End of Year Sales You Need To Know About

End of Year Sales You Need To Know About

Each month of the year is the ideal time to find savings on certain items. The time right after Christmas and even into the first part of the New Year is an excellent time to enjoy huge savings on a wide range of items. Of course, end of year sales are being offered on seasonal decorative items and things traditionally purchased as Christmas gifts, but that’s not all.

This is the perfect time to cash in on huge savings on winter clothing. Most merchants are anxious to ‘clean out’ fall and winter items to make room for the spring clothing that will soon be offered. For those that plan ahead, this is an opportunity to get a start on the things you will need for the fall and winter of 2014.

What to Buy In Late December

Some of the top items to purchase during the month of December include home appliances, toys, small electronics, bikes, TVs, and gas grills. But the truth is, many, many items are on sale during the time between Christmas and New Year’s.

Some stores are offering discounts on computers and cameras. Other items to shop for include winter apparel, batteries, motorcycles and cars. It is also very common to find deep discounts on flooring and carpet as well as furniture.

This is a fabulous time to find deals on kitchen items like cookware as well as disposable baking pans, plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Also check out the bargains on seasonal food items, such as Christmas candy and pastry items.

January Sales

Seasonal decorative and food items as well as toys continue to be discounted during the month of January. Other things to consider purchasing during this month include bedding and linens. Many stores have ‘white sales’ that offer big mark-downs on everything from sheets and comforters to towels and bathroom accessories.

 Because losing weight and getting in shape is one of the top resolutions made you will find discounts on exercise equipment and related items. Early January is also a great time to find huge savings on cars.

In some instances houses are offered at better than usual deals. Boats are also discounted during this time of year. And if you enjoy shopping at second-hand shops, this is a great time to find a great selection of goods and savings too.

Curious About February?

The month of February is a terrific time to stock up on canned foods and after Valentine’s Day you will find bargains on steak and seafood as well as chocolates. This month is also notorious for sales on big screen TVs – just in time for the Super Bowl.

Other sale items during February include recliners and dental health products. Some stores offer discounts on air conditioners during the month of February.

Knowing what items will be on sale makes it easier to plan your budget. For example, since you know that bedding and linens are on sale during January you can make plans to purchase what you need then. This makes it possible to save on essential items as well as on the things that make life more fun.   

Debbie Allen is a regular contributor to the Package From Santa blog. She writes about topics related to the holidays, ways to save money and live a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Kid-Friendly New Year Party Ideas

If you’re like millions of other people, your New Year’s celebration will include kids. The good news is, when you use kid-friendly New Year party ideas, old and young alike can enjoy the party!

Embrace the concept and incorporate lots of fun things for all. Read these New Year party ideas provided by Package From Santa. 

Keep in mind that the celebration can be enjoyed long before midnight. That is, you could make 10 pm the time that sparklers are lighted and glasses of Sparkling Grape Juice (or milk or whatever is preferred) are raised.

The Countdown

Every New Year party includes a countdown – whether you have yours at 8 pm, 10 pm, or midnight – the countdown should conclude with something fun and unique. Maybe you could have a piñata hung high that drops down at the right moment, or perhaps you could have balloons captured in a net hanging from the ceiling – and you guessed it – the net can be dropped at the countdown.

Party Favors

While a party for adults only might not ‘need’ party favors, when you include kids the favors are a must! You will find lots of favor ideas online and in local card and party shops. Keep in mind that most kids will enjoy wearing a hat, crown or tiara. You can make these yourself or buy them ready-made. Noise-makers are another party favorite for kids of all ages. Many dollar stores carry an assortment of kid party favors.

Decorations

New Year party decorations can come in all shapes and sizes. Simple decorations, like balloons and streamers can add a festive ambiance to any space.

Consider stars and disco balls. Styrofoam balls, stars, and other shapes can be decorated with colorful sequins. In fact, this DIY craft project is one that kids can help with. The sequins should be glued on to the shapes. These small decorations can then be displayed in decorative jars, vases, bowls, or simply displayed on table tops and other surfaces.

