Day Fourteen: Smocks of Love

Our church began a ministry about 3 years ago partnering with MD Anderson hospital.  A director there had the vision of having smocks modified for women in breast cancer treatment.  The modified smocks would help give the patients dignity and modesty during their treatments.  They started with another church and launched her idea.

They then contacted our church to help meet the growing demands for these modified smocks.  Under the direction of Eunice Van Pelt, a seamstress in our church, a team of ladies began to deconstruct medical scrubs and make into the new smocks especially for MD Anderson breast cancer patients.

TCT's pastor's wife, Kimberly Sciscoe, came up with the name, "Smocks of Love".  To help brand this ministry that fell under the umbrella of our Heartstrings Ladies Ministry that I am director of, we contacted our graphics expert and came up with our logo.

Our artist also created three other images for us including our main logo for our group:

This group of ladies that worked tirelessly on these smocks.  They averaged making 10 smocks a month.  I had the vision to have a major event with sewing machines, balloons and a lot of new volunteers and have a Smocks of Love party.

Wow, I did not know what I was bringing on myself.  TOMORROW is that event!!

We have had a total of about 30 - 50 volunteers and at least 30 confirmed to be at this event tomorrow.  MD Anderson will be present, a recipient of one our smocks and we are going LIVE on Facebook at 3:00! Our goal is to promote this ministry and and bring a public awareness and see what we are doing.  Viewers will have the opportunity to partner with this ministry by donating 10. or more to cover the cost of one smock.

Our new group of volunteers will be receiving training and a whole agenda is in place to bring a live cast.

With this new launch of volunteers, Eunice Van Pelt has stepped down and Sharon Williams is now in place as our new director.  She herself is a breast cancer survivor and has a true passion for Smocks of Love.

Please set your alarms Saturday, October 15 for 3:00 Central time to join our LIVE cast.  Go to Facebook/smocksoflove to view.  Please send us a hello while watching.  We are excited to know you are joining this event!   Be sure to go now to this page, like and you should get a notification when this event is starting.

Day Thirteen: This Week's Find

I loved studying furniture styles in college.  Of all of the styles, I somehow have been attracted to Mid Century Modern.  I sometimes think it is a little how I describe my own self:  classic, somewhat antique yet modern.  This was indeed the style that reigned when I was a little girl although I don't really have vivid memories of furniture.

I do remember my mother's first sofa in the home my Dad built in the 50's.  It was an aqua modern, clean lines sectional sofa.

I have found some super classic pieces at a steal occasionally.  I have also found a warehouse FULL of this style at top dollar prices!  MCM is actually the craze in the design world with many clients and designers.

This is a Mid Century Modern desk I purchased at a Goodwill for 39.99, used for 2 years and sold for $250.  It was, I think, a Flanders and had the name in the drawer on the side.

This dresser I found on the side of the road in my sister-in-law's neighborhood.  Just happened to be there on our way from a get together.  Still using it until I find something I like better.

Now, drum roll...here is my little find this week.  I have wanted a stool in my kitchen.  This is surprisingly comfy and it will be an easy and inexpensive fix to recover and refresh the wood.  

The price was $14.99 but blue tags had a 30% off on the day I purchased.

Now, I get really excited when I buy a piece like this for only ten bucks, do my research and find I indeed got a great deal.  Here are a few comparable items on ebay:

Danish Modern Teak Bar Stools – A Pair

$1,695

I have been going to an area 2 to 3 times a week that takes me right past a Goodwill store.  I zip in, head straight for the furniture and see if just perhaps there is a "find" waiting for me.  Yesterday was one of those day.

Next, Larry's Trade Days, Winnie, Texas coming up November 12!

Day Twelve: A Cool Shopping Spot

To make my October even more awesome, I responded to a Stitch Fix mail brochure.  A few years ago I got my first Stitch Fix package and it was really a neat concept.
  
Stitch Fix is an online company that gives you a complimentary stylist and allows you to personalize your order for separates, dresses and accessories.  You pay only $20. and the $20. goes towards anything you want to keep in the box.  If you choose to keep the entire box, they offer you a 25% discount.  You can send them to you Pinterest boards you have saved fashion ideas you love to help guide them to your style preference.

For me, I asked for pencil skirts below the knee, no jewelry, outer wear for fall and a clutch deer skin bag.  I am not sure what I will get, a complete surprise!  My last order included a faux leather clutch that I used and got tons of compliments.  I know some of my "fancy" friends was sure it was real leather.  (I would not tell).

Here are some photos of some of their items.  If you are interested, I have a link to their site here and below also.

Each piece includes a tag like this showing you ways to style your Stitch Fix piece.

To get a little insight of your taste, there are groupings similar to this and ask you to let them know what you think:

Keep one or as many items you want.  Or, send back the entire box.  No shipping fee.

Click Here to Shop and Try Out Your First Stitch Fix Package of Just Take A Look.

Some great photos on their Instagram.

Happy Shopping.  My Stitch Fix is scheduled for October 31.  Can't wait to see what's in the box!

