The Holidays are a Coming

It's hard to believe that the holiday season is among us. With the year's major holidays quickly approaching, I feel like we consumers are being bombarded with deals here, deals there. Ten years ago, I never received advertisements for the holidays before Halloween. Then again, ten years ago I was still in high school--I had no money to contribute to frivolous holiday spending anyway. This year, I am concerned about the recession--aren't we still technically in one? The unemployed friends that I have are still unemployed--so what are people going to do about the holidays?

This year is yet another example of thrifty spending and meaningful gift ideas. What do I have in mind exactly? I could go with the traditional flower delivery; however, I know that I've done this so much in the past few months, people know me as the flower girl! I'm saying though, giving flowers is thoughtful and sweet.

On the other hand, a personalized gift baskets may do the trick this year. Each person likes something different, but assembling a gift basket is personal and meaningful as well. And besides, this may be one of the cheapest options for holiday gifts too. All in all, I am not anticipating spending a lot this year...although I've been getting some incredible steals and coupons in the mail. It's all a part of the grand scheme. Stimulate the economy, right? Ahhhh...the holidays are certainly here!

Ending the Hiatus

Hello readers,

It has been a long time since I've blogged. It's not that I haven't wanted to blog, it's just that I've been overwhelmed by life and finding real, paying work (haha). Thus, I haven't had the chance to do what I do best--write! My extended break is now over, however. I am coming back stronger and better than ever people! I also have a new blog (on Yovia) that I will be using to track one specific thing (it's a surprise people. Come on...you didn't think it was that easy, did you?). I would appreciate it if I can have some fresh topics to write about. Therefore, if you have anything that you might find interesting, email me and I'll include them in my "to write" list. I'm interested in blogging about new (and healthy) recipes, fitness, popular culture, literature, and professional writing.

I look forward to writing more in the near future.

Happy reading,

TonyaT

Happy May Everyone

Happy First Day of May!!! Not only is it the first day of an exciting month, it's FRIDAY!!! May has always been one of the busiest months of the year for me. There are birthdays, graduation celebrations, and baby showers galore. One of the most important celebrations this month has to offer is Mother's Day.

Although I am not a mother yet (someday I hope to be... and for all who keep asking it's definitely someday, not today), I admire all the mothers out there. They deserve the best that life has to offer, not only on their day, but everyday of the year. I love my mom and I plan on purchasing some great Mothers day flowers with my 1800flowers coupon. Yes, I am using a coupon (and proud to admit it in this economy), but they are certainly not going to be cheap flowers. I will get my mother the best flowers that they have to offer...just the thought will put a smile upon her face.

After Mother's Day, I have a special birthday to celebrate. My hubby's 28th birthday is shortly approaching and I can't wait to celebrate. We've known each other for ten years. I can't believe how time is flying! Additionally, my oldest brother's birthday and niece's birthday is also in May. I don't know how I'm going to remember all these May events in ten years. Thank goodness for my Blackberry.

FREE SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBINARS IN MAY

Hello All!

I have some information on FREE social networking webinars in May. Want to maximize profit using social networking strategies? If you simply want to become a wiz in social networking applications like twitter, facebook, and myspace...then these workshops are a MUST-HAVE. See information below:

We are proud to introduce Yovia Academy, a series of classes aimed at bringing you or your employees up to speed on the latest in social networking, blogging, and e-marketing. For convenience, the classes are available in-person and online.

Learn from industry leaders first-hand how to harness the power of social media for yourself and your business:

Jalali Hartman - Inventor of "Social Velocity," Yovia Founder and CEO

Angela Dunn - Social Anthropologist, Twitter Guru, brand architect and power business 3.0 blogger. http://twitter.com/blogbrevity

Emily Paterson - Yale-educated content strategist, community development scientist and training coordinator.


UPCOMING EVENTS!

MAY 6 Free Webinar Using Social Media to Find a Job, Sponsored by FlexJobs Register at Yovia.com.

MAY 7 Lunch & Learn at Beaver St Enterprise Center, $15 includes lunch.
Intro to Social Media I: Twitter, Blogs & Building your Social Capital
To register: contact Selisa Grimes, sgrimes@bsecenter.net, or by phone (90....

MAY 8 First of Four FREE Social Media Classes: Get started with your Blog, Social Media and Analytics. A $300 value, free, includes 4 two-hour training sessions 9 am to 11 am, (over four Fridays.) First-come, first-served, limited space available. For more information or to register, email Emily Paterson, training coordinator, epaterson@yovia.com.

2593 Mayport Road #101 | Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233

Mother's Day Countdown

Although I believe in celebrating every day, the next big day is Mother's Day. Mothers both near and far will be honored for their dedication and commitment to the world's hardest job: motherhood. What better way to honor our mothers, mother-in-laws, or other strong female figures in our lives than with Flowers for mothers day from 1800 Flowers. Nothing says I love you more than Flowers for mothers day. I don't know what it is about women and mothers, but they absolutely love flowers. Any color, kind, or shape--this gift always seems to put a smile on their faces.

Myself, I can't wait to show my mother how much I appreciate everything that she has done for me. Multiple hours of labor, years of haircare, and most importantly, unconditional love--I feel like my mother is the best mom in the world. She always knows the right words to say when I am feeling down. And best of all, she does a great job of encouraging me to follow all of my heart's desires.

Happy Mother's Day Mom--I LOVE YOU!!!!

--Tonya

These Tough Economic Times

I've been pondering remedies for stress lately--stress that is all a result of these tough economic times. Our nation is under tremendous turmoil. People losing jobs and struggling to get by. Last year, I was an independent contractor--and it was pretty lucrative. This year, the competition is fierce, there are less opportunities...which means that my passion and career is taking a hard hit.

Upon visiting the Renew International website , I realized that spirituality is definitely something that will get me through this economic storm. In the past few weeks, I thought about this: now is a perfect time for faith restored. Renew International and their commitment to changing lives through religion and spirituality has made me realize (and hopefully other people will catch on as well) that we must now depend on our spiritual base and each other to get by--as opposed to material things. Although I am not claiming any religious denomination (Renew International is a Catholic based organization), I'm sure that many religious groups around the world are here to help ease our worries about these tough economic times.

Love is in the Air

Ahhhh--love is in the air! Can't you just smell it? The aroma of fresh roses, chocolates, and homemade Valentine's Day cupcakes--I just love this holiday. Ten years ago, I was the bitter non-believer who hated Valentine's day. I did not see the point of getting all giddy over one day in the year. Granted, I was bitter at that time because I dated jerks who did not understand the meaning of this special day. Upon meeting the love of my life, that all changed however.

When my love surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of my favorite flowers, it was that very moment that I began to adore this day. Love is a beautiful thing--and no matter whether you are showered with gifts, flowers, or decedent chocolates--taking one day to celebrate the people that you love is simply priceless. This Valentine's Day, I want to give thanks for all the people that I love in my life--as well as the love of my life.

I've decorated the apartment with festive Valentine's Day decorations, some 1800 Flowers lilac flowers and I have a lovely pre-Valentine's day of baking planned for tomorrow. This day only comes once a year--so why not take the time to celebrate it. And yes...did I happen to mention that it's my anniversary as well? Oh boy! Two in one...I can't wait. Love is definitely in the air!