November 19, 2013

Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Breakfast

When I was younger my family used to go to my grandparents’ house in Belleville, Michigan for Thanksgiving. I usually was stuck sleeping on the floor, but I made sure I was by the TV so I could turn it on first thing in the morning and be ready for the parade.

As I got older, I continued lounge around on Thanksgiving morning in my flannel pajamas, drinking coffee, and watching the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Five years ago I came up with the idea to invite family and friends to join me for lounging, breakfast, and parade viewing. It is a great way to spend time with friends before everyone heads off to their family events for the day. My guests are invited, and encouraged, to show up in their pajamas or lounge wear. (And they do!)

My nephew Matt & Me
2013 marks the 87th Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade to officially kick off the holiday season. 50 million people at home tune in to see performances, one-of-a-kind floats, and the giant balloons.

2013 marks the 5th Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade Breakfast at my condo. Approximately 20 – 25 people at my home come to kick off the holiday season watching the parade while enjoying breakfast foods and sipping a beverage from mimosa,
Bloody Mary, coffee, and/or the juice bar.

It's official!! My 5th Annual Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade Breakfast is going to be an international event!  


My cousin Jil Walentiny from Luxembourg is coming to Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving with us.  With this big announcement it was time to raise the bar on my 5th Annual Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade Breakfast. This year I am having
•         Mini-Sota Bar
•         Mimosa Bar
•         Cider Bar
•         Coffee Bar
•         & More!



November 14, 2013

Give to the Max Day for Nativity of Mary


This is a fabulous opportunity to support nonprofits. My new employer Nativity of Mary is one of them. This is my first big fundraiser and I would love to have help from my friends. 

Nativity of Mary is an accredited Preschool-8th Grade Catholic school that has been dedicated to educating the whole child in mind, body and spirit for more than 60 years.
We offer a tradition of academic excellence, with standardized test scores that are consistently well above average. We are recognized as a state leader in reading for our use of the Orton-Gillingham techniques, a hands-on program that caters to all styles of learning. The program was originally designed for special education, but pioneered for mainstream use by a Nativity teacher.
We embrace, welcome and celebrate each child's unique gifts and talents. In a time when
many school districts are dealing with budget cuts and growing class sizes, Nativity is dedicated to guaranteeing small class sizes, with an average of 17 students per class, allowing our teacher to give individual attention to each students, and ensure that all their academic and emotional needs are being met. We have a vibrant, active, family-centered environment and a broad range of extracurricular activities for all ages beginning in kindergarten.
But we believe what really sets Nativity of Mary School apart is how we put our faith into action in our relationship with others and through year-round community service projects. Our students learn you are never too young or too small to make a difference in the lives of others and the world around you. They develop compassion, understanding and a sense of pride through serving others in our community and beyond. Our students leave Nativity academically prepared and socially responsible.
Whether $10 or $10,000, the staff, students and parents of Nativity of Mary School thank you for your kind investment and for making a difference in the life of a child!

Donors who donate $500 or more will have their name placed in a drawing for one of the great prizes below:
·         Autographed Vikings Football donated by Minnesota Viking Jeff Locke
·         $50 Gift Certificate to Rudolph’s Bar-B-Que
·         $50 Gift Certificate to Bloomington Chop House
·         $50 Gift Certificate to Solera

Just click on this link to donate.. and thanks as always for supporting Nativity! http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Nativity-Of-The-Blessed-Virgin-Mary-1

Please share the link with family, friends and coworkers!

Check with your employer, many companies provide matching dollars when their employees donate during Give to the Max Day.  

With your help, we WILL reach and EXCEED our $10,000 fundraising goal on Give to the Max Day!

If you have any issues with the Give to the Max site, please do not hesitate to contact me!