Share the Gift of Simplicity and Ease With Those You Love...

Black Friday seems to contradict what ‘The Holiday Season’ is all about.

So, today I sit cozy and warm with my children while sipping hot tea and reflecting...

Over the past 6 years, I have learned to never take anything for granted… and that includes Christmas morning.

When you have a child who cannot comprehend why you allow a strange man in a costume come into your home in the middle of the night while you sleep OR have another child who is so catatonic that she cannot even open her own gifts… you have no choice but to recreate what the Holidays mean to you.

((For us, Commercialization and Idealization is far from the equation.))

Many of my own expectations have been calmed and put into perspective. I have surrendered “The Beaver Cleaver” Holiday to old re-runs… instead we have learned to make do with what we have and appreciate the little things. The most important thing (and this may seem cliche but it is true) is that we are together and offer unconditional love to one another.

I cringe when I think of the children exposed to too much commercialization at the holiday... and what message that sends to their expectations and sense of self. So, instead of Christmas Barbies and Gameboys... we construct homemade gifts. And instead of Reindeer and Santa cookies (loaded with artificial dyes and colors), we make a birthday cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus on Christmas Day.

I wish such simplicity to all families. To be in the moment of togetherness and pure unadulterated joy!! As we enter the Holiday Season, I suggest that you pause and allow ease into your life!! This alone could be the greatest gift you give to your child or loved ones... a more balanced you!!

Having said all of that, I know that my readers may still like a good deal for Black Friday... and the business woman in me will honor each of you too!! So, I am offering discounted gift certificates between now and Dec. 31 for my Energy / Meditation Work for Adults and Children. What better gift to give than something that will soothe the body, mind and spirit!

Adults Sessions ~ 60 minutes for $30 (50% Savings!)

Children Sessions ~ 30 Minutes for $15 (50% Savings!)

Distance Reiki Sessions ~ $5 (A Crazy Low Price for all of my friends who tell me all of the time, 'I wish you were in my town, country or village') J

All you have to do is make a payment via Pay Pal referencing my personal email account: ladysusan@sbcglobal.net

Then I will contact you via email to schedule your session and/or to confirm who is receiving the gift certificate and where to mail it… Yes, this is a great gift to give to your loved ones and friends…Energy based work promotes relaxation and reduces stress allowing the body’s innate intelligence to express itself and heal from the inside out. Doesn't that sound better than the re-gifted item that no one wants?

Who do you know that could benefit from an hour of “ME-time”? Or has a child that could benefit from the energy balancing?

Happy Holidays to you and yours!! May you each find simplicity in this season!!

Money Saving Tip #6: Go To The Movies For Free

I know I haven’t posted any new money saving tips in awhile, but this one is just too good to keep to myself!

Yesterday.. I popped onto twitter to read some of the inspirational quotes before the dinner time crunch. I noticed ColumbusMovies posted a free ticket code for a complimentary prescreening for the new movie SHORTS.

AMAZING, RIGHT!?!?

Here’s the Bottom Line… there was no catch!

This is what we did:

1. Follow ColumbusMovies on Twitter.

2. When you see a post for a complimentary screening, enter the promo code in the link on the twitter post.

3. Print how many tickets you need. (Up to four)

4. Arrive early to the theater (the press and first come are served first).

5. Enter stadium 30 minutes prior to show.

6. Relax and enjoy the show!!

If you don't live in the Columbus vicinity... try finding a similar link in your area!

Money Saving Tip #4: Shop Smart While Buying More Organic and Healthy Foods

Managing a healthier home may seem overwhelming when embarking upon this new lifestyle. When we started changing the foods we ate, I used to argue it was too expensive to eat all organic and healthy food. Now I have learned to shop smarter. Here are my top 10 ways to save money while shopping organic:

1) Buy only what you need by creating a week’s menu. Check the pantry and refridgerator for what is on the menu for the week and make your list accordingly. This will prevent purchasing more than you need and result in fewer things ending up in the garbage from spoilage.

2) Freeze left over's- they make great snacks, lunches or meals for those busy nights.

3) Buy bulk or a share from a local farm. If this is too much product for you look for another family to share the food with.

4) Comparison shop. Take an afternoon and go to the stores you purchase from and find out which one has the better deals on specific products. (This might surprise you.) Use the flyers that come in the mail to see what is on sale, even the regular stores will advertise which organic or natual products are on sale.

5) Take cash. Only commit to spending the allotted amount with you. This will force you to stay on the list and within budget.

6) NEVER shop hungry. I sometimes wonder if that is why they have those tasting stands. The customer comes in hungry looking for samle and ends up purchasing more than the intended... it is all about marketing.

7) Give the children their own list. This will give them something productive to do while learning life skills (instead of impulse shopping for you).

8) Avoid processed foods. These foods are have with no true nutritional value. Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables instead.

9) Don't wash produce before storing- that will increase the rancidification process.

10) Get coupons. Yes, there are coupons available for healthy foods too.