Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Be the Change You Want to See in the World - Giveaway CLOSED

Ghandi.
A small man with a big voice.

I try to live each day without hatred, be kind to everyone I meet whether it be at the gas station, in a grocery line, the bank, online, wherever and I like to Pay It Forward when I can.
What does paying it forward mean to you?

For me, its simple, its better to give than to receive.
It doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money, heck, sometimes the best way to help doesn't involve monetary gifts at all!  You could mow your neighbours lawn every now and then, ask a friend if they need a lift somewhere, volunteer at a local charity/not for profit organization etc.  There are SO many ways to help someone else out without expecting something in return!

Have you ever been the recipient of a pay it forward gesture?
How great does it make you feel?
I hope the answer is awesome enough to want someone else to have that same feeling!

I received an email from a wonderful foodie friend today.  We have never met in person although I feel like I've known Robin for decades.  We bonded over food, we exist as friends because of so much more.
Today she sent me a "thanks for being supportive" gift.  A gift that was so unexpected, so sweet, and so very thoughtful!
We chatted briefly about it, she was paying it forward to me because "she appreciates me" - I love and appreciate her, and I support her because of that - this is where my post becomes my pay it forward.
Her generous gift to me I feel would be best given to someone who also does things out of the goodness of their hearts.

So this is I guess a giveaway, to you, my friends to show you how much I appreciate you.
I ask that you be upstanding, honest people in your comments.  If you say you are going to do something, do it!



Fine print and info:
You will need to post a comment below with something you will do to pay it forward in the coming 2 weeks (of course you could send a follow up message on how it turned out - we love feel good stories!) or leave us a story of how you have been a recipient of a pay it forward and how it made you feel.  THINK, come back and post if you cant come up with anything right away!

Make sure to leave us your email address in your post.
Share this with your friends, and even people you don't know!
Although the winner receives a gift certificate for igourmet.com which only ships to the US and some other areas doesn't mean you cant enter, because remember, its about giving, not receiving!

Our rules:
Submissions must be in no later than 6pm EST on August 31st 2012.
We will need to use a random number generator to be fair to everyone.
We will send the gift certificate via email to the selected winner by September 3rd 2012.

Alright guys, lets make some unknowing people happy!!!
xo
Katrin

THIS GIVEAWAY NOW HAS BEEN CLOSED AND A WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTINUE TO POST YOUR RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS!
(Sept. 2, 2012)

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47 comments:

  1. Hmm how can pay it forward, I will bake some bread or cake or such for someone such as one of my senior citizen friends who can't make it out of the house alot in this hot weather we are having.

    Though just having the bestest foodie friends, like you is sometimes really just enough.

    Loveya
    Denise
    whiskerkitty1963@gmail.com

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  2. What a great idea! I have been meaning to bake something for some folks who recently moved into our neighborhood, into the house of a friend of mine. I haven't met the new people yet, but wanted to welcome them... now I definitely will. I will have to think of more, though, and involve my kids, too. Seriously great idea, Katrin.
    Shelley
    https://cmomcook.blogspot.com
    scooney01@gmail.com

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    1. Great idea Shelley, and I think its especially important to add your kiddos into the mix, how else are they to learn that being a good person is contagious :)

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  3. I LOVE this! Thank you for taking the time to Make a difference! (I dont want to "enter", because I like to have my "Pay it Forward" act to be anonymous.) However I wanted to just let you know, this makes me smile ear to ear! :)

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    1. Thanks Lark! You know, if you won, you could always pay it forward by giving it to someone else :)

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  4. I was at the mall with my two Littles. They are 2 and 4, and were to the point where they were cranky, thirsty and starving. We got lunch at the food court, and I was trying to balance lunch and drinks for three on a tray, while ensuring I didn't lose my two year old . (Of course, I forgot the stroller.) We almost made it to a table when the there drinks we had toppled off the tray and splashed all over the floor. The person who cleans the food court looked super annoyed when I asked for some help cleaning up. A lady about my mom'a age, there with her husband and grand daughter saw the who thing. She came over, said she knows how hard it is, grabbed our cups, and got us new drinks at the restaurant. A little thing that was SO thoughtful and restored my faith that people can be nice. :) Katiejohnson@mchsi.com

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    1. Katie, great post! Isnt it an amazing feeling when you are overwhelmed and someone is there to help you out when you least expect it?! I hope you are reminded of this expression of good deed every now and then and it makes you happy and want to make someone else feel the same as you! <3

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  5. I came across a homeless man, at least that's what I thought, he chooses to be called "free spirited Phillip". He has no identification....so I decided to get his info and send for his birth certificate. While waiting for this, I continually take him cans to recycle and food which he shares with other friends in his circle. He has never asked for anything from me or anyone else!

