Happy Holidays from Cheap and Cheerful

Dear Faithful Readers,

Sending all the best for a cheap and cheerful holiday!

May your shopping be merry and your wallet not be light.

We'll be back on January 4th for more fun in 2010.

I'd love to hear your comments on any features or topics that you would like to see on the blog in the New Year.

And ... thank you for reading in 2009!

Favorite Things: Lands End Stockings -- 50% Off and Free Embroidery

These stockings are amazing; my sister has these for her entire family and often gets asked if she made them! Plus, they are available now for 50% off and with free monogramming. Perfect for a stocking "upgrade" for your family or a gift for newlyweds or a new baby! Free shipping through December 31st. If new stockings are something on your list, don't let this great deal pass you by.

Deal of the Day: Portable North Pole Video Email from Santa!

For believers, young and old! And totally free! Enjoy!

http://portablenorthpole.tv/home

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: Bzz Agent -- Word-of-Mouth Marketing

If you like sampling free stuff and telling your friends about new products, check out BzzAgent. It is totally, 100% legitimate. A friend told me about it and I recently signed up. So far, I've been on "campaigns" for AveenoBaby and ROC Night Cream. It is fun to try the free products, plus you get coupons and sample sizes to pass out to others. If you've got some time over the holidays, complete the online sign up and you are ready to roll. Tell them I sent you and be sure to let me know your experiences.

Money Mantra #11: Quit While You're Ahead

Repeat after me: I will not do any last minute shopping. I will not do any last minute shopping. I will not do any ... Got it? Remember that holiday gift list that you carefully created and pledged to stick to? Ah, yes, that one. It is ok to "quit while you're ahead". After all, how many of those last minute, add-on gifts end up being favorites? Be happy with the gifts that you've chosen, give them with a loving heart, and focus the other magical parts of the holidays. And those after Christmas sales? Avoid the impulse buys. Only get things you really need and will use up in one more Christmas season. Otherwise, stay home, brew some coffee and curl up with the See's Bridge Mix. After all, New Year's resolutions are right around the corner.