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August 23, 2010

Beyond All Tied Up With A Bow – Great Tips for Creating Beautifully Wrapped Holiday Gifts

Filed under: Business — Tags: , — chitie @ 11:58 pm

No matter what the season, packages make a statement even before they’re opened. Whether it’s a hostess gift for that perfect holiday party, the perfect something for your loved one, or Secret Santa at the office, you want your packages to reflect the thought put into the purchase. Visit Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine’s Holiday House Tour held each year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, where among other ideas, you’ll learn first hand from Package Creator Extraordinaire and Captain Lindsey House owner, Ken Barnes how to create gifts that are bound to impress everyone from the boss to your loved ones. The Holiday House Tour is part of Rockland, Maine’s Festival of Lights, and Historic Inns of Rockland will feature workshops including Gingerbread House Making, Victorian Customs for Christmas, and Packages that POP, along with tours of lovely historic inns during this event, held from noon to 4pm on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Tickets and information are available at www.HistoricInnsofRockland.com.

Captain Lindsey House Innkeeper, Ken Barnes spends the year foraging for the perfect additions for his gifts. Recipients-in-the-know look forward to Captain Barnes’ gifts, not so much to see what’s on the inside, but to learn what kind of statement he makes with the package’s wrapping. Captain Barnes’ "wrapping closet" is a sight to behold, revealing spools of ribbon, wrappings of all colors and textures, along with trinkets for just about any theme.

Ken Barnes’ Six Secrets for Successful Packages:

? Start on Christmas Day collecting left over ribbon and package accessories, and then continue to save potential package accoutrements throughout the year.

? Designate a special box or closet for package wrapping materials, organizing by paper, trimmings and accessories.

? Think out of the box ? literally ? wrap gifts in the gift itself including jewelry in jewelry boxes or toys in a fun toy box. If space allows, save every box that comes in the mail for wrapping in the future.

? On your travels, stop by ribbon factories or craft shops. Buy odd lots or ribbon ends cheaply to save for a later occasion.

? Visit church rummage sales or flea markets to pick up small pieces of jewelry, small toys or collectors items that fit your loved ones personalities. Save those to tie onto packages later.

? Save wallpaper ends, contact paper, cellophane, even scrap paper for wrapping gifts later. Newspaper articles or photos depicting those to whom you plan to give gifts are great additions too.

When asked for some creative ideas for gift-wrapping this holiday season, Ken Barnes offered these ideas where the wrapping doubles as the gift.

? Tie heirloom jewelry found on your trips to antique stores or church fairs then wrap with Victorian-style wallpaper left over from store-remnants. Wrap a deep colored velvet bow or tassles around the gift for a rich look. Better yet, create your own jewelry, hair barettes, or bookmarks out of beads or beaded ribbon collected throughout the year.

? Wrap cookbooks or kitchen items in pages from old cookbooks or the newspaper food section. Add a small set of measuring cups or spoons tied on with kitchen string for your favorite cook. For the hiker in the family, tie on a small compass or water bottle.

? Save newspaper articles announcing those recently married and wrap their holiday gift in the wedding announcement. Tie on small framed photos taken at the wedding.

? Visit the local craft or floral shop and pick up bunches of dried or silk flowers, then fill a terra-cotta pot with packages of seeds, potting soil and wrap with ribbon, attaching dried or silk flowers. Tie on flower ornaments as an accessory.

? Dress up wine bottles in doll clothes, creating a personality for that bottle of wine you bring to the holiday party.

? For the nature-lovers, wrap your present in florist’s paper, then tie on pine cones and berries found in local fields, or create a small decorated natural grapevine wreath.

Come see Captain Barnes at work during the Holiday House Tour presented by Historic Inns of Rockland, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Demonstrations including Packages that Pop at Captain Lindsey House, Gingerbread Houses & More at LimeRock Inn and Victorian Customs for the Holidays at Berry Manor Inn will take place throughout the day. Tours of the inns, decked in all their holiday finery will be ongoing from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. See www.historicinnsofrockland.com for information about the Festival of Lights package offered by Historic Inns of Rockland, and for more information on the member inns. For more information, call 1-877-ROC-INNS (877-762-4667).

