It's Not Just About The Turkey

I'm a sucker for Thanksgiving. I love everything about it. From the food to the family time, from the sights to the smells and then to the sounds, from the blessings to the gratefulness, it does my soul well.

I told my hubby this past weekend that this past Sunday felt like Christmas morning to me. Although I'm not exactly sure why, it just felt special and I think it had to do with this week being Thanksgiving week.

This week kicks of the official holiday season and I am ready! It's rare for me to not have to pack a suitcase, pay for a flight, and make the 1,000 mile trek home this year. Yet one more reason to be thankful. So this is how the other half lives?!

Why I'm always thankful for Thanksgiving:

• Family time- I love seeing both sides of my family in one day.
• Everyone is happy, even if only for 24 Hours- In a perfect world, every day would be Thanksgiving, however I'll gladly take this one special day where everyone stops and gives gratitude for what they do have and not what they don't. I think our priorities shift more to where they should be and it's always a welcome shift.
• Amazing meals- I love that over the years, everyone in our family has perfected one side dish which we gladly prepare for the feast. The dishes and who'll prepare them are almost traditions in themselves. Me, I'm bringing my sweet potato casserole!
• Games- My mom's side of the family is large, loud, and we love us some games. We play Spoons and Pit until it hurts. Literally, we will have scratches on our arms and at least a few new ones on the dining room table. Sorry, Aunt Michelle!
• Car Rides- I've always treasured the rides home from our evening celebration. We laugh so hard it hurts, we replay the games and the bragging rights, and it's always just the perfect close to the day.

Cheers to all that we have to be thankful for this year, and cheers to a day designated for just that.

Good ole fashion gratitude; it does a soul well.

Giving Isn't Just About Writing A Check

Throughout my first week of this challenge, I've found myself laughing and even crying as I've learned more about the people and the community that surrounds me. There is so much need everywhere you look. As a bleeding heart, sometimes to a fault, I want to do everything! I want every single injustice to stop right now. On my watch. It all seems so very unfair. But alas, this world isn't a fairy tale and I have no magic wand (although Christmas IS coming, Santa;).

Regardless of my lack of super powers to clothe everyone, feed everyone, make everyone happy and light and singing Christmas carols together (possible spoiler alert here), I am realizing that there are some pretty fantastic people around me who are already doing everything in their power to tip the not-so-fair scales in the other direction. And that makes me so very happy and light. All we have to do is find them, find a mission that resonates with our hearts, and join their forces.

With that being said, here is a small window into my last few days of giving:

• Friday- the jail tour was great, and odd, and eye opening, and terrifying all at the same time, however it did not present itself with an opportunity to give other than committing to myself to never let anyone I care about end up there.
• Funny side note-My hubby is frequently approached by a man asking for money outside of the courthouse, who may or may not be homeless, but is most definitely down on his luck and probably in need of rehab (the man, not my hubby, just to be clear). When the hubs shared with me that he's never given him money, I shared my views on why that hurt my heart (I told you I'm "to a fault"). Well, Friday morning when I grabbed my coffee that Tim always makes and leaves on the counter for me, I found a dollar bill with a note that stated the money was for that man, should I run into him downtown. I laughed and teared up at the same time. That right there, the fact that my hubby was leaving money for this man for the first time, was what this challenge is about. Love him (again, my hubs, not the man;)!
• Friday, attempt #2- I went to the grand opening of the Rockford Rescue Mission's thrift store and shopped with a purpose. Their tags all read "spend a dollar...change a life." Although shopping may not sound like giving, when every dollar goes to the local rescue mission, AND when you agree to aptiently wait in the checkout line for 2 hours, while visiting with the folks stuck waiting in the same line with you, it sort of takes on a missions all of it's own. So glad I went! They raised a killing.
• Saturday- this gift was extra special. With Tim's parents renewing their vows after 42 years of marriage, I had the pleasure of making a bouquet for his mom to carry. She had asked each other their children to bring something treasured from their own weddings as her something borrowed, so I ordered her a bouquet charm similar to the one I had and took a stab at my amateur floral skills. It was a sweet task for me, so I was thankful for the opportunity. Please excuse my nails in the 2nd pic, manicure anyone?!