Day Eleven: Groves

Some time back, I fell in love with these products.  I tried an offer on a blogger I followed and got my first package in the mail.  I love the fact I no longer have to go down the cleaning isle in my grocery store and it cuts down on my grocery money.

And, if you are a real "Save the Environment" enthusiast, this is your product.  Be sure to get $10. free on the link below before shopping.

Here are a few of my favorites and their prices:

                             

Favorite Dish Soap.  The Basil Scent is fabulous.  My first order was a lemon which I found to be too strong, but this one is wonderful.  I normally swore by Dawn dish soap as I felt it was the only soap I found to actually cut through grease. TO MY GREAT SURPRISE, the Meyer's Dish Soap out worked my beloved Dawn!  Price:  $3.89

                       

This tub and tile has replaced the product I used for removing the hard water stains and scum from my glass shower walls.  I spray this, rub in and squeegee off.  Nothing harsh and it ACTUALLY WORKS.  Price:  $4.15

These thinner than normal sponges are really great and I love you can squeeze out moisture and they dry so much quicker than a normal thick sponge.  Yet, they do the job!!  $3.99 for a 3 pack

I could go on, but I will stop here.  Here is the link that will allow you to shop with a $10. discount they will pass on to you just for me referring you.  The shipping is a small amount but there is a way to become a VIP customer that gives you free shipping.  I have not done that yet.  I have even sent a package of Groves Collabrative products to my mother as a gift and she loves their products.  I knew if my mother approved these products, we indeed have a winner.

Click this link to get the $10. to shop.

I hope you enjoy as much as I have!  Happy Shopping!

 

Day Ten: Donald & Melania Trump

Here is a family photo of our possible soon to be President and first lady.  Now you can look at this photo and criticize all you want.  I have decided to choose to see the positive.  

Here is a very successful couple who have lived the American dream.  Donald Trump has achieved what many men only hoped to achieve in a life time as far as wealth.  And, he has been blessed with a beautiful wife that loves and supports him.

Melania is drop dead gorgeous and she herself has her own career in modeling which again, is the dream of most young ladies in America.

The presidential candidates are not running on the platform of their strong religious beliefs.  We can not fix that.  What we can do, is pray that somewhere along the way they will be exposed to the power of God, His riches that are far beyond any earthly riches and a God that will empower them to lead as no other leaders.

I do know that Hillary has indeed been exposed to truth as she and Bill have been personal friends of one of our ministers I personally know.  Yet, they have not turned from their wicked ways.

I hope the Trump family will inspire Americans to find the American dream.  I hope the first lady will inspire women to embrace their beauty.  Let's hope for a skinnier America.  lol

I appreciate Trump's stand on abortion and same sex marriage.  

Philippians 4:8King James Version (KJV)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I choose to find the positive in these people.  As a Christian, I will pray for my leader and believe in and build on every positive report I can find.

I know this is a very touchy subject and it has been difficult for many, especially Christians to give their vote openly, but I felt it would be a good thing for those who are older and grounded to openly give their voice.

Day Nine: Abundance

This morning in church there was a word that LEAPED out to me:  Abundance.

When in the battle of living life, your mentality of provisions may have been like mine:  scarcity to enough.  But to be in the place God really wants us to be is to live in the mind set of ABUNDANCE.

We can know Him as our provider and living a blessed life.  God is looking for people who he can use as a conduit to channel His blessings through.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall MEN give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.  Luke 6:38

This is part of the endless possibilities God wants us to live in.

Are you ready to live where you are, just making ends meet or are you ready to know what it is like to have more than enough?  It is not our job to figure out how but to see ourselves living in abundance in every area of our lives.  The "how" will finds it's own way to you.

Abundance is not just money.  It can be blessed relationships, a new job we love, knowledge to make right decisions, open doors and the list can go on.  Whatever area of life you feel is just maintaining and not in abundance, join me to expand your mind to believe for abundance in every area of your life.

Be blessed!

Day Eight: Lucky Five

I am feeling like a give away tonight.  I am thankful for my readers on my blogs and social media sites.  I am hoping someone will want and be thankful for this give away.  I am offering to the first 5 people who respond a quick sketch of an area you would like to some help in or a vignette.  It could be an idea on how to style your fireplace mantel, coffee table, a dead corner that needs something and you just don't know what to do with, or whatever!

Email me with at least one photo of the area.  I will respond and let you know if you are "in".  Once we get to 5, I will make a post on this blog and let you know the contest is over.

Here are a few I have done for clients:

This one is an entire room, I am offering a segment of a space but, you may get lucky and get the whole plan!

This was showing an area for a child in the client's home office.  I explain in actual presentation what each thing is.

Here's a dead wall that needed an idea.

These are all done on my iphone with one finger drawing.  I do some in my sketch book also.  Now, let's see if I have any takers.  Here is where to enter:

donna_r_madden@yahoo.com  If it is easier for you to respond via facebook, simply send me a back message with your photo and say "I'm in"!

I will post on Facebook and this blog when the contest is closed.

I'm excited!  Hope you are too.