The Great Givers: Winner #3

Here is our final entry...can you handle another one? They are ALL so wonderful don't you think? Amazing the kindness still in this world.  Okay grab another tissue...

Winner #3 wrote me an email describing her Great Give:

I just discovered your beautiful blog and I am so happy I did. It feels so good to be here and look at all of your beautiful and inspiring posts...

This challenge is absolutely amazing! 

I would have never thought of something like this and that's why I am so happy there are people (like you) in this world, who do.  Only reading about this makes me happy and grateful.

Of course I immediately started to think about something good to do.

At the moment, I am staying in a clinic because of a few problems that came into my life.

I am living there with other people in one house and they're all having their own personal problems. You can imagine the 'vibe' in this house isn't always positive. Lots of people are depressed, don't know what to do with their lives and they are just sad most of the time.

Although I am there to solve my own problems, it's very important to me to do something for the people who have an even harder time than me. I want to make them happy, even if it's just for a few minutes.

So, I started baking pies, brownies, muffins etc. for everyone in the house and we eat the baked things after dinner. All of them really like it, I just see their smiles when they eat the pie and they really enjoy sitting together and eat something sweet.

I know it's just a very little something, but I just wanted to tell you (like you already said yourself) that small things like this really can make a (small) difference.

Also, I just started volunteering at a school, when the children have their lunchtime and eat and play outside at the schoolyard. It's so great to listen to the stories of these kids and to cuddle a kid that feels sad or is bullied.

Well, I think it wasn't actually meant to write this in the comments, but I am not sure yet whether I should post this on my own blog, because the first thing is rather personal and I am just not sure yet.  But I am glad that I could share it here with you.

This lucky giver is taking home the following prizes:

a Capture Life necklace from Cinnamon Sticks Boutique

Life is Like Riding a Bicycle Print from vol. 25

100 custom holiday cards from Paper and Ink

Scalloped Clip Board with photo print from Skippy Designs

Three spools of Divine Twine in your choice of colors

An illustrated card set from City of Dionne

Lost Photo Print from Hilary Upton

Anchors Away Dress from Shabby Apple

Your very own custom monogram from Creative Montage

A set of handcrafted butterfly note cards from Art of Paper

A pretty scarf from Ruche

Whisper Ferns Notecard set and Wolfie Sentiments Card from Pearl & Marmalade

Numbers! Numbers! Limited edition letterpress print from Pearl & Marmalade

A huge, huge thank you to all of the sponsors of The Great Give.  Clearly I couldn't have done it without you all.  Please visit their shops if you are still looking for that perfect Christmas gift.  Or heck, visit them anyway just because they are so great!

And thanks again to ALL of you who participated...I've been inspired by the greatness you've given.

The Great Givers: Winner #2

Okay, wipe your tears and get some more Kleenex because here is the second winner of The Great Give.

Winner #2 blogged her entry and this is what she said:

No words.  I won't be able to do this justice but had to blog about an experience I had with Ben and my oldest tonite.  We had the privilege of serving the homeless downtown.  For several years our church has taken a group down on the 3rd Sat. of every month.  I'm ashamed to say this is the first time we have gone.  It won't be our last.  There is an age limit and only Caleb is able to go with us.  My mom was a  part of the ministry by watching the other two. 

This meal and church ministry for the homeless is amazing.  It is not a homeless shelter but an actual church for the poor and homeless living in the area. They hold several meals and church services each week with fun movie nights and other events in between.  They even shuttle the people from local shelters to the ministry which is housed in a former church. 

Anyway, we so enjoyed the church service at the beginning of our time there tonight.  That preacher brought it!!  Those homeless worshiped the way worship is supposed to happen!  We were sitting in the balcony and watched the plates being passed during the offering.  I couldn't believe they took an offering and was so touched by seeing the few coins by the time the plate reached the back.  It reminded me of the widow and 2 mites story in the Bible.  As the service was winding down we headed to our places downstairs where dinner would be served. 

This was not like a soup kitchen where the people go through a line.  They actually came down, took their seats, and WE served them.  It was an honor.  Each volunteer had their own table and I LOVED my table tonight.  They were so easy to talk to and interact with.  We talked alot of football together, of all things!  You would think in their circumstances they wouldn't be so friendly and nice.  But they were, and were so appreciative for us being there.   

As the dinner was winding down I asked once more if I could get them  anything else, thinking maybe they'd want a cup of coffee for the road, on this cold night.  They all said no, except for one man, a Bengals fan I'd talked to alot that night.  He said he wanted just a bed.  Just a bed.  My heart broke.  All I could give was a promise to him that I'd be back next month to serve again.  And say an extra special prayer tonight that he gets the best night of sleep he ever has, wherever that might be.  How I wish I could give "just a bed", but that's the best I can do.     

