Most people think the holiday shopping season is about the big crowds and big bargains. But there's one more seasonal hallmark that doesn't always get its fair share of publicity - big holiday crimes.
I was recently scammed out of 30 dollars while on my honeymoon. But during the holidays when people really need money they are more likely to fall for a scam. My grandma used to say a fool and her money is soon parted. Don't be fooled...if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Here are a few scam warnings.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Goofy gift ideas
Short of gift ideas for that person who really does have everything?
Web site Stupid.com, which claims finding a truly stupid gift is an art form, on Tuesday unveiled its second annual list of the top 10 "stupidest" holiday gifts for 2008.
"2008 might have been a bad year for the economy, but it was a great year for stupidity," said Stupid.com's founder Gary Apple. "Weird products seemed to come out of the woodwork this year. There was almost too much stupidity to choose from!"
1. Screaming Chicken, The World's Most Annoying Toy:
This rubber chicken doesn't squeak or squawk. It screams.
2. Wealth Redistribution 2008 Holiday Ornament:
This tree ornament announces that the ornament that used to be there has been removed and given to someone who needs it more. The Redistribution Holiday Ornament will let everyone know you're spreading the wealth whether you want to or not.
3. Mini Guitar Hero:
This miniature version of that mega-hit game is barely 6-inches long but you can still rock out to songs by Queen, Cheap Trick, Nirvana, and The Police.
4. Potty Putter:
Why waste time on the toilet, when you can use it to get ready for the fairway? Potty Putter contains everything you need for an exciting round of golf without leaving your seat including a putting green for around the toilet, mini putter, flag stick and two golf balls.
5. Wasabi Flavored Gumballs:
These potent little green confections offer an intense explosion of wasabi. Strangely, the gum is actually delicious.
6. Men's Underwear Repair Kit:
In this troubled economy, don't throw away your old underwear but repair it with the Men's Underwear Repair Kit. This handy, inexpensive kit provides everything you need to get your unsightly undershorts back into presentable shape.
7. Obama "Yes We Can" Opener:
Every election spawns some interesting products, but this has to be one of the stupidest. To Obama fans, the "Yes, We Can" opener, seizing on his campaign refrain, could be a treasure.
8. "How To Tie A Tie" Tie:
Still struggle with your tie? This stylish tie has simple knot-tying instructions printed right on the front. Just follow the six step-by-step diagrams and you'll look as dashing as George Clooney in seconds.
9. 2009 Dog Poop Calendar:
Each month features a spectacular landscape or breathtaking tableau, but somewhere in every shot there's a pile of dog poop. Distasteful? You bet it is, but the contrast between the beautiful photography and dog poop is remarkable.
10. Pole Dancer Alarm Clock:
When the alarm goes off, dance music plays and disco lights flash. At the same time, a buxom blonde dancer gyrates around a pole under the spinning disco ball.
Web site Stupid.com, which claims finding a truly stupid gift is an art form, on Tuesday unveiled its second annual list of the top 10 "stupidest" holiday gifts for 2008.
"2008 might have been a bad year for the economy, but it was a great year for stupidity," said Stupid.com's founder Gary Apple. "Weird products seemed to come out of the woodwork this year. There was almost too much stupidity to choose from!"
1. Screaming Chicken, The World's Most Annoying Toy:
This rubber chicken doesn't squeak or squawk. It screams.
2. Wealth Redistribution 2008 Holiday Ornament:
This tree ornament announces that the ornament that used to be there has been removed and given to someone who needs it more. The Redistribution Holiday Ornament will let everyone know you're spreading the wealth whether you want to or not.
3. Mini Guitar Hero:
This miniature version of that mega-hit game is barely 6-inches long but you can still rock out to songs by Queen, Cheap Trick, Nirvana, and The Police.
4. Potty Putter:
Why waste time on the toilet, when you can use it to get ready for the fairway? Potty Putter contains everything you need for an exciting round of golf without leaving your seat including a putting green for around the toilet, mini putter, flag stick and two golf balls.
5. Wasabi Flavored Gumballs:
These potent little green confections offer an intense explosion of wasabi. Strangely, the gum is actually delicious.
6. Men's Underwear Repair Kit:
In this troubled economy, don't throw away your old underwear but repair it with the Men's Underwear Repair Kit. This handy, inexpensive kit provides everything you need to get your unsightly undershorts back into presentable shape.
7. Obama "Yes We Can" Opener:
Every election spawns some interesting products, but this has to be one of the stupidest. To Obama fans, the "Yes, We Can" opener, seizing on his campaign refrain, could be a treasure.
8. "How To Tie A Tie" Tie:
Still struggle with your tie? This stylish tie has simple knot-tying instructions printed right on the front. Just follow the six step-by-step diagrams and you'll look as dashing as George Clooney in seconds.
