Kindness And The Cake Fairy

I had just returned from a relaxing weekend at the coast with my family. We unpacked the car and while my husband vacuumed the sand from the trunk, I decided to take my son to the Wendy's around the corner from us to pick up some lunch.

We pulled into the Wendy's parking lot and a white pickup truck pulled ahead of us in the drive-thru lane. There were a couple of cars ahead of us. In less than a minute, the white truck decided he couldn't wait. Because he was so close to the car in front of him, he backed right into my car to get out of the line. I could hear the awful crunching of the front of my car, it sounded like all of the metal was being mangled. I couldn't get out of the way of the mess that was happening, I felt helpless.


The truck pulled out of line, and I did too, expecting that we would both pull over and sort through this accident. Instead, the truck went flying around the parking lot. It was obvious that the driver was trying to get away. I was shocked and angry that someone would do that. It's not normally in me, but I tore after him because I wanted to get the license plate number. I kept repeating the plate number to my son who recorded it on his phone. As the car sped out of the parking lot, and into what is normally a very busy street, I stopped at the edge of the parking lot. I wasn't getting into a road rage scenario over this, or jeopardize my son's safety.  

I turned into the first empty space in the parking lot. I was feeling stunned that someone would actually do that. My son was fine and just as surprised as I was over the whole incident. He was actually a little jazzed about all of the excitement. With dread, I got out of the car to assess the damage. It sounded so awful. I don't get attached to physical things, but I actually really like this car. It's still new and I am trying my best to really take care of her (Jophiel). She's the Kind Car for my Kindness...Pass It On missions, and I try to treat the car with the love that it is being use for. Before I got out, I called my husband, but he was still cleaning out the sand, so didn't hear my initial call.

When I walked to the front of the car, I was so relieved to see that there was only damage to the plastic grill. That sound must have just been the hitch of the truck gnarling that small part of my car. I was still upset, but very thankful that it wasn't worse.

I pulled my phone out to call the police when a car pulled right beside mine. Soon after another car pulled beside that one. Out of the first car emerged a lovely couple. I noticed the magnet on the side of their car immediately and it made me smile, it said "The Cake Fairy." Shelly Leonard (aka The Cake Fairy) and her husband were kind enough to stop. My legs were shaking from pure adrenaline and Shelly asked if I was ok. She was so sweet and caring. Not only did they stop to see if we were alright, Shelly actually got the license plate number for me in case I didn't! I seriously am still so overwhelmed by her kindness to a complete stranger. 

I asked Shelly if she would mind if I took her information just in case the police needed a witness. Without hesitation, she started to give me her number, while her husband popped his head back into their car to pull out her business card. When I saw that, I thought, not only is he being generous and helpful, I could see that he was honoring his wife for this beautiful business she created. That touched me too. Having someone support you in your passion is such a gift, and I was witness to it in that moment.

I didn't talk as much with the gentleman in the second car, but he let me know that the truck was a Ford F150 Platinum. I am very grateful to him too. There is such beauty in knowing that there are people who are willing to stop and help just because. It wasn't for a reward or for something for any of them, it was just because that's who they are. There are just incredibly wonderful people in this world. The intention of today's blog isn't about the accident, or the runaway truck, it is really about gratitude for such kindness given. It is easy to focus on the bad, but the more important piece is the goodness.

After they left, the police and my husband arrived and I reported everything necessary. I chatted with Shelly afterwards via text and she continued to be kind and willing to help if needed. Of course I looked up her Facebook page to see all of her incredible creations. You can see the love (and talent!) she puts into what she does from cookies to cupcakes, cake pops, cakes and more. She is able to create a design for any age, occasion or theme including weddings, showers, birthdays, and holidays. She told me "I love what I do and I am so grateful for my customers. The saying, 'You'll never work a day in your life if you do what you love' definitely applies to me. Not only am I passionate about creating cakes, but I'm passionate about my family so my business allows me the freedom to spend my time and energy with them." Well, her passion sure shows! The more I read about what she does and who she is, I can see why she stopped that day. Shelly has a beautiful heart and shares her heart with her family, her cakes, and everyone she meets. She has had serious challenges and profound loss in her life, but chooses to help others including donating a birthday cake monthly to children who are living at the Strong Foundation. 

