I hope you all had a great Christmas!  We enjoyed the time together with family and friends with great food of course.  We are looking forward to the New Year.  My husband went back to work today and the boys and I are enjoying the time home not having to be anywhere.  

With the extra time home, it is a great time to go through your pantry and refrigerator in the next few days cleaning, purging and getting ready for the New Year.  With the New Year, many people try to eat healthier, some great steps to help you succeed in that area is to menu plan, have fresh, clean fruit and veggies ready to go.  I know our family will reach for healthier choices when they are easily available to them.  

Go through the Lucky Supermarket ad and make your list from what is in season and on sale.  You can also find inspiration for healthy recipes on the Lucky Supermarket website as well as for any New Year entertaining you need to plan for.

I selected the newest ClickCart location (5000 Mowry Avenue, Freemont, CA) to look at the weekly ad.  You can find their weekly ad by clicking the image below or here: 
https://www.luckysupermarkets.com/weekly-ad 
Their ads run Wednesday through Tuesday, this week’s ad is for December 26, 2018-January 1, 2019.
My favorite deals this week:
Beef Tri-Tip Roast $2.77 lb.
Ambrosia or Pacific Rose Apples $1.49 lb.
Premium Large Navel Oranges .99 lb.
Broccoli Crowns $1.99 lb.
Organic Eggplant $2.49 each
Organic Earthbound Farm Salads $3.99 each
Taylor Farms, Dole or Fresh Express Salad Kits 3/$9.99
Medium Avocados .77 each
Sweet White Corn .78 each
Halos $3.99 each
Farmer John Sliced Bacon $2.99 lb.
Snyder's Pretzels or Mission Brown Bag Tortilla Chips 2/$5
Spring Crossing Lamb Shoulder Blade Chops $5.99 lb.
Bone-In Spiral Sliced Half Ham Brown Sugar or Honey $1.97 lb.
Dannon Activia, Danimals or Greek Yogurt $4.99 12 ct.
Lindsay Olives 4/$5
StarKist Tuna in Water or Tuna Creations 5/$5
Be sure to the check the ad for the Pick 5 or more for $5 each!
4-Day Sale (Dec. 28-29-30-31
Angus Beef New York Steak Boneless $4.99 lb.
Ocean Sparkle Shrimp Rings $5.99 each
Extra Large Raw Shrimp $4.99 lb.
Fresh Atlantic Whole Salmon Fillet $6.77 lb.
Lobster Tail $6.99 each and more!

If you are looking to save time at the grocery store, use Lucky's new ClickCart online ordering with curbside pick up this is a huge time saver.  Right now you can try it for FREE and get $10 off $50!  For more info click here: http://bit.ly/2NqBdWF.

For more information or to sign up for Save Smart/Lucky You rewards programs, please visit their banner websites-Save Smart Rewards at https://www.savemart.com and Lucky You Rewards at https://www.luckysupermarkets.com.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Lucky Supermarkets although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com


Lucky Supermarket Deals 12/26/18-1/1/19

I hope you all had a great Christmas!  We enjoyed the time together with family and friends with great food of course.  We are looking forward to the New Year.  My husband went back to work today and the boys and I are enjoying the time home not having to be anywhere.  

With the extra time home, it is a great time to go through your pantry and refrigerator in the next few days cleaning, purging and getting ready for the New Year.  With the New Year, many people try to eat healthier, some great steps to help you succeed in that area is to menu plan, have fresh, clean fruit and veggies ready to go.  I know our family will reach for healthier choices when they are easily available to them.  

Go through the Lucky Supermarket ad and make your list from what is in season and on sale.  You can also find inspiration for healthy recipes on the Lucky Supermarket website as well as for any New Year entertaining you need to plan for.

I selected the newest ClickCart location (5000 Mowry Avenue, Freemont, CA) to look at the weekly ad.  You can find their weekly ad by clicking the image below or here: 
https://www.luckysupermarkets.com/weekly-ad 
Their ads run Wednesday through Tuesday, this week’s ad is for December 26, 2018-January 1, 2019.
My favorite deals this week:
Beef Tri-Tip Roast $2.77 lb.
Ambrosia or Pacific Rose Apples $1.49 lb.
Premium Large Navel Oranges .99 lb.
Broccoli Crowns $1.99 lb.
Organic Eggplant $2.49 each
Organic Earthbound Farm Salads $3.99 each
Taylor Farms, Dole or Fresh Express Salad Kits 3/$9.99
Medium Avocados .77 each
Sweet White Corn .78 each
Halos $3.99 each
Farmer John Sliced Bacon $2.99 lb.
Snyder's Pretzels or Mission Brown Bag Tortilla Chips 2/$5
Spring Crossing Lamb Shoulder Blade Chops $5.99 lb.
Bone-In Spiral Sliced Half Ham Brown Sugar or Honey $1.97 lb.
Dannon Activia, Danimals or Greek Yogurt $4.99 12 ct.
Lindsay Olives 4/$5
StarKist Tuna in Water or Tuna Creations 5/$5
Be sure to the check the ad for the Pick 5 or more for $5 each!
4-Day Sale (Dec. 28-29-30-31
Angus Beef New York Steak Boneless $4.99 lb.
Ocean Sparkle Shrimp Rings $5.99 each
Extra Large Raw Shrimp $4.99 lb.
Fresh Atlantic Whole Salmon Fillet $6.77 lb.
Lobster Tail $6.99 each and more!

If you are looking to save time at the grocery store, use Lucky's new ClickCart online ordering with curbside pick up this is a huge time saver.  Right now you can try it for FREE and get $10 off $50!  For more info click here: http://bit.ly/2NqBdWF.

