Counting Blessings

Hey Folks!
     I hope every one is enjoying the holiday season and is having a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and is looking forward to a Happy New Year!
It's hard some times, to see through the effects that the recession has had on us, our communities, and loved ones, but I think that there is much for us as a people to look forward to.
If we learn nothing else in these times,  I really hope that we take away a true appreciation for the little things in life.
    While Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, I am always thankful for the great people in my life and the wonderful little blessing that are brought to me through them.  Having a mom who will sub for me while  I'm at work, getting some 'out of the house' time, or even sleeping is a blessing that I am very thankful for.  My older brother, no matter how stagnant I was, has never looked down on me and sometimes still buys his kid sister a Happy Meal from time to time.  People like him are blessings- I hope that we all recognize who they are.
New friends who are willing to share and enlighten you with their beliefs and faith, especially when you really just needed to hear it... I think these types will be friends for a life time and are blessings sent through Jesus Christ himself.

On Thanksgiving, we give thanks, but how many of us count our blessings on this day?

  

What Comes After Christmas?

Valentines Day! Yay! 
hehe

With all the cute Christmas stuff out there and all the wonderful sales going on, I wonder how many of us are taking advantage of the great discounts while looking forward to future holidays.


Online especially, you can find a wide variety of items with free shipping or a percentage off for the holidays. And I'd bet that those shops or stores aren't limiting their discounts to just holiday related items.

In my artfire studio, I've got lots of Valentines Day related items such as dishtowels/hot pads, coasters, hats, scarves, and  little heart shaped pins which range from $2 - $20 plus shipping.  All of which can be discounted with my in store coupon.




GlassIdentities' whole studio is marked down by 50%.  This earring and necklace set would be a great V-day gift for some one who isn't really into pink or red.  You'd know that they could enjoy your gift year round!




Always affordable cards and things from 
ATime2beeunique







BarefootBathAndBody is offering free shipping on ALL items in her shop.  She's got lots of neat soaps, oils and moisturizing stuffs.
You could get some sweet stuff for your sweet stuff =B 
  


And my favorite for drinking punch out of... A Genuine Leather and Stainless Steel Flask from SeizeTheNight which is eligible for a coupon. It can be stamped with a message or quote.  I think that if I ever had any one to give one of these to for Valentines Day, I would.   
"Bottoms Up!"



Don't forget to check out my blog on Artfire!

Get 15% off on orders over $9.99!

In case you were unable to take advantage of my Cyber Monday sale, I've created  a coupon that will be good through New Years for 15% off on all orders over $9.99.

Perhaps there's something you see that you think some one would like, but aren't quite sure.  You've still got time to work it out while getting a great deal =)

Use Coupon Code:

2010DEALS15OFF

during checkout to receive the discount!

Visit LaneesCrochet's Studio

SAVE 15.00 % On Order Total (orders above $9.99)

Use Coupon Code:

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Homemade Dog Treats

Link Love Links of Stuff I Love

A lot of people are doing a discussion on their website's facebook pages called "Link Love", which is meant to be a place to share links and network on one another's pages with out being spammy.
The Discussion page is an easy one to be forgotten, so I've decided to go through and pick some things from people's shops that I just love and share them with you here.
Link Love can be a great place to pool inspiration for blog posts =)

From BarbsMacrameandMore, I found this Jute Plant Hanger with Yellow Beads.
I love this one of course, because one of my favorite colors is yellow.  And I don't think you could go wrong inside or out  with this plant hanger.










From GardenofYarn on Etsy, I totally dig these Fingerless Gloves which are a wool blend.
The yarn used to make them varies between purple and teal and seems to be made from a fine textured yarn.  Great for some one who loves to read or chat online, I think.
  













And from letamariedesigns, a pair of black enamel Teardrop Earrings with Sterling Silver Peace Sign
I love that this pair of earrings is simple and stylish.  I think they could be worn with pretty much anything and to almost anywhere.

Free Shipping Offer Ends Tonight!

My extended Cyber Monday sale will be ending tonight.
Everything in my shops are offered with free domestic and discounted international shipping.
You still have time to get that hat or coin purse that you've been eying in Lanee's Crochet,  but this special won't last very much longer.

In case it's been a while since you've stopped by to see what I have to offer, here's what's new in the studio:

Mixed Peppermint Candy Crocheted Holiday Coasters for $7.99

Red Berry Ribbed Ladies Crochet Hat with Small Bib for just $25.00

Red, Whte, and Green Coffee Cup Sleeve for 7.99

and this

Ribbon Candy Crocheted Scarf $20.00

The 12 Days of Christmas

Did you know that it's not just a Christmas song?  It is believed that this song is filled with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Christian Faith, and that historically, the 12 days start after Christmas - not 12 days before.
12 Days of Christmas Break Down
It's up to speculation, whether it's true or not, but then, isn't everything?

I was going to do a thing here where I, rather than 'gift guiding', would highlight some handmade things that I have come across online that would be good choices for each of the 12 Days.  But after reading up on it a bit, I've decided that naaah- I won't be doing that.

Not in that reference anyway.
I mean man, times are hard and the holidays are something that can bring us joy even when our pockets are empty and life is seeming to be a drag.

My family has what I'm now seeing is a tradition that is to make turkey and dressing with ham and potato salad all day long at our place, which seems to be home base for many.  Then we wait until the last person is home from work or where ever and we eat together.

This year, tho, things were a bit different for Thanksgiving, but still special... even MORE special,  I think!
My older brother bought the turkey and ham this year and cooked them at his place while we did the sides and desserts.  I have a brand new niece, and while things are tight, we're as blessed as we ever were.

I'm not at all (ok, well maybe I am a little, but only a little) worried about the fact that I may only be able to get my son one gift this year because 1)  That's all he ever does get from me, and 2)I know how to make memories that will last way longer than a video game or pogo stick.  And I can get the stuff to make them by using just what I have in my change cup.
A lot of mine will be made in the kitchen this year and probably always- allowing Dominic to flip over his grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla with out holding his hand the whole time, having him help me roll out cookie dough, cut them out and put them on the pan, letting him be in charge of measuring some of the ingredients, and having such a ball watching him do it.

So, in this post, I'm not going to show you ways that you can spend your money on things for the holidays that may make your loved ones happy for a while (gonna save that for next time =-B
Rather, I'd like to invite you to think of ways to create awesome memories, or show them that you appreciate who they are and or what they do- that will make them feel happy for a while and a half.

♥