Handed out smiles today

I found some individual mints at the dollar store today when I was shopping and just had to pick them up. They had smiley faces on one side & “Smile, Be Happy” on the other. They’re just like these:

I gave them away to people inside & out of Walmart. Simply told them they needed a smile & to have a good day. Then I seen an elderly lady loading groceries into the trunk of her car by herself and helped her finish. I’m trying to be on the lookout for more RAOK opportunities that I can do. It’s hard some days- the rush of go-go-go life tries to control me.  ;o)   But I figure if I keep trying & make kindness a priority it’ll all balance out.

Now to go work on some fun kindness for my family- dishes done & laundry going will be a big kindness to the hubs. And getting a surprise advent calendar for the kids done before Dec. 1st will be a kindness to them. (Last year was the first year I dropped the ball on the fun Christmas traditions I do & I want to make sure it doesn’t happen again this year!)

Technorati Tags: RAOK,random acts of kindness

Flowers for Random Strangers

Seeing a marked down bouquet of flowers at Kroger's the other day and I felt the need to just do a total random act of kindness again. So a few days late I celebrated a monthly holiday I’ve neglected for quite some time- GFTAS Day. No pics because it was a spur of the moment thing & I’m one of those weird people that don’t have the standard camera-equipped cell phone. But that’s ok- this puts the focus on the giving like it should be.

I separated the bunch to be able to spread the joy out more. I seen a lady get out of the car next to me with her grandson outside the dollar store as I was leaving, so I decided she was my first “victim”. I left some pretty flowers (no idea what kind) on the windshield of her car. Then as I was leaving I seen an older woman getting in her vehicle. I quickly parked my van & knocked on her window (bet that was a surprise) and when she cracked her door I told her “this is for you” as I gave her a rose. Her face instantly lit up and she thanked me.

Next stop on my errand list was Wal-Mart. When I was getting ready to go inside there was a lady loading her cartful of groceries in the back of her vehicle. While she was busy I laid a rose on the top of her cart and told her it was for her. Her demeanor instantly changed from on of drudgery to joy. She thanked me brightly and I wished her a good day. Her response was that she was already now.

A drive through the grocery store parking lot revealed an elderly woman putting bags in her vehicle. I don’t know quite what she thought of being handed a rose from a stranger- I don’t think she got past the surprise before I was back in the van on the way again.

Left with a small broken stemmed carnation I was stumped until I went through the drive-thru at my bank. While the teller inside was depositing my money I taped a RAOK from HelpOthers.com onto the stem. When I retrieved my receipt I slyly put the flower in the carrier thing for the next banker to find.

 

I forgot how much fun it was to celebrate this random kindness holiday created by a kind giving soul. I definitely want to do it more often!

Technorati Tags: RAOK,random acts of kindness,GFTAS Day

2012 Gratitude Challenge- 30 Days of Thankfulness

November = 30 Days of Thankfulness being shared. Last year I was inspired by an Attitude of Gratitude Challenge put forth by Kendra at My Insanity for the month of November and while my blogging skills about it lapsed considerably- I enjoyed the focus it helped me put on being thankful and expressing it to others. So this year I’m going to once again do a daily tally of what I am thankful for in my life. Whether I can find another blog that’s hosting a similar challenge to join or if I go solo- you can bet I’ll be counting my blessings daily. I’ll even try and find the time to share them virtually- but no promises because life’s full of fun & crazies and needs to be enjoyed more than by just sitting in front of a computer screen.

I think my personal challenge this time is to do more than virtually write & verbally express what I’m thankful for. I’m going to strive to show others in a more personal way that they are blessings in my life.

 

Day 1: I'm thankful for the journey of my life- it has made me the person I am today. All the trials & tribulations, joys & sorrows have taught me so many lessons. And the greatest one is that you should always focus on the good things- for there is always something to be thankful for every day of your life.

Home Sweet Home

Baby Buggy Cake

Here’s the baby shower cake I did for my SIL. Turned out real cute- though there was a few things (like usual) that if I would have changed if I would of had more time. I wish I would of taken a picture at home before travel. Unfortunately the heat & the new frosting recipe I used didn’t play well together. (Though the recipe was reportedly good in high temps.)  When I got opened the cake box at the park I discovered the ruffles & border slid off the edge of the cake in a couple spots.

I have another cake to do next weekend- for a non-family member! It will be my first paid cake- though I’m just going to charge enough to cover my expenses. I’m trying to work towards making my hobby more into a small home business. But I need to do some serious work on my decorating skills before I feel comfortable doing cakes for strangers. I have a few goals & things to do before I take the full step.

Monday Ramblings

It’s a quiet Monday morning. Peaceful.

It was a bit nippy this morning when I rode bikes with the Littles to their Summer Adventure Camp. But it’s nice getting out that early. I got my garden & flower bed watered. Eldest & his friend are still snoozing. At least that’s what I’m assuming- I haven’t heard any noise come from the room yet. The dog hasn’t even woke up yet. So it’s just me. And after a crazy week or so of work crap & the start of summer vacation- I like some just me time.

I think I’m going to take my nook outside & sit at the free patio set our neighbor gave us this weekend. Read for a bit before it’s time to be a responsible grownup again. Yep- dishes, laundry, shower, dress clothes & such are all gonna have to wait.

Summer Bucket List Challenge

 

I’m joining the Summer Bucket List Challenge at the Happy Family Movement.  I’ve always admired all the summer lists I’ve seen posted all over Pinterest & Blog-land. It’s been one of those “I should do that” things, that never gets done. Not this summer!

I’m *going* to do it! It doesn’t have to be perfect or cute or half as awesome-looking as all the ones I seen online. It just has to be *done*.

If you want to join me & all the other happy family’s- check it out here:

http://thehappyfamilymovement.com/joyful-family-living-simple-ideas-for-happy-families/summer-bucket-list-challenge-2012/

Now- I’m off to start my list. I’ll be back when I get it finished!