Mingle with Legendary Santa

The Christmas Mother in conjunction with the Children's Museum of Richmond will host a special event on Sunday, December 5th. For $2 you can mingle with the Legendary Santa and explore the regular exhibits from 5:30-8:00 PM. $1 of the cost of admission goes to the Christmas Mother.

(Side Note- Regular Admission is $8 for children over 1 and adults.)

All that Glitters

Thinking about adding a little pizazz to your holiday look? Using make up with a little glitter is an easy way to add more sparkle. Go easy on it though, accenting only one feature (like your eyes or lips). My personal favorite for eyes is a mix of Victoria's Secret cream eyeshadow gel and their sparkling powder shadow. To make it a little less intense, I go over it with a neutral shadow. They also make a subtle lip gloss with just enough shine for everyday use that's not too flashy.

Children's Museum

Are you a Bank of America account holder? If so, you can gain FREE entry to the Children's Museum of Richmond (both locations) the first weekend of the month (Saturdays 9:30-5:00 and Sundays 12-5:00). Just show your Bank of America card and your photo ID.

Making a List and Checking it Twice...

Santa has the right idea in terms of planning ahead. If you are attempting to score any major deals tomorrow, it would be a good idea on your part to plan ahead. Here are some tips for making the most of the biggest shopping day of the year.

- Scrutinize ads to compare prices. Some stores (like Wal-Mart) will match a competitor's price as long as you have the ad in print. Look for print coupons, too.

- Make a list of the stores you plan to visit and what you want to specifically look for when in that store. Jot down the sizes of your gift recipients (if you don't have them committed to memory, or if they might vary from store to store).

- Map out where you are going and when. Make note of stores that have special offers that expire at certain times (i.e.- 40% off the entire store until 8 AM) and be sure to prioritize.

-Bring any coupons with you!!

- Pack a snack and a bottled water... just in case you need it.

- Be patient and have a good attitude. Being in a rotten mood will not make a long line move any faster.

- Come home... and nap.... and delight in your savings!


Last year I ventured with my family to Williamsburg at the crack of dawn (really before dawn). The savings were too good to pass up. I came across a Lacoste dress that originally retailed for $95. When the discounts were applied... I got it for $14!! That's one of my all-time favorite deals! I hope that's the case this year as well.

Being Thankful

This time of year is an ideal time to stop and think about the things you are grateful for. Off and on since I was in high school, I've kept a "Thanks Journal". Everyday, I try to jot down 5 things that I am thankful for. They can be simple little things (like Rainbow Cookies or getting a new magazine in the mail) to more serious things (like having 200+ family and friends celebrating our wedding day with us and living in a country without religious persecution). I've accumulated many "Thanks Journals" over the years, and it's interesting to go back and look at them. It's interesting to go back and look at what has happened over the past few months. I don't always get to it everyday, so sometimes I'm writing a few days worth of things I've been thankful for. I like to pick journals that have fun covers and use a specific pen for it so that I stay motivated to use them. I encourage you to keep a "Thanks Journal". It's humbling and helps keep things in perspective. Even if you don't start a journal, at least take the time to think about the blessings that you have been given.

Happy Brushing

Reach makes these adorable toothbrushes with fancy patterns that make everyday brushing just a tad more chic!With so many patterns to choose from, it's a good thing you get to mix it up every few months!

BOGO at Starbucks!

Starting today (11/18) through 11/21, if you buy a holiday drink at Starbucks, you get one FREE! Note that it has to be between the hours of 2 and 5 pm. Spread some holiday (and frothy goodness) cheer!

Holiday Shipping

Planning on mailing some packages this Christmas? If so, head to www.prioritymail.com/myholiday to get your FREE Flat Rate Shipping Kit, with 4 different sized boxes and a gift card envelope. Even if you don't mail them right away, it might not be a bad idea to have them on-hand for future packages. It is a limited offer, so be sure to place your request by December 3rd.

Santa's Wonderland

Santa has arrived at Bass Pro Shop! Get your FREE 4x6 picture taken with Santa in his Wonderland. The schedule below lists the available hours, not to mention there are FREE games and activities in the store. There are FREE crafts most days, and even the promise of FREE "Santa Bandz".

The crafts change from week to week, so check out: www.basspro.com and click on "Santa's Wonderland" for more specific details.

Clogged Drain?

One of our sinks was starting to drain a little slower than normal. With no Liquid Plumber, my hubby said that he had heard that using liquid dish soap would do the job. I ran some water in the sink, and as it slowly started to drain, Jason put in some Dawn and we let it seep down the drain. I opened and closed it a few times, which seemed to help push the soap along. I'm not exactly sure how, but it worked! The sink is draining just fine, and the dish soap left the sink clean and smelling fresh.

Board Games for $1

Someone reminded me about this today... Toys R Us has board games on sale this week for $1 after a mail-in rebate. Classics like "Candy Land" and "Chutes and Ladders" are $1 after a $2 rebate. Games like "Hi Ho Cherry-O" and "Don't Break the Ice" are $3 after a $2 rebate. Get in to Toys R Us by Saturday to take advantage of this sale!

Black Friday Ads

Are you itching to see the deals that are going to be out there on Black Friday?? (Yep!!) Check out the new ads at: www.black-friday.net. They're continuing to post new ads as they become available (a.k.a- "leaked").

Keeping Warm

I shamelessly love my Snuggie and now is the perfect time of year to cuddle up in one! I do not condone the use of a Snuggie for Dogs- if your pet is so lethargic that they need a fleece blanket, something is wrong. I also do not condone a Snuggie commercial I saw last night that actually used the "Macarena" in the ad. No need for that. Snuggies do make great gifts!

Children's Clothing Sale

Target has Circo clothing on sale this week for infants and toddlers for $3.50 each piece! If you have small children, or know someone who does, spread the word to take advantage of this deal!

Lysol Wipes

I've just discovered the practicality of Lysol's Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes. One of my parents sent them in at the beginning of the year. One side is rough and was very helpful at unsticking dried glue and 1st grade funk from the classroom tables, while the other softer side is just like a regular wipe. They would also come in handy scrubbing down bathrooms and/or kitchens. I think that they might be added to my next shopping list!

Pleasantly Surprised

My mom and I enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at Ruby Tuesday over the weekend. I haven't been in a Ruby Tuesday in years, but was pleasantly surprised by the revamped menu and service. The fact that we had a buy-one-get-one-free coupon didn't hurt either! The menu indicated lots of healthier options and the salad bar was well-maintained and had tons of choices too. Be on the lookout for BOGO coupons in the Sunday paper and even in some magazines (some are on the bottom of a full page add and some are tear-out cards).

Christmas Magic?!

My hubby and I went through a Starbucks drive thru the other night when what with my wondering eyes should appear?... but a Starbucks holiday cup filled with Christmas cheer!! Starbucks has already started using their notorious red and white cups. I literally gasped when the cup came out the window. Jason thought something was really wrong, but I was just excited to see the premature holiday celebration.