New Year Party Fun Food

Ordinary cupcakes and cookies can become special treats when you take the time to decorate them. One idea is to add frosting and sprinkles or to create a clock face with the magical time approaching.
Other food ideas include mini-burgers, mini pig in a blanket snacks (made with little smokies wrapped in biscuits or croissant rolls). You can also include deviled eggs, pizza, chips, and snack mixes.

Movies & Board Games

After the kids have enjoyed the countdown time they can retire to a slumber party in a bedroom or other area. Planning ahead includes having at least one or two movies or board games ready – this will help occupy the kids as they fall asleep.


At the same time the party can continue in the other part of the house. In other words, the adults can ‘party on’!

Just In Case Gifts

 

If you have ever had the stress of someone unexpectedly showing up at your gift-giving event or you’ve ever accidentally overlooked someone on your list, then you know how bad it can make you feel. With that in mind, it doesn’t hurt to have some ‘just in case’ gifts on hand. That is, why not be prepared for the unexpected?

Here are some gift ideas that can work – just in case! 

1. Candles – Almost everyone appreciates the fragrance and ambiance that candles can give. It doesn’t seem to matter, male or female, candles can make perfect ‘just in case’ gifts.
2. Body Spray/Cologne – Body sprays are inexpensive and they are available almost at anyplace that sells bath products. You can purchase sprays made specifically for men and for women. They make great stocking stuffers, last minute gifts, and of course, they are ideal for those ‘just in case’ occasions.
3. Specialty Food Items – Everyone likes to eat and there are lots of specialty food items that are great for giving. For instance, special herbs and spices or even an awesome olive oil can be ideal for those that like to cook. And of course, delicious candies, pastries and other treats can make delectable presents.
4. Hand & Dish Towels – Hand and dish towels are available in seasonal decorator colors and designs. You can also choose the towels based on a pattern or favorite color. These are items that nearly anyone can use more of.
5. Socks & Footies – Think about it – can you ever have too many socks or footies?   
6. Corkscrews & Shot Glasses – People that enjoy wine and other drinks are sure to appreciate a unique corkscrew and/or a shot glass or two.
7. Puzzles, Cards, & Games – There are countless choices available when it comes to puzzles, cards, and games. You can choose to give a board game or a beautiful deck of cards. The best part is, you can find something that is appropriate for just about any age group!
8. Teddy Bears, Cars, & Dolls – When extra kids show up it is imperative to have something to give. Most young children will be more than satisfied with a stuffed animal, a play car, or a doll.
9. Coloring Books & Crayons – Often overlooked as a quick and easy gift item, coloring books and crayons are actually great for giving.
10. Books – If you like to read then a book can be ideal as a just in case gift. Why not buy a book you are interested in – wrap up – just in case – and if you don’t have unexpected guests, then you can keep it for yourself?

Choose to have one or one of each of these items ready during the holiday season, just in case. Even if you don’t need them you can keep them on hand for the future. Of course, you will likely want to keep many of the ‘leftover’ items for yourself!

Debbie Allen is a team member at Package From Santa. She enjoys sharing tips and ideas about the holiday season.

Ice Skating At Christmas Time

Ice Skating At Christmas Time  

 

Christmas is a season filled with traditions. We give gifts to others, decorate trees, write letters to Santa, and enjoy ice skating at Christmas time. Each of these things are traditions that help make the holiday season special.

Ice skating is something that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Whether you visit a seasonal ice-skating rink, one that is open year-round, or you skate on a frozen pond – ice skating is a thrilling experience.

Here are some tips that will help make your ice skating more fun and safe!

Tips for Fun

Be prepared for fun – be ready to laugh at yourself and at others. Expect to fall down a time or two – it’s all part of the process! With that in mind, you might want to make sure you have someone nearby – it may be a good idea to hold hands. Having someone with you can provide emotional support.

Tips for Success

It can take a little time to get used to ice skates. If this is all new to you the first thing you need to do is to stand on the skates. That’s right – just stand there for a bit – don’t try to skate, in fact, don’t try to move for a moment or two.

To get started for your first time ice skating you might want to ask a friend for help – someone that has experience ice skating. Just bend your knees slightly and let that person pull you around – but tell them to take it slow.

Don’t expect to look like a professional – just enjoy the experience. You will get the hang of ice skating and soon you will be helping someone else ‘get the hang of it’.

