What are your #NewYearsResolutions?

Here are mine:

Personal - be true to myself - this is something that I always strive to achieve, but hope to take more time for "me" this year

Business - continue to add services to offer to my clients, and provide the best value possible

Visit Telus to Donate to MS Society - Waterloo Chapter

Telus Mobility is working to support the efforts of the Waterloo District Chapter of the MS Society. The generous people at Telus will match all donations made at their store at the Conestoga Mall until December 31, 2011. If you are considering making a donation to the Waterloo District Chapter of the MS Society this year, please consider making that donation through the folks at Telus Mobility (their store is near the ‘Winners’ entrance to the mall).
YOUR DONATION WILL BE DOUBLED!

They will take cash, credit card or debit. For donations of $20 or more, just bring your Telus receipt to the MS Centre (35 Belmont Ave West, Kitchener) and they will prepare a 2011 charitable receipt for you.

Thank you for helping to spread the joy of the season … thank you to Telus Mobility and thank you to YOU!

Hosting a New Year's Party Tips

- Set a theme and advise your guests to dress appropriately - set the table and decorations according to your theme. Some fun suggestions that I've enjoyed include masquerade, black and white, and James Bond

- Be sure to set out snacks, and offer a selection of beverages, including a non-alcoholic option for your designated drivers.

- Be sure to plan ahead for guests that may over-drink by having a guest room set up (if available), and quick access to the phone number of local taxi companies.
If you're attending a New Year's party, be sure to bring a gift for your host, whether it's as simple as a bottle of wine, or a more personal gift that the host can enjoy after the party While your host may not expect a gift, it is always appreciated.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas & Last Minute Baking Inspiration

Wishing you and your families a safe and happy holiday. If you're doing a little last minute baking today, be sure to check out www.kraftrecipes.com for some inspiration. I use several of their recipes each year for my Christmas baking. They use ingredients that you can usually find already in your home - perfect for last minute treats! #christmasbaking

Thanks for the Tradition Holiday Cards!!!

As our society becomes more and more technologically advanced, it is often easy to forget some of the simplest gestures. While technology has allowed us to improve efficiency, and most can't imagine how they ever lived without their smartphone, it has also made us busier than ever. I encourage you to take some time this holiday season to phone (not email) friends and loved ones, take the time to sit down for tea with your grandparents, and practice patience in the malls and stores.

On that note, thank you to everyone that send me a personal, physical #Christmas card! While I appreciate the e-wishes, nothing beats the good old-fashioned #holiday card.

Concerned about the environmental impact? Try to purchase cards that have been printed on recycled paper, and save your cards to re-use the following year as gift tags by cutting out the cute characters or shiny messages, punch a hole, add ribbon, and adhere to gifts. My friends and family always appreciate the uniqueness of my gift tags.

All I Want for #Christmas...

Last minute Christmas shopping? Here some items on my wish list this Christmas - great for the hard-to-shop-for person on your list:

1. Boudoir Cushion - Bouclair $16.99

2. Red Etched Wine Glasses - Bombay $29 for a set of 4

3. Loose Leaf Teas - Check out Distinctly Tea's Christmas Blend - prices vary

4. Scented Candles - Bath and Body Works offers great scents that burn for several hours - prices vary depending on size

5. Home Baked Goods - I always seem to get a sweet tooth this time of year, and I look forward to sharing my baked goodies with friends and family, and sampling their creations