Family Fun For Everyone

Are you looking for something fun to do with the whole family this weekend? (Well, I supposed you could go by yourself to but what fun would that be?) Then go and check out the Appleumpkin Festival in Tecumseh or Kapnick Orchards 33rd Annual Apple Festival.

Apple Festival

The Apple Festival is October 8th & 9th at Kapnick Orchards (4245 Rogers Hwy., Britton). Very easy to get to and great relaxed atmosphere for all. What can you do there? You can pick apples and pumpkins, enjoy cider, donuts, caramel apples, apple fritters and pumpkin rolls. There is also a petting zoo and live music along with craft booths and wagon rides!

Appleumpkin Festival

The Appleumpkin Festival takes place October 8th & 9th throughout Tecumseh from 9am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday. There are midway rides and carnival games, flea market, arts & craft show, make-it-take-it scarecrow tent.

Mother Nature could not have blessed us with better weather either. Sun and more sun in the forecast for the weekend. So pack up whoever you can find and head out to one of these fun fall festivals!

Fourth of July Fireworks and Parades in Lenawee County

There's nothing like fireworks on the Fourth of July!  The explosion of color filling the night sky, the booming and popping so loud you can feel it, friends, family, barbecues, what's not to love?  There's a fair amount of activities happening in Lenawee County this year as 2011 brings back some of Lenawee County's favorite fireworks displays and parades.  The scheduled events include:

Fireworks

• July 2nd - Posey Lake fireworks over the lake to start at dusk.  (Rain date is July 9th.)
• July 3rd - Devils Lake and Round Lake annual fireworks display will start at dusk on the sand bar between Cherry Point and Paradise Park.  (Rain date is July 4th)
• July 4th - Brooklyn fireworks will start at dusk at the football field behind Columbia Central Middle School.
• Note: there are no fireworks at the fairgrounds in Adrian this year.

Parades

• Adrian - The parade in Adrian will begin at 10:00am on July 4th.  The parade will start on Maumee near Greenly and proceed to Dean Street ending at the fair grounds.  This years parade is sponsored by the Citivan of Lenawee and commemorates the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.
• Britton - The parade will start at 10:00am on July 4th in front of the school and end at McKinney Park.  After the parade there will be a short program to celebrate America's freedom.  And yummy ice cream treats for everyone too at the park!  I can taste it already!
• Brooklyn - The parade will start at 10:00am on July 4th at Columbia Elementary and Middle School and proceed through the village square.

Other Community Events

• Sand Lake Volunteer Fire Department will be having their 59th annual fundraiser barbecue.  The cost is $8 for a 1/2 chicken, coleslaw, chips & dinner roll.  First plate will be served at 11am and will go until they have sold all 400 meals.  Yum!

Whether your going to fireworks or a parade or no where at all don't forget to take a moment and reflect on why we are celebrating Independence Day.  Think of all those who have gone before us to serve our country and protect our "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness".  It's humbling to think about all that has changed in 200+ years and yet the core is still the same.  We still want the same basics freedoms and liberties our forefathers fought to get.

So live it up this weekend pursuing your happiness while celebrating your liberty!  What are your plans this weekend?

Have a question?  Contact us at:

Serendipity Cards & Gifts
1416 S. Main St., Ste. 500
Adrian, MI 49221
517.263.6979
info@serendipitycardsandgifts.com
www.serendipitycardsandgifts.com
Find us on Facebook

What is Father's Day?

Celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year Father's Day is a day for all things dad.  Sometimes that's your biological father and sometimes that is someone who has been a father figure.  Many people also like to honor their grandfathers, sons, brothers, uncles and friends who have experienced the joy of fatherhood.  The day typically involves card and gift-giving, special dinners or barbecues and family oriented activities.  And maybe, if dad's lucky, some rest and relaxation.

The origin of Father's Day goes back to the early 1900's.  While some accounts claim it was first celebrated in West Virginia in July of 1908 after a mining accident killed 210 fathers, it was never registered.  As a result, Sonora Dodd from Spokane, Washington is officially credited as the creator of Father's Day in 1910.  Ms Dodd was inspired to observe a day for fathers because of her dad, a single parent, who raised six children.

However, it wasn't until 56 years later in 1966 that then President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers.  Thereby the third Sunday in June was designated as Father's Day.  Then six years later in 1972 the date was made a national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law.  And presto...Father's Day!

We hope that you take time out on the third Sunday in June, this year that's June 19th, and wish Dad a happy Father's Day.  You don't need a fancy card or expensive gift (although if you want one the best spot to get one is here) to do so.  In fact, here's some Father's Day irony for you, Father's Day is the day with the most collect calls all year!  Now that's funny and a little bit shameful - but still funny.  So at the very least pick up the phone, even if it's collect, and wish dad a happy Father's Day.  Whether you're barbecuing, pitching some horseshoes, watching the race or just reflecting on days passed on Sunday, we hope you make a memory on Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Have a question?  Contact us at:

Serendipity Cards & Gifts
1416 S. Main St., Ste. 500
Adrian, MI 49221
517.263.6979
info@serendipitycardsandgifts.com
www.serendipitycardsandgifts.com
Find us on Facebook

What is Memorial Day?

Most people recognize Memorial Day as the start of summer.  Barbecues, pools, cool refreshments, maybe some horseshoes and lots of laughter.  Sounds good eh?

But that is not how Memorial Day came about.  In fact, originally called Declaration Day, Memorial Day was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War; a day of remembrance and reconciliation.  After World War I it was amended to to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Always the last Monday in May, today in addition to remembering servicemen and women people have used the day as a general day of reflection of loved ones lost.  So whether you use the day to relax, barbecue or catch up on yard work take a moment to reflect and give thanks to all those who have served and especially those who have lost the life while serving.

My wife and I are very proud to say that both our Grandfather's, rest in peace, served in the military.  We are thankful for their sacrifices and all they have done for our country.  In addition, we are thankful to our cousins, who have each served in the Navy.  And, finally, a respectful thank you to  all the other servicemen and women who have gone before us and lost their life.

Happy Memorial Day!

Have a question?  Contact us at:

Serendipity Cards & Gifts
1416 S. Main St., Ste 500
Adrian, MI 49221
517.263.6979
info@serendipitycardsandgifts.com
www.serendipitycardsandgifts.com
Find us on Facebook

Memorial Day Parade Line-up for Lenawee County 2011

Ah yes, the Memorial Day parade!  A tradition for many and a respectful way to honor the many who have gone before us and lost their life to defend our freedom.  The other day we had a customer in the store and we were talking about the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and what their plans were.  They said they were staying in town and maybe doing some barbecuing but they were definitely going to see the parade.  Before the conversation was over I asked "What time does the parade start, by the way?"  The customer responded "I think 10:00 or 10:30 or maybe it's 11:00."  We laughed and I thought to myself there's probably other people who would like to know too.

Finding information easily when you want and need it is sometimes difficult even with today's technology.  We have compiled a short list of the parades in Lenawee county (please forgive us if we leave something out) so you can find your seat early.

Memorial Day Parade line-up for Monday, May 30th:

• Adrian:  The parade through downtown Adrian is at 11:00am and starts at the National Guard Armory on W. Maumee and will proceed to Monument Park (by the post office).
• Blissfield:  The parade is at 11:00am starting at Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library and will travel west on US-223.  (Unsure where this one ends.)
• Britton:  The parade starts at 9:00am at Britton High School.  There will be a memorial service at the village park at the end of the parade.
• Brooklyn:  Parade is at 10:00am starting at the middle school and traveling through downtown.
• Cement City:  Parade is at 11:00am starting at Miller Elementary.  (Unsure of the end.)
• Deerfield:  Parade is at 9:30 starting at the Shiver Shack.  (Unsure where this one ends.)
• Onsted:  Parade is at 11:00am starting at the Onsted American Legion.  (Unsure of the end.)
• Tecumseh:  Parade is at 10:00am starting at City Hall, travels west on Chicago Blvd to Union St and ends at Brookside Cemetery.
• Weston:  Parade is at 9:00am starting at the Methodist church.

If you want to get some yum-yum in the tum-tum before the parades start, both the Palmyra Fire Dept and the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Dept are having a pancake breakfast from 7:00-11:00am at each of their fire departments.

Take the family out for the most inexpensive fun you can find and honor an American service person at the same time.

Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!

Have a question?  Contact us at:

Serendipity Cards & Gifts
1416 S. Main St., Ste 500
Adrian, MI 49221
517.263.6979
info@serendipitycardsandgifts.com
www.serendipitycardsandgifts.com
Find us on Facebook

Facebook Candle Club

We told you to look out for it in the last reward certificate mailing and on Facebook and now it's here.  Every month you can receive one free fragrance of the month sampler/votive candle or tart by just liking us on Facebook.  Yep, totally free and totally yours - no purchase necessary!

Each month we put one candle scent from each candle line on sale as fragrance of the month.  Fragrance of the month candles are always 25% off and currently include all sizes.  As you may know, we carry Yankee, Swan Creek & Beanpod candles.

