Wow!  Finally!  The end of the month is here, which means no more daily ramblings from me.

Briefly glancing at my blog, I noticed a few of my earlier posts this month had gotten “stuck” in Wordpress limbo. I think it’s because I would start writing an entry for the day, save it for later on, and then just nix the idea and use the post for another day. The problem was, though, that the Timestamp wasn’t posting when I wanted it to.

I am FREAKING OUT right now, trying to make sure all of my posts are showing up.  Why? I’d hate to have done all of this posting and wasting your time for no reason.

Please remind me to send Dr. Sears a fruit basket this year.

31 WAYS TO GET YOUR BABY TO GO TO SLEEP AND STAY ASLEEP EASIER

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070300.asp

I admit that when I’m in a rush to create a new info product, I ‘cheat’ and use a free tool to get a book cover done immediately, rather than hiring a graphic designer and waiting a week.

Here’s the link. Try it out for yourself.

http://www.groundbreak.com/graphics2.html

Although I’m not looking forward to the dreaded return of my period, I’ve found some really cool cloth pads over at Etsy that are cute AND affordable.

Here’s the link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=83764
I would really like to make them myself, but I find myself realizing that I haven’t even been able to put on matching shoes for the past five months. So sewing? Um, yeah, out of the question.

Just going thru my bookmarks. Found one I haven’t used lately. It’s not a “secret” link, but it’s not all that well known, and at times you can find some very cool free offers.

Here’s the link.  The only thing is, you need to check it often as the freebies change frequently.

http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Free-Samples.aspx

My plan on getting a better work and home schedule going? It’s just not working yet. I’ve been trying a few different ’systems’, but so far, nothing I’m ready to stick with.

So for the time being, I’ll just post my happenin’s and things-to-do like this. Hope ya don’t mind.

Monday is reserved for baby shots, which will undoubtedly lead to a horrific day for all of us here. I’m not planning on getting anything done. That way, I won’t disappoint myself when nothing gets done. Good plan, eh?

Tuesday, I’d like to clean up the house a bit. I have to go pick my my grandmother’s ashes in the evening, so after that highly enjoyable event, I plan on burying myself in a pillow and wallowing for as long as the kids allow it.

Wednesday: I’d really, really like to start building my new websites for my VRE training. I’ll settle on one.

The rest of the week is up in the air right now. I’ll save that for a later post. (read: stretch out some extra NaPoBloMo posts)

Today I am quietly mourning the passing of one of the two most important adults in my life. Quite possibly the coolest old lady on the face of the planet, my grandmother was my caregiver, my cheerleader, my best friend, my conscience, and probably the only one who loved me unconditionally.

Another longer, more thoughtful post will most likely surface soon. Right now I’m still trying to get over the shock of it all.  It was sudden, and I’m finding myself trying to wake up out of this bad dream.

Please - anyone reading - take one minute out of your day and hug your loved ones. Tell them what you feel and how much they mean to you.

Dealing with two needy kids today, so no work is getting done. Surprise, surprise.
I’m eating turkey like a mofo today.  Why? Because the baby took an extra nap for me the day after Thanksgiving. Based on my completely unfounded and unscientific findings, I lead this to believe that the “sleepy stuff” (I make no special attempt to look these words up) that’s found in turkey is passed in breastmilk and therefore makes the baby drowsy as well.  Please - don’t correct me if I’m wrong. I like this belief. And it helps me keep the turkey down.

Wrapping it up… sigh…  dang, some things are so much funnier in my head.

Other holiday shopping resources that you’ll find helpful:

http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/articles/frugalgifts.shtml   - Inexpensive gift ideas.

http://holidays.about.com/od/giftideasshoppingtips/  - Gift ideas and shopping tips.

http://www.catalogs.com/info/gifts/christmas-gift-ideas-online.html

http://www.giftcertificates.com/   - Need a last minute bailout?  Send a gift card online.

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/b/a/132580.htm  - I know you won’t be waiting until the last minute, but in case you do here are some last minute gift ideas.

Make some extra Christmas spending money through affiliate programs! 
Most online stores have some type of affiliate program, so while you’re shopping for gifts check out their affiliate programs.  Then, tell your friends and family about special deals at the stores and give them your affiliate link!  It’s a great way to help them save money, as well as earn some extra money for yourself!

There you have it.  These are the secrets and tips that I use personally to save a lot of money on my Christmas shopping.  You should use take advantage of them too, and save yourself some money this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!  (I know, I know… it’s still a bit early for that!)