This lucky lady will take home the following prizes:

• $250 Gift Certificate from Hicks Paper Goods
• a light grey + turquoise Necklush
• a pretty scarf and handbag from Ruche
• 25 Custom Cards from Legacy Digital Design
• Winter Wonderland coasters, notecards and print from 12fifteen
• 60 Thank You Cards from Sonicstef Design
• Easy Necklace in Silver from Acts of Kindness
• Set of Numbers & Alphabet Prints from Sycamore Street Press

The Great Givers: Winner #1

Well The Great Give is now behind us but the season of giving is still going strong.  Many wonderful entries were blogged, emailed and posted and each one touched my heart.  From baking cookies for neighbors, to donating money, to giving time to a cause hands and hearts across the globe gave of themselves for the good of others.  What a great gift you have given not only to the recipients but to me and to others who have had the joy of reading these inspiring stories.

When it came time to choose winners, the fun was up!  This was no easy task so I recruited two of the nicest girls I know to help out--Traci and Cyndi.  Both of them give of themselves yearround.  Traci and her daughters have rang bells for the Salvation Army this year and she is donating half of her businesses profits to charity.  Cyndi volunteers at a children's hospital in her town and helps organize big fundraisers.  What better judges right?

After narrowing things down and collaborating on our favorite gives we came up with winners. Believe me when I say that all three of us would have loved to give every single entrant a prize but alas we could not.  So without further ado please help me congratulate the winners of this project.  And remember you can keep on giving!  There is no prize better than helping change the world!

Winner #1 wrote an email telling me about her Great Give. She said:

My family has done a good deed and would like to share it...in the interest of keeping it  anonymous in the eyes of the receivers I chose not to blog about it...I hope this email is acceptable :)

Yesterday we were visiting with  our wonderful neighbors and we became aware that their niece's family (mom, dad, and 4 beautiful young daughters) had been without heat for an entire week. This young family is in the farming business and has been very negatively affected by changes in the economy. At this point they barely have money for food, and cannot pay for the heater repairs. Family members were unaware of the severity of their plight until this weekend. They immediately began trying to get heaters and extra blankets and clothing to the family.

Here in the Willamette Valley in Oregon we have been having severely cold nights...in fact the days have been barely above freezing.  Hubby and I could hardly sleep in our nice warm bed last night knowing that this great family was freezing in their own home :(   Today, first thing, we went to Target and bought jackets for the girls and an electric blanket.  We delivered them anonymously...tonight we will sleep better :)

Thanks for all you are doing to promote kindness and generosity :)

This Great Giver will receive these wonderful prizes...

 "The Whitney English Experience." Enjoy over $500 in goodies from Whitney English that includes:

• 100 Flat Digital Photo Cards
• 120 coordinating Return Address Labels
• One of our signature ClipSheets (TM)
• 80 coordinating Round Labels
• 50 personalized Note Cards
• Our personalized candle in signature "Classic" scent
• A set of 4 personalized Placemats

My Wish Gift List

Sweet Kelly of Design Crush rounded up some lovely bloggers for a special series she's doing called "Wish Gift Lists." Each blogger posts ideas of what they'd love to give the people on their list. There have been so many great ideas from bloggers like Erin of Design for Mankind, Carolynn of Two Brunettes, and Melissa of The Lil Bee. I count myself flattered to be amongst these fabulous ladies Kelly chose and my list is featured today on her blog. Take a trip there to see what I'd like to give this year.

What are some of your favorite finds you'll be gifting this year? I'd love to hear!

Pretty Pink for the Holidays

I love nontraditional colors for Christmas. Green and red remain popular with me too but I guess the creative artist in me appreciates the unique palettes out there. Pink trees have become popular since Domino magazine featured them and I'm loving that color being elaborated throughout homes like Better Homes and Gardens featured.




Pretty in pink, don't cha think?

My Old Room

Last week I shared with you my sister's stylish seasonal decor and today I thought I'd share where she got those genes--my mom! For as long as I can remember, my mom has been a great creative inspiration. Not only can she decorate like a pro but she's always been able to whip up crafts and DIY projects with much success.



One of my favorite rooms in my parent's home is my old room. Partly because it is where I spent a large part of my life but also because it is so pretty...now, anyway! Of course when I left that room behind it wasn't super stylish. It was a college student's hideaway with little decor worth mentioning. Once my mom was sure I'd flown the coop for good she made a guest room out of my old space.



A creamy beige color on the walls, a petite chandelier, and a few antiques combined with her eye for style and the room was transformed. The toile bedding adorns an heirloom bed that she painted black. Antique store shopping provided a large armoire for guests to unpack and it also houses a small television. Yellow accents and wispy curtains provide a light airy feel. A subtle bird theme is carried through as well. I love the bird cage wall accent that she uses to showcase photos, letters and notes. My room got quite the upgrade wouldn't you say? I wish it had been this lovely when it was mine. Who wouldn't love to be a guest in this room?!

