Poor Santa will continue, but with some [...]]]> Due to some technical problems, and a busy schedule, PoorSanta.com didn’t get too much attention once the season actually hit. My primary blog  Blommi.com, is still being updated almost daily.  It actually covers many of the topics covered here at PoorSanta, only without the limitation of a holiday theme.  

Poor Santa will continue, but with some changes.  Please vote in the poll in the sidebar, or leave me a comment below.

In celebration of this weekend’s opening of Disney’s A Christmas Carol in IMAX theaters, IMAX is sponsoring a giveaway.   Enter here to win a prize pack that consists of one Disney’s A Christmas Carol poster and one book, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol: Movie Storybook.”  This is a cross blog giveaway, but there are only a small [...]]]>

In celebration of this weekend’s opening of Disney’s A Christmas Carol in IMAX theaters, IMAX is sponsoring a giveaway.   Enter here to win a prize pack that consists of one Disney’s A Christmas Carol poster and one book, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol: Movie Storybook.”  This is a cross blog giveaway, but there are only a small handful participating.

To Enter:

First you need to become a Facebook fan of Imax.  http://www.facebook.com/IMAX

Then leave a comment here telling me who your favorite character in the Christmas Carol is.  That’s all there is too it.  Ends Wednesday November 11th, 11:59 ET.

There will be more chances to win movie swag  at the twitter party Resourceful Mom is hosting tomorrow night (Thurs. Nov 5th), from 9-10 pm ET.  The hashtag #XmasIMAX will be used for this event. RSVP here: http://bit.ly/3zUrak

Imax will also have opportunities to win prizes this weekend via their Facebook page, as well.

After Halloween Deals

$ Grab up remaining halloween candy.  You can get a great deal on chocolates, and no one will be the wiser when they are chopped up in holiday desserts & [...]]]> There can be considerable benefits to starting your holiday planning now.  Start thinking Frugal Christmas, now… and you won’t miss some great opportunities to save.

After Halloween Deals

$ Grab up remaining halloween candy.  You can get a great deal on chocolates, and no one will be the wiser when they are chopped up in holiday desserts & cookies.

 $ Many halloween candies are not individually marked as such.  Pop them in the back of the freezer and they will make stocking stuffer fillers.

  $  If you are a fan of “The Nightmare before Christmas”, start planning a themed Christmas party now.  Gummie worms & those foil covered chocolates, that look like eyeballs ,will never be cheaper. Some halloween props, like cauldrons and mummy wraps, will actually work for the theme. 

  $  Angel and Elf costumes might be found in the clearance racks now.

Right now stores are trying to moved this stuff out as quickly as possible and cutting prices drastically.

.

1. Stock up [...]]]> The holidays tend to be a rather hectic time for most families.  Many of us will not want to turn to the “easy-out” of fast food or delivery, as often this year, since this can quickly become costly. Conserve your holiday budget, while saving time in the kitchen, with these time saving kitchen tips.

1. Stock up on steam ready frozen vegetables.  They cut down on prep and clean up time.  ( The long string beans are great in stir-fries)

2. Plan for leftovers.  When preparing any meal that saves well, or can be utilized in multiple ways (ie: meatloaf), make extra.  Cook once eat twice.

3. Save time on clean-up.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper.  Not only will clean up be a breeze, but your recipe results will be better as well.  Broiler & grill pans can be lined with foil, to save cleaning time, also.

4. The pressure cooker is your time saving friend. Cooking times are immensely reduced, in pressure cookery.  Newer models have plenty of safety features,  and electric pressure cookers are even available.

5. Post a kitchen measure conversion chart conveniently inside a cabinet door.  It will make doubling or reducing recipe size quick & easy.

This post was written in response to the blogging contest at http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/samsung-blogging-sweepstakes .

To effectively assemble a number of baskets at minimum cost, just takes [...]]]> If you have several people you need holiday gifts for this year and more time than money on your hands, consider making some homemade gourmet or spa gift baskets. With proper planning, these impressive and thoughtful gifts, can be made at relatively low cost .

To effectively assemble a number of baskets at minimum cost, just takes a little planning. Adopting a less is more approach, will help ensure that you are able to maintain quality and attractiveness of presentation. Two-three well executed and packaged items can make a lovely gift.

Poor Santa has been able to find all necessary packaging materials for holiday gift baskets at local dollar stores. Most carry small baskets, gift bags, jars, cellophane wrap, tissue paper, tins, ribbons and gift tags. Of course you will probably not need all of these items for your project, planning ahead will avoid extraneous purchases.

Now for the contents of your holiday baskets…

For gourmet baskets consider these, as well as, your own specialties:
Homemade Jams or Jellies
Dessert breads
Cookies/Biscotti
Cocoa or Mulling spice mixes
Candies
Flavored syrups

Spa basket suggestions:
Bath Salts (Lavender Bath Salts)
Sachets
Candles
Cloved Fruits

To keep costs down, whenever possible, use seasonal ingredients for your baskets.  If you have a favorite craft or recipe, try and integrate it into your baskets. When planning your Christmas gift baskets, the choice of contents is all up to you, but having a theme or at least assembling items which relate to each other, will ensure successful results.

The first of the giveaways is from Mommy Goggles. She is giving away a Step2 Lifestyle Deluxe Kitchen, on [...]]]> Today, I found 3 blogs doing giveaways for Step2 Kitchens. These would make awesome holiday gifts. I was already planning on getting my daughter some sort of play kitchen for Christmas, so I will of course be entering.

The first of the giveaways is from Mommy Goggles. She is giving away a Step2 Lifestyle Deluxe Kitchen, on her blog. The deluxe comes with all the bells and whistles, and retails for $219.  Here is a link to her giveaway (ends Oct. 17th) which also features videos of the kitchen itself: http://bit.ly/7dl4N.

……………………………………………………..

The next blog giveaway that I found for a Step2 Kitchen, is from “The Dirty T Shirt”.  She is giving away a sleekly styled Modern Lines Kitchen, loaded with kid friendly features.  Her giveaway runs through Oct. 8th.  Here is a link to this giveaway: http://bit.ly/1vwciZ.

The final of these great giveaways can be found at “Coffee with the Mrs.”.  On her blog she has a LifeStyle New Traditions Kitchen, that you can win, complete with accessories.  This giveaway will end on Oct. 12th, and here is a link to this drawing: http://bit.ly/PC0aQ.

A child would be thrilled with any of these great Step2 Kitchens.  Too see yet more options from this great brand, check out the Step2 website.