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2010 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestion: T-Fal Professional Full Sized Garment Steamer

Tuesday, November 30, 2010



T-Fal introduces the  1st Steamer on the market with ALL commands on the handle!
    • fast 60 second heat up time
    • easy to use hand operated  on/off control with light indicator
    • safety  auto-off function
    • beeps to alert when tank is empty
    • large 2.6l removable water tank
    •  integrated hanger with rotary movement for easy storage
    • adjustable dual clip system for pants
    • fabric brush included
    • durable steam hose with protective cover
    • easy rolling wheels for transporting

Clothes steamers are  for garments and clothing for professional, personal and travel use. Clothing steamers remove wrinkles in your home or commercial business.
They make life easier and make a great gift idea this holiday season.

Holiday Entertainment That Won't Break The Bank



The holidays are a time for family, when you make an effort to reconnect, spend quality time, and remind the special people in your life that they mean a lot to you. But this stressful season can also bring a number of unique challenges to the person in charge of entertaining family and friends. Whether you’re traveling or hosting events at your home, the costs can quickly get out of hand and go well beyond the scope of your budget, no matter how precisely you plan. Between trying to keep the kids occupied while they’re out of school, creating one feast after another, and everything else that comes along with the holiday season (gifts, decorations, etc.), you’re beginning to fear that the New Year will find you deep in debt. But if you take the time to scope out some fun activities that cost a lot less, you can easily get yourself back on track with your finances and provide a fun and festive atmosphere for the whole family.



You should start by finding some fun ways to stay home. No doubt there is a bunch of holiday movies the kids would love to go see, but considering the cost of tickets and snacks, you’re out $50 every time you hit the theater. Instead, consider getting Netflix (the first month is free and you can even stream selections to your PC, Mac, or online gaming console) or visiting your local video store. For a lot less money you can keep everyone entertained. You can also pull out board games, video games, and even books to keep them occupied and out of the cold winter weather.


Another fun way to pass the time while indoors is to get crafty. By looking around online you can find tons of ideas to create ornaments, wreaths, and other decorations to hang around the house or send to relatives as gifts (these fun activities could also save you a lot of money when it comes time to send out presents). And creating holiday cards with recycled paper and a few stamps could be a neat way to make personalized greetings for friends and family. So get everyone involved in stringing up popcorn (or festively wrapped candy) and assembling pine cone Santas. You’ll have a great time, cut back on your shopping, and make some unique and personal gifts. You could also try your hand at bath products, candles, and baked goods for minimal cost.


If you prefer to spend your time out of doors but don’t want to pay the hefty fees required by most ski resorts, consider some free activities instead. Have everyone strap on their skates at a local pond, go sledding in the hills, or build a snowman (or a snow fort stocked with snowballs for an all-out offensive) on the front lawn. There are other ways to revel in the biting wind and falling snow than by spending beaucoup bucks on a ski pass. You could even go cross-country skiing (if you have the right gear) in an open area. In short, you don’t need to spend a lot in order to enjoy the season. Simply choose options for entertainment that are not only fun, but free (or close to it)!




Kyle Simpson writes for AdvanceMe, the nation’s leading merchant cash advance provider  credit card factoring company.

Family Dollar Frugal Holiday Entertaining,Gifting and a Contest

FAMILY DOLLAR: THE NEW NORTH POLE FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING



Family Dollar, one of the fastest-growing discount retail chains in the United States, is wrapping the 2010 holiday season in fun, frugal and festive $5 toys and gifts. Every year, Family Dollar offers a variety of popular toys and value-priced gifts to make the holidays special, yet affordable for every family.


Family Dollar has plenty of holiday cheer in place for shoppers this season with the first-ever Family Dollar Holiday Dream Dash Contest (www.contest.familydollar.com) launched on October 14, 2010. Families are encouraged to create their own digital holiday gift list by selecting items from an online Family Dollar Christmas Toy Book and share an entry explaining how they would take advantage of a holiday shopping spree at Family Dollar. The grand prize winner will dash through their local Family Dollar store aisles to grab as many $5 toys and gifts and other holiday items that their shopping cart can handle, taking their winnings home to create a special holiday experience for their family this year.


The nationwide retailer is also challenging the ultimate holiday deal-seeker to check out what Family Dollar has “in store” this season. Highlights include:

· $5 toys and gifts for boys and girls at every age featuring popular brand names like Hot Wheels and Bakugan

· 10% discounts on bulk toy purchases of $100 or more, perfect for the charitable gift-giver

· Featured Family Dollar holiday recipe and coupon booklet to lend a hand with holiday gathering and entertaining needs


Dedicated to being a one-stop-shopping destination, Family Dollar stores are offering more deals this holiday season than ever before. From kids’ favorites like Disney Play Huts and full-function Radio Control Kid Cruisers to hot-priced electronics, Family Dollar has something for everyone.

Family Dollar’s $5 Toys and Gifts will be available in all 6,800 stores in 44 states across the country, and featured in the retailer’s Christmas Toy Book to be distributed nationally starting this October. For more information on Family Dollar’s holiday variety and great gift ideas, please visit www.familydollar.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/familydollar.

Today's Winners:

Today sees 3 winners all recieving a great looking hair dryer.
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/11/holiday-gift-guide-suggestion-gifts.html

They are:

ozzykelley1 at yahoo dot com
amypugmire@live.com
vickers at comcast dot net

Winners have 7 days to contact me before a new winner is chosen in their place.
Thank you to all who entered!

