Gift Giving Made Easy at TheGiftCardShop.com #eHolidays #ad #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #eHolidays #CollectiveBias

By this time tomorrow, I should be totally done with my Christmas shopping! Sometimes it takes awhile for me to find the perfect thing for all the people on my list. Everyone has loved ones who seem to have everything, want nothing, or are otherwise difficult to buy for. My Dad is the most mind-boggling person to buy for in the entire universe. On top of that, he lives 1,800 miles away, so it's not super convenient for me to just make him a plate of goodies. Gift cards are the perfect gift for him and digital cards are the best. He lives alone so he often doesn't check his mailbox for up to two weeks at a time. If I send him a Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, or Cabela's card by email, he'll actually get it and spend it before the year is out.

In the past, I've been one of those who felt guilty for "just" giving a gift card---but I love receiving them myself so why wouldn't others? In fact, the majority of people ask for them over any other gift. When it comes to gift cards, 70% of Americans would prefer a digital gift card over a physical gift card because of all the unique ways you can send it.

Digital gift cards are extra special when you attach photos and a message. They're the perfect solution to the question of what to get for that one person that's always tough to buy for. Buying my dad and others gift cards helps keep me from feeling like I'm wasting money on something random just to get a name crossed off my list. Instead, I'm giving a heartfelt message, a few fun photos of our year, and a gift card that they can use however they'd like.

TheGiftCardShop.com offers memorable ways to customize gift cards, such as personalized digital Holiday Photobooks, Santa Videos, and eCards. All you need to do is add photos and memories for a unique touch to your gift. Best of all, they’re free, easy to design, and convenient.

There are lots of stores to choose from so you'll be sure to find something for everyone on your list. TheGiftCardShop.com has a couple great promotions going on:

• Receive a FREE personalized greeting card and a $5 eBay Gift Card when you purchase a $100 eBay Gift Card.
• Receive a FREE Triple Chocolate Meltdown dessert when you purchase a $25 Applebee’s Gift Card.

I've given more gift cards this year than ever before---and I've experienced less stress about my loved ones liking their gifts. What about you? How would the customized options from TheGiftCardShop.com bless you as you prepare for these last few days before Christmas?

52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol #FCBlogger

Special thanks to Family Christian for sending me this book to enjoy. All opinions are my own.

Thanks for stopping by the {Not Just} Homemaking Party! Today I'm sharing a fun Christmas book.

Charles Dickens', A Christmas Carol, is probably the most beloved Christmas story of all time---second to the Biblical accounts of Jesus' birth, that is. Who doesn't love the characters of Bob Cratchit, the nephew Fred, Tiny Tim...and who doesn't relate to Ebenezer Scrooge now and then? 

My annual reading of A Christmas Carol this year has been much more enriched by this short book from Bob Welch: 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol. I'll be honest---I usually shy away from compilations like this as many seem contrived and sort of old-lady-perfumish, but this one really reveals the hearts of Dickens' characters and shows me how much Dickens understood humanity when he created them. 

I wish I would have discovered this humorous study a couple months ago as it would have been fun to read one daily leading up to Christmas. It's definitely something I'll keep in mind for next year, though. Actually---why wait? I've been looking for a great Bible study so why not use one based on a beloved classic?

You can find 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol online at Family Christian or in your local Family Christian store.

Now it's time for the party! Can't wait to see what you all have got to share!

Linking with: These Great Parties

Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce for the Freezer

Hi Everyone! My mom is guest posting today with some tips I gave her on making homemade pasta sauce. Enjoy!

A few years ago my daughter taught me how to make homemade pasta sauce from my extra tomatoes from harvest. Since then, each fall I make a batch and now I am pleased to say, we never waste those precious ripe tomatoes!

First, wash and stem tomatoes. Then, cut in large pieces and place in a large pot. Cook on the stove top with salt until they are soft and falling apart, (approx 2 hours). I add salt, but you could also add Italian seasoning. Cool and freeze. My daughter stores her sauce in quart size zip lock bags so they lay flat in her freezer.

When thawed, squish them in the bag with your hands, then pour in a pot and add seasonings, meat, veggies, and more for a great pasta sauce. You can use it on something yummy like this One Pot Spaghetti.