If you prefer to buy gifts in advance, plan family get-togethers, and book your holidays way ahead to get the best deals, you might like this fun guide to 2010.

The annual 2010 forecast for each Sun sign runs at about 2,000 words per sign, including the opportunities, challenges,  and best dates for love for singles and couples, money, career, family and travel is out now!

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If your family still insists on serving the traditional Christmas roast turkey for dinner, be thankful: that bird could save you a fortune on shopping the next day!

A study has found that stomach-sticking meals make consumers shop less. We’ve already been nagged not to shop on a hungry tummy, and I wrote earlier about diets making you more prone to impulse-shop, but now there’s a reason we should eat and be merry on Christmas Eve – it’ll help keep us out of the shops on Boxing Day!

Researchers from the University of Utah did their study on Thanksgiving meals and the correlating bun-rush in the shops on Black Friday but the results could apply equally to Christmas Day and the Boxing Day sales, too.

Arul and Himanshu Mishra found that the type of food consumed during Thanksgiving (or Christmas) can influence whether consumers go to the sales the next day or not and even restrains their impulse purchases.

Food like tryptophan-rich turkey and carbohydrate-packed potatoes increases levels of serotonin, a chemical that affects mood, appetite, sleep and some cognition. Serotonin levels have also been shown to correlate with impulsive behaviors. The Mishras found people who have increased levels of serotonin, such as someone who recently ate a large Christmas turkey dinner, are less prone to impulsive purchases.

But it’s not just stodgy foods like potatoes that stop us going silly at the mall – apparently even protein shakes, which are high in serotonin, can do the same thing.

Impulse shoppers are typically searching “for something” but it turns out what they really need to stop wasting money is satiety (a feeling of fullness).

If you’re battling the urge to go shopping, reconsider those Aussie prawns on the barbie for Christmas and consider a turkey, instead. You’ll find it easy to go cold turkey – both on your plate and at the shops.

Most wedding gift registries tend to specify actual products but a new Canadian one, UponAStar lets you see inside the wishes and dreams of the couple getting married, not how many towels nor knives and forks they need.

It is, in fact, an online “wishing well” asking for money but it’s done so stylishly that guests who normally baulk at being bailed up for cash will enjoy taking part.

UponAStar’s wishes of course, cost money (and they specify how much these “wishes” cost and the quantity they’ll need) but the nice thing about it for many is that it is not “stuff” but memories they can share for always.

Many couples might take the immediate gratification of honeymoon wishes – ie horseriding on the beach, Hawaiian massages, hot air balloon ride or whatever – to enjoy right after the wedding. Others may wish to start a family (many brides these days are super-efficient and are already pregnant at the ceremony), while others may be further along the parenting path and wish for an education fund to put their pre-teens through university. Still others will be in renovation mode and wishing they didn’t have to spend their weekends covered in sawdust but to get a tradie to do some of the work.

You can wish for anything you want of course, but the catch is that you will still have to price it (even approximately) if you are to receive your wish.

Everyone knows someone who already has everything you could possibly buy (my grandfather is one of these guys).

It’s hard to impress them, they don’t want more “stuff”, but if they do, only the most expensive will do, thanks.

But it’s unlikely they’ve got around to purchasing a domain name in their own name. This cool UK site, Mr Site, offers you a Dotcom in a Matchbox which has to be one of the best and most appropriate personalised Christmas or birthday gifts you can buy for people in the UK (only there, I’m afraid).

Available for just GBP9.99  for a year, they can buy a domain in their own name, their nickname or maybe their “porn” name (you know, the name of your first pet and street you lived on as a child – mine’s Sooty Williams) or you might opt to buy them a website solution for quite a bit more.

It’s sure to impress anyone – even your favourite surly teen!

According to the wedding gurus at GetMarried, the US holiday season between Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November) through to Valentines Day is the most popular season for engagements with approximately 35-40% (or 550,00-650,000 couples) getting married in the 12-18 months afterwards.

Here are their top 10 bridal trend predictions for 2010. Some of them are frankly, a little weird, but there are a few others which could be added to a novel gift registry, especially if you need help with wedding expenses.

1. Non-linear wedding aisle.
Well marriage is hardly linear, more of a game of Twister and Monopoly with a Get Out Of Jail Free card so maybe that’s the idea? Or is it to be photographed on your best angle? I truly doubt this one will take off… If it does, a Gemini, Scorpio or Aquarius would be the most likely candiate.

2. Comfort foods
When the economy tanks, everyone wants to go back to basics which is great news for your wallet (although maybe not your waistline). Why not consider adding your catering bill to your gift registry, ask Uncle Tim to share some of his dusty bottles in the cellar or have your aunt make the cupcakes. And everyone really does love chicken. Comfort foods are nirvana to Taureans and Cancerians.

