Holiday Gift Giving Without the Hangover

I just LOVE giving gifts at Christmas!  It is such fun to find the perfect gift or to help someone else who is less fortunate.  Nothing brings more joy or satisfaction.

This year, my desire to give is being frustrated by a series of unexpected very costly expenses.  In the span of a month, we’ve had to pay for the following:  a car door ($500), dental work ($200), college class ($400), dishwasher (haven’t got it yet but guessing it will be at least $600), and a new furnace ($2300).  Needless to say, this has put a damper on the holiday spending plans!

So, in case some of you are in my situation or worse, I thought it would be helpful to come up with some inexpensive ways to keep the joy of giving in the holidays without the painful hangover that can follow. I’d love to hear your ideas too!  Feel free to comment and share!

Holiday Giving Ideas

Barter

Have a skill you can share?  Why not barter for gift certificates or products for your loved ones?  While this probably won’t work at the major stores, it may with those in the service professions.  It doesn’t hurt to ask!

Re-Gift

We all have things in our home that we bought and then didn’t use or were given but didn’t feel drawn to.  Those same things might be just what someone else would love to have.  Even gently used items can be a delight to someone else.  Do you have a favorite CD or book that you are through with?  Be creative and look at your possessions through new eyes.  I bet you’ll find some unexpected treasures to share!

Give Your Time

My third grade students often make coupon books to give their parents at Christmas.  What about the same idea for those you love?  How could you give the gift of your time and energy this year?  Do you have a talent you can share?  My brother in law spent four hours fixing my computers.  That was the best gift I could have been given (and saved me from another couple thousand in expenses!).  Think about what you have to offer.  Be creative!

Make Something

Are you a talented cook?  Do you like to create crafts?  Look for unique recipes to include with a favorite food item.  Visit a local craft store for unique and fun ideas that you can make inexpensively.  One of my favorites is to make cinnamon or salt dough ornaments.  One year, my son and I made gingerbread people ornaments with names for all of our family members.  My parents still have them on their tree.

Choose Smaller Quantity Gifts

Another option is to purchase a helpful service or gift for a shorter time or in a smaller quantity.  This year, the Sanctuary members are offering a whole collection of holistic gifts, all for under $20 (Sanctuary Marketplace).  Many businesses are offering specials with this approach in mind.  Look for samples that you can include in a small Christmas stocking!

Any other ideas?   I’d love to hear them!  Please comment below and help us all enjoy giving this holiday season!

Blessings to you and yours!

Nancy

Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach who works with clients who are feeling powerless because of a relationship, health situation, job, family matter, or other concern.  She offers Empowerment Readings and products which combine Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to help her clients make the necessary changes to move into a better situation.   Divinely You, Divine Purpose, and Divinely Us Gift Card Readings available.  Visit my website to learn more and to get your free Divine Purpose Survey! www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com.

All Stressed Out for the Holidays?

Stress is quickly becoming America’s #one health problem. Normal stress gives us energy. In the absence of stress, we would be bored. The challenge is not to live in a constant state of stress. However, in our fast-paced society, and especially during the holidays, the stress doesn’t seem to end. Too much to do, too little time. Sometimes the joy and wonder of this special season get overlooked because we are in such a hurry.

Too much stress reduces quality of life, and puts a damper on holiday spirits. It can also contribute to health problems. Research found that negative emotions such as fear, anger and sadness are associated with poorer immune function and increased risk of illness. Stress contributes to high blood pressure, digestive disorders and muscle tension, as the body continually tenses for action, ready to fight or flee.

You can reduce feelings of stress by making time for self-care, creating opportunities to focus on the positive things in life and taking time to do things you enjoy. Positive emotions, such as love, joy and contentment, counteract the negative effects of stress. They enhance immune function and improve your ability to cope with challenging situations. They also nourish your holiday spirit! 
 
