2012 in review

Sorry Insider!

It has been awhile since I last posted! I am very sorry that I left you hanging, but the holidays and getting sick will do that to a person!

I want to thank you again this post, recap 2012 in a few brief sentences, and talk about what 2013 holds in store for you!!

2012 was filled with many blessings, and many life changing circumstances! ( As I am sure it was for you!)

Personally, my husband and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary, and our oldest son (Aidan) turned 4 and started preschool, and our youngest son (Bennett) turned the BIG 1!

Also, as you know by now, a few months ago, I reached directorship with Mary Kay due to all the support and love from my team members and especially my loyal customers! THANK YOU again from the bottom of my heart!!!


2013 looks promising for my Insiders!

Next year, or should say say in 1 day, the Insider Circle will be beginning its video series (finally) and will be rolling out our membership rewards program. I want to make sure that all my loyal customers are being rewarded for the loyalty, and being rewarded for referring new customers!

There are several other things in store next year, so stay tuned!

Hope you enjoy your New Years plans, that you start off your year attaining the goals you have set for the new year, and that you take time to smell the roses of your successes!

Hope to see you in 2013!


Keep Smiling,

Lesley ;)

Spoil Yourself and Others - Day 4

A Few Words...
I heard another wonderful Christmas song on the radio yesterday from an artist named Josh Wilson. I just had to share some of the lyrics with you. The name of the song is called "Once A Year" The chorus goes

"Once a year, December's here ,and our hearts open up. Once a year, we give with cheer, To those who don't have enough.  Wouldn't it be something If we all learned to love like it's Christmas More than once a year "

You really have to hear the song to see what I mean! - Lesley

Something Smells Good

Doing chores around the house with a nice aroma in the background sure makes the work go by smoother. Because sprays only last a minute or two, and candles are not always a good idea with young children around, maybe invest in a candle warmer. Get some refreshing scents from a company like “Scentsy” or “Yankee Candle” and enjoy. 

Scents that remind you of good childhood memories are also very nice this time of year. Another option is to get some orange peels, cinnamon, and a little water and boil them on the stove. We did this last week and it worked really well!

Out The Door Quote

The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen. - Frank Lloyd Wright

Keep Smiling ;),

Lesley

 marykay.com/lklauk

Pinterest Page

Spoil Yourself and Others - Day 3

A Few Words...
I was at a store today, and as I was leaving, I told the young man to "Take Care", and he replied "Take It Easy." Now, when I say take care, I truly mean that I hope he takes cares of himself, but when he says take it easy, I am not sure what that means. I do not want to make too much out of nothing here, but does anyone feel this way? Are there greetings out there that miss the mark with you? How we greet others can really affect how others view us and in effect treat us now and even in the future- Lesley

Acknowledge Accomplishments

Be sure to acknowledge your accomplishments! When you've done something good, you should recognize that, because it's important to remind yourself that you're moving forward. 

Also, do not forget to reward yourself when you complete something. Whether it's big or small, if you've gotten something done you should give your self a small something for the successful effort!

20 Gifts in 20 Days - Day 2

Personalized gifts are always nice, especially if you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, etc. There is a website called Personalcreations.com that if you put in the code Face or TV, you will receive an additonal 40% off. I am not sure how long this deal is good for, but I would take advantage of it this week just to be safe!

12 Deals in 12 Days is almost here!

In a few days, I will be starting my "12 Deals in 12 Days" ( Just enough time before Christmas!) See my regular Mary Kay site or Check out my Pinterest page in the meantime. Day 1 is right around the corner. Stay tuned here on the blog, and please get the word out to your friends about this really great event!

Out the Door Quote

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, rather, make it hot by striking. - William B. Sprague

Keep Smiling ;),

Lesley

lesleyklauk.com

marykay.com

Pinterest Page

Spoil Yourself and Others - Week 1

A Few words...
Have you ever had an idea for an invention? Sounds like the begining of that really cheesy TV ad, right? There are constantly new items being invented every day, just watch ABC's 'Shark Tank" and many of which you say to yourself "I wish I would have thought of that!". My favorite invention to come out in the last 10 years has been the "Easy Button" I think it's a great idea, its just too bad I can't get mine to work ever. - Lesley

Take A Break

Here's an idea you should use at least once before the heart of the holiday season!

Write down a list of things you would like done during a day at the house from your family, and go and do something for yourself! Take a few deep breaths that day, and maybe some time alone, before the holiday season hits . You will be glad you did, but don’t forget to return the favor later!

20 Days of Gifts (Day 1)

On this 1st day of 20 Days of Gifts, I wanted to let you in on a really cool site with brand new products, many of which you have never seen before!

The website is called Quirky, and features new ideas and products that are very cutting edge. A very popular item this year are the "smart gloves" that allow the user to use their smart devices, while keeping their gloves on. This person invented just the tiny pads, that you can attach to your already favorite pair of gloves. Very clever! (Tons of other cool ideas and products. Definitely check out!)


MARY KAY-ATHON is on! (All this December!!!)

Call me for details!!!


Out the Door Quote

The best way out is always through. - Robert Frost

Keep Smiling ;),

Lesley

www.marykay.com/lklauk
www.lesleyklauk.com

Spoil Yourself - Week 1

Treat Yourself to Happiness

While it's hard to outwardly admit, we must cater to our own needs in addition to those of others. (Even though it may seem selfish at first) Everything affects everything. The way you walk affects the way you talk. The way you dress affects the way you feel. The care you give to yourself will affect how you care about others. Nurturing your health and your needs is the first step towards confidence, which goes a long way in fulfilling your dreams and assisting others with theirs! So don't forget, do take care of yourself!

One way to take care of yourself, is to every morning, right down something that you are thankful for, and also something that you would like or that you would like to accomplish that day or that week. Writing down goals has always been a very productive means of reaching goals,  and as for the thankful list, it will get you through tough days or times, realizing that while times are tough, there are many things to be happy about!

One way to treat yourself.... Hello Neiman Marcus @ Target!

Saturday was the much anticipated release of  the Target + Neiman Marcus Collection and you just know I wanted to see what all the hype was about!

With a wide array of items and clothing from 24 AMAZING designers, this has to be one of my favorite collaborations to date.  The clothing is great but really blows me away are some of the household items and accessories.  I read that the designers were given free reign on what to design and I think it truly came through in the variety of the collection. Very chic stuff!!

Note to Self : Start Thinking Stockings!

While I know you are very busy, and only going to get busier over the next few weeks, I wanted to help you take a few things off that list! I offer several options for holiday gifts, and a few of my most popular items right now are stocking stuffers and gift packages. Just don't forget to put the fire out before I come down the chimney! ;)

Out The Door Quote

Men's best successes come after their disappointments.  - Henry Beecher

Keep Smiling ;),

Lesley

www.marykay.com/lklauk

www.lesleyklauk.com

Sunday is Love Day

Happy Love Day!

On this first Love Day of a very "Loving" month, I wanted to bring to light about something I heard this week that made me think. The other morning on television, was the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor Salvatore Giunta. While interviewing him about what he did to earn the honor, he said that in the military, they are trained to look out for their brother to the left, and to the right. That it becomes second nature to them to think of others before themselves. While it is unfortunate that I must be reminded of this, it is such a blessing when we have the opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life, and take the action to do it! Thank you to the men and women who protect us and our country everyday. Your hearts are the size of the country you defend!

Stay tuned all this month in December where our monthly topic is entitled How to Spoil Yourself and Others! Hope you tune each day this month for tips, tricks, and ideas on how to show love and appreciation to those close to you, strangers, and personal pampering ideas!


Have a Loving Day!

Lesley

www.marykay.com/lklauk

Frugal Friday

A Few Words...
It's interesting that people continue to create companies and websites to make life easier for us all, but when you look at how many websites and companies there are now, compared to how many there were 10-15 years ago, it's almost like I am more confused and stressed about where to go for what. I know things are much better like health care and living conditions, but sometimes when I watch "It's a Wonderful Life", I wish I lived in a small town with one general store, one bank, and the one police officer everyone knew and loved. - Lesley


HOLIDAY DEAL OF THE DAY

The December holidays are the second most popular time to send flowers or floral arrangements to family, friends and loved ones. (Mother’s Day still continues to be number one, FYI.)

Not surprisingly, choosing to send flowers during these popular times can often cost you an arm and a leg. I mean, have you ever purchased roses around Valentine’s Day? Tres cher!

