::Finding the perfect inexpensive gift that will leave them speechless:: Guest Blogger Danelia of DaneliaLoves

{Guest blogger Danelia of Danelia Loves}

During the holidays retailers in general are set to create the perception that everyone needs to find the perfect holiday gift.  These marketing tactics really do work.  People spend a lot of time scoping out the best deals.  Some go as far as joining the frenzy of Black Friday.  Yikes!  But really, what is the “perfect” holiday gift anyway? Clearly, for different people this can mean different things. I personally believe the perfect gift is something that will go deeper than its material significance. Unquestionable, a great watch and a nice purse will always make good gifts. However, when you take the time to add a special touch to what you’re giving, the results can often leave the receiver speechless.

The way to do this is to find something that is significant and relevant to them.  Although it might come easy for some, others might struggle with this task.  One common reason is difficulty knowing what the other person likes while staying within a certain budget.  

Here are a few things you can do in any occasion to help you get started:

1. Look to see what this person keeps around them.  No, don’t go snooping through their things. ☺ Simple look at their environment. What do they surround themselves with? Is it books, music, technology, etc. Usually the items they tend to buy the most are the things they value in life. If they don’t necessarily have a lot of items, maybe it’s photos of their family members or their pet(s). List at least 3 top things that stand out the most.
2. Now that you’ve figured what items they keep around, try to find out what they like and what they dislike. In this area you’re moving further into a specific category identified above.  i.e. if it’s books, then go deeper into a genre, author, etc.  What’s the pattern in the object that surrounds them? Once again, the kind of books they read can help you determine what’s important to them.  
3. Now that you have taken care of visual items, move to listening. Listen to what they say or write, online and offline. Pay close attention as this often can reveal a topic of interest for them.  Often, people will talk and engage in conversation that they find valuable. i.e. they talk about their career or their hobbies. Take note.

Now that you’ve narrowed a few things down, it’s time to get creative. Go beyond the item itself, and see how you can tie the items they value most and make it a bit more personal.

Here’s an example of a gift I gave to my husband a few Christmases ago.

I knew there were three things he valued most: his family, his hobby as a photographer, and his career.  I decided to dress up his boys with his business suits and took their photo.  I had it printed in a local Walmart Photo Center, and framed it with a phrase that said, “We know what we’ll be when we grow up…like you!” The outcome was a priceless picture that brought tears to his eyes. He doesn’t do that often.  

The best part is the gift didn’t cost too much to create.  With a little bit of creativity and a heart full of love, you can create that perfect gift.  

When you think of the perfect gift, what comes to mind?

*This image was a copy from a cell phone.  The original is much better.

::Celebrating the holidays with JOY!:: Guest Blogger, Coppelia

{Guest Blogger Coppelia of www.CoppeliaMarie.com} 

I started thinking about Christmas back in September. Ha! Seriously, there's a website that counts down 101 days to Christmas with ideas on how to get organized, plan ahead and make sure the crazy busy holiday time is less stressful and more merry and bright. The countdown starts in September and I love it!

You know how some people are adulting? I'm more into Christmasing.

And yes, singing loud for all to hear (which, we all know is the best way to bring Christmas cheer), happens daily in my car.

But here's the thing: finding joy during the holidays can be tough, especially if:

-Someone you love is sick, battling cancer, needing surgery, etc ...

This season, it was my mom. (And I'm thanking God that she's doing great! But we were all pretty worried about the whole thing.)

Finding joy during the holidays can also be rough if:

-Finances are tight and the kids need Christmas outfits for the reindeer romp, the holiday piano recital, gifts for the teachers and you need an ugly sweater for the office Christmas party. 

Or, maybe you can relate to this: 


-You know those moments when you go through the drive-through line at Starbucks and try to drown your sorrows in a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte? You could be having a peppermint pity party. 

So, what can you do when you're experiencing a combination of all these things (and maybe some more that I didn't have on my list), and you are just not feeling joyful? 

You can still have JOY! 

