Good Afternoon,
The business of Eastern Gifts and Things cc is for sale as a going concern - whilst the economy is proving strenous for a lot of businesses, I am also struggling to find the time to devote to growing Eastern Gifts in the way that it should grow. Between having a fulltime job, assisting at our take-away business and running numerous other projects from home, I have decided it'd be in the best interest to find a buyer for Eastern Gifts. If you are interested or would like more information in this regard, e-mail me on michelleb@easterngifts.co.za.
The business of Eastern Gifts and Thingss cc will, should no buyer be found, be closing effective 31 August 2008. We just want to thank you - our valued customer - for your support over the last two years. From now until the end of August, get wonderful discounts on our last remaining stock items. Anything from 25% to 75% discount. Should you have any queries in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@easterngifts.co.za.
For all your home decor, kitchenware and gifting requirements - log onto www.easterngifts.co.za.
Regards,
THE EASTERN GIFTS TEAM
Tel: 0842 366 388 / Fax: 0865 021 060 / E-Mail: info@easterngifts.co.za / Website: www.easterngifts.co.za
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Desiderata
written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s –
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Monday, July 28, 2008
The 'E' Factor
Dear Michelle
Emotion can be a real challenge for entrepreneurs to manage. We can decide how we choose to feel once we apply some discipline and logic to an emotive response, but we can’t always control that initial spontaneous reactive feeling that comes over us in the moment. It is a blessing to be able to feel, but sometimes it can seem like more of a curse and entirely undesirable, especially when our emotions are doing a better job of controlling us than we are of controlling them! The fact is that our emotional landscape not only dictates how we think and act, but also what we attract in terms of opportunities, people and even money. Negative emotions or fear, for instance of not having enough, often just lead us to less of what we want, not more.
What we experience as emotion is the result of a chemical reaction in our bodies triggered by stimuli to the brain. Sometimes we can be well aware of the stimuli especially if it’s external to ourselves, but sometimes we’re not aware, as the process of trigger and reaction can happen subconsciously. An emotional stimulus can take many forms, be it a sound, a tone of a voice, something you see or experience, but in most cases it is a thought. It is this internal process that can seem to dictate our feelings (quite ironic considering we might think we’d have much more control when it comes to our internal experience versus what happens externally around us) and affect our state of being so hugely. Our emotional states not only determine how we feel, but also our ability to act in a productive, positive way, so clearly negative states like worry, sadness, fear, anger and hurt are largely counter-productive to our journeys as entrepreneurs.
The reason we experience emotional states is to receive a message; unfortunately very often we don’t listen or pay attention to the message and so rather than being resolved, the state persists. If we are wronged by someone we love for instance, in most cases we will feel hurt and sometimes angry. These emotions confirm for us that an expectation we had was not met. In the case of personal relationships, often our expectations can be unrealistic or unfair without us even being aware of this until we’re disappointed. But our power lies in our ability to review or change an unrealistic expectation that we may have held, and act accordingly so that we feel happiness and love.
Our emotions are led by our thoughts and where our focus lies. If I feel wronged by someone, I may focus on why I feel hurt, leading to anger and argument. If I am worried that I won’t have enough money at the end of the month, I may focus on this fear leading to pain, anxiety, and I feel worse and worse. So if I keep focusing on the source of a negative emotion, I can easily become stuck, digging myself deeper and deeper and it just tends to get worse for me, attracting more negative associations or circumstances that confirm my worry or fear. It’s the Law of Attraction - the fulfillment of focus or perceived reality.
Getting stuck in a negative emotional state is dangerous because it can spiral out of control and become more and more difficult to break out of. You have to change it before it takes hold by managing your state and making sure you remain predominantly in positive, proactive states. Not only will you do more positive things this way, but you will attract more of the positive as well.
Okay, so how do we manage our emotional states?
There are many 'sciences' that teach state management, but there are really two simple techniques - focus and physiology. Remember I mentioned that our emotional state is predominantly brought on and enhanced by what we focus our thoughts on? If we think negative things, we feel negative things. So firstly we need to become aware of our thoughts and when we realise we’re feeling negative or upsetting emotions, we need to stop and look at what we are focusing our internal conversations on. To change this, we sometimes need a jolt to assist in breaking the pattern – change your environment (just get up and take a short walk, for instance), take proactive action and get something done, have a conversation with someone positive or listen to motivational audio programmes. For those more disciplined in emotional state management, simply start focusing on positive things and solutions and it will change how you feel. I find for myself that simply thinking isn't always enough, so what works for me is to start writing down some ideas. When I start planning solutions, my state changes.
