On Mother's Day, It's Gifts That Count

Mother's Day looms (hint, second Sunday in May, May 11 for 2014--don't forget) and last-minute Lisas and Larrys will be grabbing flowers and candy. I know, your mom always says "Don't worry about presents, Honey. It's the thought that counts." Well, as a mother, I say, nope. It's the gift that counts. Now don't award me "Most Selfish Mom" till you've read me out. Click here to do that. For Mother's Day, It's the Gift That Counts

Best Spiritual, Religious Confirmation, Baptism Gifts for Teens

Several Christian denominations, Catholic, Episcopalian and Lutheran most notably, celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. In confirmation, the 'confirmand' (confirmation candidate) is anointed with oil and 'sealed with the Holy Spirit'. The confirmand is confirmed by the Holy Spirit and becomes a full, adult member of the parish. Most parishes prepare teenagers to receive the sacrament of Confirmation sometime between eighth and tenth grade. Another confirmed adult, other than a parent, acts as sponsor to the confirmand.

A confirmation sponsor's role is similar to that of godparent. It is customary for friends, family and sponsors to give a gift to the confirmand. The gift need not be large or costly, but rather a token of remembrance. Here is a list of reasonably priced gift suggestions for Confirmation. These suggestions work well for any spiritual life event or celebration including baptism, first holy communion and bat or bar mitzvah,  Read more at  Gift-Giving Guides: Best Religious Confirmation Gifts for Teens

First person: How I Live Simply that Others May Simply Live

A Month of Money Saving Penny-Pinching Tips One of the things I take pleasure in during the holidays is giving. No matter how cash-strapped we are, we still live by the "pay it forward" motto. We tip generously and share. I don't say this to brag. Not at all. I say this in thanks to God for allowing us the joy and privilege of giving. This year, I was able donate about $300 to those in need. It felt good. How do I do it? By living simply that others may simply live. Penny pinching and saving money has been likened to building a dam. The large holes are obvious. The small crevices are less noticeable, but if left to slowly leak, will eat up funds quickly. Saving money means I have more money to share with others. In these times when lawmakers are cutting more social safety networks and taking tax benefits form the working middle class, these tips are even more cogent. Here's a fortnight of budget repairs to prevent financial leaks. Read more...

Best Giving Tree and Toys for Tots Gifts

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is choosing gifts for the Marines Toys for Tots drive and church missions Giving Tree childrens' gifts. Here are best gifts for domestic and overseas missions, giving tree and Toys for Tots. Read on...

Best Gifts to Fill Operation Christmas Child Boxes

Best Gifts to Fill Your Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Box
Looking for a great Christmas giving opportunity? Operation Christmas Child is a charitable giving outreach ministry of Samaritan's Purse. Each year OCC ships thousands of boxes children around the world. Here's a list gift suggestions to fill your box.
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Best Toys and Gifts for Toy Drives and Toys for Tots

Best Toys to Donate for Toys for Tots and Giving Tree Childrens Christmas Gift Drive
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is choosing gifts for the Marines Toys for Tots drive and church missions Giving Tree childrens gifts. Sometimes it's difficult to know what kind of gift to choose. Here are some considerations to help.
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My Personal Bucket List: Supporting Fair Trade to Empower the Needy

Top 10 Bucket List Ideas
"Bucket List" has become a word for "list of things to do before you die, or 'kick the bucket.'" Cancer patients Carter (Morgan Freeman) and Edward (Jack Nicholson ) coined the term in The Bucket List movie. Here are my top 10 bucket list ideas.
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50+ Mother's Day Gifts Under $10

Inexpensive Mother's Day Gifts Under $10
Mother's Day, the second Sunday of May, often finds loved ones long on love, but short on cash. How can you honor your mother and show her that you care when the pennies already being pinched? Here are dozens of great gift ideas for mom under $10.
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Best Inexpensive Confirmation Gifts

Gift-Giving Guides: Best Religious Confirmation Gifts for Teens
Several Christian denominations celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. The confirmand is confirmed by the Holy Spirit. It is customary to give gifts as a token of remembrance. Here are reasonably priced gift suggestions.
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Free Printable Easter Cards

Free Printable Secular Easter Cards: Lovely Artwork!
Save money and send Easter greeting with these free printable Easter cards. Review of websites with free printable secular Easter cards. Free. Nothing to download. Safe for your computer.
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Best Gifts Under $20 for Men: Fathers, Husbands, Grandfather, Uncles

Best Under $20 Gifts for the 'Hard to Shop For' Dad for His Birthday or Father's Day Dads are so difficult to shop for on Father's Day. Poor dad; his family needs some gift-giving ideas for creative Father's gifts. The secret to giving great gifts is to know dad's interests and hobbies. For those on budgets here are gifts under $20. Read More

Best Gifts for Senior Citizens, Homebound and Elderly

Holiday Gift Giving Guide: Best Gifts for Senior Citizens Senior citizens and elderly people can be the most difficult people to shop for during the holidays. Selecting appropriate gifts for seniors means being mindful of certain restrictions and limitations, so that the gift that you give can be enjoyed. Best gifts for shut-ins, disabled seniors

Best Gifts for Yoga and Pilates Enthusiasts

Best Reasonably Priced Gifts for Yoga and Pilates Enthusiasts
Hobbies, especially sport hobbies can be expensive. With the focus on inner body strenght, yoga requires less equipment than most sports and fitness regimes. Here are inexpensive gifts for the yoga or pilates enthusiast on your list.
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Grieving and Giving, How to Write a Eulogy

How to Write a Eulogy A eulogy is the speech given in memory a deceased person. A eulogy is a great gift of love. You don't need to be a priest, patriarch, rabbi or minister to write a beautiful eulogy. It is a significant part of the grieving process. Eulogies are not difficult write; if you are asked to write one, here is a guide to gather family memories for the eulogy. View more on how to write a eulogy

Christmas Holiday Shopping Guide

How to Get What You Want for Everyone on Your Holiday Shopping List and Not Go Broke
Over 20 tips to stay out of financial hot water this holiday season and still get what you want to get for everyone.
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