Go Shopping Bees

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

FINAL POST: Plans For 2020 and Beyond: Follow Go Shopping Bees on Twitter


In November 2016, this blog was started with the intentions of sharing great gift ideas for every occasion. As a practical business decision, we have decided that beginning this year 2020, this blog will no longer be maintained and the majority of our posting activity will be shared via X (formerly Twitter).  

Thank you for your support. Below is an alphabetical listing of all posts from 2016 to 2019 published on this blog. 




Follow on X (formerly Twitter)

Happy New Year AND Happy Shopping!

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Saturday, December 28, 2019

Unique Feng Shui Gift Ideas for a More Harmonious Home or Office

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that uses the natural laws of Heaven (astronomy) and Earth (geography) to create balance, harmony, and well‑being in the spaces where we live and work.

  • Feng means wind
  • Shui means water

Although its origins date back more than 6,000 years, Feng Shui remains surprisingly modern. Today, many people describe it as an eco‑friendly approach to design — one that encourages natural flow, mindful placement, and peaceful surroundings.

Feng Shui principles can be applied anywhere: a studio apartment, a family home, an office cubicle, or even a garden. And one of the easiest ways to bring this ancient wisdom into your life is through thoughtful décor.

Feng Shui Desain Interior Warna Cat Rumah yang Cocok dengan Fengshui


💧 Bring Serenity To Home or Office With Tabletop Water Fountains

Tabletop water fountains are one of the most popular Feng Shui elements because they combine beauty, movement, and sound. You can choose a lovely collection of fountains designed to create a calm, stress‑free environment.

The gentle sound of flowing water promotes relaxation, while the visual movement adds a soothing aesthetic to any room. These fountains are affordable, versatile, and ideal for:

  • New homeowners
  • Newlyweds
  • Mothers
  • Friends
  • Anyone who could use a little more peace in their life

They’re my personal favorite Feng Shui gift because they deliver instant tranquility without requiring any special knowledge or setup.

🎬 A Fun Pop‑Culture Moment: Bruce Lee & Feng Shui

If you’ve seen the movie "Enter the Dragon", you may remember the scene where an older British gentleman meets Bruce Lee in a serene garden and remarks, “This is very pleasant.” That peaceful setting was designed using Feng Shui principles — a perfect example of how intentional placement and natural elements can influence mood and energy.

It’s a subtle reminder that Feng Shui isn’t mystical or complicated. It’s simply the art of creating spaces that feel good.

🔮 Learn From Feng Shui Experts

Many Feng Shui practitioners teach the importance of the Five Elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — as the foundation of harmonious design.

  • Five Elements — explained clearly by 168 Feng Shui Advisors (archived article copy)
  • Classical Feng Shui — taught by Elizabeth Schermer, a consultant who specializes in creating healthy, balanced environments (archived article copy)

Exploring these resources can help you understand how different elements interact and how to use them intentionally in your home.

🎁 Feng Shui Gifts for Any Occasion

Feng Shui‑inspired products make thoughtful, meaningful gifts for holidays, birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, and other life milestones. A few favorites include:

These items bring beauty, tranquility, and positive energy — and it’s hard to imagine a recipient being anything less than delighted. Feng Shui is not known for provoking negative energy.

Feng Shui gifts truly make 

the perfect choice for any occasion.

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Thursday, November 7, 2019

T is for Throwback Thursday and Tulips

Happy Thursday!
In some social networks or communities, people participate in something called “throwback Thursday”. Ever heard of it? It’s when you share a memory (or something that provokes a memory) of something way back or a throwback to your past.

 Most of the time my shares are music videos. But I found this lovely photograph on Tumblr. Photographer Ellen Ericsson shared a picture of tulips.

How is it a throwback?
Well! We enjoy lovely springs here in Austin, Texas and a myriad of flowers can be seen everywhere. But the tulips are a throwback to when we lived in Maryland. Used to work in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. If you want to work in an environment that will toughen you up and make you see the world as it really is, then D.C. is the place to get a job. It will make you wise to the ways of the world.

 But let’s not get off-topic.

 Springtime in D.C. is also beautiful because of the cherry blossoms. People even plan their vacations around the blooming of the cherry blossoms. They are glorious!

But springtime in Maryland, in the town of Damascus where I lived (1988 – 1995), will always be remembered because of the gorgeous tulips. Many of my neighbors loved to plant tulips in the garden – all different colors. They were magnificent!

Thank you Ms. Ericsson for this awesome throwback.

 You made my day!
Pink Tulips | Photography | Ellen Ericcson

HAPPY SHOPPING!






