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Sunday, 6 February 2011

Mad Busy Weekend Delays Mad Men Post

We are sad to say that due to a busier than expected weekend, and super bowl craziness, our much anticipated finale to Mad Mondays is going to be delayed until tonight.  We apologize as we know you were looking forward to it but be sure to stop back later tonight because we've certainly saved the best (Joan!) for last!  


XOXO,
Jen & Saira




Saturday, 5 February 2011

Love Knows NO Borders


After 3 VERY LONG years, Saigon Skye (also known as Phan) is FINALLY home with her forever family! What a testimony of determination and love!

Saigon Skye and her forever family left Vietnam and arrived home this past weekend in America.

Jodi (Phan’s mother) was the first familiar face (TQ mom) I met in Vietnam back in August, 2008. Phan & Halle-Grace lived in the same orphanage. Jodi and her husband were so gracious to send us photos and even a video of Little Miss Magic just days before we met our tiny miracle face to face.

Saigon Skye (Phan) has been on my mind and heart for all of these years! Red tape separated this family for 3 years, but they never gave up hope! Words cannot express my joy! She is FINALLY home with her forever family! God has a way of knowing when people belong together! NEVER give up on your dreams of building your family!

http://web.me.com/jodimarkoff/Nobordersforus.com/nobordersforus.com/nobordersforus.com.html

Finally, there is a happy ending! HALLELUJAH!

Shannon Devine

Friday, 4 February 2011

Breast Cancer Research

I wanted to share a story that inspired me recently regarding the breast cancer research front. It always seems like a pretty daunting task to “change the world” as just a little “me.” But that’s what we all hope to do, right!? We give $20 to a charity and wonder if it really helps. We share our story with another person & question if that’s enough. After learning about the partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation & ACE Cash Express, my faith in the little “me” is restored!

People who use ACE Cash Express helped to raise $522,643 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. And how did they do that, you ask? Each time a customer uses the card, a percentage of the transaction is donated to the foundation. Just goes to show us that EACH of us can help in a small way that adds up to big things!

So keep buying those products that give a percentage to Susan G Komen, donate a dollar (or 5!) at the grocery store check-out, & keep wearing that pink, ladies!! What we do as individuals DOES make a difference!

But let’s get real, sometimes we don’t have an extra $5 to donate & who is going to wear pink every single day? We all love our pink, but come on! So here is something that you can do all day every day – visit www.thebreastcancersite.com & click to give free mammograms! That’s it!

Ashley Smith


For more information about the wonderful things the National Breast Cancer Foundation is doing, visit nationalbreastcancer.org.

Thursday, 3 February 2011

February is For Lovers

Alright fellas, this post is for you. Valentine's Day is approaching and you may or may not be hard pressed for ideas. We have to hand it to you -- it must be hard thinking of something fun and interesting to do every single year, when expectations run so high. While what constitutes romance varies based on your relationship style, here are some solid ideas for you this Valentine's Day, most of which are experiences you can enjoy together:





We're not going to lie, we have Black Swan fever... so chances are your gal does too. An amazingly romantic Valentine's Day present would to check out a beautiful ballet performance. The New York City Ballet is currently performing Swan Lake, but our guess is that tickets will be limited at this point.  If you can find tickets though, and are willing to sit through the whole performance (which is beautiful), you will be man of the year!




Ice skating can be incredibly romantic, especially if you can find an outdoor venue. There's nothing sweeter than circling the rink, holding hands, while gazing adoringly at one another. It's also a pretty budget friendly activity. All you need is some hot chocolate to make it a perfectly romantic evening.




A weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast is a perfect way to spend your Valentine's Day, especially as it still falls on the end of a long weekend. Pick out a cute, picturesque town where you can engage in some fun, outdoor activities and cuddle up to a blazing fire every night.




On a similar note, take advantage of the long weekend and go away snowboarding. This is how we plan on spending our Valentine's weekend - hitting the slopes and spend

ing our nights cuddling in the lodge. We get that this is a much more expensive way to spent Valentine's Day, but we're guessing a splurge like this means no gifts involved? Maybe...




A timeless and incredibly sweet Valentine's Day tradition is to make a romantic meal at home. Whether you make it together, or surprise your date with a beautiful spread, this is a very intimate way to spend your evening. You avoid the frantic rush to get a reservation on the big night, and you can plan around your budget. And please don't forget a dessert... chocolate covered strawberries are delicious and easy!




A fun way to cook together is to take a cooking class together! Make it a one-night thing, or sign up for a few classes together, and taste the fruits of your labor! Also, when choosing a class, think of what would be fun for you to do together. A sushi making class would be perfect for sushi lovers, or you can stick to desserts only if you girl has a sweet tooth. Or, maybe you'd like a dance class or wine tasting..whatever you end up doing, this will surely be a Valentine's Day to remember.




Or, if you prefer to give a tangible gift then this one would be for your.  Of course, there's nothing wrong with the traditional Valentine's Day that involves dinner at a fancy restaurant, a bouquet of red roses, and a box of chocolates. But you can show your softer side by writing her an old fashioned love letter. For inspiration, check out the book featured in Sex and the City, which features letters written by Lord Byron, Napoleon, Shakespeare, and Tolstoy, to name a few. Nothing is more romantic than hearing your guy list all the ways he loves you on paper!



 Time to sweep her off her feet!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira