Candy Spelling's Blog

If you know me, you know I’ve always been deeply passionate about animals and their well-being. It’s because of this passion that I got involved with American Humane nearly a decade ago. It’s one of the most visionary and effective animal welfare organizations in the world, leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society.

To serve on the board of American Humane has been one of my greatest joys and I wanted to highlight a few of their amazing programs to show you the great work they have done over the past year – even with the challenges of the pandemic – and continue to do for animals and humans alike. 

Feed The Hungry COVID-19 Relief Fund

One of American Humane’s primary focuses has always been on animal rescue, with new programs being offered based on what’s happening in the world and where help is most needed. With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, American Humane set out to not only rescue animals, but to assist the shelters that take care of so many animals. Like other small businesses, shelters are struggling to maintain care and basic services for their animals. With thousands of animals being left without homes and many shelters being unable to the necessary supplies for the increased number of rescues, the Feed the Hungry Covid-19 Relief Fund is able to also provide support. The fund not only helps to keep the lights on, but also provides basic resources such as food and supplies, to these shelters and animals. https://www.americanhumane.org/initiative/feed-the-hungry-fund/

Pups4Patriots

As we know, dogs can have a healing and therapeutic effect and many people have service animals to help through their daily struggles. But for veterans, the strong bond between animals and humans, can be life changing. As part of American Humane’s overarching Military Initiative, the Pups4Patriots program rescues qualified shelter dogs and trains them to offer the best possible assistance for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Research shows that specially trained PTS service dogs can reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, provide comfort, and restore confidence in affected veterans. https://www.americanhumane.org/initiative/pts-service-dogs-for-veterans/

American Humane Scholars Fund

Veterinarians are incredibly important as they keep our pets happy, healthy, and part of our families for many years. But did you know that fewer than 3 percent of all veterinarians in the United States are African American? In order to try to close this gap and build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive new generation of medical professionals, American Humane started the “American Humane Scholars Fund” to support students of color in their goals of becoming veterinarians. An inaugural grant of $40,000 was awarded to the historic Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, the only veterinary medical professional program located on the campus of a historically black college or university in the United States.

“American Humane’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rooted in nearly 150 years of progressive work that has built the humane movement in this country and around the world,” said Von Scott, American Humane’s Committee for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion chair. “With the help of a new generation of humane heroes such as these promising new champions for animals from Tuskegee, we can change not only lives . . . we can change the world.”  https://www.americanhumane.org/press-release/building-a-more-diverse-equitable-and-inclusive-new-generation-of-veterinarians/

“Escape From Extinction” Documentary

As an animal lover, it’s important to educate myself on issues facing animals all across the globe and learn what I can do to help. Thankfully, American Humane has created a documentary called “Escape From Extinction” – a moving film that examines the work of the major zoological organizations that are racing against the clock to preserve millions of species on the verge of catastrophic extinction. These critical efforts may be among the last, best chances to save them.

I highly recommend seeking out this important and exceptional documentary – it certainly helped to remind me why I am involved with American Humane in the first place (plus, it’s narrated by Helen Mirren)!

While this award-winning film is not available to stream yet, please keep your eyes peeled and check out the trailer in the meantime: https://www.americanhumane.org/program/escape-from-extinction/

My work with American Humane has brought such joy and purpose to my life over the years, and I am grateful every day to support the wonderful work that they do. I’ll keep you posted on more of their latest efforts throughout the year!

The post American Humane continues its commitment to the safety, welfare and well-being of animals appeared first on Spelling It Out: Candy Spelling on Living, Home Decor, Entertaining, Style & More.

I love the holidays! Spending quality time with loved ones and eating lots of yummy food makes me so happy. But buying presents for Christmas can be overwhelming with so many choices. While some of you early birds may have already finished your shopping, I thought I’d share some great gift ideas I found online for those of you, who – like me – are just getting started.

GET COZY

Since we’ve all been spending more time at home, I thought these gifts will make friends or family even more comfortable!

Scented ‘Homesick’ Candles

The holidays are going to look different this year, with many people not able to go home to celebrate. This “Homesick” candle is the perfect way to bring the essence of a city, state or country to those that might not be traveling this year. https://homesick.com/

Cozy ‘Warmie’ Slippers

Give your Mom, sister or friend that warm fuzzy feeling – literally! Believe it or not, these slippers are microwaveable so their feet will never get cold again.

Warmies® Slippers

Essential Oil Diffuser

Because we all need a little Zen in our lives. Put your favorite scented essential oil in this diffuser and let the calm wash over you.

Winc: Monthly Wine Subscription

Let you friends find their perfect custom wine that gets delivered to them monthly! Because when all else fails: drink wine. https://www.winc.com/?irclickid=QsiUCH28ExyLRL20UfQwQyYMUkEwWLVvI1NIRc0&irgwc=1&utm_source=affiliates&ircid=9573&irpid=159047

FOR THE POP CULTURE FANATIC

I don’t know about you, but I love Schitt’s Creek. Gift a fellow fan with this cute and functional Rose Apothecary bag or a funny Moira Rose-inspired mug. Rose Apothecary Tote Bag: https://schittscreek.shop/product/rose-apothecary-tote/ Bébé It’s Cold Outside mug: https://bit.ly/3kXfLp6

FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIVES

3-in-1 Apple Charging Station

So, he can keep all of his beloved gadgets in one place! Charges your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time.

Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit

Let him mix, match and experiment to find his perfect blend of spicy, tangy hot sauce. https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/make-your-own-hot-sauce-kit

TEENS, TWEENS AND EVERYONE IN-BETWEEN

DIY Journal Kit

Let your teen/tween get creative and also get all their feelings out! They can customize this journal any way they want and really let their individuality shine. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWV5X9N

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9

This mini polaroid camera has just the right “throwback” appeal to get your teen’s eyes off their phone for a night. This lets them capture memories with their friends that they can keep and hold on to.

‘Kid’s Cook’ Cookbook

This cookbook from Good Housekeeping has simple recipes that appeal to every kid. It’s also a great opportunity for you to spend some quality time with your children by cooking these recipes together.

STOCKING STUFFERS

Cable Buddy

These cute animal shaped cable protectors help keep your charging cords from fraying and put a smile on your face. A perfect little stocking stuffer for all ages.

https://officialcablebuddies.com

Maskfone

Clever and timely! This face mask comes with built in earbuds so you can take calls while still protecting yourself and others.  https://maskfone.com

Food Huggers

Here’s an alternative to plastic wrap or tin foil when you need to cover a open tin can or exposed end of a fruit or vegetable. They stretch to fit over circular goods. https://foodhuggers.com

Tile Pro

Perfect for the friend who is always losing their keys. The Tile Pro attaches to a keychain and is Bluetooth enabled so you can always track down where you left your keys, wallet, whatever!https://www.amazon.com/Tile-RE-21001-Pro-1-Pack/dp/B07W87124X?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Pizza Sock Box

Who said every gift has to be serious? These are just plain fun.

GIVE AN EXPERIENCE

The holidays aren’t just about giving gifts, but also about spending time together. So why not combine the two and give your loved ones a fun and special experience you can both participate in together.

Masterclass Subscription

Learn something new together by taking a virtual masterclass led by the world’s most successful people. https://www.masterclass.com/

Alice’s Table Virtual Flower Arranging Class

You know I love flower arranging! With Alice’s Table, they’ll deliver farm fresh flowers to your door and then learn to arrange them by taking a virtual masterclass. https://alicestable.com/events

National Parks Annual Pass

Since we’re in the middle of a pandemic, there aren’t too many places we can go visit. However, the National Parks are open, safe, and always a fun adventure. Gift your adventurous partner with this annual pass and go enjoy the great outdoors together. https://store.usgs.gov/pass

GIFTS FOR OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

Last but not least, here are a few ideas for pets!

Sushi Cat Toy

I thought this was really cute!  https://etsy.me/3lO0gRs

Little Dove Teepee for Dog or Cat

Bond & Co. Cozy Critter Dog Hoodie

This picture says it all! https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/bond-and-co-cozy-critter-dog-hoodie

I hope this gift guide helps you in your gift buying process. I wish you all a safe, healthy, and love-filled holidays. Happy Shopping! 

The post Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Spelling It Out: Candy Spelling on Living, Home Decor, Entertaining, Style & More.

We all know that celebrating Halloween this year means some traditions may need to be adjusted to keep everyone safe due to Covid-19 but there are lots of ways still to enjoy this very popular holiday!

I’ve read about plans for virtual costume parties and spooky movie nights at home but thought I’d share some fun outdoor decorating ideas I found that can be enjoyed by everyone that passes your home.

Pumpkins

It wouldn’t officially be Halloween without pumpkins or candy corn! I love this twist on traditional pumpkin carving from Better Homes & Gardens and it’s an easy. Buy several pumpkins – small or large – but pick out the ones that are more ‘cone-shaped.’  Mark them in thirds; tape off the portion that you are not spraying; and start at the top section with white spray paint, then orange, then yellow. I think these are colorful and fun!

Painted Pumpkins for Halloween





Ghosts on the lawn

This is a great idea for a spooky touch that also can help with everyday chores for those of you that have lots of trees in your yard. After you rake up the leaves, stuff them in giant white garbage bags that you’ve marked with eyes and mouths, tie them up and turn them upside down. You’ve got a lawn full of ghosts!

Ghosts on the lawn





Halloween Tombstones

These are fun for kids as they can get creative and use scary quotes or artwork on the tombstones. Buy a few sheets of Styrofoam at the crafts store and get out your spray paints and markers. Cut out the ‘tombstones’ and let the kids do the rest!

Halloween Tombstones





Front yard Monsters

If you have bushes and hedges in your front yard, have a little fun with those by making eyes that seem to be following everyone as they approach. You can use white heavy poster board cut out circles of slightly different sizes and then use black poster board or construction paper to fill in the eyeballs!

Front yard monsters for Halloween Decoration



Don’t forget the windows

There are so many spooky decorations that you can create inside your house for the benefit of people passing by outside. Silhouettes can be simple or elaborate but you can get creative with construction paper or poster board to make your own bats, black cats or spiders. Add in a string of lights to outline the window for a dramatic effect or sheets of crepe paper to change the color of the background. Use yarn for your spider webs or an old sheet to make a ghost that appears to be floating in the air!

I hope that everyone has a very safe and happy Halloween!

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Let’s face it – being home for this long has been a challenge. As the months drag on, I’m trying to find more things to keep me busy at home. I still tend to my roses on the balcony, but I’ve also found myself baking a lot– it’s a favorite pastime of mine. Having extra time on my hands has made me get more creative in the kitchen.

If you’re like me, you bought a lot of pantry staples at the beginning of quarantine to make sure you wouldn’t have to go to the store too often. Now I have an abundance of basic ingredients burning a hole in my pantry! Instead of letting those staples go to waste (or take up space), I’ve been trying to use them to make other things — and I’m sure you can see I have a sweet tooth!

Baking with pantry staples is also much easier than you think, and if you don’t have some of these things on hand, there are tons of substitutes already in your cupboard. There are so many great baking charts out there, but I think that these articles have the best range of substitute options.

https://www.foodandwine.com/cooking-techniques/baking/baking-substitute-cheat-sheet

https://www.eatthis.com/healthy-baking-ingredients/

https://urbansurvivalsite.com/substitutes-for-baking-ingredients/

My Pecan Crescent cookies call for pecans (obviously), but I know that not everyone has pecans on hand or someone might have a nut allergy. I have found that a few of my favorite nut substitutions are granola or rolled oats. These two ingredients will add a similar texture to pecans. Here is another great article talking about nut substitutes

https://www.thespruceeats.com/baked-goods-nut-substitutes-1388892

Pecan Crescent Cookie

Ingredients:

1 cup pecans (before chopping)

1 cup unsifted flour

2 tablespoons sugar

½ cup butter, softened

½ teaspoon vanilla

Powdered sugar

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-Chop pecans finely and set aside. On slow speed, mix in flour, sugar, butter and vanilla until blended. Add chopped pecans

-Shape into crescents and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from pan to rack placed on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when cookies are cool.

Some of my favorite recipes, which are also in my book, Stories from Candyland, are very simple and only use ingredients everyone would have in their pantry.  The Thumbprint Cookies are always a hit and the good news, is that they are small and perhaps I’ll have one or two and let everyone enjoy the rest! The Popovers are so delicious and while I usually make them as part of a holiday lunch or dinner, they are pretty good with coffee in the morning!

Candy’s Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

½ pound butter (two sticks)

½ cup sugar

3 egg yolks

3 cups flour

jam of choice

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-Cream butter and sugar well. Add 1 egg yolk at a time and mix well, then add flour.

-Roll the dough in balls and press well on a cookie sheet, leaving a ‘well’ in the middle of each with your thumb.

