Deal of the Day: Faux Uggs at Target

The real deal Uggs, even for kids, are upwards of $80 and certainly out of my price range. I found these faux Ugg boots at Target today for just $17.99. While they are labeled for girls, these could would totally work for your little man as well. I just wish they had some in Women's 9.

Favorite Things: Fun and Funky Hostess Gifts

As much as your host would appreciate a nice bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers, why not think outside of the box when picking a hostess gift?

Here are a few ideas that are fun, funky, and under $5.

* At most grocery stores and also online, you can find these kitchy candles. Wrap it up in some cellophane and top with a ribbon.

* I love giving cute, colorful paper napkins or fingertip towels. Caspari, sold at Target and stationery stores, has some unique designs.

* Wrap up a picture frame. Then, send some prints from the evening in your thank you note for the hostess to place in the new frame. Aaron Brothers is having a 25% off the entire store sale right now.

* Bring a game. It is always easy to find a card game or board game on sale. You can bring something for the host family to play later or to enliven the event.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What are your favorite go-to hostess gifts?

Cheap and Cheerful Crafts: Wooden Storage Box

For less than $4, you can get a sturdy wooden box (like this one) and decorate it for just about any purpose. Paint it. Decoupage it. Stain it. Stick some treasures or even a gift card inside and you're all set. This craft is easy enough for anyone who can hold a brush or sponge and would be a fun activity for a holiday gathering. Or instead of buying gifts to exchange, invite some friends over for cookies and coffee and pick names when everyone arrives. Set up a fun craft and each person creates a box (or other craft item) for the person whose name they have selected. Trade creations at the end of the party and no one goes home empty handed. Cheap. Cheerful. Creative.

Favorite Things: iPhone Skee Ball App

For just $.99, you can buy a great stress relieving application for your iPhone. Believe me, the iPhone version of Skee Ball is just as much fun as the real thing. Just don't let your almost five year old try it. Well, unless you realize first that he'll be able to beat you after about ten minutes. Happy rolling!

Cheap and Cheerful Challenge November: Daily Gratitude

My friend says that her motto for 2009 is "Grateful, all damn year!" During the month of November, the Cheap and Cheerful challenge is to take some time each day to think about gratitude. This might involve keeping a list of things for which you are grateful, talking about blessings over dinner, or taking the time to tell someone you love that you are thankful for them. Feel free to share your thoughts on gratitude here. Sometimes you don't realize how lucky you are until you say it out loud.

Favorite Things: Tell Me A Story Games by eeBoo

Santa has been searching for educational, yet fun stocking stuffers and she stumbled upon these today. Since Santa loves telling stories, these beautifully illustrated story cards are going in my sleigh this year. Perfect for stimulating the imagination and great for cuddle time on the couch. Grab the cards, snag a blanket, and spend some quiet time together. These circus themed ones are available on Amazon but I've also spotted other varities in the Land of Nod holiday catalog. Only $10 on Amazon with free shipping.

Cheap and Cheerful Cooking: Side Dishes from Sunset Magazine

I heart Sunset Magazine. And the hot-off-the-press Thanksgiving 2009 issue has an amazing selection of side dish recipes for the big day. My favorite is probably the classic glazed carrots and pecans but I would happily eat each and every one of the fifteen recipes. Click here to check out the tasty dishes. After all, cheap and cheerful isn't just a mantra for retail shopping. It's a philosophy about holiday planning, too. Keep it simple. Great food, simple decorations, and fantastic people to share it with. That is what the holidays are really all about.