Be sure to read allllll the way to the end for a Big SURPRISE!
This is the first year in the History of Tracey's Adulthood that I haven't had at least half of my Christmas shopping done by now. I usually pick up items through the summer and fall that I think will work out for any of my 5 nieces and nephews, 2 sisters, parents, in-laws, many grab bags, my own kids and my husband...
I? Am starting to FREAK. OUT.
Deep breaths...
I'm hoping that this unintentional procrastination will lead to a better experience, though. Like, I get all of my shopping done in 1 or 2 days, straight. It could happen, right? Right? It kinda has to happen, so it BETTER happen!
(All of this deep breathing is going to make me pass out...)
At least I know what I want to give to most of the people we love and purchase for. That is a HUGE step. And with our visit to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair today, we'll probably find many of the gifts we'll want to buy for the remaining children (and adults!). So I'm not totally freaking out. Yet. I mean, Christmas is supposed to be about giving from the heart, enjoying each other's company, and letting those you care about KNOW that you love them. All of that is practically free.
For some of the things that AREN'T free, however, I will be using an American Express card with Rewards Points. I am usually not a credit card person, only because it's never occurred to me that you can actually EARN free stuff when you use a card. It's been talked about for, oh, my entire ADULTHOOD on commercials and mailers, but I just haven't looked into it in great detail. The details are what sometimes scare this Cash User. So it'll be interesting to see how I fare and feel about swiping that bit of plastic through the swiper-thingy at checkout. I'm a bit pumped about it, actually!
American Express is currently working on a campaign to educate consumers about the benefits of shopping with purpose and doing so at small businesses. I felt like such a heel when I realized that I don't generally pay attention to whether or not I frequent small businesses. I just shop and I'll bet that most of my purchases are at large retailers. That kinda makes me bummed out. Sorry Small Businesses! I promise to use my American Express card at your locations this year! In fact, I think a small hobby shop with Dungeons & Dragons paraphernalia may be seeing me on November 26 on Small Business Saturday.
To help out even more shoppers, American Express is extending this gift card of $250 to one lucky commenter!*
It's easy to enter, but please be sure to follow all of the rules and use a different comment for each entry! Also, I MUST HAVE an email to reach you at! If I don't see an email on your comment or through your name's link, I will have no choice but to pick another winner and that would just STINK for both of us.
Mandatory Entry:
~ Tell me how you save money during the holiday season or leave a tip for us all on how you manage to stay within your budget!
~ Tweet this giveaway and link back. Up to 5 a day.
~ Write about this giveaway on Facebook and link back. 1 time a day.
~ Follow me on Twitter.
~ Subscribe to my blog.
We will pick the winner on Saturday, November 26 after 5 pm CST. If we're eating dinner, and I don't draw the name until 6 pm CST, then you have 1 extra hour to enter. Or 2, if we want to be honest on how long it can take us to eat dinner... Because that's just how I roll.
Good Luck!!
Important! I will use Random.org for the comment number to be chosen, so please be sure to write every entry on a SEPARATE COMMENT.
*No points are included.
Disclaimer: I received a $250 American Express card with 40,000 points to use during this holiday season. All views on my experience using American Express will be my own.
Comments are now closed. A winner will be announced shortly!!
Poetry Month in our Homeschool
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Sure, you *can *force a kid to read a book. Any book, actually. But you
*can't* force a child to love to read. You can't push and push literature
on them a...
11 years ago
470 comments:
1 – 200 of 470 Newer› Newest»I subscribe to your blog.
I buy off clearance racks all year long.
megryansmom@sbcglobal.net
Save money? Budget? What are these concepts you speak of? Seriously, I'm not great at it but I try to set a budget and I try really hard to stick with it. Taking advantage of disciubts and coupons helps...one of our favorite toy stores has a day when the whole store's 20% off, I make sure I do my shopping then, etc.
Hi lady! Not entering the contest, but wanted to leave a comment anyway. I love your wacky pictures and the faces you make in them. This one is awesome because it's got your girl in there making a face too. Aaaannnd I'm jealous of you. I haven't even started my shopping, and that's pretty normal for me. I always want to be like people like you who shop early and all that. So no worries, if I can pull it off last minute, you got this babe. :)
I subscribe to your blog.
1. I keep a list of the gifts I need to buy with a dollar value noted next to each one. I stick to that budget without exception. 2. I purchase things during sales all year round. 3. I make things from scratch (example: homemade vanilla extract).
I'm now following you on Twitter.