Making time for yourself provides essential energy needed to recharge your spirit. It’s hard to feel pleasure when you are run down and exhausted. Take time for a hot bath or eat a delicious healthy meal with family or friends. Schedule a massage treatment. Massage contributes to your good health by strengthening the immune system and counteracting stress-related illnesses such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Stick to your exercise program as much as possible because physical activity relieves stress and reduces feelings of anger and irritability. Get everyone out for a walk, or take a child sledding. Encourage friends and family to make self-care a priority, too. How about self-care gift certificates for a massage session?
 
Make time for pleasure. Pleasurable experiences reduce stress and feel good! Enjoy a cup of tea, a good book or a great massage. Laughter is therapeutic as well. Watch a funny movie or read the newspaper comics tonight. Feeling good about yourself and life will reduce holiday stress and get you off on the right foot for a fantastic new year.
Kacic is a licensed massage therapist and owner of Nature’s Touch Massage & Wellness Center located at 708 East Smith Rd. in Medina. She can be reached at 330-721-9357  or naturestouch4u@aol.com,  Visit her website at  www.NTWellnessCenter.com to learn more about stress reduction treatments offered there.  　
　

Savannah Moon Gift Certificates, Just in Time for the Holidays!

Savannah Moon Gift Certificates make holiday shopping easy! They are also wonderful teacher and hostess gifts! Your friends and family can use them to purchase products in their favorite Savannah Moon Scents, no need for you to guess. Our gift certificates are redeemable for all products online at: www.SavannahMoon.com

Purchase your gift certificates today for easy holiday gift giving. They are available at the bottom of our home page. Just visit: www.SavannahMoon.com/1home.html

Enjoy this wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,
Karen Seremak, owner

Savannah Moon ~ Natural Relaxation, Bath & Body Care
www.SavannahMoon.com
Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

The Joy of Reiki

After practicing Reiki for several years now, I know first hand that Reiki is a great healing tool. I have seen Reiki treatments help heal and improved illnesses and medical conditions. It is a wonderful gift that has been used to relieve the suffering of thousands of people all over the world. It is easy to learn and anyone can use it.

But what about other possibilities for its use? Why not use Reiki to help bring about more joy and happiness in our lives? When I received Reiki training, I learned the Reiki Ideals. In the Reiki Ideals, Dr. Usui, the originator of Reiki, calls Reiki the secret art of inviting happiness. To me this is a clear indication that Reiki can be used for not only physical healing but emotional healing as well. While giving a Reiki treatment to myself or others in need of emotional healing, I ask that the joy of Reiki flow through me and be used for the highest good to bring about peace and happiness in my life and in the lives of those I am giving Reiki to. I ask that the joy of Reiki be expressed continuously through me, and that all negative feelings be healed.

The joy from Reiki we experience is not ordinary joy, but healing joy! It comes from deep within us, and is a very powerful healing energy. When we are happy, those around us will be happy. They will respond differently to us and pick up on our happiness. By using the gift of Reiki we not only have the ability to heal, but also the ability to create happiness. Activate your Reiki joy and share it with others. It will make the world a better place for all of us!

Written by Krisi Minor, LMT, Reiki Practitioner.  Krisi is a Reiki II Practitioner and offers Reiki sessions at Nature’s Touch Massage and Wellness Center. To learn more about Reiki or to set up your session, call 330-721-9357 today. Reiki Classes are o ffered on a regular basis. Call for date, time and location. E-mail questions to naturestouch4u@aol.com, or check out our website at www.NTWellnessCenter.com

Body Treatments at Nature’s Touch!

Pumpkins…

They’re not just for pie anymore!  Come try our new Fall body treatment which will feature a pumpkin body wrap. Our pumpkin puree has enzymes and antioxidants that offer results similar to gentle alpha-hydroxy action. It removes dead dull cells, while its beta-carotene-rich antioxidants nourish your skin. Combine this with organic coconut solids which are a lovely natural moisturizer, and ground cinnamon which is gently warming, stimulating and antibacterial, and you have the perfect fall treat for your skin. Not only does it smell absolutely heavenly, but you’ll love the end results!