For more information or to sign up for Save Smart/Lucky You rewards programs, please visit their banner websites-Save Smart Rewards at https://www.savemart.com and Lucky You Rewards at https://www.luckysupermarkets.com.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Lucky Supermarkets although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com


Christmas is next week!  Do you have all your presents purchased and wrapped?  I just got around to mailing my Christmas cards out yesterday! This month has just flown by. My boys have their school Christmas program tomorrow which also includes a bake sale, it is times like this that I am so grateful for some help from the supermarket bakery and deli department!  Lucky Supermarkets have a great selection of hand-decorated cupcakes, dips and holiday platters.  They also have gingerbread house kits ready to go as well as adorable ugly sweater cookie kits, I am definitely picking some of these up to help keep the kids busy during winter break!



Need a helping hand this Christmas, you can order a complete Holiday Meal, with a fully cooked ham or fully cooked turkey for only $49.99 visit www.luckysupermarkets.com for more details. 
If you are looking to save time at the grocery store, especially with all your other holiday shopping and errands, use Lucky's new ClickCart online ordering with curbside pick up this is a huge time saver.  Right now you can try it for FREE and get $10 off $50!  For more info click here: http://bit.ly/2NqBdWF.
I selected the newest ClickCart location (5000 Mowry Avenue, Freemont, CA) to look at the weekly ad.  You can find their weekly ad by clicking the image below or here: 
https://www.luckysupermarkets.com/weekly-ad 
Their ads run Wednesday through Tuesday, this week’s ad is for December 19, 2018-December 24, 2018.

My favorite deals this week:
Fresh Whole Beef Ribeye Roast $4.99 lb.
Bone-In Spiral Sliced Half Ham $1.49 lb.
Yams $0.49 lb.
Ritz crackers select varieties 2/$4
Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Knudsen Sour Cream 3/$5
NEW Swerve Sweetener $5.99
Hershey's Baking Chips $1.99
Martinelli's Sparkling or Ocean Spray Cranberry 2/$5
Tamales select varieties 10/$10
Hand Decorated Cupcakes $6.99
Chunky Jalapeno Artichoke Dip $3.99
Sabra Hummus 2/$6
Sunnyside Farms Premium Egg Nog $3.49
Reddi Wip Cream 2/$4
Fresh Green Beans $1.99 lb.
Idaho Russet Potatoes (5lb. bags) 2/$5
Yellow, Red or White Onions (3lb. bags) 2/$5
Christmas Trees $29.99-$49.99
Super Coupons in the ad for these items:
Pork Shoulder Butt Roast .88 lb.

Farmer John Sliced Bacon or Jimmy Dean Sausage Rolls $2.99 lb.
Del Monte Pineapple $1.88 each
Kraft Cool Whip .88 each
Challenge or Danish Creamery Butter $2.99 each

3-Day Sale (Dec. 21-22-23
Master Cut Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs $1.69 lb.

Jumbo Raw Shrimp $5.99 lb.
Kretschmar Oven Roasted Turkey or Provolone Cheese $4.99 lb.
Large Navel Oranges .77 lb.

For more information or to sign up for Save Smart/Lucky You rewards programs, please visit their banner websites-Save Smart Rewards at https://www.savemart.com and Lucky You Rewards at https://www.luckysupermarkets.com.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Lucky Supermarkets although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com

Lucky Supermarket Deals 12/19/18-12/24/18

Christmas is next week!  Do you have all your presents purchased and wrapped?  I just got around to mailing my Christmas cards out yesterday! This month has just flown by. My boys have their school Christmas program tomorrow which also includes a bake sale, it is times like this that I am so grateful for some help from the supermarket bakery and deli department!  Lucky Supermarkets have a great selection of hand-decorated cupcakes, dips and holiday platters.  They also have gingerbread house kits ready to go as well as adorable ugly sweater cookie kits, I am definitely picking some of these up to help keep the kids busy during winter break!



Need a helping hand this Christmas, you can order a complete Holiday Meal, with a fully cooked ham or fully cooked turkey for only $49.99 visit www.luckysupermarkets.com for more details. 
If you are looking to save time at the grocery store, especially with all your other holiday shopping and errands, use Lucky's new ClickCart online ordering with curbside pick up this is a huge time saver.  Right now you can try it for FREE and get $10 off $50!  For more info click here: http://bit.ly/2NqBdWF.
I selected the newest ClickCart location (5000 Mowry Avenue, Freemont, CA) to look at the weekly ad.  You can find their weekly ad by clicking the image below or here: 
https://www.luckysupermarkets.com/weekly-ad 
Their ads run Wednesday through Tuesday, this week’s ad is for December 19, 2018-December 24, 2018.

My favorite deals this week:
Fresh Whole Beef Ribeye Roast $4.99 lb.
Bone-In Spiral Sliced Half Ham $1.49 lb.
Yams $0.49 lb.
Ritz crackers select varieties 2/$4
Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Knudsen Sour Cream 3/$5
NEW Swerve Sweetener $5.99
Hershey's Baking Chips $1.99
Martinelli's Sparkling or Ocean Spray Cranberry 2/$5
Tamales select varieties 10/$10
Hand Decorated Cupcakes $6.99
Chunky Jalapeno Artichoke Dip $3.99
Sabra Hummus 2/$6
Sunnyside Farms Premium Egg Nog $3.49
Reddi Wip Cream 2/$4
Fresh Green Beans $1.99 lb.
Idaho Russet Potatoes (5lb. bags) 2/$5
Yellow, Red or White Onions (3lb. bags) 2/$5
Christmas Trees $29.99-$49.99
Super Coupons in the ad for these items:
Pork Shoulder Butt Roast .88 lb.

Farmer John Sliced Bacon or Jimmy Dean Sausage Rolls $2.99 lb.
Del Monte Pineapple $1.88 each
Kraft Cool Whip .88 each
Challenge or Danish Creamery Butter $2.99 each

3-Day Sale (Dec. 21-22-23
Master Cut Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs $1.69 lb.