Are you wondering what's the catch?  It's not really a catch but what we ask you to do is if you come in and get a free candle you jump on our Facebook page and tell us about your experience.  You can tell us about what you liked about the candle, what you didn't like, what the scent reminds you of, where you burned it, how long it burned, which scent you picked or something else entirely.  The success, and ultimately the longevity of this program will depend on the Facebook interaction.

Supplies are limited and when the tarts and votives are gone they're gone (sorry no rain checks).  We don't anticipate this being a problem but this program is new and we will be working through issues as we go.  Good news is if you miss it you can always come in the next month and try again.  We don't guarantee that we will have both tarts and votives in all scents each month.

This month the fragrances of the month are as follows:

• Yankee - Pineapple Cilantro
• Swan Creek - Lilac Mist
• Beanpod - Cinnamon Bun

How do you receive your candle if your not already a Facebook fan?  First, go to our Facebook page by clicking here.  Click the "Like" button to be added to our fan list.  It typically takes one business day to update our in store list of fans.  After waiting one business day come in and pick up your candle.  (Don't have a Facebook account yet?  Click here and join the crowd!)

How do you receive your free candle after becoming a fan?  In order to receive your free candle you will have to come to the register and allow us to scan it (this way we can take it out of inventory).  We ask that you do not come in and take a candle and leave; we must confirm your fan status and take the item out of inventory.  As a reminder, there is no purchase necessary but please remain patient with us as we complete the process.

You are, of course, more than welcome to add the free candle on to any purchase you are making.  That's not a problem - they do not have to be separate transactions.  The course of action will be the same, in that, we will verify your fan status and then add the item to your bill with a cost of zero ($0) for the candle.

So come in from now until May 31st and get your free candle.  Can't be here by the 31st?  No problem, check out our Facebook page for Fragrance of the month scents for June.

Have a question?  Contact us at:

Serendipity Cards & Gifts
1416 S. Main St., Ste 500
Adrian, MI 49221
517.263.6979
info@serendipitycardsandgifts.com
www.serendipitycardsandgifts.com
Find us on Facebook

Earth Day & Arbor Day...It's All Green

As you know, April 22nd was Earth Day, a day designated to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment.  And today, April 29th, is Arbor Day, a day to encourage tree planting and care.  It seems everywhere you turn these days it's all about being green.  And we got to thinking, what are we doing at Serendipity Cards & Gifts to do our part to make Earth a greener place?

Are we using recycled materials?  Yes, one of the most prominent ways we are using recycled materials is we purchase all of our shopping bags from Nashville Wraps.  Nashville Wraps is the leader in eco-friendly gift, retail and gourmet food packaging.  The particular bags we use, our handle shopping bags, are made of 50% recycled paper including 10% post consumer recycled papers.  The logo printed on them is printed using water based inks and the bags are 100% made in USA.  Shop with confidence at Serendipity knowing when you go home your items are secured in eco-friendly materials.

Are the products we sell made in the USA?  While we would prefer that 100% of our products were made in the USA this is not feasible at this time.  However, when making purchasing decisions at Serendipity management is very conscientious of this issue and bring in as many made in the USA products as possible.  Some of the made in the USA products are actually their best selling lines including Yankee, Swan Creek and Beanpod candles.  You might also be surprised to find out that over 75% of the sports collectibles are from Wincraft and made in the USA.  Danielson Designs is another great product that is not only made in the USA but is also made using recycled material and printed using water based inks.  All the Ann Clark cookies cutters are also made in the USA.  In addition to that soaps from Backyard Soaps and Skows Berry Farm, as well as, Gilbert Chocolates are made in Michigan.  By offering products made in the USA we are able to reduce our carbon footprint by decreasing fuel and other energy usage.

What other ways are we being environmentally conscientious? 

• We use direct thermal printers to print customer receipts and print shipping labels.  Direct thermal printers do not use ink to print therefore eliminating the use of ink and the recycling or disposal of ink cartridges.
• We recycle all packing materials our items arrive in and reuse them in packages we ship out.
• The boxes that we use to ship items are from Uline and made 100% in the USA.
• We use United States Postal Service for 95% of our outgoing packages as they have the widest logistical network and already travel to the destinations we ship to.
• Our floor shopping area is almost entirely lit by fluorescent bulbs.  Fluorescent bulbs are four to six times more efficient than incandescent bulbs.  
• We use email communication and social media sites to notify customers of sales, promotions, special events and other store news, as much as possible.
• Our HVAC units are programmed to follow a heating and cooling schedule maximizing the efficiency of the units and reducing drastic fluctuations in temperature.

These are just a few ways we are trying to do our part to make the Earth a greener place.  We are all always looking for ways to do things better and more efficiently at Serendipity while being eco-aware too.  Next year on Earth Day we hope to have an entirely new list of ways we are trying to do our part.  In the meantime, come in the store today, April 29th, 2011 and receive a free Beanpod Earthly Embrace sampler candle in honor of Earth Day & Arbor Day.

Have a question?  Contact us at:

Serendipity Cards & Gifts
1416 S. Main St., Ste 500
Adrian, MI 49221
517.263.6979
info@serendipitycardsandgifts.com
http://www.serendipitycardsandgifts.com/
Find us on Facebook

18 on the 18th at Serendipity Cards & Gifts (April 2011)

As she steps up to speak you see a person you can't help but admire.  She is smart, witty, engaging and well spoken with an infectious smile.  Below the surface she's a little nervous about giving a speech, but you can't tell.  On the surface she has nerves of steel and is very determined as she proceeds to deliver her speech to an audience of hundreds.

Meet Lillian Diuble, she's eight years old.  And the speech she delivered was to an audience of participants, organizers and supporters at the 2010 Foundation  Fighting Blindness VisionWalk.  One of the reasons they asked Lilly to speak is because her team raised so much money so fast (over $17,000 last year).  Lilly and her team ("Lilly's Friends") will be walking again in this years VisionWalk.  VisionWalk is the national signature fundraising event of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

VisionWalk is a cause very near and dear to her and her family.  Although you don't notice anything but her smile, Lilly wears glasses and hearing aids, because she is hearing and visually impaired.  Her probable diagnosis is Usher Syndrome.  Usher Syndrome is a progressive disease causing most that have it to become blind and deaf.  Currently there is no cure for Usher Syndrome.  But Lilly, her family and fundraising team are more determined than ever to change that.

Lilly has been subjected to more than her fair share of exams and treatments since age two.  And recently she learned that a new lesion appeared on her right retina and another lesion is developing on her left.  This means, according to her mother Angie, that the degeneration is progressing.  But Lilly marches on, literally, to the 2011 VisionWalk raising money as she goes.

As owners of Serendipity Cards & Gifts, Craig & Kate, are very fortunate to know Lilly and her family.  Lilly is the daughter of Scott & Angie Diuble, of Manchester, and Angie is a Physician Assistant who works with Kate a registered nurse.  Working together in the emergency medical field allowed Angie and Kate to meet and become friends.  After meeting Angie you know where Lilly gets her strength and determination.  She's a mom who is very passionate about her family and finding a cure or treatment for her daughter's condition.

Upon finding out about Lilly, Craig and Kate immediately wanted to help.  If you have kids, as do Craig & Kate, your heart just pours out for what Angie and her family must go through.  You can pretend to know what they go through but we don't really know and never will unless you have a child affected like Lilly.  You don't meet special people like Lilly and her mom, Angie, often in life.  And that's why we are inspired to help.

This month on Monday, April 18th Serendipity Cards & Gifts in Adrian, Michigan is having a fundraising event to help Lilly raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness VisionWalk and "Lilly's Friends" team.  This monthly event is called "18 On the 18th" and the concept is simple.  Customers and supporters of Lilly come in on the 18th and shop and Serendipity Cards & Gifts donates 18% of every sale to "Lilly's Friends".  Come in and enjoy refreshments, register to win prizes and help support an eight year old little girl and her fight to cure or treat her condition.

If you are interested in helping but can't join us on the 18th or want to donate directly to Lilly's team you can do so by going to VisionWalk and clicking the Support Lilly's Friends button.  Also, Serendipity Cards & Gifts will be selling rubber bracelets for $5 and POP Eyes to be posted in store with your name for a $1.  You can also find out more about the Foundation Fighting Blindness and VisionWalk by clicking these links.  This year's VisionWalk  is at Kensington Metropark on Saturday, May 14th .

Come and help this eight year old little girl with her fight.

Have a question?  Contact us at:

Serendipity Cards & Gifts
1416 S. Main St., Ste 500
Adrian, MI 49221
517.263.6979
info@serendipitycardsandgifts.com
http://www.serendipitycardsandgifts.com/
Find us on Facebook

Note:  Next month's 18 On The 18th partner is American Cancer Society/Relay for Life.

Jenna Kator Has Arrived

We couldn't be more excited to tell you about the latest addition to the Serendipity Cards & Gifts product line.  For almost two years we searched high and low and looked under every rock while trying to decide on a handbag line to bring in.  We analyzed and re-analyzed and decided and undecided.  Finally (drum roll please) we are proud to announce Serendipity Cards & Gifts now carries the Jenna Kator Collection!

So many factors go into choosing which handbag is the best fit for our store and we considered every one of them.  Things such as selection, supply issues, materials, environmental consciousness, value and, of course, price were all considered.  Finally when all those things are analyzed you still have one thing left, the intangible, which is what bag really fits our store.  It's more of a feeling than something that's measurable.

That's why when we had the opportunity to bring in the Jenna Kator Collection we didn't hesitate.  It's a great fit for our store and we love everything about it.  Starting with the fact that the designer, Jenna Kator, grew up in Troy, Michigan.  Being a husband-and-wife business owner team born and raised in Adrian, Michigan we felt a connection there.  Especially given we both started our entrepreneural adventure in 2008, in spite of, the current economic situation. 

Upon graduating from Michigan State University Jenna Kator used her degree in advertising to work as an automotive media planner.  However, her admiration for designer inspired handbags and the desire of becoming a business owner led her to start the Jenna Kator Collection.  Kind of like her own personal serendipity experience.

Jenna Kator believes that by designing her own handbags and accessories that she would not only be able to reflect her love for fashion but be able to restore some light back into the Detroit area, it's suburbs and the State of Michigan.  One way she does this is by naming her designer handbags and accessories after places in Michigan that reflect great beauty, character and charm.  You can see an example of these names and beautiful handbags by going to our Facebook page.

Another thing that drew us to the Jenna Kator Collection was the fact that her products are so well thought out.  Her handbags and accessories are classic, yet trendy, all the while being sophisticated.  It's the perfect blend of New York City fashion and West Coast style.  And part of this look and feel comes from the fact that she uses an animal friendly vegetarian leather.  Her products look, feel and smell like leather and are made with no animal by-products.  The stitching is very high quality and the lining consists of a very durable fabric patterned with her signature flower logo.  In addition, all handbags and wallets come with a cotton-blend dust cover, also patterned with her signature flower logo.

Not only is Jenna Kator an amazing designer but she is equally as great a person and business leader.  She is a very sincere and genuine person, which is not always a given these days.  She works very hard at what she does and it shows through her product.  She is involved in every detail of her line including the design, the material selection, meeting with manufacturers, marketing and sales and probably a lot more than we will ever know about.

In addition to all the work she puts into the Jenna Kator Collection she also has a philanthropic heart.  One of the causes that she is involved in is Handbags of Hope.  Handbags of Hope is a charitable organization that believes a woman's handbag is a very important personal possession.  Their concept is simple, they take donated gently used handbags and fill them with ten items (think sample perfumes and manicure sets).  The bags are then distributed twice a year, on Mother's Day and Christmas, to women of domestic violence.

As you can see, we couldn't be happier or more proud to offer the Jenna Kator Collection.  We have brought in twelve styles of handbags and wallets with our initial offering.  You can view the items we brought in by going to our Facebook page.  Prices start at $29.95 for the wallets and $61.95 for the handbags.  We can't wait to expand the selection very soon and are elated to begin a long relationship with Jenna Kator and the Jenna Kator Collection.

Have a question?  Contact us at:

Serendipity Cards & Gifts
1416 S. Main St., Ste. 500
Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 263-6979
info@serendipitycardsandgifts.com
www.serendipitycardsandgifts.com
Find us on Facebook

National Corn Chip Day 2011

Rise and shine party people!  Saturday, January 29th is National Corn Chip Day 2011 after all and there's celebrating to do!

When many (or more likely all) of you awoke this morning you probably didn't even know that such a day exists.  Well, it does and it's celebrated every January 29th.  While it's not an official "national" holiday (you know one that's declared by Congress and all) it's still pretty sweet to call it one and have fun with it anyways.

There's no doubt corn chips make salsa taste better...or is it the other way around?  We'll let you decide that, but what we do know is National Corn Chip Day 2011 falls on Snacking Saturday at Serendipity Cards & Gifts.  And you know what that means?  National Corn Chip Day + Snacking Saturday = Corn Chip Challenge.

Now settle down the Corn Chip Challenge is not a contest to see who can eat the most corn chips.  Although if you want to have corn chips for breakfast, lunch and dinner today that's totally acceptable - kids tell your mom's we said so.  Rather the Corn Chip Challenge is an in store event where you come in to Serendipity, grab a back of chips, check out the back and claim your prize or discount (every bag contains a prize or discount).  Want to win a Yankee Candle 22oz jar scent of your choice?  Well it's just one of 40 prizes or discounts available.  Come in and take the challenge!