Soldiers' Angels (please read)

Dear readers,

I have been a member of this organization for over 5 years now. This is a wonderful organization doing all they can to help our Soldiers in any way they can. Please read this email I recieved from them today and if you can help out even if it is only a little bit everything counts and everything matters. Thousands of men and women fight every day for our safety and freedom, let us do what we can to help them in return and show them that we care.  You don't have to support the war to support our troops.


The following is the email

Dear Angels,

Last week I told you about all those pallets of wonderful gifts and supplies for the troops, waiting for postage.  So many of you came through like champs, donating to send thousands of care packages for deployed heroes so that they would know they aren't forgotten.

But we still have thousands of care packages sitting on the warehouse floor.  We need $30,000 right now in order to send the rest of these supplies to the troops who need them!

Please click to help us get these supplies to American heroes!
 

The power of a care package comes when a tired, stressed soldier comes back to his bunk and sees that someone remembered.  But right now, the power of all these care packages is hidden, sitting quietly on a warehouse floor instead of on a hero's bunk. 

Your help is needed right now to unleash the power of these packages, to pour all the morale-boosting support out into the hands of a hero who needs to know America remembers!

Please click to help us get these supplies to American heroes!

With the impending drawdown in Afghanistan, troops are experiencing reduced access to basic amenities.  Each one of these care packages filled with supplies, love and support from home, is more important than ever!

Will you join me in showing America's heroes that they are never forgotten?  Can you help us send just one care package?   More than one--maybe 10?

Please help in whatever way you can.  Every single dollar moves these care packages one step closer from the warehouse to the heroes who need them.

Wingtip to Wingtip,

Patti Patton-Bader
Founder, Soldiers' Angels
www.soldiersangels.org

P.S.  You can bring a smile to a hero's face during these most trying times.  It is truly more important than ever that we show these men and women that our hearts are still with them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also for all of you crafty ladies and gents there is the Hope Blanket project
click here to learn more...http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=blankets-of-hope

Still Here!!

Yes! surprisingly enough I am still here. I took a break for awhile because I had just put to much on my plate. With running the business, going to school full time, blogging, doing product reviews, and taking care of kids hubby and home, it was just all to much. and finally it all caught up with me and I got the flu along with strep, ear infection bronchitis and then pneumonia all in a 3 week period. I am feeling a lot better now. I still have a touch of bronchitis and the ears are still a little funny but I am still chipping away at the dream trying to do all I can to achieve it. I am not going to promise that I will blog every day, I will try for once a week but if that does not happen I will not feel so bad about it anymore. I have to be more concerned about my health so I can take care of my kids. I finally decided to buy a sewing machine a few weeks back and have been sewing like crazy until I got sick
so Tell me what you think!!!

All can be found here at WILD IVY  http://wildivydesign.storenvy.com/

Found on Pinterest

FOUND ON PINTEREST

EVERY Target shopper NEEDS to know this: If the price ends in 8, it will be marked down again. If it ends in a 4, its the lowest it will be. Targets mark down schedule. -
MONDAY: Kids Clothing, Stationery (office supplies, gift wrap), Electronics.
TUESDAY: Womens Clothing and Domestics.
WEDNESDAY: Mens Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty.
THURSDAY: Lingerie, Shoes, Housewares.
FRIDAY: cosmetics.
 This is maybe the best pin EVER !

Tired and Losing my mind

So I have not been able to post lately because I am just so busy. I am working so hard to try and get all of my orders out in a timely manner, go to school full time, blog, and take care of the kids and home. I am about to lose it!!!! Everything is falling behind. I am scarping by on school and if I don't catch up soon I will fall behind, my orders are going out late and causing angry customers, I am falling behind on my reviews, and I my home looks like hell. Not to mention I am tired all the time, hardly sleep and am starting to get sick often. I just can not seem to find that happy medium. I want to be super mom but am falling short.

Yeah They are not knocking on my door.
I am trying so hard I want my business to keep going and I feel so bad if I disappoint someone. How to I make it right for being late on a n order though? I understand that if you pay for it you want it now!! At the same time my professors want their homework now! I have tried hiring friends here and there to help ship orders but for the most part it bit me in the but. I have one or two that work really well but they have lives of their own and not much time either. I just cant seem to keep myself from adding more to my plate when it is already full. I need my business because it is how I pay my bills but I need school as well because it will help provide a better future for my family than just relying on my business forever. I guess it is just one of those days where I need to rant because I have to let it out. I know there is not any great answers but if you have any comment! anything words of wisdom, encouragement, or just get over it! Does your life ever feel this way? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Hope you have a happy and hectic free weekend!

January Conscious Box

  January's Conscious box!!
Here is what we got!

34 Degrees
Bite into the more natural, thinner, crispier cracker. Perfect with your favorite cheeses or just on their own, 34 Degrees crackers are delectable treats suited for any culinary creation. Made with unbleached wheat flour, a hint of natural cheese flavor, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Yum!

Chia Shots
The Chia Co is proud to pumping out chia seeds all day long. Why’s that? Because Chia seeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3, dietary fiber, protein, and antioxidants. The Chia Co also works with nature to ensure sustainable agriculture; this means strategically timing crops, using the best soil, and enacting smart methods of growing, like gravity fed irrigation and chemical-free mechanical harvesting.

