Holiday Gift Shopping Assistance...part 1

A day later than promised, but here we go with my tips for simple holiday gift shopping! I will provide you ideas for thoughtful and affordable presents, links to some local vendors I recommend purchasing from, and encouragement to start shopping now, and have it all "wrapped up" by early December so you can enjoy a peaceful, relaxing couple of weeks around Christmas.

 

My first tip is this...keep it simple and heartfelt! Give some thought to the person you are picking a gift out for, and choose something that:

• you know they will love, but would not purchase for themself
• you see, and it makes you think of them
• is something that represents who they are to you
• they can add to a collection
• would be an indulgence they would not typically get to have

As much as everyone enjoys receiving a gift, opening it, seeing what they've received, we all can think of instances where the joy really lasted only as long as the opening of the present. So often, it's a trinket, a token gift that we aren't really sure how to use/where to use/if we'll use. Don't get me wrong, all gifts should be appreciated, but when it feels like we've only been gifted because it was the "expected thing", we lose some of the enjoyment, and it takes away from what could be an opportunity to really show someone that you care for them. Take the opportunity of Christmas and gift giving to show those you care how you feel by picking out a heartfelt, thoughtful gift that they are certain to know how/where/when to use, and will truly appreciate and enjoy receiving it!

 

That said, if you have a difficult time coming up with gift ideas, stress no more, I am here to help! I strongly encourage you to visit your local bazaars, which offer up a huge variety of handcrafted items, small vendors with direct-sales businesses that have fantastic gift options, and tasty snacks and treats. You can get ideas for putting together your own gift baskets, making your own baked goodies, or you can purchase ready-made presents and wrap up your shopping, while supporting these local business people and crafters! It's such a win-win! If you don't have time to spend browsing bazaars, or you prefer to do your shopping from the comfort of your living room, or you're just not sure where to start, please keep your eyes on my blog as I highlight some great ideas, and link you directly to the retailers you can purchase from!

 

Today I offer you 3 of my top gift ideas for the gals on your list...

 

A truly unique, one-of-a-kind, customized, wearable gift is easy to put together by making an Origami Owl locket. You choose the locket, charms that tell the story of the person you're gifting, and so many other options! I get so many compliments when I wear my locket! There are several locket choices, chain options, adorable dangles, and new products that I haven't had a chance to explore yet! Visit one of my O2 ladies on their websites, and get started in creating a gift that will be appreciated by any woman who receives it!! You can purchase online for direct home delivery, or can host a living lockets party in your home and receive credit towards your purchases while sharing the O2 fun with your friends!

In Oregon/Washington, visit Jamie at www.jamieb.origamiowl.com,

In California, visit Mary at www.marythomas.origamiowl.com.

I have purchased from both these lovely gals, and recommend them highly!!
 

 

If you have a little girl on your gift list, consider a handmade and truly adorable skirt! My friend has perfected a simple but beautifully detailed skirt pattern, and offers a fun assortment of patterns and a variety of sizes. All her skirts have an elastic waist, making them easily resized for a perfect fit! She also makes cute hair clips/bows, and coffee cup cozies. Email her today! chiapetdiz@yahoo.com

Every girl likes to be warm on cold winter days! You have so many options for handmade scarves, hats, gloves and such when you hit up a bazaar, so if you're looking for knit and crochet items, I encourage you to try to get to a bazaar or two! If you aren't able to though, then check out this gal's beautiful crochet items! She will customize to your liking, and has many varieties of scarves, as well as gorgeous hats, boot warmers, and more! I purchased a warm and pretty cowl from her recently, and it's so nice on chilly fall mornings! Super cozy and beautifully made, definitely a quality product! You can find Valerie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aims.ftw?fref=ts&ref=br_tf#!/Simplycrochetwithluv



It's About Time, Not Things

So, last posted on Monday...today is Saturday...guess I'm failing at posting every day in November!  In my defense, though, let me just say that the reason is after being at work all day, I've been careful in the evenings to stay off the computer and spend time with my kids and husband instead. I think that's a fair enough reason to not follow through on my goal of posting something thoughtful and/or witty each day!