Jumbo Raw Shrimp $5.99 lb.
Kretschmar Oven Roasted Turkey or Provolone Cheese $4.99 lb.
Large Navel Oranges .77 lb.

For more information or to sign up for Save Smart/Lucky You rewards programs, please visit their banner websites-Save Smart Rewards at https://www.savemart.com and Lucky You Rewards at https://www.luckysupermarkets.com.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Lucky Supermarkets although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com
I was on Fox 40 News in the Morning sharing some Personalized Gift Ideas for Christmas!  You can watch the segment below.  If you are in the Sacramento area you can watch Fox 40 News in the morning on channel 40.  You can also watch live on their website Fox40.com.

Here is the detailed blog post on the personalized gifts I mentioned and where you can find them!  Link: http://bit.ly/2PLUFu0
Pictured below with Mae Fesai and Simone de Alba.  You can learn how to make these DIY Photo Ornaments here on the blog http://bit.ly/2Lo4aPE or on YouTube watch me make our photo ornaments at https://youtu.be/_G4yGac-4mw.
A special thank you to Fox 40 News for having me on it is always a pleasure to see everyone on the Fox 40 team. Merry Christmas! 
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  

Fox 40 News in the Morning-Personalized Gift Ideas | Sacramento

I was on Fox 40 News in the Morning sharing some Personalized Gift Ideas for Christmas!  You can watch the segment below.  If you are in the Sacramento area you can watch Fox 40 News in the morning on channel 40.  You can also watch live on their website Fox40.com.

Here is the detailed blog post on the personalized gifts I mentioned and where you can find them!  Link: http://bit.ly/2PLUFu0
Pictured below with Mae Fesai and Simone de Alba.  You can learn how to make these DIY Photo Ornaments here on the blog http://bit.ly/2Lo4aPE or on YouTube watch me make our photo ornaments at https://youtu.be/_G4yGac-4mw.
A special thank you to Fox 40 News for having me on it is always a pleasure to see everyone on the Fox 40 team. Merry Christmas! 
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  

Here are some ideas on how you can personalize your gifts this Christmas.  I will share some personalized gifts you can purchase and some DIY ideas if you have procrastinated and don't have enough time to order a personalized gift.  With Christmas being a week away, the best way to find unique and personalized gifts is by shopping locally and with small businesses.  You will bless the person you are gifting and the small business owners.

As you purchase your gifts this Christmas season, think of the person you are buying for.  Too often we buy gifts that we would like to receive.  Personalizing gifts does not have to be expensive or difficult.  Listen as those around you talk, people often mention their favorites and items they would not necessarily purchase for themselves.  Personalizing gifts it is not about the amount of money you spend, it is more about the thought that goes into the gift.  
Here are some questions you want to ask yourself.  
What is their favorite color?
What is their favorite scent?
Are they into baking or cooking?
What is their favorite food, candy, or snack item?
Do they have a hobby or favorite sports team?  
These are all things that can help you get started in gifting a personalized gift. 

Take into account the way you wrap the gift, a simple yet thoughtful way to personalize a gift is in how you package it.  Using a special ornament as a gift tag or bow adds a personal touch.  You could make these DIY Photo Ornaments I made last year and use them as a gift tag, they make a beautiful ornament keepsake.  


Photo Gifts
My favorite way to personalize gifts is with photos.  Photo gifts are great for families near or far.  There are so many great options and different ways to go about it.  For years now I have made photo calendars for both sets of grandparents and my sisters-in-law.  One year I did not make them and they requested them.  I feel this is a gift that gives all year long.  I have also made photo mugs, journals, and more.  I usually use Snapfish or Shutterfly.  You can often find coupon codes right on their website and on Groupon.  

If you have procrastinated too long to receive your gift in time, think outside the box.  You can still gift a calendar or planner and personalize it your own way.  Pencil in dates tailored to the person you are giving it to.  

For example for a spouse or significant other, plan out monthly date nights.  Schedule a lunch, or coffee date, and pencil in a summer beach picnic date.  Include a nice note saying I love spending time with you and I am going to be intentional about our time together in the coming year. You could still order the photo calendar in addition and in the note, say your photo calendar is on its way.

A great way for a husband to personalize a calendar, plan something once a month for your wife to do and include a gift card or gift certificate for each month.  January, a gift certificate for a pedicure, February a gift certificate for a couples massage, March a gift card to her favorite restaurant, and so on.   Depending on your budget, again, it doesn't have to be expensive, schedule a night in front of the fireplace, where you cook dinner.  Plan on a day that you are going to take the kids to the park and let her stay home and enjoy a quiet bubble bath.  I feel a calendar is a better way to do this than the DIY coupons, only because I have received and given DIY coupons before and I find they get misplaced or unfortunately are out of sight, out of mind so go unfulfilled.  Hopefully, with a wall calendar, it will be more visual and followed through on. 

This would also work for a sibling or friend, pencil in coffee dates, play dates with the kids, in this fast-paced day we live in, I often hear, friends and family "meaning" to get together but not making it happen.  What a great gift to be intentional about spending time together.

A NEW photo gift that I am so excited about is personalized ties by 21Rhinos.com.  This would make a great gift for the men in your life.  The ties are great quality and come in a variety of styles and colors.  These ties can be personalized with their favorite quote, photo and more.  This is a great way to surprise someone you care about with a fashionable tie that also has personal meaning.  When someone wears this tie, it is a reminder of your love for them and also inspires them to greatness. 21 Rhinos provides the tie and you provide the image that makes it special.  They have a great turn around of 2-3 business days as well!  I have not seen any ties like these, most photo ties I've seen, I don't think my husband would wear to the office.  These ties by 21Rhinos, the men in your life will be happy to wear!


