I’ve done a fair amount of research on this subject and have come up with a pretty thorough list of steps that start the first week of November and carries you through December 20th where you will find yourself with all of your gifts purchased, wrapped and sent (if necessary), your home will be decorated, your cards will be sent, your tree will glittering and you will already have had a fabulous holiday party.  You have done all of this, by the way, with very little muss or fuss.  All you have to do now is sit back, relax, and enjoy the season.

In this blog post, I’m going to give you the first set of tips which will show you how to create your lists and plan your gifting.  If you’re interested in receiving more tips, I’ll ask you to subscribe to my weekly newsletter.  That way, you’ll be notified when the next set of tips come out for the ensuing weeks.   Ready?  Let’s go.

Make your List(s) – November 1st-November 14th:

1.  Get a notepad and start creating your gift and holiday card lists.  Keep the notepad handy so you can update it as you get new ideas.

2.  Establish your budget and vow to stick to it.  The beauty of planning ahead is that you’ll allow yourself enough time to find the right items at the right price so you don’t purchase impulsively or out of desperation.

3.  Categorize your gift recipients into those who will receive a remembrance and others who will get a special gift that will take a little more time to personally select.

4.  Now organize your list geographically and figure out when you need to either send the gift yourself or have it sent by the store or website.  Those who live the farthest distance will go straight to the top of the list.

5.  Gather all of the addresses for your holiday cards and double check them if necessary.  Some people do like to print address labels and I’ll admit it does make things easier but it isn’t very personal.  Use your own judgment here but consider the hand written option carefully.

6.  Make sure you have enough return address labels and stamps.

Next week we’ll talk about Gift Planning.

http://www.withmyregards.com

There are fragrances that are believed to enhance moods, induce relaxation, and even improve circulation as products are used in massage, scents and perfumes, face and scalp treatments and more.

Aromatherapy in Bath Spa Gift Baskets

Bath spa gift baskets have become quite popular. There are stores that specialize in these products all year around. You will also notice large displays of bath spa gift baskets in department stores around Christmas time. Bath spa gift baskets contain products like scented massage oils, shower gels, hand and body lotion, scented sprays, powders and more.

Bath spa gift baskets come in many different scents, including floral, fruity, musky and, best of all, aromatherapy. Aromatherapy scented products are known for their mood enhancing qualities, from romantic and sensual to relaxing and soothing.

Aromatherapy used in Candle Gift Sets

Aromatherapy has been around since ancient times when the cosmetic industry began to use essential oils in bath products. Aromatherapy candles came about later. Aromatherapy candles, in addition to bath and spa gifts, are a great way to turn your bathroom into a spa, without the big spa expense.

Aroma therapy candle gift sets are perfect for improving the ambiance of a room to create a relaxed atmosphere, a peaceful mood or a sensual, romantic mood. There are all kinds of scents to choose from; there is an aromatherapy candle for every mood.

When shopping for quality aromatherapy candles avoid the candles made of paraffin wax and choose those made of soy or bees wax for better fragrance. Different essential oils have different qualities for the mind and body, so be sure to use the one that is designed to create the mood you desire.

Aromatherapy is a powerful tool that can benefit you physically and mentally without the worry of any harmful side-effects. Aromatherapy is a great gift idea, used in candle gift sets and bath spa gift baskets.

I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude and how much I have to be grateful for.  In fact, I just read a very inspiring blog about gratitude that you might enjoy reading as well:  http://thewellmom.com/blog/2009/03/03/the-power-of-gratitude.

It really is true that like attracts like and when you focus on the good in life, more of that good will appear for you.  In the current vernacular, good becomes a “stickiness” factor in your life. I encourage you to try it out.  It can become like a little game for you to see how many times a day you are presented with the opportunity to express your thanks and to see the goodness all around you.

When you think about it, you realize that if we all simply begin to focus on thanking people for the little things they do and consistently (genuinely) expressing our appreciation for the many things we take for granted throughout our day, we can literally change the world.  Many of us hold the belief that we can’t change things, that we are powerless, that the world is somehow on its own collision course…….not true.  The world around us is merely a reflection of the conditions of our consciousness.  We all have the power to make this simple paradigm shift which can literally start today, this very moment.

