Hand Painted Ornaments

by Meredith

In need of a few little gifts this holiday season?  Here's a creative idea.  Pick up some ornaments (plastic or glass) and acrylic paint, then create your own beautiful tree ornaments.  You can make the design as complicated or simple as you want and they will still be stunning.  Guaranteed your friends and family will love them.  This makes a nice, small thoughtful present, or use them to decorate the outside of a present by attaching it near the top by the bow for an add-on.

This can also make for a fun activity to do with kids this holiday season.

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

CaringBridge

by Meredith

During this season of care, I want to plug an organization I've become acquainted and really appreciate, CaringBridge.  This web organization allows you to create your own web page/blog and share information about a person's health.  You can make it as private as you want, and can easily share it with those you want.  If someone you care about ever has a major health crisis, friends and family want to know what's going on - and you want them too.  However, if you've ever experienced this firsthand, you can understand how trying it is to keep everyone in the loop - especially when conditions are changing daily.  This is so much more simple than jumping on the phone with everyone to tell the same, long, detailed story over and over again.  This way all those 'details' can be explained one time.  And, those who care can still call and just say hello and ask how they can help instead because everyone will already know the nasty details.  Better yet - those who care, can post messages of love and support on the page, and the person experiencing all of the terribleness can read them and know how much they are cared about.

Of course you never want to 'need' a space like this, but when someone does... I highly recommend and support this organization.

Happy Thanksgiving

by Meredith

Lakes of Wood

by Meredith

For the past five years or so I've gone to my local craft fairs and have seen the Lakes of Wood booth.  I've always wanted to buy one of our lake for my family, and this year I finally did.  I cannot wait to give this gift Christmas morning.

If you know someone else who has and loves a home or a cabin on a lake in the Midwest, this is a great idea.

Keep Calm

by Meredith

Sometimes I think I should know how to handle everything that comes flying at me because doesn't everyone else?  The truth is no, most others don't know what they are doing either.  They just try to make good decisions.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was a guidebook to life?  If you find one let me know.