With Christmas fast approaching, many of us are well into the swing of gift-buying, or will be very soon. I stopped at The Home Depot with my family on Black Friday, and the lines were an hour and a half long. Luckily what we needed, didn't have to be purchased that day.

This time of the year, many folks are lamenting about how much 'stuff' they have. Sometimes people feel as if their possessions own them, rather than the other way around.

Over coffee last week, a friend of mine wondered if we are teaching the right values to our children by buying them the latest style of clothing, smart phone, or toy.

I've spoken to many men and women, as of late, who have complained that so-and-so is so hard to buy for...'she has everything' or 'if he wants it, he goes and buys it for himself.'

I've spoken to others who, rather than thinking of what someone else would like, are simply matching the price they feel that person will spend on them. I actually overheard someone in the mall telling her companion, 'Karen spent $50 on me...I have to do the same thing back. It doesn't really matter what it is...as long as it costs around $50.'

Sigh.

Sometimes we give gifts not so much for the pleasure they provide...but more in the spirit of `one more crossed off the list.' Even if they do not produce clutter, some gifts are perhaps, not always helpful. For instance, a large tin of flavored popcorn or imported cookies might not be all that appreciated by a cousin or co-worker who is trying to eat healthy.

This is why, many of the gifts I give, and hope to receive, are gifts of experience. Experience gifts give folks something fun to do, often generate defining moments that result in more lasting memories, and, of course, don't add to the clutter.

An experience can come in many forms, and all price ranges.

Many families plan big experiences, like a family cruise or ski trip for the holidays, in place of a giant pile of presents under the tree. They may give a few small gifts or fill stockings, but everyone understands that the main gift is the trip. This works extremely well when children are teens or older. Some consider, as an added bonus of a holiday trip, is that they have an excuse to decorate less, since they will be traveling for the holidays. Less to do before and after Christmas.

Older family members may appreciate the gift of experience even more. Many of them are trying to declutter as much as they can anyway, and would be happier receiving tickets to a play or a movie gift card for their favorite theater. If they feel hesitant to drive (or to drive at night), gift cards for Uber can be given along with the tickets.

Other experience gifts include classes in something the recipient would enjoy (like guitar lessons or a creative writing course), season passes for the local zoo, museum or a sporting event, or a one-time experience, such as a hot air balloon ride or dinner cruise.

A while back, I received a gift card for a 'day at the spa.' I looked forward to the appointment (after all, anticipation is part of the fun) as well as all the services I enjoyed. Even though it occurred several years ago the memory of that lovely, relaxing day remains with me still.

One family I know gives what they would spend on gifts for each other to a local shelter and then they all work there on Christmas Eve, helping give out food and presents. It makes them feel good and they truly look forward to doing it each year.

Here are some other experience gifts that come to mind:

* Give a digital magazine subscription

* Teach a skill you have...like knitting or gardening

* Gift a coupon for your time...for baby sitting, pet sitting, etc.

* Hire a housecleaning service for someone who doesn't have the time, energy, capability and/or desire to do it themselves

* Make a personalized playlist for someone

* Pay for an Amazon Prime Membership (so your gift recipient gets free shipping and streaming music and movies for a year)

* Gift access passes to National Parks

* Give an annual, or 30-day, gym membership or individual fitness class passes

* Write a heartfelt, handwritten letter on nice stationery, giving the gift of your deepest feelings

* Give an overnight stay at a nice hotel or bed and breakfast

Finally, consider the other advantages of experience gifts, beside making good memories and not contributing to clutter. Many can be arranged or bought online, and holiday crowds can be avoided in the search for that particular, 'perfect gift.'

This Christmas, consider being a proponent of gift experiences over things. I'll conclude with this quote I've come across on this very subject, 'Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.'

Do You Have Menopause Belly?
If So, Here's Why You May Be Struggling With Your Weight?

It's humiliating... confusing... and often painful. For women over 35, it can be infuriating. And a total nightmare once you hit menopause. You eat less and exercise harder, yet still put on weight, especially around the belly.

Add in the hot flashes, disrupted sleep and mood swings, and life can feel unfair... like your body has betrayed you. What the heck is going on? It's called hormonal burnout... and it can wreak havoc on your female metabolism. Fortunately, research shows a clear way to reverse its effects.

The #1 Cause of Female Fat Gain Over 35...

While hormonal burnout can strike at any age, it affects all women as they mature through menopause. And some even a few years earlier. It's caused by declining levels of estrogen and its sister-hormone, progesterone. Normally, they go up and down naturally like a see-saw. However, by 35, as ovulation slows, hormonal burnout begins:

1) Progesterone plummets
2) Then estrogen starts to drop wildly
3) And fat gain around the middle kicks into high gear

When hormonal burnout strikes, your menopausal metabolism becomes vulnerable to two major threats.

