Friday, October 21, 2011

UPDATE: Commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Events Benefiting Komen Greater NYC

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month — and in the months to come — check out the events hosted by our partners. A portion of proceeds from each will donated to Komen Greater NYC to help us achieve our vision of a world without breast cancer.

The money raised will help underwrite grants for breast education and outreach, screening coordination and support and treatment services to under served women in the greater New York City metropolitan area. Their numbers have increased during these past years of economic turmoil. The funds will also go to improved enrollment in local clinical research trials and national research into the cures.

Thursday October 27, 2011
3:00 pm 8:00 pm
Lester’s of Greenvale
90 Northern Blvd at Glen Cove Road
Greenvale, NY

Five (5) percent of sales each event day will be donated to Komen Greater NYC to support the Tickled Pink! Teens for the Cure® Committee.

Design For Women, By Women

For three consecutive Saturdays, October 8th, 15th and 22nd at 382 Broadway in Manhattan, GE Healthcare and GE healthymagination present Design For Women, By Women, an interactive exhibit by internationally recognized female designers exploring new and inventive approaches to mammography, breast imaging, cancer treatment and women’s health.

Brunch Spa Cruise

World Yacht and Spa Week are hosting an afternoon brunch cruise on Sunday, October 16th. On hand will be six spa companies offering services and giveaways. The event, on the Princess Yacht, runs from noon to 2:00 pm.
World Yacht is making a $2,000 donation. All services and treatments will be provided for a suggested donation with all monies benefiting Komen Greater NYC.

For more information and ticket sales visit: www.worldyacht.com/site/events.aspx.

Scrubz Body Scrub

Scrubz Body Scrub donates 50 percent of the retail price of its Pink NYC-scented products to Komen Greater NYC. The scent is available in sugar scrub, oil and butter forms. This year, Scrubz will also donate ten percent of all sales during the month of October 2011 to Komen Greater NYC.
Over the last five years, Scrubz has raised over $13,000 through product sales and its annual October fundraiser, The Breast of Everything , which will take place this year on Friday, October 28th from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at The Hamlet at Olde Oyster Bay Cove, 100 Hamlet Drive in Plainview, Long Island. There will be music, comedy, shopping, raffles and more and 50 percent of all proceeds will benefit Komen Greater NYC! For more information, visit www.scrubzbodyscrub.com.
Gospel Album Release Party
The Kingdom Life Ministries is hosting a release party for “Perth Phillip Live in Brooklyn” on Friday, November 11th. The event is being held at the Ministries, located at 770 Park Place in Brooklyn.
Kingdom Life — which has guaranteed a minimum donation of $1,000 — is providing 10 percent of the ticket, album and DVD sales to Komen Greater NYC. For more information: 1-855-PP-MUSIK or 718-408-3698

Fourth Annual Holiday House Decorator Show House

Fifteen New York City designers are creating rooms and tabletop vignettes from November 15th to December 11th at the Fourth Annual Holiday House NYC. The event is held at townhouse, located at 2 East 63rd Street. Holiday House will include special events, lectures and an open house. Vendors include Sferra Linens, Potterton Books and MarieBelle Chocolate.
Holiday House will be donating 100 percent of all event revenue to Komen Greater NYC and has guaranteed a minimum donation of $10,000. For more information: www.holidayhousenyc.com or info@holidayhousenyc.com.


How Extraordinary Women Lead: A Breakthrough Model for Life and Work Success Luncheon

PowerwomenTV presents Dynamic Women in Business Luncheon, How Extraordinary Women Lead: A Breakthrough Model for Life and Work Success on November 16th during its Sixth Annual New York XPO for Business at the Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street.

Event Management is donating 100 percent of luncheon tickets sales to Komen Greater NYC and has guaranteed a minimum $5,000 donation. For more information: www.eventmanagement.org.



For more information: www.eventmangement.org.

Courtesy of Komen for the Cure

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Events Benefiting Komen Greater NYC

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month — and in the months to come — check out the events hosted by our partners. A portion of proceeds from each will donated to Komen Greater NYC to help us achieve our vision of a world without breast cancer.

The money raised will help underwrite grants for breast education and outreach, screening coordination and support and treatment services to under served women in the greater New York City metropolitan area. Their numbers have increased during these past years of economic turmoil. The funds will also go to improved enrollment in local clinical research trials and national research into the cures.
Lester’s Tickled Pink! Mother/Daughter Shopping Events
Three local Lester’s clothing stores are hosting Tickled Pink! Mother/Daughter Shopping Events. Refreshments will be served and activities include in-store fashion shows and raffles to win Lester’s gift cards. Those in attendance can also take part in a model search for Lester’s spring catalog.
Thursday October 6, 2011
4:00 pm 8:00 pm
Lester’s of Huntington
350 Walt Whitman Road
Huntington Station, NY

Thursday October 13, 2011
3:00 pm 8:00 pm
Lester’s of Manhattan
Second Avenue at 80th Street
New York, NY

Thursday October 27, 2011
3:00 pm 8:00 pm
Lester’s of Greenvale
90 Northern Blvd at Glen Cove Road
Greenvale, NY

Five (5) percent of sales each event day will be donated to Komen Greater NYC to support the Tickled Pink! Teens for the Cure® Committee.