I wrote a post about your giveaway on Facebook and linked it back to your blog.
I tweeted about your giveaway.
I buy thing through out the year when I find them on sale.
Holiday saving...not really my forte. But i do try to set a strict budget for the boys and then ask the grandaparents to buy all the really pricey things! :) HA!!
Tweeted this!
http://twitter.com/#!/DupageMamas/status/138010513677352960
posted it to FB
Subscribed to your blog... how had I never done that before???
I follow you on twitter. :)
I posted on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/Mom24.4evermom/posts/311430258885583
I'm following you on Twitter.
I tweeted!
I tweeted again. https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138050139607662592
We save money by shopping online - it helps because I'm not tempted by all the other cute ideas out there in the aisle & buy more than I need!
rma910 at gmail dot com
We set a spending limit per person and stick to it, but there are lots of people in the family now. Both sides of the family have switched to Secret Santa style gifts, except on one side we still all shop for the kids..we'll change that when they get a little older. I also make a number of gifts by hand.
I subscribed to you. :)
shared on FB too. great giveaway thanks!
I shop yearround -- especially right after Christmas and around March for good winter clothes deals. I'm also known to regift if I think the giver won't find out and the recipient would like the gift more.
I take email surveys thruout the year and use my points to buy giftcards to use on Xmas gifts. I normally have about 50$ worth so that's a great help.
Attiesgirl05@gmail.com
Posted this to fb!
Attiesgirl05@gmail.com
I tweeted. https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138319373592035328
My tip for extreme holiday savings is to do what my family does. We save $25 per month, every month. Then when Christmas comes, we only spend from that fund allotting certain $ amounts for each person. If you go over budget using this method, all you have is about 50 dollars to pay off on a credit card as opposed to $500! My email is ifindbargains at gmail dot com
Posted on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Mom24.4evermom/posts/221614227908597
I sent out my first tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/ifindbargains/status/138320107750436865
ifindbargains at gmail dot com
I posted this giveaway to my FB today. http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=204806002931157&id=100003169808262
ifindbargains at gmail dot com
Hey, I follow you twitter as @ifindbargains
ifindbargains at gmail dot com
I buy used things at garage sales, goodwill. I use freecycle! I do shop all year long and pick up things that will work. We also sponsor for families in our area. my kids get so much from family that we really dont buy them much. COUPONS!!!
I save money by using Swagbucks to earn Amazon gift codes.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/138379388818436096
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
I'm no good at budgeting or planning ahead, either. When I think of something the kids might like, I get too excited about giving it to them & usually buy it & give it to them right away. :-(
So, to make gift-giving affordable, dad & I both work seasonal jobs at the holidays.
mgnavadomskis@sbcglobal.net
I want some free $$$!!!
I posted on Facebook.
That was me ;) !!
Jandhhays5@yahoo.com
Holly ;)
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/138413231252320257
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
i save money by using coupons and shopping during sales
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
1 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138415996703739905
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
fb share
https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=222601497809851&id=1355040978
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
i follow you on twitter @aes529
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
tweet 2
http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138425449259864065
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
In order to save money during the holidays I use walmarts price matching policy. I will look through the other store adds and have Walmart price match the products that I find cheaper.
Jennifer Marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
tweet 1
https://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138440671387320320
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
I'm a big fan of the gift closet - I'm a regular at a cute, local toy store and I scour their clearance rack. They'll even call me if something they think I'll like goes on sale! That way the cost is spread out over the year. Each kid gets 2-3 toys, 1 outfit and one "experience" (like tickets to Disney on Ice) each year. Having limits helps curb the spending!
kateATkakakakatyDOTcom
https://twitter.com/#!/kakatywins/status/138441856416620545
kateATkakakakatyDOTcom
I follow you on twitter (I'm @kakatywins)
kateATkakakakatyDOTcom
2nd tweet today: https://twitter.com/#!/ifindbargains/status/138447489203318784
3 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138450361827594240
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
tweet 2
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138451371811811328
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
I save money by using coupons and buying items on sale
elena150980@yahoo.com
I follow you on Twitter @ElenaIstomina
elena150980@yahoo.com
tweet 1:
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/138452746717241345
elena150980@yahoo.com
tweet 2:
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/138452798160371712
elena150980@yahoo.com
shared on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=301614696530230&id=100002433695748
elena150980@yahoo.com
tweet 3
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138454496807354369
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
tweet 4
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138456278493171712
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
tweet 5
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138460444045225984
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
4 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138461296852086784
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
I save money money (trying!) to shop throughout the year when things are on sale. I also use gift cards I get by accumulating points on survey sites etc, or from blog reviews I've done.