LARABAR
We’re excited to be trying out the Uber. What’s different? This bar has got big texture (along with big taste!). This gluten-free, non-GMO, all natural, and Kosher scrumptiously succulent bar is packed with a flavor profile that’ll stick to your memory without sticking to your teeth. No refined sugar and made with dry-roasted nuts (no oil added).

Pamela’s Products
We fell in love with Pamela’s Products within the first bite. These wheat-free, gluten-free brownies are not only delicious, but they’re also super quick and easy to make. Pamela’s also regularly supports autism and celiac organizations, and is a member of the American Celiac Disease Alliance. Go Pamela’s!

Q.Bel
Don’t say we didn’t warn you. These crispy mint wafers are incredibly delicious and deserving of a savory taste bud addition. Non-GMO, whole grain, dairy-free, and made with 70% cacao makes this a healthy alternative to any cookie that might be stocking the pantry.

Teeccino
Looking for a seriously superfood cereal? Check out Teechia, the high performance super seeds that pack a serious punch of fiber and protein. A bowl of Teechia will provides lasting energy with lasting satisfaction. Whip up a bowl and take your first spoonful of chia, quinoa, amaranth, ramon, and pumpkin seeds!

Sahale Snacks
All natural ingredients + culinary magic = a great tasting, healthy snack that is deserving of serious celebration. Sahale Snacks blends scrumptious whole almonds with orange blossom honey, dried cranberries, toasty sesame seeds, and sea salt. Made in a 100% wind-powered facility makes sure Mother Earth is just as happy as your taste buds!

Tea Forte
Refresh yourself with this invigorating mint from Tea Forte. With a taste that will make your taste buds tingle, Tea Forte is the perfect follow up to lunch, the morning coffee, or anything else that might make your coworkers’ olfactory wonder what’s up. Fortified with antioxidants makes this a mint that helps support your body’s defenses too.

Waxalene
Drop the old petroleum jelly and go with something more natural. Organic Soy oil, Beeswax, natural vitamin E, and organic rosemary oil makes this a healthy, nourishing moisturizer and base for everything from dry skin to make up. No petroleum, not greasy, completely biodegradable and free of animal testing.


Dale’s Raw Protein Bar
Dale has been whipping up some of the best raw food around for quite some time, and boy are we excited to be loading you up with one of his incredible bars. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with protein, Dale knows what it takes to make an awesome treat. No artificial preservatives or sweeteners. Simple ingredients for a simply awesome snack. (PS. Don’t sweat the refrigeration suggestion. Dale suggests refrigerating to prevent falling apart in warmer climates.)

MAAKOA
Koopuwa. Just say it a few times. It’s fun! Koopuwa! What is it? It’s a super food, super antioxidant, super-stimulating blend of phytonutrients with deliciously distinctive flavors coming right from fruits. Drink right from the pouch or mix with the morning smoothie to get all the Cupuaçu, Acai, red grape, pomegranate, and berry berry goodness inside!

Nutiva Hemp Seed
Hemp Seed is one of nature’s wonders, just now becoming re-celebrated by so many in the health community. These seeds are an incredible 33% protein and are filled with omegas perfect for building a better brain and body. Eat plain, add as a condiment, or mix in a shake.

BONUS! Nordic Naturals
Fish oils are great for supporting brain function, memory, and mood. The benefit comes from omega-3 and omega-9 oils, which have anti-inflammatory alongside anti-clotting benefits. Nordic Natural only uses the finest fish oils, third party tested for environmental toxins like heavy metals and dioxins. As a result, they produce fish oils that far surpass international standards.

Friday fun

So many things going on right now and so much I need to blog. I met some lovely artist I want to introduce you too when I was in New Orleans. I have been trying some great products lately that I want to shout about. However before I do all of that I have to share that I am super excited because I broke 1000 sales in my store Wild Ivy tonight!!!!! I have worked so hard on this all year I have lost sleep and time and to see 1000 sales in my first year is just amazing to me. Thank you to everyone that has ordered from me and in honor of the 1000 sale mark I am going to host another giveaway. Right now I am looking for sponsors that would like to add something to this giveaway I would love to make it big and great!!! Anyone interested in being a part of this giveaway message me at theartist421@gmail.com or just comment here. If you would like to see my shop stop in and check it out!
http://wildivydesign.storenvy.com

Have a great Weekend!!

Hectic Wednesday

Hi all Just stopping by to let you all know  I have not forgotten about my blog! I have been out of town on a business trip/vacation in New Orleans. If you didn't know we are looking to move in June when our lease is up. Neither my husband or myself is happy with the place we live in, my kids dont really like it here either.  Both my husband and myself are Artist by trade and we are both in school to have other options available to us because we are tired of being starving artist. The whole cliche is not so funny when you never know where your next dollar is coming from. We do not live in a community that support artist at all. We were looking into Atlanta but were not very sure so we decided to check out New Orleans and let me tell you I think we may have found where we belong. I hope anyway. New Orleans defiantly supports their artist and it looks like we could do pretty good there. Of course we wont quit school we still need that back up plan and I am only 1 and 1/2 years away from my degree. We are hoping to go back over spring break to make our final decision. So fingers crossed! have a great Wednesday!!
Here are a few pics from the trip!!