"I look forward to reading your book. I admit, that I do not read many of the books we print, but I do believe your book will be very special." Bob Powers, Book Coach, SelfPublishing.com

It is my wish, my hope, and my intention to share snippets of my personal experiences in an effort for you to learn how to listen to your goose bumps, find your own truth, and to perceive every experience in your life as a gift.  It is through this process that you will make peace with your past and truly find happiness in the present.   

Goose bumps are those chills you get that, for most people, raise the hairs on their arms or the back of their neck. Pay attention to what you are doing, thinking and feeling when you experience them. They are a confirmation of the truth and a reality that is communicating with you, offering you guidance and inspiration to live your best life.

No one else can feel your goose bumps. They can only be felt by you because they are speaking to you. Each of us is living our own truth and much like our fingerprints there are no two exactly alike.  

This book isn't an attempt to have all the answers, but rather to inspire others to find their own.

Enjoy Your Journey!
Sue 

To purchase my book using Pay Pal, 'Send Money' to Giftplanner@gmail.com  $15 each book.  Free shipping when you mention my coupon.

Now available on Amazon.com for your convenience

 

 A Priceless Holiday Gift………From the Heart

For those of you that have the feeling that Santa's Sleigh may arrive empty this year, I would like to give you an idea of something that you CAN give your loved ones regardless of the size of your wallet.  I believe this gift will be cherished more than anything that you could have found at any Department Store, for only the price of the frame.

 

From my own personal experiences, I know that gifts that touch my heart have the most meaning.  I believe that it is our human nature, to not only want to feel loved, but to also hear it from those who we love to fully embrace it.

 

THE GIFT:  Write a letter to each loved one on your Holiday gift list.  Tell each of them, individually, how you feel about them, how they have touched your life, what they mean to you, and how grateful you are for having them in your life.  Now Frame them.  That’s it.  You’re done!   I cannot express to you enough, how many people will tell you that this is their favorite gift of the season.  I cannot imagine anyone that wouldn’t make room on their wall for this.  Can you?

These are my personal favorite gifts from my sons, written while they were in high school and college, and they are proudly hanging on my wall.  It is so simple, and I am still deeply touched every time I stop and read them. 

This is a great gift to honor those you love on Thanksgiving, for those who to choose to celebrate that day.

Upon further reflection……this is a priceless gift ANY time.

 

                      Getting Organized for Gift Giving

 

Getting organized at the beginning of each year is very important if your goal is to be one step ahead of the special occasions throughout the year.  It can be embarrassing to always be the one mailing out those belated birthday cards.  Instead, show your loved ones that you haven’t forgotten them by acknowledging their special day ON their special day.

 

Here are a few tips that work well to get yourself organized: 

 

1). There are a few different online services that help to track and remind you of the birthdays that you have asked it to remember for you.  The one I use is Birthdayalarm.com. Please choose the one that works best for you………

 

2). Get a new calendar for the year.  Before you hang it on the wall, sit down and go month by month and write down every occasion each month before turning the page and moving onto the next month.  Write down everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries, upcoming weddings, showers, and any other event coming up for you during the year.  

 

3). Every month as you go through the year, take a look at the current and next month for any special occasions that are coming up soon.  This will give you ample time to plan for that occasion or event.  You will no longer be scrambling to rush out and buy those belated cards.  This will also give you time to contact me to find or create a wonderful gift for your loved one, coworker, or neighbor, etc.   

 

It is my hope that you have a wonderful year of special occasions, and remember, it is not the price of the card or gift that holds its greatest value, it is that you remembered and are honoring their special occasion.

 

~Sue       

 

The Money Tree

 

Most of us know at least one.  Many of us live with one.  To others, they are a niece, nephew, or grandchild.  I am talking about the proverbial teenager or college student that thinks money grows on trees.  I have created the PERFECT gift for them…..The Money Tree.  They are perfect for ANY occasion, from birthdays, graduation, getting their driver’s license, their first job, straight A’s, you name it.  This is the PERFECT Gift because it adds a sense of humor and whimsy to a gift that is desired in these tough economic times, money.  Actually, this gift isn’t only for teenagers, everyone appreciates a little discretionary money.  This is a creative and fun way to give ANYONE a monetary gift for any event or occasion.  Opening an envelope and finding either money or a check is all well and good, however The Money Tree is truly a gift that people will remember and talk about for months or years to come.

I would also suggest to those of you that are financially able, and know of a family in need of assistance, a money tree may be a fun and lighthearted way to reach out to them.  They can easily be made in any $ amount.

This tree can also be used as a symbol to manifest more wealth in your life.

Please check out The Money Tree in my gallery of pictures.  Chocolate flowers are added at the base of the tree.        

