Christmas

Shopping for the Cheapskate Chef

Posted on 12/19/2011 by Jeff Yeager | The Ultimate Cheapskate | Comments

Food | Money & SavingsEverybody in my family knows that I love to cook (cheapskate-style, of course). So for holiday gifts, people often give me kitchen utensils or small cooking appliances. Now, I love my family dearly and appreciate the thoughtfulness behind their gifts, but I like to keep things simple in my kitchen. I’m not big fan of novelty kitchen gadgets that just take up space. Do I really need a special tool to remove olive pits, AND another one to remove cherry pits? But …

Multigenerational Christmas Movies Everyone Will Love

Posted on 12/16/2011 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

RelationshipsThe popcorn is popped, steaming mugs of hot chocolate are in hand and the lights of the Christmas tree softly set the stage for the annual family Christmas Movie gathering. But wait – there is still a decision to be made! What movie should you watch? There are hundreds – if not thousands – of family-oriented Christmas movies for youngsters, oldersters and in-betweensters to watch together this year. How about trying some older movies? I thought I’d share some of …

Gift Wrapping, Cheapskate Style

Posted on 12/15/2011 by Jeff Yeager | The Ultimate Cheapskate | Comments

Money & SavingsDid you know that we spend about $2.9 billion every year on gift wrapping paper and supplies according to Hallmark? And of course most of it ends up being throw way after the holidays, which is one reason why between Thanksgiving and New Year’s we generate an extra one million tons of garbage every week. Consider these creative gift wrapping alternatives to save some cash and tread a little lighter on the environment this holiday season: Wrapping gifts in the colorful …

Part II: A Caregiver’s Christmas Wish List

Posted on 12/14/2011 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Relationships | Your LifeWhile the intangibles in my Caregiver’s Christmas Wish List post last week are at the top of my list, there are, of course, some pretty darn tangible items I’d also love to have as a caregiver! Here is a sampling of items most caregivers yearn for, Santa Baby, so hurry down the chimney with these goodies: 1. A new car (might as well start big!): OK I’d love to have a new little red sports car, but what I need desperately …

Digital Stocking Stuffers

Posted on 12/14/2011 by Beth Carpenter | AARP Blog Author | Comments

TechnologyThe following is a guest blog from Steve Morgenstern, who frequently contributes technology content to AARP. You can read more from Steve here, and catch all his guest blogs here. Opening that great big box with a bow the size of your head is certainly fun but, when it comes to digital delights, it’s often the palm-size packages that bring the broadest smiles. Here are several reasonably priced goodies for the tech-savvy folks in your family. Earbuds and Headphones Most phones today …

A Caregiver’s Christmas Wish List

Posted on 12/9/2011 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | RelationshipsWondering what to give your favorite family caregiver this year? I have two wish lists this year, and I’ll share both of them with you. I hope they will help you zero in on what the caregivers in your life really want. First, this week: my Intangible Christmas Wish List. It’s a short list – only 5 items…surely Santa can help with these! All I want for Christmas is: