2020 Airplanes and Dragonflies - Christmas Gift Guide! - Novica Product Review and Giveaway! (Worldwide) Ends 12/10 #HolidayGiftGuide #GiftGuide

Novica helps artists from outside of the USA to sell their beautiful, well made, goods. They feature over $105.5 million sent to artisans so far! From jewelry to scarves, clothing to home decor and more, Novica is a great website to purchase unique gifts for your friends and family. I'd rather receive something from Novica for Christmas this year, then another gift card to some where that I never purchase things from.

Navy Blue Rainbow Stripe Cambaya Cloth Lined Face Masks, "Night Sky Rainbow"

Printed Face Mask and Headband Set from India, "Mesmerize"

With Covid going on, Novica also has has some beautiful face coverings for sale! I know, we all hate them! I know, that we'd all rather not wear them, believe me. But, we need to make sure that we have them on hand at all times.

There was a GREAT series on Netflix this fall about a fantastic female Chess player! Something tells me that your friends and family wouldn't mind receiving a beautiful Chess, Chinese Checkers, Dominoes, Mancala, or another wood (or other material) board game for the holidays!

 

I ordered and reviewed a beautiful Agate and lava stone beaded stretch bracelet, 'Quiet Volcano' and some fingerless mitts, 'Andean Sunrise' made of 100% alpaca. The bracelet isn't too big or too small, it fits perfectly and comfortably, not rough or too smooth. I love the colors! When I put it on, I instantly felt this energy from it. I have been feeling angry about losing my father in law and my father having stage four brain cancer. Chances are, my father will pass away sometime in December or January. He decided to forgo any life saving measures, chemo, etc. This bracelet has helped me feel more grounded and in control.

Details about the Agate and Lava Stone Beaded Stretch Bracelet: Inspired by the remnants of a sleeping volcano, Sang Ayu Sardiwati of Bhakti Senang Hati association crafts this striking bracelet. Lava stone and brown agate beads are skillfully strung to create a stretch bracelet. Lava stone is known in Indonesian culture to dissipate anger and to strengthen one's connection to Mother Earth.

Sang Ayu Sardiwati joined the foundation after obtaining a prosthetic leg as a result of a working accident when she was an adolescent. She uses her handcrafting skills as a therapeutic means of providing for her family.

The Fingerless Mitts are made of 100% alpaca! They are super soft, warm and comfortable. I am on my laptop and cell phone a lot. I also drive my kids to and from school, for now. As traveling back and forth to southern CA has been a must this year, so I'm not currently working, for now. Having warm wrists and fingers is a must. They were made in Peru!

Morning sunrise over Andean fields inspire the fresh new design of these alpaca wool long sleeve fingerless mitts. Fernando Cano creates vibrant patterns as he knits the mittens in shades of blue, orange, green and yellow. Alpaca wool has been prized in the Andean region for centuries thanks to its warm and lightweight fleece.

Check out Novica.com for ALL of your Holiday Gifts this year! Your family will be so happy with their gifts that you purchased for them. You can't buy these in stores either! You can also choose from which Region you want to purchase items from, or from which causes, from someone who has had Cancer, Adversity, and more!

GIVEAWAY!

Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form for a chance to Win a $50 Gift Code to use at Novica.com! Giveaway is open to Everyone Worldwide, 18 years of age or older. Giveaway will end on 12/10/2020.

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Disclosure: I received a gift code to purchase items and review them in exchange for my post. No other compensation was exchanged or received. The above opinions are mine and mine alone.

Child Actor, and Now Children's Book Author, Arden Pala, Has His Own Book Series To Teach Children About Different Cultures.

"Superpowers for Good" cast member Arden Pala who was recently awarded “Best Child Actor” by the Los Angeles Film Awards talks about celebrating cultures and similarities in his new book series.

Arden wrote “The Adventures of Noah’s Flying Car Through China” (available to purchase now and on kindle) and “The Adventures of Noah’s Flying Car Through Turkey” (available only for amazon kindle) during his summer breaks and based them on trips he took with his family to China, Turkey and Mexico.

"The main message I want to get across is that folks are all different in various ways — maybe culturally or in beliefs, religions and background and other aspects. But the uniqueness of each person should be celebrated and that ultimately brings people together. In the process, they’ll probably also find they have a lot in common."

His 24-page children’s book with illustrations by Pavel Goldaev includes descriptions of Arden’s travels through the eyes of a young boy and his friends.

The book is part of a series that explores different countries around the world — the beauty of the land, historic places, and the food as experienced by several kids traveling in a flying car. Not a bad way to travel during the pandemic, although the series started several years before.

Proceeds benefit San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

The book, which raises money for the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund, takes readers on an adventure swimming with dolphins in Cabo San Lucas, and whale watching in Todos Santos on the way to the ancient pyramids of Chichen Itza where the kids explore a Mayan temple.

“I want kids to have a fun time when they read my book. I also want kids to learn about different cultures and food,” said Arden, a sixth-grader at Francis Parker School in San Diego.

The way Arden figures it, if he shows different places in the world where kids’ families come from, they can make a connection with those places and understand a little more about the kids who come from there.

“I wrote the books to show that it’s OK to be different,” said Arden.

Arden comes from an immigrant culture himself — Turkish American — and cultural differences and accepting each other with our differences, no matter where we come from, is something we discuss very often at home.

“I want to explain about a country in a short, fun way, so kids get to experience how exciting and cool it is,” said Arden.

"The Adventures of Noah's Flying Car Through Mexico" are only available for purchase on Amazon.com.

God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School - Book #Giveaway! (U.S.) Ends 9/7 #GodandMoney

Two young Harvard MBAs on the fast track to wealth and success tell their story of God's transforming power and how Scripture brought them to the startling conclusion that they should give the majority of their money away to those in need. Packed with compelling case studies, research, and practical strategies, God and Money offers an honest look at what the Bible says about generous giving. No matter what your salary may be, God and Money shows you how you can reap the rewards of radical generosity in your own life. Paperback, 224 pages.

*100% of the author royalties goes toward Christian ministries focused on spreading the Gospel and providing for those in need*

"John and Greg realize what everyone should know that middle-class Americans are among the richest people in world history. It's time for Christ-followers to understand that God has bigger purposes than increasing our standard of living He wants us to increase our standard of giving." Randy Alcorn, from the Foreword of God and Money

John Cortines and Gregory Baumer met as Harvard MBA candidates in a men's Bible study and stopped asking "How much should I give?" and started asking "How much do I need to keep?" With their top-notch education and rising careers, Cortines and Baumer were guaranteed comfort and security for the rest of their lives. However, when their plans for saving and spending collided with God's purposes for extravagant generosity, they were each compelled to make a life-changing decision that challenges the values held by mainstream America and many Christian commentators. Cortines and Baumer show not only how to radically give, but explain how to do so responsibly.

Dive into the story and get equipped with the practical tools to:

• Easily set budgets for spending
• Wisely steward your money
• Prepare and save for your future home ownership, retirement, higher education, etc.
• Know what the Bible says about money, tithing, and faith
• Discern when to give and when not to give

Featuring lessons from the Bible, modern day case studies, and practical ways to apply biblical principles no matter what situation you're in, God and Money provides an incredible look into what the Bible says about:

• Tithing and Christian giving
• Wealth and stewardship
• Faith and generosity
• Love of money
• And so much more!

From the parables of the Rich Young Ruler to the Widow's Mite, the Bible shows us that how we manage our money is critical to our relationship with God. God and Money uses these parables and more to teach you to save, spend, and steward your money in a biblical way by planting God's purposes at the heart of your practices.

Discover the 7 Core Principles of Wealth and Giving
Authors Cortines and Baumer pack 2,350 verses on money into 7 practical principles that can be applied to your life and finances on a daily basis. From shopping for groceries to your first down payment on a home, apply these reliable guidelines with ease and clarity.

• Everything we "own" actually belongs to God
• Giving should be voluntary, generous, cheerful, and needs-based
• Giving generously breaks down the power of money over us
• And more!

About the Authors:
Packed with compelling case studies, research, and practical applications, God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School outlines a simple framework and seven key principles for implementing radical generosity. No matter what your salary may be, Cortines and Baumer show how you can reap the rewards of radical generosity in your own life.

After launching his career in the Texas oil fields, John Cortines he decided to advance the biblical message of generosity full-time, joining the leadership team of Generous Giving. He was earning six figures as a petroleum engineer for a major oil company in Louisiana. He was so delighted in the prospect of shoring up wealth for his young family that his online banking password was “retire_at_40!” John was a Saver.

Gregory Baumer earned his BS in finance, business economics, and public policy from Indiana and his MBA from Harvard Business School. He was a 25-year-old analyst at a Boston private equity firm pulling down $250,000 a year. Why not drop $1,000 a month for dinners out with his wife? Greg was a Spender.

*Remember: 100% of the author royalties goes toward Christian ministries focused on spreading the Gospel and providing for those in need*

Buy It!

Win It!

Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form for a chance to Win your own copy of "God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School" book! Giveaway is open to residents who live in the main 48 continental United States only, 18 years of age or older. No P.O. Boxes, sorry.

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Disclosure: I received NO book or compensation in any way, shape or form for posting this information and giveaway. The above information comes from amazon(dot)com and from the publisher. 

Gifts For The Holidays From The World Vision Catalog! #Giveaway (U.S.) Ends 11/29 #GiftCatalog #HolidayGiftGuide

I have featured World Vision in My Holiday Gift Guides since I started my blog. World Vision helps make our world a better place. With the needs being larger than ever, we need to help those in need, especially around the holidays. So if your thinking of helping out by donating to charity this year, please check out WorldVision.org first! Since 1996, the World Vision Gift Catalog has grown in popularity as a gift-giving alternative. Last year alone, more than 822,000 people were helped through funds generated by their Catalog.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. See more at: http://www.worldvision.org/about-us/who-we-are#sthash.KbjajJUf.dpuf

They work in nearly 100 countries, serving all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. They believe in a full solution to poverty and injustice. World Vision provides emergency assistance to children and families affected by disasters and conflict, partner with communities for long-term solutions to alleviate poverty, and advocate for justice on behalf of the poor. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people.

For a the nominal monthly fee of just $39.00, you can sponsor a child in need and their family too! Above is an 8 year old boy named Manicharan from India. You can scroll down on the page and find out about where he lives, that his birthday is coming up and what he enjoys doing! My husband and I spent four months in India back in 2006, and I can tell you first hand that children and families in India need our help. Click here if you'd like to sponsor a child.

If you don't want to sponsor a child, you can donate money to help purchase food, supplies, water, clothing, shelter, hunger, medical care and more. Plus, it's a tax right off for you!

I reviewed an African Soapstone Box. The hand-carved African Soapstone Box is a perfect place to store necklaces, rings and other trinkets. This ornate handmade gift is etched by talented artisans in Kenya who are using this sustainable resource to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. It's beautifully crafted! I have this gorgeous box on my night stand. I keep my rings inside of it while I'm sleeping.

Connect With World Vision:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldvision/

On Twitter @WorldVisionNews or @WorldVisionUSA

Win It!

Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form for a chance to Win your own African Soapstone Box! Giveaway is open to residents in All 50 U.S. States, 18 year of age or older. No P.O. Boxes, sorry.

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Disclosure: I received one African Soapstone Box in exchange for my post. No other compensation was exchanged or received.

Cardinal Health Hospital Quality at Home! #BringTheCaringHome #IC #ad

Disclosure: Cardinal Health sent me these products to try, and donated to a charity of my choice.

I received a Hospital Quality at Home Advanced Wound Care pack in exchange for my post. It included samples of some gloves, would care products and some broken down boxes with information about the products and how to use them.