Your session will begin with a dry brush scrub which lasts about 10 minutes, followed by the application of the warmed pumpkin skin treatment. You will then relax in our steam tent for 20 minutes while your pours open up to allow this great moisturizer to work its wonders! After your steam you will be cleaned off with warm moist towels. But wait, you’re not finished yet! This is followed by a one hour relaxation massage. Your muscles will be kneaded and stretched using our organic massage cream to lock in all the wonderful moisture provided by the pumpkin puree. Sound wonderful? It is!

Schedule your 2 hour session today! Call Nature’s Touch Massage and Wellness Center at 330-721-9357 to set up a time. This great body treatment will be offered October 1st through October 30th only. Limited product available, so don’t delay in arranging your special time away. Cost per 2 hour session is $110.00.

Reflexology: A Treat for Your Feet!

The last week of September is World Reflexology Week. It is celebrated by reflexologists around the globe to spread public awareness of the benefits of reflexology for everyone, generate more health conscious minds and a greater understanding of complimentary health care.

I’ve heard of Reflexology, but what is it?

Reflexology is a science that deals with the principals that there are reflexes on the hands and feet for every gland, organ and part of your body. It utilizes a unique movement of the thumb and fingers to stimulate those reflexes and help to bring the body back to its natural state of balance. Don’t worry, though, it doesn’t tickle!

This complimentary therapy dates back several thousand years to ancient Egypt and China. Currently, the most widely used method was developed by Eunice Ingham in the late 20th century. Through years of trials and observations, she was able to map the body out on the hands and feet. The right foot corresponds to the right side of your body and the left foot corresponds to your left side. Because the whole body is represented in the feet, the whole body can be treated and the body as a whole can be treated. This allows the Certified Reflexologist to affect not just the symptoms but also the cause of the symptoms.

What can it help?

Reflexology works on your body from the inside out. It can affect every organ, gland and tissue in the body. The stimulation of the reflexes allows the body to relax and helps it get back to and maintain its natural state of balance or homeostasis. When you are stressed, you are not at ease…you are at “dis-ease”, which opens the door for disease. Doctors agree that a large portion of diseases and illnesses can find their roots in stress.

While your Certified Reflexologist will not diagnose, prescribe or cure you, reflexology is a great way to help digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, sinus congestion, headaches and migraines, back pain, arthritis, diabetes, sleep disorders, circulatory and breathing disorders and many other things. As we start to pay more attention to our overall health and lifestyle, reflexology will become an important part.

How do you do it?

The feet are the most common area worked on. Your Certified Reflexologist can identify changes in the soft tissue or congestion in the foot. This indicates that the corresponding area in the body is not working as it is supposed to. Each treatment usually lasts 60 minutes and you only remove your shoes and socks. You lie back on the treatment table, relax and enjoy as the Certified Reflexologist addresses every part of your foot with their thumb and fingers to stimulate the reflexes of every part of your body. Particular attention will be paid to specific reflexes depending on your symptoms or reason for getting the treatment. The pressure is firm and not intended to be ticklish.

From infants to teenagers, athletes to grandparents, Reflexology offers a natural way to heal from stress, injury and disease. Unlock your body’s natural healing capabilities by including regular treatments as part of your personal health and fitness plan.

For a free brochure on how Reflexology can help your specific problem contact Nature’s Touch Massage & Wellness Center at (330) 721-9357, e-mail NaturesTouch4U@aol.com or visit our website at http://www.NTWellnessCenter.com

Written by Melissa Trombley, Certified Reflexologist

Simple Pleasures to Reduce Stress

Wow!  It has been quite a ride the last few months energetically, emotionally, and financially for so many people.  It is easy to get caught up in the cycles of stress during times of change.  So here are a few simple treats to remind yourself that this too shall pass! 

Thanks to intuitive healer Lori Byrnes for this lovely photo!

