Wedding Follies & Advice

For those who are getting married, heed this advice! Not everything I say will be necessary for everyone, but the first is important!

1. Enlist a friend or family member to bring you water throughout the night. This is a must. As a Bride, you do not get time of your own. With every step towards the bar, you will get bombarded with people wanting to talk and take pictures. I had one glass of water after I stood up from dinner. Thanks to my brother, who asked me if I needed any. Otherwise, I had nothing for over 8 hours. You don't have time to take care of you, so you need to enlist someone to do it. I did not go to the bathroom once! NOT ONCE. It was awful. At the end of the night I was dehydrated, had a headache, my feet were swollen and felt awful.

2. People will not R.S.V.P. - You know this, I know this...they know this! However, it is hard to make time to call everyone who hasn't R.S.V.P.'d to your wedding. Devise a plan when you send it out. Designate a friend and a family member or two to split the duties for calling people and finding out. Not "RSVPing" is one of the worst mistakes people make without realizing it makes that big of a difference. It was one of the most irritating things for me, as I'm planning every second of my free time, for people to not RSVP. It's the only thing I ask of my guests. It's already stamped and has a return address label. I spent hours trying to get answers from people. Some people I even see everyday. More likely than not, if they don't RSVP, they're not coming.

3. RSVP issues - However, I was at a wedding where someone did not RSVP both guests, just one. The seating was set, 8 chairs, 9 guests. The staff had to smoosh everyone at the table to accommodate this extra guest. Then, we had uneven bread amounts, my husband had to wait to get his meal because this "extra" person was given his. It was an awful experience as a guest and the Bride was not that happy with the commotion of bringing many guests that didn't RSVP. Make a plan for it. If you have place cards, make a few ones that say, "Didn't RSVP? Table ##." Or you can just have open seating and a buffet, haha.

4. DJ requests - Decide if you will allow requests. If so, make sure your DJ knows that your "top 10" are a priority to play and let him/her know what songs/genres you don't want played. For our wedding, the rules were 1) No Country 2) No Robin Thicke (my request) 3) No 50 Cent (hubby's request). 4) Nothing inappropriate (kids, grandparents and parents are there!).  My DJ was amazing and told people no. He played a great mix of what we wanted and what he though we'd like. If you're in the Twin Cities and looking for a DJ - use DJ No-Mic! He's great to work with!

5. Rent, don't buy! Soooo we bought all our Table Cloths, Chair Covers, Sashes and Table Liners. We saved money, yes, but the amount of time we spent ironing was horrific. We had my sister, mother-in-law, aunt-in-law, cousin and husband working pretty much for 2 weeks straight on ironing. It was NOT worth the amount we saved. I thought I'd make all my money back by selling them after the wedding. I didn't. I even bought them on Black Friday for a much better rate. Still not worth it. Just don't do it. Plus, the man power it took to put all those things up just wasn't worth it! It did look great, though it was super annoying!

6. Last thing. People say it won't be the end of the world if you don't get to do something you wanted to do for your wedding. I disagree, to a point. There are some things that I wanted to do, but didn't do it. There were some things that were no big deal...but there were a few that I am still upset I didn't do. They were things I had been envisioning for years. If it's something you have thought about for years and you don't do it, because you run out of time, you'll be upset. If it's due to money, I think it's a different story. If it's due to time or help, you will probably regret not doing it. Of course, no one will know if you didn't do something like a slide show or a photo booth, but if it's something you really want and it's not a matter of money. Do it. These little things may seem "trivial" to others, but you will feel like you missed out if you don't do it. Find a way. Ask someone for help. I had my Maid of Honor do some great things for me, because I just didn't have time! She made these great things for my wedding reception!

She made this sign for our cupcakes!

  

 And she completely made our Ad-Libs Guest Book sign and Guest Book Pages!