-Bake for 20 minutes

-Fill center with jam while still warm

Candy Spelling Popovers

Ingredients:

1 cup flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

2 eggs (3 if small)

-Preheat over to 425 degrees (400 if using glass)

-Sift flour and mix with salt, milk, and eggs. Pour into well-greased deep muffin cups (¾ full) or ramekin (oven glass cup) (½  full). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

-Makes 5 to 9 popovers, depending on size of muffin cup. Tastes delicious with jam and butter.

If you have been baking or cooking more, I encourage you to share some of your favorite recipes and new tricks you have learned during this time in quarantine. I know it hasn’t been the easiest time, but I’m sure it has been delicious.

Now let’s get cooking!

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As many of you know, I love flowers — especially roses. They come in all different sizes and colors and no two roses are ever the same. Even with such a wide variety, the methods for growing and caring for these beautiful flowers are very similar. I thought I would share some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years in case they might be helpful to any of you.

Roses need lots of sunlight — at least six hours a day. When deciding where to plant your rose bush, think about the places in your yard or around your home that get plenty of sun. I personally like to plant my rose bushes near a walkway.
Like many of us, roses like their personal space . If you crowd too many rose bushes together, some plants may begin to die. This is because rose bushes need to have lots of air circulation in their roots.
Before you begin planting your rose bush, make sure to put on thick gloves to protect your hands from the prickly thorns. Also have a hose or bucket of water and all your planting tools nearby.
First step in planting: make sure to dig a hole much larger than you think you need. This way you can add some fertilizer, like compost, which will help the plant grow bigger and fuller.
Once your rose bush is in the ground, make sure water it regularly. You need to soak the plant, roots and all, at least twice a week. Never let your rose bush completely dry out. Be careful not to overwater though, as roses don’t like to sit in the water, and they’ll die if the soil is too wet in winter.
Mulch is a great material that helps conserve water, reduce stress, and encourage healthy growth.
Make sure to not cut back or move roses in summer, as they might suffer and die in the heat.
If part of your plant is dying, make sure to cut that piece off from the rest of the healthy plant. Leaving the dead or diseased plant can result in the loss of the entire plant.
When the Fall season comes around, stop fertilizing 6 weeks before the first fall frost but continue watering during dry fall weather to help keep plants healthy during a dry winter.
As the weather gets colder, clean up the rose beds to prevent overwintering of diseases. One last spray for fungus with a dormant spray is a good idea to ensure that the rose bush comes back in the spring.

I hope that these tips will help you begin to create your own vision of a beautiful rose bed.

The post My Best Tips to Grow and Care For Roses appeared first on Spelling It Out: Candy Spelling on Living, Home Decor, Entertaining, Style & More.

I never wrote much before starting to write this blog about ten years ago. As I detailed in my book Stories from Candyland, my job before that time involved being a wife and mother, running businesses and doing charity work, but never having to truly sit down and write anything. It wasn’t until starting the blog that I fell in love with writing. It was scary at first. Exposing my thoughts meant exposing my true self to a large audience. But by writing this blog and my books, I found I was able to connect with so many people. That is the power of the written word.

During this scary time, I’ve been thinking a lot about writing and how we use it to connect to each other. Sure, Zoom, Skype and FaceTime are all amazing tools to connect with our loved ones on a daily basis. But they can be exhausting sometimes, and nothing can really substitute for in-person conversations. So how can we still connect on a meaningful level without staring at a screen all the time?

Let’s start writing letters.

I remember getting sweet letters and love notes from Aaron when we were married. He was a great writer and made even the simplest love note feel extraordinary. Opening these letters would make my heart soar and reminded me why I loved him all over again. There is something about seeing these beautiful words written on a page that made it even more special.

Writing letters is a perfect way to show your loved ones how much you truly care about them. Sitting down for a telephone call is still wonderful, but taking the time to put pen to paper and share your thoughts is a different thing altogether – and it always feels meaningful. Plus, who doesn’t like getting a surprise in the mail!?

Writing a letter can also be a relaxing experience for the writer. It takes your eyes away from screens, allows you some moments of stillness and time to reflect on the ones you love. And the letter you write doesn’t have to be 3 pages long! Even a casual note with a few lines is enough to let someone know you are thinking of them.

I still have the love notes Aaron would send me. One in particular stands out. It’s from an anniversary many years ago and the note only contains two lines (and four postscripts!). It’s simple, but it’s a reminder of the love we shared, and I cherish it dearly.

