Budgeting for Christmas — Start Now!

There are just over two months left until Christmas. While that might seem like a long way away, that usually means there are just a few paydays left. Many people leave thinking about their Christmas budget until the last minute, but consider this your warning to get your finances into shape. 

Want to get ahead of Christmas this year? Here’s how you can start budgeting for Christmas and save some extra money too!

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Work out what you need

It’s easy to go crazy over the holidays, losing track of what you’ve bought and how much you’ve spent. But if you’ve got a plan in place, you should be able to stick to it. Think of all the things you need for Christmas, from gifts and decorations to food and drink. Once you’ve got it all written out in front of you, you can see how much money you need to save and maybe make some tough decisions about your priorities. Check out this post on Ramsey Solutions on How to Set up Your Christmas Budget.

Christmas Baking: Heavenly Coconut Chocolate Bars

It's never too early to make your Christmas Baking Plan! These little gems go fast in my house when I make them, and they are so easy that now the kids can make them too. They are the perfect dessert for someone who has just had a baby, and they are certainly always on my list for a food gift to give during any holiday!

Here's the recipe for these sinful bars I like to bake and gift as Christmas goodies. Then I bake a batch just for me and snack on them out of the fridge because they are better cold. They rock.

Tick Tock Escape Games in Overland Park, KS

I can't say enough good things about our experience at Tick Tock Escape Games in Overland Park, KS. When they contacted me to see I'd like to come try it out for free in exchange for a review blog post back in the summer of 2017, I was intrigued. My son Michael had been to an escape room once and loved it and he was excited to try another one. He loved Tick Tock so much that his 15th birthday is coming up and he specifically asked to go back to Tick Tock and take 4 friends and his dad!

I really didn't know what to expect, and of course I can't share much because you have to figure out each room on your own! We took our three oldest kids and left the two youngest with our friend and her kids. The kids we took were then 16, 14 and 12.

When we got there, we were given instructions about how to get through the escape room situation. 
We were in a room with cool music and retro clues, so I was in trivia heaven. My husband didn't grow up watching a lot of TV, so I was super helpful in that area. However, that's about where it ended. Everybody worked together and we did so well we only missed the one-hour time limit by a couple of minutes. It was so great as a mom to watch my kids work as a team and come up with some smart ideas of things to try and they figured out so many of the clues! I went into the experience thinking my husband and I would have to carry the whole deal, but the kids were amazing!

They had a blast and wanted to do it again immediately. I texted my dad right away and told him he needed to do the same room I had just done, and he needed to do it with his brothers sometime soon. Fantastic workplace team-building opportunity. Great for birthdays, a double date, family or friend fun.

(I had written this post but not published it. In creating a list of enrichment activities for homeschoolers on my homeschooling blog, I remembered this escape room and added it to the list!)

How to Choose the Right Event Planning Service for Your Corporate Event

 Key Takeaways:

• The significance of conducting research and compiling suggestions.
• It means understanding the scope and scale of your event.
• How to communicate effectively with your event planner.

Researching and Gathering Recommendations

When planning a corporate event, selecting the ideal event planning service is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful experience. Begin by conducting thorough research. Look for reputable companies specializing in corporate events and read reviews from previous clients. Word-of-mouth recommendations can also be invaluable. Speak to colleagues and industry peers who have hosted successful events and ask for their insights. Event planning services could be a viable option due to the availability of experienced planners in the area. For instance, firms like event planning services Birmingham, MI offer professional expertise tailored to your needs.

Online platforms like event planning forums and social media groups are excellent resources for discovering top-rated services.

Kerrie's Favorite Affordable Beauty Products

These are products I swear by, and I hope you give some of them a try and fall in love with them too! 

Also, I'd love it if you'd follow me on my Facebook fan page for more updates! I'm also on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram! And if you're a writer, blogger, proofreader, or just love words, follow me over at The Published Parent! Here we go with 13 of my most favorite beauty products:

Renting a Sports Car for Special Occasions

Purchasing an exotic sports car can be a costly affair. Factor in the upfront costs, sales taxes, annual license, insurance payments, maintenance expenses, and depreciation.

