Desperately Seeking Blogger

I decided the best way to let everyone about this change was to post it on each blog! Attention, faithful followers, please don't leave me!!! After reading the following, go over to Celebrating Everyday Life and party with me!

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Ever since I started this blog, I've been having a blog identity crisis. Well, no more. I'm deciding (kind of with a heavy heart) to combine my two blogs. Eeeekkk. I know, I need therapy.

I've been posting over at A Resting Place for several years, now, and part of me feels like I'm quitting on her. But, really, I just want the two to become one. Now, I sound like I'm coaching one of my newly engaged couples.

This morning, as I was trying to sit and write a post that would be meaningful and encouraging, I kept being interrupted. The three year olds kept needing something, the kitchen was a disaster, and I had a meeting in an hour. After about 10 interruptions, I frustratingly hit the quit button. It made me realize that trying to keep up 2 blogs just isn't possible right now.

As is my custom, I can't incur a transition without celebrating it. So, I'm going to throw my first party over here. I'm giving away one of my super cute and BRAND NEW mini market totes. See and drool...

If you haven't noticed these amazing market totes, they are the best things ever. I use my big ones all the time, and this new size is just so cute. Perfect for picnics, graduation gifts, bridesmaids gifts, or just leaving in your car to bring all your junk to and from your house. Not only that, but I'm gonna throw in a funky charm bracelet just to make it a little more enticing.

Now, to make this transition fun for me (because you know it has to be fun for me, too!) I'm asking that you "follow" this blog and then leave a comment letting me know which mini market you would want! If you're super competitive and want an extra entry, link back to this post from your blog, and then comment to let me know you did the "extra credit". (And if you are already a follower, just leave a comment, and I'll still enter you!) You have til' midnight on Thursday the 20th to link up. I'll announce the winner on Friday!

Change isn't always easy, but I know that with your help, even this little change in my life could be a really great way to celebrate everyday life.

Oh, and I can't wait to tell you about the graduation party I designed last weekend!!

Give Aways and Good Stuff

There's too much goodness out there right now to not tell...even though by my telling, I'm making competition for myself! UGGGHHH! The rivalry. Ok, I think I've had a little too much ACC tournament for today.

Chickadee over at a Familiar Path is doing her annual super fun birthday bash for herself and us! Check out her great blog and fun giveaways.

And Kendra, who I have met in real life, and is so cute and very talented in the kitchen, is doing a survey about how you cook and eat. In return for participating in her survey, she's giving you the chance to win a set of her very own spices! Which, I'm really gonna fight you over because I WANT THEM! So go have fun, and .....GAME ON!

The Winner Is..

Well, what fun was that! I love knowing that you each also love homemade goodies, and I hope that we can have a holiday that supports more than just the big chain stores. Here's to a crafty holiday season! Congratulations...Beth and thanks so much to all of you who participated!!

Don't forget to check out our fun gifts at www.rekonciledesign.com. Let me know if you need any help with holiday shopping! I'm doing free gift wrapping for any Christmas gifts as a way to say thank you to supporting our little business!

A Homemade Holiday

As long as I can remember, I've loved buying from smaller businesses. My mom was a saint at this. I hardly remember going to big department stores or places like Wal-Mart. She actually NEVER went to Wal-Mart, unless forced. She was dedicated to shopping from local stores and getting to know the people she shopped from. Like farmers at the local farmers market. Or the girls at her favorite clothes boutique. And this wasn't just when she lived in big cities and had lots of options, this was even when she lived in Eastern North Carolina. Sometimes it cost a little more (ok, sometimes it cost a lot more - she could go a bit overboard) but to her, it was always worth it.

Now, I'm not gonna sit here and tell you, that you can't go to Target for your stocking stuffers, because let's face it, I can't commit to that. But it has made me sad to see the decline in buying from people, to buying more from huge stores that mass produce. So I do want to try to have more of a Homemade Holiday. I've been wanting to commit to support people who create, and not machines, and the Nester just happened to be in the same mindset this year. So, when I heard about her Homemade Holiday party, I knew that I would have to participate. In the hopes that I would sell some of my homemade wares this holiday, but also, just to encourage those of you who read this blog to shop more homemade and/or locally this year. Etsy is a fabulous place to shop online for handmade goods, and has so many things to choose from. Or your local gift shops, that are more family run. Or farmers markets. Or craft shows. But also, check out all the talented and creative gurus over at the Nester's party. It's amazing to see what people do!

