The best Christmas gifts

If you haven't guessed already, yes - those two beautiful imp's in the picture with me are definitely THE best gifts ever. Or as I tell them, my "precious treasures" which is as accurate as this mom can get. My big girl is thoughtful, loves to write and loves to talk about anything. The little one? Firey, pensive, sweet as sugar when she wants to be. They both adore their friends and anything involving ice cream. With sprinkles, of course. These girls are my world.

As Christmas comes around we have the requisite talks about presents - who wants what & why it's the "coolest thing ever". This year I've chosen to make it a little different. I'm determined to focus on the "giving" aspect of Christmas and teach the girls to look outside of "me, me, me" and instead to look to those around us who truly have a need.

Our Christmas gifts this year will be fewer but more special, more to the heart and more necessary than in Christmas' past. We've all agreed we want to help the folks at King's Ransom Foundation put a roof on the orphanage they are helping build in Belize. Right now they have 40 kids living in a 4 bedroom house. In Belize. We're not talking the south of France here so far as living standards are concerned.

In case you're curious - and I'm assuming that's why you've read this far - we're doing this in two ways. First, 20% of all profits from BellaGia Services is donated to the charity (and 100% of donations go to the needy, nothing taken out for salaries, admin fees, etc). Second, we'll give a portion of the money they receive for Christmas and send it there as well. We're asking folks not to buy us gifts - just use the money to purchase food or a true necessity for someone near (or far).

I'm proud of them both - it's not easy for little ones to give when they are used to receiving but they've stepped up and they have hearts of gold to help the orphans there. You know, most kids do. It's just up to us to direct them on the path that is right for them. They want to help, it's just that they don't really know how.

Today I received an incredible gift that I feel compelled to share. Our newest client - Ms. H in Jupiter, Florida - surprised me with this wonderful testimonial on Facebook. Well, I'll just let her tell it for herself ~

"Hey friends!!! check out Selene's website. I have one word for her....AMAZING! I've had Selene at my house for 3 days decluttering and organizing. I am in awe of her gift. So nice to have everything in it's place. My kids bedrooms and playroom look like something out of a magazine! You can actually find every tool in my garage! I am so happy to come home to an organized home. Give her a call. Let her help you get organized before the holidays. Make room for the new stuff that Santa will bring!"

I was speechless for quite a while. Then joyful. Beaming! There are few gifts greater than this - words of praise and encouragement. Thank you, Ms H, for sharing yours. Totally honored and delighted to work with you!

So tell me...who are going to praise and encourage today? Remember that is one of THE best gifts you will ever give someone (and you won't have to pay Visa interest on it!).

Blessings for this Christmas and holiday season,

Selene Leone

Owner

BellaGia Services

954-663-7307

The Gift that Really Keeps on Giving

It's that time of year - ho ho ho and mistletoe, egg nog and....the crowds, the pushing, the shoving, the shopping - alot of times for things no one really wants or needs - and then there come the credit card bills. Yikes! Is that how Christmas is really supposed to be? Or Chanukah, or Kwanzaa? If you ask me - and you're reading this so you did ask me ;-) - it's not even close. None of these holidays were ever intended to become what we see today. You might agree but maybe you don't know how to end that crazy cycle you and your family are hooked on.

I've got a solution for you. #1 DO THE OPPOSITE. Don't go crazy buying things people don't need - you know Uncle Mike doesn't really want that gift cologne/after shave package from Walmart, don't you? Don't rack up credit card bills you will regret when January comes and you are wondering why you don't have more money in your savings account. Don't get into it with the lady who just grabbed the last Wii for her grandson! JUST STOP.

#2 THINK. Think about what you want. What is the vision you have for this season? Fun with friends? Checking out the lighting displays? Or maybe it's bigger. Maybe you want to help someone but you just don't know how. Here at BellaGia Services we have an idea for you. Check it out -

Instead of buying stuff no one needs and paying for it for the rest of the year while you watch that same stuff end up in your or their yard sale (trust me, that's what I'll be doing in January - getting your stuff out of their house) why not do something worthwhile? Why not give something that will actually make a difference - in your life, in their lives and in the life of an orphan?

This December from today until Christmas BellaGia Services will donate 20% of our profits to Kings Ransom Foundation. www.kingsransomfoundation.org They are building an orphanage in Belize where 40 kids are packed into a 4 bedroom house. We have an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than us and we are choosing to step out in faith, help these kids get a new home and help our clients do something truly important this season.

If you want to get your - or a friends or relatives - place decluttered, if you want to have even just a room that is organized so you know where your things are and can find them when you need them (not two hours later!), if you want to help put a roof on an orphanage and you want to have a great time doing it (ask our clients - we always have a blast!) - get your gift certificate ASAP! Let's start 2012 knowing we have made a difference and bucked the system. Are you "in" or are you "out"?

Blessings for this Christmas and holiday season,

Selene Leone

Owner

BellaGia Services

954-663-7307

PS Every call to our office for an inquiry or an appointment will be entered into a drawing for a complimentary vacation!