Fighting The Dirty C!

Today is World Cancer Day. It's the dirty C-word that everyone thinks about, but doesn't really want to talk about. I don't think there is a single family I know who hasn't been affected by it. So what can you do about it? Plenty!

Support is the best thing one person can do for another. Supporting a cause that has a personal effect on so many people everyday... what more could anyone ask for?! There are many different organizations that fund and support research for cures of all types of cancers. Pick one, or pick them all, just be supportive. Most organizations have several huge fundraising events that are fun and rewarding to get involved in. The one nearest and dearest to my heart is St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Here are just a few "did you know?" facts about St. Jude's from their website:

No Place Like St. Jude

• Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
• Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since it opened in 1962.
• St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent in the next decade. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
• St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs we make, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.
• Because the majority of St. Jude funding comes from individual contributors, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters most – saving kids regardless of their financial situation.
• St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that “No child should die in the dawn of life.”

St. Jude's was there for my family, and continues to help many others while always maintaining the positive atmosphere of HOPE! There are so many ways throughout the year to help support St. Jude's. There is the St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk.

Our Team DOMinator at the St. Jude's Give Thanks Walk 2011

The walk kicks off the St. Jude's Thanks and Giving fundraising campaign during the holiday season, so shoppers can make a donation at local stores while purchasing gifts. Every September Chili's Grill & Bar Restaurants picks a day of "More Hope" and donates 100% of their net profits to St. Jude's. 

Each summer people from all over the country participate in the Warrior Dash for St. Jude's. And many people make personal contributions for someone they know.

Showing your support for cancer research is so much bigger than I can ever articulate in writing. It's not about one more organization begging for money. It's not about seeing who can raise the most. It's about each and every dollar giving HOPE! It's about giving a child one more day filled with love and laughter. It's about giving your friend, co-worker, or family member a fighting chance. It's about showing support for LIFE! 

What is your favorite cause? How do you support your favorite cause?

To Choose or Not to Choose...

I often get asked questions about proper etiquette. With the wedding season coming up, I have been getting a steady stream of questions regarding wedding etiquette. Recently, I was asked a wedding etiquette question that I didn't know the proper answer to, but it was because it was a regarding a topic that I don't see Bride's putting too much energy into in our current social norms. Should the Mother of the Bride (MOB) choose her dress before the Mother of the Groom (MOG), and should the MOB and MOG dresses compliment the colors of the wedding party?

The tradition answer to the first question is yes, the Mother of the Bride does choose her dress first, and the Mother of the Groom should choose a dress that complements (but does not match) the MOB's dress. Typically I tend to lean towards traditional etiquette, but in this instance, I can honestly say I really didn't put much stipulation on what either mother should wear at my wedding. Our wedding invitations specified a dress code of "Semi-Formal" (I did NOT want anyone coming to my wedding in cargo pants, or jeans!), and I assumed that both mothers would follow that dress code... and they did! All on their own!

My mother in a beautiful dusty aqua gown.

Ken's mother in a lovely black dress.

I, personally, think that a bride has enough planning and stress on her to have to worry about such a minor thing. By allowing each mother to choose her own dress, it free's the bride for other matters that need her attention, and also avoids any potential conflict that may result in trying to choose a dress for the MOB and MOG. That's not to say the bride shouldn't have any input on the final decision, and some MOB's and MOG's may want the brides help in choosing a dress.

Some brides may have a specific style, color, and length she wishes the MOB and MOG dresses to be. Some bride's may want the MOB and MOG dresses to match or compliment the bridal party, while others may not care at all. I have recently noticed a rising trend of brides in the "I don't care, as long as it's nice" category. It is because of this trend that I wasn't even aware that there is a specific order in which the mothers get their dresses.

Whichever category each bride finds herself, in regards to MOB and MOG dresses, making sure both mothers know your expectations from the start will help this wedding detail go much more smoothly, and hopefully stress/conflict free!

