Tag Archives: gifts

30 Days of Giving 2011

Posted on by Run DMT
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30-Day Giving ChallengeFor the third year now, I participated in the 30 Days of Giving Challenge.  The act of giving may not seem like a challenge, but it actually requires quite a bit of scheduling and planning.  Even with all the planning, situations pop up to cause a bump or two on the road to giving.

Some gifts are simple, like a mailing a card to a loved one.  Some things require more work, like preparing a meal for friend.  In the end, no matter how small or big, it’s the thought that counts and that gesture means so much to someone else.  The smallest gift can have the biggest impact on others.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”  – Aesop

Our gifts

    • Donated canned goods to a food drive.
    • Donated items to Goodwill.
    • Recycled my old running shoes to benefit the homeless through Fit Niche.
    • Filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

    • Brought gifts to a local animal rescue shelter.
    • Dropped spare change in the Salvation Army red kettle.
    • Donated items to Toys for Tots.
    • Bought a coffee for a frequent play date host in my moms group.
    • Sent coupons to a military base in Japan through Overseas Coupon Program.

    • Added a love note to my kids’ lunch boxes.
    • Planned a picnic lunch for my kids and enjoyed a “special” lunch together at school.
    • Planned a lunch date with hubby.
    • Baked cookies for the firefighters.
    • Volunteered at my children’s school.
    • Arranged guest speakers for the Great American Teach-In at my kids’ school.

    • Spent an evening with an old friend to catch up to give the gift of time.
    • Baked cookies for my running club and tossed $5 in the coffee fund.
    • Welcomed new neighbors of a 16 month old with a baby safety kit.
    • Sent a “thinking of you card” and Publix gift card on behalf of my moms group to a friend in need.
    • Mailed a set of hand drawn Angry Birds by Allana to Stacy Uncorked for Princess Nagger’s birthday.

    • Mailed a Thanksgiving card to my grandmother.
    • Mailed a get well card to my ill uncle.
    • Brought a home cooked meal to a friend at work.
    • Purchased meal vouchers for families in need through Groupon’s Feeding America program.
    • Sent $10 gift certificates to several friends via Restaurant.com’s “Feed It Forward” program.

Pssst!  Speaking of gifts….Don’t miss this one!

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Christmas Shopping with Shutterfly

Posted on by Run DMT
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Next Wednesday, we have our annual family Christmas portrait session with my fabulous photographer friend, Kelly.  With much anticipation, I’ve added the final touches on everyone’s outfits.  For this year’s portrait, we’re all wearing variations of red and black.

Also in preparation, I’m keeping a list of the poses I’d like to capture this year.  I love close-up shots of my kids’ smiling faces.  They’re perfect for Christmas photo cards sending Christmas cheer to wish everyone a merry and bright holiday.

When choosing our family’s Christmas card, I prefer a large card (5×7) that includes at least 1 family shot and 3 individual photos of each child.  I also prefer the colors of the card to match the colors we’re wearing in the photos; however, finding a card that displays that many photos in one card while color coordinating with our outfits makes the search for the perfect Christmas anything but merry.

Thankfully, Shutterfly makes the search for the right Christmas card or holiday card simple.  With its sophisticated system, Shutterfly helps refine my search by the number of photos and color.

 

 

On the Christmas card product page, I can view an assortment of cards with the appropriate number of photos and color by selecting that option in the sidebar.

 

 

I’ve already found a large variety of cards that fit my criteria, however, some the cards were folded.

 

Still not a problem!  With a simple click, Shutterfly shows the flat 5×7 photo card option.

 

 

But this year, I’m also considering purchasing photo books and other personalized gifts for our family’s Christmas presents.  Our Christmas portraits are such a treasure and I’m sure both sets of parents would love mounted wall art of our family as a Christmas present.

 

 

 

Even a pewter ornament would make a great gift but not solely as a Christmas tree ornament.  After Christmas, our extended families can hang it on the wall to enjoy it all year long.

 

 

Shutterfly offers so much from a variety of Christmas cards that fit my color by number criteria to wonderful gifts our family will enjoy throughout the year.  And that makes Christmas shopping very merry!


*Shutterfly is offering FREE standard shipping on orders over $30.  Enter code SHIP30.  Hurry! Offer ends November 30, 2011.
*

In My Life

Posted on by Run DMT
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For the past year, I’ve worked extremely hard on repairing some broken relationships.  It took a lot of patience, trust, honesty and understanding to rebuild those relationships, but it was so worth it.  Now, my life is full of laughter rather than pain.

Or so I thought.  As I expended my energy into one relationship, other relationships unraveled because I hadn’t been as plugged into some big events as I should have been.  My lack of presence and support was perceived as a lack of empathy.

