Christmas Blessings

This year, more than ever, I have felt an urge to "Do Good".  I am not sure why because I always try to "do good".  Maybe because my last two Christmas' were a bust.  When I had Greyson right before Christmas and came home the day before Christmas Eve dealing with all the emotions of a new baby and new mommy again, with having my other children as well then ending up in the hospital on Christmas Day due to a possible blood clot :(, then last year, working so hard on gifts for my girls not realizing I was spoiling them. The day was horrific with fighting and bratty-ness that I ended up in tears in my bedroom angry with them but really myself.  We keep threatening them "I will take away all your presents under the tree if you don't stop that attitude".  Do you know how many times we said that and never once followed through?  I was so sad that it became just another crazy day.  I had forgotten to teach them about Christmas and why we have it.  Don't get me wrong, they know that Jesus was born and that is why we have it, but I didn't really focus or teach them really anymore about it and the Spirit that comes with it. 

My life and inner self has change some over the last few months finding the purpose with my business and giving back to my community and others around the world.  I see what others don't have but still are happy.  I want that.  This season, I am determined to help my children understand it isn't about the presents under the tree but the other 'gifts' that come with Christmas.  A present is a material object, a gift is a feeling and sacrifice.  I made my holiday calendar and wrote down the important things I needed to do.  NEEDED.  What?  Who NEEDs to do half the things on my list?  If I showed it to you, I am sure you would relate with the things that you feel you NEED to do during the holidays.  I quickly changed it to things I GET to do and things I WANT to do.  Christmas presents being one of those things. 

I have tried really hard to stick to the cute saying "Something I want, Something I need, Something to wear, something to read" for my kids.  I tend to go over board and make several trips back to the store with returns, but then still end of spoiling them.  This year is different.  I almost feel guilty.  I bought them conservative gifts and things that go along with that saying X2. lol.  Since I do all the shopping, I over buy and go over it all with my hubs so he can decide what we ultimately keep as a present.  Check that off the list now.  I stuck to the plan.  Next thing on my list was to help those in need.  I want my children to see those opportunities on their own. Often times they do, but I don't recognize them or tell them.  Compassion is natural for some but needs to be learned as well.  So to help with this task and guiding my little spirits to the way of the true meaning of Christmas, I came up with the "Christmas Spirit Tree"

Please follow along the pictures to see.

I save my Christmas cards from people every year.  I have always hung them back up, but saved them for future crafts.  Today was the day I crafted with them. Cut the cards into circles and squares of different sizes, or uniform sizes if you are a bit OCD ;)

There is that sweet baby JESUS.

Use your hole puncher and make a little hole

Tie your thread on each Ornament.

Now here is the fun part.  Look for ways to serve those around you.  Spreading Christmas Cheer if you will.  Write them on the ornament with your name.  This has helped my girls be on the "lookout" for opportunities.  Each day I ask them what they did to help Christmas Spirit.  They write it down and put it on our cute little twig tree.  It is filling up everyday.  I love our tree.  I love seeing their acts of kindness or service.  So everyday there is something we do either as a family or as individuals that brings the Christmas Spirit into our home.

I hope you will start this tradition in your home.  This is what it is about.  Spreading God's love to ALL his Children.  Merry Christmas to you and may all your days be filled with kindness and love for all.

"plaid" I can Be The Change

 

I was finally able to do a last minute photo shoot. I hate being the model, but time was no longer available to get my usual gals and I needed photos done like yesterday.  So welcome the new Be the Change Baseball Tee, The Buffalo Plaid Pencil Skirt, and the Black and White Ikat Pencil Skirt.  This is just a few to get started and plan to finish the Sweater Kimono, the Sweater Poncho and the other Plaid skirt and new floral and Houndstooth tomorrow.  This AZ cloudy weather has been a dream to do photos in and I want to thank my other business half who helps me out so much, Melissa, who took the photos for me.  Enjoy!!

