Louise Masin Sattler

5 Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Published on December 18, 2018December 18, 2018 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

So, it is only a few days until Christmas and that means either you are at the stage where you are wrapping up your gifts OR you are scrambling to make purchases.

If you fall in to the latter category, may I suggest these last minute holiday gift ideas.

Think Travel! Surprise someone with a cruise to start 2019 off right! This can be done super fast and easy with a Princess Cruise gift card to be used for a trip decided upon later.

2. SNAPFISH! Convert a year’s worth of phone photos and make something special – such as a SNAPFISH collectible book or canvas print.
Today this advertisement popped in to my inbox and wow – check out the 70% off deals!

3. Teens love to eat so send a tower of yumminess to them! I was stuck as to what to get a special someone – so I mailed out directly from AMAZON this WINE COUNTRY TOWER of Chocolates and Sweets. Easy on the budget but satisfies the sweet tooth! Order here.

4. A subscription to an area theater. From the Pantages to the Greek or perhaps the Cerritos Playhouse – there is theater all around the Los Angeles area. I am sure that If you live fairly close to a city or large town you will find the opportunity to snatch up some tickets to a local event, too! And, if you are in the metropolitan New York or Chicago area (to name a few cities) – you know that there is theater all around you! Tickets can be found here for many event

5. Tickets!!! Perhaps to a local comedy club, such as one of my new favorites: the Hermosa Beach Comedy and Magic Show Club. Be sure to check out the Ten Comedians for Ten Bucks nights!

AND.. don’t forget you can go online and order tickets to a sports event or to a music concert. Imagine the “points” you will get for gifting tickets to a PAUL McCARTNEY concert for Summer of 2019! Go ahead – grab a chance to see one of the Fab Four on stage! Get your tix here.

people having a concert — Photo by Wendy Wei on Pexels.com

My Eclectic Ideas for Holiday Gifts

Published on December 1, 2018 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Are you in the midst of holiday shopping? Perhaps you are looking for ideas that are not “the usual”? I hope you will enjoy my eclectic list of products and services that span from inspirational books that soothe the soul to ultra- yummy cookies that help to feed the homeless. I also added “out of the box” suggestions that can be delivered by elves. Feel free to add your own unique ideas in the comment section.

Happy Shopping!

~Louise

On my shelf

READY TO BE HEARD by Amanda McDonough. A terrific book for anyone who is facing a physical challenge and could use some words of wisdom to feel inspired or hopeful. I know Amanda personally, and she is simply amazing! She spreads positivity and the power of kindness to all she meets! Available on Amazon or her website: ReadytoBeHeard.com

Dear Martha, WTF? Grief can be a relentless emotion. Ebbing and flowing for days, months or years. Author, Tricia LaVoice shares her personal journey through grief with the hopes to help others. This book is not your “Debbie Downer” memoir but one that will have you clutching your pearls and laughing due to the hefty dose of humor and bluntness included! Available Amazon

Website: TriciaLaVoice.com to learn more and hear Tricia’s podcast, as well.

Once again, I am highly recommending HALFLING! Kids will love it (and, so will their parents!), HALFLING by Donna Robb, is a marvel of a story! Fingers crossed you will see Remi and her friends on the silver screen soon! Amazon

Website: DonnaMarieRobb.com

Amazon pricing for shipping is dependent on program of customer.

These products are spotlighted because they give back to help others…

Feel good when you give the Sandy Hook Promise apparel. Proceeds go directly to educational programs to help end gun violence in our schools. Their KNOW THE SIGNS program should be required in every school! Order directly here

Note: Pricing varies. Free shipping for larger orders.

Curly Top Baker’s cookies are SOOOO DELICIOUSSSS. But, what is really their true sweetness is that they give cookies FREE to homeless people in their home town of Las Vegas. I love this company, their cookies and business model. My recommendations – buy yourself at least one box and then send another to a friend. All the flavors are INCREDIBLE, but you can’t go wrong with the MEGA chip. Order here

Out of the Box Gift Ideas

The gift of TRAVEL! Get out your creative juices and send your family or friends on an overnight trip or perhaps a vacation of their lifetime! This past year we were thrilled with the services of the TRAVEL STORE in Malaga Cove, CA (Linda Kahn-Ferrell rocks!) They will help you brainstorm ideas and take care of all the details. All you have to do is pack! Connect here

I adore the blog and work of Candy Washington. She has been designing her own line of home products for a little while now and I am in love with her creations. Don’t you just love this pillow! I do AND it can be yours for less than $20 (plus shipping)! Order here

Thinking of gifts under $20 each – give your recipient the Amazon Prime Streaming membership for 99 cents a month!

Camryn’s newest tunes: GLOW

Josh Moreland – 3 Feet from Gold

Kirsten Collin’s In My Blood

Gifts with Heart ❤️

Published on November 2, 2017November 2, 2017 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

2017 has seen more than its’ share of tragedy. Mother Nature was angry this year – very, very, very angry. Our world experienced multiple devastating earthquakes, hurricanes that tore apart whole islands and deadly fires that also ravaged homes and businesses. Then there was the broken hearts caused by recent acts of violence and rage – Las Vegas, Barcelona, London, throughout Africa and the mid-east and of course, New York City.

