Final Thanks for 2010!

Thank you all so much for supporting me, and my business ventures in 2010. I look forward to an exciting new year, and wish you all the best in 2011.
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Safe Entry in to 2011.

There Is Still Value In A Dollar!

Recently while shopping at a local dollar store with my youngest daughter, I was reminded of the true value of a dollar. Remember the days when you could purchase gumballs from the machine for a penny or a nickel? Well, some of you may remember those days. Anyway, while taking my daughter to the store so she could purchase a few things for family members with her hard earned allowance (as she says) I found myself watching her in awe. She did a series of chores, and saved her money over a period of several weeks so that she could purchase Christmas gifts. This was going to be interesting.

For over an hour we walked up and down each aisle as she carefully studied the items available. Already having an idea of what she was looking for helped, but she also required feedback before placing any item in to our basket. This was to ensure the item was going to serve the purpose that she desired. In doing so, she thought about what each individual liked, their habits, and what things really put a smile upon their face- based on what she has seen in the past.

I was amazed to see at the age of eleven, what this child had observed about her sister, grandparents, aunt... Even more important than that was what could actually still be purchased with a dollar! It was about finding the right location to do so, as well as the careful selection of each item to achieve the desired result. We ended up leaving the store with twenty items sure to put a smile on the faces of many individuals. These items were purchased with money earned by an individual that loved them, and had put careful thought in to each purchase. The crooked wrapping job that now embraces each gift item under our tree is the icing on the cake. The image forever sealed in my mind of the smile on her face as she carefully counted each dollar she handed to the clerk is priceless.

This holiday season we must remember there is tremendous value in the small things, but more importantly the love and blessings that go in to each gift that graces our hands is what matters. This season remember a single dollar holds REAL value.

The Business of Flying!

During the holidays we are all looking for ways to trim business costs, health insurance fees, holiday spending etc. This special time of year means traveling out of state for many to be with loved ones, but what does it really cost to do that? While reading this article today, I was stunned to learn how much the airlines are raking in from that luggage we take with us, or those cancellations that occur. What are your thoughts on this?

Free Gifts to Give This Holiday Season

The holiday season is not always about spending, thou the commercialism says otherwise. However, this time of year is the perfect time to emphasize what you can contribute to others for free. Below are a few ideas to help you jumpstart the task of making this an annual tradition.

Food Donation:

How about cleaning out the pantry? Most of us have excess food items that we can share with others. Many churches, schools, food banks...are advertising collection dates right now. Due to the fact that the economy is in such a difficult state, many organizations are struggling this year to meet their required needs. See what you can pull out of your pantry, and donate elsewhere.

Share a Talent:

If you have a special talent that can be utilized by others, how about offering to share it? Do you love to sing? How about performing at a local church that is in need of singers for their Christmas celebration? Do you love children? Offer your babysitting services to a friend in need. Speak a foregn language? What about conducting a class at the local library, community center, or another location where the beauty of it can be appreciated. Think of what you can do, and make it happen.

Acknowledge Others:

Have you been thinking about the letter that you should have written months ago? The telephone call you meant to make days ago? The thank you that should have been voiced to a dear friend that is long over due? Today is the day to take the steps to correct this mistake. With the holidays being such a hectic time of year, a sincere acknowledgement is appreciated and may be just the motivation someone is awaiting. Who is it you need to reach out to and praise? Take the time to do it before another minute passes.

Spend Quality Time with Others:

While we find ourselves rushing often throughout the holidays, we must remember to stop and acknowledge the true meaning of the season. This is the time for being with those we love and care about. Nothing big needs to be planned. Sometimes it is just the moments when we are sitting together in silence that means the most.

New Items Continuously Added to Treasure Maison!

We are heading towards the final weeks of the month of December. With Christmas rapidly approaching many of you are still searching for some last minute gifts for friends family members. Treasure Maison is offering some great products, many with free shipping and handling. Take a look and see if something catches your fancy.

All I Want for Christmas is a Few Extra Bucks!!!

Christmas is fast approaching, but many are still holding the strings on the purse or wallet a little tighter. Well, why wouldn't you? This economy is still scary and every day it seems that another business is closing its doors. If only you had a few more dollars to spend. That might make things go a little more smoothly this holiday season. Well, while thinking these thoughts here are a few things to help pull in a few extra bucks this Christmas....

Use Your Talents:

You may be wondering what talent? This is a question that only you can answer. We all have a special gift that we were provided with. Think about it, and figure out a way to use it to make extra money. Do you play the piano? How about offering lessons? This doesn't have to be just for the holidays, perhaps you can turn it in to something long term. Are you good at writing? With the internet going in full force and continuously expanding in to new areas, it has become easier to sell your writing, write for other online businesses...Think about what you can do and make it happen.

Offer Holiday Childcare:

Do you enjoy working with children? Have a friend that needs a babysitter so they can shop minus children? Check your calendar, make some calls, and make your friends an offer they cannot refuse. They will be happy to have some stress free holiday time, and you will be happy to make some extra money this holiday season.

Online Sites:

Been procrastinating on getting rid of the home clutter? Now is the time to make those items beneficial to you. You haven't used them up until now anyway! Go through your rooms, closet, and see what you are willing to part with. Make an honest effort, and go online and post these things. With the availability of Craigs List and Ebay, there is no reason to not utilize them. If you don't know how to use these sites, ask a friend and get busy. There is money to be made.

Bazaars:

Are you good at crocheting? Knitting? Making things? Check your local community newspaper and watch for upcoming bazaars. This is a great way to meet new people, and introduce your products(s) and talent locally. You may also be successful at participating in several upcoming events. More participation, means more potential income.

Tutor:

If you are good at a particular subject, this may be the time to help others that are struggling. Make a few simple flyers, figure out what hours you are available, research average cost for these skills, and promote, promote, promote. Let others know you are available, and make sure you have references that can vouch for you.

Baking:

The holidays are a wonderful time for baking, but if you don't have the time it can become stressful. How about offering to do the baking for others? Pull out that old special chocolate chip recipe that has been used in the family for years, what about your grandmother's secret Red Velvet Cake Recipe? Find something you can make that others have begged you to provide for years and get busy promoting yourself. You can easily make some promotion materials on your computer, and spread the word. To increase business opportunities bring in a trusted friend and share the profits.

Happy Money Making.............