It is much more affordable to rent one for a special occasion instead. Here are the benefits of doing so: 

Affordability

Renting a sports car is more affordable than buying one, especially considering the down payment, sales tax, annual licensing and insurance payments, and maintenance costs. This makes it an excellent option for special occasions or fulfilling a dream.

Monza Exotics foreign car rentals can cost a few hundred to thousands of dollars daily, depending on the model, location, and timing. 

Plus, with the flexibility of renting a sports car, you don’t have to be stuck with one specific model. You can drive a Porsche today, a Lamborghini tomorrow, and a Ferrari on that next big event. Moreover, you can make an unforgettable impression without breaking the bank.

The Dark Side of Christmas Lights: A Seasonal Sparkle or a Power Drain?

As the festive season approaches, millions of households across the globe are set to illuminate their homes with twinkling Christmas lights. However, beneath the enchanting glow lies a less charming reality: these holiday decorations consume significant energy. 

Christmas lights, a cherished holiday tradition, consume a staggering amount of electricity. In the United States alone, the energy used by Christmas lights amounts to 6.63 billion kilowatt hours annually, enough to power 14 million refrigerators. This figure is more than the yearly electricity consumption of some developing countries, such as El Salvador and Ethiopia. 

The BroBasket Promo Coupon Codes

Are any of these people in your life difficult to shop for?

• dad
• stepdad
• grandpa
• husband
• son
• boss
• neighbor
• uncle
• nephew
  
  Have you ever checked out The BroBasket? The BroBasket takes care of everything for you.

Shopping for the men in my life is not always easy, especially as they get older and they seem to have everything. The BroBasket lets me pick a basket based on the interests of the guy, saving me so much time running around to different stores to shop for different things like unique food items, fun treats, liquor, toiletries, and so much more.

This is what I've got my eye on for my dad and husband this Father's Day!

Craft Beer Tasting Kit

Here are some great promo codes depending on when you'd like to shop and how much you spend:

Take 15% Sitewide at BroBasket.com for Father's Day! Use code FATHERS15. Offer ends 6/18

Spend $150 at TheBroBasket.com and Save 10% On Your Order with Code BBSPEND150. Limited time offer! 

Spend $250 at TheBroBasket.com and Save 12% On Your Order with Code BBSPEND250. Limited time offer! 

Spend $350 at TheBroBasket.com and Save 15% On Your Order with Code BBSPEND350. Limited time offer!

P.S. I found this product also, which is something I would personally like, and I'm not even a Bro 😂 (#teachergift)

The Coke/Chocolate Bundle

Safety Tips for Children's Birthday Parties

Children's birthday parties are fantastic, but they come with a lot of responsibility for the people who are running them. And this is doubled down if there are no other parents present. There are a lot of factors that you'll need to consider when planning a birthday party for children - here are a couple to keep top of mind. 

Choking Hazards

One of the most dangerous things that can happen is small parts and toys - even older children are at risk of choking. In recent years there has been more than one incident involving children choking on grapes due to the shape, size, and texture of the skin. Any venue that has birthday parties will likely have first aid and more but make sure you ask in advance.

It's not just small toys and grapes, though; around 30% of all choking is a result of hard candies and other sweeties. So, check what you are giving out in goodie bags, and ask that no gifts include marbles or hard candies - just so that there is a minimized risk. 

Little Passports Travel Tips and 20% off Promo Code

Let's get right to it. How about 20% off sitewide at Little Passports with the Pre-Black Friday code NOVEMBER20? If you use my link to purchase a Little Passports subscription, you get a great deal and a great learning activity for your kids. It's the perfect birthday or Christmas gift from grandparents or Santa!

I've written before about how much we loved Little Passports when we had the subscription. The kids loved getting them in the mail, and they are great for all ages. Sam and Eva got their little suitcase starter kits and carried everything in them. The older kids got their bigger-kid kits and learned geography and all sorts of other fun things. 

