RACK'ed Day One

Okay, well I started my Random Acts of Christmas Kindness today!!  I figured then I can get the full 12 days in and enjoy Christmas Day with my family!

First thing I did was print off some cute little sheets decribing to recipients what I am doing and why! Here is what I came up with...

I think it aptly describes my mission!!



1.  My first stop was our local medical center.  I filled a basket with 55 silky, pretty scarves with one of my notes folded with a "To the Jill
Chatterson Chemotherapy Unit"  Which is just what it says - established upon this very brave and beautiful woman's end to a gallant fight against cancer!  She was a friend and mother and wife.  And, she is still missed! 

I hope that these bring comfort and maybe a little joy to someone's day... during a very difficult time!

2. Next.. I stopped at the Save A Lot grocery Store to buy some candy canes to include with my little "gifts".  (I wasn't able to get a picture because there were some people that were checking out at the register, so I needed to be speedy!)  So I took some little snack size bags and placed my notes, a candy cane and a few quarters in each.  Then I taped them to those cute little "toy dispensers" that little kids love to stop at ...but sometimes mom is just too busy too wiped out or without quarters.  Hopefully some little one gets to have a little fun and a little prize.

3.  My next stop was at the local photo shop at Walgreens!  I needed to pick up my Christmas cards, and after the clerk got mine I asked her to do me a favor.  I asked her to choose one of the boxes of cards and that I would like to pay for the Christmas Cards.  She was speechless.. and I got a little nervous because this is not my purpose...I don't want recognition.... just to make someone's day and hope that they decide to do something for someone else in return.  Anyway she found one for a woman who just had heart surgery, and she knew she would be thrilled not to mention pay it forward.  Goal accomplished there!  (Ps. Again, no photo... no time and too many nerves!)

4.  Next I purchased several $10 gift cards to the local grocery store, and then went into a stall in the ladies room.  I then taped one of my notes with the gift card taped to it on the back of the door.  I hope someone buys a little something special for their family with it... or that it just helps out a little bit.  I know it isn't much... but hey every little bit helps!

I still have a few of the gift cards left, so I will use those in the future.

5.  Next stop the gas station.  I stopped first at the vacuum cleaner and taped a baggy with a note and 75 cents in quarters for someone to find.

6. Then I stopped at one of the pumps and taped a baggy with a note and $5 in it.

7.  Next I ran to the laundromat/cleaners to pick up my coat.  As I was leaving, I taped another baggy, note and $2 in quarters to two machines to cover a couple of loads of laundry for someone. (no picture, because there were people around... but they didn't see me!)

8.  Then, as I was leaving, I noticed the clerk's car parked outside.  This woman is amazing...and she gives and gives!  So I popped a note and a scratch off lottery ticket to the windshield wiper!

So maybe that wasn't as random as having a stranger find it, but she is so deserving!

9.  Then as I was driving home, I saw a car parked outside on the street of our local factory.  So, I decided to put another lottery ticket on their windshield.  Maybe after a hard day's work this will make their day.

10.  Last but not least... I decided to give our mail carrier a little surprise.  The weather today is good...but we got snow the other day and he delivered in it!  I wrapped a Dove bar in one of the notes and then attached a candy cane and put it on our mail box! I hope he enjoyed his treat and knows how thankful we are for his dedicated hard work!



Okay so today...I feel blessed.  I feel like I accomplished alot, and realize that the next coming days are not going to be about money...I figure at least everyother day - or maybe encorporate a little everyday - I will do alot RACKs that don't require any money or very limited money.  Bake cookies and take them to the assited living center, take some cards to elderly neighbors who I know don't get out and visit with them for awhile.... oh the ideas running through my head! This means so much to me!

Blessings!

Laura  

Tomorrow, December 13 starts my 12 Days of Christmas!  Where I will try to make a difference in my little part of the world through Random Acts of Kindness.  I have wanted to do this for many years, and with cutting back a bit on my Family Gifts this year, feel this is the year to implement my plan of attack.

I encourage you to try as well.  Each day I will post my ideas for making a difference for that day...and then, will come back and tell you about my experience as well as any photos I may be able to get.

I also would love to hear from you on your experiences!

Merry Christmas!

Couple photos of our first snowfall!

 The first snowfall always has a certain magic to it!  Of course, that is the FIRST snowfall...by the end of February... not so much!

 I love the way the snow sticks to the tree branches.  It is so pretty...almost peaceful!

 Definitely beginning to look like Christmas! Better get my shopping done on that note! 

Secret Santa Exchange...

 So I participated in a Secret Santa Christmas Exchange with my "Country Sampler Forum" Friends on Facebook!  And, my oh my, I received my goodies on Friday! This is the loot above!!

 This adorable old suitcase (looks like it probably was a ladies makeup case) was filled with so many surprises! I just couldn't contain my excitement with each discovery!

 This little rusty tin was even inside the suitcase, with yes, you guessed it...more surprises inside with the wax gingerbread man and acorn...and a very cool old bottle that reminds me of my grandpa who collected bottles way way back in the day!  Interestingly enough, the person I had for my Secret Santa collects "Purple Sun Glass"... I had an old ink bottle that was purple sun glass from my grandpa's collection.  I included that bottle in her gift... ironic that I received a bottle back in return! 

Even the box was "packed" with a variety of pinecones! I am going to dip them in scented wax and place them in a big basket in the family room!

Well, Christmas is definitely on its way!

Today, I am going to do some decorating! I will post pictures soon!  What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your home??

Happy Halloween!

I wonder how many of you have trick or treating on the actual day of Halloween??  Here in my little neck of the woods in Wisconsin they always have it the last Sunday in October from 3-5 pm..so last Sunday it was! 

We live on what is considered the "main street" in our town... and it has all the big, beautiful Victorians, etc... mine is not a big Victorian...but it is my favorite house in the city!! It is a Lanon Stone "cape cod" which reminds me of home back in Massachusetts! Anyways... we get inundated with trick or treaters!  All the kids from the country come in and start on our street!

So, I bought 750 pieces of candy... and placed it in my  3 1/2 x 2 1/2 foot basket that I tradionally use each year! It's a lovely basket - I have always used it to put presents in for my children's birthdays and graduation parties...etc.  It's funny - some of the little toddlers in years past have actually climbed in and sat in the basket of candy!  Too cute!  But, anyways, here's my issue... we ran out of candy in just over a 1/2 an hour!!!  Giving out one piece each... we ran out!  Now, the thing is - it isn't just little kids trick or treating! I have TONS of parents with babies in strollers taking candy - (okay, that child will not be eating any candy mom and dad..so really???) - And, high school teenagers who are far too old to be trick or treating - taking handfuls of candy - and running off laughing - "haha I feel too old to be trick or treating"!  - because you are! I mean seriously, if you are old enough to go to Party City and buy an "adult" costume that frankly is innappropriate at best to be worn at anything other than a Halloween Party - not walking down the street, you are probably too old to be trick or treating.  Then, I have the adults/parents walking with their children with their OWN bags - reaching in and taking candy!!  REALLY??  SERIOUSLY?? 

What happened to the fun of kids trick or treating??  When did it become a hoarding fest??  I mean, okay, I paid about $60 for the candy... not alot of money in the big scheme of things... but... because of the greed of people who are too old, or too greedy, we had to close our door and shut our lights off and not hand out to the little ones.  My daughter offered to run to the store and buy more... but I said no because I just wanted no additional part to it!

Next year?? Hmm... am I really becoming the scrooge of Halloween??  Bah Humbug!

I'm Back....

Dear Friends, 

It seems like so long since I have been here.  I took a part time job a few months back... and that immediately became a streesful fulltime job!  After many worried, sleep free nights, my sweet husband and I decided that my place is at home.

So, that makes me officially back - crafting, cooking, getting inspired and most importantly - taking care of my family! Although my children are all essentially adults - my youngest is 18 and living in a dorm at college - they all still need me.  And, I need to nurture and create a peaceful home for them to come home to. 

My husband is still my favorite person in the world! He makes me so happy, and I only hope I make him feel the same way. 

As for my crafting - today I am making some cute prim stockings.  I will post pictures and directions tomorrow... until then have a wonderful day!

Blessings,
Laura

Mason Jar Monday! ~ Teacher's gifts

Today I am working on Teacher's Gifts with Mason Jars

Layered Mocha Coffee Mix ~ Yumm

Ingredients

Qt. Size Mason Jar

1/2 c. Powdered Non Dairy Creamer

1 c. Mini Chocolate Chips

1/4 c. Powdered Sugar, sifted

2 T. Vanilla Powder

2 c. Non Fat Dry Milk Powder

2/3 c. Instant Coffee

Instructions

Combine Non Dairy Creamer, Vanilla Powder, Powdered Sugar and Dry Milk Powder together in a bowl.  Take turns layering the milk mixture, chocolate chips and the coffee crystals.  Tap between each layer to help settle the contents.

Make cute gift tags with the following instructions for making a yummy cup of mocha!

For each cup add 1/4 c of mix to mug, and pour 2/3 c boiling water and stir! Enjoy

I give these to lots of my kid's teachers and their aides.  Who doesn't love a nice cup of mocha??