Since this is gratitude Wednesday, I would like to give thanks to angels who recently came into my life. Last night I had the pleasure of attending a Mary Kay unit meeting. As a guest, I was pampered with a spa treatment for my hands (highly recommend it) and given the opportunity to try out some of their new makeup products. I loved the highlighting cream; it is pure magic and is the secret to making all of us naturally look younger. I am digressing…but had a great time with these ladies. I was invited to attend to share my story and how the Celebrate In Pink line of products came about. After the meeting, so many women came over to hug me and wanted me to know that I touched their lives in a special way because of the survivor they had in their lives. Little did they know how much they gave to me with each and every hug. It didn’t stop here. Three very special pink angels, Peggy, Lea and Barbara started to brainstorm as to how they could spread the Celebrate In Pink message and products throughout Mary Kay, how awesome is that?
These are ladies who exemplify and believe that by helping others get what they need or want provides everything that you need or want. That is the way the universe works. When you get that, and join the giving circle, you get what you want. Start trying to practice it in a small way and see what happens. Looking beyond ourselves leads to a more fulfilling life filled with kindness and gratitude…start your circle today.
So on this gratitude Wednesday I would like to thank my Mary Kay Pink Angels, Peggy, Lea and Barbara for your support, kindness and help in spreading the Celebrate In Pink message, we rely on angels such as yourselves to help us with that mission…thank you!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friends Helping Through Breast Cancer
Do you have a friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and don’t know how to help? Sometimes we feel awkward and helpless when one of our friends announces that she now belongs to a new club that none of the rest of her friends belongs to. Being a breast cancer survivor myself, I know how that feels. I was the first and thankfully, still only one of my friends to go through cancer. Being in the club, you speak a whole different lingo, go places you’ve never been before, meet all sorts of new people and endure things you never thought you would. All of which are off the radar with everyone else except your immediate family.
Even though your friends don’t belong to the club, they want to help I any way they can. Being the strong person that you are, you want to put on a happy face every day and be the friend that you were prior to joining the club. You don’t want this beast to be an inconvenience for anyone else except you (and maybe your hubby) so you turn down offers for help. Thankfully one of my dear friends who routinely asked to take me to treatment, I of course said I was fine, was strong enough to look me in the eye and let me know that I was denying her of quality time with me and of preventing her from doing something that she really wanted to do. I didn’t realize that by not allowing others to do for me when they so wanted to, I was being selfish and only thinking of me. Your friends who offer to help, they really do want to, they are not only doing it for you but for them too. So, let them! This was one of the most valuable life lessons I learned on my journey, graciously allow others to give of themselves, it makes them feel a part of it and gives them a feeling of joy.
Lesson for the day…when your friends offer help, please let them, you are denying them of their God given right to feel good about helping others and why not let the ‘others’ be you? Hope this helps make your journey better, it did mine…Kathy
Even though your friends don’t belong to the club, they want to help I any way they can. Being the strong person that you are, you want to put on a happy face every day and be the friend that you were prior to joining the club. You don’t want this beast to be an inconvenience for anyone else except you (and maybe your hubby) so you turn down offers for help. Thankfully one of my dear friends who routinely asked to take me to treatment, I of course said I was fine, was strong enough to look me in the eye and let me know that I was denying her of quality time with me and of preventing her from doing something that she really wanted to do. I didn’t realize that by not allowing others to do for me when they so wanted to, I was being selfish and only thinking of me. Your friends who offer to help, they really do want to, they are not only doing it for you but for them too. So, let them! This was one of the most valuable life lessons I learned on my journey, graciously allow others to give of themselves, it makes them feel a part of it and gives them a feeling of joy.
Lesson for the day…when your friends offer help, please let them, you are denying them of their God given right to feel good about helping others and why not let the ‘others’ be you? Hope this helps make your journey better, it did mine…Kathy
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Everday Tips to Honor Our Earth
Today we celebrate Earth Day, happy Earth Day to all! In full disclosure, I want you to know that admittedly I am not a consummate environmentalist but like many of you, I am very interested in doing my part in saving the planet. So what I hope to do in this post is share with you the easy everyday ways that we can make a difference on the environment. These changes are not drastic but if we all did them, they would have a drastic impact on the environment.
