Autumn Favorite Things

I was recently featured in Molly Make Do's Favorite Things post, and I thought I'd do my own Autumn take on it, since I've been fortunate enough to be featured in one! It'll be short and sweet, and lacking in words, but here goes...

My friend Jane makes beautiful knit scarves and other cold weather accessories. I am fortunate enough to own a few of her items, and just ordered this absolutely stunning scarf called Falling Autumn Leaves Scarf. I cannot wait to receive it! It utters Autumn over and over again and makes me want to cry because of its beauty. She has one available in her Etsy shop, but I'm sure when it sells out, she can create another one for you!

Jenna embroiders gorgeous necklaces! I purchased the Sacred Heart one during Lent of this year and wear it all the time! It's dainty, lightweight, and is full of detail. I am currently eyeing her Autumn Colors necklace that she just put in her Etsy shop this week, along with a hoard of other Autumn, Thanksgiving, and Christmas designs! Again, this one screams Autumn and makes me weepy. Gotta love pregnancy hormones!

Last year, right before Thanksgiving, I took a gander to Orange Thyme's Etsy shop because someone had favorited her 'Pumpkin Cheesecake' lip balm. Really? Pumpkin AND cheesecake? Sign me up! I received it, and loved it, and then it got washed and dryer with the laundry. I was so bummed. How could I have done that to my favorite flavored lip balm? I'll definitely be ordering another one soon to replace mine. It's delish!

A couple other random gorgeous Autumn items I ran into this week on Etsy are:

This wreath (and a few hundred others) from The Violette Bloom:

This centerpiece from TheCreativeQ:

These earrings from TRTL Jewelry:

And, of course, I have to put in a plug for my own small business! I crafted this Warm Autumn rosary today and it is now listed here, and it's CHEAP! It's made with Preciosa crystal bicones and pearls. I like it so much, I might just keep it, so snatch it before it's gone ;)

Thanks for hanging out with me again! I'll try to make it on here again before Baby is born ;)

I've Been a Small Business Owner for a Year -- A Giveaway!

Last August was a huge month for me, both good and bad. I received my fabulous ITP diagnosis and spent 2 nights in the hospital, and I also registered with the state for my business license! August has historically always been an eventful month for me, mainly for my accident-proneness! A few broken elbows, and an awesome "L" scar that I got at Mukilteo Beach when I was 9. Memories that will stick with me forever.

Since I've been in "the biz" for a year now, I wanted to do another giveaway to celebrate this momentous occasion! This time, instead of having a premade one ready to ship, I thought I'd make a custom Swarovski bicone and pearl pocket rosary! You can take a gander over at FusionBeads.com and find some lovely mixes! I typically make them with the 6mm ones, but you can browse any other sizes and just let me know which mix you prefer.

Here are some examples

You can have that be one of your entries for the Rafflecopter...commenting with your favorite Swarovski bicone mix! The contest will start today (August 1) and run through midnight on August 15. I hope to have the pocket rosary out to the winner by month end! Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support during this past year. I am truly blessed to have a successful business that I LOVE running, and I don't feel like it's a job!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rosaries by Allison - Mini Spotlight

Here are a few of my newest items, and newly renewed items in my Etsy shop. I still always accept custom requests, so send me a message on the Etsy messaging system and we can design your dream rosary!

Rosaries, Mother's Bracelets, and an ITP Update

I had a post rolling around in my head yesterday, didn't make any notes, and now it has escaped my brain. Don't you just love that? ;) Instead, I'll just post some photos of some rosaries and other pieces I've been working on!

A bronze St. Joseph rosary with Jet Czech glass beads. A woman ordered this for her husband because he's worn out his other one from so much use!

Carnelian gemstone with a chalice center. This one will hit the Etsy shop today, so if you need a rosary for a little First Communicant, head on over today!

Mother's bracelets! (Yes, the top one is mine...) The bottom one is a rosary bracelet with saints for the mother's sons on it! (I've been making quite a few of these, and am still taking orders for them!)

I REMEMBERED WHAT I WAS GOING TO BLOG ABOUT!!!

I had my hematology appointment yesterday. Pretty much no news and no changes. I'll still be going in every other week for a blood draw and I'll still be on 5mg of Prednisone every day (boo!) and a follow up appointment in 3 months. I'm hoping that my platelets continue to rise or stay where they are, and then there is a possibility of dropping my dose. So ready to be done with Prednisone...well...ITP for that matter. (Doc shot down my theory that chiropractic has helped my platelet levels. Anyway, I'm still going to keep maintaining and pretend she didn't say the things she said...)

And a cute photo of my girls. This was Nora's first time in the car cart at Safeway!

Okay, I guess that's all for now! I need to prepare for Bible study! Must brew more Mystic Monk coffee! (I just got the Irish Cream blend...yum-o!)

1-2-3, a Picnic at the Park, and the Lenten Rosary Winner

I'll start off by saying that Sarah O. won the Lenten rosary! (Converts unite ;)) I've mailed it out and hope she receives it soon! Thank you all for entering the giveaway!

Blood draw day was today. It was the draw before my hematology appointment that I have on Wednesday. I had been nervous for a few days prior to this, because I'd been feeling drained of energy and had experienced a couple bloody noses. I was praying that the platelets had at least stayed above 70, with the previous draw being 74 two weeks ago. (Thanks to everyone on Twitter who prayed for me while I went in and had my blood drawn, and then the waiting that happened until I received the results.)

There was a bit of a wait because I went in later than normal. Thankfully the time passed quickly and my name was called to have my blood drawn. Typical every-other-week activities...sitting in the chair, initialing that the information was correct, flashing my vein, and in goes the needle. The bleeding didn't stop immediately, so I was worried that my platelets had plummeted. The phlebotomist told me to apply more pressure and it finally stopped enough so she could put the bandage on my arm.

I gathered my things and my daughters and headed back to the car. We then headed to the grocery store to purchase items for our picnic! Food items were chosen, we paid, headed back to the car, and drove to the park. Goodness it was such a gorgeous day!

Hannah's friends Sofi and Lily were there with us, along with River, Oliver, and Noah. Great time in the sun and having the littles run around and burn off some energy!

Photo of Hannah and her BFF Sofi holding hands <3

We came home for a bit before heading to the store to get things to make dinner (we had the always-delectable Sesame Beef with Broccoli). During the time spent at home before heading there, the results to my blood draw came. Every time I get that email, I say a Hail Mary then open up the results. What I saw in there, I didn't expect. It started like this: "Wow, your platelets rebounded. Are you still taking Prednisone 5 mg daily?" I scrolled down and saw the number: 123. I immediately started to cry and thank God for His wonderful mercies. I called Chris, then my mom, then my dad. They were all very surprised and extremely happy. My levels haven't been over 100 since the beginning of October, and that was only 101. They were 118 in mid-September. I am hoping and praying that my immune system is healing itself and won't be killing off my platelets anymore. Autoimmune diseases are no fun, especially ones, like ITP, where doctors have no idea why the immune system is attacking itself. If you see this blog post, please pray that they continue to rise into normal range (145-400), even though I'd be perfectly happy if they remain where they are. 123 is a phenomenal number, and my midwife informed me that anything above 120 is fine in her practice. This makes me VERY happy!

My crazy-wacky chart of my platelet levels since my hospitalization. Can you say roller coaster?

Anyway, the girls are now in bed (hopefully for the night) and it's time to relax and pop some bubbly with the husband in celebration of the great news received today! Good night and God bless you all!

Lenten Rosary Giveaway! Contest Begins Tomorrow

Happy Fat Tuesday! Are you planning on stuffing yourself today like I am?! We will be having lavish meals all day long ;)

Okay, I gave away a rosary during the Advent season, and I'd like to give away another one during the Lenten season! This Easter will mark my one-year anniversary since joining the Church with my husband and our daughters! I plan on finishing up my conversion story and posting it sometime during Lent. For now, here are a few photos from last year, and at the bottom is the Rafflecopter thingy for the giveaway.