Recordable Storybooks
If you are a grandparent, please purchase your grandkids a recordable storybook.  This is one of my all-time favorite gifts my children have received.  Having your grandparents' voice recorded reading you a story is priceless.  It has been a while since we received our books, they were purchased locally at Family Books and Gifts.  If you are not in the area, I have seen them online at Hallmark, Walmart, Amazon, and Kohls.  

If you have run out of time to purchase a recordable storybook, a great way to DIY one is to purchase a kids storybook and make your own audio recording, that you can send along with the book.  In this digital age, so many kids have tablets and phones, they can download you reading the story to them on their devices.  You could also make a video of you reading the story and e-mail it with a special note, not to watch until your package is received, or put a note with the book, saying let me know once you receive your book, a special email goes with it.  

Shop Local
Shop local and family-owned businesses when you can.  You can often find unique and one of a kind gifts at small shops and local businesses.  Many times they can personalize a gift quickly I know my favorite local book and gift shop Family Books & Gifts does imprints and custom gift baskets.  You can have a name imprinted on leather journals, planners, wallets, Bibles and more.  I had this journal personalized and love the way it turned out.  Family Books and Gifts is located at 6349 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660.

Maybe you are not a DIY, Pinterest person, let others who have that gift do it for you!  I love this beautifully handcrafted wreath made by the IslandTwins.  You can find them on Facebook @2IslandTwins.  They can personalize a wreath like this for you and really just about anything, message them!  They can make great gifts for your friends and family who don't love to do those Pinterest crafts or those who just don't have the time.  My Pinterest challenged friends are always super grateful, to receive personalized handmade gifts.
You can find unique handcrafted gifts at places like Family Books and GiftsBlissMarketplace, local craft fairs and on Etsy.  I read something I love "when you support small business, you are supporting a dream," I love this great reminder. 

Gift Cards and Cash
You may be asking how do you personalize gift cards and cash.  I love giving and receiving gift cards but often hear people say gift cards are so impersonal.  They don't have to be!  For kids you could hide a gift card in a jar of Legos, this makes it more personal and fun if they are into Legos.  You could gift a gift card for an experience for example to indoor skydiving or an annual pass to the local swim park and make a gift tag that says "For Building Memories".  If they are not into Legos, place the gift card in a jar of their favorite candy or for girls hair clips, ties and scrunchies would be a great way to gift a gift card or cash. If you are doing the hair accessories, purchase them in their favorite color.    

Have you seen the popular 12-Days of Socks, that would be a great way to give gift cards or cash, place the cash or gift cards in the socks.  My boys would love Fortnite socks and my husband, Star Wars socks, the socks filled with gift cards or cash would be a nice surprise.  

You could gift a restaurant gift card with a journal or notebook, and include a note that says enjoy some time out to dinner and jot down your goals and dreams in this notebook because your next year is going to be amazing, dream big! 

You could make a date night box, include a gift card to a restaurant, but also include a nice blanket, candle, a marriage book and a note saying here is a gift card for a date night out, and some things to encourage dating each other all year long, even if it's at home after the kids are in bed.  

For a busy mom, you could gift cash, or a gift card and make a basket with her favorite lotions, and bubble bath items, and say I see how much you do for others, take some time for yourself, if it's a retail gift card, a note saying buy something nice for yourself.  These are simple ways to make that ordinary plain gift card into something meaningful and thoughtful.   

Handwritten Notes and Cards
Handwritten notes and cards are something I need to work on, but these small touches make a HUGE difference in the gift you are giving.  I was reminded of this recently in watching the coverage of our late president George H.W. Bush.  There were so many references to thank you notes he wrote, letters he wrote, and not only to his family but to acquaintances.  I know in my own life, I have received handwritten notes and cards of encouragement and saved them, some from people I would not have expected to write me a note.  Write a note to the office receptionist, thanking her for keeping the office going, and being the first person to greet the people.  Thank them for the smile and joy they bring to the office.  Personalize it and mention the strengths they bring to the team.  It is nice to know someone notices you.  

DIY Personalization
I am sure you have heard of a Cricut machine or possibly know someone who owns one.  Using vinyl you can personalize almost anything with names or special sayings.  Ask around a friend or neighbor who may be able to help you personalize a gift.  

If you don't have a vinyl cutting machine, a great way to personalize a gift is with scrabble tiles or letter beads.  You can find these at your local craft stores.  

You can add a personalized touch to a frame you purchase with these scrabble tiles.  Great for a pet owner, or those 'new baby frames', add the baby's name, or personalize a frame for a newlywed couple.  

I made this DIY Menu Dry Erase Frame for a friend.  I used a frame from the Dollar Tree, Scrabble Letters and a sheet of scrapbook paper.  Easy, practical, and cute!  Instead of a Menu frame, you could make a "To Do List" frame and add the person's name.  Shadow boxes are a great way to personalize a gift as well.  

 
You can use your computer and color printer to personalize a frame.  You can print out the definition of someone special in your life.  You could print out a friends or co-workers favorite quote for their desk.  You could print out the meaning of their name.  The ideas are endless.  Below are some free printables that I made, that I am happy to share with you.  
Print them in color, place them in a frame and add this to the scarf, sweater or other items you are gifting, this is a great way to add a DIY personalized touch. 

Best Aunt Ever - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2S2G13E

Grandma Definition - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2EkMSkR

Grandpa - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2GfGqOw

Abuela - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2Ex3EhK

Sister Definition - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2S10Oob

Brother Definition - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2GrOcoy

You can also personalize the gift wrap if they are newspaper reader, wrap their gift in the newspaper, mention in a note how you admire their love of reading.  You can make your own name tag, by cutting out their name from what interests them, I used an old comic book to cut out a name for this gift.  You can purchase an ornament picture frame, or monogram letter and use that as well. If they are into cooking a mini cutting board, or mini whisk, can be added to the bow.   You can also find wood letters, that can be painted, or use yarn or twine to wrap around the letter to personalize it.  You can mod podge scrapbook paper and decorate wood letters in any theme.


