Christmas ideas to boost each other!

This is worth reading, some of this I already do, but there was more great ideas for me and maybe for you!!!

We are all worth helping each other!!!

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? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificate 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 plonking 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 home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to 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 crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going 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 ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, 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 caring about US, 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.

Please share this with others.

This is a revolution of caring about each other and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Don't spend what you don't have!

Seems simple doesn't it?

However, just hink of all the things we are used to buying with plastic or signing up to buy ahead of time. Girl Scouts, school fundraisers, boosters, campaign pledges..... all with the NO PAYMENT NOW temptation. The payment in the future. What happens as the economy here is still sinking and we owe bills but the income has lessened? I am coaching myself on not giving in until certain bills are completely paid off. It is difficult to say no to a little kid with a 5 to 10 dollar goal from each customer... It takes admitting with humility that it isn't a wise decision right now.

Humility is a virtue not very valued / promoted in today's culture. Be aware that being careful is more a wise choice than being proud of the ability to spend money.

Eventually this helps our savings plan more than the immediate gratification and is way more fulfilling! Good luck!

So thankful today! Be Well!

I laugh and I cry at the same time when I think of where one and a half years of getting the toxins out of our home has brought us to.
My husband is over 100 pounds lighter and Type 2 Diabetes free! His then increasing blood pressure is  now normal. This started with Vitality4 and Fiberwise, Proflex and Access products. WAY less expensive than the medically recommended products over the years!! My dad who has RA has replaced expensive scary meds w/REPLENEX  and does activities he couldn’t do for years. We save monthly dollars on our whole household needs. I bring home a reliable income every month since the first month! My excema/ psoriasis is gone - RENEW! My daughter's allergies are gone! My other daughter's asthma tendencies gone! We will begin to feel a cold but don’t succumb as a family to the crud and flu. I can wipe permanent marker off of photographs without damaging the photos - SOLUMEL!!!  Our laundry has never been this clean and no ants in our old house due to TOUGH AND TENDER. My kids clean safely and my headaches and lack of voice aren't worsened by cleaning.  I SAVE so much gas, money and time!! This U. S. manufacturer of natural safe but EFFECTIVE AFFORDABLE VALUE we are proud to support has bent over backwards for my biz builders and paid us far beyond my expectations for sharing them with others. WOW!

Freezer getting full, autumn has definitely arrived

Have you inventoried your freezer contents?
Do you make a monthly meal plan chart?   (Be ready to bend with it, of course.)

I have the pantry and freezers content listed and am working on the meal chart. I have been for awhile now.
 It makes it so much easier to stay within a minimal food budget when you know what you have, what you need and knowing what to make each day SAVES YOU TIME.  Unless you are a specially blessed person with ample time on your hands, money trees and nothing to do I highly encourage a meal plan.

Include necessary nutrition supplements into your food budget. This was a new idea for me. If the nutrients in our modern food is as limited as scientists are telling us we need those extra vitamins and antioxidants in addition to our food. Fresh IS best, but not always possible.

 Be aware of research on many different vitamin brands before you waste money on those that don't work and can even harm your system. Mine give us more energy, clear skin and nail growth - sure signs we are being fed and absorbing what we need. I know over the years I didn't always get value out of the supplements I bought, so be smart with your funds.
Money does not grow on trees! So use yours wisely and be open to better ways everyday!

Have a beautiful October day today!
Gail

Summer ending.... (sigh)

Time flies by! I have a sadness as I feel the chill in the air and the evenings darken sooner. Yet, I have an anticipation of a new page of ORGANIZATION in my household.

I am SO excited to schedule the heck out of family. Revising the chorelist! To suit the ever growing expanding family. Writing out the monthly Meal Planner and Grocery Guide! To assist me in shortening the meal prep time and be thoughtful of our grocery budget. Calendaring my own work hours! WAHU! This is my favorite part of becoming a part of the school year again. I get to set some hours for me and work my own business to give myself a raise. Inventory going on in the pantry and freezer, also. Two butcher hogs are being processed now for my family, and lazy me, this year they are at the actual butcher shop!!! I know, frivolous, because I am capable; however - it is too hot and I am feeling just busy enough to beg off - 1/2 hog is sold and will pay for most of that bill.

My oldest two are in Junior High Football  - how amazed I am at their growth as they turn into actual teenagers (13 and 15 soon). They are such good kids, or so I am told. But as is normal, not always perfect! I am learning to let them be people but draw my lines firmly as I AM THE MOM! Love it when I sound like my own dear Mom who, bless her heart, always cared.