Design For Women, By Women
For three consecutive Saturdays, October 8th, 15th and 22nd at 382 Broadway in Manhattan, GE Healthcare and GE healthymagination present Design For Women, By Women, an interactive exhibit by internationally recognized female designers exploring new and inventive approaches to mammography, breast imaging, cancer treatment and women’s health.
Brunch Spa Cruise
World Yacht and Spa Week are hosting an afternoon brunch cruise on Sunday, October 16th. On hand will be six spa companies offering services and giveaways. The event, on the Princess Yacht, runs from noon to 2:00 pm.
World Yacht is making a $2,000 donation. All services and treatments will be provided for a suggested donation with all monies benefitting Komen Greater NYC.

For more information and ticket sales visit: www.worldyacht.com/site/events.aspx.

Scrubz Body Scrub
Scrubz Body Scrub donates 50 percent of the retail price of its Pink NYC-scented products to Komen Greater NYC. The scent is available in sugar scrub, oil and butter forms. This year, Scrubz will also donate ten percent of all sales during the month of October 2011 to Komen Greater NYC.
Over the last five years, Scrubz has raised over $13,000 through product sales and its annual October fundraiser, The Breast of Everything , which will take place this year on Friday, October 28th from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at The Hamlet at Olde Oyster Bay Cove, 100 Hamlet Drive in Plainview, Long Island. There will be music, comedy, shopping, raffles and more and 50 percent of all proceeds will benefit Komen Greater NYC! For more information, visit www.scrubzbodyscrub.com.
Gospel Album Release Party
The Kingdom Life Ministries is hosting a release party for “Perth Phillip Live in Brooklyn” on Friday, November 11th. The event is being held at the Ministries, located at 770 Park Place in Brooklyn.
Kingdom Life — which has guaranteed a minimum donation of $1,000 — is providing 10 percent of the ticket, album and DVD sales to Komen Greater NYC. For more information: 1-855-PP-MUSIK or 718-408-3698



Fourth Annual Holiday House Decorator Show House
Fifteen New York City designers are creating rooms and tabletop vignettes from November 15th to December 11th at the Fourth Annual Holiday House NYC. The event is held at townhouse, located at 2 East 63rd Street. Holiday House will include special events, lectures and an open house. Vendors include Sferra Linens, Potterton Books and MarieBelle Chocolate.
Holiday House will be donating 100 percent of all event revenue to Komen Greater NYC and has guaranteed a minimum donation of $10,000. For more information: www.holidayhousenyc.com or info@holidayhousenyc.com.
t’s Harder in Heels Women in Business Luncheon
Event Management is sponsoring It’s Harder in Heels Women in Business Luncheon on November 16th during its Sixth Annual New York XPO for Business. The luncheon will take place at the Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street.
Event Management is donating 100 percent of luncheon tickets sales to Komen Greater NYC and has guaranteed a minimum $5,000 donation.

For more information: www.eventmangement.org.

Courtesy of Komen for the Cure

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

IF ONLY WOMEN PAID AS MUCH ATTENTION TO THEIR BREASTS AS MEN DO

What better quote to kick off our Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign than my favorite one!
Breast Cancer is a Disease that affects us all.
Personally Packaged are a fresh new resource for gift baskets, careboxes  & carepaks. We are also committed to helping defeat this disease. 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, in honor of this we will donate the profits from every Breast Cancer Awareness item sold to the fight against breast cancer.
Our Breast Cancer Awareness line was created with the main goal in mind of helping to win the fight, while providing comfort, encouragement and information in a pretty package.

SO THINK PINK!                             FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!

You don't have to run or walk to contribute, let us help you.

                       Shop for the cause!

              Personally Packaged, Where You Have it Made!



 



Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Pink is not just PINK

Pink is not just any color it's the color of strength, Hope, Faith, Courage for he Survivors of BREAST CANCER. 
Be tough enough to wear Pink and spread awareness.

Author Unknown



Personally Packaged, Where You Have it Made!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Breast Cancer Awareness Month


An article from KSL today reports that Utah ranks dead last in the number of women who get breast cancer screenings.

Dead last.  Moms, we need to fix this.

It also quotes Dr Brett Parkinson in saying that four women in 1000 have breast cancer right now, and don't even know it.  Put that math into the female population of Utah, and that means 5,600 women are walking around right now with a disease that can kill them if not caught early.  And they don't even know it.

