When I was a little girl, a homemade note hung by our back door for as long as I can remember. It was a note written by my dad and directed at my siblings and me meant to be read each time we left the house for school or to go play with the neighborhood kids. It said simply: Be the best person you know how to be. That’s it. It was nothing fancy—and far from a Pinterest-worthy inspirational canvas….
Believe it or not, another busy, hectic school year will soon be coming to a close. Students are already buzzing with plans for bidding farewell to the classroom in exchange for the carefree days of summer. And for teachers, the official countdown to their yearly vacation from the whiteboard has begun. I may be going out on a limb here, but I think they’re just as excited as the kids! Knowing firsthand how demanding the end of a school year…
As a teenager looking for a creative outlet before the dawn of the internet, I learned how to knit. Sitting by my stepmother’s side, trading needles back and forth as she guided my clumsy hands, I came to appreciate the joy of being “crafty.” Though my knitting career was short-lived, my one and only project—a vibrant, rainbow-colored, shorter-than-most scarf—served me well on many chilly winter days (and was a point of pride). I don’t think I’m alone when I say…
It was arguably the worst day America had ever seen—a few moments in time that no American will ever forget. But, many stories of strength, fortitude, and positive energy have emerged in the 15 years since the events of September 11th, 2001. One such story is that of Robert Herzog, founder of ZogSports, which has grown to become the most popular adult co-ed social sports league in the country. Each year, ZogSports has seen its membership grow. Over 100,000 fun-loving,…
A slight chill is in the air. Pumpkins are creatively perched on porches all over town. And the neighborhood candy collectors will soon be dressed to thrill, hitting the streets on their sweet mission to fill their sacks all the way to the tippy top. From princess to pirate, minion to mermaid, as kids young and old eagerly anticipate the big night, the question of the season remains, “What are you going to be for Halloween?” Halloween only rolls around…
By its very definition, generosity is an act of unselfish giving—and offering one’s own talent, time, and creativity to a new friend you’ve just met is a beautiful example of selflessness. Recently, a group of more than 50 potters from many corners of the globe got down and dirty for a Secret Santa gift exchange. They used the Elfster website to help them share amazing and unique ceramic art created with their own two hands. The pottery exchange community, led…
Determination. Dedication. Motivation. Inspiration. All are key factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reaching goals, especially when we face the daily challenges of trying to eat healthy, getting enough exercise, or shedding a few unwanted pounds. But we may also realize it’s harder to take such a journey alone. One group dedicated to supporting and motivating one another through these difficult daily tasks was created to serve members of the popular Weight Watchers program from all over the United…
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to spend some time with some of my favorite people on earth, my awesome cousins. We don’t see each other that often because, fact is, sometimes life and distance just get in the way. But once we started reminiscing about the days we spent splashing in the waves and basking…
I am sure I am not the only one who once dreamed of being a Disney princess when I “grew up.” Don’t get me wrong, the whole elf thing is certainly awesome, but just imagine spending all your days in the most magical place on Earth! For one lucky group of Elfster users — and Disney lovers extraordinaire — that dream really did come true, as they were once lucky enough to spend their college days with the ultimate job…
It seems that summer is the new winter here at the North Pole these days. Surf’s up for Santa and while the elves are busy monitoring the naughty and nice list, plenty of great exchanges are in full-swing. As a matter of fact, over 500 new exchanges have been created on Elfster in just the first two weeks of July! Our friends in the fun-loving “Our Disney Ohana” group led by one of our favorite elves, Sandra Rumsey, are gearing…