To celebrate the beginning of the gift-giving season, I'm going to be giving away either a potpourarrie...

or a stroller blanket

(of your choice) to one of you.

So stop by the our website or my etsy shop, and see if there's anything I can help you with for the holidays. And just comment here to enter, and then check back to see if you're the lucky one on Saturday!

Usually at Christmas time, I try to see how much I can get for the least amount of money. I think this year, I'm going to try to see how much I can bless people with one of a kind items that come from other people wanting to let creative juices flow out of them into the world around them. Talk about a gift to our economy - supporting each other...that in itself is a gift!

Congrats to...

I tell you what...you know how to make a girl feel good!   Thanks for all of your kind words and encouragement for the shop.    That was worth every penny of that $25 gift certificate!    ;)   But seriously, the insight into what people like the most is super helpful, so thank you so much for your time and thoughts put into it!

And the winner is.....

Chief at Homestic Affairs!

For any of you who participated in this survey, I would still  like to offer you a little something.   So, for anyone who does any Christmas shopping with me, I will take off 10% of your bill AND give you free gift wrapping.    Thanks again, and if you purchase anything, just remind me that you're one of the ones who participated in the giveaway.     Can't wait to help you!

I Need Your Help Giveaway!!

Ok, so here's the deal.    I'm having some shows this fall and going to be putting money down upfront rather than taking specific orders.   But because I'm ridiculous and am scared that I'll pick all the wrong things and then no one will buy any of them, I can't decide which things will be the most enticing.    I want people to be able to shop and get there, and get it all wrapped up, instead of having to place orders.   But here's my dilemma.    I want to make sure that what I get is going to be wanted.    I mean no one likes to sit around and not be chosen.

So, for your help, I'm going to do a drawing for a free $25 gift certificate to Rekoncile Design.   Here's how you enter.

Go to our store site.

Find your top 3 favorite things.

Comment here and tell me what they are, which will enter you in the contest.

Link back on your site, and get entered twice.

Sound like a good deal?    For about 5 min. of your time, I'd sure like to have $25 for Christmas shopping!   Hurry, because I only have a few days before I'm making my next order.   I'll choose the winner Monday, the 29th.   Godspeed!!

And The Bag Goes To...

Wow, you girls know how to party!     Outside of my wedding, I think this is the biggest party I've ever had.   ;)     It was soooo fun to get to hear from all of you!     Thank you each for your sweet encouragement and just for participating in our give away.       That's my favorite part of the business, is getting to know new people!    Not to mention, I love to have parties!     Have I mentioned that?    haha.

I'm sure we'll be doing other give aways, so if you didn't win, you'll have another chance!    And, the bags are only $12 (w/o monogram), so come on over to www.rekonciledesign.com and get one for yourself!    Everyone needs a new summer tote!    And, actually, just because you did the contest, I'll sell them to you for $10 ($20 with monogram)  But that's just for you, not your brother's wife who heard about the website through their next door neighbors aunt.   So come by whenever to get yourself a good deal!      And as some of you have asked, we are in the process of getting paypal up and running on our site, so it will be even easier to place your order.    Thanks for your patience while we're still figuring out the kinks!

Remember, no matter where you live, we can mail to you, for any of your orders.    We'll be sending out newsletters once a month featuring our latest designs and any special offers we have going on, so leave me your email here if you'd be interested in having those emailed to you! 

Without further ado...the winner is...

JUDY!

Item of the month  ;)

dark brown shell stretch bracelet $12 

($22 w/ engraving)

Did Someone Say Party?

Because I love parties, and because it would be absolutely ridiculous to throw a "website release party", I have decided to celebrate here instead!   We are not brilliant computer people, but with the help of a friend who is, we have finally been able to publish our website!    To celebrate, we are going to give away something from our shop, to one of you!    Just comment here to enter, and then if you link back to this post again on your blog, I'll count it as a double entry.   Then, a week from today, I will choose the lucky winner.    We're excited about our growing business, and wanted to let you all have the chance to celebrate with us!   Wanna see what you could win?   Here she is...

Cute, fun, and so versatile!    I use a different color almost every day - as a purse, diaper bag, beach tote, travel bag, or just to look cute on the go.  If you win, you can pick the color (they come in solids and polka dots, too!) , and tell me how you'd like it monogrammed, and I will send it to you, for free!    Ready to party?