• Lastly, on Sunday, I made cupcakes to take in for my coworkers to kick off our Thanksgiving week. I've been grateful for their help as I've acclimated to this new position, so this very small gesture is a way to say thanks. And since Twinkies weren't an option... Sorry, had to.

Happy Thanksgiving week to all. Today and everyday, I'm thankful for YOU.

Giving Challenge, My First Few Days

Well, I'm only on day 2 of my challenge and just like I thought, it's beginning to seem like a lofty goal for me.

And just to be clear based on a comment that I received, I'm not announcing this challenge to the world because I think I'm cool for wanting to do something for others. I actually launched it publicly because I knew that sooner or later, this challenge would seem harder than it should be and I wanted accountability. All too often, I find myself making inner promises to work out, eat better, read more (although this one has stuck!), etc...and two days later, I find myself back in front of the TV versus at the gym.

As I've said before, I really want to stretch, so I knew I had to make a proclamation. Out loud. And it's not about who reads these posts. It's about commitment for me.

What I'm learning, practically instantaneously, is that giving is easy when you know where to give and when opportunities present themselves to you. The harder part is being creative and finding new ways to give. I don't want to just hand out money, considering they'd have to be teeny tiny amounts of money, but I don't want to just give out $$ every single day for 40 days.

So, here we go... So far I've:

• Filled a grocery bag at the store with Tim for a food drive at church (Day 1).
• Tonight I'm heading to Walmart to purchase a gift card for Rock House Kids, where a few members of my Leadership Rockford class are holding a Christmas gift drive. (Day 2)

• Tomorrow I head to the Rockford County Jail for a tour and session with the Chief and Sheriff. I haven't planned anything out yet because I want to leave this window open for inspiration. I'll be in the heart of downtown Rockford, so I've been praying that my path will cross with someone special. We shall see!

Huge, life altering actions? I think not. Am I WAY more aware of my surroundings right now? Without a doubt! And for me, that's exactly what these next 38 days are about. And nothing else.

A Little Halloween Fun

(Author note, please stay tuned for updates on my giving challenge over the next day or two.)

For anyone that's talked to us in the last 4 months, you know that our home has thrown us a few curve balls. However, we're finally back in the game and ahead of those of curves, at least for the time being.  Which in turn means that I get to really start whipping this place into shape via paint, decor, and (drum roll please..............) unpacking my earthly belongings!!!!!!

With Halloween being our first holiday in our new nest together, I got to have a little fun with the mantle decor.

Nothing says Halloween fun like a wedding photo. With bleeding eyes of course! 

I don't know what makes a human dressed up like a rabbit terrifying, but this dude gave me the willies. Which meant that I HAD to have him on my mantle. Duh.

Even Piggy got in the action. Want to weird people out, remove the eyes from your pet in your mantle photos.

Oh, ya know, just a little family photo. Of creepy people. That we've never met.

Happy Belated Halloween, my prettieeeesssssss!

My 40 Days of Giving Challenge

It's about to get real up in here for the next 40 days!

With today being National Philanthropy Day, and with the foundation of my career being constructed on the generosity of others, I've decided to challenge myself a bit over the next 40 days.  To geek out a little bit, philanthropy is defined in Websters as a "love of mankind; a benevolent act; a gift." So as I sit here and  celebrate this not so well known, national holiday, my wheels are a spinnin' on how I can make this day and the art of generosity a little deeper as I approach my tenth year in this field.

Although I stumbled somewhat awkwardly and not so gracefully into a career in fundraising and development (Seriously, my first interview in 2003 at The Citadel Foundation was awful. And I mean, how did I even get a 2nd interview awful??).  Luckily for me, I grew up in a home where giving and serving was lived out. My amazing parents are generous of their time and treasure, and I know that although this "stumble" was unplanned, the foundation my parents laid out for me in what giving looks like, would soon become a great fit.

Almost 10 years later, I realize just how truly blessed I am to get to come to work in a field that blesses others. Daily. I've done the whole for profit sector, and although there's nothing wrong bringing in those dolla dolla bills, it wasn't my cup of tea. I need to feel like I'm making a difference. I need to know that my time at the office is bettering someone else's world. Hence, my love for non-profits. And my unwavering love for philanthropy.