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  6. What a wonderful idea, Katrin! As you know, I was hospitalized this week. I was released last night and before I left, I got the names of all of the nursing staff that took such good care of me while I was there, along with a list of their favorite treats.
    I'm going to be baking my little heart out today so that I can give each of those nurses a small gesture of my thanks.

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    1. Becca, sometimes the nurses need good food too ;) They cant all eat the hospital stuff right?

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    2. As a nurse, I want to say thank you! These gestures warm our hearts that some patients appreciate what we do and why we went into nursing.

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  7. I was in line at the drive-thru espresso stand. When it was my turn, I ordered. & was told that the person who'd been ahead of me paid for my drink! I was happily surprised & smiling from ear to ear-for a long time!
    To pay it forward, I have gallon sized zip lock bags filled with treats & a variety of necessities (water, sparkling flavored water,, soap, washcloth, toothbrush & paste, dental floss, trail mix, candy, protein bar, gum, etc). I keep some in my car in the front seat. This way, when I see homeless folks at street corners holding signs asking for help, I can give them a 'Hope Bag'. There's little chance of these bags being used to
    trade for drugs/alcohol that'd be harmful to the person. I'd like for these homeless folks
    to know that they're cared about, loved, important-they're not unwanted people in our
    society! k9cr8zy@gmail.com

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    1. I LOVE the idea of a Hope Bag!!! I find myself shying away from helping the homeless who wont help themselves. I want to tell them people care but as you mention by donating cash it could be used for things harmful to them so this is fantastic!! THANK YOU for sharing this :)

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    2. That is a really cool idea! love it! I always want to give them something, but not money because you just don't know what it will be used for.

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  8. I love this!
    My husband and I have been on a roller coaster since he was medically separated from the Air Force. My parents have helped us in numerous ways. They have helped us pay bills, come from California to Arizona to help watch our kids so we can have some alone time and also help because I was hospitalized with Crohn's and just been there to support us.
    I will see them in the next 2 weeks. We can't do much financially to thank them properly, but I usually make something special for my mom and dad, whether its a scrapbook page framed or custom jewelry... or even cooking for them while we're there. This time I think I'll take something baked with a letter and card expressing my gratitude for all they do. I wish I could offer more.
    Jagarnsay@yahoo.com

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    1. Amanda what a wonderful story! A simple note is sometimes all a person really needs to feel appreciated :) Good luck with your journey and remember, its not about the expensive gifts you give its about the feelings the other person gets from a thoughtful gesture :)
      xo

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  9. I have a cousin in Afghanistan and of course we sent baked and bought goodies at Chrstmas but then my daughter and I decorated a box, put a pic of him in his fatigues holding his 2 yr old who was waving a flag and put this pic and a need/want list for soldiers. This went to the vet office she works at. Then I went all overto local New Orleans area businesses and asked for donations. They were more than generous. One local company that makes pies, boxed up 3 dozen pies, popcorn place donated flavored popcorn. We had everything from beans, rice, mac&cheese to toothpaste, sunscreen and all kinds of goodies. Then one person at vet office gave me $50 to help defray shipping. Since it was Febuary, we even made a box to catch beads at the Mardi Gras parades. Not only did the riders throw plenty of beads, I had children putting beads they had caught into the box just so they could send something to Afghanistan! It was a beautiful thing to see. My daughter and myself again baked goodies and made about 2 gallons of homemade powdered hot chocolate mix( the most requested item). We recruited nieces & nephews to make some Mardi Gras cards then I packed up 15 boxes of everything collected and added Mardi Gras beads to each box so they could give the beads to the local Afghan children. Getting it all labeled and inside post office was patiently helped by the wonderful postal service employee and off it all went! My cousin had 2 wks home in June and he brought his wife and 3 kiddos to my house for a visit to New Orleans. My husband and I babysat those 3 wonderful children while the parents got a hotel room for one of the nights to have a date night since it was their anniversary! We and many people in the community still have smiles plastered on our faces when we look at the pictures of soldiers getting their beads and feather boas and knowing they enjoyed it all made us so happy to show these soldiers how much they are appreciated!
    i_am_mitch@yahoo.com

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    1. that is such a great thing to do! Giving to those who dont even know who you are is a wonderful way to support your country

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  10. Paying it forward brings such good feelings all around. I love doing this but your post will give me reason to make a point of doing it again soon. One of the things I like to is make dinner for someone who I know could use an extra hand. I will ponder the next recipient...maybe even more than one!