Did you choose your MOB/MOG dresses? Were there any conflicts/concerns about MOB/MOG dresses?

Craft Show Crafting Part 2

Last night my mother-in-law asked me if I'm reading any good books for Advent. Hmmm... Considering that I have been spending 12-14 hours a day making bows and flowers

In all different styles

Brainstorming and designing creative ways to display all my product

 For the Craft Show that is this Saturday

        

And I haven't even taken down my Thanksgiving decorations, or put up my Christmas decorations... As lovely as it sounds to sit down and read a good book, I just haven't been able to fit it in. ;) 

As the big day gets closer, I am getting more excited! If you are in the area, stop by and see us!

St. Mary's Christmas Bazaar

December 7th

10am until 4pm

At

St. Mary Catholic Church

10601 Dexter-Pinckney Rd.

Pinckney, MI  48169

Craft Show Crafting!

A good friend of mine and I have decided to work together on our very first Craft Show. We are sharing a table, and we have both been busy making new product to sell at the Craft Show and help build promotion for both of our etsy shops, Cinderley Designs and Sheep & Company <---click on the links to view each etsy shop.

I've been making lots of bows of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Here is a sneak peak of some foundation bows waiting for finishing touches!

And a few bows that have been completed.

I designed my business cards, and finally got them in the mail this week!

Next week I will be working on more fabric flowers and headbands. And, if I have enough time, I have a few more surprise projects I would like to have done in time for the Craft Show. My partner and I have great idea's for our display table, and I'm very excited to see how it turns out! 

For those of you who are local, the Craft Show we are participating in is:

St. Mary's Christmas Bazaar

December 7th

10am until 4pm

At

St. Mary Catholic Church

10601 Dexter-Pinckney Rd.

Pinckney, MI  48169

I hope to see you there! 

Where In The Devil Is Halloween?!!!

Throughout the years I have come across people who wince at the thought of celebrating Halloween. They wouldn't dare allow their children to go out trick-or-treating because doing so would be participating in the Devil's holiday celebration, or even celebrating the Devil himself! Quite taken aback by these beliefs, I began researching the History of Halloween (before the convenience of google searches), and wrote a paper on this topic for one of my early college courses. Is Halloween truly the Devil's holiday? Quite the contrary!

Nowadays, it doesn't take much to find a plethora of online sources giving the history of Halloween to the masses. Speaking of "masses," October 31st begins the Triduum of Hallowmas. As most may know, November 1st is All Saints Day, and November 2nd is All Souls Day, so how does Halloween fit into this? The word "hallow" literally means "saint"! Therefore, All Hallows Eve (Halloween) literally means "the Eve of All Saints" which is a Christian celebration. No devil so far, but what about the tradition of trick-or-treating?

Trick-or-treating has a vast and rich history in many cultures throughout the world. Does it have some pagan roots in the Celtic culture? Yes it does, but so does Christmas and Easter. Do modern day pagans, and druids celebrate the Gaelic holiday of Samhain on Halloween? Yes they do, but unless you are participating directly in their celebrations with them, it has no direct correlation to our children who dress up in costumes and knock on doors for candy. In fact, some European trick-or-treating traditions began with adult peasants going to the homes of richer noblemen, and offering to pray for the souls of their dead relatives in exchange for a sweet cake known as a "soul cake". Once again we see the recurring theme of Christian practices. So, where is the devil in the Halloween tradition?

Because of the origins of praying for the dead, some cultures believed the dead walked freely on All Hallows Eve. People began dressing up in scary costumes hoping to scare the spirits away and leave them alone. This is also a tradition you will find with people carving scary faces on gourds, and pumpkins, thus creating the Jack-O-Lantern. Over the years costumes have evolved to become scarier and more gruesome. The stories of Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker gave foundation to the creation horror movies. Instead of sitting around the family hearth telling ghost stories of old, people now wait in line to be frightened in haunted houses. Does our American Halloween obsession with scary and evil looking things mean we worship the devil? Does the devil play a part in any of the modern Halloween traditions? Only if you choose to bring him into it! Most people spend their Halloween getting dressed in costumes, having parties, trick-or-treating for candy, or watching a good scary movie with friends without even a single thought spent on the devil. Halloween is time for fun rooted in Christian traditions of praying for the dead... there is no devil in that!

