The Black Friday Challenge

 Top 12 Ways to Give Back This Season

  

Have you thought about where you will spend your money this weekend, with all the options available for Black Friday Sales and Small Business Saturday?

"How can I possibly help?" That's the disheartening thought we have when we see the vast gap of wealth and opportunities between rich and poor. Your local houses of worship or local organizations and schools that gather donations to support their programs, will be happy to remind you that every penny counts!
I don't know about you, but I know in my heart when I've crossed the line between conscious spending and fiscal gluttony, especially if I've recently passed up a chance to support my community.

It's the kickoff to the Holidays, and we want to enjoy the Season, right? Tempting bargains abound! It makes good sense/cents to think about your spending plan so that you come away feeling empowered by your money, and uplifted by your good fortune. So I offer you this formula for consideration: from every dollar that you save, put 10 cents or more toward "paying it forward" in some way.

So, not to be a total buzzkill, I suggest having fun on Black Friday if you are so blessed, and then tally up your savings to support Small Business Saturday! Here are 12 easy ideas, either for yourself or for gifting:

1) attend a gig, or buy a CD, Vinyl or merchandise from an indie musician

2) shop Etsy.com to find sole proprietors of jewelry, crafts, beauty

3) visit your local coffee shop (skip the big chains for a day!)

4) pre-order or give local experiences: classes, bowling, tours, tastings (esp. good for gifting to Millenials!)

5) subscribe to a local magazine, or buy a local author's book

6) give a visit to a local hair or nail salons, or blow-dry bar (date night!)

7) seek out local/artisanal beer, wine, tea, cheese, or honey

8) join a club: hiking, painting, knitting, reading

9) take that music lesson or singing lesson (or two, or three!)

10) purchase beautiful cards or stationery, and write to a friend

11) use a ridesharing service to get around town (no parking hassles!)

l2) give time, money, supplies...the YMCA, Senior Centers, Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Homeless Shelters, Food Banks and Animal Shelters all welcome visits and donations more than you know!

I just know that if you give my Black Friday Challenge (share w #BFC) a try, you'll get off the beaten track and meet new people, while also feeling great about sharing your prosperity and making your community a little brighter.

BONUS: Squeeze in ALL 12 suggestions between Small Business Saturday and New Year's Day. Reply in comments with your list of "12 Gives" and automatically be entered to win a "New Year - New You" gift package, shipped to your home!

Lisa Donahey's new album CHRISTMAS IN OUR SOUL is a top-notch indie release!
Visit www.LisaDonahey.com for listening and purchasing!

A Cruise for the Cooler Set: June 2017

MSC Divina Awaits You with Audiosyncracy at Sea

Audiosyncracy at Sea is a series of musically-themed cruises featuring renowned artists on first class ships heading to amazing destinations, and the next one is boarding this June 2017 out of Florida. The inspiring musical talent on this cruise makes it an excellent gift for newlyweds, romantic couples, music lovers, and (especially) college students in need of relaxation after finals!  

Elijah Bossenbroek

 Audiosyncracy at Sea (named after the popular radio show), features highly-talented acoustic performers that match the relaxing island vibe of its destination. No loud zydeco or atonal jazz sprees on this cruise! Sailing and performing this summer 2017 are pianist Elijah Bossenbroek and guitarist Matteo Palmer, two very talented and charming artists and composers; think of what it would have been like to witness a young George Winston and a budding Will Ackerman! Treat yourself to a visit to their websites, hear music previews and imagine the Bahamas, a warm wind, twinklelights, friends and a Tequila Sunrise in your hand. Bliss.

 You'll cruise to the crystal blue waters of the Western Caribbean on the beautiful MSC Divina, and all Audiosyncracy at Sea guests will receive special welcome gifts and amenities and exclusive invitations to private concerts at sea. Your hosts for the cruise are KTEP 88.5 FM Audiosyncracy radio show and podcast host Jamey Osborne and his wife, Stacey Osborne, former host of State of the Arts on KTEP. 

Enjoy insights on the tremendous success of the 2016 cruise featuring award-winning pianist Michele McLaughlin here.  SPECIAL GIFT: If you mention to the booking agent that you are a BEING reader before May 5th, then you'll receive a $25 on-board credit. 

Matteo Palmer, produced by 

You know we love living well on BEING, so a word or two about the ship, the MSC DIVINA...it was inspired by the divine award-winning actress Sophia Loren! MSC Divina brings you all the elegance and glamour of the golden age. Experience every modern comfort available along with a variety of sports, leisure facilities and a world-class entertainment mecca, including Kids and Teen Clubs. Spacious and elegant; every element of the ship is designed with you in mind and with the utmost attention to detail. From MSC Divina’s real stone piazza to the opulent Casino Veneziano and the Broadway-size Pantheon Theatre, the onboard experience is incredible. Feel like a star on our Swarovski crystal staircases or find inner calm in the gorgeous Infinity Pool, which extends seamlessly out to sea and the horizon beyond. 

ITINERARY AND BOOKING INFORMATION:
MSC Divina: Western Caribbean
7-Night Cruise
Departs Miami Saturday, June 17th 2017

PORTS OF CALL: Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Bahamas

Cabins start at just $569 per person plus taxes and fees.
$200 deposit per person. Final payment date May 5, 2017.
KIDS 11 AND UNDER SAIL FREE

To book your cabin, visit http://www.cruisethesevenseas.com/rw/view/7035 or call 844.213.1996. If you mention the Being blog at the time of booking we will throw in an additional $25 on-board credit for anyone who books with a deposit prior to May 5, 2017. 

Mother's Day gift ideas

Sunday May 12th  is almost here!

It can be hard to know what kind of gift to buy someone, no matter how much you love them. Some people love gift giving, but others can find themselves stumped or disappointed when they're not quite on the mark.
Here's a few Mother's Day gift ideas for husbands or partners who want to treat their special someone to music that speaks volumes!

First off let's try to break it down by some archetypes:  is she a romantic, down to earth, creature of comforts, an artistic type, etc.?

For "traditional" moms that enjoy pianos, roses and such, try Danny Wright's new piano album "A Mother's Love," with a bottle of red wine, some flowers and a framed photo of a beautiful moment.

Or, does she have more of a passionate or artistic flair? Maybe you want to try some luxurious bath salts, champagne, and copy of Al Conti's album "The Blue Rose" that follows a romantic fable. In the Asian myth, a princess who doesn't want to be forced into marriage declares she will marry the man who finds her a blue rose, unknown in nature. Her true love, in fact, finds that impossible blue rose. If you're especially ambitious, perhaps you'll dip the stem of a rose in blue dye to give to her.

And then, there are the women who enjoy spa packages, and those who would love the chance to indulge in a little TLC. Why not set up your own pampering session at home for the mother of your children, light some candles, warm the massage oil, and put on Fiona Joy Hawkins' beautiful album "Sensual Journeys."  As a bonus, arrange for the kids to stay at Grandma's.

Albums available:
Danny Wright: HERE
Al Conti: HERE
Fiona Joy Hawkins: HERE

Have any fabulous suggestions of your own? Send them our way at BEING.

Written by Andrea Dolbec (andrea@thebcompany.com)