This Holidays

Writen by Lisa Rickwood

If you dread the impending holiday season (extra shopping, errands, money spent…) then you're probably an overburdened, working person balancing a million things on your plate. This time of year can stress out even the most Zen-like person.

The holidays should be a time of connection with friends and family and a time to relax, rest and reflect on the past year. Instead, it's often a time of rushing, spending, agonizing, shopping and over-indulging.

You may not be able to eliminate all your stress, but you can master it when you learn five simple secrets to low stress holidays.

First Secret: Do a little planning. Decide when to have a holiday party, how much to budget for gifts, how many people to buy for and if you're sending out cards or corporate gifts. Take an afternoon and record your intentions.

We often begin this intention but lose focus three-quarters of the way through the season. Make it a point to stick to your objectives. If your budget is tight, don't overspend; the people receiving your gift will know you're stressed and they don't want to be a part of that.

Second Secret: Simplify what you just wrote. Yes, that's right - eliminate something that's not urgent. Maybe you don't need to send out cards this year - a phone call or email may suffice. Decide what can be trimmed from your plan. One year I didn't send out cards and guess what, the world didn't end. In fact, no one mentioned that they didn't get cards.

Third Secret: Eliminate perfection. I'm not sure who decided our Christmases have to be like the Norman Rockwell paintings. I don't know one family who has a perfect family life – we all have funny or stressful members in our clan. The trick is to accept this and move on; just try to enjoy what we can in a family or group situation.

When we set out to buy presents, stop trying to make everything perfect and just aim for 'good enough.' This is very liberating when buying gifts; instead of running from store to store trying to find the 'perfect' gift, grab the first item that seems 'okay.'

Fourth Secret: Connect with people. We all know this and do this by working harder, attending parties and socials, but really listen to what others are saying instead of thinking about what 'must get done.' Get to know people, ask questions and be of service. Enjoy the moment - it goes by too quickly.

Those with growing small children know all too well about the passing of time. Life goes by so fast that by the time you slow down enough to enjoy it, the season is over and you've got the memory on your digital camera.

Fifth Secret: Escape. What does this mean? Take some escape time for yourself; if you work with people all the time, this will be the most important activity you practice.

I work in retail and offer business coaching and although I love my work, there are days when a brisk walk outdoors or good movie and no interruptions would be heaven.

If your idea of escaping is taking a holiday, visiting the spa, playing racquetball, lifting weights or watching a movie, honor yourself by doing it every day. You don't need a day or afternoon - even 20 minutes doing something fun helps you as you're less inclined to be rude, get aggressive or end up sick. This secret is practiced by all successful people; they know how to recharge so they get in the zone and optimize their energy.

If you practice these five secrets, your holidays will be happier, healthier and more prosperous.

Writen by Beiling Lee

1. Go out to dinner with your friends. If you have other single friends, call them up and tell them that you're going out. Keeping in mind that most restaurants are going to be packed and some require reservations for Valentine's Day, so be flexible if you don't already have plans.

2. Hit the clubs. There is no better way to meet other singles than to hit the clubs. Sure, you're going to run into the pawing couples, but there are a going to plenty of other singles anxious to meet new people.

3. Not in the mood to get all dolled up? Fine, go to Barnes and Nobles. There's you might run into a well-read man, or possibly a fellow geek hanging out in the technology section.

4. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Don't hesitate in making the first move. Guys sometimes get the wrong impression. We don't always send the right signals that tells a guy we're interested, or even available. So, if you see a guy, think he's cute, just say, "Hello." What's the worst that can happen?

5. Stop feeling sorry for yourself! Not every girl getting flowers is happy in her relationship. Valentine's Day lasts for 24 hours, but a happy relationship is more than a dozen roses.

Remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being single, just don't be a pitiful single. People can smell desperation from miles away and they usually run in the opposite direction. No matter what you end up doing, don't let it be in front of the tube and please put the ice cream down. There's a whole world out there. Now get out and enjoy it!

Beiling was recently added as new columnist on The Cozy Shack (http://www.thecozyshack.com). She answers questions submitted by readers (askbeiling@thecozyshack.com). Her candid, sincere approach makes her a welcome to The Cozy Shack family.

