Giving to others can be a gift in itself...

I'd been dreading what to buy for the holidays.  I've been reading threads for gift ideas, and had considered some of the ideas listed, but still hadn't made up my mind. Should this person get this gift, or would that be better for someone else; oh no maybe this person doesn't like scented whats-its what will I do?? And on and on...

Until tonight. I happened to have 20/20 on while working on the computer, and they were doing a special called 'Be the Change' about health issues all over the world and how people were making a difference. Simple things, like inexpensive food supplements so a child doesn't die of malnutrition, or clean water to prevent water-borne illnesses.  Certainly not anything I wasn't aware of, and I've given to organizations before that help with these sorts of problems.

But as I sat there, it just sort of hit me. Here I am worried about whether I should buy someone a gizmo or a treat, when that money could literally save a life.  Such a little thing.  And its not like my widget or munchy would have made any difference; they'd just been ate or put in a cabinet, and forgotten about.  But this, this actually could make a difference.

So yeah, I know what they're getting this year. A card with a note, to let them know that a life, or lives, will be helped, even potentially saved, in their honor.  Seriously, can a gift get any better than that?


If you're looking for additional gifts, consider donating to an organization in someone's honor. Your small contribution really can make a HUGE difference.  Here's a few links to some great organizations with info about donating.

Be the Change Help save a life with basic needs like food and clean drinking water, birthing kits, and medicine.

Natural Resources Defense Council Help protect polar bears or wolves, even plant a tree or build a park.

Doctors Without Borders One of the most important organizations out there, your donation will help provide humanitarian health care to people in dire need in more than 60 countries.

House Rabbit Society Lastly an organization near and dear to my and my bunnies hearts. The House Rabbit Society helps with rabbit rescues and education world wide. Even if you can't adopt a bunny, you can still help one!

Christmas in July Sale at Bijoutery!

The 3rd annual Christmas in July Sale is underway at Etsy!  Everything in my shop will be 25-30% off til the end of July - prices are already reduced for quick and easy shopping. Come join me and JD (the cute little guy pictured above), and get some of your holiday shopping done early this year with some great sales! Check it out!

And a bah! humbug! to you and yours!

Another year almost gone, another revolution around our star, another cold winter (I really don't like the cold!), and another mad shopping season (returns - the horrors!). For me its not really about the shopping (though hey, I won't turn down a present, feel free send all winning lotto tickets to me), the holiday parties (seriously, who *cares* whose cookies were better? either they're good enough to eat or hard enough to be used a weapons - both are cool), nor religion (I don't need converting, thanks). It should be about being glad of what you have, and sharing what you can with others. It should also be something celebrated 365 days a year, not for just a few days in December. Appreciate what you have every day you have it, because you never know when it may be taken away. And folks need help year round, not just during the holidays. Remember that.

Regardless of what one believes or doesn't believe, I think this sums up nicely what the holidays are all about. What they should be about, year round.
Out of the mouths of babes (even if written by an adult....)





Happy holidays whatever you celebrate (even if its just celebrating getting a long weekend!)

BOGO 50% Off - Last Day!

Monday Nov 30th is the last day for the Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale!
Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off! Everything in my shop included!
Get some great jewelry or art for yourself, or as a gift for the holidays!

And as a special bonus for readers, YOU can get a FREE pair of earrings with any purchase!
Upon checkout just enter the code "Bijoutery's Blog" in the 'note to seller' field, and you'll receive a free pair of holiday earrings!

So come check it out at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bijoutery

2nd Annual Christmas in July Sale @ Etsy!

Yup it's that time again! The 2nd annual Christmas in July Sale is underway at Etsy! The sale will run July 8th thru July 22nd. Come join me and JD (the cute little guy pictured above), and get some of your holiday shopping done early this year with some great sales.

I will be offering Free Shipping worldwide throughout the sale at my store - buy as much as you like, it all ships free! Plus I currently have a special "sale/clearance" section for extra savings! Come check it out!

Christmas in July Sale! One Day Only get 40% Off!

That's right! 40% Off all day July 31st on everything in stock! A great time to start buying for the holidays - or even just a little something for yourself! Never have I had such a large discount and I doubt I will again til next year, so take advantage while you can!

What do I get out of it? Its a great way for me to move some stock out for the upcoming holidays too! So everyone wins! :D

Check it out at http://bijoutery.etsy.com!