Holiday Gift Guide Suggestion and Giveaway: Rowenta Beauty 2 in 1 Straight and Curl ( Canada Only)

Monday, November 29, 2010



If your looking for another great gift giving idea, consider the professional Rowenta Beauty 2 in 1 Ceramic Ionic Curling Iron, as well as browse through the catalog of styling products for sale by Rowenta Beauty.








Rowenta Beauty would love to give away one of these 2 in one straight and curls to one lucky winner from Canada.
A random draw will be made on December 8, 2010 by Random.org from all entries recieved.


To Enter:
Who would use this the most in your home?

Extra Entries:

Add my button to your blog hop
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow in email
Give me the thumbs up on Stumble Upon

Best of luck to all!

Quick Tips: Think Substitution When Cooking/Baking



If your cooking or baking, and come across an ingrediant you don't have in a recipe, think of ways you can substitute and perhaps use up other ingrediants you already have on hand.
Don't have bow tie pasta? Use penne or rotini.
No walnuts for the brownies? Try peanuts or almonds.
 No minced onion? Try fresh.
No cheddar cheese? Perhaps you could try mozza instead.
By substituting ingrediants you may find a whole new taste to an old recipe.

Looking for Custom Lanyards or Wristbands?


Custom Lanyards 4 All offers full customization and imprinted lanyards, wristbands, and other promotional items, which are becoming extremely popular as promotional or fundraising items for schools, businesses, religious affiliates, organizations, and for special events.

They are the premier manufacturer and supplier of top quality Lanyards, ID Badge Reel, Carabiner Badge Reel, well as badge accessories and findings, as well as 100% custom Silicone Wristbands, Pens, and many other promotional items.

Lanyards are made to order in 14 days or less, with free shipping, free artwork, no set up fees and a 100% price match.Prices and styles for the custom lanyards can be found on their site as well.
Please be sure to tell them the One Income Dollar sent you!

You can contact them at ask@customlanyards4all.com

Review and Giveaway: ( Canada only): Royal Canadian Mint's 2010 Holiday Gift Set-Makes a Great Stocking Stuffer



Have a coin collector in the family, or perhaps someone that just enjoys those different coins that come out every so often? Well, I have the perfect stocking stuffer idea for you to give.
The Royal Canadian Mint's 2010 Holiday Gift Set:  Celebrating Life’s Special Moments, the Holiday Gift Set with a Canadiana theme will mark the 2010 Holiday Season. This set includes uncirculated versions of each of the denominations issued for circulation in Canada and a painted 25-cent Santa coin.

We loved this set, and have always been collectors of the coins that have some color added them.Special pieces worth saving.
This is one of the many festive coins they have on their site.
This set retails for $19.95 and can be found on their web site for purchase.
Available while supplies last so please shop early.

The Royal Canadian Mint would like to give away one of these coin sets to one lucky winner from Canada.
A random draw will be made by Random.org on December 9,2010 from all entries recieved.

To Enter:

Tell me if there is a coin collector in your home.

Extra Entries:
Add my button to your blog hop
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow in email
Give me the thumbs up on Stumble Upon



Good luck to all!



8 Cheap Ways to Have Fun




Frugal doesn’t have to mean boring. There are easy ways to get out of the house and spend quality time with friends and family without cringing every time you bring out your wallet.


If you’re a movie buff, get Netflix (free instant-streaming of some TV shows and movies with one DVD rented at a time including Blu-ray is $11.99 a month, less than the price of two one-time movie theater tickets). Prices go higher and lower depending on your plan. It’s even cheaper than buying off the $5 rack at Wal-Mart.

Take a peek at www.restaurant.com for gift certificates to local restaurants.

Rather than going out to eat, cook in with the kids and/or significant other or a good friend. Try a new recipe and assign different tasks to each person to make it an adventure. Enjoy your creation over a bottle of wine check out http://consumerist.com/2007/05/9-tasty-wines-under-10.html for 9 tasty wines under $10.

Even if you don’t play video games, someone in your family might. Get them to rent video games or buy used video games that have been marked down, instead, and even exchange their old games for newer ones.

If you really want to see newer films, catch the earlier matinees that tend to be cheaper.

Sometimes, you don’t have to pay for a show at all. Check your local college or high school stage production group, ballet, or orchestra and see if they’ll let you watch rehearsals for free (these can be even more entertaining than actual shows).

Local parks often host free concerts, plays, and other forms of live entertainment. Some farmers’ markets even host free cooking classes.

Attend a high school or community college sports game instead of spending money on tickets to professional sports games.




Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, where recently she's been researching different online bsw degrees and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

Review and Giveaway: Morocanoil Shampoo/Conditioner ( Canada Only )

Sunday, November 28, 2010

New MOROCCANOIL products blend ancient therapies with modern technologies to restore stressed hair with maximum health and shine .







My daughter Erika, who is 18, loves to look after her hair, and she usually buys salon shampoo and conditioner for herself.She feels that it makes a big difference using them on her hair.
Erika tried the Morocanoil shampoo and conditioner and loved how it made her hair feel."Soft and shiny and it smells great" she said.

Facts about the shampoo and conditioner:

MOROCCANOIL® Moisture Repair Shampoo

o Gently cleanses while infusing hair with argan oil, keratin, fatty acids, proteins and other nutrients.

o Sulfate, phosphate and paraben free formula.

o Colour-safe; can be used daily to help moisturize and maintain healthy hair.

o Creamy lather helps repair color/chemically damaged hair, leaving it soft, shiny and full of body!


