Mad about March Madness

I admit it. I am obsessed with March madness.

I have games on the TV and the computer and the iPAD---all at the same time. I even went so far as to take a trip to Vegas so I could bet on the games (and I was successful! Hurrah!).

What is it that I like so much about March madness? I think it’s all the talk and discussion before, during and after the games. It’s fun to connect with friends on Facebook and declare team loyalty and “animosity” for the favorite. Who doesn’t love VCU and Butler? Long live the underdog!

Make Mom or Dad’s Birthday Party The Best Ever!

VoiceQuilts are created for many special occasions. Over the years, we’ve shipped many birthday keepsakes for 70th, 80th, 90th and even 100th birthdays. Our gift givers tell us of unique requirements to celebrate these milestone birthdays. Here are their top tips:

1.) Choose a date early. If friends or family live far away, choose a party date at least a month in advance. That way, everyone that has to travel can make appropriate hotel accommodations and secure inexpensive flights.

2.) Think “Day”. Brunches are nice because they can be casual and leave the afternoon open for the birthday boy or girl to relax from the event. And if there are many traveling, you may want to consider the event on a Saturday as opposed to Friday or Sunday, both heavy days for weekend travelers.

Favorite Monogrammed Gifts – besides VoiceQuilt Keepsakes, Of Course….

VoiceQuilt's 2009 gift giving survey revealed that most women prefer giving personalized gifts. The most popular option is monogramming. Our friend Nancy discovered that monogramming has extended way beyond towels. Need a uniquely personal host or hostess gift? Check out these monogrammed gift ideas!

"My Friends Are In The Room With Me!"

I spoke with an amazing gift giver named Mallory who created a series of VoiceQuilts for her Mom during cancer treatments. Here is a quick story that we cobbled together with the help of Mallory and her Mom, Ellen.

Ellen is a remarkable woman, who has touched many people through her thoughtfulness and consideration as a volunteer talking with other patients who have been diagnosed with the same cancer as her. Her daughter, Mallory, obviously inherited the "caring" gene from her mom. When Ellen became ill a second time with leukemia and faced a long hospital stay, Mallory and her family searched for a way for Ellen's many friends and family members to support her without overwhelming her. VoiceQuilt was the answer.

Most people give a VoiceQuilt as a one-time gift to commemorate a special occasion. Mallory and her family expanded the idea by turning VoiceQuilt into a gift that keeps on giving. First, she invited family and friends to record messages of love and encouragement for Ellen on Valentine's Day. Although Ellen was too weak at the time to engage in two-way conversations, the messages on her VoiceQuilt Keepsake lifted her spirits and helped her feel like her friends were "right in the room with her".

Create a Meaningful Keepsake Gift with Spring Break Photos!

Sam, Her Dad and Uncle Gary - Kayaking in Oklahoma Last Week

It’s almost spring, and that means warmer weather, spring break and maybe some family photos.

One great way to savor spring memories is to create a photo book. Choose Shutterfly’s “Simple Path Photo Book” and you’ll create a terrific memento after only a few minutes of work.

Need something more elegant as a “thanks for hosting us” gift? Picaboo has some intriguing options – and they’re running a $10 off special – plus free shipping – this week.

Jim Reviews Leading Voice Messaging Aps

Messaging between phones is getting smarter—and cheaper—with the new wave of social messaging apps. We asked one of our technical friends, Jim Phillips, to give us a quick tour of the leaders. Here is his review.

Beluga, available for iPhone and Android phones, made headlines recently because it was bought by Facebook. With Beluga, you can create “Pods” or social groups like “work”, “family” or “school”. You invite members to the pod, inviting anyone in your contact list. They don't have to have Beluga installed. Once the pod is created, you can send voice messages out to the entire pod and they can reply back to the pod. Want to organize a birthday dinner for your friend, Rosie? Set up a pod for that purpose. (You can also message individuals separately.)

VoiceQuilt Friends Share “Thinking of You!” Tips.

We’ve learned a lot from gift givers creating “Thinking of You!” VoiceQuilts for loved ones struggling with Alzheimer's, dementia and traumatic brain injury. In honor of Brain Awareness week starting March 14, 2011, we’d like to share some of their tips.

1.) Post a comment.

Beverly M.tells us that Chloe, who is recovering from a brain injury, loves it when her mother reads comments friends post on her Facebook page. If your loved one’s family created a page on Facebook.com, Carepages.com, CaringBridge.org or a blog site, please post a quick comment. Then, schedule weekly reminders so that you can regularly check in and offer encouraging words. (It's easy to get busy with work, family and other activities, so scheduling this outreach can be a big help!)

2.) Mail a paper card. If your loved one has a long convalescence, a card can become part of room décor!

"One of Chloe’s friends is decorating her room in Get Well cards and the family has asked for people to send them to the house so it's ready when she gets home."

Hallmark will even put a card in the U.S. mail for you – for free until March 20!

3.) Coordinate meals.

Offer to set up a calendar for the delivery of meals by friends. Sites like Lotsahelpinghands.org offer free online tools for soliciting volunteers and sending timely reminders.

4.) Do research.

If your loved one's family is busy with the day-to-day illness, offer to do research on new protocols or alternative therapies.

Our gift givers tell us that that being chronically ill can be lonely. The most important thing is to reach out - in whatever way feels most natural - so that loved ones know that they are not forgotten.

St. Patrick's Day Crafts With Kids: “Thinking of You!”

You have many ways to let a special someone know you are thinking of them. We feel Saint Patrick's Day is a great excuse for crafting with kids – and making a little “thinking of you” for Grandma.

If you start now, you’ll have in in plenty of time for St. Patrick's day: Thursday, March 17.

Here are some ideas to pique the imagination.

1.) Hearts And Crafts
Go.com offers a way to make St. Patty's day stamps by using heart shaped cookie cutters. (And you thought you were done using those hearts from Valentine's Day!) You’ll need some potatoes, though, so be sure to have a few handy.

2.) Shamrock Love
Most kids love the process of cutting with scissors, especially if you provide shapes to cut out. Find some green construction paper and trace out some shamrocks. After the kids cut out a shamrock, glue it to a wooden popsicle stick. Then, decorate the shamrock with paint, glitter or any other notions you have around the house.

Tips for Moms or Dads Managing Home Alone - VoiceQuilt

Here at VoiceQuilt, we’re big fans of military families. We’re also big fans of caregivers in general. With that in mind, we’d like to share some sage advice from a VoiceQuilt gift giver who has experienced multiple deployments at each duty station.

1.) When you need a break, take a break. Separate yourself from the situation. Lean on a neighbor or friend or call the chain of command and request information on how to get assistance.

2.) Socialize with parents in the same situation. Take turns hosting a potluck supper. The kids can play and interact while you connect with someone going through a similar experience.

3.) Try to find some positives. Remember that military families can take advantage of free services Operation Purple (summer camp) and Operation Kid Comfort (quilts). Contact your local Family Readiness program or other ACS programs to see about additional free services that might be helpful.

There’s one more novel idea. Ask the deployed family member to cheer you on.