3.  Gifting techie gadgetry
Technology is a tricky one because it becomes obsolete so quickly, making your friends and family waste their money on something you can’t keep. Whatever PDA, iPhone or other techie gadget you get in 2010 is unlikely to be any use in say 2015.  However, for the retro girl/guy marrying that iPod addict, why not consider buying software that convert records to a digital file? One for the Aquarians.

4. Texture-inspired invitations
Embossed, die-cut and engraved invitations are the go for 2010 as they’re supposed to mimic your wedding decor. Unfortunately the bride will be the only one who notices the seamless theming. Yes, you could ask for someone to pay for your invites as their gift to you but um, don’t. This trend could suit the Virgos.

5. Cobalt blue
This colour is set to be the hottest colour for brides in 2010. And in about oh, 10 years or so when everyone looks at your bridesmaids in this electrically charged 80s colour (I was very fond of it myself then), they will laugh. What about keeping it to gifts like vases, table linen, candlesticks, picnicware, or cushion covers? I see this one suiting fun-loving Sagittarius.

6. Wear-again bridesmaid dresses
I like this trend. Whether you or your bridesmaids are paying for their dresses, it’s nice to think the frocks will get some wear again, like regifting…Pisces are super-sentimental and will appreciate this one.

7. Three-dimensional save-the-dates
Here’s they’re talking about items like paper umbrellas to signify a destination wedding. This is where you might want to add honeymoon excursions and attractions to your gift registry. Or even a B&B gift certificate for when you get home and feel a bit anti-climactic. Sagittarius again.

8. Old Hollywood glam for men
Think Cary Grant – even George Clooney. If your man doesn’t have a good pair of shoes, why not put that in your wedding gift registry. He will have them for years! This will thrill the Librans and Leos.

9. Blogger brides
Blogging about your wedding planning is becoming surprisingly common. If you’re a techie yourself, maybe you could give her free hosting, cool apps or a hand at programming as your wedding gift? If they can make their blog into a money-making exercise, this trend might suit Capricorn while Gemini might try it just for fun.

10. Personalised everything
Last, but definitely not least, brides want a wedding which is completely customised for them, from personalised invitations, monogrammed guest books, and made-to-order favours to gifts which are all about the couple.  Some of these things are fun but just add to the cost of your wedding. In addition to the array of personalised homewares and books you could ask for, I think a personalised set of cards and envelopes embossed with your names and address would be a nice addition to your gift registry. And you just know your aunt would buy it as that would give you the stationery on which to write your thank you cards! This trend will suit Aries, Leo and Libra (who likes everything matching).

Any PC, equality-pushing parent who’s tried desperately to interest her little girl into anything but a sea of pink, tutus and fairy wands may have a wry chuckle at this.

A British internet campaign has been launched to urge parents not to buy pink Christmas toys and games for girls, saying it pushes them down a “pink alley” of traditonal women’s jobs.

Pinkstinks has been created by Emma Moore who argues pink represents passivity and prettiness, while buys are encouraged to be bold and courageous with the colour blue. (Last time I read anything about colour therapy I though they went off the rails seeing the colour red. Or was that drinking red cordial?)

The campaign to boycott pink items has been supported by Labour MP Bridget Prentice who thought they pushed girls into “pretty, pretty jobs” but mocked as pointless by the British Retail Consortium who say retailers stock according to customer demand.

Hilariously, the Early Learning Centre, which is one of the firms being boycotted, denied it was a pink-pushing sexist toy retailer, responding that, “Customers can choose a red kitchen, a blue kitchen, a blue cash register or a yellow dolls house.”

If one of your Christmas “gifts” to your lover this year is a proposal, you couldn’t go past Wednesday 16 or Thursday 17 December!

Wednesday 16 December features both Sun in Sagittarius sextile Neptune in Aquarius and a New Moon in Sagittarius. Sagittarius rules adventure and exploration (what is more of an adventure in life than getting engaged?) while Aquarius is all about friendship and group activities (just like those pre-wedding parties you’ll have to arrange). Neptune rules compassion, kindness and selflessless. Since a New Moon is a new beginning, it is an auspicious time to become engaged!

Thursday 17 December features Venus in Sagittarius trine Mars in Leo. Venus rules love and relationships while Mars is all about action and sex drive. If your heart thumps for someone and you want to make it official, it’s a beautiful date for ever-lasting romance!

A date while Venus is in Sagittarius responds very well to outdoors action – why not go on an evening picnic, a twlight stroll on the beach, snuggle up watching a movie at Moonlight Cinema (Leo does rule entertainment) or if you’re feeling festive, go to a Christmas night market and have fun kissing under the mistletoe!

And if you’re still shopping for Christmas gifts, do it on 17 December. The Moon is in Capricorn which is not known for its romantic nature, but more for its pragmatism. You may find something that your partner will love – and find it at a reduced rate, too.

If you’re unattached and reading this, join in the fun somewhere on 17 December to mingle with other singles. You might see some fireworks way before New Year’s Eve…

A clever new US gift registry has been launched which lets couples and singles save for a home deposit, renovation or furniture.

Hatch My House allows users to set up a registry, which through cute illustrations, allows gift-givers to pay towards a front door, a window or say, a new set of taps via payments from Paypal.

They pay a one-time fee of $24.95 and can create a “home” illustrated in the colour of their choice. Currently available in representative Craftsman or brownstone styles, visitors can vote for the next house style to be introduced, whether that’s a San Francisco-style Victorian Queen Anne, the Santa Fe-style of Spanish Revival, New Orleans’ French Provincial or Boston’s Federal style.

This gift registry could be a lot more palatable to people who want cash to buy a home – and to their guests who get a say in how it’s spent.

But it could even be used by families whose home has been destroyed by natural disaster or say for twentysomethings and thirtysomethings who are still living at home and need a little nudge to find their own place…

It’s In The Stars turns 3 years old this month so help us celebrate our birthday festival until 19 December!

You’ll save $19 on BabyStars reports which are ideal if you, your sister, best friend or daughter is having a baby or a christening soon – or if you’re seeking a beautiful keepsake gift for Christmas!
 
A BabyStars report is a fascinating look at any little one aged from 0-12 years, using just their name, birthdate, time and location, providing easy-to-understand astrology insights. It’s perfect for picking up and reading in sections at a time and you’ll be astonished at how incredibly accurate it is!
 
Printed on high quality 100gsm premium paper, BabyStars reports make the ideal keepsake for christenings, naming ceremonies or as a fun primer for any new or experienced parent.

And you’ll save $19 off your LoveStars report - which is the ideal personalised gift whether you’re in a new relationship, recently become engaged or you’ve been happily married for ages – for anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, engagements, Valentines Day and weddings.
 
You can curl up together to read the fun, fascinating and incredibly accurate insights about each other and your relationship and smiling, “Yes, you DO do that!”. All you need are your names, birthdates, times and locations.
 
Printed on luxurious-feeling 100gsm premium paper, your LoveStars report will be one of the most-read books in your home!
 
Hurry! Our 3rd birthday promotion ends Saturday 19 December!

Pre-Christmas overseas delivery order deadline: Wednesday 16 December
Pre-Christmas Australian delivery order deadline: Monday 21 December
 
BabyStars Birthtime Known (45-50 pages) – reduced from $99 to $80
BabyStars Birthtime Not Known (30-35 pages) - reduced from $89 to $70
LoveStars Birthtime Known (30-35 pages) – reduced from $89 to $70
LoveStars Birthtime Not Known (15-20 pages) – reduced from $79 to $60
 
I look forward to delighting you with your own report very soon!

With roughly three weeks to Christmas, there will be many of you (too many!) who will juuuuuust be starting their Christmas gift shopping (but not the men, because they’ll start in the last few days before Christmas – and then they wonder why it’s such a nightmare)…

According to one incredibly addictive website, the Book of Odds, Americans intend to give an average of 18.2 gifts this Christmas (is the 0.2 gift a regifted thing?) but that’s due to the GFC – last year the average number was 21.5 gifts and in 2007 the average number was 23.1 Christmas gifts. Boy! I’m planning on giving about a dozen – and I bought four of them from the one website to cut shipping costs.

So, if your Christmas gift budget is looking leaner than Kate Moss, it’s time to trim some (gift) fat. Here’s 5 ideas to help you along:

1. If you don’t see ‘em, they don’t get a prezzie
This extends to friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and others you don’t see more than twice a year. Send ‘em a card instead. It might be all you’re getting from them.

2. “I just love your [fill in the possession they crave]“
Ever had someone close to you look lustfully at an item you own that you like, but you don’t lurrrrrve?  Why not make their Christmas – and save your wallet – and give it to them with your blessings. A friend of mine once told me quite cheerfully she’d like my big red coat if I died. We are no longer friends but it had nothing to do with her comment.

3. Many hands make light work (of your wallet)
It’s a corny saying, but the best gift you can give someone really IS your time. Don’t forget there are concierge services out there offering to run around for busy people. Why not make up  a fun IOU gift voucher for washing their car, taking the kids to the park, picking up the paint chip brochures at the hardware store, constructing the Christmas tree, standing in line at the fish markets to get the fresh prawns for Christmas Day, decorating the house, going to the post office to mail gifts intrastate, interstate or overseas – and so on.

4. Have everyone bring a plate – not a gift
Cooking and catering for everyone PLUS getting them all a gift is a huge drain on your wallet. Why not say to everyone to forget the gifts but to chip in for the food? Perhaps Aunt Juliet can make her irresistible white Christmas slice, Grandpa can get everyone silly with his famous gluhwein while your brother can man the BBQ.

5. Buy those gift-with-purchase gifts in the department store
Most cosmetics giants offer an amazing array of beauty products if you spend a certain amount. In one purchase, you can have a coral nail polish for your sister, a lipstick for your mother, a purse-size eau de toilette for your best friend, a cosmetic bag for your colleague and so on.