6th Annual Peppermints and PJs

What an amazing time!  Peppermints and PJs has evolved from a one evening event to a weekend long celebration of friendship, foolishness and fun!  I had no idea how you would respond to Wigging Out -- thank you for doing it with your whole heart (and head!).  

We all are witness to an incredibly violent and hostile world.  Thank you for sharing with women who have taken steps to get protection for themselves and their children.  By the end of the night, you had given 50 pairs of PJs!  What a perfect number for this year!!

As I thought about plans for this year's party, I wanted to make it extra special because,  since last November, I've vowed to find ways to fit as much 'extra special' in my life as possible.  Well, so much for my plans -- the extra special moments had absolutely nothing to do with MY planning!  The party prep, the park party, the surprise party AND the after party all added to a super special time!  As I look at the pictures (click on link 2012 Pictures at the right to be taken to the Picasa Web Album, then be sure to click on full screen slideshow to get the best view), I relive the weekend and smile, actually laugh out loud, and feel satisfied and full of joy all over again.  

I often lament over the fact that my biological family is very small.  My mom is an only.  I am an only.  I have an only.  The whole idea of having this party stemmed from the fact that I do not have the typical large family gathering, with folks coming home for the holidays. The cool thing about us is that we are chosen family, you picked me to be your sister and I thank you for coming home each year.

There was a small mirror with hearts in each bag.  When you look at your reflection, I hope that you see the beautiful and caring woman that I see.  When you notice the tiny hearts, please remember how much I love you and how much love you have given me.  And please remember the love that you've shown to the families of SafeHaven.

A Friendship Blessing

Thank you, God, for the gift of my beautiful friends.

I am so grateful that our paths have crossed in this brief lifetime.

Please fill our time together mostly with joy and laughter,

while also allowing us to be honest and real to help each other grow.

Sprinkle our relationship with gentleness,

and our words with softness and compassion.

Allow my friends to borrow strength from me when needed,

and may she see herself through my eyes when she feels less than perfect.

May we become together more whole, more centered in our selves,

and more open to Your Grace.

May our friendship be a buoy that lifts us to new heights, and inspires us to do good.

May it be a gift of love to the entire world.

Amen.

by Lisa Sarick

Peppermints and PJs now has two supporting partners!

W.A.G.

The members of the Wisdom and Grace (W.A.G) Ministry of St. John Baptist Church in Euless, TX are donating PJs to add to our donation to SafeHaven!  The W.A.G. Ministry provides assistance, visitation,  and support to the seniors of the church and community.  The idea of the group supporting Peppermints and PJs was a very happy surprise for me.  St. John is known as the church that integrates faith with living and this is a great example of how they do just that!  

Visit St. John’s website here. 

Divine Hands Beauty and Barber Salon

What a perfect partner!  Because we will be Wigging Out, the owner of Divine Hands has decided to join us in our support of the clients of SafeHaven by donating hair care products.  The management at SafeHaven says that shampoo and conditioner, appropriate for all hair types (read:  black hair), are always needed.  It would be awesome if we could add to the items that Divine Hands will donate.  Please consider adding a bottle of shampoo or conditioner to your donation of PJs.  

Please thank Dee and the team at Divine Hands by visiting and clicking like on their Facebook page. 

  

Remember   - -  women who utilize the shelter typically arrive with nothing so ANYTHING that we donate will help.  

6th Annual Peppermints and PJs

Saturday, December 1, 2012

8:00 PM

In 2010 Peppermints and PJs had a Creole flair.  2011 was a little low key.  In 2012, we will WIG OUT!  The year is coming to close and it is the prefect time for us to gather, wear PJs, give PJs and WIG OUT!  

If you would like to let your inner Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj or some other special lady out, here is your chance! Tina, Dolly, Lady and Nicki are known for extreme hair styles and colors.  So were Patti LaBelle and Cher.  Now it is our turn!

                                              I plan to go blonde!  