7. Download the Wedding Party App! You get a custom password and people can upload the pictures they take at your wedding reception to the site. It is private and you get so many great pictures that would probably be stuck on people's phones for the rest of your married life, haha. We got some great pictures that we wouldn't have gotten if we didn't use it! 215 pictures our professional photographer didn't catch! Like this one - my grandpa in a Tiara! 

Well, that's my list of wedding suggestions and advice! Just remember, Bride's need to stay hydrated!

Surround Yourself With The Things You Love

Sometimes, it's hard to be your best self when you are surrounded by grey walls and grey carpet. I saw a pin on Pinterest about transforming your work space. I had spent about 6 years staring at the same grey cubicle walls. I, of course, customized my space with pictures and fun things like bobble heads and musical posters. However, it didn't really feel like it was what I loved. I spend 9-10 hours a day there, so I really wanted to make it more "me." I probably spent a good 5 lunch hours making it "pretty," but it was worth it in the end.

Here are my before pictures. SO BLAH!

 Grey Walls!

 Too cluttered!

 Gross floors!

Plain White Cabinets!

As you can see, I have some personalization, but it was a mess and it didn't make me feel good being there. After I saw a post on Pinterest about covering your walls, I was determined to update my cubical, too! So, here are my after pictures! It's quite lovely now!

 COLOR!!! The walls are Bath Curtains. I covered the holes at the top with White Satin Ribbon!

 Got a great Kleenex Box cover on clearance for uniformity!

Added a few small vases with fake flowers propped up on post-it notes. A fun frame for my pictures, instead of tacked to the wall with a pin. I added a canvas picture to the wall with Velcro! I got a fun case for my pens, scissors and other post-its!

My favorite thing, which may be too much for some people, is my file cabinets! I bought Contact Paper from the Dollar Tree and measured it and voila! Easily removable and makes it look GREAT!

 I found a great "J" container that I put my candy in and it matches! Got it at Gordman's!

 Check out my new rug to brighten up the space. I got a nice Pashmina to throw over my chair!

That's it! My remodel of my cubical. I found everything on clearance or with coupons, so it ended up being under $50. I figure, $50 to make me happier in a space I spend hours and hours in is worth it! One word of recommendation if you are going to update your space: Make sure everything is approved by your local facilities and that you're not breaking any fire codes!!

I'd love to see any of your remodels of your drab office spaces! Please share if you try!!

Making Someone's Wish Come True!

It's no secret that I love to volunteer. In the past year, I have done a lot of great volunteer events. I volunteered with Mano A Mano sorting medical and school equipment for impoverished rural Bolivia. I helped make cookies at the Cookie Cart and educate teens who are gaining work, life and leadership skills through experience and training in a Minneapolis bakery. I was Co-Chair of the American Heart Association's Community Teams for the 2014 Heart Walk and am Chair of the team this year (join us April 25th!). I am an eMentor for BestPrep in Minnesota. I supplemented a child's wish through the Make-A-Wish Minnesota Foundation. That's what I'll be focusing on today, since it was such a fun experience!

I tend to think of volunteering like this quote from David Thomas,

Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.

If I am capable to volunteer - to make a change in the world, I feel it is my responsibility to give back. Whether it's something big or small, it is worth it. Whether you volunteer for selfish reasons or noble reasons, it's all the same. You are helping. Volunteerism is selfish, in a way, so there's no harm in feeling bad about it. It gives you joy and a feeling of fulfillment. Even the Harvard Health Publications have proven your happiness can be dramatically changed by volunteering, even more so if you do it on a regular basis! The act of helping others can reduce your stress. It can also help you network and meet new people. There are many selfish reasons to do it, so don't feel bad.

Whatever your reasons, as long as you are helping, I approve!

