Londi and Lois ♥ Life! Giveaway

It’s that time of the year when love is in the air.  We love our families, our boyfriends and girlfriends, our worldwide etsy, twitter and facebook friends.  Mostly we love life, and we want to share that love. One lucky person is going to win both the BE MINE Recycled Zipper Necklace by LondiCreations and the Hand Knit Red Soft Landing Scarf by foxygknits pictured below.

BE MINE Recycled Zipper Necklace

Hand Knit Red Soft Landing Scarf

To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment about what you love about life, yourself, your family, your friends, your pets, your first grade teacher or even your high school soccer coach.  If you’d like additional entries, you are more than welcome to:

• Go to each of our shops, and share the love by hearting us – one additional entry.  Leave a comment below.  If you have already hearted us, leave a comment letting us know.
• Follow each of us on twitter:  Londi and Lois - one additional entry.  Leave a comment below. If you are already following both of us, leave a comment letting us know.
• Friend Londi on facebook and fan Foxy G’s facebook biz page – one additional entry.  Leave a comment below. If you are already a fan, leave a comment letting us know.
• Following Foxy G’s Den of i-KNIT-quity. Scroll down in the right-hand column – one additional entry.  Leave a comment below.  If you are already following, leave a comment letting us know.

This giveaway will begin February 8, 2009 and end on February 17, 2009 at 12:00 noon EST. The winner will be announced on February 18, 2009, and he or she will have 72 hours to respond.

This giveaway is open worldwide to those 18 years and older, so good luck, and much love!  ♥ Londi and Lois ♥

And after you have entered, please go to GO RED for Women, and show the love for yourself by practicing good heart health!

Go Red for Women

National Wear Red Day – February 5, 2010

Wear red and speak up!

Red Beaded Hair Clips or Barrettes by lindab142

Most of the time, selecting clothing isn’t that critical, but on National Wear Red Day, it’s vitally important.  That’s because wearing red on National Wear Red Day makes a statement about the No. 1 killer of American women – cardiovascular disease – the cause of one in every three female deaths.

Red Crocheted Cloche Hat and Pin Flowers by jusshar

Too many women die each year because they are unaware of this vital statistic: one in three women suffers in silence, and almost one woman dies every minute from this largely preventable disease. 

Red Microsuede Cable Knit Tote Bag by PeanutandTommy

By wearing red, we can bring a voice to this silent killer.  We can listen to what our hearts are telling us, talk to our doctors and spread the word to our families, friends and community about making the right choices and taking action.

Red Crocheted Necklace by knittingguru

To learn more about heart disease in women and the choices you can make to live heart healthy, visit GoRedforWomen.org, and sign up for the movement.  You will receive a monthly newsletter to keep you motivated and a red dress pin, the symbol of the heart disease in women movement, to wear proudly as a supporter.

Red Vintage Inspired Ascot with Lotus Flower by yarncoture

Red Hot and Ruffled Scarf by foxygknits

Ruby Red Vintage Glass Rhinestone Floral Earrings by FirebirdHouse

Monday Morning Musings

GO RED for Women!

February is National Heart Month. The Go Red for Women movement celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress now stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives. 

Luscious Red Silk Wedding Hair Flower by Mikiye

Ruby Red Australian Jade Teardrop Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Ring by WellspringCreations

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of American women and the cause of one in every three female deaths. African American and Hispanic women are even more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases due to higher rates of excessive weight, diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome.  They are also less likely than white women to know that they may have major risk factors. 

Crimson Spiral Lampwork and Sterling Earrings by BellaTuJewelry

The perception that heart disease is a “man’s disease” must be changed. By teaching more and more women how to talk to their doctors about heart disease, thousands of lives can be saved each year because the good news is that heart disease is often preventable! 

Cabled Coffee Cozie in Cranberry Red by kimwhitecreations

To learn more about heart disease in women and the choices you can make to live heart healthy, visit GoRedforWomen.org, and sign up for the movement.  You’ll receive a monthly newsletter to keep you motivated to make healthy choices and a red dress pin, the symbol of the heart disease in women movement to wear proudly as a supporter.