Aromatherapy:  I’m really into rose and lavendar these days.  I was reading a passage from Romancing the Ordinary by Sarah Ban Breathnach and she talked about using essential oils to scent your sheets and pillows.  Inspired, I dug out my essential oils and came up with a combination of rose and lavendar that I love!  I’ve been scenting my room and even added a few drops to my pendant (Angel Healing Crystals).  I love having the gentle scent of roses and lavendar with me all day long.  I also picked up two new soaps from Savannah Moon.  Sticking with my rose theme, I opened up the new bar last night.  Heaven!  See if you can find a scent that really speaks to you and try using it in your car, your home, your shower, and your workplace.  You’ll be amazed at how much it helps lift your mood!

Music:  I’ve been back on an Enya kick.  I just love her music!  So inspiring and uplifting.   What songs lift your soul?  Go back through your CD/I Tunes collection and find an old favorite to listen to.  Let the soothing sounds lift your heart and restore your equilibrium!   Another idea…a friend of mine turned on a CD of bird sounds and was finally able to relax enough for a much needed nap.  Find what calls to you and listen!

Exercise:  Stress makes you feel tired which then makes it hard to exercise.  I’ve been forcing myself to get on the ellyptical and to take my daily walk, even though I’ve been so tired that all I want to do is nap!  I also did a Tai Chi routine this morning.  Ahh…  Amazing how tai chi, yoga, and regular exercise can restore my energy!  Adrenaline is produced when we are under stress and the two ways to remove it are exercise and slow, deep breathing.  Try them both today and see how you feel!

Food:  I’m not usually into cooking but lately I’ve been finding myself drawn to making some new dishes and some favorite old ones (probably the mystery I’m reading about a caterer!).  I pulled out a favorite book called Kitchen Pharmacy:  A Book of Healing Remedies for Everyone by Rose Elliot and Carlo De Paoli which tells the healing benefits of different types of foods with recipes.  I tried out a recipe for Celery, Carrot and Apple salad (carrots, apples, celery, and fresh mint with a lemon/honey dressing).  It was so refreshing!  See if any particular food is calling to you and treat yourself!  You deserve it!

Fun:  What do you love to do?  I love art/craft shows.  I went to  the Yankee Peddler festival last week and I’m going to Ohio Mart at Stan Hywet Hall in Akron, Ohio this weekend.  I love looking at the amazing wood carvings, pottery, and other crafts.  Eating all the delicious food is fun too!  Find something that you really enjoy and do it!  You’ll be glad you did!  

 Join Us on 10/15/2009! We still have a few openings for the mini sessions at the Sanctuary Open House if you live in the area and would like to join us for this free event at the beautiful Blessed Foundation in Medina, Ohio.  Email me to reserve your free mini sessions (Nancy@EmpoweringLightworkers.com)  For details:  OPEN HOUSE.  Hope to see you there!

Have a blissful day everyone!

Nancy

Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach who works with clients who are feeling powerless because of a relationship, health situation, job, family matter, or other concern.  She offers Empowerment Readings which combine Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to help her clients make the necessary changes to move into a better situation.   Readings are available by phone or email.  Economic Recession Rates are $15/15 minutes.  Visit my website to learn more and to get your free Divine Purpose Survey!   www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com. 

Take part in the “World’s Biggest Green Sweepstakes”

We have donated a lovely Gift Basket of Savannah Moon products to The Climate Action Giveaway. Our gift basket includes a Handwoven Silk Dupioni Neck Wrap with a 100% Organic Cotton Velour Blanket and a Handwoven Silk Dupioni Eye Pack with Head Strap. Also a wonderful selection of our LavenMint™ Bath & Body Care products; Skin Cream, Lip Balm, Mist, Soap Bar, Bath Fizzer and Pink Crystal Himalayan Bath Salts.

The Climate Action Giveaway is the biggest green sweepstakes in the history of environmental causes, with over 230 winners to be chosen. The sweepstakes begins September 23, 2009, during the first ever “Climate Week” happening in New York City, and continues until prizes are awarded by random drawing on December 7, 2009, when the United Nations gathers in Copenhagen for the COP15 Climate Change Conference.

