Beat the Holiday Shopping Rush-Shop Online

Beat The Holiday Rush-Shop Online

Shopping for the Holidays can be fun, but also stressful. Here's some tips to help you beat the Holiday Rush.

⚡Shop early, ship early – With only about 2 weeks left before the holidays, getting your orders placed sooner rather than later can make a big difference. Whether you are the consumer or the retailer/wholesaler, it's important to pay attention to several key deadlines. 

Key Deadlines by Carrier (for December 25 2025)

USPS (Lower 48 States) 

• Ground Advantage/First-Class: Ship by Dec 17
• Priority Mail: Ship by Dec 18
• Priority Mail Express: Ship by Dec 20

UPS 

• 3 Day Select: Ship by Dec 19
• 2nd Day Air: Ship by Dec 22
• Next Day Air: Ship by Dec 23
• Ground: Varies by distance; use UPS's tool

FedEx 

• Ground/Home Delivery (5-day): Ship by Dec 17
• 2Day/2Day AM: Ship by Dec 22
• Standard/Priority/First Overnight: Ship by Dec 23

*Note: key deadlines are listed, but I would do my best to ship as soon as possible, in order to beat the rush.

⚡Plan and budget – Creating a simple plan can reduce stress. Start by making a list of everyone you need to buy for, set a realistic overall budget, and break it down by category (gifts, cards, shipping, etc.) . Tracking your spending as you go helps you stay on course and keeps you from experiencing "buyers' remorse" and the "post-holiday debtor's blues" during the New Year.

⚡Use helpful tools – Browser extensions like BeFrugal  ,Honey or Rakuten can alert you to price drops and cash-back offers, while price-monitoring tools let you know when an item's price changes . Consider stacking cash-back incentives, such as using a cash-back debit card or app offers, such as Swagbucks, Microsoft Rewards 

No surprises – Double-check shipping estimates, especially for custom or international orders, and consider shipping with a carrier that provides tracking. If you're close to a store, in-store or curbside pickup can eliminate shipping waits altogether.

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Alternative ideas – Digital gifts like e-gift cards or printable certificates can be a lifesaver if you're running short on time. They're delivered instantly and let the recipient choose what they want .

By shopping thoughtfully and using a few handy tips, you can navigate the holiday season with ease. Happy shopping!

Thanks for blogging with us. Feel free to add your comments or questions or contact us. Visit https://www.sarahsupercenter.com for specialty gifts and savings on everyday items. Visit my Poshmark Closet- Sign up using my code: sarahsoutlet and get $10

Will Tariffs Affect Your Shopping This Season?

Will Tariffs Affect Your Shopping This Season?

Tariffs have been a hot topic for the last few months now. When first imposed by President Trump, the market has been fluctuating, and now the holiday season is upon us, with more tariff wars on the horizon.

This article from the NC University shares a sit-down with the Rob Handfield, Bank of America Distinguished Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at NC State.

Excerpt from the article

The Abstract: Could you briefly explain how you think about supply chains and trade policy when it comes to holiday shopping?

Handfield: The announcements made by President Trump on “Liberation Day” in April 2025 created chaos in the global trade environment. The U.S. imposed tariffs on 156 countries, including Mexico, Canada, and China, America’s largest trading partners. The tariffs are causing problems for American farmers, who are being told by China and Europe that reciprocal tariffs will negatively impact them as well, which has threatened the U.S. export of soybeans. Prices of U.S. soybeans have tanked during a record crop, as demand for our soybeans goes to other markets in South America. Strategic products like ships, steel and agricultural products will also feel the brunt of the effect of these tariffs.

Essentially, the tariffs act as a new tax on consumers. Even if some countries will be able to absorb some of these tariff impacts, an inflation of 10% in tariffs on $3 trillion of imports will cause massive damage. 

Many companies front-loaded and stockpiled inventory before the Christmas season, which is a peak sales time for much of the retail sector. However, consumers have already felt price increases on everything from computers and automobiles to appliances and food. 

Read Full Article Here: 

Learn more on the Tariff Wars with this freshly published book:

 

Trump's Tariffs: Protectionism, Politics, and the Global Economy - From First Term to Liberation Day  Published April 2025-Hard book -$24.85

This season is going to be a challenging one! I hope you all have a happy & safe one. I've posted a few links to help you with some of your shopping endeavors. Thank you all for your continued interest and support. Happy Holidays to you all.

Now, for those links! 

⚡Amazon's Best Holiday Gift Ideas- Click here to shop  

⚡Save $ with Amazon's Store Brand Products-Shop Amazon Basics- Click here to shop 

⚡Shop Amazon's Lightning Deals-You can find deep discounted deals for a limited time-Makes for great daily & holiday shopping- Click here to shop

⚡Get great deals at Amazon's Outlet Store- Click here to shop

⚡Save on Clothing and Accessories with Amazon Brands- Click here to shop

Shop Amazon Fresh this holiday and everyday, for low prices on groceries. Great news! Snap EBT is accepted as well-*Choose EBT for your checkout payment. 

⚡Meats and Seafood under $10

⚡Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Under $5

⚡Dairy Under $5

⚡Eggs Under $10

⚡Bread and Bakery Under $5

⚡Snacks Under $5

Click here to shop Amazon Fresh

Thanks for blogging with us. Feel free to add your comments or questions or contact us. Visit https://www.sarahsupercenter.com for specialty gifts and savings on everyday items. Visit my Poshmark Closet- Sign up using my code: sarahsoutlet and get $10

Shop Small: How it can boost the economy

Shop Small!

Once a year, we hear this term. We all look for a small business to support on #ShopSmallSaturday.

But do you know that shopping small can bring benefits to the economy every day? Let's see a few ways:

Shopping small can benefit the economy in several ways. It can:

• Stimulate local economies by cycling money back into the community. Small businesses are made up of groups of people who are neighbors. By buying small, we support our neighbors, which build strong economic growth in our local neighborhoods, and builds long-lasting, flourishing relationships even. These small businesses also give back to the communities.
• Reduces the carbon footprint due to less transportation. What is carbon foot printing? A formal definition of carbon footprint is as follows: "A measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions of a defined population, system or activity, considering all relevant sources, sinks and storage within the spatial and temporal boundary of the population, system or activity of interest.

So, shopping local can also be good for the ecosystem. By walking to your local store, taking a bus, or driving shorter trips, this can be good for the environment. Shopping your local businesses online is even better.

• Creates more jobs and supports the local community. By shopping small, you help businesses make enough money to hire local people. This boosts our communities by providing our neighbors to provide for themselves and their families.
• Nurtures innovation and growth. Have you ever browsed your neighborhood? Some of the most creative businesses are right there in your local view. Just take a browse online for local businesses in your area or go for a walk or drive in your local communities. Shopping small can grow your community into something great.
• Supports the American Dream. Buy small and support the American Dream. Each one of us has been created with inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I would even say, the right to meet our basic needs. By buying small, the small businessmen and women do not get left out of that dream.

So, here's a challenge to buy small. At least, once a week, do a search for local businesses in your area. Make a plan to visit one. Browse, dash, shop. It's all about support, and again, you can do this in many ways.

Do this every week. Even make this a family challenge, then, a neighborhood challenge. Soon, your neighborhoods and communities will be thriving.

Shop small with me:

Shop my Mercari Shop! Check out these items and more! Just click on the link to go to the product page/my shop.

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Shop small! Shop local! Shop online! Shop small! Thrive all! 

Thanks for blogging with us. Feel free to add your comments or questions or contact us. Visit https://www.sarahsupercenter.com for specialty gifts and savings on everyday items.

Visit my Poshmark Closet- Sign up using my code: sarahsoutlet and get $10

Winter Weather-Tips on Safe Driving and Keeping Your Car Winter Ready

Old Man Winter Blowing Snow in The City--Google Images

Old Man Winter knocking at your door? The snow is really pretty during this time,

Image -(Found on Google Images)

 but, driving in the Winter Weather can really give you the blues. Not only is it uncomfortable, but, it can also be very hazardous. Snow Storms cause delays in travel, and terrible car problems.

Image-(found on Google Images)

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while driving:

• Preparation-Always prepare your car for Winter Weather, before you set out to drive. You can prepare by performing certain vehicle checks, which I will discuss later down the line. You should also prepare daily, by checking your local Weather and Traffic reports, for road and weather conditions.
• During Driving- Always stay alert and keep your eyes on the road. Pay attention to any changes in traffic, such as any detours, or road signs, giving you certain instructions. 

           Be sure to maintain a safe driving distance from the driver in front of you. Adjust your speed 

           to driving conditions, and make sure roads and signs are visible. If you need to use head lights,

           high beams, windshield wipers, or fog lights, make sure they are in good working condition                prior to you starting your journey.

           Pay attention to your vehicle. Be aware of any strange sounds or noise coming from your 

           car. Be aware of steering and tire conditions. Does your vehicle seem to be off balance while 

           driving in Winter Weather conditions? Are tires wobbly, or maybe your vehicle is veering to              one side or another?

• Post Driving-You should check the condition of your vehicle, even after driving. Check for any damages to the vehicle that you may have not been aware of during your drive. When parking, be sure your parking brake is on, if you park on a hill top, to avoid your car sliding downhill.

Finally, here are some tips on keeping your car Winter Ready:

• As stated earlier, it is important to prepare your vehicle for the driving conditions of Winter. First, you should check your owner's manual for instructions and recommendations on maintaining your vehcile. The manual gives you very important knowledge,from the manufacturer, that will aid you in maintaining your car properly;
• Some of the most important general tasks of keeping your car Winter Ready are: making sure your tires are at the correct pressure. You may want to invest in some snow tires, if you live in areas that accumulate high volumes of snow.

          You will also want to ensure that your engine oil levels are good. It is recommended that you               check your engine oil levels every time you fuel up. *Tip: it's very important to ensure that you

          neither have too little or too much oil in your engine. Doing either can cause damage to your 

          engine. Be sure to read the dipstick correctly. You should see oil either above the low or first 

          mark, or anywhere below the high or second mark, on your dipstick. (Again, be sure to check 

          your manuals for more details).

          

           Another very important task is; make sure your brakes are in good working condition. It is 

           always important to do this, but, especially in adverse weather conditions.

           You also want to make sure your heating and defrosting systems are working properly. You 

            should have these checked prior to Winter, so you and your car can stay warm and defrosted.

The key to getting through the Winter is: to be prepared, be aware, and be active, before, during and after driving.

I hope this tips have helped you. And now, I just want to take a few minutes to share some great savings from some of our affiliate partners. Take a look at these great deals that will help keep your car Winter Ready. If you're interested in any of them, be sure to click on the links to grab those deals.

As always, thanks so much for visiting. Have a Very Wonderful and Safe Winter!




Oh, Here's a Free Article Resource from About.com Auto Repair

Maintaining Car Control In The Ice and Snow






Now, onto those deals :)




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