Writen by Eddie Tobey

Christmas gifts for the men in your life could be personalized, popular or practical. It depends on the man and your relationship with him. There are gifts for male friends, co-workers, boyfriends, husbands and family members, and there are hundreds of ideas waiting for you online, at the mall or in one of many boutiques.

If you are buying a gift for an acquaintance or co-worker, you can't go wrong with a monogrammed men's cashmere scarf, leather card case, accessories box or a gourmet gift tower. These items can be found in any department store, men's shop or on the Internet. Gadgets like a photo frame that also has the indoor/outdoor temperature and time is unique. You could give it with or without a photo. There are also several good gift ideas for the sport's buff. This includes a golf basket, tickets to a sporting event or a tee shirt bearing his favorite team's logo.

For someone very special -- a boyfriend or husband-- a cashmere sweater, portable DVD, Swiss army knife, watches with portable TV or a monogrammed bathrobe is sure to please. If you're thinking more romantically, a chest filled with "love" is the way to go. These chests come filled with romantic games, body rubs, incense and other romantic gifts that will give both the man you love and you hours of fun. A massage chair, heart monitor, air purifier or jogging stroller will also send a special message that you care, and what better than a food and wine gourmet gift basket to enjoy by the fire on a cold winter's night?

Ideas for men's gifts are endless, so your plan should be to first find out his likes and dislikes. Once you've done that decide how much you want to spend and find a gift that's meaningful and fits within your budget. If you're a true friend or lover, he'll love the gift no matter what it is.

Gifts For Men provides detailed information about gifts for men, birthday gift for him, anniversary gift for him, gift basket for him and more. Gifts For Men is the sister site of Wholesale Embroidered Hats.

Writen by William Smith

Finding the perfect Valentine gift for the woman in your life can be a daunting task. To help you out, we've searched the internet to find our top 10 picks for Valentine's Day. From flowers to jewelry to a romantic weekend at a bed & breakfast, you can simply surf the internet to buy or find all the information you need to make this a perfect Valentine's Day for the woman you love.

1) Fresh Flowers - Flowers are still the most popular gift at Valentine's Day. Of course, it is also the most expensive time of the year to buy flowers, particularly roses. Still, flowers remain a classic option and one that is always well received. Try a local florist for guaranteed delivery, or one of the many online retailers if you will be apart this Valentine's Day.

2) Chocolate - Chocolate is a close second to flowers, and for good reason. Many women crave chocolate, and Godiva (http://www.godiva.com) is the ultimate indulgence. When in doubt, buy a variety chocolate gift pack that will allow her to sample a different treat each time. She'll enjoy the mystery of what's inside each tasty treat, and be dreaming about the next one.

3) Perfume - Think of perfume as "flowers in a bottle." A pleasing smell is a powerful aphrodisiac, and a carefully selected scent will make her feel special. Perfume is also nice because the gift lives on for several months, and she'll think of you each time she sprays on your wonderful gift. Ask your female friends what scents are popular this year, or sneak a peek in her magazines to see what perfumes are being advertised.

4) Spa/Massage Gift Certificate - For a truly memorable experience, give her a trip to the spa. Woman love to feel pampered and a massage or spa treatment is a Valentine gift that will relax and elevate her mood.

5) Romantic Dinner At Home - If your wife or girlfriend normally does all the cooking, surprise her with a home-cooked meal. If you're new to the kitchen, don't try anything too ambitious. Pick some of her favorite foods and find some easy recipes to make. Don't worry if your meal isn't perfect, because for this gift the old adage, "it's the thought that counts," is definitely true.

6) Jewelry - Women love jewelry, especially when it's received as a gift on a special occasion. Price is always a factor, but also consider getting something personal (e.g., a dolphin pendant for the ocean lover) or personalized (with your names and date) to make sure this Valentine gift is unforgettable.

7) Teddy Bear (http://www.vermonteddybear.com) - Nothing says cute and cuddly like a teddy bear. The teddy bear has changed a lot since you had one as a kid. Now, there are many different styles, varieties, and colors. Find one just right and she'll thank you for your thoughtfulness.