The other day, the elevator door opened on the lobby level of my apartment building when I encountered a young man who had several cumbersome things to get into the elevator and he didn’t have anyone to help him.  I decided I could take a couple of minutes to hold the elevator open for him, freeing him to move all of his equipment.  He thanked me and I went on my way.  It wasn’t a big deal for me and in fact made me feel good that I could be of assistance to him.  I saw him a few days later and he thanked me again.  Without hesitation I said, “that’s what I’m here for”.  To be honest with you, I said it as a quip.  However, his reaction to my statement made me realize the truth that was in my words.  He said “we should all feel that way”.

Appreciation: you can speak it, email it, tweet it, hand write it, Facebook post it…..just think of the possibilities.  It can be in your smile, a kind gesture, or in spending a few moments giving of your support, patience or understanding.  It all starts with you.

www.withmyregards.com

How many times have you received a gift basket made of cheap plastic or even cardboard to look like wicker? By the time you get through the layers of cellophane and tape to get to the goodies inside, you’ve filled a small trash can.

Things have changed as we become more aware of the need to be less wasteful and more conservative. People are sending eCards to save on postage and reduce waste as paper cards are often thrown out. Technology is evolving as energy saving appliances are created; people are recycling, companies are coming up with ways to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment.

I love gift baskets; they are so much fun to create and give; they are also a joy to receive. As I considered the concept of reusing items and how important it is in today’s economy, I came up with an idea to make gift baskets more eco-friendly. All my goodies are packaged in re-usable containers, decorative pails, handbags, tote bags, picnic baskets, planters, trays and boxes. Whether you keep the container or re-use it to create a nice gift for someone else, there is less waste going to the landfills.

A small gift basket can become a perfect place to store the various remote controls to your entertainment center; a decorative bucket can become a nice planter; a large wicker basket can be used to create another gift basket or care package.

Gift baskets are a creative and fun way to give very useful and practical gifts or even romantic gifts. There’s no rule that says you need to use a wicker basket either. For example, a gift basket for the gardener could be a watering can or a large bucket with gardening hand tools, work gloves, seeds, and of course, chocolates and other goodies. Or, a good “gift basket” for him could be a tool box with some small hand tools, a how-to book and the chocolates and other goodies.

Gift baskets are a great way to give an eco-friendly gift that is well-received and later, put to good use. Candle gift sets and bath spa gift baskets make great holiday gifts. Candles give just enough light to set the mood; they also help warm up a room. The re-usable container helps to ensure that there is little to no waste from your gift.

Carolyn Simi owns and operates With My Regards, a company who designs unique gift baskets for her and boyfriend gift ideas as well. Yes, guys can also enjoy gift baskets, like a new tackle box or tool box, filled with gifts, chocolate and gourmet treats. Why do you think he buys candy for you? To make a great impression, of course…and then he ends up eating half of it!

www.withmyregards.com

On another note, chocolate is a well-known romantic gift that a man gives a woman. Or it might be a gift that says, “I’m sorry,” if he is in trouble with his wife or girlfriend.

Chocolate Evolves

As gift baskets grow in popularity chocolate is becoming one of the most popular treats to add to the goodies. Gift baskets are great for her, but they can also be pretty good boyfriend gift ideas as well. Of course, they must be properly presented in order to appeal to a guy’s macho side. For example, instead of hearts and flowers, a gift basket for a boyfriend should be themed after something like sports, hunting, auto racing, etc…

In addition to being a great boyfriend gift idea, some chocolate has great health benefits. Dark chocolate is the best.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Though chocolate is not a natural food, it is prepared from ground roasted cacao beans. Cacao, or cocoa, is a natural food. By processing of cacao, the finished product can contain high amounts of sugar, fat and other additives.

Dark chocolate of high-quality contains less calories and less cocoa butter than light chocolate or milk chocolate. Milk chocolate, as its name implies, contains milk to lighten the color and enhance the taste and make the texture smoother. Though milk has many health benefits of its own, it does not mix well with the benefits of dark chocolate.

The main health benefit of chocolate comes from flavanoids which have antioxidant qualities that help improve blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol levels. Studies have proven that adding milk destroys the antioxidants in dark chocolate. Antioxidants are also known to help prevent cancer by attacking “free radicals” in our bodies.

