New years resolutions

Well, it's all over but the yell'in as my grandpa Harry would say. New years is right around the corner. Do you know what your resolution will be this year? How about picking up a craft of some sort? Did you know crafting is good for you?

It's true—crafting really is good for your health! Crafts have been used as therapy for years, offering kids as well as adults a way to express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and reduce stress. In fact, recent medical studies show that creative activity affects your total well-being. It can lower blood pressure, reduce tension, and help people dealing with chronic pain.

Crafting distracts us, and crafting with friends gives us an opportunity to share, express ourselves, and feel successful. After all, when your goal is self-expression, you can't help but succeed! Those who do some sort of crafting were found to have less pain as well as depression. So be good to yourself this year. Find time to relax and make something creative with your hands. Crafting enriches your life in so many ways so share the joy— Dig out those knitting neeldes and crochet hooks. Pick up that paint brush. No matter what type of art or craft you may want to try or get back into go for it!

Where is the time going?

I don't know how you are doing just a few days before Christmas, but I will tell you I am in a twirl wind of activities getting ready for the holidays. Finshing up last minute homemade gifts is a big one. I have a few teacher gifts to make yet too. Don't forget those special people that often go unnoticed. The mail person, teachers, (Don't forget the phy ed, music and art teachers) your hair stylist, your childcare provider.... Your list may go on. You don't have to spend a ton of money to let these people know how important they are to you and your family. How about a gift in a jar?
http://www.the-best-homemade-gift-ideas.com/gifts-in-a-jar.html or just a homemade meal?
http://www.the-best-homemade-gift-ideas.com/edible-gifts.html

It doesn't take a lot to show people you care. It's just the idea that you went out of your way to show that you do!
Only 8 days left til Christmas!

Good Luck!

Only 20 Days until Christmas!

Where is the time ticking away to? So much to do and so little time to do it. While we are all in this whirl wind of present buying, party attending, gift wrapping, and cookie baking stop to remember what the holiday season is really about. Are a lot of gifts really the answer? I say no. I always have a very hard time coming up with things I really need every year. Yes, I would LOVE the newest digital camera, a new kitchen mixer, a house full of new flooring..... But do I NEED all that stuff? The answer is definitely no. Would I like it? Oh ya, don't get me wrong. But need and want are 2 totally different things! Almost a year ago I started a website about homemade gifts for all different occasions. http://www.the-best-homemade-gift-ideas.com/

This year I have decided to totally practice what I preach. Everyone is getting homemade gifts this year.

Gift giving isn't about giving some extravagant gift, and this year I know I am definitely tightening up the purse strings. Even my young children have gotten into the act of making homemade gifts. My 7 year old daughter learned to knit this summer. Guess what everyone is getting from her? You guessed it, handmade scarves. We went out and found some really nice soft yarns and she's been a knitting machine since.

I pose a challenge to you, either today or tomorrow, sit down and make a list of the people you need gifts for. Then figure out exactly how much you want to spend on each person. Feel free to visit my website for some gift ideas. And figure out if you can make a handmade gift rather than going to the store to buy one. We always get "stuff" every year. Can you remember all the gifts you got last year? Neither can I. Make something that the person you are giving the gift to, won't soon forget!