Sharing the wealth for Christmas

For this great opportunity I would refer our good friends the Blacks because they are the most selfless people that I know and have gone to China to adopt two children to give them a better life while sacrificing a lot. I would also refer our good friends in PA the Parrs, and the Brinkmans since they have always been then for us and no one could ask for more loyal friends.

This year in order to boost sales many sites are offering special deals for not only shopping at their site but also by referring your friends. How great would that be to get a gift that was on your wish list, and be able to share that same amount with five of your buddies. The registration is free and very simple to complete. All you have to do is supply some basic information and then shop on online at selected retailers and find a gift that you might want and register online. All the directions on the site and a short video will guide you though the process. I forgot to mention that they are giving these shopping sprees away everyday for the next five days and there will be one grand prize winner who will win a  shopping spree for themselves and five of their closest friends. So enter today and enter often to increase your chances on getting what you want for Christmas.

Moving for the holidays

No one likes to move especially during the holidays. There are several different option that are available depending on the distance needed to move and your budget. You can rent a moving truck and invite your buddies to help you move and then hop in the big rig and drive it to your destination. The cost is the truck, fuel and pizza and beer for your crew. Or if you have the budget or it is a company relo than you can have the complete package where the company comes in and packs and moves everything for you. My family has moved on several occasions and have rented our fair share of moving trucks that were either automatic or standard and driven them across town and across the country. I remember in one move where we were relocating from Texas to Washington State and my Dad had to drive the rental truck over two mountain passes. That was long drive and we learned that a family can spend too much time together.

At companies like ABF UPack Moving they provide the truck and drivers and you just pack your stuff. They deliver the trailer or ReloCube which is a moving container and then load it up. They will then pick it up and deliver to the new location. The benefit is that it is more economical than a full service option and is quite reasonable when you consider having to rent a moving truck and do everything yourself.

Black Friday Specials are posted

Black Friday Sales

Black Friday Sales

Well if you are like my wife and millions of other anxious shoppers you look forward to the day after Thanksgiving Specials. We just got the latest link for black Friday Ads that list most of the major retailers with links or full scans of their soon to be released ads. We actually saw the links posted on bfads.net and were wondering how they got the actual ads, but not matter since they are posted and can help those die hards plan their Friday. There are going to be some great deals on HDTVs all though there are not a lot you will be able to pick up a 50″ plasma 720p HDTV at Walmart and Best Buy. It apperas that many electronic retailers are trying to get folks in the door with Xbox and PS3 gaming bundle specials but nothing on the Wii which is not surprising. Digital cameras are also listed several times with some great bargains. So if you are up to the challenge to brave the crowds at 4 AM then best of luck and post back to us and let us know how you made out.

Going cyber this holiday

There are many online retailers  that offer a one stop shopping experience for both the technically inclined and the technically challenged this upcoming cyber monday. Cyber Monday is the online retailers version of “Black Friday” that takes place the Monday following Thanksgiving. Black Friday got its name from the fact that this is when most retailers got into the black or became profitable for the year. Starting on Monday, December 1 many stores online are offering reviews, coupons, and comparisons on everything from laptops to HDTV’s. So instead of relying on the minimum wage box store employees you can equip yourself with the latest information and deals right at your fingertips.

Cybermonday.net can help you to aggregate information from companies across the web like Walmart, Staples, and Best Buy and make all their deals available in one easy to setting. They will offer direct links to many of the special deals in one convenient location so that you do not have to search all over the internet for the best deal. It is like going to a virtual mall where all the deals are right there for your to shop and compare. So this Christmas stop on by and read the reviews, subscribe to their email for weekly updates and stay out of those crowded malls and big box stores. You will find almost any type of electronic that will be on your shopping list and could actually spend less than shopping in person.

Sending business greetings

Every year businesses will send out business Christmas cards to their customers that wish them Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. This has been a customary sign of thanks for the past years business and the hopes that the upcoming year they will continue their relationship. Many of the ones that we have received and sent are fairly plan and the message is simple. Some companies go through the extra effort to customize their greeting cards with their customer names imprinted in the card along with a special message targeted to them. It is a simple gesture to show your appreciation and while many companies send out cards there are many that do not. So this year remember to thanks those that have helped to make your business a success and don’t forget your internal customers who helped in making 2008 a great year. This year more than ever a simple holiday wish can help build customer loyalty and let them know that they are important to your and your organization.

Holiday decoration ideas

The Christmas holidays are approaching and it always seems that it comes and goes so fast that once the new year hits you look back and wonder what happened. Our family always made it a point to take time out during the holiday and create a tradition when we put up Christmas Decorations. This included putting on “It’s a wonderful life”, having various snacks that we normally do not have, and eggnog. Our Christmas decoration tradition was stringing cranberries and popcorn to place around the tree. This is probably more of a Southern thing, but it really established memories for our family and even though we are all grown and out of the house with our own families we still talk about those times we decorated the tree and house.
There are many traditions that people follow when it comes to the holiday season and decorating depending on their religion, culture, or family. We had a chance to visit a site most suitably called celebrations.com lays out several decorating tips and tricks. They also offer some great items to help you decorate your home and can help inspire a new tradition for your family holiday parties and decorating ideas. I really like some of their ideas about the Holiday Caroling party where you get your neighbors together for drinks and appetizers then go around and sing Christmas Carols. We are actually going to be doing this within our neighborhood and I hope to have some video and pics to post on the blog as part of the follow-up.