Thank you Shelly for your kindness and compassion. I wish you continued success in your beautiful business and all the best to you and your family always.

Visit The Cake Fairy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellythecakefairy/ or email her at shellythecakefairy@gmail.com .

For curiosity sake, I can tell you after reporting it to police and my insurance company, the reason why the truck rushed off was because it wasn't registered to the driver. It was purchased 8 months ago at an auction from a commercial leasing company. They didn't register the car in their name, the plates were from the original owner, so they couldn't have had insurance either. It doesn't justify leaving the scene of an accident, but it does explain it. 

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Book Review: Percolate by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino

I was first introduced to Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino through social media. She is intelligent and beautiful (inside & out) with business savvy and an endless supply of energy. She is also a mom to four sons, and her love for them and her husband is palpable. She is a go-getter as the CEO and Founder of The Best Ever You Network, The Best Ever You Show, Best Main Life, Best Ever You Books, Food Allergy Zone, and top it all off, she is a Hay House author! 

When I was writing my notes for this blog, one of the first descriptions of Elizabeth I jotted down was "perky." It is quite fitting that the name of her book is Percolate! She radiates joy, and after reading her book, and learning about her life, I have an even bigger admiration for her contagious enthusiasm. 

Percolate - Let Your Best Self Filter Through is a 9-step guide to making changes, empowering yourself and living your best life.The coffee theme is cleverly weaved throughout the book, accentuating each chapter. In order to effect positive change in our lives, Elizabeth thoughtfully guides us through self-evaluation of our beliefs, values, and desires. She provides questions to journal, along with positive steps for positive growth and change. Each chapter ends with a "Coffee Break" discussion with Elizabeth and Dr. Katie Eastman. Along with Elizabeth's delicious humor, tales of a hamster, an aardvark, and a platypus, I was completely hooked by the time I reached the section of her book entitled What Would Betty White Do? 

What stands out for me the most, is Elizabeth's authenticity. She walks the talk. This book dives deep into her life, and she truly lives through example. Not everything has been a cup of tea (er, coffee I mean) for her. She writes of several harrowing life-threatening experiences to herself and family that would have fractured most. Yet, no matter what has happened, she chooses to live her best life. And the most beautiful thing is, she wants to share what she learns with everyone. She wants us all to rise and be the best that we can be. 

I highly recommend this book. Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino doesn't just live her best life, she gives it too. This quote, generally attributed to Picasso, rings true for Elizabeth: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." Thank you Elizabeth, for sharing your gift through Percolate and everything you do.

You can find Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and her work at:
Book: Percolate
Website: http://www.elizabethguarino.com/
The Best Ever You: http://www.besteveryou.com/
Best Maine Life: https://www.bestmainelife.com/
Best Ever You Books: http://www.besteveryoubooks.com/
Food Allergy Zone: https://www.foodallergyzone.com/
The Best Ever You Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/besteveryou

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Now That I'm Spiritual, You Have To Be Too

Um, no. No you don't have to walk my path. That's the whole point, this is my path, and you have yours. Sometimes we walk together, and sometimes we don't. And that's just fine.  

I found a lovely group to connect with through the spirit guides class I took recently. Twyla, the teacher, put together a monthly group called Spiritual Happy Hour through the Meetup app. Awesome app, by the way, to find local like-minded souls in whatever it is you enjoy: yoga, meditation, business groups, and more. 

So last Friday was our first get together. We met up for happy hour at local spot called Barbaro. I ordered a Blanche Devereaux to drink, as I'm not just mystical, but also a rather passionate Golden Girls aficionado. The evening was as fun as I expected! We had good conversation including everything from crystals, past lives, current lives, our careers and more. One of the gentlemen I'll call "Sam," (since that was his name :) asked me and Twyla if our husbands were on board with our spirituality, or if there was a conflict. I've heard this conversation many times, and I have listened to people say how they were on a new path and now they couldn't relate to the people in their lives anymore. Some have left relationships or were considering it. 

