Just Keep Going: Inspirational Wednesday

It is hard to believe its Wednesday already, but Lily and I had about 2 weeks of being sick (again) and we are still recovering with a nasty cough. I know its that time of year but it truly stinks when you are so busy that other things in your life suffer but that is when you try to do your best and keep going. If I don't get a scarf made today there is still tomorrow. I don't think anyone is going to cry over a scarf not getting done. I LOVE Sex in the City, especially the quotes, because as a single woman it is inspiring to see women go through things that we all go through at some point or another. Instead of beating ourselves up, looking back at the regrets and things could have changed, sometimes we just need to let go of what could have been and look forward at what will be!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Free Gift Giveaway

I am going to giveaway a free gift with my next 3 Etsy shop sales! This gift will be worth $15 and worth the money you spend in my shop! Visit my shop today!! Click the picture or any of the blue links to be directed to my shop

Bakery On Main Apple Pie Gluten Free Oatmeal

 I have finally found a gluten free oatmeal that I love! After much taste testing and eating products that taste like cardboard (any gluten free eater can relate), Bakery on Main's Apple Pie Oatmeal taste just like it should... wonderful!!! The taste is right on point with a great apple/cinnamon flavor. The texture is consistent with the Gluten filled oatmeal companies, wonderfully smooth. With those other companies, I would have to eat 2 packets at a time but with Bakery on Main I was filled after 1 packet! This is an oatmeal that is well worth its high price ($4.99 at my local Shoprite). I am recommending this for any gluten free eaters this winter to keep warm and stay full!

The "New" Etsy

For a long time, Etsy has stood by its "Buy Handmade" motto with the exception of Vintage and Supplies categories. I have been selling on Etsy for about 6 months and have enjoyed my time. I am at 12 sales and each week there has been more and more sales. During this time I had set up a Handmade Artist Forum, Lilyshop and The Craft Star shops and had only 1 sales between the 3 of them. So those I decided that the fees are not worth it for right now. Though, I am starting to change my mind after reading how Etsy has gone "big business". I loved how Etsy was so focused on the handmade artist and keeping the site loyal to those artists. Now anyone is going to be able to sell on Etsy just like Ebay!  I know that business want to grow and Etsy is a business but at what cost is it worth opening up a unique website to the whole world to sell what they want. I love Etsy and will be keeping my Etsy shop open but I am seriously considering opening up another shop somewhere else and focusing my attention on that shop. Any thoughts on the "new" Etsy?

Start of My Tupperware Adventure

We have all grown up with Tupperware in our house but as I grew up I thought Tupperware no longer existed to buy new products. My mom still has her blue Tupperware canisters from when I was little in her cabinets. In my cabinets are old Tupperware I collected at yard sales through the years. Well my thoughts of only buying Tupperware at a yard sale was corrected this year!

Lily and I began to attend a new church that we have loved since our first day. We have become very close to the women that run the Mission Team as I have always volunteered to help any way we could at church. As I volunteered, I learned more and more about the women who ran these events. One woman had told me how she sells Tupperware and I was quite surprised to hear that. Then I found out that she has been selling Tupperware, very successfully, for 35 years! Over the summer, I had the pleasure of having a booth near her much loved Tupperware booth at the county fair. That week, I learned how much people still love Tupperware!

Last week, Ann and I were talking about how my body was hurting after working my shifts at Michaels and how I was having my doubts about it being worth the little pay I received each week. She then explained to me the benefits of selling Tupperware. The 25% commission for all my personal sales plus bonus commissions when you reach certain money levels and even more when you build a team of consultants. That all sounded great but I had my doubts (that is just who I am). I sold Arbonne a few years ago and it did not go well after my upline was rude to friends that were inquiring about the business. I knew that with Ann, I could trust that experience wouldn't happen again. 

So, I went home and did my research. I had to find a company that wouldn't conflict with my handmade business because that is my first and foremost passion. I have friends that sell Thirty One (love the large utility tote!), Scentsy (addicted to the NEW Cider Mill scent!), Avon, Tastefully Simple and many more direct sale companies. Problem was each somehow conflicted with Red Shoe Affair. That was until my research proved me wrong!