Besides, those of us who grew up in the Detroit Metro Area already know... Devil's Night is the night before Halloween!

HAPPY ALL HALLOWS EVE!

Something Wicked This Way Came...

For those of you who know me, you already know how much I love to decorate for Holidays, and how much I really love Halloween! It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that my latest crafting project has been all about decorating for Halloween! I have spent the past two weeks putting my Cricut to work once again, and am very delighted with all the new Halloween decorations I have created!

I started out with smaller projects, by making pictures to hang on the walls.

And found the perfect way to decorate the guest bathroom mirror

Then it was time to stretch my crafting "sea legs". I spent a whole week creating two different spooktacular scenes for my dining room walls!

I love the Trick-or-Treaters!

                          
This graveyard took me about 8 hours to make!

Having taken over the living room and dining room with all my crafting supplies, my husband decided to take pictures of my "craft room"... The scary part is, these pictures were taken on a more "clean and organized" crafting day! 

After my wall scenes were completed, I put together a few more smaller projects

                 

 

I have a couple more projects to get up on the walls before this years Halloween party, but I am very pleased that everywhere you look in my house says it's time for HALLOWEEN!

Do you have a favorite Halloween decoration you look forward to bringing out each year?

The Etiquette of Grief

I am not a grief counselor, nor am I an expert in emotional management. However, when it comes to most delicate situations it's always best to use basic manners, and be respectful.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a loved one. There is no timetable for grieving, as the healing process takes nothing less than time. The grieving process is unique to each person, and each situation. So how should you act when you encounter a person in mourning or still grieving a great loss? That answer is unique to each person and situation as well.

Some people internalize their feelings. They don't talk about their grief, and they don't want to be forced to talk about it either. They just want to get on with their normal routine, and deal with the loss within the privacy of their own minds. Others may not internalize their pain so completely, but still wish to grieve privately. They may shed a tear or two in public, but still don't want to talk to anyone. They may take their grief into the privacy of their home and only share their emotions with a close family member or friend.

There are also those who constantly need people around them. They need the comfort of warm hugs, loving embraces, and consoling conversations. They may make public posts to share their pain with anyone who will listen, just to help find a way to calm the pain of loss they are feeling. They need to be engaged in a lot of social activities, for fear of being alone and falling into a despair so deep they may never recover.

Some people need only a day or two to mourn, others it may take a lifetime.

The best thing you can do for someone who is grieving is to simply pay attention to the signs and signals they are giving. If someone is a private griever, simply send a note of condolence, be mindful to not draw any attention to the situation, and respect their privacy. These people want to left alone, and everyone should respect that. If they are an open griever, reach out to them as much and as often as you can, for as long as it takes.

Some helpful things you can do that are standard etiquette are:

• Send a card, flowers, or fruit basket to show your support. This should be done at the time of the funeral, and the weeks following. 
• Offer to make a dish for the grieving family, or offer to help clean, do laundry, or help with the children and/or pets. Some people may need basic help in area's of life that are routine, and may get overlooked during a difficult time.
• Offer to help with "Thank You" notes.  
• If you don't know what to say, "I'm sorry for your loss" is usually best. Sometimes it's best not to say anything at all and just sit with them as a comforting presence. 
• If you don't know how someone is dealing with their grief, ask a close family member or friend. They will give you the best insight into what is needed. 

It is always important to remember to respect the family's wishes, even if you don't agree with them. Every person, family, and culture has their own way they experience grief. Do not put your expectations on someone else, and do your best to show your support in a manner that is appropriate to each individual.

