the power of purchase. {christmas shopping ideas}

Something that has been on my heart lately is how much I'm buying, why, and where it is coming from.   We live in abundance and that more is always better--we need the next best gadget and upgraded bathroom sinks, and tile floors, and new hardware on the cabinets. And. And. And none of these things are necessarily wrong to have or want--trust me I would love a lot of these things. But then I go back to the verse--where my heart is there my treasure is also. (Matthew 6:21)

So, as I am making purchases, especially with the upcoming holiday season, I've been thinking about the ability to make a difference in someone's life just by what I purchase. This can get overwhelming pretty easily as I question where my food comes from, all my articles of clothing, my accessories, home goods, etc. But I think it's about doing something rather than nothing. Starting right where I am at.

I've come up with a power of purchase list of items that help sustain lives in one way or another. Some of these places I have bought from in the past and some are brand new and I've found through a friend or on Instagram or Facebook.  Take a peek and I hope it encourages you to think about your purchases you make this holiday season.

The Etsy Shop, Beautiful Uganda has some lovely hand-crafted jewelry that comes directly from Uganda by the artisan Grace Ayaa. My favorite piece is the Dreamy Mint Statement Necklace (above picture).

Simply Beautiful Shop is amazing handmade body products, I have bought from this shop before to have gifts handy for friends who need pick-me-ups and I also think they would make awesome stocking stuffers. The money from these items go to support their adoption--that's sustaining a life! 

Better Life Bags does just what it says. It helps make lives better--they hire women who wouldn't otherwise be able to get jobs near the Detroit area. Be sure to read all about their Mission Statement! They sell ipad covers and iphone wallets, and array of bags that are all custom designed by you! See the bag above? That is my design, how fun is that?! 

Echoes of Mercy is an Etsy Shop with beautiful, inspiring digital prints--which I love because you don't even have to wait to have them shipped, just emailed right to you! The purchases from this shop help a foster mama and the adoption of her twin girls. 

Humble Hilo is a new company I found on Instagram and I was instantly attracted to the vibrant colors in their bags, then I took a look at their story and saw that they partner with World Link Partners with individuals in Guatemala to help with nutrition for children, literacy, and giving opportunity for women to use their skills to help support their families. 

Beautiful & Beloved is another shop I found on Instagram. They support individuals who were once enslaved by human trafficking or living in extreme poverty--each item is created by these individuals and we have the opportunity to support them and bring awareness to these injustices. I'm loving the Aztec earrings in their shop! 

FashionABLE is a company that empowers women to earn a living, I love how you can read direct stories of women who have been changed by the opportunity to work. I've been gifted a scarf in the past from here, which are awesome--because they are light enough to work in all seasons and each come with a story attached of the woman who created it. But what I also love about FashionABLE is that there are leather goods to buy, which is great for men's gifts! 

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If I come across some other shops that I love and can have a direct affect for the positive with a purchase, I will be sure to share. Do you know of a shop you love to support for this reason? Please share in the comment section! 

diy birthday gift for the kiddos.

I have a love-hate relationship with Pinterest. There are some pretty things are there that inspire me by words, or in decorating my home, or what to cook. It's been handy to find a craft for the kiddos to do. But sometimes I get rather overwhelmed and the "am I doing enough?" feeling comes into play. That's when I close it up and stay off Pinterest for a couple of days.

Recently, though, I have opened it back up to find some yummy recipes and great activities for the girls. One of the easiest and fun things to do is make homemade play-dough using this recipe. The girls enjoy the mixing then of course the playing right afterwards. Yesterday we made a double batch so we could give some as a gift for my nephew who turned four.

To store the play dough in, I bought some small mason jars and took to another Pinterest idea. [Although I never actually pinned the idea.] I had everything else I needed---super glue, little plastic animals, and spray paint. I super glued the animals onto the lids, let it dry overnight and the next day put a couple of coats of spray paint on the lids.

And ta-dah!

The little gift turned out like this:

Pretty cute, huh? I'm thinking this might become the year of play-dough and cute containers for gift-giving. 

the binding bee.

I'm happy to say, I'm almost done with Christmas shopping. And most of it was done from the comfort of my couch. I do believe, online shopping was made for moms. Also, the anticipation of waiting for something to arrive in the mail is almost addicting, even if the present is for someone else. I hate checking the mail normally (I have to walk across the street and I'm lazy), but lately I have been going out there as soon as I can to see what fun package has come next.