 I looked into what others were saying which was mainly positive (you always have a few bad apples). Having a personalized website was a big sell to me because most of my friends live across the country and world. Now, I had a place where they could reap the benefits of having Tupperware in their home and I could help that with a great experience. 

So I am now hosting my first party this Wednesday and have my website up for anyone who wants to order these amazing products. Please visit it my website to see the vast variety of Tupperware products: Meagan's Tupperware website Also, Like my Facebook Page to keep updated on sales that are constantly changing and new products introduced Meagan's Tupperware Facebook Page

Ruffle Scarves are all the Rage!

When I first started making these ruffle scarves, it was out of a request by a friend last year. At first, I couldn't understand what the directions were saying at all. I come from a traditional crocheter background so what they were saying just didn't make any sense at all. I researched YouTube videos and eventually figured out how to crochet with this ruffle yarn. 

This August, Michaels was having a big sale on the Sashay yarn so I decided to buy up a bunch of the yarn and sell them this fall. Well I can't make these scarves fast enough! Each week I make about 10 to make up for the ones I sell over the previous weekend. The fall colored, black and pink scarves are the ones that sell first and people are amazed at how cute they are. I do have a few for sale in my Etsy Shop if you are interested in buying one instead of making one. Any crocheter/knitters out there doing shows this fall/winter.... make a few of these and they will sell!

Change Your Thoughts: Inspirational Wednesday

When life is getting you down, changing a single thought from negative to positive can change the outlook and outcome of the situation. I truly believe in the power of positive thinking and how its power can change your life for the better. Every situation may not be ideal but if you can see the positive in it then you will feel better about yourself and your life. Try to change one thought into a positive one today and tell me how you feel?

Single for the Rest Of My Life

Sometimes, I sit here and wonder if I am going to be single for the rest of my life. Have I become to comfortable with being alone that adding a significant other just won't fit into my lifestyle?

Trying the online dating thing was fun at first but lately it has become annoying each time I hear the ring go off on my phone. The guys are just not the right type for me. This has made me realize what I do want in a boyfriend which is a blessing because 10 years ago I would have dated all these guys. I want someone that fits me but it feels like that guy is out there. Maybe my timing just isn't right yet or I just love not answering to someone else. Until the right guy shows up, I am happy to say that I love being single and doing my own thing. Every woman needs that period in their life!

Facing Your Fears

Everyone fears something whether its bugs, darkness, airplanes, relationships (me) or anything else in life. There comes a point in your life where you must face those fears and conquer them. This time might be one that you choose or one that you are forced into but either way after you conquer that fear you come out a stronger person. You are not alone in facing your fears, everyday someone faces a fear but the difference can be whether we run from the fear or conquer it! Don't hide from your fear, Go out there and conquer them!

Calling Out Sick to Myself

 Mommy sick days... they just aren't allowed especially if your are a single mom! This past week I have been battling a head cold and sinus infection with a headache that won't go away. First and Foremost, I am a mom so I act like I am perfectly healthy for Lily's sake. (She didn't realize that I was going to bed when she was going to bed) It was a week of watching movies and relaxing so that I could try to rest as much as I could when she got home from school. While she was in school, I tried to do what I could but that drained me quickly. I would crochet for a half hour then sleep for 2 hours. Let's just say I didn't get much done this past week. 

I was talking to a friend about cancelling plans because I was sick and he said to me "at least you didn't have to call out of work". Yes, I did call out of work! I might not have to drive to my work but I didn't have to suffer the lose of time and money that could have been made because I was sick. With this job, I don't get paid sick time or answer to a boss that is going to bite my head off. No, I answer to myself and my finances and trust me I am harder on myself then anyone else could ever be! Getting sick was not something I planned but I take more of a hit from not being able to be on the computer or create something then a "9-5" job with paid sick days. Mommy's do get sick and we just have to brush ourselves off and pretend nothing is wrong. Lily knew I wasn't feeling good but I did everything I could to make her week as normal as possible because that is what Mommies do... sick or healthy!