RSVP... PLEASE!

Four little letters that mean so much: RSVP. "Respondez s'il vous plait" in English means "Please Reply". These four letters mean the difference between a successfully planned event, and possible disaster. However, with ever increasing demands for the average persons attention, the actual responses received for event attendance are becoming increasingly less. Let's look at what happens when someone ignores these four little letters.

Think of all the work that goes into planning an event: Renting a venue, setting up tables and chairs, ordering/preparing food and beverages, and these are just some of the basics! While planning and preparing for an event, an accurate head count of guests enables the host to gauge the correct amount of time and space for an event. How big the venue must be, how many tables and chairs, how many place settings (that typically have to be rented or purchased), the amount of food and beverages that will be needed, and the list goes on and on depending on what type of event is being planned.

Failing to properly RSVP within a timely manner means the host has to assume either you are coming (this is typically what happens if the RSVP states "Regrets Only" and you failed to deliver your regret) and proceeds to order the things needed to account for your presence, or assume you are not coming thereby eliminating your spot at the event. It is NOT okay to show up to an event that you failed to RSVP to and expect to be included.

Understandably, things do happen that cause us to forget, and it happens. BUT, this should be a rare exception and not a habit! Here are some suggestions that will help ensure to get your RSVP in on time:

• When you receive an invitation in the mail that includes an RSVP card, fill it out as soon as you open it and put it in a spot for outgoing mail that will be sent out the following day. It will only take you a minute or two to fill it out, and by doing it immediately you ensure it gets done. Consequently, you won't have to worry about it later. 
• Make sure you pay attention to the "Respond By" date. Be mindful to get your response in on time, and your host will be very appreciative. 
• Put the event invitation in a place that you will see on a daily basis (i.e. on the refrigerator door, on your vanity mirror, on your home office cork board, etc.). Out of sight = out of mind. Keeping the invite visible will help you remember to get your RSVP in on time. 
• If you have a last minute change of plans, be sure to contact the host ahead of time. Even if this means that they have already paid for your attendance, they will appreciate you letting them know, rather than not showing up at all. 
• If you are hosting an event, be sure to include an email for guests to RSVP to. People are much more likely to send an email response then find time in their busy schedules to make a phone call. 

Forgetting to RSVP to an event is something that happens to all of us. Making sure it doesn't happen every time you receive an invite is something that should be a priority in your social life. Hosting an event has enough stresses on it's own... Please make sure your RSVP isn't one of them the next time you are invited to a special occasion!

Do you always RSVP to an event?

5 Tips For An Enjoyable Weekend!

It's hard to believe that the final summer holiday is already here! This is the weekend Americans are taking one last advantage of hanging out at the pool, having cookouts with family and friends, and hitting the big Labor Day Weekend sales for "Back To School" bargains. Here are a few quick tips to help everyone have a more enjoyable holiday weekend:

1. Let go of the stress! Whether you trying to hurry up and finish making a dish, hit a particular sale early, or trying to pack up the car to go camping, things will go alot smoother and even faster if you just relax, remember to breathe, and don't sweat the small stuff. Your dish will turn out fine, and if it doesn't then start over or stop at the store and pick something else up instead. That sale will be going on all weekend, and you will enjoy your shopping experience a lot more if you go shopping for fun! Packing up the car is always a tedious chore, but remember you are going on a mini vacation so why not sing a song while packing to help put you in the holiday spirit!

2. If you are going shopping, remember everyone at the store is there for the exact same reason... Trying to find a bargain. Remember shopping should be enjoyable since you are buying something new that you didn't have before! Try to take a deep breath or count to 10 when you encounter a rude or forceful shopper who just took the last hoodie you had your eye on. It's not worth ruining your mood or raising your blood pressure! And remember to smile and thank the store employees. They are the ones who have to work long hours and deal with crazy customers on a holiday weekend they would rather have off!