For Holiday 2012 flower purchases, I can help you out with some money-saving ideas.

For starters something called “Teleflora Tuesdays,” which Teleflora.com is offering through December 18th is great! That is, every Tuesday the site announces a one-day savings deal on flower or gift purchases. You’ve got four more Tuesdays to take advantage of these deals!

In the meantime and on other days of the week, you can save up to 25% on FTD purchases when you click through this affiliate link to place your order. (You can click through the image above as well.) I’m not sure if the 25% discount can be added to an existing Teleflora Tuesday deals that come through on the second day of the week, but at least you’ve got multiple options for saving. Happy shopping!

Out The Door Quote

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible, is by going beyond them into the impossible." 

- Arthur C. Clarke 

Keep Smiling,

Lesley

www.lesleyklauk.com

www.marykay.com/LKlauk

4 Years Younger - Lip Stick Tricks

A Few Words...
Being the mother of two young boys, I watch a lot of Disney movies. On days that are particularly a little tough, I wish I had a little animal side kick, that are in so many of these classics, that could lift me up and start into a ballad about how great life is, and that the day will get better. Not sure what animal I would want as my right hand gal, but I would probably stay away from skunks, snakes or anything with claws ;)

Lipstick trick - Avoid brown colors as these can age you as well as matte lipstick, which can enhance unwanted lip lines. Stick to creamier and moisturizing lipsticks and glosses.

A lot of volume at the crown gives off a very youthful look

Don't Wear Matte Or Very Dark Lipstick Shade

Wearing dark shades of lipstick can also enhance the wrinkles and lines around your mouth. It will also highlight your discolored teeth. Light hues are better for older women because such colors will resemble your natural lip color. 

By the way, you should also stop lining your mouth with a lip liner that is darker than your skin tone; this practice is no longer popular!

Out The Door Quote

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefor, is not an act but a habit." - Aristotle

Keep Smiling,

Lesley

www.lesleyklauk.com

4 Years Younger - Makeup Tip #2

A Few Words ...
I heard a song today by an artist named Mandisa entitled "Christmas Angel." It is such a beautiful song and talks to the idea that each of us may be someone else's angel. While it is just a song, it really gets you to think that we each are bigger than we understand, and have the capability of doing great things for others. How awesome is that! - Lesley

Class # 4 Hair and Make up  Session #3 Makeup Tip -2

A simple tip – less is more. Avoid a heavy foundation and a weighty powder. Heavy applications of powder are a definite no no if you want to look younger. My advice is to choose lighter foundations, such as powder foundations, creams and tinted moisturizers - creamier makeup products can help to plump your skin too.


Did you see this? - Fun Party Idea

Christmas recipe: Strawberry Santa’s. They’re fun, festive, and really easy to make.

1. Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top, (enough for a hat). Clean out the whole strawberry with a paring knife, if necessary (some of them are hollow already. Prep all of the strawberries and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add cream cheese mix to a piping bag or Ziploc with the corner snipped off. Fill the strawberries with cheesecake mixture.

3. Once strawberries are filled, top with the 'hats.' Decorate according to photo.

4. If not serving immediately, refrigerate until serving.

You can use raisins cut in half or chocolate sprinkles for the eyes.

(eewmagazine.com)

Out The Door Quote

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." - Wayne Gretzsky


Keep Smiling ;) ,

Lesley

www.lesleyklauk.com

4 Years Younger - Hair

Yesterday being "Cyber Monday", It got me thinking. What is going to be the next "Holiday" that retailers, or anyone else comes up with? What industries or organizations haven't capitalized yet on a day that soon will? What about celebrating the season finale of Dancing With the Stars or when Justin Bieber changes his hair cut? Those aren't technically holidays now, but I'm sure they will be legally soon, and we'll be celebrating and getting a great deal on something!  - Lesley

Class #4  Hair and Makeup   Session #2 Hair

1) Hair Color - It's important if you are going for the young look, to have hair color that complements your complexion type. Coloring your hair can be a great way to hide the tale tell grey hairs, but it is best to choose a color that is close to your original color so that it naturally compliments your facial tones. Meaning, you can have high lights or low lights put into your hair, that don't require re-doing as frequently as an all over color.

2) Hair Length - Just because you are older does not necessarily mean that you have to have a short haircut. It all depends on the shape of your face. A short hairstyle should be cut to flatter and frame your face. This can be great to draw attention away from signs of ageing. Though longer hairstyles can be just as flattering as long as you have a good haircut that is shaped and maybe layered. A good hairdresser should be able to advise on the best way to cut your hair, as it does not just depend on the shape of your face but also on the texture and volume of your hair. Side swept bangs that look soft and unfussy while playing up eyes and cheeckbones, can also give off a younger look!

Have a lovely Tuesday Lovelies!

Keep Smiling,

Lesley

www.lesleyklauk.com  

4 Years Younger - Makeup

Okay, Winter. So are you here, or are you leaving and coming back? I am so confused! When I was a child, you and I were on the same schedule. You would come a few weeks before Thanksgiving, snow a few days after, and we would be pretty good friends throughout. Giving me just enough snow for playing in, and for getting off school. Now, my children are wondering what snow is. I am not complaining, just wondering who you have become? Maybe we'll catch up in a few weeks!?! - Lesley

Class #4 Hair and Make up   Session #1 Make Up

This week is all about makeup! Not sure if you knew it or not, but I know a thing or two about the stuff! ( I'm sure you do too!)  

For those with porcelain skin, it is important to brighten the eyes by dabbling a medium shade of concealer on your lids, as well as in the inner corners of your eyes and underneath them. (Too light of a shade will leave a whitish “owls eye” ring. )

To ensure you look younger( for all skin tones), make sure you watch out with metallic colors with your make up - while they might look great, they can also show up every wrinkle, line and blemish!

Turkey Time

Because you probably still have some turkey leftover, I thought I would share an interesting article about some very creative recipes and uses for the turkey that just hasn't found its way into your tummy quite yet!

Monday Brown Bag Lunches

Once you feel like returning to a more healthful weekday routine, turkey is a great lean way to add protein to your everyday brown bag lunches. 

Substitute the chicken for turkey in this arugula salad with black quinoa and lemon-tahini dressing. Add a little pile of shredded turkey to your go-to vegetarian grain dishes like spicy orzo, carrot and date quinoa, or couscous salad. 

Brown bag lunches are a great opportunity for leftovers in the first place, so get creative, but also don’t be afraid to just throw together a green salad with turkey and your favorite dressing.

Tuesday Taco Night

On day five it’s time to spice things up. Leftovers can get a little dreary by this point, so it’s important to have fun with them. Tacos are a great way to hide different ingredients. 

Whip up some easy taco night classics likespicy black beans, guacamoleand pico de gallo. You can shred up the turkey as is, or toss it together with the black beans to get it moist and saucy. 

If you prefer your black beans as a condiment, try simmering the turkey in a basic tomato sauce and adding chipotle chiles, or just some chili powder and cumin to give it a Mexican kick.

Wednesday Takeout at Home

For the next two nights, your strategy is to hide your turkey in amazingly flavorful dishes. I love making classic take-out dishes at home. But if you’re a little wary of trying your hand at turkeyTikka Masala from scratch, there are also a handful of great ethnic simmer sauces available to you in the international food aisle of your supermarket. Any type of curry would work well. If you have leftover rice, fried rice is also an easy way to use up the last of your bird.

(This article is from LearnVest.com)

Cyber Monday Deals - Tech Gadgets, Travel, and Fashion

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49964207#49964207

See this video from the Today Show this morning regarding exceptional gadget, travel, and fashion deals to begotten TODAY! (click pic above)

Hope you are settling in well after the long weekend! Get ready for a jammed pack week of tips!

Keep Smiling,

Lesley

Happy Love Day!

Hope everyone is re cooperating nicely from this weekend! Probably the longest weekend for most of us, but may not feel like the longest for many of us. ;)

On this Love Day, I wanted to bring attention to an illness that some people may not think about much, but that may effect some of the people we know and love. An organization that I support, takes care of this group of people, and looks to make life easier for those that suffer with this condition, and educate those who do not.

