National Random Acts of Kindness Day is TODAY!

I have been accused, more than once, of being an idealist. I believe in things being fair and I believe in “doing onto others the way I’d like them to do unto me.” I believe in the magic of sunrises and love to fall asleep in the glow of moonlight. I am a die-hard optimist. I believe in hope and always root for the under-dog. What can I tell you? I live in a fairytale.

I remember seeing so many Oprah shows back in the day when she would surprise her guests. Remember the holiday “Favorite Things” show when she would give the entire audience each item that she considered a favorite thing for that year? Or what about the time she took the whole audience to Australia. Or…and we all remember this…the time she gave everyone in the audience a car!!! “And you get a car! And you get a car!  And you get a car! And you get a car!”

There’s a famous rapper (and I use that term loosely) named T.I. who each Christmas, picks a store close to where he is at the moment, goes to the layaway department, and just pays off everyone’s layaway. Unbelievable, right?? I love that idea! Not only do people get their really cool gifts but the person buying the gifts gets to keep the money they were going to spend to get those items off layaway. That’s the kind of millionaire I would be! I love to surprise people with a way that is unexpected!

So, when I came across this idea of Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK), it just spoke to me! Doing something so cool and unexpected to bring a smile to someone’s face is everything! The ultimate goal being for them to pay that feeling forward.  With all of the disasters and heartbreak that go on in the world why not spread some joy for a family member, a friend or even a complete stranger. Not knowing what others are going through in their lives, you never know when something as simple as saying “good morning!” with a smile on your face will put a smile on someone else’s.

Random acts of kindness are defined as a person or people performing a selfless act that will help to benefit or cheer up another individual.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17. Join in the fun! In fact, make it an activity for the whole family!  Take a look at the list below and see if you can see yourself doing some of these!  …and if you do, snap a pic and post it to social media. Be sure to tag us @jbmhhfmwr!

·         Assist an individual having troubles getting on or off the bus

·         Let another person have your seat on a full bus

·         Do some yard work for an elderly/disabled neighbor

·         Pay for the order behind you in a drive-thru restaurant line (I’ve done this. The look on their face was priceless!) or pay for the "late afternoon vending machine attack snack"

·         - Cook up a casserole or a dessert and deliver it to someone who has just had a baby, has had someone close to them pass or just because you know they could use a little help

·        -  Donate your old clothes, toys and furniture to a charity

·        -  Go to the dollar store and pick up some bathroom essentials and drop them off at your local homeless shelter

·        -  Hold the door open for someone

·         See someone struggling with something heavy; help them carry it 

  

         - Spot a car parked on the side of the road, offer to help or call a tow truck

·         Say “Good Morning!” to a stranger  

·         Give someone your place in line

·         Let a family member have the last piece of dessert

·         Leave random positive messages on people’s windshields, in the bathrooms at venues and anywhere else that you can think of 

 

-          Read to the children’s ward at your local hospital

·         Sign up for a “help forum” to help others with any problems or questions that they may have

·         Buy a bouquet of flowers or a gift card and randomly a passersby...or anonymously surprise a coworker

·         Show up at a friend’s house who has kids without notice to give them an hour to do as they please by themselves

·         Buy a pack of blank cards, send them to family and friends telling why you appreciate having them in  your life

·         Send cute cat or dog memes with funny positive messages to random numbers

·         Know someone struggling financially help them out with a bill, a bag of groceries, or a load of laundry

·         Early meeting? Buy coffee and donuts for all of your co-workers

These are just a few simple and inexpensive things that can light up someone’s life. Imagine how good you would feel if - out of nowhere - someone made you feel special…took the time to notice you…helped you when you needed it…gave you reason to turn your frown upside down…  What a wonderful world it would be.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Gandhi

Valentine's Day without "The Ick Factor"

 

Ok, so Valentine’s Day is next week. I remember when I was a single person having to face Valentine’s Day alone. There were days when I was like, “Woe is me. I’m alone on Valentine’s Day.” Then there were days when I was actually super glad to be single on Valentine’s Day. “It feels sooooo good to be young and single and able to mingle!!” Then I got married and… well, it’s back to, “Woe is me. I’m alone on Valentine’s Day.” LOL! Not really, but guys just don’t seem to get the whole Valentine’s Day thing. If I have to hear the “why do I need a special day out of the year to show you how I feel about you?” argument again, I’ll scream!!  …but I do understand the resentment of forced affection. Some dudes just aren’t made for flowers and romance. It takes them out of their comfort zone. Actually (and this is between us), I’m not a huge flowers and romance person either. I prefer experiences and memories to flowers and gifts.  Hence, (insert gratuitous use of a hardly used English word), we’ve pulled together a few super cool ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day without covering your mate with the “ick factor.”