Starting September 23, Americans can visit WE ADD UP’s www.climategiveaway.com to join the sweepstakes, Savannah Moon is listed in the More Prizes! tab. Once they sign up, they will automatically be entered for a chance to win exciting green prizes. WE ADD UP’s goal is to get 1 million people learning about climate solutions and participating in simple actions in order to help create a tipping point in public engagement necessary to forge real solutions in the coming months. Each week, participants will be sent an email with a suggestion of such an action they can take, whether it be e-faxing their Senator to support strong climate legislation or participating in 350.org viral photo activism about COP15 in Copenhagen, one action and a few minutes is all it takes. Non-profit partners 1Sky and 350.org are directing the actions participants are invited to take.

About WE ADD UP

WE ADD UP is a for-benefit green business, global campaign and marketing tool using organic cotton t-shirts that literally “counts you in” for your contribution to help solve the climate crisis. Every shirt is custom printed by hand with a unique number that represents the individual’s place in the sequential global count of people adding up to make change. As the count grows, it demonstrates to the world that “WE ADD UP.” On the back of each shirt is a word or phrase that describes an action almost anyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint – the contribution their lifestyle makes to greenhouse gases – such as Unplug, Lights Off, Carpool, Hybrid, Bike, Buy Local, and 27 others. No one can do everything. Everyone can do something. And, WE ADD UP. www.weaddup.com

I LOVE that slogan… No one can do everything. Everyone can do something. And, WE ADD UP.

Be sure visit their website to enter the sweepstakes and for tips on how you can help our environment! www.climategiveaway.com

Sincerely,

Karen Seremak

Savannah Moon ~ Natural Relaxation, Bath & Body Care

www.SavannahMoon.com

Be Well! Take care of the Emotional YOU

Ever feel like a victim to your emotions?  You aren’t alone!  Feelings are something we all experience (no matter how we sometimes try to ignore them!) 

One of my biggest passions is learning to master self-care and to teach others how to do the same thing.  Over the years, I’ve become very adept at caring for my needs energetically, physically, and mentally.  Recently, I’ve realized I wasn’t as adept at providing the same care for my emotional self. 

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I’m a big fan of nervous system settling.  Learning how to bring the body to a state of calm and restore balance is an amazing technique for feeling more peaceful and safe.  Lately, I’ve been experimenting with how to provide the same type of “settling” for my emotional self.  Below are some simple steps to restore a sense of well-being, even when times are tough.

STEP ONE:  IDENTIFY WHAT YOU ARE FEELING

What are you feeling?  Sometimes we expend tremendous energy trying not to answer that question.  Why?  Because we don’t know what to do about the situation that is causing the emotional upset.  For this step, don’t jump to how to make it better.  Just identify what exactly you are feeling in that moment. 

A great way to do this is to take a few minutes to breathe deeply.  As you breathe deeply, ask yourself how you are feeling.  Sometimes when I do this activity, I will see myself very angry, sometimes sad, or sometimes frustrated.  I let myself “listen” to this part of me so that I allow this emotion to be expressed.  Again, this isn’t the time to try and “fix” anything. It is simply an opportunity to be present for you and allow yourself to fully feel whatever is there.  I find it helpful to write out what I’m hearing onto a piece of paper.  The physical act of writing seems to help release the emotion more easily, especially if you destroy the paper when you are done.  Our emotions aren’t always rational, but they do need to have an outlet.  Writing them on a paper that will be destroyed provides a safe place for them to be expressed. 

STEP TWO:  PROVIDE COMFORT

When you were a child, what did your parents do when you were upset?  Hopefully, they comforted you by hugging you or spending some time listening.  You can provide this comfort to yourself, now that you are an adult.  I do this by imagining the upset part of me as a child.  I pull the child on my lap and hug her.  I say and do the things I would do to comfort my son, if he was upset or afraid.  This always helps me to feel relaxed and loved.  This activity is simply about providing comfort and the space to express what is experienced, not a time to judge or try to fix.  An additional benefit to this activity is that it empowers my wise, compassionate adult self, so everyone is happy! 

