Saturday, December 15, 2007

Assorted Set of Christmas Vellum Overlay Greeting Cards (13 cards)


These 5" x 7" Greeting Cards feature a printed heavy vellum layered over a printed paper card. Both pieces are held together with a delicate gold tie.

  • Perfect Cards for the Holiday season
  • Christmas images printed on heavy vellum with a seperate printed under card
  • Unique note cards have a subtle image repeated on the inside and back
  • Each card packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve
  • 13 - 5" x 7" Assorted Cards

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WEBKINZ - Reindeer


Reindeer plush is made of several different fabrics. Both cotton and beanie stuffed. Tag on arm contains a code for the Webkinz "Adopt A Pet" website, virtual pet game. Approx. 6". NOTE* Due to limited supply; Webkinz orders are limited to 12 pieces per style per customer.

This was the first time buying a Webkinz. It was for my Nephew's birthday present. I really did not know much about them. I was surprised how soft and cuddly it was. Very well made. It came in time for his birthday. I had to research these online to see what they were about so I could understand what I was buying. My Nephew loves it. I will also buy the Penquin for him. (This is on his Christmas list). Its more than just a stuffed toy. I would recommend Webkinz. Although, my nephew will have to show me what you do online with them. Seams like a safe online interactive toy. From what I understand these are very popular with the kids.

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Light Keeper Pro-The Complete Tool For Fixing Your Christmas Lights


Light Keeper Pro, the complete tool for fixing your Christmas lights!
Made by: Ulta-Lit Tree Company
For indoor and outdoor use
The LightKeeper Pro is designed to solve the frequent problems associated with Miniature Light Sets and Bulbs
By simply plugging your light set into the LightKeeper Pro and pressing the Trigger, most problems can be fixed automatically
To help fix other problems, the LightKeeper Pro includes an Audible Continuity Detector, and a Fuse and Bulb Tester. Additional features include an easy-to-use Bulb Puller, Storage Compartment and extra 2.5 Volt Bulbs
Fixes mini light sets, icicle and net light sets, yard decorations, pre-lit trees and wreaths
Batteries Included
UL Listed
My wife and I have a pre-lit Christmas tree, and we spend HOURS trying to find burned out tree lights one by one by swapping out bulbs in ONE section at a time. Our tree is the type where if more than two bulbs burn out, it goes out. Not like I notice two bulbs burned out, so I'm always glaring at unlit sections when that third bulb blows. It's a nice looking tree, and we've grown to like it, so we put up with the work.

I remember dad swearing at the lights while changing bulbs as a kid. I'd say, "Daaaad! No swearing - it's Christmas." He'd say, "Christmas, my butt!! I hate these darned lights!!" [Spoiler Alert] I found out there was no Santa, and that Christmas wasn't my dad's butt. It was a push. [End Alert]

We saw this device on the internet, and bought it at a local department store. We laughed and said this is too easy, so it couldn't *possibly* work. Nope, not gonna happen. I'd be just as well to throw dollar bills in the paper shredder, and unfortunately, the shredder doesn't support coins. BUT the department store can have it back one day later if it's a dud (with receipt), so it was worth a try. I was willing to try ANYTHING after going bulb to bulb and NOT getting one section to light (how does the tree know where to keep moving the burned out bulb so I can't find it? it's total crap that it knows how to do that). I replaced the fuse twice KNOWING that a burned out light string can't blow a fuse a second time because it actually has to light up FIRST before it can burn something out. Stupid lights - they don't understand electricity!! Read more

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Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Frosted Color Changing LED Votive Candle


Features

  • Frosted Glass Votive changes colors with LED Votive Candle
  • Battery operated candle transitions through 7 different colors
  • Glass Votive measures 2-3/4-in T x 2-1/4-in D
  • Battery operated LED candle with replaceable battery (included)
  • Battery lasts approximately 100-hours of continuous use.
Great Gift
I purchased 10 of these little votive candles. they are great little add on gifts and they don't require any candles. The battery operaterd flame goes smoothly from one color to another. It can be very romantic with out the danger of fire. I actually got a couple for myself because my husband and I enjoy cruising and I can take them with me for a romantic evening in our cabin. You are not allowed to have candles on the cruise ship because of the danger of fire so these work really well. They are very well made. The frosted glass is very solid.

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Christmas Tree with Pinecones


The Glacier collection recreates nature's stunning artwork with a delicate touch of frost accented by clear and white frosted lights. Rounded mixed tipped foliage adorned with pinecones project an added touch of realism--just as you'd expect in the forest! GKI/Bethlehem Lights build their trees with lifelike foliage and a safety-conscious design. They use only flame-retardant materials. Sturdy bases and trunks add stability to keep each tree firmly planted in an upright position.

