Have you noticed anything positive about this down economy?

Recently, my amazing life coach asked me a version of the question I have used as my title for this blog, "What are the positive outcomes that you have noticed as a result of our strained economy?" I loved this question because it threw me for a loop--when I think to myself, "Hmmm. . . has anything good or positive happened as a result of our current economy?" This sounds a bit ridiculous at first, but as I begin to think about it further, what I start to realize is that in this challenged time, if we all keep jumping on this bandwagon of 'times are tough' and 'my business is significantly down' and 'I have too many bills and not enough income' and 'no one is spending money these days' etc., with all this negative talk we just keep feeding this negative collective unconscious and continue to attract more lack and less abundance. And if you believe in the Laws of Attraction at all, this negative mindset of having constant money strain and stress continues to perpetuate this problem rather than eradicate it. After taking the time to really digest her question, it finally starts to hit me--the only way to shift this current predicament is to shift my thinking.

So after I am able to jump off the negative money train, I am delighted to realize that I definitely have noticed some wonderfully positive shifts as a result of this economic strain. The most significant positive shift that I have noticed is that people have become more honest and genuine about their financial situation by telling it straight, and not acting like they have more than they really do. This diminishing superficiality has led to more connectedness than ever before. To me, this genuine sharing feels more reminiscent of a bygone era, where hanging out with people, talking and sharing meals was more important than anything else and more of the norm. Among my friends, I have begun to notice this trend taking shape, where people are more interested in hanging out, having potluck family dinners in their homes, enjoying good food, wine, and companionship. This is becoming more appealing than mindlessly going out to a spendy, trendy restaurant that often disappoints in both quality and value. Friends seem to be enjoying hanging out more than ever, seem to enjoy opening up their homes, even sharing babysitters--all in an effort to bond and conserve money, and I see this as such a wonderfully positive shift.

I have also noticed that many fast food and family based restaurants are offering more freebies and deals than ever before. For example, in the last month both Baskin Robins and Ben and Jerry's have given away free ice cream cones and both KFC and El Pollo Loco have given away free chicken, all in and effort to build brand loyalty and let customer's know that these companies are there for their consumers in these difficult times. These businesses want to ease the stress with these free perks and this gratis only contributes to a positive greater good. And these freebies continue every week, like on Mother's Day TCBY is giving mom's free yougurt and on Thursday, May 7 from 4-8pm, the Coffee Bean is giving away free 12oz. Iced Coffees--and the list goes on and on every week. These are positive changes I can get used to, can you?

I would love for you to share any positive shifts that you have noticed as a result of the economy, and please post them on this blog and share any freebies you hear about too! And I promise to continually 'rave' about great freebies or deals that I hear about on this blog too.

Romy,
Gratis and Gratitude Goddess
"I move from poverty thinking to prosperity thinking, and my finances reflect this change"
Louise Hay

Face Looking Sluggish? Got Facial?

Anyone who knows me, knows I am obessesed with all things beauty, especially getting regular facials. Since I was about 16 years old, I have been diligently getting regular facials and I think it has made a huge difference in my skin. The reason I am committed to regular facials is because I feel like it is a necessary treatment that cleans out the congestion and sludge that clogs my skin, which makes it look old, tired and weathered. And at forty-ish, I want to look youthful, fresh and perky as often as I can!

Now I know what you must be thinking, in this economy the last thing I want to do is spend my hard earned cash on is a facial, right? You're probably thinking, I can take a nice steamy shower, put on a drugstore mask (BTW Queene Helene Mint Julep Masque costs around three bucks at your local drugstore and it rocks--I was in my green faced glory last night and loved it!), rub on a good moisturizer and you are done. I beg to differ, because my face and pores get really congested living in LA and I need the skilled extractions of a pro to make a difference--homegrown facials just don't cut it for me.

Enter Marlene Weber's $40 introductary facials ($45-50 thereafter) http://www.skincarebymarlene.vpweb.com/ Marlene is an LA based seasoned pro, who uses beautiful skin changing natural/organic products, does masterful extractions (for me this is the primary benefit of regular facials), amazing peels and is an esthetician at one of the chichi spas around town where the going rate is almost triple. When I leave her home-based office after an hour or so, I am smiling, fresh faced and glowing. For forty bucks, how can you afford not too? And tell her Romy sent you.

And if you are not in the LA area, I am confidant that there are many places to get affordable, high quality facials around the country, just do your homework.

TTFN,
Romy, The One Who Raves