MIXEDBLESSING 2006 PRESS RELEASE

MixedBlessing® Combines Christmas and Hanukkah (also known as CHRISMUKKAH) and the Popular Penguin to Create a One of a Kind Greeting Card for Interfaith Families

For immediate release: Nov 16, 2006

With the opening of the new blockbuster, Happy Feet, penguins are expected to warm the hearts of moviegoers everywhere this holiday season. One local company, MixedBlessing, was inspired to create this original greeting card, starring a family of penguins with Christmas tree and menorah in hand to help mixed faith families celebrate both the holidays and their own diversity.

Founded fifteen years ago, MixedBlessing was created when company founder Elise Okrend, who is Jewish, was unable to find holiday greeting cards that were sensitive to both faiths. Her research revealed that nearly half of all Jewish newlyweds marry non-Jews.

The total market?

Over 3 million Americans.

With her keen artistic flair, creative sensitivity, and acute business sense, Okrend‚s MixedBlessing Holiday Greeting Card Collection now number over 50 designs catering to both Christians and Jews.

Along with the interfaith penguin family, shoppers can find cards with scenes of a savvy urban couple clutching Christmas and Hanukkah shopping bags, a holiday tree and menorah illuminated against a moonlit snow laden forest, playful cats entwined in holiday lights, even a beloved canine sporting a Star of David collar and a crooked Santa hat, just to name a few.

"Our company has grown right along with the national growth trend towards spirituality and global diversity," explained Okrend. "In addition to the interfaith line, we also produce a line of peace and multicultural cards for the holidays."

About MixedBlessing

MixedBlessing offers greeting cards and other items such as mugs, multicultural cards, music, interfaith stockings and books that are available online at www.mixedblessing.com .

Greeting cards are available at Borders Books & Music, Bed Bath and Beyond, Bloomingdales and Barnes & Noble.

Elise Okrend is available for interviews. Catalogs are available by calling 1-800-947-4004. Card art is available upon request.

 

Mixed Bag Becomes a MixedBlessing™ for Interfaith Families During the Holidays

Raleigh, NC 2006 - The holidays can be a mixed bag for interfaith families as the number of Jewish/Christian couples continues to grow. Holidays are meant to be shared but nevertheless can encompass different beliefs, cuisine, and traditions. With nearly half of all Jewish newlyweds marrying non-Jews, amounting to almost 3 million, Elise Okrend, Jewish although not in an interfaith marriage, saw a niche that needed filling and did just that. With her keen artistic flair and creative sensitivity, MixedBlessing Greeting Cards was born. Catering to both Jews and Christians at the holidays, she brilliantly bridges Christmas and Hanukkah, careful not to temper or compromise either. MixedBlessing has several card designs that skillfully depict its message.

MixedBlessing offers up scenes of a savvy urban couple clutching Christmas and Hanukkah shopping bags, a frosty penguin family in swirls of snow in cool blues, a holiday tree and menorah illuminated against a moonlit snow laden forest, playful cats entwined in holiday lights, even a beloved canine sporting a Star of David collar and a crooked Santa hat, just to name a few.

Elise, inspired from her background in corporate printing and design, the support of family and friends, and several other gifted artists, began MixedBlessing over fifteen years ago. It continues to grow with the national trend towards spirituality and global diversity. Blending the two religions or striping away tradition is not the answer among most families who want the magnificence of both holidays to shine. MixedBlessing believes that each can maintain their belief in rich family experiences with two contrasting views with regards to the Torah and the Bible through their greeting Cards at the holidays.

MixedBlessing is proud to announce its new program Gifts That Give, and will be adding beautiful healing jewelry and gift items and donating 10% of all sales to Habitat for Humanity. Rather than a hybrid, MixedBlessing greeting cards allows clever celebration of two religions with distinctive themes with unity rather than confusion.

Mixed Blessing greeting cards and other items such as mugs, multicultural cards, music, interfaith stockings and books are available online. Greeting cards are available at Borders Books & Music, Bed Bath and Beyond, Bloomingdales and Barnes & Noble. Elise and Philip Okrend are available for interviews. Catalogs are available by calling 1-800-947-4004. Card art is available in your publication with permission.