Know that a meaningful and thoughtful gift is so much better than any new toy or clothing item. I am confident that you can think of a way to gift a personalized gift with any size budget.  If you need some help coming up with an idea, feel free to e-mail me at theblogaboutitall@gmail.com and I would be happy to help with some ideas. I hope you can use the FREE printables I included and some of these ideas this Christmas.  I hope you have a very Merry Christmas surrounded by those you love and cherish, those are the most important gifts.  

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share it with your friends.

PIN IT FOR LATER: https://pin.it/4pokvbkemszfwx

How to Personalize Gifts

Here are some ideas on how you can personalize your gifts this Christmas.  I will share some personalized gifts you can purchase and some DIY ideas if you have procrastinated and don't have enough time to order a personalized gift.  With Christmas being a week away, the best way to find unique and personalized gifts is by shopping locally and with small businesses.  You will bless the person you are gifting and the small business owners.

As you purchase your gifts this Christmas season, think of the person you are buying for.  Too often we buy gifts that we would like to receive.  Personalizing gifts does not have to be expensive or difficult.  Listen as those around you talk, people often mention their favorites and items they would not necessarily purchase for themselves.  Personalizing gifts it is not about the amount of money you spend, it is more about the thought that goes into the gift.  
Here are some questions you want to ask yourself.  
What is their favorite color?
What is their favorite scent?
Are they into baking or cooking?
What is their favorite food, candy, or snack item?
Do they have a hobby or favorite sports team?  
These are all things that can help you get started in gifting a personalized gift. 

Take into account the way you wrap the gift, a simple yet thoughtful way to personalize a gift is in how you package it.  Using a special ornament as a gift tag or bow adds a personal touch.  You could make these DIY Photo Ornaments I made last year and use them as a gift tag, they make a beautiful ornament keepsake.  


Photo Gifts
My favorite way to personalize gifts is with photos.  Photo gifts are great for families near or far.  There are so many great options and different ways to go about it.  For years now I have made photo calendars for both sets of grandparents and my sisters-in-law.  One year I did not make them and they requested them.  I feel this is a gift that gives all year long.  I have also made photo mugs, journals, and more.  I usually use Snapfish or Shutterfly.  You can often find coupon codes right on their website and on Groupon.  

If you have procrastinated too long to receive your gift in time, think outside the box.  You can still gift a calendar or planner and personalize it your own way.  Pencil in dates tailored to the person you are giving it to.  

For example for a spouse or significant other, plan out monthly date nights.  Schedule a lunch, or coffee date, and pencil in a summer beach picnic date.  Include a nice note saying I love spending time with you and I am going to be intentional about our time together in the coming year. You could still order the photo calendar in addition and in the note, say your photo calendar is on its way.

A great way for a husband to personalize a calendar, plan something once a month for your wife to do and include a gift card or gift certificate for each month.  January, a gift certificate for a pedicure, February a gift certificate for a couples massage, March a gift card to her favorite restaurant, and so on.   Depending on your budget, again, it doesn't have to be expensive, schedule a night in front of the fireplace, where you cook dinner.  Plan on a day that you are going to take the kids to the park and let her stay home and enjoy a quiet bubble bath.  I feel a calendar is a better way to do this than the DIY coupons, only because I have received and given DIY coupons before and I find they get misplaced or unfortunately are out of sight, out of mind so go unfulfilled.  Hopefully, with a wall calendar, it will be more visual and followed through on. 

This would also work for a sibling or friend, pencil in coffee dates, play dates with the kids, in this fast-paced day we live in, I often hear, friends and family "meaning" to get together but not making it happen.  What a great gift to be intentional about spending time together.

A NEW photo gift that I am so excited about is personalized ties by 21Rhinos.com.  This would make a great gift for the men in your life.  The ties are great quality and come in a variety of styles and colors.  These ties can be personalized with their favorite quote, photo and more.  This is a great way to surprise someone you care about with a fashionable tie that also has personal meaning.  When someone wears this tie, it is a reminder of your love for them and also inspires them to greatness. 21 Rhinos provides the tie and you provide the image that makes it special.  They have a great turn around of 2-3 business days as well!  I have not seen any ties like these, most photo ties I've seen, I don't think my husband would wear to the office.  These ties by 21Rhinos, the men in your life will be happy to wear!


Recordable Storybooks
If you are a grandparent, please purchase your grandkids a recordable storybook.  This is one of my all-time favorite gifts my children have received.  Having your grandparents' voice recorded reading you a story is priceless.  It has been a while since we received our books, they were purchased locally at Family Books and Gifts.  If you are not in the area, I have seen them online at Hallmark, Walmart, Amazon, and Kohls.  

If you have run out of time to purchase a recordable storybook, a great way to DIY one is to purchase a kids storybook and make your own audio recording, that you can send along with the book.  In this digital age, so many kids have tablets and phones, they can download you reading the story to them on their devices.  You could also make a video of you reading the story and e-mail it with a special note, not to watch until your package is received, or put a note with the book, saying let me know once you receive your book, a special email goes with it.  

Shop Local
Shop local and family-owned businesses when you can.  You can often find unique and one of a kind gifts at small shops and local businesses.  Many times they can personalize a gift quickly I know my favorite local book and gift shop Family Books & Gifts does imprints and custom gift baskets.  You can have a name imprinted on leather journals, planners, wallets, Bibles and more.  I had this journal personalized and love the way it turned out.  Family Books and Gifts is located at 6349 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660.