The issue that I am speaking about is mental illness. There are many situations in which someone finds them selves with a mental illness, whether they were born with this condition, or it evolves from one or more traumatic life instances, but either way, many people suffer and need assistance. Because of this, I have decided to team up with The Mental Health Foundation. (Mission Statement below)

The Mental Health Foundation encourages, develops and supports educational campaigns and other initiatives to improve understanding of mental illness and ensure access to quality care. The Foundation is particularly concerned with reducing the stigma of mental illness and encouraging individuals to seek early diagnosis.
On this Love Day, I just wanted to bring attention to this cause, and have us think about the people who we may or may not know who have a mental illness', and work to understand it a little better.

Bonus - Christmas Decor Idea

I saw this idea online a few weeks ago and thought it was really neat! In order to make it, appears you would just need a few jelly or mason jars, some sugar, and then small trees and decor items that you would find at a craft store. Place a few next to each other, to create a complete Winter Wonderland Scene. Very cool!

See everyone tomorrow for the final week of your "4 Weeks Younger in 4 Weeks" -Your 4 week plan for looking younger!

Keep Smiling,

Lesley

A THANKSGIVING POEM

Thank you, God, for everything--the big things and the small.

For "every good gift comes from God," the giver of them all.

And all too often we accept without any thanks or praise

The gifts God sends, as blessings each day in many ways.

And so at this Thanksgiving time we offer up a prayer

To thank you, God, for giving us a lot more than our share.

First, thank you for the little things that often come our way,

The things we take for granted but don't mention when we pray:

The unexpected courtesy,the thoughtful, kindly deed,

A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need.

Oh make us more aware, dear God,of little daily graces

That come to us with "sweet surprise" from never-dreamed-of-places.

Then thank you for the miracles we are much too blind to see,

And give us new awareness of our many gifts from Thee.

And help us to remember that the key to life and living

Is to make each prayer a prayer of thanks and every day Thanksgiving! 

Author Unknown

4 Weeks Younger in 4 Weeks

Session #3 Diet and Life Style

Class#4 Smiling, Pillows, and Exercise

Smiling makes you look radiant and younger. Smiling also distracts from areas that show your age. Try standing in front of a mirror and see what a smile can do for your face. Do this often, because you know what, it just feels good to smile!

Pillows: Consistently sleeping on a clean pillow and mattress is a good routine to get into. After all, your face sits on a pillow for 1/3 of your life, so keeping up with this, is vital for a clean and healthy complexion.

Habitual exercise is also vital for natural skin care. Exercise improves the flow of blood that helps in getting rid of body pollutants. Exercise also facilitates in thrashing stress, which is the most terrible foe of good health.

Fun Gift Alert!

For the working woman who has everything, check out this product line called "Pretty Tools"! It includes various tools for the office, yard, and garage, basically a tool for every kind of woman, with a very colorful floral display on each tool. You can't buy these directly from the manufacturer, but can buy them at local boutiques. If you live in the south Chicagoland area, check out Annie's in Oak Lawn who carries some of this line. It is a great store and I highly recommend it! (Items include: Plant Pruners, Scissors, Hammer, Stapler, Screw Driver, Calculator, and several others)

Chicago Holiday Events

There are so many events this time of year, especially in the big city, so I wanted to give my local beauties a quick reminder and heads up about a few goings on in Chicago.

#1) Christkindl Market Opens TODAY!!! (click below for details)

#2) Shed Aquarium Holiday Fantasea  - The Shed's Holiday take on their popular Dolphin and marine show!Took the boys to the Shed a few months ago, and had a great time. Would definitely go back to see the dolphins perform to Bruce Springsteen's "Santa's Coming to Town!" :) Click for details.

#3) Shed Aquarium - Holiday Jazz Nights  This is a one week only event, $20 a person, and includes admission to the Aquarium, relaxing Holiday Jazz Music, and other treats. (Alec went years ago, and still talks about it. Click for details!)

(( DEAL ALERT : GROUPON HAS A 50% OFF DEAL FOR SHED ADMISSIONS UNTIL THE END OF THE DAY TODAY))

The Best Time to Shop

In my opinion the best day to shop for holiday deals is whenever you can find the best price on an item that's on your list. Savings.com, an online source for coupons, deals, and expert shopping tips, has a scientific way of determining the best day to shop. (Full disclosure: Savings.com is owned by the same organization that owns Valpak.com. Click picture above to check out.