Please understand, this is all in fun!  Please do not spend tons of money on a top of the line wig.  If you aren't interested in wearing a wig or are blessed with so much hair that there isn't a wig made that will cover your gorgeous mane, please come ANYWAY.  

If a wig is not your thing, feel free to wear a funky hat, bow or headband.  Perhaps you'd like to channel the royals and give a  fascinator a try?   

You could come bareheaded, just come!

A Little Inspiration

5th Annual Peppermints and PJs

"Everybody's got plans . . . until they get hit."

Mike Tyson said that and boy, did I get hit!!!  It felt like Iron Mike himself delivered the blow!  My plans for Peppermints and PJs 2011 were BIG! It was going to be the 5th year and I wanted to really do something special but my body had other ideas.

 My wonderful friends and family were firm believers that the show must go on and, on Saturday, December 18th, I was blessed with a surprise Peppermints and PJs party!!  

Everyone contributed!  A decorated tree magically appeared.  Marcy took me to Starbucks, which was a BIG treat during that time.  When I returned, the house was filled with beautiful, smiling faces.  Friends brought food, drink AND PJs!  Alma even hosted a brunch and collected pajamas there. Janiscia had every memento from that last four parties.  In addition to the pajamas collected for the clients of Safe Haven, I was presented with a pair of PJs embroidered with Fleur De Pink custom artwork by Jamal Nickson.  The house was not buried in red and white stripes and was an abbreviated event but it was a special celebration, none the less.  

Because I was on "limited duty", the delivery of the PJs was coupled with a field trip to my doctor's office.  D'Andre was a huge help and the staff at SafeHaven were very appreciative.

Each year, the party leaves me with a heart full of joy and gratitude, the 2011 event left me especially happy and thankful.

The Facts

1 in 5 young women will be a victim of sexual assault while they are in college.

The Facts

1 in 9 teen girls will be forced to have sex.

4th Annual Peppermints and PJs

It was such a great pleasure to have my house filled with music, dance, laughter, good food and great company! I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I enjoyed myself!

For the guests who traveled a long way (that was most of you!) to share in the night, thank you!  To all of my sorors who attended the party from near and far, thank you!  To those who donated PJs to the women at SafeHaven, thank you!  To the dance teachers -- Donna and Marquel -- a BIG thank you, that was an awesome touch!

All weekend long, I tried to decide what my favorite part of the party was, was it  . . . 

     the new faces? 

     the dancing?

     the food? 

     the triplets? 

     the Deltas?

     the words from SafeHaven?

     the custom designed PJs? 

     the chocolate Louisiana sled? 

     the spa?

     the naughty and nice selection? 

I will have to settle on all of the above and everything else as because it was all wonderful! My heart is overflowing with love and joy, although my knees are screaming for Ben Gay!

Thank you all for participating with your whole heart, supporting SafeHaven and making the 4th the best so far!

See you on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011!  

By the way, PJs are still rolling in!

THE DEVASTATING DIVAS OF DELTA SIGMA THETA

What's the story?

Y'all look so innocent! 

Something is fishy!  

Wait, hold up! 

 

 They all lived happily ever after!

Peppermint Parking

So that we don't overcrowd the neighbors’ driveways or block each other in on the evening of Peppermints and PJs, I have reserved a special place for you to park your vehicle at Rickel Park.  Rickel Park is three doors down from my house and will allow much easier parking and departure, once you are ready to leave.

To get to Rickel Park, head east on my street, Ascension Dr., turn left at the stop sign which is Bluebonnet Road, then make a quick right into Rickel Park. If you enter my neighborhood on Bluebonnet, rather than turning left at the stop sign onto Ascension, go through the stop sign and make a quick right into the park. Exactly where to park will be offset by barricades placed in the park by the City of Hurst just for us!

I'll make sure everyone gets back to their car safely.  If you have any questions regarding parking, please give me a call.

Reasons for Prayer

This year, there are several ladies who will not be able to join us for a variety of reasons.  Below are just some of the things that are happening in the lives of my friends . . . 