When I first started really tuning in to spirit, I did have a time when I felt alone. But it was self-imposed. I thought I had to hide how I was feeling and what I was discovering. It was actually because I wasn't comfortable with it yet. It is very easy to project onto others what we are actually feeling about ourselves. After awhile I didn't care anymore and began to talk and write about it. I also started opening up about my small business and blog. I'm here to be myself not someone else, as we all are. There wasn't any earth-shattering stomping away of people I was close with. And there wasn't anyone that I felt compelled to run away from. Relationships do come and go, evolve and change, and through my heightened intuition, I am just more aware of the people that are truly kind and genuine. And I am also aware of my energy, and what I want to bring to others.

For a time I wanted everyone to hear about what I was learning, it was all so exciting (well, to me that is). Of course my conversations were welcome with others who listen to similar programs or read the same books and articles as me.  But not everyone is interested in everything that I am, even within the spiritual world there are thousands of paths.

Once I made peace with myself on what was important to me, and respected myself for what I believe in, it really didn't matter if anyone else felt the same way. For me to call myself spiritual and exclude someone who doesn't believe the same way, doesn't feel very spiritual to me. I don't need to prove what I believe in, and neither does anyone else. For me, spirituality is about BEING it, not preaching it. It is something I am working on, and my ultimate goal is just to be love.

So as far as judging others who don't walk my path, I don't. Instead, I choose to see what is really there, and it is more beautiful than can be found in a book or a course. As I told Sam, my husband doesn't need to practice spirituality, he IS it without trying. My husband looks up at the stars, the moon, a beautiful sunrise or sunset and says the most sincere and loving thank you for their daily gifts. That is BEING it. He speaks of this elderly woman he sees when he drives to pick up our son at school. He notices her getting off the bus a few blocks from our home every day in the blazing sun, walking to her home in our subdivision. He is contemplating how to help, if he can figure out a way to give her a ride, or buy her an umbrella to shade her. That is BEING it.

I will continue with my books, courses, learning, and groups because I love it and it's part of my path. But I will always be mindful to BE it and really SEE it in others. 

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern

www.suitablegifts.com

Book Review: Worthy: Boost Your Self-Worth to Grow Your Net Worth by Nancy Levin

My first introduction to Nancy Levin was four years ago when I attended my first ever Hay House event in Austin. The I Can Do It! event hosted dozens of Hay House authors. Nancy Levin was the Event Director and made us feel welcome, introduced speakers, spoke, and read her beautiful poetry. 

As time when on and she left her position as Event Director to fulfill her desire to be an author and life coach, I was thrilled to be able to continue listening to her on her own show on Hay House Radio (Thursdays 8AM PT). Nancy is the author of Writing For My Life… Reclaiming the Lost Pieces of Me, Jump … And Your Life Will Appear and her latest Worthy: Boost Your Self-Worth to Grow Your Net Worth. 

The title Worthy really jumped out at me because finances have been an issue since I was young. For some reason I felt like I never had enough. I always felt a sense of lack.  It was not about my family, but how I felt about my own personal abilities to spend and save. I have worked since I was 16 years old (and even younger with sporadic paper routes), but I could never really save or hold onto money. I was also always giving money away through overspending on others, even through adulthood. I felt like I could never give enough to others, even though I never expected the same reciprocation. I love learning about why we do the things we do, especially when we can improve something that has been to our detriment. What is really lurking behind self-destructive behavior? Through Worthy, I can now understand how a lack of self worth can be tied to how I have related in the world, especially with money.

This is a very hands on book. Many times we can read through a great book that has incredible wisdom, but as the book ends, so does our retention to what we have learned. Worthy has the wisdom along with lasting impact. Worthy reminds me of the quote: 

"I hear and I forget. 

I see and I remember. 

I do and I understand." 

- Confucius

There is so much to learn and do in this book, and I love it! There are beautiful stories of Nancy's real life experiences, her client's journeys, helpful resources, and wonderful affirmations at the end of each chapter. What I love most about the book is that we participate fully in it. This is not passive reading, it is something to get involved with to facilitate change and healing. There are many exercises to do that will open you up and reveal what is at the heart of your net worth. 