October 1 kicks off the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  "Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. It is a widespread and random disease, striking women and men of all ages and races. It is the most prevalent cancer in the world today, with about 1.3 million people diagnosed annually. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, and at this time, there is no cure...But there is hope. Thanks to heightened awareness, early detection through screening, improved treatment methods and increased access to breast health services, people have a greater chance of survival than ever before."

Regular breast cancer screenings are the best way to detect cancers early, while they are still manageable.  Survival rates drastically increase for women whose cancer is found in the early stages, rather than when it has advanced.  The 5-year survival rate for women with stage 3 cancer is only 41%.  If detected at stage 1, the 5-year survival rate jumps to 93%.

Many single moms spend so much time focusing on their children and running their households that their own health isn't much of a priority.  But look at those 5-year survival rates--all of us want to still be around for our kids in 5 years.  Do you want to have a 41% chance of that happening, or a 93%?  Get your breast cancer screenings early and often.


                                 Personally Packaged, Where You Have it Made!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - 5 Quotes on Survival


 

“Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be,you can survive it.” –Bill Cosby
 

“At such moments, you realize that you and the other are, in fact, one. It’s a big realization. Survival is the second law of life. The first is that we are all one.” –Joseph Campbell
 

“If a blade of grass can grow in a concrete walk and a fig tree in the side of a mountain cliff, a human being empowered with an invincible faith can survive all odds the world can throw against his tortured soul.”–Robert Schuller
 

“The future belongs to those who survive their past.” –Gaia’s Mr. Prophet
 

“Damaged people are dangerous.  They know they can survive.” –Josephine Hart

Saturday, October 1, 2011

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited.......
It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot eat away at Peace
It cannot kill  Friendship
It cannot suppress Memories 
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul 
It cannot steal eternal Life
It cannot conquer the Spirit

Breast Cancer Awareness - Education

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
The breast is made up of lobes and ducts. Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes, which have many smaller sections called lobules. Lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are linked by thin tubes called ducts.
Each breast also has blood vessels and lymph vessels. The lymph vessels carry an almost colorless fluid called lymph. Lymph vessels lead to organs called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures that are found throughout the body. They filter substances in lymph and help fight infection and disease. Clusters of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest.
The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the ducts. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular carcinoma and is more often found in both breasts than are other types of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon type of breast cancer in which the breast is warm, red, and swollen.
Age and health history can affect the risk of developing breast cancer.
Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for breast cancer include the following:
  • Older age.
  • Menstruating at an early age.
  • Older age at first birth or never having given birth.
  • A personal history of breast cancer or benign (noncancer) breast disease.
  • A mother or sister with breast cancer.
  • Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.
  • Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram.
  • Taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Being white.
Breast cancer is sometimes caused by inherited gene mutations (changes).
The genes in cells carry the hereditary information that is received from a person's parents. Hereditary breast cancer makes up approximately 5% to 10% of all breast cancer. Some altered genes related to breast cancer are more common in certain ethnic groups.
Women who have an altered gene related to breast cancer and who have had breast cancer in one breast have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the other breast. These women also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and may have an increased risk of developing other cancers. Men who have an altered gene related to breast cancer also have an increased risk of developing this disease. (For more information, refer to the PDQ summary onMale Breast Cancer Treatment.)
Tests have been developed that can detect altered genes. These genetic tests are sometimes done for members of families with a high risk of cancer. (Refer to the PDQ summaries on Screening for Breast CancerPrevention of Breast Cancer, andGenetics of Breast and Ovarian Cancer for more information.)
Tests that examine the breasts are used to detect (find) and diagnose breast cancer.
A doctor should be seen if changes in the breast are noticed. The following tests and procedures may be used:
  • Mammogram: An x-ray of the breast.
  • Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. If a lump in the breast is found, the doctor may need to cut out a small piece of the lump. Four types of biopsies are as follows:
    • Excisional biopsy: The removal of an entire lump or suspicious tissue.
    • Incisional biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or suspicious tissue.
    • Core biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or suspicious tissue using a wide needle.
    • Needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration biopsy: The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid, using a thin needle.
  • Estrogen and progesterone receptor test: A test to measure the amount of estrogen and progesterone (hormones) receptors in cancer tissue. If cancer is found in the breast, tissue from the tumor is examined in the laboratory to find out whether estrogen and progesterone could affect the way cancer grows. The test results show whether hormone therapy may stop the cancer from growing.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
  • The stage of the cancer (whether it is in the breast only or has spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body).
  • The type of breast cancer.
  • Estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor levels in the tumor tissue.
  • A woman's age, general health, and menopausal status (whether a woman is still having menstrual periods).
  • Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
Acknowledgement given to the National Cancer Institute as originator of the information provided herein, with the NCI web site www.cancer.gov as the source