I may be showing my age but when I was growing up we were raised with frugality in mind which by default converted into conservation. The mantra at my house was “click click, do you think I own stock in the electric company”? OR “Turn the water off if something isn’t under it” OR you don’t need all of that for just that….sound familiar? If we all pretend that we have a finite amount of everything and that we have to save some so that there will be some for our children to use should be our guiding principal.
The things we have incorporated into our lives even with raising two boys are easy to do. It’s been 20 years now that we have been using cloth napkins for all of our meals. Each of us has our own design or color, the napkin is reused for the week and then is laundered. Our family loves using cloth napkins and they are much nicer than paper.
The other big change we made in our lives is drastically reducing the amount of bottled water we use. We now only use it in the rare instance where filling our stainless bottles is impossible. Think about these facts about bottled water…globally we generate over 1.5M tons of plastic water bottles and less than 5% of that is recycled. Over 38B bottles end up in US landfills every year. It takes 1.5M barrels of oil to produce the US’s bottled water and over 1B bottles are transported each week consuming oil and other resources just to deliver. Something else to consider when using bottled water is the harmful effects that plastic has on our health. Studies have proven that food items to include water that are stored in plastic, absorbs some of the plastic materials which are then consumed. These materials turn into bad estrogens in our bodies and when accumulated with the many other chemicals that also turn into estrogens in our bodies can cause cancer. There are many published studies on this that you can look up. My point with bottled water is that it’s bad for the environment and our bodies, why not start using a reusable stainless bottle now?
There are several other things we have done to reduce our carbon footprint but the ones mentioned above are very easy for anyone to start using immediately. Make it fun for your family; get the kids started off right by leading as their example. Remember, your conservation today will allow them to enjoy resources tomorrow.
Happy Earth Day, let’s make a difference! Kathy
I may be showing my age but when I was growing up we were raised with frugality in mind which by default converted into conservation. The mantra at my house was “click click, do you think I own stock in the electric company”? OR “Turn the water off if something isn’t under it” OR you don’t need all of that for just that….sound familiar? If we all pretend that we have a finite amount of everything and that we have to save some so that there will be some for our children to use should be our guiding principal.
The things we have incorporated into our lives even with raising two boys are easy to do. It’s been 20 years now that we have been using cloth napkins for all of our meals. Each of us has our own design or color, the napkin is reused for the week and then is laundered. Our family loves using cloth napkins and they are much nicer than paper.
The other big change we made in our lives is drastically reducing the amount of bottled water we use. We now only use it in the rare instance where filling our stainless bottles is impossible. Think about these facts about bottled water…globally we generate over 1.5M tons of plastic water bottles and less than 5% of that is recycled. Over 38B bottles end up in US landfills every year. It takes 1.5M barrels of oil to produce the US’s bottled water and over 1B bottles are transported each week consuming oil and other resources just to deliver. Something else to consider when using bottled water is the harmful effects that plastic has on our health. Studies have proven that food items to include water that are stored in plastic, absorbs some of the plastic materials which are then consumed. These materials turn into bad estrogens in our bodies and when accumulated with the many other chemicals that also turn into estrogens in our bodies can cause cancer. There are many published studies on this that you can look up. My point with bottled water is that it’s bad for the environment and our bodies, why not start using a reusable stainless bottle now?
There are several other things we have done to reduce our carbon footprint but the ones mentioned above are very easy for anyone to start using immediately. Make it fun for your family; get the kids started off right by leading as their example. Remember, your conservation today will allow them to enjoy resources tomorrow.
Happy Earth Day, let’s make a difference! Kathy
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Healing Power of Pets
I can’t believe it took me this long to write about the love of my life, Zeppelin. He is a rescue dog and my healing buddy. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005 I was dog-less for the first time in my life. There was one thing I knew for sure…I couldn’t go through treatment without having the love and support of a furry friend at my side.
The search began for the perfect rescue and he found us! We adopted him when he was 5 months old and it was almost as if he knew his purpose from day 1. He always has a smile on his face, gets us involved every opportunity he has, stays close to protect and to be petted, considers himself a full fledge family member and doesn’t like being ignored. I consider Zeppelin to be one of my angels on earth. He is exactly what the doctor ordered to get me through treatment and beyond.
