Generosity

Isn't it odd how we hold onto things? A new friend was putting up a brand new tree today and I offered her some of my ornaments. I keep an ample supply because I change it up from time to time and I like to pull from various styles that remind me of different times in my life. I went into the attic and took out a couple dozen assorted ornaments and gave them to her. Later as I sat and thought about how many ornaments I was hoarding in the attic and how sparse a new tree can be when you're first starting to collect ornaments, I felt sad. I held on to so many that I should have sent with her. A few texts later she came back by and left with two arm loads of decorations and a big smile. Why did I hold back the first time? Why do any of us hold back when we know we have more than we need?

When I was in college studying manufacturing and inventory control we spent a great deal of time discussing streamlining manufacturing by managing inventory in a "Just In Time" manner (as opposed to "Just in Case"). With Just in Time you don't waste storage space and money stocking inventory for far into the future. It allows space for change, and change can be very good.

When we hold onto more than we need we aren't allowing space for change. I think letting go of excess allows blessings to flow through our lives.  I hope this Holiday Season we can all see the areas where we have excess and open our hearts to see the needs that excess can fill.  May God Bless you and bless others through you this holiday season!

Just a Small Taste (by Katie Pullano)

                I’ve been involved with Special Olympics for about 4-5 years and have seen many “brave attempts”, as so many volunteers have. My life was forever changed by 2 specific athletes and I’ve been continually blessed and enriched with the high spirits of many athletes since then. Recently though, I’ve received just a small taste of how harsh so many people truly can be.

                After being announced the “Lovin’ Compassion Award” Southern Regional winner, my local newspaper did a brief story on me. Being a 15 year old girl, I was thrilled. Until I got online. The article, which had been posted on the newspaper’s website, had over 75 comments. Again, I was thrilled! Until I read the comments.  There was a battle going on in these comments. The supporters sticking up for me, fighting for me, were being overthrown. Over half of the comments posted on the article were negative; criticizing not only the movement of Ban the R word, but also myself and my upbringing. Being a 15 year old girl, I was heartbroken.

                I had to take a step back to realize what was truly happening. I had always been questioned for my support of Ban the R word, but never had I been directly ridiculed for my beliefs and my involvement. The article’s comments were harsh, rude, and, in my opinion, absurd. But they were also just a small taste.  The comments were just a small taste of what is to come in my future involvement with the campaign. The comments were just a small taste of the harsh treatment that people with intellectual disabilities have received in the past, and sadly, continue to receive. The comments promoting the campaign were just a small taste of the love and support I have received and hope to receive in the future.

                Through all the put-downs I have never once regretted my involvement with Special Olympics and Ban the R word. People have always told me, “Stand up for what you believe” and Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.  This experience has taught me that if every person respected and agreed with what I had to say, I wouldn’t be doing my job. I wouldn’t be doing what my parents, and my world taught me to do. By winning this Lovin’ Scoopful award, I was given, not only a small taste of the real world, but a small taste of some pretty good ice cream!

The above post is submitted by Lovin' Compassion Award Winner Katie Pullano.  Katie is a kind hearted beautiful young lady and it saddens us that someone as giving as Katie would endure criticism. 

Labor Day 2012

Can you believe it’s Labor Day Weekend already?  The summer went too fast and we’re back to our hectic fall schedule.  Labor Day celebrates the social and economic contributions of hard working Americans.  To honor our achievements in manufacturing look at labels this weekend and see what’s available that’s made in the USA.  When you buy products made here the benefits ripple through the many businesses that supply parts and materials for those goods as well.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend and know that we appreciate everyone using their hard earned money to buy Lovin’ Scoopful ice cream and support Special Olympics!  Don’t forget that you can spend a little less if you visit http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=RKPODIMXHZIEC and print two $1 off coupons to use the next time you buy Lovin’ Scoopful!

