Boutique Banter

Your New Year’s Resolutions Can Come True

December 23rd, 2009 3:45 pm

It’s that time of year when everyone resolves to make some changes. But if you shoot too high or try to go it alone, you just may be creating a set-up for yourself. Take a look at some strategies that may help to make this year’s resolutions a reality.

Keep your resolution realistic. If you aim too high you are setting yourself up for failure. Instead of the 25 pounds you want to lose, start with a realistic 5 or 10. Likewise, try to make only one resolution. Overloading yourself with goals can be overwhelming and then it will be difficult to be able to meet one goal.
Give yourself a reward. As you hit little milestones along the way to your goal, reward yourself frequently. If you have resolved not to spend as much money and you resist something you really want, treat yourself to something special like a great cup of cappuccino or time spent with friends.
Don’t try to quit everything at once. If you resolve not to eat any junk food, it will only end up with your binging and feeling guilty. Set a more realistic goal like not eating a specific junk food and build from there.

Tell your support system about your resolution. The more people you have cheering you on, the greater your chances of achieving your goal.

Wait until spring to start your resolution. When I received a gift certificate to Curves a couple years ago, I knew it would be difficult enough to start a new routine of exercise, much less in the cold dark days of winter. Once the weather changed and the days were sunny, it was much easier to begin to make my changes with the start of a new season.

Set yourself up for success and you will succeed! Here’s to a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year!

Jana | Comments (0) | Trackbacks

Christmas is Coming!

November 6th, 2009 11:19 pm

With Halloween just behind us and Thanksgiving a couple weeks away, Christmas will be here before we know it.

Here are some tips for shopping for the holidays:

Get a plan. You should develop a workable holiday budget. To do so, first list all holiday-related expenses, starting with the obvious gifts and decorations. However, remember items such as postage, charitable donations and travel. Add up the total and compare that with what you have available to spend. If it’s more than you can afford, look for areas to trim expenses.

– Evaluate your gift list. Your list should be limited to family and perhaps close friends, depending on your budget. For those you are unable to buy for, send a personal holiday card or note. Determine how much you want to spend on each person and keep in mind that some of the most thoughtful gifts cost next to nothing. For instance, give time or services such as babysitting or create a handcrafted gift instead of a store-bought item. Often these gifts can mean more to a recipient than something on which you’ve spent a lot of money.

– Shop smart. Never shop in a rush or under pressure because that can lead to overspending. With extra time, you can comparison shop and search for the best possible deal. Before you buy, take a “time-out” and ask yourself if the gift is appropriate for the recipient and within your spending limit.

source: Everything Christmas Website

Serendipity Shopping List:

Travel mug - always a great gift. Everybody travels to and from work and it is always special to have a ceramic mug to keep your coffee or tea hot while driving or working.

Relevant Products Christmas Sleepers and Socks and Themed Sleepers and Pillowcases. - Fun giftware to wear.

Ganz Measuring Spoons and Coffee Scoops - Great stocking stuffers. Variety of themes to complement any decor. Great themes for the collector.

Jana | Comments (1) | Trackbacks

What are YOUR favorite scented candles?

October 9th, 2009 10:54 am

Mmm - you can just smell the spicy gingerbread warm from the oven. This wonderfully fragrant jar candle from Time and Again is great for the Christmas season. 14.8 oz. Pretty red holiday gingham ribbon with snowflake cookie cutter included.