Tips for Safety

The first thing we need to mention is that skating on frozen ponds can be very dangerous. Even if the pond appears to be completely frozen there may be areas or patches of ice that are thin or weakened. Always use caution in choosing the place you skate – opt for safety first!

The blades on ice skates are dangerous – do not touch them! Parents should help children with their skates. Also important is that the skates fit properly. Wearing skates that are too big or too small can cause more falls and even lead to serious accidents or injuries.

It makes sense that you need to dress warm, but do dress in layers. Because you will be moving around you may get warmer than you expected. If you are dressed in layers you can adjust your clothing to suit your needs.

Helmets can offer protection. Although this is optional, it may be a very wise choice for young children.

Watch for the other guy! Just any public place, an ice skating rink can get crowded at times. This makes it easy to bump into other people and for other skaters to bump into you. The main danger is the risk of getting hurt by skates. It is wise to visit the rinks when they are less crowded – especially if you are new to ice skating or if young children will be with you.

Choosing Real Christmas Trees

Choosing Real Christmas Trees

For many people, Christmas would not be Christmas without a real Christmas tree. Real trees add a touch of authenticity to your holiday décor that cannot be matched with artificial trees. The fragrance of live trees is an essential part of the holiday season – so much so that air fresheners in pine scents are often used to create the smell of fresh trees.

Shopping For Real Christmas Trees

In most cities across the nation you can find Christmas trees being sold at retail lots. But if you have never shopped for a real tree before there are some things you need to be aware of. Read the tips below – they will help ensure you select a great tree!

First things first – measure the space you intend to place the tree. Sometimes it can be misleading when you see a tree at a lot. It is easy to miscalculate how large the tree really is. With that in mind, be sure to take along a measuring tape when you shop for your tree.

Consider the type of decorations you will be using. Some types of Christmas have very stiff, short needles and others have needles that are softer and longer. And some have branches that are fuller than others. Learning a bit about the various species of Christmas trees can help prepare you to find the perfect tree for your needs.

Check the Tree for Freshness

Although you may not be able to find a tree that is truly ‘fresh cut’ it is important to check the tree for freshness. Grab a branch and run it through your hand. If needles fall off very easily you know the tree is drying out. Also, branches should be flexible and pliable and the tree should smell fresh; it should have a pine scent – it should not smell musty.

Debbie Allen is a writer for Package From Santa. Besides writing about holiday traditions like Christmas trees and real letters from Santa she also shares tips about ways to save money, home décor, recipes and more.

Getting Ready for Christmas – It’s Getting Closer!

Getting Ready for Christmas – It’s Getting Closer!

Getting ready for Christmas takes a lot of effort, thought, and energy; there are so many things to do! Not surprisingly, this can be stressful – especially if you don't prepare in an orderly and organized fashion. But even if you haven’t hung a wreath or prepared a shopping list, it’s not too late to get things done on time and in style!

 Christmas Gifts

Christmas is a time for gift-giving. Even though we all know it is better to give than receive – it is part of the expectations of the season – giving and receiving Christmas gifts is a major part of the season.

But don’t go overboard – it is important to set and stick with a budget. With that in mind making a list is key; include everyone you will be giving gifts to.

If you will be sending packages out you should move those people to the top of your list – that will help ensure their gift will arrive before Christmas. You can give the other gifts personally to people you plan to see during the holidays. And for the people that will be celebrating Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day with you – place their gifts under your tree.

Besides prioritizing your list based on the recipient’s location and when you will see them, you should also prioritize according to the individuals’ relevancy in your life. No – no, this is not the same as making a Santa’s Nice List! It’s more like listing people according to what you plan to spend on them. For instance, your immediate family members and close friends will likely be higher on the list than your mail carrier.

The list will help keep you organized and it will serve as a basis for setting your budget. You might not have enough funds to give gifts to everyone you want to give a gift to. The sorted listing will ensure you have a gift for those you hold dear to you.

Your gift should be appropriate for the person. You can handcraft some of the gifts if you have a limited budget. Some people prefer personally handcrafted gifts because it shows the time and effort spent by the person. Another gift option is donating to a charity in the person’s honor.

 Christmas tree

If you plan to have a live Christmas tree you should shop early – the best ones disappear fast. There might not be enough real trees in stock by mid-December. Of course, if that is the case you can also use an artificial tree.

