Socially Responsible Entrepreneur, Author, and Artist
My Favorite Holiday Ideas
I hope you will enjoy seeing my holiday tips that I posted a year ago. I still like these ideas so I wanted to share them with you again….
What do you think of when you see people walking aimlessly in the malls once Thanksgiving is over? Trying to pick out presents for people when we have no clue what they like or need, only to end up with a lot of dust collectors after this magical season is over. I wonder why we feel like we need to continue with what we are used to doing?
This year, I decided to think of holiday giving in a new way and give to others and myself in a more thoughtful way. This means staying away from the crowded shopping malls, instead, give my business to local merchants or make things at home. Yes, I love making things with my hands. It brings me great joy to be able to share what I made for the special person with love and time. I also make sure not to forget people and animals who need a helping hand. They deserve some joy too.
Here are my favorite things I love to do and to give during the holiday season:
Lemon Water Kit
I got into the habit of drinking warm lemon water every morning instead of coffee.
I’ve read and heard so many good things about lemon water. Lemon turns your water into an alkaline state and drinking it is good for cleansing your digestive system. I feel so much better when I start the day out with a large cup of hot water with ½ lemon and a few drops of natural honey. I decided to put a kit together to give as a gift to someone who has everything. I purchased a clear glass handled cup, a lemon squeezer and half a dozen lemons to put into this gift set. By the way, when you drink this out of a clear glass cup, it tastes so good! Try it, you will see what I mean.
How to Rock a Selfie Photo Shoot by Vivien McMaster
Do you notice when it comes to picture-taking time, most people get self-conscious and say, “Oh no, please leave me out. I don’t like to have my picture taken?” And we find ourselves in this situation more with the accessibility of Iphones which are snapping photos all around us, everywhere we go.
Most of us are self-conscious because we keep telling ourselves, I’m not attractive enough to be in photos. Well, me too. When I found this on-line Selfie class given by Vivien McAlister, I decided to take it. Yes, this class is about self-portrait photography but it’s so much more. Vivien will teach you by helping to identify special gifts you have to offer to the world. I am planning to give this class as a gift to my special friend who is filled with beauty inside-out but feels self-conscious about her photo image. I can hardly wait to see her blossom!
Holiday Tags, So Simple to Make!
just takes a little imagination and desire to make these sophisticated tags.
I enjoy making my own tags because they are fun to make and at the end I feel like I’ve added my personal touch to the gifts I give away. It also feels good not to spend money buying commercially made tags.
It takes few simple punches, baker’s twine and a roll of washi tape. I cut my tags 3” x 6” and fold it in half, resulting in a 3″x3″ piece. They can be used as gift tags or make them larger to be used as thank you cards. All you want to say is just a short note of appreciation right? Once I get going on these tags, I can’t stop so I make way more than I need and give them away as little gifts of appreciation to my friends.
How to Behave so Your Dog Behaves
Dr. Sophia Yin
“Sophia learned that every pet needs a human who can lead. Not like a boss, but like a partner in a dance—someone who gives clear signals, rewards desirable behavior as it occurs, removes rewards for inappropriate behavior immediately, and sticks to the plan consistently until the new, good behavior is a habit.”
-Sophia Yin”
I can guarantee that this is the best animal training book I have ever found. If you don’t believe me, ask my dog Max. It whipped him right into shape!
Dr. Yin’s training method is so simple, just follow it and you will see a Iremarkable difference in your relationship with your Fido in only two weeks!
Just close your eyes and imagine you and Fido dancing like a pair of pro dancers. It is a great feeling when this kind of bond can be established between you and Fido. Thank you Dr. Sophia Yin!
Your local bookstore or Dr. Sophia Yin’s website: http://drsophiayin.com/howtobehave/for/pet-owners
Home-Made Granola in a Jar
I’m addicted to eating things I make in my own kitchen. Why? One simple reason… because I know exactly what’s in them. I fell in love with granolas when I found this recipe on Garden for the Home. You can get this recipe here:
Kevin Lee Jacobs does a superb job with giving clear directions on his hand selected recipes. I love many of his recipes and love trying them out.
Once you make this to-die-for recipe, put them into glass canning jars and tie the neck with a colorful ribbon … and don’t forget to add your hand-made tag to make your gift look like a million dollars.
PS – I love eating this granola with creamy Greek yogurt from Whole Foods.
Give a Helping Hand
Who said you have to be wealthy to donate? Did you know that 80% of the active philanthropists in this world are middle and low income people?
Every person who steps up to organize a give back to our society event is part of a powerful movement in social giving.
It doesn’t have to be in a grand way, just do what you can. Let me give you a little idea. Why not hold a small gathering of friends and family during this joyous season. Let them know ahead of time you want them to help you raise money for a cause which you are passionate about. Make it a fun and special evening and share the reason why you want to help the animals, children or the underserved population.
You will be surprised at how people will open up their wallets to help your cause. Remember, no gift is too small and know you are making a difference in creating a better world. You can check out the “Angels for the Animals” event’s video here. We gave the proceeds from this very successful event to Pasado’s Safe Haven, Precious Life Animal Sanctuary, Old Dog Haven, and Ginger’s Pet Rescue here.
Let me know if you liked any of my ideas. I’d love to hear your ideas too!
