November 2011 Archives

It seems as the kids get older, they get harder and harder to shop for. Maybe it's because they've developed their personality by now and they know exactly what they like and what they don't. While the hottest electronics may be at the top of their wish lists, consider gifting them with a few toys that don't require batteries and run on good ol' fashioned fun and creativity. Who knows...they may end up liking them more than that iPad2!

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, we have officially entered the holiday season. What that means for most of us is that there's a lot to do. From shopping to cooking, or attending various holiday events and parties, there just aren't enough hours in the day to get it all done! The best way to make it through the next month (and even all year round) is to find little ways to save time -- 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there quickly adds up to some significant daily or weekly time. Here are some of our favorite time-saving tips:

1. Do all of your shopping online. Not only is this a significant time-saver, it's also a stress-saver: no crowded malls or trips to the toy store only to find that the must-have gift is sold out. Take advantage of free shipping/free return offers and discount coupons as often as you can, and you'll save money as well as time.

2. Stock up on generic gifts. Candles, lotions, bottles of wine are perfect for quick gifts for everyone from teachers to postal workers.

3. Head to the dollar store and stock up on gift bags. You'll save loads of time wrapping presents.

4. Pay your bills online. This is one of our favorite timesaving tips year round. Set up recurring payments and pay all other bills once a month online in a fraction of the time it takes to hand write and mail checks. Plus, you'll save money on postage.

5. Order groceries online. It's a holiday lifesaver.

6. Work out at home. During the holidays, it's often hard to find time to go to the gym. Working out at home saves time and is easier to fit into any schedule, even if it's just 15 minutes a day. Go for a walk, sign up for online yoga classes, or check out YouTube for free fitness videos.

7. Become the master of the under 30 minute meal. Keep a file of tried-and-true recipes for dinners that can be made quickly, using ingredients from your pantry or freezer. Sign up for notakeout.com for free daily recipes that are easy and quick.

8. DVR it! Record your favorite shows and skip over commercials: you can watch a 30 minute show in 22 minutes.

9. Make lists. Staying organized is essential. Store lists on your mobile phone so you are always reminded.

10. Delegate. When possible, ask for help!

Tell us, what are your favorite time-saving tips?

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Just like teenagers, preschoolers seem to think they have all the knowledge they need to conquer the world. However, what they don't know is that most of it is is their imagination -- which they seem to be full of at this age. Foster their imagination and creativity with gifts that require them to build, color and mold whatever their little heart desires. You'll love that it gets them away from the TV and they'll love the endless possibilities from just one little gift!

Leggings are a very attractive choice this time of year. They're easy to wear, plus they can dress up or go casual. There's also the debatable comfort factor. If you have a trim, toned bottom section, you'll squarely side with those who say leggings are the most comfortable pants on the planet. If you feel a bit self conscious or if you have a baby bump that needs extra support, you may be a bit more reluctant to wear them everywhere and anywhere. For those of us in the latter, the leggings featured below are for you! From high-waisted designs to strategically-placed supportive lycra, each style will tighten, tone and support without any uncomfortable binding. Talk about comfort and joy for the holidays!     

The celebrities have been rockin' the red carpets lately with locks that we crave and while we may not be able to get the blowout or their exact hair color, the style we can steal is their sparkly hair accessories. Worn half-up, pinned all the way back, side swept or just long and loose, dress-up your hair this season with a feathered headband or vintage jeweled hair pin for a style that definitely stands on its own -- in fact, skip the necklace and let the hair accessory speak for itself!