Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I’ve barely gotten started on mine. One of the biggest problems I’ve been faced with is that I haven’t been able to do much comparison shopping. We’re pretty limited here, so most of our shopping is (and will be) being done online. I just learned about new website that allows consumers to compare prices on all sorts of things - Save Buckets. There’s nothing that ticks me off more when shopping than to buy an item, only to wind up seeing it being sold somewhere else for much less. Save Buckets will definitely help to put a stop to that.

This Christmas Jo has put in a request for a new cell phone which not only has a camera but also features an MP3 player. We’ve been unable to compare prices on these types of phones until now because none of the carriers in our area have started selling them yet. I gave Save Buckets keyword search feature a spin and was able to compare not only the prices, but the phones too. You can also compare prices of items by using the category search tool too.

Next time you need to do a little comparison shopping, make sure you hop over to Savebuckets.co.uk.

Dog Tags have become a big fashion accessory over the last few years. My oldest nephew Eric has a few of them, which has gotten the attention of another nephew Tyler (he’s 8). He keeps telling me that this is something he wants for Christmas “because Eric has one”. Eric has become somewhat of a role model for Tyler over the last few years and Tyler seems to imitate everything Eric does. I figured I would start checking into this for Tyler and grant his “Christmas wish”.

This morning I signed onto a website called Fat Statement and found that they have recently launched a new product on their site - Custom Dog Tags. This is great for me because I want Tyler to have a one of a kind dog tag and not one anyone can just pick up in a local accessory department. Fat Statement allows me to choose from a large selection of pre-designed symbols or I can even upload my own image from my hard drive. It’s easy to move the uploaded image or pre-designed symbol into the position on the dog tag that I want it in. I can also add text to my design, along with choosing my choice of a background color. Their step by step design editor is so easy to use that I think even my 8 year old nephew would be able to use it and design his own. You seriously cannot go wrong.

This is a great idea for people like me who are looking to create a unique gift for a friend or loved one, or even create something unique for themselves. I think I will get Tyler and Eric both one for Christmas. I may even make them the same, since they’ve become such good friends!

To create your own custom dog tag, visit them at Fatstatement.com.

I have been trying to come up with ideas for Jo’s Christmas gifts. He’s already started hinting around to a few things like a new pair of boots, some jeans and various things to fill up his stocking with. Now I’m just trying to come up with some ideas for those special gifts that he won’t know about until Christmas morning. One of the things he keeps bringing up is a joystick for his computer games. I figured I would start looking for a coupon code or two to places like Gamestop and EB Games, which are stores he shops in pretty often. I should be able to find “his” joystick and I’m also considering buying him a couple of game cards for WoW. The game cards would make great for stuffing in his stocking.

Deallocker.com is a great place to find great deals and coupon codes to all sorts of stores. Since I’m looking for coupons to a specialty store, I decided to click on the category “video game coupons”, where I got a huge list of stores with coupons. Gamestop, for instance, currently has 38 coupons and I’m so glad I can use Deallocker.com this holiday season. It’s going to be nice to give him the things he wants this Christmas and be able to save while doing it. But the best part is I won’t have to stop saving after the holidays because there are always great deals and awesome coupons available all year long. If you have a friend who likes saving, Deallocker.com is actually dedicated to helping you and your friends get deals.

Be sure you check out their daily blog too, they’re always providing free stuff and printable coupons!

Not too long ago one of my good friends decided it was time for her and her husband to purchase a new dining room suit. They recently got married and up until then had not purchased one and she was determined to get one right away. Being newlyweds, they were on a bit of a smaller budget. I wish I had known about Greatpricedfurniture.com when they were looking for a dining room suit. They have a wonderful selection of dining room suits to choose from in a variety of styles - modern, traditional, country and even collections that are more on the luxury side. And as for the price, well, the name should give you a hint.

I will remember Greatpricedfurniture.com for the next time a friend, or even I, decides to shop for dining room furniture online. I think I’ll also keep them in mind when I start looking for a new bedroom suit. Especially since they recently updated their inventory.

It’s been months since I really did any kind of work out. Now mind you, I do get out and take long walks which usually last more than an hour but as far as actually doing something about toning up, I’m slacking. I’ve also been noticing that I haven’t had nearly as much energy lately. I’m taking this as a hint. I’m going to start looking into some fitness equipment and try to get myself back into a regular fitness routine. I know I’ll feel ten times better when I start doing regular workouts (besides the walking).

I always feel better both physically and mentally when I’m working out regularly. I think I’ll start my mission today and start searching for one really great piece of equipment, at least to get me started again.

I’m not much of a jewelry person. In fact, the most jewelry I’ve ever worn was a bracelet and my wedding rings, at one time. But every once in awhile I get this wild hair on my head and start longing for new pieces. The only problem is that I’d rather that spend a fortune on it and let’s face it, sometimes jewelry can be rather pricey. A couple of my good friends suggested I go with affordable designer inspired jewelry if I wanted a few great pieces of jewelry but wasn’t interested in breaking the bank to have it.

I think I’ll suggest this to Jo, since he keeps asking “What do you want for Christmas”. I mean, I drop hints along and along but if there’s something I am truly hoping to get, I may as well just come right out and tell him rather than let him keep guessing.

It is hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Every year I put off my shopping until the last minute, which usually gets me into a lot of trouble because I have a hard time finding those special gifts - they are usually all picked over. I have promised myself that this year will be different and I will start my shopping via the internet.

My mom adores jewelery, specifically anything in gold (both white and yellow). The last couple of years I have managed to find nice gold earrings and a really beautiful gold ring but this year she has put in a special request. She has “dropped” gold necklaces in many conversations between my sister and I on several occasions recently. Since I am on a budget, I figured I would probably have a really hard time finding something for her. I am happy to learn that will not be the case. Overstock.com has a great selection of gold chains, so many that there is no way anyone could or even would walk away not finding something they love. I have just spent the last little bit browsing through 3 pages of gorgeous gold chains, which are available in many different lengths and styles - ropes, figaro and loop, to name a few. I remember my mom mentioning something about a white gold rope chain, so I think I will go that route. Lucky me, I have just come across the “14k White Gold 20-inch DC Rope Chain” (on page 3). It is a stunning piece and at $269.99, a steal! If you will notice on the same page, the two-toned heart pendant, this would make such an awesome gift for my 16 year old sister in law. She loves hearts and since it is two-toned, it is very stylish!

If you are looking for beautiful gold chains, whether in white, yellow, rose or even multi-tones and at affordable prices, then Overstock.com is the place you need to be. They have even made it easy for you to search by offering categories which will help you narrow it down by color, style, length and best of all, price.

Since Christmas is coming up, Jo and I have been discussing what we both want to do for the other - gift wise. Jo’s biggest thing on his list is an espresso machines, which is also something I want. I guess we can just consider this a mutual gift and just finish up with the smaller gifts. This will definitely save us some money since we won’t be running out and buying huge gifts for one another. Plus, since we’re here with his family for a couple of months, it’ll be something everyone can use and enjoy.

It’ll be really nice to have this during the Winter especially, because we won’t be able to leave the house too much. Or I should say, I won’t, since I don’t feel comfortable driving in the snow and ice.

Now I’m craving espresso, haha!

Yeah, yeah. I know, another handbag. Forget about that other bag I posted about recently. I have a new love. It is a bag by JP Lizzy and even the name of the bag is cute - Strawberry Truffle Purse. Jo took me out shopping earlier today, after running our errands. While at the mall, I found a really nice light pink and brown tartan print purse that I wanted. Only thing that prevented me from buying it was the hefty price tag (well over $100). This bag (pictured to the left) is way cheaper at only $42. I actually would not mind having this cute bag in other colors too (light blue, solid brown with striped interior). This is the style I buy pretty often.

I think I will add this to my Christmas list, which seems to be growing into quite the little monster. Before too much longer I am sure I will be forced to start scratching things off!

My feet are killing, as are my arms and legs. We did an insane amount of running around today (over 6 hours) and I am so ready to just kick back and relax for the rest of the night.

purse blog everything you need to know about fashion hand bags

I stumbled onto a new handbag today. One that I wish to buy. I can’t seem to fight off the urge but I’m trying. Really, I am. I was looking for a handbag to buy my sister for Christmas. That probably isn’t the brightest idea for someone like me - a person who just can’t seem to stop buying them. I had no intentions of even looking at any for me but this one just popped out at me while I was sifting through bags for Nikki (who I really hope isn’t going to read this or else she’ll know what I’m getting her lol).

People like to blame me when I send them links to places like Etsy.com or Ebags.com. For once, I’m going to put the blame on someone else. Haha! This is all Kat’s fault. She sent me a link yesterday to a backpack on Ebags.com and after checking it out, I decided to do some window (lol) shopping for Nikki. That’s my excuse.

Anywho. It really is a cute handbag. It isn’t expensive at all, so I won’t lie.. I’m considering it. Besides, a girl (woman) can never have too many handbags, right? Just agree with me, OK?

Jo is in serious need of new work shoes. He bought a pair back in April, when he started his new job. His previous place of employment requires their employees (women and men) to wear steel toed boots. Well, we had just recently moved back to Calgary and money was a little tight at the time. He opted for a cheaper pair (not only cheaper in price but also in quality) and has regretted it ever since. Next time he will be spending a little a little bit extra for quality boots like the ones you will find at Metboots.com. Not only do they carry quality boots but the prices are a lot more affordable than I was expecting. Jo paid $80 for the last pair he bought and I have found steel toed boots on Metboots.com that range between $89.95 and $147.95. Plus, they even offer free shipping on orders over $100.

Since Jo will be needing another pair of work boots soon, I have bookmarked the site!

Jo and I have been trying to come up with some gift ideas for his grandmother. She has been sick for a few months, off and on. In recent years, she has also battled cancer a couple of times. Since we are moving to be closer to family, including her, we figured we should bring a little gift to her. Nan loves birds and collects little candy dishes (she does not always use them for candies, sometimes it’s just for show). I have just been browsing through Crystallia.com, where I have found a beautiful Lalique Crystal bowl which features two sparrows. Sparrows are her favorite birds. I would love to get her something like this. To be honest, there are so many dishes in this collection that I would love to buy for myself, for instance the Alize bowl. It is absolutely gorgeous and has a great price of only $265.50.

I have also found some really great pieces in the Evolution collection by Waterford Crystal. These pieces are so unique in style, shapes and are bursting with lovely coloring. I really love the “Deep Blue Sea Platter”. You have to have a look at that piece. The greens and blues really do remind me of the sea, which is the one place that makes me feel at peace - the reason I am looking forward to moving back to the east coast of Newfoundland.

The beauty does not stop there though. Fine China Dinnerware can also be purchased at Crystallia.com. The Florentine Turquoise Classic Fine Bone China By Wedgwood is my favorite set. I really love the blue, floral pattern. It looks great against the white.

Crystallia.com has been in business since 1979 but has been an online retailer of Lalique Crystal products since 1996. They offer a wide variety of products - Collectibles, Dinnerware, Crystal, Glassware and Housewares, to name a few.

I think I will spend a little more time browsing around. I am getting some really great gift ideas for the holidays.

We were at one of the home decor stores last week, in search of some new curtains. We browsed around the main floor and didn’t find anything we liked, so we decided to leave. On our way out the door, we caught a big section over to the right of the exit door - the clearance section - so we headed on over. I was browsing through the curtain bins and found these really awesome curtains. They were like a chocolate color, with these tiny tan flowers on them. I got super excited about them until Jo informed me it was actually a tablecloth. I was so disappointed. I guess I was so caught up in the pattern that I didn’t pay attention to the labeling, but then again, a tablecloth does not belong in the curtain bin!

Ahh well. I guess we’ll just keep looking. Hopefully we’ll find a style in the color we like!

I just found out about about an awesome offering by Cellswholesale.com. Right now, you can get free shipping and a Free Motorola H700 Bluetooth headset with any and every phone purchase. How cool! I really need a new cellphone, so this would be an awesome opportunity for me to get a little extra with my purchase. My current cellphone is so outdated and to the point where I’m actually too embarrassed to use it in public!

If you’d like more information on this fabulous offering by Cellswholesale.com, a 5 star merchant, be sure you check out the press release and pay them a visit!

CellsWholesale.com, a CNET 5 STAR Merchant, is currently offering a DOUBLE Promotion: FREE SHIPPING, and a FREE MOTOROLA H700 BLUETOOTH HEADSET with every phone purchase!

CellsWholesale.com is traditionally known to offer high quality service, combined with the absolute lowest price on the internet. Now with free shipping and the free bluetooth, it is only natural that all cell phone purchases be made at CellsWholesale.

For the last few months, I have been in the market for a new camera. I have had to put it off a few times due to small things coming up or because of the prices going up on the couple that I have narrowed it down to. I decided to see if I could find them for less on AuctionSHARK and what do you know? I did! I found that the Nikon D80 runs between $880.00 - $1,300.00 through camera stores like Ritz Camera, Amazon and even Ebay. In fact, I found a bundle for the D80, which includes 3 lenses (2 of them Sigma) for less than $1,100.

I found the search feature on AuctionSHARK very easy to use. When searching for the camera, all I had to do was click the thumbnail for “digital cameras” on the main page. This took me to a list of cameras, which also provided me with thumbnails of the cameras. Since I love handbags, I also decided to try out the keyword search and browse Guess handbags (since the last one did not work out). I typed in “Guess handbags” and was taken to pages upon pages of Guess hanbags for sell through Amazon and Ebay. By narrowing your search down, whether by keyword or even category, you will find that it saves you a lot of time!

There are over 5,000 stores to search through, with over 100 million products listed. You can find anything from electronics, to handbags, to furniture and even things like beauty products on AuctionSHARK. I have bookmarked the site, that way when I do have the funds to finally buy my camera, I will be able to make sure I am getting a great price.