The Secret to Simpler Gift Giving

June 22, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

Every year holidays and birthdays creep up on us. No matter how we mark our calendars or set reminders, it seems like the week or two before we’re in a scramble for gift ideas. These are supposed to be happy occasions and somehow they just end up stressful (Christmas ironically being the worst culprit as we have several people to shop for). So last year I tested out a new gift plan that has helped me immensely. Here is my secret to simpler, less stressful, gift giving.

Instead of waiting around until December to plan your gifts (or until the next holiday rears its head), create a notebook specifically for gifts and donations that you can update all year round. I’m a fan of Evernote and this is a great use for it. Here are the pages I suggest you include:

List of holidays and annual events
Recipients pages (one page for each person you typically give gifts to)
Generic gift ideas (ex. housewarming, baby showers, thank you gifts)
Donation log for charitable gifts
Log of past gifts received
Personal gift wish list
Holiday budget sheet
Holiday gift shopping list

Keeping a page for each person you give gifts to is the key here. Write down items they mention, their interests, favorites, hobbies, or places they say they’d like to go. Throughout the year if you see an item they’d love or think of a good idea, write it down and save it for the next holiday. Also make sure to make notes of gifts you know they won’t like (ex. if your cousin returned that sweater you gave them). When the time comes you’ll have a great starting pool of ideas to choose from.

Here’s a few more tips:

Set reminders for two weeks before holidays so you don’t forget to shop
Refer to your personal wish list if anyone needs hints for gifts you’d appreciate
Save photos of receipts for return information
Save photos of receipts for donations for tax purposes
Make notes of past gifts given so you don’t use the same idea twice (I’ve been guilt of this one)

The best part about this system is that you can better take advantage of sales throughout the year since you’ll be ahead of the holiday game. I hope this helps make gift giving a little easier!

10 Benefits of Long-Term Friendships

June 4, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

This past year I’ve been lucky enough to celebrate 20 years of friendship with two of my best friends. We met in kindergarten, and ever since we’ve been near inseparable. And while there may be 3,000 miles of physical distance between us, I know that they are always a phone call away. I couldn’t be more grateful to have them and all of my other friends in my life. Here are 10 benefits I’ve found to long-term friendships:

Constant Facebook chatting – no matter how far apart, you’re only a message away (try setting up a chat group so you can update each other whenever you have time)
Extended family – you include them like you do your siblings, and they join in all the important moments in your life
Completely honest opinions – you can be sure they’ll tell you what they truly think (and they have your best interests in mind)
Built-in support system – when nothing’s going right, they’re there for you no matter how annoying you get
Instant plus-one – when you need a date for a party, they can take the pressure off and be more fun anyway
Shared resources – for sharing books, movies, clothes, and recommendations
Endless reminiscing – remember that time you did that crazy thing? They do too!
Social options – whether you want a night on the town or a night in pajamas, they’re on board
Relationship support – sometimes you need a second opinion to know if you’re the one being crazy
Permanent connection – no matter how long it’s been, you can instantly reconnect after things get busy

So why not go pick up a phone, send a text, or start a group message with some friends you’ve been out of touch with?

Quick 10: Unique DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

May 7, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

Every year Mother’s Day sneaks up on me, sending me into a mini rush to make sure I don’t forget to send a gift. I currently live 3000 miles away from my mom, so it’s not as simple as trying to spend the day with her and take her to dinner. And while I went traditional with my gift this year (no, Mom, I’m not ruining the surprise), I started thinking about some unique homemade gifts that nearly any mother would appreciate. Here are 10 that I may use in the future:

1. DIY Spa Gift Set – Search and you’ll find tons of recipes for homemade lotions, scrubs, masks, and bath soaks. Pair it up with a pair of comfy socks, eye mask, and ear plugs and your mom can have a relaxing afternoon. If there are still young kids around the house, offer to babysit for a few hours as well.

