Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Thursday, April 4, 2013

LED Christmas Lights for the Ultimate in Holiday Decor

Okay, I realize that Christmas is still a good eight or nine months away, but if you're like me (and I think some of you are), you think about Christmas all year long.  I do it to save money and beat the holiday rush.  When I have not planned for Christmas like I should, I have gotten so flustered and have been unable to enjoy the holiday season.


Christmas decorations are a big thing in our family.  My mom and daughter especially enjoy decorating with lights, and I enjoy the fruits of their labors.  In recent years, we have worked to replace our old Christmas lights with updated LED Christmas lights, just check this site.  My mom is especially appreciative of these lights because they last a long time, and they are much more cost-effective.  Christmas is expensive enough without adding the high cost of electricity bills to the mix.


The wonderful thing about LED Christmas lights is that they are extremely versatile.  Since they are so much brighter than the traditional lights, you will find that you don't have to use quite as many strings in your decorating scheme.  While the price may be initially somewhat higher than the traditional lights, I think you will find that the benefits are worth the extra money you will pay up front.

LED Christmas lights can also be used for decorating all year long.  Yes, you read that correctly.  This should make you feel better about your initial investment.  Instead of storing those lights in the box and only using them for a couple months during the year, consider decorating with them year round!  You may find that these LED lights become your primary decorating device throughout your house.  I would tend to say that the possibilities are endless.

So, when you think about Christmas (or any other holiday throughout the year), be sure to check out LED Christmas lights.  Don't discount the various uses for this fantastic product!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

This Day in History March 5, 1933

Things were pretty bad during the Great Depression, and on this date in 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt declared that there would be a bank holiday on the following day.  What that meant was that all bank transactions would be suspended for four days.  This was a necessary thing because only fifty percent of banks were even holding on at this point.  This was FDR's first full day in office, by the way.

For more information:
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130305/OPINION04/303050045/FDR-s-bank-holiday-set-stage-reform?nclick_check=1
http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/money_08.html

Sunday, January 6, 2013

BJS Tours: Holiday Jinx Blog Tour/Promo


Title: Holiday Jinx
Author:  Abbey MacInnis
Publisher: Abbey MacInnis Publishing
Length:  300 pgs
Sub-Genres:  Holiday, Paranormal, Elf 
               
BLURB:
It's the most wonderful time of the year...unless you're single and lonely.

Jinx--one of Santa's elves--is in trouble with the Big Guy. She's been charged with bringing holiday happiness to Christopher Ragan, CEO of Wondrous Toys. It's a big job especially when he's more attached to the bottom of a bottle than helping his fellow man.

She's got enough trouble without spilling the secrets of the North Pole, but then along comes Natalie Burnes, a newbie CEO of Enchanted Toys and in trouble of a hostile takeover from Christopher's company. The woman literally crashes Christopher's vacation plans in a tucked away Michigan cabin---and the sparks start flying.

As if Jinx's job of matchmaking the toy makers isn't hard enough, she's got to stay one step ahead of the North Pole patrol and keep out of sight of the humans. No way is she gonna screw up and lose her magic again. If the humans can't find happiness and love by Christmas, Jinx forfeits her chance of seeing her true love too. What's an elf to do?
EXCERPT:
This excerpt is from the beginning of Chapter Two.

