RELAX... ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!

For 25 years, I worked in retail management.  As the years went by, I found myself home less (working more) therefore giving me less time to enjoy the holidays.  I also found more and more customers were stressed out around the holidays, too.

Aren't the holidays a time to be happy?  'Tis The Season To Be Jolly?

Here’s a list of things you can do to help you throw a fun holiday party (if you like being the host), give special gifts to those special people in your life, and even travel to visit friends and family…and still stay on budget!

Set Your Budget – Know Your Limits

Start by looking at your spending from last year.  This may help you decide where you may want to be more conservative this year.

Make lists…What do you need to shop for, and what is your $$$ limit for food, parties, gifts and travel? Stick to your plan (you’ll thank yourself later)

Shop Smart

Shopping early helps you avoid the crowded shopping malls.  Be a smart shopper instead of a last-minute, impulse buyer.  When shopping online, look for stores that offer FREE SHIPPING.  Take advantage of the money-saving benefits on SHOP-COM, such as ShopBuddy (SHOP-COM’s free tool to ensure you never miss a deal again).

Gift Swap or Have Secret Santa Parties

Take advantage of “Gift Swapping Groups” among family or friends.  How about throwing a “Secret Santa” party.  A gift exchange with a suggested budget "gifts under $30".can keep everyone in the holiday spirit.

Baked goods and hand-made gifts are loved and appreciated by many.  Have the kids join in with the making or the baking! Set a new tradition of creating gifts with LOVE.

Need some ideas?  Check out social media channels, such as Pinterest or Instagram for some great home-made gift ideas.  

Here's a picture of one I found...fill a pretty jar with Motives Nail Lacquer and other fun beauty trinkets.  Simple, pretty, and can easily be customized for anyone on your list.  Pinterest is great for gathering recipes too!

Have you "pinned" some ideas? 
Please share!

Book Travel Early!

Taking the time to plan ahead can be a huge money-saver, especially on airfare.  Book Now...when you see a great deal.  Last minute travel plans can be very pricey, and usually leads to impulsive spending.  SHOP-TRAVEL Powered by Travelocity, Priceline and Hotels-com are three of my favorite travel booking sites.  Here's an additional savings tip for traveling...shop those same travel-sites through  SHOP-COM and get the SAME great deals PLUS Cash Back, too!  

Entertain For Less  YOU don’t have to be the host of a huge bash every year…maybe suggest a rotation.  Or suggest a potluck style.  Often times guests want to know “What can they bring?” or “How can they help?”.  Let them share in the planning, and share in the expenses.

Stay focused on what the season is really about!  It's about spending time with family and friends, isn't it?  Don’t get overwhelmed with the added stress of gift buying or party planning. 

Oh, and one last tip...make sure you still take time for YOU!  Exercise, relax and make healthy food choices.   

Here's my "Anti-Stress Cocktail" recipe I love to share with all my friends.

Mix 1 serving of Isotonix Calcium Plus and 1 serving of Isotonix B-Complex.

Taking care of YOU will help you release stress, stay on track AND enjoy the holidays even more.

Did I forget anything else?  
Please share your ideas for holiday planning in the comments below.