STEP THREE:  LEAN ON SPIRIT

As an adult, we are no longer able to lean so heavily on our parents for care and nurturing.  For me, I’ve found it helpful to lean on Spirit.  You can use whatever religious or spiritual reference works for you…or you can simply imagine your highest self providing the support.  I use a simple meditation technique to evoke this feeling.  I imagine myself sitting in a peaceful spot in the woods.  I lean against a big strong oak tree and put my feet in a gentle stream in front of me.  I feel the gentle breeze, hear the birds singing, smell the fresh scents of the forest and feel the soft moss under my hands.  Once I am relaxed, I let myself imagine being wrapped in loving arms and feeling Divine love surrounding and supporting me.  I release whatever is troubling me to Spirit, knowing I will receive the help and inspiration I need at just the right time. 

STEP FOUR:  ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM

Our emotions are simply a warning system.  They provide us with awareness when our thoughts are creating a feeling of unease or disharmony.  Sometimes, simply listening to our emotional self will calm things down and no further action will be needed.  Other times though, there is an underlying fear that needs to be addressed.  Ask yourself, if this were my child, what would I do or suggest to help them feel safe?  If you find that you don’t know how to ease the fear, then consider asking for some help.  There are many wonderful books, counselors, coaches, and healers available to give you additional insight and wisdom on how to improve the situation that is making you feel powerless.  There is no shame in taking good care of yourself…and sometimes taking care of yourself means acknowledging when you need some outside input.  A fresh perspective can make all the difference.

STEP FIVE:  USE ENERGETIC TOOLS TO SOOTHE

There are many amazing tools that can help support you in taking care of your emotional self.  One of the tools that really made a difference for me is a Blue Agate pendant designed by Intuitive/Artist Deanne Angel (Angel Healing Crystals).  This pendant was intuitively designed and selected for my needs.  I absolutely love it!  It has a deeply calming and soothing effect on my whole system.  It seems to work on an energetic level to help me overcome my fears and feel more emotionally balanced.   Another tool  I find helpful is flower essences.  I tried a new flower essence for emotional sensitive people recently called Pink Yarrow.  You can find that essence and others for a variety of emotional and physical concerns at http://www.featherhawk.com/.   Aromatherapy is another favorite tool of mine.  I’ve been using a roll on from Young Living  called Tranquil which I find very helpful.  I also love the LavenMint spray from Savannah Moon.    

Blessings to you and yours!
Nancy

Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach who works with clients who are feeling powerless because of a relationship, health situation, job, family matter, or other concern.  She offers Empowerment Readings which combine Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to help her clients make the necessary changes to move into a better situation.   Readings are available by phone or email.  Economic Recession Rates are $15/15 minutes.  Visit my website to learn more and to get your free Divine Purpose Survey!   www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com. 

Questions?  Nancy can be reached by email at Nancy@EmpoweringLightworkers.com. 

 

 

Healing Touch Class-10/9 and 10/10

New!  Healing Touch Class being offered by Elaine Nichols
www.HealingTouchMedina.com

10/9/2009 and 10/10/2009
Medina General Hospital (Medina, OH)

 

Below is a brief description :

Target Audience

Healing Touch is a nursing based continuing education program for registered nurses, physicians, body therapists, counselors, psycho-therapists, other health professionals, and individuals desiring an in-depth understanding and practice of healing work using energy based concepts.

Healing Touch Program Description
A course of study toward a certificate of completion in Healing Touch (HT) which incorporates a variety of basic to advanced healing modalities. The program is sequenced in 6 levels allowing participants to move from beginner to advanced practitioner, expert and instructor. Certification as a Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor is available on application following completion of course work and additional requirements.

Interested? 

Click Healing Touch – Level 1 – October 9-10 2009 Brochure for additional information!