Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
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Home > Blogs > Here's the Deal > Archives > 2011 > December > 28
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Spend more on cosmetics for better results
According to www.DealNews.com, there are times when it makes sense to invest more in a product to get a better return.
For instance, the website recommends passing on cheap cosmetics. The goal of makeup is to make your skin look naturally flawless, and inexpensive cosmetics are more likely to look unnatural or cake later in the day.
One exception: Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara ($6.40), which consistently makes the top beauty lists.
TweetFeel-good ways to use those gift cards
Continuing in the altruistic spirit of the season, we have more ideas for spreading good will — especially to those less fortunate.
At www.Kinoliinc.com, consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch has a fabulous idea: Donate unwanted gift cards to charities.
She says the Make-A-Wish Foundation, for example, accepts donations of gift cards that are then used toward granting the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses.
Locally, you also can call your favorite charity to see if it accepts gift cards; if it doesn’t, then simply use your card to purchase items (food or clothing, for instance) you know the nonprofit group will accept.
TweetHow to effortlessly (almost) return gifts
To make the process of returning or exchanging Christmas gifts easier this year, I recommend the following:
• Don’t delay. Most retailers offer a limited window of opportunity to make returns.
• Remember: Receipts are still the key to hassle-free returns. Some stores will allow you to exchange merchandise without a receipt, but oftentimes will only provide merchandise credit for the lowest markdown price at which the item was sold during the holiday season.
• Hang on to all original packaging, tags and parts. Some retailers won’t accept returns unless the item is in its original package.
TweetAffordable decor ideas for Christmas 2012
The rustling of gift paper as presents were eagerly unwrapped this year has been my inspiration for finding festive and affordable ways to decorate for Christmas 2012.
First of all, repurpose and recycle all the elements of holiday packaging, if appropriate.
Don’t forget to reuse (any time of the year) bubble wrap and packing peanuts.
Also set aside any unused gift wrap, cards, ribbons or other materials you might have purchased this year.
I hang on to especially beautiful Christmas cards, for instance, I receive each year.
During the holiday season, I stick these gorgeous images into inexpensive black photo frames and place them on the mantel or an end table to dress things up.
TweetGift-wrapping ideas for any occasion
Here are three inexpensive ways to wrap presents and make them look pretty:
• Use this never-fail method: Place the gift inside a glam gift bag and then add some elegant tissue paper. (Visit the neighborhood dollar store for cheap gift bags, or you can always repurpose gift bags.)
• Grab the newspaper and tear out pages to wrap gifts. Use the black-and-white pages, for instance, and then adorn the package with red, hot pink or black ribbon to make a clever and dramatic statement.
• If you’re a seamstress or crafter, look through your closet or storage box for leftover tulle or netting. To wrap with tulle or netting, simply place the gift in the center of a piece large enough to cover the item. Gather all the fabric to the top and tie off with a festive piece of ribbon.
TweetGifts from the heart matter most
When my 18-year-old nephew, Duke, asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I said, “Nothing.”
“Are you sure?” he sweetly asked.
I pondered for a minute, and then said, “I don’t want you spending any money on me, but if you could detail my car, that would be awesome.”
He agreed, and I know at some point during his holiday break from Ohio University, I will have a clean car, and the lemonade, coffee and diet soda I have repeatedly spilled inside my ride will no longer be a sticking point.
Sometimes the best presents are from the heart and cost nothing.
Whether you’re a money-strapped college student or someone facing financially challenging times, remember: Most people don’t expect lavish gifts.
Most of us want your presence, a phone call, a hug, a batch of cookies or even the promise of performing a chore we really don’t like to do.
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