Memorial Day

  

          How will you be spending your Memorial Day? Will you be having a BBQ with your family and friends? Maybe it will be a day at the beach. What will you be thinking of? Will it be your long week at work? Perhaps you’ll have your kids Doctor’s appointment this week. Whatever it is will you be remembering the reason for this Holiday?

            What do you think of when you think of the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom? Am I right in guessing that you think first of the men and women currently serving in our armed forces? Maybe then you think of the past, the soldiers who served in desert storm, then Vietnam, and so on and so on.

            What about others who gave everything including their country to give us what we have today? What about men like Samuel Whittemore, Hezekhiah Wyman, Dr. Samuel Prescott, Dr. Joseph Warren, William Dawes, Charles Dawes, Thomas Dawes, Hannah Davis, Isaac Davis, Lydia Mulliken or even Josiah Haines?

            I know you know the names of John Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Alexander Hamilton, but do you know those others?

            Did you know that those names gave everything for what we have today? They were just a few men who knew that the moment they picked up their muskets against the kings men they were signing their own death warrants. They knew that they would be committing an act of treason, but they also knew that the legacy they were securing for us would be worth the sacrifice.

            The women of the day didn’t shrink from it either. They may not have fought but they knew what they may lose. Hannah Davis lost her husband and was left to care for her four sick children on her own but she never belittled her husband’s choice to go. She knew it was right. Lydia Mulliken lost her fiance ,Dr. Samuel Prescott, her brother, and the pastor who  would have presided over her wedding, her home was burned yet she held on to the same belief that it was the right thing to do.

            Now I know you are probably sitting there asking yourself why I am going on about the first veterans of this nation so I’m going to tell you…

            Our nation is in danger losing a priceless treasure. It’s not a treasure made of gold or precious stones, but it’s a thousand times more valuable… it’s the knowledge of our history, of where we came from and who we are.

            We have the rights and freedoms, which others have fought and died to protect, because those names gave them to us; and all they ask in return is that we never forget. They ask that we live up to the example that they set.

            How do we do that? It’s easier than you think just simply get up and do something. Write a letter to your congressman, or city officials. It’s as simple as just going out to vote. It doesn’t have to be much but even a little is enough.

           Ok now I know your sitting there saying “I’m just one person, I can’t make that much of a difference” but your wrong as our founding fathers taught us, just one person can change the world.

            I first heard the stories of these men and women when my dad talked me into going to an Appleseed shoot last September. Before I go any further let me explain what Appleseed is. Project Appleseed is a program run by the RWVA (Revolutionary War Veterans Association) it’s a weekend course that teaches rifle marksmanship and a little bit of history. That history is based on April 19^th, 1775. The day the war began.

            I’ll admit I didn’t think I would enjoy it at first. I even told my boss to deny the time off request which she forgot to do, but I’m glad she forgot. I had a lot of fun out there. I learned a lot and I had the chance to meet some great people. I still go to shoots every month, except in the winter I’m not a snow person. It’s definitely an event I would recommend to anyone!  

            If shooting isn’t your thing then come on out for the history. Believe it or not even something as small as spending a weekend out at a shooting range with a bunch of fun loving people learning about the men and women that helped to make us who we are is enough to change the world.

            If you are interested in knowing more about Project Appleseed then feel free to visit our web site at:  info@appleseedusa.org.

            We would love to see you at our next event! Until then enjoy your holiday and maybe take a moment to give a little thought or thanks to the men and women who I mentioned earlier, and maybe take a moment out of your day sometime this week to look up their stories.

            One person can make a world of difference.

Who Say’s Life Ends at Divorce?

“I’m shutting the door to the life that I once knew, to the lies I took for truth, to the life consumed by you…” Closure by Dommin

There are so many songs out there that you can choose from that all show the strength and courage needed to start over again; but this one is my favorite. You may be asking why I would need the reminder; well I’ll tell you…

January 2010, I was married and happy, or so I thought. My marriage wasn’t perfect, but then I don’t think there is a relationship out there that doesn’t have problems on occasion, but we always seemed to work our problems out. I was 35 and it was the night before my 10th wedding anniversary when my husband decided to tell me that he wanted a divorce. He wasn’t interested in working on any of our problems and that for several years he had only been telling me what I wanted to hear to keep me happy. My world had just come crashing down around me. I didn’t find out till later that he had already found someone else. She had the job, the house, the car, the status that he wanted and that I couldn’t give him.

So there I was a 35 year old throw away. What was I supposed to do now? How was I supposed to get up every morning and go on like nothing had ever happened? The answer…I didn’t. I let myself fall apart for a while.

I soon found out exactly how wonderful my friends and family are. They were all there for me, and never let me fall too deep into that pit. I was surprised to find that the friends I hadn’t talked to in 10 years, because my husband didn’t like them, were the first to call me everyday to check on me. If it hadn’t been for them it probably would have taken me much longer to find my way back.

