American Greetings, Author at American Greetings Blog

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Summer Entertaining Tips

Summer’s in full swing! The smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of kids playing, and the sight of clear blue skies fill our senses, while we all prepare for a season of summer fun… including lively get-togethers!

This year, make your summer parties even more entertaining, affordable, convenient, and healthy with just a few simple touches. Here are several helpful suggestions to get you get started in planning the most successful soiree of the season:

Go for multi-purpose décor: Your summer entertaining will most likely be outside, so spruce up your deck or patio with items that not only add to the atmosphere and style of your spot, but also help everyone enjoy themselves. A large table umbrella can add a dash of color while also keeping your guests shaded. Hanging lanterns and twinkle lights are an elegant way to help everyone see each other once the sun goes down. And citronella candles can help to fill the air with great scents while also keeping pests away.

Make it a DIY gathering: While the grill is going, set up everything else outside. Line a table with stacks of plates, cups, napkins, utensils, buns, and side dishes. Then fill a cooler with everyone’s favorite drinks nestled in ice. When the food is ready, your guests can fill their own plates and pluck their own favorite items off the grill while you enjoy the visit. You’ve just reduced clean-up duty as well!

Embrace and customize themes: Themes are a great way to coordinate all get-togethers, large or small. Sometimes a few details might make you wary of a certain idea, but this summer take advantage of any great theme by customizing it to you. Want to unwind with friends and a cool drink after work while watching the kids? No problem. Create some frozen drinks everyone can enjoy while relaxing together. Love the idea of a picnic, but not the reality of being less than comfortable? Instead of a blanket, use outdoor chair cushions to make your spot more enjoyable while still getting that picnic feel. You get the idea.

What can we bring? It’s the question you usually get right after inviting friends and family over. Then you probably usually say, “Nothing at all” or “Just yourselves!” But there’s a way to take advantage of their generosity without putting them out. Tell guests who offer some help to bring their favorite outdoor games or music. These are two areas you might forget about, and there’s no cost for your guests to bring what they already have. Win-win.

Don’t be afraid to mix up the menu: We know, it’s barbecue season. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend the next three months dining on nothing but hot dogs and hamburgers (though you still will want to at least a few times, right?). This summer, change things up by trying a different main course option. For instance, grill your favorite fish as the centerpiece of your meal to add a fun new taste to your typical summer dining. Also be sure to take advantage of the great variety of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables available at outdoor farmers’ markets or even your own garden. Everything tastes best at its peak ripeness.

Remember, this great weather won’t last forever, so get out and enjoy it. Make this summer all about having fun with your favorite people, and keep an eye out for ways to do so more easily and affordably.

What’s your best summer entertaining tip? Tell us in the comments!

Make a Summer Bucket List

July 14 By American Greetings

Summer’s in full swing and everyone’s heading for the great outdoors and our minds are quickly filling up with grandiose ideas of how we’re going to spend our days in the sun. Something fun? Something new? Something adventurous?

But so often we get distracted and time passes by much too quickly. Before we’re left wondering, “Where did summer go?” it’s time to do something about it. Now!

Stay right on track by creating a summer bucket list of must-do ideas so that your summer stays action packed and filled with memorable experiences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Look locally: Take a look at your state and local visitor’s bureau to see if there are local attractions that you’ve never been to before. The community calendar section of your local newspaper is also a great place to start. Sometimes just the next town over can offer a new experience or a little-known piece of local history.
Water fun: Summer is much more than lounging by the pool. Check out local lakes or try a new watersport like kayaking or windsurfing if it’s available in your area.
Nurture nature: So not everyone may be ready to tackle an entire weekend camping, but even just going on a hike in a local park is a great way to connect with nature. Many park systems also offer summer programs and guided tours, so take advantage and use nature as your outdoor classroom.
Seasonal eats: Give your regular menu rotation a fresh start with some fun summer recipes featuring locally grown fresh fruits and veggies. Shop a local farmers’ market. Or if you’re super ambitious, grow your own! And if space is scarce, a small potted herb garden is still very manageable and a good project for a beginning gardener.
Summer favorites: Some things just go hand-in-hand with summer: going to a drive-in movie, getting ice cream, hosting a lemonade stand, and having a picnic or cookout. Keep a running list in an easily accessible place, like the refrigerator, so that you can add to it as things pop into your head.

