Thursday, December 16, 2010

Holiday Tips and a $50 GiftCard Giveaway!

...is for Holiday Time-Saving Tips! 

1. Road trip rules: Seasoned holiday road-travelers invest in a quick pass to whiz past hour-long lines at the tolls, 2) plot out where to get the cheapest gas along the way by using a “gas prices” feature on MapQuest, and 3) pre-pack energy-boosting snacks and beverages to avoid crowded rest stops and fast-food joints.

Viv's take: We absolutely use our toll quick pass whenever we are traveling through Orlando (which the Engineer does all the time, as he flies out of there for work) to save us from having to wade through the tourists at the toll booths. I feel for them, as those tolls can add up, and some of them are fumbling for change with horns honking, while we just breeze right through!  

2. Babysitting or playdate exchange: Gain kid-free time to make your way through your holiday to-do list by coordinating a playdate exchange with another family.

Viv's take: if you can get some parents together and create a babysitting co-op just for the holidays, you'll have a much easier time wrapping the kids' gifts without little eyes spying to see what you're up to!

3. Make sure it's in stock: Nothing wastes more time than driving from store-to-store in search of a specific item.  Do yourself a favor and call ahead or better yet check store inventory online before you leave home.  Many major e-retailers offer customers the convenience of purchasing items online and then picking them up in-store…some with express pick-up lines.

Viv's take: I do the majority of shopping online these days. Whenever possible, I try to have an item shipped to me or to my local store that way. Saves time!

4. Wrap it up: Socialize and wrap up your holiday duties by inviting your friends over to chat, nosh and yes, wrap gifts! Everyone brings a roll of wrapping paper, ribbons and other decorative elements to share with the group.  Also, watch for “free gift wrapping” promotions from online merchants.  Sometimes you may have to spend a certain amount to get the promotion to kick in, but it may be worth it given the time you’ll save on the backend.
Viv's take: This is a great idea, and one I haven't tried, the getting together with friends and having a--wait for it--wrap party. I do try to use online wrapping when I can, though I haven't found any free wrapping promotions.

5. Take advantage of online banking to save time! If you are a Bank of America customer, you can set up alerts to remind you to pay bills, check your balance and transfer money, all online. Check Bank of America's solutions center  for even more tips and information! And follow Bank of America on Twitter: @BofA_Tips.

Viv's take: I'm a Bank of America customer myself, and I do the majority of my banking online these days. They even have a mobile app for your phone. So now, I don't have to make a trip to the bank as often! If I do deposit a check at the bank, though, I can save time there, too, because I don't even have to fill out a deposit slip or put the check into an envelope. I just feed it into the ATM, and with their Deposit Image ATM I get *pictures of the checks deposited* as proof that they were received by the bank! 

And just for reading through these tips, 
you could win a $50 preloaded 
Bank of America giftcard!   

Initial Entry (required for all): Leave a comment below with one of your own tips for getting through the holidays with less stress. Or let me know which one of the above listed tips you think you will try this year!

Additional Entries:

  • Follow @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter, and tweet about this giveaway (3 entries!).
  • Put our Holiday Gift Guide badge on your site (or let me know you already have!).
  • Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page, blog, or a giveaway listing site (3 entries!).
Deadline for giveaway entries is Christmas Eve, December 24th, at midnight EST.

Good Luck!


I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bank of America and received a Bank of America preloaded gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. 

This giveaway is hosted and fulfilled solely by Cool Moms Rule!

110 comments:

Stephanie said...

I love the idea of a playdate/babysitting exchange. We are short on money as well as time this year, and this is a great idea for saving on both!

Mami2jcn said...

I save money by doing things electronically...e-cards instead of mailed Christmas cards, online shopping instead of going to the store.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Stephanie said...

Following you both on Twitter as stlyhu and tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/stlyhu/status/15440193200852993

Stephanie said...

Tweet entry #2

Stephanie said...

Tweet entry #3. Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

One thing I do is shop online! Much less stressful:)

jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

Heather Kelly said...

I take time out for myself and get up early, drink some coffee, and chill out watching a tv show while my kiddos are still sleeping! Entering giveaways is fun too!

Heather K.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

Heather Kelly said...

I followed you both and tweeted about the giveaway! (1)

http://www.twitter.com/matthewsmommy

Heather K.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

Heather Kelly said...

I followed you both and tweeted about the giveaway! (2)

http://www.twitter.com/matthewsmommy

Heather K.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

Heather Kelly said...

I followed you both and tweeted about the giveaway! (3)

http://www.twitter.com/matthewsmommy

Heather K.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

Heather Kelly said...

I posted your Holiday Gift Guide badge on my blog on my left sidebar.

http://www.airplanesanddragonflies.blogspot.com/

Heather K.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

Heather Kelly said...

I posted your giveaway on my "Last Chance Giveaways" page on my blog! (1)

http://airplanesanddragonflies.blogspot.com/p/last-chance-giveaways.html

Heather K.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

Heather Kelly said...

I posted your giveaway on my "Last Chance Giveaways" page on my blog! (2)

http://airplanesanddragonflies.blogspot.com/p/last-chance-giveaways.html

Heather K.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

Heather Kelly said...

I posted your giveaway on my "Last Chance Giveaways" page on my blog! (3)

http://airplanesanddragonflies.blogspot.com/p/last-chance-giveaways.html

Heather K.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

Jackie said...

My tip for a little less stress: If you are having a holiday get-together and someone offers to bring an appetizer or dessert...say yes! Less time in the kitchen for you and you may get to try a new recipe! Thanks!
jackievillano at gmail dot com

wigget said...

i love shopping online. you can usually get some great deals or at least find hard to find items, and there's less stress of dragging the kids to the stores and waiting in long lines

phxbne said...

I like this one: check store inventory online before you leave home

miss_moneymaker said...

I like to shop at stores that have layaway. If you don't have a lot of money, you can start early, and pay it off a little at a time. Make sure when you pay it off to have them check to see if any of your items has gone on sale. I just did this last week when I picked up my layaway at Kmart and they had to give me back $20!

sarahjd766 at yahoo dot com

miss_moneymaker said...

I'm following your blog via GFC. (Miss_MoneyMaker)

sarahjd766 at yahoo dot com

miss_moneymaker said...

Following @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter, and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/miss_moneymaker/status/15820876037496832

sarahjd766 at yahoo dot com

April Yedinak said...

I save time and gas money by shopping online.
ape2016(at)aol(dot)com

Elaine said...

I shop online for presents and have them shipped to them. DONE and DONE.

www.clothedmuch.com

Deb Anderson said...

My sisters and I share shopping chores. None of us leaves the house without calling the others to see what we need to pick up while we're out. Not only does it save time but it's made us closer as well. :)

tnshadylady at gmail.com

Deb Anderson said...

follow both on Twitter
http://twitter.com/tnshadylady/status/15947675530690560

Deb Anderson said...

Twitter #2

Deb Anderson said...

Twitter #3

Anonymous said...

It takes forever to wrap presents, so I hire a neighbor's daughter to wrap them for me. Saves me tons of time and gives her a little more spending money for the holidays!

Anonymous said...

Following @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter and tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/BreezyKim/status/16317740474175488 #1

Anonymous said...

Following @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter and tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/BreezyKim/status/16317740474175488 #2

Anonymous said...

Following @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter and tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/BreezyKim/status/16317740474175488 #3

Tabathia B said...

I try to stick to my budget and get shopping done a week before christmas and grocery shopping done 3 days before
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

follow both on twitter & tweeted #1
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/16391330825510912
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

follow both on twitter & tweeted #2
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/16391330825510912
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

follow both on twitter & tweeted #3
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/16391330825510912
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

nel said...

I would use tip # 3. Make sure it's in stock: great idea

acouponaddict at charter dot net

nel said...

following @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter

tweet
http://twitter.com/nelricky/status/16689261474484224

acouponaddict at charter dot net

nel said...

following @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter

tweet
http://twitter.com/nelricky/status/16689261474484224

acouponaddict at charter dot net
2

nel said...

following @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter

tweet
http://twitter.com/nelricky/status/16689261474484224

acouponaddict at charter dot net
3

nel said...

shared giveaway on FB
http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=164124380296765&id=1286019535

acouponaddict at charter dot net

nel said...

shared giveaway on FB
http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=164124380296765&id=1286019535

acouponaddict at charter dot net
3

nel said...

shared giveaway on FB
http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=164124380296765&id=1286019535

acouponaddict at charter dot net
3

Betty N said...