I have stayed in the hospital a total of six times. Once when I was five or six to have my tonsils out, three times for c-sections, once because I was pregnant and pulled a stomach muscle at 29 weeks and I thought that I was having contractions, and this last time was because I contracted Group A Strep, on my face. I looked awful. I was grateful that I followed my instincts and had my husband take me to the emergency room, or it could have been way worse. I was able to leave the hospital after four and a half days and I had to take antibiotics for ten days after I got home.

After my second c-section with my daughter Chloe, I could have used Cardinal Health's products. My c-section incision didn't close correctly and I was sent home with a few small holes in my stomach. Gross, I know. It would have been nice to have some sort of pads to sleep on like the Protective Underpad that I received in my kit. Instead, I ended up sleeping on water proof crib pads that I could wash and hang up to dry each night. My incision was leaking fluid day and night. I had to put long sanity napkins in the front of my underwear to absorb the fluid so that it wouldn't soak through my clothing. This went on for a few months before the holes started getting smaller. It took almost six months for my incision to completely heal. But I had to go to the store and walk around to get the supplies that I needed. I had no idea that I could go to the Cardinal Health website and hit "store locator" or just click and order from Amazon! This would have made my life, and recovery from having a baby, much easier to do.

After giving birth, undergoing surgery or recovering from an illness or injury, the scramble to obtain the best medical supplies for home care proves a difficult task. With a list of necessities from a physician or nurse in hand, one may find themselves bouncing from pharmacy to drugstore in search of the right products, amongst a sea of varieties and brands. The Cardinal HealthTM Advanced Wound Care products are ideal for local wounds such as blisters, minor cuts and scrapes, minor burns and minor surgical wounds.

Cardinal Health™ Hospital Quality at Home™ products make the transition from hospital to home recovery a smoother and more successful one. With products that aim to give you professional quality with the ease of at-home use, the focus remains on healing and recovery.

Cardinal Health medical products and services are used by most U.S. hospitals. They recently launched a line of at-home care products to provide comfort and independence while promoting healing. The Cardinal Health™ brand offers a full assortment of hospital-quality products to consumers, including Advanced Wound Care, First Aid, Personal Care, and Home Healthcare products.

Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, sometimes called a bedsore, are the second most common patient safety incident:  Nearly 36 for every 1,000 hospitalizations. Under the supervision of a health care professional, some use cases for transparent dressings include early stage bedsores (stage I and II pressure ulcers). Under the supervision of a health care professional, the Hydrocolloid and Silicone Bordered Foams may be used for diabetic, venous and arterial ulcers (common types of leg and foot ulcers) and early stage bedsores (stage I and II pressure ulcers).

Each year, 46.1 million inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures take place – so proper post-hospital care is critical to avoid re-admission. Nearly 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult. Access to the same quality products used in hospitals may positively impact quality of life for loved ones and caregivers transitioning care to the home.

The Cardinal HealthTM Advanced Wound Care products cover a wide range of needs that aid healing, offer long-lasting protection, and help provide a moist environment, which helps promote wound healing. With nearly 100 years of experience, Cardinal Health provides medical products and services to many of America’s most prestigious medical institutions. For more product information and indications for use, visit www.cardinalhealth.com/products.

Follow Cardinal Health Twitter: https://twitter.com/cardinalhealth

Connect with Cardinal Health on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardinal-health

True Heroes: A Treasury of Modern Day Fairy Tales - Book, Written by Best Selling Authors #Review! #AnythingCanBeProject #HolidayGiftGuide

About the book:
This one-of-a-kind treasury brings together the talents of nearly two dozen bestselling middle-grade authors including Shannon Hale, Brandon Mull, Ally Condie and Jennifer A. Nielsen-who have created original short stories, modern-day fairy tales, based on the lives and dreams of children they have met who all have two things in common: They have very big hopes and dreams and they are all cancer patients. Each short story is prefaced by a brief bio of the child and is accompanied by photographs of the child, fully costumed and digitally inserted into a background-A baker, a dancer, a superhero, a dragon fighter, a sports star, a princess and more- that makes them the hero of their own modern day fairy tale story written by one of their favorite authors.