That is it until tomorrow. I can already smell the stuffing!

Keep on Smiling,

Lesley

www.lesleyklauk.com

My Mary Kay Shop

4 Weeks Younger in 4 Weeks        Class#3 Diet and LifeStyle

Today is just a reminder of what two vital things we do everyday affect how we look and feel! How cute is that Polar bear!? Looks like someone stole his Coke bottle.

1) Get some sleep my Beauties!! At least 7 to 8 hours a night will make you feel healthier and younger. Your body needs sleep so that it can repair your body cells and refresh you mind. 

2) Drinking lots of water can really help your skin's appearance. Drinking six to eight glasses a day can really help you look younger as it ensures skin is hydrated and has a dewy glow.

A Little Black Friday Advice!

Below is advice from Andrea Woroch who is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles.

WHAT’S IN / WHAT’S OUT

IN: Shopping online. Last year, 70 percent of doorbuster deals were available online, according to DealNews.

OUT: Pre-dawn shopping. Frostbite, runny noses and sleepless nights are for amateurs. In addition evening store openings on Thanksgiving, the Internet will help you avoid the harsh, early-morning elements.

IN: Crowd control. Target stores tested a stampede-mitigating strategy last year, allowing only a certain number of people across the threshold at a time. Expect more of the same this year.

OUT: Mob mayhem. Trampling and blunt-force trauma are so two years ago. If you want to relive the magic, check out this video for a montage of Black Friday chaos.

IN: Knowing the best time to buy. Who knew Black Friday doesn’t actually offer the best prices of the year? Decide.com knows the right times to shop, and you can too with their app.

OUT: Falling for faux deals. News flash: Retailers can’t actually afford deep discounts on all of their merchandise, but they can inflate original prices to make it seem like you’re getting a steal.

IN: Using a mobile device. Mobile shopping is all the rage this holiday season, as savvy consumers use devices to shop, save and keep track of their budgets. Download digital helpers like the Coupon Sherpa mobile app to save even more on Black Friday.

OUT: Relying on print circulars or in-store ads. Retailers are increasingly using social media and mobile tools to communicate with their patrons. You’re missing out if you’re not plugged-in to Facebook and Twitter.

IN: Being thankful. Since most stores will open their doors at midnight on Thanksgiving, it’s only fitting you be thankful to all the patient people working the sales floor on Black Friday.

OUT: Behaving badly. Yelling at salespeople, elbowing fellow shoppers and generally creating a scene will definitely land you on Santa’s naughty list.

IN: Sticking to your list. Doorbuster deals are loss leaders, getting you in the store at ungodly hours with the promise of killer deals. Stick to your list to avoid going over-budget.

OUT: Getting greedy. Buying a bunch of useless stuff because it was “such a good deal” is not only out, it’s unwise.

IN: Locating your car in seconds. It’s tough to remember where you parked when you arrived foggy-headed in the wee hours of the morning. Luckily, there’s an app for that. Getting out of the parking lot, however, is all on you.

OUT: Failing to find your car. Endlessly roaming the parking lot rows in the bitter cold is more than uncool, it’s irresponsible. Didn’t you know there’s an app for that?

I think I will be taking her advice this year!

Have a wonderful day!

Keep smiling,

Lesley

www.lesleyklauk.com

4 Years Younger in 4 Weeks        Class #3  Your Diet and LifeStyle

Okay, so this being the week leading up until Thanksgiving, and that there are lots of deals to be had, this week is going to be busy for you and I! I am going to be posting the regular class material for 4 Years Younger in 4 Weeks, plus "Frugal Friday" Deals for your viewing pleasure!

I will cover the class material now, but please see below regarding some deals you need to be aware of, that will hopefully make your weeks and days leading up until the holidays, cheaper and more fun!

Now, on with the class...

Session #3  -- Your Diet and Lifestyle

Standing up straight is one of the best ways to look younger and more confident. Standing straight, with shoulders back and down with your tummy pulled in is the trick. (when you can remember to do so) At first, you will need to practice and check yourself that you are standing up straight, but soon it will become second nature. Doing exercises to strengthen your tummy/core muscles will also help!

