Thanksgiving Day is a unique holiday because it is American.

This holiday needs more attention than it seems to be getting now.  It originated as a day of feasting to celebrate God's provision under very harsh circumstances.  The Pilgrims had lost so many to starvation and disease during that first winter because they weren't prepared with a bountiful harvest.  In 1621, God was appreciated during this celebration, and I believe God should again be the recipient of our thankful prayers!

Thanksgiving should be so much more important than Halloween!!  I believe we, as Americans, owe it to ourselves, and to future generations, to preserve Thanksgiving as a day of gratitude to God!!  I prefer to think it is more special than the day to rest before the mad rush to "sales" on Friday.  It is time to reclaim American traditions.  Let's make Thanksgiving important again!!

I've just rediscovered etsy!! 

If you're unfamiliar, etsy is a website offering handmade and vintage items, as well as crafting supplies.  Etsy has many individual shops, owned by artists who create beautiful and functional items for sale.

When our (the USA) economy crashed in 2008, I made a vow to support craftspeople and businesses that offer products made in the USA.  I found some businesses that have no integrity, and so I've added one particular group of artisans and businesses to my committment.  I will strongly support Christian owned and operated businesses, particularly those offering handcrafted or vintage items that are made in the USA. 

So, I searched the etsy website with the goal of finding shops with Christian principles and business ethics.

I want to share what I found!!  On etsy, shop owners can form teams of artists, with others who share a common interest.  There are (at least) 2 teams that are made up of Christian shop owners who have joined together to support each other.  To find these artists, you can use a different tag for each team.  Type either "castteam" or "capsteam" in the etsy search box.  You'll find over 700 shops operated by Christian artists!!   

I enjoy handcrafted items and love to add something beautiful to the Avon gift baskets I create.  Soon, I'll be adding gift baskets to a shop on etsy.  Hillbilly Handcrafts offers knitted and crocheted items, stained glass giftware, plus vintage Avon jewelry and some really nice vintage housewares.  Other Avon collectibles will be available there soon!  

I can't provide a direct link to the shop because Avon doesn't allow it.  You can google Hillbilly Handcrafts with the site name, "etsy" and you should easily find a link. 

Stop by.  Check out Hillbilly Handcrafts and the other Christian owned shops on etsy!  I'm sure you'll be glad you did!!  May God bless you and yours!

Avon now offers an exclusive line of products for babies, toddlers and moms!  Avon has partnered with Tiny Tillia to bring some of THE cutest toys, and clothing, plus other mom and baby essentials.  

Toys are cuddly, cute, and educational too!  So far, my favorite is the Noah's Ark with animals that are just adorable!

The clothing fits babies from newborn to 24 months.  There are trendy outfits, swaddling blankies, super cute towels and bath mitts...   Does it sound like I'm excited yet?  :) 

Products for the nursery are well designed and coordinated to make baby's room a warm and welcome haven.

Moms will love the products that are made just for them.  There are well designed travel essentials and diaper bags.  There is a product to help ease stretch marks.  There are gift packs, soothing lotions, and other treats just for Mommy.

There is even a baby registry online!  I am SO pleased to include this line!

You may log on to the tiny tillia website and see these wonderful items by entering my name as your representative.    Visit    www. tinytillia. com   today!

Please contact me with questions or comments!