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book, the photographs and the stories. My children love listening to them as bedtime stories and reading them too! This is a great book for everyone and anyone to read, young and old. This book would make a great Christmas Gift or anytime gift for others. I like that these children will forever be remembered in a great story written about them, and that these stories will be shared with the world.

True Heroes is available for purchase online and at your local book retailers. to learn more about the Anything Can Be Project, go to www.AnythingCanBeProject.com. ALL proceeds from purchasing this book will go to the Anything Can Be Project.

Photographer Jonathan Diaz asked each of these remarkable children, "If you could be anything, what would you be?" Their answers were the inspiration for this one-of-a-kind book.

So turn the page and meet Korbyn the firefighter, Bre the dancer, Braelyn the superhero, William the dragon rider, Tristan the football star, and Rae the princess—and more— who were all photographed in full costume and digitally inserted into a background showing them as the hero of their own story. Then read the original short stories that were based on each child's specific dream.

True Heroes shares the powerful message that children can do hard things. They are dreamers. They are fighters. They are heroes.

Contents:

• Lilly: Lilly, Warrior Princess by Shannon Hale
• Korbyn: A Firemand Always Helps by Tyler Whitesides
• Jacob: A Good Day for Victory by Jennifer A. Nielsen
• Cami: Fairy Magic by Sara B. Larson
• Annika: Annika, Little Fashionista by Kristyn Crown
• Marley: Marley's Shot by Stephen Reid Andrews
• Jordan: Jordan in Everywhere by Liesl Shurtliff
• Sarah: Swimming in the Stars by Ilima Todd
• Carson: Cowboy Carson by Jess Smart Smiley
• Caimbre: The Mermaid's Tale by Lehua Parker
• Sophia: Sophia's Wings by Sharlee Glenn
• Eli: Eli Rides the Sky by Clint Johnson
• Rae: The Princess in the MIrror by Linda Gerber
• Ellie: Ellie the Baker by Adam Glendon Sidwell
• Tristan: Tristan's Touchdowns by Frank L. Cole
• Sada: Sada of the High Seas by Bobbie Pyron
• Braelyn: Braelyn and the Speeding Train by Peggy Eddleman
• Breann: The Drop-Off by Ally Condie
• William: William and the Dragon by J. Scott Savage
• JP: The New Guy by Chad Morris
• Ethan: Batkid Versus the Bully by Brandon Mull

Follow Anything Can Be on Twitter.

LIKE Anything Can Be Project on Facebook.

Follow Anything Can Be Project on Instagram.

Subscribe to Anything Can Be Project on Youtube.


Disclosure: I received a copy of True Heroes: A Treasury of Modern Day Fairy Tales in exchange for my post. No other compensation was exchanged or received.

Check Out Three Of Rachel & The #TreeSchoolers Learning Shows For Preschoolers FREE! #KickStart

Rachel & the TreeSchools is different from other kids programming because it teaches children sign Language, songs, music, colors, flowers, how flowers, plants, and trees are created, and more! It teaches kids to have fun while learning things that they don't teach children much about in school anymore. Most everything after second grade is focused on learning about what's only on the tests, and how to pass them, which really is sad.

Rachel & the TreeSchoolers episodes contain layered learning. Children will learn about a subject, like flowers, and then be taught and shown little by little, how flowers, trees, and plants grow through music, dancing, cute little characters that children can relate to, and more!





Watching Rachel & the TreeSchoolers will help to make smart kids smarter! Signing Time and these episodes are all family funded programming. These episodes will also include the complete preschool curriculum! Which will be great for children whose parents can't afford to send them to preschool, children who don't qualify for HeadStart PreK programs, and for homeschooling parents too! Rachel & the TreeSchoolers is accountable to parents.