I never realized how much I had given up or changed for my husband until he left me. I didn’t actually notice it until I was standing in front of the mirror one day. I remember looking at the person looking back at me and thinking “I don’t like you.” That person in the mirror didn’t look or feel like me, and the more I talked to my friends again, the more I realized the difference. Aside from the physical differences- I had gone from being a tiny 99lbs to 145lbs with all the aches and pains that go with the extra weight- I had gone from being a strong minded person who spoke my opinion, sometimes even when I probably should have kept my mouth shut, to being a person who never spoke up and didn’t argue. Life was just easier if I didn’t have an opinion. He was always right and my opinion didn’t count anyway. Looking in that mirror I decide that I had reached my limit. One way or another I would get back who I was!

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” Author unknown.

Starting over wasn’t easy. Life became about NEEDS and not WANTS. First I needed to find a place to live. Our lease was up on the house we were renting and I couldn’t afford to renew on my own so I moved in with my brother while I looked for a place of my own. Next was my job, I loved what I was doing but I couldn’t afford to support myself on the unreliable hours so I had to look for something else. Finding a place to live was a little harder. I had never known how badly my ex had destroyed our credit until I had applied to several apartments; add in the two large dogs and it was beginning to seem like an up hill battle! Well someone upstairs must have been looking out for me because the same week I got my new job I found a place to live. They didn’t mind that my credit was a mess and the two dogs weren’t a problem. The best part is that the rent is reasonable, much more reasonable than any apartment around here, so what if it’s a mobile home park. Like I said life became about NEEDS not WANTS. I moved into my place the same week I started my new Job.

So here I am; a year later the divorce is final and I’m moving on. It took a little while to get into a new routine, but I did. Life is still more about needs but it’s getting better. My bills are paid every month and there isn’t always enough left over for the fun things but that’s ok. I’m fine with that. I’m slowly losing the extra weight; I’m now down to a much healthier 131lbs and no more aches and pains. I’m much more active than I was, my dogs and I love to go walking the trails around here, except when it’s raining then they both look at me like I’m nuts if I think I’m getting them out there. I’m back to being myself a bit more too. I’m not afraid to think for myself anymore. I voice my opinion when I think it’s called for, and yes I use a bit more discretion than when I was younger. I’m even dating again, nothing serious yet, but it’s a start. I don’t need to go rushing into anything at this point.

Some of you may be wondering why I felt the need to spill my guts about what was probably the worst time of my life, right? Well my reason is simple. I recently met a girl at work who just hired in. She’s in the same spot I was a year ago. She’s a little stronger than I was but she’s still having a tough time with some things. Talking to her one day I realized that at the beginning of my divorce, even though I had so many supporting me, I still felt alone and unwanted. So if I felt that way I’m sure that someone else out there has felt the same way. So here is what I have to say…You’re not alone. I know it feels like your world has ended and that there couldn’t possibly be any way to move forward, but I can tell you first hand that you’re stronger than you think. Say goodbye to the past and move forward. Life is FULL of changes and this is just another one of them. Give yourself time to readjust, you can do it, it won’t happen over night and it’s not always easy but you have all that you need to move on. If I can do it so can you.

After all as Queen sang “The show must go on!”

Besides who knows what is out there waiting…

To all of my family and friends who were there for me and who I know still are; I know I don’t say it often enough…but Thank you and I love you.

Where has the time gone??

Well time has sure gotten away from me! I didn't realize how far behind I had gotten with things until I looked up one day and noticed that several months had gone by!! We all know how life can get crazy! Between work and families and just the everyday chaos we can tend to lose track of what is important. Then before we know it the time is gone and we wonder where it went. I tell my friends all the time to slow down and relax. Take it easy for a day and enjoy some time with your family, lately I have found them telling me the same thing. Funny how your own words can be used against you at times. Well they're right, so it's time to slow down. I'm back to my shop and my blog and once again I'll be featuring a NEW shop. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do a different one every week but I will try. I've missed you all and I look forward to seeing you all again. Remember take time for yourself and your loved ones don't give yourself room to regret not spending the time with them while you have it.

Summer is on the way!!

O.k. so maybe I'm thinking a little too far ahead but I figure maybe if we all think tons of warm thoughts then summer will be here before we know it. I know I am SOOO ready for warm summer air, green trees and beautiful flowers! I have had enough of cold, frozen, grey mornings that just make you want to crawl back into bed and never come out! I'm looking forward to the bright sunshine and backyard barbeque's! Summer is perfect for so many things, like showing off your newest Etsy purchase! Yes I know that was a shameless Etsy plug but I have many more where that came from! I love summer for all kinds of reasons, there are so many more opportunities to get together with friends and family and just catch up. This year I have decided to start a vegetable garden. At least I'm going to try, I'm not too good with flowers but I'm going to try anyway. I'm also planning a few events with some close friends of mine. We haven't seen each other in a while and this summer we are getting together with our families and catching up on old times and new. What do you have planed for your summer?