Now for the physiological aspect to help you shift your state. Use your body - stand up, get moving, become aware of your posture, your breathing, go for a walk, go to the gym…your physiology and what you’re doing with it influences what you feel. By combining what you’re focusing your thoughts on and becoming aware of positive movement in your body (such as good posture and exercise) you can shift your state to the positive end of the spectrum. Yes, it is true that healthy, fit people manage their emotional states better than unhealthy, lethargic people – the mental and physical aspects are inextricably intertwined and the one affects the other.
The bottom line is, managing your emotional state is a critical tool in managing your outcomes. Please don’t just read this; use it, apply it. I know it will make a difference.
Have a 'happy' weekend.
Your Entrepreneurial Coach
Brian Walsh
Dear Michelle
Emotion can be a real challenge for entrepreneurs to manage. We can decide how we choose to feel once we apply some discipline and logic to an emotive response, but we can’t always control that initial spontaneous reactive feeling that comes over us in the moment. It is a blessing to be able to feel, but sometimes it can seem like more of a curse and entirely undesirable, especially when our emotions are doing a better job of controlling us than we are of controlling them! The fact is that our emotional landscape not only dictates how we think and act, but also what we attract in terms of opportunities, people and even money. Negative emotions or fear, for instance of not having enough, often just lead us to less of what we want, not more.
What we experience as emotion is the result of a chemical reaction in our bodies triggered by stimuli to the brain. Sometimes we can be well aware of the stimuli especially if it’s external to ourselves, but sometimes we’re not aware, as the process of trigger and reaction can happen subconsciously. An emotional stimulus can take many forms, be it a sound, a tone of a voice, something you see or experience, but in most cases it is a thought. It is this internal process that can seem to dictate our feelings (quite ironic considering we might think we’d have much more control when it comes to our internal experience versus what happens externally around us) and affect our state of being so hugely. Our emotional states not only determine how we feel, but also our ability to act in a productive, positive way, so clearly negative states like worry, sadness, fear, anger and hurt are largely counter-productive to our journeys as entrepreneurs.
The reason we experience emotional states is to receive a message; unfortunately very often we don’t listen or pay attention to the message and so rather than being resolved, the state persists. If we are wronged by someone we love for instance, in most cases we will feel hurt and sometimes angry. These emotions confirm for us that an expectation we had was not met. In the case of personal relationships, often our expectations can be unrealistic or unfair without us even being aware of this until we’re disappointed. But our power lies in our ability to review or change an unrealistic expectation that we may have held, and act accordingly so that we feel happiness and love.
Our emotions are led by our thoughts and where our focus lies. If I feel wronged by someone, I may focus on why I feel hurt, leading to anger and argument. If I am worried that I won’t have enough money at the end of the month, I may focus on this fear leading to pain, anxiety, and I feel worse and worse. So if I keep focusing on the source of a negative emotion, I can easily become stuck, digging myself deeper and deeper and it just tends to get worse for me, attracting more negative associations or circumstances that confirm my worry or fear. It’s the Law of Attraction - the fulfillment of focus or perceived reality.
Getting stuck in a negative emotional state is dangerous because it can spiral out of control and become more and more difficult to break out of. You have to change it before it takes hold by managing your state and making sure you remain predominantly in positive, proactive states. Not only will you do more positive things this way, but you will attract more of the positive as well.
Okay, so how do we manage our emotional states?
There are many 'sciences' that teach state management, but there are really two simple techniques - focus and physiology. Remember I mentioned that our emotional state is predominantly brought on and enhanced by what we focus our thoughts on? If we think negative things, we feel negative things. So firstly we need to become aware of our thoughts and when we realise we’re feeling negative or upsetting emotions, we need to stop and look at what we are focusing our internal conversations on. To change this, we sometimes need a jolt to assist in breaking the pattern – change your environment (just get up and take a short walk, for instance), take proactive action and get something done, have a conversation with someone positive or listen to motivational audio programmes. For those more disciplined in emotional state management, simply start focusing on positive things and solutions and it will change how you feel. I find for myself that simply thinking isn't always enough, so what works for me is to start writing down some ideas. When I start planning solutions, my state changes.