Zeppelin brightens every one of my days and makes a huge difference on the way I look at life. There are many lessons I have learned from him, the biggest one being living in the present and enjoying the moment we are in because in an instant it is gone. I am so very grateful that we were brought together; his healing powers truly are amazing. If you are on the fence about bringing a dog into your life, I hope this story has made a difference.
Without further ado, here is my furry companion Zeppelin, friend and angel looking very daper and catching a few zzz's, it's tough being a healer :)
Kathy
The search began for the perfect rescue and he found us! We adopted him when he was 5 months old and it was almost as if he knew his purpose from day 1. He always has a smile on his face, gets us involved every opportunity he has, stays close to protect and to be petted, considers himself a full fledge family member and doesn’t like being ignored. I consider Zeppelin to be one of my angels on earth. He is exactly what the doctor ordered to get me through treatment and beyond.
Zeppelin brightens every one of my days and makes a huge difference on the way I look at life. There are many lessons I have learned from him, the biggest one being living in the present and enjoying the moment we are in because in an instant it is gone. I am so very grateful that we were brought together; his healing powers truly are amazing. If you are on the fence about bringing a dog into your life, I hope this story has made a difference.
Without further ado, here is my furry companion Zeppelin, friend and angel looking very daper and catching a few zzz's, it's tough being a healer :)
Kathy
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Power of Pink
You’ve been invited to a girl friend’s house for a girl’s night-out party. It’s not your typical party but has a definite theme. She ask you to bring an appetizer to share and item that you once treasured but would like to see someone else enjoy. During the evening you have a chance to chat with friends, learn about breast health and raise money for a local organization that supports women undergoing breast cancer treatment….would you go?
Become part of the Celebrate In Pink Movement and partake in socially responsible partying. That treasure that you were asked to bring will be recycled and raffled off to raise money; the breast cancer information sitting on the sideboard may save your life one day; the fellowship with friends is just what your needed and the women being helped by your party is priceless! Think about how great you will feel at the end of the party tallying up the money raised knowing that the power of pink makes such a difference for others.
Join the Celebrate In Pink Movement and host a party with your friends. Of course using Celebrate In Pink partyware will make your party even more special and reinforce the theme. To help raise more money, we offer our products to the hostess at discounted pricing for resale at the party, so that any profits can be given to support your local cause. Who knew that one party would change someone’s life? Who knew that you and your friends would pay for transportation to and from treatment or chemo co-pays? Start planning your Celebrate In Pink party now and make a difference one party at time. Call us for more ways to raise money at your party or for help finding a local organization in your community.
Do not underestimate the power of pink!
Become part of the Celebrate In Pink Movement and partake in socially responsible partying. That treasure that you were asked to bring will be recycled and raffled off to raise money; the breast cancer information sitting on the sideboard may save your life one day; the fellowship with friends is just what your needed and the women being helped by your party is priceless! Think about how great you will feel at the end of the party tallying up the money raised knowing that the power of pink makes such a difference for others.
Join the Celebrate In Pink Movement and host a party with your friends. Of course using Celebrate In Pink partyware will make your party even more special and reinforce the theme. To help raise more money, we offer our products to the hostess at discounted pricing for resale at the party, so that any profits can be given to support your local cause. Who knew that one party would change someone’s life? Who knew that you and your friends would pay for transportation to and from treatment or chemo co-pays? Start planning your Celebrate In Pink party now and make a difference one party at time. Call us for more ways to raise money at your party or for help finding a local organization in your community.
Do not underestimate the power of pink!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Girl Friend Tuesdays
Starting today, we will double our charitable donation on any product purchased on Tuesday from CelebrateInPink.com. It's our hope that you will share Girl Friend Tuesdays with your girl friends and they with theirs. We call it Girl Friend Tuesdays since through your purchase you will be supporting someone's girl friend.
We provide financial assistance to women undergoing breast cancer treatment and help with expenses such as transportation for treatment, co-pays, utilities, wigs, etc. Each Tuesday we will endeavor to provide funds to assist a breast cancer survivor with a specific item. For example, today, we hope to raise enough money to provide four co-pays for chemotherapy.
Girl Friend Tuesdays is a way to ‘connect’ to the girl friends we haven’t yet met. Let Celebrate In Pink be your mutual friend. The best part about Girl Friend Tuesdays is the awesome pink ribbon partyware, stationery or chic t-shirt you get to sport while providing families with financial relief.