Its gotta be the shoes

I remember growing up that having a pair of Air Jordans was the pinnacle of the shoe world. If you could show up on the court with your newest pair of Air Jordans, you remember the Black and Red pair that started the whole endorsement revolution you were a better player. While basketball shoes are still topical and having the latest LeBron James shoe is considered king skating shoes are also becoming more popular. The newest Nike SB Shoes are being seen on more kids feet for not only those that skate, but those that just want to emulate the skaters that they see on X Games. While the shoes may not help you perfect your Ollie they may just help you stay in style.

Reading can cause change

I wanted to share with all my educators that trying to find great books for kids is still challenge even with the advent of Amazon. You can get a variety of views like mine, however there are so many choices and it becomes dizzying and suspect.

We are half was through Seven American Stories and the boys are loving it. I doubt many girls would like it by the way. What I found was adventure, history and intrigue. My boys have put themsleves in the place of 1810-1840′s pioneers, farmers, kids and husbands. They are well written by keeping my kids at the edge of their seat such as what will happen with the Native American visitor at the farm while a battle rises in the other direction? The pictures are very nice and describe well what is happening. Finally, the morals behind the stories are up to date with our times as well.

Winter is almost here

In the Northwest the ski areas are starting to get snow and that means that winter is almost here. While most people hate the snow it is a great time for those of who love to ski. This year my kids will be skiing for their second year so we will be heading up to some of the local mountains like Silver Moutain, 49 Degrees North, and Schweitzer. We got them their new ski gear and outerwear so that even during the colder days they will stay comfortable. We got my daughter a purple snow jacket from the The North Face company which is one of the leaders in ski and snowboard wear. There are outfits online like breckgear.com that are promoting some of the newest jackets from North Face and offering free shipping on orders over $50. So this winter don’t let the cold weather keep you in and venture out with the family your local ski area and have some great fun.

The holidays and your religion

In an attempt to former Catholics back to church the Catholic Show has been created. I attend Catholic church every week, and while I am not Catholic, my wife is, I find it very structured unlike some churches. I believe what has hurt the Catholics is the recent press on priests and their conduct. But also , the way in which the Catholic church has handled the entire process of handling the situation. The Catholic Show looks to revive the image of this strongly traditional church. The Catholic church has seen a decline in those entering the priesthood, as the current priests are getting older, and less likely to be replaced than any other time.

As Christmas, is coming closer, maybe it is time to revisit your faith, and make it a resolution to attend church on a more regular basis.

A simple thank you this holiday season

For many businesses this year they faced challenging times trying to grow their business and obtain new customers. Now that we nearing the end of year it is time for everyone to reflect upon what has been accomplished and what is ahead for 2009. One of the most simple gestures that you can show your customers is to send out personlized Business Christmas Cards that simply says “Thank You”. At the gallerycollection.com you can find both business and personal Christmas cards that will fit any mood or style that you may need. We took a brief tour of the site to look at cards that I will be sending out to my team this holiday season and their broad selection is something to consider this holiday season. I really like the fact that when you select a particular style of card they present with other similar cards to help you narrow down your search and find the right card for this holiday season.
In the spirit of giving gallerycollection.com the nations leading publishers of company Christmas cards announced a week ago that the company donated $10K to Project Valour-IT. Project Valour-IT a Soldiers’ Angels military support program  is a charity that has been setup to provide special laptops and technology for our men and women who have been severely wounded in battle. With their $10K donation the organization was able to purchase 18 of these special adaptive laptops for those that have served our country. So this holiday stop and be thankful for what we have and remember those that are still on the front line protecting your freedom and patronize companies that are making their transition back to the states a little nicer.

Change the way that you eat

We have been reading about the rise of diabetes in America and that the predictions are that by 2025 there will be a doubling in the reported diabetes cases. There are many reasons that we are seeing this unprecedented rise in a disease. One of the major ones is the diet that many Americans are on which is saturated fats and high sugar meals. These are typically fast and somewhat low cost. So the key to helping control your weight and keeping your blood sugar in check is to watch what you eat and exercise daily. Easier said than done. You can start by simply making a goal to walk 10K steps a day with the use of a pedometer. Just this one simple change can help you burn calories and even improved your insulin resistance if you have issues with your blood sugar levels.
Many many will turn to diet supplements like Estrin D which are specially formulated to help those that are pre-menopausal or menopausal. This and many other diet articles are featured at sensational.com where you can find tips and resources to help you control your weight and shed those unwanted pounds.

Develop yourself

You have to make your personal development a priority right up there with your career goals. You can find some great advice at the personal development blog. We provide some great insight on all things that effect you as a person such as the cost of health care, finances, and attitude. All of which if not taken care of and given the right amount of attention can effect other areas of your life. It is difficult to make it to work if you are in the hospital recovering from a heart attack. Remember to schedule time for yourself during your daily activities, and this can help reduce stress and help in your overall health.

Secure your bargains early

This holiday shopping season is starting off quickly as many large retailers are trying to beat the ” black Friday” rush with offering one day specials leading up to the famous shopping day. There is no doubt that people will be firing up their Credit Cards in order to make their purchases online or at the store. The question will be just how much consumers will spend this holiday season with all the economic reports out.

If you are looking to make some major purchases then you may want to check out the latest credit offerings that are still available. With all the talk about credit being tight there are still several card companies out there offering 0% interest for 12 months. We did a recent search for credit card offerings and found a great selection and review guide at cardhub.com. Here you can search the major credit card companies and find an offer that will fit your needs. As with any offer make sure that in the end that you only spend as much as you can afford and make plans to pay them off before they reach their due date.