Never look back, except for an occasional glance, look ahead and plan for the future. Success is not built on past laurels, but rather on a continuous activity. Keep busy searching out new ideas and, experimentally, keep ahead of the times, or at least up with them.



—Dorothy Draper

Top 10 Gifts Under $10.00

Christmas is a time of family, friends and STRESSING over the perfect gift.  Here are a few tips that might help you sleep a little better at night.  Relax and enjoy the upcoming holiday!



• Coffee is always a great gift, especially when you know what kind the person really likes. If you buy a bag of coffee beans, you can place it in a nice gift bag or you can also add a mug that reminds you of the person as well and then place the bag of coffee in the mug. An added bonus is buying coffee that comes from your local coffee shop or roasters.

• Baked goods are a great idea for a gift. Who doesn't like something sweet for the holidays? If you make the baked goods it may even be cheaper and it shows even more of an effort on your part.

• Picture frames are beautiful and inexpensive. And adding a picture of you and the person you are giving it to will have even more meaning to it. Just make sure the picture is flattering of the person receiving the gift :) 

• If you know a person loves wine, buy them a decent bottle and wrap it or put it in a nice bottle gift bag. A wine lover will appreciate this and you will not have to worry about it going to waste.

• Books and journals are a great gift idea for all the readers and writers on your list. Some books can be expensive so try buying a paperback or go online and search for a cheaper price.

• You can always find board games for under $10 dollars. They are fun and very entertaining and will most likely be played one they are opened.

• Note cards or a stationary set is a wonderful gift idea, especially personalized ones. Try to look around for different prices because depending on the store because they can be pricey.

• Try buying lotion, body scrubs or bath salts.  This is the perfect gift for the women on your lists. 

• Christmas ornaments are a precious and meaningful gift. This is a gift that will be used every year and the receiver will think of you each time they hang it.

• And lastly, for all the animal lovers out there, you can get them gourmet treats or accessories for their pets.

Fall in Love Like a Child...AGAIN!

It's that time of the year again.  After living in Ohio I have really have learned to love every season.  I love how everyone really celebrates all seasons and now we have to get ready for fall.  About two weeks ago I spent some time at Circle Farms in Champagne County, Ohio and fell in love with pumpkins again.  I haven't been in love with pumpkins... well, lets say it's just been too long.  I thought it was something that was just for kids.  As a child, I remember getting so excited to go with Mom ans Dad to pick out my very own pumpkin.  The idea of choosing your very own pumpkin as your canvas to make the best Jack-o-Lantern ever was almost as good as getting all that candy and choosing what to wear for Halloween!!  In fact, I don't think I have said the word 'Jack-o-lantern' as an adult.  Going to a pumpkin farm really helps you get in the mood!!  I feel like a child again!  I have been looking everywhere trying to see what I am going to make with my pumpkins and how I want to decorate with my long lost orange treasures.  It sure feels good to be excited like a child again!! 

Of, course I love the owls!!  What a great idea!  Just use nuts and dried seeds to make your own creation. 

Use berries, gourds and pumpkins to decorate a wagon or wheel barrel. Then, add a painted "Welcome Friends" on your pumpkins!  Can't paint?  Just buy letter stickers! Perfect!  

Take those little guys out of the bowl and put them to use.  They make great candle stick holders or votive holders (the white pumpkins especially).  Just take the stem out and make a hole for the candle sticks or dig everything out for the votive.  you can add anything with a little glue.  The picture shows berries and small pine cones. Add a few fall leaves for a little bit more spice! 

Get one of these awesome painted pumpkins by Debbie Loffing!  Each one is different...contact me and I'll give you the information on how to get one!!  

Happy Fall Everyone!