Run. Get out of here. Adrenaline pumped through Natalie’s system, but fear kept her riveted in place. Light from the bedroom spilled into the hallway and gleamed off broad, bronze shoulders and muscular thighs. The man stood about six foot three. From her vantage point, she noted his tight glutes and ripped biceps, an obvious indication he didn’t neglect his physical health.
Natalie scrambled to find the courage to drag her gaze from his naked torso, up his wide chest, and farther still to his face that appeared like textured marble in the artificial light. She deduced he meant her no harm when he stumbled back against the bathroom doorway, his hands covering his ears.
If he were some crazy person, he’d already be after me. What kind of robber would go around in the middle of a blizzard naked anyway?
Her fright dissipated as she glimpsed his taut jaw set at a stubborn angle. He remained still with his shoulders back and legs spread. He crossed his arms and stared her down, his expression pinched.
A hot, annoyed, naked guy was the last thing she expected to encounter in her cabin. She didn’t know who was more caught off guard. “What the hell are you doing here?” she demanded, taking another step back.
A faint niggling of recognition stirred her brain cells. I can’t be right. Fate can’t so readily be handing me who I’m wanting to see, and in such a nicely presented package.
He pushed his wavy blond hair from his furrowed brow and regarded her from deep, intense blue eyes. “, "Am I still dreaming? I thought I was rid of you.”
Dazed, she shook her head. This time, she was wrong. Fate had decided to help her out. This naked hottie was indeed Christopher Reagan. And what was he talking about? He was the intruder. “Um… No, I just got here.” That sounded like an apology. She hardened her voice. “Why are you in my cabin?”
“He’s been waiting for you,” whispered that same voice she’d heard on the porch. This pulled Natalie’s attention from the naked guy. He wasn’t the one who had spoken. To be sure there wasn’t anyone else in the room, she scanned every corner. To her consternation, she found nothing.
I must be going crazy. Or the resident ghost in this place is more active than I’d like.
“Did you just hear something? A voice maybe?” she asked.
He hesitated for a moment, blinking as he gaped at her. “Hear what? You screamed loud enough to burst an eardrum. That’s all I heard.”
Maybe I’m more tired than I think. Hearing voices. Seeing naked men. Is this naked man real? At least he looked real, standing there in the flesh. The very sexy flesh. She struggled not to openly ogle him. He showed no such restraint as he perused her from her tangled, damp hair to her frozen toes, warming her blood.
She turned away from that burning stare. Her heart rate slowed, but her anger rose as she saw the bottles and glasses on the floor and recognized that Reagan, the intruder, had apparently been making full use of her cabin.
She flattened her lips into a hard snarl. “Who do you think you are? This is my cabin. With this mess,” she swept her arms wide, gesturing to the bottles, “you act like you own the place.”
He tilted his head in that arrogant way that sent familiarity slamming through her. She’d seen that look before and hated it now as she had then. “I do own this place. Rather, my family does. I’m Christopher Reagan, and this is my uncle’s cabin.”
She had yet to observe a look of acknowledgement in his eyes, though she’d rather pretend she hadn’t recognized Reagan at all. She’d traveled all this way to see him, but not unclothed and in her cabin. There was only so much of the man she could handle.



BUY LINKS:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Abbey MacInnis is a published author of Contemporary Western romance. Along with Contemporary, she writes Historical, Paranormal and erotic romance. Whether she’s being swept off her feet by a Medieval knight, regency rake, or cowboy or cop, her heroes are always strong men who’ll love their women unconditionally.
On most days, Abbey can be found at her computer, penning her latest tale. A tale where love, respect, and passion combine to create a satisfying and happy ending. Guaranteed. She invites you to step in to the pages of her romances, to leave your worries behind and get swept up in her world.
http://www.authorems.com W/AAbbey MacInnis
http://www.abbeymacinnis.com Independent women meet their match with heroes who need a good woman
@abbeymacinnis



This Day in History, January 6, 361

By Unknown Master, German (active around 1510 in Cologne) (Web Gallery of Art:   Image  Info about artwork) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
On this date in 361, the first Christian holiday of Epiphany was established.  This is the twelfth day of Christmas, and it is traditionally the day that the three kings came to visit the Christ Child.  It also celebrates His baptism and even the Wedding at Cana.  It was the Eastern Church where this entire tradition began.  There are many traditions associated throughout the world with this Christian holiday.  Many people see this as the end of the holiday season and take down their Christmas decorations.  In Latin America, children dress up like kings and go from house to house singing carols in the days preceding All Kings Day (as it is sometimes called).  In Argentina, they leave wine, fruit, and milk outside their doors for the kings and their camels to enjoy.  In France, they eat All Kings Cake which has a little gift hidden inside of it.  If you get that item, you are king for the day.

Interested in making one of these cakes?  Check out the recipes here.

For more information:
http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/2013/1/6/three-kings-day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday)
http://www.cresourcei.org/cyepiph.html
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05504c.htm

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Hilarious Holiday T-shirt Review



I absolutely love holiday and Christmas clothes, and so does my daughter.  There is something special about the holiday season and being able to wear things that show my love of the season.  It seems like there are so many different kinds of shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and more out there from which to choose.  And even though I only wear these kinds of clothes for a few weeks each year, it is important to find nice-looking, well-made clothes so they can last for many years to come.