Marcy will be with her family in observance of Chanukah.

Crissy just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

Many ladies have to work.

Chantelle has to study.

Angela will be with her parents celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary.

Gisele will be attending her aunt's funeral.

Please join me in praying for the ladies who cannot be with us and for those who are traveling long distances to be with us.  


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6

Butt Lifting Design!

Pajama Jeans!  I thought this was a joke.  I was wrong and they are only $39.95.  Click here to check it out!
Disclaimer:  This is not an endorsement or suggestion that you purchase these.  I just think the video is hilarious and since this is a PJ party I thought I'd share :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Everyone that I know is getting ready for Thanksgiving -- roasting or frying turkey, making dressing, baking cakes and pies.  I, on the other hand, am working Thanksgiving but thinking PEPPERMINT!  In the stores, searching the internet for recipes, figuring out the dinner table place-setting . . . the entire time, I am trying to suppress thoughts of red and white, pajamas and wondering where I am going to store yet another striped thing!  Needless to say, I cannot wait!

In the meantime, I wish everyone a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Deltas in da building!

Okay Sorors, we will be at the party in big numbers this year.  Will we stroll like our Sorors are doing here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4oxswRuexw?  If so, who is going to teach me?  I have the red shoes and can get help from Dee on the music.  One more thing, who is bringing the Epsom Salts and BenGay?  

OOO - OOP!

4th Annual Peppermints and PJs - December 4, 2010

Facts From SafeHaven

IN TEXAS

• In 2006, 120 women in Texas were killed by their intimate partners.
• Seventy-four percent of all Texans have either themselves, a family member and/or a friend have experienced some form of domestic violence.
• Forty-seven percent of all Texans report having personally experienced at least one form of domestic violence, either severe, verbal and/or forced isolation from friends and family at some point in their lifetime.

(Texas Council on Family Violence, TCFV.org)

IN THE UNITED STATES

• One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
• An estimated 1.4 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
• Almost one-third of female homicide victims that are reported in police records are killed by an intimate partner

(National Coalition Against Domestic Violence NCADV.org)

What Will We Do This Year?

Since this year is the fourth time that we are coming together, 4 will be your lucky number!  Also, get ready to use your feet and I don't mean to Wobble or Cupid Shuffle (although we can do that, too).

For Belle

My friend, Belle, died suddenly on November 2.  It was a shock; I did not know that she had gotten sick.  She was 47 years old, married to Dwayne for 25 years and has one son, Chance, a college student.  

I met Belle when I was hired to teach at Holy Family Catholic School in Lafayette.   It was a rough time for me --- I had recently separated, had a young son and was struggling.  Belle was often the bright spot for me on many dark days.  Her ability to find humor in almost any situation as well as her willingness to help is something for which I will be forever grateful.   She was generous to a fault, had a crazy sense of humor and never met a stranger.  She was the one who insisted that the circle of friends that started at Holy Family stay in touch.  And she was the one who made sure that happened.  

There are many things that I loved about Belle.  One of the things that I really appreciated was her early morning phone call.  Belle was the kind of woman who had house work done, the evening’s dinner on the stove and had visited her mother, all before her afternoon stories came on TV.  Knowing that I am not an early riser, Belle would always ask, “You up soul?” when she would call and then proceed to tell me that I was lying when I said that I was.  Truth is two or three of her calls were my wake up calls.  Belle’s calls always gave me a little piece of home and helped me to start the day with a smile (usually a big belly laugh!).

Belle had planned to come to last year’s party but could not make it.  About a month after the party, I received two pair of pajamas from Belle.  When we spoke on the phone, we both agreed that she definitely would attend the next party.  I packed her donation with the party décor with the thought that she would not have to purchase PJs this year.

Each year, around this time, something happens that makes me think that I should not have the party.  This year was no exception.  Belle’s passing along with a few other events made me think that perhaps I should skip this year.  Then I found Belle’s gift.  