Bormioli Rocco Vinciana Flower Vase, Gift Boxed (Small)


Water Pearls-CLEAR-Centerpiece Wedding Tower Vase Filler-makes 6 gallons (8 oz pack)



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Sunday, November 3, 2019

Cookbooks Recommended For the Young and the Old

Cookbooks still make great gifts!

Yes!  I know!!  The world wide web is flooded with food-and-drink blogs.  Thousands of blog publishers are out there sharing recipes and cooking tips, etc.; and vloggers include everybody and their mother and their grandmother who have YouTube cooking video channels.  Both bloggers and vloggers have lots of readers, viewers, and subscribers.  

 Also, now that people can self-publish an eBook, amateur cooks, and some professional chefs have the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills, share their favorite recipes and cooking advice and ... give domestic divas like Martha Stewart and popular TV cooks like Rachael Ray some friendly competition.  

 Even though blogs, vlogs, and eBooks abound and are readily available, and much of the content is free, believe it or not, people still like to buy cookbooks; for their own personal library and/or to give as gifts, especially to newlywed couples. ☺


 Go Shopping Bees is happy to recommend two cookbooks by Mark Bittman, one of America's best-known, most widely respected food writers. 

 The first cookbook has been referred to by some as "the new kitchen bible". 


This book offers a new collection of delicious recipes, from fried eggs to steamed mussels, along with practical tips and helpful photos.  Learn fundamental techniques and variation ideas for modifying or customizing recipes.


The second cookbook by Bittman is sure to delight both vegans and non-vegans.  From arugula to kale to wakame (a sea vegetable), Bittman offers 120+ healthy recipes to make it easy to go green.  Delicious anti-oxidant-packed recipes for salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, sautés, etc.  Also, nutritional information, advice on buying and cooking greens, and which greens make good substitutes for one another.







Want to encourage your young chefs?




The best way to start encouraging your future world-renown chef is by beginning their cooking lessons with easy recipes.  The 3 cookbooks below are perfect!  



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NOTES:
Content first published at GSB's partner blog Everyday Exotic Spices
Find Food and Drink blogs on Bloglovin
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Thursday, October 31, 2019

Gifts for Her: Only Sexy Things: Corsets

Popular American singer/songwriter Beyoncé aka Queen Bey sings a song she titled “Pretty Hurts”. Well, I suppose so if you're trying to win a beauty contest you might go to painful extremes. But pretty doesn't have to hurt. And being sexy can hurt even less. Even if you wear a corset.

What? A corset??!! I know. I had the same reaction. I always thought of corsets as a torture tool that was invented by a man to slowly suck the breath out of a woman while tricking her into believing she was beautiful and sexy.

But then one day a lady wrote that someone had given her a corset as a gift and when she put it on, she described it as being “hugged” all the time.

I have to say that equating a corset with a hug totally changed my point of view.

I mean … who doesn't love HUGS?
♥


Oh! For the record, in case you're wondering, the corset was designed by a woman named Roxey Ann Caplain. She wrote books on health and beauty and what a girl wants. She wasn't the first person to design a corset but it was her design that became “thee Victorian corset” that women started wearing. She even won an award for her design,

Enough said. Are you shopping for a corset?

corset

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Saturday, October 26, 2019

Books for Children (or For Adults Who Love Reading Children's Books?)

The little kid in me enjoys reading and also listening to children's books.

Commercials make fun of adults who won't be seen enjoying their favorite kid's cereal, but what if they were caught reading a children's book?

 Do you enjoy reading books for children? Not reading children's books to children for their education, entertainment, and enjoyment. But do you - the adult-like reading them?



Several years back, my spouse and I contemplated the idea of writing books for children. We even had ourselves tested to see if we had the necessary skills and aptitude. We were looking for a means of earning income while working from home and caring for our young children and thought this might be a viable solution. The test results were persuasive, so we decided on this path to pursue our financial goals. We will never know if we would have been as successful as the author of the Harry Potter books. After a few manuscript rejections by various publishers, we turned our efforts to more practical, more immediate, income-earning opportunities.

Although no longer interested in writing books for children, I discovered something about myself that I did not know. I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in children's books. Not reading them to my children or to children, but I like reading them for myself. Yes. It's an indulgence.


 Many books for children, adolescents or young adults are about 100 to 250 pages and are a quick read. Those marvelous children's picture books with their exquisite illustrations are even shorter reads; about 25 pages, pictures included. But what a wonderful distraction they are from the daily grind of work, housework, grocery shopping, and other mundane chores. They're so adventurous and other-worldly. Reading children's books actually refreshes and energizes me.