MOROCCANOIL® Moisture Repair Conditioner
o Gently detangles and reconstructs while infusing hair with Argan oil, keratin, fatty acids and proteins.

o Colour-safe, sulfate, phosphate and paraben free.

o When used daily with MOROCCANOIL® Moisture Repair Shampoo, this luxurious cream helps repair and restore color/chemically damaged hair.


Moroccanoil  carries a full line of professional hair care products and Moroccanoil®’s Argan oil is harvested under a fair trade program which provides substantial socio-economic support to thousands of families in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco. Revenue from this project provides income to families and helps improve the working conditions of rural women.What a great thing fair trade does.
And check out their holiday gift giving suggestions as well.


Moroccanoil would love to give away a set of their shampoo and conditioner to one lucky winner in Canada.
A random draw will be made on December 8,2010 by Random.org.

To Enter:
Tell me if you have ever used salon shampoo or conditioner on your hair.

Extra Entries:

Add my button to your blog hop

Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow in email
Give me the thumbs up on Stumble Upon

Good luck to all!




Yesterday's Winners!

A day behind with this giveaway- sorry:

Winner's of yesterday's giveaway:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/11/holiday-gift-guide-suggestion-180s-plus.html


staceyx@telus.net
theknitwitbyshair@hotmail.com
 
** Winners have been notified and have 7 days to contact me before a new winner is chosen.
Thank you to all who entered!

Today's Winner!

Today's winner of the following giveaway:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/11/review-and-giveaway-upper-canada-soap.html
is:
bluemirage2@hotmail.com

*** Winner has been contacted and has 7 days to reply before a new winner is selected.
Thank you to all who entered.




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Review : Peace, Love and Juicy Couture and Pretty by Elizabeth Arden: Review and ( Canada Only Giveaway)

Wednesday, November 24, 2010



Pretty by Elizabeth Arden is a fragrance anyone could love....the scent is soft, and not over powering. It reminded my mom,( our reviewer of Pretty), of smelling a rose she said- a delicate scent....one that a woman could wear on any occasion. When she first saw the box she had the impression of softness, and thought the container to be almost ornamental. This fragrance would make a great gift for any age group, from 20 to 80,  as it is one of those perfumes that calls out, "smell me". She would say : "Add this one to your collection."

With the Juicy Couture fragrance, mom  thought it would appeal to a younger crowd.... and it would be ideal for Christmas and any holiday occasion. She  thought it to have a fruity fragrance. The new fragrance that is  inspired by earthly beauty and the free-spirited, bohemian vibe of Malibu. Give Peace, Love & Juicy Couture a chance!

Be sure to check out all the special offers on the Elizabeth Arden site.

Review by: Cynthia


Elizabeth Arden would love to give away one bottle of the fragrance Pretty, to one lucky winner in Canada.
A random draw will be made on December 6, 2010 from all entries recieved, and to be drawn with Random.org.

To Enter:

Tell me if you would like to win this for yourself or for a gift.

Extra Entries:


Follow Elizabeth Arden on Twitter
Become their Facebook friend
Add my button to your blog hop
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow in email

Good luck to all!





First Timer’s Guide to Black Friday Survival



Have you always rolled your eyes at all those crazy Black Friday shoppers camping out in store lines at 2am, bundled up with blankets and thermoses of coffee, but secretly wished you could get in on some of those deals? Well, now you can. Here’s your “I’m A Black Friday Virgin And Need Some Help’ Guide.



1. You must make a decision early on about your Black Friday strategy. Will you go with the flow and just show up and experience the crowds and excitement and find whatever deal you happen upon? Or will you go prepared with a detailed list of exactly which item you wish to purchase and a blueprint map of the store layout? If it’s option A, you’re done reading. After eating turkey and eggnog, head out to the nearest store and get in line. If it’s option B, keep reading.


2. Do some investigative work (sounds so much more fun than research). Look online or in circulars and find out who is selling the items you want for less. Keep all of this information organized in a small notebook so when B Day comes, you know that you’re heading out to the best deal available.


3. If you’re going to do it, commit. Do not set your alarm for 6am thinking you’re an early bird. You’re not. If you shop between 6am and 6pm, you’re just like everyone else. If you’re serious, you’ll be there before 6am. Yes, way before. Go prepared with your warmest jackets and shoes and bring those thermoses, you’re going to need them.



Paula Sirois is a Florida based writer who writes about frugal living and saving money at http://www.Deals.com where a team of pro deal-finders post online deals, sales, and coupons daily. The site currently features a special section of Black Friday deals as well as Black Friday tips from experts, BFads.net and CouponMom.com.

Review and Giveaway ( Canada Only )The Canadian Snowbird Guide by Douglas Gray



It's no secret that Gerry and I love to travel.We nickel and dime to go somewhere, anywhere- just to get away. Our winters are long here as well.The snow starts in late October and doesn't let up till May sometimes. I hate the cold too.I walk alot during the warmer months and would just like to be outdoors more in nice weather, then stuck indoors.
This is why a book like The Canadian Snowbird Guide by Douglas Gray, really appealed to us.
This is an interesting guide book. It is the fourth edition - updated and revised. It's everything you need to know about living part time in Mexico or the USA.
This book will come in handy for us on day when we get to that age and time in our lives where we may just want to spend most of our cold winters, south.

We are giving away a copy of this book to one lucky reader from Canada, in a random draw to be held December 5,2010 from all entries recieved.

To Enter:
Please tell me if you go away in the winter- either for a short holiday or for a few months.