Sometimes getting out of town for a while helps. We recently had a blast at SeaWorld's Christmas celebration. We even met Rudolph! 

But when you're home, maybe wishing you could go somewhere but the circumstances just don't allow (been there, done that), this might help:

There's a local radio station in Houston, KSBJ (I used to do the morning show there!) and they do something called "The JOY Pledge." Basically, when you're feeling the stress of the holidays for whatever reason, or when you have the Christmas blues, you stop for a moment & say the JOY pledge:

I choose joy

And when I keep my eyes on Jesus,I have joy!

 When I lose it, I will choose it.

 I choose joy! 

It might seem like those are just words, and maybe you're skeptical that "saying a pledge" won't do much to solve your holiday woes. But try it! 

Sometimes, a little change in attitude can go a long way. 

If we are focused on all the negative things that are happening, of course we're not gonna feel joyful! 

BUT, when we decide to think about what we're thankful for, when we make up our minds to choose joy, we often find that one of my favorite quotes, really is true:

"Feelings follow actions more often than actions follow feelings."

In other words, if you wait until you feel joyful… you might be waiting until the new year. But if you decide to act and make the decision to choose joy, you might be surprised that the feeling of joy will follow!

I'd love to hear from you in the comments! Share with me the things that work for you as you try to find joy in this season. 

Here's to more JOY than ever before!

Laughing (and being JOYful) thru life,

Coppelia

~Coppelia

Singer/Speaker/Blogger

www.CoppeliaMarie.com

**My new book is out now!**

"Whole: How One Book Can Transform Your Whole Life" 

http://www.coppeliamarie.com/my-new-book-whole/

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::Holiday Blues From a Mom’s Perspective:: by Candy of Fullest Mom

:: Guest Blogger today for Mini-Holiday Series :: 

Holiday Blues From a Mom's Perspective

Christmas is, in a sense, a crazy time for moms. We have our usual lists of daily to-dos; but, December completely tops it with a few sparkling extras. There are gifts to mail, seasonal parties to plan, and let's not forget shopping for the kids. It goes without saying that moms are typically the ones in charge of bringing on the festivities and it can get pretty overwhelming. One thing leads to another, then you're hit with RGF (Resting Grinch Face). In fact when asked, 64% of people have the holiday blues. This post will explore how to deal with it from a mom's perspective.

First step is acknowledgment.

You're part of the #StrongMomsClub, right? Yep, me, too. I'm the type to think logically, keep it moving, and even do a few push-ups on the side. When you're faced with the holiday blues, especially when you're busy, it may be hard to acknowledge that you even have it. Additionally, you might just want to pretend it's not there so you can keep your schedule. Pushing it down, and bottling it up, will not do you any good.

If you sense any sentimental or compulsive feelings of being down, or stressed, you need to face it head on. Pause and ask yourself if you would feel this way if it wasn't Christmas time. Symptoms of holiday blues include fatigue, tension, loneliness, and senses of loss. This is different than true clinical depression because the occurrences are temporary and only associated at the onset of the holidays. Once you understand this you can move on to the next step.

Talk about it.

Talking, or communication rather, is the best thing for a mom's well being. Some of us do not work outside of the home and it can get pretty isolating. Additionally, we can get into the false mindset of thinking that no one really wants to hear about our day. There's messiness, slobber, and mundane house chores. Who really wants to hear me complain about that? The truth, your loved ones do.

So, talk about your holiday blues. Get it out. That may be all that you need to make it past the season. Tell your spouse, or close loved ones, that you could use a little help. They will be more than happy to listen.

How to avoid holiday blues in the first place.

Here's a simplified list of how to avoid holiday blues in the first place.

1.    Aside from a few parties here and there, stick to normal routines as much as possible.

2.    Get enough rest. Please do not stay up to 2 am trimming the Christmas tree, or wrapping presents.

3.    Make sure to eat and drink in moderation. Bingeing on holiday ham when you're normally a salad goddess will completely throw anyone out of wack.

