I love winner picking day.

I go to random.org, put in the total number of entries, click a button, take the number that pops up and then count down the comments to that number. And, there is the winner. It’s sorta fun knowing who won and knowing they don’t know yet and looking forward to surprising them.

It’s a fun day.

Sometimes it’s just the little things.

Jiayin Designs–near and dear to my heart. I was hoping someone who’d really love the charm would win. And, I think random.org picked that someone well. Except her profile isn’t public, and she didn’t leave her email. SO, Julie, if you are out there, email me! I’ll wait a week and then choose another winner if I don’t find Mystery Julie. But, I really hope I find her!

It’s an adoption-fundraising-themed giveaway today. And, you know how I feel about supporting adoptive families. So, I’m pretty excited to introduce you to a couple today.

Erin. Super cute mama of 2 working her tail off to help bring #3 home from the Congo.

She’s got a handful of different fundraising efforts that she’s doing right now–go check out her blog to see all she’s doing. She’s got some incredible raffle baskets you can enter to win–please donate to enter them.

And, she’s got a not-so-little crafter business called Dandelion Dream. Isn’t that a dreamy name? Marketing totally sucks me in.

Carefully dyed
lino carved
hand stamped
tees

Most are organic 100%, from seed to shelf.

And, I’m totally in love with them.

One of each, please.

Aren’t these adorable?

She even makes matching headbands for them. Like this one.

So, we’re going to have TWO winners today.
First winner takes home the Dandelion Dream tee of their dreams.
The second winner will fly away with the super adorable ladybug skirt and headband set from Stitched With Heart by Desiree.

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.