Despite the tragedy and profound sense of losses, we can still hope and seek a silver lining this holiday season by giving from the heart to heal hearts.

I have compiled a list of organizations or companies that want to help the greater good by doing good. Please consider their efforts when you are gifting others’ during the holidays or just “any day”.

One Hope Wines. Annually this company features worthwhile organizations that deserve our love. Whether to help fight against breast cancer or drive attention about Autism, this company always is about the giving through gifts. Discover their lovely gift bags here that nourish the soul.

This year the grape crops of Northern California were nearly obliterated due to numerous fires of unprecedented magnitude. One Hope has pledged to help the farmers and wineries and sent a note from their CEO with their vow for assistance.

Read about the ONE HOPE wine GoFund Me campaign

BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL RESCUE

The statistics are staggering as to how many animals are destroyed annually. That is a polite way to say killed. That’s right – thousands upon thousands of dogs, cats, bunnies, etc. are euthanized because of bad luck. They were throw-aways. BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL RESCUE works tirelessly to save animal lives and educate humans.

Adopt a pet either for “real” or sponsor a pet virtually here.

Sponsoring a pet is the perfect gift to give someone who is allergic or unable to care for a furry family member due to living circumstances. Last year I adopted a dog and horse to gift someone!

Sponsor a Classroom!

Organizations are abundant to help teachers get the essentials (and occasional perks) funded for their classroom. Don’t believe that school districts in 2017 are flush with money to help our student’s learn. Many have shoes-string budgets and can hardly cover the basics, like textbooks or science equipment. I would love to think that we don’t need a bake sale each time our students need uniforms or basic science equipment. But, that is the reality.

Here are some alternate ways to help without having to crack an egg for cookie-dough.

Click on the links below to learn more about each organization.

Donors Choose – Help a specific teacher / classroom request

Adopt a Classroom (including a special section for Hurricane Relief)

Go Fund Me Educational Campaigns

SANDY HOOK PROMISE – KEEPING OUR CHIlDREN SAFE

Last but not least, one of my favorite charities is the SANDY HOOK PROMISE foundation. They do AMAZING work – year ’round. Their goal – to stop senseless violence, especially from guns, and increase tolerance and compassion in this world.

Their store has items that would make groovy gifts! Shop here

Watch their powerful array of videos here.

In closing, please the gift of sharing and caring this holiday season. Imagine the impact your $5, $25 or more donation could have on your community and other communities’ around the world.

Thank you.

LouiseSattler.com

10 gifts that your child will remember long after the holiday is gone.

Published on December 11, 2016May 29, 2017 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Want to have a gift that will keep your child’s interest and make a lasting memory? Here are some ideas that can be used this year and for years to come.

A calendar so that your child can mark off all the days you will be having a regular “date” with them. Spending one on one time with your child is a gift that will be remembered. Chronicle the dates by collecting photos or special treasures – such as menu from a restaurant or ticket to a movie. In addition. Most importantly – don’t break the date. “Pinky-Swear!” Your work can wait.

2. Paper bags and markers so they can decorate a special gift for someone else to help them learn that sharing is caring. Teach your child that the holiday is not the ONLY time to give more than you receive. So, make a weekly/ monthly time with your child to do good for others. Such as going to an area where the homeless may frequent and give out sandwiches and hygiene packets (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.

3.Take them to the dollar store for a special trip. But, don’t shop for them but for FIDO, as animals matter, too. Teach your child the value of being kind to animals by visiting a shelter and dropping off toys and blankets for the animals that are there. And, if you want to extend the lesson, consider signing up to foster a pet in your home through a reputable pet adoption agency. (PetFinders.com may be able to assist you here).

4. Make an invitation paper and pencil set. Let them have a party – but instead of gifts offer that the guests bring donations for a charitable cause. There are many kids now who will opt for a “party with a cause” when it comes to holiday or birthday celebration. Some ask for items to be donated to hospitals or other organizations, such as Toys for Tots.

5. A Camera. Create a memory book so that these magical moments are not forgotten. And, if you want to be “So 2017” allow them to use a video camera on your phone, perhaps. (Note: there are some very reasonably priced apps that can edit both video and photos.)

6. Kid friendly kitchen gadgets for weekly family dinners – sans electronics. Want to give your child a gift that will be memorable? TURN OFF YOUR PHONES and COMPUTERS. Unplug. COOK dinner in your home and serve dessert, too! Play board games after dinner. Invite a friend of your child to make it extra special. When done.. make a plan a do it again!

7. All the things you need for backyard camping – including the telescope! Take learning outdoors and let your kids learn from experience that is “not forced”.

8. A library card. Why restrict reading, music and movie viewing to what you can afford from a store or online website, when there are thousands of FREE books, videos and music available at a L-I-B-R-A-R-Y!

9. Give them a grandparent hug. Time with grandparents, aunts/ uncles, cousins and other people who are important in the lives of your child can be the best of gifts! Remember the idea of making a memory with a video or camera. Including loved ones is a good idea, too!

10. A staycation. Plan a weekend of fun and (often) cheap/free activities with your child. Museums are an excellent place to spend time. Hikes and bike ride through your locale, too! And, for those quieter times, open up the arts and craft supplies you gave your child create fun cards and smiles.