It's Easy To Give

Tim Horton's Smile Cookie


It's so easy to give these days.  I went to Bulk Barn, and they asked if I wanted to donate $1.00 to
Alzheimer's Society.

I said, "Yes".

I went to Shopper's Drug Mart, and they asked if I wanted to donate $2.00 to
Women's Cancer Research.  

I said "Yes".

I went to Tim Horton's, and I bought a "Smile Cookie" for $1.00.  Proceeds go to the
Children's Hospital Foundation.

Say "Yes".

It's easy to give.

Have a great day!

~Angela Gentile

Giveaway - Kushinda! 10,000 Tanzanian Shillings

We are having a Giveaway Contest!  We have a 10,000 Shilling banknote from Tanzania that we would like to give away to someone.  All you need to do is let us know what you would do for or with this money, provide your name and email address and the BEST ANSWER WINS!  If you are the winner, we will email you and get your mailing address.  This money will be mailed to you in early October from Canada.  The contest closes on Friday September 30, 2011. 

Entry - Free
Open to - World Wide
How to Enter - 1.  Click on "Comments" below and let me know how you will use this money or what you would do for it and   2.  Provide your name and email address.
Deadline - Friday September 30, 2011

* One entry per person

Good luck!  Bahati nzuri!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Top Good News Stories of 2010

This time every year, I like to reflect back on the year that has just passed, and I try to think of things that were positive and good about it.  Although the BP Oil Disaster was the top news story for Canadians in 2010, I did some google-searching, and came up with some good news stories that I wanted to highlight here.

On AOL News, there is a list of the The Top Good News Stories of  2010. In their list they included the Chilean Miners Rescue and they also listed a story about an unemployed man who gave away $10 a day in Washington DC and he wrote about who he gave the money to and what they did with it.

NewsOne for Black America lists their Top Ten "Good News Stories" for 2010 and in their list they include a story about twin girls with identical grades become joint valedictorians of their high school.

Canada's MuchMusic's Top Ten Moments of 2010 include the production of the song, Wavin' Flag - Young Artists for Haiti.

The Gazette HealthWatch's Top Ten Stories of 2010 include all those intriguing findings (mostly good news) that researchers were eager to share with us, including the good news about aspirin, vitamin D and smoking bans.

Canada AM's Top Tech Stories of 2010 series includes some great news about all the technology that has enhanced our lives - like the Apple iPad, Kinect for Xbox 360 and the Kobo eReader.

My personal favourite is the story about the Large's from Nova Scotia who won $11.2 million in July and have given away almost all of it.  Check out this video from CBC news: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/11/03/video-ns-lottery-winners-update.html

My greatest stories of 2010 were that I went on a fabulous cruise with relatives, I went on a road trip to the Black Hills with my family, and I got a new job.  What are your good news stories of 2010? 

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Sending a Parcel in the Mail

"Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas."

- Johnny Carson

Care packages, Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and other packages can be sent through the mail to those we love.  At this time of year, I find it is nice to purchase gifts, wrap them up, and package them in a box and send them off to my loved ones.  There is a lot of time and planning involved in purchasing the gift, wrapping it up, finding a box, then putting it into the box, sealing the box up securely, putting the address on it and bringing it to the post office to get it weighed and measured.  The last step is purchasing adequate postage to get it to where it is going.  Pre-planning is also involved, as you have to give yourself extra time because "snail mail" is not always the fastest.

When I am wrapping up the gift and placing it in to the box I envision putting my care and love into the box, too.  When the gift arrives at it's destination, I envision the person opening up the box, and the "love" pouring out while they are taking out their treasures.  I like to put lots of tissue in the box, too, so that the "love" is captured in each tissue.  As each piece of tissue is removed, the crinkly sounds add to the excitement.  I always include a card or a personalized message in the parcel, too. 

For those loved ones across the miles who you can't be with over the holidays, please consider sending a parcel in the mail.  If you can't be together in person, you can be together in spirit with the act of giving.   Don't forget to put lots of care and love into the box, too!

Happy holidays!

~ Angela Gentile

Living Large

     I recently heard and read about an older Canadian couple who won a lottery, and decided to give away 98% of it.  It is a wonderful feel-good kind of story that I love to hear.  This couple, Allen and Violet Large, live in Lower Truro, Nova Scotia.  The Larges' won a large lottery this past summer and have been very generous in giving away most of their millions to family, and other companies and organizations that request money.  So far they have given away more than $11 million.  Their generosity and charitable acts have touched the hearts of people all over the world.  This older couple state that they don't need the money, that they'd rather give it to those who need it. They are most happy to have each other (he's 75).

     Cemeteries, hospitals, fire departments and churches have all benefitted from the Large's generosity.

     Imagine winning millions, and then decided a week before you pick up your winnings that you are going to give most of it away.  That must be a great feeling.  If only there were more people like this in the world.