When I heard I let my sister and friends down for various reasons, it stopped me dead in my tracks.  Somehow between running around after my family and running in races, I had missed some important events and it’s not like me to not be there for loved ones.  However in these incidences, I wasn’t and I hurt them terribly.  When I heard I let them down, I cried for weeks.

Even now, the pain I know I caused brings tears to my eyes. I live a rich life because of my family and friends. Their relationships are bountiful blessings. Without them, my life would be empty and lonely.

Somehow I have to find balance between my own family, my extended family on both sides and my friends.That’s why I am so grateful for the 30 Day Challenge, because it forces me to stop and remember everything and everyone that is important in my life, whether it’s spending time with them or sending them a note to say, “I love you. I appreciate you in my life.”

Of course with schedules, it’s hard to coordinate time to spend together, but we’ll make it happen.  And for that, I’m thankful.

 

For the next four Music Mondays, I’ll be counting my blessings through song.  Each week in November, I will be singing my praises and giving thanks by sharing a song that symbolizes one of the many blessings in my life.  Come count your blessings with me and link up while you’re here.  What a blessing that would be!



Visit Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Random Thoughts about Some Challenges, My Heeling Process and a Footnote

Posted on by Run DMT
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For the month of October, I committed to the Unprocessed Challenge and by doing so, I swore off processed foods.  Basically, participants had to refrain from eating foods they couldn’t reproduce, bake or cook themselves, such as foods that can only be produced in a factory.   Thankfully, store-bought beer and wine were acceptable.

Seriously?  In October?  What was I thinking?  I freaking love candy corn and other Halloween candy.  I think I ate even more of it because I knew I couldn’t on account of the challenge.  It was tough and I think I lasted (at most) two weeks.  And then I devoured some Tyson hot wings.

For November, I’m participating in the 30 Day Giving Challenge for the third year.  I love this challenge, but I’m not going to lie.  It’s hard, even when I plan out all my gifts for the month, because schedules change, kids gets sick and sometimes things just don’t always go according to plan.  I’ve done well though and I’ve given 15 gifts and then some in 15 days so far.

Speaking of gifts, my t-shirt giveaway didn’t attract as many people as other giveaways have in the past.  I tweeted, Facebooked, linked up at giveaway blog hops but still only 4 people entered the contest, including my SIL, Kirsten and my friend, Chrissy, who won as a result to all her entries.  Obviously, she had the best chance, which is what you hope for when hosting a giveaway.

Has anyone else noticed a drop in giveaway participants?

I had this whole 12 Days of Christmas giveaway plan in the works, but after this giveaway, I’m rethinking the idea.  It’s a lot of work and if it doesn’t generate a response, I’ll be disappointed.  Oh well.  But I’ve got other fun bloggie Christmas plans in the works, like a blogger ornament exchange and a virtual cookie recipe swap!  Stay tuned for more details!

This Sunday, as part of my giving challenge, I’m volunteering at the Women’s Half Marathon water stations with Suncoast Running.  I’m so excited to give back to a sport that has given me so much.  I’m looking forward to cheering and encouraging all the runners while handing them a cup of cold water with a smile.  It will mean the world to each participant, whether it’s their first half marathon or the fiftieth.

Do you remember that almost 21 miler I did a couple of weeks ago with little to no pain?  I even survived walking around Universal Studios the next day (minus a hamstring pull from 25 pound toddler squats all day).  Then, I didn’t run for two days to rest.  I ran about 3 miles on Tuesday and then on Wednesday, I ran almost 10 miles.  And that’s when it all went downhill.

I had some serious heel pain, like my heel was being stabbed with a knife.  I’ve never had this pain before, but I knew it wasn’t good.  I researched about heel pain and learned that I have heel spurs possibly as a result from increasing miles too quickly or running in old shoes (shoes without support). I’m inclined to believe it’s the latter because I’ve been pretty careful to not push myself too far too quickly.

As for healing my heel, everything I’ve read recommends taking a week off from running.  But, my marathon is in 12 days.  12 DAYS!  And I can’t run or even taper!

So now, I need new shoes.  But new shoes need to be broken in before I attempt to run 26.2 miles in them.  Plus, I don’t have any extra cash at the moment and I was really hoping Santa would bring me some new running shoes.  My friends over at Suncoast Running told me that they will have some great Black Friday specials. But I’m still nervous about running a marathon in new shoes.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be a week since I last ran and it still hurts to walk or put any pressure on my right heel.  I tried some light hiking when we went camping over the holiday weekend and the pain would gradually increase.  I’ve read that I can do alternate work-outs like cycling or very low impact aerobics, but I don’t think my heel could handle any impact.  Plus, I’m still scared to get back on my bike.  So resting and yoga is the plan for a few more days until I get some new shoes.  It seems my running plans have become a footnote and I’m not liking it all.