Today Little Passports is bringing you some travel tips for the upcoming holidays (or summer vacation, or just an hour-long trip to the apple orchard). 

Making the best of a road trip with Little Passports Travel Tips

“Are we there yet?” was a term coined by the family road trip! While new technology and toys may have silenced backseat conversations, spending time together in the car can still be a great opportunity for family bonding and learning. Even if you plan on bringing the latest gadget to pass the time, try saving them for the end of your trip when everyone is tired and cranky! 

Here are some ideas from Little Passports that are sure to make the time fly by (or at least go by a little faster):

Save your most recent Little Passports delivery from Sam and Sofia for your road trip so your kids to learn and explore during the car ride.

Say goodbye to your trusted GPS! Bring back the memory of car trips as a kid and use a map! The night before your trip bring out an actual map (if you can find one!) to show your intended route to your child. Even better, copy the map and pull out a highlighter so your child can follow along – and let you know when you missed a turn.

Build in time for pit stops – and if time allows, make short stops that incorporate fun activities along the way. Everyone will need a bathroom break and a meal, but if that happens at a place right off the highway and near the playground it can be better for everyone! The kids will get fed – and burn off some energy.

Hit up a dollar store before you leave and stock up on small toys and activities to give to your kids along the way. Every hour let your child choose a surprise – a great incentive for good behavior! You can even wrap the toys for an added element of excitement.

Create Lasting Memories: 5 Unique Birthday Surprises for your Daughter

 Look no further if you’re looking for something special and unique to surprise your daughter on her birthday. Birthdays are a time of celebration, and finding the right gift can be difficult. So we’ve compiled five special surprises that will create lasting memories your daughter will cherish for years. Whether she likes animals, exploring new places, or just having a good time with friends, these unique gifts will surely bring a smile to her face.

Creative Gifts for Your Daughter's Birthday

A great surprise for your daughter on her birthday is a creative gift. Take the time to create something special just for her. For example, you can craft a scrapbook with photos and memories from throughout her life, or put together an art kit with all of her favorite supplies. If you’re feeling extra generous, get her some LOL Surprise dolls too! LOL Surprise is collectible, highly sought-after dolls in different series and styles. Your daughter will love collecting them and creating stories with them!

Photo by cottonbro studio:

A Pampering Day Out

Take your daughter out for a day of pampering for an extra special birthday surprise.

4 Festive Tips for a Low-Budget Christmas

 

Pixabay

Christmas is fast approaching, and it’s going to be a difficult time for households across the country this year. 

Due to a huge range of factors, a cost of living crisis has reared its head, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. Putting food on the table and paying the bills is difficult enough at the best of times, but Christmas is a notoriously expensive time of year. As well as buying endless presents for your loved ones, you’re expected to throw lavish feasts, host your relatives, adorn your home with decorations, and keep the heating on to ensure your family and guests are comfortable. It’s understandable you may be feeling anxious about the toll the holidays are going to take on your finances.

But Christmas is not about the money you spend or the expensive gifts you buy. It is a time for being with loved ones and making beautiful family memories. It is perfectly possible to enjoy the festive season without putting a dent in your bank balance.

To help you have a low-cost, yet memorable, Christmas, here are four tips to save money this winter.

The Ultimate Christmas and Holiday Movie and Show List

Let me know if I'm missing any!

