Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and is brought to you by Family Christian.

As the calendar days tick by, you might start to realize that your Christmas budget won’t go as far this year.  It’s time to take advantage of Doorbuster Deals like the ones at Family Christian!  You can sort by “Price” to find gifts as low as $5.  Wrap up a Chris Tomlin CD or a lovely wall plaque and you’re making someone smile without making your bank account cringe.

These deals on 84 items are available through December 14.  I love that it’s also available online for those of you who are unable to carve out time in your schedule to drive out to the store!  Haven’t purchased your Christmas cards yet?  This time, your procrastination paid off. You can get boxed cards for just $5.  Many of these doorbusters are great for gift-giving, too.

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The post and giveaway form may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared here are 100% mine.

What would you do with an extra $25 cash this holiday season? One lucky Savings in Seconds reader will win this Winter Wonderland giveaway. Will it be you?

It’s my joy to share our many blessings with others during this time of year.  Christmas shopping is a time of anticipation; I look forward to watching my friends and family open the gifts I lovingly chose for them.  It’s even a pleasure to cook for everyone!  My family’s budget is usually taxed during this time of year; there’s always one more thing to buy or one more pot to put our money into.  I’m sure it’s the same for you!!

I was blessed with the chance to write on my blog this year.  I get so much enjoyment from connecting with my readers and fellow bloggers.  It’s been fun to try new products and participate in the giveaway hops.  Many of the gifts that were featured in the holiday gift guide were donated to a local preschool for the children who won’t otherwise receive a present this year.  Such a rewarding experience!   Since blogging is a hobby for me, I don’t earn the income that many other bloggers receive from a website.  Still, I wanted to give a little something back to you this year.  Every single comment, pageview, and giveaway entry makes Savings in Seconds just a little better. So, to say “Thank You”  I’m offering one lucky reader $25 in PayPal cash.  How would you spend it?  Would you order something special from Amazon or use it to pay down a credit card?  Perhaps you’d tuck it into a special stocking?  Whatever you would do, I hope you get lots of holiday blessings!

The giveaway is open worldwide to readers ages 18+, as long as you can accept Paypal. Void where prohibited by law.  As always, I really appreciate any follows you can give — Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, RSS, and subscription! Save this page to your bookmarks so that you can come back easily for the daily entries. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received a sample; opinions shared here are 100% mine.

What’s your Red Rider? You know, like on The Christmas Story? I’m talking about that toy that you’ll remember forever. The one that always got pulled out; the one that had scuff marks and maybe even some blood from a scraped knee. It’s the toy of your childhood that you wish you still had. For me, that toy was my bike. I rode it everywhere from the school playground to my best friend’s house. Now that I live in East Tennessee, with its rolling mountains and all, bike riding is a lot more strenuous than it was when I was 10! My kids love to play outside and wheeled toys are always a hit. I’m excited for them to see the EzyRoller this year. It’s that toy THEY will tell their kids about!
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Disclosure: I received this book to review; the post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared here are 100% mine.

All in all, 2014 was a great year for books.  Since moving to a language arts classroom, I’ve developed a new appreciation for books that appeal to middle schoolers and teenagers.  It’s tough to catch — and hold — their attention for more than a few minutes.  Gaining their respect and admiration is an even more daunting task.  My students are enamored with Bethany Hamilton.  She represents youth, courage, and determination.  Her positive message about faith is a beacon of light to so many teens. That’s why I decided that Body and Soul makes my list as a Best of 2014 book.  One lucky reader will win an autographed copy in this giveaway!

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Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. 

Dear Santa,

Contrary to what my husband thinks, I am not a mind reader. I’m a busy mom who has limited time and money for Christmas shopping.  Please help me figure out what he wants for Christmas.  You see, he works really hard every single day to make sure our family has what we need and most of what we want.  It would be really nice to get him something he’d actually use and enjoy.  He should be able to relax a little bit and have some fun with the kids.  Mostly, I just want him to love it.  Last year’s gift sat in the trunk of the car until he finally got around to exchanging it in August.

Santa, you know what he’d like.  Share the info, please.

Sincerely,
Dede

Dear Dede,

Go to Best Buy. [Read more…]

I collaborated with Family Christian on this post. Opinions shared here are mine; the post contains my affiliate links.

A new Bible makes a wonderful gift!  They can even be personalized to make them extra special.  NIV stands for “New International Version.”  This represents the language style of the text.  Rather than the old speech of the King James Version, the NIV uses modern language.  Although there are other types available, I’ve found that the NIV is most common in the Christian and Baptist churches that I’ve visited.  It’s also commonly used on home decor where scriptural messages are displayed.  Still, it can be hard to narrow down which Study Bible is right for you (or your gift recipient).  Have you ever wondered WHY there are so many Bible types available?  It’s the same book each time, right?  Well, yes and no. Each of these Study Bibles contains full-color maps and pertinent background information.  They also have diagrams and study notes to make it easier to understand what’s going on in Bible stories. Here are some reasons that Bibles vary in size, style, and price.

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Disclosure: I received product samples. Post may contain affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Are you headed out of town for the holidays?  When we go out of town, I always forget something and have to stop at a store.  Last year, I had limited time and access to shop at stores while we were visiting family.  My purchases ended up being some very low-quality beauty products that we threw away instead of bringing back home.  What a waste of money!  I’ve learned my lesson.  Now, I take along some great samples that I get in my monthly BeautyBox5 and Birchbox.  These help me to manage the amount of packing I have to do without sacrificing my beauty routine (and skin!)   The November BeautyBox5, for example, contained samples that were perfect for toting along in a makeup bag.  They even included a travel bottle that is airline-friendly.  My favorite product was the Laura Ashley peony body butter.  It is divine and makes me feel as though I’m sitting in a summer meadow. The little travel pot size is the perfect stocking stuffer, and the price point is just right ($3.50 each).  They also have the coconut lime scent on the BB5 website….I’m so tempted!!! [Read more…]

This Family Christian post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared here are mine.

In this season of light and love, it’s easy to forget that there are people in the world who are hurting.  Even now, you might be reading this blog with a deep heartache over a loss or a conflict going on in your life.  December isn’t a joyful month for everyone.  For many, it’s a season of reminders of loss.  It’s a time for loneliness and pain.  It can also be a trial in one’s faith, a moment when someone might be asking God, “WHY?”   When Family Christian asked me to share the new Tenth Avenue North Cathedrals CD with you, it was a message I was more than willing to deliver.  This CD is full of uplifting lyrics that serve as a reminder that we’re never alone.   [Read more…]