Christmas shopping

The pumpkins and candy corn have been tossed, and now its time to move on to more pressing matters: holiday shopping. Sure, you could wait until after Thanksgiving and battle the crush of people at the mall … OR … you could check out these tips to easier, stress-free shopping.

I don't know about you, but I would love a holiday season that doesn't involve me frantically buying (and paying way to much for) lame scarves or snow globes or whatever's left a few days before Christmas. This year I'm pledging to shop early, shop smart and not shop often (well, we'll see about this last one, despite the crowds I do enjoy a nicely decorated mall around this time of year). Check out a few of my favorite smart-shopping tips below, here's to making this holiday season the most relaxing ever!

Read More »

<img alt="" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/2Ek9IwfowRW4/photos/b9e1f5316b291143864f53bf01c7a020/ori_ddce813dd9ebad.jpg?ug_____DPVG0tXff" align="left" height="300" width="300">If the inspiration for a great gift has not yet struck, the chances of it doing so before Dec. 25 are as slim as those of a lightning bolt to your head. To make matters worse, I was doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and noticed that at many stores, today or tomorrow is the last day you can buy and still have the goods show up pre-Dec. 25. <br><br>With that in mind, and as a service to those who&#39;ve waited <em>almost</em> too long, we present you with some not-a-moment-too-soon gift inspiration -- just make sure you check the shipping details if you decide to purchase! <br><br>Check out these best-of-the bunch <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/kid-gift-ideas-2008?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">gifts for your kids</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/geek-gifts-2008">gifts for technology geeks</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/holiday-ideas/super-stocking-stuffers?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=ghk">stocking stuffers under $20</a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/holidays/homemade-food-gift-ideas?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=ghk">pretty homemade food gifts</a> for your neighbors, friends and extended family. <br><br>For even more ideas, we recommend: <br><ul> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/gifts-for-fathers-2008?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">Gifts for Dads and Husbands</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/gift-ideas-for-men-2008?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">Gifts for Single Guys &amp; Boyfriends</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/you/advice/gift-for-boss?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=cos">Gifts for Your Boss</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.marieclaire.com/hair/shopping/products/inexpensive-christmas-gifts?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=mar"><span>Gifts for Your Friends or Sister</span></a></li> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.marieclaire.com/hair/shopping/products/books-christmas-gifts-books?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=mar">Books for Everyone On Your List</a></li> </ul> Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Read More »