THANKFUL THURSDAY

I'm thankful for funny videos. What's one thing that you're thankful for?

HANDMADE HATS

Last month I was on the hunt for a hat for a friend and Laury ended up making this one, which I photographed on my head so the recipient could confirm it would work for them. I wouldn't want it for myself because the only grey I wear is almost black, but I think the style is super cute.

This month I moved from our giving budget over to some fun money I received for Christmas and had her make one for me. I have a blue hat I wear a lot, but I knew a brown one would go with most of the things I wear that don't coordinate with the blue one. This is what she gave me yesterday. I don't know if the bottom was meant to be folded like a cuff or not, but that's what I did and I've been wearing it ever since I got it. I love it!

Laury doesn't have a website or anything, but I can connect you with her if you're interested in having her make something for you. 

AWESOME EARRINGS

Naomi got her ears pierced at Black Hole just after Christmas in 2013. I don't know what kind of metal the earrings were, but she left them in her ears for eight months without any problem. She eventually wanted to branch out from the simple hoops that came with her piercing and wear something a little more decorative. Her birthday rolled around and friends gave her some fun earrings marked for sensitive ears, ones their own kids with sensitive ears were able to wear. She wore them for a while, but ended up with infected ears. Not only that, when we took the earrings out to let her inflamed ears calm down for 24 hours before putting her original hoops back in one of the holes closed up. The summary of that day goes something like this - lots of pain, lots of tears. Since then she's worn her original pair or a similar pair from some friends and has stayed infection-free.

My friend, Linda, whose jewelry I've told you about before, recently came out with some titanium earrings that are cute and affordable. Several people with sensitive ears, including friends of mine, have tried them and given rave reviews. Linda knew about Naomi's previous ear infection and offered us a sample pair from her shop, Craft Like an Artist.

Here's what came in the mail. Isn't the packaging bright and cheery?

Naomi was giddy about these earrings and I hoped she wouldn't be disappointed. (Sidenote: Her head is not bleeding. It's just colored hairspray or something that was left from kids camp shenanigans. Carry on.)

She had been able to choose between several colors of beads and opted for blue.

Here's how they looked when she first put them in her ears.

Ten days have passed. With the exception of one night, she hasn't taken them out of her ears ... and there hasn't been any sort of reaction at all. Hooray!

This gets better, though. You have a chance to try a pair for just the cost of shipping because Linda is giving away ten sample pairs this week. If you have sensitive ears and have difficulty finding earrings that are cute, affordable, and don't set your ears on fire, then contact Linda through her shop (there's a "Contact the shop owner" button on the left side, just under her picture) and request a sample pair before they've all been claimed.

If you already know that titanium makes your ears happy, then browse through the various titanium earring styles that are currently for sale. If you have ears that are easy to please and/or have a hankering for a new necklace, bracelet, or beaded bookmark, then look through her whole shop and find something that makes you smile.

THE BEST HEADBANDS EVER

I got a package in the mail last week from Kami.  Now, Kami and I are very different in some ways.  She loves make-up.  A lot.  I put on mascara.  Usually.  She likes glittery things.  I like plain things.  She's pretty girly.  I'm a bit of a tomboy.  She sews.  I don't.  

Anyway, she offered me a handmade, no-slip headband and even gave me a selection to choose from.  Initially I saw words like "pink" and "glitter" and planned on letting Naomi wear it.  Then she said "sage green" and I told her I'd stretch my comfort zone a bit.  I'm so glad I did!   She even threw in an extra headband.  It's a floral print, because she's girly like that, but it's primarily blue and brown, because those colors work well for girls like me.  

And now Kami and I have no-slip headbands in common.  

Here's the sparkly green one with my hair down.  Not too wide, not too narrow.  Perfect.

And the glittery one with my hair pulled back.

Here's a side shot.  I put the headband on just slightly off-center so that you could see more of what the bottom of the headbands look like.  That black elastic strip usually sits just a smidge lower on my head.

One more shot, just so you can see the design on the other headband she sent  me.  Isn't it a fun print?

Are those headbands cute or what?!  I love, love, love them!  They don't move at all during the day, which has never happened with any headband I've ever used, but they don't squeeze my skull either.  Super cute and perfectly comfortable.  

I will confess right now that Kami asked if I'd be willing to tell people about these headbands.  I agreed to do that, but you all know me.  If I liked them, then I'd have told you all about them anyway.  If I hadn't like them, then I'd have given the most unsupportive acknowledgement possible - just a link with no comments on Facebook or a picture here with  "buy at your own risk" caption here on the blog.  The truth is, they're awesome!  Awesome enough that I know our family will be buying more of them at some point, both for the female Ws and as gifts.  