There are different kinds of imitation trees, some are made from plastic and others may include parts made from wires, wood, and other materials. The benefit of imitation trees is you can reuse them in succeeding years. However, the smell and atmosphere might not be the same as having a real pine tree in your house.

You can also shop online. You can browse through the different web sites quickly and choose an excellent genuine or imitation tree. Some web sites even offer free delivery.

The Christmas meal

For many families, Christmas Day meal is comparable to the meal served on Thanksgiving Day. If you plan to celebrate Christmas at your home, you should make the menu for Christmas Day as early as possible. It is wise to stock up on the ingredients early.

If you will have guests at your home, you can assign some of the food to the different guests. They will enjoy helping out. If you are going to another person's house for the Christmas celebrations and holiday events, you should volunteer to bring some food. You can ask the host what type of food to bring to the celebration.

 Other concerns

If you plan to spend Christmas away from your home you will have to make early reservations for travel and lodging. Travel light – it will help you avoid some potential problems.

After you think you have everything ready for the holiday take one more step. Review what you have accomplished with a close friend or loved one. They may think of something that didn’t occur to you.

In the end – Christmas will arrive whether you are ready or not. Be wise and prepare now. Getting ready for Christmas before it arrives will relieve you of much stress and allow you to relax and truly enjoy the holiday!

DIY Stained Glass Decorations For Christmas

DIY Stained Glass Decorations For Christmas

If you’re looking for a great ‘snowed in’ project – this is it! It’s a simple way to create DIY stained glass decorations for Christmas (or for any other time of year!). And the good news is, with adult supervision, this craft project can be kept kid-friendly.

What You Need:

• ·         Picture Frame With Glass
• ·         Pattern in the same size as the frame/glass you have (you can create this yourself or use a page from a coloring book) [Simple patterns are easier to work with]
• ·         Bottle of White Glue
• ·         Small Rod for Stirring
• ·         Bottle of Clear Glue
• ·         Black Sharpie Pen
• ·         Black Acrylic Paint
• ·         Muffin Pan or Small Containers
• ·         Acrylic Paints in Various Colors
• ·         Super Glue
• ·         Craft Blade
• ·         Acrylic Spray Sealant
• ·         Paintbrushes
• ·         Toothpicks

The Process:

Take the frame a part and lay the glass over your pattern. You will be using the white glue to create the black ‘leaded’ outlines in the pattern. With that in mind it is a good idea to dump out a small amount of the glue to make room for a little black acrylic paint. The goal is to turn the white glue into a solid black – it won’t take much – start with about a teaspoon – stir with a small rod.

Use a steady hand and follow the pattern outlines to create the pattern on the glass with the black glue. Make the lines thick. After you are satisfied with your pattern you should allow the glass to dry overnight.

The next day you can use the craft blade to ‘clean up’ any places that stand out as obvious mistakes on your pattern.

Now you are ready to fill in the colors of the pattern. For this you should mix small amounts of clear glue to the acrylic paints. This will help give your project the lustrous look stained glass is recognized for. You can play with the mixture but for starters, try about a tablespoon of glue mixed with 2 drops of paint. A muffin pan works great for mixing the glue and paint.

When painting the pattern be sure to completely fill in the spaces – that is, go all the way up to the black lines and don’t be afraid to add a thick coat of paint. You can experiment with colors and with transitioning from darker colors into lighter ones.

Toothpicks can be used to pop any air bubbles that develop. When you are happy with the look of your stained glass project you should again, allow it to dry overnight.

The next day you can use the Black Sharpie Pen to do any necessary ‘touch up’ work on the ‘lead piping’. The frame can be painted to accent the stained glass. When that has completely dried the glass should be Super Glued back into the frame. Finish the project off with a coat of clear acrylic spray sealant - that will help protect your stained glass.

Debbie Allen is a team member at Package From Santa. She likes sharing information about holiday traditions and ideas.

Christmas Expectations

Christmas Expectations

Some traditions will never change!

Every holiday has its own theme and customs and of course, Christmas has Santa Claus and the Christmas tree. Each year, when the holiday season rolls around, people have certain Christmas expectations. For instance, most of us envision enjoying what we consider a traditional Christmas – and that will likely include the Yule log, Santa Claus, and a Christmas tree.

Color Schemes

Christmas is a festive occasion. The traditional colors associated with Christmas are red and green. You will also see silver and gold which indicate riches and glory. Santa is usually dressed in a red suit that is trimmed in white and his elves usually wear green.

These colors have been established over the centuries. People take these colors for granted to be in conformance to the Christmas spirit. Classic candy canes are red and white.  

Snow

For some reason, many people have associated snow with Christmas. It is possible that since many countries and states normally have snow in December, people worldwide believe that snow is a necessary ingredient for Christmas.

In places that do not have snow, people will simulate the snow by using spray cans. Some plastic Christmas trees would have green leaves and some white painted on the boughs and leaves to give a semblance of snow on the tree. 

Memorable Decorations 

There are some decorations that have to be present in every household. The Christmas wreath is usually placed in a noticeable place. The wreath represents life and vigor. Mistletoe will be hung in a location that is conducive for kissing. Couples are expected to kiss each other under the mistletoe. Some houses may have actual Yule logs burning in the fireplace. Others may make a dessert in the shape of the Yule log. 

Santa Claus and His Helpers 

Figures of Santa Claus may be used to decorate the home. Besides Santa, some people also decorate their yard and homes with figures of reindeer, Elves, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa’s sleigh. These decorations add a festive atmosphere to the space and make it more joyful for all to enjoy. 

Cookies and Milk 

Children insist on leaving a snack out for Santa when he visits and the traditional snack is cookies and milk. The thought is that Santa can get very tired on his long journey going from house to house. The cookies and milk can give him energy and perhaps give your child a few extra points with Santa. With that in mind, it is important to make sure that the cookies and milk are gone when the children wake up in the morning.

These are some of the many Christmas expectations we associate with this holiday. Please share your thoughts about Christmas traditions…

Debbie Allen is a regular team member at Package From Santa. Many of her articles discuss Christmas decorations and other holiday traditions.

The Countdown Is On!

The Countdown Is On!

Now that December is here you can be sure that kids everywhere are counting the days until Santa will arrive. Christmas countdown calendars are a fun way to track the time.

Countdown Calendars Add To the Fun

There are all kinds of countdown calendars you can use – you can use a regular calendar or choose the free personalized Christmas countdown calendar from Package From Santa. It’s a colorful advent calendar that will help build the anticipation related to Santa’s upcoming visit. This is a great piece to hang on your refrigerator or other prominent place.

DIY Countdowns

You can make your own DIY countdown calendar in a variety of ways. One idea is to use a collection of small gift bags (for those that are crafty, hand-sewn bags can be used).

Label one bag for each day and attaching the bags to a length of yarn or twine. Small gifts can be added to each of the bags and as the days arrive your children can enjoy the gifts.

Another idea is to use small gift boxes – for instance, the size that might be used for jewelry or other small items. And finally, you could use the plastic, stackable drawers that are often available at dollar stores and budget discount stores. These can be decorated and labeled and the daily gifts can be added to the drawers.

No matter which style you choose, your kids are sure to enjoy a Christmas countdown calendar!

Quick Ideas For Thanksgiving Day Leftovers

Quick Ideas For Thanksgiving Day Leftovers

If you are like most people, right about now you have more Thanksgiving Day leftovers than you ever wanted. After all, eating the same foods – even if they are delicious foods – can get old after the second day. So what do you do with all those leftovers? We’re offering up some ideas…

Leftover Delights:

Sandwiches – You can make turkey sandwiches with the meat as is or you can make turkey salad (made just as you would make a chicken or tuna salad- get as creative as you like!).

Turkey Soup – Make this just like you would make a traditional chicken soup. You can turn it into a turkey vegetable soup or turkey noodle soup.

Turkey Pot Pie – All you need is 2 pie shells and the contents (just combine cubed turkey, thawed frozen vegetables, diced onions, cream of chicken soup & a small amount of milk). Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees – fill first pie shell with contents, then add the second pie shell to create the top. Poke a few holes in the top of your pie and bake for about 40 – 45 minutes.