If your spouse enjoys a good cocktail every now and then, consider gifting them a candy heart box filled with miniatures of their favorite adult beverage. My husband is a whiskey man. Not only did this heart shaped box filled with Jack Daniel’s miniature bottles make his day, it saved us a couple of bucks and a trip to the liquor store.

Who doesn’t love a t-shirt?  …and a t-shirt that shows your husband - and the world - that you think he’s the best thing since sliced bread is a home run. He get to brag and about you bragging about him.  Priceless!

What man doesn’t love bacon and junk food? This bouquet of bacon roses, jalapeno poppers and chicken nuggets will be the gift to end all gifts. He won’t be expecting this kind of bouquet and you’ll earn like a million brownie points…maybe even some jewelry. At the very least, he’ll probably watch your next chick flick with no resistance. Just google “bacon bouquet” for how to DIY.

One of the coolest things about my husband is that he’s also my best friend. He’s always down to do any stupid thing I want…though I usually don’t rush right in to play his stupid video games or watch endless hours of soccer with him (a marriage double-standard, for sure). What a cool way to show him he’s married to his best friend, too! Don’t want to cook on Valentine’s Day? The winner picks the place to go for dinner.

Add a little spontaneity and adventure to Valentine’s Day. Pick a starting point (it doesn’t have to be in the neighborhood) and start flipping that penny. You’re spending time together, seeing new places, and hopefully, making a memory.

Alright, so, it is Valentine’s Day... Start the day with a sweet display of your love and affection. This breakfast is perfect and has just the right amount of traditional Valentine’s Day sappy sentiment. Throw is some heart shaped bacon and you’ve got a breakfast sure to soften even the most cynical heart.

Valentine’s Day is truly one of those “holidays” that women look forward to...the romance, the gift-giving, the reassurance that you love us as much as we love you. I mean, come on, men, sometimes you aren’t very demonstrative with affection or spontaneously romantic…and, believe it or not, we really do like feeling like those women in the movies.

Ladies, you have to remember that men are men. Everything in their DNA rejects what Valentine’s Day is all about. It’s rare to find a man who will pull out all of the stops to give you’re the romantic Valentine’s Day of your dreams. 

In both instances, we must learn to compromise. This list is meant to provide a touch of romance for us ladies and, hopefully, give our guys a Valentine’s Day that won’t cover him with the “ick factor” but show him just what a cool and thoughtful spouse/girlfriend he has.

THIS NEXT PART IS JUST FOR THE MEN

Ok, guys. I want you to win Valentine’s Day! Trust me, no matter what your lady has told you, she's secretly hoping for a really cool and thoughtful gift and/or date.  Mind you, "cool and thoughtful" DOES NOT mean expensive.

Take a look at the list below for ideas on what to do or give to your Valentine's Date whether she be a girlfriend or wife.

Awesome Girlfriend Gifts/Ideas

These super cute bath bombs are shaped like hearts and includes rose petals. Help her treat herself to a relaxing bath in preparation for the romantic dinner you have planned. She'll feel like queen for a day, especially if you run the bath water and light some candles.

Today's ladies are becoming more and more glamorous. They know how to apply their makeup, wear faux lashes, and paint the perfect pout. Show her you see her effort and appreciate how beautiful she is with this eye shadow palette. This particular palette is a hot item at the moment and a serious plus is that it smells like a chocolate bar.

The ear buds that come with the phone are just so blah. These ear buds are super chic, aren't they? She'll love them!















Awesome Wife Gifts/Ideas

You can't go wrong with perfume but the presentation will make all the difference! Why not fill a box with a dozen roses and place her favorite perfume in the middle. We're suckers for pretty packaging!

As you know, we love our handbags! We'll really a handbag that you give to us - especially if it's a new spring color!

Consider gifting your special lady a pair of diamond hoop earrings. The earrings will go with any outfit, are small enough to be affordable, and (when you're both ready) the earrings can be traded in for the purchase of a new, larger pair or hoops. Accessorizing and investing...these are two of my favorite things!













In the end, kind sirs, just remember that your wife or girlfriend will like any gift you give her as long as it's thoughtful.