Before the Easter Vigil began

Chris and I were both Confirmed, and our girls were baptized

Hannah getting baptized

Nora getting baptized

(All photos courtesy of my dad.)

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!

I have designed this gorgeous amethyst opal and grey Czech glass rosary with a Sacred Heart of Jesus center and papal crucifix:

Tomorrow the contest will begin! This is my first time using Rafflecopter, so I hope I don't screw it up ;) The winner will be generated on Friday, April 11 (my birthday!) and hopefully that will give me enough time to get it in the mail to the winner in time for Easter! Good luck!

"Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'" Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, "I shall give you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me." Jesus said to him in reply, "It is written:
'You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.'"
Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written:
'He wil command his angels concerning you, to guard you,'
and:
'With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus said to him in reply, "It also says, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time."
--Luke 4:1-13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sick Toddler Day and a New Novena

Yesterday was SO good to be back at our home parish! We had been at other parishes for a few weeks but we were finally able to attend Mass at our parish...seriously felt so good!

Hannah, my three-year-old, started vomiting in the afternoon, and it didn't let up. It's one of the grossest things to clean up, in my opinion. She went through several outfits and we've done a few loads of laundry, including the coveted electric blanket (which is now not working!!!) and are still trying to catch up. She puked a few times in her bed, warranting more laundry of the sheet variety. I think the final load is in the dryer. Our poor girl. It's painful when you can't really do anything for them. She seems better today (Mom and Dad are dragging from lack of sleep) but still hasn't eaten much. If you could offer up some prayers for her so she will fully recover, that'd be so wonderful! <3

A few of my friends (Tiffany, Cristina, and Emmy) are doing a novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots starting today, and ending on Fat Tuesday! It's been a while (December!) since I've done a novena, so I decided I needed to join them. I will be focusing my intentions on those climbing platelets, and for emotional healing from my miscarriage. How can I pray for you? Leave me a comment if you'd like me to pray for you for something specific. I'll be praying on my favorite 'Autumn Rosary' that I made after my hospitalization last year. :) I know Tiffany also has one of these ;) as does my friend Teresa! Such beautiful colors for Autumn!

I've got a similar one (in gold) for sale here in my Etsy shop!

Well, since Hannah is feeling better, she would like me to paint her toenails! Such a girly girl ;)

Until next time...

"This then is the commandment, the statutes and the ordinances, which the Lord, your God, has commanded that you be taught to observe in the land you are about to cross into to possess, so that you, that is, you, your child, and your grandchild, may fear the Lord, your God, by keeping, as long as you live, all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you, and thus have long life. Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them, that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly; for the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you a land flowing with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore you shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength. Take to heart these words which I command you today. Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them on your arm as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on your doorposts of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:1-9

This Week {Feb 17-21}

After the long weekend in Spokane, it's so good to be home! It took us 8+ hours to drive home, with a stop to chain-up the tires, and a stop to take the chains off. Anyway, good to be back into a routine of sorts!

Such an adventure, driving over Snoqualmie Pass!

I got my blood drawn this morning and will likely have the numbers tomorrow (if I'm hopeful, today) and I am praying the platelets jumped! After this trip, we jumped over to Vercillo's again. I bought some crucifixes and centers for some rosaries that I am designing, and also met a young Tanzanian priest named Fr. Deo Gratias. This priest is very traditional, as he was wearing a cassock! He was a very nice man and is on a mission to build a hospital in his hometown in Tanzania, because the closest one is very far away.

Currently reading:

As I mentioned this weekend, I started The Devil's Cup by Stewart Lee Allen

I'm also still reading After Miscarriage and An Irish Country Village.

Rosaries currently working on:

Reversible St. Francis/St. Anthony with bright neon green Czech glass beads and cobalt Czech glass beads.

