It's difficult to know the exact limit to set on purchases for friends and family. $30? $50? Let's assume for argument's sake that the maximum you have to spend on each person is $60.

I have an admission to make - I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet. And I run a shopping blog.

Here are some last minute gift ideas under $60:






Red Dwarf Series I and II
In my humble opinion, the earlier episodes of Red Dwarf are the best. Rimmer, Lister, The Cat and 3 million light years away from Earth. Series III is also a classic (refer to earlier post Mr Flibble Is Very Cross). It's perfect holiday viewing - the touching story of a man who wakes up slumped on a table in McDonald's on Mimas (a moon of Saturn), wearing a lady's pink crimplene hat and a pair of yellow fishing waders, with no money and a passport in the name of 'Emily Berkenstein' and an annoying rash. All this for celebrating his 25th birthday with a few mates and a Monopoly pub crawl. This of course happens in the book, and the series begins shortly after these fateful events. But you get the idea.





Nike One Golf Balls 12pk
I am fascinated by how they make these things. I watched an advertisement showing these weird rubber spinning and getting covered in layers, tested by robots, its all very high tech. Personally I just hit them. Preferably on greens and fairways. I once lost around 4 brand new balls in the creek at the 8th at Elsternwick Golf Course. But that's another story...






Bungee, Surfing, Jet Boating

If you know someone who would rather bungee jump than have plum pudding and eggnog, you can choose from surfing lessons, jet boating and other such exciting things.




Fair Trade Fashion

If you want to give a gift that won't add clutter, try this one. Millions of workers in developing countries are employed in the fashion industry. This refers to the people who actually sew and manufacture the clothes we wear every day. This gift helps to improve working conditions for fashion industry workers, making it a better Christmas for everyone.




QuickFlix DVD Rental Gift Voucher

This is a gift that can be enjoyed for months to come. Includes DVD hire and home delivery for those of us too busy to go to the video store. The service provides free return by post and no late fees.




Estee Lauder Travel Set

Christmas time is also holiday time, so this travel set is perfect for a brief or lengthy getaway.
Pack includes Estee Lauder moisturiser, foot smoothing lotion, lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow pack and travel bags. I feel relaxed already.

technorati tags: christmas, gifts, cool gift under $60, gift ideas, Christmas gift ideas, frugalChristmas, gift ideas for christmas,

The Pearl Necklace is iconic, made famous by many style icons including Audrey Hepburn and more recently Angelina Jolie. The point is, pearls never go out of style.



Ladies Fair features a wide array of pearl pendants, earrings, in sizes ranging from 6mm to 9mm. The prices start at under $30, which is great for budget last minute Christmas shoppers.

The different types of pearls come in many beautiful varieties of black and white:

A great example of the white pearl range is this beautiful Akoya 9mm pearl pendant. The price is a very reasonable $138.60



Personally, I love black pearls. Black pearls are mysterious, elegant and just have a special something about them.

These Tahitian pearl earrings are 8.5-9mm and set in white gold $210.38



And if you're looking for something a little bit different,

I especially love this cute pearl fortune cat made from 4mm pearls $138

If you are very particular about your design idea, you can also get custom made pearl jewellery for that special someone.

I remember when my Grandma's pearls used to sit in a box on her mirrored dresser. I would always take them out and wear them for fun when playing dress ups. And I was taught that pearls are not the kind of thing you bring out once a year - they must be worn to truly bring out their lustre. No matter what your age, pearls are a timeless reminder of natural beauty.

Image: Andy Newson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s important to focus on your diet if you are after a more beautiful body. Eating these foods can not only ensure that you look better, but that you feel better too. So if you want a beautiful body and want to actually be healthier in the process, be sure to focus in on these foods for the very best choices.

1. Yogurt: Not only is yogurt low in calories to get and keep that lean figure, but it’s good for you too. The healthy bacteria found in yogurt is good for your stomach and for your skin as well. Yogurt makes an excellent breakfast or snack, provides great energy and calcium, and ensures that you have that beautiful body that you’ve always dreamed of.

2. Chicken: The great part about chicken is that it offers up all the energy of protein, but at a fraction of the calories. Our bodies need protein to function normally, and when everything is running as it should that means that you get the healthy body you’re after. Include chicken as an excellent protein choice several times a week.

3. Whole Grains: Keep it simple—whole grains just make more sense than eating the refined sugar or flour counterparts. When it comes to a beautiful body, you want the foods that pack a powerful punch and whole grains do just that. They are high in fiber, low in calories, and keep you full longer so they make an excellent option for a lean, healthy, and beautiful body.

4. Raspberries: We all know that fruit is good for us, but some choices are better than others. Raspberries are loaded with antioxidants and that means that we’re getting the active ingredients that leave us simply glowing. Raspberries offer up a healthy dose of the antioxidants that keep us looking young, so be sure to include them in your diet each and every day.

5. Sweet Potatoes: Anytime you eat something with a rich vibrant color, you know that you’re getting something good. Sweet potatoes are especially good for the skin and the hair, so you if you eat these on a regular basis you are sure to get that gorgeous body of your dreams. Get creative with how to include these gems in your diet and watch the results.

6. Water: Though this may seem like an obvious one, people simply don’t drink enough water in a day. Water helps to flush out the toxins, cleanse the skin, and leave the body looking naturally beautiful. Drinking your daily water quota can make a huge difference in your health and your body overall.

7. Olive Oil: There’s a reason that olive oil can be used for various beauty applications because it leaves the skin glowing and gorgeous. Using olive oil in your cooking can mean less cholesterol and more good fat, which is what your body craves. If you want to look good and feel good, then be sure to get your daily quota of olive oil.

8. Salmon: The most important reason for eating salmon is that it contains a healthy dose of Omega-3 fatty acids. This is important because it not only ensures better health through lower cholesterol, but it leaves us looking healthier and younger as well. Salmon should be eaten a couple of times a week for the most benefits.

9. Oatmeal: With a great serving of fiber and fewer calories than most breakfast choices, oatmeal makes an excellent choice. It’s an excellent option in working towards weight loss as its fiber content leaves you feeling full longer. As it is at the center of many homemade beauty remedies, you can quickly see why it leaves your skin and your body looking gorgeous.

It’s true that you are what you eat! If you want to look younger, more beautiful, and look and feel healthier, then these foods make excellent choices. You can eat your way to better health and to a more beautiful body as well!

M.E. Ward writes about how to apply to online bsn programs.

technorati tags: beautiful, beauty, body, food, foods, health, health beauty, natural, nutrition


If you're looking at personal training as a career, this might be a good way to get a leg up on the competition (pardon the pun!). The guys at PersonalTrainerJob.com are giving away a free 5 day e-course providing a Step by step guide to setting up your own personal training business.