My Christmas Gift List: Just Like Mom

Recently I met a wonderful lady at a craft sale and we were discussing one of the really cute products that a vendor had on display. Several days later when the lady came to pick up her custom order we were talking again about the really cute bows and clips that we had seen at the show. She told me that it is really hard to find handmade clips and bows that don't cost a fortune. Fortunately I just happen to have a friend that can make these hard to find treasures so I am sharing her information so that you can stock up before the Christmas season. How many times have you got your little princess all ready for holiday pictures or worse yet a Christmas party only to find that her hair accessory had gone amiss. Not having another on hand is nearly as bad as remembering how much that little trinket had cost you because it matched her dress so perfectly.

Jordyn did not start off planning to be the designer of hair coutière but rather stumbled upon her talent as most Mommies do, as the need to fix a problem arose.

Hi everyone! My name is Jordyn & after being brought up in beautiful Kingston, Ontario, I decided to spread my wings & fly to Vancouver BC to take up residence. No one, including myself, could have guessed that I would stay there for 10 years! However, after my MANY experiences in "The Big City", I felt the need to return to my wonderful hometown and could not be happier that I did! For, if I hadn't, I never would have rekindled a friendship (to this extent, as we still stayed connected while I was gone) with an old buddy from high school. Over a short period of time, which scared us both a little, that "buddy-ness", quickly turned in to best friends & then soul mates. Neither of us expected it or trusted it at first, but to this day, I don't know what I would do without my Mike! It is to his wonderful, beautiful & caring little Angels that I am now a "Stepmom" to, that I have to thank, but lets face it, they are "mine"! I have my 8 year old Princess Xayli to thank for starting my little home based business, as, due to a severely shattered ankle that I have yet to fully recover from & some voluntary requirements with the kids school, I was unable to practice my profession of being a Pastry Chef & I found my self to be a "Stay At Home Mommy", the best job in the world! It was one morning when my little girl had not a single hair clip to match her outfit that I had made her one....and then 2 and 3 and 4 and well, she now has one for EVERY outfit in her closet! When our friends saw them, they thought they were SO sweet. So then it started! Everyone wanted them! Then, they saw the cakes, cupcakes, pies and everything else that came with living with a Pastry Chef & THOSE requests started coming in as well. Well, my little Dears, seeing this, say "You should have your own company job Mom!" Haha! Like it's that easy! Needless to say, I have worked my hiney off, the best I can & every now & then I get to share my passion with others, the only thing I have ever wanted to do....aside from being an AWESOME Mommy that is!  Visit Jordyn and look at all her lovely creations Just Like Mom

My Christmas Gift List: Sisterhood Magazine

This is actually one of the things that I am most excited to share with you. If you have a tween girl on your list then you will want to pay close attention to this one. This is your chance to put something truly inspiring into the hands of a girl that is at such an impressionable age. Just listen to what their description is:

"Welcome to SisterhoodMag.com, the home of Sisterhood Magazine and the Sisterhood online community. Our purpose is to lead teen girls into intimacy with Christ, guide them in developing healthy relationships, showcase positive entertainment choices, provide healthy role models and teach positive self-image. "

What more could we want for our daughters, granddaughters, nieces and friends.  The magazine does not hit them over the head with sermons or speeches about life and morals, instead it gently whispers the message to them in a natural manner helping the reader to use their own sense of reason to come to the correct decision. This gentle path leads the girls to a stronger conviction of the reasons behind what they believe.  I was reading one of the articles and it said "Are you ready for Sex, take the quiz." I nearly choked on the swallow of diet pepsi I had in my mouth. Say what?? Yep, that's what it said. Then at the bottom it had one question "Are you married?". Simple, poignant and pretty darn funny. I am excited to share this magazine with my daughter. I am looking forward to curling up on the couch with her and discussing the articles.  The wonderful thing about this magazine, other than its strong Christian foundation, is that with a subscription you also have access to their online community that is a safe place for girls to interact. Visit their website and see for yourself the value of introducing this magazine to the tween girls on your Christmas list.

As incredible as this magazine is, they just keep giving. They are offering a discount to all My Grandma's Teacups fans!
A coupon code for $2 off print subscriptions (regularly $26 U.S. and $28 Canada) enter code SAVE2 and it's good now through December 20.  Sisterhood Magazine








As though that's not enough. How would you like to receive Sisterhood Magazine FREE for a year! Just enter the draw below to win!
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My Christmas Gift List: Candle Creations by Carrie

Nothing beats a personalized gift for that hard to buy for someone. Last year I decided to give glass etching a whirl and decided Christmas was the perfect time to try something new. Well, I was wrong. I made so many flubs on my gifts that I could have paid to have them professionally done three times over. Though I love to dabble in many types of arts and crafts, I have firmly decided that glass etching was a one time event. When I am in need of some personalized glassware for a gift Carrie is on my call list. Her beautiful designs will make you glad that this is one DIY job that you wont have to do yourself.