So, what will be your favorite item today??? The Full Monty gift set, beautiful note cards or a chic t-shirt that says it all with three little words “Save the Girls”. Did I mention that if you use the promo code SAVEME10 at checkout you get 10% off your entire order? What more can one ask for…great items on sale that directly support our girl friends…spread the word, its Girl Friend Tuesday!!!
Thanks for your support…Kathy
We provide financial assistance to women undergoing breast cancer treatment and help with expenses such as transportation for treatment, co-pays, utilities, wigs, etc. Each Tuesday we will endeavor to provide funds to assist a breast cancer survivor with a specific item. For example, today, we hope to raise enough money to provide four co-pays for chemotherapy.
Girl Friend Tuesdays is a way to ‘connect’ to the girl friends we haven’t yet met. Let Celebrate In Pink be your mutual friend. The best part about Girl Friend Tuesdays is the awesome pink ribbon partyware, stationery or chic t-shirt you get to sport while providing families with financial relief.
So, what will be your favorite item today??? The Full Monty gift set, beautiful note cards or a chic t-shirt that says it all with three little words “Save the Girls”. Did I mention that if you use the promo code SAVEME10 at checkout you get 10% off your entire order? What more can one ask for…great items on sale that directly support our girl friends…spread the word, its Girl Friend Tuesday!!!
Thanks for your support…Kathy
Monday, April 5, 2010
Cherry Blossoms - A Must on Anyone's Bucket List
One of the things I love most about living in the Washington DC area is looking forward to the spectacular show around the Tidal Basin each and every spring. I think I speak for all of us in the metro area…after the winter we just endured; we deserve this gorgeous weather and the splendor of the cherry blossoms. So, when a friend suggested a field trip I said let’s go!
Yes, there were crowds and bringing your patience was a must, but well worth it. There were thousands of people of all ages (code for lots of strollers and canes) trying to make their way around the basin. And did I mention they stopped every few feet to get the same picture yet at a different angle from the one taken just a few feet ago? And yes, they also needed a photographer to get the whole group in the photo to prove they really were at the cherry blossoms. All of this picture taking really slows down the pace and works up quite an appetite.
The weather couldn’t be better, and after making it around the basin we hit the streets looking for the perfect sidewalk café to have lunch. We weren’t the only ones with that idea (remember the thousands of people I mentioned earlier, they all must have had the same great idea) so we walked and walked before we settled on Elephant & Castle. They had a great menu with great food, would highly recommend it. We had a great lunch, great conversation and it wouldn't be a perfect day in Washington without seeing a motorcade. We got to see Joe, got his pic too but my camera speed didn't do him justice :).
Since I want to share my spectacular pictures with you, I have to admit that yes indeed, I did take a few pictures but swear I didn’t stop every few feet. If you didn’t make it to see the blossoms this year, here is what you missed, hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them (I swear there were thousands of people there, I am just a great photographer who made it look like I was the only one there). Add the cherry blossoms to your bucket list if it isn’t already there! Kathy
Jefferson Memorial
Washington Monument
Yes, there were crowds and bringing your patience was a must, but well worth it. There were thousands of people of all ages (code for lots of strollers and canes) trying to make their way around the basin. And did I mention they stopped every few feet to get the same picture yet at a different angle from the one taken just a few feet ago? And yes, they also needed a photographer to get the whole group in the photo to prove they really were at the cherry blossoms. All of this picture taking really slows down the pace and works up quite an appetite.
The weather couldn’t be better, and after making it around the basin we hit the streets looking for the perfect sidewalk café to have lunch. We weren’t the only ones with that idea (remember the thousands of people I mentioned earlier, they all must have had the same great idea) so we walked and walked before we settled on Elephant & Castle. They had a great menu with great food, would highly recommend it. We had a great lunch, great conversation and it wouldn't be a perfect day in Washington without seeing a motorcade. We got to see Joe, got his pic too but my camera speed didn't do him justice :).
Since I want to share my spectacular pictures with you, I have to admit that yes indeed, I did take a few pictures but swear I didn’t stop every few feet. If you didn’t make it to see the blossoms this year, here is what you missed, hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them (I swear there were thousands of people there, I am just a great photographer who made it look like I was the only one there). Add the cherry blossoms to your bucket list if it isn’t already there! Kathy
Got that perfect angle :)
This picture wasn't altered in any way!
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