2010 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestion- Hartz: For Your Pets!

While you’re looking for Holiday gifts for friends and family, I'd like to remind you about the one member of our families that can’t quite communicate what they want to see under the tree -- our pets. These loving friends are by our side throughout the year and they might like to receive something new. Gifts can range from a chew toy to savory treats.

Hartz has a Holiday Look Book where you’ll find all the best toys, treats, and grooming aids that will make your pet feel like one of the family.

Hartz has something for pets of all sizes.Tis the Season for Happy Shopping for Your Pet.

Debt is Expensive

Many people often ask the question: “How can I live a comfortable life, stick to my budget and still get ahead?” While there are certainly a number of ways to go about doing so, and even more ideas on how to stick to a budget, there is one thing that costs Americans more money than anything else: debt. There are “good” kinds of debt and there are “bad” kinds of debt; it’s these bad debts that often cause the most heartache, strife and struggle.




With the housing market crisis, the downturn in the economy, lost jobs and struggle for many American families, there is bound to be a spike in debt? But why should it be this way? Have we all forgotten how to live responsibly? Do we not realize how much debt truly costs?



Owning a home is a great thing, and often considered the American dream. But trying to buy more house than you can afford is not a smart endeavor. While owning a home can be considered “good debt”, you must be able to afford it. When you do choose to buy a home, be sure to compare the mortgages that are available. Sub-prime loans, balloon loans and adjustable rate mortgages are all very enticing at first glance. They each, in their own way, help to offer lower monthly payments to attract more buyers. But they also have numerous negative side effects that can lead to default loans, foreclosure and even bankruptcy if not properly managed. Educate yourself as this can be expensive debt to carry if not done right.



If you do decide to buy a home, be prepared to make a sufficient enough down payment to avoid private mortgage insurance. This fee, added to monthly mortgages, helps the bank ensure they will get repaid should you default on your loan. It is often added in instances where lower down payments are made.



Credit cards are another great source of debt in this country. Sure, it’s easy to “buy now and pay later”; if the card’s balance is not paid off each month the “real cost” of owning those goods just went up in a big way. Some credit card companies will add interest rates of up to 25%; this means that an item purchased for $10.00 on a credit card could now cost you $12.50! This kind of debt will continue to mount and pile up as the next month’s interest will add on top of the balance. Find ways to get out of credit card debt to help lower your total expenditures each month. When you only pay the minimum balance each month, you’re expressing a major sign of concern.



A number of people believe that their credit score is just a “number” that exists out there in space. The reality is that this score affects almost every aspect of your life, especially when you need to borrow money. The lower your credit score, the higher the interest rate you may pay to buy a car, home or secure an equity line of credit. Keep an eye on your credit score and make sure you’re not heading down a path that will inevitably cost you in the long run.



One last piece of advice: if you don’t know how much debt you currently have, it could be time to seek assistance. Ignoring debt and letting it go by the wayside will not help you be healthy, wealthy or wise. Pay attention, develop a plan to live within your means and move towards a sustainable living situation.

***

Shea Whitmire is the President of Whitmire Homes, a Georgia custom home builder. 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.

2010 Christmas Gift Guide Suggestion: Tailor 4 Less

This Christmas when your thinking of Christmas shopping for tailor made gifts for less, turn to Tailor 4 Less.
They are your online tailor. High quality custom suits and shirts for less than what you'd expect to pay.
Tailor4Less offers affordable elegance. Men's custom coats, are composed of 80% cashmere and 20% wool, that give them a soft feel.Your man will look and feel like a million bucks.
Customize your clothing with style, color, fabric and measurements.

And be sure to check out their shirts, jackets, suits and accessories.
Not sure what to choose? Give a gift card to the person you love.

They  cater to the business woman as well, with tailor made clothing to make her look and feel like the world is " all eyes on her".

How To Get Free Money

In today’s challenging economic times, finding ways to stretch the almighty dollar is paramount to families that are struggling to make ends meet. From the small, like saving money on groceries, to the large, like saving money on a college education, everyone wants to keep their bank account afloat.