2. Vacation-in-a-Box – Let’s say your mom has always wanted to go to Hawaii. Fill a box/basket with location-themed music, movies, candles, recipes, and fun items to help get her in the spirit until she can travel the world. For mine, I’d include a lei, coconut drinking cup, Elvis’ Blue Hawaii, Polynesian music, and recipes for pina coladas and popular Hawaiian dishes. Wall calendars and links to Google street views can also add to the experience.

3. Family Tree Book – If you don’t have one already, why not start an album detailing your family tree? Collect information on your ancestors by reviewing family records, asking your relatives, or searching on Ancestry.com. Organize your findings in a dedicated book/journal or setup software like Family Tree Maker for continuous updates. Be sure to include information on your family’s education, jobs, travels, homes, pets, etc to round out your research.

4. Memory Frame – This can be done a few ways, but is best with a folding frame (2-3 panels). We recently got married, so as a thank you gift to our parents we put their wedding photo, a baby picture of us, and a spot for our wedding photo. For grandparents this can be their wedding photo, your parents’, and yours. Another idea is a succession of family photos: yourself/siblings as babies, as teenagers, and as adults. Or a series of photos of you with your mother and her with her mother. If you don’t have enough photos to fit the theme, you can always fill a remaining panel with one of her favorite quotes.

5. “Words of Wisdom” Book – Is your mom the type who always has something to say? Record her most famous words of wisdom in a journal and present it to her on Mother’s Day. Include her favorite stories she used to tell and quotes from her favorite books/movies. You can also include your favorite memories of her.

6. Cook the “Family Dinner” – A lot of families seem to have a “family dinner”, a classic recipe Mom was always known for making (in our case it was London broil with baked potatoes and red rice). For Mother’s Day, show your mom that you’ve learned from her by cooking the entire dinner on your own (enlisting help from other family members is okay, just let Mom relax). You’ll all enjoy passing the tradition along.

7. Handwritten Letter – While it’s easy to give a quick call or send a Hallmark card, there’s no reason you can’t go back to the classic days of sending a handwritten letter detailing your gratitude for everything your mom has done for you. As much as email is easier, it’s still nice to get something in the mail beyond bills and advertisements. Find some nice stationery and a good pen and write a good long note.

8. Family Travel Map – This one’s good if yours was the type of family who either moved a lot or took a lot of road trips. Get a nice print of a map (U.S./world/state) and a frame to match it. Put pins or stickers in all of the cities you’ve visited. Plot out road trips with string/thread between the pins. Place special marks in those locations you’ve actually lived. This would also work by making a smash book out of a road atlas, using washi tape to secure travel photos to their respective locations.

9. Write a Song/Poem – If you’re a musical or writer type, you can create an original work for your mom. Brainstorm some ideas of what she’s meant to you and get out your pen. You can perform or give it to her in person this Sunday, or post it to social media if you’re at a distance. Another idea is to perform a cover of one of her favorite songs and share it with her.

10. Family Storybook – How much do you really know about your mom? Do you know what her favorite extracurricular activities were? Or what her dream job was/is? What about her favorite foods? Come up with a list of questions you’ve never asked, and either use a tape recorder or notes to preserve her favorite memories. Be creative and come up with your own questions, or use books like Listography as a guide to get started.

For those of you leaning towards a more “traditional” idea, here are 10 classic favorites:

Flowers
Chocolates
Jewelry
Sibling Portrait
Actual Spa Day
Chore Coupon Book
Fruit Basket
Photo Album
Restaurant/Movie Gift Cards
Anything from Bath & Body Works

I hope this has helped you choose a great gift for your Mom this year. And if you’re an early bird who’s already ahead of the game, these make great gifts for almost any time of year. Happy Mother’s Day!

Quick 10: 10 Things I’m Grateful For

April 30, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

It’s been said time and time again that expressing and being mindful of gratitude is a key to feeling happier in life. Here are 10 things that I am always grateful for.

