Do You Craft?

Do you craft? Any kind of craft. Making cards, sewing, jewelry making, wood working, wreath making, knitting, painting...anything at all! We are looking for donations. To be sold at our Love for Blue Fundraiser. And if they're not sold there, to be added to our Etsy Shop on May 1, 2016.

What kind of items are we looking for? Anything. Honestly. As long as it's some shade of blue. To go towards our Love For Blue project. Or anything in purple. To benefit our Caring for the Caregivers project. Here are a few examples, of what we're looking for. But honestly, we'll accept any donation.

Tutus of any style, are always a good thing. I'm yet to meet a little girl, who doesn't want to dress up. And they really are fun items.  In the past, I've made similar items. As well, as the ones you stuff with petals, pom poms, and bells.

 

Hair bows. I can't tell you, how many times I'm asked for these. And I have no clue, how to make them. I guess I could look up a Youtube video. But I am by no means a "Bow Master." Do you know of anyone who makes bows? I'd even be happy, to buy some!

Headbands. Oh, headbands...how the masses love you! I make the ones with flowers. And my Mom crochets different appliques for them too. But I know, there are "Master Headband" makers out there. Again, I'd totally be willing to buy some...

 

Do you sew? Do you know how much I struggle, to find little boy items to sell? I'd love something like this! I once, made two very similar items. For my friends' sons. But a gal, can't do it all on her own....

Aprons, oh how I love thee! And so do, many of our customers. I'm ALWAYS asked for aprons. Full aprons, half aprons, kid aprons...they want it all! Do you sew?

Jewelry is ALWAYS a big seller. Something I've wanted to learn how to make. For a long time. But do I really have those kinds of skills? I don't know. Do you make jewelry. Of any kind. We could definitely use some! We have the cancer jewelry, that was donated. But lots of people are looking for handmade baubles.

 

Do you crochet? Would you like to donate a little item. A hat, stuffed toy, or maybe a baby blanket. We'd take it all! I know my Mom and I eat, sleep, and do everything else...with a crochet hook in our hands. But even we, can only make so many items!

 

Honestly, anything you can think of, we'd accept. Embroidered towels, crochet purses, bow holders, painted boxes, handmade dresses. Whatever your talent is, we'd love to have a piece of you handcrafted goods...to add to our shop.

 

If you'd like to make a donation leave me a comment, send me an e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or contact me on Facebook. Also, if you'd like to donate materials, we'd happily accept them too! ❤❤❤

 



Supplies And Decorations

Have you clicked on our Sponsors Welcome Tab? I generally list, things that we could use. Items that we need. But today, I'm going to talk a little more about that. About the basic supplies, we need for our 2nd Annual Love for Blue Fundraiser. We are officially, a month away, from the big day!

We need paper goods. Like napkins, plates, bowls, plastic ware, and coffee cups. We need it all! Decorations would help too!

I found these plastic blue plates. 192 plates, for $24. A pretty good deal. A little more sturdy, than your average plates.

Same can be said for these bowls. You can get 240 plastic blue bowls, for $24. We could use these for stew, Frito pie, and fruit.

480 blue napkins, for $24. You ALWAYS need napkins. We could probably use a bunch of these guys!

We also used a number of blue tablecloths, last year. I think I bought 20, and used them all! These tablecloths are $48, for 48. We actually use them all year long! I put them on the tables, when we are selling at Craft Fairs. Adds to the blue, and grabs people's attention.

I found the blue utensils too. You get 16 sets, for $1. That's 16 forks, knives, and spoons. A pretty good deal.

Then it would be nice, to get some help with the decorations. We used balloons, last year. To line the trail. And to place at the entrance of the park. We could definitely use some help here. I think I bought 30-40 balloons, last year. They are $20, for 20. And with these balloons, you don't have to pay, to have them filled.

And we used some of these smaller balloons, as well. To line the trail. And to sell. These were great! They are $24, for 24 balloons.

We also used some streamers. To decorate the sitting areas, around the trail. And to decorate the area, where we sold our items. You can get 2 rolls, for $1.

These weights were also very helpful. I used them on the tables. And to hold down some of the balloons. They are $24, for 24 weights.

We could use a ton of these bags! To put our packets together. For people participating in the 5K Run/Walk. And for the Car Show. Even for our sale. You get 72 bags, for $36.

