Discover a New Holiday Tradition

You know I usually like to write my own posts -- but I received this message via email today from a friend, and I felt it was worth posting.  Not only does the message about supporting our local merchants resonate with me, but I also think some of these gift ideas are wonderful --- especially for the person who "has everything."    So with that, I'd like to share this message...

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition!


As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Nearly everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.


Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Remember, folks, this isn't about big national chains -- this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line, to help them keep their doors open.


How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I know I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local craftspeople spin their own yarn and knit it into scarves. They make jewelry, pottery and beautiful wood boxes.


Go out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another 10,000 Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.


You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about "charity begins at home," encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition, beginning in November of 2011 and continuing until we have a job market again!

PLEASE take just a moment and forward this to everyone on your mailing list. Post it to discussion groups. Throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city. Send it to the editor of your local paper, to radio stations and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is all about?


 
The one idea that I will add -- in this age where so many of us are blessed with more material goods than we could ever possibly need, please know there are hundreds of very worthwhile non-profit organizations that could benefit from even a small donation. Human service organizations such as boys & girls clubs, food banks, hospitals, schools, shelters, etc., provide necessary services to those in need.  During difficult economic times, many of these organizations are losing donations -- at a time when they are most needed.    A donation made in someone's honor, to an organization they believe in, is a gift that gives tenfold.
 
Here's to the start of a happy holiday season!

Let's Talk - Vacation Time!

I don't know if you have ever looked through Table Topics, but last year I bought a set for my hubby, just to see what they were all about, and if they really stimulated good conversation.  We've pulled out "the cube"at random times throughout the year and have really enjoyed them.  Unlike trivia questions, there are no right or wrong answers, so no one is every left out of the conversation.  Over the year we've learned some interesting things about some of our friends -- and about ourselves. 


Given the title of my blog, introducing the concept of table topics here seems rather fitting.  Going forward, you can expect to see a weekly post -- maybe a "Think About It Thursday" or "Let's Talk Tuesday"  (although I guess that would require some consistency in my efforts, and we know how that goes -- maybe they'll just be periodic!!).  Anyhow, I hope you'll pull up a chair and join the conversation -- and invite your friends to do the same.    If you have questions you'd like me to pose, please email me and I'll try to add them to the list.

OK, here we go.  I'm going to keep it really simple today. 

Pack your bags.  I'm sending you on a 5-day vacation anywhere you'd like to go.  Where are you going?  And why?

Image from Google images

My answer:  Sedona, AZ
A few years ago, I was in Phoenix for a conference.  I had heard from my parents that Sedona was a beautiful place, so one evening, I hopped in the car and drove there to check it out. 

I was only there for about 5 hours, but from the moment I laid eyes on the first red rock, I was overcome by a feeling a calm.  I walked up and down main street, then went to a little restaurant for dinner alone.  I ended up talking to the two couples who were seated on either side of my table.  They were incredibly interesting people, and we had an intense conversation about life, love, karma, and destiny.  When the restaurant closed, we said our goodbyes and each went our own way.  I drove back to Phoenix feeling an inner peace that I had never really felt before.  Sounds crazy, but the whole experience was very surreal.

Ever since that night I have wanted to go back with my husband.  Whether for 5 hours, or 5 days -- I know it would be a great trip. 

OK -- your turn.  Go.

Side Note: There are several versions of Table Topics -- some for families, for dating, for parties, and more.  I think they would be a great take-along for a long car ride, or camping trip (when you're sitting around the fire).  They'd also make a great hostess gift if you are looking for something other than a bottle of wine.

More Restaurant.com Savings

I know I always have the codes posted on my blog, but I wanted to share the latest from Restaurants.com. From now until August 24th you can save 70% on your certificate purchases. Just use code PALATE to purchase $25 gift certificates for just $3.

These certificates are great to use for local dining -- but we've also used them to save big and take the guesswork out of our vacation dining.

In addition to savings for your own benefit, have you looked at the Dinner of the Month Club? I just checked it out this morning and am thinking about giving them as going away presents for some college-bound students.

