RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS WEEK

 

This time of year, it's only natural that our minds start thinking about all our blessings, and in turn, about those less fortunate than us. 

I have been trying hard to perform small acts of kindness at least once a day, in a quiet way. I don't like to share what I have done with people in general, as these tiny acts of service feel almost sacred to me- they are between me and Heaven, and make me feel as though I have carried a little piece of Heaven in my heart for the day. And the amazing thing is that the more you do, the more you become aware of the needs that are out there. 

You also become aware of how many other people are also performing small acts of kindness- quietly, simply out of the desire to serve and assist, not for any personal accolade or recognition.

 

In keeping with this theme, I came across a blogger, Nikki, from Everything Under the Moon, who is hosting a link up party called "Random Act of Kindness Week". The idea is to perform at least one random act of kindness a day. I thought it might be nice to participate, and maybe, at least one other person out there will adopt one of the 'charities' I support, and do the same.

PS I 'hijacked' the image of the little girl doing graffiti from Nikki's blog, too ;)

HANDMADE DECORATION SWAP

I have just signed up for my first swap with SWAP-BOT and I cannot wait to begin! I'm not sure why I am doing this now- the last thing I need right now is another distraction... But I just could not resist!

The idea is to make a handmade Christmas ornament, which you will then send to your assigned partner, wherever they are in the world. Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE  anything to do with Christmas, so this is right up my alley! I also signed up for two other swaps: The Colourful Socks #2 and the Ransom Note Postcard. The sock swap is pretty straight forward- buy a cute pair of socks and send them off... The Ransom Note Postcard is a little more creative: Buy a postcard, and, using letters cut from magazines, spell out a message, quote or note to your assigned partner- not necessarily a ransom note, just in that style ;)

I'm thinking about using the following quote for my ransom note:

"... and then the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom..."

 I'm not too sure who said that, I will have to look into that, but I LOVE this quote, as it pretty much sums up this past year for me. I'm thinking mostly black and white letters, with the base being a postcard featuring cherry blossoms... Something like this picture below:

source

For the decoration swap, I think I am going to use this tutorial to make this stunning ornament:

 

I will definitely take pictures of what I make, and what I get- once it arrives :D

I {HEART} YOU

Chris and I recently went on a trip- our first trip together, just us, since we got married 5 years ago. We went to Wilderness, which is along the Garden Route, to celebrate out fifth wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time, driving around and stopping wherever and whenever we wanted. We had no agenda, no definite plans. It was WONDERFUL.

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

This photo was taken from the viewing point under the bridge in Wilderness, using Chris' Blackberry. The quality is not the greatest, but I love this photo and what it represents- Chris' willingness to take strange photographs, the view we got to enjoy all weekend, and our love for each other.
I am entering this photo on the "I Heart Faces"Blog, just for fun and because I love their Photography challenges!

These photo's were taken from the Storms River Bridge. It was quite early, the sun had just risen, and we stopped at my all time *favourite* one-stop petrol station to grab biltong and stretch our legs.

This cute kitty lives at the petrol station, and is very well fed and loved! And this sign pretty much sums up how I was feeling when we reached the stop ;)

Our next stop was a place called The Heath. It is an awesome little roadside stop, with a coffee shop, curio & decor store, a mini labyrinth made from lavender plants, and RADICAL RAPTORS- the most awe-inspiring experience ever!

Each of the birds used in the show has been injured, and all attempts at rehabilitation into the wild has failed. At first, my heart broke for these wild creatures, until I realized- and saw- how much time and effort goes in to making sure these birds have wonderful lives. Each has such a unique character, and a strong bond with their trainer and caregiver.

For lunch, we went to a gorgeous restaurant called Emily Moon. Eclectic decor, divinely prepared and presented food, and breathtaking views made for an incredible dining experience.

Another fun experience was the Wild Oats Market in Sedgefield. A live, "honky-tonk" band, dozens of craft stalls, and an open air food market made for a fun morning. Eating breakfast in the fresh morning air is an experience I'd love to repeat soon!

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend, filled with good food,

amazing views, (The Outeniqua Pass Mountains in George)

and much needed quiet time (views from our balconies).

View from under the Wilderness Bridge

MY CRAFTY TO DO LIST

As Christmas approaches, I am looking around for some fun, but simple, gift ideas and decor. I quite like this idea of this cheesecake in a jar, over at The Pretty Blog. The recipe is simple and straight forward, and she even includes some adorable printables for packaging that is good enough to eat. In the same post are some stunning labels for organizing your pantry, BONUS!

 Next on my "to do list" is to make some of these gorgeous birdie tree ornaments! There is a *very simple* tutorial over at Jessica Jane Handmade and I am itching to get my clay out!

 

How cute are these felt photographic themed ornaments??? Just a few stitches and some felt... And voila! 

Lastly, I'm not a huge wreath fan, but I do love this one that uses a ceiling medallion! How brilliant is that???

Have a happy day- I'm off to immerse myself in all the Christmas loveliness at The Christmas Shop!!!

50 Days of Journalling

I have recently become addicted enthralled by Twitter. There is so much inspiration there- people sharing idea's, projects and stories from their lives. So much inspiration, in fact, that I have been able to gain a little more techie-savviness to make blogging easier! 

Something I found last night has got me super excited: Jessica Acs' "50 Days of Journalling". Each day, for 50 days, she will be sharing two journalling prompts. You can record your answers to these prompts in any way you choose- an art journal, scrapbooking layouts, handwritten entries in a notebook... Or, if you are me, a combo of the three!

Participants will be entered into a draw each time they comment/share on her blog, and the lucky winner will receive a copy of her book, Outstanding Mini Albums. And let me tell you... This is an OUTSTANDING source of inspiration! I have read her book- I borrowed it from my previous boss- and it is a stunner.


So, click on the link, or Jessica's button on my sidebar (yay, I feel so clever for adding that!!), and join in the journaling fun!