Feel Good Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is known to have anti-depressant benefits due to the production of endorphin and serotonin. In addition, dark chocolate contains stimulants like theobromine and caffeine which tend to produce a sense of pleasure and heightened alertness for a happier mood.

How Much is too Much?

Dark chocolate is still chocolate; a high-calorie and high-fat treat. The darker the chocolate, the better it is; however, eating too much of even the very best can be counter-productive. Some studies have shown that eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day will produce some health benefits; however, the positive effects can decrease over time.

Chocolate as a Boyfriend Gift Idea

So, like anything else, dark chocolate in moderation is a good rule of thumb. Times are changing; chocolate is not just an “I Love You” gift from him to her. Women are getting creative by adding chocolate treats to a gift basket for him. Well, not really a gift basket, but maybe a tool box or a bucket, full of tasty snacks and items that fit a special theme, like auto racing, fishing or hunting. Guys thrive on flattery; flatter him by showing him that you respect his hobbies and interests while giving him a useful, but fun gift.

www.withmyregards.com

Heifer Tererai Trent Zimbabwean

While sitting in a circle in the dirt, Jo Luck encouraged Tererai that her dreams of getting an education were achievable. Even though she had been married off at age 11 and had no resources of her own, Tererai believed Jo Luck’s inspiration, set her intention in secret, and is now in the U.S. completing her Ph.D. and working with Heifer.”

Inspiration is all around us, every day and everywhere.  If we take the time to listen, look, feel, and then ask the question “I wonder what I could do with that to make a difference?”  Tererai listened, saw and felt that inspiration, decided then and there that she would achieve her dream, wrote it down, buried it under a rock, and with incredible courage, against all odds achieved her goals.  She persevered through overwhelming obstacles, worked multiple jobs, raised 5 children, prevailed over abuse and succeeded in achieving her goal of gaining an education….all the way to a doctorate degree.

If we allow the gift of inspiration into our lives we can give flight to all kinds of dreams.  Dreams are energy.  Inspiration is energy.  When we fuel them with belief and action, we can all be as unstoppable as Tererai.   Listen to your heart, feel what’s possible, see your intentions playing out and let that energy ignite the inspiration until your dream is a reality.  Give the gift of inspiration to your children, siblings, neighbors, workmates, and most especially, to yourself.

Do you have a story of how you took inspiration and made a dream come true?  We all need to hear from you – I especially need to hear from you.  Please tell us.

www.withmyregards.com

Things have definitely changed.  The container manufacturers have really gotten creative by using decorative pails, handbags, tote bags, boxes, trays, sports bags, picnic baskets, planters…the list goes on and on.  The most fabulous part about this trend is that these containers are so beautifully designed and of such high quality that they’re perfectly suited for use as decorative storage containers for any room in your home.

As I was thinking about the concept of reusing items and how important it is at any time but especially now, I started browsing through the internet and came up with this fantastic website http://repurposeful.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/repurposing-home-decor…the things you can do by re-purposing is endless.  From my personal experience, I received a gift basket awhile ago that is the perfect size for holding my various remotes.

So, the cellophane and tape are still present and the goodies are definitely there…better than ever…but the containers are the news bulletin.  They absolutely ROCK.  It might be time to give gift baskets a new look as you consider your gifting options.  I think you’ll find lots of choices you like that you’ll be proud to send to anyone.

www.withmyregards.com

I just wrote this page for my website, www.withmyregards.com, and I liked it so much I thought I’d include it in my blog as well.  I hope you find it helpful.

How To Choose A Gift

You already know the basic things about choosing a present for someone:  gender, occasion, favorite things, favorite colors, passions.  The other things to think about, if you don’t know them already are, what kinds of things do they like, what have they talked about recently, what do they gravitate to when you’re shopping together or browsing through a magazine.

This page (How To Choose A Gift) provides you with some tidbits of information that might help to guide or inspire you in your gift quest.  The holiday dates are just there for your convenience but if you scroll down a bit, you’ll see what sign your friend is if you know their birth date.  You’ll also be able to see the birthstone associated with the month of their birth as well as the flower.  Don’t think this is limited to birthday gifts….it will work for any occasion or no occasion at all!

