Gift Ideas For Co-Workers

What do a stuffed rattlesnake, a stained potholder, a bag of frozen potatoes, a statute of Cher, and a partridge in a pear tree have in common? Okay, nix the bird in the tree, and you’ve got the makings of a list of the oddest gifts given to co-workers by fellow co-workers during office present swaps. According to a recent survey of 250 advertising and marketing executives, the most off-the-wall office gifts tend to raise questions about the givers holiday spirit. No kidding. We went through an entire list of them in my previous blog, but I failed to mention … Continue reading

Your Holiday Notebook: Part Three

There are still several sections to fill in your holiday organizer/notebook and many miles to go before you sleep. Let’s get this show on the road so that you will finally be prepared for the onslaught of the holiday season. It’s not that that the end result will be much different than last year, but at least this year you will be able to find some of your favorite things and hopefully your mind will be among them. Cleaning Schedules If you are planning company, it really is time to dust that bookshelf and remove whatever it is that lives … Continue reading

Sections For Your Holiday Notebook: Part Two

There are still so many things you have to do and the clock keeps ticking away. Let’s find that notebook again (and that pen) and get to work. What else can you put in your holiday notebook? Lend me an ear, my friends. Parties and Entertaining What would the holiday season be without festivities? The problem may be keeping track of all the entertaining you will be doing during this crazy and joyous time of year. Include in this section any information about guest lists, menus, seating arrangements and activity information. Menus and Recipes What would any holiday celebration be … Continue reading

Holiday Gift Giving Safety

Did you ever stop to think that certain gifts we give to others could be dangerous? It seems that everywhere we turn these days, there are safety tips for everything. It might seem a little surprising when it comes to gift giving, but please read on. Allergies Many people are allergic to different types of foods. A peanut allergy can be very dangerous, and peanuts or at least traces of peanut oils are found in many products you might not suspect. Be sure to check labels carefully before giving a food gift to anyone that suffers from allergies. Labels today … Continue reading

Five Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping

That’s right! There are only 24 shopping days left until Christmas, and that’s including Christmas Eve! Be sure that in your hurry to get everything done, you don’t make mistakes that could be costly. Here are some tips to help make your holiday shopping experiences safer: 1. Clear out the trunk or storage area in your vehicle before you go shopping, so you can store your purchases there. If the area can be viewed, bring along a blanket to cover up your purchases. Never leave handbags, wallets, or change lying on seats or in cup holders even if doors are … Continue reading

Great Book Ideas for Babies & Toddlers

Does your baby already have a library? Mine did. I was always looking for good books for her whether they were the edible cardboard kind or the exploratory touch and feel kind. I spent a lot of time out there looking for good books that would appeal to her. So if you’re like me and you’re looking for some great book ideas for your baby or toddler, here are a few that we like: When Sheep Sleep is a charming book written by Laura Numeroff and provides a lot of different things for your little one to count from the … Continue reading

Don’t Forget the Troops During the Holidays

As we’re shopping, wrapping presents, and shipping gifts off to distant friends and relatives, we should also consider sending something to our troops. Unfortunately, there are members of our military that don’t receive much from home. Even the smallest gift from the states means a lot to those who are far from home. There are several ways to send gift items, and even if you don’t have friends or family in the military, you can “adopt” a soldier to send things for. It is a great way to say thanks and to let our troops know that we care. You … Continue reading