 During the course of our failed attempt at becoming children's book authors, I found numerous writers in this field that I wish I had been introduced to when I myself was a child. I had never heard of many of them and yet they were award-winning, outstanding, notable, respected authors. Laurence Yep, Katherine Paterson, Madeleine L'Engle and Jane Yolen are four such writers.

So, if you're wondering what would be a guilt-free indulgence to set yourself free from your daily routine for just a few moments, try reading a children's book. Choose books by the authors mentioned above, or if you don't know where to begin, visit Al's Book Club for Kids. Oprah also publishes a Kids' Reading List. Although these lists were created with children in mind, they are perfect for those of us who want to indulge our inner child.



References:

Suggested link: Children who have published books and have made an impact on the world of literature. Click this link to read Literary History: Children Authors. It's fascinating!



( NOTE: Full article previously published a YAHOO Voices.  YCN website shut down.  Portions of republished various places around the web. )


Browse books by the authors:
Laurence Yep
Katherine Paterson
Madeleine L'Engle
Jane Yolen
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Monday, October 21, 2019

Gift Shopping for Jazz Lovers

First I'll share a cool quote and some information links about where to find cool jazz around the web. Then I'll share some gift ideas. If that's OK keep reading this post.
"Jazz does not belong to one race or culture, but is a gift that America has given the world."
- Ahmad Alaadeen

Read more »
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Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Talisman or Crucifix? When You're Dealing With Bloodsuckers, Use Whatever Works!

A talisman is an object, especially a figure carved or cut at a time regarded as astrologically favorable. It is believed to have magical protective qualities. If you're into vampires (and it seems these days everyone is) Brenda Pandos has authored The Talisman Trilogy.


Ms. Pandos did not begin her work life as a writer. For personal reasons, she had to make a major career change. In my opinion, she picked a fantastic work-at-home job and got started on the right track by picking a super popular genre: paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Her books are mostly read by young adult females. So! OUT with the smelly garlic and crucifix. ~ IN with the cool looking talisman. Hey! When you're at war with ruthless bloodsuckers, you use whatever works!  :)
Each book is about 300 pages.



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Monday, October 14, 2019

Decide Your Halloween Costume Based on Your Birthday!

Having trouble deciding on a costume to celebrate Halloween? Here's a fun exercise! Found the B-day chart below shared via Facebook by 95.7 KJR, radio station that plays Seattle's Greatest Hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s and home of Bob Rivers!  (Or the former home of Mr. Rivers.  He retired.)  This exercise is so much fun!!  It turns out, based on my birthday, I'm a Screaming Cheerleader.  That's not that far from the real me! :)



It seems that based on my husband's birthday, I am married to a Gruesome Vampire. (Nothing could be further from the truth.)


As for my sons and daughters? Apparently, I've given birth to a:

  • Gruesome Superhero, Werewolf, and Cavewoman;
  • Screaming Cheerleader (yes! I have a child born on my birthday);
  • Screaming Barbie;
  • Chilling Prom Queen and Ghost;
  • Dead Pirate and Dead Ghost (???);
  • Spooky Geek; and
  • Terrifying Clown.  (Halloween2016.  Clowns not allowed.)

 Actually?  Out of all of these, the Spooky Geek is spot on!  Why don't you use the chart below to determine your Halloween costume?



* * * If you don't like the costume ideas based on your birthday, here are some costume ideas?


Dress up like a queen for Halloween? ~ http://amzn.to/2e0neCH ~ My personal pick is this Marie Antoinette-style gown. But there are many others to choose from.







NOTE:  Original content first published at our partner blog, My Blog Stop!
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Saturday, October 12, 2019

Halloween Fun! Suppose You Could Create Your Own Monster

This cool post is a reblog from my fellow blogger and friend who is participating in a writing challenge.  It's perfect for the Halloween holiday!



Image credits:  Disguise Men's The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Mask, One Size and Men's Deluxe Jack Skellington Costume

Here are my responses to the questions, if I were going to create a monster.


What Does The Monster Look Like?

My monster would have to be green. It's a throwback from that old movie “The Exorcist” where the possessed girl puked up green vomit. That scene got stuck in my brain and ever since then, that puke color green is associated with monsters. Even though it was the devil. In my mind, devil and monster are the same thing!  But SHE would also be attractive or alluring.  That way people would at first want to approach her.



How Big Is The Monster?
Really huge! Way bigger than an ordinary person because it would give the monster a sense of believing SHE is too big to be overcome. Like the American banks.  (Sorry.  Bad joke.)  That way when the humans take her down, it will be a surprise! “Yeah! That's right! Take that! Bet you didn't even see us coming!!”   :)



What Is Unique About The Monster?
The monster would have a combination of traits borrowed from the X-Men mutants (because I'm not very original).  Not sure what combination, but it would be definitely be able to morph or shape-shift.  Although because it's so big, even though it can change its shape, it still wouldn't be so easy to go run and hide.