Monday, September 19, 2011

Breast Cancer Awareness Inspirational Poems & Quotes

For the next month or so I will be posting nothing but Inspirational Quotes  and Poems about Breast Cancer.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 
From 10.1.11 - 10.31.11, Personally Packaged will donate the profit for every Breast Cancer Awareness basket/carebox purchased and $10.00 for ANY occasion basket/carebox during the month of October! 
We will donate all proceeds to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, or the organization with the most likes on our facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/PersonallyPackagedLLC
Todays Poem:

Cancer Faith
Cancer may come unexpectedly into your life,
Bringing fear, hard times, and great strife.
Families suffer and the end clearly unknown.
Families are stronger than ever and not alone.
Our personalities must stay optimistic,
Feeling better and free will be realistic.
The experience could be a long, hard ride,
Twists and turns in which you have cried.
When you fight and beat it and go on to live,
Don't forget the people who are here to give.
Love and care will forever and always stay.
Cancer will be knocked out of the way.
Your soul is and will be stronger than this;
It can conquer cancer, destroy and dismiss.
Courage and memories are very much needed,
As tiring treatments have faithfully succeeded.
Friendship, family, and faith cannot be suppressed;
They are the loving souls that make you blessed.
When my love-filled Mom became a cancer survivor,
I soon realized that I was an underwater diver.
You dive in but you never know what is there for you,
It could be your worst experience or the very best view.
By: Michaela Fournier

Friday, September 16, 2011

WIFE APPRECIATION DAY is SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011

About the Holiday

Wife Appreciation Day is a day to honor and celebrate the ways that your wife enhances your life. This is a day for husbands to express their appreciation for all the things that their wife does. Show your appreciation for all the tasks that you may overlook that she completes. Roll up those sleeves and surprise her with some gestures to express your appreciation for her hard work. 
Some great gift ideas are:
  • Day at the Spa
  • Cooking Dinner
  • Cleaning the House
  • Recreate your first date
  • Spa Baskets
There are few cultural clichés quite as entrenched as the supportive, caring, considerate wife. But believe it or not, it’s not all a big con; the bond between husband and wife runs deep, and it’s important to recognize that level of commitment and dedication to a partner. 

Wife Appreciation Day encourages husbands and partners to surprise their wives (nicely, fellows) with gifts, recognition and above all, appreciation.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Free Troy Davis Text the word Troy to 62227 for further information