For your convenience, American Greetings has created a special printable checklist just for you. Simply click here, right click to save to your desktop and print!

Happy summer, everyone!

The perfect summer soundtrack

June 25 By American Greetings

Whether you’re headed out on the open road, relaxing by the pool, or grilling with family and friends, music is an essential part of the summer season. The best way to share and enjoy the songs you like most is to create your very own custom summer soundtrack.

In order to put together a perfect summer soundtrack, remember that it takes time, practice, and, ultimately, a great range of artists and genres to fit your moods and activities. Since today’s hits are sure to be blaring on the radio already, let’s instead focus on some older, less recognizable songs and artists that fit the following typical summer situations:

Road Trip: It may be the ultimate challenge for any musical compilation. You’re in the car, possibly for hours, and music is your one salvation. The good news is that there are countless songs that are sure to put you into the road trip spirit. Here are a few that would make almost any list:

“Slow Ride” by Foghat – The name says it all.
“Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts – A perfect road trip anthem.
“Fantastic Voyage” by Coolio – An off-the-beaten-path (pun very intended) suggestion. Will make the drive almost as much fun as the destination!
“Boys of Summer” by Don Henley – What could be better for a trip with the guys?
For a girls-only weekend, you can’t go wrong with the Lenny Kravitz version of “American Woman.”

Basking in the Sun (and the Down Time): Few things offer the kind of simple pleasure as does basking in the sun. Whether on a beach blanket, on a favorite comfy outdoor chair, or in a hammock, it’s one of the best ways to relax and wind down. So with that laid-back vibe in mind, accompany your well-deserved break with these mellow tunes:

“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” by Alan Jackson – A subtle reminder there’s always a party going on.
“Could You Be Loved,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and on and on by Bob Marley – No relaxing afternoon or vacation would be complete without this musical genius.
“Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra. No artist is cooler and no song gives you the feeling of ultimate summer decadence like this one.
From “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” and “Margaritaville,” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” no one captures the carefree days of summer quite like Jimmy Buffett as he reminds us all to relax and enjoy the ride.
For a more current artist to add to your laid-back mix, Jack Johnson is a great albeit not-widely-known pick. Johnson’s folk-rock jams feature poetic lyrics and rhythms that will get everyone nodding along in approval.

Get-Togethers: Summer gives all of us more opportunities to enjoy the company of friends and family with regular get-togethers. This summer, be sure your back yard, porch, or patio is ready with the right music to get everyone in a celebratory mood.

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond – We dare you to find someone who doesn’t know the words, and nothing gets a party going quite like a singalong.

They aren’t called The Beach Boys because they’re great for listening to on a rainy day. Their upbeat tracks are perfect background for any summer gathering.
Make it a Motown evening with hits from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, or any of your other Hitsville USA favorites.
Any of The Beatles’ classics would be perfect for a family and friends get-together. From slower tracks like “Let it Be” and “Yesterday.” to more rocking fare like “Can’t Buy me Love” and “Twist and Shout,” you really can’t go wrong.
Having a Family Reunion or just entertaining all the relatives? If so, you simply have to include Sister Sledge’s “We are Family” to the mix!

Super Staycations

June 23 By American Greetings

Want a summer break? Need a summer break? But funds are a little low this year?

No fret! It’s time to think outside the box and discover the advantage of taking a summer staycations (i.e., a vacation in which you don’t travel away from home).

Your own backyard and your own hometown both offer some great getaways that you might not have thought of—and which won’t break the bank. They’re easy to plan, inexpensive, and fun, offering great enjoyment for you, your family, and your friends.

Here are some of our favorite staycation ideas:

Be a Tourist: Take a trip to your city’s own convention and visitor’s bureau to check out pamphlets on attractions in your area you may have missed or haven’t seen in several years. Ask for recommendations on restaurants you’ve never tried. And inquire about festivals, outdoor concerts, or special activities coming up. You may just see your city through new eyes!

Visit Some Furry Friends: When was the last time you went to the zoo? Rather than hurrying around to make sure you see all of the animals, take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the personality quirks of those on your way. You’ll be surprised at how the animals react when different groups come through.

Play Copycat: Recreate your favorite vacation spot with a favorite meal, a movie, or a few decorations. It’s funny how just a few tiki cups, paper umbrellas, and a lei can whisk you away to a faraway island without even leaving your own zip code.