4.    Keep things simple and family focused.

5.    Lastly, set reasonable expectations for the month of December. You know you want to do gift shopping, bake cookies for Santa, and all that jazz. Just rationally plan only what you can handle.

Whatever your reasons for celebrating, I hope you find some joy. The holiday blues can be tough to handle from a mom's perspective. Use our tips of acknowledging, communicating, and furthermore avoiding, Christmas depression to turn things merry again.

Sincerely,

Fullest Mom

Guest Blogger Bio 

::Fullest Mom is owned by Candace Ann, wife and mom of 3. Her fundamentals are grace, laughter, and perseverance. She thrives off of coffee and hazelnut syrup. 

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::Survive the Holidays by Setting Boundaries & Releasing Expectations:: by Guest Blogger Eliza Boquin MA, LMFTA-Relationship Therapist

::GUEST BLOG POST- Survive the Holidays by Setting Boundaries & Releasing Expectations::

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...or is it?  For some, the holidays are the highlight of the year.  They look forward to the decorations, traditions, and family get-togethers.  For others, the holidays can trigger painful memories and serve as a source of anxiety and stress. But there’s hope and I’m going to share (2) simple ways you can survive and, hopefully, enjoy the holidays.

1.   Set Boundaries:  Setting boundaries is a term that therapists LOVE to use.  Essentially, boundary setting communicates to others what is okay and what is not okay with you.  In addition to physical boundaries, we can also set emotional and relationship boundaries. 

During the holidays, many couples struggle with how to balance the demands of extended family.  Each partner may feel pulled by their family/friends to partake and celebrate the holidays by their family’s traditions.  This outside stress often results in each partner taking their frustration out on each other.  Here’s the good news! If you set boundaries ahead of time you can avoid a lot of pain & frustration.

How To:  Discuss with your partner how the both of you want to celebrate the holidays.  This may mean setting new traditions.  Decide what works for your relationship.  Be as specific as possible.  What time will you allot for visiting one another’s family/friends?  What time will you reserve for your new traditions?

Communicate to one another what is most important to you – your must haves as well as what you’re flexible on.  It’s important to be as eager to meet your partner’s requests as you are for them to meet yours.

Once you’ve established your limits and rules refer back to them anytime a family member or friend challenges you.  For example, if your sister insists on having dinner for New Year’s Eve at her house because that’s what you’ve done for the past 15 years, but you really want to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year alone with your beloved then be ready to communicate that to your sister.  Note: It’s most important that the person who enforces the boundaries/limits be the one who has the most history with the person challenging the boundaries.

Benefit: By establishing and agreeing to your boundaries as a couple there will be less confusion about how to respond to outside pressure.  If you’ve decided as a couple what you will commit to prioritizing one another’s wishes, then you can both rest assured that you are both working towards the same goal.

2.      Release Expectations: Having a plan and a wish list of ways to celebrate is GREAT.  There’s nothing wrong with having a vision of how you would like things to go.  However, if you forget to include flexibility as part of that vision you’re likely to suffer from great disappointment when if things don’t go exactly as planned.  I’m no psychic, but you can probably bet on something not going as planned.  Depending on how you manage disappointment, your reaction may hinder your ability to enjoy the festivities.  However, by allowing for the unexpected you increase your likelihood and ability to manage the stress of things going off script.

How To:  Sit down with your partner and make a list of activities that are important to both of you--activities such as driving around local neighborhoods to see how they decorate their homes with holiday lights or baking cookies. Then decide again which are most important and how you will be flexible about.  It’s great to have a vision, but if you’re ability to enjoy the holiday is contingent upon strict orchestrated ways that these activities will be performed then you may end up disappointed. 

