Saturday's Serious Note- Spend Time with your Children

I know I don't really need to send out a reminder to any parent that their child or children are growing up so fast. Maybe I'm making this post to remind myself. I can't believe that both my children are in school now. I enjoy the quiet time I have now at home to actually do my job- but I do miss them being around. I can't believe how much of an adult conversation I can have with both of them sometimes. I like that I can understand both of them better and we can talk about more- but I miss their simple little conversations that were always sweet and cute. Both of them are growing so tall too! It's nice to be able to do more active things with them since they are getting taller and motor skills are more developed- but I really miss just holding their little bodies in my arms and lifting them out of the car while they slept to find them still sleeping when I brought them in our home to lay them down.

I have to remember though- that although there is so much I miss about my children being little (my daughter is going to be 7 in a couple weeks and my son will be 6 in a few months) there are many things I can now experience with them as they are older.

This Christmas my children will be recieving books (educational and pleasurable) and some board games. I am looking forward to their break from school so I can spend some quality fun time with them- now that they're getting old enough to understand learning new things, how to enjoy a more complicated story, and how to follow game rules.

How are you spending time with your children this season? What do you miss about them being younger? What you do enjoy about them getting older?

Take every moment you can get.

Saturday's Serious Note (on Sunday)- Holiday Family Connections

Just a quick note to everyone- please remember your family and friends that have been out of connection this holiday season. I usually don't like saying this just because it is around the holidays- I believe relationships need to be built, encouraged, and on a level ground all year long- but sometimes you just need that special mood to be able to kick things back into action. For example- say you're sorry to someone you fought with a while ago even if you're not wrong- just to settle things and get that friendship going again. Be persistent in trying to inspire that "scrooge" in your family to come join the others in the celebrations. Don't forget to tell your mom, grandpa, grandma, dad, children, sister, brother, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. that you love them, send them a card, share a memory- even if some of those family members are never around the rest of the year. You just never know when you'll lose them and they'll never be around again.

If you have a difficult relationship with a family member- or had in the past- and are or was able to settle it through some small kind action- please share your perceptive thoughts.

Happy Holidays and Love spread to all!

Black Friday Syndrome- List of Etsy Black Friday Sellers

Hi Everyone,

I composed a list of Black Friday Sellers with Sales on etsy so that when you're doing your crazy shopping next week online you can get the best deals. I am posting that list here for you to peruse because I understand some shops may be starting their sales early for you to grab the items and run before other online Black Friday shoppers.

Whilst you look at this list and pursue the event of shopping at them- please remember to pay attention to their shop announcements, shop policies, and item descriptions so you understand how their sale works.

My shop name is also on this list- and I will most likely start my sale on the Wednesday before thanksgiving so I have some time to promote before getting caught up in the family meal stuff.

Happy shopping!

http://delightfulperception.etsy.com/ - variety gift shop- sale: 20% off everything except clearance items and free shipping

http://factorygirlashli.etsy.com/ - $5 off purchases of $25, $10 off $50, $10 off $100

http://bathbuddies.etsy.com/ - yummy bath and body products - sale: 20% off entire store, does not include shipping, sale ends midnight EST 11/27/09

http://www.hischild.etsy.com/ - Jewelry with a few quilting squares - Sale: items moved to Super Sale section and free gift with every purchase! Free Shipping on Black Friday!

http://www.marasmaples.etsy.com/ -- all natural, totally delicious, nuts, granola and more, made with Real Grade A maple syrup, has no added oil, butter or fat...and all products are completely vegan. We will be offering buy 2 get 1 free black friday thru cyber monday! check us out and enjoy!

http://www.thepaperstop.etsy.com/ -- Handmade and digital papercrafts: cards, tags, embellishments and customizable photo cards  *25% off all Customizable Photo Cards (Holiday Cards and Birth Announcements) Black Friday through Cyber Monday*

http://www.naturemanipulated.etsy.com/ - - One-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, handmade greeting cards, nature photography and other unique accessories *SALE* 20% off ALL orders of $25 or more (refund through PayPal); FREE holiday card with necklace purchase; Buy 1 photograph get 1 FREE (equal or lesser value)

http://www.serenie.etsy.com/ Nature Inspired, Shabby Chic, Romantic Floral Handmade Jewelry

http://www.suzefashion.etsy.com/ Nov. 27-30th 10% off entire shop (enter <> in notes to seller). Free Note Card/Gift Tag set with purchase over $5.

http://tgcbc.etsy.com/ Fresh coffee roasted daily! We'll be offering 15% off all coffee from Nov 26- Dec 1st. 6 days! Woo! Just listed coffee sample packs, too, which I'm really excited about.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cr8ted4U I have one of a kind jewelry, gift bag, tags, patterns and more. All jewelry comes with a gift bag and tag, all orders will come with a free gift. 20% off if you spend $10 or more. If you spend $30 or more I will offer free shipping

