Yell With Me, Parents! Schools Need To Cool It On This

It's December and the kids have been in school a mere four months or 16 weeks, to be exact. With school supplies and the holidays coming up, the last quarter of the year is always hectic and expensive. 

Yet, in the midst of all this activity

 we've been hit with 24 school-related fundraisers!  WTF!

I've been pressured to buy Scholastic Books, overpriced wrapping paper, candy, coupon books, gifts for underprivileged kids, and an assortment of school logo clothing. We've been asked to bring in unused clothes, cans of food, new books, school supplies, water bottles, and snacks. And my kids have come home enthusiastically asking us for financial contributions to The American Heart Association and for us to sponsor various “a-thons” like “walk a-thons,” “jump-rope a-thons,” and “cartwheel a-thons.” 

Now I understand that the PTA needs to raise money for equipment that public schools can no longer provide (although I question why they spend an insane amount on incidentals like decorating for the faculty luncheon and top-of-the-line flowers for outdoor plantings). And it's wonderfully altruistic to raise money for those in need. I believe it's vital for children to know it's their duty to give and be thankful for all that they have.  

 BUT THIS CONSTANT ASKING FOR STUFF HAS GOT TO STOP!

The kids feel pressure to give and most of us are getting damn sick of being asked to give, give, give until we have nothing left! 

I was at yet another fundraiser last night. Teachers were reading at our Barnes & Noble. The kids were excited to hear their teachers (whom they've spent all day with) reading a book in the Kids' section. Of course, the PTA had boxes set up asking parents to donate (aka BUY) a book for the classrooms and the organization would get 5% of all sales for the event. Parents around me were grumbling. “It's the middle of Hanukkah, my kids have already gotten presents with more to come, and now they want me to spend a lot of money for books for the classroom,” one mother said. “My kids want me to give, but I just can't anymore,” said another. I empathized.

My family gives to charity.  We write checks to various organizations.  And I love donating used goods and food for those in need.

 But those are causes WE choose to give to, 

not ones my kids are pressured to support!

 

24 fundraisers in 16 weeks? That's sick! If I get one more email starting with “in this season of giving” I'm going to barf. Of course, if I take it up with the PTA, I'm going to look like Scrooge, so gritting my teeth is the only option. That and I'm reminded that it's time to have another talk with my kids about how WE make choices with our money and don't give in to peer pressure, even from the schools, on how we disperse our funds. We're tapped out. 

How do you feel about this?  Comment below, please! 

 

Are Organic Products Worth The Money? THESE Are!

Disclosure Statement:  This post wasn't supposed to be a promotional post. Yes, I was given a few products by a friend, but was not asked to blog about them specifically. That decision was my own. Similarly, all opinions here are mine and I do not feel in any way obligated to render favorable judgment on those products.

JJ's Wellness Products which she handed me today

I am not an “organic mom.” Kids who come over my house after school for snack get pretzels, chips, and probably a handful or two of grapes. “Where are all the organic foods?” a child may ask. “Back at YOUR house,” comes my cheerful reply. Still, if I can sooth a cough without over-the-counter drugs or take my make-up off with coconut oil, I will, more because those remedies are cost-efficient, rather than organic. 

My friend, JJ, IS an organic mom who goes out of her way to make sure her family is exposed to only the purest ingredients in all that she buys. The really cool thing about JJ however, is that she doesn't preach this stuff. She quietly lives it by example. Oh, she'll give you advice if you ask, but she isn't OBNOXIOUSLY organic. So when JJ quietly showed up at my car window during school pick-up today, handed me a bag containing a few products, and asked if I'd give her my opinion, not only did I say, “yes,” but I offered to blog about them for two reasons: 1) I was suffering from writer's block 2)  I like JJ and it would give her company some exposure. I only hoped, before I opened the products, that the exposure would be GOOD (oh yes, I have written quite a few honest, but unfavorable reviews, people, friendship notwithstanding!).

Calming Salve - clearly she knows my children

JJ's Wellness offers materials and seminars which, she says, enhance her client's health. The first product I tried was her Calming Salve; it's 100% non-toxic and boasts ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, Vitamin E, and lavender/tangerine/orange oil. I dipped my finger in and spread some of the salve on my lips. The consistency is of thin wax, meaning you could kiss someone after putting this on and not be worried about leaving a big mess on the recipient's cheek. It smelled like tea and my nose picked up the hints of citrus. Part of me wanted to dissolve it in water since it smelled like herbal tea.  Because the salve is so airy, it goes on nicely over your lip stain. This product is something I WANT to put on, as opposed to other lip balms I HAVE to put on after my lips get chapped and bleed. JJ said her price point for a one ounce sample of this product is $6; I like that because again, with the lightness of this balm, a container will last at least a season or two.

One of JJ's Lotion Bars - Calming (ahhhhh...)

Product Number 2 is JJ's Handcrafted Lotion Bar. She gave me two samples of “Calming”, which are gluten and preservative free and made with, of course, only organic ingredients. The bars came on a lovely silver-looking tray and look more like white chocolate candy than lotion. The feel, as with the salve, is light. I rubbed a bar on my hand and, once more, a gentle tea-like fragrance wafted up my nose. Because the lotion is not greasy, it was easy to resume typing on my keyboard without making my computer slippery. JJ told me she designed these lotion bars for mothers who wanted to moisturize their babies without having to dip their fingers into jars of lotion or squeeze goo into their hands. Unlike other lotions which, after using them, have me frantically searching for the nearest piece of cloth to wipe my hands on, JJ's product makes moisturizing self-contained. I'm keeping one in my kitchen for use after washing dishes and on my bureau to use as part of my morning routine. 

