March, 2010

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ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Prom Dresses

Thursday, March 11th, 2010
ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

Do you have a prom dress hanging around and are wondering what to do with it?
There may be a Fairy Godmother near you who will match your dress to the perfect Cinderella.

Fairy Godmothers, Inc. was founded in 2002 by Joyce Jesko in Pennsylvania. The concept has grown and there are other Fairy Godmother chapters and sister organizations throughout the U.S. Contact your nearest location to donate prom dresses and accessories.

Do you know a young lady whose family is hurting in this economy? Let them know where and when the dress fair will be held.

For Columbus, Ohio readers, Fairy Godmothers will accept prom dresses year round at the Talbots at Worthington Square Mall. They also are looking for strappy shoes (larger sizes preferably), jewelry, purses and wraps.

Then, the Cinderella’s Boutique will open April 10 and April 17 at the Worthington Mall located at the corner of Rt. 23 (High Street) and Wilson Bridge Roads, just south of I-270. Operation hours follow the operation hours of the mall. For more information, call: (614) 799-9280 or email the Fairy Godmothers at [email protected].

Only High School Juniors and Seniors are eligible to receive a free prom dress from The Cinderella’s Boutique. The student will fill out a short application and provide proof that they are a current student (valid student ID card, driver’s license, or report card.) Then a personal “Godmother” will help the student find the perfect prom dress.

Donating finery, spreading the word, or volunteering as a personal shopping assistant are all ways that you can be involved and make a very special dream come true.

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Are Good Things Crowding Out THE BEST?

Friday, March 5th, 2010

“But, this is still good.”

Meaning : I can’t part with it while it has utility. I invested money and energy into this.

Sadly, the gaggle of what is only “good” – whether that is information, possessions, intentions, pursuits, or desires – disguises and crowds out THE BEST until we can’t distinguish what THE BEST is anymore.

Does that statement sound too philosophical to be practical? Think about clothing in your closet or dresser as an example. How many are clothes you used to love that either don’t fit, are too ragged/faded from use, need alterations or repair, or are simply out of style? Odds are you will never wear them again, but they are “too good to give/throw away!”

When you look for something to wear, those leftovers are in the way, confusing your choices and slowing you down. What if you kept only the clothes that you wear constantly and make you feel great about yourself? You could shop your closet much more effectively and be more confident in your appearance every day.

Credit: Supagroova/flickr

Credit: Supagroova/flickr

Now think of that area in your life that is bugging you and seems overwhelming. In the same way, is there physical or mental clutter that is blocking your progress and success? These questions may help clarify your thinking:

What represents THE BEST for you in this area? Hint: What do you want to see in 10 years?

What things and attitudes do not support THE BEST for you? Will you have the courage to let go?

What three actions can you take to pursue THE BEST? Pick one. Start doing that today.

Is there someone who has experience in this area from whom you can learn? Don’t think you have to do it all yourself. Surround yourself with a supportive team. Trade time with a friend who can help you with something you aren’t good at and vice versa. Call in an expert to get you started.

Don’t let what is good rob you of THE BEST!

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ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Toys

Thursday, March 4th, 2010
ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

Often children outgrow toys that are still good. Parents can check twice a year just before Christmas and the child’s birthday to see if they are ready to part with a few things. Sometimes the hint that new toys will arrive soon makes kids more willing to let go.

Gently used toys, newer video-game units with non-violent games, and clean plush animals will be welcomed by a women’s shelter or homeless shelter. Senior centers can use Beanie Babies for bingo prizes. The Salvation Army and Goodwill still accept toys that are intact and in good condition.

There are also a few groups that specifically ask for stuffed animals that are clean and in good repair.

Police units may keep small plush animals (less than 21″) on hand to help calm children found in traumatic situations. Check with your local law enforcement agency about their policy.

SAFE – Stuffed Animals For Emergencies sends plush toys around the world.

We collect various items such as stuffed animals, toys, books and baby blankets to benefit children during emergency situations such as fires, illness, accidents, neglect, abuse, homelessness and even weather emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. We also donate the items we receive to other children’s organizations, military organizations, libraries and even nursing homes.

SAFE is now collecting specifically for U.S. deployed troops in Afghanistan and Iraq as well for children in Haiti. Email Jennifer at  jenalloy15 at gmail dot com for drop-off points in Ohio.

Beanies for Baghdad is another group that collects Beanie Babies, school supplies, and toys that are then distributed by soldiers in Iraq.

Most people don’t know what to do with their Beanies anymore and this organization has been sending Beanies overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan for seven years! The troops use the Beanies to help develop relationships with the people in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as to put a smile on the face of a child who probably has never had a stuffed animal of their own.

Cash donations are also accepted to help with shipping costs.

A toy that is still in the original box is welcomed by the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.  The toys are then distributed at Christmas to low income families.

It is never too early to have children experience the thrill of giving. Knowing that another child doesn’t have toys can become a lesson in thankfulness as well.

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What to Do About the Hobby I Used to Be Passionate About?

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Have you had an interest in the past that has been pushed aside by family or job responsibilities? You plan to get back to your sewing projects, sports collection, history books, scrapbooking, genealogy, _____________________ (fill in the blank) someday.  Meanwhile, that mound of yesterday’s projects is a distraction at best, at worst a symbol of failure to execute.

Topps 2010 Baseball Cards

It is possible that your interests simply have changed and you have outgrown that pursuit or hobby. Do you ever read the first half of a book and decide you learned all you wanted to on that particular topic?  The same can happen with any interest.  There is nothing wrong with deciding to change direction or to learn a new skill. Like the book, a hobby or activity can be set aside and the materials given to another avid follower.

Do not allow that stalled project to rule your emotions or take up precious space.

If you truly want to pursue a past activity when your time is freer, box up the project materials and store in a remote location. That will clear both your mind and your space of extraneous clutter. All your materials will be intact when you are ready to begin anew (or to gladly pass it all on to a grateful friend.)

No guilt or regret need apply!

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