Joyful or Frugal: 5 Best ways to shop this holiday season

Hi Everyone! With the holiday deals that are going on, it’s hard to keep track on how to spend wisely. To be a smarter shopper, below are some ideas to keep in mind for this holiday season. 

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39256474@N00/16084061491">Tonight in Vancouver: An Oakridge Center Christmas</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">(license)</a>

Don’t get caught up in the hype of it all.  

Make a budget and stick to it. Take advantage of Cyber Monday. Relax with a cup of coffee and music in the background. Find yourself consciously making smart buying decisions. Take advantage of being at home and shopping; reviewing products you want to buy, and having the opportunity to take a second look at the cart before hitting “proceed”.  

Free Shipping.  

Free shipping exists for a reason. USE IT! Look for merchants that offer free shipping deals. Saving a few bucks here and there can never hurt during the holiday season.

Protect yourself.  

Threats exist and you can be a victim. It’s best to shop with merchants you trust and are familiar with. It’s not to say something can’t happen, but the ones you know are better than the ones you don’t know. Protect your identity – protect your wallet. If you’re not sure about an Ad or an email promotion, don’t open it. Monitor your accounts throughout the holiday season.

Buy it or skip it.  

Buy with cash if you can. There’s no need to put that extra charge on the card if you don’t need to do so. Interest rates are often high – Most retail cards are 20% or more. If it doesn’t need to be charge, buy it with cash. If you can’t afford it right now it’s best to skip it. Shop around for a better deal elsewhere.

Get more for the price of ONE.

Now, we all have heard it – “Buy ONE, get one FREE”. Again, shop around. Pay close attention to the price. Sometimes you are not really getting “one free”. For example, if the item is originally $60.00, during the sale you buy one and get one “free” if you purchase the item at $90.00, then you’re not really getting it for free. You are still paying half the price of the second item. Take the time to shop. You will find merchants that really offer two for the price of one. Be a smart shopper!!!!

What are some of the ways you shop smarter? Please share your tips!!!!!

Uplift: Throwing in the towel

There’s nothing more irritating than feeling vulnerable. It’s at this point where throwing in the towel seems like the most logical thing to do, especially after so many attempts.  Below are few tips to keep going.

Giving up 

There are days getting up is easier than dealing with the enormous pain of not knowing what to do next. There are days where smiling seem like an excruciating effort. And there are days where you want to again, throw in the towel. Giving up is not an answer. Feeling like you want to give up is only a temporary solution. Though we are face with many trials in our lives, at times, feeling the burden to carry it all seems unreal; better yet unfair.  

DO NOT give up and FIND a solution 

Sometimes the curve-ball life will throw at you is enough to make you think twice. Therefore, look for strength through other places. Attempt to join a group if you must. Speak to yourself – it sounds crazy, but speaking to myself when I am in my quiet moment, is a form of self-meditation. Look for a solution. Of course, it is easier said than done. For those who are unable to help themselves, it’s okay. Look for strength to allow yourself to be helped by those who love you.  

Keep a focus mind. Again, meditate if needed. Cry if you need to or must. Read an article (like this one), or a book to help you sort through your struggle. With each action, change will take form.  

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

There are seasons in our lives where we feel fulfill in our home, jobs, relationships, etc. Life is not easy – it has its lows and highs. It’s a constant test. However, it’s a test that you will pass. Through strength you will persevere. Moving forward is the only thing that seems real or fair. Regardless, change will take form.  

  

I would love to hear from you. You are welcome to email me, or comment below.

What are some of the ways you deal with a struggle? What advice do you have? What are some of the lessons you learn to help you to not throw in the towel?

From Our Table To Yours: Brunch

All about protein and iron!!!!

Hello lovelies!! Happy Friday!!!! If you have missed breakfast, then what’s the next best thing? BRUNCH!!!!

Here’s a quick recipe of my quick and easy brunch idea: Chicken patties, scrambled eggs, and spinach.

Step One:  Add two eggs, 1/2 tablespoon of milk (of your choice), 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro, 2 pinches of salt (I used Kosher), and your desired amount of cheese (I used Mexican Blend---I love cheese...YUM!)

Also, place the patties in the toaster oven and cook accordingly. 

Step Two: MIX WELL

 Step Three: Add 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil (or butter if you prefer). Heat on medium. Then pour in the eggs mixture.

Step Four: ENJOY with Chicken Pattie, Spinach (rich in iron), and of course Scrambled Eggs (Great protein). 

 

Hope you enjoy this quick brunch idea. Please leave your comments and questions below, and I will gladly respond. Talk to you soon!!! :)

11 Tips For A Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Williams-Sonoma Best of Thanksgiving Cookbook

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, it seems impossible to get everything done. As we prepare to entertain family and friends, below are 11 Tips For A Stress-Free Thanksgiving.