Oh and there’s this other nagging other issue I keep forgetting to do.  I haven’t booked a hotel room for the race yet.  I know. I know.  What am I waiting for?  I was waiting until I registered, which was delayed until I knew I could come close to a marathon distance again post-baby number 3.  Well, I’m officially registered (as of October 22) for the Space Coast Marathon and now I can’t find an available room.  But it doesn’t matter really because it appears that I will have to buy shoes instead of a securing a hotel room.  Looks like I’ll be sleeping in my car the night before the marathon. Yay.

As you can see, lots of challenges lie ahead this month.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

One Bad Mother Baker

Posted on by Run DMT
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I’m one bad mother baker.  I got made piping skillz, yo.

Check it out.  This is the chocolate chip cookie cake I made for Allana’s class for her tenth birthday.

Iron Chef Allan was pretty impressed. But he better step off, ’cause I’m as smooth as this icing, baby and he can’t touch it.

Then on Wednesday, the kids and I baked Rolled Sugar Cookies for our neighborhood firefighters as part of our 30 Days of Giving.  We used the same vanilla butter icing and the kids each chose a color for the icing.  They did a gorgeous job decorating the cookies and they tasted pretty darn good too.

Like I said, I’m one bad mother baker.

Word.

 
Rolled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar

1 stick unsalted butter (1 stick), softened

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Directions

Cream together sugar and butter.  The beat in vanilla, eggs, flour, baking powder and salt.

Chill the cough for 3 to 4 hours before rolling.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Use a melon baller to scoop and roll dough into 2 inch balls.  Place cookie dough on a greased on lined cookie sheet.  Bake 7 to 12 minutes. Let cookies stand for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack to cool. Once completely cooled, decorate as desired.

 

Quick Vanilla Icing 

Ingredients

2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted

1/4 cup  (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2 tsp vanilla

Directions

Combine in a medium bowl and beat together on a medium speed.

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Now link up to win and to see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are flinging for this week’s Friday Food Fight.


But wait!  There’s more!  The winner of our very first Friday Food Fight giveaway and proud new owner of Joy of Cooking is….

Based on last week’s linky, #11 is The Rickett Chronicles!  Congratulations! A big THANK YOU to everyone who entered a foodie photo! :-)

*Also submitted at*

Fat Camp Friday ButtonSweet Tooth Friday

An Idea That Stuck

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When Allana found an old frame in our messy garage, she had a clever idea for a Father’s Day gift for Dad.  She pulled all the dried up glue sticks from our craft box and asked me to help her hot glue them to the frame for her.

Then, she wrote on the back and asked us all to sign it.

Daddy loved his gift, but I loved Allana’s creativity and thoughtfulness.

Give Thanks

Posted on by Run DMT
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For years, I have coveted over a platter that hangs in my friend’s kitchen.  Her young child’s precious handprint forms a turkey in the center with the words “Give Thanks” cascading over the top of the dish.

 

I have always loved that memento and vowed someday I would take my children to a “paint your own pottery” place to create the same platter with them.

 

Truth be told, I don’t have patience for paint your own pottery places.  Those places drain the life out of me.  There’s way too many color choices and way too many breakables lying about for my four year old to literally act like a bull in a china shop.  Therefore, my inability to make stupid decisions paired with my “You break it; you buy it” fear has kept me away.  I simply avoid the scene entirely and we find other ways to let our creative juices flow without shattering dishes along with our self-esteem.

 

Then, last week Allana, Emmalynn and I attended a birthday party at You Do the Dishes in New Tampa.  My girls were thrilled to paint a small figurine and begged me to paint more.  Finally, I felt the inspiration to paint a handprint turkey platter.  The timing was perfect.  The staff was so helpful and hands-on that my anxiety over perfectionism and colors was greatly reduced.

 

Ready to gobble up more fun, the girls were so excited to paint a dish for Mommy.  I couldn’t believe what angels sat before me.  Allana picked the colors without hesitation and Emmalynn avoided knocking over shelves of pottery.  Plus, the supportive staff helped make our handprint project a success.

 

A few days later, our turkey handprint platter was ready.  I couldn’t wait to see how it came out!  I finally possessed my own precious timeless piece to hang in my kitchen!

 

And then, my heart sank.  A large crack appeared down the center of the platter.  My precious turkey dish was now trash.

 

I began to feel sorry myself and whined about not having a turkey platter for Thanksgiving.  I had waited years for this dish and now it seemed I was the real turkey.

 

The owner explained that occasionally the heat in the kiln will causes pieces to crack and she reassured me I could make another at no additional cost.

 

Even though I could easily make another, could I replicate the whole experience?  Would my children be as willing and well-behaved as before?

