September 22, 2011

Tomorrow marks the first day of Fall, which in turn officially starts the COOLER WEATHER.  There are so many fun things about Fall of which I so look forward to.

I stumbled upon this adorable Fall Bucket List.  I'm admittedly a total dork and this list made me squeal with excitement.  You too?  Print this out, put it in a frame, behind glass, so you can use a dry-erase marker to check-off your activities as you do them.  :)

I'm going to pretend this is my front door.

Aren't these owl cupcakes SO cute?!  Ekkkkkkkk



 I'm thinking 3 of these.... a big one, a small{er} and a mini to make the perfect little family.

HAPPY AUTUMN, FRIENDS!!!

7 Interesting Things About Me

September 21, 2011

Not that you probably care {giggle}, but I'm going to take some time away from being serious for a moment to talk about 7 interesting things about me.

1.    I don’t mind the dentist.  Why, you ask?  Because my dentist IS THE BOMB!  Yes, I used to live in *fear* of the dreaded dental chair, but this husband and wife dental team have turned my fears around.  If you don’t like being poked and prodded at I promise you, you will NOT mind this dentist after just one visit.  Their office is complete with a darling fireplace and the aroma of sweet-smelling candles wafting in the air.

2.    I’m obsessed with wedding shows.  I watch “Say Yes to the Dress”, David Tutera’s “Platinum Weddings”, “My Fair Wedding”, “Four Weddings”, and other random wedding shows.  Come on girls, I’m not alone on this one and you know it! 

3.    My iPhone.  If I don’t have it near me I instantly panic.  I’ve realized that my life before my iPhone was simply worthless.  How did I exist without it?  Maybe because I can email, facebook, surf the net, and use my apps all from a 2.5” x 4.5” piece of something.

4.    When I’ve got things on my mind, I clean.  I’m not talking about tidying up, I’m talking deep-down-cleaning.  Remove-everything-from-the-cabinet-and-reorganize-type-cleaning!   

5.    My dog and I kiss.  Sorry if this grosses anyone out, but nothing is cuter than when Lulu gives me a big wet slurpy kiss across my mouth.  It’s true love!  (Oh, and did I mention we drink water out of the same glass?)

6.    I like to play tennis, but sometimes I’m a poor sport.  Yea, I really should learn my lesson, but sometimes despite all my trash talk my best efforts, it just doesn’t happen.

7.    I've surfed the internet to the very end.  Yes I research items before buying them, therefore I have surfed the darn net from top to bottom, up and down, inside and out.  I admit to being an internet junkie.  HA!

 Now tell me a few interesting things about YOU, friends! 

 

Remembering

September 10, 2011

As we pass through life, we often contemplate how others perceive our lives.  What do we make of those taken early on 9/11/2001, now ten years ago?  Our first thoughts are naturally beyond sympathetic; centered on a life shortened by a tragic ending.  And yet, the air traffic controller who was the last person to speak to the crew of hijacked American flight #77 that crashed into the Pentagon found love by the man who sat side-by-side with her through it all that day.  For all, 9/11 was a tragedy, but hope, faith and love can be seen on many who survived that fateful day.

Many of us recall the fine details of 9/11/2001.  We remember what the sky was like that day and how we reacted upon hearing or watching the news.  In remembering the legacy of those lost on 9/11 or taken from our lives for ANY reason, may we reflect on how we ourselves would be missed for the love and kindness we showed others in life.  May we spend time pondering the things for which we would like to be known after we depart.  What are the verses we would want written or words spoken by others about our contributions?  It's not about the way our lives end that matters as much as the way we lived and loved in life.

God Bless America,

ANCHORS AWAY

August 14, 2011

One has to ask three keys questions to navigate successfully through tumultuous times. Where have I centered my life? What are my anchors to keep me centered where I want to be? What are my beacons to align and guide me to where I need to be?

You can't get to a destination without first knowing where you are. So how do you know you have arrived at that place you desire in life? One of the ways is to examine what you treasure above all else. Is it leisure, freedom to purchase things, time with family, or is it your church or special interest? You might have arrived at a place in your life where you feel uncomfortable having sacrificed other opportunities or centered on a failing cause that makes you question the path you've chosen. Perhaps it's time to examine where you've centered a majority of your thoughts lately. Are you spending your time and energy on what you truly want? Finding this center and determining if it is worth the value you have given it is so important! This is where your heart is and determines your ultimate destiny.

