Shopping Begins!

Black Friday is finally here. The streets and shops are crowded with people all fighting to get the best deals before they are gone. Why does it seem that this time of year people forget what is really important? We all go gift crazy and forget that it's the thought behind the gift that is important, not the gift it's self. This is a time of year for giving, and being thankful for everything we have.

Even I have to admit that my gift shopping is almost done. O.K. so I cheated a little, most of my gifts are handmade. Those are the gifts we should be giving this year. Those are the gifts that will be treasured for years to come. When I was younger my Grandma decided one Christmas that the only gifts allowed that year were going to be handmade. They were the best! We all drew names for the person we were making for and each gift was carefully made by the person who drew the name. Younger kids did have help but they still made it. My cousin drew my name, I was just going into High School so she made a High School scrap book. I still have it, full of all my most favorite high school memories. She used a plain photo album and printed out title pages for the Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years, as well as Newspaper clippings, Sports, Special Memories, and Friends. There were other categories as well but you could come up with all kinds of ways to use this idea.

Most everyone in my family has bought their gifts this year, despite my trying to persuade them to buy handmade or make it themselves, so I think I will bring up the idea of making our gifts next year on New Years Day and I will keep bringing it up all year long. As for my "shopping" I'm still creating. I wont tell you what I'm making until after Christmas I don't want any family members to peek.

So remember, give your heart this Christmas, make your gifts and maybe make a few extra. Don't forget those who are less fortunate than you. Your local shelters and food banks would LOVE to have your donations. Especially this time of year. It always seem that there are more that need help than those willing to help. Even if all you have is a few hours to volunteer at your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Is that such a bad thing to give. Maybe make a few extra blankets or scarves to take with you and donate. Don't forget your local women's shelters too. There are so many ways to show others that you care just remember to take the time to do it this year.

My point. Give from your heart. Weather to your family or to a stranger on the street. Show them you care by taking the time to make something just for them, even if it's just giving them your time.

God bless you all and have a VERY MERRY HANDMADE CHRISTMAS!!!

TAGGED!!

Well I've been tagged, what a challenge! As I understand it, it is now my challenge to tell you all 6 little factoids about myself that you might (or might not) find interesting. Then I will be tagging a few more fun people to hear from so keep an eye out for your name later. ;) Before I begin I would like to thank Jennie http://www.sosorosey.blogspot.com/ for thinking of me for this task. WOW I really have to think hard for this one! Let's see where to start?

1.) I'm not going to tell you my age but I was born a P.K. For those of you who don't know that's Preacher's Kid. And yes on occasion I truly lived the part. I think I spent the majority of my high school life grounded, mostly because I just didn't know when to SHUT UP when arguing with my parents.

2.) I have lived in Michigan my ENTIRE life but I HATE the snow. I love the beauty of it but I hate the cold and the danger of. The one thing about snow that I do like is the way it looks first thing in the morning just after a fresh fall. GEORGOUS!

3.) I have pretty eclectic taste in music. My iPod playlist look pretty strange. I have everything from Lordi (heavy metal) to Glenn Miller. Yes I said Glenn Miller. My parents taught me to appreciate different tastes and cultures.

4.) My favorite artist is fantasy artist Amy Brown. I just LOVE her fairies. They always look like they have some big secret that only they are privy to.

5.) The one place I would love to be right now (if it was warmer) is camping at Wolf Lake State campgrounds. We used to go there every summer when I was growing up. I can still remember every step down the path to get to the beach. at the other end of the beach the water was a bit more murky so you could go fishing down there. I just liked to play in the sand and swim.

6.) My all time favorite movie is "Somewhere in Time" Staring the late Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. I love a good tear jerker! Talk about the best romance story!! You have to go rent it. Mostly filmed in Michigan :) Christopher Reeve plays a play write who falls in love with a girl in a painting. Using self-hypnosis he travels back in time to meet her. The problem is he has to leave ALL things from the present behind or he returns. They meet, they fall in love and ......I'm not going to tell you the end you will just have to go rent it!! :)

Well there you go, not very interesting I know but I have led a fairly boring life! Who's NEXT!

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http://www.michellescharmworld.blogspot.com/
http://www.ceejaybags.blogspot.com/
http://www.perfectlychic.blogspot.com/
http://www.knotartwa.blogspot.com/

Now that you have been tagged it's your turn to blog 6 things about yourself and then tag someone else! I couldn't come up with as many blogs as Jennie but have fun everyone!

Sweet Treats.

It's another week and another new artist. I have to admit when I stumbled across this one I started to drool! You would too, or you will when you check out http://vintageconfections.etsy.com/. I just about went crazy when I noticed they have my favorite treats! SMORES!!!! O.k. flashback to childhood camping trips has passed. Seriously though wouldn't you LOVE to put some of these treats out on Christmas day?!

Christmas Gifts.

As I pounced around the "Undiscovered" list on Etsy this morning looking for next weeks new artist to feature, I started thinking about what I am doing for Christmas gifts this year. There are MANY artists on Etsy that I would love to buy from, but with our budget being EXTREAMLY tight this year, I have come to the conclusion that I will make my gifts this year. Now since I know that my family occasionally checks up on my shop and my blog, well, I can't give details. That would just ruin it all!
After Tuesdays post I received a comment that I loved.

MichellesCharmWorld: http://www.michellescharmworld.etsy.com/

"We use cash only. It's a pain to go the bank and soo easy to just throw the card down, so this way it's more difficult. At the end of the day we toss all our change and singles into a savings jar that goes to the bank at the end of every month. Non-grocery purchases over 50.00 need to be slept on. If the item costs more than that we go home and think and talk it over if the next day we find it to still be a necessity we go back and get it!With the holidays here we make our own wrap by turning the Craft project of the day into wrapping paper making!We make our own cards and gift card holders too!. "

I think that this year those thoughts could most defiantly apply to our Christmas shopping. Don't put yourself further into debt because you HAVE to have that $xxx.xx whatever it is.

What are your ideas for this years Christmas? Any BIG plans with the family?

What ever you are doing this holiday season just remember that Christmas is a day to cherish those we hold most dear. The gifts we give are not important, but the time we spend with our loved ones is. Give a gift that truly came from you, make it yourself. If you feel that you don't have the talent to make it yourself go to Etsy I'm sure you'll find something there.

O.k. so this post got away from me a little bit, but the basic thought is still there.

Saveing Money Part I

I know we have all looked at our check book on occasion and said "Oh my god, what am I going to do?!" Well I know I do EVERY week. Since my husband makes the majority of the money and my pay is next to nothing, especially this time of year, I figure it is my other job to help save money around the house. So for the past year or so I have been trying to come up with ways to do a better job at it, and here are a few solutions I have come up with from the obvious to the not so obvious.

1. When you leave a room turn off the light! I know many of us do this already but occasionally we forget. As is the case with my husband and the "Curse of the bedroom light!" Unplug battery chargers when not in use, that includes cell phone chargers, these and other small appliances my still bleed electricity even when not being used.

2. Buy in bulk. A few years ago mu hubby bought me a Food Saver Vacuum Saver, I LOVE IT! We generally buy in bulk and freeze the extras but still spent a lot on food. Until the food saver, now I even take one of my free days and cook large quantity foods like Chili, Lasagna, etc separate them out and freeze them. I know not everyone can run right out and get a food saver but these days there are so many cheep versions even the one the Ziploc just came out with. Give them a try.

3. Walk when you can. Do you really NEED to DRIVE a block to the store to pick up a gallon of milk? If not walk. That does two things, one your out in the fresh air getting exercise and saving gas. For work see if you can arrange a car pool. Chances are you have other co-workers in your office in the same pickle. See if any of them would like to get together and arrange something. To make it a little more fair you could even take turns driving!

4. DIY. There are so many ways that Do It Yourself can help but I will only start with a few.

A) Small home repairs. Something as small as a leaky sink or shower head can easily be fixed without calling the plumber. There are MANY resources to help: Internet, books or go to your local hardware or home improvement center and ask. They are trained to help show you have to DIY.

B) Make it yourself. See a blouse you like but can't afford. Go buy a the pattern and the fabric you like and make it. Many fabric stores have just about ANY pattern you can think of and if you don't know how to sew they can teach you, usualy cheap.

A healthier way to clean and save money, make your own cleaning supplies, there are so many EASY recipes online just look a few up and give then a try. Try sites like Discoverynetwork.com, use key words like homemade cleaning supplies. You'll love what you find. And the best part is if you try one and it doesn't work out as well for you try another and your not spending $5 or $6 a bottle to do it. Chances are you have MANY of the ingredients right in your own kitchen.

C) Shop at grocery stores such as Aldi or Save-a-Lot. Their prices are lower because their overhead is lower. ex: quarter for your cart return your cart get you quarter back: No cart guys, Bring or buy your own bags: no extra cost there. If you don't like or don't have that type of store near you look around your neighborhood and check their policies. Some grocery stores offer a percentage off if you bring your own reusable bags.

D) Finally the one you ALL knew was coming right?? BUY HANDMADE. Yes even buying handmade can save you money sometimes.

But always remember if you CAN'T afford it DON"T spend it!

There are many more ideas I'm sure, if you have any please feel free to post them in the comments. I'm always looking for new ways! Maybe I'll even post them next time!

Times are tough.

I know that times are tough for everyone right now. I see it everywhere. At work, not much work right now, (it's just that time of year for me) money is tight lots of bills to pay and Christmas is right around the corner, bills are falling behind, people are losing their houses, I see it online both on and off Etsy, in various chat rooms and forums, with all that is going on right now it's easy to see how the stress can get to you and your marriage. (Mine included) So what can we do about it? We can HOPE, PRAY, BELIEVE, BE THANKFUL, BE A FRIEND.

HOPE that things will be better soon and that there is a brighter future just around the corner.

PRAY for the strength and courage to make it through the hard times ahead.

BELIEVE in yourself and that there is a reason for all things and that things will get better.

BE THANKFUL for all that you have, remember that there are those who have less.

BE A FRIEND to those who need it. Chances are you know someone who just needs someone to talk to.

Remember that others will follow your example. Choose to be the difference you want to see in others. I'll try to come up with ideas to help us all save money in future posts. I know things are tight for everyone right now but do come back soon. Have courage, believe in yourself, because I believe in you.

God bless and keep you.

Great Gift Bags!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?? Well if you have chances are now you need a unique gift wrap to go with your fabulous handmade gift, right!! Well I found it for you. You have to check out http://www.luckyfrog.etsy.com/ She has some of the cutest handmade gift bags like this one here, and gift card holders. Your buying hand made gifts right?! Why not buy a handmade (and reusable) gift bag as well!! HURRY go check out Luck Frog right now!!

Why I LOVE Handmade.

I know everyone has their own preferences, but me personally, I LOVE HANDMADE ITEMS! Why? Well I'm glad you asked. I love the thought that I am supporting an actual person that I have had the chance to meet and talk to. I love knowing that there is actually a history to the items I have purchased beyond what I am adding to them, and I love knowing that someone actually sat down one day and poured their heart into something that they love doing. I know that when I sit down and start on a piece the sense of pride I feel knowing that someone out there is going to love it just as much as I do can't be matched. I have only been an artist on Etsy for a couple of months now and I have met so many wonderful artists it makes your head spin! Here is a group of people who do what they love everyday. I browse around the forums and I see people who are not only passionate about their work they are passionate about other artists trying to do the same. Now I am far from being in the same category as many of my favorites but I'm proud to be among them. The Christmas season is coming up VERY soon and I encourage all of you to buy handmade. With each handmade purchase you will get a piece that was made with more love and passion than any thing you will buy at any name brand outlet. Remember....
"The best gifts are HANDMADE with LOVE." Laura Blea: Lucey Mae Gifts
Some of my favorite gifts are things that were made for me when I was a baby. I have a crochet blanket that was made for me when I was born. I still use it to this day it has survived 34 years and counting. I also still have a bear that was made for me when my brother was born so I wouldn't feel left out. These are things that I will keep forever and someday pass on to my children. Just think those handmade items you purchase this Christmas could be just as loved and cherished. Now how could that be a bad thing to give this holiday season. It's the gift of love.

Jewels Jewels Jewels!

O.k. I have to admit I have many weaknesses, top of the list is chocolate, second on the list would be jewelery, and for that reason this weeks feature shop is:

http://www.bejeweledbycandi.etsy.com. She has so many beautiful pieces in her shop right now you have to go see them all! Like this fabulously chunky Pink Rhodonite bracelet! There are so many I wish I could list them all but it would take all day. Go take a look and remember Christmas is right around the corner... what girl wouldn't want jewelery!?