S'more Love

I love s'mores. Love.them. In Louisiana it is too hot to roast marshmellows in the summer so it definitely a fall/winter treat for me. I stumbled upon these S'more Love favors on Elizabeth Anne Designs and thought they were too cute not to share. I'm thinking these could be tweeked a bit to be a great gift for neighbors, teachers, friends and co-workers for the holidays. The simple packaging could be customized for Christmas. Kraft boxes, clear bags and muslin bags would be festive if accented with red/white baker's twine and a red stamp. This idea is now bookmarked for future gift-giving.



Photos from Meg Perotti via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Grab Bags of Goodness

Even though The Great Give is closed (for this year), the great giving doesn't have to stop. I was so inspired when I read the idea of "grab bags" on Wide Open Spaces. It really warms my heart to hear of ways that people are trying to do good every day, year round. Emily's children were fascinated by the many homeless and she let her children help her with a project to help these less fortunate. They put together (ziploc) grab bags filled with a water bottle, snacks, wet wipes, toothbrush+toothpaste, beef jerky, chapstick and socks. She put a few in her car and her husband's and the kids get a kick out of being able to help. Her idea was to have these easily available and ready to give. While it is only a little thing, these little things can add up. This has me thinking of ways I can always be prepared to give.

Gingerbread Greatness

Speaking of gingerbread this house takes the cake, or the cookie I guess I should say! Can you imagine the work that went into all the detail--the Christmas tree inside, tiny icicles hanging from the roof, wood ready for the fireplace outside, and even a snowman in the front yard. I'm quite sure my attempts at a gingerbread house would fall way short of this beauty but it certainly gives me ideas.



For more gingery goodness check out The Whitehouses's annual gingerbread house. It is pretty amazing too. My only qualm is that you can't even tell it is gingerbread but then again the house is white, so I guess I can understand.



Will you be making a gingerbread house this year?

Fashion Folio

Thought I'd share some of Sarah Hankinson's fashion illos on this Monday morning. Nothing beats a little pretty to perk up the beginning of the week, right?

Lookalikes

I always love the "this and that" type posts seen on blogs. Finally I thought of my own! The curtains and dress below must be kindred spirits and I love them both.

Check out these lookalikes:



Waterfall Curtains / Tiers to You Dress

Celebratory Cupcakes

Found these lovely cupcakes over on Milk + Honey Cafe's blog. She made them to celebrate her new job and they certainly look jubilant! I love the dragees and how they add such sparkle and shine to the otherwise simple cupcakes. They are so wintery and wonderous...perfect for Christmas all the way through New Year's Eve. I want to scoop up every shade of these adornments for future celebrations. So pretty!

Pet Love Present: Custom Sketch

If you have a pet owner on your list, then I have the perfect idea for you. Give them a gift certificate for a custom pet doodle--the certificate is super cute too. When the recipient redeems the gift they'll get a drawing of their dear pet. Not only will their furry friend be captured on paper but the doodle can become art for their home when popped in a cute frame. I would just love to see my own doggy doodled on paper. Cute don't cha think?

Great Full Friday

It has been a month since I've done a Great Full Friday post...the 26 days of gratitude kind of took its place. Still can't believe that November is behind us and Christmas is around the corner! This weekend I am hoping to get our Christmas cards taken care of and I hope to hunt for some perfect gifts too. And they are predicting snow in Louisiana tomorrow. If it actually happens this will be the second year in a row! So what you do have planned this weekend?

Here are some things I am grateful for this week...


--The Christmas Spirit and kindness that comes this time of year.
--Chats with friends who know just how you feel.
--Warm blankets in this cold weather (so many people can't say this and it hurts my heart).
--My home (another thing so many are without)


I hope you'll join me here on Fridays here again to share what made your week great and full. So tell me what are you grateful for this week?

photos Pink Tree, pastel shoes, Day one hundred and eight., key

Light and Airy: Ann Inghardt

Each and every photo in Anna Inghardt's flickr photostream is lovely. The use of very limited color avoids being stark but instead is stunning. The photos are light and airy and exude a sense of calm. Take a walk in her white wonderland.

The Great Give: Reminder

Just a friendly reminder that time is running out for The Great Give! You have til midnight on Sunday to email, comment or blog your great give.

I've received some very sweet emails, comments and links and hope that you'll take part too. Not only will you feel great for doing a good deed but you'll have a chance at winning over $1600 in prizes (total). There will be three winners so your chances are good. And really who needs a reason to be grateful, helping and kind this time of year?!?!

Take time this weekend to do your own Great Give. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Donate some extra clothes to a shelter.
• Bake cookies for a friend.
• Visit a nursing home and provide companionship to those who are lonely.
• Start you own Red Kettle.
• Ring a bell for the Salvation Army.
• Donate a toy to a children's shelter.
• Sponsor a needy family in your community.
• Sing carols with your kids in the children's ward of a hospital.