Set of 3 Flowered Rings by shopbonnin

Colts and NOLA Going to the Bowla

On Sunday, February 7th, the Indianapolis Colts will play the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl XLIV.  By the end of this post, see if you can you guess for whom I am rooting…

According to www.funtrivia.com, Baltimore’s first pro football team played in the All-America Football Conference from 1946-1949.

COLTS Christmas Ornament by MichellesClay

Per www.rauzulusstreet.com, a fan contest produced the Colts name – reflecting the great tradition and proud history of horse breeding and racing in the Baltimore region.

Indianapolis Colts Beanie, Scarf and Beer Cozy Set by FunkieFresh

The original Colts disbanded after the 1950 season, but the name was retained when a new Baltimore franchise began play in 1953. The team moved to Indianapolis in 1984.

Indianapolis Colts Football Baby Onesie by 918hometownsports

According to wikipedia, the (Baltimore) Colts were the first NFL team to have an organized cheerleading squad.

Indianapolis Colts Inspired Wedding Garter Set by GartersbyKristi

The Colts are making their second Super Bowl appearance in four seasons; they won the 2006 Super Bowl.

Indianapolis Colts AFC Champs Earrings by scbeachbling

The New Orleans Saints playfootball  in New Orleans, LA.

Hand Crocheted New Orleans Saints Helmet Hat with Logo by dsl9723

 May the best team win!

Monday Morning Musings

One World One Heart – Magic Carpet Ride

Welcome to Foxy G. Knits Den of i-KNiT-quity, located in Atlanta, GA, Stop #113 on your Magic Carpet Ride.  You will have an opportunity to enter a giveaway in just a few minutes, but first, let me give you a quick tour of Atlanta:

Atlanta is the home of Coca-Cola.  Coke is all they drink here, so don’t ask for any other soft drink unless it’s made by Coca-Cola.  Even if you want something other than a Coca-Cola, it’s still called Coke.

• Our 8 AM rush hour runs from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., and our 5 PM rush hour runs from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. Friday’s rush hour begins on Thursday afternoon and lasts through 2 a.m. on Saturday.
• “Fixinto” is one word: I’m fixinto go to the store.
• Sweet Tea is appropriate for all meals, and you begin drinking it when you’re two years old.
• “Jeet?” is actually a phrase meaning “Did you eat?”
• No need to buy a ladder or mattress in Atlanta.  Just go to one of the Interstates, and you will soon find one in the middle of the road.
• The falling of one raindrop causes all drivers to immediately forget all traffic rules.  If a single snowflake falls, the city is paralyzed for three days, and it’s on all the channels as a news flash every 15 minutes for a week.  Overnight, all grocery stores will be sold out of milk, bread, bottled water, toilet paper and beer.
• If you have ever had the pleasure of having to change planes here in Atlanta, then you know that the gates at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are about 32 miles away from the main concourse.  So wear sneakers, and pack a lunch.

Well, thanks for taking a little tour of our fair city.   Now for the giveaway…I want to be sure that you are warm enough, as well as stunning, on the rest of your magic carpet ride, so please feel free to enter to win this Luscious Lavender Wide Ruffle Scarf.  It was hand crocheted with love by my 90 ½ year old mammalicious.

 

This Magic Carpet Ride has become dizzifying.   (And if that’s not in your Funk & Wagnell, I just made it up!)  There has been such a wonderful response, that I am adding a second giveaway – another large ruffle scarf hand crocheted by mamalicious.  This one is red and purple:

I’m back – with yet another scarf to add to the giveaway.  This should greatly increase your odds of winning!

To be eligible, you need only to leave a comment below.  I’d love for you to leave your blog url so that others can visit your site.  If you would like to leave your facebook biz page url or twitter tag, I would be happy to fan you and/or follow you.

This giveaway will begin January 25, 2009 and end on February 14, 2009 at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be announced on February 15, 2009.  Random.org will be used to pick the winners, and they will have 72 hours to get back to me.

This giveaway is open worldwide, so good luck – and enjoy the rest of your trip!

Art from the ♥

Making tails wag – one bead at a time! 

Sharla along with her mom, Sheri, are the artisans behind BeadedTail.  They use their love of creating quality beaded jewelry to benefit their love for animals. Each of their one-of-a-kind designs contains an animal theme – from paw toggles to cat face beads or animal awareness ribbon charms or butterflies. A portion of ALL sales proceeds benefit animal awareness causes.

Sophia - Cat Face and Clear Swarovski Crystal Beaded 14K Gold Filled Earrings

Sharla supports various local and national animal charities, including organizations that work with feral cats and practice Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) policies.  According to Sharla, feral cats taken to traditional animal shelters are usually euthanized because they are not socialized and are considered unadoptable.  Feral cats that are TNR’d can live their lives outside as they are accustomed to without continuing the cycle of more kittens being born.  She  also support organizations that help senior pets find forever homes since it is often harder for them to be adopted out of shelters than kittens and puppies. In 2009, BeadedTail donated a total of $686.50 to organizations such as Beaufort Community Cat Project, SaveHaven Humane Society and Alley Cat Allies.

Onyx and Leopard Glass Bead Earrings

Sharla has had pets literally all her life. Currently, she and her husband have a Husky named Sadie that was rescued from a puppy mill by the Humane Society.  They also have two cats, Isabella and Angel,that they also adopted from the Humane Society. Sheri has an American Eskimo named Samy that she adopted after someone got him as a puppy and was unable to take care of him. Their animals are a huge part of their lives and now live like royalty!

Pawsome - Pawprint Ceramic and Faceted Black Dangle Beaded Sterling Silver Earrings

Sharla and Sheri are keenly aware that there is a great need for animal awareness education to prevent overpopulation, abused and homeless animals and are most grateful to be able to sell their jewelry on Etsy to benefit animals.

Contact:  beadedtail@comcast.net

Blog:  http://beadedtail.blogspot.com/

Follow BeadedTail on twitter:  http://twitter.com/BeadedTail

Monday Morning Musings

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

I was looking for just the right quotations to accompany this blog on snowflakes.  Do you have a favorite?

“Those we love are the snowflakes of life. None are the same, each is beautiful, and all bring something special to our world.” ̴ Martin Buber

The Snowflake Winter Themed Pocketfold Wedding Invitation by GlitzyEvents

“The Eskimo has fifty-two names for snow because it is important to them; there ought to be as many for love.” ̴ Margaret Atwood

Snowflake Applique Tee, 12m by BellflowerTextiles

“No snowflake ever falls in the wrong place.” ̴ Zen Proverb

Snowflake Tags Set of Six by TheCheckerdRabbit

Small Snowflake Address Stamp by purplelemondesigns

 ”Snowflakes are kisses from Heaven.” ̴ Anonymous

Snowflake Sonata - Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant/Slide and Earring Set by mysassyglass

“A snowflake is winter’s butterfly.” ̴ Unknown

Snowflake, fairy fantasy art magnet by aquariann

“Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.” ̴ Unknown

Snowman Twirl Skirt 12 months to 8 years Girls by AmieVoltaire

“A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” ̴ Carl Reiner

Frosted Snowflakes Soap by thesoapseduction

And finally, things that make you go, hmmmmmmm: “Where does the white go when the snow melts?”

Winter Snow in Red and Blue Otedama (Set of 6) by ojami

(Editor’s Note: I am not sure how I overlooked an entire section of beautiful snowflakes, but CapeCodJewel was kind enough to provide not only the link, but a quote as well.)

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake…” ~ Francis Bacon, Sr.

Winter Snowflake Pendant by CapeCodeJewel

She Sews for Sanity

Erika, the face behind  NicoDesigns and Featured EtsyBlogger for January, has a great sense of humor:

After years of being a behavior specialist and special education teacher, I now am in need of a specialist myself as a stay-at-home-mom. My two babies (ages 2 and 1) make everything in the past seem so ordinary. What lies in front of us as amazing. And chaotic. Hence, the specialist.

Sophisticated Career Bag

NicoDesigns features item with both style and functionality, utilizing a combination of new, repurposed, recycled or upcycled materials. You will have such fun checking out her shop – especially the new Art Dolls and Home Décor Sections.

