CONNECT is my focus word for 2012 and I had another opportunity to do just that this past week.

Blue Bunny, the makers of fantastic ice cream and novelty treats, recently sent me a cooler with a variety of ice cream goodies in it (don’t I have one of the greatest jobs in the world?). The plan was to host an ice cream party and share the treats they sent! Days passed and then weeks and I couldn’t get my act together enough to get my house in “tip top” shape to have people over. For some reason I had it in my head that everything had to be perfect before I could have friends over.

The last day of Christmas break came and I looked in my freezer and saw all of the ice cream, sitting in there, hoping to be used. I looked around my house – still in dissarray from hosting several holiday parties. My wood floors were in desperate need of scrubbing. My windows were streaked and in need of cleaning. So many things needed to be done before I could feel comfortable having people over.

Then I thought…”Wait, Kristen… your word for 2012 is Connect. Open your home more, despite the fact that your floors may not be in the most pristine condition.The people you care about aren’t going to give a flip about your floors!” So, I did just that. At almost noon I put a post out on Facebook letting friends and neighbors know we’d be having an impromptu Blue Bunny Ice Cream party at 3pm. Come one, come all.

We ended up having about 30 guests that afternoon, all enjoying the different options and flavors Blue Bunny has to offer. Ice Cream Sandwiches, Fudge Bars, Ice Cream Cones… you name it, we had it and it was gobbled up and enjoyed by kids and adults alike. And you know what? Not one person said a thing about my floors!

I discovered a couple of things by hosting this event. 1) Your true friends aren’t going to judge you by whether your wood floors are scrubbed. Time with them is more important than saving it until everything is perfect…if you wait for perfection, it won’t happen. 2) Ice cream parties are an easy way to connect with others. Toss out a few of your favorite Blue Bunny treats and let everyone go to town, indulging on what flavors they love the most. 3) People love ice cream! I suggest stocking up on some Blue Bunny treats and inviting friends and neighbors over for a party of your own. What a simple and delicious way to connect with others!

Thank you, Blue Bunny, for giving me another opportunity to CONNECT with others this year!

Blue Bunny provided the supplies and ice cream for our party. All opinions expressed are my own.

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