I wanted to show you one of my favorite things I did this year. It was the first year I volunteered to help with Make-A-Wish Minnesota. It definitely won't be my last! There are so many opportunities to volunteer with Make-A-Wish, I highly suggest checking them out. It's not all money based. There is a great mix of things you can do for them. What I did, was supplement a wish for a young 6 year old from Minnesota. His name is Jett. I never met him, but I felt connected to him as soon as the Make-A-Wish sent me his story. I won't share it all here, but I will say that he is a wrestling fan. Most of you may not know this, but I am a wrestling fan. I started watching the WWE when I was in 6th Grade. My husband is a former Pro Wrestler. We watch WWE every Monday night, haha. It's a fun little tradition. Anyway, Jett, is also a huge WWE fan. His wish was to meet the current Tag Team Champions, The Usos.

The opportunity to supplement his wish was great. I got to pick out lots of fun goodies for him to have on his Airplane Ride to Sacramento to meet them at a WWE event. The cost was small, they say a $10 grab bag. Now, I do not know how to stick to a budget like that. I just thought, he needs more! It's a long flight! Haha. I had so much fun going from store to store trying to find the perfect things for his bag!

I grabbed a bunch of stuff that he loved and put it in a few bags for him, as you can see above! I dropped it all off at Make-A-Wish and he was on his way a few days later! I got to see all the pictures from the event and the WWE posted an article about it. It was Jett and the Usos first Make A Wish! You can view the article here and see him wearing his new necklace: Circle of Champions

Check out all the ways you can volunteer with Make-A-Wish Minnesota here! There are quite a few that do not involve money, including meet and greeters, office or event volunteers.

Resources:
Volunteering and It's Surprising Benefits
Authors: Joanna Saisan, M.S.W., Melinda Smith, M.A., and Gina Kemp, M.A. Last updated: December 2014.

10 Selfish Reasons to Volunteer for the Selfie Generation
March 17, 2014

Circle of Champions: USOS Grant Their First Wish
Author: Kara A. Medalis

Make-A-Wish: Types of Volunteers

I can do affordable. I mean, I know where all the sales are...

So I took a few quotes from Confessions of a Shopaholic. It's pretty funny how realistic some of the things Rebecca says...for example: Rebecca Bloomwood, "When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it's not, and I need to do it again."  That's how I feel about good deals, discounts, sales, etc. Another trick to make you buy things you don't need - so watch out!

However, sometimes, you can spend less on things you do need. That is what this post is about! Finding good deals, free deals, half price deals, online discounts, etc. 

 Where to start? I suppose I'll start with online shopping, since it applies to the most people. There are so many ways to get discounts on items you can buy in store. Most of the time, you can get it cheaper online. For example, if you are looking for anything from a major store, like Kohls, Macys, JC Penney, Maurices, New York & Company, Herbergers, Nordstroms, Target, Bloomingdales, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Victoria Secret...really, any place that has multiple stores, you can get some kind of discount or cash back for buying online.

Credit Cards.
First, if you own a credit card or debit card, check to see if they have "cash back" or points when you buy online. My current card I use for purchasing has at least 5% cash back on a lot of places, including Target, Clinique, Coach, MLB.com. The smaller stores might have up to 10% cash back. Just be sure to only use your credit card if 1) you can pay it off right away 2) you don't have a shopping addiction.

Groupon. Click here to go to Groupon!
I assume you already know about this. If not, you will want to sign up. If you know, check out the posts below for MrRebates and ebates. They provide cash back for Groupon purchases!

Living Social. Click here to go to Living Social!
Just like Groupon, new deals every day! I love Living Social because they have the Just like Groupon, new deals every day! I love Living Social because they have the Me+3 feature, which helps you to enjoy your favorite Deals and lets your friends join in on the fun. Plus, when three friends buy from your purchase link, your Deal becomes absolutely free.

MrRebates (MR). Click here to go to MrRebates!

Cash deposited into your account when you click-through their link to buy something. I have been a member since 2011 and earned $231.28! Example: I recently bought something online through Target.com. Before I went to Target.com, I went to MrRebates. MrRebates has 2% cash back at Target. I click on the link for Target, it brings me to Target's website. I order my item as usual and money will get put into my MR account - as long as the email address I register for MR with is the same as my Target.com account. That is the only key. You must have the same email address linked for it to work. So, my $25 Target order for me a .51 cent rebate!