Maybe you are not a DIY, Pinterest person, let others who have that gift do it for you!  I love this beautifully handcrafted wreath made by the IslandTwins.  You can find them on Facebook @2IslandTwins.  They can personalize a wreath like this for you and really just about anything, message them!  They can make great gifts for your friends and family who don't love to do those Pinterest crafts or those who just don't have the time.  My Pinterest challenged friends are always super grateful, to receive personalized handmade gifts.
You can find unique handcrafted gifts at places like Family Books and GiftsBlissMarketplace, local craft fairs and on Etsy.  I read something I love "when you support small business, you are supporting a dream," I love this great reminder. 

Gift Cards and Cash
You may be asking how do you personalize gift cards and cash.  I love giving and receiving gift cards but often hear people say gift cards are so impersonal.  They don't have to be!  For kids you could hide a gift card in a jar of Legos, this makes it more personal and fun if they are into Legos.  You could gift a gift card for an experience for example to indoor skydiving or an annual pass to the local swim park and make a gift tag that says "For Building Memories".  If they are not into Legos, place the gift card in a jar of their favorite candy or for girls hair clips, ties and scrunchies would be a great way to gift a gift card or cash. If you are doing the hair accessories, purchase them in their favorite color.    

Have you seen the popular 12-Days of Socks, that would be a great way to give gift cards or cash, place the cash or gift cards in the socks.  My boys would love Fortnite socks and my husband, Star Wars socks, the socks filled with gift cards or cash would be a nice surprise.  

You could gift a restaurant gift card with a journal or notebook, and include a note that says enjoy some time out to dinner and jot down your goals and dreams in this notebook because your next year is going to be amazing, dream big! 

You could make a date night box, include a gift card to a restaurant, but also include a nice blanket, candle, a marriage book and a note saying here is a gift card for a date night out, and some things to encourage dating each other all year long, even if it's at home after the kids are in bed.  

For a busy mom, you could gift cash, or a gift card and make a basket with her favorite lotions, and bubble bath items, and say I see how much you do for others, take some time for yourself, if it's a retail gift card, a note saying buy something nice for yourself.  These are simple ways to make that ordinary plain gift card into something meaningful and thoughtful.   

Handwritten Notes and Cards
Handwritten notes and cards are something I need to work on, but these small touches make a HUGE difference in the gift you are giving.  I was reminded of this recently in watching the coverage of our late president George H.W. Bush.  There were so many references to thank you notes he wrote, letters he wrote, and not only to his family but to acquaintances.  I know in my own life, I have received handwritten notes and cards of encouragement and saved them, some from people I would not have expected to write me a note.  Write a note to the office receptionist, thanking her for keeping the office going, and being the first person to greet the people.  Thank them for the smile and joy they bring to the office.  Personalize it and mention the strengths they bring to the team.  It is nice to know someone notices you.  

DIY Personalization
I am sure you have heard of a Cricut machine or possibly know someone who owns one.  Using vinyl you can personalize almost anything with names or special sayings.  Ask around a friend or neighbor who may be able to help you personalize a gift.  

If you don't have a vinyl cutting machine, a great way to personalize a gift is with scrabble tiles or letter beads.  You can find these at your local craft stores.  

You can add a personalized touch to a frame you purchase with these scrabble tiles.  Great for a pet owner, or those 'new baby frames', add the baby's name, or personalize a frame for a newlywed couple.  

I made this DIY Menu Dry Erase Frame for a friend.  I used a frame from the Dollar Tree, Scrabble Letters and a sheet of scrapbook paper.  Easy, practical, and cute!  Instead of a Menu frame, you could make a "To Do List" frame and add the person's name.  Shadow boxes are a great way to personalize a gift as well.  

 
You can use your computer and color printer to personalize a frame.  You can print out the definition of someone special in your life.  You could print out a friends or co-workers favorite quote for their desk.  You could print out the meaning of their name.  The ideas are endless.  Below are some free printables that I made, that I am happy to share with you.  
Print them in color, place them in a frame and add this to the scarf, sweater or other items you are gifting, this is a great way to add a DIY personalized touch. 

Best Aunt Ever - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2S2G13E

Grandma Definition - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2EkMSkR

Grandpa - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2GfGqOw

Abuela - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2Ex3EhK

Sister Definition - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2S10Oob

Brother Definition - Free Printable Download: http://bit.ly/2GrOcoy

You can also personalize the gift wrap if they are newspaper reader, wrap their gift in the newspaper, mention in a note how you admire their love of reading.  You can make your own name tag, by cutting out their name from what interests them, I used an old comic book to cut out a name for this gift.  You can purchase an ornament picture frame, or monogram letter and use that as well. If they are into cooking a mini cutting board, or mini whisk, can be added to the bow.   You can also find wood letters, that can be painted, or use yarn or twine to wrap around the letter to personalize it.  You can mod podge scrapbook paper and decorate wood letters in any theme.


Know that a meaningful and thoughtful gift is so much better than any new toy or clothing item. I am confident that you can think of a way to gift a personalized gift with any size budget.  If you need some help coming up with an idea, feel free to e-mail me at theblogaboutitall@gmail.com and I would be happy to help with some ideas. I hope you can use the FREE printables I included and some of these ideas this Christmas.  I hope you have a very Merry Christmas surrounded by those you love and cherish, those are the most important gifts.  

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share it with your friends.

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Christmas is less than two weeks away, do you have your holiday meals planned already? I need to spend a little extra time planning out our menu for the next few weeks, because not only do we have holiday meals to prepare, we also have kids home on Christmas break which means more meals at home to plan ahead for.   With them home from school, we will do larger breakfasts and lunches.  I want to make sure I have all the items before winter break starts.  

