Free printable gingerbread house patterns, Christmas craft stencils

Making holiday gingerbread houses is a favorite family traditions. Not being very artistic, I'd cheat and get the gingerbread house kit. But I've found a better way: free printable gingerbread house patterns, recipes and templates. People approach gingerbread house making in two ways. The first is to painstakingly design a work of art--not to be eaten, let alone touched. Then there's our youngest son's method: slap together a ramshackle gingerbread shed, lather in two inches of frosting, cover every inch in candy and devour immediately. Whichever school you subscribe to, you'll want these free printable gingerbread recipes, templates and patterns.Free printable gingerbread house patterns, Christmas craft stencils

 

Meijer Open Thanksgiving, Black Friday 2014 ads and Black Thursday deals

Meijer superstores announced Black Friday 2014 ads and Thanksgiving weekend deals November 6. Breaking with its long tradition of closing on Thanksgiving, Meijer has been staying open the entire weekend in recent years. Meijer is open 24 hours daily, but sale prices for each day go into effect at 6 a.m. on Thursday (November 27), Friday (November 28) and Saturday (November 30). Here's what's on sale Black Thursday, Thanksgiving.  Meijer Open Thanksgiving, Black Friday 2014 ads and Black Thursday deals

Celebrate a haunt-less Halloween with non-scary trick-or-treat activities - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Halloween is a top-grossing holiday and consumer spending will hit record highs in 2014 predicts U.S News and World Report. Young and old alike eagerly anticipate trick-or-treat, spending an average of $80 per person on costumes, spook house venues, decorations and candy. Not everyone looks forward to Halloween, however. Some children are terrified by scary costumes. Parents don't want them to miss out on the fun, just avoid the creepier aspects. Is it possible to celebrate a haunt-less Halloween? Absolutely! Here are alternative trick-or-treat activities. Celebrate a haunt-less Halloween with non-scary trick-or-treat activities - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Best Childrens Charities for Holiday Toy Drives Operation Christmas Child - Bubblews

Back to School sales are a great time to stock up on stocking stuffers for Christmas. They're a great place to find cheap gifts for holiday toy donations. Looking for a good children's charity to give to this holiday season? Why not try Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox toy donations? Read on for details  Best Childrens Charities for Holiday Toy Drives Operation Christmas Child

Free Printable Halloween Pumpkin Carving Stencils for Trick-or-Treat Jack-o-Lantern

Ah, the smells and colors of fall! And what would autumn be without carving the traditional Halloween pumpkin? It's a rite of trick-or-treat. And it's lots of fun! Looking for creative pumpkin carving stencils for your jack-o-lantern? Here are free printable pumpkin stencils. Our daughter designed this Michigan pumpkin pattern herself! Free Printable Halloween Pumpkin Carving Stencils, Trick-or-Treat Jack-o-Lantern Patterns 

 

Unique Gift Basket Containers--Make Gift Wrap Part of the Present

Why do we we buy gift wrap? We're only going to throw it out. How about wrapping gifts in something reusable? Here are gift basket ideas that make the container or wrapper part of the gift. Below is a list of alternative gift containers. No waste wrapping paper!

Decorative cardboard storage box: Round boxes with a corded lid were originally used as hat boxes. Family Dollar and Dollar General sell sturdy decorative varieties of these hat boxes. Fill boxes with beauty products, cosmetics, bath soaps, lotion. Nestle items in washcloth and towel.

Magazine rack: Fill with personalized gift items for readers and writers: books, a quality pen, journal, paper clips, magazines, puzzle books, coffee mug and specialty coffee or tea.


Cooler or portable lunch sized beverage holder: Fill with items for fishermen, campers, hunters, sports fans, motocross, bikers, golfers, boaters and outdoor activity enthusiasts. Include beverages, snacks, warmers, equipment.

Backpack: Perfect gift container for students, hikers, kayak and canoe enthusiasts, bike riders and climbers.

Craft tote or caddy: Walmart sells several sizes of pocketed craft caddies, from purse size for $6 to large ones for about $20. These are perfect gift containers for craft and sewing supplies, knitting, embroidery, crochet, quilting, painting, pottery, beading, sculpture, drawing and art. Fill small craft totes for children with scissors, glue stick, crayons, construction paper, tape, sequins, colored pencils, stickers.


Briefcase or portfolio: Computer and photography enthusiasts, musicians, collectors and electronics buffs will like locking briefcase with compartments, pockets and drawers. Handy for transporting small delicate parts. Padded pockets are useful for power cords, mp3 player, USB drive, iPod, smartphone, software, small tools, batteries, bulbs, tuning equipment and extra supplies.


Tool box: car, truck, motorcycle and boat enthusiasts will appreciate a tool box filled with emergency supplies.


Large mixing bowl: Great for cooks, bakers, cake decorators. Fill this with oven mitts, bamboo spoons, spatula, apron, cook's knife or other useful cooking supplies.