The orders' rebates take 90 days from the "posting date" to post to your Available Rebates. Available Rebates mean you can request a check be cut in your name for that amount. You can request a check anytime you have money in your account! Below, is a list of my lifetime balance. I have had 57 rebates and requested 6 checks (payment deductions). You can also get payment sent directly to your paypal account, if you prefer!

They track the orders, so you can't order something and return it and still get money! Besides, we're frugal, not dishonest, right? This is by far, my favorite "secret" money helper. It helped a ton when buying wedding supplies online!

BONUS: You can even get cash back on Groupon (5%) & Living Social (5%)! Discounts on discounts! Examples of current cash back offers (subject to change): Old Navy: 3%. Marriott Hotels: 3%. JCPenny: 5%. Walmart: 3%. Home Depot: 2%. As you can see, they have a huge variety of places! It's amazing! I just ordered my check - UPDATE: I received my check and got $14.88 cash back! Sounds small, but when you see my total cash back over the years, it add up!

Rebates Earned:	$231.28	# of Rebates:	57
Referral Rebates:	$0.00	# of Referral Rebates:	0
Payment Deductions:	$216.90	# of Payment Deductions:	6

ebates. Where it pays to shop online(TM). Click here to go to ebates!

This program works just like MrRebates. I use it in conjunction with MR. I typically check both of them when I am going to buy something online. Most of the time, I find that MrRebates is cheaper, however, occasionally it will be ebates that offers a better rebate. Both sites allow you to make your own "favorite" store list. You can go to that at any time to see what rebates are offered for your faves! Example: Right now, Groupon has a 6% rebate. MR has a 5% rebate, so I'd go here. It spreads out your money, but you ultimately get the better deal by checking both. Examples of current cash back offers (subject to change): Babies R Us: 2%. Coach: 2%. Dell: 2%. eBay: 5%. Sears: 6%. There are so many more, I can't list everything!

 They will send you a check every quarter. You can also set up for it to be deposited to your paypal. As you can see below, my last purchases, payment and total cash back is listed below. I am getting a check just before Black Friday! You can use these rebate companies if you buy stuff on Black Friday! DOUBLE BONUS!

Cash Back Summary

• $5.78Pending Cash Back
• Add $75 more to your account
• Recently Added
• • $2.90Babies R Us
  • $0.48Keurig
  • $0.90LivingSocial
• $197.49Big Fat Payments
• 11/15/2014Next Big Fat Payment
• CheckPayment Via
• $203.27Total Cash Back

Ibotta. Click here to go to ibotta!
ibotta is a fun app you can download to your phone. This is the same concept as above, but for in-store purchases. You can find rebates for lots of products/food you might buy at a discount store like Target or Wal-Mart. My favorite is that you can get rebates for going to see movies. They typically have a $1.00 rebate for movies at AMC Theaters or Regal. The idea is simple. Click on a rebate you want, complete the question provided to you. These questions are simple. It's like, watch this 20 second commercial, learn a fact or tell me where you buy your groceries. So easy and definitely worth the 5-30 seconds you would spend to answer it.

Another great thing - you can get rebates for bread, eggs or milk, OJ, candy, ice cream, etc. Any brand, any store! Some products might be store specific, but it is clearly stated. All you need to do is make sure you unlock the rebate (doing the question thing), then taking a picture of your receipt and uploading it with the rebate. They deposit money into your ibotta account. You must reach $10 to get the cash back. You can have it sent to your paypal or get a gift card to places like Starbucks or iTunes. My current balance is $8, so I'm not quite there yet. I like the movie rebates and the food staple rebates.


Other fun rewards programs that take some time, but you can get fun free stuff:

Lean Cuisine Delicious Rewards™. Click here to go to Lean Cuisine Delicious Rewards!
This program is for all those frozen meals you eat! Enter the code for free stuff!