My Great Etsy Shop Debate

Are to many items in an Etsy Shop to much? That is my great debate with my shop right now. I have the one shop that has everything from my all natural body products, upcycled aprons and bags, vintage books, supplies that I have been given but will never use and now add in all my crocket/knit winter items.... wow that is a lot. Before I add in all the winter warmth items, I am at over 300 for sale items and that isn't all of the aprons and bags! So my am in the thought process of creating a 2nd shop for vintage/supplies and maybe the upcycled items to help cut down on the high numbers in one shop. I get tons of views everyday but I am thinking they are overwhelmed by the large amount of items to sort through that they buy from another shop. Any thoughts from other shop owners?

*click the picture to check out my shop 

Never Go To Sleep Angry

 One year ago to the day, I learned a very hard lesson... Never Go To Sleep Angry and Fighting with someone you love. Last year someone I loved very much lost their life in a motorcycle accident and our last words were not ones I thought I would regret forever. This someone was my ex-boyfriend. Though we were broken up at the time of his death, the bond between us was a special one. I loved him with all my heart but I couldn't handle his addiction to alcohol and the person he became when he drank. A week before his death, we were in a wedding party together and the day after he had been drinking so much that we fought (like usual for us). I had asked him to stay out of my life and never contacted me again (something that was normally said and broken a couple weeks later. Well we never got the chance to brake that and talk again because the next time I saw him was his funeral. I have been to way to many funerals in my short life but the only time I have cried is at this one and the one I will write about next week. September is a hard month for me but I will go knowing that "DE" will always be in my heart and to never say anything you may regret in a month, week, day or even an hour. You never know how life will change so live each moment to the fullest and never walk away angry!

50% off Sale

For Saturday and Sunday only, you can recieve 50% off anything in my Etsy shop! Use coupon code FALL50 during checkout and save save save!!

Happy Friday the 13th

I don't know if any of you are superstitious but I will admit... I am a little bit. I thought I would share these fun/cute Friday the 13th images with you! Go about your Friday with caution..... bwhahaha!

9/11 Always in our Hearts

As we go about our day today, Americans need to take a moment to stop and remember this 12th anniversary of a tragic day. Living so close to NYC, DC and Pennsylvania, I felt and saw the pain people went through as they searched and lost loved ones. To this day, it feels like just yesterday that I was watching Good Morning America and witnessed the 2nd plane crash right behind their heads on live television. It may have been 12 years ago but to those who lost a loved one, this day is a yesterday to them. Never Forgotten and Always in our Hearts!

First Date Anxiety

This week of online dating/talking has been an adventure... to say the least! I have been contacted by over 50 guys, most not in my profile description, but talked to about 20. I am not sure what the point of the profile is because it seems like the guys don't read it at all. The ones that I would have no interest in dating were quite persistent but I just ignored them because it would go no where. I gave my number to text to a few of the guys and set up a couple of dates. 

Over the weekend, one of the guys came to visit my booth and meet me at my show, which was terrifying for me. I haven't had to do a blind date thing for years so to meet someone while I am working is a bit more awkward. "Tree guy" came down as I was packing up on Saturday so we talked for a few minutes then he came back the next day for an hour or so. I felt a bit like a fool because I was dressed up in a Victorian outfit with NO MAKEUP!  Everyone around thought he was cute and kind. I enjoyed talking to him until I found out that another guy I was talking to decided to come down and meet me... at the same time "tree guy" was there. Only I would end up in that situation! 

Well, I saw the guy walk by but he didn't recognize me because I was dressed up and didn't look like "me". Now I know why people say blind dating is so terrifying because this guy didn't look like his pictures. He looked much older then 40 and heavier then the slimmer pictures on his profile. So, I avoided his texts and he didn't meet me. I felt so guilty but I didn't want to make the situation anymore awkward or lead him on to thinking that the meeting would lead to a date. Yes, mean of me but I am better at avoiding then confronting uncomfortable situations.  Plus, Tree Guy and I had a good laugh over it. 