I subscribe!
Twitter follower too :)
5 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138464971850911745
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
I save money during the holiday season by looking for sales of stores and learn store policies (price match, gift card offer..etc)
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/138527525881122816
facebooked.https://www.facebook.com/#!/tcarolinep/posts/276266099076472
I'm a subscriber
i save money by keeping a list and shopping all year! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/138545057618853888 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/138545057618853888 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/138545394970935296 scg00387 at yahoo dot com 2
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/138545520250585088 scg00387 at yahoo dot com 3
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/138545749758705665 scg00387 at yahoo d ot com 4
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/138545928180207616 scg00387 at yahoo dot com 5
I think this Angry Birds, really cool for Christmas Gift. Play together with your family. Family game night will never be the same. Check it out http://angrybirdsboardgames.com
tweet 1
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138591179381018624
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
tweet 2
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138604439547297792
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
tweet 3
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138609744486203394
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
I save money by using online discount codes and shopping sales.
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
Shared giveaway on facebook. FB name Jan Peoples
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=249459258441797&id=100000080232560
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/disneyfan40/status/138623314527649792
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
I subscribe to your blog
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
1 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138628370312331264
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
2 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138633850833207296
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/138639170217320448
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
Hey, tracey! I don't have a twitter account can I still enter!?
Christmas is coming! I'll use the money for Christmas gifts!
I post about you on FB again: https://www.facebook.com/clementine.calleja.
I wouldn't say this is saving money but we use a credit card all year long with all purchases and pay the balance every month to earn cash back,1% to 5% back. By Nov we have anywhere between $500 and $600 to use on Christmas gifts. And we aren't in debt because we pay the balance off every month! If it got to the point we couldn't pay it off I would stop using it...
I tweeted about your blog but don't know how to link back!
I am subscribed to your blog!
3 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138659011661795329
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
How to stay within your budget: Take children shopping with you wherever you go. Oh! Wait! That's how to end up with random junk you don't need. ;)
I shop without my kids and make it a game. Use discounts and coupons and try to buy throughout the year for birthday and holidays.
jennagrossarth AT gmail DOT com
I subscribe to your blog.
jennagrossarth AT gmail DOT com
I follow you on twitter
jennagrossarth AT gmail DOT com
I tweeted again. https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138665067557289984
I posted on FB http://www.facebook.com/Mom24.4evermom/posts/180345752055917
4 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138678008130179072
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
daily fb share
https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=118928301553638&id=1355040978
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
tweet 1:
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/138686605786492928
elena150980@yahoo.com
fb share:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=193556750726087&id=100002433695748
elena150980@yahoo.com
tweet 2:
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/138687617624571906
elena150980@yahoo.com
tweet 3:
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/138687775619825664
elena150980@yahoo.com
I have a budget and I stick to it! That allows me to know exactly what I'm spending. I do try to check out the Black Friday deals online, but no store shopping for me!
I follow the other blog...hope that counts, and here's my email, I forgot it.
reallyareyouserious at gmail dot com
I follow on twitter.
SeriousKrystyn
reallyareyouserious at gmail dot com
I tweeted again. https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138705451016654848
5 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/138728802418294784
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
I save money by price matching and searching online for items that I want, and sticking to a list.
KellywcuATyahooDOTcom
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/kellysaver/status/138741766936461314
kellywcuATyahooDOTcom
Shared giveaway on FB
http://www.facebook.com/#!/kellywcu/posts/244587442267139
kellywcuATyahooDOTcom
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/138750961014411265
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet 4:
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/138752886145433600
elena150980@yahoo.com
tweet 4
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138771066670686208
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
I save money/stay in my budget by not getting seduced by unnecessary extras. I don't need to buy red colored Oreos..they don't taste any different. And bows and expensive greeting cards are things I can do without. All the little extras really add up. I try to ask myself if it's emotional or significant (the purchase).
won2xx at gmail dot com
Thank you
http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/138782012982042624
won2xx at gmail dot com
Linked on facebook (can show you if you want):
https://www.facebook.com/brokenwon/posts/314497391895470
won2xx at gmail dot com
Following you on twitter (@won2x)
won2xx at gmail dot com
I always shop sales and price compare looking for the best deal. melliemelo at gmail.com
i subscribe to your blog. melliemelo at gmail.com
thats easy I dont spend a lot of money because I stay at home a lot and don't shop for myself this time of year
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/138789473218609153
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
twitter follower meandbells
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
Alot of stores and companies do friends and family deals before black friday where you can save just as much or more. I also like to buy things during the year that are on sale and save it that way i don't spend a lot of money right before xmas. amypugmire@live.com
tweet 5
https://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138792696360865793
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
i follow u on twitter. 1amypugmire. amypugmire@live.com
I follow your blog. I didn't see a subscribe button. amypugmire@live.com
We shop sales and use gift cards I win online.
