Holiday Spending Tips

The holidays are approaching very fast. Most of us will be traveling, cooking and shopping. I have to admit, even though it can get a little crazy, I love this time of the year and spending time with family. But in all the mayhem, we can get caught up and go overboard! Let's admit, most of us will eat more than usual, spend more than than we could afford to spend, and simply indulge more than we need to....all because it's a "sale" and "it's the holidays".  But here's a few tips that I've used over the years to help to avoid getting caught up in that trap.  

 

Five ways to save money during the holidays when shopping and still stay FABULOUS ON A BUDGET!  

1. Plan ahead, Make a list, and set a budget! (That's actually 3 tips in one). Only shop for the people you plan to get gifts for. When you know who you're hopping for, it makes for easier budgeting. When you go shopping don't get caught up in the, "oh, I know this person would like this and its on sale" mess... Hunty, you are setting yourself up for over spending. Stick to the list! 

 

2. Shop outside the box! What do I mean by that? Well, try to focus on getting ONE universal gift for a group of people instead of buying a bunch of gifts for individuals. This is when you can use your creativity! Get crafty, bake, host a dinner, etc.  Not only are you crafty, you have earned a title of being a "socialite" as well :) That's always a plus. It shows more of your heart and will help you stay on task.  

 

3. Shop at discount stores (even online) rather than the mall. In order to do that, you have to get over "brand names" defining the quality of the gift. Who's all that for? Is it for you to get credit for buying an expensive purse or is it really for them?  I have been able to find some FANTASTIC deals online on boots, dresses, accessories, etc. recently.  And still keep my diva going :).  You can do the same too.  If you are a person that only purchases based on brands, but are always claiming your broke, then it may be time to re-evaluate some things. If you are looking for you to purchase a gift that will set you back a few months....WELL......at the end of the holiday, remember, you still have bills to pay!! Check out www.amiclubwear.com. This has been my fav site in the last weeks... TRULY money savings and still allowing me to keep my fabulous right :) 

 

4. Pay with cash. It is easy to know how much cash you are willing to spend and have more control. If you swipe and swipe, understand you are creating another bill you will have to pay well after the holiday season. But it's your choice.  I rarely get store credit cards. I don't care about the "extra percentage off the purchase" because I just literally earned myself an ADDITIONAL bill that is going to cost more than what I was going to pay in the first place. If don't have the cash in hand, it goes BTTR (Back To The Rack)!" 

It is easy to fall for all the advertising being sent in the mail, on television and online. There are some folks I know who start tallying all the items that are going on sale without figuring what their budget it. After they spent all this money they didn't have, now they're borrowing money for gas to put in their car, cell phone bills, and even rent. I'm here to say, you can do both! You can look good and still have some cash left over!

Next week, I'll show you how! 

Why do you have confidence?

Things happen in your daily life that have affects on your mood, attitude and emotions. Self-esteem is one of the      most important assets you can posses.  Can you build your confidence to the point where no matter what happens   in your life, it will not shake or break you?  What happens when you feel stronger than you actually are? Do you give up or give in? Do you find a person you know is strong and ask for encouragement? Well, today I am going to           encourage someone. It may not be you directly, but you may know someone who needs that encouragement. Here   are 10 ways  to boost self-confidence and here it is...

S-Strength, have the strength to know you can handle and deal with anything that is given or thrown  at you.
E- Enlightenment, when you have that knowledge and understanding. When you know that you know.
L- Love of self. Easier said than done, give yourself a break. You are harder on yourself that anyone else is.
F-Fulfillment, Don't forget to take care of yourself. Do what is required to maintain good health.
E- Energy, Always stay positive. Think about the good qualities and good results.
S- Selflessness, put others before your own self. You are important, but someone else may need you.
T-Trust yourself.  Trust yourself that you will make the right decisions or choices.
E-Emotions, you always have to stay in touch with the way you feel.
E-Effectiveness, have an affect or someone or something that is positive. Change for the better.
M-Motivation, be you own cheerleader. Find that reason for doing what needs to be done.
www.psychologytoday.com

Sometimes we find that it is easier to encourage someone else, but why is it so hard for us to encourage ourselves the same way? Sometimes, it is ok to encourage yourself.  I challenge you to     look at yourself in the mirror.  Really look at what you see when you see yourself.  Find one thing that you love about what you see.  Own that, love that, and the next day, do it again.  You are all you've got.  You really can't love someone else until you learn to love yourself.  After that, you can then be able to give more and more of yourself to help encourage someone else.  We all are in this walk together.  Try it... .