Lots to do today!

Well today is going to be busy. First on my list I need to make a birthday cake. Today is my husbands 40th birthday. That's him with his Grandson. I make him a cake every year. He is 6 years older than me and doesn't like to make a big fuss over things for him but I do it anyway. When I ask him what he wants for his birthday he says "Nothing" and then fusses when I just go out and get something. He asks me what I want for my birthday I say nothing he comes home with Kay Jewelers, chocolate and last year he got me a calender from my favorite fantasy artist Amy Brown. Well weather he likes it or not I'm going to fuss. Cake, Ice cream, and gifts. Just because I love him!
Next on my list: I have 4 new items I HAVE to get listed in my Etsy shop today. I have been putting it of for far too long. I have photos of other items that I need to edit and get ready to post and I have 3 new ideas to put together. I also need to print out some more business cards since I'm out and..... well the list could go on forever.

Well now to get started. I'm off to the kitchen to make a birthday cake for hubby! Wish me luck, I'm making it from scratch this year. He's diabetic and my Grandmother gave me a receipt for a diabetic cake a few years ago, I'm just now getting the courage to give it a try!

Christmas is comeing!

With the Holidays just around the corner I set out to find the first shop to profile in my blog. As I pounced through all the undiscovered talent on Etsy, I was tring to decide what exactly I was looking for. Then suddenly this shop just JUMPED right out at me. http://www.NorthernKeepsakes.etsy.com I had to check it out, if you LOVE Christmas ornaments like I do (my collection growes more and more every year.) then you have to check it out too!

Just getting started.

Have you ever noticed how when ever you just start a new project the road seems to go on forever?
Well I'm in the boat with you. My Etsy shop has been open for about a month now and things are moving slowly, but that's OK. I figure it gives me time to really get comfortable in owning my own shop. There are so many things I want to do and accomplish with my shop but I'm afraid that if it takes off too quickly I might lose track and forget where I wanted to go. Slowly gives me time to get where I want to go.

About a day or so ago one of the other etsy shop owners featured me in her blog. I thought it was so sweet of her. Well I feel like I should keep it going. So this week Since I am just starting out with my shop and my blog I thought I would return that favor that Knitrgal (originallyla.blogspot.com) bestowed upon me by featuring a new Etsy shop owner. Tomorrow I will be choosing a shop that is BRAND NEW to etsy and feature them here.

The only trouble is there are so MANY new WONDERFUL shops that choosing just one may be difficult. But I will do my best who knows I may have more than one by the time I am done.
Stay tuned and come back tomorrow to see who I have chosen.

Dreams

Well the day is of to a great start. Work was out early so I have time to come home and work on my Etsy shop. My project for today is promotion! Part of that is to finally get my blog going. So here it is. I'm sure that many of you are wondering many things right now, like, who is this person and what the heck is an Etsy? Well I guess I'll start by introducing myself. My name is Laura, I'm married with 2 dogs. My husband and I both work, but lately I have decided to reach out a little more and follow one of my dreams. That is where Etsy comes in. Etsy is a site very similar to an on-line craft fair! There are lots of wonderful people and great handmade works. I have to admit the day I opened my shop I was shaking like a leaf. It's a little frightening to jump in head first when you are following a dream. There are so many what ifs. Like what if this doesn't work or what if no one likes my work!? I've been open for about a month or so now and I have to admit the nerves are still there a little. I have only had 3 sales and I cheer every time I see a new one. One of the reasons I have decided to follow this dream is because of another one. My husband, James, and I have been trying to plan an adoption for about 3 years now and things always seem to hit a wall. Mostly with the financing, so I thought I would Work on two dreams at once. If I can get my shop going I plan to use that to help fund an adoption and later as a full/part time job, so I can be home with my kids. I guess it's never too late to follow your dreams. You just have to get out there and do it! I think that the poem by Langston Hughes says it best:

"Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird that can not fly.

Hold fast to dreams for if dreams go

Life is a baron field frozen with snow."

So what are your dreams? Have you followed them. If not go for it. Life is full of wonder, just let your dreams lead the way.