Yes, life is a blessing and many are living whole and happy lives centered about the very thing that matters most to them and others they love. However, finding that comfortable place in life doesn't mean it will always remain that way. Without an anchor, even the largest of vessels would find itself adrift in the current of a vast ocean, pushed about by gusts from the lightest of elements in nature. Even with anchors, we (like boats) can still drift if the length is insufficient or bottom too soft to provide support against powerful forces in life.

So what if we find ourselves wandering from a place or path to find our way home? Our choice of beacons for such guidance can not be moving themselves and provide adequate reference for directions or corrections we must make to stay centered where we belong. Even Polaris, the North Star, points to "true" north only occasionally throughout the seasons as our amazing planet wobbles around its center on its journey in space. If Earth, in all its grandeur, requires anchors like the sun and moon to stabilize its flight, can you imagine how much more we need the same influences in our own lives?

As glorious creations in a masterful design, may we find that center about which we revolve, anchored with strength on that which matters most, and chart a course to improvement with wise choices to light and guide our paths!

Anchors Away,

DEPOSITS

August 7, 2011


During this time of global financial turmoil, one might be tempted to judge where they stand in life only in terms of monetary measurements.  More importantly, are we checking where we stand individually in our relationships with friends, co-workers, and loved ones?  Are you deeply in debt or over-drawn emotionally with someone important in your life?  Has someone drawn against their positive balance or ruined their credit standing with you by taking more than giving?  Although financial management matters in life, this accounting of love is far more crucial to peace and happiness than money.

How can we build a treasure of good will with others in our life?  To cope with stress and challenges, we all need to fill our reservoir of good feelings and trust by having a positive balance or excellent history with others.  Every smile, every hug, every uplifting word, every act of kindness, patience, or thoughtful action is like making a deposit of love in your relationships.  Likewise, every hurtful word or ugly expression is a demand on your relationship and can cause a deficit over time.  It's no time to go to the well if it is already dry from overuse!


May we work diligently to fortify our emotional accounts with those we love and need by making steady deposits or maintaining a AAA+ rating where it matters most :).

Same Person

July 28, 2011

It’s amazing how we change physically, but we are still the same person inside. Indeed, our age and the state of our bodies are always changing. And yet, the principles we hold true and what we think and practice regularly are more telling of who we are. The outer shell is just that, but the inner self is driven by what we’ve made habit in life. Our personality, character, and soul are what others “see” without using their eyes to judge. Are you thirty, forty, or sixty and still feel the same passion for life or do you believe your day in the sun, your moment in the spotlight, or day of glory has passed? Despite external factors that occasionally rain on our parade, we can feel the same sunshine no matter of age or physical condition.

Like the sun, our inner self anchors and reminds us of the bountiful blessings we experience on the journey. Is this your day in the sun? Oh, yes! Love is just as poignant and beautiful as when you first discovered it. Every day presents an opportunity to bask in the sunshine of life; to grow and learn from our experiences! Sure, age and physical circumstances can influence our outlook. Ask yourself who is in control of that outlook and you’ll see the person in the mirror. Are you seeing the same talents you possessed, but more refined? Do you have the same youthful energy and enthusiasm for life or loved ones? Is your faith unshakeable and confidence as high as ever? Or is your life full of the same worry, self-doubt, and disappointments? Let it not be the latter.

Passion is not just for the young, strong, and healthy. Remember that your inner glow is an eternal source of limitless influence on others. Let your light so shine as the glorious person you are and God intends for you to be!

Every 40 Minutes

July 11, 2011

WISHES DO COME TRUE

The creator's gift of life unmatched in its celebrity

In hope that all can recognize purpose and opportunity

To care for others found in need of a person, place, or thing

Little ones who want to grow to be a princess or a king

To be special in the eyes of all, police officer, athlete, or mother

Yet so precious that family and friends would have no other

To swim with nature's brightest in exotic realm

Giving hope and strength with love at the helm

Every 40 minutes, a blessing given to sponsor, presenter, or cake baker

Joy felt by all those who observe the works of our great maker

To give and to receive are both His work and intent

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is truly heaven sent!



Please continue to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  No matter what state you live in, YOU can make all the difference in the world to just one child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness.  Thank you for being their wind beneath their wings!

My unending LOVE,

To Believe

July 10, 2011

This morning started out so utterly sad upon learning of the passing of Laura.  She was younger than I.  A loving wife.  A superb mother of two children.  A monumental friend.  She endured breast cancer for as long as she possibly could.  To think we just had a benefit in her honor less than one month ago.  She took a turn for the worse this past week and with her family by her side she passed away.  Her physical and emotional pain is gone, but not for a second did she not believe that she wouldn't battle against the disease and win.