JJ's price point for the lotions is $6 for the set which is good.  I can see one bar of the lotion lasting a month easily.  If you were to nab a pretty soap tray from the Dollar Store and combine it with her package of lotions, it would make a really nice teacher's or coach's gift for the holidays, as would the salve on it's own. These products would also be great, practical stocking stuffers.

For more information on JJ's products, visit jjswellness.com. I'm bookmarking her website because not only are her products great, but honestly, the site contains a lot of cool information from a woman who knows all about wellness but doesn't make you feel stupid or inadequate if you don't.



Again, for FTC Purposes,  Disclosure Statement:  This post wasn't supposed to be a promotional post. Yes, I was given a few products by a friend, but was not asked to blog about them specifically. That decision was my own. Similarly, all opinions here are mine and I do not feel in any way obligated to render favorable judgment on those products.

Thanks for reading!  Happy Thanksgiving!

8 Fun, Frugal Hanukkah Ideas

I don't get it,” said one of my son's friends. “How come I usually see a Hanukkah menorah at your house along with Christmas lights and Santa decorations on your lawn?” Gather around, my friends, and -

 Welcome To The Wonderful World of Interfaith Families!

You can celebrate Hanukkah without having to take out a second mortgage!

My husband is Jewish; I am not. We are raising our children Unitarian Universalist (or, as my husband calls it, the “I'm okay, you're okay religion” where children are encouraged to develop their own belief systems). We celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas, with Hanukkah being what we call, The Literary Holiday. The kids get books the first night we light the menorah and then they get additional presents for Christmas. 

For us, giving books keeps the cost of the holiday down and reminds the children of the value of education. Still, we're a one-income family and don't have a lot of money, so I've come up with these 

8 ideas for a fun, yet frugal Hanukkah:

• First , resist the urge to succumb to the pressure of having Hanukkah compete with Christmas. According to my husband, this is a minor Jewish holiday, so keep it in perspective. Focus on the love and togetherness instead of how much money is spent. Start traditions like “A Night In Front Of The Menorah” where you read books to each other or listen to music while enjoying each others company.  In other words, give the technology a rest.

•  Make a Family Collage to help kids remember loved ones who have passed. Purchase a large, inexpensive frame (Ikea has some great ones) and print out photos; add stickers, ribbon, etc. Tell stories of your loved ones as you make the collage. Or make a Memory Tree by writing the names of loved ones on card stock, punching a hole through the card, and adding a ribbon. Hang from any tall plant in the house.

• Agree to make a small donation to a worthy cause in lieu of gifts - what a mitzvah!

• Shop clearance, online sales, thrift stores, and at the local dollar store. Also look in Big Lots, Amazing Savings, and even drug stores.  A gift is whatever a person might want, not what retailers tell you to buy.    
  
  
  
  

  

  Hanukkah can be a frugal holiday!

  
  

• Check out websites that offer free Hanukkah gift and decoration printables such as Examiner.com;  DLTK-Kids.com; and    Torahtots.com.

• Make a Coupon Book good for things like “taking out the garbage on an extra cold night,” "doing one load of laundry," or "getting up to feed the cat."  People appreciate someone else doing their less-than-favorite jobs.

• Look for free, local Hanukkah celebrations in your neighborhood.  Even if you're not associated with a temple, these events are often open to the general public.  Check your local newspaper or JCC for details.   
  
  
  
  
• Go to your local library and rent some Hanukkah-related movies.  My favorites include:  Lambchop's Chanukah And Passover Surprise, Chanukah On Planet Matzah Ball, and Eight Crazy Nights.
  
  

May your Hanukkah be filled with happiness and peace! 

Forget "Hinting Season"! My NO-FAIL Strategy For Gift Giving (And Getting) This Holiday Season

I see that “Hinting Season” is trending on Twitter today and I'm assuming this is where you hint about what you want for the holidays. The problem is:

Hints may not be strong enough for someone who's oblivious (albeit well-intending) because no matter how much you hint, you may still not get what you want. 

This is what I got when I hinted for a Valentine's Day Gift - SO UNROMANTIC!

I learned this years ago when I hinted to my new husband that I wanted something cute, practical, and unique for Valentine's Day. I don't remember what I was after, but I know what I got: a set of 3 canisters in the shape of geese.  It was probably the most unromantic gift anyone had ever given me but, in his mind, it fit the bill. They were cute, it was practical, and the set was certainly unique. I, however, wasn't too pleased. 

 

That was when I came up with this shamelessly brilliant way for someone to get the gifts they want. Now, everyone in the family uses it. Here's how it works:

1.  Have the person you're giving to make a list of the 7 or so things that they want, kind of like a gift registry. If I'm the receiver and see those things in the stores, I take pictures and IM them to him along with the store name, location in the store (very important!), price, item number (if possible), etc. If they're in a catalog or sales circular, I give my husband the catalog/circular with all of the data circled. If our budget is tight, I make sure that some items are far cheaper than others; this also helps for when the kids want to buy stuff with their own money. Tip: keep a back-up of all this stuff, if possible. Oblivious or super-busy people tend to lose things. 