Kellog's Family Rewards®. Click here to go to Kellog's Family Rewards!
Do you eat Eggos or Pop Tarts in your house? This is a great program for all those great Kellog's products. Every product has a code on the inside of the box. Enter the codes here and you can get great rewards!

Online Video/TV Streaming. Click here for Netflix. Click here for Hulu Plus.

Netflix - it's been around for a long time. Great for full series and movies that are out on DVD. Recently, they have been toying in the "Only on Netflix" arena. For example, Arrested Development completed their series 10(ish) years ago. Fans wanted it back. They came back with one season only on Netflix. Totally worth the money I pay! Plus, I love watching some of my old favorites again. Gilmore Girls is now on there! Friends will be coming shortly. You can create different "groups" for different people in the family, and get suggestions based off them. So, when I want to watch Gilmore Girls and 13 Going on 30, my husband won't have my ratings change his suggestions. We do streaming only, but you can get DVDs, too!

Hulu Plus - much younger than Netflix, but in a slightly different arena. Hulu Plus gives you instrant streaming to current and older shows. Cosby Show, anyone?! I had a Tivo, but opted to cancel the subscription, as 90% of what I watch was on Hulu Plus and they are there for at least 3 weeks. Many series have the whole season on Hulu Plus, so you can catch up if you've been gone for a while! You can sync up with your cable provider and get even more shows!

Movies at the Theater. Click here to go to AMC Stubs program!
Several theaters have rewards programs. They often allow you to reserve tickets online with no extra fees. My favorite theater is AMC. They have cheap weekday shows and decent prices for weekend shows. They also have the AMC Stubs program. The program costs $12 a year...which is $1 a month. Totally worth it if you go see movies! For every $100 you spend, you get a $10 rewards to spend on movie tickets or concessions. We always buy 2 tickets and an icee everytime we go to AMC. Sometimes a candy, too. That usually ends up to be $25-$30, so after 3-4 trips, we get $10 back. We get at least 3 rewards a year, so it's worth it for us.

Another benefit through AMC Stubs Rewards Program? Upgrades! Do you get concessions? Pop, Icees, popcorn - they are all upgraded to the next largest size. So if you want a medium, order a small and you'll get the upgrade for free! Don't forget, you can pre-order your Hunger Games tickets online


Target. Click here for Target Cartwheel. Click here for Target Mobile Coupons. Click here for Target Online Coupons. Click here for Target REDCard. Click here for Target Pharmacy Rewards. Click here for Target Wish List.

You know Target is trying to compete with Amazon. You can get some amazing deals. Combine a mobile coupon, a cartwheel and your REDCard for ultimate deals!

Check out the "Hot Deals" in the collections area of the Cartwheel app. It typically has 20-40% off some items! Black Friday - they put secret deals on the Cartwheel app. This is how I got my Dyson for 40% off last year!

Now, if you order stuff online through Target, you get free shipping! Talk about a no-brainer! Combine that with Black Friday and MrRebates or ebates and you are looking at a serious discount without having to waste gas!!

Just Arrived - Target Wish List APP: I know Target Wish Lists have been around for a while. I love them. They are good for keeping track of things I want to buy or get for others. The NEW part about this is the Target Lists App. It is a seperate Application you download on your phone. You create lists for your children (or husband, in my case) and you ca get 10% off ALL toys/gifts on your list for ONE day between now and November 26th! Some exclusions apply, so you'll want to check the app!

This is a great way to get a head start on shopping for the holidays and for your kids to make a list that can be sent via the app to others! You can even scan pictures from the catalog to the list. People can also search for anyone's list on Target's website. So, if you need ideas for a child, you can check to see if they have a list created!