Also remember, this is YOUR vision.  The rest of your family may not find these activities as exciting or joyful as you.  If your ability to enjoy the holiday relies upon OTHERS enjoying the activities you planned you may end up highly disappointed and resentful. Stay flexible!  For example, decide that you want to see the neighborhood lights, but be flexible on the day/time you see them versus, “We have to go see the holiday lights on Christmas Eve at 8 PM with everyone in their PJS and then stop afterwards to get hot cocoa from the coffee shop drive-through because THAT’S WHAT WE DO EVERY YEAR!” That attitude may not spark the holiday cheer you’re working towards.

Benefits: By implementing flexibility into your holidays, you will be better equipped to manage the anxiety that may arise if things don’t go exactly as planned or if someone isn’t as thrilled about your plans as you.  This will allow you to stay in the moment, be present, and perhaps even laugh at the chaos.  I know…wishful thinking.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that the stories and the value we assign to life is exactly that…the value WE assign to it.  So this holiday season, decide WHAT you will prioritize and what value you will assign to it.

Happy Holidays!

Eliza Boquin, MA, LMFTA

Relationship Therapist

www.trswc.com

FB, IG, TWITTER: @trswcofhouston

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::Top 5 Unique Gifts for the Awesomely Fun Momma in your Life::

::Momma Disclosure:: This post is not a sponsored, but some of the items below have been gifted to me by some of the shops mentioned below. All opinions are true and my own. 

We all have those people in our lives who have everything and who just need a little extra swag this Christmas. I love being a fun and cool Momma. Sometimes I fail, majorly, but I still love being a Momma. I have loved receiving the items below and know that there has to be that one Momma in your life who would also love them! I love it when gifts are more about the true thought put into it than the cost. The gifts below are all great items to add to any area of your collections and are also not going to break the bank! 

::Unique Graphic Tees:: 

I am known to wear graphic tees, a lot. This year I was happy to work with a couple of awesome Texas shops like; Sew Bonita (Frida Shirt below) and Taco Creative (Jesus Loves Taco shirt below). There are so many other shops where I get my t-shirts including places like Liv Luv Shop (Caffeine t-shirt below) & Pick Your Plum. As well as more common stores like Target or Walmart.  As part of my shop review with Elena, of Sew Bonita, we did an interview! 

It was our first time doing this hope you like it (Content edited by 90 Seconds Media): 

::Workout Clothes:: 

I am an active Momma. I am not the skinniest, nor do I run 10 miles a day, but I workout and love workout clothes! This year I partnered with Dick's Sporting Goods and received a gift card to purchase the items I needed and wanted most. They also sent me a great new pair of workout tennis shoes, all which I love. My favorites are comfortable form fitting yoga pants and bright colors! Loved this whole outfit from Dick's. I usually end up looking a hot mess after my workouts but at least now I look cute! Hey! 

::Mugs:: 

So, I have a little secret, or maybe not so much, I love MUGS! I drink tea more than coffee and I rarely use my pretty mugs but I love collecting them! These are my top favorites that I have sitting on my desk, looking oh so pretty! I also use them to hold my pens or business cards. Multi-use! I have purchased them in different places. Some local shops and places like Francesca's for the Blogging Day mug. The Calavera mug my co-worker gifted to me, of course, it's my absolute favorite!

::Unique Colorful Clutch bags or Purses:: 

This year I also partnered with Original Wear Travels Abroad, the three bags below are from some of their Spring and Summer Collections. You can truly never have enough purses. They are so handy and when you have options it makes getting ready a little more fun, such a girl, sometimes! There are so many shops that have unique pieces that are sure to match something in your closet and can turn into a great conversation piece at your next outing! 

::Unique Jewelry Pieces::

Also from Original Wear are the slice of heaven and colorful cuffs seen in the far right corner. The leather cuff with the large metal piece is from another amazing Texas talent, who is from the RGV (If you know me, I am a Texas Valley girl, so much support local!! so much support local?) the artist's name is Mitch Darte. She recently partnered with two local artists and opened a shop called Mi Casa Hidalgo. Check it out!! One of my favorite partnerships this year was with JORD Watches, their wood watches are amazing, and as holiday gifts, I am sure you'd make the Momma in your life very happy! The other items above are from The Silver Loft (red heart necklace and silver bracelet)  and  Luca Love Bracelets  (Set of 4 bracelets which include the Tree of Life, Story of Jesus and Alejandra's arrow, a set I created). 

