Gifts that have Double the Cause

If your going to buy gifts anyway so why not make them be more purposeful, right?.  Do a little more than just giving a gift this year! Here are some awesome company's that donate money to non-profit organizations, shelters, and people who are in need the most. So you can get that some one a special something with a duel purpose and actually be giving more that just the present!

Spinaroos from justb-byou.com

My Aunt bought our son Atticus these awesome building toys called Bristle Block Spinaroos  http://justb-byou.com/.  He loves legos and anything he can BUILD with being almost 2, so these toys are amazing and then donate 10 cents for every toy you buy to end child poverty.  Check them out - plus there great learning toys and as your kids get older you can teach them about what it means to help out others in need.

Visit this blog for inspiring ways to give, tons of great gifts from coffee to water botles that have many purposes: http://throughmylensetlh.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-11-18T00:01:00-05:00&max-results=1

 Want to actually get out and volunterr?? Here is a great calender with many options to give out toys, and deed the hungry. http://www.1039thefish.com/calendar/default.asp?MONTHADD=0  also Christmas Theatre Productions and More Christmas fun for a good cause...

This is what I have been looking for! A live Nativity to take our son to! 

The Nativity on 12/10 & 17 (Live Nativity)
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: The Auburn Foursquare Church (4065 Grass Valley Hwy, #206, Auburn)

Join us on December 10 & 17 from 6-9pm for an unforgettable free Christmas experience for the whole family. This massive Living Nativity includes live actors, live animals, free petting zoo, Christmas music, lights, free hot apple cider, free hot chocolate and more! You can drive-thru or park and walk to enjoy the event while warming your hands by the fire. For more information, visit http://www.auburnnativity.com/.

Let's get back to what Christmas is all about. Love, giving, appreciating this season.  Blessings - let us know what your doing to give this year?

I am Thankful For: Martha Stewart {Day 2}

Today and everyday day I am so thankful for MARTHA STEWART!!  http://www.marthastewart.com/  

Every thing Martha does is perfect! I love her show, her magazines and her great user friendly web site to give you inspiration.

This blog in particular will give you simply, unique, fun Thanksgiving Table setting ideas to get your guests or family really feeling thankful to be at your table!  Even adorable kids tables to boot...

Here's a simple idea if you have glass plate, just slip a real or fake leaf underneath and walah! Cute plate setting! 

Doesn't this look familiar?  We spray painted pumpkins for decoration all over for our Fall High Tea and for Halloween decor on the porch! Easy peasy...and here is Martha using them for her tables...

Don't forget the kidos! It's no Thanksgiving with out the excitement a little one brings for turkey and sweet potato pie. Here is the most adorable and teachable table setting for the wee ones.  Teach the kid's the Mayflower story as they embark on there table settings! 

Paper Pilgrims Table: Create a Mayflower centerpiece for the kid's table by lashing a watercolor paper sail to wooden dowels and anchoring it in a small, pebble-filled pail. Paper bonnets and hats are easy to craft with these printable templates. (again thank you Martha!)

I just wish I was having a sit down Thanksgiving Feast so I could make these adorable place setters! Next year...

Were all about easy and affordable or FREE! Go on a brisk walk around the block and if your as blessed as we are in Northern California you can collect these Fall colored leaves to create name tags for your table! +Black paper and white pen = done!

Visit Martha Stewart's website for even more Thanksgiving ideas..Let us know what YOU are thankful for?? - Nicole

 http://www.marthastewart.com/274251/thanksgiving-table-settings/@center/276949/everything-thanksgiving

Locally Helping others this Christmas Season...

I have always wanted Christmas time to turn back into a real time of giving to someone less fortunate and in need.  This year, instead of thinking about it, I want to actually do it!  In my time of serving in the Air Force in Japan I was consistently helping in the local orphanages during this time of year.  Now that I have started my family I really want to emphasize how important this is; that it is not all about us but about what can we do for others less fortunate than us.  There is always someone less fortunate then we are.  My best friend and co-business partner, Kendall, has put together a LEGITIMATE list of people we can help, serve, or give to. Because I didn't want to just write a check and be done with it I asked Kendall for help in what resources and places are legitimate for donating.  She has worked with a lot of organizations and friends that are personally involved in these things, so I can trust her advice.  I really want to make relationships with those that I give to for some reason God has put that on my heart.  I'm hoping to find a family or single mom or child that needs some love and support through letters and packages that can continue forever or until they get on there feet.  So here is the LEGIT list that Kendall created for me that she knows of these people personally so that you can help to!!! 

 CLICK THE LINK YOU WANT TO CHECK OUT!Some local and abroad sites:)

Operation Christmas Child, many churches are accepting shoebox donations

Mercy Ministries In Lincoln, CA

The Salvation Army-adopt families for Christmas-contact your local Salvation Army

Loaves and Fishes in Sacramento has a Christmas adoption program

Gospel for Asia http://www.gfa.org/

Compassion International http://www.compassion.com/

Kendall's friends, Melissa and Rich are living in Africa and working with an orphanage http://www.drawnfromwater.org/.  They could really use donations, prayer, and encouragement

Bless you this holiday season, create a Thanksgiving Tree and remember what you are thankful for this month, and start preparing for what you can give during Christmas time!  -Nicole Johnson