It's official! I am in the Christmas spirit! Sure, there is no snow on the ground and my windows are still open at night. Sure, Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet and I still have Christmas shopping to do. Nonetheless, I am ready. I have begun listening to Christmas music, lit my Gingerbread candle, put up my wreath, and even wrapped some presents. To keep my spirit alive throughout the season, I feel there is nothing better than heart-warming movies about the original purity and beauty of the holiday season.


I am excited to introduce my readers to Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. The story goes like this: During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (played by the adorable Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now-dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge. This story was most certainly heart-warming and definitely fun. I appreciated the original story and the adventurous setting. I felt fulfilled at the happy and enlightened ending. And I am positive my readers will feel the same way I did!

Here's your chance to win your very own copy of The Christmas Lodge on DVD.

*Mandatory Entry*
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Winner will be chosen on Sunday, December 4th. Entries will end at 12:01 am. If the chosen winner (via random number generator) does not respond within 72 hours, I will choose another winner. If there is no way in which I can contact you, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and blessings to all!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I love photo cards. The year is so busy, we often don't have a chance to keep in touch with all of our friends and family. When Christmas rolls around, I get such joy in seeing their happy faces and well wishes. I can't wait to share that this year and Shutterfly is going to help me do that. Shutterfly is known for quality photo products, but their selection of Holiday Cards for 2010 is just outstanding! There is most certainly a diverse enough selection that anyone can find the card to really fit their personality and taste. Here are a few of my most favorite holiday designs:

Vintage Village
Elegant Black DamaskLove, Peace, JoySpread PeaceStylish Snowflakes

Shutterfly has also banded with Heifer International, the American Lung Association, and Livestrong to make holiday cards with these charity themes. Shutterfly will donate 10% of the net sales to these organizations.

If you're looking for a more general card, maybe a New Year's card is great for you. Here are just a couple of my favorite New Year designs:

Shutterfly also has a wide range of gifts that are really great for anybody. Their make-your-own calender is great for grandparents, parents, college students, long distant friends and relatives, a newly married couple, etc.


There is a great opportunity to turn your priceless pictures into a decoration or keepsake. Shutterfly will take your picture's image and print it on a stretch of canvas so it turns into a beautiful work of art. Just think of all the special pictures you could use! This is also a great gift for parents, grandparents, newly married couples, etc.


Further, they have a ton of great items you can personalize with a photo. Things like mugs, stickers, jewelry, tee shirts, coasters, puzzles, desk accessories...you name it, they got it!

Follow Shutterfly on Twitter and Facebook.

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With my favorite tips...

(Because why add more stress?)

1. If you don't feel comfortable having a food potluck, ask people to bring their own drinks. It can oftentimes be more money to try to purchase a plethora of drinks (especially alcoholic!) to meet everyone's needs. Guests will certainly not mind bringing their own bottle of wine, 6-pack of beer, or soda can. Just think of the money you'll save cutting beverages out of your budget.

2. Take advantage of our technological advances and use online invites. Evites is a superb website for this. Consider social networking sites as well such as Facebook.

3. Build menus around dishes you know how to make. If you're feeling daring, add one or two new recipes. Plan as many make-ahead dishes as you can. This means knowing what you can and cannot freeze and how long things keep. Here's a great site to hopefully answer some of your questions: National Center for Home Food Preservation.

4. Unless this is a family gathering, take advantage of the ease of finger foods and appetizers. Make sure you plan your party at an obvious non-meal time, such as 2:00 pm or 8:00 pm. This way you are not responsible for full meal courses.

5. Invite only enough people that will comfortably fit in your space. Do not feel obligated to invite every person in your address book.

6. Don't be afraid to use paper products. Party stores, heck, even Dollar Tree and Target, offer really cute paper plates and matching napkin sets. Okay, maybe this won't save money, but it sure will save time and make things a tad easier.

7. If someone asks if they can bring something, LET THEM! Maybe something special that they make or simply a plate of cookies or box of crackers. I have found that people really want to help out, so be polite (and save some dough) and let them.

8. Though this may be far too late, I always try to stock my pantry throughout the year with things I know I will use more of throughout the holidays. Things like chicken broth, elbow macaroni, coconut, etc. Get the staples when they are at the best price so you are not at the mercy of the retailers around the holiday season.

9. Don't waste your money on expensive decorations. Use what you have, make sure your tree is up (what is a holiday party without a tree!?), and if you really want to add ambiance, get some cheap candles (for example, when Walgreens has 6 votives for $1). Candle light can be warm, romantic, classy, etc. You can also use your creativity if you don't have enough candle holders (any glasses, small plates or bowls, ash trays, jewelry holders, etc. may work) or get some holders at the Dollar Store.

10. If there is a gift exchange involved, encourage (or DEMAND, politely of course) a "secret santa" or the such. This means that each person will be assigned another person in the group and there will be a monetary limit. Spending $20 on one person is much better than spending $20 on 10 people.