November 26, 2012
Have you ever  heard of “rose colored glasses”, ” the glass is half full” , well this is the time of year to look at things more positively and celebrate all the good. If you need some ideas to achieve this state, read this article.

bright lights for bright life

By Joy R. Calderwood

The holidays can bring out the best or worst in people.  When in the right mood, the season can become downright festive and fun.  That is a worthy goal for anyone.  On the downside, though, threats of fun-spoiling circumstances may be lurking in the shadows ready to ruin the mood.

There’s nothing worse than feeling you need to think up an excuse for not attending an event because you want to avoid meeting up with a certain person that will be there.  Damaging events from the past can cause anyone to become self-protective.  For some, it may seem more inviting to make other plans than to risk spending long periods of time in the same room as toxic or dysfunctional family members.  So just how does a person survive family get-togethers?  How do you deck the halls and stay jolly during the holiday season?

There’s no easy answer, but here are a few tips to think about:

1. Tell Yourself It’s Not All About You:  Sometimes being defensive is what drives      rifts in relationships or causes someone to say something they may regret      later.  Defensive feelings are often      derived from personal insecurities, unmet expectations, jealousy and even      fear of conflict.  Remember, others      have their own set of personal challenges they’re dealing with.  Get rid of the idea that the world      revolves around you.  The season is      meant to be special for everyone.       Show up and be pleasant.  If      things happen, or unkind words are said, don’t take them personally.

2. Overlook the Bad: Anyone can      become cranky or angry when preparing for guests or trying to get to a      party on time only to have something interfere.  Maybe the waterline breaks, the car      fails to start, the oven quits working, the dish that took hours to      prepare falls on the floor, the cat throws up, the broccoli overcooks, and      so on.  At any moment you, can      decide if you’ll be overcome or if you’ll overcome the problem.  When bad things happen, take a step back      to relax.  Remind yourself what      really matters, brainstorm solutions, and come up with a new plan.  Focus on the idea that good can come      from any trial.  Don’t let trials      defeat you.  If your guests decide      to let the situation ruin their happiness, that is their problem to deal      with.  Accept that you’ve done your      best and move forward.
3. Be Willing to Start Fresh:  It makes sense that if someone has hurt      your feelings or been antagonistic toward you in the past that you would      want to avoid them in the future.       Knowing how to set boundaries is important.  When meeting up again, view it as a      brand new encounter.  Don’t carry      grudges into the event.  Choose to      be confident in who you are.  Be polite      and avoid dangerous paths.  Steer      conversations away from hot topics.       Have a plan ready should you need to excuse yourself if tension is      mounting.  Casually remove yourself      if you feel a the fuse has become lit.

Look for the Good:  Focus on the purpose of the season or gathering instead of dissecting the relationships therein.  Enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of the season.  Look for the good in the people gathered.  Compliment a person on their cooking,

Did you ever think you would be giving your wedding guests, Bird Seed Tree Ornaments for favors? We asked Kristin what she thought and she replied, “Never in a Million Years”. But after some major consideration this is what she chooses as favors for her Wedding guests.

Getting married in December is a daunting task. With Christmas just around the corner how do you decorate for a December Wedding?   Since she and Josh are getting married in Minneapolis on December 22nd, surrounded by friends and family, there is likely to be some snow. The wedding reception is at the local golf course, a lovely area near the outskirts of the city with lots of trees on rolling hills. The country club will be dressed up in Christmas decorations for seasonal parties so, might as well go with the flow.

With the natural world all around, hopefully blanketed by snow ,they decided to go with a “tree” theme. What a fantastic idea with the winter wonderland outside them can bring nature in with some potted trees for decorations, just like Will & Kate. Blending in with the festive wreaths, a touch of “green” will be a brilliant complement to the venue.

Colors, cake, dresses, tuxedos, food, and decorations what is next? Favors for a Wedding of this kind can be a challenge. Enter “Bird Seed Tree Ornaments”, made by hand with pride from Plantamemory.com, these  small trees are   the perfect  gift for their guests. Personalized with Kristin & Josh’s names and wedding date, they are adorable and a brilliant  keepsake  for this Holiday Season Wedding.

From the Love Birds

Give your friends and family unique “tree” favors for a wedding in the month of December, adorable bird seed tree ornaments and help the environment, feed the birds and add a touch of “green” to your wedding day that will last long into the New Year

turkey trot?

We usually celebrate Thanksgiving by getting together and eating a substantial amount of food and giving thanks. Why not participate in a Turkey Trot . Gather your family, friends and neighbors, and support your local turkey trot. These  races, many of which benefit charities, promote the gratitude and family-centric celebrations of the season. Check it out in your area.  Decorate your Thanksgiving table with the natural  beauty of cones. Make a Turkey centerpiece ,
a fun activity for the entire Family.  Cones are natural accents :

They create magnificent centerpeices and additions. They are affordable and versitale products available in a multitude of sized. For more cone Choices and bulk quantities please visit: Sheffields for Decorative Cones

TIP : If you want to open the cones more for a fuller look: put them in the mircrowave for 20-30 seconds
Turkey: large pine cones, long pine cones for neck, pitch pine for head
How to make a Pine Cone Turkey: Keep it Natural!

Small Turkeys can be used for place card holders as well. It is a fun tradition and make adorable thanksgiving decorations.

November 2012 :Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Tree Beggings,

In the past few years we have been been offering earth-friendly favors for many occasion one being Children’s Parties. From Birthdays, Bat/Bar Mitzvahs, Baptisms, to Camp Parties , Children are initating the idea of including environmental themes in their parties. For Spring and Summer Birthdays the children want to have planting parties, for summer camps  the children are encouraged to grow something of their own not to mention schools.

We discovered this article and wanted to share it with you. For your next Birthday Party consider giving an eco-friendly favor to your childrens’ friends for lasting memories and encourage a greener tomorrow. It will make you feel better, your child be a trend builder and the kids will think it is “sweet”.

Planting Theme Birthday Parties

Chanie Kirschner

Let’s face it, folks. Even if we use reusable bags and recycle our paper and plastic, not many of us moms (or dads, for that matter) are thinking about ways to help our kids boost their eco-friendliness. Sure, my son knows the difference between recycling (used coloring paper) and garbage (used diaper), but can’t I go beyond the confines of my recycling and garbage cans, metaphorically speaking? Yes, absolutely. Here’s how: