Running a chamber of commerce is definitely not an easy task. Running a chamber with a specific demographic especially. Much comes into play. Special care , special attention and sometimes special "handling" of situations that sometimes can draw much attention either for good or for worse.

This week I want to share with you how do you handle those in a group that just don't get it , or don't wish to play ball by the rules of business etiquette. Some may say when they read this , "ah she's referring to me or I wasn't aware of that". No matter what or whom, just take it with a grain of salt what I am to share with you all today.

When I began in the world of business it was in the year 1976 , as a personal shopper for Bloomingdale's on 59 st in Lexington Ave in NYC/the big apple. I learned much there, especially if I was on a commission based job. On my scheduled days/nights I would sit in a room waiting for the stores top spenders to come in and request my help or of the other sales help and when you got called you spent whatever time needed with them. Now these customers some had special needs , physical , emotional and/or language a  barrier. I loved this service. I got to meet very important people. And boy, did they have some personalities. As an 18 year old, I could have chucked it and said something like screw this these people are demanding plus nuts. But early on, I noticed there was a lesson here somewhere. Plus I got a great pay for my patience afterall.

This experience helped me when I finally made it as a Junior Designer at a children's wear firm in midtown Manhattan.There I worked with some real characters. One in particular, was always stewing up a pot of trouble for everyone. He said , she said , he did , she did...type of scenarios. Always self promoting herself and her ex - place of employment. But because she was VP of sales no one ever dared say anything. Until one day when the JCPenney head children's wear buyer showed up.It wasn't what they said it was what they did ultimately. I sat quietly waiting my turn to present my portion of the line and when it was my turn guess who wanted to be the center of attention. You guessed it the VP. But the VP was out on vacation for 2 weeks before the meeting, so she was not aware that my presentation was revised the night before. Talk about red in the face. But when she stated that she asked me to revise the presentation because I was late with the color lab dips they all knew that it was not true. You see my Sales President had already informed the buyers when they walked in that I had received all the needed info and they would love the final outcome based on our conference call A WEEK AGO! Thankfully we got the catalog sale and retail sale after I had done my presentation. When I thanked everyone in the sample and art rooms , it was never about I but about we. JCPenney noticed that. Guess who was let go and made Private Label Designer? Muah. And guess who gave me an opportunity at a job in Puerto Rico when I relocated there ? JCPenney.

Life has taken me in all areas but when I have to deal and handle those who get out of place just because they feel they deserve it , I stand back let them totally make zero sense (saying it politely) and I will then step in without insulting that individual and try to save face for all involved. This is what a leader and team player does and must do. This is what I call business etiquette.

Promote/support who does a great performance and those who truly play in a team. Remember that always! You will never know when you will need these people you have stepped on in the past. The future is and has been always an unknown place ( or glimpse in time). Once you have walked into it , expect anything and anyone to make waves.

See you all next week.
A Rivera

Many have asked me this question and I always seem to answer the same way , "to give Latino small business people a place to have their voice". But it really did not start this way actually.

In 2003 I was working for the famous porcelain company Lladro from Valencia Spain here in Florida as one of their Sales Directors. I loved the job and most of all I LOVED the product , of which I still do. But then it happened , 2006 and then Iraq happened. Luxury items were not in high demand so I had to start evaluating my options. So I went into educational sales. That is   what is called as a admissions professional in a private school actually performs.

But then 2007 happened and my mentor was Mrs. Elizabeth Cuevas Neunder , who suggested to meet some people from PR and Florida involved with mentoring entrepreneurs and businesses alike. I asked how can I do this , of course I had been part of the chamber in San Juan when I worked for a company on the island but all I knew was networking and parties. Something she said to me was , "Ani if anyone can pull it off in Polk County , it's you".
But Liz I have a full time job! ..."so?"..... and so it began my journey.