Now for the physiological aspect to help you shift your state. Use your body - stand up, get moving, become aware of your posture, your breathing, go for a walk, go to the gym…your physiology and what you’re doing with it influences what you feel. By combining what you’re focusing your thoughts on and becoming aware of positive movement in your body (such as good posture and exercise) you can shift your state to the positive end of the spectrum. Yes, it is true that healthy, fit people manage their emotional states better than unhealthy, lethargic people – the mental and physical aspects are inextricably intertwined and the one affects the other.
The bottom line is, managing your emotional state is a critical tool in managing your outcomes. Please don’t just read this; use it, apply it. I know it will make a difference.
Have a 'happy' weekend.
Your Entrepreneurial Coach
Brian Walsh
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The beautiful Diana Carmichael Range
The beautiful Diana Carmichael Range
"Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honourable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself." - Cicero
Morning,
Eastern Gifts and Things cc would like to share with you the beautiful range of pewter products from Diana Carmichael.
The collection consists of timeless pewter tableware with stainless steel utensil inserts, resulting in functional pieces that are perfectly weighted and easy to hold. Detailed craftsmanship and unique finishes give Diana's products a refined exclusivity.
The hand-made collections include a wide selection of accessories: letter-openers, bar ware, pickle forks, sugar spoons, condiment bowls, cheese-boards and knives. These and many other items make unique gifts or distinctive accessories to complement any modern living environment.
Since its inception in 1995, the Diana Carmichael Artworks range has grown into a complete tableware line that meets the needs of a sophisticated clientèle not only in South Africa, but all over the world. Each piece is packaged in a Diana Carmichael-branded gift box and supplied with its own special care card.
Diana Carmichael was born in Singapore, but grew up in Zimbabwe where she studied jewellery design and manufacturing. In 1981, Diana moved to Johannesburg, South Africa where she continued to design jewellery. Still unable to find her true passion, Diana then pursued a career in graphic design and worked as a freelance artist for a number of years.
In 1995 Diana was inspired to take her talent and distinctive sense of design in a completely new direction. This led to the creation of the Diana Carmichael brand of pewter tableware and accessories.
Diana has been greatly influenced by the forms and textures of this extraordinary continent, where she captures the elusive "spirit" of Africa in her designs. This comes from "having lived in Africa all my life and experiencing daily the natural beauty of the African sub-continent and its people." She sees a "richness about life in Africa" which she reveals in her designs.
As part of her original vision, demand for Diana's product has created stable employment for 49 local South Africans. While each piece is hand-molded in a casting process that fuses them with the stainless steel utensils, the real work occurs in the finishing of the product. The five stages of finishing are all done by hand using traditional methods, and require a high degree of skill and the finest attention to detail.
Despite humble beginnings, the production of a single designer teaspoon has grown into a comprehensive tableware and home ware range that meets the needs of a sophisticated, global clientèle. Diana's inspiration, determination and technical expertise have made her the most sophisticated, exclusive pewter designer brand in South Africa. (Ref: http://www.dianacarmichael.co.za).
All orders for Diana Carmichael products are received in beautiful and stylish gift boxes, suitable for any occasion.
Please bear in mind that the average lead time for all orders on the Diana Carmichael Range is approximately two weeks.
The Diana Carmichael range can be purchased on-line at Eastern Gifts and Things cc and can be delivered to any address of your choice. For more information, click here.
Remember, with Eastern Gifts and Things cc, we will find the perfect gift for any occasion that you require a gift for - be it a wedding, a birthday, an anniversary, house warming gift, Christmas, etc, etc, etc. Whatever you are looking for - we will have something suitable. And you can have up to five delivery addresses on your account, which means you can record addresses for family and friends without having to re-enter this information every time you make a purchase.
Shopping on-line offers you convenience, saving you time, money and energy. Why hassle with busy shopping centres not finding what you're looking for? Simply log onto Eastern Gifts and Things cc in the comfort of your home and office, and make your purchase. It really is as easy and as convenient as that.