Overall, I am finding online dating terrifying but a little fun. It is nice to have some adult interaction and hoping my first dates will be fun. Now, on Tuesdays you will get to find out about my world of single mom dating..... 

What is Truly Important?

I love inspirational Wednesday because I find quotes that truly speak to me. For so many years, I was missing the mark with what was important to me and my life. I would put whatever was important to other people as my top priority. I would change things in my life or even myself for what was important to them. What is important to me is my happiness, living my life the way I want and being who I am everyday. I am the one who creates my own happiness and that is what is the most important reminder I have for my life.

What is important to you? 

To Love or Stay Single?

When I go to activities for my daughter or church, people hear I am single and feel pity for me. It is always "the right one will come" or "that is ashame because a man could really help you out". I don't see the pity in being single. Actually, I have enjoyed living a pretty drama free life for the past year (kinda sorta a year). My life of dating has been horrible since my divorce 9 years ago. I have found deadbeats that don't want to work, guys still in love with their exes, guys with psycho exes (the kinda sorta last guy I dated) and my favorite of all... addicts that can't remember what the truth really is (my main attraction). So living a single life has worked for me this past year and has given me time to find out who I am without a guy (I have been dating since I was 13) and find out what I want in a relationship. 

As I see my friends all going off getting married and having their first babies (yes, I did this much younger then them), I am getting that slight pang of wonder... am I missing something? Don't get me wrong, I would love to find "the right guy" but part of me doesn't want to go through the drama of the wrong guys along the way. So last night, I decided it is time to at least start dating. Nothing serious just a few fun dates to get to know someone better and give me a chance to see how the new me is around guys. Since most of my friends and their friends are all married, I decided to try online dating. One site that was recommended to me that was free (yes, I don't want to pay to talk to someone) was Plenty of Fish. Within an hour, I had tons of views, messages and want to meet alerts. I talked to a few guys but I am going to take this sllllooooowwwww! Get ready for the bumpy ride of single mom dating!

Back to School Weekend Sale

As a single mom, I know that find a great sale at school time brings a smile to my face so for the holiday weekend I am offering 60% OFF my entire Etsy Shop. This coupon code expires at 11:59pm on Monday night. Don't miss this great deal!

*click on the picture to see the amazing creations for sale!

Expanding My Body Line

Lotion Bar

Lip Scrub

Body Butter

Lip Balm
I have been hard at work the past couple of weeks to expand my all natural, gluten free, chemical free body line. I have introduced Coconut Oil Body Butter, Lotion Bars, Brown Sugar Lip Scrubs and Lip Balms. Each product comes in many amazing different scents and feel wonderful on your body! Lily and I use each product that I sell in my shop so we can attest to how amazing and wonderful they really are to use! Check out my Etsy Shop to see the entire line of body products and all the amazing scents they come in!  

Single Mommy Plays Daddy Too

As I set out to fight my ex in court, I found this prayer today that I think is fitting for every single parent. My ex thinks that paying $146/month is to much for him because getting a job at Walmart is beneath him so he lives from job to job as a self-employed construction worker. I was so lividly mad when I got the court papers yesterday but today I am putting it in perspective. 

I am the one that is mommy and daddy for my daughter. I have taken care of her by myself since day one and I wouldn't change that for the world. All the kisses and hugs were mine to cherish and keep while he sits at his house alone and miserable. Having Lily motivates me to work a little harder to make sure she has what she needs in her life. She has a roof over her head, good food in her belly, clothes on her body, toys to play with and a mommy that loves her enough for 2 people. She has her moments of asking about "Daddy" but she will always know that it has been mommy that loves her and takes care of her. 

Moments maybe feel awful, negative and even vengeful but they are moments. We all have the choice to make the next moment a happy, loving one. Go have some happy moments today!

Skinny Doesn't Equal Healthy

In our society, your looks are everything or at least all the big, name brand clothing companies want everyone to think this. For 30+ years, I have bought into this notion that being skinny means your beautiful. After the health problems I have dealt with and weight I have gained this year, I have come to realize that being skinny doesn't make you beautiful but being healthy and loving your body the way it is does make you the most beautiful person in the world!