Cut back on sugar. Not only is it not healthy for you at a certain level, it also makes it difficult to fall asleep at the end of the day, and to stay asleep. lack of sleep accelerates the aging process and results in red, puffy looking eyes. It also causes skin to sag faster than it would if you were getting the recommended number of hours of sleep.

HOLIDAY DEALS!!

#1 - SHOES!!!

Are you or anyone on your list asking for kicks? Then I have good news! Famous Footwear is back with a coupon just in time for the season! Print your coupon for 20% off your entire purchase now at Famous Footwear. Please note: This Famous Footwear coupon is valid November 22nd thru 25th only. If you can’t get to a Famous Footwear store between 11/22 and 11/25, you can also purchase online using coupon code GIVTHX12 to save the same 20%!


#2 SHOPPING LUNCH/DINNER BREAK

Because you will eventually need to eat during all your shopping, I wanted to find a deal that could help most everyone out, no matter where you live or shop. It is for Chili's and allows you either a free appetizer, or dessert. Click the image below to get your free food!

#3 Hostess Gifts!

While many of you are hosting your own Holiday meals this year, bless your heart, many of you are planning on going to a friend or family member's home to enjoy the celebrations this year. If so, I personally have the gift for you! Right now, on my site, I have perfect hostess gifts starting at $10 to thank your hostess for putting together such a wonderful spread! My sets are simple and are perfect for a small gesture. I have a coffee set, mitten/ hand moisturizer set, and a foot lotion/ sock set. Call for details and to get your set ready before your event!

That is all until tomorrow when class will be back in session, and when more deals will be had!

Keep on Smiling,

Lesley

SUNDAY is LOVE DAY

Happy Sunday everyone! I know most people like to donate, and give this time of year, but some organizations start early with their donations, and if you wait too long, its too late. That's what happened last year with a charity we wanted to donate to. It's called Operation Christmas Child, and its really cool, especially if you have children, or lots of shoe boxes sitting around in the basement, garage, etc.

It's very simple! Here are the 3 easy steps.

1) Find a shoe box, or the official Christmas Child box at a Church or local participating location.
2) Fill the box up with $10-$15 dollars worth of toys, hygiene items, educational items (paper, markers, etc.
3) Bring filled box back to location, with a small donation so that it can be shipped to the child.

There are several ways to love on people this time of year, but since Aidan and I packed our box this morning, I wanted to let everyone know about this cool organization, and what it does. Click on the link above to learn more!

Hope everyone has a safe and blessed Sunday!

"You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce Thanksgiving to God. " - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Hello Lovelies!

It's FRUGAL FRIDAY!

Here's the DEALS!!!

Starbucks Freebie: Nov. 15-18

Coffee lovers, take note: Starbucks has a BOGO (buy one, get one) freebie November 15-18. When you buy one Starbucks Holiday Drink, you’ll get a second one of equal or lesser value for free at participating stores. This freebie runs Thursday, November 15 to Sunday, November 18, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at your local Starbucks. The Holiday Drinks, including hot, iced and blended versions, are: Peppermint Mocha Gingerbread Latte Eggnog Latte Caramel Brulée Latte Skinny Peppermint Mocha Best of all you don’t have to get the same holiday drink when you cash in your BOGO freebie! Don't everybody run out at once, take your time. Okay, run!!!

Bonus DEAL!!

Free Holiday Labels from Vistaprint

How many people do you have on your holiday card or gift list? If you come from a big family and tend to send lots of holiday greetings and give lots of holiday gifts, this free offer from Vistaprint is worth noting. If you visit Vistaprint by Friday, November 16, you can order 140 labels for free. These are labels that you can use as return-address labels or you can design them as “to/from gift tag” stick-on labels. While the labels themselves are free, you will need to pay for shipping, which starts at $3.69. But even so? 


THANKSGIVING - CHRISTMAS HOSTESS GIFTS

Not sure if you have ever given a Hostess gift to that person who pours there heart and soul into the Thanksgiving or Christmas Brunch or Dinner, but I have many gift sets that can make you a "Welcomed Guest!"I updated my Irresistible Offers page for you, so go and take a look for that Hostess Gift that will get everyone talking. If you don't see anything there you like, take a look on my Pinterest page for more ideas!

Hope everyone is winding down their week nicely.

Have a great weekend!

Keep Smiling ;)

Lesley