I ordered most of my gifts online which saved a lot from long tiring shopping trips looking for just the right thing; also I simplify meals during this time of year

Betty N said...

tweet, entry #1
http://twitter.com/#!/Grandma3710/status/16866928500936705

Betty N said...

tweet, entry #2
http://twitter.com/#!/Grandma3710/status/16866928500936705

Betty N said...

tweet, entry #3
http://twitter.com/#!/Grandma3710/status/16866928500936705

Betty N said...

Blog post here, entry # http://higrandma.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/win-50-3/

Betty N said...

Blog post here, entry #2 http://higrandma.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/win-50-3/

Betty N said...

Blog post here, entry # 3 http://higrandma.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/win-50-3/

maygan said...

I shop year round so when December rolls around, I've already got mosr of the gifts we'll be giving purchased

spork_of_truth(at)hotmail(dot)com

maygan said...

tweeted @maybefrugal http://twitter.com/maybefrugal/statuses/17234204169347072

maygan said...

tweet entry #2

maygan said...

tweet entry #3

Abi said...

The wrapping party is a great idea. We do something similar to get our holiday baking done around here.. We have a cookie swap, everyone brings two dozen cookies (one dozen they keep at home) and we bring your Tupperware and fill it up while we chat and eat cookies. You go home (to your clean kitchen) with a Tupperware full of 5 different kinds of cookies for sharing with your holiday guests.
havenera at gmail dot com

faewings25 said...

I like to shop all year for Christmas gifts; makes for less stress at Christmas time.

Terra Heck said...

My tip is to purchase gifts all year long. That way there's no rush to do it all at once. The bottom of my closet is dedicated to storing those gifts when purchased throughout the year. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Mari said...

I save time by shopping online and skipping the crowded malls. Circling the parking lot for a space and standing in a long line are time wasters.

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

Mari said...

fb posted

http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=116819938387101&id=520433979

runningmatey at hotmail dot com
#1

Mari said...

fb posted

http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=116819938387101&id=520433979

runningmatey at hotmail dot com
#2

Mari said...

fb posted

http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=116819938387101&id=520433979

runningmatey at hotmail dot com
#3

janetfaye said...

I like and will use Tip number 3. Make sure it's in stock.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

1. I follow @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitte - Janetfaye

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/18246903913250817

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

2. I follow @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitte - Janetfaye

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/18246903913250817

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

3. I follow @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitte - Janetfaye

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/18246903913250817

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

1. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-tips-and-50-giftcard-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

2. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-tips-and-50-giftcard-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

3. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-tips-and-50-giftcard-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

bdiane34 said...

I have to agree with you on making sure its in stock, the last thing you want to do is go driving to 5 different stores looking for 1 item
sweokgrl@gmail.com

bdiane34 said...

I ollow @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter and tweeted
sweokgrl@gmail.com entry 1
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/18253443172933632

bdiane34 said...

I ollow @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter and tweeted
sweokgrl@gmail.com entry 2
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/18253443172933632

bdiane34 said...

I ollow @Cool Moms Rule and @BofA_Tips on Twitter and tweeted
sweokgrl@gmail.com entry 3
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/18253443172933632

bdiane34 said...

I shared on facebook (Becky Horn) entry 1
sweokgrl@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=180036388688252&id=100000894830549

bdiane34 said...

I shared on facebook (Becky Horn) entry 2
sweokgrl@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=180036388688252&id=10000089483054

bdiane34 said...

I shared on facebook (Becky Horn) entry 3
sweokgrl@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=180036388688252&id=10000089483054

Matt said...

My tip is to stick to your budget! I find Christmas to be a lot less stressful knowing that I won't have a credit card bill I can't pay!

mattschmunk at gmail dot com

Junk Loving Girl said...