As for holiday meals our family usually gets together with my side of the family on Christmas Eve, we try and keep the meal simple.  We have made soup and salad in the past, we have made finger foods and desserts, and we have even just had pizza on Christmas Eve.  We usually get together with my husbands' side of the family the weekend after Christmas or last year we had a New Years get together, which was really nice. My mother-in-law makes her famous lasagna and everyone else brings things like salad, rolls, vegetable tray, fruit tray, and desserts. This works out really nice, everyone gets to celebrate Christmas with their own family and we don't have to drive around all day.  

We usually have a Thanksgiving type meal on Christmas day, but not as much.  I actually made an extra portion of my favorite sweet potato dish this Thanksgiving and put it in the freezer to make meal prep on Christmas easier.  One of our holiday must-haves is Martinelli's Sparkling Cider. I don't know why we only drink this on holiday's because it is so delicious, but it's a Christmas tradition.  Have you tried the apple-cranberry or apple-pomegranate flavors?  I love them!
If you are not up to cooking your own turkey or ham this Christmas you can order a complete Holiday Meal, with a fully cooked ham or fully cooked turkey for only $49.99 visit www.luckysupermarkets.com for more details. 
If you are looking to save time at the grocery store, especially with all your other holiday shopping and errands, use Lucky's new ClickCart online ordering with curbside pick up this is a huge time saver.  Right now you can try it for FREE and get $10 off $50!  For more info click here: http://bit.ly/2NqBdWF.


I selected the newest ClickCart location (5000 Mowry Avenue, Freemont, CA) to look at the weekly ad.  You can find their weekly ad by clicking the image below or here: 
https://www.luckysupermarkets.com/weekly-ad 
Their ads run Wednesday through Tuesday, this week’s ad is for December 12, 2018-December 18, 2018.
My favorite deals this week:
Pork Picnic Roast .99 lb.
Pork Spareribs $1.49 lb.
Boneless Pork Loin Roast $1.99 lb.
Bone-In Spiral Sliced Half Ham $1.47 lb.
Cuties 5 lb. box $4.99 each
Fuji, Gala or Granny Smith Apples 5 lb. bag $5 
Spaghetti, Acorn or Butternut Squash .99 lb.
Pillsbury Crescents or Rolls 3/$5
Master Cut Chicken Drumsticks, Thighs or Leg Quarters .79 lb.
Sunny Select Granulated Sugar 4 lbs. 2/$4
C&H Brown or Powdered Sugar 32oz. 2/$4
Sunnyside Farms or Challenge Cream Cheese 3/$5
Pillsbury Pie Crust 2/$5
Tamales 10/$10
Christmas Trees $29.99-$49.99


Super Coupons (12/12-12/18) in the ad for these items:
Colossal Raw Shrimp $5.99 lb.

Wonderful Pistachios $6.99 each
Chicken Tenders $3.99 lb.
Land O Lakes Butter $2.49 each
Ghiradelli Baking Chips $1.99 each

3-Day Sale (December 14-16) 
Whole Salmon Fillets $6.77 lb.

Large Gala Apples .99 lb.
Kretschmar Smoked or Honey Ham $4.99 lb.
Pepsi Products 12 pack 12 oz cans select varieties 3/$8

For more information or to sign up for Save Smart/Lucky You rewards programs, please visit their banner websites-Save Smart Rewards at https://www.savemart.com and Lucky You Rewards at https://www.luckysupermarkets.com.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Lucky Supermarkets although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com

Lucky Supermarket Deals 12/12/18-12/18/18

Christmas is less than two weeks away, do you have your holiday meals planned already? I need to spend a little extra time planning out our menu for the next few weeks, because not only do we have holiday meals to prepare, we also have kids home on Christmas break which means more meals at home to plan ahead for.   With them home from school, we will do larger breakfasts and lunches.  I want to make sure I have all the items before winter break starts.  

As for holiday meals our family usually gets together with my side of the family on Christmas Eve, we try and keep the meal simple.  We have made soup and salad in the past, we have made finger foods and desserts, and we have even just had pizza on Christmas Eve.  We usually get together with my husbands' side of the family the weekend after Christmas or last year we had a New Years get together, which was really nice. My mother-in-law makes her famous lasagna and everyone else brings things like salad, rolls, vegetable tray, fruit tray, and desserts. This works out really nice, everyone gets to celebrate Christmas with their own family and we don't have to drive around all day.  

We usually have a Thanksgiving type meal on Christmas day, but not as much.  I actually made an extra portion of my favorite sweet potato dish this Thanksgiving and put it in the freezer to make meal prep on Christmas easier.  One of our holiday must-haves is Martinelli's Sparkling Cider. I don't know why we only drink this on holiday's because it is so delicious, but it's a Christmas tradition.  Have you tried the apple-cranberry or apple-pomegranate flavors?  I love them!
If you are not up to cooking your own turkey or ham this Christmas you can order a complete Holiday Meal, with a fully cooked ham or fully cooked turkey for only $49.99 visit www.luckysupermarkets.com for more details. 
If you are looking to save time at the grocery store, especially with all your other holiday shopping and errands, use Lucky's new ClickCart online ordering with curbside pick up this is a huge time saver.  Right now you can try it for FREE and get $10 off $50!  For more info click here: http://bit.ly/2NqBdWF.