BEAUTIFULLY PROFESSIONALLY SHOT PHOTOS AVAILABLE.

The Captain Lindsey House is a premier inn on Maine’s Midcoast. Filled with beautiful works of art and artifacts from travels throughout the world, the inn reflects the nautical nature of its owners, both accomplished sea capatains and windjammer owners. Visit http://www.lindseyhouse.com for more information

August 1, 2010

Holiday Beauty Dos and Donts

Filed under: Business — Tags: , — angeldreamz @ 8:58 am

Why is it that whenever you go to a holiday party, you can always find someone who doesn’t look how you would expect? Is it because you think they overdid their fashion or make-up, or is it a touch of envy?

Beauty queen or fashion disaster, it’s up to you. If you want to shine for the holidays, take note of these do’s and don’ts to spruce up your look and receive raves from your friends and family.

Beauty Do’s

Do Experiment.

Check out the latest in make-up and fashion trends and give them a try. This will update your look and chances are, you’ll find something that enhances your skin tone and flatters your figure.

Do accentuate your finer features.

Play up your best features while drawing attention away from your problem areas. For example, do you have sleek shoulders but think your hips are too wide? Wear a sexy off-the-shoulder dress to show off your finer assets.

Do consult professionals.

If you’re the do-it-yourself kind of gal, you can benefit from professional opinions now & then. Why not get a makeover for the holidays? Keep in mind, salons are booked tightly for the holiday season, so call well in advance for your appointment and use your time in the waiting room looking through magazines for updated hairstyles and fashion that best suit you.

Do simplify your beauty routine.

Unless you’re headed out to a holiday party, forgo unnecessary extras that take up valuable time. Keep your hairstyle simple and make-up to natural colors that will look good with anything you wear.

Beauty Don’ts

Don’t be afraid of change.

Dazzle your friends with a new look. Whether it’s a new hairstyle, hair color, or just a dress, you’ll get attention! Think of it this way, models look different for every shoot and are very versatile. Don’t they always look great?

Don’t wear too much make-up.

There’s a fine line between a little extra holiday pizzazz or downright heavy makeup. Choose colors that compliment your face and blend it in well. Double check your face in bright lights before heading out the door.

Don’t forget accessories.

Add the finishing touch to your overall appearance. The holidays are festive, so glam it up with accessories and jewelry. Splurge on that handbag you’ve been wanting and don’t feel the least big guilty.

Don’t let stress get the better of you.

It’s no secret that the holidays can be most stressful time of the year. Use your time wisely and learn to say “no.” Your face can easily reveal stress and lack of sleep, so designate some of your duties to family members and be sure to get your beauty rest.

About The Author

Lorene Radenz is a freelance writer and the founder of http://www.beautytipsonline.com – Your All-In-One Beauty Guide.

July 27, 2010

Dont Want Another Carpet Sweeper This Year For Christmas?

Filed under: Business — Tags: , — fickleinpink @ 5:59 pm

Unique “Drop-A-Hint” Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mail

Sure, they love you and each year they try their best to find you the perfect gift. But let’s be honest, sometimes they need a little help. Here’s your chance to let your husband, parent, or special someone know exactly what you want. Sign up now for our Bragelet’s Drop-A-Hint feature and get the gift you long for at a price you can afford. You simply fill out the “Drop-A-Hint” form and your gift selection is e-mailed to your loved ones complete with ordering details. They can then sign up for our newsletters and be advised of upcoming specials so the next holiday you might really be surprised.

Bragelets were designed because Moms Love to Brag! More than just another piece of jewelry, this is a true reflection of you and your family and the pride and joy you feel towards them. Bragelets offers the finest in custom made jewelry including Mother’s Bracelets, Birthstone Bracelets, Name Bracelets and Charm Bracelets for Kids, and Baby Brags ®, the perfect keepsake or christening gift for the newest member of the family. All styles all custom-designed to your unique personality with the finest sterling silver letters, 14K gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals.

But keep in mind gift giving is not just a once a year thing done at the holidays. You can present a special gift anytime to let someone know you truly care and make every occasion special.

