be used and can’t be returned then I’ll re-gift, – But I suppose the re-gifting issue is a whole other post!
I’ve taken advantage of several Bath & Body Works’ sales to stock up on lotions & body sprays. At just three dollars (or less) I’ll fill my bin up with those and then I have something on hand for an unexpected Sunday School Teacher gift {because my children can be tough and I try to offset that with gifts & goodies!!}.
I’ll also stock up on baby gift items, stationary, and just random toys. Especially goodie bag type toys that I can pull out for special prizes. I do my best to stock up on items for Christmas and birthday presents throughout the year as well – if it’s a good price and someone can use it that I’ll be buying for anyways … in the bin it goes!
But I love my little bin, it’s my go-to place for an unexpected (or even the expected) gift!
So if you store gifts throughout the year, what do you store? Do you have a good system I could learn from?
- Post linked to Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.
How to use your swagbucks
Jun 15th
So you have Swagbucks, now what??
Yesterday I posted some random facts & some of my personal favorite ways to earn Swagbucks. I received a few questions via twitter & email about what to do with those Swagbucks that you earn. And that my friend, is a great intro into today’s post.
So you’ve earned 2450 Swagbucks, now what do you do?
{And if you’re just now hearing about Swagbucks for the first time, go here & sign up first (yes that’s an affiliate link) and then come back & keep reading.}
My first recommendation – Know what you’re working towards.
There are tons of prizes & gift certificates available through Swagbucks. But if you don’t have an end goal then you may be upset down the road to find out something works differently than you expected. For instance, I’m working towards Amazon Gift Cards. You can buy just about anything through Amazon and I think the price exchange is reasonable. It takes 450 Swagbucks for a $5 Amazon Gift Card. There’s also different denominations of Amazon Gift Cards – there are several different schools of thought as to which denomination makes the most sense, but I’m happy with the 450 for $5 card, so I’m going with that for now.
Second recommendation – Know the rules.
Don’t you hate rules? This one is kind of silly in my opinion, I’m sure there’s a reason but even if there isn’t it’s still one of the rules & must be followed. Big Rule: Members are limited to redeeming two prizes per day, and limited to 5 of any individual item per month. So that gets tricky. But basically I can only redeem / cash in my swagbucks for Amazon Cards (or anything, I’m just using that as my example) twice per day. BUT {there’s always a but} I can only redeem my Swagbucks for up to 5 Amazon Cards per month. So even if I have 2700 Swagbucks, I could only redeem 2250 (450 Bucks x 5 Amazon Cards) of them on Amazon.
So how do you turn your Swagbucks into an Amazon Gift Card?
1. Visit the Swag Store.
2. Select “Gift Cards & Rewards“ from the left hand side.
3. Find and Select the Amazon Gift Card you’re looking for.
4. It will ask for a “Confimation” – Select confirm.
5. You’ll receive an email asking you to “Verify” your order. (Note – these are e-cards so nothing will be physically mailed).
6. Once you verify the request, wait. (Sorry, but yes – that’s what you have to do!) It can take up to 7-10 days after Verification for the next step.
7. Since it’s an e-card, you’ll be given an Amazon code. Log into your Amazon Account.
8. Under “Payment”, select “Apply a Gift Certificate / Card to Your Account”.
9. Enter the code in the appropriate field given & select “Redeem Now”.
10. Watch your Amazon Gift Card Balance Grow & Grow … you’re on your way towards saving for Christmas!!
That’s just how I do it. Maybe you have another way? How do you maximize your Swagbucks Account?
- Post linked to Works For Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family.
