Life at Home

An Open Letter to Ulta

12.30.10

Normally I wouldn’t say anything about poor customer service. I realize every business has its share of awful employees, but the manager at the Ulta I recently shopped at should hold her head in shame. On Christmas Eve, I stopped at the Ulta down the street from my parents house. I needed to purchase astringent and other various items, including make-up for my Grandmother. It was the last day to redeem my 20% off total purchase coupon. We arrived at the store at 4:30. As soon as we opened the door the manager said, “we are closing in 30 minutes.” Okay, that’s more than enough time to get in and get out. Of course we were not the only customers in the store. There were other shoppers as well as other customers "trying" to get in the door. Upset that shoppers were coming into her store on Christmas Eve...

Christmas Card Conundrum

11.30.10

Okay, this is something I do not understand. The debate over whether to send your friends and family Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever Winter Holiday cards you may or may not celebrate. I’m a Christian and I celebrate Christmas. I choose to send Christmas cards this time of year as a kind gesture towards those I appreciate in my life. But when it comes to my business I’m sending non-offensive, politically correct Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings cards to my clients. Why? Am I afraid of offending someone and loosing their business? Maybe. I’m sending a nice card and gift expressing my gratitude for having them as clients. But who would be upset if I sent a Christmas card and he celebrates Kwanzaa or she celebrates Winter Solstice? Are Holiday cards deal breakers? I really wonder how many people are offended by Christmas or really any religious Holiday cards....

Give the Gift of Food

11.16.10

Thanksgiving is next week with Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year right around the corner. In 2009, one in seven families had difficulty putting food on the table. Feeding America is aiming to provide a Thanksgiving Feast of nine million meals for Americans suffering from hunger. Or if you prefer to donate at your local food bank it is easy find a location near you. Often your local grocery stores and many houses of worship accept food or monetary donations as they provide many meals to the hungry during the holiday season and throughout the year. My Rays of Sunshine wishes you and yours a wonderful, thankful Thanksgiving.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

11.02.10

Have your voice be heard and vote. These beautiful Iraqi women did not always have the right to vote but when the opportunity finally arrived, they made sure their voices were heard. Like my friend Ben, who is living and working in China said, “Vote. 1.3 billion Chinese wish they could.” Show the world your purple finger and let everyone know you took your American responsibility to vote seriously.