Disney Christmas Day Parade Filming Dates

Big news first: I know the filming dates for the 2012 Disney-ABC Christmas Day Parade. This is an elusive event where the tickets go on sale and sell out almost immediately. This year I have an inside line on the taping; the daughter of a friend of mine is going to dance in the parade. They’re taping the last week of November/the first weekend in December. The big day should be Saturday, December 1. I couldn’t verify this information online, because Disney hasn’t posted anything official about it yet. They probably won’t until November. But I can guarantee that the … Continue reading

Don’t Miss This Week’s Christmas Sales!

Last year, it seemed like the stores waited until after Christmas before they started their big sales on Christmas decorations. This year, those sales have already begun, even though Christmas is still more than a week away. Here are a few Christmas sales that you won’t want to miss. Sears has a sale where you can save up to 40% off their entire Christmas Shop. This includes their trees, (including fresh-cut trees), wreaths, lights, ornaments, outdoor decorations, and Christmas collectibles. If you shop the website, you can get free shipping on orders of $99.00 or more when you use the … Continue reading

Deals on Christmas Music and More!

Christmas is just a few weeks away, which means that this is the most appropriate time to listen to as much Christmas music as your heart desires. Now is the time to find great deals on Christmas music, and even some “freebies”. Personally, I am not a big fan of Christmas music. However, I understand that there are a lot of people who adore this genre of music, and who look forward to listening to it from shortly after Halloween up through New Years Eve. For all of you, I have found some awesome deals on Christmas music. Amazon.com has … Continue reading

Moms and Black Friday Madness

A mom in Wisconsin showed her dark side on Black Friday Eve and got arrested for it. The incident took place not far from where I live and just goes to prove that insanity festers when you combine cold temperatures, red-hot Black Friday deals and warm-blooded parents, who want to make their kid’s Christmas, extra special. According to reports, 21-year-old mom Lanessa Lattimore, really, really, really wanted to surprise her toddler daughter with the toy she’s been begging for, so she headed to a Toys R Us store in Madison on Thursday night. The store opened at 10 p.m. Thursday … Continue reading

Thanksgiving Family Fun Indoors and Out

For some people Thanksgiving is one of the few chances they get to visit with out-of-town relatives. If you are reuniting with your favorite cousin, a nomadic uncle or just welcoming home your college-coed son this Thanksgiving, consider doing more than just sitting around the house gorging on goodies. The long holiday weekend is the official kick-off to a number of seasonal activities, including ice-skating. Several outdoor rinks open to the public on Thanksgiving. In San Diego, where November temperatures often top 60 degrees, the outdoor Ice Arena is already open for business. If you prefer snow to ice, then … Continue reading

Post-Christmas Travel Destinations for Families

In less than 48 hours the Christmas gifts will be opened and the mountains of wrapping paper will be disposed of… then what? Most kids are out of school until the first week of January, so why not beat the cabin fever blues by taking advantage of the travel deals being offered by family-friendly resorts around the country. Resorts are ramping up for post-Christmas family getaways and whether you live on the East Coast of the United States, the West Coast or somewhere in between there are numerous themed packages and special offers to help keep the holiday spirit alive … Continue reading

Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway Deals for Families with Children

I’ve dedicated an entire series of blogs to alternative Thanksgiving destinations. In this blog I am focusing on families who are trying to make the most of their children’s Thanksgiving break from school. Once you’ve stuffed yourselves with protein and pie you might consider making post-Turkey Day memories at a resort or theme park. Lucky for you it’s not too late to find an affordable Thanksgiving travel deal. The following packages cater to families with children by offering kid-friendly activities and amenities. For a weekend of family fun check out the following: MINNESOTA If you have children between the ages … Continue reading

Free Music – Legally

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, my husband is an accomplished musician. His latest foray is into piano music. He’s been really happy to find so many people who want to use his music for other projects: church services, a public service announcement on television, videos, and more. He is part of a whole community of musicians who offer their music at no charge. No file sharing, no illegal downloads. Whether your taste runs more toward Bach or more toward rock, there are places for you to get free music. Here is a short list of sites I know to … Continue reading

Musician’s Friend – Free Gifts with Purchase

My husband, Paul, is a musician. No, he doesn’t do it for a living. As a matter of fact, he gives away the majority of his music. It’s his passion. And it’s expensive. So whenever we find music deals, I’m very happy! Right now, Musician’s Friend is offering free gifts with purchase. Sometimes, “free gifts” are really cheap. A free guitar pick, for example. Fortunately, Musician’s Friend is going much higher-end! Buy a Kay Chicago Blues Harmonica, get a free Monitor Stand. The harmonica’s are on clearance for less than $3. The monitor stand retails for $79.95, but is really … Continue reading

Does it Feel Like Christmas at Your House?

It is definitely starting to feel more like Christmas around here, especially now that we have a few more presents under the tree. Whew! I was getting nervous. There are only 15 days left and there were only a few lonely gifts peeking out. My husband and I did some shopping yesterday and crossed a few more items off our list. We got some great deals. I’ll be wrapping the latest gifts and putting them under the tree while the kids are at school Monday. My husband and I were worn out after shopping, but it was fun spending the … Continue reading