Shop early 

There is no better way to start planning for the big day than by making a list, and crossing things off. To do so, shopping early is a must! Avoid the hassle and last minute errands by getting everything early from your local stores.

Making the Invitation

Let’s face it; we live in a world where technology is OKAY to use. So use it!

Instead of the old fashion way of calling and mailing in letters or invites, try considering using E-Vite and Punchbowl. I use Punchbowl literally for every event I host. They provide ideas, steps, and it is very user friendly. It keeps track of all of your shopping ideas; it even recommends drinks for the type of event you are hosting. And they have invitation cards for EVERY occasion. 

Cooking

So it’s no longer considered rude to ask for help when you’re hosting an event. We are all busy, so asking for help is completely understandable. Unless you are planning a wedding, than there’s a very thin line when it comes to asking for help.  When preparing food, consider the following:
           

It’s okay to prepare food ahead of time if you can.
           
It’s okay to accept offers from family and friends to bring side dishes and beverages.

It’s okay to ask and accept help from family and friends to set-up and breakdown.

The Oven

Again, TECHNOLOGY has evolved. You DO NOT NEED to be glued to the stove/oven. Consider using the following:

Slow cooker. I personally like the Hamilton Beach® Stay or Go 7-qt. Oval Slow Cooker. It received 4.9 stars out of 5. It’s very easy to use, and it allows the food to remain warm, sealed, and is ready to go just as described. 

Countertop ovens such as the Black and Decker TO1675B Convection Countertop Oven, is another great kitchen appliance to use to prepare small sides. It bakes, broil, toast & keep food warm.

Can it up

Don’t be embarrassed to use can food. It's okay to cook the canned cranberry sauce in the microwave. It is also okay to use canned pineapple slices for your favorite apple pie to cut down time. 
 
Baking

No need to feel embarrassed for purchasing your favorite pie at your local grocery store. Consider stores like Wegmans, Giant, Weis, Walmart, Food Lion, and Safeway if they are available in your area. They are filled with different choices to select from. Edible Arrangements is another great place for desserts, and make great gifts for the hostess!
 
Dish  

Use dishes that are ready to be transferred from the oven to the table.

Dispose that dish

You do not have to use your fine china. This is 2015!!!! Consider using plates that are easy to dispose.
 
Decorate 

If you are not a DIY person, consider visiting AC Moore and Michaels for their ready-made decorations.  

Games

Print games ahead of time.  Better Homes and Gardens have great printable games for Thanksgiving.

Take it home

Have those leftover containers ready. No better way to “clean” up after a big feast than to allow your guests to take some of the delicious food home.

 

Picture above: Please click here if you are interested in the Williams-Sonoma Best of Thanksgiving Cookbook

 

How do you prepare For A Stress-Free Thanksgiving?

Opportunity – The door is open

"Bosley" Crystal Ball Lamp

“Being at the right place at the right time” is what we are often told. Some are luckier than others to just happen to be at the “right place at the right time”. We often worry about when will our time come, and how it will come. This has nothing to do with great fate. It’s simply you. Your opportunity will come when your time arrives. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t help increase our chances either. Well then, how do we increase our chances?

1. Plan

No matter how much we like to “wing” it, planning does work. Take the time in morning to write down your “to do” list. Even if you don’t get to every item on your list, the fact that you have a list is a start. It helps you stay focus. After all, we are battling different aspects in our lives at once, right?

2.  Listen and take notice

There’s nothing more important than paying attention to your surroundings. Study, research, and gather as much information you possibly can. Make that part of your “to do” list. Take notes of EVERYTHING!

3. Think of what’s important

Learning to prioritize is key when you are getting ready for that door to open. Ask yourself will you be ready? How ready will you be? What will be your first step?

4. Beware of obstacles

Nothing is more frightening than knowing that speed bumps are along the way. Do not let obstacles stand in your way. That’s why you are planning. If you fail, it’s okay; if you make a mistake, it’s okay. Revert back to step 2 above – Listen (again) and take notice. The most important thing is that you learn from your obstacles. Majority of the times you will be your own best example.

5. Imagine (and take charge)

Imagine yourself reaching your goal everywhere you go. When you think of your goal, imagine it in the present tense. For example, if you want to purchase your dream car, after following the steps above, imagine yourself driving that car (currently). By doing so, it allows you to have a smile on your face, and hopefully motivate you to work harder and plan harder.

Take charge of yourself; take charge of your plan(s). Stay focus. Nothing is impossible. You are your own lucky star. Take the time to listen and take notes. Your opportunity will come. Continue to have faith.

 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:10 ESV

How do you prepare for your opportunity? How do you get yourself ready? What steps do you take? How do you stay focus? Let’s talk about it. 

Picture above: If you are interested in the "Bosley" Crystal Ball Lamp, please click here.