Here are just a few of our Gift Giving Ideas:

For New Mommies — Bragelets ® New Mommy Bragelet ®
Dads, here’s your chance to show your wife just how much you care and how much you appreciate that nine months of sacrifices she made. It has everything from this mom’s new world rolled into one great bracelet with six charms included: Baby bottle, “spit happens” bib, pacifier, baby blocks, It’s a Girl OR It’s a Boy charm, baby booties and of course, the baby’s name in sterling silver block letters.

Baby Brags ®
The perfect keepsake or christening gift for the newest member of the family. It can be worn on their ankle first and then on the wrist for many years to come. In silver or gold, pink or blue, with porcelain letters spelling out your baby’s name. It’s a sweet tradition and looks great in a shadow box or baby book.

Mother’s Bracelets
What a great gift idea for the mom, wife, or grandmother in your family. Our mother’s bracelets are as special as the names you have chosen for each one of your precious children. All styles are made with the highest quality sterling silver and 14K gold-filled beads available. See how everyone marvels at the bracelet you wear with your children’s name on it.

Lilbrags
Just like their Mommy, little girls love jewelry. And what they love even more is seeing their name on it. Bring a smile to her shining face with a special bracelet designed just for her. Better yet, surprise them with matching mother and daughter bracelets.

Family Birthstone Bragelets ®
The perfect solution for moms with large families or Grandmas with lots of grandchildren. Make it a family affair with Mom and Dad’s birthstones on the outside and the children in the middle. Or perhaps one Austrian crystal for each spoiled rotten grandchild. Add a charm to make it extra special.

Soccer Mom’s Bracelet
Moms why not show off what you are best known for — carpooling!! That’s right. — All you Soccer Moms out there unite! We have the classic “Mom’s Taxi” charm sure to be a hit at any PTA meeting.

Charm bracelets These are HOT! HOT! HOT! Back by popular demand and gaining in popularity among the young and old alike, these bracelets will delight every age group. Looking for the perfect gift for your preteen or teenager, look no more — this is it.

Breast Cancer Bracelet
Sterling silver beads and pink Austrian crystals with hearts for love and cause ribbons to remind everyone how important this cause really is. With every purchase, Bragelets will donate $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help find a cure.

So save your loved ones from wandering the malls at the last minute searching for the perfect gift. Sign up now for “Drop-A-Hint” and have an e-mail sent to them of exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t forget to do some shopping at our site too while you’re there. The prices are great and the service is exceptional. Bragelets at http://www.bragelets.com

Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, Words From Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business & the Home Office Recovery Plan. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and http://www.Publicity-VA.com. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.

Unique Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season! Go Digital!

Filed under: Business — Tags: , — redb1ker @ 5:59 pm

Instead of scouring the mall for gifts this holiday season why not consider using your cherished photos to create a unique personalized gift for family and friends?

There are so many ways now, made easy with online sites and programs, to create unique personal gifts using your digital photos. Photo Books offer a way of creating a high quality photo album, book bound with text and artwork options. Calendars are always a perfect little gift or stocking stuffer, what Grandmother would not love a calendar of her precious grandchildren? Online sites offer easy ways of editing pictures as well, change to black and white, sepia, antique, add frames, create post cards, stickers, blur edges, so many ways to spruce up your photos and have a little fun in the process! Place your photos on mugs, Mouse Pads, aprons, magnets, coasters, tote bags, and tee shirts. Create personalized Holiday greeting cards as well.

Another unique idea is to have a collage of your photos created. Collages are perfect unique gift ideas for anyone. Photos are blended together for a seamless look. Themes include; weddings, babies, children, parties, trips, family reunions, or anything you can think of. Collages can then be framed for display or used on Mouse Pads, calendar pages, or any other photo gift.

A calendar for the grandparents, using pictures from throughout the year and a few themed collages. New baby in the family? A baby collage printed on a Mouse Pad for the new mother or father to have for their office. A collage of wedding photos for a newlywed couple, matted and framed and tied with a red ribbon makes a lovely gift!

So this year, forget the bath salts and take the plunge into the digital era and give unique gifts that your family and friends will cherish forever!

