You Never Know

Friday, December 28, 2012

Think about the last time you were at the grocery store. You may have been distracted, in a rush or exhausted after a long day of working. The other night I was in long line at the register and saw a man offer to let a woman with several small kids go in front of him to check out. She didn't have fewer items. He was being kind. And you never know... it could have made her day. It sure made me smile watching her surprise at the gesture. Sometimes is doesn't take much to make a difference. 

It's A Wonderful Life

Friday, December 21, 2012


It's A Wonderful Life so cleverly reminds us to appreciate the many blessings in our own lives, especially those we typically take for granted. As you prepare for holiday travel or adventures with the ones you love, take a moment to consider all you are thankful for. Make a list. Turn on some tunes. Hop into your most festive jammies and get creative. How will you pay it forward in 2013? 

Remember...No man is a failure who has friends. 

Happy Holidays to you and yours. Will return December 28th. 

Cheers! Christy  

Gifts That Give

Thursday, December 20, 2012


Real Simple is one of my favorite magazines. Right now they are promoting a stellar guide of 10 holiday gifts that give back. You can browse the online slideshow here.


Organizations that benefit include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Women for Women International and No Kid Hungry among many more.









Love the idea of shopping with a cause year round? Encourage you to explore GIFTS THAT GIVE. It works by allowing visitors to browse 1.2 million verified charitable causes. You choose an issue important to you then shop from over 100 brands with $1 out of every $5 going to the organization you selected.

How cool is that?!   




It is now too late to order items for Christmas delivery. Don't let that stop you! Shop ahead for kid's birthday presents, hostess gifts and maybe something lovely just for you.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Wednesday, December 19, 2012


Perspective is everything. The past few weeks of holiday parties and family visits have reminded me to be thankful that I do not worry where my next meal will come from. For far too many families this is not the case. Fortunately there are organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank serving our community. 
Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is one of the largest food banks in the nation. They distribute 45 million pounds of nutritious food to people in need every year, almost half of which is fresh produce. 
Second Harvest collaborates with a network of partner agencies including shelters, pantries, soup kitchens, children's programs, senior meal sites, and residential programs. 
Make this holiday season special by volunteering at a food bank near you or dropping off donations. Bring the ones you love and make it an annual tradition! You will make a difference and be happy you did. 
Please click here to learn more about how you can make an impact!  

Holiday Heart

Monday, December 17, 2012




Sunday December 16th my friend Gretchen and I were lucky to participate in  "Santa Run Silicon Valley" to benefit local community programs. The event was a blast with hundreds of runners sporting Santa suits and fun holiday gear. We may have twirled and skipped more than actual running...it counts. 
 
One of the event beneficiaries is "1,000 Hearts for 1,000 Minds" tutoring initiative. Their mission is to find 1,000 caring adult volunteers to serve as tutors and mentors to 1,000 K-8 public school students. 

We learned California has the worst record for literacy among children from low-income households of all 50 states with more than 1.5 million children struggling with literacy statewide. Let's change that! 

Volunteers are asked to commit only one hour a week for 10-12 weeks. With 17 nonprofit partners across the Bay Area there are many locations to serve. You can also show you care by donating books or sharing this volunteer opportunity with friends. Please click here to learn more. 
 
Thank you to the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation for making this annual fundraiser a success.