When I was asked to review a holiday t-shirt, I decided to let my daughter wear it instead of me.  Her shirt looks just like the one above except that it is black.  She is nine years old and practically doesn't believe in Santa any more, but she absolutely loved this shirt!  I did, too.  The shirt was well-made, and several people commented on how cute it was.  After all, what kid doesn't wonder what Santa considers "naughty"?

Funny Christmas T-shirts has all sorts of shirts for the holiday season to match every style.  In addition to the one pictured here, you can check out their Naughty but Nice Christmas t-shirts.  You are sure to find something for this season and maybe even something for the new year!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

12 Days of Giveaways: Day 6--3 Winners (ends 12/19) U.S.


Hosted by: Pinterest Fanatic | Giveaway Fanatic | With a Side of Thriftiness | Capri's Coupons | My Devotional Thoughts | A Happy Wife in New Orleans | Aunt Maggie Rocks | Bodhi's Mews
Welcome to the absolute best Christmas giveaway going on now!

One winner will receive a Mona Melisa Designs Peel & Play Set of their choice. Use the following coupon code for a 60% discount on their site: PINFAN 1112 (there is no expiration date - it's ongoing).


One winner will receive a Huggable Teddy Bears $25 Gift Code. 


One winner will receive a Crayon Rocks Holiday Gift Set 



Who doesn't want to win these?  Just enter the rafflecopter below by 9 P.M. Pacific time on December 19, and you are in to win!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

And be sure to enter the other giveaways:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

Day 5

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Sponsored Post: Shutterfly Holiday Cards (and a giveaway, too) U.S./Canada (Ends 10/29)



Well, it almost that time of year.  "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat.  Please put a penny in the old man's hat."  I know that's not the most popular Christmas song on the books, but it is a great way to kick off the holiday season.

You know what else is a great way to kick it off?  Shutterfly Christmas Cards!


What is the one time of year that people traditionally send cards and/or letters?  Christmas!  It's the idea time to send out updates about the year and let people know what is going on with you and your family.  And it's so neat to be able to add current family photos.  Nothing like a photo to add the personal touch.


Most of us our somewhat computer savvy, and we know how to download pictures to our computers.  But who has the time to sit down and create a beautiful card that uses those photos?


I know some people do, but I will admit that I don't.  If I can submit my pictures, design it online using a simple tool, and have the correct amount of high-quality cards printed and mailed to me for sending to friends and family, I would say to go ahead and do it!  Anything that saves me time during this busy time of year sounds good to me.  



Photo Christmas Cards are definitely the wave of the future.  They are so versatile.  Add one or man pictures, and arrange them in an eye-pleasing way.  How nice that Shutterfly provides you with so many good layouts and designs from which to choose.  


This card is similar to one from earlier on except that this one has color and is a "religious" card.  I have to say that I never would have thought of making a change like that just to personalize a card.  And if you are so inclined, you could conceivably design a different card for everyone in your sphere of influence--the possibilities are endless.

So what do you think?  Are you interested in checking out Shutterfly yet?  Be sure to check out their Special Offers page.  You're sure to find something for the special people in your life that will be meaningful long after the holiday season has passed.

Check out Shutterfly on social media for the latest news, deals, and promotions.



Ready for the deal to be truly sweetened?  Shutterfly is letting me give away a $50 gift certificate to their website!  ($50 off the total order excluding shipping/handling; cannot be combined with any other offer)  Just enter the rafflecopter form below by October 29 at 9 P.M. Pacific time.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Shutterfly.  I am being financially compensated for posting this, but all opinions are 100 percent mine.  The giveaway will be provided by Shutterfly.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, October 6, 2012

This Day in History October 6, 1986

John Tenniel [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons


I had no idea this holiday even existed, but maybe you did?  The date of this holiday comes from the sticker poking out of the Mad Hatter's hat (from Alice in Wonderland) that says 106.  And so back in 1986 on this date, a group of computer technicians in Boulder, Colorado decided to create this day.  It is about six months from the other silly holiday, April Fool's Day.  But this holiday is described as a kinder, gentler fool's day.  And by the way, in the UK, the date is celebrated in June 6 (due to the way they read their dates).  Oh, detailed plans for celebrating this day will be released tomorrow since plans released after the fact make more sense and work better.  (Makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?)

Would you like to make your own Mad Hatter Hat?  Check out this project here.

