Archive for the Category ◊ Christmas ◊

This is an extremely busy time of the year for everyone. It seems every December I feel I should have started the previous January so that I will have everything done on time! Of course that sounds utterly ridiculous. But in fact when you are like me and enjoy showing your love and appreciation for others in special homemade gifts at least starting planning for the projects you want to complete and setting up a schedule for completetion makes perfect sense.

The month of December is a month that is full of joy and activity for me. I am not only getting Christmas cards out in the mail to keep in touch with special people that have touched my life, but also celebrating six birthdays. Both of my daughter’s were born in December, and four of my five grandchildren have birthdays in December. One really needs to stay focused with this type of schedule.

I was just thinking how sometimes we get so caught up in all we have to do that we miss the sheer joy of the season. Every year I have a dear friend that opens her home for an annual Christmas dinner get together for three of her friends. We may go the entire year without seeing each other, but that friendship is still there waiting to be rekindled at Christmas time. That is truly when you know you have a good friend. You just pick up where you left off and it seems like no time at all has elapsed since you were last together. I am very thankful for these friends.

With technology as it is, we communicate more regularly by emails. Telephone calls are not even as frequent as they used to be. Think back to many years ago when dropping by a friend’s home to check on them and share a cup of coffee or tea and discuss what was going on in your life used to be the thing to do. Now we get on the computer and shoot an email. I have a very wise friend who doesn’t like communicating via an email. He told me once, “I don’t really know how Judy is feeling by reading an email. I can’t sense the emotion.” How very true. As it has been said, we get so caught up with high tech activities we fail to use the high touch things we used to do.

This plays a big part with those who are involved with internet marketing. People are more apt to hit the “delete” key when you are trying to share an opportunity, than if you gave them a call and personally told them about the opportunity you feel might be helpful to them. That is not to say that both methods can not be use together.

We are so busy we forget to look around at the beauty and blessings we have in our lives. I hope that you will take a deep breath and do just that …take a deep breath and look at all you you have in your life. With the economy the way it is, we all have suffered losses of one kind or another. But if we look around we will discover we really have a lot to be thankful for.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a New Year that will allow us to open our eyes and hearts to what is going on around us. We are truly blessed!

Blessings,

Judy Conway
Skype ID: judy.conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com

The gala party events and holiday parties are quickly approaching. Perhaps you started your celebrating over Thanksgiving! January 1st is the time when many of us write down our New Year’s Resolutions. If you are like me, your list will include the re-occurring “Lose Weight”.

I have been doing some research on programs in the Wii System to help lose weight and stay fit. There are programs that will meet everyone’s needs and physical preference. This article will primarily focus on some of those items. I will also include some “maintenance” items you might want to purchase to keep your Wii System running in tip top shape too!

The Wii System provides many programs targeting all sorts of activities for losing weight. The biggest problem is deciding which program will benefit you the most. It is wonderful that our children can have fun, use these programs and become healthier.

How many of us would love to go a Gold’s Gym for our workouts? We either do not have the time, money or confidence to workout with other “buff” individuals. Wii has brought Gold’s Gym into your home! Check out Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout.

Wii’s motion tracking control and optional support for the Balance Board accessory, helps to give you a real workout that is fun and entertaining right at home. Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout will run you through exercises such as cardio boxing, sit-ups, jumping rope, running, and more. The game keeps track of your progress, and as you become more fit, the game’s level of difficulty evolves to give you a more rigorous workout all the time.

Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout tracks your progress and maintains a calendar of your activity. It tracks calories burned and body weight, and it adjusts your workouts based on fitness level. You will feel like you have your own personal trainer working with you right in your living room. A one-week Gold’s Gym Trial Membership is also included with your purchase.

Be sure to pick up a Balance Board, if you do not already own one. This is used in conjunction with a lot of the Wii programs. I have posted a link for this item at Amazon below. Amazon also features Bonus Bundles, such as Wii Fit Plus, that comes with the Balance Board. This currently lists for $94.99 (check this price as it varies).

Amazon is currently running a bundle bonus special on the Nunchuck Controller Page that states you can purchase the Wii Console, and the Wii Remote Controll for $253.97. Please be sure to check on the price updates.