For more creative gift giving ideas, visit me at

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What to Give Women Who Have Lost Weight, Gifts and Rewards for Dieters

I've lost 100 pounds (left is then, right pic is now) and am I ready to partay? Yes, sir! Before I lost weight, that would have meant wining and dining--counter-productive now. Don't get me wrong. I still go out to eat. But I've recognize the importance of getting out of the food-as-reward mindset. Now a big accomplishment like weight loss deserves reward. What do you give a woman who's dieting or has lost weight that doesn't involve food? Here are non-food alternatives; being a tightwad, I've listed inexpensive rewards. Use for birthday and holiday gift-giving.  Affordable Non-Food Rewards for Women Who've Lost Weight

Affordable Father's Day Gifts at All Price Ranges That Dad Will Love

Shopping for men can be tricky if you don't know what he wants. And holiday and birthday gift-giving can get expensive. So you want the most bang for your shopping buck. Here are top 10 affordable gifts for men for birthday, Christmas, Father's Day. I've listed gifts in different price ranges. My husband enjoys these and your guy will love too. Affordable Father's Day Gifts at All Price Ranges That Dad Will Love

Throw a Magical Birthday Party with Free Printable Magic Tricks, Recipes, Crafts

Got an aspiring magician in the house? Maybe a kids who loves playing tricks? Well put that jokester to work learning good magic tricks. Here are free printable magic tricks and sleight- of-hand how-to demonstrations for your budding illusionist. I've assembled a wizard themed birthday with free printable magic clipart, decorations, recipes, crafts and games. Free Printable Magic Tricks, Magician Themed Birthday Party Printables

Father's Day Gift Crafts, Kid-Friendly, Cheap, Homemade

Do you find it's easier to buy gifts for women than men? With Father's Day approaching on June 15 it's time to start shopping for presents for husbands, dads and grandpas. Or maybe you want to give a thank-you gift to male teachers, coaches or scout leaders and priests. Here are tutorials for inexpensive gifts crafts, that children of any age can make. Use for birthday, holiday, Father's Day and thank-you gifts for men. Father's Day or Thank-You Gift Craft--Quick, Easy and Inexpensive

Design a Disney Pixar Cars Bedroom Theme for Your Little Hot Rod Birthday

Disney Pixar's CARS movie came out when our two boys were older. Had it come out 10 years earlier, we would have been up to our ears in Lightning McQueen! Does your little hot rod eat and breathe CARS? Then why not design a CARS bedroom so he can live it too? Here's a guide to turn your child's bedroom into Radiator Springs. Buy the accessories as birthday gifts. Wrap them up with a note saying you'll create Route 66 together! Tips are cheap and homemade using free printable CARS stencils and templates. The entire room shouldn't cost more than $100 if you have the furniture and $350-$400 if you don't. How to Design a Disney Pixar 'Cars' Bedroom Theme for Your Little Hot Rod

Gifts for Dieters, Fat Burner Food Basket

So what presents do you give a person on a diet? Father's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, birthdays--no fun without the candy, booze, salty and sugary snacks, right? Wrong, for people trying to lose, all that junk is sheer torture. So how about stocking her cupboard with healthy, fat burner foods? I've lost 96 pounds by swapping junk food for healthy. Ironically, diet foods, contain fewer calories, but cost more! Go figure. For birthdays, holidays, open houses, fill a basket with diet foods. Help your dieting friends and family stay the course. Here's a grocery list of what should be in your shopping cart if you're trying to lose weight.  Healthy Diet Foods That Should Be in Your Shopping Cart 

Mother's Day Gifts for $5 to $10

Mother's Day, the second Sunday of May, may find you long on love, but short on cash. How can you honor mom when the pennies already being pinched? Here are dozens of gift ideas for mom under $10. I've actually found most of them for $5, shopping around. Moms usually say that it's the thought that counts and you will show mom that you really did choose a thoughtful gift, both by it's quality and frugality. Mothers young and old will enjoy these gifts. Oh, and skip the fancy bag and card--they just add to cost while lending nothing to the gift. Inexpensive Mother's Day Gifts Under $10

Free Printable Vintage Greeting Cards, Retro Clipart

I confess to a passion for old-fashioned images, especially Edwardian and Art Deco. I am a nostalgiac--like a maniac, only my passion is for vintage things. Retro pictures reminds me of gentler, maybe happier times. I'm sure I've greatly romanticized it. "Back then" reality was little like what I envision. But it's a nice thought. With Memorial Day coming up, why not print retro pictures and make them into greeting cards for lonely old folks? For seniors, patriotic holidays aren't about beer-drinking and game-watching day. Memorial Day is sacred, recalling deceased loved ones. Here are printables to share. Free Printable Vintage Easter Greeting Cards, Retro Nostalgic Clipart

