Sometimes saving money is not a good thing. Those times are when you are donateing to a charity. This year more people will need money, food and clothing. If you have any to spare you should look into helping. One great way to help is to check out heroes at home It’s a program from sears that helps families of solders who need things that they just can’t afford or get right now. You can check out what they need by family and donate that item or money for it. You can also just donate money. It’s a really great cause as these people are off fighting for our country, and even if you don’t agree with the war, you can still help our troops by helping them give their family a good christmas. If you want to know more just check out this video it explains a lot.

I know so many of you reading this shop at sears, think about how much you spend and how much you could give these people instead. If you don’t shop at sears maybe you should check them out. They are really a good company for doing this, it’s a great idea and it shows that we do support what they are doing and we do think the world of them, even if we don’t always show it.

I hope that you have all of your christmas shopping done by now as I would not want to be out today. Even if you don’t I’m sure your thinking a head to all of the after christmas sales going on. I have come up with a list of sales I have found, feel free to add anymore you know of in the comments area.

Lane Bryant is doing a 60% off sale and you can Enjoy 15% off outerwear, Use promo code 000151504 at checkout. Expires 1-02-09. The best part is for this sale, you can shop today or tomorrow too.

There are also some great sales going on at Walmart, Macys and Target where you can find great deals on almost anything as these stores want to be ready for 2009.

The one thing you want to watch out for are stores that will mark things up then mark them down. Or say you are getting a great deal, when really you are not. Check around and make sure you get the most for your money.

Sometimes people just want something sweet that they can munch on for a while, but still have some for later that is why I love jelly belly jelly beans. They are really good and they are just a great group of sweet stuff. Right now you can get a Free Gift with Christmas Gift Basket Purchase if you order online with jelly belly. The gift baskets are a great mix of things, not just jelly beans, but candies and more.

If your friends and family are not fond of jelly beans or candy you can find some really cool clothing there also, maybe someone is a fan of jelly belly, but is on a diet getting a cute shirt could also do the trick.

If your looking for a great gift for a collage student this year you should check out these really cool laptop bags from
Rainebrooke. They have many different styles colors and types. They are great for the style concerned women or man. Many don’t even look like laptop bags and that can also help keep people from takeing off with them.

One feature of a few of rainebrooks bags that I like is that some come with cellphone accessories and more. It’s really nice to have that extra storage that way you don’t have to carry a purse or other holding device with you.

They also have great styles for the sporty type who may not want the girly look of a purse type bag. For men they also have a simple but very cool laptop bag that doesn’t make you look like your going to the office.

Sometimes people just want something different for a gift, they don’t want a DVD, video game or clothing from a store in the mall. They want something that is cool, new and different. Mary Jane Goods is a great place to find something new and different for that person who has everything and doesn’t want the other stuff.

They have both really cool art and some great clothing ideas for someone looking for something unique. The shirts are for men and women, the art of course is very interesting and really works well in any modern space. I love the wall blocks and I think most young adults and teens will really love getting anything from Mary Jane Goods for a gift. The selection is very small, but it’s new and should grow as more people gain interest.

If you really like it you can also check out their wholesale program if you own a store or know someone who does. That way everyone can get some fun and very different clothing and art.

Most kids love to hang out in their rooms, play games and just in general have fun. One thing I remember having in my room is a bean bag and they are still a hot gift this year. The best part is that they are not that expensive and can really make a kid happy.

If you don’t have a lot of space bean bags can be a great way to supplement seating for those sleepovers or vedio game nights. It’s also just a great place to relax and unwind for kids. Not only can they play games, but they can read and study. Really a great gift for any kid.

Recently I was sent a sample of Dermalastyl a product that claims it helps to reduce wrinkles and make you look younger. I have to say for my mom who helped test it with me it did have some effect, she looks young for her age so most wrinkle reducers don’t work well. She noticed a slight tightening of her skin and it looked healthier and was more moisturized. She was pretty happy with the effect as she doesn’t want to look too young as being almost 60 it would just seem weird to her and she doesn’t want to look like a 20 year old, though I think with prolonged use some women could get that effect.

I tried it just to see what skin reaction I would have, I have been sent a lot of creams that claim to reduce wrinkles but most sting and feel horrible, Dermalastyl did not sting and in fact really made my face feel moisturized better then some of the creams for my age did. I have to say I am pretty impressed my self with it. I always try these things out as my skin rarely reacts to creams except for the anti wrinkle creams. I really do recommend this product for a women who is looking for a natural younger look and doesn’t want to deal with surgery or injections.

Shopping during the holidays can be a stressful and busy time for most people, because of this many people tend to not pay attention to prices and what they really are charged at a store. If your really looking to save money this year you should take a look at these 10 tips to get the best deals.

10. Compare ads, many stores compete with the same items. Find the cheapest store and get it there.

9. Use meet or beat the price, this involves finding stores that will accept ad prices from other stores. Many do just to get your business.

8. Coupons are your best friend, use them

7. Take a friend with you to help talk you out of buying things you don’t need. Leave the shopper friends at home.

6. Look at the sale racks first, then check out the other items, sometimes you find what you need on sale, sometimes the normal priced items are a better deal. Compare.

5. Look at the price on the tag, not the rack, lazy people love to leave normal priced items on the sales rack, if you like it anyway and can’t find the same item in a normal priced area talk to a manager.

4. Don’t buy anything at the front of the store, if you need something there and know it’s in another part of the store, leave the line and go get it. Items at the register are usually more expensive then the same item in the store.

3. Don’t get a big cart, if the store offers a small cart use it, your mind thinks that a big cart needs to be filled and then you buy more.

2. Remember just because it’s on sale, does not mean a good deal, check out every sale and discount carefully

1. When checking out watch what items scan, say something if it is wrong. Most stores have to give you the item for what it is marked. If it’s an item off a rack say you found it on that rack, many stores will give it to you for that price.

Overall, don’t be afraid to take your time, speak up and get that really good deal.

Many women love to get new things, things like handbags and jewelry. Did you know that you can sign that women up for a service that will allow her to rent these things. Bag Borrow or Steal now known as Avelle is the service and you may know of it. It was featured in Sex and the City. So why get her a gift card there, well she can get a membership and either rent a product from them or buy products from them.

Gift cards range from $25.00 to $10,000.00 and it’s really easy to get them. You also can sign them up for a membership if your feeling generous. I would reccomend that you go in with someone on this gift and have one get her a gift card and one a membership for a few months. It really is the perfect gift for the women that has everything.