Host a Movie Night: If you have access to a video projector and sound system, host a backyard movie night by showing a favorite flick onto a projection screen or sheet. Provide popcorn and soda (plus other theatre treats if you’re feeling ambitious) and invite the neighbors to bring their own seating. If you have a pool, even better! A float-in movie is always a big hit.

Camp in Your Own Backyard: Set up a tent and sleeping bags right in your backyard. Make s’mores on the grill. Tell stories. And try to identify the major constellations in your night sky. It’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comforts of home behind!

Have you ever done a staycation? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments!

How to wrap a wedding gift (in style!)

June 9 By American Greetings

They say love is in the details, and certainly no life event is more detail oriented than a wedding. So how is it possible that, after carefully selecting the perfect wedding gift, to create a personalized gift presentation that will surely be noticed?

Enter the American Greetings gift wrap experts, whose knowledge of gift presentation details goes far beyond the traditional paper wrap and bow. They’ve agreed to share some of their favorite ways to present a gift in a beautiful way that befits the elegance of the occasion.

Here are their fun suggestions on how to wrap a wedding gift:

Take a hint from the invitation and wrap your present in the wedding theme. The gift table is usually in a prominent place in the reception, so matching the style and colors will definitely be noticed.
Use a special keepsake for the nametag. Personalized ornaments, a set of his/her luggage tags, and photo key chains all make memorable accents.
Adding a few natural items helps to add some personal flair and reflect the spirit of the season. Slip in a few spring or summer flowers, fall leaves, or glittering decorative snowflakes to gift bags or under ribbons. These items can really add pop to gift envelopes as well!
If you’re feeling particularly crafty, wrap your gift in two layers of contrasting wrapping papers. Use an X-ACTO knife to cut out a fun pattern in the upper layer of paper so that the lower layer shows through.
Embellish your gift wrap by stamping a design on solid-colored paper or stencil on their new monogram.
Layer ribbons of various widths for a customized, personalized look.
Present the gift in a beautiful keepsake gift box that they can reuse to save wedding mementoes and photos.
Think of themed gifts. Towels in a display box, wine glasses in a tablecloth, picnic supplies in a basket, stationery in a mailbox, coordinating photo albums and frames, and even a scrapbook starter set are all fabulous ways to make the memories of their special event live on for years to come!

Celebrate you this summer!

June 9 By American Greetings

Chances are, your schedule will probably become pretty hectic this summer. Cookouts, weddings, sporting events, and other get-togethers will fill your days, nights, and weekends. But one thing you must never forget is to make some time for you. Just for you!

One way to make sure this happens is to write it down on a calendar—with a pen. Declare this time as sacred and non-negotiable. After all, there’s no denying we all need a few moments to enjoy some quiet “me” time on our own terms.

Here are a few suggestions on how to make that goal a reality:

Backyard Oasis: Sometimes all you need is a glass of lemonade, a hammock, a good book, or an iPod to shut the world out and relax. Be sure to set aside some time each week to just be by yourself and recharge your batteries.

Go Retro: Remember the ol’ days of listening to a baseball game on the radio? Relaxing on a veranda swing? Taking a nap? No? Well trust us, it’s worth a try. Every single one of them.

Party of One Always Has Fun: When was the last time you got to pick your dinner location, movie, or date activity? Well, it’s high time you took yourself out on a date! If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of dining alone, bring along a book or journal to write in. A few hours of solitude spent seeing a movie or wandering around a museum can also do wonders to calm the spirit.

Seasonal shopping: Summer is a great time for scouring outdoor flea markets and farmers’ markets. Take your time looking around and seeing what there is to offer. Ask a collector about their wares or a produce vendor about the proper way to prepare a vegetable you’ve never tried before. You’ll find yourself learning something new while at the same time having fun.

Expand your Crafting Education: Speaking of learning something new, have you always wanted to learn how to quilt, quill, or do another classic craft? Check out your local craft store’s class schedule and sign up to get started right away!