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BinksButtonsNBobbins Purses, Purse Organizers and Camera Straps! Very affordable and unique.

http://www.orionbotanicals.etsy.com/ Candles, Tarts, Sachets, Reed Oil Diffusers & Home Fragrances. Black Friday Sale available now! Buy One Get One, up to 50% off & free shipping available.

http://www.sweetwatergifts.etsy.com/
Nov 26-30. Distinctive jewelry of exceptional quality and value for men and women. FREE 1st Class Domestic Shipping.

http://eternalimages.etsy.com/ Double your order for FREE!!! Photos, postcards, notecards, pendants!!!

http://simplyuniquekreation.etsy.com/ 20% off all items, free gift with purcahse, and free shipping

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatyScudieri
I'm having free shipping worldwide from midnight e.s.t. 11-27-09 until midnight e.s.t. 11-30-09!
Until then, free shipping as usual to the lower 48 and Canada!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecandyappletree
Buy 4 apples get 1 free!
Buy 6 apples get 2 free!

http://aestheticsandoldlace.etsy.com/
FREE Worldwide Shipping on the entire shop!
NOv 27 through Nov30

http://cruzchic4crafts.etsy.com/
FREE SHIPPING in the US from Black Friday to Cyber Monday
I sell papercrafts: cards, scrapbooks, gift tags, bags, boxes, etc....

http://princesschibi.etsy.com/
FREE SHIPPING on everything except clearance and destash items! black friday thru cyber monday!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MABjewelry
One-of-a-kind vintage inspired jewelry, 20% off with free worldwide shipping, already on sale. Thanks!

http://sugarshoxcrafts.etsy.com/
Wallets, Jewelry & Home decor with a geeky, upcycled feel. Free X-Mas Goodies ornament w purchase (Black Friday-Cyber Monday). Please specify choice in Note to Seller :)

http://sabbio.etsy.com/ WONDERS FOR ART AND CRAFT LOVERS!!! Original paintings, prints, jewels, journals and boxes... 20 % OFF on the HANDMIRRORS and a FREE art postcard FOR MY 20TH SALE! (enter "20 OFF" in NOTE to seller)

http://luvmymonkeys.etsy.com/- christmas afghan, teacher gifts,tissue box cover,christmas cards $1 each and much more

http://locdesigner.etsy.com/ Black Friday Sale at LOC Design Studio
20% off entire purchase from Friday, November 27 until midnight December 1. I will change prices before the sale begins so that you can shop and pay without waiting for an adjusted total! Items with color/style options are relistable so don't let a sold sign stop you! I expect to be near my computer all day on Friday so if I haven't gotten it relisted yet, convo me and I'll get it taken care of PDQ!

http://etco.etsy.com/ I'll be offering Free Worldwide Shipping on all orders! 11/27 -11/30.Please enter the code "EtsyFreeShipping" in the message to seller box during checkout, and your discount will be refunded via PayPal.

http://leslyewrytes.etsy.com/ - inspirational greeting and note cards including a Christmas collection - FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Hey Good Lookin' Whatcha Got Thinkin'?

So this post is a random thought tribute to all moms, wifes, and heads of households.

Random thoughts to be mentioned:

a. Counting Calories- Seriously?
b. Moms Who Think
c. Its a Crime to Waste Time
d. Here Turkey Turkey
e. and: Cupcakes!

a. When I start putting on those extra pounds I start counting calories and trying somewhat my best to do some physical exercise for about 20 minutes at the very least every other day. Counting calories is VERY difficult and sometimes hard to get motivated to do. I know I'm going to put a lot of the pounds back on this holiday season. But here's what bothers me the most: WHY can't calorie counts be REALISTIC and serving sizes? For example- why can't they make it easier for me by saying a cereal serving is 2 cups (because I can't just eat 1 cup and be satisfied)? And why do some items use "ounces" instead of teaspoons or tablespoons or the number of items I'm going to eat (crackers or nuts for example)? But- here's a good thing. I found a link to a site that helps you know what calories are in veggies and fruit. I can't believe it entirely but it is helpful. Take a look: www.dietbites.com

b. I want to send a thank you to all the mom's who choose to think about what's best for their family even if it means making extra sacrifices. I pray for those who don't seem to care about much except getting their next drink of alcohol or getting their next drug fix. Thank you to the moms and wives who care so much about their husband and children that they never want to put their lives in danger, that never want to "not be there" for them, and that does her best to make sure they all know she's there at all times. Sometimes a mom/wife can show how much she loves her family by making sure there's always a good meal on the table at dinnertime. That doesn't always have to be a sacrificing moment though- in fact, sometimes its a lot more interesting if you don't have to sacrifice so much time to a dinner or to thinking up a special dinner- but rather spend that time with the ones you love. I'd like to promote the link www.momswhothink.com because it has helped with some great dinner ideas! Take a look! :)

