Gifts of Kindness

Most everyone I know is familiar with the phrase, “random acts of kindness,” but do we realize that the meaning of this phrase requires action? I worry sometimes that the busy pace of life with all of its twists and turns sometimes leaves us on that road to you know where paved with good intentions. When something major pops up, we make time to lend a hand and this is great. But what about all the times in between when people need just a little bit of our kindness to get them through a rough patch? Are we diligently lending ourselves during these times or making excuses that life has gotten in the way? Being that we are all human, I suspect the latter to be the more realistic scenario.  This brings me to my pontification for the day – how do we overcome this human tendency to better promote and deliver acts of kindness as a way of life? As usual, I did a little research and found some great resources! 

Let’s start with a true resource for ideas, plans and information sharing on promoting acts of kindness. In 1995 an official non-profit foundation was started for the sole purpose of inspiring and assisting people to practice kindness and pass it on to others. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation now hosts a tremendously useful website with a wide range of resources. You can find a pick me up quote, send an inspirational electronic postcard, participate in discussion boards, find plans for educational and work environments, as well as information on how kindness promotes good health. Pretty much anything you might need to inspire and promote acts of kindness in the world is available for FREE.

Another discovery is a product called Boom Boom! Cards. The creators of these cards have taken the acts of kindness movement to the next level by upgrading it from random acts to audaciously intentional efforts. They are seeking to start a revolution of sorts through the use and sharing of these cards. Let me try to explain. After selecting the deck of cards appropriate to your lifestyle and intentions, you register them with the Boom Boom site and begin your acts of kindness. Each card features beautiful artwork along with a kindness suggestion. When you have completed your act of kindness (or Boom Boom!) you are encouraged to share your story on the site and then pass the card along to someone else so they can keep the kindness momentum going. Each card has a special coding, so as it makes its way around the world inspiring kind deeds you can track the shared stories to share the journey.

I realize that of these two finds only one can be considered a traditional sort of gift. If you know someone for whom the Boom Boom! Cards would be a great find I encourage you to buy a pack and get them started. However, I also encourage you to think outside of the gift box and consider acts of kindness as a gift to both the recipient of your good deed and the world at large.

Be kind. It is hardly ever the wrong thing to do.

Unknown

About to Pop!

I am in baby shower mode at the moment and stumbled across a party favor that inspired some wishful planning. Since the shower I am co-hosting soon is based on a totally different theme, I figured it would be safe to share my thoughts on this “maybe someday” shower idea. What is this precious item that inspired a whirlwind of party planner thoughts? An adorable party favor box designed to mimic the traditional movie popcorn boxes. Dressed appropriately for a baby shower, the movie reel graphic is replaced by that of a pregnant lady “about to pop” which drives the theme of my thoughts.

Being that I am a movie fan,  it was easy for my brain to pull together a few thoughts on what I could do with this theme… just keep in mind these are the ramblings of a wishful plan and not yet tested as ideas that other people actually like. Of course, I hope that everyone in the world finds them fun with a twist of silly, but you can never please everyone!

Opening Credits… Invitations

There are a number of invitation options from which you can choose. If you have the time and motivation, you can get crazy with the clip art and color printer to create a totally one of a kind option. Much as my inner crafter loves this idea, sometimes you just don’t have the time. Recently I was introduced to a site that bridges the gap between the need to feel creative and the efficiency of having someone else do it for you – a true compromise! In an effort to provide visual aids for my wishful shower, I visited the sight to see what they offer for stock options in a movie design. There were not any under the “baby shower” category, but feel free to bend the rules and use the oh so cute options in the standard event option category. As long as you pay them, I am sure they won’t care!

Snack Bar Options… the Menu

Baby shower food has developed some standard and expected menu items. Being the rule bender that I am, I prefer to shake things up a bit and surprise people. This theme gives me the PERFECT opportunity to indulge this devious streak! Obviously you need popcorn to support the “pop” theme, but no one said it has to be boring. There are quite a few varieties of popcorn flavors and styles (air popped, kettle corn, cheddar, etc.) Don’t stop at the popcorn, though. Think about all of the yummy junk food you indulge in while at the movies – hot dogs, nachos, candy, soda pop…. Are you with me? When I get to host this shower the food station will resemble the snack counter offering all of these indulgences and more. For items like nachos I suggest a build your own option to lend an ounce of accommodation for anyone on a diet. If you really want to go all out, check out options for sodas that can be customized with labels made just for the shower. Display them as a self-serve item in a bucket and let guests pick their favorite flavor. One last thought… ditch the cute paper plates and stick with the theme by using popcorn trays and buckets. Since the trays have a cup holder built in it might even be a little easier for guests to wander with all of their selections. *** (See below for additional ideas...)

Action!... Games and Activities

We have all endured the traditional baby shower games so many times that the competition becomes non existent or cut throat because everyone already knows how to win. Since this theme is a bit irreverent it opens the door to a whole new batch of games. I have not yet completed the list of “the whole batch”, but do have a couple of thoughts.

Option One – Put together a movie quiz game based on popular movies with kid themes. Movies such as Mr. Mom, Baby Boom, Three Men and a Baby, etc spring to my mind. If you are not a fan of quick games, create your own version of Pictionary using these and other movies. Either option ties together the popcorn/movie theme and babies.