With some creative thinking, shopping and investigating before purchase, you too can find how to get free money, or at least a discount on dozens of everyday things you and your family use.


Gym memberships

Most of us have grand ideas about getting in shape and becoming healthier, but typical gym memberships can cost an individual at least $50 dollars per month. Several options that can help are investigating the gyms in your city. If a consumer shops around, he or she can likely find a less ‘popular’ gym that may charge as little as $15 dollars per month. Another option that has been lost in our fast-moving society is getting a workout at the local community center. Community centers offer the same workout equipment on a smaller scale and often charge as little as $10 dollars per month. Total savings = $35 per month.




Coupons and shopping

Okay, we all have to eat, and shopping for food can consume a good share of one’s budget. Paying $1.50 for the Sunday newspaper to get  dozens of coupons and cost-saving advertisements can be a big help at the checkout stand. Shopping for bulk items at a store like Costco, can also be another way to save when you pay. You might not need 10 pounds of chicken or two large boxes of Cheerios, but the Cheerios won’t go bad and the excess chicken can be frozen. Done wisely, an individual can save $20 per week at the checkout stand. Total savings = $80 per month.




Movies and entertainment

First tip, never buy popcorn and a drink at the theatre. A large popcorn and a large drink can cost almost $10; that’s more than the movie ticket itself in some cases. Second tip, go to the matinee. Movie theatres often offer several dollars in discount prices for those attending the movie at non-peak times. Unless the movie is a blockbuster you absolutely can’t miss, wait several weeks and go to the dollar movie. No popcorn, no drink and attending the dollar movie twice a month can be a big help. Total savings per month =$32.



Sometimes it doesn’t seem that the small sacrifices one makes change the outcome of the inevitable money shortage at the end of the month. If you add up the previous three items, the total savings is $147 per month. If you multiply that savings by 12 months, you have saved $1,764 dollars in a year’s time.



Can you think of anything you could spend $1,764 dollars on? Here are a couple thoughts:

• That vacation to Hawaii you’ve always wanted to go on.

• A healthy down payment on a new or used car.

• A home entertainment system that includes a big-screen television, a stereo and the Bose speakers you’ve always wanted.




Adjusting spending habits by even the slightest degree can have a big impact on the health and well being of one’s wallet. What have you got to lose? Give it a try.

Tommorow is: October 22 - National Nut Day

National Nut Day is an unofficial food holiday celebrated on October 22 each year.

National Nut Day is a time to celebrate healthy, nutritional nuts. Plain nuts, salted nuts, chocolated coated nuts,candy coated nuts and more.

 Celebrate National Nut Day by eating baked goods with  nuts,salads with nuts,yogurt with a sprinkle of nuts or nuts plain as a snack.

                              Nuts are full of protein, fiber and unsaturated fat but......

***Some people are allergic to certain nuts. If you are trying out a nut for the first time, try a small amount of the nut to make sure you are not allergic to the nut. If you have any reaction to the nut, stop eating the nut and call your doctor immediately!

2010 Christmas Gift Guide Suggestion: KORRES “Never Enough” Collection

Korres " Never Enough " Collection is a wonderful  body care collection of body butters and energizing shower gels.It's the perfect gift for the gal on your list who loves to pamper herself.

The set includes ten favorite showergels and body butters.

Shower time just got a little more exciting with this luxurious bodycare set, back by popular demand. The collection features a brilliant array of Korres' hydrating Body Butters, enriched with Shea Butter to soften, moisturize, and restructure the skin, and the brand's energizing showergels, enriched with Active Aloe that stimulates collagen and elastin to reduce the visible signs of aging.

This set contains:
- 5 x 1.69 oz Showergels in Basil Lemon, Jasmine, Rose, Guava, and Fig
- 5 x 1.69 oz Body Butters in Basil Lemon, Jasmine, Rose, Guava, and Fig

Give this gift this holiday season, and be sure to check out more great value Korres products.