I selected the newest ClickCart location (5000 Mowry Avenue, Freemont, CA) to look at the weekly ad.  You can find their weekly ad by clicking the image below or here: 
https://www.luckysupermarkets.com/weekly-ad 
Their ads run Wednesday through Tuesday, this week’s ad is for December 12, 2018-December 18, 2018.
My favorite deals this week:
Pork Picnic Roast .99 lb.
Pork Spareribs $1.49 lb.
Boneless Pork Loin Roast $1.99 lb.
Bone-In Spiral Sliced Half Ham $1.47 lb.
Cuties 5 lb. box $4.99 each
Fuji, Gala or Granny Smith Apples 5 lb. bag $5 
Spaghetti, Acorn or Butternut Squash .99 lb.
Pillsbury Crescents or Rolls 3/$5
Master Cut Chicken Drumsticks, Thighs or Leg Quarters .79 lb.
Sunny Select Granulated Sugar 4 lbs. 2/$4
C&H Brown or Powdered Sugar 32oz. 2/$4
Sunnyside Farms or Challenge Cream Cheese 3/$5
Pillsbury Pie Crust 2/$5
Tamales 10/$10
Christmas Trees $29.99-$49.99


Super Coupons (12/12-12/18) in the ad for these items:
Colossal Raw Shrimp $5.99 lb.

Wonderful Pistachios $6.99 each
Chicken Tenders $3.99 lb.
Land O Lakes Butter $2.49 each
Ghiradelli Baking Chips $1.99 each

3-Day Sale (December 14-16) 
Whole Salmon Fillets $6.77 lb.

Large Gala Apples .99 lb.
Kretschmar Smoked or Honey Ham $4.99 lb.
Pepsi Products 12 pack 12 oz cans select varieties 3/$8

For more information or to sign up for Save Smart/Lucky You rewards programs, please visit their banner websites-Save Smart Rewards at https://www.savemart.com and Lucky You Rewards at https://www.luckysupermarkets.com.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Lucky Supermarkets although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com
Our family attended Global Winter Wonderland this past weekend at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds, we had a great time.  The light displays are really amazing!  We love looking at Christmas lights, so seeing these supersized light displays was such a treat.  

You can experience Global Winter Wonderland – world renown Chinese Lantern Festival through, January 6th, 2019. Tickets are on sale now at: GlobalWonderland.com/Sacramento.

As soon as you enter the main gate you will see a giant light display and snow made possible with bubbles.  My kiddos love bubble snow, we spent some time there having fun.  As you proceed you will see beautiful light displays all around, every time I thought we had seen them all, there were more.  You can walk through extra large lighted ornaments.  They have two lighted mazes to walk through, this was one of my kiddos favorite things. 

We enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds at each themed light section.  We toured Santa's Village, the Magical Forest, Winter Wonderland, Polar Village and new this year the 12 Days of Christmas.  
There are carnival rides and fun fair food.  You will also find entertainment, be sure to check the calendar of events before you go, they have a motorcycle show and circus of lights performance.  The best deal to enjoy the rides is to purchase an unlimited ride wristband for $18.  You will find my favorite funnel cakes, pretzels, jumbo corn dogs, cotton candy, kettle corn and more.  For an additional fee, you can enjoy ice skating ( $12), and Laser Tag in a 7,000+ sq foot laser tag arena, available for (Adults $10, Kids $10).
If you want to save money on tickets, I heard participating Walgreens have discounted tickets, I have also seen deals on Groupon.

Parking is $10, and they only take cash so don't forget cash for parking.  If you are familiar with parking at Cal Expo you want to park near Papa Murphy's park where Sac Republic plays. 

I think this is a unique wintertime experience, great for family fun, there is something for everyone to enjoy lights, carnival rides, holiday shopping, entertainment and more.  


For Global Winter Wonderland complete schedule, hours and tickets, visit their website at GlobalWonderland.com/Sacramento. You can also visit CalExpo.com/Calendar-Events for more information.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, I received complimentary tickets to attend and to giveaway in exchange for my time and efforts in reporting my opinion within this blog.  Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com. 




















Global Winter Wonderland at Cal Expo | Sacramento, CA

Our family attended Global Winter Wonderland this past weekend at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds, we had a great time.  The light displays are really amazing!  We love looking at Christmas lights, so seeing these supersized light displays was such a treat.  

You can experience Global Winter Wonderland – world renown Chinese Lantern Festival through, January 6th, 2019. Tickets are on sale now at: GlobalWonderland.com/Sacramento.

As soon as you enter the main gate you will see a giant light display and snow made possible with bubbles.  My kiddos love bubble snow, we spent some time there having fun.  As you proceed you will see beautiful light displays all around, every time I thought we had seen them all, there were more.  You can walk through extra large lighted ornaments.  They have two lighted mazes to walk through, this was one of my kiddos favorite things. 

We enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds at each themed light section.  We toured Santa's Village, the Magical Forest, Winter Wonderland, Polar Village and new this year the 12 Days of Christmas.  
There are carnival rides and fun fair food.  You will also find entertainment, be sure to check the calendar of events before you go, they have a motorcycle show and circus of lights performance.  The best deal to enjoy the rides is to purchase an unlimited ride wristband for $18.  You will find my favorite funnel cakes, pretzels, jumbo corn dogs, cotton candy, kettle corn and more.  For an additional fee, you can enjoy ice skating ( $12), and Laser Tag in a 7,000+ sq foot laser tag arena, available for (Adults $10, Kids $10).
If you want to save money on tickets, I heard participating Walgreens have discounted tickets, I have also seen deals on Groupon.

Parking is $10, and they only take cash so don't forget cash for parking.  If you are familiar with parking at Cal Expo you want to park near Papa Murphy's park where Sac Republic plays. 

I think this is a unique wintertime experience, great for family fun, there is something for everyone to enjoy lights, carnival rides, holiday shopping, entertainment and more.  


For Global Winter Wonderland complete schedule, hours and tickets, visit their website at GlobalWonderland.com/Sacramento. You can also visit CalExpo.com/Calendar-Events for more information.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, I received complimentary tickets to attend and to giveaway in exchange for my time and efforts in reporting my opinion within this blog.  Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com. 




















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