Through Nancy Levin's thoughtful questions, I learned more about myself than I ever thought possible. I understand when and why my negative thought patterns began, and have learned to let go of everything holding me back from improving my financial status. I learned about what really makes me happy and fulfilled. I have achieved goals already, with a clear direction towards more to fulfill. I have a firm sense of my worth.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, because you are all WORTHY!

Click through the links in the blog to go right to the author's site and books, or click below:
For more info & to order her book: Worthy: Boost Your Self-Worth To Grow Your Net Worth
Nancy's Levin's website: www.nancylevin.com

Follow Nancy Levin on social media: Facebook: @NancyLevinAuthor Instagram: @nancy_levinTwitter: @nancylevin
Nancy's books are also on our site in the Bookstore: www.suitablegifts.com/Bookstore.html

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern

www.suitablegifts.com

What Fills You Up?

I noticed an event post on Facebook for a spiritual store that I visit. They have some amazing classes such as singing bowl meditations, drum circles, mayan astrology, and numerology, but I had yet to attend one. They were having a Connect To Your Spirit Guides workshop this past Saturday, so I first clicked on "Interested" and then by Friday I fully committed to "Going."

The class was fun, and through the teaching of Twyla, we worked with crystals to feel their energy, did a guided meditation and also automatic writing to connect with our spirit guides. The guided meditation was beautiful, Twyla led us through a lovely grassy field and towards a park bench. Seated, we were to picture our guide coming towards us and sitting with us. Everything looked ethereal in my meditation, white, and mystical. I saw my guide coming towards me and I knew who it was. I recently did a 4-week spirit guides course, and through automatic writing, one of my teacher guides told me his name was "Father Time." That was who was coming towards me. He looked like a wizard, with the hat and robe, all in white and silver. Actually, he looked like the Winter Warlock from Rudolph. You know...

He sat with me and we held hands. I asked him his name. He told me "Frank." After he said that, the clock on the wall in the room started ticking loudly (Father Time). I asked him what he wanted to teach me, he said "wisdom." And the sound of the clock sounded again tic..tic..tic..

The meditation and the automatic writing moved some of the class to tears. It was at times emotional because some of the people who came were grieving lost loved ones. Some of them shared amazing stories of current connections to them, but they were still so sad. There is that longing for the physical even when miraculous moments are happening. One woman told a story of a dragonfly landing her nose. She said to the dragonfly "Joe (her husband) if that's you, come sit on my finger." It landed on her finger and stayed. Her sister sitting next to her confirmed the story. 

After class I had some errands to run. I went to a local shopping center and someone was holding out a sign for Family Christian Store for their going out of business sale. It wasn't on my list, but I decided to go in since I've been looking for a Mother Mary statue. I didn't find her, but when I was waiting on line, this was next to me. Not your typical name...

It was a day well spent. Something I really noticed afterwards was that I went from 10AM until 5PM without eating, and I wasn't hungry. I wasn't shaky or cranky either. That isn't typical for me. I certainly don't recommend going a day without eating, it just happened, and for the first time in forever, I wasn't thinking about food. As I continue on my up and down weight loss journey, I am learning what is going on emotionally with me, so I don't gain it back. On this day I learned that there are other things that can truly fill me up that aren't food. I didn't think that was possible. I had a happy day, learning about something that truly interested me. Learning about the light in all of us, the connections we have to the spiritual realm, and the connection every living being, creature, and plant has to each other feeds me. And they are all zero calories! I was full. 

I am in the middle of a new book right now too. Along with A Course In Miracles, I am reading A Course In Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson. It is teaching me to hand the weight loss goal over to God. I am doing certain activities every day towards that goal. It has been having a profound effect on me. My experience on Saturday showed me that keeping centered around activities that are spiritual and inspiring are where I need to be. This in-person experience was definitely something new for me, and it will be a door I will continue to walk through as I navigate my weight loss journey and my life. 

There are many "easy" go-tos, addictions, and ways to avoid stress and life such as excessive food, shopping, drama, and more, so I wanted to share this as food for thought! What fills you up? If it leans more on the negative or self-destructive side, I can say for certain that there are healthier ways to feed you such as reading, writing, art, walking in nature, taking a class, meditating, being with good friends, or just trying something totally new. Now get out there and feast!

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulern
www.suitablegifts.com