This is an outtake...this will NOT be our holiday card. It's pretty darn cute though!

Happy Holidays!! It's the most wonderful time of the year...right?  The day after Thanksgiving, we rushed to get the girls' photos done.  My goal: get cards out in time.  We shall see if that actually happens!

There are a million photo sites out there, but Minted is on of my favorites.  Their designs are so unique and beautiful.  Lucky for us, they've just launched a new holiday series.  I spent like 15 minutes just flipping through the cards...I love the new gold foil designs!

Thinking "I don't have time for that!"?  Minted has a solution for you: Find it Fast! Just upload the picture you want and it will be displayed on multiple designs.  Also, if you don't feel like having a photo this year, there is a huge selection of holiday cards you can customize. 

Another perk?  They will address your cards for free!  I end up wasting envelopes because I forget what I'm doing and mess up.  Yes, it may take a moment to upload your addresses...but once you do they are there for the future!

What are you waiting for?  Get those cards done!  (I'll try to listen to my own advice!)

How to use Ebates

Start saving money today! Sign up here!

I like to shop, but during the holidays I cannot stand the crowds.  Also, what's up with the grouchy people?  It's like all of the crazies come out of the woodwork to get gifts.  Not a fan at all!  It's the holiday season and I don't need strangers making me crabby with their attitudes!

I like to do my shopping from my couch.  I can find all of the deals and be comfy in my sweats!  Actually, I think I save money shopping online because I can find the best price and coupons for items...I don't have to wait for sales in the stores!

When I decide which website I'm shopping on, I head right over to Ebates.  There I can find coupon codes and get a percentage back from ordering.  If you have a better coupon code from your email or a text, you are not obligated to use ones you find on the Ebates website, which is nice. 

On the weekends, they tend to have double cash back days.  They are always adding new online stores, as well.  Recently, they have joined forces with Amazon and Groupon. 


Confused on how it works?  I get a lot of questions about it.  While on Ebates, you click on "shop now" and you are sent to the actual website you want.  After ordering, your percentage back will be applied to your account.  The only unfortunate part is that you only get your cash back 4 times a year.  I love after the holiday season though, because I get my money applied to my account in the winter when all of the good sales are going on!

If you are a new member, you get a free $10 gift card after you spend $25 or more on an order.  It's a nice little bonus!

How is your holiday shopping going?  What online shopping tips do you live by?

Disclaimer:  I was not paid for this post, I just love Ebates and wanted to share a money saving tip.  The links are referral links. 

Holiday shopping at Aldi

I'm in the Aldi ad again this week!  I wish I could change my last name!

I am starting to organize my baking for the holidays.  Ricky likes to make 5-8 different types of cookies, but he doesn't realize that WE are the ones who end up eating them all.  No bueno!  I am going to hold off for a few weeks so I don't gain 15 lbs this holiday season!  I cannot say no to a good sugar cookie!

Have you considered Aldi for your holiday shopping?  They have unbeatable prices on baking essentials, especially sugar, flour and spices.  I found a clearance section last week with spices for $1.25: ginger, cream of tartar and nutmeg.  Have you seen prices at other stores for those?  Over $4!

Other great stock-up items for the holidays:

• Eggs, butter and milk
• Sprinkles, frosting and vanilla
• Cereals: rice crispy, chex and corn flakes 
• Seasonal goodies: Gingerbread waffle mix is AWESOME, also the mint hot cocoa

This time of year they also have a toy section and other inexpensive gifts.  They have name brand and popular items at great prices.  Last year we found some great Fisher Price toys for the twins.  This year I am considering some Disney princess dolls I saw.

I know other grocery stores have sales, but really consider Aldi for a one stop shop for holiday baking and cooking.  In 15 minutes you can get everything you need and be on your way!  Time is precious this time of year.

While you're there, get some tasty ground coffee...you're gonna need it!

How is your holiday baking going so far?  I'm procrastinating, as usual!

 

Deal alert! Free holiday photo shoot!

[I thought I would re-post this to remind everyone now that it's November!]

It's that time of year again, believe it or not!  Christmas shopping season!  Fa la la lala!

When I think of Christmas shopping, I think of Christmas Vacation.  Definitely one of my top 5 favorite movies EVER.  Home Alone is up there too.  Plains, Trains and Automobiles.  Christmas Story.  Plus all of the decorations and family fun.  I love the holidays! 

Every year, I have a great elaborate plan to do my shopping early and get my cards done before December 20th.  Last year, we barely got cards out!

This is what our holiday photo shoot looked like:

This will be our classic Christmas photo...we had a canvas made!

This year, I am determined to get myself in line.  Step one: get a family photo.  I would like us ALL to be included this year.  (I will admit, I am dreading this...).

The minute I got this email, I made an appointment!

See my favorite word? FREE.

JCP is offering a free family photo all of November!  No sitting fee, nada!  You get an 8x10 and (most importantly) a digital copy sent to you!

Once you get your photo taken, you can go to Vistaprint or Shutterfly to get some cheap cards made.  I'll keep you posted on any deals I see.

Yay for freebies!  Anyone else see any holiday deals yet?

Holiday shopping: American Eagle free shipping

I just got an email from American Eagle/Aerie and they have FREE shipping on everything today (12/6) and tomorrow (12/7), no codes needed.  I like to order from them because they offer easy exchanges in the store.  The website has much more availability for sizes too.  Although this deal comes around a lot, sweaters are selling quick...you might want to jump on this deal earlier.  Make sure you browse the clearance too, they had some cute stuff marked down already.

Holiday shopping: online coupon codes!

Hello!  I have been finding some great coupon codes for online shopping this week.  When I find one, I will put it right up here for you!  Dont forget to use Ebates or Shop at home to make these deals even sweeter!  Although you don't get your money back right away, its nice to have a little bonus check next year when you are least expecting it!

Here's what I like right now:

• Kohls:  20% off = NEXTORDER20  and FREE shipping off of anything = FREECCDEC

Dont forget about Amazon's lightening deals!  They have hourly specials that sell out super fast.  I tend to check Amazon a few times a day to see what is going on sale.  I have been lucky enough to find some crazy toy deals lately.  Sign up for Amazon Mom and get FREE 2-day shipping for 3 months! 

I will make it a habit to put up any other good free shipping or % off coupon codes for the holidays!  It is always nice to be able to do shopping from home, especially when the weather outside is frightful.  Ok, sorry, but I had to say it!   

Have a great night!

Holiday countdown: introduction

My favorite time of the year is here!  I love Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The weather, decorations and food bring back some great memories.  I am going to start posting any deals I find to help you save time or money around the holidays.  I have also found some great recipes, so I may be posting those as well. 

I also hope that if you find anything you feel is worthy of sharing, you will tell me!  I will give you credit, I promise!

Xoxo!