My husband, who is my ultimate partner in crime
My family, who have supported me throughout every milestone
My friends, who have filled my life with unforgettable memories
My pets, who can always cheer me up on a ruff day
My education, which taught me that there is nothing I can’t learn
My career, which has led me to build rockets and watch my work fly to the stars
Books, which open up endless worlds to explore
Music, which can change my mood and energize my morning
Imagination, which takes me beyond the limits of reality
My home, which may change location from time to time, but is always a key away

Family Photo — My husband and I on our wedding day with my parents and grandparents.

What are you grateful for?

15 (Nearly) Free Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

February 13, 2015 by jlmdiscovery

If you’re still looking for some new ideas for your date this weekend, try out one of these. In fact, they’re great any time of year!

1) Think of a country you and your significant other (S.O.) have always wanted to visit. Create a meal native to that country, complete with ethnic music. If you can coordinate it with a matching movie or props (scented candles, clothing, etc), all the better.

2) Go for a picnic at a local beach or park (good for those in warmer climates). Pack your favorite travel-worthy meal or try a new recipe. Bring a camera to take photos for an album or bring an outdoor game you can enjoy together.

3) Have a game tournament. Each pick your favorite game and go head to head. Winner picks dessert!

4) Make a truly special meal at home. Dress up, use your nice china if you have some, and make the meal you were served at your wedding or on your first date (this one’s perfect f or anniversaries too). Play some of the music you’ve loved throughout your relationship (i.e. wedding song or similar).

5) What were your favorite shows growing up? Games? Activities? Foods? Pick a few and have a “throwback” date. (Bonus points for remembering one of your S.O.’s favorite and surprising them)

6) Instead of buying (or expecting) flowers, why not spend the afternoon gardening together? Pick out your favorite flowers and/or herbs and set up your plot (or use pots if you’re indoors). You’ll get all the beauty of flowers that you can enjoy again and again.

7) Make your own relationship scrapbook. Fill a notebook with your favorite memories, dates, trips, restaurants, etc. Add in a section for all the things you’d like to do together in the future.

8) Try a new activity together that you’ve always wanted to try. Hiking, tennis, painting, and testing new languages are a few cheap options.

9) Find a free concert in your area. Check the newspaper, local symphonies, or local band sites for events of all varieties.

10) Have a no-technology day (i.e. no phones, tablets, computers, or TV). Spend the day appreciating the quality time together and be creative by finding new tech-free activities you can enjoy.

11) (Weather-related) Build a snowman or sand castle together. Better yet, make it a competition. Loser owes the winner a massage.

12) Learn about your family trees. Use ancestry.com or family records to draw your tree and learn more about where you both come from. Use it as an opportunity to learn about and discuss different cultural traditions you bring to the table. Save what you learn in a book or family tree program so you’ll have it to reference forever.

13) Have a dessert party. Make your own chocolates, setup a fondue pot, or bake a cake from scratch together. A twist: make his and hers desserts – cook up both of your favorites and enjoy them even before dinner.

14) Research a local site you’ve both never visited (park, free museum, historical landmark). Make a day trip out of it and take photos for a mini “travel log”. If the weather is good in your area, this concept also works for a nice, long hike.

15) Go outside after dinner and take a look through a telescope (either at home or at a local observatory). Find your favorite constellations, look for shooting stars, appreciate the Moon, or try to spot the International Space Station. If you’re able, setup a blanket and bring some hot cocoa so you can sit and enjoy. Share some of the traits you love most about one another. And, if you’d like to purchase a small gift, surprise them with a charm or piece of art depicting the Moon’s phase on the night of one of your special dates, such as your wedding.

As for me, my new husband and I are planning to spend this Valentine’s Day at home cooking up some fresh pasta for a dish we learned about on our honeymoon in Rome. I hope your day is just as special!

Do you have any unique date ideas to offer? Please share below!