3. Just expect that you will forget to pack at least one thing. It happens... to everyone... all the time! If you prepare yourself ahead of time with the knowledge that it will happen, then you won't be so freaked out when you realize it actually did! And if it didn't, then you can give yourself kudos for being an efficient packer... This time!

4. Cookouts, barbecues, and picnics are always fun! While you are enjoying your time with family and friend, remember to be mindful of your surroundings. Try not to be too loud too late if you know there are neighbors nearby who do have to work in the morning. Remember to clean up your mess! Picking up empty cans and bottles, the rouge paper plate that blew off the table, and anything that wasn't there when you came and shouldn't be there when you leave. Your hosts, and/or the park/beach visitors will thank you for your courtesy!

5. Don't Drink & Drive! That should be a given on any day, but it's a good reminder that bad things can and do happen when you drink too much and get behind the wheel of a car, or boat, or jetski! Just don't do it!

I hope everyone has a pleasant, and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend!

Ready To POP!

It amazes me that I have a 20 year old daughter, yet I have never been an Aunt... Well, not until now that is! I was absolutely delighted when I found out my sister-in-law was pregnant, and immediately offered to help host her Baby Shower. This, of course, is the second large project (that I mentioned in last week's post) that I have been working on all summer.

Having a slight addiction to Pinterest does occasionally pay off, especially when looking for party/event planning idea's. After teaming up with my sister-in-law Regina, the theme we chose for this Baby Shower was "Ready To POP!"

Photos are courtesy of my dear friend Jacqueline! 

I eagerly put my new Cricut Expression 2 to work and, with my friend Megan graciously loaning me 2 of her Cricut Cartridges, made all the Baby Shower decorations myself. 

I designed each table centerpiece to be decorative, and ultimately become the prize of the main game.

We kept the guests entertained with our "Conversational Diapers" table:

                 

 

Ken quizzing his sister with answers pre-given by her husband. Really fun!

And wish cards for the baby:

Continuing with "Ready To POP!" we made sure all of our food fit the theme too! We served "POPable Meatballs", "Caprese POPS", "Fruit POPS", "Cake POPS", "POPcorn", "POPular Cheeseballs", and "POP & Water". 

The guests loved the theme, and everyone had a wonderful time! It was definitely worth every minute of planning, and a lot of fun to see it all come together! 

Me with all 3 of my sisters-in-law, and my new niece!

Have you ever hosted a theme party? What is your favorite Baby Shower memory?

Double Dip or Finger Lick!

I recently ran across this funny little infographic.

Image Source From: Loveinfographics.com

The most interesting thing to me about this survey is that it is focused on an etiquette taboo like double dipping, yet it was conducted by the restaurant known for it's "finger licking good" food. It's a bit of an etiquette oxymoron, but brings up an equally grotesque habit... licking your fingers, or utensils, and then touching food others may eat.

It's very easy to get distracting preparing, cooking, or setting up food, get a little on your fingers, lick them, then continue without washing your hands. It's also a bad habit to taste test a dish and then continue to use the same utensil after it leaves your mouth. Let's not even start on the topic of hand feeding food to a pet then return to your cooking without washing! I suppose if your immediate family is accustomed to these practices then no one will complain, but please reserve these practices to the privacy of your immediate family, and spare your invited guests!

Aside from the "YUCK" factor of double dipping and finger licking, proper cooking and "eating etiquette" (which I'm defining as something different than dining etiquette) prevents the spread of germs. No one wants to go home from a dinner party and wake up with a bad cold, or food poisoning. Please remember to wash your hands, use separate utensils, and set out small plates and ramekins to allow guests their own portions of dipping sauce.

What is your biggest eating etiquette complaint?

April Showers

Although Bridal and Baby Showers are not exclusively held in the Springtime, statistically there are more "Spring Showers" then any other time of the year. I often get asked questions regarding etiquette do's and don'ts, and lately I've had quite a few regarding Shower etiquette. As Bridal and Baby Showers differ in many ways I will address them separately, but there are some aspects that remain the same for both. Let's start in traditional order... with the Bride.