First I had to do my own market research on such an organization and to my surprise there were many in existence. I studied their websites , called for information and decided this can not be that hard to represent a large body of people. After all I have been performing this type of task all my professional life. Second I had to start with some capitol ,write up our by-laws , set a board , EIN number , bank account ,register with state , incorporate , website, logo design , press release ,media blitz ,  launch and meet those I needed to meet in Polk County that I needed to meet. With the support of my husband , son , mother , brother , sister in law and all those I had met while working at Lladro in Tampa and the various PR / Hispanic Chambers came to my / our support  ....and after several media support ,  The Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce was born on August 7 2007 in the Lakeland Public Library off Lake Morton. Third was how were we to be different than the other chambers surrounding us in the county... that was the task at hand. Simple we went with what we knew best by living it and breathing it ... educate all those with our culture. We are not all Mexican , nor Cuban , nor Puerto Rican for that matter. It is less simplistic than this. But my task first and foremost was to improve the Puerto Rican entrepreneur here in Polk County.

Now convincing people that I was or that we were the organization that was going to bring a different climate to the area was an understatement. I had many tell me it wouldn't work. There were those who even confuse themselves with an organization similar to ours that opened some before we did ,that we were not going to make it pass one year. That as Latino's you people tend to be too volatile and it makes it hard for you to follow through with anything. Those who told me this 7 years ago , look at me now and say "how the hell did you do this?" You people? Excuse me but I never said nor gave the impression that we were going to be here as a stop over. Hence 2014 is our 7th anniversary. that should say for much.

It has not been an easy journey ,but it has been one that has given me an insight to make sure and ask "you are at the right place at the right time and do you know the right people who are on board with your vision". Thank GOD my way of talking with people (not talking at them) has been a blessing and being upfront and not a phony. It's being a simple girl from The Bronx who knows how to play the game. And as a Bronx Girl I can tell a phony and a cheat a block away.

My baby the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County has given birth to many wonderful programs that continue , such as:

• Una Noche de Estrellas / Puerto Rican Film Festival at the Polk Museum
• B2B International Expo
• Asi Canta , Asi Baila ...MI Gente (local talent competition)
• Sabor de Polk (local Latino cuisine competition)
• Miss Polk Latina Scholarship
• VIVA POLK Fest Parade & Block Party
• Quinceanera Internationale Expo
• and this year The PRHCC Business Convention for The Americas

So you see , when there is a will there is a way , when there is more than just a dream, only you can make it come true. When there is passion for what you do and if you are a fighter and someone who will absolutely not give up on your dream or the dreams of others , you do what I say.... "what the hell can happen? That I have to start over again? So be it. But I still have much to do. It's not over yet". 

My friends , make 2014 your year and those who say that it's an impossible task with the economy now a days ...look at them straight in the eye and say "WTH , let's roll".

Ana Rivera
President / PRHCCPC
prhccpc@gmail.com

Immigration Reform Key to GOP Future: BloombergJanuary 25, 2014
By DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg said Friday that a Republican Party that ignores the nation's Hispanics and balks at immigration overhaul does so at its political peril as Republicans pressured the House GOP to act this year.

"If you are against the fastest-growing voting bloc in the country, you and your party don't have a future," Bloomberg said flatly at a forum on immigration with Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and former Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, who served in President George W. Bush's administration.

National Republicans insist that the party must pass reforms and address the issue of the 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally to be competitive in presidential elections. In 2012, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who suggested that immigrants "self-deport," won just 27 percent of the Hispanic vote.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and other GOP leaders are working on a set of principles on immigration that they expect to present to the Republican caucus next week at its annual retreat.

While the document has given new hope to immigration proponents, opposition still remains strong in the House, where many Republicans fear granting amnesty to those here illegally, worry about the political fallout in their districts and oppose giving President Barack Obama a long-sought legislative victory.

The forum sponsored by the Partnership for a New American Economy and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was a fresh reminder of the divide within the GOP between national Republicans and many in Congress. It marked one of the first public events for Bloomberg since he stepped down as mayor.

"We need comprehensive immigration reform. To be blunt, we have a dumb system," said Snyder, who described efforts in Michigan to grant visas to immigrants for work.

He said it would "turbo-charge" the economy in places like Detroit.

Gutierrez said that without immigration overhaul, "our workforce down the road doesn't grow," and argued that there was increasing recognition within the GOP that it must be the party of immigration.

