New Year, New You, New Goals

January 14, 2014January 14, 2014 AuroraLeave a comment

Happy New Year!

How are you? It’s been one heck of a new year so far for me and we’re only 2 weeks in! I hope the year thus far has brought you some luck as well as hopes for a great year to come. Each year, I propose a challenge to become my best self by trying harder to meet goals I set for myself. This time last year, these were the goals (New Years Resolutions) that I come up with:

I put my resolutions next to my bed, on my night stand, as a reminder each day of what I’ve promised myself for the upcoming year. This eliminates the possible out of site out of mind dilemma that gets many of us off track when setting new goals. Try this. I’m telling you it works, as I’ve had a successful year with each one of my resolutions! I’ve increased my water intake immensely, having multiple glasses daily and substituting other (unhealthy) beverages for it! My website went from zero to 60, rounding to almost 8,000 views, showing me that spreading positivity is possible {and enjoyable}! I’ve worked hard on becoming more punctual {but will continuously work on this during 2014} and set time aside to plan my days, priorities, etc. I did this by utilizing daily planners, calendars and communicating better to my family, friends and co-workers. Lastly, I feel that this year was one of the strongest years where I came into myself.

Let me go more into this one, as it was one of my biggest realizations and had one of the largest impacts on me in 2013.

I set the goal in 2013, to “Be YOURSELF.” In reading it, I see that it’s a bold statement with a potentially broad meaning. The truth is, I wasn’t exactly sure what I meant at the time, but I knew I wanted to make some positive changes to feel better about myself, and what I was projecting out to others. I discovered through 2013, that where I really lacked “being myself” was in my confidence. While I knew I was a good person, treated others with respect and had a good head on my shoulders, something just didn’t feel right. It’s one thing to have accomplishments and be successful, but it’s another to know your worth and not being afraid to put it out there. In 2013, I put Aurora out there, which was scary, nerve wracking, unpredictable and uncomfortable. But the best part I discovered, is that these feelings are essential as you head down the road to becoming what you want. Every change in your life is going to bring some kind of discomfort, because it’s not natural– that’s why it’s called change. So that being said, while I continue to put my best self out there and work on all goals from the previous year, here are my new goals for 2014::

What are you going to do to become your Best Self in 2014?

To a New year, 🌟✨

-Aurora Beani

Community Giving · Friendship · Goals · Motivation · Self Realization · Uncategorized

The Meaning of Christmas-Your Meaning of Christmas

December 26, 2013December 26, 2014 AuroraLeave a comment

Merry Christmas!!! What an amazing, warm, love-filled day! With how perfect of a day I had, I wonder what kind of day each of you had. What made it special? Who were the people you got to spend it with? Did you get or give an amazing present? What was your reaction or the reaction of the ones you love?

Think about that. Each answer to those questions IS Christmas. Memories that were made this year are memories that you will think of year after year around this time, so think about the highlights and treasure them!

In my family, we use this time as truly the most wonderful time of the year. We usually break Christmas into 2 days and spend it traveling to our other families homes, or welcome them all to ours. This is what my Christmas is. Knowing that I’m going to get two full days with all of the people I love, giving them presents, making memories and enjoying their company.

Just because the actual day is over, this is the Christmas season. There is a lot of time to spend with people you care about both near and far, so I encourage you to make the effort, during the magical time of year to enjoy one another’s company- whether or Christmas or the days surrounding.

The last, but not least thing I think about this time of year, are my hopes, dreams and goals for the upcoming year. What do I want to get out there and do? What can I bring to the table next year? What goals do I have and how am I going to meet them? We all should start thinking about this , as the new year offers a fresh start. I will be posting in a few days about New Year Resolutions and will offer some great tips and advice as we head into 2015! So check back!!

Merry Christmas friends! Sparkle brighter than you have this time of year, you deserve it. 🌟

-Aurora Beani

Goals · Motivation · Self Realization · Uncategorized

Ways To Create A Better Life- What to Stop and Start

December 18, 2013December 18, 2014 Aurora6 Comments

I love this quote. I think we often forget that we are, in fact, in charge of our own actions, obligations, path and happiness. As the New Year quickly approaches, you owe it to yourself to think about the things you’re happy with in your life and things you want to change.