1.          3 Bears Christmas

2.          48 Christmas Wishes 

3.          A Boy Called Christmas 

4.          A Charlie Brown Christmas

5.          A Christmas Carol

6.          A Christmas Proposal

7.          A Christmas Story

8.          A Christmas Story 2

9.          A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)

10.      A Cinderella Christmas

11.      A Cinderella Story Christmas Wish 

12.      A Dennis the Menace Christmas

13.      A Doggone Christmas

14.      A Fairly Odd Christmas

15.      A Flintstone Christmas Carol

16.      A Jetsons Christmas Carol

17.      A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa

18.      A Sesame Street Christmas Carol

19.      A Very Brady Christmas

20.      A Very Minty Christmas 

21.      Aliens First Christmas

22.      Angela's Christmas 

23.      Arendelle Castle Yule Log

24.      Arthur Christmas

25.      Babes in Toyland

26.      Beauty and the Beast the Enchanted Christmas

27.      Bob the Builder Christmas

28.      Caillou’s Holiday Movie

29.      Caspar’s First Christmas

30.      Christmas Break-In 

31.      Christmas Chronicles 

32.      Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

33.      Christmas Takes Flight

34.      Christmas with the Andersons

35.      Christmas with the Kranks

36.      Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

37.      Daddy’s Home 2

38.      Dear Santa

39.      Deck the Halls

40.      Decorating Disney Holiday Magic

41.      Disney’s A Christmas Carol

42.      Disney Channel Holiday House Party

43.      Disney Channel Epic Holiday Showdown

44.      Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

45.      Dr. Seuss’ the Grinch Musical

46.      Edward Scissorhands

47.      Elf

48.      Elf Pets: Santa's St. Bernards Save Christmas

49.      Elmo Saves Christmas

50.      Ernest Saves Christmas

51.      Falling for Christmas (2022)

52.      Fred Claus

53.      Frosty the Snowman

54.      Frosty Returns

55.     Four Christmases

56.      Godmothered

57.      Gremlins

58.      Happy Christmas

59.      Happy Holidays from Madagascar 

60.      Holiday in Handcuffs

61.      Holiday Inn

62.      Home Alone

63.      Home Alone 2

64.      Home Alone 3

65.      Home Alone 4

66.      How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 cartoon)

67.      How the Toys Saved Christmas

68.      Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 

69.      Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas

70.      It’s a Wonderful Life

71.      Jack Frost

72.      Jingle All the Way 

73.      Jingle All the Way 2

74.      Jingle Jangle 

75.      Just Friends

76.      Klaus

77.      Last Holiday

78.      LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special

79.      Let It Snow

80.      Loud House Christmas

81.      Love Hard

82.      Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas

83.      Mickey’s Christmas Carol

84.      Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas

85.      Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas

86.      Miracle on 34^th Street

87.      Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol

88.      My Dad is Scrooge

89.      National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

90.      Nightmare Before Christmas

91.      Noelle

92.      Once Upon a Sesame Street

93.      Once Upon a Snowman

94.      Pee-Wee's Big Holiday

95.      Peppa Christmas

96.      Powerpuff Girls: Twas the Fight Before Christmas

97.      Prancer

98.      Rise of the Guardians

99.      Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire

100.  Robbie the Reindeer: Legends of the Lost Tribe

101.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

102.  Santa Buddies: The Legend of the Santa Paws

103.  Santa Hunters

104.  Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups

105.  Scrooged

106.  Single All the Way

107.  Smurfs Christmas Carol

108.  Snowball Express

109. Snowglobe

110.  Spirited (2022)

111.  Surviving Christmas

112.  The Christmas Star

113.  The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

114.  The Disney Holiday Singalong

115.  The Grinch

116.   The Happiest Season

117.  The Holiday

118.  The Holiday Calendar

119.  The Mistle-Tones

120.  The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

121.  The Polar Express

122.  The Princess Switch

123.  The Santa Clause

124.  The Santa Clause 2

125.  The Santa Clause 3

126.  The Santa Clauses (2022)

127.  The Search for Santa Paws

128.  The Sound of Christmas (2022)

129.  The Story of Santa Claus

130.  The Town That Santa Forgot

131.  The Ultimate Christmas Present

132.  Tiny Christmas

133.  Tis the Season to be Smurfy

134.  Toy Story: That Time Forgot

135.  Trolls Holiday

136.  Unaccompanied Minors

137.  White Christmas

138.  Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

139.    Yogi’s First Christmas

Here are 11 more 2022 holiday movies!