Favorite Things: Are the 1990s back?

I had this skirt in 1990! I should have kept it. Oh well, maybe I will just buy a new one! Preppy really never goes out of style so it would be a good investment.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What trend from your "youth" is back on the scene?

Deal of the Day: Got Wii?

Should we get Wii? Or is the next best thing just around the corner? Discuss.

Deal of the Day? The black Wii bundle is selling for $177 on Amazon with free shipping.

Favorite Things: Feeling crafty?

I admire crafty people. I wish I could be more crafty. Someday, I'd love to be able to make adorable banners like these. Until then, I will buy one from a craftier person!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Are you crafty?

Cheap and Cheerful Cooking: Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Looks like I'll need to take my walking shoes on my Christmas "vacation" because I plan to eat a few of these. The Betty Crocker website has way too many yummy choices! Maybe I better stop checking the page every day?

CUPCAKES
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup water

FROSTING
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups (1 lb) powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk, if necessary

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 16 medium muffin cups, 2 1/2 x 11/4 inches.

2. Beat sugar, butter, molasses and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and water.

3. Spoon 3 tablespoons batter into each muffin cup.

4. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely; about 20 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, lemon peel, cinnamon and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar on low speed until smooth. Add milk 1 teaspoon at a time for desired consistency.

6. Pipe or spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each muffin. Store covered in refrigerator.

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: Deck the Halls

Who doesn't love a fresh evergreen wreath on their front door during the holidays? Would you like one for free? You're in luck! I know a great way to get one for free.

First, gather together the following "free products" -- clippings from the bottom of your Christmas tree and some household or floral wire.

Add a little "elbow grease". Then, stick on random, leftover pincones and holly from your Christmas decor box. Grab a nice ribbon from your wrapping paper box.

Don't forget to tell your husband who put it all together, "Thanks Honey! You're the best".

Want proof? See the picture. That's what I call cheap and cheerful.

Total savings: up to $50. (See similar decor here.)

Cheap and Cheerful Charity: Five Great Groups

'Tis the season to share. I feel blessed to have learned about each deserving group from a friend or family member. If you've got some holiday cheer to share, here are five great groups that will gladly take your love (and funds!) and share it well.

1. The Trevor Project

2. Reece's Rainbow

3. The Annika Kelly Strain Foundation

4. Jenna and Patrick's Foundation of Hope

5. Jesuit Volunteer Corps

Here's an idea -- Instead of the typical stocking stuffers, pick a charity above to support and place a note in your loved one's stocking letting them know you donated on their behalf.

Deal of the Day: New Jamie Lee Curtis Book

I haven't read this book yet but I know it will be great! Our whole family loves all of her other titles. The illustrations are fresh and fun in all of her stories and the moral lessons are sweet and straighforward. If you're "helping" your kids shop for the holidays, this would make a great gift from them to you! After all, a gift that leads to more cuddles and quiet time is perfect for everyone. Plus, it is 42% off -- you can get the hardcover version for less than $10!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: If you have kids, do they buy you a gift for Christmas? And if so, how do they shop for this gift?