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  11. I've done a lot of volunteering and bake sales over the years, and thanks to the internet I stumbled on an idea I think is wonderful! A virtual bake sale, where people bid on an item and pay by donating to a selected charity or event. The host then sends the name and address of the highest bidder to the baker and they send out the actual baked item! Money goes directly to the charity, the host gets a little exposure but no other compensation, and the bidder gets a great treat shipped right to their door!

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  12. I volunteer to help others going through a bone marrow/stem cell transplants or diagnosis of leukemia - in doing this I hope I am paying it forward and holding someone's hand through their experience. Sometimes something I read or hear about just touches me and last week I read this article: http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/156389285.html
    and I knew that I could donate something for the silent auction. I have been in contact with the organizer and it will be ready to go to them for the event.
    Of course on a more regular basis I always bake more than we need - so I love passing it on to friends and neighbours!

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    1. I bet you being supportive makes all the difference Gwen!
      Thanks for posting the article too!!

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  13. I will be paying it forward to a few of my mom friends- one with a new baby and one with a LO on the way. Dropping by with a casserole, and taking the "big kids" for a while is a nice way to let these mom's have a break. Also have a handful of handcrafted toys to donate to the upcoming hospice auction. :)

    mhenson@fishhoo.com

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  14. I'm not sure this qualifies, but every week, a sweet friend of my Mother's comes and picks her up to take her to church. It has become my habit to make sure I have some little treat to give in, in thanks. Muffins, cookies, mini quick bread, or whatever I've made within the last few days.

    She loves each of them, because she doesn't cook them too often for herself.

    For me, it's just a small way to say thanks for helping my Mom.

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  15. I play the stuffed animal machine. All the stuffed animals I collect are then donated to the Children's Burn Center in Pittsburgh which is a 3 hour drive there. I love spending time with the children and giving them the stuffed toys, it also gives the parents a little time to get something to eat and drink and collect their thoughts. I do this once a month.

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    1. WOnderful!! A smile on a childs face is priceless

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  16. I love the idea of paying it forward, I try to do this as often as I can, you just never know what kind of day someone is having. One time I was driving from Maine to NYC, I approached a toll booth to pay the $1.00 toll. The attendant said the person ahead of me paid my toll. I couldn't believe it, a stranger just paid for me? It was like winning the lottery. So i gave the attendant $5.00 to pay for the next 5 people behind me. FUN! Nettie

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    1. I bet you put smiles on those peoples faces Nettie and maybe they did the same as you and continued the pay it forward that day!

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  17. This is just such a wonderful idea, Katrin! I always try to teach my son that gifts are about the thought, not about the cost. So, to that end, every day we work together on a "letter" to send to one of his friends or a family member. He's only 4 and just learning to write, so he usually draws a picture and then tells me what he wants to the note to say; I spell it for him and he writes it. It's a process, but it always makes the recipients so happy - and he LOVES having "pen pals."

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    1. How fabulous Justine!! I think kindness starts at home first and its wonderful that you are teaching him at such a young age how to be an amazing person as he ages xo
      Thanks for sharing :)

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  18. My girlfriend's and I started a group on Thursday to help people in need with random acts of kindness. Paying it back for all the blessings we have.

    Every week - we meet to discuss out "Acts of Kindness" for the week and talk about future plans. It can be anything from driving an elderly to get groceries, delivering meals, buyings supplies for families in need, volunteering our time where it's needed. Etc...


    We plan to hopefully expand throughout the country but for now - we start with our closer communities.

    You are a great soul Katrin.

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    1. that is a wonderful idea Mia and I like how you have someone else involved too - it can spread quickly when kindness is involved!