The dictionary defines the word believe as to have faith, confidence or trust.  To have firm religious belief.  To accept something as true, genuine or real.  For without believing, what are we, really?  We believe in our own selves every day of our lives.  We believe in our abilities to battle the world around us.  And we believe that we'll always come out winners.  For when there are no bullets flying over head, how bad can it be, really?  Having a friend pass away that's younger than I can truly help to put my own world in perspective.  On this 7th month of 2011, I am grateful to my family and friends who have always believed in me and my abilities.  Laura may be in eternal rest, but not first without proving to me that as long as you believe anything is possible.

May God bless Laura, her husband, her children, and her entire world of family and friends,

Taking a Stand

July 2, 2011

Taking a Stand for Independence

We arrive at summer's first three day weekend. More than that, we arrive at an important anniversary, a milestone in our nation's rich history. A legacy founded on an act of defiance, backed by our creator, and understood by men willing to sign their own arrest warrant and possibly face a death sentence. Such defining moments in life make all the difference. Rather than accepting the rule of royalty, earned only by birth, our fellow Americans took a stand. The odds weren't good for our start-up nation, but would they improve if our oppressor had a soldier posted at the entrance of every home? Patrick Henry thought not in response to the very question he posed to others. "Give me liberty or give me death" will always be part of our heritage. As the signers of the Declaration of Independence believed, as well as generations of Americans since, we value freedom more than life under false rule.

So what can we take from all the celebrations and fireworks? Surely we take pride in our government and rule by the people. More importantly, we too can take a stand! Like those who fought for or sustained our freedoms with their own lives, we can support our continued freedoms through our community involvement and by ruling our own lives. When observing fireworks or hearing our National Anthem, we can strengthen our own resolve to be steady in times of stress at work, school, or at home. We will win our battles if we take a stand, trust in ourselves and God, and perservere to the end.

The splendid life of free people comes with many trials, but few are like the perils of battle that fireworks symbolize. Why find fault with those who stand by us in the struggle of life, when very few experience the real explosions and danger of battle overhead? Take a stand to be kind to others. Be graceful under pressure with a gratitude for life, freedom, and a creator who casts sun and rain on all His children. May we learn from what others have achieved and granted to us with their sacrifice. May we improve our perspective on July 4th, our Day of Independence, when we celebrate our freedoms, pursue what gives us happiness, and choose to be good citizens of this fine country.

May God bless you now and forever,

The Risen

May 30, 2011



It's Memorial Day, which most see as the start of summer.  We also remember it for the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to protect others.  While the term "fallen" is used to remember soldiers or first responders, I happen to think the opposite about these fine men and women.  Instead, their legacies have "risen" above the ordinary with their bravery, courage, obedience, discipline, and valor.  I SO appreciate their greatness and wish the world could honor them with the peace and kindness I see in others around me every day of my life.  These are the very things people give their lives to protect; as I do ALL OF YOU.

May we also remember those who have fought who continue to live today.  I often feel that those who survived our nation's worst of times are ultimate hero's as well.  Those whom have died gave their lives, but how glorifying beautiful to finally come to be with our God, our Father.  How joyful a reunion for them!  However, those that have lived remain and continue to live today with the scars of their wars, both in mind and body.  They are truly iconic men and woman.  What they sacrificed, what they gave, what they continue to give today; not only for our country, but for their family.

Thank you to EVERYONE who has fought and continues to fight for our freedom.  Your unending patriotism, strength and passion doesn't for one moment go unnoticed.

God Bless America,

May 16, 2011

DANCE

as though no one is watching you,

LOVE

as though you have never been hurt before,

SING

as though no one can hear you,

LIVE

as though Heaven is on earth.

My wish is that ALL your dreams may come true.  Now and forever.  In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "Whatever you are, be a good one!"

All my LOVE today and always,

Great honor!

May 15, 2011

To my sheer joy, I have been selected by the Make-A-Wish Foundation corporate headquarters to market and promote MAW as part of their "blogger community".  I'm so very excited and proud!  They've selected my blog for the graphics/color design I've used, as well as the supportive/informative content I continually post.  I'm SO very honored to have been contacted by them and to have been granted this wonderful distinction.  It's so nice and renewing to be noticed every once and awhile, isn't it?!