2.  The receiver MUST give as much information on those items as possible!   This HAS to be  fool-proof; otherwise, the receiver cannot blame the giver for not trying.  

The brilliance comes in the fact that the receiver does, indeed, want every item on that list even though they know they're not going to get them all. But there's absolutely no guessing involved on the part of the giver!   Short of taking his hand and leading him to the merchandise, there's nothing he has to do but fetch. And, since I, as the receiver, don't know which items I'm getting, it's still a surprise to me. It's sort of like Santa's list but far more precise. 

 

This is great, too, for when hubby takes the kids shopping with him. All he has to do is show a item to my daughter and, like the budding shop-a-holic she is, she finds it (of course, at her age, it's impossible for her to keep it a secret).

Do I, as the receiver, care that I know how much something costs? No! Does this rob the giver finding someone “the perfect gift”? Yes, but personally, I'd rather get someone what they want than risk spending my time and creative juices on something they're going to hate and have to take back. Is this concept too bold, too nervy? Possibly, but not if you ask the givers (and receivers) what they think about the concept ahead of time. I mean, I'd never presume someone was going to get me a gift. 

It's been a successful method for us for the last 15 years or so and, like a gift registry, it makes sure that we get what we want, don't waste money on items that are unappreciated, and makes shopping far easier and less of a wild goose chase. 

Discuss it with your loved ones, give it a shot and see if this strategy works for you. 

10 No-Fail Holiday Gifts For Families Expecting An Adopted Child

As the mom of a luminous daughter who was born in China, I remember, during the adoption process, friends asking me what I needed for the baby. Lily was my second child, so I already had all the baby essentials (granted, in blue, because of my son), but I had the biggies: crib, car seat, stroller, etc.  I received some wonderful gifts, but in hindsight, there are things I didn't get that I really could have used.

One of these sweet girls is my own daughter, Lily!

So, in honor of National Adoption Month, here's my list of 10 items I wished I'd gotten when my precious, 11-month bundle of joy finally arrived home. 

Some are targeted toward Chinese adoption, but plenty are not, so scroll down and have fun!

1. “Miracle” Necklace – Sure, you can have your kid's name and birthdate inscribed on a necklace, but adoption is such a miracle, why not be reminded of that fact? This necklace has the word written in English and Chinese. Lovely! Available here. 
   
   
   
   

   

   Just a reminder that adoption is a miracle!

   
   
   
   
2. A Gift Card To A Grocery Store That Delivers – When my daughter first came home and was adapting to her new world, it was sometimes hard to take her grocery shopping. I WISH I'd had a gift card to Peapod or some other grocery store that delivers, especially during the harsh Winter months when I had to schlep her outside. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. “We Don't Have To Look Alike To Be A Forever Family” Sweatshirt for kids – Sure, the new arrival could wear this, but what a wonderful present for an older sibling! This would have been perfect for my son who received questions from his friends like, “How can she be your sister when she doesn't look like you?” Available here.   

   

   Adoption brings a family together forever!

   
   
    
4. “Adoption Brings Love” Travel Mug – Perfect for any parent and/or grandparent and a reminder of what a blessing adoption is, this mug is practical as well as lovely. Available here. 
    
   
   
   
   
5. Serious Offers To Babysit And/Or Babysitting Coupons – Let me explain. I was SOOO tired when my daughter came home. We have no extended family and I had no support. How I wish I'd had offers to babysit! Sure, I could have asked my friends, but it would have been wonderful to receive these babysitting coupons. And they're free to print! 
    
   
   

   

   Yes I am!

    
   
   
6. “Yes, I Am Her Real Mother” Tote Bag – Over the years, I've gotten plenty of questions from adults and children alike about who my daughter's “real” mother is. Yes, she has a birth mother, but I am her real mother – the one who waited three years for her and thought of her every one of those days, the one who takes care of her and who loves her unconditionally. This tote bag not only answers the aforementioned question, but could spark discussions about what a “real” mother is to anyone. It's also a great reminder that one does not need to give birth to be a true mother. Find it here.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Adoption Picture & Poetry Photo Gift Frame – We took plenty of photos of my daughter when she arrived, I made a scrapbook of her journey, framed her adoption announcement, etc., but this 8”x10” frame is unique. The poem by Joyce Boyce (“We waited so long for this special day...”) will speak to any adoptive parent and reminds your child how much they were wanted!  See it here. 
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   What a great way to celebrate adoption!

   
   
   
   
   
   
8. “Adoption Is A Miracle” Ornament – Okay, so it's a Christmas ornament (and what a fantastic way to add the adoption element to your holiday tree), but really, this beautiful reminder of the miracle of adoption can be hung anyway. My daughter is proud to be adopted, but I'm thinking of ordering this just as a daily reminder of how truly blessed we have been by adoption. Find it here.
   
   
   
   

   

   Hang is from a chandelier, lamp or anywhere!

