Candy Disposal

After bemoaning the plethora of candy left over from the local parade, a friend gave me the best idea: build a gingerbread house! We used graham crackers because let's face it, I don't have time to bake gingerbread, but it turned out great and used up all of the parade candy. No more begging for candy and we have a pretty little house to show for it!

Kid's Gift Idea

What kid wouldn't want to be a super hero for Christmas? For about $6, you can outfit your little one with a cape and mask. Here's one that we made for a friend:

For a small 4 year old, I cut a 24" X 26" rectangle and hemmed it.
Thread cording through the hem on one end to tie the cape around the neck.
Cut out and sew a design on the back.

For the mask, I traced a sleeping mask and used binding around the edges.
Sew on an elastic cord and you're done!

*Hint: you can also use a satin pillowcase for the same effect...and it's already hemmed!

Feeling sappy?

First of all, my apologies to all of you for going dark last week! Well, I'm back so here's a great tip that works like a charm:
Suffering from sappy hands after wrestling your tree into the house? Try peanut butter! Simply rub onto your hands and rinse. Dan tried this over the weekend and it worked perfectly- not a trace of sap!

Rug Bargain!

I found a golden egg for all of you! Lowes is having a rug sale with area rugs for only $10 each! That's right, just $10. I happened to be needing a bunch of area rugs so I went ahead and ordered them and it is no joke! If you choose the ship to store option, you don't have to pay for shipping and you can also use this promo code for an additional 10% off: 470007216723254

Here's the link: http://www.lowes.com/Search=artistic+weavers?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=artistic+weavers#!&Ns=p_product_price%7C0&page=1&AID=10926682&PID=1225267&SID=QfUi1DsNEeKY53J9paJ5ug0_Q1qJ3_wiK_0_0&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-Slickdeals+Inc-_-1122587-_-10926682


Happy shopping!

Gifts for Grandma

It can be difficult to buy gifts for the elderly people in you life. Many are in assisted living facilities or have limited space for extra things. Here are a few tried and true gifts that they are sure to enjoy!

• Write a family newsletter each month and mail with pictures
• Lotion, body wash, or linen spray
• Magazine subscription
• Send a story that you've written each month of a memory together
• A digital picture frame that you've pre-loaded with family shots
• Photo calender
• Amaryllis bulb
• A homemade assortment of jams and jellies
• For the reader: a collection of books
• For the knitter: a basket full of yarn
• A bird feeder to hang outside

Cyber Monday

Don't forget...today is Cyber Monday! Look around online for super deals. Some good things to keep an eye out for include: free shipping and blanket deals (ie. 30% off entire site). Enjoy staying in and shopping from home!

Black Friday

To get a jump on the black friday deals, check out this website: http://www.blackfriday.gottadeal.com/ It has the store ads for black friday listed online and you can also search for specific items.
*Do the world a favor and please don't go shopping on Thanksgiving! Just wait one more day, you can do it! There, I said my piece. You can always check the store website if there is a super deal you have your eye on. Many stores will let you order online so you don't have to brave the crowds!