Today, one of my very favorite Christmas presents arrived. My dad, whom I'm really close with (especially after losing my mom 5 years ago), is getting ready for a six week journey to Africa. SIX WEEKS! I'm so happy he is able to do this. He will be doing missionary work with his brother, who is a pastor. They will be traveling all over and hopefully get to go on a safari. (that is on my bucket list). So, I wanted his Christmas present this year to be purposeful for his trip. After visiting a local art show in my town, I came across an awesome Etsy seller, Megan Winn. Her online store, The Binding Bee, sells custom, handmade journals. You guys, these journals are gorgeous. I knew the moment I saw her journals, that was what I was going to get my dad.

So Megan worked with me and created a beautiful leather journal, with an antique key closing and an African map on the inside. How cool is that?! She made sure there was leather that covered all sides, since she knew this journal would be traveling a lot. Durability, yes.

Today I spent time filling some of the pages with pictures of my dad's grandkids and devotions, so when he is traveling he will be encouraged and have sweet pictures to look at.

I can't wait for my dad to open it on Christmas. It's not the newest fishing pole or latest gadget, but sometimes gifts like this speak so much more to us.

['m not getting compensated for this post and I purchased the journal myself; when I find an awesome store that sells handmade unique stuff, I want to share. I love that she has a variety of prices in her journals too.]

You really must go and check out her store, The Binding Bee.

about the butter dish and other lovely gifts.

I'm determined to continue to get rid of things that I don't just absolutely love. And to cherish the small things. You know, like a butter dish. The husband got me my wish-list butter dish from Anthropologie. Everytime I walk into my kitchen, I grin, because of it. Yes, a butter dish makes me really happy. [Hey, I'm German, that pretty much gives me a good excuse to love butter.] Look how lovely it is.

I also got some other really great, special gifts from my besties that I shared yesterday. Well, by request (Hi, Steph over at Adventures in Babywearing and Lenae over at Just Lenae!) I'm sharing some pictures of what I got.

The earrings I received, found on Etsy. I also got a super cute dish towel from Anthro (not pictured).

The friendship bracelet found on Etsy.

 The wall art handmade with our last name on it. [Also, I have heard every joke in the book. Only if we really did strike it rich with oil. Ha. But, there is a Granny Clampitt in our family. How about that!]

The scarf that makes a difference.

The husband did well this year, with the help of my wish-list of course. Along with the butter dish, he got me a couple of shirts from Anthro (all on sale), a sweater from Ruche, and a beautiful pillow from Etsy.

As if I haven't been spoiled enough this Christmas. My sister got me the fingerless gloves I wanted from Etsy and bow earrings off of Etsy.

My point in sharing all these lovelies? Not to brag or say look at me. But to share about how awesome the people in my life are, that they are thoughtful and giving. And to show how you can shop without hitting the department stores. The majority of my gifts came from Etsy. That means two hands worked hard at making the beautiful pieces. And of course, I wanted to share about how much I love butter. But that was a given.

So what is a favorite thing you received or gave?

[All these pictures were taken by me.]

gifts under forty.

[I couldn't remember if 40 is spelled forty or fourty. But don't worry, spell check came through for me.]

Still looking for gift ideas for your best girl friends? Well, here's my take on some sweet gifts. In other words, here is my wishlist.

Recycled Fingerless Gloves $16

Pair of Vintage Canvas Blue and Natural Pillows $31 (on sale!)

Natural Linen Pillow Cover with Frayed Layered Fabric $40 (but on sale for 20% off right now!)

And sorry, folks, but I'm sort of obsessed with pillows right now. So here is one more.

Side Ruffle Pillow in Mustard Yellow/Light Grey $32

Aspen Button Cowl in Celery $28

Breeze Damask Ruffle DSLR Strap Cover $33

Milkmaid Butter Dish from Anthropologie (on sale $14.95)

Simply "Mauve"lous Cardigan from Ruche $36.99

Pretty Please with a Bow on Top Earrings from Ruche $18 [You didn't think I would go an entire wishlist without one thing bow on it, paaalease.]

So, I want to know, what's on your wishlist? 

battery-less toys.

Christmas shopping has begun and surprisingly I didn't really feel like doing it on Black Friday. [Yes, I've been known in the past to use the day to shop for deals. I'm a bargain shopper, what can I say.] Instead, I have been doing a lot of internet shopping, which is so much better than standing in a long line. Plus I can drink eggnog while I shop and stay in my pjs. The two places that I mainly have shopped? Etsy and Amazon. And I'm making a conscious decision to pick toys that do not require batteries. Too quickly will Audrey be requesting a cell phone or ipod or laptop for Christmas in the years to come, so I'm keeping it simple as much as I can now. She doesn't need much, really. Yesterday we spent a good thirty minutes pretending to be going on an adventure through the jungle, mountains, and a waterfall in search for baby jaguar and Diego (yes, she is obsessed with Dora and Diego right now, more on that in another post), the only toy we used was a pretend map. I'm telling you, kids do not need as much as they have nowadays.