   
   
   
   
9. Adoption Memory Book Set – I made a scrapbook of my daughter's journey, from the moment we signed the “Intent To Adopt” document through her first six months home. It was perfect because when our social worker came for the routine follow-up visit and asked how Lily had been doing, I just whipped out the book and showed her. How nice it would have been, however, to have a book like this. I love the fact that you can use whichever pages you want (you don't have to use them all), the fact that you can order it for Domestic or International Adoption, and some of the pages which include: homeland facts, travel itineraries, trip details, etc. You can also customize the cover. Beautiful!
   
   
   
   

   

   A sweet reminder of how far your child came to find you!

   
   
    
10. Gotcha Day Cinch Sack – A parent or child can use this lovely reminder that an internationally adopted child spans two countries. Wonderful for Gotcha Day or any day! Find it here.

Yes, these would make great holiday gifts, but what's to stop you from buying them any time?  I wish I'd had this stuff!  

To read our adoption story, visit these two posts:

http://isithotinheremmm.blogspot.com/2013/11/happy-national-adoption-month.html

http://isithotinheremmm.blogspot.com/2013/11/our-daughter-comes-home-plus.html

Thanks for reading!

Yes, You CAN Throw A Gymnastics Party At Home!

Lily's school notebook - can you tell she loves gymnastics?!

 

 

Lily, my soon-to-be 9 year old, wants some big-ticket items for her birthday, but with our budget being limited, we agreed that she could have the electronic device ONLY if we celebrate at home.  With our house being tiny and her group of friends, plus gymnastics team, being large, we proposed two small parties.  My little girl readily agreed. Thus, began my brainstorming for how to hold a gymnastics-themed party at home, on a budget, without equipment. Here's how I did it:

Invitations: These were easy. Evite has some nice Olympic-ring-style invitations which were appropriate for her party.

Decorations: Some posters of famous gymnasts, plus a home-made banner which read “You know you're a gymnastic when your whole world is always turned upside down!.”

Snack foods: Onion rings, celery balance beams (celery sticks stuffed with cream cheese), pretzel rods (like uneven parallel bars), and carrot sticks.

Games:

1. Races – During training, the girls do a lot of races. Hubby had them do relay races, obstacle courses during which they had to do cartwheels.
2. Balance Beam - Lily placed two lines of duct tape across our patio which the kids used as a balance beam. They then took turns doing their beam routines.
3. Hula Hoop Competition – The girls competed to see who could keep the hoop up the longest.
4. Head Stand Competition – At meets, while the judges are tabulating the winners, they hold contests to see who can stand on their head the longest.
5. Ribbon Wands – I bought these wands fairly cheaply at Amazon and they were great for the girls to twirl as if they were doing their floor routines.

Ribbon wants - perfect for a gymnastics party!

I also had  my FAVORITE party game, Hullaballoo (read my review here), on the back burner just in case they got bored.

Favors: Goodie bags had a little candy, but also stuff they use at meets for their hair including elastics, brightly-colored bobby pins, hair clips, and mini-hair sprays. They also received a small trophy.

Yes, everyone received a trophy!

Cake: A simple sheet cake was decorated with 5 Twizzlers shaped in rings (like the Olympic rings). 

The girls had a blast and since Saturday, I've seen some of them sporting the clips and bobby pins in their hair. I think the team enjoyed being together, outside the gym, and my daughter had a blast. Sometimes the best parties are the ones you have at home that don't cost a lot. 

My simple sketch of Lily on the balance beam at gymnastics.  Clearly, I should not quit my day job to become an artist...

Lily is having a second party this weekend for a few school friends and I've come up with some BRILLIANT favors (even if I do say so myself). Stay tuned for more details! 

Thank you for reading!

10 Bizarre Gift Ideas From Gifts.com

R2 Fish School - Train that guppy!

With so many occasions coming up including Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, weddings, and assorted birthdays, I've been scouring the Web for gift ideas. It seems every website that wants your money, and they all do, generously offers suggestions.


I recently discovered the site gifts.com where you can “find the perfect gift, every time.” There, you can search for presents according to personality, gender, age, occasion, etc. and the site makes suggestions based on ideas culled from all over the Web. I took the Personality Test to find the "perfect gift" for a family member and found the test fascinating  because, at least for adults, after you select which gender your target recipient is, it breaks down the ages as follows: Young Adult, 30+, or Senior. I was aghast because apparently, if you're anywhere over 30 years old, you're considered a senior citizen.  Seriously people?!!


Anyway, I discovered a multitude of products there which I found somewhat amusing including:

1. R2 Fish School – The kit contains everything you need to train your fish. Honestly, I didn't know fish could be trained and, personally, the thought of training my daughter's Beta (the most boring creature on the planet), gives me a heartburn, but based on the product reviews I read, apparently people are using this kit to train not only fish, but other pets as well. More power to those folks and kudos to the inventors. I could see getting this for a child or teen who loves fish as it would get a technology addict off the electronics. A silly gift, but I guess it has some merit.
2. Sky Rocket Fuze Wheel Writer – LED pictures appear in your bike wheel as you pedal. Not sure why you'd need this and according to some of the reviews, you need to be pedaling at least 10 miles an hour for anyone to see the pictures. Still, I suppose if you ride a lot, especially at night, this might be cool. I have to wonder, however, if having something on your bike makes it more susceptible to the bike being stolen.
3. Bacon Strips Adhesive Bandages – Yes, they now make band-aids that look like bacon strips. Probably a novelty for those who love bacon, but why you'd want to be seen with a strip of bacon sticking to your arm or leg is beyond me. As long as the bandages don't smell like bacon, there's probably no harm, but if they do, God help the recipient! Every dog in the neighborhood would be pulling these things off the wound!
   
