Favorite Things: Summer Reading

I can't help it. One of my favorite tasks of the whole year is stacking up my summer reading list. I should read more year round but my schedule just suits summer reading best. And what's not to love about reading as a summer activity -- so cheap and cheerful!

Here's what's on my bookshelf this summer:

1. Breathing Lessons
Got it for free while garage sale hopping with my friend Geri

2. Cutting for Stone
Also free courtesy of Geri!

3. Tattoos on the Heart
My mom gave this to me for Christmas and I'm starting it this week!

4. Ulysses
I've got a library copy now but it may take me all summer to finish so I might have to buy my own book!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What should be my number 5 book this summer? And what's on your reading list?

Favorite Things: Ripped from The Preppy Handbook

You can take the girl far from her Southern roots, but you can't take the Southern roots far from the girl. Check out these straight from The Preppy Handbook treats for Spring. Also, a monogrammed polo is a must. Perhaps lime green or hot pink?

1. Headbands for hot days

2. A ribbon belt

3. Embellished flip flops

4. Drinks on the patio, anyone?

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: How do you stay preppy for less?

Five Under $50: Live a Little

Sometimes a little retail therapy goes a long way. $50 won't get you a pair of Jimmy Choo's but it will put a smile on your face.

1. Mad for plaid? Get these shoes and a coordinating t-shirt.

2. A simple gold bangle with a subtle twist

3. Dress up your iPhone with a cute case.

4. Light up your world with a Glassy Baby.

5. Get another Glassy Baby since if you get only one, it will be lonely.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What are your favorite items under $50?

Five Under $20: My Favorite Gifts to Give

1. What's not to love about these soft, personalized tees?

2. Jot down your thoughts in one of these chic journals.

3. A little sugar for your sugar.

4. Or some eye candy?

5. Or just plain old candy?

Five Under $10: Gifts for Everyday Use

5 everyday gifts under $10. Add cute wrapping and a heartfelt card. Done.

1. Dr. Seuss My About Me Book
Great for ages 6 - 10. Wrap it up with a set of colorful pens on top.

2. Mini wallet from SewGracious
Perfect iTouch cover or for business cards. Or stuff with a gift card if you want to add a little surprise.

3. Candle in a tin
Believe it or not, Target has some great candles for $9.99. Many of them come in cute boxes or tins. Place in a brown craft paper bag with some colorful ribbon.

4. A cute umbrella
Why do all umbrellas have to be black?

5. A magazine for your man
Field and Stream for $9.97. Or Golf for $8. Other titles available, too.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What is your go to gift under $10?

Favorite Things: Silverlicious

If you don't like the books from this series, I will forgive you. But even if you can't stand one more installment of the Pinkalicious series, you've got to admit that the three, four, or five year old girl in your life lives and breathes for it. Make her happy. And do it for under $10! I just ordered one for my little pinkaholic; we'll post a review after we've read it!

Favorite Things: Typewriter Key Jewelry

If you've been reading Cheap and Cheerful for awhile now, you know I love anything with initials or monograms. Hey, blame my Southern roots, or the fact that I'm a twin, or blame anything you want. It's not an addiction that is likely to end any time soon.

I got a necklace like this for Christmas. Needless to say, I wear it almost every day.

Maybe your Valentine can get one for you?

Favorite Things: Tina Steinberg Designs

On Christmas Eve, I was waiting in the car with my sleeping child before heading in to Mass. I was playing around on my iPhone and noticed that the amazing Tina Steinberg had just posted a $50 gift certificate giveaway for the first ten people to leave a comment on her Facebook page. I was stunned and rushed to make a comment since I adore her charms and necklaces. I was the second person to comment (yippee!) and I am eagerly awaiting two charms. A little Christmas gift for me and I chose a charm to give to my mom. You might find something amazing here too -- Happy Shopping!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Can you guess which charms I picked?

Favorite Things: Best. Hand. Cream. Ever.

Make sure Santa slips this into your stocking. I am not joking when I say it is the best hand cream I've ever used! It lasts all day, has a pleasing scent, and a little goes a long way. What more could you ask for?

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What's your favorite cheap and cheerful beauty product?

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?

Favorite Things: Silly Slippers

My kids beg me for slippers all of the time. Then, when I tell them we should go pick out a pair, they balk and say they don't want them. So I spend a lot of time looking at slippers that my kids love to look at but would never put on their cold little feet. But I thought I'd share some of the cheap and cheerful options I've found with you in case Santa is looking for some for his sleigh.

* Cupcake slippers from Children's Place (There is an adorable matching robe!)

* Hello Kitty slippers from Target

* Batmobile slippers on Zappos

* Monster mocassins on Acorn

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What fun slippers (for any age) have you found?

Favorite Things: A Gift Tradition

Sometimes the rush of the holidays can shift our focus from less is more to more is better. We forget to simplify and get swept away by sales, deals, and stretch our budgets more than necessary. After all, the season is very much about magical surprises and unflinching generosity. But special gifts don't have to be complicated; after all, the love behind the gift is the most important and magical part.