And if you would like some more links to information about this zany holiday check out the following links:
http://www.kafejo.com/holidays/hatter.htm
http://www.examiner.com/article/get-silly-it-s-mad-hatter-day
http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/October/madhatterday.htm
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~ari/madHatter.html
http://www.zanyholidays.com/2009/10/mad-hatter-day.html

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

This Day in History August 21, 1988



Did you know there was a day set aside to recognize and celebrate senior citizens?  It happens to be today, and it was on this date in 1988, that the first ever Senior Citizen's Day was declared by President Ronald Reagan.  His words concerning that date were: “Older citizens are reinforcing their historical roles as leaders and as links with our patrimony and sense of purpose as individuals and as a Nation.” 

How should we celebrate?  Again, let's read President Reagan's words: "For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older."  Today would be a good day to spend time with senior citizens and help them.  They do make up a majority of our population, and about 80% of them do vote.  They are generally a segment of the population who not receive the credit they are due.  They are not respected and revered as young people are.  The amazing thing is that I would rather speak with a senior citizen about life and advice than someone my age or younger.  After all, they have lived a long time, and they probably know a whole lot more about life than I do.

Don't forget to thank a senior or help a senior today.  My mom is nearly 70, and she is more active now than when she was younger.  Granted, she may not be doing the same kinds of things, but that woman just does not stop.  In spite of pain, she works on our 5-acre property, and she often steps in and does things that I should be doing (but she won't let me help!).  She takes care of my daughter, and she does double the work since my dad either won't or can't help her.


Thank you, Mom!

For more information on the holiday, please check out:

Monday, August 13, 2012

This Day in History August 13, 1992

This is day of celebration for those who are left-handed because on this date in 1992, International Left Hander's Day was launched.  This is a day that touches me because I have a daughter who just happens to be left-handed (not to mention a father, as well).  I can remember as was beginning to develop, I was pretty sure that she was favoring her left hand.  I was married at the time, and I remember watching my husband at that time try to force her to use her right hand.  I was horrified, but he was not about to stop.  Thankfully, he did not stay around to continue this behavior.

Did you know that eight out of 44 presidents were/are left-handed?  In fact, left-handedness usually goes hand in hand with creativity.  I am glad that being left-handed today is not like it was in my dad's day.  He was forced to learn to use his right hand, and I know it was not easy for him.  It is still a right-hand dominant world, but thankfully left-handedness is no longer a stigma.

For more information, please check out:
http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/2012/8/13/left-handers-day
http://lefthandersday.com/
http://www.examiner.com/article/international-left-handers-day-celebrating-lefties-and-southpaws-of-the-world

Image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blue_left_hand.png

Sunday, August 12, 2012

This Day in History August 12, 1999




I am constantly amazed at the new holidays that have appeared in recent years, and this is one of them.  On this date in 2000, the first National Youth Day was celebrated.  It had been created through a UN resolution that was passed on December 17, 1999.   Youth is basically defined at ages 15-24 (that certainly cuts me out!).  It is estimated that youth comprises one sixth of the world's population.

The theme of International Youth Day this year is "Building a Better World: Partnering With Youth."  It is true that young people today face many challenges, but it is good to remember that they are our future.  Actually, that is sometimes pretty scary!  But nevertheless, there are a lot of good kids out there, and maybe the upcoming generation will make it a better world.  You can always hope.

For more information, please check out:
http://dawn.com/2012/08/12/international-youth-day/?like=1&_wpnonce=3683243edd
http://www.un.org/en/events/youthday/
http://social.un.org/index/Youth/InternationalYouthDay.aspx
http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/2012/8/12/international-youth-day


My Parents
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

This Day in History February 2, 1887

I actually forgot about Groundhog Day, and it just so happens that on this date in 1887, the first Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Philadelphia in Gobbler's Knob.  "Phil" became the one and only groundhog that could predict the weather.  According to tradition, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, and if he does not, spring will come early.

I did not know that the tradition of Groundhog Day goes back to an old-time Christian feast day (Candlemas Day).  Groundhog Day also falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox--cross-quarter day.  Candles determined the length of winter.  Germans took the concept and expanded it to mean that hedgehogs (groundhogs) predicted the weather.  It had to do with hibernation.