Since I was a child, all I ever heard from coaches and dance teachers was about watching your weight. In high school, I became so obsessed with my weight that I became anorexic. I would not eat for days and exercise ten times harder just to stay skinny so that I would be "fit" for cheerleading and attract all the "hot" guys. As an adult, I maintained a size 1/2 even after being pregnant. That was until this past year when my body decided that it was tired of my diet of energy drinks and crap foods. My body might have looked healthy to someone but it no longer felt healthy. Between the gallstones and IBS, my body decided it was taking control back from my unworthy hands. 

It has been a long struggle this year within myself about how I have gained weight to the point that I need all new clothes, not wanting to look at myself in the mirror and sending myself into a depression over this. After some soul searching, I realize it is not about how I look to myself or anyone else but how I FEEL about myself. As long as I am healthy and happy that is all that matters! I hope this inspires anyone else struggling with weight issues because you are beautiful!

First Day of First Grade

I am walking around my house wondering what to do and how to deal with the quiet because Lily started First Grade today! Yes, I have waited for this day for weeks now. The days where I can work my butt off sewing and making body products without the every 5 minute interruptions but now that it is here I am walking around the house in circles! 

Now, I realize that it is not just Lily that I have to get into a routine with school but myself into a routine for work. There is so much that I want to get done but now I have to get myself motivated and organized..... wish me luck!

Back to school means that fall and winter are fast approaching and lots of shows to attend. So now is the time to keep myself motivated and work my fingers to the bones!

I hope every child has a wonderful first day back to school this year and each parent enjoys the quiet for a little bit! 

Handmade for Christmas

I saw this one another handmade artisan's facebook page and thought that it is a wonderful idea to start this campaign early! Yes, Christmas maybe 120 days away but in 4 months everyone is going to be saying "wow how is it Christmas already, yesterday felt like Summer!" Don't let this happen to you!

Now, I shouldn't have to say this but I am going to say it anyway.... BUY HANDMADE FOR ALL OF YOUR GIFTS! The person who receives a handmade gift is receiving a lifetime of memories that can be passed down from generation to generation. With a 6 year old, I know that all a kid wants for Christmas is a toy, the latest toy, from Santa Claus. Instead of buying the cheap toy that will break before the next Christmas even comes along, buy a handmade toy that can be given to their children and their children's children. A wooden truck that is built to withstand a little boy playing rough or a raggedy ann doll that a little girl will carry with her everywhere! When someone buys a baby blanket from me, I always emphasize that this blanket can worth a million dollars in memories as it is passed down through family members. 

So before you go to Walmart, Target or the Mall this year to buy your Christmas gifts, look on Etsy or Handmade Artist Forum. See what wonderful handmade gifts are out there that your friends and family can love for a lifetime! 

* Check out my cute Christmas Countdown on the right --->

When Being Strong is All You Have

As a full-time single mom, I know that I have had great days and bad days but through it all my strength has grown leaps and bounds since I gave birth to Lily. I have endured the hard times with tears and heartache and reveled in the good times with smiles and laughter. Each year I hope that things will get a little bit easier and there are moments that do but each moment is worth the time I get to spend with my precious little girl.  For other single mothers out there, keep doing the amazing job you are doing because your raising awesome children that will grow up to appreciate everything that you did for them as a child!

Where has the Summer Gone?

I was sitting here thinking about what to write today and I realized it has been days since I blogged last. Where did my week go? It went to 2 dentist appointments, creating new products for my Bath and Body Line, cleaning and getting Lily ready to start 1st grade. Then I looked at our calender and it hit me... WHERE DID OUR SUMMER GO? 

Everyone sets out with the hope to do lots of fun things during summer vacation. Lily and I created our Summer To-Do List but only accomplished about 5 out of 12 activities before the summer ended. Lily starts school on Tuesday which is hard to believe it is the end of the summer. We decided that we are going to continue our Summer To Do list into the Fall and add a few more fun things like the Pumpkin Patch. 