Here is information on another set of Wii fitness programs. They appear to be a little more advanced, so maybe those of you who are advanced in your workouts may find these a little more challenging:

EA Sports Active More Workouts allows you to workout with a buddy and includes 35 new exercises and fitness activities. This program comes with a structured fitness plan (the 6 Week Challenge) that accommodates experienced 30 Day Challengers and new users of EA Sports Active. With its compatibility with EA Sports Active Personal Trainer you will be able to transfer details like age, weight, name and gender from the old game and it will also recognize your previous workout information.

The EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack is compatible with the Wii Balance Board. This pack allows you to turn the multiplayer capable EA Sport Active into a two player workout. This Pack contains a leg strap used in conjunction with a Wii Remote controller configuration, and an adjustable resistance band.

The Wii Activ3 Workout Kit includes 3 resistance tubes (light, medium and heavy), 1 set of handles, 1 leg holster with Nunchuck slot and 1 carrying bag. The webpage on Amazon for this item features the ability to purchase this item, the EA Sports Active More Workouts, and the EA Sports Active as a bundle and the price listed is $116.97.

EA Sports Active is a game that includes a deep co-operative multiplayer game mode. The 20 minute circuits feature activities that will target upper and lower body as well as cardio. These 20 minute workouts will change as your progress changes. You will be able to track calories, intensity and your progress throughout your fitness journey.

I hope that you will find this information helpful in your search for home fitness programs. I wish you success in losing your unwanted weight, and the ability to get into a program that will help keep you fit. Hopefully, New Year’s Eve, 2010 will find one less resolution on your list!!

Judy Conway
http://joinjudyconway.com/bestdealsonline
http://joinjudyconway.com/digitalcameradeals

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Holidays are just around the corner. What do holidays mean to you? They all mean something different to each of us. Before we are caught up in the chaos of Thanksgiving and Christmas let us all take a deep breath, sit and take a quiet moment to search our hearts and decide what these special days mean to us.

We all have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The God who sits on the throne of our hearts, our families, loved ones, friends, the lives of our people in the military service, and the list goes on. It means more than turkey, all the trimmings and Grandma’s favorite pumpkin pie.

Remember those who have lost their lives for our freedom and have left families and loved ones with memories of their lives. There are those who have lost their jobs or encountered financial difficulties. A meager turkey sandwich, or no meal at all could be their meal of celebration. These people will be thankful just for having survived another day. As we give thanks let us keep each other in our prayers. Reach out to those in need. Think of ways we can bear one another’s burdens.

Now on to Christmas. With economic conditions as they are this is going to be a very stressful time for many. I hope the following will give some encouragement. This piece was written many years ago during a very difficult time in my life. I had been divorced after 12 years of marriage when my husband chose a different lifestyle, lacking financial support and feeding my 2 children on $10.00 a week. By the grace of God I am here today to help others in whatever way I can. I am recently retired and can’t financially help others, but I can be that gentle touch, or caring shoulder to cry on and show them that they are loved, not only by me, but by Jesus.

THE GREATEST GIFT

As the last faint sounds of Christmas carols fade off in the distance, and the water begins to chill around your ankles as you soak your aching feet …. What will you really recall about Christmas? What was the greatest gift?

I honestly believe that if a poll was taken as to the true meaning of Christmas, “receiving/buying gifts” and “Santa Claus” would rank as the most often answered.

Will a smile of love and appreciation cross our faces in the midst of scurrying around to find a bigger and better present for sister Sally than what brother Joe will give her; hunting down the fullest and tallest tree, and decorating our dwellings. Will we remember the real purpose of this Holiday Season, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Will we stop to ponder about that baby in the manger and how His life and death has brought meaning to our lives? His life was an example of the way we are to live. He loved us so very much that He was obedient to the end, even unto death on a cross.

We seem to get so caught up in the materialistic outlook of life we lose touch with the most important gift we have to give, not only at Christmas, but every day of our lives. That gift is the gift of love. Not love as the world knows it, but as Jesus Christ lived it. Instead of, or in addition to, decorating the outside of our dwellings, we should decorate the inside of our “temples”. We should take Christmas out of our pocketbooks and put it back in our hearts!