Weather it is a big vacation or a simple cook out in the back yard, spend it with the ones you love and enjoy the time we have been given. We tend to take things for granted in our lives and maybe it was this hard winter that reminded me of that. We just let time go by and think "I'll call Mom later..." or "Someday we'll take the kids to _________, just as soon as we can afford it." Before you know it Mom is gone or the kids have all grown up and stared their own lives. Have you ever heard the saying "Don't put off till tomorrow the things you can do today?" Well it's true call your Mom now take the kids out just for a night of fun.

"Life is short, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably... and never regret anything that makes you smile."

Gorgeous Glass!

This weeks "New" shop feature is an artist who is not so new to Etsy, but when I saw these glass flowers I just couldn't figure out why http://dietcokeoo.etsy.com/ has been undiscovered. Her work is fabulous! Just imagine a vase of these never fading flowers on a windowsill in your home. I can just see the way the light would shine through and reflect around the room. And her vases are just as imaginative. You have to go see, she has SOOO many flower colors to choose from I'm sure you'll find something you like, or better yet...can't live without!

Valentines Day.

It's finally here.... Valentines Day. A day to show those who mean the most to you, just how much you love them. So what are you doing for Valentines Day? Me, well I'm not sure! I think we are going to spend the day just getting to know each other again. I know that probably sounds strange but think about it, as we get older we change. We change in appearance and in our opinions and in the things we want out of our lives. Sometimes you need to sit down and remind each other of who you were and let them know who you are now. If your a parent you need to take time out as a couple and not be "Mom & Dad" for a while, time to just be "John & Jane." If you don't have kids chances are you and your husband, wife or significant other take each other for granted once in a while, right?? I know it has happened to me and my husband, that is why we need to "re-introduce" ourselves to each other. We decided to start dating again. (Each other, that is.) Rule number 1: NO talking about home or work. Just talk about yourselves, pretend you just met and you want to get to know this wonderful person sitting across from you at the dinner table! It's a good way to remind yourself of why you love this person so much!

I know that Valentines Day has become just another holiday to give gifts and have fun but don't forget that it's not the gift that counts... It's the thought behind the gift and the person that was thinking of you when they picked it out. Show that person how much you love and appreciate them, and never let them forget it. Life is short, Love is forever!

Imagination!!!

I was pouncing through the undiscovered shops on Etsy today, just to see what's there and maybe find my next feature, when this shop jumped right out at me! http://www.atrio.etsy.com/ How great is this!? No it's not a pillow, it's a purse! I love this idea! There is even a small pocket in front just for your cell phone. I love fun and imaginative things and this is DEFFINATLY on my list. You have to go see the many different styles they have. Even if they are just not quite your style you just can't help but smile when you see them.

Prom is Coming!!

It might seem like it is too early to think about it, but it will be here before you know it! I'm talking about PROM! How many of you know any teenagers looking forward to this night? My best-friend and I were just talking about her daughter going to her schools Winter Carnival a couple of nights ago, I told her she should have called me I would have loved to make her Jewelery! So we made a deal when Prom comes up she is going to send me pictures of her gown so I can design Steph's Prom jewelery. Well for all of you out there looking for the perfect hair accessories you have to go see http://www.feelyourheart.etsy.com/ I fell in love with this butterfly clip! She has dresses too! Some of them are a little wild but name one teenager who isn't at lest a little wild once in a while! HURRY GO SEE!!

I'm back!

WOW! I've been gone quit a while but now I'm back! My day job got pretty crazy there for a while but I think I'm just about back on track. I have even been able to post two new items in my shop today. Go see http://www.luceymae.etsy.com/. Later this week I will be posting two new shop announcements so come back and see what's up. Now that work seems to have evened out a little more I hope to be back more often with new postings! See you all again soon!

Love this!

O.K. you all know I have gotten a little behind in my postings but here I am and with a wonderful new shop! MoonBeamPhotos:

http://www.moonbeamphotos.etsy.com/

you have to go see what they have. I fell in love with the artistry here! Absolutely gorgeous photos, and not just plain photos either, you'll find cards and calenders as well, but you have to go see for yourself! You'll be mesmerized!

Getting Behind!!!

WOW! Things have been busy lately! I have been so busy trying to finish my Christmas presents on time, as well as getting a few NEW items put together to add to my shop the first of the year, not to mention my day job, next thing you know I have completely forgotten about my blog! I now need to find THREE NEW SHOPS to feature this week. Boy have I got my work cut out for me. I don't have any chosen yet but you can BET I will this week! As I leave you all for today I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS!!!

May God watch over you and your families through the coming year and bless you all and may you all KEEP the Christmas spirit in your hearts ALL YEAR THROUGH!

See you all again soon!

Laura

Birthday Shop Feature

Here we are again, another new week and another new shop! Since today is my birthday I decided to feature a shop that JUST opened today! I have to admit it was difficult to choose. I found several but finally decided to go with my favorite weakness...jewelery! That's when I found MEEGO! http://www.meego.etsy.com/ you have to go see! They are BRAND NEW and don't have much up yet but what they do have is GORGOUS, just like this bracelet! Hurry go take a look and while you're there welcome Meego to the wonderful world of ETSY!

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.