 

Then, I realized how ridiculously shallow I sounded.  It’s just a dish.

 

I should be thankful that my children have hands to make turkey handprints.

I should be thankful that I can even afford to make this dish when other families lack food for their dishes.

I should be thankful that I have a car to drive to pottery place and a home for us and all our belongings.

I should be thankful that I have two healthy children and be grateful for every moment we spend together even when they drive my crazy.

I should be thankful for my health and my husband’s health.

 

From this experience, I was grateful for my cracked dish and the lesson in humility it gave me.  Like the dish, my life is not perfect but it’s full of many blessings.  So, for my husband, my two beautiful girls, the occasional cracked dish, the handprints and marker murals on walls and the many other messy blessings in my life…

 

I give thanks.


Medals 4 Mettle

Posted on by Run DMT
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I’m fairly new to exhilarating world of running, but even as a fairly new competitor I can appreciate one thing: THE BLING.

 

Some races ring a medal around each runner’s neck as the athletes cross the finish line.  Then, there are races where I actually qualify in my age division and I am awarded for my efforts with a shiny new bit of bling.  But whether I get a medal for just being there or one for being my best, the bling all means the same to me.  I trained for it, therefore I earned.

 

After a race, I have been seen around town wearing my medal proudly at the supermarket or at the local pub while downing a pint with friends.  After all, you can only wear your medal for so long before you look like a wannabe Flo-Jo.

 

As proud as I am of all my achievements and my medals, my bibs and bling are stuffed into drawer in my nightstand, however, I have been toying with the idea of displaying my bling on a curtain rod like MJ of Runner with a Knitting Problem.

 

 

Then, while visiting another runner blog (Mile By Mile), I stumbled upon her post asking what other runners did with all their medals.  She mentioned Medals 4 Mettle, a non-profit organization that collects medals from athletes and redistributes the medals by awarding them to people who face greater challenges in their lives, such as debilitating disease or disability.

 

Taken from the Medals 4 Mettle website:

 

Its mission is to celebrate and reward the individual and collective courage of all human beings by facilitating the gifting of marathon finisher’s medals from marathoners to people who have demonstrated similar mettle, or courage. The recipients can be any age and might have exhibited such mettle by dealing with disease, handicaps or any similar challenge. Marathon runners around the world, and others who have won medals, give their medals to Medals4Mettle. Then our nationwide network of physicians and others award these medals to those who might not be able to run a marathon, but are in their own marathon to continue to live their life. As marathoners run through the streets, large crowds cheer the runners for their effort. Medals4Mettle lets these runners, healthy enough to compete in such an event, to return the cheers to those who have supported them.

 

So, as I stuff my small achievements into a sock drawer, it seems I don’t truly appreciate my medals as much as I should.  Medals 4 Mettle reminds us that others have huge hurdles yet to overcome and I can share my accomplishments with others who have survived and lived to tell about their HUGE ACHEIVEMENTS.

 

In the spirit of selfless acts and 30 Gifts in 30 Days, Medals 4 Mettle offers just one more to give.  Now I pose the same question:

 

What will you do with all your medals?

 

If you would like to donate to Medals 4 Mettle, visit their contacts page to find a chapter near you.


***A special THANK YOU to MJ of Runner with a Knitting Problem for the use of her photo.  Thanks, Sweetie!*** :-)

All Four Seasons

Posted on by Run DMT
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Musical MondayWhen Jori and Diane announced the weekly themes for September’s Musical Mondays, this week’s challenge was a no brainer.  Sting’s All Four Seasons was the natural choice for me.

  

When Mercury Falling was released back in 1996, it sat our CD rotation for a long time.  During that time, my DH (boyfriend at the time) cleverly gave me the pet name “All Four Seasons” after one of the tracks on the album.  Allan loved to tease me to point that I became annoyed and irritated with him.  To diffuse my anger, he would sing All Four Seasons which forced me to smile and giggle.  Fourteen years together, not much has changed.  He still loves to tease me and all four seasons still come and go.

  

About a year ago, I created a playlist of love songs for his iPod as a Valentine’s Day gift and of course, All Four Seasons was added to the mix.  I knew when he heard the song, he would remember my pet name and how he serenaded me because I’m his baby and I can be all four seasons in one day.

 

The Peace Offering

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When Emmalynn and I met her preschool teacher the other day, we presented Miss Sharon a gift: a bottle of Mad Housewife Chardonnay.  With the wine, I warned Miss Sharon that Emmalynn is nothing like Allana (who she taught 3 years ago).  I also explained to her that I would happily provide weekly peace offerings to help soothe the woes away after a week with my wild child.  Miss Sharon didn’t seem too worried…but I am.

 

Sharon_madhousewife