Every episode includes 30 plus facts and concepts that every preschooler needs to know! I started watching the second episode on Plants and Flowers with my 4 1/2 year old. We got through 10 minutes of it, she loved it, and wants to watch more! The intro was a little long, but the facts about flowers and cute characters caught her attention!

Kickstarter is down to the wire! $46K left to go before Saturday. Pledge and support a family funded program: http://kck.st/1kiEkps  

  

Thank you!

If you can't afford to donate at this time, please Tweet this: Please RT:Kids are smarter these days & need smarter TV. Pledge to the #TreeSchoolers kickstater to finish the series http://kck.st/1kiEkps

OR Tweet This: If you love @SigningTime, you'll love @TreeSchoolers! Back this Kickstarter today! http://kck.st/1kiEkps  (pls retweet)

Thank you for reading this! Here are link to the first three episodes! Ep. 1: A Rainy Day Ep. 2: Plants & Flowers Ep. 3: Incredible Insects Ep 4: (preview) My Amazing Body! One of them is posted above!

Lyft Drivers in Nashville, Tennessee Are Helping Those In Need! Donate Today, If You Can! #LyftLove #Stacheville

In February 2014, Nashville, Tennessee had the coldest winter in over a decade. A local driver for Lyft, named Ralph Smith, decided he wanted to help. He recruited several 'Stacheville drivers, and Lyft Kit Assembly was born! Roughly 25 kits stuffed full of food, water, and other crucial supplies, were created, and passed out to those in need. Now, 3 months later, we are kicking it up a notch!

On June 8th, Lyft Kit Assembly #2 is scheduled, with a goal of 200 kits!!! The donations to this site, are simply to help cover costs of any items needed for the kits (didn't hit full goal on supply sheet). Any funds left over/unused will be held for Lyft Kit Assembly #3!!!




Click HERE to Donate Today! Thank you so much! My three children and I will be helping pack these 200 bags for the homeless, if our help is needed!

Click on the list to make it bigger! Above is a list of the items that they need. If you can donate, please contact Stephanie Hall on Facebook or you can email her at Takkoie319 at gmail.com. Thank you.

Purchase a T-Shirt and Help Wholly Guacamole Send 100 Kids to Camp!

Help Wholly Guacamole send 100 Kids to camp and receive a FREE Wholly Guacamole^® coupon!

September 16 was National Guacamole Day! Yes, it's a real holiday (kind of) and no, we didn't invent it (but we'll celebrate it!) This year, they launched a special program on September 16th. We meet everyday, average people everyday who are Heroes! Wholly Guacamole wanted to celebrate a special group of people who are indeed heroes in our book- the children of the soldiers who honorably serve our country every day. 

Every year, 2 million kids say goodbye to their moms or dads as they deploy. This means 2 million birthdays, first day of school, last day of school, holidays and special events are missed. Wholly Guacamole teamed up with Brad Meltzer, NY Times bestselling author and creator of Ordinary People Change The World. His team created the artwork for our Wholly™ Heroes program. The proceeds with go to Operation Purple^® camps which is part of the National Military Family Association. These summer camps are special for military kids and the organization is a non-profit. Please help us meet our goal to send 100 kids to camp!

Program Details:

- Go to eatwholly.com or facebook.com/whollyguacamole to purchase a shirt or donate directly to Operation Purple camps!

- The shirts are $10 and the entire $10 amount will go towards their goal.

- Their goal is to sell 5,000 shirts to meet our goal of sending 100 kids to camp.

- Sales are via Pay Pal and shipping is included.

- Both youth and adult size shirts are available.

- Program Ends October 31st, 2012

- EACH ORDER WILL RECEIVE A COUPON FOR ONE (1) FREE WHOLLY GUACAMOLE PRODUCT- (up to $6.00 coupon)

Links:

- The Official Press Release

- eatwholly.com direct link: http://tiny.cc/04qfkw

- facebook.com/whollyguacamole

Images:

Tshirt art created by Ordinary People Change the World

Great Holiday Gift Ideas from Gourmet Gift Baskets and Donations for Injured Soldiers!