Realizing that the summer is over in a blink of an eye, I am grateful for the fun things we did get to do but I also need to slow down and enjoy each day as it comes. Each day is a gift and we need to appreciate each day we have with our loved ones.  

Today We Are All Going To Be Happy

Groucho Marx really hit it on the head with how I am feeling on this inspirational Wednesday. Being in Al-Anon and having been to AA and NA meetings with friends, the groups all live on the theme Just for Today. On my forearm, I have a tattoo that reads "No Day But Today" (ok all you musical/Broadway lovers: what musical is that from??). Despite my constant reminder that we only have today to live, I am always forgetting and thinking about tomorrow or even worse regretting yesterday, last year or even 10 years ago. 

Groucho Marx reminds us that we only have today so be sure to be happy today. Things might be a struggle in my life right now but I feel lucky to have today considering we are approaching the anniversaries of the deaths of 2 very special people in my life. So be happy and live each day to the fullest because we never know when it will be our last today!

The Diet Struggle

This picture has been me the past few months! In the past, I never had to worry about a diet because I would just lose the weight or the fat would never stay on my body. Yes, I know it sounds like I am bragging but I am just telling you my new found awareness to the diet struggle. I have friends and family that have struggled with their weight and tried many of different diets. They would lose the weight for a short period of time and then succumb to their cravings whether it be cake, ice cream, chips or whatever they desired. Now I am struggling with this same thing for the first time in my life. 

Each day, I set out to eat healthy and stick to my gluten-free diet and some days things are great. Then I get that ping and I want something bad.... usually something rich in chocolate, sugar and everything else bad for you. Yes, I am a choco-holic! I try to resist the urges and keep the items out of my house but when I get that ping.... it is all over. I live 2 minutes from a convenience store and end up there in no time when I need to satisfy this craving. 

The other problem to my weakness for my cravings, besides the weight gain and not fitting into any of my clothing, is that my IBS doesn't like my food choices. In the past few weeks, as my gluten-free diet has dwindled, my IBS has been paying me back for each delicious bite with belly aches and pains (to put things mildly). 

Well my pain of the IBS is overcoming the cravings now and I am setting out to get back on my diet. I hope that I can learn to keep my cravings at bay and my will power strong. Those struggling with a diet, we are all in this together so you are not alone!

Last Fun of Summer

Every kid wishes and dreams that summer never ends and every parent (or at least any that I talk to) wishes summer was over about a week into summer vacation. As much as I tried to make summer vacation fun for Lily, I truly learned how much money constraints can hinder the dreams of a kid wanting to do all the fun things their schoolmates brag of doing. We were able to go to the $5 Wednesday movies, spend time at the library and park and the entire week at the county fair. While riding rides and playing games, Lily enter every contest she could in an attempt to win tickets to Land of Make Believe. After placing 5th in the Kiddie Tractor Pulls, Lily won the tickets on the last day of the fair!

Land of Make Believe is an amusement park near us in New Jersey that is geared towards kids. They have roller coasters for little and big kids and a water park. One feature the kids love is Santa's summer home with Santa visiting the kids during his summer vacation. As a parent one thing I love is that they have a picnic area that you can bring your own food instead of paying for food while you are there. For a single mom that is a great savings and helpful with a child that is a vegetarian. I grew up going to Land of Make Believe and loved it. I can't wait to take Lily this week after she worked so hard to win the tickets!

*click any of highlighted links to check out Land of Make Believe's website

Free Shipping Birthday Sale

Sunday was my birthday so for my Super Saturday Sale we are going to celebrate by having FREE SHIPPING with coupon code Birthday13 in my Etsy Shop. I have added a ton of new apron, handbags, body scrubs and more to my shop so go check it out!

When It Rains.... It Pours!

Have you ever felt like when one bad thing happens, all of a sudden, many bad things happen at once? That has been me the past month. After trying to keep up with blogging everyday, I just couldn't do it any more because I was under so much stress.

After getting my wisdom teeth pulled last month, I ended up with an infection and on a high dose of antibiotics which seriously knocked me. The last time I felt that bad was when I was on antibiotics for Lyme's disease 3 years ago and it is not fun! 