Troy Davis in spotlight again as execution nears
By GREG BLUESTEIN, Associated Press – 2 hours ago 
ATLANTA (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of people are rallying behind Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis — not just because they oppose capital punishment but because they believe the state could put an innocent man to death.
The case is fraught with drama: The murder of an off-duty police officer. Conflicting eyewitness testimony. Last-minute court decisions sparing a condemned man's life and global dignitaries who say they fear an innocent man could die.
Davis has captured considerable attention because of the doubt raised over whether he killed Mark MacPhail in Savannah in 1989. The U.S. Supreme Court even granted Davis a hearing to prove his innocence, the first time it had done so for a death row inmate in at least 50 years, but he couldn't convince a judge to grant him a new trial.
The officer's family believes there's no doubt that Davis killed MacPhail and prosecutors say the right man was convicted.
Davis is scheduled to die Wednesday, the fourth time his execution has been set in four years. He once came within two hours of being put to death. His attorneys say his legal appeals are exhausted and the chances of him winning another reprieve have dwindled.
Still, supporters hope to convince Georgia's pardons board next week to spare his life.
Executing Davis "risks taking the life of an innocent man and would be a grave miscarriage of justice," said former President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat from Georgia and death penalty opponent who wrote a letter on Davis' behalf.
"We believe that in this particular case there's enough evidence to the contrary to prevent this execution from taking place," Carter said Tuesday.
MacPhail was working a late-night shift as a security guard on Aug. 19, 1989, when he saw a homeless man who had been pistol-whipped at a nearby Burger King parking lot. He rushed to help.
Moments after MacPhail approached Davis and two other men, he was shot in the face and the chest. He died before help arrived.
Witnesses identified Davis as the shooter and shell casings were linked to an earlier shooting Davis was convicted of. There was no other physical evidence. No blood or DNA tied Davis to the crime, the weapon was never located and several witnesses who testified at his 1991 trial have disputed all or parts of their testimony.
One of them, Harriet Murray, told the jury she saw Davis pistol-whip her friend. She identified him as MacPhail's killer in a police photo lineup and later pointed to him as the shooter in court, saying he was smirking when he pulled the trigger.
But 11 years later, Murray gave defense attorneys a more vague account of the shooting and didn't name Davis as the killer. Others who did not testify at the trial have since said another man admitted shooting MacPhail.
Prosecutors say many of the concerns about the witness testimony were raised during the trial, and allegations that someone else later confessed are inconsistent and inadmissible in court.
Those questions compelled anti-death penalty groups to get involved. Amnesty International, a human rights organization, started its campaign in February 2007. It printed a report looking at the case and sent it to thousands of members across the globe.
"It took a lot of work for us to break through the noise, and to be serious about the questions of doubt and innocence," said Laura Moye of Amnesty International.
The group inspired Gautam Narula, a University of Georgia student, to fight for Davis' life. Narula plans to attend a rally on Davis' behalf in Atlanta on Friday.
"If it's true that Davis is innocent, this is something that could happen to anyone," said Narula, who has also visited Davis on death row. "Someone was sentenced to death for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. And that means that anyone could be Troy Davis. It happened to be him and it could happen to any of us."
That's the message of the NAACP's "I am Troy" campaign. More than 100,000 people have signed an online petition asking the five-member Georgia pardons board to spare his life. On Thursday, advocacy groups handed over to the board thousands of petitions with the names of more than 660,000 people who support Davis.
Big-name supporters began advocating for Davis in 2007. Pope Benedict XVI's U.S. envoy sent a letter pleading for his life, and Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu urged the courts to review his case. The Rev. Al Sharpton visited him on death row, and plans to return to Atlanta Friday to help lead a rally to support Davis.
Conservative figures also got involved. Former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson, who served under President George W. Bush, urged the pardons board to grant Davis clemency because "it is clear now that the doubts plaguing his case can never be adequately addressed." And former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr said in a letter that "even for death penalty supporters such as myself, the level of doubt inherent in this case is troubling."
A group of 27 former judges and prosecutors, including Barr, Thompson and one-time FBI Director William Sessions, asked the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009 for the rare innocence hearing to "prevent a potential miscarriage of justice."
The high court granted the hearing, a momentous decision because death penalty appeals typically look only at questions of procedure and constitutional violations, not guilt or innocence.
During two days of testimony in June 2010, U.S. District Judge William T. Moore Jr. heard from two witnesses who said they falsely incriminated Davis and two others who said another man had confessed to being MacPhail's killer in the years since Davis' trial.
Moore said the evidence cast some additional doubt on Davis' conviction, but that it was "largely smoke and mirrors" and not enough to vindicate Davis or grant him a new trial.
Some of MacPhail's family members blame the advocacy groups for drumming up the worldwide interest.
"I just think they should stay away. They don't know the case, they're just running their mouths," said Anneliese MacPhail, the slain officer's mother. "It's none of their business. They don't know all the circumstances."

Bluestein can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/bluestein
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Gift of Forgiveness

We forgive not because the other person necessarily deserves it, but because we do not want to carry that load around until we die. 
Anger, hate, and jealousy will make you old, resentful and ugly, inside and out. 
The question is, how much do you love and respect yourself? 
Is it enough to give yourself the gift of forgiveness? I hope so. 
After all what we think in our mind is what manifests in our lives! Well, when you have finally detached from  anger, resentment, and pain in your life your heart will feel as light as a feather. 
Not only that, but for the first time in your adult life you will be happy, truly happy, and your life will reflect the change back to you in every way.
• Forgive yourself for using people in your life to hurt yourself.
• Forgive yourself for not having clarity, for blaming others, and for not taking responsibility for your actions.
• Forgive yourself for wounding others and for the anger, jealousy, and hate you directed toward others.
• Forgive yourself for participating in situations that went against your integrity.
• Forgive yourself for not respecting yourself.
• Forgive yourself for not trusting yourself and having faith in your abilities.
• Forgive yourself for trying to control the people you love.
• And, of course, forgive yourself for not loving yourself 100% just the way you are!
 
For most people, giving ourselves the gift of forgiveness is very challenging.
 We judge everything that happens in life as good or bad, right or wrong. 
The truth is life just happens, and life is exactly as it is. As long as we are always judging others and life situations according to our point of view, we will never be able to have gratitude for the challenges and experiences life sends our way. 
No matter how enlightened a person you may be, things will always happen in life. People you love will die, relationships will come and go, the stock market will crash and rise, your car may be totaled but, if you have gratitude for life’s challenges, you will always be writing a beautiful happy story of your life!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Value of Employee Recognition

In great workplaces, employees know that their work is valued, and valuable.
How do they know they are valued?
Through "thank you's" to employees, co-workers and leaders.
In successful organizations the role appreciation & praise play in helping to create a team of loyal employees  is understood, and the practice of saying thank you is often used.
A sincere "thank you" let the recipient know they are appreciated and acknowledges their contribution.
Companies that say "thank you' to their employees enhance said employees commitment to the company's success.
Employees are proven to be more loyal to an appreciative boss and/or company that praises good performances.
It seems saying "thank you" is even more important in retaining people than paying them more money - and a pat on the back is......free.