What Does The Monster Eat?

Humans! 

Monsters who eat fruits and veggies don't scare nobody! 



Where Does It Sleep?
The monster would have to sleep some place that is either extremely cold or extremely hot, because that would make it more of a challenge for the humans to try to get rid of it while it's resting up for the next day of ravaging the human race.



What would the monsters be called?

My monsters would be called Cannibellas. Well because they're flesh-eating monsters that are also female, and they're not really that ugly or crude to look at. Sort of like the sirens in Greek mythology. They could lure people, especially men.  But because they are so huge, most men would probably run from them!! :)

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NOTE:  Content republished.  Original content source
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Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Health and Beauty: The History and the Health Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is clean and natural, and proven to relieve several health issues. A treatment method to consider for anyone thinking about alternative or holistic solutions to healing and health care.


Hippocrates: a conventionalized image in a Rom...
Hippocrates: a conventionalized image in a Roman "portrait" bust (19th century engraving) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Did you know that:

- Aromatherapy is an ancient art of healing believed to have been developed by the Egyptians.

- Hippocrates, father of modern medicine, used aromatic fumigation to cleanse Athens from the plague.

- A French chemist named Rene Maurice Gattefosset is credited with creating the term “aromatherapy”.

- Aromatherapy is used to treat several health problems: from stress and anxiety to postpartum blues.



Learn more:

Why We Love Aromatherapy (And You Should, Too!)





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Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Natural Remedies: The Four Thieves ~ Fact or Folklore?

Several years back I accepted an invitation to add links to a Pinterest Group Board which shares information about Natural Remedies and Healthy Lifestyle.  As of today, the board has over 30,000 followers. No surprise really. It seems every other day there is a short advertisement or infomercial on television advising people who had taken a particular prescription medication that they may be entitled to damages and to contact some law firm about it. It's very disheartening. People don't go to a physician so they can sue later for the drugs prescribed to cure their ailments. DUH!

 More and more people are turning … or should I say returning … to natural remedies. Not sure if there is a fine line of distinction between holistic healthcare, or alternative medicine, or natural remedies. To me they are all the same in that, i.e. from my point of view, they recommend a cure or possible cure for an ailment that does not result in 20+ other symptoms or health problems that you didn't have before you started taking the treatment and medication.

Vinaigre des quatre voleurs (Vinegar of the Four Thieves)


Have you ever heard of "The Four Thieves"?  

Some say there was a medication invented by 4 thieves and it helped as a treatment for those suffering from bubonic plague or "The Black Death".  Supposedly the thieves stole from graves of people who had died from the plague but for some reason they never got infected.  (O.o)

The Four Thieves. Doesn't that sound like the title for a medieval mystery book or something like the Cadfael Mysteries? It's not. It's a blend of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary (with lemon) used to fight infections. (NOTE:  This recipe varies.)  

 The true story or maybe it's just legend … nobody knows for sure … the tale is that four thieves were stealing the corpses of people who had died from the bubonic plague or the Black Death. The authorities finally caught them and wanted to know why they weren't dying. They agreed to tell their “healing secret” but only in exchange for clemency. The tale may be a total fiction but it's a FACT that many people have been using the 4 Thieves essential oil (some call it "vinegar") for centuries.

There is a lot circulating on the Internet about this.  Below are a few information links for you to glean additional details.  


Have you ever tried the 4 Thieves Remedy?

Or do you think it's just folklore and the herbs have no use against infection or any practical health application?




Black Death Rat Posters
Black Death Rat Posters by Necrotees
Shop for Plague Posters online at Zazzle.com



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Original Content Source

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Monday, September 23, 2019

Entertainment for Children : "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

"Redwall" by Brian Jacques is for children (and adults who have a child's heart). 😊 

- Great as Animated Series or Book Series


Redwall was published in 1987, and it propelled the author Brian Jacques (1939 - 2011) into international stardom.

A crop of Image:Brian Jacques.jpg, Brian Jacques
A crop of Image:  Brian Jacques
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

If you don't want to read the book series, then watch the animated series. Check YouTube. The hero is a mouse, named Matthias. Read the books or watch the series with your children or by yourself. I watched it by myself. It was fantastic!! My daughter read some of the books. She said they were fantastic!

She likes to read!  I like to watch the animation.  

We were both very pleased. 😊

 

Redwall (Redwall, Book 1) By Brian Jacques

Redwall

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Ep. 1 - "Cluny The Scourge Part One" Part 1





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