Extra Entries:
Follow me on Twitter:(oneincome)

Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow in email
Stumble Me ( oneincome)

Good Luck to all!





2010 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestion and Giveaway: Workman Publishing -Books,Calendars,Audio and More

Tuesday, November 23, 2010



With the holidays approaching fast, we are thinking of gifts we can give to family and friends.
I'd like to tell you about a great book you can get from Workman Publishing for yourself or someone in your family who is as thrifty as you.
I first saw the book: Be Thrifty... How to Live Better with Less,at a book store while out of town. I did flip through it, but made another choice at the time.I am glad to have been able to have a second chance at seeing this book, as it was offered as a book to review.
I love this book! It has a wealth of information in it, and tells us that thrifty isn't just about saving money, but living a healthier, greenier life.If your looking for a "back to basics" type of book, this is the one.



Also from Workman Publishing, comes a 365 Bible Verses a Year Calendar 2011. My gramma loves these type of calendars. She loves reading the daily verses on them and it keeps track of her days as she keeps it handy at her kitchen table.Receive the comfort, joy, and wisdom of the Bible throughout the year.


Workman Publishing would love to give away one of either of these, to two lucky winners from Canada or the USA.
Please specify in your entry which you would prefer or say "either".
A random draw will be made by Random .org on December 5,2010 from all entries recieved.


To Enter:
Enter with your email and specify the book of choice or say" either".

Extra Entries:

Follow me on Twitter:(oneincome)
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow in email
Stumble Me ( oneincome)

Good luck to all!

2010 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestion and Giveaway: Elizabeth Grant

Who is Elizabeth Grant? Her story tells it all-a woman who found the secret to better looking skin, after her own personal battle with damaged skin, damaged during the Seond World War.
Her products are many, from skin care to fragrance and beauty.
Learn more about your own skin with her online skin quiz,designed to lead you directly to the products that will work best for your skin type and skin concerns.

I recieved their apricot hand soap for review and love the smell .


The hand soap has a delightful, sensuous aroma, distilled from the flowers of the apricot tree. This hand soap captures both the citrus and sweet notes of the fruit.
                                   With two washrooms in our home ,we use alot of hand soap .




As well, be sure to check out their wonderfully scented Emotion Eau De Parfum -very delicately scented.
Created for the Cannes Film Festival in 2007, Emotion Eau De Parfum is a modern, sophisticated and romantic fragrance with all the characteristics of a world leading perfume. The top note is a sparkling, fruity and floral bouquet of Bergamot, Peaches, Plums and Lychee. The heart is a young, feminine, white floral harmony of Orchid, Muguet, Rose, Orris and Gardenia. The base notes of this perfume work to support its light, floral elements with Ginger, White Pepper and warm Oak Moss. This perfume will make you feel utterly beautiful.

Great giving can be found at Elizabeth Grant.

For our readers, the Elizabeth Grant company is offering a bottle of their Emotion Eau De Parfum to one lucky winner in Canada or the USA.
A random draw will be held by Random.org on December 4,2010 from all entries recieved.


To Enter:

Please sign up for their newletter on their home page.

Extra Entries:
Like them on Facebook-Elizabeth Grant International
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome

Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow in email


Good luck to all!

10 Tips To Ensure Year-End Charitable Contributions Can Be Deducted

The year-end charitable giving season is upon us, and Grant Thornton LLP wants to make sure Americans don’t miss out on the federal tax rewards available for their charitable contributions.


“In general, Americans are very charitable people and it’s an added benefit that our government rewards us for it,” said Justin Ransome, a partner in Grant Thornton’s Washington National Tax Office. “However, strict adherence to some very specific rules is required in order to reap the tax benefit of this generosity.”


While the following list is not exhaustive, it contains some of the more common issues that can trip up individuals trying to claim charitable contribution deductions on their tax returns. One uncommon issue for consideration in making your charitable gifts in 2010 is the expiration of the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts and the uncertainty as to whether Congress will act to extend these tax cuts for some or all taxpayers. As with all deductions, the higher your tax rate, the greater the benefit of your charitable deduction will be. Thus, without further Congressional action, consider whether it might be best to wait and make your charitable contribution in 2011. To learn how these charitable deduction rules may apply to you, please contact your tax adviser.



1. Determine the amount of your deduction. For cash contributions this is not a problem. For gifts of property, the amount of your deduction is generally its fair market value (FMV). Contributions of certain property may be limited to your basis (i.e., what you paid for it) such as ordinary income property (e.g., inventory), tangible personal property put to an unrelated use by the charity and capital gain property contributed to a private foundation.


2. Understand the AGI percentage limitations. Charitable contributions for any given year are only deductible up to a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI) (20 percent to 50 percent depending on the type of property contributed and the type of recipient organization). You can carry over the excess amount for the next five years.


3. Meet the substantiation requirements. For contributions of cash or property, always get a receipt from the charity. For contributions of property, the receipt will need to reflect the fair value of the property donated. Donated clothing or household goods must be in at least “good used condition” to be deductible. If the contribution of property is in excess of $5,000, a qualified appraisal of the donated property must be obtained.



4. Meet the reporting requirements. If you have made a gift of property in excess of $500, you must file Form 8283. If you have made a gift of property in excess of $5,000 (other than publicly traded securities), you must complete the appraisal summary on Form 8283, Section B and have the charity complete and sign Part IV. If the gift of property is in excess of $500,000, the qualified appraisal must be attached to your income tax return.