Staying at home during this uncertain time is hard – especially if you are away from your loved ones. We are all trying our best to stay connected and feel loved even from a distance. Sending a letter is a wonderful way to show someone you care. And when this pandemic is all said and done, your loved ones will have physical reminders of the bond you have and the love you share which they, too, can cherish for years to come. What could be better than that?

 

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These past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. We went from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives to staying at home and slowing down. It’s such a testament to the love and care we share for our communities that people are following the guidelines to stay home so everyone keeps healthy. It was difficult for me at first (in fact, it still is) because I’m one of those people who can never sit still and likes to stay busy. However, I realized that being home doesn’t mean I can’t be busy! Besides finally getting around to a lot of things on my to-do list, I also got a lot of new ideas from friends. Here’s a list of some fun and productive things to do while you’re staying at home:

Watch new TV shows and movies – Now is the time to finally watch all the “must see” TV shows and movies that have been on your list. I’m know that I’m late to the party, but I watched ALL 3 seasons of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” I LOVED the show – as everyone had been telling me I would. From the costumes to the writing to the acting and most of all, the humor! So, if you’re one of the few who hasn’t seen it, it is well worth the time!
Play Mahjong and other games – As some of you may know, Mahjong has been one of my favorite games for many years. My weekly game with friends is on hold but I found several online games you can play alone or with friends. Plus, there are several online courses that teach you how to play if you never have. There are lots of other online games you can play with friends, like UNO, Trivia Crack, Words with Friends and more. You can even schedule a weekly virtual game night so you and your friends can enjoy your games while staying safely at home.
Take a virtual museum tour – Sure, it might not be the same as seeing it firsthand, but I promise there is always something new to learn and beautiful to admire. Check on the museum’s websites or social media to find any livestreams or virtual tours. There is even a virtual tour of the White House that is really fascinating.
Jigsaw Puzzles – It’s a good time to pull out your jigsaw puzzles. I had to dig deep in the closet but I am happy I found a few. It’s a fun and challenging way to pass some time where you are alone or with your family. I also love the fact that you can go back to it when you find the time so it might take a few days to finish!
Attend a virtual concert – Many musicians like John Legend and Coldplay have been putting on virtual concerts on Instagram and YouTube, and places like the Metropolitan Opera are streaming their operas so people can tune in and enjoy their amazing talent from the comfort of the living room. Check them out!
Tackle that difficult recipe you’re always wanted to try – I’ve been eyeing a recipe for a multilayer crepe cake and think it’s time to give it a try. Now’s the perfect time to learn to bake bread or make that recipe you never had time to before. Or make something you love – I made my favorite popovers because all you need is flour, eggs, milk and sugar. Here’s the recipe if you want to make them. I promise, everyone in your home will enjoy them.


Meditate, write or journal – Spend your time reflecting on yourself and everything you’re feeling. Where do you want to improve? What are your goals for the months coming up? Think. Write it down. Take a moment to breathe.
Clean & declutter – Now is a great time to tackle all those spaces in your home that need a little attention. First, clean out your closet. Do you have a sweater you haven’t worn in 3 seasons? Get rid of it! Go through all your clothes and figure out what you love and what you can part with. What you don’t end up keeping, donate to the local Goodwill. After that, clean out your makeup, get rid of old makeup and wash your makeup brushes. Even try to clean out that junk drawer (everyone has one)!
Read a book – Remember that book you brought months ago and never got around to reading? Well now is the time! Once you’ve read it, pass the book onto a friend. Spread some joy.
Write a letter to family and friends – Getting a letter in the mail feels like Christmas. Give your loved ones a nice surprise with a heartfelt letter to keep you all feeling connected.
Have a virtual hang out – Just because you can’t go out, doesn’t mean you can’t see friends. Use Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, Google Hangouts to catch up or even have a virtual happy hour. You can also have a Netflix watch party where everyone watches the same movie and talks to each other at the same time.
Try an at-home workout –YouTube has all kinds of workout videos – from high-intensity cardio classes to relaxing yoga.
If you have kids, create an indoor scavenger hunt – Nothing is as fun as a scavenger hunt (plus it’ll keep the kids busy). Afterward, you can make a pillow fort!
Plan your next vacation – It’s always good to have something to look forward to. Take advantage of this time to plan where you want to go and what you want to do. Once you have it figured out, start a count down.
If you are able, donate money or food to your local food bank – Now it’s more important than ever to help those who need it.
Relax, sleep and take care of yourself – These are stressful, uncertain times and it’s important to find ways to relax. Take a bath with a lavender bath bomb and candles, meditate with the help of an app, and get some sleep. Most importantly, take care and be kind to yourself. We’ll get through this together.