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  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. And I bet you were so greatful as I am sure your friend is!!
      Way to make sure there is healthy stuff in the kitchen too ;)

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    2. Thanks Betty Martha. I've deleted the comment to protect my friend's privacy but I do appreciate your post. It reminds us all how important it is to share what we have.

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    3. Not to worry, I understand the importance of privacy but happy to know that you once felt the love and support of family and friends and want to reciprocate that to others :)

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  20. When my son was first born, we had a difficult time breastfeeding due to a tongue tie and flat nipples. We were both so distraught. A wonderful IBCLC came to our aid and now we have an amazing breastfeeding relationship 22 months later. I wanted to help someone, too, so I found Human Milk 4 Human Babies' local chapter and donated as much as I could pump to one family desperately in need. It felt amazing to help with that babe's nutritional needs the way someone else helped us.

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    1. WHat a wonderful way to pay it forward! I donated some milk to a friend in need, but wish I had done more on a regular basis (at the time I just didn't know there were organizations that connected moms in need with donors). ~Justine from @Full Belly Sisters

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  21. I will do more volunteer work in a local program called Prescription Assistance Program that helps those without insurance get long term medications for free from the pharmaceutical companies. We do all the paperwork and necessary calls and the client has to do is sign the paperwork and take to dr. We do all the rest. So rewarding to help them get prescriptions knowing it is difficult to purchase medications and groceries these day.

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  22. I'm the luckiest person I get to pay it forward almost everyday..I work for a non profit thrift store in a very rural town....Almost everyday I get to visit with amazing people, help others who need directions or just a kind word..I have alot of tourists that come thru and even a few come back from year to year and make a point of stopping in to see me...Our organization helps to support local fundraising and the Navaho Reservation receives alot of our extras... Watching a child come in and walk out with a little surprise is worth everything..If I can put a smile on someones face then I've done my job...Even on Saturday mornings at our farmers market ...we hand out a few samples of our fruit or veggies and that always puts smiles on peoples face or drop a few extra peaches ect. in their bag..:)...Its a great job..I'm lucky to have....*L* I'm blessed..

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  23. What a wonderful thing to do for someone...As I was sitting here, reading your column.. I thought I never do anything to pay it forward and that I need to do that... but then realized that I do it all the time when I take over veggies from our garden to the neighbors or when I bake my Finnish bread and take them over one. I do have to tell you a couple of times when I was the recipient of pay it forward and both times were in the winter... A few winters ago, before my husband got here I went to Canada for Christmas (home) and I was driving back to my house from the airport I noticed that there was about 3 feet of extra snow and it was 3 in the morning and I was dreading having to shovel snow to even get my car in the driveway (you can't park on the streets here during the night for snow removal)... But to my amazement Santa Claus came a left me a gift.. My drive way was completely clear, my steps shoveled and all I had to do was walk in the door and go to bed after my long day of traveling... I felt so blessed that day. This past winter the same thing happened (although this time I knew who did it and was able to thank them). My husband went to his home for Christmas (Togo) and we had 3 feet of snow one day when I was at work... It was a busy day and I had been on my feet for most of my 12 hour shift and wasn't looking forward to shoveling when I got home... Well, I didn't have to my neighbor came and plowed the driveway and shoveled the steps and walks both to the front door and back ~~ this was even more special as he has a bad back and shoveling our steps is hard for me, nevertheless if you have a bad back... When I called him to thank me... He said.. "We need you to get to work to help the sick"
    My husband and I are hoping that soon when we get our finances fixed that we will be able to set up a library in a few different place in Togo for children to learn English and have access to school books.. He tells me stories of one book for many children and how hard it is for them to study. This is still a dream but we hope to make it a reality in the near future. We have sent over computers that we have used or that we have gotten from friends and co-workers over the last few years. Over there anything little thing you do from giving a pencil to a computer means so much and brings a smile to their face.
    thisandthatblog@yahoo.com

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  24. I really don't have to plan a "pay it forward" because I feel my love language is always in the "pay it forward" mode. I provide service to a local blind person weekly, daily, etc....whenever my service is needed. I also provide baked goods for the church I attend, and to "pay it forward" in the cyber blog world, I have found that kind words, link backs, and regular fan page visits means a lot to our blogging society members. This is an awesome idea! And I love how you took the time to focus on what is really important in life. Thank you for doing this. angie.walker41@yahoo.com

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