November 29, 2009

Holiday Sales and Online Shopping Tips

I love shopping on the web and with independently owned businesses. Check out my faves list below and get all of your holiday shopping done in a snap!

Savor the Success Holiday Catalog (http://www.savorthesuccess.com/uploads/downloads/various/Savor_Catalog_2009.pdf)Savor the Success, a boutique social network and PR cooperative for women entrepreneurs, provides an easy way to support this movement with its second annual Holiday Catalog. Representing the best in beauty, baubles, baby gear and more, gift givers can find something for everyone on their list and support the economy.

Verve Cards (http://www.vervecards.com)
"VerveCards.com, home of “wry and snappy, never sappy” ecards for savvy senders, is running a 2-for-1 Holiday Sale starting Cyber Monday! Buy 1 Gift Membership, and get the 2nd one FREE! (Or, if you’re not yet a member, join for just $14.95, then get a FREE Gift Membership to give away.)

PSI Bands (http://www.psibands.com)
Shop Black Friday. NAUSEA FREE travel. Enjoy $3 off a set of Psi Bands on Amazon.com, http://bit.ly/5TKc4m, code: HAPITRVL

Celebrate Green (http://www.celebrategreen.net)
50% off 11 awesome eco-friendly gifts and one service from Celebrate Green! http://bit.ly/75TSXZ

CyberMonday Special: Enjoy FREE Gift/FREE Ship (US-48) on orders over $75 at ECStewart/CalligraphyPets http://ow.ly/GXEZ

Cyber Monday @ Biscuits by Lambchop: Free shipping & gift w/orders over $75 when you mention CyberMonday09http://bit.ly/77gCdC

Don't forget to shop Bidwell Botanicals' Cyber Monday Super Sale and save big! You will find gifts for everyone on your list, great prices, complimentary gift wrapping and free shipping to your door. We'll even throw in a free gift for you on orders totalling $50.00, and we will ship to you or direct to the recipient. It doesn't get any better than that!

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

November 24, 2009

Surviving the Holiday Blitz

It seems that the holidays rush in and out faster every year. I love this time of year and I want to savor and enjoy every moment of the family time, sparkling decorations and tradition. It is also our busiest time of year at Bidwell Botanicals so it's definitely a juggling act to get everything done and still have time to relax. I thought I would share a few strategies with you that I've come up with over the years that help me balance the crazy with the calm so I can enjoy the season.
  • I do a lot of my gift shopping online. Not only do I save gas and don't have to stand in line, I also find unique gifts that I wouldn't find in the big box stores.
  • Love to make cookies? Me too! Save time by making a base recipe and adding different ingredients to make lots of different cookies from one main batch!
  • Hosting a brunch? I started making breakfast casseroles a few years ago and they are delicious life savers! I put the main ingredients together the night before and pop it in the fridge. Remove 30 minutes prior to baking in the morning and you can serve it warm and have time to make mimosas and mingle with your guests.
  • Cooking for a crowd can wear you out. Try making as many things ahead of time as you can so you only have to make a few things the days of the feast. Desserts, side dishes and even the main course can be made in advance and reheated before serving. Here's a planning guide that helps.
Make it a priority to slow down and enjoy the warm feelings of the holidays that are here and gone so quickly. It's really the little things in life that make it all worth while. Spending time with your family and friends sharing good food, good drink and good conversation will help to make the season merry and bright. Cheers!