Option Two – I had to dig deep in my memory banks for this one… and it might be a stretch for the sake of the “pop” theme. When I was very young I recall a birthday party game where guests were divided into teams for a simple relay. The catch? You had to make your way from one end to the other with an inflated balloon held between your knees. If the balloon “popped” before everyone in your team completed the relay, you had to get a new balloon and start over. Obviously you need to know your guests for this option to be a success. If they were born without a silly gene, it is probably not a good option.

That’s a Wrap!... Party Favors

These adorable little party favor boxes are what started this thought process, but what to put inside them is totally up to you. For my fantasy shower, I thought it would be fun to purchase a variety of retro candy options and display them on a self-serve station in which guests can load up their mini popcorn boxes with their favorites before they depart. If you prefer to pre-load your favor boxes they will still make a festive display and you can recycle the retro candy idea to the menu!

*** If you are working with a budget or just prefer to make your own popcorn, check out these fun recipe options! Popcorn Recipes (added February 24, 2011)

Let's Play!

A digital newsletter I subscribe to arrived today with loads of fun product suggestions. One in particular caught my attention and after that I was on a nostalgic kick to find some board games that would have kept me from being bored those many years ago when I was a child. I must admit that the skeptic in me thought the big companies had already cornered the market on possible game ideas. Thankfully I was wrong!

For the little ones – Ages 3+

S’match – A similar premise to the memory game I grew up playing, this new version adds a twist with spinner that chooses how you make your match – by color, number or category. 

Dog Dice – A playful spin off of the traditional Bingo game, this version tosses in some dice in place of the caller and requires that you match both of the dice to your card before marking them off with a bone.

Hula Hippos – The title immediately brought back memories of the Hungry Hippo game I loved so much, but had to play in the basement due to the noise level… I digress! Just as interactive, this version challenges players to bounce their hippos inside of a spinning ring. A great lesson in dexterity for the little ones and busy enough that it just might hold their attention!

The Kindergarten Crowd – Ages 5+

Rush Hour - When I checked out this game the first thought I had was Tetris… my adolescent obsession! Challenging similar brain function this game is less digital and more hands on for kids. To begin, the player selects a start card (at various levels of skill). The board is set to match the cars and their layout as shown before the player is challenged to move the vehicles around the board to create an exit from the rush hour traffic for their car. Sure to engage the analytical wonder in your life and, perhaps, prepare them for future driving adventures. A deluxe and ultimate version is also available for ages 8+.

Wig Out – A silly card game designed to challenge fast paced matching skills. Players must match crazy hair styles to get rid of their cards first to win the game. Easy to pack, simple to play… both great qualities in a kid’s game!

Slamwich – This one reminds me of slapjack, but with a playful twist. The cards are shaped like sandwich bread and fixings. It’s fast paced and a little intense as players try to collect all the cards first by building slamwiches before the thief or muncher gets to the cards first!

For the slightly more “mature” kids – Ages  8+

Rory’s Story Cubes – I must admit that these look fun to me… and I swear that I am an adult! Easy to transport, this game consists of 9 dice and your imagination. Each side of the 9 dice shows a picture designed to trigger your creativity as you use them to build a story. Even those who are usually story telling challenged will find themselves spinning tall tales! Whether you play to win or just for fun, this game is sure to produce lots of laughs and memories.

Funny Business – Prepare to flex your brainstorming muscles with this game! Players select two random business cards and then compete to come up with the most appropriate business name. For example, if you had to name a bakery and a barber shop combined, you might call it Bread Heads!

River Crossing – Another one that is reminiscent of Tetris to me… sensing a theme? Players have a hiker character that must safely cross the river filled with alligators and piranha. Using planks and stumps they must map out the best route to complete their journey.

Rock It Baby!

Much to the dismay of the boyfriend, I am back on my baby kick! This time I went in search of gear for the little ones that is a bit off the mark from the traditional options. Digging deep into my wild youth, I did some searching for baby stuff that really rocks.. and found some REALLY cute options!

Official cautionary note: selections shown are based on my twisted sense of humor and may not be found funny to all. Websites referenced offer a variety of options with at least one sure to tickle your funny bone.

 

For the Little Punk...

There is, of course, a vast array of selections available featuring many favorites of the grown up rebelous youth. The Black Flag option just happened to catch my eye due to a youthful crush on one Henry Rollins... sigh...

 

 

A Little Retro Chic....

If your little one bounces to the beat, they may be able to rock this onesie! Sporting retro inspired font and playing on the days of the DJ this option is simultaneously cute, sassy and stylish.

Geek Chic...

Anyone remember the calculator tricks using upside down numbers to create words? Well, this little number pays homage to the original digital entertainment. Breast feeders be ware!

Asian Inspired...

For those with a love of Asian culture and couture, this baby kimono offers a chance to dress your wee one in style. Of course, it can't hurt that the basic design also makes diaper checks a bit easier!

 

Simply Silly...

This one just made my smile! What appears to be a cute graphic of building blocks bears a touch of sass as the letters combine to spell... Rock out with your blocks out!!