People's Insensitive Comments & Made Up Holidays!

 Are you like me, and getting annoyed with some of these rediculous posts on social media about made up Holidays aka Daughter's Day, Son's Day, Cousins Day, Puppy's Day, Cat Lover's Day, you name it there now is a day for it.  Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter, daughter-in-laws, sons, son-in-law, & everyone else on the list, however since when do we need to announce a special day in their honor.

The hurt that some might feel came to light yesterday, while watching Ree Druummond of The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network.   The show in question was called Sister Sister.  Ree & her family live on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma.  Her sister was visiting from Washington State, while preparing for her visit, Ree made an insensitive comment:  HOW CAN PEOPLE LIVE WITHOUT A SISTER!

I thought about that for a while before sending off an email to which I have yet received a reply.  You might be asking why I consider it insensitive & why I have a problem with the made up Holidays?  Well here goes.

When people say things like Ree did or you're inundated with daughter & son posts, what do you suppose happens to those who might have lost their sister, daughter, son or even never fortunate to have that sister, daughter, son.  Their pain & sorrow may never go away but you needn't add to it by pushing it in their face.  I'm not saying you don't have the right to enjoy & be blessed.

My suggestion is to think before you speak or post!  In the case of The Pioneer Woman, the FoodNetwork certainly should have cut out that footage.  Shame on them.

#think #thinkbeforeyouspeak #thinkbeforeyoupost #Reedrummond #thepioneerwoman #thefoodnetwork #sister #daugthers #sons #madeupholidays

Mary Blum                                                                                                                                            Arbonne International                                                                                                                        Independent Consultant Id #16273991                                                                                        

Holiday Time is Here Again = Are You Ready?

 December is here and If you are anything like me, you might be wondering "How can this be"?  Don't get me wrong.  I love all the holidays, especially Christmas.  I love decorating, buying gifts, wrapping gifts, lights, cookies, the music, I love going to church to see the nativity set up, I love going to the tree lighting in town.  I love all of it.

I just wish there wasn't such a rush that is associated with it.  You see, I believe in enjoying each holiday separetly.  That means starting with October - I have several family birthdays - followed by Halloween.  Now while my children are married and no longer living at home, I still enjoy decorating the outside of my home and of course giving out candy.  I live in a development where we receive close to 100 kids trick or treating and it is fun for all.

Next is followed by Thanksgiving.  Normally, a family traditional holiday focused around the table filled with food.   Wheather at home or not, this is usually weeks of decision making with regard to where, what, who & when all will be prepared.

Alas, December 1st!!!!  Now the above begings and oh yes, I almost forgot, Christmas Cards need to go out too.  

Merry Christmas to all and To All a Good Night!

Holiday Shopping Time

I love Christmas.  I love the decorations and entertaining.  I love visiting people and parties.  I love gift giving.  What I don't love is shopping in stores!  I don't like malls during the holidays.  But, wait?  I said I love decorations, so shouldn't I also love going to the Mall during the holiday season?  

Well, here's the issue I have, The people!   But, wait?  I said I love people?  Yes, I do.  But something happens to people at the holidays when they're shopping.  Everyone seems to forget what the real "Reason for the Season".  Everyone is in a rush, pushing and shoving and trying to get ahead on line, once they find the line, that is.  Now, the stores have less workers on staff, so if you are trying to purchase an item you are likely to search for an open cash register - and when you find one, there will be a long line.  

This has led me, for one, to do most of my shopping online.  I must say, it also has led to a bit of guilt for adding to the problems storekeepers are facing.  So what's the solution?  Perhaps, doing a bit of both - shopping both online and small buiness stores.

#smallbusiness  #shoponline  #reasonfortheseason  #christmas  #hanukkah #giftgiving

www.maryblum.arbonne.com

Part Time Everything: The Joy of Pleasing Clients

Part Time Everything: The Joy of Pleasing Clients:      I have heard from many businesses that during these days of Covid everyone is attempting to go over and above to please their clients ...

The Joy of Pleasing Clients

     I have heard from many businesses that during these days of Covid everyone is attempting to go over and above to please their clients while trying to keep their own business above water.  Somewhere, over the last few decades, stores especially, lost the premise "The Customer is Always Right."   Perhaps, now in this time of vieing for customers, we will see a return to civility in customer service. 

    As a small business owner, myself, in a Health & Wellness field, I pride myself in seeing that my Clients received the extra care when they make their purchases whether they order online themselves or request through me.  One such incident occurred yesterday that particularly made me feel extra happy.  I received a call requesting my advice on which product line I thought might be best for her.  After she placed her order she realized that instead of her normal 20% discount she was entitled to 40% + a free gift + free shipping.  This made her a very happy client which made me a very happy consultant!

    Sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest rewards.

#smallbusiness #clients #discount #health&wellness  

    maryblum.arbonne.com

Business Challenge during Covid 19 Times

Almost 1 year ago the majority of  the US had no clue what the words Covid 19 meant.  If someone had said those words to me, I most likely would have thought it referred to some thing hidden, foreign, as in underworld, certainly sinister!  And that it has proven to be.  

Many people have lost jobs.  Most have had to find a way to work from home.  Some have re-invented a means of support.  Life has changed for everyone in more ways than one.  

How about you?  Were you one of the few clinging on by a thread?  Are you wishing, hoping there is an answer to your need?   If so, perhaps you one who need to "re-invent yourself".

Holidays are here again

The Holiday's are here and it's time when most of us begin to run around like chickens without a head.  We start making lists (if we're organized enough), we begin to plan who, what, where, when; but mostly, if you're anything like me, you begin to worry about what will you "BUY"!
Yes, unfortunately, our society has turned this holiday season into a sales pitch and regardless of how much we may do our best to instill a religious atmosphere into our homes, between the advertisements and the brainwashing put upon us to keep up with the Jones's, I'm sorry to admit that I too have fallen victim to these sale pressures.
However, on a lighter note, all is not lost.  If we keep our senses about us, and think of the positive side (aka bargains) things may be pretty good.

www.maryblum.arbonne.com