I finished up this one-decade rosary with matte emerald Czech glass beads and a reversible Mary/Divine Mercy center. It can be purchased here in my Etsy shop!

This is a custom order, a variation on one I did before. It's the Swarovski 'Beachy' mix but with round beads instead of bicones, it has platinum Swarovski pearls, and an Our Lady of Grace center.

Verses that are speaking to me this week:

With the Lenten season quickly approaching, this verse is a good reminder for all of us to get to Confession so we are able to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist at Easter!

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."

--Hebrews 4:14-16

Speaking of the Lenten season quickly approaching, I have decided I am going to post the Sorrowful Mysteries on Ash Wednesday (I know a billion people have already done so) and write out the Rosary prayers for everyone, since the rosary is so near and dear to my heart! Look for that soon! Also, I will be posting 6 meatless meal options, ones my family will be using on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays during Lent. I've tried to come up with other meaningful things to do during Lent, but this is what I have decided to do.

Quotes that touch me this week:

"She longed greatly to go back to those dear merry days when life was seen through a rosy most of hope and illusion, and possessed an indefinable something that had passed away forever. Where was it now -- the glory and the dream?"

--L.M. Montgomery Anne of the Island

"Mother! Call her with a loud voice. She I listening to you; she sees you in danger, perhaps, and she -- your holy mother Mary -- offers you, along with the grace of her son, the refuge of her arms, the tenderness of her embrace...and you will find yourself with added strength for the new battle." --St. Josemaría Escrivá The Way

Now I need to get back to assembling all the new rosary orders, so have a blessed day!

This Week {Feb10-14}

Currently reading:

An Irish Country Village by Patrick Taylor

After Miscarriage by Karen Edmisten

Rosaries currently working on:

A lot of 15 rosary bracelets. The colors are ruby, alexandrite, milky pink, and amethyst. I've got a few other rosaries I finished up this week and shipped out, and have some other rosaries I'm planning on putting in the Etsy shop! (P.S. I'm having a sale through Friday for 10% off! Use coupon code STVALENTINE10 at checkout!)


This week's memory verse (I don't have the brain power to memorize!) for my online Bible study:

"The Lord God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him." -Genesis 2:18 (NAB)

Other verses that are speaking to me this week:

"My life is deprived of peace,
I have forgotten what happiness is;
My enduring hope, I said,
has perished before the Lord.
...
But this I will call to mind;
therefore I will hope:
The Lord's acts of mercy are not exhausted,
his compassion is not spent;
They are renewed each morning--
great is your faithfulness!
The Lord is my portion, I tell myself,
therefore I will hope in him."
-Lamentations 3:17-18,21-24

This verse was given to me by my best friend Jane, in a card I received from her after I miscarried my precious third baby. It is so true for what I am going through right now, and cannot thank her enough for her constant loving support and prayer. I will be posting a lot about what I'm feeling after the miscarriage, because I haven't really opened up to everyone about it, even family. I've given subtle hints and some people know, but I guess it's not something I just want to shout to the world. Eventually I will be able to talk about it with more people, but for now, online it is.

Quotes that touch me this week:

"I wish to have a place to honor my children I cannot hold. So sweet, so dear, so worthy of His love. They are now part of the Church Triumphant. And I sense that these vulnerable little beings, who could not sustain life here on earth, are just so radiant, wise, joyous, and holy beyond anything I could even hope to be here on earth." -from After Miscarriage (p 35) It was originally taken from a blog that has now gone private. Whoever the author is, she hit the head on the nail perfectly with this. This chapter is also what prompted me to start journaling online. So I thank you, Karen Edmisten!

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing." -from A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis  Such true words.

Coffee currently consuming this week:

SBC's #4 blend. It's a medium-dark organic fair-trade roast. I've also had a few Nespresso Kazaar coconut mochas here at home!


Okay, the three-year-old needs some spaghetti for lunch! I'm not sure how often I will be posting, but for now, have a blessed day!