5. Understand the timing rules. Contributions made by check are considered delivered on the date they are mailed and must be deducted in the year of the mailing. Contributions made by credit card must be deducted in the year that the charge occurs. Pledges to make a contribution generally are not deductible until payment is actually made. Similarly, a contribution of an unsecured promissory note is not deductible until paid.



6. Confirm that the organization is a qualified organization. Make sure your donations are made to an organization qualified to receive deductible contributions. The IRS website (http://www.irs.gov) lists most qualified organizations in Publication 78, but many churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and government organizations are not required to be on the list even though they are qualified organizations. Foreign charities generally are not qualified organizations. Political organizations that participate in political campaigns or attempt to influence legislation are not qualified organizations.



7. Do not deduct contributions of services or use of property. You can’t deduct your time for donating services, only your out-of-pocket expenses. So you can’t deduct your artistic performance, professional services or the value of permitting a charity to use your property. You may only deduct mileage and out-of-pocket expenses paid in providing services to a charity.



8. Give appreciated property to charity. Donate appreciated property to charity because you avoid paying tax on the long-term capital gain you’d incur if you sold the property. So donating property with a lot of built-in gain can lighten your tax bill. But don’t donate depreciated property. Sell it first and give the proceeds to charity so you can take the capital loss and the charitable deduction.



9. Give directly from an IRA. Taxpayers 70½ and older can make tax-free charitable distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Using your IRA distributions for charitable giving could save you more than taking a charitable deduction on a normal gift. That’s because these IRA distributions for charitable giving won’t be included in income at all, lowering your AGI. You’ll see the difference in many AGI-based computations where the below-the-line deduction for charitable giving doesn’t have any effect. Note: The statute underlying this tip expired on Jan. 1, 2010, but is expected to be extended to Jan. 1, 2011, before year end. Before employing this tip, check with your tax adviser to ensure that the statute has been extended.


10. Do not deduct raffle tickets or bingo; beware of tickets to fundraising events. When purchasing tickets to a fundraising event, you must reduce the charitable contribution by the value of the event. Sometimes, the charity will provide you with the value of the event to be used for this purpose. If the organization lists the full ticket price (unreduced by the value of the event) as a contribution, you must still reduce the deduction by the value of the event. If your donation to a college or university includes the right to purchase seating at athletic events, only 80 percent of the payment is treated as a charitable contribution. The actual ticket purchase price is not deductible.

Submitted by Reader: Crazy Black Friday Videos

Thank you to Jessica, who wanted to share with everyone, these crazy Black Friday videos!

http://www.jobdescriptions.net/10-disturbing-videos-of-black-friday-madness/






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Tips For Holiday Budgeting

Monday, November 22, 2010




Keeping your holiday spending in check can be difficult. The thrill of shopping and the spirit of giving have a tendency to overshadow other financial goals like saving and reducing debt. The result is often a stressful holiday followed by weeks or even months of budget damage control. If you'd like to do things differently this year, try following some of the following budgeting tips.



Make a List and Check It Twice

Make a list of the people you would like to buy gifts for. When you've finished, put a checkmark next to the people you HAVE to buy gifts for--your mother, your children, etc. Focus on the checkmarks and consider sending the other people cards, letters, or other small tokens of appreciation. Not everyone needs (or should get) a large gift from you when you're on a budget.



Set a Budget and Stick to It

You should know how much money you have to spend before you begin shopping. Set an individual limit for each person and stick with it. Doing so will help you avoid overspending once you are in the store. It is also a good idea to account for items like cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, and last-minute or unexpected gift giving. These things can add up and easily put you over budget.



Leave the Plastic at Home

A lot of people shop with their credit card and pay their bills later. You should avoid doing so if at all possible. Paying in cash makes it easier to keep track of what you are spending and stay within your budget. If you don't have enough cash to shop or do not plan on paying off the credit card bill right away, you may want to reconsider your holiday budget. A $1,000 shopping spree charged to a credit card with an interest rate of 19 to 20 percent can take up to six years to pay off if you only make the minimum payment. Are the gifts really worth that much?


Look for Deals

There are so many sales around the holidays that you should refuse to buy anything unless you are getting it at a discount. Every store has sales. You can also find store coupons, product promotions, free shipping codes, and other discounts online. Another option is to buy from auction sites and alternative retail outlets. These places almost always offer good deals on both new and lightly used items.


Get the Best Price

Getting a deal is great, but getting the best price is even better. Use comparison shopping sites like PriceGrabber.com and NexTag.com to see which stores are offering the lowest price on the items you are looking for.


Get Sentimental

Gifts do not have to have huge price tags. In fact, the nicest gifts are often sentimental and low cost. Consider putting together a scrapbook, memory book, slide show, or some other type of homemade memento for your loved ones. They will appreciate your efforts so much that they won't care how much the gift cost.


Donate to Charity Instead

If you are looking for ways to trim your holiday budget but don't want to forgo your charity donations, you could always skip the gift giving and donate in a loved one's name. You can also ask loved ones to donate on your behalf rather than buying a gift for you. This will keep the spirit of the holidays alive and reduce the number of post-holiday gift returns that always occur because someone got something that they didn't really want or need.


Plan for Next Year

The best way to get through a holiday on a budget is to plan ahead. Try saving a bit of money each month in a special account so that you don't feel the holiday money crunch all at one time. You can also try buying gifts throughout the year--you'll beat the shopping rush and still have an opportunity to buy things as they go on sale.