 

Uplifting Gift for Hospital Recovery

 

A friend of mine recently had a medical emergency; this is when I discovered that Hospitals do not allow fresh flowers in their critical Intensive Care Units.  While walking down the halls of the Hospital with one of my Get Well chocolate flower arrangements, I quickly realized many people were commenting on what a perfect gift my arrangements are for someone recovering in the Hospital, whether they are in the ICU or not. Many visiting guests that day were upset that the fresh flowers they had brought were not allowed and they felt a bit frustrated as they then had no gift to offer the person they came to visit.   The hospital volunteers and nurses even asked me “Where did you get that cute arrangement?”  Actually, before I even entered the hospital, a man in the parking lot praised me on the chocolate flower arrangement and joked that I must have brought it for him.  

I shouldn’t admit that the comments surprised me. I guess it was really how MANY comments I got within 15 minutes that floored me.   The arrangement produced a smile from everyone, which represents how it made them FEEL.  When someone is in or out of the Hospital suffering from any type of illness, what do we most want for them?  We want them to FEEL better and bring a smile to their face, right?  Making the heart happy is very healing.   It is all about uplifting the spirit of our loved ones to aid in their speedy recovery and to also further nurture a seemingly healthy person.  I am so happy to be able to play a role in creating smiles and happy hearts for any and everyone, whether they are suffering in a hospital bed or out running marathons.

I invite you to check out my samples of arrangements and gifts in my photo gallery.  They can be made for ANY occasion. 

 

Out of the Blue

Who says we have to have a birthday or a holiday to give someone a token of love or friendship? Small gifts make a huge impression when they are given out of the blue.  The person receiving the gift feels so special knowing that they are being genuinely thought of and appreciated without a holiday provoking it.  It screams "You are special to me."

What if I were to declare an Out of the Blue Day?  Every person can pick as many people as they like to do something nice on this designated day that is out of the blue and totally unexpected.  Wouldn't that be fun?  It doesn't have to be a material gift; it can be giving a homeless person a smile, giving a loved one a foot rub, or offer a friend flowers from your garden. Any small gift or act of kindness is so nice to offer someone out of the blue. 

Ok, so the chances of me declaring this day nationwide is not very likely, however, you can declare your own Out of the Blue Day and shower your friends and loved ones with gifts and acts of kindness. Go for it! 

 

Coupons from Your Heart

I want to dedicate this blog to gifts from your heart that you can give in the form of personally created coupons. For the gift giver this is an economical gift, however to the receiver it is priceless.  Who wouldn’t love a coupon they can redeem for a back massage, dishes done for a week, a romantic getaway, a picnic at sunset, or babysitting services for the night?  You can give a coupon for just about anything. They can be given to fulfill an intimate desire or they can be as practical as taking out the garbage, vacuuming, or mowing the lawn. The magic is in knowing what would be the most meaningful to the receiver and would bring them the most joy. Ask yourself: What would make the gift receiver’s heart melt?  The answer is the coupon that you want to give them. These coupons can be given in an envelope or can be added to any of my arrangements as a very unique way to present them. It has always been my belief that a gift of love or an act of kindness given from your heart is priceless! It just doesn’t get any better than that.

I invite you to check out my photo gallery for many examples of my arrangements.  

 

Gratitude “Favors” For Your Party Guests

 

Most of the special events in our lives are surrounded by family, good friends, good food and good drinks, which is wonderful.  To express our love and appreciation further, events such as birthdays, weddings and baby showers also fill the room with gifts galore.   Isn’t it heartwarming to give our friends and loved ones a gift that will touch their heart and create a lasting memory?   Sometimes these gifts come in the form of Favors for everyone that attends your event.  It is a token for your guests to thank them for being a part of your special day.  This little Favor is cherished and often saved for many years and serves as a memento of your celebration.  They are an expression of gratitude as well as a lasting keepsake for your friends and family.  

Favors can be created for any occasion and it is my specialty to design a unique Favor specifically for YOU.  They can be traditional, fun, humorous, or outside-the-box.  

It is rewarding to be able to create a lasting memory for you and your guests. 

 

My Secret to Successful Gift Giving 

 

Many times, during the course of the year, we give our loved ones, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and associates gifts for special occasions.  I have been witness to all kinds of gifts being both given and received.  Some people head to the nearest bulk store to buy one of those pre-made gift baskets with the clear shrink wrap, you know the ones. Others will go buy a gift $ card at the local convenience store and quickly slap it in a greeting card. 

Let me share with you my secret to successful gift giving. I specifically choose gifts that will reach the gift recipient on an emotional level, something that links/connects them with their gift.  I create something special and pleasing to the eye, by offering the gift within a unique, beautiful presentation. This is the same theory as a meal at a 5 star restaurant and how we first eat with our eyes.  First impressions make a huge impact.

 

When choosing a gift, I give thought to the following:

 

Your relationship to the gift recipient?

The occasion?

What this person really loves or collects?

Their passion?

Their profession?

Their gender and age?

Their favorite color(s)? 

And, importantly, staying within your budget. 

 

It feels great to give/receive a gift that is truly appreciated and shows that forethought was a part of the recipe in choosing and/or creating it.  Adding an emotional ingredient will create lasting memories and the gift is no longer merely a material gift, it becomes a treasured memory from the emotions that it evoked. That’s a SUCCESSFUL GIFT!!!  

~Sue