It's Off to the Gym... that's actually for free!

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As many of you know, we are living in a hotel until we head for our new home in Chicago and actually, I haven't gotten bored with it yet. We are falling into a little routine and I think that's the trick. Every morning at 10 a.m. we head to the gym, which is usually empty and we work out for a half hour to an hour depending on our mood lol. Now what is really good about this is the fact that we get to try out new pieces of exercise equipment for free. I'm finding that I like the treadmill in 10 minute increments and then I do two sets of weights. I've been doing it all week and I haven't gotten bored with it and I have actually lost a pound.

I am making my Christmas list early. It's going to contain the same treadmill that I'm using here and 5 pound weights... yes, I'm kind of a wuss when it comes to strength, but I can only go up. And the treadmill that I'm using doesn't feature all the bells and whistles and I have noticed that I really don't need them. That should make it easier to buy something similar once we get settled.

Is It Too Early to Start Holiday Shopping? at SmartMoney.com

Image by Bill.Roehl via Flickr

Other than Walmart who is getting into the toy selling early, I was reading at SmartMoney.com, that most major retailers will unlikely be offering their best deals until after Black Friday, but this doesn't mean that you can't start tracking prices on specific items. That way, you will know for sure if it's a deal or not!

So today... if you don't already have one, pick yourself up a little notebook that you can keep in your handbag for comparison price shopping!

Is It Too Early to Start Holiday Shopping? at SmartMoney.com

Wal-Mart's holiday toy drive: 100 toys for $10 each

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"Wal-Mart is looking to jump-start holiday sales by expanding last year's $10 toy incentive tenfold, the company said Wednesday."

If you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, I wouldn't wait too long. I was at Walmart just last week when they were having a sale on dishes and the place was absolutely packed. And I do mean packed, which might make you consider the time of day that you visit, now that I think about it. We arrived somewhere after 2 in the afternoon. Apparently that was a very busy time for the folks in my area.

Just for fun, try shopping at your favorite store at different times and then come home and record just how busy it was. You just might find a time perfect for you!

Wal-Mart's holiday toy drive: 100 toys for $10 each

Make Your Own Christmas Crackers

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A heads up... Christmas might seem like a long way away, but really, it's a lot closer than you might think. If you love Christmas crackers, you might want to start putting aside bathroom tissue rolls and then hitting the dollar store for cute little inserts. I can't believe how expensive Christmas Crackers can be. It is a lot more affordable to make your own!

ProShopper

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Be sure that you are charged the price on the ticket for any item that you buy. My daughter found two bras that she liked on sale and picked up two of them... as instructed but when she got to the checkout, they were rung in individually. If she hadn't noticed, she would have spent an additional ten dollars on those bras. Apparently, they were marked down on the floor... great big sign that caught our eye but not on the computer.

It took a little time to verify the price... but she did get the items at the price promised! It would have been so easy to walk away and not call the store on the error, but why should you??

Frock Shop * Floral Chiffon Dress

This is a really cute little dress that is even on sale. I don't usually find something I like that's not only on sale, but something that I actually like. This isn't half bad which makes you realize that you can find the best deals, if you actually go looking. And on-line definitely makes it easy for you!

Available at Frock Shop for $55.00 (on sale)

Details..."Super cute retro sleeveless floral navy print dress with matching skinny belt. Fully Lined in skirt.

Keeping Track

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Do you have any idea how much you have spent on your credit card this month. All of those little purchases all add up!

Panasonic NI-L70SR Cordless Steam/Dry Iron

How cool would it be not to have to look for a plug every time you needed to iron something!

available at Amazon.com

Red Cardinal Feeder: for someone on your Christmas List

This bird feeder was originally priced at $40.00 but has been reduced to $28.25. I really hate winter with a passion but watching the birds... especially cardinals certainly makes it more entertaining... not to mention the fact that they rely on us!

Available at Amazon.com

ps... have you checked out Bukisa yet? I'm new, but I'm liking what I see. Check out some of my other articles and yes, you get paid for every pageview.

ProShopper

Have you looked to see how many receipts that you have rolling around in the bottom of your handbag? On today's to-do list is to remove all of the receipts and put them in a file for safe keeping. If you get into the habit of doing every Sunday morning, it will become second nature.

Make What Your Kids Will Eat

Okay within reason, but allowing your kids to help with the meal planning will make them feel as if they have some say! There's nothing worse than sitting down to a plate of food that you can't stand and knowing that you have to eat it.

This little trick is especially handy when you are trying to encourage more veggies in their diet. Let them choose one or two veggies that they personally like and then add them to the shopping list. It will make the kids feel so important lol... And don't forget to ask them if they prefer their veggies raw or cooked. Personally, I hate cooked veggies, but I love them raw. You might be in for a pleasant surprise! Believe it or not, my daughter loves brussel sprouts. She inherited that from her father!! It certainly wasn't me!!