I hope something on this list might help you get through the long days at home. Sending everyone love and good wishes to stay safe and healthy!

 

 

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The month of January always includes lots of conversations, articles and social media posts about resolutions and goals for the year. I realized that year after year, mine often involve losing a few pounds, exercising more or other ways to improve myself. I’m sure a few of you may have had similar experiences J. This year I changed my focus and decided to put that energy into resolutions to make other people’s days happier. I can say that almost one month in, it has been very rewarding and thought it would be fun to share the experience.

Here are a few ideas – I’m sure you may already be doing a lot of these things – but I found that making a list was a good reminder to follow through!

Smile – You never know what someone might be going through or perhaps they are having just ‘one of those days.’ A friendly smile from a stranger might just be the moment that turns someone’s bad day into a good one!
Send someone a handwritten note – With the ease of technology and social media in our lives, it’s rare that someone takes the time to send a note, whether to say thank you or just to say hello. I don’t know about you, but I still love to get real mail.
Take time to listen – I know that I can get distracted at times, so I promised myself to put down the device and give my undivided attention to whomever I’m with. Even better, I’ve discovered, that people often follow your example. Try to be the listener who says: “tell me more.”
Compliment someone – We all get a little extra pep in our step when someone pays us a compliment. Whether it’s your best friend, a coworker, or a complete stranger, a few kind words can go a long way.
Pay it forward – Every now and then, pay for the person in line behind you at the coffee shop. It’s happened to me before and really made my day.
Call, text or email a friend just to tell them how important they are to you – Receiving a message from someone we have spoken to in years can be a wonderful surprise. It can also be the first step to rekindling a great friendship. So, write an email, send a text, tell them you’re thinking of them. That little easy contact could be the re-start of something great, even if you haven’t talked to them in a while.
Hold the door open – I know this seems like a given, but sometimes we are all in such a rush that we forget about what’s going on around us. By slowing down and simply holding the door open, it shows that someone else’s time is just as valuable as our own.
Put money in a stranger’s parking meter that is about to expire – They certainly will appreciate it!
Let someone merge in front of you in traffic – We all have places to go and people to see and someone will certainly do the same for you soon.
Tell someone when they are doing a good job – It’s as easy as that. Remind those around you that what they are doing is appreciated and helpful.
Learn people’s names – Everyone is important. Take the time to learn the names of people you see regularly: the barista at your favorite coffee shop, the security guard at work and the mechanic who works on your car. Next time you see them, greet them by name. It’s so easy and almost always guarantees a smile.
Last but not least, be kind to yourself – Kindness starts within. Each day take a moment to think or write down things you are grateful for. Research shows that being kind to yourself keeps your body and mind strong and healthy. You can really only spread kindness if you start within.

 

http://candyspelling.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ezgif-6-70d9f361cfa4.mp4

 

I hope everyone’s year has gotten off to a great start and that these small acts will inspire you. Taking the extra time to show people that you care, even in the smallest of ways, can make a difference in someone’s day and maybe together we can make the world a little brighter.

 

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The dawn of a new decade is upon us which I believe provides a great opportunity to look back on the last ten years.  The past decade has been one to remember — on a personal level and beyond. I hope you don’t mind if I share some of my favorite memories!

First and foremost, I’ve been blessed with five more grandchildren – Hattie, Finn, Beau, Sage and Lotus – over the last decade. They joined Stella and Liam, making me a grandmother to seven, all of whom are the lights of my life!

In 2010, I had the wonderful opportunity to become a producer on the Broadway musical ‘Promises, Promises, and as of this year have produced 13 shows including the 2016 Tony-award winner for Best Musical Revival, The Color Purple!

The world watched not one, but two, royal weddings. We watched the pomp and circumstance in 2011 when Prince William married the lovely Kate Middleton.  And, just last year, we were all excited to watch as the American actress Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in another beautiful ceremony.