First Day of School

It’s hard to believe that summer break is over and schools are beginning to start back up.  My seven year old had her first day of second grade today.  It was so different from years prior.  She got up this morning, had her new outfit laid out ready to go, and she requested to help pack her own lunch last night to avoid delays.  She wanted to be on time and look her best and she succeeded.  As we pulled up to the school to wait in the car line for “drop off”, I noticed all of these beautifully groomed children getting out of the cars heading in to start day one of this new school year.  In contrast, every parent/driver seemed frazzled.  I wonder… How long will this “Stepford Child” situation last?  Have our children finally matured to the point that we won’t have the morning struggles like before?  Shaking off the skepticism that creeps up telling me… “just you wait a day or two” I decide that I’m going to embrace this new found excitement about school and hold onto it as long as I can!  After school I treated the kids to a scoop of Lovin’ Scoopful and didn’t even bring up chores.  By all reports it was a very good day.  I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring, but we would love for you to share some Lovin’ with your child (or children) after school, too. 

We’ll treat you to a 56 ounce container of Lovin’ Scoopful by way of a certificate that you can use at any grocery store that carries Lovin’ Scoopful.  To receive yours by mail simply go to www.LovinAward.com/address_entry and use promo code SCHOOL in the “notes” field.  To find out if there’s a store near you, visit www.LovinScoopful.com/findastore.aspx.  Enjoy your school year and share the Lovin’!  Promotional offer good thru September 2012 or while supplies last.

Suggestion:  While enjoying Lovin' Scoopful with your family, open up a dialog regarding helping others directly and indirectly.  Lovin' Scoopful was created to serve as an ongoing source of revenue for Special Olympics.  We give at least 25% of our profits (a MINIMUM of $50,000 per year) to Special Olympics on an ongoing basis.  When you buy Lovin' you know that money is going to that great cause.  We encourage families to talk about supporting a cause and volunteering time, which is why we created the Lovin' Awards which reward kids 8-18 that volunteer time to help others.  We all make a difference in the world and even our small choices can have a big impact.  You can find out more about the Lovin' Awards by going to www.LovinAward.com. 

Have a wonderful school year!

Get Lovin' Scoopful for your Lovin' Dad!

Our fathers mean so much to us.  When we were children, father was the figure of authority.  You did NOT want your mother to tell him what you did when he got home!  When we grew up he became a source of wisdom.  Only when we've had our own children did we understand all that he did for us to protect us... to guide us... to support us.  We know you have a Lovin' Dad.  Remind him by sending him a certificate for free Lovin' Scoopful.  We'll include a note that thanks him for being a Lovin' Father. 

Go to www.LovinAward.com/address_entry and tell us where to mail his certificate for a free 56 ounce container of Lovin' Scoopful (about a $5 value).  To qualify, in the note section of the address form put the code LovinDad.  We'll send it out soon!

Happy Father's Day!  Hurry and submit your request!  We're taking addresses thru midnight pacific time on Father's Day (6/17/2012). 

The fine print:  Lovin' Scoopful is not available yet in every state.  To see if Lovin' Scoopful is available in your area go to www.LovinScoopful.com/findastore.aspx.  We reserve the right to limit mailouts to areas where Lovin' Scoopful is available.  We also reserve the right to alter this offer at any time for any reason, but frankly that's not likely.  I'm just preparing you in case something completely unforseen happens!  ;)  Oh, and your certificate will not arrive on Father's Day.  These will be mailed out over the coming days.  Now go sign your father up for free ice cream!

The Scoop: 2012 Mid Atlantic Regional Award Winner, Scott Gerson

MID ATLANTIC REGIONAL WINNER Scott Gerson was nominated by Special Olympics Staff member, Chass Seymour, as well as others that took notice in the exceptional example he sets for others.  Hevolunteers for Special Olympics, has been active in various Spread the Word to End the Word efforts, and participates in Special Olympics Project UNIFY.  Here's what some of the nominators had to say about him.

Nominated by Special Olympics Staff member, Chass SeymourAthletics are a close second in Scott's world. His first passion is to always strive to be an awesome human being and role model for people of all ages and abilities. Scott Gerson is finishing up his sophomore year of high school, but has been involved with Special Olympics Maryland in various roles since 2006. He began volunteering locally in Southern MD with the tennis program, working his way up to being not only a volunteer but a full-on advocate off the court and an active participant on the court. He now serves as a leader on the Youth Unity Committee (among other committees and focus groups), competes as a Unified Partner in Unified Sports at his high school, coordinates the "Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign" with his school staff and peers, and volunteers (when not completing Internship hours) for Special Olympics Project UNIFY as a social media specialist. Not only does this young man speak up about bullying, he shows by effortless example that inclusion works! Scott makes it easy and fun for me to do my job as an SOMD staff member, Unified Sports trainer, and huge fan of inclusion. He honestly embodies and portrays what all human beings should strive for.

