Archive for December, 2007

With the New Year just around the corner, more and more of us are choosing New Year’s resolutions. Many of us choose the most common of resolutions such as quitting smoking, going on a diet, losing weight, or getting in shape. Statistics show only about 5% of those resolutions will come to pass.

This means the other 95% of us spend the following year struggling to meet our own expectations. What happens to us when we do not succeed? Unfortunately, the majority of us mentally and emotionally batter ourselves for not succeeding.

I learned a lesson about a decade ago about New Year’s resolutions from my grandmother. She was a wise woman, but then again, what grandmother doesn’t carry a bit of wisdom? Maybe it comes with age, or maybe it is the fact we idolize our grandmothers.

She said, “New Year’s resolutions are about as stupid as putting a fox in a hen house.”

Besides laughing, I learned an important lesson once I took a few moments to consider the importance of what she said.

When I set myself up for failure, I am being my own worse enemy. If I wanted to lose weight, I would choose today to start. Why wait for a New Year’s resolution? Maybe because when I fall off the wagon, I do not feel alone because so many other people are falling off the wagon with me?

My solution has been to make only one New Year’s resolution since my grandmother’s fox in the henhouse analogy. Instead of promising to lose weight, get in shape, or any other resolution, I simply choose to accept myself for how I am.

When you promise to accept yourself, you are giving yourself the most important gift you can receive – self-acceptance.

What is it you promise yourself when you make New Year’s resolutions?

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I went to my favorite mass merchant, and I must say, the parking lot was filled to the brim. The store was packed; the customers were rude. There was a mad dash to get the awesome sales that always follow the holiday day of gift giving – and receiving. Thank goodness I did not need customer service, because the line literally was long enough to fill a good size bus.

Why the rush? Why is that day so important?

Those holiday presents and decorations are on sale. I do not mean little 10% or 15% off. I am talking 50% to 75% off and sometimes more!

I was getting holiday decorations for next year at prices that would almost be nothing. There were gift packs, bath packs, and other such niceties on sale… great for next year!

This is also the biggest time of the year for returning merchandise. The majority of stores offer returns this time of year without receipts. Yes, you get store credit, but still, free returns. That is a lot of money being passed around.

Another aspect of this rush is the gift cards people get for gifts. I was looking in news and found this year was the largest year for gift cards ever. Millions of dollars in gift cards means lots of people purchasing their own gifts.

One thing I was disappointed in? Well, there were literally hundreds if not a thousand people in the store I went to, and there were 3 major cashiers available. Sure, all of the “Under 20 Items” were open, but 3 of the main ones?? It took me almost an hour to just pay for what I wanted! Then I had to leave the parking lot, and that is a whole other story.

Does anyone else have an experience they would like to share on the after the holiday rush?

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With the holiday season in full swing, it is becoming more and more important to find a way to burn off a few calories. Of course, we do not want to avoid the holiday sweets. Who doesn’t like rich fudge, indulgent cookies, delectable pies, and that is not even mentioning the sweet breads and cakes!

Well, I have devised a way to eat the sweets I want, in moderation, while insuring I do not take on the shape of the wonderful sweets I am partaking of this holiday season. I, for one, do not want to take on the shape of a cookie.

Simply walk!

Walking is a great exercise with so many health benefits. Almost anyone can walk. Walking does not have to be hard even for those of us who have not exercised for a great deal of time. Here are a few ways you can walk and help get in shape this holiday season.

When you are shopping, park your vehicle at the farthest end of the parking lot. You will always find a parking space this way, and you will burn off quite a few calories depending on how much shopping you actually do.

 Another great way to get in those extra steps is to simply walk 5 minutes down to the corner and 5 minutes back. You can do this twice a day, and then build up! After a few days do 10 minutes down and back, etc…

Clean the house! You will find you do a lot of walking when you clean. Did you know sweeping, mopping, and/or vacuuming a floor can burn almost a whole piece of fudge?

Walking is a great exercise, and the majority of physicians will suggest walking even if you are really out of shape. Keep it simple! You do not have to walk a marathon, nor do you have to leave the comfort of your own home.

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Well, there is something that is always a great gift idea for the woman in anyone’s life. Women’s lingerie is a great gift for self or someone else, and there are a lot of great reasons to wear this – and not just to be appealing to a partner.Women’s lingerie comes in many types: teddies, brassieres, corsets, thongs, stockings, pantyhose, and panties… just t o name a few. Just as there are various types, you will find various designers as well.

Not all designers are of a high quality caliber, and when it comes to women’s lingerie, you can bet you will want to stick to high quality. Yes, you can get cheap lingerie, but that is just what you are getting – cheap lingerie in price and design.

When you are purchasing women’s lingerie there are a few qualities you should also keep an eye out for.

Color

The color of the lingerie is almost the best part. There are firey reds, seductive blacks, and angelic whites just to name a few of my own favorites. The color of the women’s lingerie is going to need to fit the woman’s preference as well as the occasion.

Size

There are a multitude of sizes when it comes to women’s lingerie. Of course, you will want a perfect fit. Women’s lingerie does not look attractive, for instance, if a corset is 3 sizes too large. This is why women’s lingerie is a personal gift!

Not surprisingly, there are more and more plus size lingeries showing up on the market as well. Plus size lingerie is definitely going to be something that is perfect for the plus size woman.

Style

Of course, with all the styles, it is best t o know what style is best suited for the woman in question. If you are that woman, knowing what lingerie you prefer best is easy to figure out.

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If you are like me, you usually put off shopping for the last minute. There are always one or two gifts you forget to get, or you happen to be just too busy to take the time to go shopping for those holiday gifts. No matter why you have not gotten those gifts in, I do have a few ideas on what you can give for a gift.

Giving gifts, especially holiday gifts, can be a lot of fun for many people, but not everyone enjoys shopping. This means if you want quick and easy gift ideas, you have definitely come to the right place.

Here are a few of my suggestions for last minute gift ideas…

1. Books! Books are always popular. You can get books almost anywhere, and you will probably find something quickly, easily, and affordably. Of course, how do you know what the person likes to read? If you happen to not know this, you can always purchase one that is a book of quotes or something fun.

Books start at about $6 so this is an extremely affordable choice. Easy to wrap too!

2. DVD Collections! Everyone loves DVD collections whether it is for Star trek, Deep Space Nine, Scrubs, Scooby Doo, or Heroes. DVD collections are extremely popular, and getting one for your last minute shopping is easy by visiting in book store.

DVD collections start at about $30 so this can get pricey depending on your choice. Easy to wrap, and even more fun to receive!

3. Gift Certificates or Cash Cards! Maybe getting gift certificates or cash cards are not that personal, but it is always a lot of fun. You can choose these from just about any retail store, and you will be able to choose from an array of cards just for your purchase. Try to purchase a gift certificate from a store that would actually be fun for the recipient, or play it safe and purchase a cash card.

Gift certificates or cash cards start at any price. My problem is that I always spend more this way than if I had simply purchased a present in the first place. Not that fun to wrap, but oodles of fun for the recipient to spend.

4. Make Cookies, Cakes, or Candies! I always make a lot of sweets around the holidays, and everyone always – without fail – loves them tremendously. Everyone, especially my mom, calling me for weeks dropping not so subtle hints that I have better have a pumpkin roll ready for her when she gets here. Well, cookies, cakes, and candies are an extremely popular and easy gift.

Cookies, cakes, or candies can start at any price. Make your own, or go to a specialty store. These are ok to wrap, and so much fun to gobble down!

When it comes to last minute gift shopping, you will find that you have some good ideas here if you are in a bind. Which is my favorite? I love cash cards… so much fun!

What is your favorite gift to purchase or receive?