You can check out Kami's etsy page, Stitchesnbliss, for the no-slip headbands, because I know you want one.  Or two.  Right?  If glittery green and blue floral prints aren't your kind of thing, you'd prefer a different width,  or you need a different size for a baby or child's head, then just let her know and she'll make a custom headband that works for you.  If you're on Facebook, then you can also check out the Stitchesnbliss page there.  

Thus concludes the longest conversation this tomboy has ever had about accessories.  

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!

Christmas is right around the corner. Can you believe it?! In an attempt to encourage everyone to plan ahead and to avoid the chaos of the malls and big stores, I thought it would be fun to plug some of the smaller businesses that we like.

As long as the business sells something suitable for gift giving, then it doesn't matter what kind of things it sells - big or small, ready to wrap up and stick under the tree or perfect to tuck in a stocking, consumable or keepsake.

The first rule is that you are not allowed to toot your own horn. We're only sharing the places & people we like doing business with as customers, not advertising our own companies.

The second rule is that you can't link anyone whose product or service you've never used or experienced yourself, regardless of how great you know they are. Fair enough?

I'll start ... and hope I'm not forgetting anyone.

It's Annmade For You: website - Ann's site has a variety of hats, but you can show her a picture of any hat or describe what you want and she'll be able to make it perfectly. She recently made a custom hat for Naomi, based on the things Naomi liked in hats she saw online, and it's super cute!

Knittin' Peace: etsy site - Robin can sew, knit, felt, etc. I have a quilt she made for Naomi & a bag she made for me. I've also purchased aprons from her, both off the rack and custom orders. Everything has been fantastic.

Ocean Breeze: etsy site, blog, Facebook page - Linda's jewelry is beautiful and affordable. She's great at making custom orders and is willing to tweak items already on her site, such as switching from silver to gunmetal.

Smarty Bars: website, Facebook page - Elisha makes some gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, vegan and raw snacks. They're bite-sized and super tasty!

The Blissful Stitcher: etsy site, blog, Facebook page - Heidi can embroider just about anything, can sew some items if what you need can't be found anywhere, and makes cool, woven monograms. She's been great to work with each time I've ordered a custom item, both for personal use and for an event I co-planned.

The Custom Soap Shop: Facebook page - Michelle makes a ton of different soaps (standard bars and fun shapes), body butters, lotions, etc. that I've both given and received as gifts.

Now it's your turn. Leave a comment with the name of the business, website, and any information you think would be good to add for those who are ready to do some Christmas shopping. You don't have to have a Blogger or Google account to leave a comment, so everyone can join in the fun.

FREE ADVERTISING #8

Here are a few sites I think you should know about. Ready? Here goes.

ReBag by Sachi - I know I've mentioned Sachi a few times and have shown you the bag she made me. Well, she finally has a site for selling her bags!! It's on Facebook, so if you aren't registered there, then you'll need to open an account in order to see the bags. She primarily makes bags (small, large, backpacks, clutches, etc) out of used, plastic shopping bags. However, she also has a few made from t-shirts. Due to the fact she makes new bags out of whatever used bags are available, she can't guarantee a particular look. However, she'll do her best to accommodate custom orders, which is perfect for those who like the look of one bag, but the shape of another. I love the bag she made for me and gave one of her bags as a Christmas gift this year!

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Here are a few of the bags that are currently available. The first three are made from recycled bags. The fourth and fifth pics are the both sides of a reversible bag made from t-shirts.

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Nibord - Robin is a friend of mine who is a talented seamstress. When I was pregnant with Naomi she surprised me with a beautiful baby quilt she had made. This year I was able to give one of her handmade aprons as a Christmas gift. Shipping was super fast and the apron was perfect. Robin makes full and half aprons in different styles, fabric, and sizes, so you're bound to find one that you love! You can check out her site on etsy to see what she currently has available, both in aprons and other items. The stock is always changing, so be sure to check back often.

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Here are a few aprons that are available right now, which show the variety of styles offered. The third apron is a child's size.

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Swagbucks - Ok, this isn't a newsflash, but I love Swagbucks! One of the Christmas gifts I bought this year was purchased from Amazon using gift cards I earned from Swagbucks. Free gift giving. Cool, huh? They've set a new rule that you can't "buy" more than five of the same prize per month, which means I'm no longer racking up Amazon credit like I used to. However, I've started "buying" PayPal money, which will help me purchase handmade items from friends on etsy. I've also been able to give some Amazon gift card codes as gifts. Swagbucks is just an awesome program!!

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Cade and Anya Accessories - Mindy is one of those people who received an excessive amount of creative and artistic genes. It's people like her that compensate for people like me. She's recently been making super cute headbands for infant and toddler girls. They are the perfect accessory for little girls who were born with heads that are noticeably lacking in hair, though I'm sure they'd look cute on girls that aren't bald too. How do you all think they'd look as a base for a certain two year old's blonde fro? I may have to do some research on that. Mindy first makes her headbands available on a blog devoted to the accessories, then posts them on her etsy site.