The Senate last year passed a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that addressed border security, provided enforcement measures and offered a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally. The measure stalled in the GOP-led House, where Republican leaders have insisted that they will take a piecemeal approach.

"It's up to the leadership," said Bloomberg, a Republican-turned-independent, "if Boehner wants to get it done. He is an accomplished politician. He's been around a long time. He's got a tough hand, but that's what leadership is all about and his tactics will be what he's comfortable with."

Randy Johnson, vice president of the Chamber and the point person on immigration, said Boehner is working on a unified document that the GOP caucus could back.

Unclear is how the principles translate into legislation and how far it would go. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the No. 3 leader in the House, expressed support this week for legalization for many of the immigrants here illegally while Democrats have pressed for a path to citizenship.

An unusual coalition of business, labor and evangelicals has lobbied hard for immigration legislation. Thomas Donohue, president of the Chamber of Commerce, has said immigration overhaul is a top priority this year. Donohue met with Boehner last week.

The issue is also crucial to several House Republicans whose districts have seen an increase in Hispanics and who are concerned about their re-election chances.

Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., who met with Boehner earlier this month, said the speaker is "very committed to getting it done and getting it done this year. He quoted Boehner as saying, "There's no good time to do it, so let's just get it done now.'"

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Original headline: Bloomberg: Immigration reform key to GOP future

Everyday I wake up and like yourself s I pray I make wise choices and do the right thing for those I do business with and of course with those closest to me. But I can not help feeling somewhat uneasy ... still.

2014 has so far felt like it will be a great year , yet I can not feel an immensely unsettling feeling that something may just switch things up for me and for all of us.
Business minded people should always feel positive but at the same time a bit on the edge. Not pessimistic , but just on the edge of something. 

So what do we do when we feel such uneasiness? Do we just quit , give up or brush those feelings of uneasiness? Well first I would react and in a positive way. Stay in tune with whats happening currently , seek ways to better my service and my business. I would definitely not give up! 

As business leaders we need to get involved and whether we agree or disagree with one another , we need to work together to make sure that decisions made by others affecting our businesses and lives are the best for us all. I'm talking about those in office.

My suggestion is one I took from an old dog in business. He said to me about 23 years ago , "Take into consideration their opinions but don't take them too seriously if you yourself can do something to help change things for the better.Don't be a wallflower , if you go to the dance , you better dance." ...simply be a participant in this world and get involved in the makings of progress. Don't whine , don't critique and don't make enemies. Stop feeling queasy and get out and do something about what others seem to be screwing up. Mr. Irelan was very wise. 

So Mr Irelan ... I look forward to 2014 with more gusto than ever. Thank you!

See you next week
Ana 

October 2013 brought us ACA aka Obamacare. January 2014 has brought 
the raising of the minimum wage. So far 13 states including ours is involved in this new subject.

To many both is a sort of blessing and to many others it is an annoying issue affecting the bottom dollar. But never the less it is a topic needed to place much attention to. Take a look below :
Arizona$7.90
Colorado$8.00 / Connecticut $8.70 / Florida $7.93 / Missouri $7.50 Montana$7.90 / New Jersey$8.25 / New York $8.00/ Ohio$7.95 / Oregon $9.10 Rhode Island $8.00 / Vermont $8.73 / Washington $9.32


Now the latest news is to raise it even higher to $10.10 by the President in the news this past week. But it is a hard pill to swallow for both the small business owner and the employee as well. 
The question here is will raising the minimum wage help workers be more productive ? Will this new surge allow them to pay into their not yet paid for healthcare? Will they spend more? Will it really take people out of poverty ? 


I remember one time asking this exact question to a woman who worked for the company I worked for in 1984. Minimum wage then was somewhere around $4.12 an hour. I simply asked her how did she survive with her salary? Her name was Aura and she was originally from Dominican Republic. She was one of our sample makers in the design room. She told me that her salary was ok , her husband worked as well and she did custom work for clients at home. Took in sometimes piece work at home and had two other women who also helped her. She was building a home in the DR and her husband would also drive a gypsy cab two or three times a week. But of course this is a long time ago , her rent was $180 a month , and for some reason she made it work without a HS diploma and with a language barrier. She received two weeks Christmas Bonus when companies did such a thing and a yearly raise negotiated by her Women's Garment Workers Union. But she worked in a large company. Now her best friend who also worked in the sample room made $210 a week. The reason for her higher pay , it was experience and tenure at the company. 