  • Artificial, pre-lit frosted Christmas tree with 1,280 tips
  • 700 pre-strung frosted lights; lightly frosted foliage with removable pinecones
  • Hinged branch construction for quick setup; flame-retardant PVC needles retain shape
  • Sturdy metal base and wire branch construction eliminate tipping and sagging
  • 7-1/2 feet tall and 66 inches in diameter; 10-year limited warranty
Very Happy With Mine - Great Tree for Price
I was able to get this tree on sale just after Christmas last year, and have just put it up for the first time. I am very happy with the tree. It has a very sturdy heavy weight construction, it was easy to assemble (though shaping the branches took quite a while - it is a very full tree with lots of branches), and the pre-lit lights nicely spaced and working fine. In the box besides the tree were a replacement lights/fuses kit, a light string tester, and a power strip. Though I don't think it would be worth the $399 list price, I am very happy with it for the price I paid. I have received nothing but compliments on it from everyone who saw it over the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a frosted tree, as others have mentioned, and has attached pinecones. I personally like this, it may seem like too much when you first assemble it, but when decorated this just gives it a little extra something and I didn't feel it was over done. I think the majority of people would be happy with this tree.

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Christmas Letters (Hardcover)


Katherine O'Connor, a Seattle medical transcriptionist, has a booming sideline business, writing other people's Christmas letters. A run-in with Dr. Wynn Jeffries, however,ruins her holiday cheer. Katherine's sister is a devotee of Jeffries's Free Child movement, advocating "no boundaries for kids," a technique that has turned Katherine's into terrors. Jeffries just happens to live in Katherine's building, and their debate over parenting technique turns predictably, if perplexingly, to lust. Sticky with sentimentality, Macomber's latest is a fine companion to a glass of eggnog, but don't expect sustenance. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CHRISTMAS LETTERS was a very moving story. Katherine O'Connor bumps into Dr. Wynn Jeffries, who doesn't approve that Christmas be famed by giving presents to children. Is he being a Scrooge? Or did his parents prescribe the same thing for him when he was a child?
Despite Dr. Jeffries philosophy on Christmas, Katherine is drawn to him. Even though she doesn't understand his feelings on the Christmas subject, she confronts him about it. This leads to more arguing, which they both love.
Katherine's sister loved Dr. Jeffries new book "Free Child" and, begins to raise her twins by using his methods. Once she found out that Katherine knew Dr. Jeffries, she asked Katherine if she could get her copy of his new book autographed for her? Katherine agreed, even though she thought Dr. Jeffries wouldn't even talk to her after their discrepancy, let alone sign the book. Will Katherine and Wynn fall madly in love with each other? Or will the two, upon seeing each other, turn and walk away?
Debbie Macomber, a New York Times Bestselling Author, will make you laugh and maybe cry a little too, when you read CHRISTMAS LETTERS. Her ability to bring a smile, and maybe a few tears, to her many fans is something to be shared during the holidays.

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Sunday, December 2, 2007

Santa Claus

The popular image of Santa Claus was created by the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902), who drew a new image annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the form we now recognize. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s.

Father Christmas, who predates the Santa Claus character, was first recorded in the 15th century, but was associated with holiday merrymaking and drunkenness. In Victorian Britain, his image was remade to match that of Santa. The French Père Noël evolved along similar lines, eventually adopting the Santa image. In Italy, Babbo Natale acts as Santa Claus, while La Befana is the bringer of gifts and arrives on the eve of the Epiphany. It is said that La Befana set out to bring the baby Jesus gifts, but got lost along the way. Now, she brings gifts to all children. In some cultures Santa Claus is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, or Black Peter. In other versions, elves make the toys. His wife is referred to as Mrs. Claus.

The current tradition in several Latin American countries (such as Venezuela) holds that while Santa makes the toys, he then gives them to the Baby Jesus, who is the one who actually delivers them to the children's homes. This story is meant to be a reconciliation between traditional religious beliefs and modern day globalization, most notably the iconography of Santa Claus imported from the United States.

In Poland, Santa Claus gives gifts on the 6th of December. On the Christmas Eve it is the Angel that brings presents, though. In Hungary, Santa Claus (Télapó or Mikulás) brings small gifts (usually candy and chocolate) during the night of the 6th of December and Little Jesus (Jézuska) brings the tree as well as the presents on Christmas Eve. Santa is often dressed up in red

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Saturday, December 1, 2007

Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship. The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835 and represents an importation from the German language. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. From Germany the custom was introduced to England, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States. Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.
The Slovenian version of Santa, Ded Moroz or Father Frost.

Since the 19th century, the poinsettia has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include holly, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.

In Australia, North and South America, and to a lesser extent Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung from street lights and Christmas trees placed in the town square.

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