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As a consumer, I have never been the victim of identity theft. Unfortunately, I do have family members that have. Honestly, it does not matter if you have been a direct victim or not. With over $56 billion in damages caused by identity fraud in the last year alone, you can bet we are affected.

There are a few steps I use to make it a lot harder for those unscrupulous thieves wanting to steal my identity, or personal / financial information.

1. Do not carry your Social Security card or number on you. This is not a form of ID. Leave your Social Security card in a lock box at home or a safety deposit box at your bank. This also goes for the obvious things like your passport or birth certificate – leave ‘em at home.
2. Do not have your full name or your social security number printed on your checks. You can use your middle initial, but try to avoid putting your full name on your checks. Additionally, social security numbers should never be on a check.
3. Do not send cash via the mail as a gift. This is a good way to get the cash stolen. Consider giving a money order from your bank.
4. Do not give your personal information out because an e-mail says it is your bank or credit card company. You should not be required to give out your personal information, especially to a financial institute. Phishing is a crime, and it is easy to fall victim. If you are in doubt, contact your financial institute directly.
5. Do keep an eye on your purse at all times. Do not let it out of your sight even for a moment. Whether you are in a store, in a restaurant, or in a restroom, you should always make sure your purse is being touched by your personage at all times.
6. Do place a hold at your post office if you are going to be out of town. This is easy and can be done through the USPS website or simply going to the local branch in town. Identity fraud can occur when those thieves notice an over abundance or backup of mail.
7. Do purchase a paper shredder. You can purchase a paper shredder for just a few dollars. Do not store your financial or personal information unless it is in a lock box and well hidden. Shred all bills, statements, and anything else that may contain your personal information.
8. Do check your bank and/or credit card statements thoroughly. If you do not recognize a business or a purchase, ask family members. Identity theft and fraud may occur when you see something you do not like, but assume your spouse made the purchase as a gift. Do NOT make this assumption – ask!

You are the number one way to stop identity theft. Shop smart, and if you are a victim of identity fraud, contact the appropriate authorities. Cancel ALL of your credit cards even if only one has been affected. Prosecute those criminals.

Do you have any other suggestions for stopping identity theft or identity fraud?

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Well, there is exactly one week before the “big day”. There are presents to wrap, cookies and candies to make, and last minute preparations to put off – yet again. Yes, this is a busy and hectic time of the year. However, it is also one of my favorite.

With the holiday celebrating I so thoroughly enjoy, I find that it is often a good idea to make a checklist of things that I have to do. I also usually forget to purchase a gift for someone I knew would be coming well in advance. So much to do, and I just happen to be the least organized person I know when it comes to making plans.

There is hope for me and those like me!

For one, I always prepare for the unexpected. This means I always have one or two “dummy” gifts that are perfect for male or female. That means that if my brother just happens to bring a friend with him, I have a gift all ready to go. Just add a gift tag, and I am all prepared.

Then I insure I have the right number of dinner settings. This means I usually have a full set of twenty or so settings. Do I need this many? Never have, and I hopefully never will, but it never hurts to be prepared. In fact, I have a special holiday dinner setting just for this time of year.

Many people choose China or other fine tableware, but I prepare for the kids too. Having a holiday set means that I am ready for the occasional breakage.

Another important thing I do to prepare is I wait until the last minute to make all the candies I need to make… Oh wait, this is what I have done in the past, but this year is different! I am already making the candies now for next week. Yes, I too am shocked. Now, as long as I do not eat them, I will be fine.

Finally, I have a list of everything I need to do. This list is easy to add to and take away from. Then as I complete the various tasks, I mark them off which means I get the feeling of accomplishment.

I have already purchased my favorite outfit for this holiday season, and that outfit is set out and ready to go. Ahh, the beauty of the hustling in preparation of the holiday celebrating.

What are some things you do to stay on top of the celebration? Are you a last minute shopper?

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