Over 207,721 wishes have been granted so far in 2011 across the United States.  We're only into May and still have many more months to come to fill out the year.  In addition to child referrals, there are many other items that MAW is in need of.  For example, every year approximately 50,000 roundtrip airline tickets are needed to grant wishes, which amounts to 2.5 billion frequent flyer miles.  If you have any miles hanging around that could be donated I can tell you that once donated, your miles will never expire and are used to support wishes across the entire country.  From Continental to USAirways to Delta to United, this is one simple way you can help grant a life-changing wish experience.  Please check out http://wish.org/help/donate_airline_miles for more information.

A very special THANK YOU to all of you who continue to help and support my MAW campaign.  Please know that YOU single-handedly have helped to give hope to many many children battling for their lives.

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." ~ Maya Angelou



With pure adoration,

Everyone has a 'Suzy Komen'!

April 22, 2011

Everyone has a 'Suzy Komen'!  A Susan G. Komen for the Cure that is!  My personal Suzy's are my stepmother, my Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader director/choreographer/mentor, my former boss, my former boss' wife and a few others.  Who are YOUR Suzy Komen's?

On Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8th I'll be walking in the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure in Philadelphia.  Susan was only 36-years-old when she passed away.  Nancy Brinker, her sister, founded the Susan G. Komen for the Cure over 25 years ago.  What began as a promise to her dying sister has evolved into the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors.

I'll be walking with Team Ra-Ras!  You all know about them, you've seen my previous blog postings.  I encourage everyone to continue to support "Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer" on YouTube.  We have 3.4 million clicks already.  We need to reach 5 million.  With 5 million comes $50,000 from UnitedHealthcare to the Komen Philadelphia affiliate.  www.komenphiladelphia.org/video

Thank you for all your suppport,
 

The JOY of Taylor!

April 4, 2011

"It was everything I hope for and more, it was the best time of my life!" ~~~ Taylor



I couldn't be more thrilled to see one of my wish children featured on the home page of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey website.  This is Taylor!  Cutie pie Taylor's wish was to swim with the dolphins in Hawaii.  She did it and check out how incredibly CUTE she is!  You can truly see the sheer JOY in her eyes.  I blogged about her last year, so you might remember reading about her then.  Click on the below logo to see Taylor in all her glory!



The MAWFNJ rocks and I thank everyone who continues to support this truly inspiring and incredible foundation.

With LOVE,

You're talented!

April 2, 2011

In many ways there is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best. It may have been just a two-minute phone call where you encouraged someone, or perhaps you donated to your favorite charity to help fund a cure, or perhaps you gave of your time to volunteer at an event, or maybe it was simply a quick email to tell someone you loved them. Whatever it was, you should feel good about yourself because you used your talent, your influence and your experience to accomplish a goal and helped someone feel good. Don’t make the mistake of going through life ingrown. God has given you the natural ability to help other people, and always remember that God has brought people into your life for a purpose. Be aware of what you can do for others and put that awareness to good use!

Continue to support your favorite charity, and remember that if you ever come in contact with a child struggling from a life-threatening illness, please refer that precious being to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

 May God bless you today and every day,



Have a Heart

March 31, 2011

Bob Hope was known for his wisecracks, but the comedian, who selflessly gave his time and talents over the decades to entertain American troops around the world, understood the intrinsic value of helping others.  It's called Servant Leadership!  "If you haven't got any charity in your heart," he once said, "you've got the worst kind of heart trouble."

If you have "charity in your heart," it is important that you spell out your wishes each and every day.

To whom should you give?  You might think about where your time is now spent - with the organizations and interests that matter the most to you, such as your place of worship, a service organization, or whatever.

How much should you give?  The answer lies in your heart - namely, what feels right to you.  Whatever your choice, you may be surprised at how the mere act of making this decision lightens your step and makes the world seem friendlier.

My own heart is with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the American Heart Assocation.  All three have touched my life in one way or another.  Find where YOUR heart leads you and FOLLOW THAT LEAD!

As always, thank you to those who continue to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. With your support these incredible children all have the opportunity to see their greatest wishes fulfilled. To find your local Chapter please visit the national MAW website at http://www.wish.org/.  And, refer a child TODAY!

With LOVE and thanks,

Sweet Treats Support MAW!