     I hope that more people in the world can "Live Large" and start being more generous with their winnings.  The Larges' certainly make the world a better place.

     To see the full article, go to this link: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/885762--lotto-winners-generosity-touches-hearts-at-home-and-abroad

Have a happy day!

~ Angela Gentile

Friendly Advice for Hospital Visitors

When we get the opportunity to visit someone in hospital, we usually go with good intentions.  We want to let them know we are thinking of them, and want to bring some joy to their day.  When a patient in a hospital, it's nice to have a friendly visitor as it gives you something to look forward to. There are just a few things we need to be aware of these days when we decide to visit someone who is staying in a hospital.  Flowers can definitely brighten up a room and they also bring some nature into the patient's environment.  Flowers can cheer you up each time you look at them because you remember who gave them to you and the good wishes they bring.  The only problem is that flowers are not as welcomed in the hospital as they used to be.

Many people have developed a sensitivity to strong fragrances, and there are policies now in many public places that ban the use of perfumes, colognes and flowers.  Hospitals are places that the public often visits, and strong scents can inadvertently affect the staff, patients and other visitors.  Fragrances can cause stress and discomfort for those who have sensitivities and/or allergies. We all need to be sensitive to this so that we can provide a positive experience for everyone.

When you decide to visit someone in hospital, it's a good idea to call ahead to find out about their policy regarding bringing in flowers. Low fragrance flowers may be acceptable.  Some people may have allergies to the pollen, so flowers that don't shed may be recommended such as chrysanthemums or hydrangeas.  A small house plant may be more appropriate. Flowers have been known to help people in their recovery, by lowering stress and anxiety, reducing blood pressure and increasing feelings of optimism. Hopefully there is a way to get some sunshine into your loved one's room.

Flowers that are most fragrant include: lillies, lilacs, stocks, freesia, hyacinth, purple and yellow roses, gardenias, irises, lavendar and jasmine.

Flowers that are least fragrant include: tulips, roses (except purple and yellow), orchids, gerbera daisies, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums.

If you're not sure, and don't want to bring flowers, you can try some of these alternative gifts:

• Photos of friends and family
• Books/magazines/newspapers
• Crossword puzzles/Sudoku/Word find (don't forget a pencil!)
• Slippers or fuzzy socks
• Robe/housecoat/long sleepshirt
• Cookie bouquet/balloons
• Toiletries
• Radio
• Personal blanket

Next time you visit someone in hospital, know that you are being very kind and thoughtful.  Just make sure you are considering everyone else, too!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Free Hugs

A friend who recently moved to North West Territories shared a great YouTube video.  It's called, "Free Hugs in Sondrio, Italy".   I watched it and was quite entertained and I enjoyed it a lot.  I also noticed that there are many other Free Hugs videos from all over the world.  It goes to show how people enjoy hugs and that we can be kind to each other.  In the video I am featuring here, it is great to see how people respond.  Notice the smiles on the people's faces.  Hugs are enjoyed by all ages - kids and seniors, too.

Click on this link to see this inspirational, touching video. The music choice is great, too.

Hugs to you!

~ Angela Gentile

A Woman's Place is in the Mall

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." ~Bo Derek

When I was younger, my mother and I used to go out shopping together, and this was a time that we bonded doing something that we both loved.  My mother would watch me trying on new clothes, or we would watch each other get excited about finding something that we wanted.  My mom also told me that her mother used to take her to downtown Toronto, and they would go shopping together when she was young.

Now I find myself taking my daughter out shopping.  This is a time when we bond, and we share a common interest.  It is especially fun when the two of us can go on a weekend get-away, and go somewhere that is different.  When you go to stores that aren't found in your local community, it's fun because you get to see different things.

There is a term used for the feeling you get when you go shopping.  It's called, Retail therapy.  I used to go shopping when I felt down, and if I bought something new it would cheer me up.  It's the fun of it, getting out with the public, stimulating your senses with new smells, textures, colours, bright lights, music.  It's especially thrilling when you find that item that you've been looking for, and so desperately "need".  I know for myself, I usually feel uplifted and happier after I have been out shopping, whether I buy something or not (just be careful of the dangers of buyer's remorse -when you spend too much money!). 

I also enjoy reading books by Sophie Kinsella.  She has a Shopaholic Seriers, and the first book is called, Confessions of a Shopaholic.  The storylines are quite funny, and it's entertaining to go on an adventure of shopping with Becky.  The first two books were made into a movie, called, Confessions of a Shopaholic.  See the movie trailer here. 

If you are feeling down, and want a lift, it's always fun to go out shopping, especially to a mall (even if you don't buy something).  It's nice to treat yourself and make yourself feel special.  Buying something for someone else is also rewarding.   Giving is always a good thing!

Happy shopping!

~Angela