c. I work from home making phone calls to try and sell insurance- but sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my time. I can't sit still and watch TV with my husband in the evening, I can't take a relaxing bath every time when I know there's stuff to be done, and it's hard for me to sit on my butt and make some phone calls without accomplishing some other goal. So- my solution- I make or start my christmas gift projects that involve crocheting, cutting, or writing while I'm making those phone calls, sitting and watching TV, and even taking a bath. :) I just can't waste the time when there's so much to be done! It's almost here!

d. Here's some cute Turkey facts for Thanks giving that were cut out of a local ad this month: -Turkeys can see in color -In 2008 there was an estimated 271 million turkeys raised - Turkey is low in fat and high in protein. Great source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamiins. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Turkey!

e. I won a giveaway! http://joydevivredesign.blogspot.com/2009/10/and-our-weekly-winner-is_31.html It was the cutest little cupcake pouch by http://vegancraftastic.etsy.com Come look at her shop! Very full of variety and great stuff!

Well- Happy weekend to you all! Thanks for reading and please share your thoughts!

Saturday's Serious Note- That Burning Voice of Guilt in the Holiday Season

I just want to send a quick shout out to everyone- asking that you get into the holiday spirit a little early. Of course, like many of us, I grew up knowing I need to count my blessings. I also believe that I should share my blessings. Sometimes I forget, and justify myself by stating I'm taking care of my children and husband, and I make and buy great gifts for my family around the holiday season, birthdays, or when its a special event... But sometimes that burning voice inside me says- you didn't really need to buy that unfinished wood whatever muh bob to paint... you didn't need to buy that bag of "only for mommy at that time of the month" mint chocolates... That money, or even those items, could have gone to someone else to make their day...

I know we're not supposed to blow our own horn on what we donate- its supposed to be a quiet thing to do because we're not doing it to get glory for ourselves- but I'd like to hear of something you've done for someone else recently...

Whether you donated time, money, clothing, toys, anything with your heart and thought into it for anyone! It counts when you give those clothes that your kids don't fit in anymore to someone's kid you know who needs them... instead of selling them on craigslist or at a yardsale. It counts when you brought that jar of homemade jelly to a neighbor that you know who just had a hard time with some incident in their life. It counts when you take the time out of your day to say a prayer for someone you don't even know- or ask others to pray for them as well.

Get rid of that burning voice of guilt- and do good for someone in any way you can- and start now- don't wait for the "Christmas Spirit" to take you over. You just might take someone by surprise and make a huge difference in their life.

Boggle Blogging 2

ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS: From last month's boggle game we have first place going to: Krazy Kate Designs! YAY! 2nd place going to Cheeky Lemur! Yay! and 3rd place goes to EtsyGems! Yay!

So Everyone- Let's Play a Blogger style Boggle AGAIN!!! Please be honest with yourself and with other posters when timing yourself in finding words...

Here's how to play:


Using the image above of a Boggle cube time yourself for 3 minutes and find as many 3 letter or more words as possible. "Letters must join in the propper sequence to spell a word. They may join horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, to the left, right, or up-and-down. No letter, cube, however, may be used mroe than once within a single word."

"Any word (noun, adjective, adverb, etc. ) is acceptable as long as it can be found in a standard English dictionary. Plural nouns are allowed, as are all verb tenses. Words within words are also permissible; e.g.,spare: spa, par, are, spar, pare."

Comment on this post with your list of words. Again BE HONEST! and Time Yourself! First write your words down using the image- and timing yourself. Then post what you've written down. Please do not look at other posts until you are finished as we don't want anyone cheating and finding words within someone else's words...

Have Fun! I'll only be posting a first place winner next month (on the 12th of December)- let's try to get more than 6 players this time! :)


Quoted Rules from http://www.centralconnector.com/GAMES/boggle.html

Pet Antics 1- Fat Cat

This is the first post in my 4 post series of my 4 animals. The first one is on our entertaining male cat, Fat Cat. Sad but true we named him fat cat. You'll see why in some of the photos below.

Fat Cat is a very loving brother to his sister cat: Girly.

He loves to lay with her and because she's such a clean freak he offers to help clean her off too.

He's fat but he still likes to fit himself into tight spaces.

Of course he's fat because he loves food so much. Salmon is his favorite- though he's not allowed to be eating that well!

He's so fat, he has to lay down while he's eating.

And playing...