Guest post from Bailey Harris, financial writer and Homeownersinsurance.org contributor

Stocking Stuffer Suggestion: EZ Socks -Review and Giveaway




If these aren't just the cutest socks! What a great idea to make an easy sock for children to pull on by themselves. EZ Sox are a training socks  just for kids.
My 3 year old niece will love these socks-being able to put them on and pull them up all by herself.
The socks come in a variety of animal styles and solid colors, as well as a variety of sizes.Their unique design helps your child put on their socks with ease.

Reinforced loops give tiny fingers a strong grip for pulling over tiny toes and cute animal faces act as a guide, showing them which way is up.Another great plus, are the non slip bottoms!
The socks can be ordered online or you can check for them at a store near you.

EZ Sox would like to give away 2 pairs of socks of the winner's choice to one lucky winner from Canada or the USA.
A random draw will be made by Random.org on December 3,2010.

To Enter:
Tell me who you would win these socks for and how old they are.

Extra Entries:
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome

Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
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Good luck to all!



























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2010 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestion,Giveaway( US Only) PLUS Coupon Code: Luxor Linens



Luxor Linens is a luxury leader  in the  finest bedding, towels and bath robes, as I was able to see first hand.
I recieved their 5th Avenue Unisex Egyptian cotton luxury bathrobe for review,and let me tell you, these are just like the ones they have in the spas and fancy hotels you visit.Very good quality and makes you feel so pampered!
It is warm, luxurious 100% Egyptian cotton . Clean and crisp, true European spa quality. Imported from Egypt in 3 elegant colors. white, ivory, beige and one size fits most.It can even be monogrammed for gift giving.



A coupon code is being offered to our readers for 20% off any of their robes by using the code: 1incomedollar20

Luxor Linens would like to give one of these fine robes to one lucky US winner, in a random draw to be held December 2,2010, by Random.org.


To Enter:
Please tell me why you would like to win this robe,( answer does not effect the random draw), and post this giveaway on your Twitter OR Facebook.

Extra Entries:

Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow in email

Good luck to all!





Sunday-November 21

Sunday, November 21, 2010

I always find I have more time to write on Sundays. Reviews and giveaways are usually caught up with and even the emails are slower on the weekends.
I made some cookies today with the M&M's we recieved in our Santa's Choice packs the other day.Didn't realize they were the green and red festive ones till I opened the bag, so that was nice.
With only the two of us home though, I froze most of them.Ria's not a big M&M fan- otherwise, I would have bagged her up some,and Erika is still away at college till Christmas break on the 18th.




Gerry had the snowmobile out for a bit today- saw him driving past the house when I was looking out the window this afternoon.Had to laugh, as I thought he was just doing " stuff" in the backyard.He watched some of the football game too once he got in- as the teams head to the Grey Cup next weekend.I couldn't believe the guys were playing in short sleeves with snow on the field. They said it was -18 degrees and even colder with the wind. ( in Calgary,Alberta).

Tonight Gerry is putting the last coat of paint on the spare/guest room, as it goes from pink to beige.
After he gets that done it will be movie time on Netflix.

Have a good evening everyone-
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Today's Winner

janicebudgellpollard@hotmail.com
is today's winner of the following giveaway:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/11/review-sonic-boom-skull-alarm-clock.html

Winner has been contacted, and has 7 days to reply before a new winner is selected.
Thank you to all who entered!

Today's Winners

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Today we had two giveaways:

theknitwitbyshair@hotmail.com won:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/11/review-and-giveaway-patch-products-5.html 



and
 
kirsten.jason.2010@gmail.com won:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/11/review-and-giveaway-pillsbury-savvy.html  



 
*** Winners have been contacted and have 7 days to reply before a new winner is chosen.
 
Thanks to all who entered.

A Few Things

I had to re-draw for one of our giveaways today.
ajmizen@hotmail.com
is the winner of:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/10/review-and-giveaway-canada-only-royal.html, and has been contacted.

I am looking to know if anyone else uses the social network site called: Stumble Upon?
I have some questions about using it, if you can email me, that would be nice.
Thank you-
oneincomedollar@yahoo.ca


Have a great day everyone! It's housework day here today and dentist-yuck! 

2 Winners- 2 Draws

Friday, November 19, 2010

Today we have 2 winners for our 2 giveaways:

theknitwitbyshair@hotmail.com- won: http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/11/review-and-giveaway-smartfish.html


and

sweetone62406@hotmail.com- won:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/11/2010-holiday-gift-guide-suggestion-and.html


 
** Winners have been contacted and have 7 days to reply before a new winner is chosen.
 
Thank you to all that enter!

Our Santa's Choice Order Has Arrived







Santas Choice is Canadas favourite Christmas Hamper company,and we agree with that statement!
Every year we recieve our boxes of Santa's Choice food boxes with much anticipation. Our freezer and cupboards are never so full!
Once you have shopped with Santas Choice you will wonder why you planned for the Summer and Christmas Holidays any other way!

Santas Choice gives you the opportunity to put your 2011 Christmas and Summer Groceries and Gifts on layaway, and at today's prices. You can budget all year to keep your holidays on track!
A small amount of our choosing, depending on the packs we order, is taken out of our bank accounts every week- and we never even miss it.
In November and December, the boxes arrive- and at a great time.This year we have almost our Christmas meal foods, minus the fresh foods.
If you are interested, this is a Canadian offer only.



 




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Teaching Kids To Live Green





We are living in a day in age where kids need to be taught Green living for the future of our planet. But how? I have come up with some tips to help parents teach their kids to live green.