At the end of the day, remembering to say thank you helps make your organization a much more rewarding place in which to work.
Given the number of hours we spend at the office, who wouldn't support that?


Personally Packaged is a great source of Thank You baskets and careboxes.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The 6 Components of a Happy Life



Simplicity


The route to happiness isn’t difficult. Happiness is not dependent on amassing a certain amount of fame or wealth; happiness is not dependent on reaching a certain social pecking order. If we are always striving after something bigger and better, happiness will remain elusive.

Happiness is found in the present moment, not some dreamed of golden future. We need to learn the art of being content with our current situation. Our current life may be far from perfect; but, if we can detach from negative situations and appreciate the value of simplicity happiness becomes easier to cultivate.
Live in the Heart

If we only live in the mind we look at every situation with our critical judgmental mind, as a consequence, we will inevitably find innumerable faults with the world and with other people. When we are constantly criticising others we can find neither peace nor happiness. However, if we live more in the heart we have a more tolerant, accepting attitude towards others. The heart’s qualities are acceptance and oneness. Children find it is easy to see happiness in the most ordinary situation because they are more in the heart. At times we need to distance the critical mind and take a simpler, childlike view of life.
Control Over Your Thoughts

When we feel like helpless victims of our own negative thought streams — how can we hope to be happy? To cultivate happiness we need to cultivate positive thoughts. This means stopping negative thoughts and replacing them with good, inspiring thoughts.

Avoiding negative thoughts requires practice. Meditation and concentration exercises can help us control our thoughts. But sometimes the best way to prevent negative thoughts is to concentrate on something positive. It’s your own thoughts that take you to heaven or hell, so be very careful with what is allowed into your mind.

Gratitude

If we show no appreciation for others and for life, we create a narcissistic outlook. We focus excessively on our sense of self and ego. When we offer gratitude for small things in life, it helps us feel a broader identity and awareness; our consciousness expands and we bring to the fore our own positive qualities.

Gratitude has tremendous power; if it is sincere and heartfelt it makes a big difference to our outlook on life. Gratitude helps bring to the fore a sincerely positive attitude to life.
Active
Happiness is easily found in usefully serving others. Activity doesn’t mean filling up our lives with as many activities as possible — this only leads to a sense of self-importance and stress as we struggle to do several things at once. But, if we are calmly active we find a sense of purpose in life; this sense of purpose and satisfaction helps cultivate an inner sense of satisfaction.
Physical Exercise When you take regular exercise you will feel many benefits. Firstly, when we look after our body we are less prone to lethargy and illness. Through developing our fitness we gain an increased sense of self esteem; this is because we are taking active steps for our self improvement.

Increasing our fitness also enables an increased sense of mental well being; exercise helps rid the mind of many useless thoughts. It is important to have the right attitude to exercise, don’t think of school P.E. lessons in the cold rain; getting fit doesn’t have to be torture — you can easily find a sport or some exercise that is enjoyable and sociable.










Written by: Telvan Pettinger





Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Just Give Thanks; the Importance of Appreciation & Gratitude

Sometimes we become so busy we forget the importance  of saying "you are appreciated", "I was just thinking of you" or just "Thank You" in both our professional and personal lives.

By acknowledging  someone's value, you show someone not feeling valued how much you  appreciate them.
Lack of acknowledgment can negatively impact any relationship and by the same token, any relationship can be improved when you acknowledge someone's efforts.
Saying "thank you","great dinner", or "I love the way you....." says I recognize your efforts, support encouragement.
Recognition, appreciation and gratitude can strengthen your relationships as well as offset arguments  & conflict.
Apply appreciation to all your relationships.
Show an employee that constantly exceeds your expectations or customer service rep that goes the extra distance to help solve a problem that you see their efforts. Take the opportunity to brighten someone's day while strengthening  your relationships with a "thank you" or "I appreciate you".
Not only does it make them feel good but you as well.
If you concentrate on finding good in every situation you will find that your life will be suddenly filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.
It doesn't take much to make someone feel valued!


By the way, gift baskets, careboxes and personalcarepaks are an excellent, cost effective way to do this, but a simple statement works as well!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

My Poem for my Mom, In Passing Happy Mothers Day!

Sometimes Mom in passing would pat me on the back
And sometimes in passing  she'd show me the right track.

Sometimes Mom in passing would say, "You look very nice!"
And sometimes in passing  she could make me think twice.

Sometimes Mom in passing would lightly touch my hair
And sometimes in passing she'd show me what was fair.

Sometimes Mom in passing would ask, "What do you mean?"
And sometimes in passing she would get in between.

Sometimes Mom in passing Would give me, "that look"
And sometimes in passing  Mom would give me what it took.

But I know my MOM, has passed from this world to the best
And this time in passing  she passed the final test.

And now that she has passed  and the pain is so unkind
I just look at me and find HER in the mirror, in my heart and in my mind.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Grandma's too! To Vergie, from your G-babies!

And Grandma's too...
While we honor all our mothers
with words of love and praise.
While we tell about their goodness
and their kind and loving ways.
We should also think of Grandma,
she's a mother too, you see....
For she mothered my dear mother
as my mother mothers me.

Friday, May 6, 2011

BEFORE I WAS A MOM

I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life
so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

My Mother Kept a Garden

My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life it's start.
She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem...
And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough-
But not too much because she knew
I'd need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong-
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.
I am my Mother's garden.
I am her legacy-
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me

M.O.T.H.E.R.

"M" is for the million things she gave me,

"O" means only that she's growing old,


"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,

"H" is for her heart of purest gold;

"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell

"MOTHER,"  A word that means the world to me.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Tribute to Mom - Mother, Best Friend

You were my fairy tale princess, so much larger than life.
You were my angel and my witness through all my pain and strife.
At times you made me angry, great words I would proclaim
How someday you'd be sorry. You were the one to blame.
But when I needed comforting you always found the time.
Your words were more soothing than days of childhood sublime.
Now the distance holds us apart, the boundaries have no end.
I'll hold the memories in my heart.


You're my mother, my best friend.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Tribute to Mom - Who's Always There

She was there at the beginning when the world was new to you -
She was there to turn to happy times those when, you were hurt or blue.

She was there to listen to your thoughts and when you asked, to give advice -
She was there to tell you, "Those don't match!"Or, "Hon, you look so nice."

She was there with you at nighttime to help you say your prayers _
She was there to tell you, "It's alright."When you had a dream that scares.

She was there at morning time to get you up and out of bed -
She was there when you didn't feel good (or did) To say, "You'd best stay home, instead."

She was there when you were hungry and when you had those dirty clothes -
She was there when you needed her(How she knew? Only heaven knows.)

She was there at the beginning and she'll be there your whole life through -
She'll be there in your mind and heart just like a mother is supposed to do.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

A Salute to Mom Everyday - Mother is the Truest Friend



A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Life is whatever I make it, these are my influences................

Hi All,

Things are really coming together for me! I have the best support system ever! My Family keeps me grounded! The children - my inspiration, my love - my anchor and he never lets me go! There is nothing like having someone in your life you is always there for you and for knowing there is no ulterior motive because you have no ties that bind other than love.
But moving on to my influences, having gone from one child to six almost immediately, I can sympathize with parents, wanting to by quality items for any occasions for multiple children can be expensive.  I try to provide beautiful baskets, careboxes and carepaks that are of good quality as well as visually pleasing at a very low cost.
I've been told that the industry standard is to take cost of supplies and multiply by three. Hello? Recession??!!
One look at my baskets and their prices and you will know immediately I do not following  industry standards!  Visit our new website and check out or Easter Baskets, Careboxes and personalcarepaks at recession proof prices! All can be personalized for anyone or any occasion!
You can like us on Facebook: Personally Packaged and follow us on Twitter:personalcarepak

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

MY PATH TO SUCCESS

So many business blogs are directed at profiting from their posts. While I would love to have that be the outcome of my blog as well, I just really wanted to have a way of detailing my path to success.
Today I saw this on you tube and I thought how beautiful, how true!
Click on the link to view:

It reminded me that it is never about what you say but how you say it and the strength words have spoken or written. I am known for having an extremely cutting tongue, recent changes in my life brought forward exactly how much more effective I can be with others just by not being quite so curt.

I started my company because I love to bring smiles to the faces of others.  I love to see everyone happy.
Everyone it would seem but me, I have stood in my own way for years and now I'm stepping out of my way!
I'm going to let that smiling, trusting, happy person I am when I travel overseas.
Watch the video and always remember the power yours words, choose uplifting words, find a better way of saying something, lets coat our words with love, there is enough hate in the world!
Don't forget to check out the website too!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Blogging

Not sure yet if I'm blogging correctly yet, but I do like the ability to put my thoughts down in writing. Probably should separate my professional from my personal blog but my name is Pamela Parnell, and I am Personally Packaged, to separate the two would be so feel free to follow me on my journey as I try to maintain my home, a full time career, a  rocky relationship and build my business.
Our lives are what we make it, I'm going to make sure mine is successful, full of happiness and and joy.
Look for Personally Packaged to do great things in the future and Pamela Parnell will be the face and hands behind it!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Easter!

Diligently working to make sure Easter is twice as good as Valentine's Day! 
Look for my very personalized line of Easter Baskets for lil girls, limited quantities!!
Pictures coming soon!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Thank You!!!