What is your fall like? Are you harvesting? Are you schooling? Canning? Freezing? Looking at the pantry and freezer contents? Share with us what your autumn is like and give us tips... if you please.

Our economy is pretty tight.... so my hardworking hubby just furthered his licensing so he can go away to work and make more $$ soon as he is done coaching peewee football next month.
YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO!!
Never feel helpless to change your situation because inside of you God gave you just what you need to make your life what He wants it to be!

Home Biz Rocks!

Fall is almost here! Are you ready to make a new commitment to your business? Take a moment to think about what your goals are.

If you could increase your income right now, what would you be able to do?

Would you take a vacation?

Fix up your home?

Get a new car?

Quit your full-time job?

The amazing thing about a home-based business is that there are so many opportunities available to you, and you can start making it happen right now! There is no reason why you can't have it all.

It is important to realize that your Purpose, Passion, and Plan will mean absolutely nothing without total dedication and commitment. To me there is a real difference between what I call the "Wannabe" attitude and the "totally dedicated and committed to do whatever it takes"attitude. I have always wanted to exercise and lower my cholesterol in order to be healthier. Was wanting it good enough? Absolutely not!

My own "Wannabe" attitude didn't help me get on the treadmill or avoid unhealthy food. Very recently, I decided I had better apply the principles I follow in my business to my own health. Now, I make time to exercise. I eat a low-fat diet. I make the choices I know will lead me to the results I want to have. Unfortunately, wishing, hoping, and wanting do not cause anything to happen. Doing what is necessary does!

How do you determine the strength of your commitment? Are you willing to do those things that will make you a successful businessperson when you don't feel like doing them? (Getting up and exercising at 5:30 AM is a commitment.) What are you committed to doing to help your business? Would you like to join my get healthier group? We are going to talk about all the choices we can make to become healthier.

Do you say, "I'll try to see if this will work," or do you say, "I am going to find a way to make it work."?

Do you say, "When it happens, it will happen," or do you say, "I will make it happen."?

Do you say, "I'll start tomorrow," or do you say, "I can't wait to get started right away."?

It is very important to be sure that you are honest with yourself about your business. I hear people say all the time, "I can't." When I hear that, an alarm goes off in my head, and I wonder how seriously they take their business. When you find yourself saying that, STOP - THINK! Remember that you can do it, and say to yourself, "I will do it." Just think, if you have children, would you accept an "I can't" from them?

Do you really treat your business like a business?

Do you avoid doing things you would have to do if you were employed in another occupation - you know the kinds of things nobody wants to do?

Would you ignore them or go to your boss and say, "I don't like these things - they bore me, so I won't do them. Okay?"

Obviously, you wouldn't think of doing that - you would do what you had to do to complete the job and perhaps, more importantly, be able to look in the mirror and say, "I'm doing the best job I can." And, that's exactly the attitude I want to see you have in your own business because I know with that attitude you can be a success.

Don't let fears keep you from doing the things you have to do in your business, either. For example, a new nurse would not tell the doctor for whom she is working, "Sorry, I don't feel comfortable giving people shots. I only know how to do it on oranges." A teacher would not tell the principal, "Sorry, I don't mind talking to the children, but I can't do a back-to-school night presentation to parents." It is important that you overcome any fears that you encounter as you grow your business.

(Author Confidential)

I am so pleased with this content that I am sharing a tip!

Hmmm.... GRIZZLIES and dentists Where summer?

Update for August here. So we are paying off bills one by one. Smallest (easiest) first then onto bigger badder ones. I encourage you to look at ways to save a bit or pay off one bill completely. Feels good!

Some hiccups in the summer caused us to pause. We had a Grizzly bear encounter in our 4H pig pen. YUCK! A lot of emotional and financial stress to work through, but always a learning experience is hovering on our doorstep, right. So, the kids are restarted and getting to know their new animals. Three weeks to complete all projects now! Countdown begins for them to learn some skills of completing projects they have chosen!

I am expecting our 7th child! Wow! We feel truly blessed. My dear husband has lost 100 pounds since last spring and he is feeling so good. He is diabetes free and his bp, and pulse are in the better than normal range! WE ARE SO THANKFUL for natural affordable value and safe elimination of all the toxins out of our home. All six kids had dentist appointments today and got rave reviews on their dental health. One needs an orthodontist consult for so little space for his teeth, and they will get sealants next month. Not 6 cavities between all of them, very minor work he raved! I do attribute that to our Toothpolish with Xylitol... WOW!

Have a great night, ALL!