Susan Gerson, his mother

Scott has been an active volunteer and unified partner in Special Olympics for the past five years. In addition to spending nearly every weekend at practice, local qualifiers, and state games, he has spread his involvement into the local high school by joining the Special Olympics club, fundraising for and participating in the Polar Bear Plunge, and joining the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. His Facebook page proudly promotes his involvement in Special Olympics and Camp Pals, and he works at the state level on the Project Unify youth committee. As a parent, I would not normally nominate my own child for an award, but candidly his infectious enjoyment of Special Olympics has impacted our whole family and all of his friends. Recently a parent of one of his basketball teammates told me she wished my son went to school with hers. Her son tells her that his classmates pretend to be nice when adults are around but then ignore him in the halls and at lunch. She wanted me to know that Scott would never do that. She could tell that his relationships were genuine. I was so proud!

A few words from Scott

I began my work with Special Olympics in 2006 when I first volunteered for my local tennis program.  If you have had any experience with people with intellectual disabilities, you will understand why I instantly fell in love with the program.  Since then, I have also participated in many other sports, including golf, softball, track and field, basketball, and t-ball, through Unified Sports and Project Unify programs.  As my involvement grew, I became a member of the Maryland Youth Activation Committee and the Special Olympics Club at my school.  The real reason that I continue to volunteer and advocate for people with intellectual disabilities is because I really enjoy building bonds and lasting friendships with the athletes and other members of the Special Olympics community.  Through my involvement I have taught the athletes about not only sports but also courage, cooperation, and confidence, traits that will help them in sports as well as all other aspects of their lives.  

Here are some links to charitable organizations that Scott has helped.

http://www.somd.org/

http://2012summergames.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1022510

http://www.jubileemd.org/

Veterans and Military Families Receive Free Ice Cream!

Memorial Day is the last Monday each May and was created to honor Americans who have died in service to our country.  As with many other holidays, sometimes the meaning of the holiday is overshadowed by the sheer joy of having a long weekend to kick back with family and friends… a freedom we wouldn’t likely share if it weren’t for the selfless sacrifices made each year by men and women who have stepped forward to protect what is near and dear to us.  In doing so, many of their families have been left shattered by the loss of time together, the anxiety and strain of combat, and for some the loss of a loved one in the call of duty.

We want to show our appreciation by sending a certificate for a free 56 ounce container of Lovin’ Scoopful to the families of all service men and women, active or veteran.  You qualify if:

·         You, your spouse, one or both parents, or one of your children are in active duty in US Armed Forces

·         Or if you, your spouse, one or both parents, or one of your children have in the past served in a branch of the US Armed Forces and were for some period of time stationed overseas

To sign up for your free ice cream go to www.LovinAward.com/address_entry and fill in your address and contact information.  This part is very important.  In the open section at the bottom for notes please type either “US Armed Forces active duty” or “US Veteran” plus a brief explanation regarding who served.  An example would be “US Veteran- father served in Vietnam”.  Please feel free to pass along the offer via Facebook, Twitter, Email, or word of mouth. 

The fine print:  Offer ends midnight central time 5/28/2012.  Lovin’ Scoopful is not available in all areas.  Please visit our store finder at www.LovinScoopful.com/findastore.aspx to make sure we’re available in your area.  We reserve the right to amend the offer and to not mail certificates into states where Lovin’ Scoopful is not sold.  Offer limited to the first 100 requests.  Only one certificate per household, address, or email address. 

The Scoop: 2012 Southern Regional Award Winner, Katie Pullano

SOUTHERN REGIONAL WINNER Katie Pullano was nominated by Julie Harrison, but when we began to follow up on Katie we found that she has a “Texas size” fan base.  In the Bedford Texas area you might find that the people she’s had a positive impact on are never much more than a stone's throw away.  This young lady bubbles with personality and her smile is contagious.  Here's what her nominator (Special Olympics Coach, Julie Harrison) had to say about her.