4. Midnight Munchies Bundle – For those who can't just raid the house for junk food comes this bacon-heavy bundle consisting of maple bacon popcorn pecan bacon snacks, gummy bacon, bacon lollipops, etc. Priced at about $50,  a bag of Doritos is a lot cheaper.
   
5. Tic-Tac-Truck – I guess some people just don't want to play Tic-Tac-Toe on paper, so someone came up with the idea of the game on a toy truck. The bed of the truck is the board and it comes with 11 removable pieces (or “people”). Priced at about $54, a great gift for those who have too much money. Look for it at your local garage sale because I think that's where it would be headed.
   
6. Looks Like Mr. Tee Infant Bodysuit – A $28 onesie with an image of Mr. Tee. Enough said.
   
7. The Unholy Gift Box – Blasphemous? Definitely. But some of the items contained in this gift box were worth a chuckle including the Jesus bandages, Santa dreidel (great for interfaith families), and especially, the official Passport To Hell which is perfect for your favorite politician.
   

8. 

   Urbano Trash Can

   Urbano Trash Can – This interesting product allows you to re-use plastic bags you get at the grocery store. It's listed under the category “Activist Gifts For Teenage Guys” and what I find ironic is that those same guys would probably just want you to make a donation to their favorite cause instead of contributing to the manufacturing of another product, even if it is made from recycled polypropylene.
   
9. Meditation Box – It's a box that contains some sand and, presumably, a barrier which allows you to draw on the sand with a stylus. It's supposed to help you with meditation and serves as an “escape at your desk.” Save the $85 and go get a massage instead.
   
10. Cardboard Cat Teepee – When just a plain box won't do for your favorite feline, this teepee gives your cat a place to hide. Considering that my cat likes to jump into paper grocery bags, the laundry basket, and any box we bring home, I just don't understand this item. If you want to make a pretty box for your cat, give the kids a box from the grocery store and some crayons. Let them go wild at a fraction of the cost.
    

As to the site gifts.com, it's a nice site with tons of ideas worth taking a look at. Again, take a gander, get some suggestions, and then comparison shop to see if you can get those gifts somewhere else or make them on your own, if you can.

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Thanks for reading!  Here, in the Northeast, we're getting hit with TONS of rain, so I'll be building an ark for the rest of the day.  Check back in with me in a day or two and I'll offer you an olive branch (some Noah humor, okay?).  Oh, and please visit www.thegeekparent.com and enter our "Heroes Of The City" giveaway.   

Oh, The Dilemma Of The Unwanted Gift! 6 Suggestions For What To Do With It

Did you receive a holiday gift that you didn't like or have no use for? I did and while I'm thankful that someone thought enough of me to even get a present, the question remains: what do I do with the item? Too many of us do nothing, which leads to clutter. So I now present six suggestions on what to do with unwanted gifts:

1. Give the gift a chance for a day or so. I once received a gift of chocolate-covered potato chips. My first reaction was“Yuck!”but after trying a few, I realized that they weren't half bad. Similarly, you could just give the gift a little time (no more than a day or two, however), to see if the gift grows on you.
   
2. Re-purpose the item. Who says you have to wear that hideous shirt in public? Could you wear it as pajamas? The bowl that says, “Eat Me” might make a nice planter for herbs. That mug that says, “Happy Festivus!” can be repainted and used to hold pencils. Think outside the box or check Pinterest for ideas on re-using your unwanted gift.
   
3. Re-gift the it. Just make sure it's to someone so far from the giver's circle of acquaintance's that they'll never know. I don't think there's anything wrong with it as long as the gift is new. I once received a re-gift of lovely wine glasses that I know were meant for someone who had just broken her December engagement. Was I upset? Nope. The glasses were expensive and lovely and I still use them all the time. It was kind of the giver to think of me.
   
4. Donate the item. Wait! Before you think of the usual worthy charities (check out Charity Navigator at http://www.charitynavigator.org for a list near you), think outside the box. Sometimes local libraries will accept donations of board games for their Children's Section. Nursing homes may accept framed artwork or toiletries for their residents. A hospital may accept certain toys for a Pediatric Ward. Of course, call ahead to see if your items will be welcome.
   
5. Turn your unwanted gift cards into cash. This excellent article on DailyFinance.com (http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/02/15/unwanted-gift-cards-5-ways-cash-in) explains how to get the most out of gift cards for stores you don't necessarily shop in.
   
6. Give safe items to the kids. Children love to play dress-up and that ugly tie or kitschy apron might be just what your little one “needs” to complete a pretend outfit. That scarf you'll never wear might make a nice belt for a budding fashionista. And the foot bath you'll never use, with the wires safely cut off and taped, would make a lovely pool for Barbie.
   

What do you do with unwanted gifts? Comment below! I'd love to hear!