When you give Dinner of the Month Club as a gift, your recipient will automatically receive a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate each month via email. The certificates are easily redeemable online for an available restaurant-specific gift certificate from one of thousands of restaurants nationwide.

There are 3, 6 & 12 month club packages for $30, $60 and $120 respectively. Plus, you can use the savings codes for additional savings! Use code PALATE, through August 24, 2009 to save and additional 70%. Definitely can't beat the savings!


That's all for now -- Happy Eating! Happy Savings!

Unexpected Gifts

Did you ever notice that the gifts you receive when you least expect them are often the greatest gifts of all?

I turned the page on my daily planner this morning, and found a sticky note that my son had left for me. It said:

"Mom, I read some of your blogs and must say...'Holy S#@! Santa Claus -- they rock!"

I know maybe at 14-years old he's not necessarily a seasoned critic, and perhaps I should be concerned about his use of expletives to express himself -- but the truth is, his words meant the world to me.

My primary motivation for writing my blog is pretty self-serving. I enjoy writing and find that my spirits are lifted when I connect pen and paper (or in this case, fingers and keyboard) on a regular basis. There's also something comforting about knowing that I'm sharing a little piece of myself with anyone who stumbles upon my blog. Maybe that sounds strange, but to me it just feels right. Despite that selfish motivation, I can't help but wonder if anyone is reading it -- and if they are, do they like it? Do they get it? Do they want more?

Jake's note was an unexpected gift -- delivered at the moment I needed it the most. It made my heart soar, and my eyes well up with tears. Someone is reading this! Someone likes it! His words gave me the motivation I need to keep at it. His words were a gift I will treasure forever.

NOTE TO SELF: Don't ever under-estimate the impact of a simple compliment. When someone impresses or inspires you, tell them. Simple words, spoken from the heart can fuel the spirit.

NOTE TO JAKE: Thank you. You are one special boy, and I love you dearly.

Susan Branch -- You're My Inspiration

I need to introduce you to someone who has been inspiring me for almost twenty years now (yikes!!).

It was at my bridal shower in 1989 that my aunt first introduced me to Susan Branch by giving me her first two cookbooks, "Heart of the Home" and "Vineyard Seasons" Each book is spilling over with inspiration about creating a joy-filled, welcoming home, making delicious meals, and creating a life that is simple, yet abundant. Susan Branch's books are works of art -- each page handwritten and filled with precious watercolors. She is a gifted artist and storyteller -- and even though I have never met her, I feel like she is a friend. I know that sounds a little loopy, but if you get to know her through her books, you'll quickly come to understand what I mean.

From our Thanksgiving stuffing recipe to Mary's Mother's Snowballs cookies that I make each Christmas -- Susan's inspiration has become a part of my life. And it's not just recipes either -- she inspires ideas about decorating, entertaining, gardening and DREAMING.

Needless to say, when her email newsletter, "Willard" arrived today, I was as excited as the first time I paged through her cookbooks. So excited, in fact, that I felt like I had to introduce you to my "friend" -- who speaks to the "Heart of the Home."

Visit her at http://www.susanbranch.com.

:)

Watch Out Bo Peep

For as long as I can remember, from the day we had the first frost in the fall, until sometime around Memorial Day, I always had cold hands and feet. It didn't matter if I wore gloves, or layer upon layer of socks -- if it wasn't 80 degrees outside, I had ice cube-like extremities.

The old adage, "Cold Hands, Warm Heart" made me smile when I was younger -- but after 40 years it got a little old. And to be honest, cold hands and feet made me crabby.

Well, at long last, I've solved the answer to the cold feet dilemma. Uggs.

I guess I should have figured that sheepskin boots would be naturally warming - but for years, when I looked at them, all I could think about were those God-awful wallabees that I had as a kid. The thought of buying them ranked right up there with buying a skirt in the same plaid as my grade school uniform.

Well, it looks like my next fashion purchase will be a plaid skirt, because after nearly 2 months of wearing my boots every, single day -- I am officially hooked on sheepskin. It's pathetic, but I'm dreaming about things like sheepskin slippers, blankets, and coats. The heck with heated seats in the car -- just get some sheepskin covers.

Watch out Bo Peep, the possibilities are endless.