The Facts

Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.

3rd Annual Peppermints and PJs

Everyone Contributed Something

Debra, thank you for the beautiful song - it added a special touch to the night!

This Explains Why You Play Reindeer Games So Well Every Year!

My mother sent me this . . .


According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.   Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.  Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. We should've known…... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost. 


HA! Ladies rule!

The Pictures are Awesome!

I love the expressions, the looks, the laughs and the poses.   Click on 2009 Pictures at the right to be taken to the Picasa Web Album, then be sure to click on full screen slideshow to get the best view . . . be prepared, the photographer sent  200+ shots!  And just in case you need a photographer, I highly recommend Deborah Kellogg @ 214/502-3038.  As you can see in the picture at the right, even though Mom and I did not dress alike, she still had a twin, thanks Kim!


You will see many shots of the food, none of which I made!  The great food and assistance with setup and service came from CN Catering.  Patrica, Rufus and David where awesome, I cannot wait for the next reason to order something from them :) 


Several of you have asked for the name of the book that caused the tears to flow . . . it is Big Hugs for Women. There are several "hugs" books.  Click here to see info at Barnes and Noble.


To those of who expressed an interest in hosting a Peppermints and PJs event, please give me a call and we'll start planning!  


Each year, I try to do something new to advance the program, this year I plan to get the name and logo trade marked and maybe even apply for 501c3 status, wish me luck!  What a wonderful evening; apart from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, this party has become the highlight of my holiday season. 

My heartfelt love and thanks until the next time . . .

A Very Special Night

Saturday's event was extra special and I hope that everyone had as wonderful a time as I did.  Many thanks to all the ladies who came and a very special thank you to everyone who donated PJs to the women of SafeHaven.

I know that we all were touched by the words from Lisa Simonds of SafeHaven.  Her comments about the women that she assisted on the same night of the party really helped us see how horribly real domestic violence is.  I am also happy that she got to see all of you, the beautiful ladies who support Peppermints and PJs.





I am still waiting for the photos from the photographer, for now I will post the one that everyone was given.

Peppermints and PJs 2010?  My wheels are already spinning . . .

No Sneaux (snow for you Texans)

While I'd love a white Christmas, a white PJ party is out of the question!  My fingers are crossed that the threat of snow does not scare my Louisiana guests away.  Wish with me!

A Winner!

Congrats to Amanda, winner of the first party prize!

Win Before it Begins!

Many of the lovely ladies invited have not sent their RSVP (I need both yes and no).  I am using a new caterer and menu style and really need to know who is coming so that I will not have to much or too little food and drink.

I am wondering if you are reading the blog this year . . . .?

Here is a little experiment that I hope will help me to find out!  The first party guest to send an email to PeppermintsandPJs2007@gmail.com with I am Reading It as the subject will have a prize waiting for her when she arrives on Saturday.

See you in two weeks!

Who's getting the PJs?

I have just gotten great news! This year, a representative from SafeHaven will drop in to say hi, take a picture and pick up the PJs! This will be a great way for the staff at SafeHaven to learn about the wonderful women who so graciously donate PJs each year.

Peppermints and PJs 2009

Save the date, the 3rd Annual Peppermints and PJs Party will be held on Saturday, December 5th.  Please RSVP to PeppermintsandPJs2007@gmail.com by Saturday, November 21.

The Facts

Of this total, nearly $4.1 billion is for victims requiring direct medical and mental health care services.

2nd Annual Peppermints and PJs

PJs Delivered to SafeHaven's Santa's Shack

I delivered our donation today! Geri Medlin,Volunteer Coordinator for SafeHaven graciously accepted our gift and asked me to give a warm thanks to all who gave. Santa's Shack will be open for kids to shop for their moms on Monday, December 22.

More Women in Business

As I have shared before, I try to support women owned business as much as possible when planning the party. Here are two more that had nothing to do with my planning but are great.