~~


Thinking ahead to the next holiday (and despite the latest decorations in the store on Christmas Eve, it is NOT Valentine's Day), my son is planning to have a New Year's Eve Sleepover. He and I have been generating some great ideas to make the night extra-special, so please come back and I'll share them with you.


Thank you for reading!

Gift Ideas For Teachers, Coaches, & Others Who Help

Only 10 days until Christmas and we've hit crunch time, folks. The kids have five days of school left which means teacher gifts are due this week and Diva's gymnastics team is having their Secret Santa. So I've been racking my brain (ouch!) trying to think of gift ideas. Here's what I've come up with:

1. Candles and Coffee – Our PTA extorts money from parents at the beginning of the year for a class gift for the teacher. It makes the teacher happy, which is the most important thing, and earns the class parents a multitude of kudos for collecting the money.  It isn't, however, very personal. My daughter wants to giver her teacher something special from her 8-year old heart. She told me that Ms. Read likes candles and coffee, so we trekked down to our local drug store and found a heavenly-scented vanilla crème candle for about $5. Combined with a small $1 package of gourmet coffee from the grocery store (“Mom, she LOVES coffee!”) all I have to do is place the combo in a gift bag.
   
2. Body Wash/Moisturizer– Diva suggested a large box of chocolate for the Secret Santa, but at least one team member doesn't eat junk food.  What if she get's the gift?  Argh!  All of the girls shower, however, so we're heading back to the drug store where I saw small body wash gift baskets for under $10 (the limit for the Secret Santa is $15 which puts us just in range). Or, we may opt for a basket containing moisturizer which will save the recipient from an awful lot of dry-skin scratching this winter.
   
3. Lip Balms – Chapped lips are painful, as my daughter who gets them all the time, can attest to. Assemble a small gift basket yourself by placing some moisturizers you can buy quite cheaply at the dollar store in with some Chapstick.. You could even add in a few small bottles of San Pellegrino or other sparkling water to make a “Hydration Basket.” Or, I've seen Burt's Bees gift baskets containing lotion plus their famous beeswax lip balms advertised for as little as $14
   
4. Dunkin' Donuts And Sporting Goods Gift Cards – Junior had some amazing soccer coaches this past year, so if your kid is still in a sport and you'd like to reward outstanding performance, you could assemble a small gift basket containing coffee and its accessories (creamer, perhaps a regular or travel coffee mug, sweetener, coffee syrups, etc.) or go the easy route that we took and just buy a Dunkin' Donuts gift card. We also give these to the wonderful bus driver who pauses mid-block to let my late-running kid on. Similarly, a coach is usually appreciative of a gift card to a sporting goods store like Modell's, Dick's, or Sports Authority.
   
5. Water Bottles – Everyone is drinking water these days and an ecological as well as economical solution to always buying disposable water bottles is to get a re-useable one. The lovely ones pictured are sold at my local grocery store for about $6 each and would make great gifts for an adult or child alike.
   
   

   

   Everyone uses water bottles these days.

6. Dark Chocolate – The evidence is mounting that dark chocolate is good for you! Run to your local discount store and pick up an assortment of these healthy confectioneries for someone with a sweet tooth. You can even fill the aforementioned water bottle or a coffee mug to make pseudo gift-basket.
   
7. Gym Bag/Small Backpack  – Another coach or team grab bag suggestion is either a gym bag or small backpack that someone could carry their water and change of clothes in. Discount stores like Amazing Savings, Walmart, and Five Below carry these for under $10.
   
8. Cookie/Popcorn Tins – My aunt's nursing home aide deserves something nice but we're short on cash this year, so when I go to the grocery store, I'll be picking up a goodie tin which the sweet lady can share with her family or other aides. Then again, I may purchase an empty gift tin from a dollar store and fill it with packages of candy she told me at Halloween that she likes. Economical and personalized!
   
9. Bracelets – Last year my daughter and I bought memory wire, which retains its shape, at our local craft store. The little one picked out beads in colors her teacher would like and we made a very professional-looking bracelet for under $3.
   
10. Hair Care Accessories – A final Secret Santa suggestion for the ladies is to purchase a decorative tube (I think these are used for wine?)  from your local discount store and fill it with hair care accessories such as hair brushes, Scrunchies, elastics, and bobby pins. Practical and pretty!

Have I missed anything? Share your gift ideas in the Comments section!


Thank you for reading!

Gift Suggestions For A Woman Going Through Menopause

Menopause can be a particularly stressful time for a woman. Much as in adolescence, her body is doing some crazy, unexpected things and her hormones are, shall we say, wonky.  So what can you get her that, hopefully, won't get you hit with a 2'x4' or worse? Here are some suggestions:

1. A LARGE reusable water bottle. Hot flashes may come fast and furious. Those of  us in this phase of life get thirsty! A pretty, easy-to-clean water bottle is a practical, thoughtful gift that doesn't scream, “Hey, Honey! I see you're going through The Change.” Everyone drinks water these days and this gift is just plain thoughtful. I
   

   

   These re-usable water bottles are pretty & practical!

   found the ones in the photo in my local grocery store.
   
2. Green Tea With Gingko & Ginseng. This phase of life can make a woman a bit forgetful. Various studies have indicated that green tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink and Salada's Brain Boost tea contains ginkgo (which is supposed to be good for memory) and ginseng (which allegedly boosts energy). I buy it at my local grocery store but Amazon also sells a similar product.
   
