a little of this and a little of that

This month I wanted to do something a little different than my traditional sponsor spots. I’m taking this month to highlight some shops or organizations that benefit ‘a greater good’ or an adoption…things close to my heart. I’m not going to introduce them all at once, but a few at a time. Today I wanted to start with those that have items you could purchase as a gift for someone…and your gift is increased in fun ways.

The red text are links to the shop sites.

So this one is especially close to my heart, as it benefits those in my youngest child’s current home. Full of unique items, Jiayin Designs employs artisans in China that often have no other means of income. The products are created by hand with great detail. Your purchase from Jiayin Designs helps provide sustainable income to artisans, support for foster care programs and support of the non-profit The Sparrow Fund.

The Noonday Collection has a vast array of beautiful items both for fashion and the home. Your purchase from Noonday can help a create sustainable income for Ugandan artisans. The Noonday Collection also provides financial assistance for families adopting.

Create Hope Designs is an organization that exists to support foundations worldwide that care for orphans. The shop is full of patterns from crafters all over the world. New pattern lines are released regularly – supporting a specific foundation and area of the world. I wanted to highlight the new line that benefits special needs orphans in China (my child would be considered part of that group)….

Water for Christmas is a collaboration of numerous crafters and makers all working to fund water projects in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Your purchase goes directly towards clean water projects.

Made {4} Adoption has beautiful fabric flowers you can use as pins, on headbands, belts and even ringer bearer pillows. Your purchase from Made {4} Adoption helps the Anthony family fund the adoption of their little girl from Honduras.

The Baby Semple shop was lovingly created by friends and family wanting to help the Semple family welcome their first child into their home via adoption. Your purchase from Baby Semple will help fund their adoption.

And now just some random things I thought I’d share….

For you local Tulsa folk:

• Pop-Up Shops in downtown Tulsa – I stopped by these last week and there are a couple of great shops set up. My mom and sister scored several items when they went. It is nice to see retail in downtown.
• Winterfest in Downtown Tulsa – ice skating and hot treats
• Tulsa Holiday Parade  – Saturday, in downtown Tulsa
• Tulsa Christmas Parade – Saturday, at Tulsa Hills
• Mistletoe Market Craft Fair – Saturday, The Money Saving Queen will be handing out coupons and signing books

And some random links I enjoyed this week:

• This post by my friend Angie is just what I needed to read as I stalk my mailman everyday wanting a certain approval to arrive
• This post by Ann is what I want my family’s Christmas to be
• This house tour on Life Made Lovely is just so very lovely
• This post by Nicole….well it is just incredible
• A gingerbread house birthday party on Cakies…we don’t have any December birthdays, but it makes me want to do the same with my girlfriends, an adult version