Quote for Today

"We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aid, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn."
- Henry David Thoreau

Women over 30...

THIS HAS BEEN WRITTEN BY A MAN...

This is for all you girls 30 years and over and for those who are turning 30, and for those who are scared of moving into their 30's AND for guys who are scared of girls over 30!!!! This was written by Andy Rooney from CBS 60 Minutes.

Andy Rooney says:

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

• A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
• If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.
• A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 30 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.
• Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.
• Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
• A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.
• Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They Always Know.
• A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women.
• Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.
• Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free". Here's an update for you.

Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage…

"The older the berry the sweeter the juice"

Poll/Survey

Hi, there

If you could please spare five minutes by taking part of our online survey at www.easterngifts.co.za - all results will be collated and released by the end of the month.

Regards,

M.

What's the Worst Gift You've ever Received?

What’s the worst gift you’ve ever gotten? Thanks to www.health24.com, I found this interesting article on “10 bad gift ideas for Christmas”, although I’m sure these tips are pretty much applicable throughout the year.

10 bad gift ideas for Christmas

The gifts we give others say quite a lot about how we see our relationships with them. Can't think of anything to give someone? Chances are you also don't have all that much to say to them. But there are gifts, which would be better not to give.

• Recycled gifts. Last year you got something you didn't like, stuffed it into a drawer and now you are passing it on. Chances are the new recipient will also not like it – and who knows, it might find its way back to you next Christmas.
• Very expensive personal gifts. These include things like jewellery. You could find yourself spending R1000 on a ring for your loved one and they don't like the particular style, shape, colour of what you bought. Ask someone what they like before you spend so much money. It is better to spoil the surprise than to waste thousands.
• Three of a kind. Right, you've got three sisters and little time to traipse around the shops looking for individual gifts, so you end up buying three of the same thing. Thing is, they're all round the same Christmas tree, and once the first one has opened her present, the surprise is gone for the other two. By all means buy three similar things, but identical is not a good idea.
• Noisy toys. On Christmas Day, most families gather in large groups – often in not very large houses. Giving a three-year-old a drum might just spoil the whole day for everybody. Same goes for plastic trumpets and very squeaky plastic animals. Cheap plastic toys also usually don't survive the rough-and-tumble of Christmas Day. Rather go for something solid and wooden – and quiet.
• Last-minute gifts. By the evening of the 24th of December, the shops are empty, and what remains on the shelves, is either ugly, or extremely expensive. You could find yourself having to fork out a fortune for something which is not ideal, or particularly wanted.
• It's-the-thought-that-counts gifts. This usually means the present is dead horrible or definitely unwanted. Or a last-minute affair, just so you don't arrive empty-handed. Sometimes it is better to arrive empty-handed than with something that is so obviously a last-minute thing.
• Chocolates. Always a bad idea. Most people are only too aware of how much weight they are gaining over Christmas, and receiving a further temptation under the tree only makes them even more depressed. Furthermore, when someone receives chocolates, there is subtle pressure on them to open it and share it out, so they don't actually receive a gift at all.
• Socks and handkerchiefs and underwear. These are personal items that people like choosing for themselves. Unless you have very definite instructions on exactly what someone likes, don't go down this road. Rather give a gift voucher and let them choose for themselves.
• Sale books and CDs. These can sometimes be a great success, but only if you keep in mind what someone's tastes are. If you come across Shakespeare's collected works for a mere R49,99, don't give it to someone who has never read anything more taxing than the sports page of the newspaper. It will remain unread and unappreciated. Your grandfather will also quite likely remain unimpressed with Depeche Mode, regardless of whether it was a bargain or not.
• Break-the-bank gifts. Before you consider buying someone a very expensive gift, try and find out more or less what they plan spending on your gift. It is embarrassing if you give a potential girlfriend three CDs and she gives you a pair of socks. – (Susan Erasmus, Health24)

Why not e-mail us on info@easterngifts.co.za and tell us about the worst gift you've ever received?

Gift Giving

Well, I know it seems a few months off, but before we know it, Christmas will be here. And even before Christmas arrives, September will be here – allegedly the month with the highest number of birthdays (can’t possibly think of a reasonJ. And weddings will start – spring weddings are very popular. And the one thing all these potential events have in common? Gifts. Whether you need to get a gift for a birthday, Christmas or a wedding, gift buying can be stressful.