So what is Audrey getting for Christmas? A set of dress up shoes that I bought on clearance at TJ Maxx for 5 buckaroos and a couple of wooden dollhouse sets from Amazon. That's it. Because, we all know she will be getting spoiled by relatives. Oh and Naomi? We probably will just get her one little toy, if that. Audrey didn't get anything from us her first Christmas, she was only three months, I don't think she minded. And neither will Naomi. Both of them will be showered with love though.

For my nephew, I bought him a custom superhero cape by Pip and Bean. I can't wait to see his imagination run wild with it. Not to mention, she is a local Etsy seller for me.

To expand Audrey's love for playing with her dollhouse, Here are a couple of dollhouse sets I bought off of Amazon. I love the wooden, classic ones that aren't Barbie-like.

Plan Toy Doll House Nursery

Melissa & Doug Wooden Family Doll Set

Ryan's Room the Pet Set

After Cyber Monday yesterday, I'm about 90 percent done with my Christmas shopping. And I can't wait to check the mail everyday to see what packages arrive. That's half the fun with ordering online, right?

So what gift ideas do you have for toddlers?

bow obsession.

My birthday is on Saturday, so naturally I have been spending my late evening hours exploring Etsy, when really I should be sleeping, but you know, sleep is overrated. [Actually, it's not and a miss it so much, but then I look at my newborn and think the lack of sleep is totally, totally worth it.] [Also, in case you are wondering, I will be 28. A very plain number. And yes, Audrey's, Naomi's, and my birthday are all in October.]

I like bows. I like their girly-ness and how they remind me of childhood and the age of innonence.

So, when my friend, Kylie, sent me this link to a super cute bow bag, I had to have it. I just ordered the diaper bag for my birthday. Diaper bags that don't look like diaper bags, rock. [Isn't it awesome when friends just know your taste?]

How cute is this? And it's all mine [insert evil laugh here].

source: Peace.Love.N.Polkadots

Here are my other bow wants.

Source: Clementine's Jewelry

Source: Bed Buggs Boutique

Source: Chou Chou Bijoux

Now you have a slight bow obsession, right? 

Dear Santa. A Holiday Shopping Guide.

Still looking for that unique, reasonable priced gift? Avoid the mall and hit up Etsy. But be careful. I'm not claiming it takes less time then going to a mall. Because well, it's addicting. You can find just about everything on Etsy. See, look here.

In case you don't have the time left, I have come up with what I like to think is a list of fabulousness. This would be my Christmas wish list, if I had one. But I don't. So this list is really for YOU.

Enjoy!
Linen Tea Towel by Sara Smedley. You just can't have too many dish/hand/tea towels. They work great just to display like art or use them for what they are or place them in a basket and add some other fun things (like antique silverware), or place under a centerpiece. I love that this tea towel is made from natural linen. Oh, and did I mention there is a matching apron? Love.

1980's Chic Secretary Dress by Noble Town Village. Love this dress. Mmmmmmkay. May not be the best gift for just anyone, but it is definitely on my list (which doesn't really exist, remember). And I would pair it with the Daffodil earrings listed below. Thanks. Moving on.

Floral Headband by Knit Berry. I love this creative twist on a headband/hat. And for under $20? Yes, please.

Reusable Produce Bags by Love for Earth. How cool is this idea? A) It makes shopping so much more fun B) It is eco-friendly c) Your refridgerator will look even pretty keeping all your producer fresher. You might be tempted to buy yourself a set and a friend.

Daffodil Dream by MD Sparks. Give a little spring and cheer in this dreary cold weather.

I Will Be Grateful Canvas Print by Vol25. I'm a big fan of decorating with personal pictures or inspirational art. And this piece is definitely inspirational. What a reminder that we could each use every day.

Argyle Labels by Bohtieque. There is nothing like getting a personalized gift. And who doesn't love labels?

Splat Mat by Chalky Doodles. This is perfect for a mom with little ones (or ahem, me). Place this under a high chair or under a table when children are playing with playdough or other messy materials. You don't have to worry about your floors getting ruined.

Wanna know the stores off Etsy that I just personally bought from? I can't reveal what I bought, because some of my lovely readers are my friends which will be receiving the handmade gifts, but you can at least know the store. Check them out here, here, here, and here. [By the way, some of stores profit goes to helping a family with adoption- now how cool is that?]