Keeping the Castle » Christmas Gift Ideas

Holiday Shopping Tips

Kathy Zengolewicz — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:17:21 +0000

I wanted to share a few holiday shopping tips with you to help keep your stress level at a minimum. This time of year can be so full of stress that you can’t enjoy the season. The first thing you need to do is not wait until the last minute. I know that we get closer to Christmas there are numerous sales that can save you loads of money, but that will also bring your stress level through the roof.

Kathy Zengolewicz

If you wait until the 23rd or 24th of December, you will have to fight crowds, you will have very little merchandise to choose from and you will wait in long, long lines. Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, not stress.

Now, shop when you think the stores will be less crowded, like in the early morning or late at night. Some stores are open 24 hours, if that’s the case you can probably shop at 3:00 am. If you shop in the middle of the night, who knows, maybe you can get everything done in one night. Wouldn’t that be great!

Make up a list of specific gifts for everyone and stick to that list. If you know what you are looking for, chances are it will be that much easier to find. Set a maximum price for each gift and stick to that, also. Try not to use a credit card. Those little plastic cards will get you into a financial bind. Try to work within your budget. If you can stick to the budget, you’ll be that much happier on December 26th.

If you are shopping online, make sure to check out this site: http://www.couponcabin.com and http://www.currentcodes.com/ Also, do a google search of “coupon codes” (without the quote marks) and you’ll find promotional codes for lots of terrific sites.

I hope these tips help with your shopping and keep your stress level down. Remember to stop, relax a little and enjoy the season.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon!

Post from: Keeping the Castle

The Stocking Stuffer Game

SP Bragg — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 11:29:29 +0000

If you have a Scrabble board handy, place all of the tiles in a bag and then let everyone who is doing the whole stocking stuffer thing, to reach in and take out five or whatever number of stocking stuffers needed. Each stocking stuffer needs to start with the letter on the tile that has been drawn. For example, if you have drawn an S for example, your stocking stuffer must begin with that letter. Socks comes to mind as I sit here typing this, but as long as your stocking stuffer matches the letter on the tile, you are good to go. It could get quite interesting lol… to see what kind of items find their way into your stocking!

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Some Great Crafts for a Cold Snowy Afternoon

SP Bragg — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:33:55 +0000

This week, I went looking for quick and easy, not to mention gorgeous decorating ideas that I can use at The Castle. I lucked out big time!

Quick and Easy Christmas Wreath

50 Cute and Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas

Yoyo Christmas Tree Ornaments

Cereal Boxes Into Gift Boxes

Cherry Dot Cookies

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Multi-Color Drip Taper Candles

SP Bragg — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:05:39 +0000

I know that there are going to be a lot of you who won’t be wanting these candles because they do drip, but there are going to be some of you who remember these candles with fond memories… I think that it was during the 1970s. We would prop them in old wine bottles and sit and listen to Pink Floyd and watch the different colors drip down the sides of the candles. The only reason I’m remembering them is that my sister found a pair years later and built a gift basket around those memories! You can buy two at a time or buy an entire case which still comes in for less than $20.00! What great stocking stuffers!

Here’s to fond memories!

Photo Credit: General Wax and Candle Company

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Are You Ready for a Little More Shopping??

SP Bragg — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:39:46 +0000

All around b5media’s Beauty & Style Channel, the Splendicity bloggers have put together some amazing holiday gift guides. Everything from makeup and skincare products to little black dresses and accessories, we have it all.

Let’s go shopping!

Beth at Aging Fabulous offers a selection of terrific beauty gifts.

SP shows you some terrific handbags at Banging Bags, fabulous stocking stuffers at Shopaholics Daily, and even more holiday gifts at Style Her Hair.

Nikki shows us some wonderful little black dresses at Celeb Look.

Gayla features some adorable gifts for your pets at Couture Critters.

Aly offers beauty products for holidays at eBeautyDaily.

Star shows us a selection of fabulous gifts for him and her at Glamour Gift Guide.

Chloe features jewelry gifts for family and friends at Gleaming Things, and offers The Twelve Days of Shopping Christmas Guide at Her Accessories.

Tracy has a not so secret wish list and her holiday gift guide at Hot Mama Daily.

Dexie’s jewelry gift guide for her lights up She Knows Best. And don’t miss out on her Under $100 Holiday Looks at Style It Less.

Kori offers fabulous shoes for every woman in your life at ShoeBlitz.

Colleen features wonderful spa and beauty gifts at Spa Beautifully.

Ashley invites you to indulge in luxury at The Latest Luxe.

Lara provides 8 top 8 lists of holiday gifts for everyone at The List Maven.

Happy Shopping!!

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Pass the Salt

SP Bragg — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:56:42 +0000

I haven’t been able to say that for quite a few years now. It seems that a lot of us (as we get older) manage to find ourselves with high blood pressure and salt seems to be one thing I have to stay away from. Drat! But there are lots of recipes out there for salt substitutes and come to think about it, a jar of your own blend just might make a really nice Christmas gift this year.

Garden Blend Salt Substitute

Lemon Herb Seasoning

All Purpose Salt Substitute

Pungent Salt Substitute

Post from: Keeping the Castle