Threat 1: You Become More Carb-Sensitive

First, the decline in estrogen hurts your ability to process carbs. That's because estrogen helps your body manage blood sugar. So less estrogen leads to higher blood sugar. And higher blood sugar turns into fat, especially around the belly. That's why an evening bowl of pasta can result in an extra pant size in the morning!

So should you cut out carbs completely? Absolutely not. That just stresses out your metabolism even more. And that brings up the next threat

Threat #2: You Become More Stress-Reactive

Once you're through menopause, your stress-hormone cortisol spikes up to 74%. That's unfortunate, as a woman's metabolism is already more sensitive to stress than a man's. But the drop in estrogen and progesterone makes matters even worse. That's because they amplify the effects of your brain's "feel good" molecules, serotonin and GABA. Those molecules help you stay happy, relaxed and sleeping well. That acts like a shield, protecting you from the damaging effects of stress. So with a weaker stress shield (due to lower estrogen and progesterone) you're much more vulnerable to cortisol:

* It can break down collagen, making you look 5-10 years older
* It can eat away at muscle and bone, making you soft, saggy and brittle
* Worst of all, it can act like 'Miracle-Gro' for belly fat.

And that's not the kind of miracle you want.

The Menopause Belly Solution...

Fortunately, there is a way to conquer these dual threats: Turn your natural hormonal rhythms into a metabolic advantage. This something women can do... but men can not. By working with this advantage, one study found women can burn 65% more fat during exercise than men. Plus, they can have more control over where that fat is stored. And when this advantage is combined with a special type of exercise, it can really help your mid-section slim back down. But every woman has a unique set of hormonal rhythms. So to tap into this advantage, the first step is to understand your specific hormone type.

What's Your Hormone Type?

That's where my good friend Dr. Jade Teta comes in. He's an expert on women's metabolism. He's developed a tool that will reveal your hormone type in 60 seconds. To discover your hormone type to conquer menopause belly, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-maw.html

But he doesn't stop there. He also gives you a customized plan for your exact hormone type. It acts like an instruction manual for your body. It's based on his proven 4M framework developed over the last 25 years and includes:

* Best foods to eat and when (the right amount of carbs is critical)
* Simple daily habits to keep a lid on cortisol so you keep burning fat
* A great workout that works wonders on the 'menopause belly'

This action plan will help protect you from those dual metabolic threats. And help you feel what it's like to work with - instead of fight against - your hormones. I hope you enjoy!

Maria Gracia

P.S. Every woman has a unique hormonal signature. But clinically, most women fall into 1 of 7 core Hormone Types. Interestingly, your type can change over time. This Hormone Type quiz will help you stay in sync with those changes so you can thrive. Visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-maw.html

GON Top 10: Top 10 holiday or all-occasion gifts that don't cause clutter
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GON Featured Video: How to wrap a Christmas present...quick and easy!

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GON Article: Top 10 ways to conquer your reading pile
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Dirty Little Secret: Cut your gift wrapping time in half or more.here's how...
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Mini Challenges: Even though Christmas is coming, it's important to stay organized in your normal day-to-day life. Here are this week's mini challenges...
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In ADDITION, on our home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Social Media Spotlight: Ever find yourself sitting in unproductive meetings? Comment and let us know.
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Theme of the Week: Gifts. Check out our home page quotes that reflect our theme.
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GON Monthly Checklist: It's easier to be jolly when you're organized. Start today with our December 2017 Organizing Checklist
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1) Get to the bank. A large percentage of people bank online these days. So, when those folks receive paper checks in the mail, these checks tend to get placed on the table or a desk for a while, sitting there waiting to be deposited. If you have checks in your home, go to the bank this week and make a deposit.

2) Designate a gift card storage area. If you generally receive gift cards as gifts for the holidays, designate one place to store those you get, preferably in a tin or basket. In doing so, they'll be less likely to be misplaced or accidentally discarded with junk mail.

3) Write out holiday cards. Get your holiday cards written out and addressed this week, so they're ready to send next week...well before the Christmas rush.

4) Write out 10 fun TO DOs. Write out 10 fun TO DOs you'd like to do this month. Perhaps go on a sleigh ride, drive around town to see the holiday lights, watch Christmas movies, bake, visit a good friend for a peppermint latte, go ice skating? Once they're on the list, schedule time for each and enjoy!

5) Fill a box. Fill a large box with anything you're no longer using or loving...clothing, purses, toys, coats, boots, games, decorations, etc. Then bring this box to a local charity. Your home will be lighter, and you'll be helping those in need.

When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you.
--Shannon L. Alder




I'd love to hear from you.
Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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(c) Copyright 2017 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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