My name is Carrie Thompson and my business is called Candle Creations by Carrie.

I am the proud mother of a 22 month old boy named Nicholas and stepmom to Tristan who is 10.

I create personalized candles and etched glass items for all occasions. I also have a line of generic items that are ready for purchase as is. I have been making candles since September 2012 and love it!

My website is www.candlecreationsbycarrie.com or you can visit my Facebook page www.facebook.com/candlecreationsbycarrie.

My Christmas Gift List: Divas Secret Wilderness Spa

Are you like me and choose half of your Christmas presents yourself? You might want to reward yourself or someone very special on your list this year with a gift certificate from my next gift suggestion. How excited would your Mom or Daughter be to open their gift Christmas morning to find that you had arranged a day of pampering at Divas Secret Wilderness Spa?

Darlene Kimmerly: Owner of 

Divas Secret Wilderness Spa

I welcome you to my Humble Home where I do all the treatments myself and never overbook.

I enjoy what I do and look forward to my clients visits.

The girls tell me they love the warm cozy atmosphere and the privacy here. The drive itself is truly part of the experience.

I specialize in BioSculpture Nails...the" Best in the Industry". No need for artificial tips or extensions....when you have strong healthy nails. Now also offering En Vogue Gel Nails a nonporous gel and another quality product line......great for girls whose hands are in a lot of water!

Ask about Moor Facials ..all natural, all wonderful. I still love my Aloette Skincare. We offer a full waxing service with brows starting at $10.00 including shaping. Express Pedicures start at $25.00 and go up for Gel Toes and Spa Pedicure.

Let Darlene pamper your loved one this Christmas with a special trip to Divas Secret Wilderness Spa. Contact Darlene to have her personally help you select the perfect gift.

Phone (613) 478-1729 or  Email myDivassecret@gmail.com Visit her on Facebook Divas Secret Wilderness Spa

My Christmas Gift List: Mommies Craft Boutique

This is the first year in a very long while that I have not had a wee little girl on my Christmas list.  My daughter is well past the hair bows and tutus stage. I remember well all the pretty dress up clothes and sparkly hair accessories. If you have a sweet little girl to buy for this year, Mommies Craft Boutique has such cute items you will have a hard time choosing. Tutus, hair ties, bows and all manner of sweetness await. I wonder if she makes tutus in my size.....some days you just want to feel like a ballerina. Meet Sheila, the talented artist behind Mommies Craft Boutique.

I am a mother to two beautiful little girls who are 1 and 3. They are the reason I started my business. As my maternity leave ended we realized me going back to work wasn't right for our family. I have tried a few direct sales businesses but didn't enjoy them as much as I do making my own items. My girls keep me fairly busy but on my down time I enjoy doing crafty things to keep busy.

My husband and I have been together for 11 years, married for 2. My family are great supporters in me starting my own business and offer great encouragement. Our plan is for me to be a stay at home mom as long as I can.

Although I am a regal and avon rep, my home business Mommies Craft Boutique is my main focus. I have many ideas of new handmade items to come. I welcome custom orders and requests. Although my main items are focused around girls I am looking to expand and offer items for boys as well.

I started making hair bows and tutus for my girls as something to do. From there I decided to offer my items for sale and started my business. I am happy to say the response I got was great.


Contact me today to place an order or visit
www.facebook.com/mommiescraftboutique

My Christmas Gift List : One Earth

There is something magical this time of year that resounds in my heart like no other time of the year. People make that extra effort to try to make the world a better place. Many of us try to make a difference every day and even small gestures can cause large ripples in the tides of happiness.  The next lady that I want to introduce you to represents a company that is trying to make a real difference. One Earth's mission statement says it all. You get to feel that warm fuzzy feeling knowing that your beautiful gift will be appreciated by the recipient as well as the developing nation where the product came from.

Heather Ferguson Donavon

Born and raised in Belleville, Ontario Canada and now residing in Frankford, Ontario Canada with my husband of twenty years and two teenage sons. After being a stay at home mom and raising two very self sufficient, independent boys what was I going to do for the rest of my life? One Earth excited me and I could truly make a difference by helping people in developing countries. What a unique and amazing concept. One Earth is going to revolutionize the direct sales market and I’m proud to be one of the first to sign up. Join Me! Make a difference, it’s about people helping people.

View the entire One Earth Catalogue Online One Earth Catalogue

My Christmas Gift List : Jamberry Nails

This is one of my favourite finds this year. I have been growing my poor pathetic nails out since at least September (b.t.w. I broke a nail typing this post) just so that I can sport these truly amazing designs over the holidays. Thats not a gift you say? Its a gift to me from me in celebration of accomplishing my goal of growing my nails. I am also eyeing up the cute junior sets for my oh so lovely daughter who is just transitioning from disney princess nails to something a bit more mature looking.  I can't wait to introduce you to Charlotte. I asked her to give you a bit of background information on herself and her business. You are going to fall in love with this gift.

Charlotte’s Bio

I am a mother of one adorable 15 month old baby boy, Bentley. He is my world and the reason for me wanting to work from home. I have an advertising diploma and am working on a joint degree in Women’s studies and Sociology but currently am a work at home mom that wants to stay that way J

I am a Jamberry Nails consultant and I also have a home based business making baby items called Bonnets & Bums.

I try to live as green and natural as I can and have a passion for all things lacy, vintage and chic.

Jamberry Nails

Jamberry Nails are a super cute new fashion forward way to put style right at your fingertips. They are brand new to Canada and coming in with a bang!

So what are they? Jamberry nail wraps are a nail adhesive that stick to your nail in place of using polish. So what makes them different than the nail stickers already on the market? Jamberrys special adhesive requires heat and pressure unlike the other products which allows them to stay on your nails without chipping or fading for 2-3 weeks on your hands and up to 6 weeks on your toes!

The best part is they save you money and time! These wraps are much cheaper than a salon manicure or pedicure and can be easily applied at home in about 15 minutes. With over 300 designs, and a nail art studio that lets you design your very own nail wraps, you’re sure to find one (or 4) that fits your style.

Each nail sheet comes with various sizes to get the perfect fit on each nail and each sheet will do 3-4 manicures or pedicures.

We have also recently introduced a nail lacquer line that is 5-free (does not contain Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde resin, or camphor), and a luxury hand care line!

We have some really great holiday designs right now as well as adorable juniors!

We also have the awesome promotion of buy 3 get 1 free…since it’s so very hard to only pick one!

And we just announced our holiday gift packs which includes exclusive designs and accent sheets only available in the gift packs!

I’ve never been a nail polish kind of girl because I just don’t have the time for it, (and I  don’t have the patience sooooo I always end up smudging it before it’s dry). So when I found Jamberry I fell in love first with the designs and second with the ease and durability of them. I absolutely love that I can incorporate my style onto my nails and have them look great, really really GREAT!

You can host your own Jamberry home party and get awesome rewards such as free wrap sheets and discounts! We treat our hosts very well!

 Bonnets & Bums

When I became pregnant I really wanted to be able to make something for my son but I am not a very crafty person. I loved the adorable crocheted hats I saw everywhere and thought I could give it a go. Well I did and I gave up. And then I tried again and again and again and I finally got it and made him a little hat. I was so proud and I wanted to do more. Then I had a photographer ask me to make her some props and then I started getting requests and after time my business developed into more than just crocheted hats and diaper covers. I now make headbands, nursing necklaces, teething rings, banners, props and more!

I love to create and B&B is my creative outlet J

www.charlotterose.jamberrynails.net

www.facebook.com/bonnetsandbums

bio photo: www.facebook.com/melissaanthonyphotography

My Christmas Gift List: Close To My Heart

Ok, I know its a little bit self serving to present Close to My Heart on the list but I really am buying allot of my Christmas gifts from here. Close To My Heart is introducing so many fabulous new items that I know would be perfect gifts this Christmas.

 I just purchased my first My Legacy Album and it arrived yesterday. It was packaged so beautifully it looked like it was destined to be a gift. The albums look like they cost a fortune but they actually cost less than what you would pay at a local big box store. The great thing about these albums is that they expand to hold a whopping 60 pages. Of course if you actually put that many layouts in it you would hardly be able to lift it off your coffee table. Imagine this under the tree for Mom or Dad or filled with your layouts to present to your grown children.

Have you noticed all the ladies talking about project life? Well Close To My Heart has launched a new product to compliment that style of memory keeping. If you have someone on your list that loves to scrapbook but has been feeling to busy lately to have the time this is an excellent gift idea. There are several themes to choose from so you can find the one that suits their personality exactly.

Close To My Heart Offers an astounding array of acrylic stamps to suit every occasion. From elegant to  whimsical you will find just the perfect stamp set for the stamper on your list. I recently found out that you never know who is going to fall in love with stamping. Choose your stamp set and one or two exclusive shades of ink and you have an incredible gift for less than $25. This is one product that is on the top of my daughter's wish list.

 Every crafter loves to be inspired. Close To My Heart has an amazing collection of "how to" books that will set the scrapbooker on your Christmas Lists imagination on fire. From cards, Scrapbook Layouts and even Interactive Design these amazing books give you the hands on instructions to create beautiful pieces of art. I have all of the collection and I refer to them constantly. The beautiful full colour photos and wide assortment of designs never leaves me strapped for fresh ideas.





Visit http://www.mygrandmasteacups.ctmh.com to peruse the current catalogue. Remember there is still time to take part in the special Holidays from the Heart campaign and earn free products with every $100 purchase.

Visit My Website to See the Holidays From The Heart Mini