In the mood

I believe nothing...NOTHING...can set a mood quicker than music.  At church, in a movie, for a holiday...pretty much everywhere.  I love to have Christmas music going in the background starting the beginning of November (shhhh...don't tell Nathan, he thinks I wait until Thanksgiving) until New Years.  I have many Christmas albums, but after listening to Christmas music non-stop for eight weeks by the time December 25th comes around I need something new.  So I'm always on the search for a good album...or even better, FREE or CHEAP albums.  I happened to find a few and thought I'd share.  Aren't I nice?   Santa, take note. 

(oh...just fyi: if you are an overseas friend or family, you'll have to turn on your VPN blocker to download the albums as Amazon says they are for US customers only.  We use Strong VPN, a year's membership is like $50)

Green Hill Christmas.  FREE.  It's sort of like Mannheim Steamroller and soft jazz had a baby album.  It will be nice to have in the background during a dinner party. 

 Truly Tribal Christmas.  FREE.  Ok this one is admittedly a little hokey, but Miles loves it...and it was free, so we'll keep it.  It's like Christmas in Jamaica with lot of steel drums and bongos...which is probably why Miles is such a fan, he LOVES drums.

100% Christmas $5.99 This one is for all those Rat Pack fans.   It is all the classics...sung by all the classics.  Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Ella Fitzgerald, Perry Como, Louis Armstrong, Gene Autry, The Andrews Sisters.  100 sings, no repeats.  I was pretty happy when I found this one!   This album also has Dominick The Donkey (Italian Christmas Donkey) song...which Miles also loves.  So do I. 

Colbie Caillat, Christmas in the Sand.  $3.99.  I got this as a baby shower prize and I love it.  It is traditional Christmas tunes, sung by Colbie Caillat.  I love her voice and the feel of the songs.  Well worth the $3.99.

Christmas Anthem.  FREE. This is just a single song not an album.  It is so catchy.  Two male voices in a cool harmony. 

Straight No Chaser, Christmas Cheers $5.00.   I love this group.  It's an acapella men's group.  And their arrangements are pretty amazing.

Christmas Pickins.  $1.29.  This will definitely not be everyone's cup of tea...but my dad would love it.  It's all banjo music.  Really. 

How would you like NINETY-NINE songs for $3.99.  Seriously...99.  As in 99 red  balloons, or 99 bottles of beer on the wall.  99 Musy Have Christmas Classics $3.99.  It is a bit of a variety.  Some Vienna Boys Choir, some choral pieces, some traditional pieces.  You may not like all 99 songs, but for $3.99 I bet you can find a few you like. 

Ok, and if you thought 99 songs for $3.99 was good, my next find will knock your socks off.  Two hundred and eighty songs...yes, 280, for $0.99.  Legally.  Crazy yes?  Big Christmas Box $0.99.  This one is awesome...it is THIRTEEN hours of Christmas music.  It is mostly softer, instrumental music...you get the full nutcracker ballet performed by the Utah Symphony Orchestra, and the FULL Messiah. 

Merry Christmas!!

Just passin' along a little knowledge...cause I care

Since we are on a tight budget here in Chi Town I have been scouring the internet on ways to save money and find deals. I have found a couple things that are worth sharing.

Free Jewelry: This site gives jewelry away for FREE! The catch? You must pay for shipping, which is $6.99 and you can't combine purchases. BUT it is sterling silver and gemstones. My mom has ordered some from the site and says the jewelry is beautiful. They only offer four pieces at a time and they change every few minutes, so if you see something snag it quick!

Want free haircuts? I don't even remember where I got this tip, but I just scored an appointment for a free haircut so I thought I'd pass it on. On craigslist there is a section called 'Services' and sub-category for 'Beauty'. If you check it OFTEN new and upcoming stylists will post ads for free haircuts, facials, etc. They need to build up their portfolios and so they offer free services. You have to act quick, hence the checking OFTEN. I have responded to several and finally scored the free one just yesterday. I have my appointment on Monday so I'll let you know how it goes.

Shopping High for great deals and freebies. She posts freebies, and items that are on super great deals. Most are online, but occasionally it is coupons for a free item that you have to take to the store. I have scored free antibacterial stuff at Bath & Body Works and free frozen lemonaid at Corner Bakery just to name a couple.

Fantabulously Frugal is similiar to Shopping High. They post coupons and freebies and such, but it seems that the majority of her posts are geared to when retailers are having great online and in-store sales.

Betty Crocker - You can print coupons right from their website and the best part is that you select the coupons you want and only print them and not a bunch that you won't use.

Pillsbury - Same as Betty Crocker. The coupons on this site change about once a week (I think) so keep an eye on them.

Diamond Shark - This site has one deal every day. It is always jewelry, it might be a watch, a pair of earrings, a ring...but it is ALWAYS a steal. Name brands are a regular occurance and the shipping is always free.

So there are a few. I am also looking to increase my shopping saavy...any of you out there have some tips to share?

Free Chocolate Friday

Don't forget...free chocolate Friday. I have done this once and got my coupon in the mail yesterday. You can get up to four coupons. Come on, you can't say no to free chocolate.

Coldplay

So Coldplay has decided to let their fans download their new album FREE. Not sure how long it will last to if you like you some Coldplay, go here to download the album.

(I was tipped off to this awesome deal on this site)

FREE popcorn

The website below is giving away FREE gourmet popcorn until the end of the month. You just have to pay $2.95 for shipping...

http://www.daleandthomaspopcorn.com/freepopcorn.aspx