Turkey Tetrazzini – Line a 13x9 inch prepared pan with cooked egg noodles. In a large skillet sauté 6 ounces of sliced mushrooms; then mix in 2 cups diced turkey, 1 can condensed cream of celery soup, 1 cup sour cream, and small amount of salt and pepper. Spread mixture over noodles. Top off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese – bake at 350 degrees for about 20 – 25 minutes.

Mashed Potato Pancakes – just add a beaten egg to 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes. You can add shredded cheese, sugar, salt, or even add shredded vegetables. Fry pancakes in butter and enjoy!

Thanksgiving Day Casserole – This single dish is a great way to use up all or most of your leftovers. Add ingredients in layers – start with turkey, then add stuffing, followed by a layer of vegetables (whatever you might have leftover); next you can add a layer of shredded cheese or if you like and have it on hand, you can add a layer of cranberry sauce – mashed potatoes make the perfect final topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.

Debbie Allen is a professional content writer and editor. She loves sharing tips about things that relate to the holiday season – in fact, she often writes about traditions like real letters from Santa and holiday decorating ideas. When she’s not writing about these topics you will find her working on her site – The Things Women Want.

Black Friday

Shopping On Black Friday

For many people the day after Thanksgiving is ‘the day’ to do Christmas shopping. If this sounds like you planning for the big day may be part of the process. In fact, you may have to get up early in order to catch the sales of the day. Stores offer extreme discounts on Black Friday and many of them start at zero-dark-thirty-am! This is definitely a time when the early bird gets the worm – or at least, the best deal!

Getting Prepared

Besides being armed with a list of gift ideas you should obviously try to get plenty of rest the night before. One of the benefits of gathering with friends and family on Thanksgiving Day is that it gives you the perfect opportunity to quiz everyone about what they would like for Christmas or to get information about sizes, color preferences, etc. Plus, because you will be so busy on Thanksgiving Day, you will likely want to go to bed early – which will make it easier to rise and shine for the earlier morning sales.

Be Where You Need To Be First

Like any worth doing – this is worth doing well – and that means you should take the effort to plan your time. Try to find out which stores are having special discounts on the items you need or want at which times. Many stores publish their bargain sales several days before Black Friday. They publish the bargain prices and store hours in major newspapers. Some stores also post their items on web sites. This makes it possible for you to go directly to the items you want, get them, pay for them and be out of the store in a short time. Plan ahead and strategize.

For example, if one store is offering a $100 discount on a TV that is usually $800 at 5 am and at the same time another store is promoting a $50 discount on a $300 stereo you will need to consider both the savings opportunities as well as your priorities. It is obvious that both stores will probably sell out of their discounted items – and you can’t be at 2 places at once. So decide which store is offering the best discount or the item that matters to you the most and go there first. Or, if possible, you go to one store and get a friend or family member to go to the other store.

Another Option

Some stores may offer their items online. The online prices might even be cheaper than the items in the stores. But do keep in mind that you only have a limited amount of time to spare – you should not waste time browsing through all the web sites. Use the online search features to find the items you need.

Consider This

One of the most practical gifts in many instances may be the gift card. This is a very practical and logical gift if you are not sure what would be the appropriate gift for the person. Gift cards are always available and in varying amounts. You can always find a gift card online.

Debbie Allen is a content writer that shares tips about holiday traditions. She believes real letters from Santa will help keep the magic of Christmas alive.

Personalized Letter From Santa Claus – The Silver Package!

Personalized Letter From Santa Claus – The Silver Package!

Package from Santa knows that not everyone wants the same things – and with that we offer 3 different personalized letter from Santa Claus packages. Today we will discuss the details of The Silver Package.

The Letter From Santa

The focus of this and every package is the personalized letter. It is important to know that when we say personalized; we really mean ‘personalized’. That is, you can make the letters as individualized as you like. We have a variety of templates to choose from – including everything from letters for newborns and children under 5 as well as inspirational letters and much more. In fact, you can edit everything or even create your own letters.

Nice List Certificate & Autographed Photos

Each Silver package comes with a personalized Nice List Certificate. But that’s not all – your child will also receive autographed photos of Santa Claus and one of Rudolph!

More Fun!