But my blog is should we or shouldn't we? This is something that has to be looked at seriously. One thing that I know is that these wage earners have the ability to receive better perks than many. Subsidies etc. Those in the higher tax bracket unfortunately do not. Like myself. But I went to school , received a great opportunity and have never really worked with a per hour salary , it has always been a flat salary with no overtime and now here in FL with zero raises and zero bonuses. 


I have always been a fan of a FLAT TAX theory and also of hiring someone based on their experience and schooling. But I am also an advocate for lowering prices or better yet lowering prices on items that can be lowered. But no matter how you flip it allowing people to better themselves I am all for it. But to allow those to goose the establishment , well I am not.


2014 is going to bring many to review their P & L's , their operational numbers. Deciding in hiring more personnel or give more hours to their current staff. Instead of subsidies for housing or food , how about lowering the prices on things like gasoline , food , mass transportation , etc. Opening the conversation on the pipeline , bringing more lost industry back to our shores and becoming more competitive in the worlds marketplace. 


Let's keep the dialog going on this issue. many will be looking to it become a positive situation.

Happy New Year to all! 

Now as we wind down from all the hoopla of the holidays , for many of us especially from Puerto Rico we still have Las Octavitas (8 more days of celebration before we get hit with LENT) Woohoo - Weehoo

But let's talk about those personal and professional resolutions you all have made for 2014. Usually we are so engrossed in making these plans for the following year we somehow become distracted and resolutions become more of a chore than a goal. 

I have always looked at leaving out the resolutions part of the new year and plan on solutions to items that just were left to an idea. This year I decided that I would get those around me to be part of the solution than be part of my resolutions. While eating my 12 grapes , by midnight on JAN 1, I decided internally to ask for the solutions I needed for all of my needs in 2014. 

First I needed to look at myself , because to me all planning and execution starts with thyself. Only you can get the ball rolling in any plan , at any stage of that plan you are the catalyst and the main star quarterback. Plan and execute. Go back to basics , go back home , since home is where security begins and the support we all look to so that all gets resolved.This year I look forward to milestones in both my personal and professional life. That only means I will need is a lot of patience and support from both of my teams.

My advise , set attainable goals , hold yourself accountable for your choices , enjoy your success small or large , explore and enjoy your family and friends. They are your lifeline of staying sane in this world. Make yourself a scrap book of your "POSSIBILITIES" and when those come to the surface or are achieved then replace the scrapbook images with actual photos of "REALITIES".

That is the Solution to A Resolution!

Happy planning
Ana Rivera 

​Our Approach​

Unlike many companies who claim to have national networks that are actually a conglomeration 

of rental agreements, American Care believes that it can best serve the needs of its clients by 

providing direct access to providers in the required service areas. As part of its core business 

American Care operates its own medical centers and uses its network development expertise 

to provide access management for national and regional clients through customized provider 

recruitment initiatives in specific geographical areas where the clients’ needs are most evident.

Innovation

American Care has developed a patient care management system called "ACI systems" that 

provides clients and providers access to American Care's medical services. This state-of-the-art 

technology provides quick, accurate and total patient care management through:

• Web-based access by the provider and customer to American Care’s secure system

• HIPAA-compliant Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) via secure Internet connectivity

• Web-based Provider Search and other web based services

Our Mission​

American Care is dedicated to providing the highest quality medical care and services for our 

members through a directly operated or contracted American Care Provider Network.

American Care is dedicated to establishing and maintaining meaningful, successful, and long-
term relationships with our Members and Providers.

Corporate Governance​

American Care upholds the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity. These 

standards are central to the way that American Care conducts business.

American Care’s aim is not just to comply with applicable laws; we have a commitment to our 

members and providers to doing the right thing, because it is right. Adhering to these principles 

has allowed American Care to grow our business in a sustainable manner.

American Care Quick Facts​

American Care became the first Health Flex Plan authorized to do business in Florida by the 

Florida Agency for

Health Care Administration and the Office of Insurance Regulation.