What would change a life, help someone out, or a brighten a day in your community? Do it! What are you waiting for?!?

In case you need a refresher...here are the rules for The Great Give....

• In order to enter this contest you must do a great, good deed. What kind of good deed? Well that is up to you! Maybe you'll donate funds to a charity that is close to your heart. Maybe you'll bake cookies for a few neighborhood kids. Maybe you'll volunteer at an organization that needs help. What does your heart tell you to do? What could really help your friends, family, or community? Whatever you feel moved to do will qualify! Use your heart and imagination and make a great give!
• Remember that little deeds and seemingly small actions can set off a chain of positivity that could in essence change lives and the world.
• Please don't shy away from entering because you think your idea is not big enough or great enough!
• Use this as an opportunity to involve your spouse, family, and children. Let them help you in doing great things.
  
• Once you've done your own great give, write about it on your blog. Your action doesn't have to be huge in scale or cost lots of money. It just has to be heartfelt. When writing about your great deed(s) be sure to say why you choose to do this and how it turned out. Elaborate with photos if you want to.
  
• Please don't shy away from entering because you think your idea is not big enough or great enough!
  
• If you don't have a blog you can email your entry to: lindseysgreatfull at gmail dot com.
• After you've blogged about your entry, comment on this post with a link directing us to your great give. Be sure to turn in your link by December 7th at midnight CST.
• I will read all of the entrants and select three of my favorites to win fabulous prize packages.
• Winners will be announced by December 11th, 2009 so please check back.

And if you need a little motivation...here are the goodies that you could take home as a result of doing a good, no, great deed!

What could you do in the next few days to make the world a better place. Sometimes it doesn't take much to make a change. Join me, won't you?

Milly for Me

I'm loving this dress from Milly. Oh, and maybe the shoes too. Just enough simplicity + style to be spectacular.

Guy Gift: Sudsy Soap

Love to support artists and crafters around Christmas. I seem to always be drawn to girly finds on Etsy but the other day I stumbled upon a great gift for the guys in your life: Suds Sampler Beer Soap. Pick out your giftee's favorite ales and soaps using those flavors will be whipped up, packaged in simple white paper and wrapped with raffia. At under $10, they make a perfect gift or stocking stuffer.

Ribbons on Trees

I found this idea (guess where) and thought it was so clever. An easy and simple way to make your Christmas tree a unique standout. And it also gives you an excuse to buy lots of pretty ribbon!

Fill My Kettle

Hi Friends, if you are looking for an opportunity to donate this holiday season please consider the Salvation Army. You know the red kettles that you are led to by the sound of ringing bells. I love those ringing bells! They are synonymous with the Christmas spirit for me. Unfortunately, I am not a cash kind of girl. I use my debit card for everything so the last few years I have noticed I never have anything to donate when I leave a store. The only kettles solve this problem! Click below and you can pay online. I've set my goal (higher than the norm) of $250 and I'm hoping that I'll make it. Will you help?

Yummy Food Photography

I'm always amazed at the talent young people possess these days. Hannah is only 19, yet her Etsy shop Honey and Jam is quite amazing. It is full of lovely photographs of tasty treats...styled and shot with amazing detail. Check it out, just make sure you have a full stomach first!

New Month Inspiration

A little inspiration for this day, the first of a new month.



For more lovely, motivating art visit MC Turgeon's Etsy Shop. I love the guerilla inspiration pack and the post card sets. Perfect for gifting too!

Stylish Sister

My sister and her roommate are hosting a holiday dinner party next weekend so I stopped by yesterday to admire her Christmas decor. Her townhouse is decorated in cool blues and rich chocolate browns so she carried that scheme into her seasonal look. Her fireplace mantle, sideboards and built-ins are all adorned with lots of white twinkle lights, greenery, ornaments and sparkle. I was SO impressed! The photos I'm sharing with you below were taken with my little point and shoot camera and don't begin to do justice for her pretty place. My sister has great style right?




Do you have a color scheme or theme you use in your Christmas decor?

The Blind Side

My hubby and I went see The Blind Side last night and as friends predicted I loved it. I really haven't heard anyone who didn't like it actually. It is a perfect feel good movie that left me inspired. It made me think about "The Great Give" and how I hope many of you out there will participate not only for a chance at great prizes but more so to change lives. Leigh Ann and Sean Tuohy did one heck of a "Great Give" that changed Michael Oher's life. What will yours be?

Cookie Cottages

I have a thing for gingerbread houses but its been a long while since I've built any that didn't come out of a Wilton box...probably since I was a child actually. On Martha Stewart's Christmas Workshop I found these little cuties that require only graham crackers for a foundation. This may be one little village I can do myself--and a super cute one at that!