June Birthday Fun Facts

June 2 By American Greetings

Happy birthday to all the June babies out there! With summer kicking off this month, we hope the warmer weather brings you a sunny birthday! For those who love to know all about their birth month, here are some awesome June birthday fun facts you might not know:

June birthdays actually claim two birthstones: pearl and alexandrite, both which are particularly beautiful gemstones that represent loyalty and friendship.
The flower of June is the rose, which is widely recognized as a symbol of love and/or sympathy (and the American Greetings logo!) June is also National Rose Month! (hmmm… are we seeing a trend here?)
June is also home to National Candy Month, National Dairy Month, and National Iced Tea Month (great, now we’re thirsty!)
The famous English tennis tournament, Wimbledon, is played during the month of June.
The zodiac signs for June are the quick-witted and clever Gemini (May 21-June 20) and the intuitive and sentimental Cancer (June 21-July 22).
Celebrity birthdays during June include Morgan Freeman (6/1), Wayne Brady (6/2), Angelina Jolie (6/4), Mark Wahlberg (6/5), artist Mary Engelbreit (6/5), Liam Neeson (6/7), Natalie Portman (6/9), Blake Shelton (6/18), Macklemore (6/19), Meryl Streep (6/22), artist Kathy Davis (6/22)and Ariana Grande 6/26). We hope this next year is full of happiness and excitement, and that your birthday is a blast!

Great Graduation Gift Ideas

May 24 By American Greetings

The end of each school year produces a new group of freshly minted graduates eager to move on to the next phase of their life, either at college or in a career. You’d love to give them a gift that will simultaneously convey your pride and celebrate all their achievements. But we can probably all agree that finding the perfect graduation gift idea can be quite a challenge.

Just remember, a little extra effort on your part will be truly appreciated by your grad. So whether you’re celebrating a high school or a college graduation, here are some great graduation gift ideas from the gift-giving experts at American Greetings that will surely be treasured for years to come:

Handy reference library: In today’s world, a grasp of the written word makes you stand out in the crowd. Consider offering the grad a great reference material, such as a letter writing manual, resume guidebook, or (career-depending) an updated copy of the AP Stylebook.
Help them along their way: A gift card with a specific intention in mind will show how much you care about their needs. Gas and grocery cards for essentials, or even a department store card for new shoes or an interview suit, will help them toward a successful future.
All eyes on the prize: Offer to have the graduate’s diploma or degree professionally matted and framed. Or create a shadow box to display it with their mortar board and tassel. It’ll be the finishing touch on an outstanding accomplishment and something they will treasure and display.
Get crafty: Create a scrapbook of the graduate’s school years, incorporating all their important milestones and achievements. Leave a few blank pages for graduation party guests to write in their words of congratulations and encouragement.
Make a personalized correspondence kit: The new grad may find him/herself in need of sending handwritten notes, so putting together a set of stationery, stamps, and a return address embosser will help them to create a professional and memorable impression.
Offer them an experience: Some of the most memorable gifts that can be shared are gifts of experiences. Whether it’s concert tickets, cooking classes, or even just a fun evening out, giving them a unique adventure will create lasting memories.
Customize a popular gift with a personal twist: Many graduates are greatly in need of extra money to help them along the way. But you don’t have to sacrifice a personal touch with this gift. Pair it with a unique money holder and include a heartfelt message of congratulations.

If you’re unsure what they need the most, don’t hesitate to ask for help. If the graduate is too shy or humble to tell you themselves, oftentimes parents and siblings may already be clued into their desires.

The Teacher Who Changed It All: Mickie’s ThankList

May 14 By American Greetings

I’d wanted to publish a children’s book for as long as I can remember. Books factored largely into my childhood. I would check out 50 of them from the library, read all of them in two weeks, and return them for another pile. I collected books too—Nancy Drew and original hardcover titles from the early 1900s from L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

For me, there was no greater joy than reading. I thought that creating something which brought so much enjoyment to others must be incredibly fulfilling work.

Years later, when choosing college classes to fulfill my Creative Writing minor, I had to decide between a poetry writing class or a script writing class. The choice was easy—I didn’t want to take either of them! But I had to take one, so I went with poetry, figuring the pieces would be shorter to write. I certainly didn’t envision crafting any epic poems à la The Odyssey or Beowulf or Paradise Lost.

I was nothing short of shocked when I ended up loving the class. Professor Elton Glaser taught me more about words and the art of stringing them together than any other teacher, before or after.