• American Care's medical centers are authorized to operate by the Florida Agency for 

Health Care Administration.

• American Care is licensed by the State of Florida as a discount medical plan 

organization.

• American Care recruits, selects and contracts only with qualified Providers.

• American Care Providers are accredited according to national standards.

What makes US stand out from the rest?​

• Competitive pricing

• Directly Operated Medical Centers and Contracted providers

• Experienced professionals

• Customer service and Provider Services departments to answer your questions

ABOUT AMERICAN CARE

American Care, Inc. was founded and began operations in November of 1996. Today, American 

Care has grown its provider base and service areas, becoming the State of Florida’s first 

authorized Health Flex Plan. All medical centers are owned or directly contracted by American 

Care. The American Care management team is comprised of professionals with over a century of 

collective experience in providing expert assistance and health services.

By having each of its providers undergo thorough screening, credentialing and re-credentialing 

processes, and quality assurance and service questionnaires that are used to ascertain that very 

good services are provided, American Care members are assured access to the highest quality 

provider network available today. American Care provides exceptional service with unsurpassed 

flexibility, customer support and professionalism.

Forrest was involved in a terrible car accident and needs our help. You can participate, buy a t-shirt or donate easily by visiting the website below. Every bit will help ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Sponsorships available-all sponsors will be included on the event t-shirt. Please visit and/or register at www.TheForrest5K.com.


Join the cause on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/392750374201873/?previousaction=join&source=1

2013 was a challeging one but a rewarding one. Newer members become part of the PRHCCPC groove and we look to more coming on board. But if I leave you something familiar it is this , our 2014 anthem! 
History making parade and block party and much more!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There've been so many things that have held us down
But now it looks like things are finally comin' around, yeah
I know we've got a long long way to go, yeah
And where we'll end up I don't know

But we won't let nothing hold us back
We gonna get ourselves together
We gonna polish up our act, yeah
And if you've ever been held down before
I know that you refuse to be held down any more, yeah yeah
Don't you let nothing, nothing
Nothing stand in your way
And all we gonna do
I want you to listen, listen (That's right)
To every word I say
Every word I say about it

Ain't no stoppin' us now
We're on the move
(You said it, we've got the groove)
Ain't no stoppin' us now
We've got the groove (Whoo-hoo-oo-oo Whoo-hoo-oo)
Ain't no stoppin' us now
We're on the move
(We've got the groove)
Ain't no stoppin' us now
We've got the groove (Yeah)

Look, Lemme tell you this
I know you know someone who's got a negative vibe (Euhh)
And if your tryin to make it they only push you aside
They really don't have nowhere to go
Ask 'em where they're going
They don't know
But we won't let nothing hold us back
We gonna get ourselves together, come on
We gonna polish up our act, yeah
And if you've ever been held down before
I know that you refuse to be held down any more, Oh oh oh

Don't you let nothing, nothing
(I won't do it) Stand in your way (No no)
And all we gonna do
I want you to listen, listen
To every word I say
Every word I say about it

SO DRINK UP AND TOAST TO WHAT IS YET TO COME !

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Some of us at this point , just 2 days from Christmas Day , feel like we forgot someone's gift or a party , etc. But something old is new again.

While being raised in NYC , we celebrated always what was Santa Claus , but being Hispanic we celebrated Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos) as a second round of gift giving. We would have water and hay or grass in a shoe box and place this under neath our beds . In the morning we would wake to a gift , symbolizng the same that was performed on this day of JAN 6 to our baby Jesus. 

I happened to be a lucky kid on my block since it also happened to be my birthday. So I would get a party plus more than one gift!! But then the next day we were off to school. This all changed once I moved back to Puerto Rico at the age of 28.

Las Octavitas! What the heck?! Well these eight days of merriment continues for 8 days after the JAN 6 celebration. More parties and more gift giving or those missed in the previous ones here was the opportunity to still get some holiday gifts. Singing , trullas (caroling) , food and just plain old family/friend fun.