The birthstone chart gives you a bit of lore behind the stone of the month and the flower chart gives you the meaning that has been attributed to the flower of the month.  If you read through them you might find some similarity between the description and the person you’re buying for.  You can use this information to develop a story of how you figured out what to give them.  They’ll be stunned at how clever you are.  There’s nothing to it…..read on.

Things to consider: You might let flowers and their meaning guide you.  As an example, if her birthday is in April and you see that her flower is the Daisy which means “Innocence; Youth; Purity / Goodbye; Blissful Pleasure; Departure”, you might think about the Daisy Delights Gardener’s Tote gift or the Just Time For You Relaxation Gift Set (daisy themed gifts).  Another option might be to capitalize on the Blissful, Pleasure aspects of the description and go for any of the spa gift sets or candle gifts we offer.

Try considering his or her interests.  If he enjoys barbecuing, hunting or fishing check out the Gift Baskets for Men or How About Hobbies section.  If she likes to read or work in the garden, again, the How About Hobbies section will give you great ideas that she’ll adore.  For your gardener, you could choose any of our sumptuous spa gifts so that she can luxuriate in a glorious bath after her day in the dirt.  If you personalize your gift choice to the specific interests of your recipient, you’ve just upped the impact of your giving by 1000%.  They can’t help but notice and appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Another way to go is to buy him or her a chocolate and gourmet gift or a fabulous spa gift set and then go to the florist for a bouquet of the flowers of the month (yes, men like to get flowers) or the jeweler for a necklace, bracelet, ring, or cuff links in the birthstone of the month and you’ll not only have great gift but also a story to tell about how you chose it.  Your thoughtfulness will be genuine and undeniable.

Get the idea?  Okay then, shop away and let us know if we can help with anything.  We’ll keep thinking of ways to help you choose just the right gift for anyone on your list.  Now, get busy and brighten someone’s day!!!!!

Live well…Laugh often…Love much

As I was perusing the internet, I happened to run across an article about turning gift cards that have money left on them into charitable donations.  The value of the gift card can be determined by calling the 800 number on the back.  The money can be redeemed directly from the store or by using a buy-back service.  The accredited buy-back service I found is Gift Card Buy Back http://www.giftcardbuyback.com/sellgiftcards.cfm.  I love this idea.

We all must have a gift card or two laying around the house and that $1.98 that’s left isn’t going to make much of a dent in your current debt burden but combined with millions of other cards, it could make a huge difference to people in need.

Let me hear from you.  Do you like this idea as much as I do?  I’m ready to setup a P.O. Box and start this program for real.  Are you with me?  We could make Christmas a lot brighter this year and feel great about it  Let’s do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.withmyregards.com

I must confess however, that over the last few years I have become a fan of the ubiquitous e-cards and send them with regularity now.  In fact, I can’t remember the last time I went into a card store.  I have a friend who still believes in going to the store, reading hundreds of cards, picking out just the right one for the recipient in question, writing a personal note, slipping it into the envelope, hand writing the address, licking the stamp and walking it to the mailbox on the corner.  I’m sure she wants to throttle me whenever I send her one of those blasted e-cards.

The only reason I mention that is because ecards are another form of impersonality and detachment too, but yet, I’ve embraced them.  So, what’s my point?  Well, I just think it’s easy for all of us in this day and age of backberries/quick emails/tweets/etc to forget that friendship requires closeness,  thoughtfulness and care.  It’s way too easy for us to dash off a quick whatever or keep our friends updated on the doings in our lives through our daily tweets or facebook entries.

Maybe what I’m trying to get at is that friends are precious.  Friends are what keep us in this life.  Ergo, we need to treat them with kindness, make them feel special, and make them understand how important they are to us.  I know this economy has taken a toll on our bank books but, maybe we could revisit that idea of giving of ourselves.  Remember what Kahlil Gibran said -  “You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. “

The next time you need to give a gift and are feeling the pinch, think about making a date with that person for go for a walk together in the park or on the beach.  Maybe you could take a little drive through the countryside.  How about baking them a cake or a shoe box full of chocolate chip cookies.  If they live far away, see if you can Skype with them.  I’ve done that with a friend who lives in Germany and we just love it.

The gift of spending time to talk, laugh, share and reminisce is priceless and won’t soon be forgotten.  Do you have thoughts on this topic?  I’d love to hear what you think about this.

www.withmyregards.com