STOP:
-Playing the victim card
-Making excuses
-Letting society tell you how to live
-Relying on others to make you happy
-Doubting Yourself

START:
-Enjoying alone time
-Turning off gadgets and go outside
-Positive thinking
-Believing in yourself
-Making your own happiness
-Expressing your creativity
-Acknowledging your desires/dreams/wishes
-Make everything you want happen
-Making your own happiness tips
-Helping others realize they can make their own happiness. Like this

What are the things you want to STOP and START in your life? My tips for identifying these things would be figuring out what parts of your life you’re not happiest with and determining how to eliminate what contributes to them. After doing this, what can help you replace that contribution with a positive? Here’s my own example, which I hope comes as relatable and easy to understand and apply:

In the upcoming year, I’d like to stop doubting myself. Often I find that this happens because I lose confidence in situations where I’m unsure or afraid of the outcome. Sometimes I don’t express things that I should to people I care about, in fear that their response won’t be what I’d like it to be or what I think is fair. I assume the worst. How I’m going to work on this {adding my positive}, is reminding myself that the reason I care about these people and the reason they’re in my life is because I know them to be good people, who add value to my life and the world around them. Why should I make the decision in my mind for someone, without giving them the opportunity to prove me wrong or help open my perspective?

I think a lot of the things we should stop doing in our lives all relate back to one thing: selfishness. When we only think about ourselves, typically the things that can come from here are negativity or unhappiness. When we’re selfish, the view from the inside outward always shows us being the victim, making excuses, putting fault on others and ultimately pointing the finger the other way. To become your BEST SELF you must look inward… And figure out what stops are keeping you from starting.

What will you STOP and START doing going into 2015? My advice is stop selfish activities and replace them with thoughts, feelings and actions that make you feel good and spread positivity.

Start 2015 with a New Years sparkle ✨

Happy Holidays,
-Aurora Beani

Community Giving · Goals · Motivation · Paying It Forward · Self Realization · Uncategorized

Holiday Hope Chest and Holiday Giving Guide Followup!

December 11, 2013December 12, 2013 Aurora2 Comments

Hi everyone!!

WOW what an amazing, feel good opportunity the Holiday Hope Chests provided for over 100 of us who put together, wrapped and GAVE an amazing box of presents to children in need here in the Lehigh Valley. To say I’m in awe is an understatement. Each and everyone one of you, near and far, who donated is making a difference in the life of a child. How incredible is that? In the end, 70 Hope Chests were donated in the name of TheWeeklySparkle.com and our initiative to adding a little sparkle into other peoples lives.

The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley was so excited to receive our boxes and sent their thanks to our amazing group of givers! Total, they received over 4,000 Hope Chests!!!! Can you believe it? It’s hard to understand how 4,000 children in our community would go without getting a present this holiday season, but I’m grateful and humbled to know that because of you, and what we’re doing, that they’ll have a piece of Holiday cheer, just as we all love this time of year.

Please contact me for more giving opportunities over the next 2 weeks before Christmas and be sure to check the Community Outreach Calendar at the top of the screen for regular giving opportunity updates monthly! Also check out my previous “Random Acts of Kindness” post for quick ways to make someone’s day this holiday season!!

Happy Holidays, and don’t forget to add sparkle to someone’s life this time of year 🌟✨

-Aurora Beani

Here are some great pics from the Holiday Hope Chest Collections!!!

Community Giving · Goals · Motivation · Self Realization · Uncategorized

Thanksgiving. The Meaning Behind Thanks and Giving.

November 28, 2013November 28, 2013 AuroraLeave a comment

Thanksgiving.

Each year, the Thanksgiving tradition in my family is that we begin our meal by going around the room and sharing what we’re thankful for. As I listened to my family go one by one the meaning of Thanksgiving was so apparent to me. The meaning of Thanksgiving is to step back and reflect on all of the things in your life that you’re blessed with. My family, as incredible as they are, each said something that provoked a tear or two, and made you think. In the moments that my family reflected, I thought of all the trying times over the last year, as well as amazing moments that changed my life, or simply made me smile.

Its so important to give thanks and be appreciative in our every day lives. You need to live a gracious life to truly appreciate the things around you.

Thanksgiving is a reminder of this. We need days like today to reflect on the bigger picture. While daily blessings should be recognized and appreciated, it’s time like this with loved ones and family that adds the warmth and creates memories of a lifetime.

Take some time today, and every day, to hug and kiss the ones you love and appreciate the things that make you a better person. Approach each day with the idea that you’re going to be grateful for at least one blessing in your life, and pay that gratitude forward.

Happy Thanksgiving friends, I’m thankful for each of you.

-Aurora Beani

Community Giving · Friendship · Goals · Motivation · Uncategorized

Holiday Hope Chests- Your Opportunity For Holiday Giving!

November 13, 2013December 12, 2013 AuroraLeave a comment

12/10 final update!! WOW what an amazing, feel good opportunity the Holiday Hope Chests provided for over 100 of us who put together, wrapped and GAVE an amazing box of presents to children in need here in the Lehigh Valley. To say I’m in awe is an understatement. Each and everyone one of you, near and far, who donated is making a difference in the life of a child. How incredible is that? In the end, 70 Hope Chests were donated in the name of TheWeeklySparkle.com and our initiative to adding a little sparkle into other peoples lives.

The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley was so excited to receive our boxes and sent their thanks to our amazing group of givers! Total, they received over 4,000 Hope Chests!!!! Can you believe it? It’s hard to understand how 4,000 children in our community would go without getting a present this holiday season, but I’m grateful and humbled to know that because of you, and what we’re doing, that they’ll have a piece of Holiday cheer, just as we all love this time of year.

Please refer to my recent post for pics!! Thank you again! Xx

Aurora🌟

12/2 Update!!

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know I added another drop off day for the boxes right before the deadline 🙂 It will be this Thursday 12/5, from 6:30-8pm at the Panera on Airport Rd! Please try and drop your boxes off then. Affordable Pet Center will also be accepting boxes anytime between now and then at their business! It’s in Northampton on Main St by the Roxy!

Thanks again for giving!!

★Aurora

11/27/13 UPDATE!! Wow! Thank you all 65+ people involved in making all of Holiday Hope Chests!!! Together, we’re going to make the holiday spirit brighter for 65 children in need! Truly amazing.

Many of you have reached out to me about when you can drop off your Hope Chests and what would be convienant with your busy holiday schedules. Based on many conversations I’ve had, I think having two separate drop off points would be the most helpful!

That being said, this coming Sunday and Monday I will be setting up shop at Panera on Airport Rd in Allentown (across from Target, next to Logan’s Steakhouse) where you can drop off your Hope Chests when it works best for you!

I will be there Sunday 12/1 from 7pm-8:00pm and Monday 12/2 5:45pm-7pm. I am also going to be at the Panera in Whitehall Tuesday 12/3 12:30pm-1:30pm! If these times do not work for you please feel free to reach out to me and we can work something else out!! Thanks everyone! ✨🌟

Hey everyone,

Happy Holidays! While I know it feels far away, the Giving Season is upon us, and now is the prime time to start thinking about whose holiday you’d like to make sparkle. ✨

The Weekly Sparkle is dedicated to the sole idea of giving back and paying it forward. Why not do something really cool this holiday that you know is sure to make the season bright for another? I know of the perfect organization right here in the Lehigh Valley that provides presents/ little care packages for children in need right here in our community.

Holiday Hope Chests have been created and given to children in the Lehigh Valley over the years from caring individuals, businesses, families, groups and community partners trying to make a difference. The concept is simple: all you need is a shoe box, a little creativity and giving heart to make an amazing memory for a underprivileged child over the holidays. Help make the Holiday Hope Chest Project 2013 the most successful it’s ever been! The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley provides the delivery of these items to children associated with non-profit organizations around the holidays!

Here is where YOU and the fun come in. Simply message me here, or shoot me an email in my contact information page to tell me you want to get involved. You need a shoe box, (which I’d be happy to provide), and to fill it with age specific items from a list that I will provide for you once we get a final donor count on Friday Nov. 22nd. . With a larger number of donors, each of us can have our own individual child to benefit this holiday season. Example gifts range from socks, nerf balls, gloves, stickers, shampoo, combs, dolls, flash cards, water bottles, picture frames etc.

All Holiday Hope Chests have to be delivered to the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley drop off site by Dec 6th. That being said, I will have two different dates where I can meet anyone at Panera in Whitehall or off of Airport Rd (by Target), with flexibility to meet and pick up boxes up until Tuesday Dec 3rd.

We can do this!!!!.. And it’s going to be amazing to see all of the glowing smiles we create simply by giving a little of ourselves this holiday season. Get your kids, friends, families and co-workers involved! The more the merrier.

It’s the season to Sparkle, let’s do it together : )

-Aurora Beani 🌟

Thank you to our current committed donors!!::

–Joe Brunovsky (+10 Merck Co-workers!)
-Aurora Beani (4 chests)
Rosi and Fran Bauer (2 chests)
-Dan Yarros (2 chests)
-Steven and Kathy Beani (2 chests)
-Deborah Ledbetter- Estock
-Jess and Billy Ford (2 chests)
-Timmy Huertas (2 chests)
-Illona and Dan Golden (2 chests)
-Meghan (2 chests)
-Isbabel Szoke (2 chests)
-Kathleen McNeill (2 chests)
Janelle Margolis (2 chests)
-Ellen and John Herman (2 chests)
-Jeffrey Bilheimer
-Jessica McDermott (2 chests)
-Jessica Scott
-Katie Nemeth (2 chests)
-Ken Wickiser (chests)
-Mary Ann Sofronie (2 chests)
-Michael Ford (2 chests)
-Mimi Ochrank (3 chests)
-Kristie Smith (2 chests)
-Adam Beani
-Michael Ford
-Kathleen McKitosh (2 chests)
-Nicole Nemeth (2 chests)
-Linda and Dan Gunkle (2 chests)
-Karen Bouche
-Krissy Erat and Cole Shimer (2 chests)
-Megan Yaich (2 chests)
-Karen Clark and family
-Rochelle Metzger (2 chests)
-The Mudri Family
-Monica George
-Rochelle Metzger (2 chests)
-Mary Ellen Ford

Below is a list of suggested items for the children as well as a list of things to not gift for safety reasons.
Suggested Listing

Have a large group that you know will want to form a sponsorship together?
Click here

Check out the other volunteer and giving opportunities in the Lehigh Valley here!

Community Giving · Friendship · Motivation · Self Realization · Uncategorized

Becoming the CFF Lehigh Valley Top Fundraiser of The Finest Under Forty

October 29, 2013October 30, 2013 AuroraLeave a comment

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this case is no different. What this billboard signifies for Cystic Fibrosis and how I feel personally about our 2013 success is indescribable. I’m pictured on this billboard because I was originally identified as one of the top fundraisers here in the Lehigh Valley among the Finest Under Forty Honorees for CFF. As of Oct 18, at our awards gala, I was named Top Fundraiser, raising $13,920!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE! My fellow honorees and the Northeast Chapter within the Valley raised a whopping $75,000 for the cure.

Simply inspirational.

The journey over the last few months has been educational, rewarding and a ton of fun! Over my three big events- Guest Bartending at Vision Bar (Sands Event Center), The Cystic Fibrosis Luau and lastly my Softball Tournament, over 200 different people supported these events, gained insight as to what this disease is, and contributed toward the cure to save lives.

To say I’m blown away by the support and participation everyone has offered the last few months is an understatement. My family and friends coming from New York multiple times; numerous donations to help with events from friends, family, local businesses; discounts on product or shirts simply to make our expenses a little less; encouraging words and motivation randomly sent to me on Facebook, Twitter, in letters, passing etc– ALL of this has made the journey fun, inspirational, moving and worthwhile. To know the support I’ve had the last few months has contributed to our tremendous success for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation feels amazing.

All of you are amazing. And I’m so thankful to have each and everyone one of you in my life. YOU helped create and drive the momentum that has made such a huge impact for those living with CF.

Before my award speech, I found out that my amazing friends and community partners at Target helped aid CFF in getting a 5,000 grant in my name… Yes, $5,000!!!!!! I was and STILL AM blown away by this!!! Support, support, support. This helped pave the way for the rest of my speech, and it was so apparent to me that the people in my corner are unlike no other, and truly have hearts for giving and paying it forward. In being surrounded by over 40 of my closest friends, family and co-workers I can truly tell you that this was one of the most amazing nights of my life. The love in the room was undeniable and I feel so completely blessed to have had the opportunity to be a Finest Under Forty Honoree for CFF.

You yourself have the power to move mountains if you make goals and set your limits beyond the skies. When you have an army of support beside you, there is no telling what you can do, but I can guarantee it’s bound to be amazing.

Thank you for creating the Sparkle with me the last few months, it’s been an incredible ride.

Love, Aurora Beani

{CFF Gala Pictures Below!}

Community Giving · Friendship · Motivation · Self Realization · Uncategorized

Random Acts of Kindness Day

October 15, 2013October 15, 2013 AuroraLeave a comment

“If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction.”- Martin Kornfeld

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day!!!!! That’s right, today is the one day where all of us need to get out there and do something special for someone! It doesn’t matter where you are!… At home, at work, in the super market, out to lunch or dinner, driving… ANYWHERE is the perfect spot to do something special for someone who doesn’t expect it!

At work? Here are by few ideas you can do right here from you office or workplace!::

::Buy a strangers coffee
::Buy your office their coffee
::Pay for the person behind you at lunch
::Text someone you appreciate and tell them, out of no where
::Smile at everyone you see {you’d be surprised how this can make someone’s day!!}
::Compliment someone today! {Don’t you appreciate that hen it’s unexpected?}
::Someone in the office been asking you for help/assistance with something? Help them today!
::Give a lottery ticket to a stranger
::Invite someone you know is alone over for dinner
::Put a quarter in an expired parking meter

At home? Or later tonight after work?:::

::Someone behind you have a small order at the super market? Pay for it
::Write a letter of appreciation to your mailman/paperboy/garbage men
::Grabbing dinner on your way home? Some fast food? Pay for the person behind you!
::Log onto your favorite organizations website and donate a random amount of money today
::Post on a friends FB or social network wall/page and brighten their day with something
::Make your kids their favorite meal tonight. No special reason, just because
::Send a snail mail to someone who might appreciate it! {I’m gonna do this one for my grandma!}
::Donate clothing you know you won’t need. The holidays are around the corner
::Send a letter to our military
::Open the phone book, pick a random name and send them some cheer {movie tickets, book, appreciation card etc}
::Know someone having a hard time? Put some $ in an envelope and anonymously give it to them

And most of all PAY IT FORWARD. When you do something good for someone, it makes them want to do good for others! This means in an anonymous act, let the person know it’s a Random Act of Kindness and they should pay it forward! We make a difference in people’s lives every single day, why not make sure it’s in a positive way?

Isn’t it amazing to see how one simple act of kindness can have a chain reaction? We all have the power to do it, so why not do it today? I’d be excited to hear some of the amazing things you guys do! Below are some random act of kindness I have done, in addition to some friends have shared me with me!!!

To the people whose lives you’ll add sparkle to today! ✨🌟💫

Xo- Aurora Beani

Goals · Motivation · Self Realization · Uncategorized

Becoming An Adult

October 2, 2013October 3, 2013 AuroraLeave a comment

It’s amazing to look back on to areas in my life that helped me grow into the person I am now. I’ve always been a huge believer in the fact that we will become what is put into us as a child and adolescent. What we learn, who we look up to, what we’re told is important and what we see with our own eyes, is what molds us into the adults we will become. I’m often complemented on my positive outlook and ability to see the goodness in bad situations. Having come from a childhood where I was taught to believe the best in people and to always let the good shine through when everything seemed bad, I can see where this comes so naturally for me today as an adult.

In the same respect, it would be easy to understand where people can be molded in an opposite way. When you grow up surrounded by turmoil and don’t have the best role models, how can you have strong expectations of what it is to be an adult? It’s not easy. It is with hopes that there is one person in your life who can help pull you from the rubble, or that you have it within you to rise about your previous circumstances.

I’ve had the opportunity to know people who are self motivated and moved beyond their current or past situations. Let me take it a step further as to what I’m defining situations or circumstances as: they’re the times in our lives when things unfold in a way that doesn’t seem right or is less than desirable. This could be a tough family life, financial issues, drug or alcohol abuse, neglect, etc. While we may struggle to figure out what’s right and wrong, there are always resources and people there to help guide those of us who need it. You just have to be open to {and want to} find it.

It’s not always {ever} easy, but those of us who can, have a better possibly of being a great role model for someone in the future.

Does that make sense? I hope so.

One thing many know ~~and don’t know~~ about me is the I’m a 3rd degree black belt and trained in one of the best martial arts academies ever created. From the age of 9 the life lessons and skills I learned through Hoover Karate Academy are some that have taken me father in my life than I could have ever bargained for. It was ingrained in me to have self discipline, self respect, self control, self confidence, self defense and self awareness. When you’re a child, you don’t know what some of these large words mean, so it was always easy to understand when my teachers broke down “the Selves” and explained them in a way we could all understand. To this day, the Selves are ever so evident in my adult life and I look at them every day on my refrigerator.

They serve as a reminder that we never stop growing, we’re always moving forward, you must always treat others how you want to be treated, you have to love yourself {so you can love others}, you must have power of your emotions {so they don’t have power over you}, and lastly, we must always give more than we have, to get back what we need in return.

SELF DISCIPLINE – Doing your obligations before doing what you want to do (desirables). Doing what you know in your heart to be right, regardless of popular decision or persuasion.

SELF RESPECT – Learning to like yourself for who you are so that, in turn, you can learn to like others for who they are. To treat yourself with respect is also to take care of yourself and your body. Also, always follow the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

SELF CONTROL – Self-control means being in command of your emotions and your actions at all times. It means not letting your anger or fear cause you to do or say something that is harmful or hurtful. It also means being aware of your body and what it is doing.

SELF CONFIDENCE – BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Know that you can be successful. To be self-confident means being proud of yourself without putting down others.

SELF DEFENSE – Protecting yourself and your loved ones only when pain or threat of pain exists. In the martial arts, you do not throw the first strike. However, you need to be prepared in case someone else does.

SELF AWARENESS – At all times, you should know what is around you. You also need to know what is inside of you. By being self-aware, you will be better prepared to deal with everything in life. You will also be able to do the things you need to do to improve. The martial arts can help us become more self-aware in many ways.

It all starts when we’re children and what is put into us by the people responsible for us, and the ones we look up to. So when you’re a role model to someone, put everything you can into them, knowing you can be helping to mold a future. And when you’re quick to judge someone who acts in a way you don’t agree with, remember, we’re all fighting and have fought, our own battles.

Whose life can you make a difference and sparkle in?

-Aurora Beani

Friendship · Goals · Motivation · Uncategorized

Being Emotional, Sensitive and Vulnerable

September 18, 2013September 18, 2013 Aurora3 Comments

“Never apologize for being sensitive or emotional. Let this be a sign that you’ve got a big heart and aren’t afraid to let others see it. Showing your emotions is a sign of strength.” -Brigitte Nicole

This saying means a lot to me. I firmly believe that the world we currently live in, frowns upon being vulnerable, emotional and shines a negative light when some become too sensitive or say what’s on their mind. This, in fact, drives me crazy.

I think people are afraid of feelings.

God forbid we show someone how we really feel about them or a situation or voice when we’re not okay with something. It’s so easy to criticize someone who isn’t afraid to voice how they feel and at times wear their heart on their sleeve. Again, I think people are afraid of raw, genuine feeling. I also think this can also be a reason why we don’t have the stronger relationships we want. What are we afraid to say that we don’t? What would help you get past something or feel better about something if we just opened our mouths and said it?

Call out the elephant in the room.

I’m not saying make a big deal over everything— at all. I’m saying, let’s stop worrying about how we’re going to look, what others are going to say, and let out what needs to be said. It’s okay to be sensitive and emotional at times. It. Is. Okay. And if you ask me, the stronger the person, the more likely they are to allow these emotions come through.

When someone has hurt you, they should know it. If you’ve hurt someone, it should be okay to talk about. All relationships are not going to be perfect, but if you’re going to have the person in your life for a reason, it’s worth giving it the best shot that it deserves.

Sparkle for yourself this week- be emotional and sensitive, with no need to apologize for it.

– Aurora Beani ♡

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