I had to Learn a new holiday tradition: Just an FYI I wish to share with you

Víspera de Reyes is the eve of El Día de Reyes (January 5th). Traditional Catholics meet to pray the rosary and to honor the three Wise Men (saints in the Catholic faith). The children get ready to receive gifts from the three Wise Men by collecting freshly cut grass to put in a shoe box for the Wise Men's camels to eat.

Día de Reyes is on January 6th. This is much like Christmas on the mainland. Children wake up much too early to check out what Baltazar, Melchor, and Gaspar left them. Family and friends gather to celebrate.

January 6th - Saint Gaspar's Day of Feast

January 7th - Saint Melchor's Day of Feast

January 8th - Saint Baltazar's Day of Feast

Octavas and Octavitas - on January 9th (after the last of the Kings days) and last for eight days. Originally these were more religious in nature and were used to glorify the Reyes and the Christ child. Coplas were dedicated to the magi. Copa: "Se fueron los Reyes con mucha alegría, vienen las octavas - Dios nos de salud para celebrarlas." Octavitas began right after the Octavas and were eight more days of continued adoration. These were a prelude to la Cuaresma (lent).

More recently . . . . if you received a visit from a friend or relative on Three Kings' day, you are supposed to return the visit eight days later. Today most families choose this day to take off the Christmas decorations and "officially" end Christmas.

These were new traditions adopted by me and I still practice them today. My non hispanic neighbors call it me being lazy in taking down my decorations LOL , but they have gotten a quick lesson on it.And humor me and my family.

But do not forget to make your resolutions for the NEW YEAR! 2014 will be an awesome year I feel it the air.

Optimism among owners of small U.S. businesses rose slightly in November, a national trade group said Tuesday.

The National Federation of Independent Business said their monthly Small Business Optimism Index rose nearly a point to 92.5.

"Of note is the positive trend, albeit sluggish reality, of job growth," the trade group said.

The monthly Optimism Index for November posed a reading of 9 percent for businesses with plans to increaseemployment, which is a 4-point gain from October.

Although the perception that it was a good time to expand was low at 9 percent, 23 percent indicated they had current job openings.

Twenty-four percent of small business owners responding to the survey indicated they had plans for capital outlays, which is money used to invest in the business. On net, however, small firms with plans to increase inventories was flat in the month, the index showed.

Expectations for an improved economy were low, a net negative of 20 percent, down 3 points from October.

"The year is not ending on a high note in the small-business sector of the economy. The 'bifurcation' continues with the stock market hitting record high levels, but the small-business sector is showing little growth beyond that driven by population growth," NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said in a statement.

See more on article :
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/12/10/small_businesses_report_optimism_jobs_growth.htm

Something that streses out many of us during the holiday gift giving season is what do I get for whom , can I afford it or do I give presents to everyone? How is this feasible?

One example is the place of employment/ or your small business : here sometimes it's a touchy issue because there are those you feel close to and not to others. Or in your small business , there isn't enough to go around. In this situation I have done the following : at the office I get a card with $5.00 gift card to Dunkin' Donuts , Gas Card or MacDonalds. One year I made cookies and they all loved them. One year I made jars full of Christmas CANDY OR CHEX MIX. iT'S ALL ON HOW YOU PRESENT IT.  As for a small business environment and its your business , you can give out certificates with the following : a certificate for lunch with your boss , a certificate to come in or leave 2 hours early with pay , certificate for your employee's birthday off with pay , a paid off day before a major holiday or just a small party with giving out $ 20 Gift cards. There are so many things that creatively can be done to keep the ba-humbug blues away. 

Another major stress bug is family gift giving. I have a family traditional plan where on Thanksgiving day dinner we decide on a dollar amount and one gift per person. This year we decided on a $ 10 gift. Plus a delicious dinner with drink. You might be saying $10? What the heck can I get for $10? Well actually LOTS!! Ask questions to those around you. One year my sister in law wanted a set of gorgeous towels JUST FOR HER. One year all the men in my family wanted under garments and socks. On another year GC for Oil Changes. In my family we are practical and practice the reason for the season first. Ofcourse the budget goes away with our kids LOL.

The most important thing here is having a little something for those you care about during the Christmas Holidays. 


The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.  ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur