Personas “shine” at the Boomer Senior Expo!

From Melinda—One of the best aspects of this amazing journey is meeting new people from all walks of life and learning about their touching stories. I recently had this opportunity at the Boomer Senior Expo on February 23 in Brevard County, FL. The Expo not only highlighted valuable senior living programs and organizations, but it also celebrated the launch of the 5th annual Boomer Senior Guide.

The idea to exhibit originally came from a wonderful lady, Jennifer East, who I recently met at a movie premeire party. After a little pre-planning and selecting which Personas to create for the display (always my favorite part!), the entire day was filled with wonderful feedback and conversations. The experience also gave me the opportunity to see, first hand, people’s reactions. It was so gratifying to see big smiles on the faces of the attendees, once again confirming that our product “puts smiles on faces.” Of course, one of the day’s favorites was Over-the-Hill Hillary, complete with her 39 AGAIN birthday hat!

I couldn’t help but take a few snapshots of my day (see below)…

From top: I learned about the expo from Jennifer East, Senior Life News…the Persona table display at the Expo…I met so many wonderful individuals like Marta Fiol from the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard…Linda Humphrey (Senior Life News) & Dave Francis (Dave Francis Entertainment) provided a welcoming smile to all Expo attendees…I loved listening to the Barber Shop quartet and seeing the ballroom dancing preformed in vintage clothing.

After the Expo, we stopped for a bite of food at a phenomenal Mexican eatery called Salsa’s Restaurant in the Downtown Historic District of Melbourne, FL. The owner/Chef Gustavo Sanchez Portia was so nice and his authentic Mexican cooking was spectacular!!!  Here is his website if you are ever in the Melbourne area! 

One final shout out to my wonderful hubby, Jude, for helping me at the expo and being the great guy that he is!

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{Sunshine State} DREAMERS Really Can DO it All!

Party planners, cookie & cupcake designers, product developers, bloggers, writers, photographers, entrepreneurs, moms and wives . . .

What started out as a simple tweet between Melissa from Truly Chic Inspirations and myself several months ago just blossomed and took on a life of its own. Before we knew it, 18 amazing women had joined the Sunshine State Dreamers group on Martha Stewart’s Dreamers into Doers and planned to meet in front of Planet Hollywood this past Saturday. After a simple “meet & greet” and an exchange of business cards and other goodies (see below), it’s almost as if we had known each other for years. A true sense of camaraderie took over and we all connected due to our passion for creativity and an inner drive to make our dreams come true. We also had another common thread . . . this group of ladies knows what its like to JUGGLE . . . everything from toddlers to teenagers to husbands to businesses to full-time jobs. Thanks to Melissa Chambers and Jessica Kirkland for making the day so special!

You know the saying . . . a picture is worth 1000 words, so I wanted to share the photographs below.  I think you can actually see the creative energy we all felt on that beautiful sunny day in the middle of Downtown Disney . . .

Top photo: Melissa Chambers and I became “Tweet” friends and decided to have lunch together…what started out as social media became a wonderful social event!

– Can you believe we even received a swag bag from members of Martha Stewart Doers into Dreamers? Not only did we receive the latest issues of  Martha Stewart “Living” and “Everyday Food,” but fellow Dreamers from around the country created sweet gifts for us(special thanks to Jessica for gathering and explaining all the goodies ~ she even carted a huge tray of cupcakes all the way through Downtown Disney! 🙂

Cupcake Cookies – Sandy’s Baking Memories

DIY Favor Box Kit – Party Starters

Cake Pops – Dreamin N Details

Candy Hugs & Kisses – The Sweet Spot Candy Bar

Flip Flop Gift Tag – The Purple Pug

Cupcakes – Cupcake Delights

Origami Stars & Goodies –  Origami Delights

Chocolate – Schakalod

Kandy Kones– Celebrate Today the Superchick Way

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Here’s the group of fantastic Sunshine State Dreamers! top row-from left: Carmen (Pom Flair), Nikki (Great Gatherings), Lisa (The SweetTalkShop), Ashley (Truly Chic Inspirations), Michele (Intrigue Designs), Jennifer (Party Dreamz), Jessica (pen n’ paperflowers), “ME” Melinda (Persona Gift Pail)

bottom row-from left: Kori (Paper & Pigtails), Debra (Titi’s Tutu’s), Staci (Lizard & Ladybug), Renee (Bee’s Knees Creative), Melissa (Truly Chic Inspirations), LaVonne (LF Events), Theresa (Lauren McKinsey), Amy (True Love Found/Buggie and Jellybean), Andrea (Pocket Full of Parties). Not pictured: Paula (Frog Prince Paperie)

Photos from top left: With 18 names to remember, I decided to create colorful nametags at the last-minute . . . cardstock, 1″ bar pins and K & C Company’s Layered Accents Flower Designs from Target did the trick!

– One of the many beautiful gifts exchanged at the event from Cupcake Delights.

 – Dreamers enjoying lunch and each other’s company at Rainforest Cafe.

– Phenomenal personalized notebooks created by Intrigue Designs for all 18 of us!

– More Dreaming!

One of the day’s highlights for me was a “gift swap” with Bees Knees Creative. I created a Persona Pail for Renee and the group named her Glamorous Gloria. I was just floored when Renee then gave me these custom “Persona” cookies. They are so special; I just can’t bare to eat them!  

I am just so honored to be a part of this fabulous group of women. Can’t wait for our next gathering!  —Melinda

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Be Kind! {random acts of kindness week}

Awhile back, we decided to highlight Kind-Hearted Keysha this week, partly because today is Valentine’s Day, but also because we love what she stands for. Then, we soon discovered that this is also “Random Acts of Kindness” week! As a reminder, we have designed this simple “BE KIND” bookmark and framed art. It’s just a simple way to keep kindness front and center in our lives!

Throughout the week, we will highlight simple gestures and acts of kindness like thanking a teacher or planting a tree. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation keeps a top-notch website full of inspirational stories, quotes and ideas. In fact, they have a database with 100’s of Kindness Ideas.

Download the bookmark and art here.

What “Kind” of ideas do you have for this week? We would love to hear them! cast@personagiftpail.com

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GAME DAY FOOD!

The Super Bowl not only means great football, but also great food! Here’s some of our favorite half-time munchies…

1) A contemporary twist to a traditional favorite, these Burger-Potato Bites from Better Homes & Garden are sure to satisfy!

2) For the lighter side, make some Football Berries, hand dipped in chocolate and decorated with white stitching. Or, you can purchase a set of six from Sharis Berries.

3) One of Melinda’s childhood favorites in Texas, Jason’s Deli now has locations around the country. If you don’t have time to prepare food for your guests or if you just want to add something special to your “spread,” Jason’s Deli has some awesome sandwiches!

4)  Love this edible “Super Bowl” from Food Network made from Chex Mix and two eggs!

5) Last but not least, these mini franks from the kitchen of Rachel Ray will be a hit at your Super Bowl party, thanks to their grown-up dipping sauces.

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Big Game Day – Free Printables!

We’d like you to meet Sports Fanatic Frank (orange hat) and the rest of the Persona gang. They go nuts over a good game…it doesn’t even matter who is playing as long as its football!

Just in time for the NFL play-offs and the Super Bowl, this “Big Game Day” printable package features a Big Game Day pennant, beverage wrappers, drink markers, snack flags and a football pool scorecard. Create a personalized pail to look like your favorite sports fanatic and use as a party decoration, snack pail, and even to hold the $ for the football pool!

Here’s a couple of “how to” notes:

–  The backdrop was created by taping black streamers to a white foam core board.  To create a “bleacher” affect, we purchased a fold-up plastic crate from Target’s $1.00 section.

– To create a playing field, purchase a green tablecloth (some party stores even offer a turf look tablecloth) and place white electrical tape for the sidelines and yard markers.

–  Use small wood dowels or thin wood skewers to create snack flags. Use a ball & chain for the drink markers around your favorite soda pop or beer.

–  If you take the hair off to serve snacks, it becomes a great pom-pom decoration!

–  Be sure to print the Scoreboard Card for your party football pool.

Download Free Printables here!

Sample page of Free Persona Printables:

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Winter Wonderland Collection & Giveaway!

This Winter Wonderland Collection designed by the talented ladies at Anders Ruff Custom Designs makes for a beautiful celebration – perfect for a winter holiday party, Christmas or Hanukkah. The color scheme of silvers, blues and whites creates a festive and elegant display. Do you recognize the centerpiece? She was created with the WHITE Persona Gift Pail. Maureen & Adria did a phenomenal job in giving her a little glam!

BUT, she needs a name and we need your help! Be creative and make your suggestion – most of our Persona names have the same letter of the alphabet (i.e. North Pole Nick and Snowlady Sadie). Does she remind you of your favorite aunt? Or a grandparent? For every name you submit, earn an entry to win a free Persona Gift Pail! Earn extra entries by leaving a comment below that you shared it with your Facebook friends or on your blog.

Here’s a few more details about the collection:

–  The backdrop was created with a white on white stripped fabric, adorned with mica glittered snowflake ornaments. Silver wrapping paper on both sides of the wall added the finishing touch!

–  Silver serving platters were lined with patterned papers to bring in the blue tones of the collection.