Bridal Showers are traditionally hosted by the Maid of Honor in coordination with the Bridesmaids. It is taboo for immediate family members to host the Bridal Shower (unless they are in the Bridal Party) as it is seen as "gift mongering".

Depending on how much you put into hosting a Shower, the event itself is considered the gift from the host. However, if you are a Bridesmaid and your contribution is a plate of cookies, you should include a small gift off the registry as well. If you are in the Bridal party and are unable to help plan, or to attend the Shower you are still obligated to send a gift.

Bridal Shower's are generally held 1 to 2 months before the wedding, but can be held up to 6 months before the wedding for special circumstances. Invitations should be sent out 4 to 6 weeks before the Shower.

Every person invited to a Bridal Shower should also be invited to the Wedding. The only exception is a Shower that is thrown by co-workers at your place of employment. Co-workers may wish to help you celebrate your happy event, but it is not expected that you invite every person you work with to the Wedding.

Traditionally a Bride has ONE Bridal Shower. The only exceptions to this rule are work related Showers with co-workers, and out of state Showers thrown by out of state family and friends who cannot make it to the main Shower. Having multiple Showers (one for the Bride's side, one for the Groom's side, one for friends, etc.) is very rude and seen as a selfish way to accumulate gifts. A Bridal Shower is the first of many events to bring both sides of the family together to get to know each other and celebrate a major life event.

Baby Showers have a few different rules of etiquette. A Baby Shower can be hosted by anyone, and generally the future Grandmothers should be included in some small way.

Baby Showers should be held anywhere from 1 to 3 months before the baby is due. Guests will want to see the mom-to-be in her big belly glory, but you don't want it too close in case the baby decides to make an early entrance. It is also acceptable to have a Baby Shower after the baby is born, especially when there are medical reasons, or it's an adoption. Baby Showers for mothers who have adopted their new precious family member should avoid games that relate to pregnancy.

The host of a Baby Shower should be considerate of the mom-to-be's comfort level, food choices (some women will have food issues all through their pregnancy), and games. Never choose games that would embarrass the guest of honor!

Once again, a Baby Shower is a one time event. The few exceptions to this rule are the 2 mentioned above, and if there has been a significant amount of time between children (like 10 years!). However, it is perfectly acceptable to have a "Baby Sprinkle". This is something that has recently gained popularity, and is an event that is smaller than a Shower, and only for a few small gifts (blankets, onesies, pajamas, etc.) the parents may need for their newest addition. A Baby Sprinkle is a great way to celebrate a new life with friends and family without them feeling like they are being manipulated into buying another expensive gift.

Although it's not mandatory, it is a nice gesture to bring a small gift for any older siblings that may be feeling left out with all the attention going to the new baby.

Bridal and Baby Showers should include a few quick games, unwrapping the gifts, and food and beverages. The amount of food you should have depends on the time of day you plan the Shower. If it's planned around lunch or dinner, then plan on having food that serves as a meal. If it's an early morning brunch style Shower, or mid-afternoon, then finger foods and tea cakes are all you need.

Any Shower should last 2 to 3 hours. Any longer than that and guests will get annoyed and restless.

If you are an invited guest to a Bridal or Baby Shower and are unable to attend you are not obligated to send a gift. However, if the guest of honor is a close friend or relative, it would be nice to send a gift to show your love and support.

If you have questions or concerns about gift buying you can refer to a previous post I made on the topic here, and my post on general Hosting Etiquette can be found here.

At the end of the day, a Bridal and Baby Shower should be a fun, and joyous gathering of friends and family to celebrate a new event in a loved one's life.

What was your favorite thing about a Bridal or Baby Shower that you have attended or given? What is the worst part of a Shower you have attended?