3. Fitness Equipment. Exercise is great for all aspects of health, so give her a piece of equipment she'll like. Just be sure to emphasize that you're giving her the equipment for the health benefits since she's already at the perfect weight. Honestly, I'm asking for WiiFit this holiday season because I'm tired of the few pieces of equipment I have.  It will also be be good for the whole family.
   
4. Something With A Lavender Fragrance. Whether it's a cologne spray, oil, or moisturizer, lavender has been proven to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Try getting her a small bottle of moisturizer and if she likes it, buy her more – stat!
   
5. A Small, Portable Fan. As I said, hot flashes can come at any time. Having a small, hand-held fan at the ready is mighty nice. When giving it to the lady, explain that some environments, even in the winter, can be warmer than others and you want her to be comfortable, no matter where she is.
   
6. Food. Unfortunately, the same foods one craves during menopause (like caffeine, alcohol, and sugary and spicy foods) can trigger hot flashes. You do not, however, want to get between a female and her craving! Buy her an “emergency” basket of coffee and/or chocolate that she can munch on at will.
   
7. Clothes made from moisture wicking material. When your temperature varies, having clothes that you can wear in layers that also carry moisture away from your skin help. To learn more about fabrics that wick moisture, visit www.wisegeek.com/what-is-wicking-material.htm. You can find clothes with this material at stores like Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, and even Sears.com which carries some office-worthy pieces. For moisture wicking night gowns, visit www.onestopmenopauseshop.com/product-category/gifts-fro-menopausal-women.
   
8. Tickets to Menopause The Musical. There's a reason this “celebration of women and the change” is a worldwide hit. Whether it's a professional or amateur production, buy her tickets and give her the option of going with friends or with you. Learn more at www.menopausethemusical.com.

In researching products for this post, I came across several sites that carry “humorous” gifts for the menopausal woman. I didn't include them in the body of the post because my goal is to help you choose a gift that won't cause a rift between you and the lady in question and because I wanted to list thoughtful items that, hopefully, won't get you hurt. Some of the sites contain genuinely cute things, but personally, I wouldn't want to advertise to the world via a t-shirt that I was going through The Change. Nevertheless, if you'd like to take a look at some of this merchandise, the links are:


http://www.cafepress.com/+menopause+gifts
http://www.zazzle.com/menopause+gifts
http://www.minniepauz.com/merchandise.html


There are also sites that list various “remedies” for menopause; one of them is www.wellbaskets.com/mehe.html. Amazon sells a similar basket at www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Menopause-Gift-Basket-Women/dp/B00147R2MM.


Again, if you're choosing a gift to address this phase of a woman's life, present while you let her know you're honestly trying to help. Be gentle and loving. Happy gifting!


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Thank you for visiting this site! Please come back again soon!

10 Gift Ideas For Tween And Early Teenage Boys

On some of the parenting forums check, I'm seeing the same question asked over and over again: what do I get my 12 (or 13 to 15) year old son? Often, the question is asked with exasperation and as the mother of a 13-year old, I fully understand. Those idyllic days of getting Junior a Lego set or the latest Hot Wheels tracks, sadly, are long over. And since personal hygiene is still primarily on the back burner, at least until girls formally enter the picture, gifts of clothes and toiletries are still in the future. So what can you get for a boy in that age range that won't cause you to take out a second mortgage? Here are some suggestions:

1.  Video games or money toward the purchase of a new system. The hottest gaming systems this season are Xbox Ones and PS4s. Yeah, we're a one-income family and Junior already knows those won't be under the tree. A Game Stop gift card will help him save up to purchase a new system on his own, plus if he brings them his old games, gaming systems, and accessories, he can get in-store credit or cash. 
 
2.  Accessories for current devices. Junior received an iPad Mini for his birthday but doesn't have a case for it. With a bouncy little sister and rambunctious feline in the house, a case will help protect his precious Mini from careless oopsies. In the past, he's gotten a mouse for his laptop and, from Five Below, a nifty little vacuum which attaches to his USB port to suck up the many cookie crumbs that seem to inhabit his keyboard. I'm also a fan of earphones which have been proven to be safer to one's hearing than ear buds. 

3.  Itunes Gift Cards. Both my son and my nephew (age 16) are mega music fans. An iTune gift card can be mailed to my nephew and should sooth my son's musical soul. My local Sears has a limited-time offer where if I buy a $25 iTunes card, I'll get a $5 gift card back. Sweet!  

4.  Bop It. Want to get the kid off video? Bop It is a great game of repetition in which the device calls out commands that come faster and faster as the game goes on. The better you get, the more skill levels you unlock. Play alone or pass it to your friends. We'd brought this to a distant friend's house a few years back and accidentally left it there. Time to get one back in the house for some family fun! 

5.  Solar Phone Charger. I mentioned this before when I wrote about surviving Hurricane Sandy. This handy-dandy little unit that I purchased at Target for about $20 charges any time it's exposed to light. For a kid, it could hang on their key chain or from their backpack to absorb light. When they need it, there's a little wire they could keep in their backpack which connects the unit to the phone. My Smartphone gets about 25 minutes of power from this little sucker a and for the kid who always forgets to charge his phone, it could be a lifesaver. It can also be charged via USB port or from a wall charger (those accessories are sold separately).

