Author’s Note: I want to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to readers BRENDA and GINA for their generous donations to help the blog grow in 2017. Thank you SO MUCH, ladies! If you want to help support AML, click the SUPPORT link and check out ways you can help. 🙂
Hey all! This holiday season I’m going to do twelve blogs that will focus on the true spirit of Christmas, giving, while still embodying the true spirit of A Measured Life: maximum results for minimum cash. This series is going to feature twelve ways you can bring joy to others this holiday season even if you don’t have a lot to spend. I hope you find this series fun and inspirational and try some of the tasks I’ve set out for you. They’re easy, honest!
I’ll be counting down from twelve and ending with one on Christmas Eve. Spread the joy along with me!

# 11
On the 11th blog of Christmas AML posed to me:
Smile at 11 strangers.
I’m seriously guilty of having a big case of Bitchy Resting Face. (It’s a real thing, check it out.) I’m sure there are times when I’m walking Bingley down the street and someone things I’m angry or I’m throwing shade or some other such nonsense. (Okay, sometimes I am angry. PMS makes me want to punch strangers as I walk past them, but most of the month I’m a really nice person, I swear!)

So every now and then it’s nice to make a point of smiling at strangers. Now you know I don’t mean creepy “hey baby” smiles, just friendly, cheerful smiles. Better yet, smile AND say hi! You don’t need to engage in conversation, just smile and say hi and keep walking, no biggie. You never know when that one tiny gesture might brighten someone’s day. And in these tumultuous times we need to take the time to be friendly and kind instead of suspicious and rude, am I right? Right!
Keep your eyes peeled for #10, coming up next!



Why 12? It’s easy to buy a dozen flowers, and they don’t need to be fancy: carnations will do just fine. If you live in a warmer climate where there are wildflowers in bloom this time of year, you can even pick your own (with permission if you need it). If you prefer to be festive and can afford to do so, consider giving small poinsettias in pots so the flowers will last through the Christmas season. You don’t even need to explain why you’re doing it: in fact, it’s better if you don’t! If someone asks you why, simply reply “Because I wanted to!” and watch the smiles grow.
…Gobbler Sandwiches.