Monday, March 18, 2013

March is National Nutrition Month


                March is “National Nutrition Month.”  I didn’t know this fact until I was searching for things to write about this month.  With that in mind, I purchased a magazine from my grocery store that has recipes for Whole-Meal Salads.  I’m trying very hard to eat right, but bad stuff tastes so good.  Anyway, I digress.  I was intrigued with the statement on the front of the magazine that stated, “Proceeds from purchases of this magazine will go to Common Threads.”
                I flipped through the magazine looking for an explanation.  I had never heard of Common Threads before and wondered what the organization did.  I assumed it was a charity if the proceeds were going to them.  After a fruitless search through the magazine, I decided to search the internet.  There I found that Common Threads is an organization that teaches kids how to cook healthy.  Their main outreach is to the under served communities.  I believe it’s a worthwhile effort and if you would like more information, please visit their website at www.commonthreads.org.     

Friday, March 15, 2013

Easter Baskets of Joy


                Easter comes early this year.  So, here’s a craft that’s easy to do and is sure to brighten up someone’s day.  Make a bunch and bring them to a nursing home or hospital to spread some joy.
                To start, you will need two 8 ½ x 11 sheets of card stock in complementary colors (i.e. pink and lavender).  Cut one sheet down to make an 8 ½ square sheet.  Cut 2 ¾ inch squares out of each corner.  (see figure below)




With the second color cut strips measuring 1” x 3”.  Use wavy craft scissors to cut along one of the 3” lengths.  Glue the wavy strips onto the ends of the cross created with the first color. 



Fold up ends to create a basket.  Punch two holes in each end and tie up ends together using either ribbon or raffia.  Punch one hole in the middle of two opposite ends.  Attach ribbon or raffia to both holes to create a handle and decorate sides.  Stuff with Easter grass and put either decorated eggs or treats in the basket. (see below for finished product).




Monday, March 11, 2013

Luck of the Irish


                It’s the eleventh of March and I just realized that I have not given a theme for the month.  I guess I’ve already touched on March Madness and an Easter basket as a couple of activities that you could work into your life.  But, as an overall theme, I guess I could speak into the “Luck of the Irish.”  How are we lucky?  Employment in this economy is definitely good fortune.  We can consider ourselves lucky to have our health and a roof over our heads.  This month, let’s think about how we can help others that are not so lucky.
                What can we do for the homeless?  We’ve covered that with some helpful suggestions; cooking meals for the shelters, giving food to the food pantries, etc…  What about the unemployed?  Well, if you find yourself not fitting into that suit anymore, you can donate it to an agency that helps out those who are trying to secure employment.  By typing “donate gently used business attire,” into your search engine, you can find a variety of places looking for interview appropriate clothing.  Choose one that suits you.  Finally, as far as health is concerned, you could donate those crutches that you keep tripping over to a local nurse’s closet.  Someone will get use out of it that wouldn’t be able to buy their own crutches and you would remove a hazard from your home, increasing your luck. 
                These are just a few suggestions.  If something pops up this month, I’ll be sure to let you know.  In the meantime, be thankful for your blessings and don’t be afraid to share them.  

Monday, March 4, 2013

Girl Scouts-They Aren't Just About Cookies


                A Girl Scout troop was formed recently at my daughter’s school.  She was very excited about joining, but disappointed that she had to wait until next year before she would be able to sell cookies (the troop started after the cookie sales were finished).  I found it amusing that the impetus for her to join Girl Scouts was to sell cookies.    
                Their first meeting was last week.  The troop is made up of Kindergarteners, so they are “Daisies.”  At their meeting they found out how they would earn patches.  Each patch is a petal of the daisy and each represents a part of the Girl Scout law.  In the meeting, the troop leader told the girls that they would be earning their light green patch for “be considerate and caring.”  They would earn this patch by putting together an Easter basket for a financially burdened family in our community.   The township registered the troop for a girl their age.  At the next meeting each Daisy is to bring an item or two with them to put into the basket.  I’m looking forward to seeing the final product and I’m excited to know that Girls Scouts aren't just about cookies.  

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Some March Madness


                This weekend, I was flipping through the channels on the television and landed on a college basketball game.  I prefer college basketball to professional.  My friends would most likely say it’s because I’m from Cleveland and well, we’ve had some moments, but usually fell short.  Regardless, colleges are jockeying for position, hoping to be a part of the NCAA tournament.  This reminded me of a story that I read and would like to relay to you.

                There is a church group that uses the tournament to raise funds for a charity.  Those who fill out their brackets, pay a fee, just like a normal office pool.  But, the money collected does not go to the winner.  It goes to a charity.  The winner receives a donated prize.  I thought this was a cool idea. 
               The story that I read can be found via the following link

                I loved this story because I believe that charity should be fun.  So, go out, have some fun and maybe a little madness…March madness that is.