With the scent of tart red currants, brandied pear, and sweet marzipan, this Happy Y’allidays Soy Wax Candle will transform any room into a holiday haven. This Etsy shop’s candles are made of natural soy wax and are hand-poured in small batches, plus they have unique Austin, Texas-related scents. Check out their other festive fragrances, such as Burnt Orange Spice, Trail of Lights, and Pecan Street.
Unless you are connected with someone in the armed forces, you may not realize the impact a spouse or parent being deployed has on a family. Operation Homefront understands the challenges service members, wounded veterans, and their families face and is dedicated to providing assistance. Over the years, this organization has been helping American military families through an array of programs; two of my favorites are their Holiday Toy Drive and Holiday Meals for Military programs. Read on for more details on how Operation Homefront assists military families during the holidays and how you can get involved.
The Holiday Toy Drive runs through November and December of each year. With the support of several sponsors and generous donations from folks like you, Operation Homefront has been able give the gift of Christmas to countless children. There are several ways to get involved with this toy drive, such as donating toys, setting up a collection bin at your workplace or church, helping distribute toys, or becoming a volunteer. To learn more, click here.
In 2015, Operation Homefront provided 8,500 meals to military families nationwide and is on track to provide more than 12,000 meals this year! For folks who are struggling to make ends meet, this generosity makes a world of difference. The season seems brighter when they experience glimmers of hope thanks to kind-hearted souls. Click here to locate a food drive near you and see a list of upcoming events.
Operation Homefront maintains a list of people’s needs that require urgent assistance, and each need has a monetary goal to which you can donate (similar to a GoFundMe campaign). For example, if someone needs help paying their mortgage, you can donate any amount towards that campaign. Maybe you yourself know what it’s like to have your utilities cut off or to have the threat of foreclosure looming over your head. However you decide to give, your tax-deductible donation will make a world of difference in another’s life. Click here to see the needs list and find one (or more!) that speaks to you.
There are various other ways you can get involved with this admirable charity, now and throughout the year. If you are specialized in a service-based line of work (e.g., handyman, mechanic, accountant), you can donate your time and abilities. Federal employees can donate by withholding a portion of their paychecks. For a full list of ways to donate to Operation Homefront, click here.
With today being St. Lucia’s Day, I just had to share this adorable felt doll pattern. I’m in awe of all the details: the dress’ embroidery, the candle crown, and the teensy bows in her hair. When you make your doll, you can customize all the features with your favorite colors or simply follow the instructions to replicate it as you see in the image below. If you also love this designer’s style, check out all the other patterns in their Etsy shop. I’m starry-eyed over this baby fawn, these Christmas mice, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.
Despite their fur, doggies can get cold in the winter just like humans do. But don’t get low temps keep you from walking your best friend or playing with him out in the snow—you just need to take a few extra precautions. For tips on how to keep your pup warm and safe during a wintery promenade, check out the infographic below!
As I mentioned in the Christmas sweater roundup earlier today, National Ugly Sweater Day is this week. Use this printable invitation to invite your friends and loved ones to an evening when everyone can wear their favorite festive sweater. You’ll work with the designer of this Etsy shop to customize the particulars of your party: date, time, location, etc. Once you’re pleased with your invitation, you’ll get the digital file to print at home or at your local print shop.
And don’t forget about the special Etsy promotion that ends today!
