Drop A Love Bomb!!

Hi!

My name is Veronica and I'm Britney's sister. Thanks Britney for asking me to share a post!

I'm a huge fan of this blog and grateful that Britney felt inspired to start it. 

I love doing "Good Things"!

I also firmly believe that our small acts of kindness greatly bless and impact the lives of those around us. Sometimes in profound ways. We never know when our little act of kindness will give someone added strength, hope or courage to keep trying.

Today, I wanted to share something that I recently posted on my blog, Nineaplenty.

It's all about the "LOVE BOMB!"

What is a "Love Bomb"?

I ran across this website and was instantly intrigued.

Every week, people are nominated to receive "Love Bombs". 

These are people who are struggling with 

different challenges in their lives. 

And each Thursday, you receive an email with an introduction of the recipient of that week's "Love Bomb". 

They share a link to this person's blog, and all you have to do is go leave an uplifting and encouraging comment. 

I LOVE IT!

Last week, we were sent to a blog post that was written by a 20-something young lady who just learned that her mother had days to live. Her blog post that day was a very touching letter to her mom.

So, we all dropped our "Love Bombs".

Hundreds of comments of love and support 

were left on her blog page.

And the best part was that she had no idea it was coming.

The week before was a young mom who was trying to stay courageous and strong as she helped her young child battle a horrible disease.

So, we all dropped our "Love Bombs".

I believe that life is short.

And I believe that any little thing we can do to make a difference really does matter.

The best thing about dropping a "Love Bomb" is 

that it literally takes less than 5 minutes.

We all have good intentions.

And yet this is so simple and easy.

You can do it!

Lives are changed, spirits are lifted and people are encouraged, 

one "Love Bomb" at a time!

Interested?

It's so easy.

Go to this link and sign up.

Drop a Love Bomb!

All they need is your name, email, city and state.

I don't believe that any of my "Love Bombs" make any grand difference on their own.

But, combined with hundreds of others, I believe it can.

Thanks for letting me share this Britney!

11*11*11 A VERY SPECIAL DAY

Some feel like the date tomorrow 11*11*11 will be a very special day.

You can ensure that it will be. 

Take the chance tomorrow to celebrate the day with

11 Acts of Kindness

In addition to the special date --  it's Veteran's Day!!!!

So many opportunities to do just a little bit of good.

Here are a few ideas...

Visit this blog to see some of the ways she suggests doing a little good.

She has ideas that take a little work and elbow grease, ideas that require a little bit of money, ideas that require no money,....lots of ideas. Check it out!

Or....visit here to see all of Debbie's ideas

 ...especially those deeds that help our veterans and servicemen.

Or go here

to join in her month long celebration endeavor of spreading kindness.

Or visit here

and look at some of the great ideas that are already being done by others.

Most importantly,...don't feel overwhelmed, guilty, or stressed.

Keep it simple...perhaps just send a sweet note to school in your kids' lunches.

Here is one I found on Pinterest.

Whatever you decide, make it a great day!!

I'd love to hear back from you.

Cystic Fibrosis and a really good hot dog!!!

If you are local you have an opportunity this weekend to help Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes thick, sticky  mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. Without treatment, this condition is fatal. Luckily, there are now many wonderful treatments and medications available that allow people with CF to live healthy, normal lives.

However, the current median life expectancy is still only 37.4 years. Scientists are coming closer and closer to finding a cure for CF -- just this year an exciting new drug was submitted for FDA approval that "fixes" things at the cellular level for people with a select group of CF mutations -- but they need more help.

Here's how you can play a part...

This Saturday, November 5th, there is a run right here in Provo. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is hosting "The Dawg Run," a 2.2 mile run from Provo High to J-Dawgs and back. 



Registration is at 10:30 a.m. and the run is at 11:00 a.m. 

The price is $20. Proceeds go directly to the CF Foundation to help scientists find a cure for CF.