–  Wine bottles were wrapped with the Winter Wonderland labels and then embellished with silver cord and a favor tag – makes an exquisite hostess gift!

–  Miniature chocolate bars were wrapped with the printable candy bar wrappers. What a great idea!

–   A “Let it Snow” banner was created using the printable collection and strung with silver ribbon and pale blue ric rac.

–   Table styling and printable graphic design package by Anders Ruff Custom Designs. The entire collection is 50% off (only $10) until December 15^th – click here. 

–  Sugar and wafer paper snowflake cupcake toppers from Sweet Petal Bakery (www.sweetpetalbakery.etsy.com)

–  Snowflake sugar cookies by Allyson Jane Designer Desserts (www.allysonjane.com)

–  Snowflake/bell/polka dot cookies from Scrumptious Swirls (www.scrumptiousswirls.blogspot.com)

–  Cupcake liners from The Cupcake Social (www.thecupcakesocial.com)

Anders Ruff also created free printables which compliment the Winter Wonderland Collection.

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Introducing Personas with a Purpose!

As co-owners of Originality, Inc., we specialized in creating custom gifts and promotions for corporate clients for over 10 years. Then, along came the idea to create the Persona Gift Pail — a bright, colorful, fun & whimsical gift product for the end-consumer. It didn’t take long for us to realize that this simple and creative kit can also be used by corporations and organizations to make meetings & events fun, engaging and upbeat! AND, the best part of all…after the last sticker is placed or bow is tied, Persona Gift Pails can be donated to a local charity… how perfect!

Here’s how it works…

Participants create a customized Persona in small groups (3 – 5 individuals). The kit comes in 7 different hair colors and 2 junior pails for a total of 63 pre-designed Personas OR participants can mix and match the stickers to create a Persona “original.” Each group then “styles” the Persona (with hats, ribbons, jewelry and other accessories*), creates a fun and humorous name and finally, writes a brief “bio.” As an option, groups can designate an individual to present their Persona and a winner is selected by a judge, panel or by audience applause! Just fill with school supplies, healthy snacks, personal care products and well wishes to brighten the day of a child, patient or senior citizen.

The benefits…

–  Fun, feel-good product with a philanthropic twist.

–  Promotes creativity, effective communication and team work.

–  Can be used in conjunction with training programs that identify and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses (personality types).

–  Perfect for a high energy ice breaker, break-out session and even a spouse program.

–  Builds camaraderie and energizes company spirit.

–  Pails can be purchased separately or we can recommend a facilitator that will develop a complete Personas with a Purpose program.

The minimum order is just 12 pails; perfect for groups as small as 12 or as large as 1200. To find out more about Personas with a Purpose and event pricing, please call 800-591-7715 or e-mail us at cast@personagiftpail.com.

*Hats, jewelry, ribbons, etc. are not included. However, we can provide suggestions and resources to purchase accessories.

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Sweet Support for Breast Cancer Awareness

Show your “sweet support” with these delectable desserts!

1. Pink Ribbon Vanilla Cupcake

Vanilla cake filled with vanilla cream cheese frosting, topped with pink ribbon and white sprinkles – made by Crumbs Bake Shop. 20% of proceeds from all sales will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

2. Pink Ribbon Fortune Cookie

Send a “good fortune” with these hand-dipped Pink Ribbon Fortune Cookies by Lady Fortunes. 25% of their pink ribbon cookie sales will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  

3. Dove E-Promises

Finally! Chocolate without the calories! Make a Dove E-Promise  from the heart with a special message “wrapped in chocolate.” Create a personalized message and send via e-mail to a friend or family member. You can write your own or choose a message based on a theme like inspiration, love or friendship.

 4. Pink M&Ms

Everyone loves M&Ms! What a sweet, colorful way to bring cheer to a patient, family member or friend.

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Halloween “Glam” Collection

This stunning Halloween “Glam” Collection caught our eye with the unexpected color palette of purple, black and lime green – perfect for an adult Halloween party or girls night out! Created by the talented Kim S. from TomKat Studio, you can view the entire collection and read more about the inspiration, desserts and décor. Enjoy!

You can also purchase and download the printable invitation, party circles, wine labels and more HERE. The beautiful photographs were taken by Laura Winslow Photography.

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Celebrate Fall!

Happy Fall! As promised, here’s Tuffy Tommy (Brown Junior Pail), complete with straw hat and bandana ready for a Fall harvest themed party – maybe we’ll just call him Farmer Frankie! Are you planning a Fall party for a birthday, school or church function? The popular blog, www.amazingmoms.com has some wonderful ideas including a phenomenal list of games like Ring the Pumpkin, Roll the Gourd and Scarecrow Relay Race . . . what fun!

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