(yes, that's some pink hair...thanks ipiccy.com to allow me to try on hair color  lol)

Holiday Gift Guide

I was asked to teach a little fun class for church for preparing for a stress free holiday.  Talking about gift giving and different ideas to do.  I thought "hey this will be great!  I start planning Christmas gifts starting in October, so this will really get me organized."  I love making gifts and using my talents and resources, but I also love buying gifts and using the sales on Black Friday (yes I am one of those people who shop on black Friday, or should I say thanksgiving evening.)  I realized while preparing for this that I have a lot to say on the matter and advice to give so yall get to hear it too:)

1. DIY or BUY$ ?
-I love making gifts, when it is things that I littereally have in my house already and don't have to go purchase all the things to make it.  To me, DIY = Cheap.  I don't really enjoy all things crafty, so I don't go and buy a bunch of supplies for things I will probably never make again.  I have quite the sewing studio any way with my business and with such a large brand and range of product, I have a lot in my drawers for making something different.  Chances are I may need just one little thing to complete a project and that's fine, I will go buy it.  Buuuut there are people out there who just love crafting and giving great unique gifts and they are definitely fine with spending the money to make it.  So whatever your budget is you can do it.  Find something you know you can do with what budget you have. 
  *wood diy tips- Pallets are often free when you look on your local craigslist site.  Also Wood is really cheap and you get a lot of it, usually more than what you need for a small project, so make multiple of the same thing for different people.  Don't have a saw? That's fine! they can cut it for you no problem.  I go up there so often now, Eric, sees me coming with the blasted race car shopping cart and laughs.  He asks to see the project I did before and then we get to the current reason for my weekly visit.  Be friendly with them.  They love seeing your projects and they love to help. 
 *coupons!!!!  With smart phones taking over the cellular world, most craft stores have a store app with craft ideas and mobile coupons.  Save them up and use them.
   -Michaels only takes 1 coupon per transaction with a different form of payment.  They will take JoAnn's 40% and 50% off coupons as well. 
   -Joanns coupons come in the mail all the time.  Here is a secret about their coupons.  You can use how ever many coupons you have in one transaction per item you have.  Use your 50% and 40% off first for however many items you have with coupon capabitlity.  Then use your discount off total purchase coupon for the rest of the transaction that hasn't used any coupons yet!  I can't tell you how many times I threw away extra coupons thinking I could only use one per transaction. 
   -Hobby Lobby has been my favorite store for anything.  They have so much to offer in the hobby and craft sections its just so fun to walk the isles.  There fabric department is really small, but I find their quality and selection is really good.

BUYING-
  Don't craft?  Great!!!  You can still give unique, one of a kind gifts!  I mentioned earlier that I do black Friday shopping.  I have found that Kohls has great unique gifts and their sales are great and you get Kohls cash.  win win.  There are more deals to be had on the internet.  So many businesses carry more online and the possibilities are endless.  We have such great resources now to help with gift giving. 
Do you have a friend or family member who seems to have everything?  Its hard to buy for them huh? sometimes they also don't appreciate unique gifts, so what do you do for them?  Make a donation to a charity in their name and make them or buy them a nice card.  They will appreciate it.
Now to shopping!!
  Here are some websites and info about them for purchasing. 

Amazon smile is shopping on  amazon, but it donates a percentage of your purchase to an organization of your choice.  So instead of going to Amazon.com, head over to Amazonsmile.com

log in using your amazon account info and get shopping!  Also often times you can qualify for free shipping!

We all love Etsy right?  I admire all the creative out there living the American Dream.  I love that you can shop by category and you are destined to find a unique item that you love.  Etsy.com

Don't be scared of Target cause of the breach that happened last year.  It has happened to a bunch of other large corporations and they are on top of it.  Now because of mishap last year, Target is offering free shipping to everyone, not just Red Card Holders.  I love Target.  They have the great Cartwheel app that allows you to add various coupons to your list that are for specific items in the store and you get an additional discount anywhere from 5%- 50% off.  I have saved a lot with that, and price matching and using coupons and then my Red Card for an additional 5% off your entire purchase.  Did you know that you can double up on coupons for Target?  If you look at the coupons you get from them, most of them say "Target Coupon" on the back.  You can use these WITH a manufacturer coupon to get even more savings on the product.  Make sure you read all the fine print.  And you totally score when your item has a gift card deal attached to it.  I got a ton of shaving cream and razors for free one day.  Just paid for tax.  I also got Dove Shampoo AND Conditioner for 50 cents each!  So Make your shopping list, then go through cartwheel, if you don't have a smart phone you can also do this from your computer, then print out the cartwheel barcode to scan for the discounts at checkout.  I love Target!!!!

We all love Pinterest right?  Man I am so thankful for it.  I can't believe how much I turn to it for most aspects of my life.  It's like using google or something.  I also Love their categories you can browse by, then click and be directed to the source!  Yay!!

