News & Things to Share

Great Gift Ideas for Caregivers! May 11 2016, 0 Comments

I made the ANGEL bead to honor my Mother-in-law, whom I adore. She always knows the right thing to say, listens but rarely judges; but when she does, she gives me the prompt kick in the ass that everyone of us needs from time to time from those who love us. I honestly don’t know where I would be without her.

Over time the ANGEL project has taken on a whole new depth that I didn’t anticipate, but am honored to be a part of: we've noticed that cancer patients and their families are buying ANGEL for their caregivers and chemo nurses!

When we can tell that ANGEL is going out as a gift, we offer to enclose a hand-written note, because we understand how deeply ANGEL's message can run and we want to make it as personal and meaningful as possible.

What better way to pay tribute to those silent heroes working behind the scenes doing the best they can and sometimes, with little recognition. The ANGEL collection is designed to remind them every day how much we appreciate them.

The Perfect Best Friend Gift March 30 2016, 0 Comments

She has been there for you through thick and thin. Cried with you, laughed with you, took care of you when you were sick and even plotted revenge over a glass (bottle) of wine with you when it all fell apart.

She’s your best friend, the keeper of your secrets, your sister in crime. She deserves something to make her smile.

How do you find that perfect gift? The one that will make her remember the time you laughed until your sides hurt or that great adventure you went on that no one else knows about. Something that will make her smile every time she looks at it. Now is a great time to get her something, just because…..

Make the Most of Your Moments: 2015 Mass Conference for Women December 16 2015, 0 Comments

There’s no question that the lineup of speakers was terrific: “Project Runway” Co-Host Tim Gunn; ABC Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes (to name a few). People who have accomplished more than most could imagine. But it wasn’t about the big-name headliners at the 2015 Mass Conference for Women. It was about the energy of the day. The feeling that not only inspires you to dream big, but that makes you feel like you can actually make those dreams come true.

I was there as a volunteer for Confidence Beads, asked by the director of outreach and social media (my friend and former college roomie at UMass Amherst). I arrived harried—coordinating child duty with my husband, finishing up assignments for clients, ordering those final Christmas gifts for delivery by December 24. But what happened as I descended the escalator to the event was “one of those moments.”

Some women wore business suits; others were in trendy jeans and belted scarves. No matter the attire, most had smiles. There was a buzz. We all seemed connected even though we had never met before.

I had a job to do. I found booth number 457: Confidence Beads. I knew the story of how the company started. In a few words, founder Linda Waters was running Back to Business, counseling women who were transitioning back into the workforce or contemplating new careers. The main obstacle, she discovered, was confidence. She soon found herself bringing clients small gifts to boost their confidence, and finally followed her own advice to do what you love. Live with purpose.

The themed bead collection reminds me of the daily affirmations that I vow to recite but never seem to make time for. Fearless. Fabulous. Warrior. Survivor. Never give up. Just watch me. Go girl. Somehow, being around the positive messages inscribed on the sides of these tiny colorful beads made me start to believe. Suddenly, talking to passersby about the beads wasn’t a job; it was a support group, a time to share stories, a time to network, a time to believe.

I watched Linda. She’s one of those people who make you feel like you’ve known them for years. Though we were there to showcase her bead collection, she couldn’t hang up her career counseling hat (she still runs Back to Business). It flowed out of conversations she had with women considering new ideas, writing books or launching businesses. It didn’t matter if they were strangers or longtime acquaintances. Somehow Linda became a confidant to all.

So what did I take away from the conference? Many moments that formed an unforgettable experience. A commitment to be the best I can be and to be comfortable with my choices—whether that’s as a mother, wife, writer, colleague or friend. A commitment to build up not only myself, but anyone who has a dream. And a commitment to work even harder to build up those who haven’t yet dared to dream.