On the subject of great causes, in 2014, the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ was started to promote awareness and encourage donations to ALS research. The videos went viral on social media and ended up putting a spotlight on the little-known disease and raising $115 million (in just 8 weeks!) for research to combat the disease.

In 2012, I was honored to join the Board of Directors of American Humane and I’m so proud to champion the work that they do to ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of animals.

Speaking of animals, I lost my beloved Madison in 2018, but just this year I added a new furry member to my family. Many of you may have seen JJ, my adorable bichon frise, on my social media posts. She brings me so much joy with her spark of energy and funny antics every day.

It was with a heavy heart that I sold our cherished home, The Manor, after living there for almost 20 years. It was hard to let go because It was filled with great memories but once I got settled in my new home, I was excited to start making new memories there.

One of the most amazing sights in the last decade was the total social eclipse that we were able to see in the US in 2017. In fact, it was the first one in almost 100 years and you could feel the excitement for weeks leading up to the event.

And finally, in May, the YouTuber “Mr. Beast” started a viral campaign #TeamTrees to raise $20 million to plant trees in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation’s reforestation program. The current total is $17 million and at $1 per tree, they are on track to reach their goal of $20 million by January 1, 2020!

I’ve had fun thinking about milestones over the past decade and hope that you might be inspired to take a look back and do the same!  Happy holidays!

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I know that some of you may have already finished your shopping for the holidays, but there may be a few people out there like me who are still searching for the perfect gifts for family (pets included!) and friends. I thought I’d share some of the fun things I’ve found online and hope it might help whittle down your ‘to-do list!’

Kids

Every year there are so many clever gifts for children of all ages. I think subscription boxes are fun and kids will enjoy getting presents throughout the year! Here are a few favorites:

Little Passports teaches children about other cultures and countries through papercraft projects, reading, and other activities. https://www.littlepassports.com

Brick Loot is the ultimate subscription box to keep LEGO fans happy. https://www.brickloot.com/

Strong Self(ie) is a subscription box for tween and teen girls that aims to build confidence through empowerment. Each box is filled with inspirational products that focus on health, beauty and fun. www.strongselfie.com

Girlfriends

It’s always a fun looking for gifts for girlfriends — and it’s easy because I pick out things that I’d want to find under the tree!

They say that weighted blankets will help reduce anxiety and stress. Sounds like a good gift for friends to use for post-holiday recovery! https://amzn.to/34tSaoi

I think this Herbivore Luxe Hydration Trio is a perfect gift for keeping skin and lips hydrated when you travel. http://bit.ly/2XXK0lF

This Hair Tie Bracelet is a clever idea and I like it especially for my friends that workout at the gym or enjoy outdoor sports activities. http://bit.ly/2rzVZKk

Pets

It’s nice to surprise a pet lover with a gift that is personalized with their cat or dog’s name. I found this cute ‘Starbarks’ Dog Toy on Etsy that fits the bill! https://etsy.me/2OWoY30

For the dogs in our lives that get a little bored from time to time, I found this adorable puzzle dog toy that will keep your pup entertained at least for a little while J. http://bit.ly/35K5LYL

 

My puppy JJ would definitely recommend the shag donut bed to her dog and cat friends. Hers is pink and she loves it! http://bit.ly/2OsXuCI

And here’s one more idea for pet owners, especially those that like to have a storage place for everything: how this wicker storage basket shaped like a dog’s bone! https://amzn.to/2sjo6xr

 

Everyone / Anyone

I think sending a fruit box is a great idea and one of my favorite ‘go-to’ gifts for years has been fresh cherries. Everyone always seems to enjoy them! https://www.cjolsoncherries.com

Candles always make great gifts especially during the winter when everyone wants to stay warm at home. Even though you’re inside, it’s nice to have that outdoorsy smell and Burkelman’s ‘That Hudson Valley Candle’ will make your home smell like a cozy campfire. https://burkelman.com/products/that-hudson-valley-candle

This Parachute Classic Bathrobe is a perfect go-to gift for when you’re fresh out of ideas, but you still want to impress. Made of soft and cozy Turkish cotton, it’ll honestly make any one’s Christmas day! http://bit.ly/2KZIjiq

And finally, to keep hydrated in the winter months, a USB-rechargeable water bottle from LARQ is not only insulated, but it uses an internal UV-C LED light that activates every 2 hours to purify the water and eliminate up to 99.99% of contaminants. http://bit.ly/2KZza9D

 

Happy Shopping to all!

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