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Women's Coach Purse Handbag Linen Lurex Signature Zoe Light Khaki/gold

# 1 Handle; Gold Hardware
# Top Zip Closure; Hang Tag
# Interior Zip Pocket; 2 Slip Pockets
# Comes w/ Coach Gift Box & Tissue & Dust Bag
# 13' x 10' x 4'"

regular price $368.00 on sale for $294.99


Amazon.com: Women's Coach Purse Handbag Linen Lurex Signature Zoe Light Khaki/gold:




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Kenneth Cole REACTION Women's Doll-ightful Kitten Heel Thong: Shoes

"Glam up the low profile in a sweet way with the Doll-ightful thong from Kenneth Cole REACTION. Its easy slip-on shape will keep you comfy with its playful kitten heel and padded insole while the sexy skinny straps and shiny crystals over the vamp will keep you feeling like a star." $49.99.06 to 57.60


Amazon.com: Kenneth Cole REACTION Women's Doll-ightful Kitten Heel Thong

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Little House on the Prairie: The Complete Television Series

"Little House on the Prairie, one of television’s top family dramas of all time, is finally available in a complete 60-disc DVD collection! In September of 1974, Little House on the Prairie made its television debut, and it has remained an all-time American family classic ever since. A top-rated series throughout its nine season run, the show’s timeless themes of love, morality and rich family values continue to capture the hearts of viewers around the world through its continued syndication. Based on the best-selling books by Laura Ingalls Wilder which chronicled the dramatic, gripping adventures of a young pioneer family’s struggle to build a new life for themselves on the American frontier of the 1870s, Little House on the Prairie was nominated for 17 Emmy® and three Golden Globe® awards."

Amazon.com: Little House on the Prairie: The Complete Television Series $185.99 marked down from $234.98:

Home Theater For Dummies ($16.49)

"Overwhelmed with big screen TV and home theater audio options? What do you need to build the perfect home theater experience? Home Theater For Dummies, 3rd Edition shows you how to plan a home theater system and choose components that fit your budget and your room.

Beginning with the most basic information, this guide helps you choose what you need and put it all together. It explains DLP, 3LCD, HDMI, DTV, and HDTV so you can talk intelligently with salespeople at the electronics store. You’ll find out about Blu-ray, explore HD and satellite radio options, and see how to incorporate a Wii, Xbox, or Playstation 3 into your set-up."

Amazon.com: Home Theater For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (9780470411896): Danny Briere, Pat Hurley: $16.49:

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Victorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife with Large Handle: $6.75

"* 3-1/4-inch paring knife for coring, dicing, and mincing fruits and vegetables
* Stamped from stain-resistant, high-carbon steel
* Ergonomically designed, synthetic polypropylene handle
* Precisely tapered from base to tip; no bolster
* Hand-washing recommended; limited lifetime warranty"

I was just thinking about the last time I bought a new paring knife. Actually, it's a wonder I haven't cut off a finger by now. I think that I got mine as a part of a wedding shower gift. Yes, it must be dull as an old boot!

Amazon.com: Victorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife with Large Handle: $6.75


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Cat Drinking Fountain ($19.99)

"Fresh Water Fountain for Felines helps keep your cat healthy! Motion of flowing water draws cats to drink. Inner pump circulates, filters and aerates water continuously, vitally important to help prevent or relieve urinary or kidney problems. Polystyrene 8 x 6 x 3' unit holds 20 ounces; includes one filter. AC/DC adapter with 6' UL® listed cord included. Six refill filters available (15201); each lasts 2 months."

Available at Amazon.com: Cat Drinking Fountain: $19.99:

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Starbucks Breakfast Blend Coffee, Ground, 12-Ounce Bags

What is worse than a morning without coffee?? I certainly can't think of anything! And this deal comes packed in threes so that you don't run out...

Starbucks Breakfast Blend Coffee, Ground, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3):Available at Amazon.com


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Smart Home Door Stop Alarm

"Securing rooms from unauthorized entry couldn't be easier. The GE 50246 Personal Security Door Stop Alarm requires no wires or complicated installation and is powered by a single nine-volt battery (not included). Simply place the pressure-sensitive Door Stop Alarm at the base of any door, and the device will emit a powerful 120-decibel alarm when the door is opened. The 50246 Door Stop Alarm is extremely compact, so it's convenient enough to take anywhere. With this handy gadget, you'll be able to secure your hotel room, dorm room, apartment, or any room in your home."

Available at Amazon.com: GE 50246 Smart Home Door Stop Alarm: $9.58