9. 2009 Dog Poop Calendar:
Each month features a spectacular landscape or breathtaking tableau, but somewhere in every shot there's a pile of dog poop. Distasteful? You bet it is, but the contrast between the beautiful photography and dog poop is remarkable.
10. Pole Dancer Alarm Clock:
When the alarm goes off, dance music plays and disco lights flash. At the same time, a buxom blonde dancer gyrates around a pole under the spinning disco ball.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Don't miss the parade!
Don't miss the annual City Of Hollywood Candy Cane Parade and your chance to see Jeff Martin in his peppermint tights!
Holiday Office Party!
Remember if you're lucky enough to have a holiday office party, make sure you don't dance on anything other than the floor!
We're having a party...smaller yes...but at least were having one. What about you?
If you plan to go to your office holiday party here's a few things to keep in mind.
We're having a party...smaller yes...but at least were having one. What about you?
If you plan to go to your office holiday party here's a few things to keep in mind.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Beauty products
What's in your bathroom drawer, medicine cabinet and shower? shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, eye-makeup remover, mascara, face lotion, lip balm, blush, deodorant, bronzer, eyeliner, nail polish, hair brushes, flat iron, curling iron, crimping iron...the list goes on and on.
A survey by The Environmental Working Group found that the average woman uses 12 personal care products per day. It just show how high-maintenance the modern gal has become and the value we place on physical beauty and appearance.
Check out the 7 things men will never get about beauty.
A survey by The Environmental Working Group found that the average woman uses 12 personal care products per day. It just show how high-maintenance the modern gal has become and the value we place on physical beauty and appearance.
Check out the 7 things men will never get about beauty.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Beat the Holiday Stress
‘Tis the season to be jolly... not stressed out!
If the shopping, wrapping gifts, gaining weight, party planning, decorating, cooking, in-laws, going to the office holiday party, working on the holiday, the traffic, finding a parking space at the mall, cleaning the house, travel, and the list go on and on start to stress you.... Don’t panic, here are some tips that could help you have a very jolly season!
And if you need more help, check here.
If the shopping, wrapping gifts, gaining weight, party planning, decorating, cooking, in-laws, going to the office holiday party, working on the holiday, the traffic, finding a parking space at the mall, cleaning the house, travel, and the list go on and on start to stress you.... Don’t panic, here are some tips that could help you have a very jolly season!
And if you need more help, check here.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Make a gift
Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays like a unique gift that's been made with care and love. Here are some great homemade gift ideas.
While price comparison shopping, shopping sales and pruning your gift list are viable ways to save some money on gifts, there are additional creative ways to save. There's nothing wrong with spending money if you have it, but it's silly to overspend and charge yourself into a deep hole. Regardless what you do or how much you spend, wasted money is still wasted money.
Practical gifts are the way to go this year.
Here's a few gift ideas that won't break the bank.
Meals: Have a potluck. It can still be a formal meal, but don't be afraid to ask for help. When someone asks if they can bring anything, take them up on that offer. You can skip alcoholic beverages this year and opt for mocktails instead. Cut your work and food budget in half.
Coupons: Make and print coupons that offer your time such as a dessert a month, lawn mowing, babysitting, etc.
New rules: Can request to create a new family rule that only the children receive gifts. This can cut back on gift exchanges for all of the adults. If that's not possible, try one group gift per family instead of individual gifts for every member in each family.
Work related gifts: Some of us know the pressure of the manager's decision to have the team ordepartment exchange gifts. It's often awkward. Encourage the team to do a dollar store swap, donate to charity with a food drive or care packages for our soldiers or a potluck. It doesn't have to cost much per person.
While price comparison shopping, shopping sales and pruning your gift list are viable ways to save some money on gifts, there are additional creative ways to save. There's nothing wrong with spending money if you have it, but it's silly to overspend and charge yourself into a deep hole. Regardless what you do or how much you spend, wasted money is still wasted money.
Practical gifts are the way to go this year.
Here's a few gift ideas that won't break the bank.
Meals: Have a potluck. It can still be a formal meal, but don't be afraid to ask for help. When someone asks if they can bring anything, take them up on that offer. You can skip alcoholic beverages this year and opt for mocktails instead. Cut your work and food budget in half.
Coupons: Make and print coupons that offer your time such as a dessert a month, lawn mowing, babysitting, etc.
New rules: Can request to create a new family rule that only the children receive gifts. This can cut back on gift exchanges for all of the adults. If that's not possible, try one group gift per family instead of individual gifts for every member in each family.
Work related gifts: Some of us know the pressure of the manager's decision to have the team ordepartment exchange gifts. It's often awkward. Encourage the team to do a dollar store swap, donate to charity with a food drive or care packages for our soldiers or a potluck. It doesn't have to cost much per person.
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