A Recipe for a Perfect Summer!

Wow! Is it really July 18th? I can't believe we are going back to school in just 3 weeks! We have had an amazing Summer and I don't want it to end! We've made the most of this one and it's been one of my favorites! As we do every Summer we headed off to my family's farm in Lexington, Kentucky. It amazes me how beautiful this part of the country is every time I see it. I was warned to bring a few sweaters but hearing that when it was already in the 100's here in the deep South I neglected to heed the warnings. Thankfully I was able to raid my grandmother's closet for a jacket or two when needed. The tradition is that every Summer my entire family, my parents, both sisters and our families, head to The Farm for as long as we possibly can. The Farm is the result of a dream come true for my Grandparents (they no longer live there), and it has become our annual Summer retreat. Some people go to the Hamptons, we go to The Farm! It's very Summer-Campy...lots of fishing, no tv or video games (occaisionally we'll put in a movie), tons of laughter, good food (my favorite is the Big Blue BLT!), quiet time every afternoon and every day must start with a game of SCRABBLE and end with a game of cards or the day is not complete! There is even a trophy for the grandchild who catches the biggest Bass of the trip, it's a hard fought battle each year but a healthy competition.

Returning to reality after being in a bubble for 3 to 4 weeks is very hard. Of course, with today's technology we do get bits and pieces of news and Hollywood gossip but, for the most part, we are in La La Land at The Farm. I keep asking myself when my teenage children will liken our time at The Farm to being on restriction but they haven't yet, and to be honest...I think they enjoyed this year the most. Fishing, ping-pong, long walks in the fields, board games, tire swings, water fights, popsicles, blackberry picking...even the farm work was fun! Ugh...I miss it! I'm already counting down the days until next year's trip...just 339 more days until The Farm!

Shop Confetti for a Cause...shopping for a greater good!

These days shopping should not only be about finding just what you're looking for - you're buying dollar should benefit a greater good. www.shopconfetti.com would like to help organizations that my be struggling to raise funds during these difficult economic times.

We have always supported fundraising efforts but we feel that more can be done. We have developed a new program, "Shop Confetti for a Cause". Your organization, church or school can apply to partner with www.shopconfetti.com and receive up to 20% of sales, generated by your organization, back. This time of year consumers are buying Graduation, Mother's Day and Wedding gifts, why shouldn't your association earn recognition and raise funds while they get what they are shopping for any way?

We are currently preparing to do our 2nd "Shop Confetti for a Cause" event with the Women's Ministry of Providence Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island to benefit the Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, South Carolina. Thornwell has been providing hope and care for children, youth and families since 1875. The home nurtures more than 100 children, many who suffer from mild to moderate emotional difficulties stemming from a variety of family complications. The care of the Thornwell's residents is based on sound Christian principles and a warm, loving atmospher staffed by teachers dedicated to providing the finest in Christian development.

On April 22, 2009 the Women's Ministry of Providence Presbyterian Church is hosting a luncheon where everyone is invited for an afternoon of boutique shopping and lunch. Twenty percent of the sales will be donated to the Thornwell Home for Children. Last year, the Women's Ministry in combination with www.shopconfetti.com were able to give the Home over two thousand dollars to benefit their faith based programs. This year, our goal is to surpass that amount.

If you would like to attend the event, please contact Pat Green (843) 341-3574 for tickets. You can also go to www.thornwell.org and make a direct donation or find out more about their programs.

www.shopconfetti.com would like to help other organizations, schools, churches raise funds and awareness. Please contact Katie at katie@shopconfetti.com to learn more about our "Shop Confetti for a Cause" program. Making the world a better place to SHOP!