Have a blessed Holiday and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season! ~~~

You are loved for the person you are and your love for others. Especially during these hard times you don’t have to “buy” your way into someone’s heart and wonder how you are going to pay your credit card bills. True love cannot be bought!

I hope that you will have a blessed holiday season. A loving hug or a special phone call will mean so very much to the people whose lives you have touched. You are a special person who is loved without a present in your hands.

Happy Holidays!

Judy Conway
Skype ID: judy.conway
http://joinjudyconway.com/make-money-with-foreclosure-cleanouts.html

As cool fall weather sets in, our thoughts turn the holidays. It is time to start planning to make travel arrangements to go home and be with loved ones. Now is the time to start planning so that we will be able to get the best deals out there.

With the economy the way it is and airline and travel expenses on the rise I would like to offer some assistance. To help you with your planning I would like to offer you a free report filled with cheap travel tips. Check out this Free Report from Globe Cheap. See how much you can save on your next getaway.

Whether you are dreaming of a winter skiing destination, or would rather escape to a warm paradise, these tips will help you save big on your next winter vacation.

1. Make a vacation budget and stick to it

How much can you afford, exactly? Find out now, or else have a plan to have a specific amount saved up by the time winter rolls in.

2. Plan well in advance

When it comes to budget travel, time is one of your most important tools. You need time to make advance reservations

and to research the best deals.

3. Shop around

Now is the time to go comparison shopping for travel options, accommodations, and major attractions.

4. Compare different modes of travel

Depending on where you would like to go, various means of traveling will have different costs. Also consider how many people are traveling. If you are a family, it’s usually cheaper to drive than to fly. If you’re traveling solo, you may have more options – including carpooling with friends or family.

5. Ask for discounts

Sometimes you just have to ask, to receive discounts. At the hotel or airline, for example, ask for free upgrades on your room or flight. Ask your credit card provider about travel options they offer to clients at reduced rates, such as travel insurance coverage, etc. Don’t forget to ask hotel/hostel owners and tour operators for discount coupons, such as to the nearest attractions.

6. Share a vacation rental

If you are traveling in a group, or can find family and friends to vacation with, sharing a rental house for a flat fee can be very economical.

7. Try a hostel

Hostels go for as as low as $20/night, so they’re a budget option you should consider.

8. Cook your own meals

Eating out can be very expensive. Stay in hotels or rentals where you can cook your own meals. Or pack your meals in a cooler, if you are traveling by car. Check out the hotels that offer a free breakfast. This is especially helpful when you are traveling with children. It is amazing how expensive just getting coffee can be and it adds up over a period of a week or two.

9. Get as many discounts as you can

If you are a student or traveling with a student, make sure to bring student ID cards or International Student Cards. This free report from Globe Cheap lists other discounts you or a family member may be eligible for. Also explore discount passes when buying online or by certain dates. If you are a Senior Citizen be sure to ask for your discount price.

10. Borrow equipment

If you are going skiing, bring your own or borrowed equipment rather than renting them at the resort. If you plan to go skiing often, it’s probably cheaper to buy our own equipment in the long run, instead of renting every time.

11. Explore discount packages

Hotels and travel agencies usually offer packages that include travel, accommodation, meals and entrance to various attractions. These usually cost less than if you paid for each one individually. They usually also offer discounts for early booking. One word of advice is to be sure to check out the cancellation policies.

12. Travel off-season

The peak season for traveling in winter is around Christmas and New Year. If you don’t mind traveling around those dates, you’ll find everything cheaper. It’s also usually cheaper to travel on weekdays or midweek rather than on weekends.

13. Consider warm-weather destinations

Looking to escape from the cold? Consider places where the US dollar goes farther, such as small Caribbean islands, Mexico, and parts of Central America and Asia. Some destinations within the United States are also cheaper in the cold season.

14. Don’t touch the minibar

Bring everything you need so you won’t have to open the water bottle in the hotel, or get snacks from the minibar. You’ll pay ridiculous prices for these! Some hotels also charge extra if you request additional towels and toothbrushes. If you must, buy extra supplies at the nearest grocery store, not from the hotel. And don’t forget to pack those over-the-counter medications you usually use! It is amazing what a package of aspirins costs in a vending machine.