Mr. Glaser told us we should pay close attention to language when writing poetry. Whether employing alliteration or onomatopoeia, assonance or consonance, or any other poetic sound devices, he stressed the importance of always choosing the right words. Mr. Glaser also instructed us that a poem should evoke an image.

In late spring of 2009, when my family was driving to Indianapolis, I started to write a story about a little ghost. He lived in a haunted house and, in order to fall asleep at night, would listen to the various sounds—bats flapping / footsteps tapping… spiders clicking / an old clock ticking…witches cackling / skeletons rattling….black cats hissing / the wind whistling.

I finished a draft over the course of that weekend and spent many months revising…and revising…and revising some more.

In the summer of 2010, I sent the manuscript to a vice president at Random House whom I knew on an email-basis—and she ended up buying it. I was thrilled. My childhood dream had come true!

When I heard about American Greetings ThankList initiative—recognizing those people who had helped shape our lives—I thought of Mr. Glaser. I wanted this particular teacher to know how directly he influenced my first (and hopefully not last) original book sale.

And so I emailed him.

And he responded!

He was pleased to hear that something I learned in one of his classes so long ago was able to be used later in life to bring me happiness.

He also asked for two signed copies for his grandchildren. 🙂

Now that’s my idea of a happy ending!

– Mickie

Inspiring Gratitude: A free Mary Engelbreit Printable Quote

May 12 By American Greetings

mary engelbreit - american greetings

As a part of our #ThankList movement, we’ve reached out and asked our own associates and content partners what they are grateful for. When we asked our dear friend Mary Engelbreit what she’s grateful for, we had a feeling that art would play a major role, but we are just continually impressed by her humility:

{I’m thankful I can draw and that people seem to like those drawings. I’m really thankful for the constant support from the very beginning, not just for my drawing but in every aspect of my life, from my parents and my family.}

In the spirit of inspiring gratitude in others, Mary was kind enough to design this free printable quote for you to print, hang up and enjoy in your own home or office!

Download your free printable gratitude quote here!

Feeling inspired to say thank you? Send a Thank You ecard today!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

May 8 By American Greetings

From heading up the carpool, to being a shoulder to cry on when you needed it most, a mother’s love and support can’t be measured. They do so much for us and ask for so little in return. So for this Mother’s Day, why not spoil her with some sweets and relaxation? Check out these fabulous Mother’s Day Gift Ideas below for some easy and fun DIY gift ideas that also express all of the TLC mom deserves!

1. Easy Mother’s Day Gift: Chocolate Bouquet by Madigan Made

2. Mason Jar Picture Frame Vase by Home Stories A to Z

3. Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub by Here Comes The Sun

4. Last, but certainly not least… we couldn’t resist these adorable photo bookmarks by Nearly Crafty… Perfect for both moms and grandmas!

We hope this helps inspire you to create something extra special to express gratitude this Mother’s Day… Because being a mom really is the #WorldsToughestJob!

Happy Mother’s Day from Bonnie Marcus

May 7 By American Greetings

This special Mother’s Day post comes from our dear friend and content partner, Bonnie Marcus!

As a Mother of three, Mother’s Day means many wonderful things to me.

First, I am so grateful to be a Mom and have a wonderful husband and three little boys to celebrate with on this special day.

Second, I am so very thankful to have the most wonderful Mom in the world (in my opinion) to enjoy the special day with as well.

My Mom instilled in me many special values…. to ALWAYS be nice, NEVER give up, follow my PASSIONS, and someday I could be PRESIDENT – all of which has helped me to have the confidence and ability to be “president” of my own design studio! I am forever grateful to her for instilling such important values in me since I was a young girl.

My favorite gifts to give my family are ones that are treasured long after the holiday is over (like a beautifully designed greeting card : ).

Last year my children surprised me with a very special Mother’s Day gift that continued to give us wonderful presents months after the holiday was over!

On Mother’s Day last year, I had to go to my design studio in the morning to finish up the last pages of my new Fashion Style book. While I was gone, my husband called me and said, “You wouldn’t believe what the boys did for you this year!” As a designer, of course I thought the kids made me a beautiful card or a beautiful piece of artwork, but when I came home, I couldn’t believe my eyes!

My husband and the kids had rushed out in the morning to our local gardening store and built me a very special “Mother’s Day Garden” in our yard. From tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplant to kale, peppers, dill, parsley, and mint, everything was very well-planned and absolutely beautiful! Not only did they set up the garden, they also promised to take care of it too!