Here are a few that haven't sold yet.
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FREE ADVERTISING #7

Here's a smattering of people you may want to do business with.

Jessica - Ok, so she's technically not running a business. Yet. Her cakes, however, are amazing and she's been doing them less than a year. The girl has talent!! Go check out what she's been baking and decorating at Jessicakes.

John - We switched our car insurance over to Country about seven months ago and have been saving money ever since. We're getting more coverage for less money. Love that! Talk to John Mathia (that's our agent) and see if you'd save money too. If not, then stay put, but it certainly can't hurt to ask.

Brett - He started a company called Virtus Designs and designs themes allowing you to change the appearance of your web browser. I know I'm partial to using Swagbucks as my search engine, but one of the sites that powers it is Ask. com, which finances Brett's company. So, I'll slightly betray my loyalties to give him a plug. Best part? His themes can be downloaded for free!

Dr. Kris Blodgett - He's our dentist and he's having a contest to see which patient can recruit the most new patients between now and 12/15/09. So, if you need a dentist, then give him a call and tell him we sent you. He's got a nice little prize of $500 to the person who wins the contest. I'd love to put that chunk of change toward Tim's school debt!! He's friendly and personable, has a cheerful and helpful staff, the boys love him and his hygienists, he let me bring Naomi (who he'd never seen) into the office when she knocked her tooth out for a quick peek in the waiting room to make sure no serious damage had been done, and he didn't freak out when I confessed that I was a slacker mom who never took her kids to the dentist until they were four and six years old. Ready to schedule an appointment? He's in Beaverton and his twin brother Kelly practices in Portland. I'm sure his brother is equally great, but we're recommending Kris Blodgett.

Megan - I graduated from high school with Megan and she makes all sorts of items - cloth diapers, leather infant/toddler shoes (like Robeez), cloth pads, bibs, art smocks, etc. There are a few days left to snag the October special of $5.00 embroidery on custom orders, regularly priced at $7.00 and up. Check out her site, Bunnyfeet Boutique, for Christmas or baby shower gifts!

Cheri - This fantastic friend of mine is cruising through the adoption referral list at a much fast speed than anticipated. She and her husband are on track to bring home their Ethiopian daughter in the spring or early summer. So exciting!! They just set up a fundraiser on their adoption blog that will enable them to earn money to bring their sweet girl home, provide money for a school in Addis Ababa for older orphans, and put some fair trade coffee in your mug at home (or in the mug of someone on your Christmas list). Everyone wins!

FREE ADVERTISING #5

I just discovered that I did a #6 back in October, but never did a #5. Oops. Don't want the #5 to feel left out, so we'll do it now. Actually, I'm going to change things up a bit. I'll go ahead and give you a couple sites to check out, but then I'm going to ask you to leave a comment with a link to and description of a site (or two or three or ...) that you'd recommend. You can toot your own horn and try and get business for yourself or you can try to send business toward someone you know. All I ask is that you not link us to big, well-established companies (Old Navy, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, etc) and stick to people who are working for themselves. Okey dokey?

So, here are a few sites to get you started.

Dani is someone I've known since childhood. She now lives in Tigard and is wanting to establish her Partylite business in the Portland area. She has lots of customers where she came from, but it's time for a fresh start. So, if you're out of honeydew, mulberry, velvet rose, or french vanilla (or whatever scent floats your boat) candles, have the perfect spot to hang a sconce, or want to earn some free stuff to keep or give as Christmas gifts, then she's your girl!!

I met Tiffany back in our college days. She started a site called Mommy Goes Green back in the spring dedicated to helping moms find ways to make more earth friendly decisions. While I realize that not everyone, for various reasons and myself included, has a goal of being as "green" as humanly possible, I'm confident we could all do a thing or two to take better care of world. So, head over and check out the site, join the forums, or do some shopping.

I'd really love to link you to Sachi's site, but she doesn't have one. Yet. I'm thinking she needs to get on etsy (that's a site for people to sell handmade items, in case you aren't familiar with it) pretty soon! Check out these bags she just created. Aren't they awesome?!

An Old Navy bag, a Target bag and a Gap bag.

5 Fred Meyer bags, a Target bag, a Toys R Us bag, and lined with a Target bag.

All righty, now it's your turn. What are some businesses or individuals that you think we should support?

FREE ADVERTISING #6

Haven't done one of these posts in a while, so here goes.

Time is of the essence for this one. Linda, whose jewelry I've blogged about before, is giving away a $25 gift certificate to her etsy store. She's posting the winner on Thursday, so be sure to enter right away! I'm going to do my entry this evening and hope to win. Of course, then I'd have to decide whether to spend it on myself or on Christmas gifts.

Thinking about buying a house in Sherwood? Well, Laura just happens to have one for sale. Go check it out! It has three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a bonus room, living room, family room and is located within walking distance to Snyder Park.

Looking for a baby shower gift? Feel the need to get something for your own little person? Then check out Rachelle's etsy store for some super cute handmade items for a baby's room.

Over the summer I met Erica, a woman from church whose business was just kicking off. I hadn't seen her since that meeting and forgot about her business. Then I saw her at church on Sunday and it all came back to me. So, I looked up her company's site to see how things were going. She makes a really neat product called "Hooray For You" note tags that are now being sold all over the country. Go check them out. Could be a perfect Christmas gift for someone!

FREE ADVERTISING #4

Here's a heads up on some ways to spend your money. We'll start with the big ticket item and work down to the small purchase. Ready?

Tim (not mine, obviously) and Shanna are selling their house in Newberg. For those thinking about moving to the Portland area, but unfamiliar with the area, Newberg is about 40 minutes from Portland. Shanna's blog has some pics of the house to start you off with. Intrigued? Then go to RMLS and punch in 8055870 to see more pics and info.

Matt and Bri moved and ran out of room for some of their furniture. Why do you care? Because if you live in the Portland area then you could buy their loveseat!!

I'm hooked on knit dishcloths ever since Kelly made some for me. Well, Kristal sells dishcloths, along with other knit items like shopping bags and felted diaper bags. Super cute stuff!!

And now I better go make breakfast.

FREE ADVERTISING #3

The kids are in bed. Tim's watching a movie. I'm wasting the night away online. Figured I may as well do something worthwhile, so I'm directing you to the sites of some friends and acquaintances.

Randi took the plunge this week and started a blog dedicated to her photography! All the pics are great, but the ones of children and babies are so stinkin' cute!! So, if you are in the Portland area and need some photos taken, then check out her work.

Are you a "save the planet" type of girl? Try to avoid using disposable products? Then Jen's cloth pads would be right up your alley. I'm a bit of a "ruin the environment" kind of girl myself when it comes to these products, but I know LOTS of women who love the cloth! If I was going to go for something more environmentally friendly, then Jen's the girl I'd go to. Plus, she's just a fun person.

Ginnymae's site is filled with purses and totes of all kinds - quilted, straw, feedbag, etc. She also makes "hares and bears", miniature rabbits and bears, for just about every occasion you could think of. Right now her site is offering free shipping on hares, bears, and straw purses!!

If you've known me for any length of time, then you know that I have a major sweet tooth. Well, one of the sugary treats I tried recently was a lavender cake that Seri, a woman from church, made. Oh. My. Word. It was fantastic!! I'm going to send you straight to her menu so you can salivate all over your keyboard. If you live in the Portland area and need a tasty cake for a wedding, birthday, or just for kicks, then she's your lady!

And that wraps up another free advertising post. Be sure to check out these sites and keep these women in mind for your own needs or for gift giving.

FREE ADVERTISING #2

I've done a "free advertising" post once already and I know at least one person received business because of it. So, I'm going to do them periodically. If you want to see who else I've advertised, then just click on the label that says "advertising" at the end of the post or on the right of the screen and it will show you all other advertising posts. The links are all in bold print. Happy browsing ... and probable shopping!


Thinking of moving to the Portland area? Check out my friend Jess' historical house in Oregon City. They just put it on the market and it's as cute as can be!

Do you knit or crochet? Or do you just love using things that other people create out of yarn? Lona's family raises sheep and sells wool products, such as rag rugs, yarn, socks, and dish cloths. She is giving away a $15 gift certificate to her Etsy store right now. Check it out right here!

Merry is known for her wise counsel to the moms on the Sonlight forums. Here is a poster she's created to help train your kiddos to respond to instruction in a timely and respectful manner. She also has some fun caterpillar bookmarks for the avid readers in your life.

Love to wear silver jewelry? If so, then you need to check out Tanya's site. She has some really cute handcrafted items!

FREE ADVERTISING #1

Remember Linda? My friend who makes the awesome and affordable jewerly? Well, she's offering free shipping all weekend!! Go shop ... for yourself, for Mother's Day, for someone's birthday. Here is her store site.

And since I'm doing some free advertising, I'll show a few other sites I've discovered recently.

Paint The Word - Laura, a friend from church, has the ability to brighten up your house with verses, words, and pictures she's painted on walls.

Weddings By Dani - Dani, another person from church, just started a wedding consulting business.

Violetto Designs Photography & Violetto Designs Capturing Art - Two sites from my friend Rachelle.


And that's that. Off to hang with Naomi while the male Ws are at Home Depot's class for kids.