Random Acts~ Part Nine...

Today I decided to give a gift that will live long past today, and may help more than one person in need.  I made an appointment to give blood.  I know that may not seem like a whole lot, but if you are ever in a serious accident, like my sister was earlier this year you would know that it literally can save a life.  I know that some people are scared to give their blood or just don't like to do it.  Some people never give blood because they were never asked.  So I am asking you now, if you are able to, please find a donation site and give the gift of your blood.  It will only take about an hour of your time & most places when you are done will give you a really cool sticker & snacks!  ( Lol, trying to be a little light hearted. )  If you are un-able to donate for whatever reason, donate your time.  Every bit helps.  You never know the power of the gift that you give until you see the end results.  I can tell you that without someone's most generous gift.  I might have been an only child this Christmas.  It is a bold and sobering statement all in one.  Here are two of the commercials that Red Cross has put out there lately that I think are worth the time to watch.  Wishing you & yours a most joyous Holiday Season... Holiday Gift Giving with Fred 2011 & 
The Perfect Gift 2010 
XoXo

Random Acts~ Part Eight...

Have you ever had a day when you just didn't have the time or maybe the patience to deal with anyone? That was me today... I am on day 3, of having a migraine & all I want to do is sleep in a nice quiet & dark place.  The pounding in my head is almost more than I can bare at this point, but I know that it will pass.  I just have to be patient... So, I had just finished my appointment at the dentist and I had to run a few quick errands before heading home.  I ran into Walmart which was packed, and started to collect up the things that I needed before I made a dash for the check out.  I happened to walk by the jewelry department where I saw an elderly gentleman who had a cane, trying desperately to get a pair of earrings down.  Try as he might he just couldn't reach them.  I went over and asked if I might be able to assist him with something.  We got talking and he told me that he was hunting for a few things but just was running out of energy and his hip was hurting him.  Apparently, all of the motorized chairs at the entrance were being used at the time.  So, I started to help him.  We ended up spending almost an hour together.  We got everything that he wanted to get, and then I got him to the check out counter.  He Thanked me, and then offered to talk to my Manger to tell them what a wonderful job I had done, & it was the best service that he had ever gotten ( especially at Walmart )... I had to laugh... I told him that I didn't work there, I was just helping him out.  He was genuinely shocked.  He couldn't understand why I took the time to help him out.  I told him that somewhere in his life he had helped someone out, "just because"I was returning the favor.  I thought he was going to cry right there.  He offered to pay me & I refused.  I told him that one day, I might be in a similar situation & I hope that someone will take the time to help me.  He got the biggest smile on his face.  He told me that the earrings were for "his girl".  Apparently they had just moved into a retirement community and she had given away all of her good jewelry so he wanted her to have something that sparkled for Christmas.  I told him that I was glad to help & hoped that she would enjoy them.  Simple acts of kindness... It took me an hour longer than I had planned on & I wasn't at 100%, but it was still good enough to help him with his needs.  He left with a smile & I left with a warm feeling knowing that I had made his day a little brighter...

XoXo

Random Acts~ Part Seven...

Today I spent the day inside watching the snow falling outside, and dealing with "after shock" headaches.  At times drifting in and out of sleep.  Trying to keep the random acts going, I made a few cakes today and a bunch of cookies that will be delivered tomorrow.  I also worked on getting my Thank you letters to all of my supporters and sponsors done.  It is amazing to think that this year is almost over.  I hope as you count down the final days leading up to the New Year you can look back and smile.  Enjoy the events, live in the moment, and don't forget to tell those that you love how much they mean to you.  

XoXo 

Random Acts~ Part Five & Six...

     

I am sad to report that I got derailed for the last two days.  I suffer from debilitating migraines and I got one that was epic.  So I guess the kindness that I have been trying to share with others, I had to give to myself.  I find it hard to be grounded, especially when I have something in mind that I am trying to do.  With migraines, or at least with mine, they are very unforgiving.  I have to pretty much stop whatever is going on and just be quiet.  I have spent the greater part of the last two days in bed, in the dark and begging for silence.  Tonight, I just wanted to let you know that even thought I have been down, I am not out...  

XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~Heart-Healthy Smoothie & Cocktail...

        Heart-Healthy Drinks
Seeing that we are doing many things from our heart this season. I thought that this Smoothie & Cocktail combination would be a wonderful addition to your recipe collection!  Clogged arteries can force your heart to work harder than it should, causing a multitude of health problems. Here are two drinks that are sure to keep your ticker in tip-top shape and your blood flowing smoothly.


Circulation Smoothie
Get your blood pumping with this easy smoothie recipe. It’s chockfull of ingredients with antioxidants that boost blood flow and can help to keep your arteries clear.

Ingredients:  

1/2 cup pomegranate juice

1/2 banana

5 strawberries

1/2 cup yogurt

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a blender, and blend until desired consistency is reached. Enjoy!

Heart Attack Prevention Cocktail

The cranberry juice in this cocktail is packed full of antioxidants, while the stevia will work to relax your blood vessels. Drink this cocktail in the morning.

Ingredients

1 part pure cranberry juice

1 part flaxseed oil

4 drops of liquid natural stevia

Directions

Take a shotglass. Fill half the glass with the cranberry juice and half with flaxseed oil. Top off with 1-4 drops of stevia in liquid form.