Amazon.com. Click here for Amazon Prime.
Oh, Amazon. How I love thee. So, this is for someone who wants a serious deal and is willing to pay. I use Amazon Prime probably at least once a week. My benefits:

1. Unlimited Streaming Music.
2. FREE Two-Day Shipping! Don't need it in a rush, you usually get a $1 credit toward an ebook if you choose the next best thing!
3. Unlimited Movies and TV Shows through Prime Instant Video. A lot like Netflix or Hulu. Watch is anywhere, on anything!
4. Amazon Lightening Deals. You get early access to daily deals. I just pre-ordered a Fire Stick for $20, even though they are $40. Check out the Fire Stick, if you get Amazon Prime or have it now. It lets you instantly stream from TVs and so much more. Similar to Chromecast.
5. Free ebooks! You can rent one book a month and return it whenever you want!
6. If you're a mom, you can get a cheaper discount and 20% off diapers! HELLO!

Library systems - Books and magazines. Click here for Hennepin County Library eBooks.
Speaking of renting books! I know with modern technology, a lot of people have Kindles, Nooks and iPads, etc. Did you know you can rent ebooks for free from the library? It's the same process as going to the library and checking out a book. In my county, all you need to do is go to the library page and search for a book They will say if there is an ebook option. You have to have a library card to do this!

Another great thing about the library, you can cancel your magazine subscriptions! Online magazines can be read online or through the Zinio app you download to your tablet or smart phone. There is no limit to how many you can check out and they can be kept indefinitely!!! However, keep your MN Monthly Magazine, because I support them 100%! ;) Some magazines may not be available. For me, I also have to keep my Money Magazine subscription.

Photographs. Click here for Shutterfly. Click here for SnapFish.

Shutterfly offers 101 free prints or a free magnet when you sign up. You can also sign up for their mobile app and if you use it, they will give you 100 free prints per month when you first sign up. However, you have to pay for shipping!

Snapfish offer 55 free prints for signing up. The have the same program as Shutterfly. Download their app and get 100 free prints every month for a year. Still, you have to pay for shipping. Ordering photos online has proven to be a money saver, even with shipping costs - because you can send them to Walmart or another like company.

Local Radio Half-Off Deals. Click here for ESPN 1500.

They are everywhere. Every radio station seems to have it! Check your favorite station out online! Sample above!

Dollar Shave Club!
"Dollar Shave Club couldn't be simpler. Select one of our great blades, pay only for the cost of your blades, and we send ’em right to your door every month." Brother-in-law teseted and approved. I recently purchased this for my husband, so we'll see how he likes it! I ordered the one that men and woman can use, so maybe I'll test it out, too! Razors are becoming ridiculously expensive! I spend about $18 for a 4 pack! The Dollar Shave Club has 3 options for razors. They are cheap, cheap cheap! $1, $6 or $9, depending on how many you use in a month!

Facebook Garage Sale Sites. 
Search in your FB search field for your city + garage sale sites. You will be amazed! So many things you can sell, so many things you can buy! It feels more comfortable than craigslist, because you can actually see the person. If they don't show or do something shady, you can post in the group and everyone will know to be wary!

Places to organize your finances! Click here for Learnvest. Click here for Mint.com.
Learnvest and Mint.com both allow you to sync ALL your accounts, whether it's credit card, checking account, retirement accounts, investment accounts, etc. They are both great ways to get a grasp on your finances, for free! I use Learnvest, which was once geared towards women, but happily included men and help for everyone. I used mint.com in the past as well. Both have been great. You can check them out to see what you think!

Now that you learned most of my money saving tips, don't forget to put your money to work! I'd love to hear how others are saving money or any feedback on this post. It's long, but filled with, I hope, some new information you haven't seen before!

Why you should never ask, "When are you going to have a baby?" AKA my ova is my business!

It seems bizarre to me that in this day and age a person would have the audacity to ask that question! It is one thing if your immediate family does it or best friend, but aquaintences!? Steer clear. This is such a touchy subject, why would you stick your nose where it doesn't belong?