Starting tomorrow, Nov. 14th, through Christmas Eve on Dec. 24th, I'm committing to 40 days of giving. I'm not sure what this truly looks like for me, but I'm excited. I need to stretch. I personally need to rejuvenate my definition of philanthropy, and I think this will be a great start. Some acts may be small like a phone call to a friend that I haven't spoken with in awhile, and other acts may be larger, but the journey will be the same. Love my fellow mankind, act on compassion, and give what I can. And then do it all over again the next day. For 40 days.

If you'd like to join me in this, I'd love a partner for accountability. This blog will serve as accountability in itself, but giving is always more meaningful when it's shared. And you never know, we just might make a difference this holiday season.

Happy National Philanthropy Day. Let's do this thing!

My Poodle is Cooler Than Your Poodle

Spoken like a true fur-mom! It's safe to say after 10 years with this pup, that he is the bomb.com, my best friend, the fur love of my life, my first born, and the heartbeat at my feet.

And to showcase my momma pride, take a look at our boy. Isn't he cccccuuuuttttteeeeee??!!

Mama's Pig

Soaking up the sun while everyone paints around his majesty.



Piggy LOVES when daddy comes home from work, especially when they survey the homestead for chipmunks and squirrels together. Look out, Chippies!!

I love sleeping on the job helping momma when she works on furniture in the garage.

My wing man while I was stuck at home all of last week with the flu. He's a better cure than chicken soup any day!

We've learned that if we stand around and look at something intently throughout our home repair phase, Piggy wants to see what all the fuss is about too. Inquisitive little man. Part poodle, part genius!

Brrrrrrrr. My boys try to stay warm in their hoodies when the new furnace wasn't working. 

Checking out his first real fire. Pig Roast!

 Blue Monkey is Wrigley's best pal. Ever. Period. Play together, nap together.



Capturing Change

Change can sneak right up on you.  In some instances you can blink and miss the whole darn transformation.

Luckily for me, I've had my eye on this beaut for the last few weeks. With her being tucked away in our backyard oasis, I've felt like she's been putting on a show just for me.

And sometimes with change, if you're truly paying attention, it can actually be quite beautiful.

Terrifying Excitement

Those two words above pretty much sum up my emotions these days.  I never knew how terrifying starting a new business venture could be. Kudos to my friends out there that have done this on a much grander scale. You're the bomb.com and I have a new found respect for you that goes beyond what I can put into words.

This past Saturday my new business partner, TB we'll call her, and I had our first photo shoot to stage our inventory.  My amazingly generous and talented new sister in law drove in for the morning/afternoon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her 2 little boys, simply to shoot our items and then literally get in the car and drive home again. Can you say selfless and way sweet?  Uncle T got to spend quality time at the super cool Monkey Joe's where bouncy house powered air flows like the wine most parents wish they had as their kids play.

Thanks to my SIL and my amazing mom who rolled up her sleeves and has become my estate sale wing man, Asst. V.P. of Creativity, and chalkboard painter, Saturday turned out way better than I could've hoped for. As I lay in bed on Friday night (briefly I might add due to last minute details that needed to be done), self doubt took the main stage. I cannot tell you how many times these words danced through my exhausted yet there's no way I can sleep mind:
-What if my "treasures" are junk to everyone else?
-What if we get there and TB hates my stuff and wants to bail or go solo?
-What if I spend my savings on these items and no one even knows we exist?
-Will people laugh if this thing flops?

In 100% transparency here, I was so anxious and doubtful Saturday morning that I physically got sick. Like head in the toilet sick. Now that, my friends, is fear.

However, after running out to buy $50 worth of flowers and desserts for the shoot early that morning, chugging Pepto, loading 2 vehicles with my "treasures", and making the trek to TB's house, my fears slowly vanished and excitement took the floor. Thank the Lord! As we began to stage our items, I felt myself thinking multiple times "Ohh, I'd rent that", which was like the weight of the world being lifted from my heavy heart. Pssst, the picture above is a sneak peak from our shoot. Isn't she cute??

We still have no guarantee of business rolling in or of people loving us as much as we love all things vintage, but I now know that we've got a pretty good product and we're either brave enough or crazy enough to follow our dream. The rest is out of our control and that has to be okay for now.

And in closing, this blog excerpt below is something I stumbled across this morning and it really sums up what I'm feeling. Apparently I'm not that crazy or alone at all in my fears and dreams. I love when someone else can speak a word to your heart exactly when you need it.

Vintage Party Rentals around the Country


There are a lot of people daring to take a risk and be different; to offer people a place where they can go to find unique items to make their event stand out. I think the people who own these business’s themselves stand out. I think words such as crazy, brave, and courageous are good descriptive words used for people like us. It’s exciting and terrifying to start a business; to follow your vision and to be true to oneself is definitely a characteristic that makes you stand out. This isn’t easy and at times it’s not necessarily fun (because there is SOOO much work that goes into it along with emotions) but that didn’t stop us from diving in. I’ve been following a lot of vintage party rentals/vintage event rentals and below are some of them. I know there are more out there and others preparing to open. I would love to hear from you fearless people who took the path less traveled.

News Revealed...Something Borrowed

Over the last few weeks, and really over the last 8 months or so unofficially, I've toyed with the idea of starting a small, side business that caters to bridal event decor rental.  After collecting items for my own wedding, and doing countless hours of research on what's available to rent versus purchase, a business like this just seemed like an untapped market in my hometown.  A few people do offer your standard rentals such as: table linens, seating, candelabras, votive holders, etc...but it all was so standard. Everywhere you look, brides are constantly reinventing their wedding space with personal touches, so why not offer this here? And with us only specializing in decor details and vintage furniture touches, we won't be seen as a competitor in this market, but hopefully a team player and strong complement for what's already being done.

How it came to be...through random, Craigslist happenstance, I've now teamed up with a local, vintage furniture repurposer (is that even a word?) to turn our little vision into our own shabby chic wedding corner of the world. Or at least Rockford. Who knew purchasing an entry way console from the amazingly well connected Craigslist would result in a new relationship with someone who loves all things vintage as much as I do?! Luck? I think not. Stars aligning via sale postings? Let's certainly hope so.

Now that we've been talking through logistics, our first step will take place later this month with our first photo shoot to showcase our items in action. My mind is racing on everything we'll need and my inventory has officially begun to grow. The coolest part of all of this is hunting for new treasures. With my mom as my co-pilot, we're slowly scouring Northern Illinois for estate sales, thrift stores, etc... Think of us as the Mike and Frank of the wedding decor industry. Gotta love a good ole American Pickers plug!

Stay tuned for pictures from our photo shoot, but in the meantime, please say a quick prayer that this takes off. Worst case scenario, Tim gets to help me have a major estate sale of my own to unload all of my treasures;)

Oh Darling, Let's Be Adventurers!

Sometimes I get what my lovely mom would call "hair-brained ideas". I've never really understood that euphemism, seems kind of nasty to me, but apparently I'm subject to them on rare occasion. Or not so rare occasions, but I digress.

Well, in my quest for all things retro and vintage, I stumbled across a lovely, little gem on Craiglist. She's everything I love- aqua, retro, recently renoovated so that I can just slide on in, and she's adorably cozy!

I'll be the first to admit that I've never been a huge camper. But when I've gone, I've loved it all but the sleeping part. Too. Many. Spiders. Would those closest to me call me "outdoorsy"? Probably not so much. Would they call me adventurous? Maybe, on a good day, I would guess. But as a newly married gal, some of my fave moments are when Tim and I just cruise in the car. Especially during this gorgeous season of fall. I LOVE to drive through the corn fields, surrounded by vibrant golds, reds, and orange pops of color in every direction. Fall is a gift from the Lord himself. I have a theory that winter in IL is simply ungodly and is thrown upon on once a year to reiterate to have a Heaven we must also have a hell. Any who....

With my gut need to get lost in the country, matched with the desire to travel to see our families that I'm now close enough to for a road trip, this prize really just makes sense. We'd be free to house crash the relatives minus the intrusion part!

I want to load 'er up with delicious road trip snacks, hot dogs, smores, and wine. I want to stuff her cupboard with board games and plaid, flannel blankets for camp fires. I want her to carry great books, fun lanterns, and maybe a pink flamingo or two (or 3;). I want to get lost in her.

Who wants to meet on the open road in this beaut?? I'll bring the Lionel R. and ZZB CD's and we'll be "free as we'll ever be" adventurers together.
Check her out. She's literally calling my name. Daily. By the hour. One phone call away.

Oh the memories we'd make!