Nominated by Julie Harrison, Special Olympics Coach
Katie uses her voice as a tool to raise awareness and promote equality for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Katie is involved in many extra-curricular activities, but is always ready and available to serve as a Unified Partner or volunteer at a local or state competition. Katie was selected as the 2011 Unified Athlete of the Year for the Special Olympics Texas-Greater Fort Worth Area. On March 7, Katie organized a “Ban the ‘R’ Word” campaign for her school and continues this campaign daily. Through her involvement in school activities Katie is able to spread her mission to many people, both students and staff. Katie politely asked a teacher to quit using the “R” word and provided her with a button and informational pamphlet so she can spread the word to others. Katie has lofty goals, one of which is to speak to Congress. I look forward to the day that I can sit and watch Katie address this group about the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and awareness. She truly is a shining star and will continue to do amazing things for individuals with disabilities.

When we spoke to Katie we found that two incredible Special Olympics athletes, Kalli and Colby, changed her life.  She mentioned that their high spirits, unconditional love, unending compassion, and extreme perseverance through the challenges of having Down Syndrome impacted her life from there on.  Katie participates in Unified Sports, Special Olympics, and has volunteered at a social skills day camp for Hurst-Euless- Bedford ISD the past 3 summers.  The camp is for students with autism.  Katie now plans to pursue a career in teaching / coaching secondary school special needs students.  We’re so proud of you Katie! 

A few words from Katie

       My name is Katie Pullano and I’m a 15 year old freshman who attends Harwood Junior High School in Bedford, Texas.   It was 4 years ago that I met two people who forever changed my life. Kalli and Colby, both very active in Special Olympics swimming as well as many other sports, impressed me from the day I met them. Their high spirits, unconditional love, unending compassion, and extreme perseverance through the challenges of having Down Syndrome impacted me on the pool deck as we prepared for our race. I am a Unified Athlete with Special Olympics Texas-Greater Fort Worth Area and I’ve been very fortunate to have many rewarding opportunities with some amazing athletes. Beyond just having a great time swimming with some inspiring people I found a passion that had previously laid dormant in me. It wasn’t long after starting my volunteer work with Special Olympics that I found my calling; working with children with intellectual disabilities.

Since meeting Kalli and Colby several years ago my relationship with both of them has grown and developed to a strong friendship. Now, there are very few weeks that go by without my world being lit up with Kalli, who I can honestly say is one of my best friends. Through one of my mother’s work friends, Julie Harrison, I have become increasingly more involved with Special Olympics. I have volunteered and cheered at power lifting, cycling, gymnastics, and swimming. The past 3 years I have enjoyed volunteering and participating in our local opening ceremonies for Special Olympic Games. Every time I go to an event, I meet great new people and have valuable new experiences. I was selected as the Greater Fort Worth Area Special Olympics Unified Athlete of the Year in 2010 for my participation with Kalli and Colby’s team.  In addition to my work with Special Olympics, I have volunteered at a social skills day camp for Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD the past 3 summers. This camp is for students with autism and has created unforgettable memories.  I am a friend, model, and supporter to the many students that participate in this program.

Most recently, and possibly most importantly, I have become very active in the Ban the R Word campaign. By hanging up pledge posters in several classrooms, passing out stickers and spreading awareness of the harm in the word “retard,” I helped to create an accepting and loving environment at my school. In the future, I hope to continue my work with the Ban the R Word campaign at my new high school. I hope to become a special education teacher and coach in a secondary school.  I believe that my experiences with Kalli and Colby have helped me define myself as a person. Finally, through my work with Special Olympics, I have made my decision and goal to further the knowledge, awareness and inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities in schools across the country.

