Do you give Handmade for Christmas?

This is my dilemma every year. Should I make something for someone or not. For one it is what I do for a living, I am a craftswoman and an artist. However some people just are not very appreciative of handmade gifts be it crochet, sewing, a painting or jewelry. I tend to buy straight out of the store for most of the people I know because, in my experience I get "the look" when I give handmade.You know the one I mean, the "oh so your being cheap this year look", even if it is made well or even if the materials were costly. Most of the time those gifts I give like that end up never seeing the light of day again after Christmas. I am always amazed with I sell the same items to enthusiastic customers that others snubbed there noses at getting as a present. Granted saying that I am sitting here making a scarf to send to someone for Christmas. I will not give up, I will continue to make for a few and buy what I can afford for other. Do any of you have this problem, I would love to hear about it. 

Happy Holidays!

I hope every one of you had a wonderful Christmas. I was able to spend time with a lot of family, including people I never get to see. My sister-in-law and her family came down from California, my Aunt and Uncle-n-law were actually here this year(they are normally deployed overseas) So it was nice to see everyone. The gifts and food were wonderful as well but getting together was great.  Normally I would not think so. I am not much of a social person IRL All of my socializing is done right here from the safety of my computer. I am nervous around people mainly because of the way I look., also because I always feel like people are judging me. But this year I made myself deal with it and be grateful to be able to see the people I knew and meet the ones I didn't. I have to say I probably need to do something like this at least a few times a year so maybe one day I wont be so bad about being around people outside of my kids and hubby:) Maybe one day I will go to a blogger meet-up. Then again maybe not only time will tell. Overall it was a great Christmas. So how was your Christmas?

What up for my blog this week?
Reviews  on 2 products I have tried and Whats in my VoxBox!

Happy Holidays!

catching up and Conscious Box Fun!!

SO I have not been blogging as much as usual this month and I think I am having bloggers shock! 4 or 5 times a day I am thinking I should blog that! alas I end up being to busy to blog. I have com to realize my fly by the seat of my pants approach to life is not always the greatest thing. So my 1st new years resolution to put on the list for next year is to make a schedule. Time for work time for school time for home  and time for blogging:)
Specking of which Lets catch up!

I have been trying some things from Tomoson lately so next week expect to see 2 book reviews and A review on Noxicare
Also I got approved for a Voxbox My very first one I am so excited and cant wait for it to get here!!
I also signed up for a Conscious box for 3 months with a bonus Christmas box that came in this week!! http://consciousbox.com/

If you don't know much about Conscious box it is a monthly delivery of pure and sustainable products that are handpicked from businesses that care for the planet. They even have a vegan option. I am not vegan so I ordered the regular box and I absolutely love what I got! Here is their mission statement.
http://consciousbox.com/mission

The Mission of Conscious Box

Conscious Box is dedicated to introducing you to the most ethical, sustainable, and honest businesses that create the purest products available. We scour the marketplace to find those that stand above the rest. Discovery defines the Conscious Box experience.

Here is a break down of my Christmas bonus box.


Granola from 18 Rabbits
A Truebar
LemiShine for the Dishwasher
Beanfields bean and rice chips
Conscious ink tempoary tattoo
The GoodOnYa Bar
Ginger Pastilles
Nuturme organic baby food
EBoost health booster drink
Playful Wash organic soap
7th Heaven White Thai Mud rejuvenating masque
Coupons

So far I have to say that the Granola is Awesome!!!! I also loved the Truebar (what I could get of it) My Hubby snagged that after I had one bite..lol.

I will be back with more to say later on items as I try them.
Disclaimer: Conscious box is not paying me to give my review I bought and paid for this myself, it is just my honest opinion.

Happy Holidays!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Today I am doing a What I'm Loving Wednesday post mainly because I was so inspired by another blogger today.


SO number one on my list is

1. Classy Living Blog
http://classylivingblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/love-love-love.html 

This blog post made me smile and feel good about the world right now with the last part of her post
about sweet acts of kindness that shine brightly in rough times.
Please read her blog and check out today's post. It really made my day.


2.
The next thing I am loving right now is
Christmas!

Some may think this is a bit cheesy but for the past few years I have had a real hard time giving my kids a nice Christmas. But this year my online store did real good for the month of December so I am extraordinarily grateful this year. I can pay my bills and give my kids a great Christmas. So thank you to every single one of you that ordered from me this year you made mine and my kids Christmas a happy one.

3.
Kindness

This is something I believe in wholeheartedly. If you can do one kind thing today , no matter how small, do it. Not only will it make you feel good but you will probably make someone else's day better too. Even a simple compliment like "you look nice today," or a sincere "thank you for what you are doing" can go a long way.


I hope every one of you have a wonderful day!!

 
 

And the Winner Is....

Congrats Susie!!!! You are our winner send me an email with your address to theartist421@gmail.com and I  will get your prizes out to you!!
My first giveaway was a success I want to thank all of you for entering my giveaway, it makes me want to do more of them. A special thanks go's out to A Little Unhinged for being a sponsor in my first giveaway

I am considering doing a secret Santa swap. anyone interested in participating comment below. If we get several interested we will swap.
How it works
Every one that signs up will receive a email with a name and address to ship to.
Hopefully There will be a few co-host if anyone is interested and everyone can participate
the gift can be handmade, bought, or from your own shop but must be worth at least $10.00 so that everyone gets something nice.
I participated in some of these years ago and I got a box with 12 items from the dollar tree and it was very nice. So who is in the Holiday mood,  comment below that your in and we will get this started.  I would love to have some co-host with this so if you will help me comment or email me please!!

Happy Holidays!!!