Celebrate the Holidays by creating Traditions with Hallmark! #HallmarkTradiciones

{This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hallmark & in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect. . The opinions and text are all mine.}

Every holiday season, we try to add a new tradition. This year, thanks to Hallmark, we decided to let the kids choose their very own Christmas ornaments to hang on our fresh tree. The kids had not done this before, so it was a bit confusing at first. We went to our local Hallmark store, which is literally an adult candy store. I had to remember we were there to let the kids select items, and resist buying everything. They have such an amazing selection of Holiday items and, of course, the best Holiday cards. All the perfect gifts to help spread joy. 

The best part of spreading joy is planting that Holiday cheer in our own home. We love creating moments and traditions that the kids will remember.  No matter what is going on during the Holiday we love slowing down and remembering what the time of the season is all about. For us, that means family, more importantly, our children and their growing memories. We have such crazy schedules and lives that small moments like this, no matter how hectic are always fun. 

The kids were so excited and after several minutes of browsing, picking up and almost deciding on ornaments, they had made their final selections. Santiago picked the Grinch and he talks. He loved his choice, I did too. Very unique and a classic Dr. Seuss character. Camila picked a princess, not any princess but the new version of Rapunzel. It has been a favorite movie of the kids since it came out. I love that both picked an item that represent them and that they will remember they selected. 

Filling our home with Holiday cheer, lights and now new Christmas ornaments for our little tree, give bring us great joy and create new traditions. I know the kids will now look forward to adding a new ornament every year. I think that every year will be unique as the kids continue to express grow into their personalities. 

Last year we added "Lucy", our Elf on the Shelf which is available at Hallmark, to our Christmas traditions. And, this year when she reappeared from her year long hiatus the kids were ecstatic. They look forward to what crazy trouble Lucy will get into. It's the small traditions that bring them joy and that to us is happiness.   

What kind of traditions have you created for your family every year? 

Do you want to win your Holiday cards and gift card from  Hallmark to help you spread the Holiday cheer this year? ENTER BELOW. 

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hallmark. The opinions and text are all mine.

Holiday Gift Card Deals Round-up #ad

All offers below are available from now until Dec. 31 unless otherwise noted.

We realize that some people are hard to shop for, but there is one item that never gets old. Food gift cards are always good, they are easy to use and I am sure we all love food enough to use them! Another great idea is gift cards to food and entertainment places where kids {and parents} can have fun too. Finally, what Momma doesn't like wine and or a good spa day. Here are some great Holiday gift cards for everyone to enjoy, great for group, couple or family gifts. {hint,hint} 

::P.F. Chang’s::
P.F. Chang’s is offering a free $20 gift card with every $100 in gift cards purchased in-store or online at pfchangs.com/giftcards. Cards can be redeemed for food or drinks beginning Jan. 1at participating restaurants. Offer available in all P.F. Chang’s markets.

::Pollo Tropical::

Pollo Tropical guests will receive a $5-off coupon for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5-off coupons will be valid for use in January at all company-owned Pollo Tropical locations. Guests can also plan holiday gatherings and parties with ease with Pollo Tropical catering for any size group with as little as one day’s notice. Guests can order by calling 866-769-7696 or by going online toorder.pollotropical.com.

::Taco Cabana::

Taco Cabana guests will receive a $5-off coupon for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5-off coupons will be valid for use in January at participating Taco Cabana locations. Offer available in all Taco Cabana markets.

 

::Bruegger’s Bagels::

Bruegger’s Bagels is offering deals on gift card purchases and catering orders this holiday season that your audience will want to take advantage of.

Gift cards: Guests will receive a $5 bakery bucks certificate for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5 certificates will be valid for use from January 1, 2016 – March 30, 2016, in-bakery only at all Bruegger’s Bagels restaurants.

Catering: Guests can also plan holiday gatherings and parties with ease with Bruegger’s bagels’ catering for any size group with as little as one day’s notice. Guests can order by calling 855-776-0660 or by going online to catering.brueggers.com.  And from now until the end of the year, a $10 rebate will be applied to all catering orders over $75.

::Main Event::

Main Event Entertainment is offering everyone who buys $25 in gift cards through Dec. 31 a free $10 bonus FUNcard. Gift cards can be purchased at any of Main Event’s 22 locations or online atmainevent.com/FUNcards. Offer available in all Main Event markets.

::Salata::
Now through Dec. 30, Salata, is offering guests who purchase a $25 gift card a coupon for a free small salad (or wrap) on their next visit in (coupons valid through Dec. 31, 2015). Offer available inDFW, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, L.A. and Chicago.

::Max’s Wine Dive::

For every $50 spent, guests will earn a $10 bonus card that can be redeemed January-February only. This will be available both as a physical gift card and through our new online gift card partner, QuickGifts. Offer available in Dallas, Houston, and Denver. Max’s Wine Dive, locations and more information available at http://www.maxswinedive.com/

::Etre Bell::

Now through Jan. 31, Etre Belle Beauty and Medical Spa is giving back to guests for the gifts they give to others. Purchasers of a $100 or more in gift certificates will receive a choice of a manicure, pedicure, massage or facial as a gift for themselves. Gift certificates can be purchased at Etre Belle Beauty and Medical Spa, located in NorthPark Center between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Contact the Spa, at (214) 369-1600, for more information or to schedule an appointment. (Dallas only).

Glade®’s Winter Collections D.I.Y. Wreath #ad #SienteGlade

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SienteGlade #CollectiveBias

As the Holiday season kicks in, I always seek out moments to create something special for our home. Something that will help our upcoming guests feel welcome in our house. We are a large Mexican-American family and gathering during the holidays always brings joy to our lives. We are so busy that seeing everyone in one place is not always possible. No matter how hectic this holiday season may get, we want to enjoy time with our families and help bring joy to their season as well. As someone who grew up in a large Mexican family, coming together at family gatherings has always been a motive for true happiness.

In our home joy comes in the little things, putting up our Christmas tree, decorating our home and creating our own winter wonderland is always fun! In order to begin this long-awaited process I took some time and visited my favorite store, Target, which carries many of the new limited edition Glade® Winter Collection scents. I purchased the Be at Peace™ scent, which has a hint of balsam fir and juniper. The scent is so clean and crisp it truly reminds me of winter. The packaging inspired me to create a Holiday wreath that would reflect the scent and colors of winter.

To my family and I, joy means spending time together, enjoying one another and having a

house filled with fresh scents and food of course!

The holidays are always a great excuse to craft and decorate your house with lots of red, green and gold! All colors inspired by Glade® and their limited edition Winter Collection of fresh aromas.

In order to create my wreath, I purchased some great Christmas decorations/ornaments and a medium size green wreath. You will need some hot glue or if you have ornaments ties or ribbon would also work. Creating the wreath is very simple and takes no time at all. You can have it done in about 30 minutes depending on how much detail you want to add.

I first make a mock arrangement of my wreath and try to imagine what I want it to look like.

Once I have dreamed up my perfect Christmas wreath; I start affixing the ornaments, ribbon, and bows. I purchased a pre-made bow, which is always easier, and some ribbon to tie around the entire wreath. Once I have secured all the ornaments and details to my wreath with ribbon ties or hot glue; it is ready to go on my front door and welcome our guest when they arrive on Noche Buena.

You too can create for your family and be inspired using this Glade® coupon to purchase your favorite Winter scent. Follow Glade® on Facebook or Twitter for more on their Holiday Inspired scents: http://cbi.as/1c10a & https://twitter.com/Glade

Glade Latina Holiday Sweepstakes