The fun doesn’t stop there! The package includes a Personalized Call from Santa plus a Personalized Santa Video! Imagine the surprise your child will feel when they hear (and see) Santa mention them on the phone call and in the video!  

Final Touches

The amazement of the package actually begins before it is opened. This is hard to explain until you see it for yourself. The shiny green packages are sent via first class mail. Your child will see the package has  a genuine North Pole stamp, Santa’s Special North Pole Return Address Label from Santa’s workshop and a Special Elf Shipping Label addressed to him/her.

One of the things that will please you most is the fact that this package is backed by a 60 day Money Back Guarantee! You really need to consider this offer!

Check Out The Silver Package Now!

Decorate With Salt Dough Ornaments

Add your own style with salt dough ornaments!

Salt dough ornaments, like the ones used to adorn this wreath, are easy to make and they will last. You can use them as Christmas tree ornaments; string them to create garlands, and much more. You’re really only limited by your imagination.

Why not get crafty, have some fun, and decorate with salt dough ornaments? It’s a project that the entire family can enjoy!

The good news is, you probably already have the things you need to make salt dough ornaments.

Supplies Needed:

[Please note: This ‘recipe’ will create enough dough to make a lot of ornaments. With that in mind, if you only plan on making a few pieces you should cut this recipe in half. Also, please remind kids that these ornaments are not intended to be eaten!]

• ·       2 cups all-purpose flour
• ·       1 cup salt
• ·       1 cup water
• ·       Cookie cutters in preferred shapes
• ·       Toothpicks
• ·       Acrylic paints in holiday colors
• ·       Paintbrushes

Prepare Dough

Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a floured surface for kneading the dough.

Combine the flour, salt and water – mix until a dough consistency is formed. Knead the dough on the prepared surface until the mixture becomes smooth and is elastic. If stickiness is noted you can sprinkle in a small amount of flour. Use caution not to use too much flour.

Use a rolling pin to roll the dough flat – it should be ¼” to ½” thick.

Cutting Shapes

Use the cookie cutters to cut the dough into the desired shapes. Toothpicks can be used to create designs/patterns in the shapes, as well as for making the hole that you will use to hang the ornament (if that is desired). Make the hole a little bigger than you actually want it, because the hole will get smaller as the dough bakes.

Bake the ornaments at 250 degrees for approximately 2 ½ hours. After baking the ornaments should be allowed to cool for several hours before they are handled.

Tip: Prepare the ornaments a day ahead of time – then spend the next day painting them. This is the fun part that kids can take part in too.

Paint Your Ornaments

You can get as creative and detailed as you like when painting the salt dough ornaments. It’s really up to you. Some people prefer a simple design and others want as many details as possible.

You may want to use 2 coats of paint on the ornaments – but again, it’s up to your and what you like. In fact, you could add details with a Sharpie pen.

Salt dough ornaments are a creative holiday decoration – the craft project is fun and it’s an inexpensive way to add a little holiday cheer to your home. Give it a try!

Debbie Allen is a professional content writer that often writes about ways to save money during the holidays. She especially likes to include tips that make typical holiday traditions like writing letters to Santa and decorating the tree seem more magical.

Before You Give That Puppy As A Christmas Gift…

Before You Give That Puppy As A Christmas Gift…

Who can resist an adorable little puppy? It really doesn’t matter what time of year it is, puppies just seem to have a way of melting your heart and making you love them. It’s not surprising that they are often thought of as the perfect gift. But before you decide to give a puppy as a Christmas gift there are some things you should consider. Actually, there are lots of things to consider – keep reading…

Puppies are irresistible - but it's important that every puppy goes to a forever home!

Does the Recipient Share Your Love?

For those of us that are dog lovers it can be difficult to imagine living without our furry friends. And when we see a friend or loved one that doesn’t have a dog we naturally want to help out – we want them to enjoy life with a dog. But as surprising as it may be, not everyone wants dogs. In fact, some people don’t even like them!

So one of the most important considerations is finding out how the intended dog-owner feels about having a dog. And not just dogs in general, but you should ask about types of dogs. For instance, some people only want small lap dogs and others prefer larger dogs and some may only want a breed that can be trained to do certain tasks or that doesn’t shed.

Is Christmas the Best Time?