If you’re interested in helping some of the non-profits in which Katie is involved, you can use the links below to get more information and/or make a donation!

http://www.sotx.org/

https://secure3.convio.net/sotx/site/Donation2?df_id=1680&1680.donation=form1

http://www.r-word.org/r-word-history-campaign.aspx

http://sotx.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=MiM_Involved_Unified_SpSorts

If you prefer to use US Post, you can send donations to:

Special Olympics Area 11

6707 Brentwood Stair Road, Suite 218

Fort Worth, TX  76112

You can specify that you want the money to stay in Area 11 and even whether you want it to go to Unified Sports or the Special Olympics program in that area.  We encourage you to go online and look at all the great ways you can help!

The Scoop: 2012 National Lovin' Compassion Award Winner Calista Pierce

We are so thrilled to have Calista Pierce as our 2012 National Lovin' Compassion Award Winner.  She has such an incredible heart and is an inspiration!  We know you'll adore her as much as we do!  At the end of the posting check out some of the articles written on Calista and find the links to some of the organizations she's helping.

Nominated by Donna Johnston, Special Olympics

Calista has done fundraising for Crawford County Special Olympics since she was 7; at 12 she won The Arc essay contest “See the Possibilities In People with Physical and Mental Challenges”. Since she started has raised over $12,000. for Crawford County Special Olympics. Calista also does kind; generous things for Special Olympics from helping bowlers return their shoes after practice, making bowling picture frames for awards at the bowling awards party to becoming a unified partner in bocce and swimming. She encouraged athletes by helping them learn the sports rules, helps athletes during drill practice by collecting stray balls to make more time for skill practice. Calista truly has a giving heart and a love to serve. She is visible in her community through these tasks. In addition to helping Special Olympics she helps Make A Wish Foundation, Operation Christmas Child, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, food drives for local food pantries, donating teddy bears to the pediatric wards, Macy's Believe!, Pennies for Patients, The Arc Bike/Hike fundraiser, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, Pizza Hut fundraiser for the American Red Cross, “Stuff the Jeep” for care packages to send the soldiers and she has donated 15 inches of her hair to Locks of Love.

Nominated by Carol Caler, Special Olympics

Calista is 12 years old and is in 6th grade. Calista wanted to be a volunteer for Special Olympics when her brother Austin began training and Competing with Crawford County Special Olympics. Austin was 8 and Calista was 5 at that time. She soon realized she was too young to be an "official" volunteer. About the same time she learned that Special Olympics programs had to raise all the monies needed to provide athletes with equipment, uniforms, and travel for the sports trainings and competitions her brother enjoyed. She thought about it and came up with the idea to make and sell crafts and donate the money to Crawford County Special Olympics. with the help of her mother she set up her first craft table at practices and then branched out to community events and locations. Her first goal was to raise $5000.00 which she completed when she was 8 years old. Her next goal was $10,000.00 which she reached at 10 years old. Since then she has created a website www.calistacares.com where you can track her progress. (She has given up her birthday and Christmas monies to buy supplies for her crafts). Her brother Austin qualifies for Make a Wish, so she has now added this organization to her list of donations. She is now 12 years old and has donated $12,000.00 to Crawford County Special Olympics (her new goal is $15,000.00). Plus she had donated enough monies to Make a wish to grant two wishes to deserving children locally. Each wish needs $3000.00 to be granted. She is now working on her third wish. Calista is also a unified partner for Special Olympics and has championed special education students in her middle school against bullying. Calista is our inspiration and our most hard working volunteer! Crawford County is so blessed to have this amazing girl and her family.

Nominated by Jenifer Pierce, Mother
Calista is determined to make a difference for Special Olympics’ athletes through volunteering, participating in Unified Sports and fundraising. When she was only 7 years old, she heard our local program was low on funding and immediately set to work making crafts to raise much needed funds. She is inspired by her older brother who is a Special Olympics athlete. Throughout the years, we have watched his decrease in strength, but there is always a Special Olympics event for him. To date, Calista has raised over $12,600.00 and volunteered over 3,200 hours! She has been helping to train athletes in bocce and swimming. Her encouraging personality has been an incredible help during competitions when athletes are overwhelmed or exhausted. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and looks forward to becoming an assistant coach when she is 16 and a head coach when she’s 18. As if all of this isn’t enough, Calista has set out to raise enough money to fund wished through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The cost of the average wish is $3,400.00 and Calista recently funded her third wish for a child.

A few words from Calista

     I am involved in Special Olympics as a fundraiser, volunteer and Unified Partner. I am also fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and am the captain of my own Relay for Life team. I started helping out in Special Olympics when I was 5 years old because my brother is an athlete. When I was 7, I heard the Special Olympics management team talking and they said they didn’t have enough money to take the athletes to regional and state competitions. I know how much my brother loves to go to the competitions and would hate to see him not be able to do something he loves, so I decided to start making crafts to raise money. I also have bake sales and raffles to help raise money. My brother inspires me. He is in a wheelchair and has trouble talking, but he doesn’t let it get him down.

     I have been bullied about my fundraising project, Calista Cares. Some of my friends have completely stopped hanging out with me because I refuse to stop Calista Cares. I overcame that challenge by learning to stick up for myself and what I believe in. I learned to find out who my true friends are and never give up on trying to make a difference.

     So far, I have raised over $12,600.00 for Special Olympics and that has helped make sure that athletes can keep going to competitions. By helping out at Special Olympics, I have learned the rules of bocce and can help train athletes. I also learned how to swim! Our Special Olympics athletes encouraged me to keep trying when I was afraid to swim in the deep end. If it wasn’t for them, I would have never been able to overcome my fear and become a Unified partner for swimming.

     I have just raised enough money to grant my third wish for a child suffering from a life-threatening medical condition through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A little girl named Sophia will be going to Disney World in May before her fourth open heart surgery. This will be my second year having a Relay for Life team. It’s going to be harder this year, though because we will be walking in memory of my great grandpa, instead of in his honor.

Be sure to visit Calista's website at www.CalistaCares.com
or her facebook page at www.facebook.com/CalistaCares
or her twitter page at www.twitter.com/CalistaCares

To read more about the work Calista is doing, see these articles:

http://myhero.com/go/hero.asp?hero=Calista_Pierce_pennsylvania_07

http://www.kidsareheroes.org/heroes/Calista-Pierce.htm

http://www.justgabe.com/2009/08/25/a-plea-from-calista-pierce/

http://www.discoverygirls.com/dg-blog/behind-scenes/behind-scenes-meet-role-model-calista-pierce

http://www.fundraisingsuccessmag.com/article/lovin-scoopful-announces-winners-of-lovin-compassion-awards/1#

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/lovin-scoopful-announces-winners-of-second-annual-lovin-compassion-awards-2012-05-16

http://yourerie.com/fulltext?nxd_id=233662

http://www.venangocountydailynews.com/news/viewNews.php?storyID=5885

http://meadvilletribune.com/local/x1647276722/Compassionate-youngster-earns-national-honors

To help some of the organizations Calista helps, try checking out these pages:

http://www.specialolympicspa.org/

http://www.specialolympicspa.org/donate-now

http://www.wishgreaterpa.org/

http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html

http://www.specialolympicspa.org/volunteer/unified-sports

https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=206

Spring has Sprung!

It's here again!  The warm breezes in the afternoon are beckoning us to come out and play and the swimsuits are hanging within arms reach reminding us of the food choices we made over the winter.  Don't despair and don't start a crash diet out of fear.  Get active and make smart choices and reasonable portions in what you eat. 

If you're not ready for a marathon, start slow...but start.  Here are some easy way to burn a few extra calories every day.

• Park farther away:  You don't need to park near the entrance whether you're parking for work, the mall, or the grocery store.  There's an added bonus.  If you park further away you can avoid a lot of door dings in your car.  If you're going downtown, park a few blocks away and choose a nice scenic walk.  Take the time to enjoy the air, the sky, and the new blooms springing up.
• Eat simple foods:  The closer you can get to a food's natural state, the better.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are fantastic and many of them are full of fiber and vitamins.  If you can eat something that looks like it did when it was picked from the vine, tree, or plant then do!
• Don't knock out dairy altogether, just keep it natural: 
• Avoid added hormones.  This is why Lovin' Scoopful uses milk from cows not treated with rBST hormone.  Those hormones are given to cows to make them produce more milk.  We can't prove that milk and cream from natural non-hormone treated cows is better, but we don't want to give rBST hormone induced milk to our kids and we're not going to give it to you.  We believe that the more natural you can go, the better, and we believe that impacts your overall health and wellbeing.
• The dairy industry asserts that dairy consumption promotes weight loss.  There are conflicting studies, but we do believe that a well balanced diet (including reasonable consumption of dairy) is the key to good health.
• Make small reasonable changes instead of drastic ones.
• It's easier to stick with these healthy choices if you don't try to knock out everything you love to eat!
• Small changes add up to a big difference in the long run.
• These small changes are easy for the whole family to pick up.  If you cut out all of the fat in your diet or all of the carbs, don't expect the kids to join you.  If you make healthier eating a habit, that can lead to better choices for both parents and children.
• Find an exercise that you enjoy and possibly even one that brings about enjoyment.
• Go to the park
• Fly a kite
• Plant a tree
• Plant a garden! (and eat what you grow)

We hope that Lovin' Scoopful can be a part of your new lifestyle changes leading to a lean healthy body you will want to show off this summer.  A 100 calorie serving of Lovin' Scoopful Gourmet Light Ice Cream (just under a measured cup for most flavors) will not derail your efforts and will certainly bring about a smile, so enjoy (and share some with the kids)!

Date Night with Lovin' Scoopful

Did you drop the ball on Valentine's Day?  You're not alone.  Whether the mark was just too hard to hit or you just fell short of where you wanted to be, now's the time to show you've still got that spark.  Have a Lovin' Date Night.  Post our Date Night video on your facebook or web page and the ice cream's on us.  Just click the title link and tell us where to send the certificate for a free 56 ounce container.  Select "Other" action and in the text box type "Lovin' Date Night".  Add some fun to your date night.  Add some Lovin' (Scoopful)!

Lovin' Scoopful is a Delicious Way to Show You Care

Valentine’s Day is a great time to show your love for that special someone in your life and to demonstrate the care and compassion you have for others.  If you had your heart set on giving a box of chocolates, try Lovin’ Scoopful Mintalicious Ice Cream instead.  It’s loaded with mint filled heart shaped chocolates, but when you give Lovin’ Scoopful Gourmet Light Ice Cream you’re showing that you not only have great taste in gourmet foods but you also consider the impact that your choices have on others.  Lovin’ Scoopful donates 25% of all profits to Special Olympics.  Spread the word and forward this email to others.  You can help us make a difference. Take Time Out of Your Day to Help Others Do you remember how overcrowded the restaurants were last year on Valentine’s Day?  If you want to avoid the same situation, spend time with your loved one helping others.  During the holiday season many people think to donate money and time to great causes, but January comes and goes and the donations dwindle.  For a memorable and love filled Valentine’s Day, plan a beautiful day helping others!  This is also a great time to contact the Special Olympics office in your area to find out how you can participate.  Make Your Sweetheart's Valentine's Day by Giving Them Lovin' Scoopful Gourmet Light Ice Cream! You can send your sweetheart a certificate for a free 56 ounce container of Lovin' Scoopful on us! Visit our communications website for more details.

National Pie Day! Enjoy Lovin' Scoopful

Well, today is National Pie Day and I can think of no better reason to enjoy a container of Lovin' Scoopful Oh My Blueberry Pie.  What could be better?  You get to enjoy all the delicious goodness that pie has to offer without all the calories! 

 If you prefer a traditional pie, may I suggest Pecan cheesecake pie?  You'll need:

Frozen deep dish pie crust
8 oz of cream cheese
4 eggs (divided)
3/4 c. sugar (divided)
1/4 t. salt
2 t vanilla extract (divided)
1 c. light Karo syrup
2 cups pecans, coursely chopped
56 ounce container of Lovin' Scoopful Cozy Vanilla

Frozen pie crust (thaw for 20 minutes). Mix 8oz of cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until creamy. Pour into the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. Top with 2 cups of coursely chopped pecans. Then mix/whisk together 1 cup light Karo syrup, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and another teaspoon of vanilla. Pour over the pecans. It may not all fit. That's ok. Just pour in until full. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. After it cools a little, cut a nice big slice and top it with Lovin' Scoopful Cozy Vanilla. Yummmmmmm...........