Charity, who gives?

It's that time of year again.  The time of year where pleas for donations meet you at every store front, fill up your email inbox, and ooze from your front step mailbox.  In this time of tight purse strings should you give and does it really make a difference?  A touchy question I know but one that should be talked about.

I will admit I have always been a minimal giver to a few foundations.  Never more than $20-$100 at a time but I have chosen ones that I continually give to.  I see it like a like a savings account, if I keep plunking away at it I may have something big to enjoy later.  It takes faith though.  With so many people giving towards so many causes will "a cure" ever really be found?

I have always given to breast cancer research.  I have participated in 3 60 mile Susan G Koman Walks and raised over $2000 each time.  I was inspired to do this by my grandmother who survived breast cancer in her thirties.  She recently just survived it again called me this week just a few days after her second mastectomy to say that the procedure this time was so much less intrusive, that the pain was so much less, and that the technology used to detect it was able to catch it soon enough for her not to have to go through radiation or chemo.  She said she felt the walks I did helped to contribute to this.  My eyes teared and my heart swelled.  Not because I felt I could really take credit for this but because I knew that if we all keep giving together we can make a big difference in people's lives.

So please continue to give in faith.  Give to whatever charity means the most to you. 

In honor of breast cancer awareness month I urge you to give to breast cancer research.  If you donate to Images for a Cure this month (only two days left) you can get a free photoshoot.  Perfect for those holiday cards!  If you are in so cal book with Nicole from www.nicolebenitez.com If not you can book with a participating photographer in your area. Check the details here:
http://www.nicolebenitezblog.com/2010/10/imagin...e-images-for-cure.html
 
Tis the season to give.  XOXO Katie

The Cereal Fairy

Today I had the opportunity to revisit the corporate world and my old Boss and while it was great to say hello it really reminded me of how I am living the dream now.  My dream.  While I am not making as much money as I used to (yet), and I certainly don't have an office to leave my work at, I am doing it all my way.  I am exercising my creative outlets and I am staying home to raise my daughter; two luxuries I don't take for granted.

Things look pretty different in my new life.  I went from suits and high rises to sweats and suburbs.  Breaktime consists of well...NEVER.  And while I run a business I keep tabs on a toddler with one eye.  Multitasking to the max doesn't always work out.  For example, last month I was trying to get some fabric cut while Marlise played in the tupperware cupboard.  I was 10 feet away and could hear her but had my back turned.  Then a loud noise that could only be...

 THE CEREAL FAIRY!

I turned around to hide my smile and composed myself.  Then I faced her with my sternest mommy face and said, "you clean this up before I come back or you are in trouble!"  Back to finish cutting; I had to clean the floors anyway.  A few minutes later I am done and back in the kitchen to check on her progress.  I walk in and gasp, "What are you doing?!?!"  "Eating blueberries, Mommy." she replied with a smile.

A day at the office could never trump this.  Living the dream!