Giving Thanks

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I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving today filled with joy, laughter and love.

I've been a little MIA on my blog these past two weeks, working diligently on some room e-designs for some new clients and now I am so blessed to get to spend the next week with my hubby before he heads back to NYC. I have so much to be thankful for: A supportive husband, great friends and family, a job that I enjoy, good health, a cozy home and getting to serve a loving and faithful God who is the God of more than enough!

I am also really thankful for all of YOU, my readers! Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my little ol' blog, for leaving me thoughtful comments, sending me personal notes of encouragement or a quick e-mail to see how I'm doing during this time of transition as Paul works towards his Masters degree in a different state. I really appreciate you all and my life is truly more blessed having you all be a part of it. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

I'd love to hear what you all are especially thankful for today. :)

Blessings,

What Are You THANKFUL For Today?

With all of the grocery shopping, fall decorating and preparations before Thanksgiving Day, with just one week to go I thought it was only appropriate to focus on the most important part of this holiday- being thankful.

It's so easy to get caught up in feeling as though you don't have enough, or won't have enough for the holiday season. The constant news updates on of the state of the economy alone could put anyone into a state of depression. However, it's important to dig deep and remember all that we have been given, all of the skills that we have to offer, our families and dearest friends, our freedom, and all of the things that we do not suffer from in terms of our health.

Nature always connects me to what's most important. This morning I went for a 30 minute walk to stretch, take in some fresh air and start my day. I came across some beautiful monarch butterflies hovering over some wildflowers, fluttering about and I was reminded of the amazing power of transformation that we each have within ourselves. Butterflies are such beautiful creatures that always bring a smile to my face. I found myself stopping to just watch them in their natural environment without a care in the world, doing what butterflies do. Later on during my walk I saw some baby birds up high in a nest chirping and learning to fly. At the end of my driveway I'm lucky enough to have a very old and large oak tree that is home to mainy squirrels and birds, in particular -bluejays. Some days I only need to look out my window and see the little lizards scurrying about on our front porch and it brings me to a simple, peaceful place.

TODAY I am most thankful for:

1. My Husband- I am also grateful for all of my family and friends but today I am most grateful for my hubby. No matter what life throws at us, we are a true team who celebrate when the day calls for it and love and support each other through life's toughest challenges. This year there have been several and it makes me realize how loving and committed he is to our marriage.

2. My Home-There have been some highs and lows with my hubby and I both being entrepreneurs and running our own businesses. It has required a LOT of faith some months, but we are always provided for and we always have a roof over our head.

3. My Car- it always starts when I turn the key in the ignition, it has never left me stranded and it's comfortable and clean to boot!

4.. Free Veggies- My husband was visiting some friends the other day and they happened to provide him with a bag of veggies and fruit from their garden as they had many extras, which was a wonderful blessing.

5. My Health-Perhaps one of the greatest gifts, I am most grateful for my health. I am happy to have so many natural options around me and access to wonderful supplements and nutritious foods as well as medical  care when needed. Not all countries have the unlimited options and supplies that we have.

6. Gorgeous Weather- This is the time of  year that Floridians long for. The warm, breezy days filled with sunshine mixed with the cool, crisp evening walks. I have always loved autumn in any place I've lived but am perhaps most grateful and thankful for it in FL after a very long, hot, sticky summer.

7. God- My continual source of strength, faith, hope, love, joy, peace, mercy, grace, contentment, provision and finances. Of my list today, I am most thankful for my relationship with God, the one who never lets me down. In my books He is above all things.

What are you most thankful for TODAY? Share it with us!

What Are You Grateful For Today?

At a time when the economy is unstable, people have lost their jobs, money is tight and it feels like relief is no where in sight, it's important to focus on what we DO have. It's a proven fact that by focusing on the positives in our life, we will attract more positive things in our lives. It will also allow you to feel more at peace vs. stressed out and frustrated. Sometimes there are circumstances that we may not be able to change but it is our attitude, not our circumstances, that will determine how successful we will be in the future.

At the beginning of the year I started a gratitude journal, as I wanted to document what I was most grateful for each day. It isn't anything fancy, just a hard covered notebook where I can jot down 5 new things each day. Sometimes I'm inspired by others and other times it's the little breakthroughs I've enjoyed throughout the day.