8) Bouquet Of Heart Shaped Cookies (http://www.gourmet-cookie-bouquets.com) - Cookies are always a "sweet" gift, and heart-shaped gourmet cookies make a great Valentine gift. Personalize the cookies with your own special message to let her know how you feel.

9) Chocolate Covered Strawberries (http://www.aagiftsandbaskets.com) - Strawberries are the perfect Valentine's Day fruit - red, heart-shaped and sweet. We already know how women feel about chocolate, so combine the two and you've got an unforgettable Valentine's Day gift. Chocolate covered strawberries are normally shipped via overnight air for maximum freshness, so these delectable treats also make a great gift for the procrastinator.

10) Romantic Weekend Get-Away - Nothing rekindles romance like a little time away from it all with your Valentine. For a truly romantic weekend, try a bed-and-breakfast someplace special (http://www.bnbfinder.com to find a bed & breakfast). Many bed and breakfasts offer Valentine's Day or romance packages, so it's best to reserve this date far in advance. If you can't get away during Valentine's Day, you can always make the reservation by February 14 and give her a special card telling her about your future romantic escape.

Valentine's Day gifts can be difficult, but with a little planning and insight in your wife or girlfriend's preferences, you can find her a memorable gift this year. You could even chose a different Valentine gift from this list and be covered for the next 10 years!

Bill Smith is the owner of http://www.holiday-gifts-gift-baskets.com which offers a huge selection of Valentine's Day gift ideas for your Valentine. Offering gourmet gift baskets, chocolate, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, flowers and more. Send them a memorable gift this Valentine's Day from Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets.

Writen by Natalie Aranda

The meaning of Christmas to those that celebrate this day can be as different as the many Christmas Gift Ideas that you can find in magazines, from mouth to mouth or on the Internet if not already in your mind. Most people associate candy canes with Christmas gifts, but there are many other sweet gifts for this season including chocolate candy and the popular candy bar.

Christmas Gifts do not have to be expensive, in fact, this is the best time to use your own talents cooking and baking ahead on time from the typical shaped-ginger cookies to chocolate candy in as many ways as your imagination dictates. Candy bar presents are even easier to prepare with anticipation, either alone or as part of other seasonal recipes.

Crafting a feast for the eyes is also easy if you design your own Christmas gifts wrappers, decorating them with candy canes to make your job easier, some websites offer free pre-made Christmas wrapper templates for popular candy bars including Hershey's, Oh Henry!, M&Ms, Baby Ruth, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, Butterfinger, Kit Kat, Snickers and even Junior Mints.

Christmas Gift Ideas based on chocolate candy may include Christmas Gift Baskets, which are typically available in varied styles and range. These baskets can be filled with a candy bar, cookies, boxed chocolates, a candy cane and other goodies to make your Christmas gifts a real delight for the eyes and of course, the taste.

From a simple candy cane, you can get countless Christmas Gifts, including ornaments, twists, and more. An easy to make gift is made by putting a candy cane in a bag and crush it with a rolling pin. Melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and deep spoons into chocolate to fill. Sprinkle with crushed candy and place on waxed paper covered cookie sheet to cool.

Spoons are a great present accompanied with a cup of hot cocoa and a candy bar with the attractive wrapper that you designed. Doing a little research on the web will show you many other Christmas Gift Ideas. Chocolate candy that you get from the supermarket during the season, generally include useful tips to transform this and other sweets into incredible presents.

Have you ever wondered where the candy cane comes from? Christmas Gifts rarely include the origins of legends so make an original present including a short written history or legend around a candy bar, chocolate candy or the candy cane itself. It is said that candy canes symbolize Jesus because their shape representing the letter "J" and their colors represent the purity and blood of Christ.

Although candy canes were created as treats to eat and decorate with them, there are a number of legends associated to them, including the supposedly relationship with the North Pole and Santa Claus, and a form of identification among Christians during a time of persecution. This way Christmas Gifts can be as tasty as entertaining and even educational.

Natalie Aranda writes on family, holidays and business. The meaning of Christmas to those that celebrate this day can be as different as the many Christmas Gift Ideas that you can find in magazines, from mouth to mouth or on the Internet if not already in your mind. Most people associate candy canes with Christmas gifts, but there are many other sweet gifts for this season including chocolate candy and the popular candy bar.