A Lovely, Cheerful Thanksgiving

I've been reflecting on the things I am most grateful for over the past couple of days, in light of today's Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all my amazing, lovely, sweet, kind, and generous customers. Words are just not enough to describe how happy each of you makes me every single day. I am so thankful that my customers, followers, fans, and readers have given me the opportunity to make my ultimate dream come true.

I wish only a lovely and cheerful Thanksgiving for each and every one of my U.S. e-friends, and a calm and peaceful day for my international e-friends! Stay warm, smile, and be thankful for the little things we don't always remember we have!

In closing, I would like to leave you with this lovely Thanksgiving gourd from SeaPinks. Enjoy!


xoxo

Things I am Thankful For: Week 2

This week, I would like to do something a little different. The holidays are the time of year for family, friends, giving, thankfulness, and charity. This week, I'd like to highlight the latter. There are a number of charities I am passionate about, for various reasons. I think we've all encountered an event in our lives that makes us thankful and appreciative of various charitable organizations. If you have any you'd like to add to this list, please do so in the comments!

1. Alzheimer's Association - My very dear grandmother passed away almost 2 years ago to the day (November 9, 2007) today. She suffered from Alzheimer's, and it was very difficult both for her in the early stages, as well as my family. I hope that one day a cure is discovered to rid other families of this heart-wrenching disease. November is also Alzheimer's Awareness Month, so it's a great time to learn more about the disease and how you can help.
   
2. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - We also had a family friend fight a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He gave up his fight 2 years ago this spring, and ever since then his family, as well as mine, have been very much involved with finding a cure for this terrible disease as well. My mom plays an integral role in making strides to find a cure for pancreatic cancer in our local area, so I know for a fact how easy it is to make a difference! In addition, November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, so I urge you to learn more about ways you can help!
   
3. Innocence Project - Not long ago, I watched a very raw documentary about wrongfully convicted individuals whose lives have been ruined from jail time. The Innocence Project is a public policy organization dedicated to helping exonerate these individuals. Another good resource related to this program is http://www.exonerated.org.
4. National Kidney Foundation - My brother-in-law lives with kidney disease, and I have ran into some kidney problems myself over the past 8 years. For this reason, I have learned a lot about kidney function and health. If nothing else, this is great information for you to know, so I urge you to learn more about kidney function and health, and how to tell if you have signs of kidney disease or other kidney problems.

While I value and appreciate all the various organizations available to us for knowledge and possible cures, these are the ones I am truly passionate about.

Do you have a story you'd like to share about an organization that has become a part of your life? Or even just the link to the organization for us to learn more information! If so, please feel free to share!

xoxo

Things I am Thankful For

I can't believe it, but November is already here! I've spent some quiet time this week reflecting on the things that I am thankful for, in preparation for the big Thanksgiving feasts coming up! I will be doing a weekly post of new things I am thankful for and really hope ya'll will join me and leave comments for things you are thankful for, or links to your blog where you have posted something similar! So, since I will be doing this weekly through November, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but just things that have come to me as I write or through my quiet thoughts this week!

1. My extremely supportive family and friends. I am lucky enough to have a very supportive group of loved ones who are there for me every step of the way. Not only are they behind me through the exciting, happy, and joyful times, but they are also there for me during the frustrating, sad, and annoying times!
2. Sunny, warm Fall days. In Virginia, we are lucky enough to have warm, sunny days well into the holiday season, on occasion. It's so uplifting to feel the excitement of Fall and the holiday season, but to still have the warm Spring air.
   
3. Target. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have a Target nearby at all times. When I need something and don't know where to get it, Target is my shop of choice. I have bought everything from the obvious toiletries, groceries, and electronics to party outfits, home decor, and shoes!
4. Laughter. One of my most favorite things in the world to do is to laugh. And I'm not talking the little chuckle you do when you don't want someone to feel bad, I am talking a huge side-splitting laugh that puts you in a great mood for the rest of the day. I constantly surround myself with individuals who make me laugh this way on a daily basis.
5. Chocolate chip cookies from Ukrop's. For those of you who do not know what Ukrop's is, I urge you to make a trip to Richmond just for that experience! I have been completely obsessed with their homemade chocolate chip cookies lately.
6. Pantene Pro-V Clarifying Shampoo. I have yet to find a shampoo that cleans my hair as good as this shampoo does! I love it!
7. Project Runway. For those of you who know me well, you know I never watch television. Ever. But I must catch Project Runway every single week. I get so excited on Thursday afternoons when I remember I get to watch PR that evening.
8. Coming home to a package. Whether it be new supplies or something I ordered from a fellow seller, it is so exciting to come home and open a package at the end of a busy day!
9. Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I am a huge Starbucks addict. I go more often than I should. October 1 is always a treat each year because they begin selling their Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The first sip is glorious - like taking a sip of Fall. If you aren't a coffee drinker, you probably don't understand...
10. Completely finalized and packaged orders. It's such a proud moment to see my creations through the process, but even better is to see them completed and packaged. It brings a sense of accomplishment that all you handcrafters out there probably share with me!

While I could go on and on, I am going to leave you with those. Now, your turn. What are you thankful for?