Keeping Family and Friends in Mind all the time

I love what happens in just one month (and a couple of days) since my last post to this blog. September was an amazing month on eBay over $6000 in sales.

 I think the biggest secret is to plan your process, determine what you want to make and where you want it to go. That way when the profit is there you have already purpose that money and you can have that reward. If you don't do this, it may just wind up being spent who knows where and then you get frustrated.
So my advise is to alway pre-plan where you are going to spend the money and then stick to that plan. Discipline yourself to get into the habit and before you know it, you will have conquered managing your money.

One of the things I find so valuable when I treasure hunt is to keep in mind what my family and friends collections, hobbies and things that are important to them.

Recently a very dear friend was saddened at one of her favorite collectibles breaking. So as I was out doing my "normal" shopping/treasure hunting, there on the shelf of a thrift store was exactly the item she broke!!!!! Can you imagine the thrill when she opens her Christmas present and see's her beloved little treasure in the box.

No it does not cost very much, but yet it is the fact that I listened to her and remembered what was important to her.

It is not about how much you spend, it is about how much you care. It cost me just a few dollars, but it will say so much to my friend to know that I listened to just a passing comment from her.

Your ears are a very important tool, but sometimes we do not use them as we should. Remember we have 2 ears and 1 mouth, and we should use them in proportion to that.
Boy am I speaking to me on this one!!!!!

During my weekly visits "treasure hunting" I am always keeping an eye out for just the right thing for someone special in my life. It has nothing to do with being "cheap", but everything to do with the fact that they are on my mind and I remember what is important to them.

So this coming year why not make a practice of really looking with your heart and eyes to what might be a special treasure to someone on your Christmas list. You will save so much stress at this time of year, and you will bless someone with the gift of "YOU are important to me and I listened to your wants and needs".

Think about how you can stay within your budget and yet have the most wonderful Christmas or other holiday ever!!!

How would you feel if when you opened up your gift that it wasn't so much about what was inside but that someone really cared enough to keep you on their mind? The fact that they actually listened to you and what was important to you.

This is the time of year to show that you care. It is not about buying expensive gifts that will break or wear out, but to truly say "I love you and you are my TREASURE"

Having a GREAT Holiday Season without the worry and stress

Happy Fall  

You mean it is really October already, but wasn't it just Summer time yesterday, oh yes it is 86 out today in our beautiful California weather so it still seems like summer.

You do not want to be stressed for the holidays so here are a few tips.
1) Plan ahead
2) Plan ahead
3) Plan ahead
Oh did I mention that you might want to plan ahead? LOL.

Many years ago when we were struggling financially the holidays seemed to be our worst time of year, never money to buy gifts or do all the things you are suppose to do for a "happy" season.  Then I realized that having money to make it a happy season was not what it was all about.  It was about blessing others.  So we started doing something that we still do today.  Gift giving is all about what we can do for others and not what we buy them.  Check out some of these ideas.

a) Give a little "personal coupon" for something you can do special for that person.  Such as baking them something special a few months out of the year, or even making a special dinner for them.  Oh come on I know you can cook even if you have to buy most of it pre-made.  Just think of at least setting a pretty table and serving them.

One year we did this for some very dear friends.  We invited them to the "Gilson Dinner House".  Greeted them at the door, checked their reservations and seated them at the reserved table.  Then I was the chief and Alan was the waiter.  We made it just like they had come to a fancy restaurant with a nice table setting and candlelight.  It was so fun and our friends still remember this to this day.  Gosh I think we should do this again!!  You could do this for an anniversary, birthday or any special occasion.

How about making something special, or whenever I am out looking for things to sell on eBay I am also thinking of things my family and friends have an interest in.  This means that they are always on your radar and you are thinking of them.  That is what people really want, to know that they are important to you.

So don't make the holidays a miserable time for you, make it a time to make people feel blessed.  We even spent some times serving at some food kitchens for Thanksgiving,  What a great way to not stress and do something special at the same time.  Then you WILL have a wonderful holiday season.