My family and I LOVE the holidays and giving back to others, especially those who serve our country. But I know that there is always someone on your list that is hard to buy for - or maybe you need a gift idea for a co-worker, your boss, or a white elephant gift? Check out the Christmas Baskets at Gourmet Gift Baskets! There is a wide variety to choose from such as a Cookie Basket, Christmas Morning Breakfast Gift Basket, or a Fruit Basket!

The professional designers at Gourmet Gift Baskets have spent many hours traveling to food and beverage shows to select award winning ingredients that everyone will enjoy. To top it off they select attractive gourmet Christmas baskets and novelty containers to use in their artistic presentations. And if what you see in our Christmas section is not quite what you would like to give, just a few moments speaking to one of these designers allows you to customize your Corporate Christmas gift baskets idea to your specifications.

For health conscious or vegetarians on your Christmas gift list, you will find an array of tasty nutritional foods including Christmas fruit baskets you can be sure they’ll love. Of course, chocolate tops my list, and they have the world’s best put together in a chocolate feast for both the eyes and the palate. If chocolate is their favorite, make sure you check out their Christmas chocolate gift baskets.


For writing this post - Gourmet Gift Baskets will send TWO care packages to injured soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda Maryland on behalf of Having Fun Saving. If you write a blog and are interested in writing a post as well - they will donated another TWO care packages! Just send me your link by 12/9 and I will forward it along - or e-mail me at havingfunsaving at yahoo with any questions.

A Season For Giving

This Christmas season, I have felt a heavy need to give back to others. I wish that I could do more, but we can't afford it this year. Being a blogger, I have earned a little money doing blog posts and reviews. Some of it, I spent on my children earlier this year. But since this summer, I have been saving it. I ended up with enough to buy a small gift for a friend's little girl that was something that her mother wanted to purchase for her little girl, but she didn't have the money. The rest of the money I donated to my mom's group online because there are over 80 of us, and some of them needed help with Christmas gifts and food this year for their families to have a nice Christmas dinner. One Mom organized it and has been collecting money and gifts to give to our Moms and families in need. It's nice to know that people aren't afraid to come forward and ask for help.

In a few days, you won't find those Angel Trees around anymore. December 2nd or 3rd is the last day that you can purchase some much needed clothes or toys for a child in need.

If you want to give back this year, please go to your local grocery store or mall and pick up an Angel on one of the Angel Trees and purchase a few gifts for a child or children in need this year. The need for these gifts has more than doubled this year here in Tennessee, and not too many people are helping out. Only half of the children in need have gifts to open Christmas morning. Now that's really sad.

If you already purchased an Angel from an Angel Tree and you still want to give back, please email me or leave a comment here. I know of a sweet dog who needs surgery and an animal rescue needs the money to pay for it, this dog was hit by a car.

I also know a family who is trying to adopt twins from another country who really need help, and they need the money to be able to do this ASAP. You can check out more information on "A Good Kind of Crazy" and donate on the right sidebar.

I have a few toys left over from this years house parties, I am donating them to Toys for Tots!

Whatever you feel called to do this Holiday season, please give back or volunteer your time as much as you can to help others. We are all here to help each other out.

Check out the Literacy Site! (Donate to Charities for FREE!)

In about 10 seconds, you can push all six buttons and at no cost to yourself, provide money toward feeding the hungry, protecting animals, preserving the rainforest, buying books for kids in need, providing mammograms for women, and giving free child health care. And if you buy something from one of the sites, even more money goes to these charities. (copied from Growing a Baby in Seattle Reviews)

Click HERE to go to the Literacy Site and help these charities now, and every morning when you wake up, while the kiddos are napping, or before you go to bed! It only takes a few seconds of your time.

Click HERE to sign up for their Free Weekly Newsletter and/or sign up for Daily Email Reminders to click on their website everyday.

Make sure to then follow them on Facebook and Twitter!