March 19, 2011

Share the Power of a Wish with some sweet treats from Cheryl's.  In 1981, Cheryl Krueger and her college roommate opened the very first Cheryl's Cookies in Columbus, Ohio.  Starting from just six kinds of cookies, Cheryl & Co. has grown to include gourmet brownies, cake, fancy cookies and more.  As a supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Cheryl has been so kind to donate approximately 20% of the purchase price of several Make-A-Wish gifts to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

These delicious treats would be a fantastic gift sent through the mail to a friend in another state that you haven't seen in awhile.  Or to your parents to let them know that you're thinking of them.  Support Cheryl, support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and give the gift of a sweet treat to somebody special!  Click below!

Cheryl's

Where do I begin?

March 14, 2011

"Where do I begin?"  They are the first words spoken today by my beautiful friend, Danielle Micale, the new Mrs. New Jersey International 2011.  Yes, oh yes that's right, Dani did indeed win the title on Saturday night out of an amazing group of inspiring women.  I just couldn't be any happier or proud of her if I tried!!  Pack your bags, we're going to Chicago in July to cheer her on!  All of Dani's hard work and terrific accomplishments with the Alzheimer's Association made her a standout in her quest for this title.  But, it couldn't have been possible without her loving and supportive husband, Randy.  Together, the two of them are a dream couple of love.  I don't have a crowning photo of Dani yet, but as soon as I do I will post it.

Dani, five years ago we met, and today you are one of my very best friends.  I love you and am so extremely thrilled for your dream come true!  It was my sheer honor to have the ability to crown you!  Baby, you're a FIREWORK!

Jodi, Scott and Sami Cessna did a perfect job of organizing and running a terrific pageant weekend.  Thank you for ALL you have done for me and for making me feel special.  I am forever blessed to be a member of The Cessna Bunch!

Please continue to support the International Pageant organization, the national platform Go Red For Woman, and Dani's personal dedication to the Alzheimer's Association.

http://www.mrsinternational.com/

http://www.goredforwomen.org/

http://www.alz.org/

With all my heart,

A Dream is a Wish!

March 10, 2011

A dream is a wish your heart makes!  As the end of my reign as Mrs. New Jersey International 2010 comes to an end, I have a heart full of joy from this incredible year.  My director, my husband, my doggie, my parents, my family, my friends, my mentor, you've all helped to make my dream come true.  It was a dream my heart had wished for and I am thankful and grateful to EVERYONE for inspiring me, supporting me, and loving me!   FAIRYTALES DO COME TRUE!

With all my love,

Candy Bags

March 8, 2011

Candy bags are a simple yet fun way to give that special someone a tasty treat.  Here's an easy "recipe" to stuff your homemade (or bought) tasty treats: 

Materials (per bag):
Brown paper lunch bag; pinking shears or decorative paper edging scissors; hole punch; pencil; hot glue gun; 12 inches of 1⁄2-inch-wide red-and-white ribbon; calligraphy pens; red metaledge paper gift tags; small wrapped candies.


Directions:
1. Cut upper edge of bag with pinking shears.

2. Carefully fold over upper edge of bag 3⁄4 inch to make flap; finger press in place.

3. Lift flap and punch hole in center through both layers.

4. Fold flap down; mark hole location on bag behind flap.

5. Glue center of ribbon to mark on bag; let dry.

6. Using calligraphy pens, write greetings on gift tags; glue tag’s cord to bag, just below ribbon.

7. Fill bag with your favorite candies; fold down flap and pull ribbon ends through hole. Tie ribbon into bow.

ENJOY!

The arrival of beautiful blooms!

March 7, 2011

Today is the 7th of the month, my favorite number!  Spring is just two weeks away, however in some parts of the country Spring is already blooming.  Here in NJ we still have bare trees, but they are beginning to bud for future anticipated blooms.  Spring flowers and blooming trees are absolutely beautiful and are simply my favorite time of the year.  A beautiful bouquet of flowers offers simple yet striking ways to incorporate the beauty of their form into your home and/or party table.  Roses, peonies, dogwood blossoms, lilacs infuse tablescapes with their lucscious scent.  Pair them with a melange of antique glassware, along with a cup of Earl Grey tea, and you have a vintage setting!

Avis gives to MAW!

February 24, 2011

Avis Offers Make-A-Wish Foundation Friends Discount

My friends, do you have upcoming travel plans that involve a rental car?  If so, please consider booking with Avis.  Avis is extending up to a 25% discount to Make-A-Wish Friends that book their rental car needs with Avis using the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number H749900.  For each completed rental using this number, Avis will donate 5% of the base rate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and will match the first $25,000.  To learn more, visit www.avis.com/wish.