Etsy Angels

Have you heard of Etsy.com? It's a website deemed to be a "handmade marketplace" where you can buy or sell vintage and handmade items. Spend just a few minutes on the site and be prepared to find some pretty amazing artists. The best part is, most of the "sellers" are women who have AMAZING stories - they really care about their community and they are very passionate about their talents/work/products. (and rightfully so!)

Last week I emailed several "sellers" as sort of a last ditch effort to try and get some donated handmade items to in turn sell at a upcoming vendor boutique on campus. 100% of my sales will go to raise money for the Autism Speaks Walk at the Rose Bowl in L.A. which is scheduled for Saturday, April 24th, 2010. This is our second year walking as a team in support of my nephews, Xavier who has Aspergers Syndrome and Alexander who has Autism.

Our team has really struggled this year to able to raise money using our usual methods of sending emails to family and friends - no doubt the sign of current times. I was hoping to spark some interest but I was skeptical of the outcome. To my surprise, within minutes (literally!) I began to receive several responses from seller's who not only opened their hearts to share their own story of how autism has touched their lives, but their generosity was unmatched to anything I'd ever experienced.

We're not talking about large corporations here - most of them don't own a store front. They are hard-working individuals who create their "wares" to sell on etsy.com from their homes. They have full time day jobs, some with children. The first seller to contact me was Cindy Munoz. She shared with me that she recently went back to school for speech pathology and said, "autism awarness is very near and dear to my heart." She also offered to donate several of her adorable handmade retractable badge holders.

I was also contacted by Amy Crawford Dutsch from Mamas Little Monkeys who has a son with autism. She shares her story and the story of her son on her awe inspiring blog. She also was very generous and donated to the cause. All in total within 48 hours of my initial email, I received emails from 17 "sellers" who have generously offered to donate their handmade "wares" to support Autism Speaks.

If you are looking for a gift for any occasion or just looking for something for yourself in the future, I encourage you to spend your money with these ladies. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

If you are near the La Verne area this Friday, March 26th please be sure to stop by my booth between 8am and 2pm. The boutique will be located in the Johnson Family Plaza on the University of La Verne campus. In addition to raising money, I will also be spreading awareness by giving out Autism information brochures, L.A. Walk brochures and Autism Awareness stickers.

P.S. Did you know that April is Autism Awareness month? Stop by my booth to purchase a handmade Awareness Ribbon for $2 each to wear all month long to help us spread the word!

A heart-felt thank you to the following "Etsy Angels":

Cindy Munoz
Mamas Little Monkeys
Kiki Bella
Handcrafted by Carolyn
Treasure Gardens
Handcrafted Soaps
Iris Jewelry Designs
Pillow Sew Cute
Janas Fine Designs
Haute Cuffs
Erika's Jewels
Leela Lou Designs
Made Especially For You
Simply Fab Glasses
Nicole Marie Handbags
Mischief by Loki
Creative Junky Melissa
Bella Sugar Cosmetics

Sunny & Quincy

Last April, we adopted two adorable kittens, Sunny and Quincy. Sadly, they don't look much like kittens anymore - now they look like full grown cats but they are still incredibly cute! It had been nearly16 years since I'd had a cat so I went into it thinking "I knew it all." Boy was I wrong!

I always knew that cats were cuddly, playful and full of personality but I never knew just how smart and clever they are. For instance, if I don't put enough food in their bowl, they will make it their mission to get more. As a result, I hid their food in the craziest of places and not only did they always find it but they also figured out how to get into the airtight container. (Thankfully, I have since found a good place.)

I am a very neat and organized person - no surprise there but Sunny and Quincy, well they are far from it. They have a tendency to make a mess, without even trying. For instance, Quincy loves to play with empty water bottles or better yet, the cap to the water bottle. He'll swat a cap around for hours as if it was his very own special toy. (I spent lots of money early on buying endless amounts of cat toys only to be thrown into a basket by the couch) So, inevitably when you walk into my kitchen there are several empty water bottles and plastic caps scattered about, which to unexpected guests may seem terribly odd.

Sunny on the other hand prefers the plastic from our drycleaning and the little tags that are attached to each piece of clothing. He also loves paper bags or even better, just a plain old box. It is so funny to watch him poke his head in a box over and over again, as if he is expecting to find something different the next time and the time after that. He is also without a doubt a hard core cuddler. You could get up off the couch a million times and he will still come back and cuddle some more. Quincy on the other hand has to be in the mood. You can call him several times and he'll just look at you as if he is simply contemplating the idea.

On most mornings Sunny can be found laying by the glass sliding door in the kitchen watching leaves float by in the wind or bird watching in constant awe of their ability to fly. And Quincy can often be found anywhere Leo is. If Leo's in the shower, he's sitting on the bathroom counter. If Leo is in the office, he will lay on the floor just outside the door. And it kills Quincy to see us eating "people food" while he gets plain old cat food. He will literally sit and watch us eat, as if to say, "are you sure I can't have just one bite?" A couple of times I almost gave in but with his appetite I worry that once he's tasted it, he'll never go back to cat food. (I tell myself I am a good Mom for making this choice for him)

I must admit, when I brought them home in April, Leo wasn't completely on board. He was worried that our lives were too busy for us to have a pet. (and rightfully so) but I persisted. It literally took less than an hour after their arrival for cute little Sunny and Quincy to melt his heart and now they are very much part of our family. They have definitely enriched our lives in so many ways. It may sound strange but the word that best describes the feeling I get from them is comfort. No matter what, even if they are tired or hungry they are always there wanting to cuddle or play or just lounge around. And we are certainly happy to oblige.

Our 15th Valentine's Day Together

This was our 15th Valentine's Day together, Leo and I. We spent most of it just "lounging around the house." No busy restaurants or crowded bars for us. (those days are long gone, thank goodness) Just the two of us and heart shaped pancakes complete with candlelight and sweet hearts scattered about the table.

Our gifts to eachother were sentimental as they usually are. The very first thing I ever bought Leo was a tan Nike baseball cap from a weekend trip I spent in Palm Springs with friends. So, I thought it would be nice to buy him another one, this time in black. And one of the first things he bought me was framed art by Kim Anderson - ya know the ones with the little girl and boy dressed up in "grown up" clothes? - in this particular one the little boy was on bended knee handing the little girl a single red rose. Well, I was lucky enough to find a Valentine's Card with the very same image - perfect! (I love it when I find things like this unexpectedly)

When I woke up in the morning, he left a card on my bathroom sink from him and the boys. (a.k.a Sunny and Quincy), which I thought was very cute since this was our first valentine's day since adopting them last April. Later, he gave me a card from just him. He also gave me a beautiful heart shaped necklace and matching bracelet. (One of the first pieces of jewelry he bought me was heart shaped and over the years, he's continued the tradition.)

After breakfast, I ran upstairs to jump in the shower because we wanted to make it to the 10:45am showing of Valentine's Day (the movie.) He knows that I always turn on my stereo and listen to a CD while getting ready - I did just that and this beautiful song called "As Beautiful As You" came on from All for One. I literally had tears in my eyes - he had made a cd with various love songs, including our song and a few others that had meaning to only us. Of course I ran down stairs to thank him before heading into the shower.

Then we went to see the movie - it was filled with lots of laughs, a few teary moments but even more important, it had a great message. The message was simple - When you love someone, truly love someone, you love the WHOLE person, faults and all. Leo and I don't claim to be the perfect couple nor are we experts in the area. If anything, we are STILL learning after 15 years of being together, 10 of them as husband and wife. The point is, I suppose is to do it together; Learning, growing, arguing, crying, laughing, loving and living together.

The other theme in the movie was the importance of friendship and I couldn't agree more. Life and relationships are never easy but sometimes it's our friends who help us get through the rough spots. So on Valentine's Day, or any other day it's important to recognize not only our loved ones but also our closest friends who love, support and guide us through life and love.

My Girls

Sometimes people come into our lives for a reason. I believe that wholeheartedly. A few years ago when I started working at the University of La Verne, I had a large hole in my heart - one that even my husband couldn't fix. I yearned to be a mother - to be able to comfort, offer support and advice - to guide and love another human being in a motherly way. Then God brought me three girls: Donna, Maxtla & Monse. I know it sounds crazy. They already have parents. Good parents, in fact.

But over the past 2 1/2 years I was able to spend a great deal of time getting to know them, learning their different personalities and working with them at various events. They are amazing girls. Vavacious, Smart and Funny. I've heard their stories, offered advice. Given them my support and most of all, had SO much fun. Creating memories and capturing them too. Last May Donna and Monse graduated and this past Saturday, Maxtla graduated. It was hard to say goodbye to them but I am hoping that we will all stay in touch. Whether it's through facebook, email or in person. I will always be here for them. No matter what.

(Thank you girls for healing my heart! I love you three!)

My February Finds

Candy Kisses, song by Dean Martin (more like a re-discover)
Peonies & Poloroids - great blog for those of us who LUV photography
Dear Lizzy - cutesy, smart & ever so creative!
This really cool downloadable menu planner - for Mom's & Wives in need! (like me!)
Lola lip gloss in Buxom Lips - my new fave lip gloss (thanks, Maria!)
Picnik - Edit & touch up your digital images plus collages & more! (thanks, Sarah!)
Bebe Perfume - Perfect Valentine's Day perfume
The Best Places to Kiss by Kate Chynoweth - looking for a place to spend Valentine's Day?
Red Velvet Cupcakes - perfect for the girls in the office
Pink Drinks Notecards in a Tin - Super cute - found them at Ross on clearance for $1.49!
Love Me Do Dress - Love it!...but doubt I would ever have the gutts to wear it!
Heart Bookmark - Gotta love Martha Stewart (over 55 ideas for valentine's day)
Valentine's Day Movie - Perfect day out w/the girls or w/your main squeeze! (opens 2/12)
Dear John - Another romantic movie - I highly recommend the book too!
Try the Love Calculator - It's fun & free!
Tip Junkie website - love, love, love it!
For the Team Edward Fan!
Personalized Rubber Stamps - a "gotta have" for paper & stationary freaks alike
Pink Charmmy Kitty Cluster Necklace - OMG! (this is definitely an item 4 my wish list)

Enjoy!

I Heart Valentine's Day

I love, love, LOVE Valentine's Day! And I personally don't believe it's a holiday solely for couples. Rather, I consider it to be a special day set aside for us to remind all of our loved ones just how much we love and appreciate them. That includes family members, friends, co-workers and even your favorite barista!

Everything about Valentine's Day is so inviting - the colors for instance. Red. Pink. Hot Pink - Who could resist? And the candy! Brightly colored foil wrapped hershey kisses. Conversation hearts and heart shaped boxes wrapped in red velvet filled to the brim with assorted truffles and such. Cutesy stuffed animals with cheesey sayings, like "Be mine," "I'm yours," and my all time favorite,"Hug Me." Although these particular phrases are probably not appropriate for everyone on your list, they are sure to win over your closest friends and/or your main squeeze (a.k.a. boyfriend or husband)

This year, I'm going to take the time to make handmade cards. No store brand cards for my loved ones! It's time to get creative. Pour on the attention to detail and let my spirit be my guide. Incorporate actual photos and delicate red and white ribbon. (I haven't used ribbon in years!) Maybe use some good old fashioned doilies. Hmmm...where does one find doilies these days? To sweeten the deal, I could find one of my favorite recipes and include it with the card. To share with those who share my love of baking. The possibilities are endless! But isn't that the idea? To make the time and the effort, to show our loved ones just how much we care? No fancy dinners needed. No blingy ring required. (Although I certainly wouldn't give it back) :)

This project is my goal for the next few weeks. I'm not even going to add it to my "to do" list as scary as that may sound. Maybe because my current "to do" list seems to be lingering longer than normal. Who knows? Maybe I'll get it all done in one day? A girl can dream. I may even post a few of my creations for you to see. What can you do for your loved ones this Valentine's Day? Here are some other ideas that may tickle your fancy:

For your Boyfriend or Husband:

Make him a special dinner complete with candlelight
Make a CD using the love songs you both enjoy
Schedule a couple's massage
Take him on a surprise overnight trip to Cambria (LOVE Cambria - so romantic!)
Create a scrapbook of your lives together thus far; photos, tickets stubs, cards, etc.

For your Friends:

Make a Friendship mini album using pictures, friendship quotes, etc.
Make a Shadow Box using a few photos & friendship quotes
Organize a friendship brunch for your closest friends
Purchase blingy cocktail rings from your local thrift store - beautiful & inexpensive! Wrap them in white organza and tie with pretty pink satin ribbon

For your Family:

Find the perfect photo of you & your family member & frame it in a bold red frame
Bake individual loafs of banana nut bread, wrap in saran wrap first to keep fresh and then in pink tissue paper and top it off with black & white ribbon
Make chocolate covered apples in pink tinted white chocolate and drizzle with candy hearts

Have Fun!

A Worthwhile Trip

I made a trip to my favorite thrift store today. Despite the rain, I made the effort for me. To think. Uncompress and just be. It's always the perfect place for thinking - quiet and serene.

Everyone seemed to be the same mission - to find a good deal and uncover a few "forgotten treasures." I walked each aisle careful to notice each vase, each case and bauble. I even took the time to sift, to open and inspect. Then I wandered over the my favorite corner - the "book nook" complete with a single wooden chair inviting any passerby to sit awhile. Contemplate and read. I plopped myself down and took it all in. One title at a time, I read the inside cover to figure out if it was a promising "good read."

Within minutes, I felt calm and even content. To sit and be still. To consider and sumise. After careful consideration, I picked out 7 books - mostly romance and chick lit but also a couple of self help books for good measure. I tucked them under my arm, happy that I had spent the time. Quality time for myself and no other. It was a very good trip. A worthwhile trip to my favorite thrift store. (Note: books at a thrift store are anywhere from .50 to $3.00 - what a deal!)