Another huge consideration is timing. Christmas is already a busy time of year. A new pet needs a lot of attention. When you give a pet during the holiday season, in many cases you are taking a risk. Most people have holiday events to attend and friends and family members are stopping by. Chances are that the recipient will not have as much time as he/she would like to spend with the new pet – time that will make the dog feel at home and welcome.

In many ways this is unfair to both the dog and the new owner.

Stressful Time of Year

The holiday season is a stressful time of year. This is largely due to the many things that we try to accomplish in such a short amount of time. If we add a new pet into the mix that stress load can be multiplied. In addition, a new pet will be stressed when she first arrives at her new home. This can result in problematic behaviors that must be dealt with, which again, adds to the chaos of the moment.

The Best Gift of All

But even after reading all these considerations and cautions – although there is truth in them – if you are a dog lover, I’m sure you will agree that a new dog or puppy can be the best gift of all. Taking the time from the craziness of the holiday rush to spend some quiet time relaxing and getting to know a new pet can be soothing and it can create a sense of serenity. As our nerves are calmed and we feel less stressed we can more easily deal with the other issues related to the holiday season. So the thing is, for the right person, a dog or puppy can be an awesome gift – just do your homework before you decide to give a pet as a gift. The goal is that the pet will end up in a forever home!

Debbie Allen is a professional writer and editor that enjoys sharing content related to the holiday season. She often writes about Christmas traditions like holiday decorating, letters from Santa, and gift-giving.

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Create Your Own Holiday Shoes

Create Your Own Holiday Shoes

Looking festive at holiday events is important, but it can also get expensive. Fortunately, with a little creativity, you can find lots of ways to save money on your holiday fashions and still look great. In fact, you can create your own, one of a kind holiday shoes. Want shoes that sparkle and shine like Dorothy’s in the Wizard of Oz? It’s very possible and the best is, it’s easy! Just follow along with these simple instructions.

Everyone wants to look great during the holiday season – DIY designs are a fun way to save money and give you a one-of-a-kind look; dd some sparkle to your old heels with glitter!

Getting Started

Gather one or more pairs of old pumps or high heels. A pair that is scuffed up will work just fine. All you really need to ensure is that the shoes fit and the soles are intact. You will be covering the outside with glitter. That’s where the sparkle will come from.

If you don’t have an old pair of shoes to use you can visit a second-hand shop and pick up a pair or two for a few bucks. After all, you might want to have a red glitter pair and another pair in gold or black.

The idea is to get creative and have fun with the project. You won’t be investing very much money and the craft project itself is fun.

Preparation:

This project can get messy so it is a good idea to create a work space by spreading newspaper on a flat working surface. The newspaper will ‘catch’ the overflow of glitter, which makes it easy to funnel it back into the container.

Things You Need

• ·         Shoes
• ·         Glitter
• ·         Mod Podge
• ·         Small Paint Brush
• ·         Newspaper
• ·         Painter’s Tape
• ·         Scissors
• ·         Ribbon (optional)
• ·         Clear Spray Sealant
• ·         Super Glue (optional)

Instructions:

Decide on a design for your shoes. You can cover the shoes completely in a single color of glitter or you may choose to create a pattern effect – that is, you might want the toes and heels of the shoes to be red and the rest to be black. You are the fashion designer!

If you choose to use a pattern you should use the painter’s tape to section the different areas off. It’s also a good idea to line the inside of your shoe with newspaper – this will help prevent glitter and the sealant from covering the inside your shoe.

Use the paint brush to cover the shoe or chosen section in Mod Podge. Complete one section, then you can do another.

Please note: If you want to add a bow made of ribbon at the back of the heel you should leave a space uncovered – this is where you will apply super glue to attach the bow. It is advisable to add a stitch or two through the bow to ensure that it will stay tied. You may also want to use a lighter to slightly heat the ribbon edges. This will prevent the ribbon from fraying.

After your shoes are completely covered in glitter you should take them outdoors to spray them with the sealant. Give them two generous coats.

Now is the time to add the final touch – the bow at the back of the heel if desired. Next – it’s time for you to step out in style!

Debbie Allen loves to write about DIY projects that help others save money and have fun. She believes simple Christmas traditions, like letters from Santa are the most meaningful ones.

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net