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!