To all my customers that supported me through this holiday. Valentine's day has been my best  so far! I had so much fun completing these orders and allow me to say I feel so blessed to have so many people rooting for me and supporting me. To be able to receive profit doing something I love sooooo much, I never dreamed this could be!
www.personallypackaged.com  save the web address,  the  site should be live in a couple of weeks!

Friday, February 11, 2011

PRODUCTION!

Fervently working to get my Valentine's Day paks out.  6 more to go, or until I get another order! I feel so blessed!  anywho, break is over, back to work!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Too busy to blog?? No such thing!

Wow-will you look at this, as I'm getting my ducks in a row I've been almost too busy to blog! I set a Valentine's Day quota and I have to say, I am so blessed with such a supportive family that I am able to juggle multiple tasks without falling on my face. My family keeps me steady and grounded!  Anyway, it's quite fun to watch the boys try to help with the business, mostly packaging and maybe deliveries but all seem to have taken an interest in building a business and I would have gone through this exercise JUST to plant those seeds. 
That, however, is not why I am doing it.
It is Monday and my baskets have to ship by Wednesday LATEST!  What to do, what to do!!! 
I know, some people would love to be in my position and have orders to fill, I know I am blessed and I give thanks to him for his blessings each day. 
Well, back to work, nice talking to you.  Website up soon, www.personallypackaged.com
Bye for now.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Our beginnings

The more blogs I read the more I've decided that this may be something I actually end up loving.


Here is our story.......... I started making baskets for friends right around 20 yrs of age, mostly for friends, did really well with romantic gifts, edgy. Anyway, I was a single Mom and I had to work a real job so it all fell to the wayside, except of course as gifts to my friends. I worked in a high stress environment for years, cared for parents, raised my daughter and raising my 14 yr. old son and suddenly high blood pressure and high cholesterol stopped me in my tracks.
My doctor, Bernard Levine, (retired) told me I had to lower my stress level, and I told him I didn't know how, I'd always taken care of somebody and I didn't know what to do when I didn't have that to do anymore. Dr. Levine told me to find something I liked to do or die.  
I mean don't get me wrong, I'm sure the medication I am on helps, but I tell you whenever I get upset or  stressed I go straight into my office and create a beautiful basket or go merchandise shopping and get lost in ideas and all is well.  
Now understand, I've flipped houses for a few years, had my own cleaning co. and nothing is as fulfilling as I have found Personally Packaged to be. 
So many people start businesses to make money, and as well they should and I'm sure most of their blogging is scripted and meant to increase sales.  Kinda how I found my way to the blog world. 
Now I think of it as a place to tell my story. I have re-invented myself and I cannot afford to waste  tears over the grieves of yesterdayPersonally Packaged is my labor of love, and I'm sure it will be success, I plan to put so much of me, and so much love into it, add to that God's grace and nothing less will be allowed.


Goodnite World

Saturday, January 29, 2011

January 29th, 2011

I did nothing productive for Personally Packaged today.  having said that, I know that Personally Packaged is a part of me and I spent the entire day working on my mindset., which in turn helps with the company.
I've spent the best two days with my kids, and everytime I look at them I see my love, my life and my reason for building on this idea that is so near to my heart and that all my family plays a major part in.


So my mind and my heart are sympatico again, watch out world, here WE come!   Goodnite World!
Personally Packaged 2011

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Hi All, Happy Tuesday!

Hi Bloggers,

I had a super productive evening, it is amazing that I am blessed to enjoy my basket making so much that is ends up be as therapeutic as it is lucrative. 
Check out my some of my Valentine's Day baskets on facebook: Personally Packaged & follow me on twitter:personalcarepak

Monday, January 24, 2011

Recent happenings

Hi Bloggers,

I'm still trying to get this blog thing right and get it all to come together.  I feel truly blessed to be on this path to success and so proud of myself for getting it done!

But I know I am not doing it all alone, thank you to everyone in my cheering section, my support group, just everyone for your insight, input or just our opinions.

Look for Personally Packaged to be doing great things in 2011 if allowed by God's Grace!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Updates

Was working feverishly on my Vday Baskets, however, I was floored by  the flu which has had me down a couple of days  - look for picture updates of gift baskets and boxes for those special people in your life!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

My Welcome Blog

Hello Everyone,


We are a personal gift management service specializing in personalized gift baskets, careboxes & carepaks for ll occasions. Located in NYC we have been making baskets for over 10 yrs now so it was only appropriate that we make it official on 10.10.10.
We believe that gift giving should not be stressful and try to make it as easy as possible, call or email us, tell us about the recipient, your price range and we will help you put together a gift sure to impress.
 In this age of automated everything we try to give back that which is missing, a personal touch........


Check us out @ www.personallypackaged.com, follow us on twitter:personalcarepak or find us on facebook: