Is it too early to begin Christmas shopping?
It definitely doesn’t feel like it here in MN! Feels like December with the dropping temps and constant snow :) Also, I love planning. And seriously, can you really ever be done with something like Christmas shopping “too early”? Not in my world:)
Plus, I’ve been binging on Pinterest lately… and pair that with the fact that I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by incredibly creative and talented people… and I guess that equals me being obsessed with certain fabulous things this season. I thought it might be fun to share some of these favorites that I’ve stumbled across so far. I hope they inspire your creative side, spark an idea of how you can love someone special in your life this year, while simultaneously giving gifts for the greater good of others.
Beauty beauty…
Why I love them: I discovered these last year and was blown away by the fact that they donate 100% of the price (minus the taxes) to small, grassroots organizations working in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights. I love all the info they provide on the organizations they work with. Check em out!
Jewels please…
Why I love them: The company core values are legit, the jewelry is uniquely beautiful, and you can give the gift of encouragement with their inspirational collections. My sister gave me one of the tagged necklaces that says “inspire” because she said she sees my work as inspiring others. It was so sweet. She also gave me a few of the other necklaces with words like “faith” and “believe” on them to give to the girls I work with to encourage them on their journey. It was awesome. Loved it, as did my teenage girls. Seriously, there’s something for ladies of every age and style. Proof? My grandma loves her locket too! She’s rockin it daily :) Here’s one of my new favorites::
P.S. If you’re like me and want some help designing the perfect locket, no worries! My sister is a designer and can totally hook you up too:) Find her on Facebook here.
Keep warm & stay kool:) (you guys remember when that was an awesome way to spell it, right? ;))
Why I love them: My grandma recently gave me a Reader’s Digest with a story about the Krotchet Kids’ founders – men who love crocheting and turned it into an amazing non-profit – and I was totally stoked. I had heard of them before but didn’t know how they got started. (Read their story here). Then, I looked at the date the magazine was published and it was a Reader’s Digest from 2008. So, I’m a little behind but still impressed (and super impressed that my grandma still had that magazine)… and honestly, I feel like crotched headbands are cooler than ever. No better time to support an awesome cause providing women with a valuable skill which allows them to make a living in poverty stricken areas. And seriously, how cute is this headband?
Nothing spells love like the gift of the written word:)
Why I love it: I love L.A., teenagers, and books! 3 in 1!!! The Book Truck provides free, hand-selected books to teens in dropout recovery high schools and foster care facilities throughout Los Angeles.
Need I say more? Probably not, but I do love the story of how I came across this amazing organization. Last month I was with a friend who needed to pick up a children’s book at a sweet little local L.A. book store. Outside the book store was The Book Truck. I chatted with the woman who was working at the truck and fell in love with what they are doing.
I grabbed a book list – which had on it books that inner city teens were hoping to read. The first book on the list? Tattoos on the Heart by Reverend Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries. The crazy part? I happened to have that book in my purse. I had intended to give it back to my friend Vickie who let me borrow it a few months before. However, I didn’t see Vickie so I couldn’t give it back to her that day… but I didn’t want to give her book away so I went inside to buy a copy for the student who requested it. However, no go. They didn’t have it… I couldn’t get past the fact that I had that book in my purse and that it was the first book on the list. God speaks loud and clear sometimes:) So, I donated it:) Sorry, Vickie! I will totally buy you another copy! Haven’t had a chance to tell you that yet… but knowing you Vickie, I knew you’d probably be totally down!
If you’d like to donate the gift of reading on behalf of the book-lover in your life, check out The Book Truck’s Amazon Wish List! Although I no longer live in LA I’m so blessed to have had a chance to spend time with LA teens, and I can tell you that you will be making a huge difference. And also, these teens are amazing… as are all teens everywhere. :)
Homemade Goodness!
Why I love them: Perfect for those on a budget! And, you can’t put a price on something you poured your heart into:) Admittedly, I am more of a pinner of DIY projects than a doer of DIY projects. However, I would love to carve out some time and try all of these out! I feel like if I had kids it would be even more fun because kids are sooo creative! And also, if a kid makes it and it’s not perfect, it’s still awesome, and probably even cuter. :) But, as I like to say – imperfection is beauty – so get creating!
But seriously… these are amazing, right?
A final word…
I totally believe Christmas is way bigger than gifts, but it’s also a fun time of showing others you care and making them smile with thoughtful presents, kind words, and memories that are more valuable than anything money could ever buy. Don’t forget to sit and sip a delicious cup of your favorite warm drink while remembering the true reason for this beautiful season…
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12
Katie Nelson 
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