The best way to teach kids to live green is to lead by example. This has been a feat that was not easy for me at first as I was not taught to live green as a child and had to reincorporate it into my life. But now I make sure that when I am doing something even as small as turning off the lights I let my child know that it is helping the earth.

Recycling is one of the best ways to teach your kids to live green. Many areas have a recycling service that will stop by and pick up your recycled items. I love going through everything with my child and explaining to her what can be recycled and what it can be made into after it is recycled. Each time something is thrown away I make sure to ask her what recycle bin she thinks it should go into.

Teach kids to be conservative. Explain to them how using up too much water and electricity can affect the earth in the long run. What happens to water after we use it in the washer, bath tub, washing the dishes, etc… let them know where it goes. How about the Electricity. What are the long term effects of keeping the lights on all day? How can we be better about conserving?

Composting is a fun one in my opinion. My daughter and I have a compost bin that we can add to our growing crops. I explain to her that the fruits and veggies we are growing are helping to clean the air we breathe. I explain that the compost can help our fruits and veggies grow and she is learning the value of not wasting anything. Plus with my compost I will not have to spend the money on fertilizers and such and thus in turn we are eating healthier foods!

Help kids understand that car pooling and using public transportation can help aid in cutting down our pollution. I know that walking and riding our bikes is fun time that we can spend together and we are helping to keep our air clean!

Be involved with nature. Taking the kids camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities can help them to see what they are trying to save. Teach them that there are many living things on this earth that need help from us.

Try to make items homemade! I love this tip! It is great family time and there are so many things you can make out of old items. How about a seek and find water bottle? My daughter and I took an old water bottle and filled it up with little toys and rice. We then glued the lid on the bottle. Now she has hours of fun shaking the bottle around to uncover all the little trinkets I hid in that bottle. Doing a little research can help you come across lots of fun ways to recycle and make your own homemade items!

Use re-usable shopping bags. Teach your children how long a plastic bag stays in a landfill before it decomposes. 10-20 years is a long time for each bag! Using a re-usable can help our planet tremendously.

Teach our children the importance (and convenience) of re-usable diapers! Cloth diapers help to keep disposable diapers out of landfills! Disposable diapers take 75 years to decompose!!!

Can your own food. This is something I did grow up with. I now know that the food I am eating really was canned fresh (as it comes out of my garden) and it also cuts down on the aluminum can’s that I purchase. Aluminum cans contain BPA and they can take up to 100 years to decompose! If you can your own food in canning jars then you are recycling the jars every year and also not affecting your children with the BPA chemicals!

There are so many ways that you can help your children to live green! Starting out slow will help you to get used to the changes you are making in your life and help you to keep up the good work! I know you can do it! The future of our children depends on it!



Marina Chernyak is the co-owner of 1001Shops LLC, an online store of fine imported products like Fedora Hats,Panama Hats and  Murano Glass.

Quick Tip



My Sunbeam heating blanket started dying on me, and I need that blanket! We had -28 degree temps last night with the wind they say.
 Granted, I have had the blanket for a year, but it has a 5 year warrenty on it as well. Please note importance of keeping warrenty booklets and reciepts when you buy bigger ticket items. I was able to call their 1-800#, where I was referred to a service agent. I was told to send my blanket in for a replacement of a new blanket. I will have to pay the one way shipping on this, but it's a small price to pay.
So always, always, before you buy it new again, call the customer service # for your product. They are most times quite willing to help.

Review: C&T Publishing-Card Art

Thursday, November 18, 2010



A wonderful ebook from C&T Publishing!
I LOVE making/sending/receiving/buying/reading cards! Not dissing store-bought cards (which are convienient and sometimes say just what you don't have the words for!) but nothing says more than a lovingly handcrafted card.

Card Art: Create Treasured Greetings from Fabric & Paper by Susan S. Terry has design ideas to create 51 handmade cards as well as a dozen handmade gift tags. These cards combine paper and fabric to make one-of- a- kind cards made by you! Don't worry if you are not very creative, the instructions are easy to follow and the book includes templates/patterns for each of the cards made in the book. Each completed card is also shown in full color photographs and each card also fits into standard sized envelopes for easy mailing. These cards can be easily costumized to fit your mood, style and scraps of papers and fabrics that you have lying around! This is a great gift for quilters, scrapbookers and anyone who wants to create beautiful homemade cards. The cards in this book offer many ideas for seasonal and holiday cards as well as some "any-occasion" ones. This book also includes tips for quotes and an introduction into basic cardmaking/supplies and techinques used.

The ebook is available at C&T Publishing for $12.99 and immediate download or you can choose to purchase the actual book for $24.99.




***Review by my daughter: Ria

VeggieTales Holiday DVD : It’s a Meaningful Life with Bonus Coupon



Just in time for the holiday season, Big Idea Entertainment has released an all-new VeggieTales title, It’s a Meaningful Life! Multi-award winning Grammy artist Steven Curtis Chapman collaborated with the company to produce the song, “Meant To Be,” that’s currently part of the VeggieTales holiday DVD release It’s a Meaningful Life.




You can watch Steven perform the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9ksMpwqjXQ.
Right now, Big Idea Entertainment is offering a special $3 off coupon when you purchase the title: https://bigidea.com/other/iamlCoupon.aspx
Offer will expire on December 24th



DVD Synopsis It was the biggest football game of his life and Stewart (Larry the Cucumber) had a chance to win it all. Injured in one bad play, his hopes of playing in the Salad Bowl – and living a life of fame and fortune – are dashed forever. Years later, silly-but-sweet Stewart loves his family, friends and job at the toy train factory, but still wonders “what if” things had been different. When he meets a mysterious train conductor who can turn back time, Stewart gets a chance to have the life he always wanted. Will he finally find all he’s been looking for? And what does this mean for those he loves most? Find out in this story of wonder that’s a lesson in being content.

