Who do you want to be in the New Year?

A new year is upon us and with it, a chance to renew.  Many of us are getting ready to make resolutions to change something about our lives in the new year. The top resolutions for me were always losing weight, eating healthy and getting more organized. As good as my intentions are, by mid-March I usually forget the resolutions and don’t think about them again till years end (or bathing suit season-ugh) only to promise myself, “this will be the year I achieve these goals!”.

New Year is a chance to start fresh, so this year I am going to try something different and start the year off right with small, manageable changes to my lifestyle. Seriously, who is this person I believe I will become if I finally organize my house, lose the 40 lbs., join a gym, etc.? These are my LIFE goals and daily struggles not my New Year’s resolutions.  So, I started to ask myself, “Who do you actually want to become within this new year?” And the answer is an impactful positive influencer who is giving and gracious.

Here is my plan for achieving my resolutions. I am going to practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon all things I am thankful for.  I will start prioritizing the people that matter most in my life and make more time for them. I plan to remember important dates, be present in the moment, promote positivity by showing others small tokens of appreciation, practice daily acts of kindness, affect change by inspiring others and I will learn to be kind to myself. Whew!

Now that I have my plan, I can think of ways to achieve my goals. Volunteering will always be a huge part of my life and can be as big or small a commitment as time allows, but it’s always time worth spending. By donating your time, energy, and money to others, you’re practicing selflessness and kindness. Please consider volunteering for a cause close to your heart at least once a year.  Helping others can improve your well-being and give you a great sense of fulfillment. There is no greater gift than helping others. You’re not just making a positive impact—you’re being positively impacted, too.

If you are looking for ways to help others this year and do not have time to volunteer, one of the easiest things you can do is to donate your clothes instead of throwing them out. Donating things that you do not use or have in excess can help many that are homeless, fire victims and in a financial crisis right in your own neighborhood.

Also, make your spare change count. Save up coins and then donate them to a good cause once you’ve accumulated a sizable amount. Our Girl Talk chapter saves our change and donates the funds to children in our school’s lunch accounts. Another suggestion is spending time with the elderly, or helping the disabled or underprivileged. Help combat loneliness by spending an hour a week with someone who needs a friend. We all have a special skill or ability. Share your talents and offer your skills to a non-profit that could benefit from your help.

As I work on my plan, I hope you will think of your own and how you can improve someone else’s life and make the world a better place. By helping others, being kind and spreading love to those around you, the world would be a much happier place. Happy New Year!

~MB

Queen of Wishful Thinkin

Will YOU Give Back this Holiday Season?

This is one of my favorite times of the year, it is not the weather I like (I prefer the sun and beach), but it’s the season of giving I adore.  Although giving back is a great thing to do all year round, everyone seems a little more generous and charitable as the holidays draw near. Our country has been through so much with recent devastation to millions of families from hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, and other disasters, now is a great time to help.

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that the season brings. The endless commercials and advertisements combined with the pressures to shop, bake, decorate and wrap overshadow the true meaning of the holiday and can turn anyone into a Grinch. But take a second to stop and breathe. Count your blessings- your family, your friends, your job, and all that you have to celebrate. Just things we take for granted. Many people in our community do not have it as lucky as we do-and YES, even in our town.

One of the best things I believe you can do is teach your children that the holiday season isn't just about getting gifts. Start some new holiday traditions by engaging your family in community service projects. Spend one day thinking of others and to help spread your holiday cheer to more than just your family. Donate some non-perishable foods to help community members facing food insecurity during the holiday season. No matter your income level, you can find time to donate to others.  Find ways to practice kindness, a kind word or smile to a homeless person, serving others during the holidays, drawing a picture, writing a note, or comforting a friend or family member does not cost a thing but will be priceless.

Enjoying the little things, special moments, and the people in your life is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. But there's nothing like the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from making someone else happy, and that taps into the true meaning of the holiday season.

If you would like some ideas to help local families this holiday season, please reach out to me at GirlTalkMarlton@gmail.com

Happy Holidays to you & yours,

Mary Beth

No Rough Edges on This Duo Team

No Rough Edges on This Duo Team

Caren & Victoria

 It is a typical Tuesday morning here at Pinkk Skies “headquarters”, Caren is at her kitchen table setting up and waiting on Victoria to arrive to begin on the current orders. There is every color of paint stack neatly in bin with only those pulled out that they will need today on the table. Paintbrushes of varies sizes, a palette wheel for each to hold their paint dollops and two cups of hot coffee all ready to go. In walks Victoria and after hugs to all, including the dog it’s down to business for these two.

Pinkk Skies is an Instagram only business that creates handcrafted custom personalized wooden block sets, picture blocks and ornaments.  They started 2 years ago when Caren made a block set for her daughter Allie and her other daughter Angel had posted it on her Instagram and received much positive feedback! So, Caren asked her friend Victoria, who is a painter, if she would be interested in joining her on this endeavor. Thanks to many repeat customers and the power of Instagram, here we are, two years later as they sit painting, laughing, and now drinking their second cup of coffee. When asked what was in their “coffee” they both responded, “wooden you like to know.” 😃

There are endless possibilities for creativity when you are starting with a blank piece of wood. “You will be amazed of how much detail you can fit onto these small wooden blocks,” Caren states. As I watch them both paint, I am amazed of the intricacy of the designs. When asked separately of what inspires them, each named the other which explains why these two create such beautiful art.

Pinkk Skies specializes in creating timeless handmade personalized gifts for nurseries, baby showers, wedding & baby countdowns. They also make excellent unique gift ideas for home decor, holidays, special occasions, ornaments, pet memorials, teacher gifts and anything your imagination can dream up.

Besides being super talented and fun, Pinkk Skies gives back. They donate to various auctions and fundraisers to help others. They have two of the biggest hearts and want to make a difference in the world by doing their part to help others.

Please shop their Instagram page and show Pinkk skies your support by following them. You can also email them any order at pinkkskies@gmail.com