Gifts from the Heart

Gifts from the Heart
by Nancy Woodward

I recently became aware of the trend in schools to teach our children to perform civic duty. Our teens are being taught one of the most important issues of life - helping others - in the school system.

Since I did not have this benefit myself, nor did my children, I'm very aware of its importance in the world today. Our lives are busier and many of us just 'don't have time to volunteer'.

I've decided I must find the time. will you??

This is our "Gift of the Heart" to the world we live in.

Nancy is an Accountant and Real Estate Professional. GiftBasket

Volunteering by a Teen

Volunteering by a Teen
by Nancy Woodward

I read an article in my local paper this week, The Current, that struck me as an example of the good neighbor policy. In this case, the volunteer was a local teen. Victoria Cuevas volunteers at the local library helping with the children's story hour. She learned this as part of her school's community service program.

We have come a long way. Our schools are now teaching our children to perform civic duty. What a wonderful thing!!

This young lady deserves a pat on the back. Not only does she volunteer in the library but she also works with mentally challenged students. Miss Cuevas says "Everyone should try and do volunteer work. You become more openminded and you get to meet great people."

I plan to take note of her attitude and behavior to challenge me and I hope you do also.

Nancy Woodward is an Accountant and Real Estate Professional. Visit her online Diet

Mother's Day

Mother's Day
by Nancy Woodward

Tomorrow is the actual 'official holiday' for Mother's Day. B UT, you can celebrate your mother and your relationship with her every day.

As time goes on and your relationship changes with your Mom, it is the time to become friends. You outgrow the original function your Mom provides - nuturing.

Mom's have little time when their children are young, more when they are adults. Unfortunately, children have more time when they are young, and less when they are adults. Take time, Mom's and kids. Take time while you can.

Nancy Woodward is an Accountant with online presence Gift Basket and Superfood

Gift Ideas for Mom

Gift Ideas
by Nancy Woodward

Since Mother's Day is such a special day, many people buy presents for their Moms. This has become a tradition for most folks.

While I have been gifted jewelry, wine, 14K gold, bracelets, earrings and more, I find the gifts of the heart mean more to me.

My daughter, Colleen, makes me a card for every holiday including my birthday. She is an avid scrapper who knows what her Mom appreciates most - A gift of love.

Perhaps you can find a way to demonstrate your love to your Mom on her special day this year.

Nancy Woodward is an Accountant and Real Estate Professional. Visit her online Diamonds and Gifts

Gifts from the Heart

Gifts from the Heart
by Nancy Woodward

I have been the receiving gifts that fall into this category. My daughter, Colleen, is an avid Scrapbooker. She has made me so many absolutely wonderful presents that didn't require going to Macy's.

I've received so many handcrafted cards for every possible holiday, including my birthday. Several years ago she made me and my other 'kids' personal albums. I have this album displayed prominently in my living room.

She began with a calendar theme and just expanded on this subject of our lives. What a wonderful gift to receive. I look forward to opening all the mail I receive from this creative child of mine.

I wish all of you gifts of the heart also.

Take Care of your Diamond Jewelry!

Take Care of your Diamond Jewelry
by Nancy Woodward

Caring for a diamond takes more than
occasional cleanings. Diamonds are forever,
but they can be damaged if you are not
careful. By learning how to properly care for
your diamond, you will ensure that your
diamond does indeed last forever.

First, you should take your diamond jewelry
to a jeweler once a year. Have him check the
mountings and prongs that hold your
diamond in place. Have him make any
needed repairs. This will prevent your
diamond from falling out of its setting and
becoming lost.

Diamond jewelry that is not being worn, or
diamonds that are loose should be stored in
a fabric lined jewel case, or in a jewelry box
where it can be kept separate from other
jewelry. Each piece should have its own
compartment. This will keep diamonds from
becoming scratched and it will also keep
your diamond from scratching other jewelry
as well.

Remove your diamond jewelry when doing
physical work. Diamonds can be chipped
and scratched easily. Also avoid allowing
your diamond to come into contact with
bleach or other household cleansers – this
can damage or change the color of the
settings and mountings, and it may even
irreversibly change the color of the
diamond!

Take care of your diamonds and they will
forever.

Nancy Woodward is an Accountant and Real
Estate Professional affiliated with “The Dream
Team”. She has a longtime interest in jewelry.
Visit her online at Diamonds