Firstly, let’s look at what a gift is. “A gift or present is the transfer of money, goods, etc., without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging gifts may contribute to social cohesion. … By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness (even when the other is not kind).” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift

Buying a gift is never easy, because as we all know, a gift reflects our perception of the person we are giving a gift to and our relationship with that person. Ever noticed how newly weds will be extravagant when buying their new husband or wife a gift, but couples who have been married for twenty or more years are usually not quite so excited about gift giving for their spouses? How do the gifts here reflect the attitudes towards the relationship? Interesting question.

Buying a gift is a lot easier when you know that person really well, than buying a gift for an acquaintance or business associate. The easiest place to start, whether you know that person well or not, is to assess what you know about their interests and hobbies. Is there any scope for a gift in what they are interested in? For example, if the person you’re buying a gift for is interesting in reading, surely a book would be a good choice? Or if they enjoy cooking, what about a new recipe book? If you can’t make any decisions there, try thinking about things they may enjoy but would never treat themselves to. For example, a busy mom might not feel comfortable spending her money on a back massage for herself. This then would be a wonderful gift for her. Or what about a Dad who would love a leather jacket, but would rather spend his money on the home or his children. Giving these types of gifts show that you understand the person and their situations well – what a pleasure to receive something you’ve always wanted, but could never spend the money on.

Remember, that when giving a gift – any gift – for any occasion – it is not about the value of the gift in monetary terms. It may not even be about a “physical gift”. A true gift has meaning and a personal value to the recipient. The best gift to buy a friend that I know is any bath stuff – bath oils, bubble bath, bath perfume, anything. She loves it and can never have too much of it. So, a small bottle of bubble bath will hold immense value for her. However, don’t ever give her something for her home. She feels that birthdays and Christmas are for personal gifts – not for the home. So, she wouldn’t appreciate a cutlery set. Get to know the person you’re buying a gift for.

Eastern Gifts and Things has a unique range of gifts to suit every person and/or occasion. And if you can’t find a suitable gift, there is always the option of purchasing a gift voucher. Visiting our site, which has full e-Commerce capabilities, will give you a lot of ideas, some of which fall within the range of “common” items, but these are items that are always popular and worth a thought.

Be creative when it comes to gift giving. Another friend I know doesn’t mind what the gift is, as long as it is wrapped beautifully with a pretty bow. That will seriously make her day (and we do offer a gift wrapping service).

Sometimes, though, we come across those individuals in society who already have everything. And money is no object to them. Or, we could come across those that we have to buy a gift for, but we’ve never met. For example, going to a wedding on a date, but you’ve never met the bridal party before. A simple token gift will probably suffice, but thinking out of the box could give you some wonderful ideas.

We have taken the liberty of listing some gift ideas below (some on our site, and others just as ideas) to aid you in your gift giving this year.

Some Ideas

• Buying for the home: This could be tricky if you don’t personally know that person’s taste or style or their preference in home décor. If you do get a gift for the home, look out for items that are unusual, interesting, collectable when choosing things like: prints, original paintings, ornaments, sculptures, lamps, foot-rests, rugs, decorative tables, table linen, mirrors, garden ornaments, water features.
• Other ideas area: a collection of pool towels, bathroom luxuries (like a towel warmer), garden recliners, plants, magazine racks, wine racks, hat stands, coat racks, CD stands.
• Non-“physical gifts”: Like a massage, or a facial. Try something new and exotic, like a Swedish massage or a Indian Head massage.
• Give them a new sport or hobby to be interested in: Buy them some lessons and / or the basic equipment needed to get started.
• Help them grow: enroll them in a skills training course, personal development programme or any variation on this theme. Even a few sessions with a therapist could make an ideal gift for someone that wants it but can't afford it themselves.
• Try something completely new: Scuba diving, Kite skiing, Surfing, Flying (pilot's license).
• Try a new experience: Weekend away or mini holiday, Safari, Bungy jump, Helicopter flip, Cultural tour, Tickets for two to a live performance or concert, Dinner for two at a special restaurant, Tickets to an important rugby match or sports tournament (whatever their favourite sport – and remember, the focus is on their favourite sport, this is not an opportunity for you to go watch your favourite team play rugby:-)).
• Organise for them to: learn or experience anything that they have longed for – fulfill a wish. Change a life. Dare to be different!
• Give your time. Sometimes all that people want is to spend an afternoon or an evening with you.
• Gift vouchers. Gift vouchers that can be redeemed, especially to be used when you just simply either do not have the time or cannot think of something to buy. Gift vouchers also come in handy when you know the recipient is looking for something specific that you cannot find. For example, they are looking specifically for a type of Noritake design, but you don’t know what it is. Giving a gift voucher will allow that person to choose what it is specifically that they want or are looking for.
• Homemade gifts: People often balk at the idea of handmade gifts, yet these can be the most meaningful of all. The key is to choose a gift that you believe the person would enjoy and to make it properly.
• Edibles: A selection of home-made biscuits, preserves, jams, chutneys, breads, sweets or whatever your talent allows. Many of these require no talent at all and a small selection, presented on a nice yet inexpensive tray or in a pretty container, makes for a meaningful gift that also has a lasting element. Ideal for when you have a group that you want to give small gifts to, like book club members, wine club members, neighbours, etc.
• Gift baskets: There are plenty of on-line gift baskets and Eastern Gifts and Things will very soon be selling its own gift baskets. These can be tailor made to the recipient and can include lovely bath creams, or dried fruit and biltong, etc.

If you have any comments on stunning gift ideas or what you would like for Christmas, birthday or wedding – please let us know by e-mailing info@easterngifts.co.za.

For more articles on gifts and other ideas, log onto: www.easterngifts.co.za.

Green Chicken Curry

For someone who doesn't really enjoy cooking, I'm finding myself more and more in the kitchen. Yes, I know, a complete cliche, but I made this recipe a couple of weeks ago and it is simply divine, without too much hassle - thought you may want to give it a try. Oh, and yes it is healthy - very healthy!!!

Green Chicken Curry

INGREDIENTS:

• 30ml oil45ml green curry paste
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 500g chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
• 250ml coconut milk
• 5ml fish sauce
• 4 basil leaves
• 20ml parsley
• 3 green chillies for garnish

METHOD:

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok and add the curry paste.
2. Cook for 1 minute to develop the flavour.
3. Add the spring onion and stir for another minute.
4. Add the chicken and lemongrass.
5. Stir-fry the chicken until no longer pink in colour.
6. Add the coconut milk and bring to the boil.
7. Simmer for 5-6 minutes.
8. Remove from the heat and add the fish sauce, basil and parsley.
9. Garnish with chillies.

For more and other recipes like this, log onto my site at www.easterngifts.co.za. We have Thai, Chinese, Tagine recipes - all healthy, and something a little different (well, different from my normal "box" fish that you stick in the oven for 15 minutes...:-)

Regards,

M.

Make a Significant Change today...

Make a Significant Change Today!

Every Monday morning I receive the most inspiring and motivating newsletters from Brian Walsh, CEO of Entrepreneur.co.za. I thought I’d share this with you as it really challenged me to tackle some issues that needed changing.

“Ask yourself these questions: What could I do this week that would make a significant difference in my life? What steps could I take towards making massive, positive change?

In one of my Friday Newsletters (20 July) I talked about the quality of our lives being directly related to the quality of our questions. We should see each new week as an opportunity to make significant change, and by asking ourselves the right questions, we can identify where these opportunities lie and set about making such changes.

Write down what significant changes you would like to make. Maybe your health is suffering or you are overweight; maybe your cash flow is in trouble and you are being swallowed by debt; maybe you have thought about expanding a section of your business but have just not moved on it yet. We all have areas of our lives that we could make constructive, beneficial changes to.

So decide what actions you can take to make this happen for your life, starting today. It doesn’t matter how busy you are – no excuses; just do it! Don't put it off because that’s the very reason you haven’t acted on it yet in the first place! Take 10 minutes of your time right now to do this – it could change your life.

Have a truly phenomenal, productive week.

Your Entrepreneurial Coach
Brian Walsh”

For more and other articles like these, log onto my site www.easterngifts.co.za.