One thing to keep in mind through out the holidays is that this is a time for giving and sharing, visiting with loved ones and reflecting on the year of events. Everyone faces lots of stress this time of year; relieve that stress by keeping things simple.

The following idea is a simple gift to give that takes just a little time and comes from the heart. Everyone likes someone else’s cooking and this is a holiday favorite in my family. This is also something that is good for the little ones to be a part of.

First find a sugar cookie recipe, sugar cookies are easy to make and are cheaper to make if made from scratch. If you are not that savvy in the kitchen a store brand ready made cookie dough will do. Bring out the cookie cutters, sprinkles, frostings, and cook, then decorate your cookies.

The next step is packaging, you may have small boxes at home or you can go to your local dollar store and find inexpensive boxes and tins. If you use small boxes from around the house you can use wrapping paper to decorate the box and make it festive.

Now you have a low cost gift that came from the heart and believe it or not it’s the thought that counts. Everyone likes edible goodies and this is sure to be a favorite, it is in my family. There are lots of Christmas gift giving ideas on the internet along with wonderful recipes, if you use someone’s idea drop them an email and say thank you for the share and a Merry Christmas, this will also be an appreciated gift.

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Between the cost of living and the high price tag involved in almost every aspect of going out, it can be difficult to come up with inexpensive dating ideas. The following is a list of fun, low cost to no cost activities you can share with a significant other or creative ideas for those who are actively dating. Enjoy!

1. Sports and the Outdoors: For people who love exercising, asking that special person on a date to go for a jog, hike, rollerblade ride, or a nice walk along the beach, a nice bike trail or around your neighborhood can be a great way to spend time with another person. It is absolutely free and it gives you a nice workout at the same time. So, even if you don’t have the best condition with your date, you will at least enjoy a nice workout!
2. Museums: Many museums are reasonably priced and can make for a very low key, nice way to spend a date. You can learn much about a person in a short period of time by what type of art and artifacts they are drawn too. You can also see if they are interested in you and what you think of different museum pieces. It can be an activity that lasts all day long as many museums have refreshment stands and movies you can watch as well as nice shops you can browse. Why not start by Viewing Beautiful Treasures from the J Paul Getty Museum?
3. Short Day Trips: Why not take a short driving trip to a beautiful location you have heard about? Maybe you know some cliffs that have an exceptional view at a particular time at night. Or maybe you know a driving area that has a nice view along the way. This can make for a nice casual date.
4. Rent a Movie: Yes, it might sound too simple, but sometimes the simplest things in life can be the most special. Why not rent his favorite movie? And, next time why not opt for her favorite movie? It is a very low cost way to spend time with that significant person in your life.
5. Recreational Room: Many apartment complexes have a recreational room that has a billiard table, ping pong table and sometimes other great activities you can participate in. Why not invite that special person over and share some time in the room playing a few competitive games free of cost? It can be a nice, casual date.
6. Street Vendors & Entertainers: Depending where you live there may be some local, popular areas where there are a constant stream of street vendors and entertainers that you can spend the day watching and browsing amongst. Browsing can be a fun way to get to know your significant other’s tastes and watching entertainers can be fun. Just think that you can see so many unpredictable sites in one contained area for free!
7. Make a Homemade Meal: How romantic!? You can prepare your significant other’s favorite meal or cook up one of your best dishes. It can be a nice way to show that special person that you want to make them something nice in a low key inexpensive fashion. You will have complete privacy with your date. It is also nice to know that you will not have to worry about dress codes or reservations. It can make for a much less stressful date situation.

These are just some great, inexpensive ways to spend quality time with that special person in your life! “Money can’t buy you love” and spending time with someone does not have to break the bank.

So, take the time to stop and smell the flowers with that special person and focus on what’s most important; time with the person who makes your heart flutter and brings butterflies to you stomach. Love, and be loved.

Joie Schmidt © Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved.

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Dreams of the Heart – volume I by Joie Schmidt is available:

  * Volume I: Amazon Kindle, Adobe Reader, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad and iBooks

Dreams of the Heart – volume II is available:

  * Volume II: Amazon Kindle, Adobe Reader

———> Stay tuned . . . vol. II will soon be available on iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad and iBooks!

(*In memoriam of the tragedy in Japan all proceeds from – volume I – sales will go to the relief efforts until 3/11/12)

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For more great reading:

• Living Out Loud
• The Truth About Love
• Live Life to the Fullest
• How to Remain Inspired
• Appreciate and Give Thanks
• Thinking Defines Who You Are
• Create the Life of Your Dreams
• Innovative Visualization Journeys
• Success & Discipline Go Hand in Hand
• Five Beautiful Songs to Fall in Love With

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