 

Now this I hold dear because I am one of those "locals".  I am a small business living the American Dream.  There are lots of boutiques and craft fairs so you can shop shop shop all the goodies in your area.  I try not to say no to business cause when I am busy, it allows me to hire someone to help giving them extra income.  Also, small businesses have a sense of loyalty and love their customers.  Be different and support a small business near you!  They also usually have one of a kind gifts for you.  Chances are you know someone with a small business.  They would much appreciate your support and business.  Whether it is your hair dresser and you you get a gift card from her, or your buddy who makes skate boards.  That's why I love my Instagram community so much.  I have lots of resources with I need something different. 

An Inspiration to us all...Be The Change part 3

I love these three stories!

-@saragprice said: I will nominate my sister Gina.  On November 12, 2012 she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  The tumor sits on top of the motor skills portion of her brain.  She has lost the use of her left arm and most of the use in her left leg.  She has lost the ability to live on her own (she's only 48).  She is now living with her oldest son and his sweet little family.  She is a mom of 6 kids.  She has lost the to her ex-husband because he told the courts she can't take care of them.  We were helping her with it, but the courts felt they knew better.  This has turned her life and world upside down.  However, she still calls to check on me, to tell me she loves me.  She is still on of my kids most favorite people because she genuinely loves them.  She is still fighting cancer, she's winning, but is a daily fight.  She's had chemo every two weeks for the last two years almost.  Her spirit is amazing and strong to win this, would brighten her life so very much! 

-@candrawynne said: I want to nominate Ani @servetogether.  Ive never met her in person but I read about her daughter Ruby a little over 3 years ago as she struggled to live while waiting for a liver transplant. She passed away at a little 7 months old but not without teaching thousands of people of the importance of organ donation.  Ani and her husband have worked hard to continue on with the work and have done and incredible job.  Because of Ruby I am a registered donor :) this week marks 3 years since Ruby passed away and Ani has once again gone above and beyond and is starting @servetogether where everyone can "be the change" and serve their fellow man.  Ani also has two beautiful girls including one born since Ruby's passing that would look adorable in BP designs clothing.  My hope is that if Ani won this contest, she would wear a smile through eh anniversary of Ruby's passing and know that there are so many people that still remember Ruby's story and know that they are forever grateful for the work that they are doing to bring awareness for organ donation.

Take a moment to checkout the Site HERE that ANI started.

Holiday Gifts for the whole Family

Stumped on what to get Him or Her?  Need some more affordable gifts?  Here is a list for Him Her and the Kids.  Some are DIY and some you can BUY and hey that's great.  You can't make everything can ya? Well maybe you can but I sure can't ;0)

For HIM                                                          For HER                                                   For the KIDS
Clip Board Calander                            Magazine Subscription                                           Fort Kit   
Survival Kit                                             Dollar Store Gift Basket                                  Movie Pillows
Personalized gifts                                   Photo Books                                           Painted wood blocks
fishing/camping/golf trip                 'ME" Day- favorite things to do                  Art Books/Craft Boxes
iPhone gadgets                                                                                                           Play Dough Kit
                                                                                                                                        DIY  Tents
                                                                                                                                 Photo puzzles

Especially for the kids, they will want of course something/character from their favorite movie, I always designate those as Santa gifts.  Have fun and be original!!!  What are things on your list?  I like to see your ideas!!
                                                                                                                                       

        

                                                                                                    




          

Fall Feather Garland Tutorial

 

Once Halloween is over, I am usually pooped out from decorating until Christmas comes around.  This year was no different, but I have been trying to do more holiday activities and crafts with the kids instead of just for Halloween and Christmas.  Also since we are having company for Thanksgiving this year I wanted to have at least my mantel decorated a little.  It was perfect when Michaels was having 80% off fall décor and crafts the day after Halloween.  The littles and I popped on over and we picked some stuff out.  They each picked out little foam craft kits and I picked up some leaves and these awesome feathers.  I instantly knew I wanted to make a feather garland and some Indian Headbands with the kids.  The colors of feathers just caught my eye.  The different textures and colors were perfect! 

So Grab your glue gun, feathers and hemp rope and let's get to it!

 

 

cut your rope as long as you want it.

 

This bag has quite the pile of feathers so I went through them and picked out my favorite and created a pattern.

Start hot glueing the feather stems to the rope.

I had some left over pallet wood from making my cemetery fence so I grabbed my gold paint marker and wrote a pretty harvest saying and then glued some feathers to each end.

I love my "hello" sign and love decorating it different for each holiday.

Then I also made little feather ornaments to hang from each hook along with the kids foam crafts they made.

Have fun using these feathers and don't forget to vacuum after your done :)