Gertie the Obsessed

Do You Have a Personal/Professional Mission Statement?

One morning back in 1987, I awoke from a sound sleep around 1 a.m. and bolted upright with an uninvited epiphany.  At that moment, I knew that my personal life mission was to improve the quality of life for myself and those around me.  To say the least, I was mystified, dumbfounded and confused.  I pondered my experience and then found myself dealing with a great deal of sadness because I had to give up the illusion or fantasy that I was going to be rich and famous.  Yes, that fantasy!  As I became comfortable with my new reality, I began to embrace it.  I began giving those “quality of life” gestures value, not discounting them as “no big deal.” 

I have always loved to buy little “love you” presents for my family and friends and wrap them in beautiful paper and ribbons.  And I have always loved to find the perfect greeting card for that special occasion and send it. Through a former job, I had to learn Publisher which then opened the door for me to make personal greeting cards and the occasional flyer for a friend.

As my interests grew, so did my opportunities to continue fulfilling my personal mission.  I say continue because I think a mission is more a way of life than an achieved goal. Several years ago, I got interested in genealogy and began working on our family tree.  That required developing some new computer and research skills.  Soon, I found myself helping friends begin to put together their family trees.  This opportunity was amazingly special for me because it was assisting them in connecting to their past to then be able to pass on this information to future generations.  It was something from the heart, not another present from the mall fairy!

For years, I knit scarves, shawls, wraps, even baby blankets and dish cloths for friends.  As an aside, that is how I ended up opening my shop on etsy.  My sister convinced me that I should be selling my hand knit originals.  When I was setting up Foxy G. Knits, my tag line popped out one day: hand knit with love – from my heart to yours. 

So, 20+ years after that uninvited epiphany visited me, my personal and professional missions have remained the same: to improve the quality of life for myself and those around me with love from my heart to yours.

Do you have a personal mission statement?  A professional mission statement?  Please comment below, and you might be featured in an upcoming blog post.

Monday Morning Musings

The Garnet is a Stone of Vitality and Passion

Garnet Tears Sterling Silver Earrings by SweetwaterGifts

According to the http://www.all-that-gifts.com website, “garnet” comes from granatum, the Latin word for pomegranate. To the ancient world, garnet was a tiny glossy red gem, bursting with fire and brilliance.

From JoslinJewels:  According to one Greek myth, Hades, the god of the underworld, captured Persephone, the goddess of sunshine and daughter of Zeus. Hades fell in love with Persephone and before releasing her, he gave her pomegranate seeds to ensure her speedy return.  In legend, garnets legend light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. They have long been carried by travelers to protect against accidents far from home.

Bordeaux Earrings Garnet Pearls Wire Wrapped by joslinjewels

The garnet is considered to be the birthstone for Capricorn (Goat): Dec. 22 – Jan. 19.

Triple Red Garnet Nested Sterling Silver Hancrafted Wire Wrapped Ring by WellSpring Creations

Mystical power: Garnet should be carried close to the body. Its energy is balancing and peaceful. This stone of passion is said to encourage robust good health and sexual desire and enhance the wearer’s imagination. Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity.

Large Dark Red Garnet Front Toggle Sterling Necklace by SilverSmack

Road trip…listening to the radio… A Santana song comes on, telling of love and loss.

“Corazon Espinado”…”ah, she left a thorn in my heart.”

A heart for one pierced deep into the soul. Sterling silver wire wrapped in more sterling wire and woven with garnets, the stone of faith, constancy and fidelity, is fashioned into a heart pierced through by a “thorn” of freshwater pearl, a symbol for purity and love.

Corazon Espinado Necklacei n Sterling Silver Garnet and Freshwater Pearl by ThatsHeadley

The versatile garnet comes in a virtual rainbow of colors, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, violet, green, colorless, occasionally black, brown and many shades of red and green. The most common color of garnets is reddish brown.

A trio of hand knit garnet items:

Market Beanie Cloche Hat Garnet Red Black Flower Brooch Pin by beautifulbridget

The Twinkling Celebrations Scarf by yarncoture

Hand Knit Fashion Sassy Wrap Scarf - Garnet, Darn It! by foxygknits