Over the past year, we have truly been enjoying this very special Mother’s Day gift. From family gatherings to neighborhood barbecues, everyone loves visiting our beautiful Mother’s Day garden and enjoying the fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that the boys take pride in picking themselves for every event. A gift like this not only is wonderful for the recipient, but it is a true treasure for the family as a whole. In addition, the boys have also developed a new passion for cooking as well, which is a wonderful gift in itself!

I can’t wait to see what they are going to surprise me with this year!

Happy Mother’s Day!

– Bonnie

May birthday fun facts

May 1 By American Greetings

April showers bring May flowers, so it’s time to go out and enjoy this beautiful month with all the May birthdays! There are also several holidays during the month to increase the joy May brings, including Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day! Here are some more cool May birthday fun facts for all the May babies out there:

– May’s flower is the Lily of the Valley, which is a symbol of humility.

– The birthstone of May is the emerald, a strong symbol of success and love.

– The two astrological signs for this month are Taurus (April 20-May 20), which is characterized as dependable and friendly, and Gemini (May 21-June20), who represents versatility and quick wit.

– May is a month of races! The Kentucky Derby is held on the second Sunday of May, while the Indianapolis 500 is also held each year during this month.

– Nationally recognized month-long holidays include National Bike Month and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Several celebrities also have their birthdays in May, so you’re in good company! These include David Beckham, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Adele, George Clooney, Enrique Iglesias, Bono, George Lucas, Tina Fey, Bob Dylan, and Clint Eastwood!

Hope your birthday is as special and beautiful as the blooming flowers!

Thanks Be to God: Karen’s ThankList

April 25 By American Greetings

By Maria Isabella

Karen Michelle Miller has many reasons to be thankful. She is loved by a devoted husband and two beautiful daughters. She has a successful career as a gifted author, poet, and motivational speaker. And…she’s a recovering alcoholic/drug addict. Yes, she has much to be thankful for.

“I LIVE for Him, really,” says Karen. “He has given me another chance, and I am NOT going to waste it!”

It was almost exactly 10 years ago to the day that Karen found herself at rock bottom. She was escaping a sad, painful past while avoiding all the uncertainties of tomorrow. Alcohol had helped her cope since the age of 14, then drugs slowly took over. And unhealthy, life-destroying decisions were being made all along the way.

Suddenly, on that decidedly fateful day, while the deepest despair surrounded her, Karen heard a loud voice. “What the hell are you doing?!” it boomed. Karen turned around. To her shock, no one was there.

{“Something told me that voice was shouting down from the heavens to knock some sense into me before it was too late,” she confessed.}

So Karen mustered the little strength she had left and slowly, resolutely pushed aside her feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and self-doubt. She checked herself into a recovery home in order to give sobriety one more try—one last try. For the sake of her daughters.

“I am now 10 years clean and sober,” says Karen, beaming. “I am happy and content. That’s a BIG deal for me.”

Karen and her sisters (Photo courtesy of Karen Miller)

She goes on to add, “I believe with all my heart that ‘the voice’ I heard [that day] was, in fact, the voice of God. I am now fully committed to being a good mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend…AND to sharing hope with young women who are suffering, particularly from addiction and depression.”

When asked what she would say to God this very moment if she could, without even a moment’s hesitation, Karen replied, “THANK YOU. Please continue to guide me to do YOUR will and not mine.”

We deeply admire and respect Karen for her life-changing efforts and her altruistic determination to make a difference in other women’s lives. Her gratitude to God for all His gifts is just one more perfect example of how ThankList is showcasing the power of love and thankfulness.

Karen Michelle Miller wrote her first poem, featured in her newly released book, Words to Ponder About Life, Love and Men, while residing in a recovery home with 13 other women over 10 years ago. Today, she continues to share her message of hope via her Book, Facebook, and Twitter.

Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Ideas

April 16 By American Greetings

Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Ideas

Teachers play an important role in our children’s success. And while their efforts should be praised every day, Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8) is a great time to call out their achievements and thank them for all they do. Check out these fun and unique Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas below to show your gratitude.

1. Back to School Supply Cake by Stephanie Lynn

Back to School Supply Cake by Stephanie Lynn