And sometimes he likes to think he's got some good meat on him. Cat for dinner anyone?

We love our Fatty! :) He's so cute and such a character! I hope you enjoyed looking!

Saturday's Serious Note- Keeping the Faith

There was a time in the past couple months that I questioned whether I should be so open about my faith with my etsy shop and blog. I was worried it might revolt some people from reading what I write, looking at my items, or even "stepping in" to my shop after seeing my avatar...

But I stopped myself from worrying. God helped me decide not to worry so much about what other people think while going through my crafty ventures. I can proclaim my faith in Him because He is the one who has blessed me with the abilities to create what I can, who has blessed me with family and friends to think of and create for, and blessed me with easy access to proclaim Him. I realize that "preaching" to people can sometimes set them off- but the nice thing about what I can do in my blog and shop is that it isn't overly infiltrated with my demanding on what you should believe- just proclaiming what I believe. You can choose to read it, and you can choose not to- It won't effect me either way.

My main point is- regardless of how many readers, followers, or shoppers I have- I will keep my faith as an open book. This does not mean I have a lack of respect for those who do not share my faith- and it doesn't mean I will let my faith cause me to judge others when I am reading, shopping, or commenting in their "spaces".

Now- my challenge question to others- regardless of what faith you carry or if you don't carry any at all- when you see a shop or a blog that is infiltrated with God or the lack of God- does it influence what you want to read, comment on, or heart in the shop? How and why?

Gifts for The Home and Other Great Gift Shops!

So, I wanted to share my section in my shop with gifts for the home because I know how sometimes we forget to get those little cute home things we like for ourselves- and I've always enjoyed how around the holidays my family remembers those kinds of things for me. Who will you think of and what do you think they need?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DelightfulPerception?section_id=6438964

Come look at many new items in my shop by clicking on the link above- it takes you directly to the "gifts for the home" section.

I've also been searching around for other variety gift shops as I am one as well. I have included a list below so you can do some browsing for your Christmas shopping!

http://wkv2069.etsy.com Cards, jewelry, supplies
http://RFcolorfulcreations.etsy.com Cute clocks, journals, lamps
http://gleeza.etsy.com Jewelry, crochet hats, painted kitchen items
http://anickascottage.etsy.com clothing, scarves, vintage collectibles
http://styrendesigns.etsy.com Pens, keychains, bottle stoppers
http://dunkdesigns.etsy.com cards, ornaments, jewelry
http://aniasjewelry.etsy.com jewelry, hats, scarves
http://cardsandnotes.etsy.com cards, notebooks, binder clips
http://havefaithbelieve.etsy.com pin cushions, hair clips, bookmarks
http://justbeachyshop.etsy.com signs, wine charms, fabric crafts
http://mostlymadelines.etsy.com vintage variety: decor, gifts, housewares
http://cartooniecatdoodles.etsy.com stickers, magnets, jewelry
http://p1xie.etsy.com clothing, cute crafts, costumes

And those are what we have! Enjoy!

Saturday's Serious Note (On Sunday)- Touchy Subject Politics

Yesterday, Halloween, was busy- so no real time to get on the computer and post my usual Saturday Serious Note. So here it is on Sunday.

First let me note- I realize politics are a touchy subject and I might not have a great "approval rating" for my blog by putting my views up- but I'd like to make stuff more interesting.

I'm going to put the question out there...

Do you think we have enough checks and balances in our governmental system today to keep it limited and focused on the needs, rights, and foundations of what the American people represent?

I am usually not involved in keeping up with politcal media as much as I probably should- no more than watching the daily news, listening to my husband's commentaries, and the occasional talk show when I'm not busy doing something else.

But a show my husband and I watched together last week by Glen Beck was very interesting to me... To be honest- when Beck is on and my husband is watching- I usually don't watch because sometimes he seems off the wall, disorganized, and I can't understand what he's talking about. However- this one particular show about our Founding Fathers vs. Today's Progressives scared me and got me fired up...

Why don't you take a look at the topic here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,570762,00.html

We are going so far from what we orignally had our country founded on. We don't need the government involved in everything we are made of- for it's own selfish growth and power! The government is made of people too- they are no angels or saints- their system is just as flawed as an individual is!

Have you considered this topic at all lately?

Here's what I think... with some inspirational ideas bounced off my husband...

When our Founding Fathers made this country the way it is, and set up the system for it- there was one president for only a few states. Now that we have so many more states and individuals and new points of view- shouldn't our country have more presidents? Possibly one for each region? That way everyone is really more equally represented and there is a better checks and balances system with each president in each region having to be accountable to the other and to the people for national decisions?

Hmmmm... keep considering... talk it out with someone... do some research... put in your perceptive thought.