There is much more that could be said, but if you are interested, you can check out the links:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-groundhog-day
http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/punxsutawney/a/groundhog_day.htm
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/On-this-Day--First-Groundhog-Day-Celebrated-121-Years-Ago.html

I have to admit that I have never put much stock in groundhog day.  I remember that it was kind of a big deal in elementary school, but other than that, I really don't care much.  No groundhog is going to determine the weather for me!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Thoughtful Thursday--Holiday Planner Set Review

I had the opportunity to review a great aid for holiday planning.  I don't know if you are like me, but I really struggle with planning this time of year.  I hardly have time to breathe let alone get myself organized.  I know there are sites out there that can help with holiday planning, but I just don't have time to go to all those sites and get it all together.  How nice it would be for us to find a place where everything is in one place for easy holiday planning.

Well, Uncreative Mommy has you covered.  You can go to her site and get a great 9-page holiday planner that will help you organize all the important stuff this holiday season.  You will find a holiday menus planner, gift planner, and even a planner to help you organize your favorite holiday songs.  I have never thought about organizing that.  I love Christmas music, but I often can't find it all.  You will also find a holiday budget--very important this time of year!  And a card list.  I don't really send holiday cards, but it is something I could use and tweak for my own uses.  I do have a few I send off this time of year.

So be sure to check out her holiday planner.  It is visually appealing and ready to be used.  Get her holiday planner, and go get yourself a holiday drink as you get everything organized for this time of year!  You can do it!  If I can, I know you can!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Free-Wheeling Friday--Holiday Cookie Review


A few days ago, I received a very special item to review--Smiley Sugar and Gingerbread cookies, and what you see in the picture is exactly what they looked like! This was perfect timing seeing how Thanksgiving was just around the corner.  What a perfect time to share this Christmas cookie gift with my family!

My daughter was the first one who got try one of these fabulous cookies.  She chose the Christmas tree cookies.  She said they were the best sugar cookies she ever ate.  In fact, she had another one today after Thanksgiving dinner.  My mom said they were good and not overly sweet, but she did prefer another kind.

Which brings me to my mother's choice of cookies (and mine too!):  gingerbread smiley cookies!  We both loved these--my daughter enjoyed them, too.  I liked the fact that they were not too sweet nor too strong on ginger.  They were absolutely perfect!

I have never thought of sending a holiday cookie gift, but I have to say that these would be absolutely perfect for gift-giving.  The cookies are fresh, large, and taste really good.  Who wouldn't want to send something like this to a friend or family member?

Perhaps you are still skeptical about sending a gourmet Christmas gift such as this.  Sometimes we find ourselves complaining about the prices and the fact that once an item like this is eaten, it is gone--there is nothing left as a memento.  But think for a minute.  When you think of the holidays, don't you often think about special foods that you have had or enjoyed?  Isn't that an integral part of the season?  I think the answer is yes!  Why not give a gift like this and give that special person in your life a special food memory of the season?

I do have really good news for you!  Anyone reading this who "likes" Smiley's facebook page will automatically receive a coupon for 20% off any of their Holiday Cookie Gifts and Baskets.  Think about it.  You can go online, and get all your shopping done now!  It couldn't be easier.  After all, you don't really want to go fight the crowds of Black Friday, do you?

I hope you honestly take advantage of this offer and check this fantastic company out.  I had heard of them before, but if wasn't until this review happened that I actually tried them for myself.  As far as I am concerned, I am sold!  I think I may do some holiday shopping there myself.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Solution Sunday--Mixbook 5x7 Custom Card Review



I am so excited to tell you about this wonderful product that I had the opportunity to review!  Mixbook is a wonderful site where you can create your own custom cards, invitations, and more.  The site is incredibly easy to navigate, and you will definitely be happy with the quality of each product they provide.

As I began to create my custom photo card, I was faced with so many decisions.  There were so many ideas, and I really had to spend some time narrowing down my choices.  I finally decided to create a custom Christmas Card.  The really great thing was that I was able to design exactly what the card said so that I could use these cards during winter, not just Christmas.  I sometimes forget to send out Christmas cards, but I know that I can make it a point to send out cards in January, and these cards will be ideal.  Here's a scan  of what my card looks like:
 While this image is not the clearest, you can see what a fine job they do on creating the perfect card!  My daughter loved it , and so did my mom.  On the back of the card, there is plenty of room to write a short message, and each card comes with a white envelope at no extra charge.

So the next time you have some kind of event coming up and you need a special, customized card, don't forget to check out Mixbook!  With them creating the perfect custom card, you just can't go wrong!

Like Mixbook on facebook.
Follow Mixbook on twitter.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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