Thanks!
mendyd15 at yahoo dot com
tweeted. amypugmire@live.com
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/138795302030278656
Following you on GFC as mendyd15.
mendyd15 at yahoo dot com
Following you on Twitter as @mendyd.
mendyd15 at yahoo dot com
1st tweet today: https://twitter.com/#!/ifindbargains/status/138804260900061185
ifindbargains at gmail dot com
I shared on FB today: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=109900952459183&id=100003169808262
ifindbargains at gmail dot com
11/21 tweet 2
https://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/138818196378619904
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
2nd tweet today: https://twitter.com/#!/ifindbargains/status/138818665607999488
ifindbargains at gmail dot com
3rd tweet today: https://twitter.com/#!/ifindbargains/status/138832098139181057
ifindbargains at gmail dot com
tweet 5:
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/138838330514214913
elena150980@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/138878336234569728
11/22 tweet 1
http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/138948679120855040
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
tweet 1
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138957532705210368
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
I posted on FB. http://www.facebook.com/Mom24.4evermom/posts/203352203075164
I tweeted. https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138960129096810496
Tweeted. https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138960394294263809
Tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138960597873205248
Tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138960823283482624
Tweeted. https://twitter.com/#!/Mom24_4evermom/status/138961072295129088
tweet 2
https://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/138966577201688576
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
11/22 tweet 2
http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/138969323334152192
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/138968934564110336
tweet. amypugmire@live.com
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/138973300440313857
I subscribe to your blog on google reader.
I combine coupons with store sales to get good deals.
merleandtina@Yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/138983391583416320
merleandtina@yahoo.com
follow you pn twitter
merleandtina@yahoo.com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/138983886976860162
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
My family changed the way we do our gift exchange a couple of years ago. Now we just buy gifts for my nieces and nephews, not my sisters or my brother in laws. It saves money and we're no longer tempted to trade gift cards.
http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/138990042218639361
won2xx at gmail dot com
Thank you
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/138991886919663617
merleandtina@yahoo.com
11/22 tweet 3
http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/139011144273768448
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/139029416826253312
won2xx at gmail dot com
https://www.facebook.com/brokenwon/posts/296493680371409
won2xx at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/139031601920212994
facebooked.https://www.facebook.com/#!/tcarolinep/posts/198831916864401
http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/139032319393673216
http://twitter.com/mendyd/status/139032835787993088
Thanks!
mendyd15 at yahoo dot com
Clearance racks are my top money savings tip
mymanagedchaos@gmail.com
I'm following you on Twitter (@Managed_Chaos)
And I'm following your blog.
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/139035694403297280
elena150980@yahoo.com
#1
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/139036266472804352
elena150980@yahoo.com
#2
https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=149879245112634&id=100002433695748
elena150980@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/139069638544855040
elena150980@yahoo.com
#3
http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/139071434017345537
won2xx at gmail dot com
1 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/139085438131503104
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
11/22 tweet 3
http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/139085511334699009
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
fb share
https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=282982068412927&id=1355040978
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
2 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/139094238146203648
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
3 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/139101736815173632
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/139103981485039616
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
4 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/139111790398291968
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
tweet 3
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/139117931320717313
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
Daily Tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/disneyfan40/status/139117909917188097
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/139120748584370176
tweet. amypugmire@live.com
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/139115422019633153
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/139131183647830016
elena150980@yahoo.com
#4
http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/139131452796313600
elena150980@yahoo.com
#5
5 http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/139133250907021312
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
tweet 4
https://twitter.com/#!/JenniferCNP/status/139138494403592192
jennifer marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
fb share
https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=291296617568798&id=661240371
Jennifer Marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
following you on twitter (JenniferCNP)
Jennifer Marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/139140324747526144
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/kellysaver/status/139148645940469760
kellywcuATyahooDOTcom
tweet. amypugmire@live.com
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/139115422019633153
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/139149339477028864
merleandtina@yahoo.com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/139152763698417664
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
I posted about your blog on FB again! https://www.facebook.com/clementine.calleja
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