Black Friday Deals (and I didn't need to leave the house!)

I am so proud of my deals I got online on Black Friday. :) My oldest daughter, Spawn#1, wanted an "ipod" and a guitar. Of course with my very limited resources I had my doubts that I would be purchasing either of the items. I went to Walmart at 5am and fought that crowd only to get 4 things before I was frustrated beyond repair. I came home and went back to bed. When I got up, I decided to jump online to see what was happening with online sales. Somehow I ended up at www.creative.com, makers of the Creative Zen mp3 player. I was not expecting to find such ginormous deals! I ended up getting a 1GB mp3 with a 1.5" screen that can hold songs and pictures for $22.99:

Then, I scored a 2GB mp3 that plays video for $24.99. (this is going in MY stocking):

Both of these also came with free shipping and no sales tax. I was so excited! Then in my moment of bliss, I remembered that I had seen an ad for student guitars and I googled them. The result is this 30" acoustic flame guitar:

You'll never believe how much I paid.......

A mere $19. It was 62% off its normal price. With shipping I paid $25.00. Yeah, I'm a happy mommy! And I'll have a happy kiddo come Christmas morning. I've been tormenting her by dragging her to the stores with me to try on her "Christmas" presents, telling her she has to act surprised when she opens them, lol. I even had her pick out a couple of toys. She has no idea that Santa heard her wishes and will be delivering EXACTLY what she wants. :)

My trip to Michael's

I went to Michaels for their evening sale tonight. I met my mom there and we looked around for Christmas ideas. Anyway, one of the hot items for sale was that Cricut machine and cartridges. My mom asked me if I wanted one for Christmas and I told her no, that I had a Wishblade. Of course, she didn't know what that was, so I explained it to her. Well, there was this guy standing guard over a cart of about 15 of the Cricut cartridges while his wife shopped for more. He overheard what I was saying to my mom and I could tell, I got his dander up. I didn't mean to upset anyone, but I can't understand why the Cricut is so popular. You have to buy the machine and all those cartridges. I don't get it. I felt the same way about Sizzix. By the time you buy the machine and a few of those cartridges, you've spent as much as you would on a wishblade and be limited to those fonts you own. It's not a smart investment IMO. So I was telling my mom all this and she agreed. So instead of a Cricut, I'm getting the Crop-a-dile Big Bite for Christmas, lol.

What am I thankful for? 2Peas Blogger Challenge

The challenge on 2Peas for today is asking what is one thing I'm thankful for. I'd love to answer that, but I'm afraid there is so much more than one thing.

I'm thankful for my children. I know that things could have turned out differently for us and I'm glad everything has turned out like it has.

I'm thankful for my boyfriend. He has helped me reach a place in my life where I am truly happy. He's helpful, caring and considerate. He helps me more than he knows and I appreciate that.

I'm thankful for my mother. She really is my hero and takes on much more than she should and does it without much complaint. When someone says angels walk the earth, I'm positive they've met her.

I'm thankful for whomever left the turkey and fixin's on my doorstep. I wasn't really getting into this holiday and your gift reminded me that this day is about family, even if we can't be together. I'm making to-go plates and making sure the people in my family know I thinking about them, no matter what's going on in their lives.

Lastly, I'm thankful for the resources that have assisted me through these hard times of no job, no money and no insurance. Without the help from each of these resources, things would be much worse for me. They've helped me keep a more positive outlook on life, even when I didn't think I would get through my trials.

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!

25 Christmas Questions

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love giftbags. I really don't like to wrap presents because I cannot stand to watch the paper torn. It traumatizes me.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Most definitely artificial. I am not responsible enough for a live tree. Plus, I've had those little pine needles in my feet one too many times. I gladly pull that fako tree out every year and fluff away.

3. When do you put up the tree? When I get around to it. It will probably be early this year.

4. When do you take the tree down? February usually.

5. Do you like eggnog? I love eggnog, however it does not like me. It gives me a tummy ache every time. But I still drink it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I would have to say my barbie dream house when I was like 6 or 7. I had that (and played with it) until I was 14-15.

7. Hardest person to buy for? This year, it's everyone. I have the normal problem of just not knowing what they really want/need coupled with the serious lack of spending cash. This years shopping has sucked.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Myself. I know exactly what I want.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? I do, but I don't set it up.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I mail cards. Emails are so impersonal.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Honestly, I don't remember. But I tend to forget the bad.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I don't really get into Christmas movies. Maybe The Grinch. :)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year long. Seriously. I start picking up items at the after Christmas clearance sales and keep on trucking all year.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I have. If I receive something that just isn't me, or that I already have, I'll give it a good home with someone else. I don't go begging for gift receipts to return them.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Those chocolate oranges. My mom gets me one every year. :)

16. Lights on the tree? I use the multi-colored lights and make sure they are set to blink. Nothing says Christmas like annoying thy neighbors. he he

17. Favorite Christmas song? Again, nada. They're catchy tunes, but I've already been hearing them for weeks and I'm over them already.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? I stay at home. I don't have anywhere to go.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeers? Yep. Funny the stuff that is stuck in my head.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have both. It depends on what the kids want that year.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? The kids get one gift on Xmas eve, a pair of Pajamas. Then Christmas morning they get to open everything else. I don't know what we're doing this year since the little two will be at their dad's for Christmas eve/morning. :(

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The "gimmes" and "I wants".

23. What theme or color are you using? I do snowmen. I love them, they're so stinking cute.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I love ham, mac & cheese, rolls and pie. Everything else is just an added bonus.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Honestly, gift cards. But for good amounts so I can get good stuff. I want an OTT Light, a Crop-a-dile, a Purple Cow paper cutter, Wishblade software. I know, I have expensive taste.