6. Dunkin' Donuts Gift Card. Now that DD has hot chocolate and Coolattas as well as coffee, it's a destination spot for some teens and their friends. Instead of him coming to you for money, give him his own refillable gift card.

7. Solar Backpack. Yep, back to the solar thing for the kid who can't seem to keep his phone charged. Solar backpacks charge electronic devices while the backpack is in direct sunlight (like at the bus stop or while walking to school). That way, the teen can use his electronics while he is out without worrying about having to be near an outlet to charge them. Be forewarned, however, that solar backpacks are not cheap. You can find out more about them at http://www.solarpowerchargers.org/solar-charger-reviews/solar-backpack-reviews.

8. Food. If your kid is like mine, he's inhaling food these days. A supply of protein bars (Zone Perfect is our family's brand) which I can tuck in his stocking is something he can keep in his locker for between-class snacks. They're healthy and filling. You can also bake him his favorite treat or give him a coupon for a home-cooked meal he can plan.

9. Movie Passes. Give him something he can share with a friend. Purchase movie passes at your local theater or online at www.moviefone.com or at your local movie theater.

10. Sports or Fitness Gear. Kids are very aware of the benefits of being fit. Give your special kid something related to a sport or exercise he enjoys. Free weights and other pieces of fitness equipment don't necessarily cost a lot and can help a boy enjoy the many benefits of physical exercise.


Keep in mind that when choosing a gift, it's about what the person wants, not what you want them to have. Set your expectations and desires aside. Think about what will be appreciated by the recipient. 

What are you getting your favorite tween or teen boy?  Please comment below!  And Happy Shopping!

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Thanks for reading! I really appreciate it! Come back for my next post in a day or so, won't you?

10 Ways To Have A Fun, Yet Frugal Hanukkah

I don't get it,” said one of my son's friends. “How come I usually see a menorah at your house along with Christmas lights and Santa decorations on your lawn?” Gather around, my friends, and welcome to the wonderful world of Interfaith Families!

This year, we won't have that overlapping of religious traditions, but we will be celebrating Chanukah at the same time we're celebrating Thanksgiving. In our family, the kids get books the first night of Chanukah (prompting my husband to call it The Literary Holiday) and the rest of their gifts come for Christmas. Since my hubby is Jewish, he's in charge of choosing the tomes, wrapping them, etc. Then, each of the eight nights of The Festival Of Lights, he says the prayers as we screw in a light bulb. Honestly, after all the extended malarkey of the Yule, I welcome the simplicity of Chanukah!


For us, giving books keeps the cost of the holiday down and reminds the children of the value of education.  Still, we're a one-income family and don't have a lot of money, so I've come up with these suggestions to have a fun, yet frugal Chanukah: 

1. First , resist the urge to succumb to the pressure of having Chanukah compete with Christmas. According to my husband, this is a minor Jewish holiday, so keep it in perspective. Focus on the love and togetherness instead of how much money is spent. Start traditions like “A Night In Front Of The Menorah” where you read books to each other or listen to music while enjoying each others company.  In other words, give the technology a rest.
2.  Make a Family Collage to help kids remember loved ones who have passed. Purchase a large, inexpensive frame (Ikea has some great ones) and print out photos; add stickers, ribbon, etc. Tell stories of your loved ones as you make the collage. Or make a Memory Tree by writing the names of loved ones on card stock, punching a hole through the card, and adding a ribbon. Hang from any tall plant in the house.
3. Re-gift what you have. Is there a gift card for a store you don't go to that someone else would
   appreciate? Does one child have toys they've outgrown that they can give to another?
4. Agree to make a small donation to a worthy cause in lieu of gifts - what a mitzvah!
5. Shop clearance, online sales, thrift stores, and at the local dollar store. Also look in Big Lots, Amazing Savings, and even drug stores.  A gift is whatever a person might want, not what retailers tell you to buy.   
   
6. Check out websites that offer free Chanukah gift and decoration printables like:
      - Examiner.com (http://www.examiner.com/article/free-hanukkah-printable-coloring-pages-activities-word-searches)
      - DLTK-Kids.com(http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/jewish/hanukah.htm)
      - Torahtots.com  (http://torahtots.com/holidays/chanuka/chanfng.htm)
7. Make gifts from items found in nature. Sea shells make lovely jewelry, spoon rests, or loose change holders. Family Crafts (http://familycrafts.about.com/od/naturecrafts) shows some great gifts you can make from twigs, seeds, sticks, and more!
   
8. Make a Coupon Book good for things like “taking out the garbage on an extra cold night,” "doing one load of laundry," or "getting up to feed the cat."  People appreciate someone else doing their less-than-favorite jobs.
9. Look for free, local Chanukah celebrations in your neighborhood.  Even if you're not associated with a temple, these events are often open to the general public.  Check your local newspaper or JCC for details.  
10. Go to your local library and rent some Chanukah-related movies.  My favorites include:  Lambchop's Chanukah And Passover Surprise, Chanukah On Planet Matzah Ball, and Eight Crazy Nights.  

May your Chanukah be filled with happiness and peace!

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