 There are many people who are unable to have children for various reasons. Maybe your question is upsetting to them and is a constant reminder that they are unable to bear children. The birage of questions come as soon as you get engaged and don't end until you have one...then it's, "When are you going to have #2?"

Please think the next time you are asking the question. Maybe this person doesn't want kids and is insulted that you assume that every person has the desire to be a parent. You are asking for a debate at that point.

Lots of people cannot afford a child. They are not being selfish. They are thinking about the well-being of the family as a whole.

It could be that the person isn't ready. If that is the case, is it really your business to know why they aren't ready? The kid business is so strong and people often forget that not everyone has to have a kid the second they get married, or ever.

As a newly married woman, I have received an average of 10 inquiries about the status of my ova a month. My ova is my business!

Please, I beg of you, think before you speak. Your words can be more damaging or frustrating than you know!

Shaping Minds and Cookie Dough - My Experience at The Cookie Cart!

It's more than just a cookie...

it's building new relationships!

I am part of the Volunteer Committee at work. We try to set up volunteer events for our entire department at least every few months. In August, we went to the Mano a Mano, a great organization that collects and sorts donations to send to Bolivia. Their goal is to improve health and increase economic well-being. They are a great organization and always looking for volunteers! http://manoamano.org/

 The Cookie Cart is a great place that incorporates real-life skills in a "first paid job" position. Their mission is to provide teens with lasting and meaningful work, life and leadership skills through experience and training in an urban nonprofit bakery.

The job is simple enough for anyone ages 15-17. You make cookies and run the cash register for customers! Unlike a traditional work setting, the Bakery Program allows youth to learn from their mistakes, viewing them as teaching opportunities. Young adults are also given the chance to teach each other, providing them with opportunities to hone what they have learned and develop leadership skills. We worked alongside these employees for a few hours. Some were soft spoken, some were demanding (ask Luke) and everyone was courteous, helpful and educated.

What we learned while we were there, was that they have classroom training and a program called the "360 Degree Program." This program is a classroom and community-based program that builds upon the skills youth learn in the bakery and offers comprehensive employment and job search skills training to help them find and keep traditional jobs in the mainstream workforce. Each worked has a chance to go through the program and get "scored" and certified, which they can then put on their resume.

Not only do the employees have the opportunity to develop skills for their future career, they also have a chance to learn about important life skills. Raneisha, one of the employees who showed us the ropes, said she was happy to learn about personal finance. They teach them about how to budget, needs vs wants and smart ways to save. Altogether, they have 3 training programs they can go through, plus they have the opportunity to get help with their resumes and offer mock interviews. We were going to help with that...but it was easy to see that the kitchen was where all the action was!

In the kitchen, you will see everyone buzzing around working near the oven, packing boxes for orders and shaping the dough! We worked in 4 groups, each with 1-2 teens at our "dough table." They really aren't called dough tables, but that's what I call them. Most volunteers were scooping the dough and adding the finishing touches. Little tip - if you make M&M® Cookies, place the M&Ms face down on your cooking sheet (but use parchment paper). That way, they are less likely to fall off while cooking! #OneSmartCookie

While scooping the dough with these employees, it gives you a chance to interact with them. We learned about the process of getting a job (they interviewed 10 people while we were there!), what the guidelines are, how much they make and bake during the day, how to handle difficult customers...the list goes on. Everyone who was able to go enjoyed the experience. They say they need a lot of help during the holiday time...in case anyone wants to volunteer again.

For those not in MN - they do ship freshly baked cookies! http://shop.cookiecart.org/

Children's HeartBeat 5000

My husband and I decided to do the Children's Hospital HeartBeat 5000 this year. It was the 12th annual 5k and it helped raise over $358,000 dollars for the cardiovascular care program!







You can visit facebook.com/childrensminnesota
and check out photos from this year's HeartBeat 5000 or check out mine below!!

There were so many people in attendance!

Look closely, there's a camera drone in the sky!

You can see the drone move on the left.

Me and my hubby after the walk!