Free Printable Easter Egg Patterns, Psanky Stencils for Easter Baskets

Looking for creative Easter egg coloring ideas? One style defines the art: Ukrainian psanky eggs. Many Eastern European countries have egg decorating traditions. These ancient crafts create mosaic patterns in classic designs. If you'd like to try your hand at making psanky eggs for Easter, here are free online patterns, printables and designs. I've included printable traditional easter egg stencils, too. Why not make psanky eggs with kids or senior citizens?Free Printable Easter Egg Patterns, Psanky Stencils

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Latino Games, Crafts, Food, Gifts

Cinco de Mayo--"fifth of May" in Spanish--celebrates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Pueblo. It's not the Mexican independence day though it sounds like the U.S. 4th of July. My Latino friends say Cinco de Mayo is no big deal in Mexico and Spanish speaking places. It's more American Hispanic and sadly sometimes stereotypical. Well, that's happened to lots of ethnic holidays. Look at St Patrick's Day! We love to party on holidays? Or in this case, fiesta. Here's are kid-friendly Cinco de Mayo games, crafts, lesson plans, cultural activities, gifts, prizes and food!  Kid-Friendly Cinco de Mayo Fiesta With Latino-Inspired Games, Crafts, Food

Products to Help Kids Maintain Hygiene

 Got stinky kids? Well, puberty is the time for it. Hormones in overdrive make the sweat glands work extra hard, too. And many schools don't have time for facilities for kids to shower after gym class. So they can get pretty ripe by the end of the day. Here are a few personal care products we found that help with body odor. Tips and Products to Help Kids Maintain Hygiene

Arrivederci Roma and Chianti, Hello Shiraz and Petit Syrah

I like wine as I like my men, dark, rich, fruity and dry. I love that joke. Never gets old. Tonight I'm enjoying a 2012 Shiraz. I go in streaks. For awhile I was drinking nothing but Malbec '11. Then the '12 came out and they changed the terroir. That's another joke. Mother nature changes the terroir. But if you want to give a gift of wine, make it Shiraz, its cousin Petit Sirah or Malbec. Cheaper, more flavorful, even that the traditional Italian Chianti (Sangiovese). A fancy basket and Dean Martin do not necessarily a better wine make.   Arrivederci Roma, Hello Shiraz

Avoid Keratin Use Moroccan Argan Oil for Healthy Hair

 I'm not exactly fashionista number one. I don't spend a lot on cosmetics and beauty products. My regimen is pretty basic. But I do fuss a bit with my hair. I was using keratin infused Suave conditioner until my daughter let me try some of her argan oil. I like that product better and switched to Suave Moroccan Infusion with argan oil. If you're going to pamper someone or yourself, don't get the keratin treatments. Don't take chances.  Avoid Keratin Use Moroccan Argan Oil for Healthy Hair

Need to Hide a Little Flab (Who Doesn't? Try Spanx Body Shapers

No, not spanks as in S & M. That words always raises eyebrows. Spanx is body shaper underwear. Guys, avert your ears, if you want. Or, heck, maybe you should listen and weigh in. I share on weight loss and just suggested a fashion makeover from the fat clothes. I get asked a lot how I mask the residual sagging that never seems to go away. In a word--Spanx. Diet Tip for Weight Loss Fashion, In a Word, Spanx

Considering a Gift of Wine? Think Carmenere

 It's no secret, I'm a wine girl. A few months ago I tried and loved Carmenere. It's made from a defunct Bordeaux merlot grape varietal that the Chileans bought the rights to. They vinted it as Carmenere and made it their signature wine. Carmenere is an exciting wine. Here's a buying guide if you like to bring a bottle of wine as a hostess gift. Or experiment with wine at home. Most varieties are reasonably priced, so it's a good red for a party, wedding or event. Carmenere is Good Wine and We are Unanimous on That - News - Bubblews

Skip Younkers for Shopping, Return Policy Problems

I wrote last week about returning a pair of boots to Younkers. I have had a lot of problems with Younkers--veracity of clerks, dubious credit/reward card perks, misleading Community Days fundraiser coupons. But being a good orchestra booster mom, I bought the Community Days booklets last year to support the school. Never again.  Younkers Woes, the Saga--Return Policy Problems - News - Bubblews

Remember Homeless and Elderly in Winter

My thermostat has risen to a balmy 17 degrees from 6 this morning. My friend and I were planning to lay out this afternoon, but we had to see whose yard would be warmer. She was at 1 degree so I guess it's my house for the tanning party. And it's easy for me to be silly and facetious about the weather. Because I live in a heated home with a reliable furnace and a husband who keep everything in tip-top repair. But a lot of people aren't so fortunate. Read on.   Remember the Homeless and Elderly this Winter

Shut off Your Smartphone and Give Kids Your Time

We've all  carped about the dangers of texting. But I'm worried about a specific kind of cellphone overuse--by parents. Ever notice how much time parents spend on their smartphones when they're with their kids? Ever worry about that? I do. So does my 15 year-old daughter. She loves her i-gadgets but even a teen gets that too much is bad. And there's a time and place.   Look Up from that Smartphone and See What You Are Missing