Barbara Ryan operates Cherish Collages, a business dedicated to creating unique personal photo collage keepsakes from digital or scanned photos. http://www.cherishcollages.com, email: info@cherishcollages.com

10 Holiday Sober Savers 2004

Filed under: Business — Tags: , — abirjin @ 8:59 am

1.) BEGIN NOW !!!

Don’t save your shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping, and cleaning for the last minute. That is too much pressure for anyone. This is the year to be organized, so you’ll have time to enjoy the season in sobriety. If you can’t get something done, just let it go with no regrets.

2.) Attend your meetings

Start preparing NOW. ‘Tis the season! Don’t let social invitations distract you from recovery.You’ll find a meeting invaluable when you happen to come up against a trigger or some craving. If you start feeling down, or really don’t feel like going to a meeting–THIS,is when you really do need to go. That hour of your time may save your life.

3.) Don’t take on new commitments.

It just isn’t a good idea. Let someone take care of you this year.If asked to do something you may find too stressful simply say, “I’m sorry. I’m doing some developmental work and I’m just too busy to give the attention it deserves…” Making Christmas dinner for 50 people or example, will not help you relax and stay focused on your recovery.

4.) Before planning the family reunions

To be sure you can count on understanding from your family,express your need to celebrate Christmas quietly at home this year. Perhaps you could visit with family and friends before or after the holiday party to share a dessert and catch up on the family news together.

5) Honor the day

Family reunions may stir up resentment.

Be aware that emotions are more sensitive during holidays. We all have high expectations that can’t be met . Family reunions stir up old feelings like jealousy, resentment .Don’t let them creep thru–even when you see cousin Pete who still owes you $500.handing out 20$ dollar bills.You’ve waited this long, what’s 1 more day ? Enjoy your family, enjoy feeling gratitude for your life, and the sobriety to enjoy it.

6.) When you must attend

Select carefully the events you will attend.Use your own transportation Consider the location, people who will be there and the how much a part they are of your problem.Bring someone who supports your soberity Work out a signal,just in case, you start getting a familiar feeling in your gut.(you know that means trouble)Pull on your ear ‘ala Carol Burnett or fold your arms and wink.Thank your host say goodnight and get the heck out of there

7.) Count your blessings

Take the time to compare how your life changed from last year, what you thought this year was going to be ( if you didn’t get sober) and just take a moment to dream what next year will be , if you stay on the path Count your blessings ,say a prayer of gratitude and tell the people on your list how thankful you are they are in your life.(this not only reinforces your commitment, but also makes them feel great .)

8.) Use your numbers

When someone is newly sober , often they will need to be in the company of other’s in recovery.Sometimes just being in contact will serve to reinforce the determination you have to remain sober.Use the numbers you have collected from the people in the” rooms “.They won’t be bothered ,in fact it’s more then likely you will provide reinforcement for them also.Even if they don’t know they need it !!

9.) Have a plan

Don’t leave large blocks of time unaccounted for ,take a look at your planner now , if you see any potential chunks of time when you will be alone plan ahead ,try a new meeting , phone a friend or relative with children , offer to sit them for a few hours ,you’ll be a godsend and time with the children will refresh your outlook.While some time alone is a good thing too much alone time is not healthy.

10.) Savor the moment.

Congradulations !!!! You have made it , you’ve come all this way. Get yourself something , you deserve the best Enjoy the thrill of your victory.Share it with someone special , spend it with your SELF.Simply , acknowlage it . This is your moment , you have earned it .,It doesnt matter if you have a year or 24 hours , your sober and no matter what happens next , This moment will always be exactly what is is now… Your moment to shine.

This piece was originally submitted by Connie Carpenter, founder , Carpenter Coaching Services, Life Coach , who can be reached at carpentercoachingservices@msn.com, or visited on the web. Connie Carpenter wants you to know: I know the guilt and self-loathing that comes with being a woman in recovery-especially with a family depending on you for the day to day responsibilities a mom, housewife and woman are expected to perform. These are the insights I bring to my clients.my passion is specializing in personalized relapse prevention programs allowing the confidance to claim their lives. Here,Now.

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