While running some errands yesterday I came across a gentleman in a wheelchair who was missing his right leg. Although he was confined to a wheelchair, he had a big smile on his face and you could just tell he was enjoying life. He was a reminder to me how blessed I am to have two working, healthy legs to walk, run, jog and get around on. I can't even imagine how much more difficult his life must be or the extra time he must spending doing daily tasks that we take for granted. Let's remember what we do have working for us, not what may be mounting against us.

What I'm Grateful for Today:

1. My husband who takes care of me when I'm sick. He was sweet enough to return to the drugstore twice to pick up the right cold medication and even returned with a bunch of beautiful sunflowers!

2. The large downpour of rain we had this morning, because it means less water we need to use on our lawn which is better for the environment and our pocketbook. :)

3. Amazing Friends! In times of celebration and times where I have felt defeated, my friends have always been there for me. I am so blessed to have such an awesome group of friends who each possess such different personalities and zest for life!

4. After reflecting on my thrifty trip to the Goodwill store yesterday, I am definitely grateful that it is so close to my house. They often have loads of brand new 'surplus' items that Target donates. I wound up getting 2 new pairs of yoga pants, a pair of shorts and 3 cardigans for .99 cents each! I also got a Pier One set of 6 appetizer plates for just .99 cents each too. The best part is that they were all brand new items from Target! No matter how much money I have in the bank I know I will always shop there, I love recycling, getting amazing deals and supporting my local community.

5. My Health- Despite a minor cold that I got while travelling, I am completely healthy. I know there are many families who are visiting loved ones in the hospital, a nursing home or who are battling to get the care they need because they do not have the proper medical insurance in place. I thank God for all of the nutritional knowledge I've obtained that allows me to stay at peak performance!

What are you grateful for today? Tell us! We'd love to hear from you!

Have a Blessed Day!

How to be a Grateful Guest

Whether you've been invited to stay the weekend with some friends or invited to a holiday feast, lovely dinner party or BBQ, it's always important to bring something thoughtful for the host or hostess. As I mentioned in a previous post, it is polite to send a thank you card to the host after the event to both thank them for the invitation and to share what a great time you had with everyone (provided you actually did).

Particularly while being invited to either an intimate dinner, a holiday gathering or a dinner party, you'll want to bring a little something with you for your hard-working host. Try to select something that is practical and can be used or shared during the party itself.

If you're stuck for an idea other than a bottle of wine, here are a few below:

1. Dessert Wine- This is a great option for sophisticated wine lovers.

2. Gourmet Chocolates-I don't know anyone who doesn't appreciate quality chocolate!

3. Fresh flowers w/ a vase (these don't have to be expensive, it's the thought that counts)

4. A box of specialty tea such as those individually packaged in little triangles or loose tea.

5. A couple of packages of fun napkins in a gift bag, or those with the family's monogram.

6. Wine charms-These help separate identical glasses so the guests will know which is theirs.

7. A Pet Gift- If you are close to the host/hostess and their pet is like a child to them, bring them a treat for their pet or something specific like a fun yet inexpensive new dog collar.

8. Dish Soap/Hand Lotion-These are practical and will get used. The ones in the photo above are from MarthaStewart.com. Other great sets can be found at Williams Sonoma or any major discount retailer.

9. Beautiful Napkin Set- Bring a set of 4-6 cloth napkins (depending on the size of their family).

10. DIY Crafty Gifts- If you're talented in the craft department and you know the host really well, do bring your own creation- a wreath, some homemade goodies, homemade herbed vinegars, etc.

These gifts do not have to cost a fortune. In fact, I keep a couple large gift boxes in a spare closet that house smaller items that I've found all year round. These items can be found during sales or clearances where they're worth $20 but you've paid less than $5 and you'll leave an impression. This also makes birthday, Christmas and hostess gifts a breeze. I also stock up on lots of thank you and other note cards that I've picked up on sale as well as stamps so I can send off a note in no time.

If you have been invited to a potluck and were asked to bring a specific item, in this case you've done your duty. Anything extra after that point is just strictly up to your own discretion but is not at all required as you are helping the host create her menu.

Here is a link to some great hostess gifts at ApartmentTherapy.com. Check them out!

If you have some great host/hostess gift ideas I'd love to hear them!

Thanks for reading!

XO