I've got one idea that can make your holiday shopping simpler and more focused; I call it a gift tradition. Instead of rushing around to find the perfect scarf for her, the best tie for him, or the toy with all the tiny parts for your godson, why not get everyone on your list the same thing? Pick a hardcover book for each person, write a hearfelt note in the cover, wrap and give! Or maybe you'd rather pick a special ornament or holiday decoration each year? Got a sweet tooth? Hit up your favorite treat vendor and get something for everyone! Or maybe everyone on your list needs a pair of Tom's shoes? (My twin sister gets credit for that idea!)

Below are a few book suggestions that just might work for everyone on your list. Each selection is under $16!

* Gregory Boyle's Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion is the lastest offering from the Jesuit priest who founded and runs Homeboy/Homegirl Industries in Los Angeles. All proceeds from book sales support the gang intervention programs which are making such a huge impact in East LA.

* Promise Me: How a Sister's Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer is written by Nancy Brinker of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Laugh, cry, and learn about this important cause.

* Who can resist classic, comforting recipes? Check out the newest book -- Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That? by Ina Garten (and it is 50% off)!

* This collection of legends, illustrated by Tomie dePaola, is a favorite at our house. The beautiful pictures are interesting enough for a toddler and the stories are great for emerging readers.

* This final suggestion -- a collection of travel photos by the creators of Lonely Planet -- costs a little more but who doesn't love an amazing coffee table book.

Imagine going into one bookstore or visiting one online bookseller and being 100% done with your holiday shopping. Not only cheap and cheerful, but also merry and bright!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Do you have a gift tradition? Or, if you were to start one, what one cool item would you pick?

Favorite Things: Do You Doodle?

I heard about this book today when my friend posted a request on Facebook for gift ideas for a 6 year old boy. Thanks to Rachel! One of her friends suggested this book called Do You Doodle? It looks amazing -- a great gift for a kid or a kid at heart. I think this Santa is going to order a few copies because I might need one for myself!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What is your go-to book for gift giving?

Favorite Things: Santa Bear saves the day!

Do your kids have a serious case of the gimmes? If so, consider reading them this book -- The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear. The cute story talks about thinking of others when making your own Christmas wish list. Brother Bear and Sister Bear decide to ask Santa Bear to bring gifts to others in need and to ask for a just a few gifts for themselves. My kids haven't stopped talking about the cute little bears since reading it this weekend. I'd venture to guess that it is totally worth the $3.99 if you can't find it at the library!

Favorite Things: Got game(s)?

I am always looking out for a just on the market or all time favorite game around holiday time. After all, a new game is a great family gift! I found this one that looks really fun. I haven't played it yet but it seems like an English teacher type of game!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What's your favorite family friendly board game?

Favorite Things: Let's Go Giants! (clap clap clapclapclap)

Get 'em while they're hot! There are some great deals on Giants gear here as the playoffs heat up! Or if you are less of a fan and more of a bargain hunter, wait a week and see who drops out of the next round and scoop up some 2010 gear. As for me, I am a true believer! Let's go Giants!

Favorite Things: Anne Taintor Engagement Calendar

Who would not love this? A fun just because gift or a go-to stocking stuffer, Anne Taintor's hilarious humor will make any hectic week seem a little more fun when recorded on this cool calendar. Available for under $20 on several websites or hopefully at a hip gift store near you.

Favorite Things: All things in moderation?

Oscar Wilde once said: "Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess." Do you agree or disagree? Chocolate in moderation? Good? I think so. And so do the people at Hershey's. Moderation Nation aims to provide information about how to enjoy the good things in life balanced with the really good things in life. Health and happiness all on one little plate. Check it out.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What is your favorite quote about moderation? The winner gets a free Moderation Nation t-shirt.

Full disclosure: Hershey's gave me some chocolate samples, a notebook, and a t-shirt as a free gift for checking out their new website. I'd give you the chocolate but my husband already ate most of it! (Maybe he needs to visit their website?)

Favorite Things: Rubbish Roll Sleeve T-Shirt

Ok, so a $36 t-shirt isn't cheap but I got for $24.90 during the Half Yearly Sale ... and my mom bought it for me as a birthday gift so it was actually free ... but I digress. This shirt is cute, comfortable, and versatile. Pair with a skirt, skinny jeans, walking shorts. Throw on a necklace, or not. I have it in both colors but can't decide which is my favorite. Everyone needs a favorite fall tee. What's yours?

Favorite Things: Skippyjon Jones Lost in Space

I'm watching the Stand Up 2 Cancer telethon and thinking about tomorrow's 9 -11-01 anniversary. Sigh. This book provided a little smile. After all, what's not to like when a siamese cat who thinks he is a chihuahua goes on a pretend journey to the planet Mars?