What are you saying without speaking?

Things happen in our everyday lives that seem to knock us off course. There are times where we feel the world is on our shoulders or even against us. One thing I would like to tell you, no matter what happens in your life, never loose confidence. It is so important that you keep your body language saying what you want have interpreted.

Here are 3 ways your body language can make or break you.

1. Maintain an assertive posture.
Stand upright. Period.  Even if you are scared out of your mind to talk to someone, smile. Believe that or not, that is your game face.  A smile will help to boost your confidence, and produce more of an interest in the other person to actually hear what is it you are saying.  Because everyone is so "serious" all the time and associates that with confidence, smiling simply help you stand out from the crowd.  I know a lot of people that when things are not going great, they slouch and hunch their backs.  Really!?!?! What's all that about? We're not going to do that business... It could always be worse...look at how far you have already come.

2. Watch your hands.
You don't want to talk to someone and have your arms crossed. This is often seen as defensive posture. There is nothing more irritating than talking to someone that claps their hand with every other word they speak. Y'all have seen people in Charleston do that mess.. "See, (clap) what I'm trying to tell you (clap) is I am all about my business (clap)"  What the heck is that? That is a distraction all by itself.  I've already gotten tired of hearing that noise.  Pull it together.  I would be focusing more on the beat and tap my feet to a tempo...trying to figure out if they are going to break out in a shout.  Leave that alone! Check out this example of what NOT to do...

3.  Pay attention to your face.
If someone is speaking to you in a conversation, and you really are not interested in what they are saying, you still need to honor them (no matter how much you want to escape). Don't start yawning, rolling their eyes, giving black stares, or looking away. That is just plain rude.  You will be sure to provoke an emotion that is negative toward you.  The thing is, that will precede you.  Proceed with caution. That one may come back to bite you. 


At the end of the day, your body language has a voice of it's own. Be careful of what that body language is saying to others. As you saw in the video, the little girl said her mom claps her hands like that. Actions speak louder than word, your body language is also your action.

Inexpensive Facials At Home

www.realbeauty.com

I'm sure you've heard the saying "Put your best face forward."  Well, today I want to give you 2 quick tips on how to do just that! Better yet, your face is one of the things that people remember most.  Even if you have only 3 teeth left in your mouth, a smile is you best accessory by far. It shows confidence, and is welcoming to everyone you meet.  Our skin is the second most important asset we have.  Of the different tones, textures, and sizes, taking care of your skin now is an investment that will repay you several times over.  If you have dry skin, oily skin and are a mixture of the two...take time with it.  So if you are running short on cash for your Noxzema, Saint Ives, or Olay, here are some things I've done at home that will help to keep your skin hydrated.  The cool thing is, you most likely have everything you need right in your pantry!

Need a good exfoliation to your skin...here you go...

1.  Sugar. Yes, just plain table sugar creates a great "gentle abrasive" that you can use as a base to help with your exfoliation efforts. With the right material, you can create blemish scrubs, anti-aging scrubs, even skin tone and basic sugar scrubs.

• Making a slight mix with 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil (jojoba or olive oil) works great for blemishes or as a basic scrub.  If you need to thin the mixture out, eyeball added water.
• Another scrub that I love to use is 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 cup of water, and 4-6 drops peppermint essential oil. Honey is a wonderful natural humectant (draws moisture into the skin).  No matter which scrub you choose to create, these are two simple ones that are cheap, works well, and are all natural . Just try it out! (Just caution if you have allergies). 

 

2.    Oatmeal! It can be used on blemished and oily skin. Oatmeal is great because it soothes itchy dry skin.

• 1 Egg
• 1/2 cup of oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons water (or coconut water)

That's it.  Put the egg on face first.  Apply with a applicator brush or simply with your fingers.  Place plain oatmeal in a plastic bowl with the water, and create a paste.  Apply to face.  Let dry, and rinse off with water.  Your face will feel more refreshed!

 If you don't have eggs, you can use just the oatmeal and warm water as a basic scrub. A hydrating scrub... would be a combination of

•  1 cup oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• coconut milk (eyeball enough to create a thick paste)

 Apply to your face with your fingers or applicator brush. Let the scrub stay on your face until you feel it getting stiff. Simply peal the mask off. Rinse your face with warm water.

 

You can be your best, for less. These tips are very easy to do and very cheap. Enjoy your way to better skin!!!