Spread the Love

Valentine’s Day…a day that can include flowers, chocolates, cards, and romantic dinners with the ones you love. But for some, it can be a day of sadness, especially for those who are alone. 

My girlfriend Ashley, who I talk about quite often and has helped me with so many fashion articles and cooking videos, recently hosted a “Girls Night Out…With A Purpose.” It started with the idea of Ashley opening her store, Ashley’s Attic, one evening so her customers could enjoy some girl time, try on clothes, sip some wine, and nibble on snacks. It turned into that and more.

www.facebook.com/ashleysatticcoloradosprings/

Ashley gave the evening a purpose while having fun by providing craft supplies so we could all make Valentine cards for a local (not-for-profit) assisted living center. ViewPointe, a Bethesda senior living community which includes assisted living, memory care, and independent living is who we made our cards for. It was very heartening to watch the ladies make cards, coming up with cute sayings, adding heart stickers, glitter, and heartfelt messages to their cards. Ashley provided the supplies and a local family owned printing business donated all the colorful paper. (Thank you to Centennial Reproduction Center for the paper!)

www.centennialreproduction.com

I thought this card was especially cute. On the front it had a big heart with the question, “Are You From Tennessee?” and then inside it read, “Because you are the only ’10’ I see!” Loved this!

Ashley also had some fun props for selfies.

(I love Ashley’s outfit! She paired jeans, a long-sleeve knit and a summer dress. So cute!)

We enjoyed wine and meeting new friends (and tried on clothes – I did buy this top that night.)

And at the end of the evening we had made dozens and dozens of cards that will hopefully put a smile on someone’s face.

I thought this was such a great idea I thought I’d share. Of course you don’t have to own your own store to do this. Perhaps you have a neighbor or two that is alone, maybe a widow or someone elderly who has no children. A simple card would probably make them feel good that day, knowing someone cares about them. If you belong to a church group, you could make cards for those in the congregation who might spend the day alone, or for an outreach group. Children in hospitals would appreciate a cheery card. 

This would be a nice project for you and your kids, for a group, a classroom, etc. 

You know, I’ve often heard people say that it’s wrong to feel good about doing good deeds. And that it’s selfish if you tell others about it. But I think that when you share ideas or experiences of how you might have helped someone or done something that made another human feel good, it gives others ideas on how they might be able to help spread some love and good cheer. And I think that when you feel good about doing something for others, it makes you want to do it more often. In return, I personally find that others tend to pass those good feelings on. 

Spreading love and kindness…I think it’s a good thing.

And I hope everyone had ViewPointe enjoyed their cards.

www.viewpointeco.com