During the late morning on the day of the party, I was about to have a meltdown over centerpieces. Then I realized that I was not a florist and I needed to find one ASAP. I brought my box of "stuff" to Jamie, the owner of Cooper's Florist and begged her to help me. She calmed me down, told me she would fit me in AND deliver everything by 2 PM. She did exactly that, for less than I thought it would cost and her work was magical!! Thank you, Jamie.

Anyone who knows me knows that I do not know or like wines (let's not bring up BF Tinkle Pink from college days, which was my fav and is now retired!). Anyway, when Gisele said that she was bringing a wine drink mix from Lafayette, I thought, "Great! Something for everyone but I probably will not have any." Then she, Carla and Laura made it! Boy, was it good and boy was I wrong! Thanks to Google, I have discovered where to get it locally AND that the business is run by women!! Coincidence? I think not!! Check it out: Wine Glace'

With heartfelt thanks to . . .

Everyone who gave PJs, even if you could not come to the party -- thank you! Our gift of PJs for the Santa Shack at SafeHaven allows moms and children residing in the emergency shelter during the holiday season select gifts for their families. Thanks for helping to make the holidays bright for Tarrant County’s survivors of domestic violence.

All of the ladies who "played". This year's event uncovered several stars -- America's Next Top Peppermint Models and American Peppermint Idols!

Edell and Marquel for making that long road trip, just for the party, and the beautiful Peppermint House.

Carla for Karaoke. Who knew we had such great singers in the bunch?

Gisele for allowing me to agonize over just one more peppermint ornament or candle until 3 AM. You ARE an awesome counselor.

Marcy, for the great logo! Check out new banner -- that's our logo. I cannot believe that we now have a brand!!

To Jamie at Coopers Florist for taking my mess and making beautiful pieces! One should always let the pros do it.

Thank you all for coming, donating and throwing your whole heart into having a good time. I had a blast and hope that you did, too!

Besides a Party and Pajamas

An amazing thing happened as a result of me sending out this invitation. Besides learning whether a woman would or would not attend the party, I learned that each of us stands in the need of prayer – either a prayer of thanks and praise or a request for healing, courage, strength and peace of mind. Below are just the things that I have learned through visiting, email and brief phone calls. Imagine the stuff that we are going through that we don’t talk about, the stuff that I did not list here? Whether you come to the party or not, please pray for me. Pray for the issues that are listed below and the women who are dealing with them.

Family

• Three of us need our marriages healed
• One of us is recently married
• One of us is an expectant mother
• Two of us are going through a divorce
• Four of us have children who have lost their way
• Eleven of us have children in college (wonderful!)

Career

• Five of us have more than one job
• One of us is up for a promotion
• Four of us are extremely stressed at work, so much so that it is affecting our health
• Three of us have new jobs
• Five of us own our own business (awesome!)

Self

• Five of us are in college or taking some sort of class
• Five of us have serious health issues
• Two of us are having serious financial troubles

Some other women who need our prayer:

• The families of . . .

Stephanie, who we lost on November 20 at 46 years old

Margo, who we lost on November 18 at 46 years old

and Winnifer, who we lost on August 23 at 22 years old

• Ruby, a mother who is in the hospital trying to overcome the effects of stroke and diabetes.
• Brandy, a young wife and mother, who went in to the hospital to give birth to her second child and is now a multiple amputee due to staph infection.
• Women who are victims of domestic violence, such as the clients of SafeHaven.
  

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Without persistence, prayers may go unanswered.

E M. Bounds from Women of Destiny Bible

What are we gonna do?

Below are just a few the of the activities planned for Saturday night:

• We'll pose for the "official" group photo to be taken promptly at 8:30ish


• We'll create an instant scrapbook


• We'll play games, a few from last year and, new for 2008, Wanna be on Top?


• We'll discuss this year's PJ delivery and next year's party date and beneficiary


• Most importantly, we'll eat, drink and be merry!

Women in Business

Because this party is all about women, I want to do business with as many businesses owned by women as possible.