 

Today I want to give you some thoughts on shopping early for the holidays. I get all the hype around Black Friday deals, going to the mall to see the Christmas decorations, sales left and right at every store you go into. That's all well and good, but it really truly takes away from what the holiday seasons should be about...family; thankfulness for the blessings you have; helping those who aren't as fortunate as you; spending time with your loved ones, not just bestowing gifts, 'things' upon them. We celebrate Christmas to reflect upon the gift God gave us when he blessed the virgin Mary with His son Jesus. We give gifts to our loved ones as reminders of how much they mean to us, much like God gifting us with the baby Jesus to show His love for us. Christmas is not about all the 'things', the gimme-gimme mentality that the retail world has our children believing is okay, or even the festive and pretty decorations we put in our homes. Some level of all that is great, I for one think a Christmas tree, lights and some holiday decor in the living room brings a peaceful tone to our home. Picking out thoughtful, tasteful gifts for our family and friends is a nice part of Christmas too, and honestly, who doesn't enjoy opening a present and seeing what was picked out as a person thought of us? Unfortunately, much of the retail-happy, deals-saturated, busy-as-can-be culture we live in these days leads people to lose that thoughtful aspect of the gift picking out and giving process. Instead we feel pressured to buy the latest and greatest gadgets and toys, to one-up what we gave in previous years, even to give just for the sake of it being Christmas, rather than for the sake of wanting to show appreciation to somebody. Gifts, 'things', are truly not what Christmas is about...and I challenge you to really think about that this holiday season. Spend some time thinking about the person you are getting a gift for, and choose something that reflects your love and appreciation of them; something they wouldn't get for themselves; something you see that makes you think of them. Don't just buy stuff, wrap it up, and give presents to people because you think you have to. Ditch that which has become the societal norm, and create a truly magical, special and blessed Christmas for your family and friends by spending quality time with them, maybe gifting them with a little something you find that you know they will appreciate.

 

Along these lines, I also encourage you to do your holiday gift shopping early, get it done before the hustle-bustle of December hits, before you cannot go to any store without being bombarded by sales and deals that you don't really need to take part in. Spend some time right now making your gift list, those people that you wish to appreciate at Christmas, those you wish to give a token of thanks to, those you love and care about and want to show that to through a thoughtful present or two. Once you have those names down, start shopping, allowing yourself time to really think about what they would like or need. Then take a look at those around you that are local business owners, or have a direct-sales home business, or are crafters with unique and special one-of-a-kind items. Hit up the bazaars in your area, check out Facebook for your friends that have these types of businesses and are offering great gift ideas, talk to those around you to see if they know people that are selling items that may be on your list. It's a beautiful thing when you can find a perfect gift for somebody, and at the same time buy from a local crafter or home-based businessperson, supporting them in their venture and allowing them to be successful away from corporate America and big-box stores who are selling 'things' made in other countries, inexpensively, without quality and safety being important aspects of the finished product.

 

Check back tomorrow for my list of great gift ideas! I hosted a bazaar last weekend that offered a fabulous array of retailers, and I will share some of those, as well as some ideas on how you can give thoughtful, tasteful (and affordable!) gifts to everybody on your list. Set yourself a goal of having all your presents purchased before December, so you can enjoy the month of holiday festivities, parties, gatherings and gift exchanges without any of the stress and anxiety of last-minute gift shopping! It's very freeing, and I for one am looking forward to actually accomplishing it this year...I've said I will for a couple of years now, but haven't quite gotten there...this year, I want December to be about calm, peace, and enjoying quality time with my family and friends.

Thankful For Freedom

Today is Veteran's Day, a day we pause and reflect on the freedom we experience living in the USA; a day for honoring those who fight for that very freedom. We all have someone in our life who has put their very life on the line to protect the freedoms we so often take for granted. Be sure you thank a veteran today, and it sure wouldn't hurt to thank one every other day of the year also! We have this one particular day on the calendar that is set aside to honor them, but they are out there fighting for us - physically, mentally, emotionally- and protecting our freedom every day.

Thank you to all those brave men and women who serve our country in the miltary.

 



Live With Grace

My Day 10 post brought to you on Day 11 is another short one. Are you perfect? In every way, in everything you do? Never making a mistake? No. Nobody is, and we aren't supposed to be! Yet we seem to expect others to be just that, perfect, never making mistakes, always doing what we think they should. And we get aggravated when they do something "wrong" (wrong by our definition anyway!) or not the way we would have done it. I am so guilty of this, of getting easily irritated at the inadequacies (again, only by my own definition!) of those around me. However, if I believe in the grace that God allows me to be imperfect, to make mistakes, to make wrong decisions, then why do I not extend that same grace to those around me, who also are imperfect, make mistakes, and make wrong decisions? Who am I to think I'm better than them, my way is better than theirs, my outcome is right and theirs wrong?

 

Who I am is a child of God, created perfectly imperfect in His image, born with free will to make my own choices, right or wrong, and taught that forgiveness is always within reach, grace is always there if I ask for it, and I need to be treating everyone else the same way I wish to be treated; with forgiveness and grace. Not easy to do, but possible. For everything is possible with God. Everything. Every. Thing. 