2010 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestion: Fannie May





At our house, we LOVE chocolate.It doesn't always love us, but we don't let that us stop us. Everything is good in moderation, unless of course your enjoying Fannie May's chocolates! They are so good, that it's hard to stop at one, or two or....well, you get the picture.
This holiday season give the gift of chocolate, and not just any chocolate, but Fannie May. These chocolates are to die for!
Famous Fannie May chocolates and chocolate gifts can be purchased right on their online store this holiday season.They aren't just chocolates so take a look at what other goodies they have to offer this holiday season.While your shopping, treat your taste buds as well, and get something for yourself.


Gift giving but not sure what they'd like? Get them a gift card to let them choose their own.With a wide array of assortments and favorite chocolate flavors they are sure to find exactly what they want.

Review and Giveaway ( USA Only):Night Before Christmas Activity Kit




If your looking to make Christmas for the kids just a little more fun this year, consider a Night Before Christmas Activity Kit from Red Envelope. I recieved this to review for my nieces, who are simply thrilled with it.Everything is all ready to have fun!

The nice gift box comes with:
A ceramic plate and mug created just for Santa making a unique presentation for the included cookies and cocoa. Their “Reindeer Games” activity book providing fun for the whole family, and a scrolled poem of “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore that can be read before the children are “nestled all snug in their beds”. Exclusively from RedEnvelope.


Your kit will include:

ceramic plate for cookies for Santa – 8 ½” diameter

ceramic mug for cocoa - 11.5 ounces; approximately 4 ½” high x 5 1/4” wide with handle

6 Mrs. Field’s chocolate chip nibbler cookies

2 packets Mrs. Field’s cocoa mix (makes 2 mugs)

poem of “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore

“Reindeer Games” activity book that includes games and challenges with a holiday theme such as “Snowflake Match Game”, “Santa’s Secret”, and “Festive Football”

packaging: red gift box with ivory grosgrain ribbon

“Instructions from Santa” attached to outside of box instructs the gift to be opened by Christmas Eve and to leave out cookies and cocoa for Santa

And for more Christmas Gifts be sure to check out the rest of their Christmas Gifts 2010 pages.


Red Envelope would like to make it a special Christmas for one US child, by having them win their very own kit to have fun with!
A random draw will be made on December 1,2010 by Random.org from all entries recieved.

To Enter:
Tell me if your children or grandchildren put out cookies for Santa.

Extra Entries:
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
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Good Luck To All!

Holiday Gift Guide Suggestion: Gifts from UBuyEZ ( Plus Giveaway USA only)

UBuyEz.com features the latest products from Kymaro Health & Beauty Brand.A great place to find those As Seen On TV Products as well, for categories such as: health&beauty,clothing,exercise and housewares.
I recieved one of their hair dryers to review and it's so much better than my old one with no power or blow to it. I like a hair dryer with lots of blowing power and great heat and this hair dryer has it.
Kymaro’s ® Portable Hair Dryer will deliver shiny, smooth, frizz-free locks. Powerful 1875 watt provides maximum temperature and airflow for healthy and beautiful hair. With a folding handle making storage and travel convenient. Makes a great Christmas gift.

Be sure to check out their featured items, that would make great Christmas gifts as well as those ever popular sale items.

UBuyEZ would love to give away one of these hair dryers to help you get ready for going out during the holidays, to 3 lucky winners from the USA.
A random draw will be made by Random.org from all entries recieved on November 30,2010.

To Enter:
Leave me your email.


Extra Entries:
Follow me on Twitter

Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
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Good luck to all!

So You'd Like To Own a Home?



The American dream: home ownership.
The great American fear: debt and a mortgage you can’t afford.

So how do you go about buying a home, affording it and making your family happy with the new purchase?

When you purchase a home, you are doing a few things for yourself:

Building equity – as you pay down the mortgage, you establish equity in the home (meaning it’s worth more than you owe; the difference is called equity)

Building credit – as you successfully make payments (on time) towards the mortgage, you are rewarded with an increase in your credit score

Supporting the economy – which in turn will help boost your community’s economy

When you decide to buy a home it’s key to set a budget, establish clear goals for your family, do your due diligence on the community and neighborhood and narrow your choices of available homes. If you don’t find something you like on the market, build a home to suit your needs. Don’t let someone else’s idea about a home dictate your day-to-day living.

Once you decide to buy / build a home, it’s time to start the process of obtaining a loan. This process can be long and very detailed. Finding a good mortgage broker or lending institution is key to having someone walk you through the process. There are many personal questions and documents that are required to satisfy the lender's requirements for you to obtain a loan; be prepared with tax documents, proof of employment, solid credit scores and the like.

Finally, make a wish list for your next home. Write down the things you want and the things you feel like would benefit your family. As long as everything is realistic, and in the budget, there is no reason you can’t accomplish your goal. This information will help your real estate agent or builder help you find the home of your dreams. Dream big, shoot for the stars and you too can achieve the American dream. With proper planning and assistance from reputable professionals, home ownership can be a success, not a headache.





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Shea Whitmire is the President of Whitmire Homes, a home builder in Georgia. The Whitmire family has been building custom homes for more than 30 years and has a proven track record of helping people find a way to make their dream home a reality.
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