15. Stay off the beaten path

Consider staying a little farther from major attractions. You will save tons on accommodations – as long as you will not be paying through the nose for public transportation or parking.

16. Camp out

If you’re going to a warm destination, plan to go camping. It’s a very cheap traveling alternative. If you’re driving, find the cheapest places to get gas.

17. Look for free attractions

Entrance fees to tourist attractions can also add up very quickly. Do some research to find free attractions at your destination. These could include malls, national parks and historic streets or towns. Find out when museums are open to the public for free.

More Cheap Travel Tips

You can get even more FREE tips for budget traveling from Globe Cheap’s Free Report. Grab it and see how much you can save from your next winter getaway.

I hope that this information has been helpful and that you will take this opportunity to obtain Globe Cheap’s Free Report. I wish you all a very safe trip wherever you may travel.

Blessings,

Judy Conway

With the economy the way it is, a lot of people are taking a very different approach to Christmas this year.  If you don’t want to start 2009 out further in debt, you are probably setting new priorities when comes to buying Christmas Presents.

Just because you don’t have “extra” money to buy gifts don’t bailout on true Christmas Spirit.  “I love you” doesn’t have to be wrapped and put under the tree.  This feeling comes from the heart.

Please take a moment to read “The Greatest Gift” at http://www.judyconway.com/2008/11/.

Just remember you already have The Greatest Gift.  It is free to you….for the asking

I wish you a stress-free Holiday Season and a heart filled with Love!

Judy

There is so much in the news nowadays about the economic bailout situation in our country.  How can our young people not hear about it and wonder how it affects them?  I am sure there are many parents wondering exactly how much information they need to share with their children, especially concerning their personal financial situation.  I hope that what I have to say will shed some light on that issue and also help with the guilt that I know parents are feeling at not being able to give their kids all the want.

I remember a time in my life that I was suffering from hard personal economic problems.  My girls were 11 and 12 years old.  I was recently divorced and a struggling single mom.  Financially, we did not have much.  It was in 1981 and granted things were a little less expensive.  We lived in southern Florida.  I became a pro at feeding my girls on $10.00 a week.  Although we did not have money in our pockets we had a lot of love in our hearts.  We were blessed to have found an awesome church family at the First Christian Church of Boca Raton.  The first time I walked into that church my thought was, “These people really love one another.”  They reached out to me and my girls and truly showed us the love of Christ.  I am forever grateful to this family of friends.

When Christmas came I just didn’t have any money for gifts.  The girls needed new nightgowns so those were more of a necessity than a gift.  I felt so very sad.  My children had been through a lot.  Divorce is not easy on the spouses, but it is very difficult on the children as well.  Christmas Eve I wrapped the nightgowns and put them under the tree.  I sat down with a very heavy heart and cried.  Why is it when we can’t “buy” things for our children we feel like failures?

As I sat there that night I wrote my girls notes that ended up being my true Christmas gifts to them.  Sometimes, as parents, we try to hide our feelings from our children.  Don’t under estimate their ability to understand.  I found that with being “real” with my girls we were very close and shared each other’s burdens.  My notes simply, but sincerely, told them how much I truly loved them and was there for them.  I expressed my sadness for not being able to buy them lots of gifts…but I did give them the greatest gift I had to offer….My Love!!

The nightgowns were a hit but let me tell you the notes ended up being very special gifts.  I was never afraid to say, “I’m sorry”, “I made a mistake”, or most importantly, “I love you” to my girls.  There were times when the stress of a day caused me to lose my temper and composure and I would find myself sitting on the bottom of their beds tearfully apologizing.  I used to say, “When you came into this world, God did not have instructions tied on your toes!”  I was the first to admit, I was not perfect, and I made mistakes.

I hope that you will find in this financially difficult time of the year that you can be honest with your children.  Simple joy will benefit us all more than beginning 2009 in debt and facing a personal economic bailout.  They can handle a lot more than you think and in the long run you will draw closer together and be able to share the best gift you can give each other….the love in your heart.

I truly wish you hearts filled with love, an awesome Christmas and a 2009 that will be filled with lots of “Aha” joyful moments.

Blessings,

Judy Conway

This post was written on December 13, 2008

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