Live With Love

Much to say, little time to spend writing. My Day 9 post on Day 11 is simply this...hug your loved ones daily. Do not let a day pass in silence, tell your loved ones how you feel about them. Cherish the time you have with them. Spend that time in harmony and enjoying each other. Do not waste that time in disaccord or anger. You truly do not know when the day you are living will be your last, so treat each day as if it is just that. Tomorrow is not a guarantee. Live today wisely, fully, and with love.

TGIF

When I was working only part-time, and Doug was working weekends, and we did not yet have children in school, I had no appreciation for the sentiment of 'TGIF - Thank Goodness It's Friday'. Our "weekend" was typically Wednesday-Thursday, because those were the days Doug (usually) had off. But of course, if Doug was off, then I was working, at least on one of the days. So we maybe had Thursdays as a family day. Sometimes. But Friday rolled around, and Doug worked an all-day shift, and I often was home with the kids. And it often felt more like a Monday to us, especially to Doug.

 

Since I began working full-time, and Doug is not working so he's home on "real" weekends, and we have a child in school, Friday takes on a whole new meaning!! I really do feel that 'TGIF' feeling, and now I understand why so many people have a regular Friday-night-out, be it pizza night, or drinks with co-workers night, family night, or date night. I remember as a child Friday meant an evening of ABC family shows. There is something so peaceful about knowing that the work and school week is over, and the family gets two days "off", to relax, to catch up on house stuff, to have a family outing, or run errands. To simply not have to wake up to an alarm clock, head out the door early in the morning, and be at a desk all day is a blissful feeling! Monday will always be just a couple days away, and the routine will begin again, but those two days of no work (or school) really are nice.

 

 

 

 

Advice from Snoopy

Today's post brings you some wise words to live by, courtesy of Snoopy. A short and sweet post for you!

 

Philosophy of Snoopy

• Learn From Yesterday.
• Live For Today.
• Look To Tomorrow.
• Rest This Afternoon.

 



One Day...

One day your life will flash before your eyes.
Make sure it's worth watching.

 

Make sure you are living each moment to the fullest.  You are guaranteed only the moment you're living right now, do not take it for granted.

Make sure you are living in the present, not the past. That's over, you cannot change it...you can only learn from it, and make the change in the present.

Make sure you are living your life in a positive light; you are setting an example. Your children are watching, they are living by your example, they are looking to you to learn about life. Teach them wisely, their future depends on you.

Make sure you put others first, but also take care of yourself. You are important, but how you treat others is important also. Share what you can, be it time, talents, money. You reap what you sow, therefore sow wisely.

Make sure you let those who matter to you know that they matter. Never assume that somebody knows how you feel, or that you'll have tomorrow to tell them. Tell them now, it may make a profound difference in their life.

Make sure you think before you speak. Words are important, actions are more important. Align your words with your actions, and walk your talk.

Make sure every step you take is putting you closer to your purpose, to meeting your goal, to living out your destiny. You were created for a purpose, God has a plan for your life; seek it, live it out. You are alive and powerful...be brave, step into the unknown, seek God's direction, follow the path He leads you on. This will ensure that when you reach the end, and your life is flashing before your eyes as you prepare to meet Jesus in Heaven, you will be watching the life you lived with gratitude and awe, rather than with sadness and regret.

 

Make sure you pray tonight, and thank God for the blessings he has shared with you, and ask for grace for the missteps you've taken. Make sure to live tomorrow with thankfulness in your heart, with joy and a positive outlook. Make sure you are shining your light onto the dark world.

A day late and...

Better late than never, right?! So here is my Day 5 blog posting, a day late but that just means you get two postings from me today!

 

If you read my Day 1 post, then you read that I'm doing a 24 Day Challenge. You may find yourself wondering what that is. Well, wonder no more...sit back, and watch this little video, which will explain just what the 24 Day Challenge is, how it works, and what it can do for you. If after watching, you're interested in learning more, or in making this your Day 1, please visit our website, www.dougellen.com, to contact us for additional information.

 

www.24daychallengemovie.com

 



4 Things on the 4th

Today, I wish to share with you 4 things that I am thankful for at this moment in time.

 

1.  That I was able to hug my kids today, and that I am able to put them to bed tonight and tell them "I love you". There are parents who, for reasons beyond their immediate control, were not able to hug their child today or tuck them in tonight, were not able to say those important words of reassurance to their child. I am thankful, and appreciative, of each day that I am able to spend some precious moments with my children.

 

2.  That my husband is able to be home with our children, that he is getting to experience the day-to-day fun and work of being home with young children, that they are able to have this time with their daddy, to spend quality time with him and learn from him, and teach him.