Here's the great thing about this race: Participants will run to J-Dawgs, actually get to eat a J-Dawg, and then run back.
(This cracks me up!!! I think this is a great idea though -- think of the other venues you could do this with for fundraising. I can think of a few places I love to eat at enough that I might be willing to run there just to get to eat! Cupcake shop next time anyone?) Running and eating -- brilliant. 

All of the info above I received from my sweet friend Sarah, whose two-year-old daughter Madeline suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. Just like anyone else who deals with this on a personal level, I know she would appreciate any support you can give this event and this really good cause.

Plus, ....you get a J-Dawg!!! If you haven't had one -- you should!

Spread the word!

If you want to participate, go here for more information. If you like the idea of helping but not the idea of running, you can donate directly to the foundation on this page.

Kids raise money for children in Somalia

There are no age limitations for a caring heart and a desire to help.

Check out this news clip.


Way to go Dylan and Sasha!!

I love to see this!

Looking for Good News

I'm looking for Good News to share.

GOOD GOOD GOOD

If you have anything GOOD happening in your area, or something you have seen happen, let me know. I'd love to share it!!

You can post it in a comment or email me at ingoodco.britney@gmail.com

Summer of Service

If you're local, this is for you.....

Once again the local chapter of the United Way is sponsoring the Summer of Service. This is a volunteer program for youth that gives them weekly opportunities to do service projects and improve the community in which they live.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to get involved, go here. They already had their kickoff but it is not too late to join.

If you are not local or you do not have a youth, still check it out. I think this is a great idea/model that could be adapted and organized anywhere.

Japan

Another way to donate to the humanitarian efforts in Japan.

HERE

Tragedy in Japan

I'm sure most of you have your thoughts and your heavy heart headed towards all those that suffered at the hands of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan (and all of the other areas of the world.)

Here is a good link for several different ways you can help.

Jimmy Button - Miles for Miracles

Yesterday kicked off the beginning of a $1M fundraiser for Spinal Cord Research.

image

Miles for Miracles:

Former Motorcross Champion Jimmy Button and his trainer Cory Wolf will be riding bicycles 2428 miles from San Diego, CA to Daytona Beach, FL in order to help raise money for Spinal Cord Research.

The ride will take nearly 2 months and they hope to raise $1 million.

Jimmy has first-hand experience with this after his crash in 2000 left him with a pinched spinal cord and was considered an incomplete quadriplegic.

You can join their foundation Road 2 Recovery and their efforts to help more people like Jimmy find help with recovery.

If you are interested in their complete story go here.

If you are interested in donating to their cause, go here.

Today's Kindness Idea...

Have you been following along?

For today...

image

Carpool or pay someone's fare.

Keep scrolling down if you've missed any of the ideas for this week.

OR...

feel free to come up with your own.

Either way, keep spreading the kindness!!!!

Hope you're having a great week!

Today's Kindness Idea...

Bring a Treat to Work

image

OR,....if as in my case, your work is in your home,

take a treat to a neighbor or a friend.

Or simply make a treat "just because" for your loved ones.

Are you participating?

Today's Kindness Idea...

Join in...

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Hold the door open every chance you get.

Today's Kindness Idea...

Are you joining in?

image

Today's challenge....

Smile at 10 strangers.

In case you missed it...

this is

Guess what today is?

Did you guess??


If you guessed Valentine's Day, you're only partially correct.

I hope your day of love has been a good one, but I really want to let you know that today kicks off an entire week of love.

This week is...

You can join the week of celebrations and take the Extreme Kindness Challenge here.

Everyday they have a kindness idea of the day.

Today's idea:

Send a note of appreciation.

image via random acts of kindness foundation

Fairly simple.

I love this.

Bring on the kindness.

If you have any great ideas or experiences, feel free to share with me. 

We will feature a few ideas all week. 

Be sure to spread the word and spread the kindness.

Happy Valentine's Day 

and

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Week!!!!

P.S. In case you missed it, you might be inspired by this lovely lady

featured here.

Share the Love

Looking for another way to share the love on Valentine's Day?

Be inspired by her.

image via whippy cake

Be sure to check out this post.

Last year she took a day and spent it doing good deeds.

What a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day and spread the love to more than just your immediate friends and family.

Love it!!!

Knit for Good Knit-A-Long

You are crafty -- you know it. 

Even if you think you aren't,...I have a project for you.

My friend Stephanie has an incredible project just for you this month.

 

Check out all the details here and be sure to join the fun for a really good cause.

[I'm just hoping she will finally teach me how to knit!!] :)

Cookie Exchange for Charity

I know that a cookie exchange is a popular tradition for many people during this time of year, but I love the spin that Agnes Hsu, a talented bakery owner, puts on it.

I recently read about her in the December 2010 issue of BHG and had to share her brilliant idea.

She holds a cookie exchange and raises money for a charity all at the same time.

I thought it was a simple enough idea that anyone already holding a cookie swap could adopt.

image via BHG

Here's how it works...

Everyone brings their favorite cookies and the name of their charity of choice.

image via BHG

Each cookie is assigned a number to help keep track of which cookie is which. Everyone votes throughout the evening for their favorite cookie with cash. The person with the most votes gets to take all of the donations from the night and give them to their charity of choice.

Then divide and package the cookies just as you usually would. 

See? So simple!

I love this idea. So smart.

Here are a few fun links to help with your own cookie exchange.

Here is a link from BHG to get you started with their favorite Christmas Cookie Exchange Recipes.

Or try these beauties from Our Best Bites

Try printing off a few of these free cookie exchange tags from Joy Ever After

I love these!

Happy Cookie Swapping -- may you bring more goodness through something already so tasty!!! 

Double your Grocery Giving

Feeding America is still looking for donations to help feed hungry families this holiday season.

They hope to raise enough money for 3 million bags of groceries.

Proctor and Gamble have teamed up to help.

Right now for every dollar you donate, they will match it for a total donation up to $75,000.

So, for $5 you can now provide 10 bags of groceries.

[A donation of $25 can feed a family of four for 2 weeks!!!]

Go here to donate today!

You can also give the gift of a donation in someone else's name.

Perhaps you have someone difficult to buy for. This would be a great gift.

Go here to donate in their  name.

Today is the day.....

If you live in blogland even a little, today is the day.

The Bloggers Give Back Project is a fundraising project specifically for the holiday season.

They choose one deserving and in-need family and all of the proceeds go to this family.

Bloggers from all over have donated items that will be auctioned off today. The items range from tax preparation, photography sessions,

interior design services,

jewelry, accessories,

books,

art,

clothing (oh how I love EmersonMade).....all sorts of goodies.

I am personally loving these!

You don't need to have a blog to participate.

Go here.

Look at all of the amazing items and leave a comment with your bid.

You MUST leave your name, email address, and bid.

You also need to have a PayPal Account.

If you don't already have one, quickly go here to set one up.

Get bidding today.

They also promised everything would be shipped in time for Christmas, so perhaps, you can finish up some last minute shopping AND support a good cause.

GO! GO! GO!

P.S. Feel free to purchase any of the above items as a gift for me. :)

Just sayin'!

all images via BloggersGiveBack

Gift for Good

Do you have someone on your list that is difficult to buy for?

It seems we all do.

Over the next while, I'll share with you a few gift ideas that give more than the generic pair of socks. 

(Although, socks are ALWAYS appreciated at a homeless shelter. Just a thought.)

Anyway,....

back to the gift idea.

Go to donatefruit.com

Purchase any of their gift boxes or fruit packages and they will donate an equal amount of fresh fruit, pound for pound, to a food bank.

Give a gift.

Check.

Help feed the hungry.

Double check.

Go here to learn more.

Happy Holidays