Ordering at Eastern Gifts and Things cc is a very simple process:
- Create an account, including your delivery address (has to be a physical address and should include a phone number)
- Choose which items you want by adding these items to your shopping cart
- Go to check-out
- Pay either by EFT or Credit Card
- We deliver your order to you
- As easy as that!
Orders for any of our products can be placed on our website, via e-mail or per fax on 0865 021 060. Payment can be made via EFT or credit card (MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards are accepted).
Remember, we pack it, wrap it and deliver it – almost anywhere in the world.
Regards,
THE EASTERN GIFTS TEAM
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Enjoying Winter!!!
P.E. is finally having a proper winter. It is cold wet and raining and I'm loving every minute of this (this coming from a person who usually prefers summer:-)
Here are some quotes for winter which I thoroughly enjoyed:
"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure in the landscape - the loneliness of it - the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it - the whole story doesn't show." - Andrew Wyeth
"January is the quietest month in the garden. ... But just because it looks quiet doesn't mean that nothing is happening. The soil, open to the sky, absorbs the pure rainfall while microorganisms convert tilled-under fodder into usable nutrients for the next crop of plants. The feasting earthworms tunnel along, aerating the soil and preparing it to welcome the seeds and bare roots to come." - Rosalie Muller Wright, Editor of Sunset Magazine, 1/99
"In the depths of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." - Albert Camus
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." - Anne Bradstreet
"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you ..... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself." - Ruth Stout
"The cold was our pride, the snow was our beauty. It fell and fell, lacing day and night together in a milky haze, making everything quieter as it fell, so that winter seemed to partake of religion in a way no other season did, hushed, solemn." - Patricia Hampl
"In the sheltered heart of the clumps last year's foliage still clings to the lower branches, tatters of orange that mutter with the passage of the wind, the talk of old women warning the green generation of what they, too, must come to when the sap runs back." - Jacquetta Hawkes
"O thou, Who chariotest to their dark wintry bed The winged seeds, where they lie cold and low, Each like a corpse within its grave, until Thine azure sister of the spring shall blow Her clarion o'er the dreaming earth."- John Davies, 1570-1626, Ode to the West Wind.
"The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches." - E. E. Cummings
"One kind word can warm three winter months." - Japanese proverb
"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour." - John Boswell
Regards,
M:-)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Father's Day
Hi, there
Just a reminder that Father's Day is on Sunday - if you'd like any orders from the site, these will need to be placed by tomorrow at the latest. Our most popular seller for Father's Day thus far? A custom designed gift basket, including all the goodies that your Dad will enjoy!
And remember - Monday is a public holiday!
Regards,
M.
Just a reminder that Father's Day is on Sunday - if you'd like any orders from the site, these will need to be placed by tomorrow at the latest. Our most popular seller for Father's Day thus far? A custom designed gift basket, including all the goodies that your Dad will enjoy!
And remember - Monday is a public holiday!
Regards,
M.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Now! in Port Elizabeth
Yes, Now! in Port Elizabeth has finally opened and I just wanted to tell all the PE folk about it. Now! Pasta & Noodle Bar - tastefully tangled, to go - is a fast food take-away, emphasising healthier and better quality eating.
Now! has opened at the Lifestyle shopping centre which has just opened - why not try Now! now?
And my reason for this posting? Well, hubby is part owner... and is managing the front shop and kitchen areas.
Now! Pasta & Noodle Bar with pasta classics, pasta bakes, seafood pastas, modern pastas, Asian noodles, kiddies pasta, fashion salads, soup of the day, acacia, etc, etc, etc - all take away!
Shop 44
Moffat-on-Main Lifestyle Centre
17th Avenue
Walmer
Tastefully tangled, to go...
Enjoy - and, uh, happy eating!
Regards,
M.
Now! has opened at the Lifestyle shopping centre which has just opened - why not try Now! now?
And my reason for this posting? Well, hubby is part owner... and is managing the front shop and kitchen areas.
Now! Pasta & Noodle Bar with pasta classics, pasta bakes, seafood pastas, modern pastas, Asian noodles, kiddies pasta, fashion salads, soup of the day, acacia, etc, etc, etc - all take away!
Shop 44
Moffat-on-Main Lifestyle Centre
17th Avenue
Walmer
Tastefully tangled, to go...
Enjoy - and, uh, happy eating!
Regards,
M.
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