 

3.  That I was raised with faith, nurtured by loving parents who instilled in me the value of living a life firmly rooted in the rock of God's love; parents who taught me through their daily actions the importance of family and faith, and who showed me unconditional love.

 

4.  That as the days turn cold, dark, and wet, I have a warm bed to sleep in, food to fill my belly, a job to support my family, people waiting for me to come home from work. 

 

 

Third Day

..."And on the third day, He rose again"...

 

The number 3 brings a sense of hope with it, for it was on the third day after being crucified that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He watches over us with constant love and forgiveness.

 

So on this third day of November, I want to thank Jesus for the sacrifice that was made on that cross; the very giving of himself so we could live a life of free will. He died so that we would be able to make choices on how we live our life, and not only that but He died seeking forgiveness for the times our choices are sinful. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."

 

And all these years later, we continue to have free will, to make our choices, to sometimes choose sinful ways, and God continues to forgive us. Wow. Do we even understand the unconditional love that God carries for each of us? A love that is willing to forgive, over and over again? "He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 

 

There are days that I feel completely undeserving of this grace, and I believe those are the days that I most need the strength that comes from knowing God. If you are feeling undeserving, I encourage you to spend a few minutes with God, talk with Him, really listen to Him, and find peace in knowing that His grace IS sufficient. That his strength can be your strength, if you allow Him into your heart and mind.

 

 

 



Thankful for Being Together

Today was a most relaxing and peaceful Saturday. I found myself remembering similar Saturdays from my childhood; those Fall days when my siblings and I were all school-age(sorry Em, that means you weren't around yet!), and Saturday meant sleeping in, family breakfast, morning cartoons, and hours of playing. Some of those hours were spent playing in our rooms, others were spent playing board games in the living room. The word that comes to my mind when I think back on those times is 'calm'.

 

Today was a day for setting aside all the things that need to be done, (other than a trip to Trader Joes to stock up on healthy foods so we can do this Challenge right!!), leaving the TV off, ignoring the cell phone, and enjoying my family. Watching my son cover the living room floor in Matchbox cars and Monster Jam trucks (which he played with for hours!) and helping my daughter practice her letter writing and math (admittedly this was done on my Nook today, there is a time and place for enjoying the advances of technology!) were my biggest accomplishments today, and that makes me happy! There are things I thought I needed to get done today that I ignored, but that's okay, they'll get done tomorrow instead, and today I reminded my children that they are important. And I think that is important! And it made for a calm and peaceful day, which we are ending by taking advantage of knowing we're gaining an hour of sleep tonight (thank you Fall Daylight Savings!) and staying up later than we should, watching Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving.

 

In the wise words of Marcie from C.B.'s Thanksgiving: "Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. We should just be thankful for being together."  Today I am thankful that I have these two beauties to be together with! Their daddy ain't so bad either, and I'm extra thankful to have family Saturdays that include him!

 

 

Day 1!

I love November. I love time falling back, leaves changing to vibrant colors and falling gently in the breeze, I love Thanksgiving and being with family. I love that my Gracie-girl was due in December but came in November, so we can celebrate her birthday during my favorite month! Some years she even gets to have a Thanksgiving birthday!

In honor of my favorite month, I will be writing a blog post every day. Yes people, every. single. day. It may be a quick post about things I'm thankful for, it may be a little insight into my thoughts, it may be a quote I'm fond of, a song I turn to for inspiration, it may simply be some randomness that I felt needed to be shared with you. It may inspire you, or discourage you, make you smile, or make you frown. I don't know, and that's the beauty of it...we're going it the flow here, staying flexible, living in the moment, taking life as it comes.

 

Let's begin.

 

Day 1:  Today is a Day 1 for me in many ways; it's the first day of the month, it's the first day of my daily-blogging-for-a-month, and it's the first day of my second 24 Day Challenge. I love Day 1's! What a fantastic way to start anew and fresh, to remind myself of what my goals are and to get back on track pursuing them! Do you know that you can pick any day to be your Day 1? Do you have a goal you've been ignoring, something you've been procrastinating on or putting aside for "someday"? Well, make today "someday"! Start now! If health and wellness are on your goal list, I encourage you to join our Fall Into Healthy Holidays group Challenge; it's a great way to jumpstart your path to healthiness, and you get to do it with lots of support and fellow challengers! If there's something else you need to start on, but you need some support, please ask me for a referral to my dear friend who is my Accountability Coach...she can provide you with tips on how to get going with meeting your goal, and guidelines on how to stay accountable to it! Make no more excuses, wait for "someday" no longer...make today YOUR Day 1!