I’ve found a friend. And, she’s stinkin’ adorable. See for yourself. Kim and her hubby just got married not long ago. And, even if she did want to hang out with an old lady with 4 kids, we can’t because she lives in Brisbane, Australia. She ends all her emails with “Cheers” just to make that a little more clear. Darn it.

This girl exhales creativity. She’s a graphic designer by trade and all into the DIY thing–she even designed and created everything for their wedding (check out that adorable bouquet and her sweet veil?). I found her late August on Etsy (I could spend hours there) as I was hunting for a 13th anniversary gift (lace themed) for my husband. She created the cutest little lace imprinted hearts for me that were perfect. And, after that, we started talking more. And, she learned about what we are doing with The Sparrow Fund.

The Sparrow Fund is committed to encouraging and supporting families as they prepare for the adventure of adoption through providing quality training opportunities as well as financial grants to enroll in programs specifically designed to provide counsel and comprehensive medical reviews of their referred child. It’s our passion really–Mark launched the nonprofit last spring, and it has been awesome to pursue it together. The Sparrow Fund has an online store where we sell amazing Kenyan jewelry to fundraise as well as support the adoptive moms in Nairobi we care for who are beading to feed, clothe, and school their families.

Kimmi has had a heart for vulnerable kids for years, having sponsored a 6-year-old Australian boy for years now so that he can afford school supplies, field trips, uniforms, etc. And, she shared with me that she and her husband plan to adopt themselves from Columbia, her husband’s home country, in a few years when they move back there.

And, so, she told me she wanted to partner with us. And, I’m so thankful for that. Look at what little Miss Creativity designed for us.

Isn’t that amazing? She’s going to sell them in her store starting in January when she returns home from her honeymoon, giving all the proceeds of sales to The Sparrow Fund.

But, I know some of you can’t wait until then to get this 8×12 print. So, Kim actually created two prints just like this one and packaged them all up ready to mail to the U.S. and left them with her mom so that we can give two of these away here while she’s honeymooning. I love this girl.

And, to make this giveaway even sweeter, The Sparrow Fund’s store – The Nest is throwing in a mystery necklace and earrings. Winner gets to be surprised when they arrive in the mail, packaged up pretty ready to give as a gift or keep for yourself.

So, the first winner will receive the print from Kim at Hermias Wishes inspired by The Sparrow Fund AND a necklace and earrings from The Nest. And, a second winner will win the print from Kim.

I know you all are out at your doorbusters as I post this. You are trying to find parking spots, fighting the crowds, standing in long lines, probably wondering what in the world you are doing.

Can I show you something? Put your bags down and read a little and then shop a bit from your comfy couch with no. pressure. at. all.

I want to tell you about someone I recently “met” online who I totally admire.

Karyn, a stay-at-home mom and occupational therapist, learned about the human trafficking crisis as well as incredible nonprofits doing significant work for human trafficking victims and survivors – work bringing hope, opportunity, and a brighter future through vocational training. And, her passion for the cause grew…or exploded.

She wanted to support these groups through her shopping and searched for a place where she could purchase items from artisans to support a variety of nonprofits to help fight human trafficking. When she couldn’t find a single site like that, she stepped on up and created one–Delicate Fortress Creations.

Since its inception, DFC has opened its arms to over 25 different artisan groups around the world to fight human trafficking, poverty, and modern day slavery. Groups like Abba House Foundation, Radiant Hope, and International Princess Project…to name a few.

And, on top of supporting all those groups, Karyn has started a fundraising program too, giving 25% of sales using your unique coupon code during your designated week to you for your cause. All you do is share the code. People will buy…promise. Since September, she’s held 5 fundraisers–2 of which were for adoptive families raising money for their adoption process. The last family who participated had 40 purchases from people from 7 different states. Those purchases supported 22 different artisan and nonprofit groups around the world. And, they raised $741.75 in that one week to offset their travel costs. That rocks.


There’s so much I love on her site. I instantly fell in love with the animal backpacks from Made By Survivors–as did some one else I know.

In fact, she’s napped with it and asked to wear it in the bath. It’s an everyday accessory really.

Here’s Lydia trying to explain to Daddy how a toy ice cream cone ended up flushed down the potty. Perhaps you can understand why the monkey is fitting for her, our little Chinese Curious George. (sigh)

Karyn is offering one reader here an animal backpack of their choice (panda, elephant, lion, or crazy crazy monkey)–let’s hope your little one doesn’t get into any trouble wearing hers.

I’m loving this giveaway. Such a fun combination–all you moms of girls need to enter this one.

I’m a part of a FB group for local adoptive moms. And, so is Stephanie Farley which is really cool because she’s sorta famous, you know. She wrote the cutest children’s book perfect for our little girls. It’s called God Made You Beautiful. The message comes across loud and clear–it might be fun to play dress up and get all dolled up, but that’s not what makes our little girls beautiful. God made us all beautiful. We all look different, and that’s something valuable and worthy of celebration. Each page has a scripture verse on the bottom too that supports the message. The perfect book for all little girls–especially ones who may have physical differences they may be sensitive about.

And, the Farley family just announced that they are adopting! And, all the proceeds from the sales of her books ($10 for a signed copy) will go towards the $30,000 their adoption will cost. I’d love to hear that she’s sold 3,000 copies, wouldn’t you? Buy a copy for your favorite little girl–and enter here to win another copy to giveaway.

I’ve got another friend–wish she were local, but she’s not. But, she and I used to be local peeps way back when. Sharee is a terrific writer and has done a great job with her blog describing her journey through serious postpartum depression following the birth of their first daughter Sydney 5 years ago. She’s now only weeks away from bringing home a newborn baby girl via a domestic adoption, and she’s done a great job already blogging about that journey.

To help them with their fundraising efforts, a cousin of hers sent her a ton of the most adorable hair candy. Oh my. Too cute. An owl, a ladybug, a koala bear, a bunny, a soccer ball, a cow, an elephant. What a gift of love from her cousin. And, what a great way for people to buy something super cute and help them bring Maggie home (only $5 each and 5 for $20). And, you can start your collection by entering to win these 5 here.