I would have loved to try tip 4 if I hadn't already wrapped. My tip is to buy early, even through out the year, it helps spread the cost.

thepricklypinecone(at)gmail.com

VickieB said...

I would use the Road trip rules tip

VickieB said...

1 tweet http://twitter.com/#!/vlbsweeps/status/18324807602933760

VickieB said...

2 tweet http://twitter.com/#!/vlbsweeps/status/18324807602933760

VickieB said...

3 tweet http://twitter.com/#!/vlbsweeps/status/18324807602933760

VickieB said...

1 facebook post http://www.facebook.com/vlbsweeps/posts/133574793370729

VickieB said...

2 facebook post http://www.facebook.com/vlbsweeps/posts/133574793370729

VickieB said...

3 facebook post http://www.facebook.com/vlbsweeps/posts/133574793370729

pinklady705 said...

I agree with you about online banking, it save a lot of time. I really like the idea of getting together with your friends to chat and gift wrap, that would make it much more fun.

2liv2laf2luv at gmail dot com

pinklady705 said...

Following you and BofA tips on twitter and left a tweet:

http://twitter.com/#!/pinklady705/status/18378726236491777

2liv2laf2luv at gmail dot com

pinklady705 said...

#2 entry

Following you and BofA tips on twitter and left a tweet:

http://twitter.com/#!/pinklady705/status/18378726236491777

2liv2laf2luv at gmail dot com

pinklady705 said...

#3 entry

Following you and BofA tips on twitter and left a tweet:

http://twitter.com/#!/pinklady705/status/18378726236491777

2liv2laf2luv at gmail dot com

Nancy said...

To save time during the holidays, I plan my errands so I get more done in one trip with numerous stops. This method saves time as well as high-priced gasoline!

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Jenette said...

I like to save time by making rolls ahead of time and freeze them. Pop them in the microwave just before Christmas dinner and they are warm and taste fresh!

kerismommy said...

I save time by combining as many errands as I can to save time and money. I also do a lot of shopping online.

Liz Parker said...

shop early! :)

Mama of 3 said...

My tip would be don't procrastnate lol ;D

catokayyou21@gmail.com

Liz said...

My tip is not to take things too seriously and not to stress out over insignificant matters!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#1 Follow both and tweeted!

http://twitter.com/#!/FakeGradSchool/status/18479370247077888

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#2 Follow both and tweeted!

http://twitter.com/#!/FakeGradSchool/status/18479370247077888

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#3 Follow both and tweeted!

http://twitter.com/#!/FakeGradSchool/status/18479370247077888

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#1 I blogged!

http://quiltznhoez.blogspot.com/2010/12/cool-moms-rule-perfect-moms-need-not.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#2 I blogged!

http://quiltznhoez.blogspot.com/2010/12/cool-moms-rule-perfect-moms-need-not.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#3 I blogged!

http://quiltznhoez.blogspot.com/2010/12/cool-moms-rule-perfect-moms-need-not.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#1 I shared on FB!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#2 I shared on FB!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#3 I shared on FB!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Cara Riggles said...

I do a large portion of my Christmas shopping online and pay particular attention to regular retail prices versus sale prices so that I will know a fantastic price when one comes around. I recently purchased several items from Amazon that were on sale "one day only" and snagged some excellent deals. :)

caratemberton at yahoo dot com

Julie said...

I like the tip above that says to see if an item is in stock....thanks
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 1 shared on fb-Julie S Laws
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Happpy Holidays

Julie said...

#2 shared on fb-Julie S Laws
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 3 shared on fb-julie S Laws
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Stacy Tilton said...

I try to keep it simple, this year instead of making a big meal plan we all just did simple side dishes to go with the ham, it was nice and easy and everyone had room for dessert!
stacy4avon @ comcast.net

Stacy Tilton said...

I follow you on twitter @smtilton
stacy4avon @ comcast.net

Stacy Tilton said...

I follow BOA on twitter @smtilton
stacy4avon @ comcast.net

Stacy Tilton said...

Tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/smtilton/status/19780125323169792
stacy4avon @ comcast.net

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