Appreciation 101

Recently I received an unexpected “Thank You” present. It arrived with a note of appreciation. The gift wasn’t a trip around the world or four dozen long stemmed roses. It was a Klutz book superhero starter kit with a red cape. I had mentioned in a recent article I wrote for Bargain Babe that it was something I would like. Never in a million years did I think anyone would actually get it for me. But the receiving of this item from the Bargain Babe herself, with an acknowledging note means more to me than many, many gifts I have ever received.

Why? Because we all want to have our efforts recognized. We would like to have someone else see that we are working hard and doing the best that we can.

This recognition can be as simple as a nod and a smile or as complicated as having a national holiday proclaimed in your name. There is a lot of ground in between those two extremes. But the important thing is to DO IT!

Too many people go through their lives thinking that they should say something nice to someone and then don't do it. I've even had people tell me that they don't have time to acknowledge the accomplishments of those around them. I say, that they don't have time NOT to notice them. For sure, people don't enjoy working in an environment where their efforts are not noted. If once a day every single person noticed and commented upon another person’s positive attribute or accomplishment, this world would be a much better place to live.

With the advent of online shopping, the momentary desire to acknowledge someone’s efforts is just a few clicks away. Amazon.com is the undisputed online superstore. From one-of-a-kind Star Trek paraphernalia to the always appreciated gift card, there is something for everyone on your thank you list.

But don't feel that you have to buy someone a gift to say "atta boy" or "thank you" or "you're swell." A simple note or email or sincere words goes a long way.

One of the greatest treasures that we have is our ability to make another person feel better about themselves and thus enhance our world. This gift is free, but it is priceless. Spread it around.
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A reader just sent me this link that belongs with Appreciation 101. Click, read, cry and learn:
The Teacher

Frugal Festival Swap - June 19, 2010 - North Hollywood, CA

A fabulous swap is happening this Saturday, June 19th, 2010 in North Hollywood, CA at 11020 Magnolia, just east of Lankershim. It is the Frugal Festival Summer Swap.

The Frugal Festival is the brainchild of bargainista Julia Scott, Bargain Babe. In its second year, the festival has morphed into an upscale clothing and swap organized by The Swapaholics that promises some awesome scores for attendees.

The swap has very specific rules that will allow for the best swapping. You drop off your swappables from 10 am-noon. Swap starts at 1 pm SHARP and ends at 3 pm. There is a charge to enter the swap - $15 for VIP tickets (which includes front of the line pass and cool swag), $10 for swapping without contributing some of your own stuff to the swap and $5 for swapping with bringing your stuff to swap. You can buy your tickets online at Goldstar.

For all the specifics including the best places to park and special discount deals in area stores for Frugal Festival attendees, check out the very informative Frugal Festival site.

I will definitely be at the swap. I've been making my great pile of fabulous finds to add to the swap for weeks.

Now, if all of this is just too much for you and you are saying, "But Bobbi, we like simple old free swaps." No problem. At 2:00pm, the doors open up and the swap becomes a free swap.

This is going to be a great swap! Hope to see you (and your stuff) there.

Bobbi's Bargains guest blogging on Bargain Babe blog

What could be finer than a romp through flower fields?

How about finding out that Bobbi will be a regular guest blogger on the Bargain Babe blog?

Check out my official introduction and my first post on (of course) garage sales. You can also read up on my insights into decorating Easter eggs.

Go check out Bargain Babe's site. Subscribe to her email list so you won't miss any of my invaluable tips.

Feel free to write comments letting the world know how much you enjoy my posts! It will make my day and then I will really romp through the flowers.

Really Free Swap in the Park at the Frugal Fe$tival - July 26, 2009 - Van Nuys, CA

I'm going to run the Really Free Swap at the Frugal Festival in Woodley Park (just southeast of Victory and Woodley) in Van Nuys, CA this Sunday, July 26th, 2009 from 1-4pm.

What does that mean, Bobbi?

It means that after going to several swaps (check out my picture from the latest swap-o-rama-rama), totally enjoying myself, getting great stuff and telling the world how much fun they are... I opened my mouth and told the wonderful Bargain Babe that there should be a swap at the upcoming Frugal Festival.

Well, you know the rule. If you suggest that something should happen, you get to be in charge of it. So, I am.

It's going to be a REALLY FREE SWAP, which means you bring some stuff and others bring some stuff and then you take some of the other guys stuff. No money involved. And if you happened to forget to bring some stuff... well, you can take some stuff anyway. I'd call that a bargain!

Click here to get the specifics on the festival and the swap.

You can bring all kinds of COOL stuff to swap. Clothes, dvds, jewelry are awesome swap items. But don't bring things that won't do well in the heat... like candles. Your junk will be someone else's treasure. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean that someone else won't love it. Make sure the stuff is legal, kid appropriate and working.

You can also decide that you are going to just free swap your services - haircuts, massage, juggling.

I suggest you bring a chair, a table (or picnic blanket), a bag for holding your swap treasures and a sun umbrella.

If you want to help me with the swap, send me an email at Bobbisbargains@hotmail.com. I'd LOVE your help.