• 2008 Florist: Cooper's Florist
• 2008 & 2007 Caterer: Deb's Custom Catering
• 2008 & 2007 Deserts: Hot Chocolates
• 2008 Photographer: Memories by Courtney Last year, Charles surprised us with a professional photographer. It was a great idea because I had not given anything thought to a camera or pictures. The photographer was great but he was a man and that broke the first party rule! This year, Charles is giving us a female photographer. Thanks, Charles!
• 2008 Airbrush Artist: Crazy Dee's Airbrush
• 2008 Balloon Supplier: Balloons Fantastique

Questions you may want to ask Vann

Q: Is it really a Pajama Party? Should I plan to sleep over?
A: Some out-of-town guests will sleep over, feel free to join us. And, like all Pajama Parties, please remember to bring your favorite pillow!

Q: And should I wear pajamas?
A: PJs are not required but you can, if you like! Your host will. Something just as causal and comfy will do. Nothing uncomfortable allowed!

Q: What kind of PJs should I donate?
A: Buy what you would wear, in your size, something that you would be comfortable in. The shelter needs a mixed assortment of sizes of practical, modest gowns and PJs. Please don’t buy skimpy, sexy, stuff, save that for Santa!

Q: Can I give previously worn PJs?
A: No, thank you.

Q: I hate gift wrapping! Do I have to wrap my PJs?
A: No! The staff at SafeHaven advise that the gifts should not be wrapped. Lucky you!

Q: I really don’t have time, interest or funds to buy PJs, should I still come?
A: By all means, come!

Q: Will we be asked to donate money to the charity at the party? Is this a fundraiser?
A: Absolutely not. This is a party. Please do not feel pressured to donate PJs and please know that while there will be a representative from the Shelter at the party there will be no requests made of you during or after the party.

Q: Then why are you doing this?
A: I love helping people and planning events.
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required. Luke 12:48

Q: Who can I bring?
A: You! No males, no minors and no mutts! (no guys, kids or animals)

Q: I love this idea! Can I throw a Peppermints and PJs party?

A: You betcha! Shoot me an email, I'd be glad to help you plan. Imagine the impact that several parties could have on shelters helping women in communities across Texas and Louisiana!

About SafeHaven

The Mission of SafeHaven is to reduce domestic violence through services that support victims and their families and prevent abuse through intervention and education.

SafeHaven not only provides immediate emergency shelter for victims of family violence, but also maintains many additional services to help women and children through every step of their journey to violence-free lives. These include 24-hour emergency hotline, counseling, support groups, case management, legal assistance and transitional living services. SafeHaven also offers educational prevention programs to schools, professionals, and other community groups.

SafeHaven serves all of Tarrant and surrounding counties.

To learn more about SafeHaven and the programs and services they offer, click here.

About Domestic Violence

• 1 in 3 women have been victims of domestic violence at some point during their lives. Journal of American Medical Association, 2001
• On average, more than 3 women are murdered by their intimate partners in the United States every day. The United States Department of Justice, 2001
• Each day in the United States, more than 3 children die as a result of abuse at home. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2001
• As many as 10 million children witness domestic violence each year in the U.S. Texas Council on Family Violence, 2003
• A child’s exposure to the father abusing the mother is the strongest risk factor for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. The American Psychological Association, 1996
• 1 in 5 high school aged girls will be physically and/or sexually abused in a dating relationship, increasing the likelihood that the girl will abuse drugs and/or alcohol, develop an eating disorder, consider and/or attempt suicide, engage in risky behavior and/or become pregnant. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2001
• Over 324,000 pregnant women are involved in abusive relationships each year. The Maternal and Child Health Journal, 2000
• An abuser’s unemployment, access to guns and threats of deadly violence are the strongest warning signs of female homicide in abusive relationships. The American Journal of Public Health, 2003
• The health-related costs of rape, physical assault, stalking and homicide committed by intimate partners is more than $5.8 billion each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003

Read more statistics about violence against women here.