In the meantime, I had to prepare for the local farmer's fair which I would have a booth for 8 days. I sewed aprons and bags day and night (when I had the energy which wasn't very often). I took inventory of everything that I was taking with me so that I could fill up my booth and make it look pretty. The fair came and so did the rain. The 2nd day of the fair my booth ended up with +6" of water underneath. Then the building's roof leaked and it started raining on top of the soaps. So we moved my booth to a drier location but the rain kept coming and people were staying home. The fair ended in sunshine but didn't make up for many days lost to rain. 

The last day of the fair and the day before my birthday, exhausted and ready for bed, I checked my mail and received my eviction notice. They want more money then I have before August 23rd or I have to move out. Well unless a miracle happens, we will be trying to find a place to live in the next couple of weeks. 

I can look at the upside, during the fair I made new friends and contacts for other vendor shows. On moving, I wanted my daughter in a different school system because she was not excelling the way she was at her old school. I love being creative and I would not change that for the world!

There is always sunshine after the rain!

IBS and Penicillin Don't Mix

Well I learned something new on Sunday... the hard way! After having one of the worst IBS attacks that I have ever had, I did some research and found out that penicillin can trigger the attacks. I was prescribed the penicillin after the wisdom teeth surgery last week and though the pain was getting better my belly still didn't feel right. I thought this was due to the pudding/jello diet that I was trying to adhere to but I was wrong wrong wrong. My IBS did not like the penicillin and let me know that. If you don't have IBS I will fill you in on what an attack feels like (to me at least). If feels like someone is wringing out my intestines like a towel while stabbing me. While this is going on, my entire body is sweating profusely and the pain is putting me into tears. Previous attacks lasted about an hour but this one was 3 hours of pain and tears. Today, I am glad the pain is gone but now I know for the future to stay away from Penicillin

Here are some funny cartoons about IBS:

Kid's First Bible Lessons Website

Our Church is a big part of our lives. I am teaching Lily that we need to give back in order to be good Christians just like the Bible teaches us in its many stories. So we volunteer for anything we possible can at Church like helping at the church dinners, baking for fellowship and much more. This week kicks off Vacation Bible School but in our house we set aside "Bible Time". This is where I try to find a nice lesson and/or activity that teaches a Bible lesson that I feel Lily needs to understand (in 6 year old terms). A few months ago I was doing research on the internet for children Bible lessons and came across My First Bible Lessons.

The lessons explain the different stories of the Bible in words that kids understand while incorporating Bible passages so that they can get used to reading and understanding the Bible. I will admit the stories are long and sometimes Lily does not want to sit through them. There is a Quiz at the end of the lesson to see how much kids learned from the lesson which I think is great. I was pretty shocked after the first lesson how much Lily did listen since she was fidgeting the whole time but she got almost all of the Quiz questions correct!

If you are looking to start or continue Bible Study at home with your kids this is a great website! (click any of the blue links or the picture to be directed to the website)

Christmas in July Sale

From now until July 31st, I am holding my Christmas in July Sale in my Etsy Shop! You will receive 25% off with coupon code JULY25 so don't miss the savings while they last! 

Don't forget to enter my 1000 fan giveaway! Click here for all the details to win over $100 worth of Red Shoe Affair creations!! 

1000 fan giveaway

It is Freebie Friday!!! Today I am giving away an extra special gift to thank all of my facebook fans because hit 1000 fans this week! This is an exciting day so here it is.....

The giveaway includes a Show Your Love Handbag (you pick a design from my shop) filled with soaps, jewelry, an apron and a few other special items. This giveaway is worth more then $100!

Here is what you have to do:

You can click on this link: Red Shoe Affair Facebook or the picture above. Like my facebook page (though I know you all already have!) and leave me a comment on what your favorite creation is that Red Shoe Affair creates! Browse my Etsy Shop to check out my wonderful creations! That is it! Simple, easy and you win a wonderful prize!! So go comment and share with your friends so they can enter to win! 

This giveaway ends on Thursday July 18th at midnight EST. I will announce the winner on Friday on my Freebie Friday blog post!