Review: 1-800-BASKETS.COM

1-800-Baskets was at our place today, with a fabulous looking basket of goodies. Something to get all excited about ! Who wouldn't want to be on the recieving end of a hand delivered basket??

It takes time and involves your trust that the gift that's delivered is exactly what you purchased.  In today's hectic world, you need to know that the little things in life can be easy and you can have peace of mind.
1-800-Baskets.com is simply the best gift basket experience you'll ever have.

With 1-800 Baskets, they make it easy for you to choose a basket based on the choices they give you- such as baskets for a new baby, sympathy,thank you baskets, and more.
Of course for the bargain shopper in all of us, be sure to check out what they have on sale as well.

 Gift baskets express just how much your appreciated!

Oxy Skin Care For Real Results- Fast, plus Free Sample

New Oxy Clinical offers results without a prescription, and a free sample to help you start trying something new for problem skin.
I personally have some annoying adult acne spots that always show up on my chin and my teen daughter has the same problems as well. Zits are most annoying.We want our skin to look clear.This stuff works!

The over-the-counter acne medication clinically shown to provide prescription-level results* without a dermatologist. Even if you've tried other products that haven't worked for you in the past, OXY® Clinical could be the solution you're looking for. It's the breakthrough to end breakouts.


Learn how  new technology works by watching the video.

Try OXY® Clinical Advanced Face Wash, Clearing Treatment, and Hydrating Therapy- your face will thank you.

Review and Giveaway: Petcakes

I recieved a few of the Petcakes to review from Petcakes.These sweet new toy treats by Well Made Toy are a new collectible series of plush animals, and are the sweetest! Well made, and loved by any little child.
The first in the series is the puppies. PetCakes combines two things people can’t resist – cute animals and cupcakes, what’s not to love? These make great birthday presents, holiday stocking stuffers, rewards for good grades, or just something to sit on a desk and make you smile .
PetCakes are for ages 3 and up and each one of the PetCakes has a suggested retail price of $13.99.  PetCakes are available at specialty stores and beginning October 20th they’ll be available for purchase online at www.toysrus.com (online only – not in the stores).
See the videos on Petcakes too.


Petcakes would like to give away one of their Petcakes to 2 lucky winners from Canada or the USA.
A random draw will be made October 27, 2010 from all entries recieved, by Random.org


To Enter:
Which is your favorite Petcake?


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Good luck!

2010 Christmas Gift Guide Suggestion/Review: OZONE DESIGN

Oh, that I should be so lucky not to get to review one, but TWO pairs of funky socks from Ozone Socks!! 

These socks very much exceeded my expectations of them. They are high quality, mostly-cotton and feel much cozier/thicker than any printed socks I have bought from my local Wal-Mart or Bargain Shop. Socks on the website range from the standard sock to knee-highs, over-the-knee and tights. There is even a small selection of Men's socks with some very quirky styles! Prices are around $10.00 for the standard length socks but they do have a "sale" section of socks as well. Their website is set up nicely with great pictures,easy browsing and shopping online is also available.


The first pair I tried out were the "Bikerchick Forbidden Fruit" socks. I loved the bright colors, the comfortable fit and the unique print on them. These socks can be shown off with a strappy pair of sandles or heels or worn everyday with your standard sneakers. Apparently the socks+sandles thing was popping up on the runways (I guess THAT'S almost over depending on where you live!) and I loved this look with the white shoes! Can't wait to try it out next spring/summer!


The second pair I got to try were the over-the-knee "Lurex Nouveau" socks. These ones were quite plain gray up until just before the knee and then become covered with a sparkley flowered design towards the top of the sock. I had never worn over-the-knee socks and tried them out with a few skirts. With a knee-length skirt on, they could pass for cute (and warm!) tights, perfect for fall.


Any of the Ozone socks can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on your mood and choice of footwear. They are cute, quirky (really comfy!) and come in a wide range of styles and colors to appeal to almost everyone. These would make a great gift for anyone with a sense of humor or anyone wanting to take a walk on the wild side! Now if only I had some new shoes to go with my new socks....


Reviewed by my daughter: Ria