December is here, but no need to fear! As we countdown the weeks, days, and minutes until the gift giving frenzy begins, here are 25 ways to make your holiday shopping a bit more jolly!
1. Check out online deal finders! Websites like BlackFriday2011.com and BFAds.net can help you save big on both online and in-store purchases. They quickly search through thousands of ads so you can find the best deals on the things you want.
Serving up festive snacks and appetizers at a Christmas party leaves your guests in awe, but it doesn't have to keep you in the kitchen all day.
Simple snacks with a holiday theme keep the guests happy and make you look like a culinary genius. If a salmon ball or cheese log is too boring, consider other simple alternatives to keep the guests full this holiday season.
As creative as you'd like to get on Thanksgiving Day, families expect to see certain things on the table. Among the turkey, cranberry sauce and pies, the stuffing has a prominent place. Don't stress yourself out over this item, though. If your cooking schedule for the day is crammed, go for a stuffing recipe so easy your kids or partner can help.
If you feel as stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey after your holiday meal, there's a reason. The average Thanksgiving meal equals 3,000 calories and a 229 grams of fat, reports the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Reducing portions alone may not be enough to lighten the meal on your annual day of overindulgence. Pepper the meal with flavors, not fats. Offer guests a cornucopia of savory options in a steady parade of dishes. Revamp your existing traditional dishes and opt for low-fat, low-sodium and low-cholesterol foods while cooking.
For many, Thanksgiving is all about the food. However, this emphasis on good eats does not mean that you need to spend your time slaving over a hot stove on this holiday. To free yourself up to enjoy the festivities with your family and friends, plan some simple Thanksgiving meal options. By selecting these alternatives to the old standbys, you can delight your guests with tasty treats without breaking a sweat.
Every June, Americans celebrate their fathers on Father's Day. In addition to the backyard cookout, gifts and well wishes, many fathers receive a Father's Day cake, made by family members who want to express their love. Choosing how to decorate a Father's Day cake can add fun to the celebration.
By the time the Christmas gifts are purchased and wrapped, the tree is up and the house is decorated, there is very little energy left for making a Christmas dinner. Instead of pushing yourself even harder to turn out a many-course meal that will be over in 30 minutes, you can start a new tradition, the simple Christmas dinner. A simple Christmas dinner provides all of the good food memories that a complicated meal offers but allows you to relax and enjoy the day.
Kids look forward to cooking and baking special treats on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is one of the few days a year when many kids are allowed to eat more candy or baked goods than usual. Spend extra time with your child on Valentine's Day cooking some of her favorite goodies, whether you're baking for the classroom or for the family.
Start your Valentine's Day out with a tasty appetizer. Select an appetizer that is equal parts whimsical and tasty to ensure that your special someone is adequately fed and ready for a night of romance. By selecting the right appetizers, you can create a cohesive celebration of romance for your Valentine's Day.
Christmas can be a hectic, busy time of the year, even if it is enjoyable. Simplify everything you can, such as decorating a cake, as there are probably other things you could be doing. Spend that extra time with your loved ones, rather than decorating a cake that will be devoured in a matter of minutes.