These larger bags, would also be helpful for our sale. You get 36 bags, for $36. These would be great when we sell blankets, larger dolls, or have bigger orders.

These smaller bags, would be really helpful. Many times, we sell lots of little items. You get 108 bags, for $36.

We'd also like to get a couple of these banners. They are $15 each. And potentially, we'd like to have 1 or 2 banners, made for our event. With my Dad's picture, and "Love for Blue," printed on them. Something we can use for years. And that we are able to use, at Craft Fairs, as well as our big fundraisers.

There are other costs too. Like coffee cups. Printing our flyers. Postage. Printing signs for the Car Show. Getting our permits. Lots of permits. If you would like to help, with any of these things, please let me know. You can leave me a message here, send me an e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com,) or reach me on Facebook. Thanks for all your support! ❤❤❤

Food And Drink Donations

We are getting close, to our 2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue Fundraiser. And we are trying to get, as many donations, as possible. That way, most of the money we raise, goes directly to supporting the Presbyterian Cancer Center, Cancer Services of New Mexico, the American Cancer Association, the Love for Blue Scholarship Fund, and our Caring for the Caregivers Boxes.

I think it's important, to also reach out to our community. And I want to make a list, of the items we are hoping to get. The items, that we are going to be selling, at our fundraiser.

1. Hamburger Patties
2. Hamburger Buns
3. Sliced Cheese
4. Hotdogs
5. Hotdog Buns
6. Nacho Cheese
7. Chips
8. Bottled Water
9. Sodas
10. Coffee
11. Baked Goods
12. Donuts
13. Items to make cookies
14. Items to make cupcakes
15. Ketchup
16. Mustard
17. Relish
18. Lettuce
19. Tomatoes
20. Onions
21. Green Chili
22. Fresh Fruit
23. Tortillas
24. Items to make breakfast burritos
25. Items to make Frito pie
26. Ice
27. Snack foods
28. Kid drinks
29. Candy
30. Gum

If there is anything you'd like to donate, please get in touch with me. All donations, no matter how large or small, are greatly appreciated! Remember, we're doing this for our community. To give back to those, who are currently struggling. Whether they are going through cancer, are taking care of someone with cancer, or are benefitting from our scholarship fund.

You can leave me a message here, send me an e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or you can reach me on Facebook. I'm able to pick-up any donated items. Also, if you would like to prepare something, for our sale, let me know. We need all the help, we can get! Thanks again! ❤❤❤

Caring For The Caregivers

I know. It's the toughest job, you'll ever have. But it's also the most rewarding one, you'll ever have! And honestly, as tough as it can be at times, it's not a "job." The days are long. Sleep, is not easy. Rarely, do you have alone time. Your own needs, they come last. But you wouldn't have it any other way.

At least, that's the way I felt. I put myself, last. Every single day. Because there were more important things, that needed to be done. I've learned, most caregivers are the same way. They always put themselves last. ALWAYS!

That is why I started the Caregiver Boxes. And trying to reach out to caregivers. Because it's a tough job. One that doesn't get much, if any, glory. People aren't paying you. They're not thanking you. Most of the time, you're overlooked. And I wanted the caregivers out there, to know, they matter too!

This project, is one of my favorites. Out of everything we do. To acknowledge the caregivers. To send them a little something, that hopefully makes them smile. Brightens their day. And lets them know, they are not alone. There are other people, just like them, traveling a tough journey.

I never realized, the cost, of these boxes. I mean, I use the USPS frequently. As most of my friends, live out of town. But the cost, has added up quickly. And I now realize, I need a little help. So on this Wishful Wednesday, I'm asking for some help. For the caregivers.

My plan is, to sell some items, targeted at raising funds for our Caregiver Boxes. The "color" for caregivers is purple. So that's our next color, I'll be tackling. I want to be able, to set up a "purple area," at our sales. And I'm hoping to have everything put together, before our big Love for Blue Fundraiser, in April.

I do need some help though. I have already begun, making purple items. And I look forward, to seeing what I can create. But I'd like to be able, to sell a few of the following items...

These purple awareness bracelets, are $28 for 50. And I know, from experience, that I can sell them for $1 a piece.

These angel pins, well to me, they scream caregiver. The silent angel, that is taking care, of their loved one. They are $45 for 18. I'm sure, we can get $5-10 a piece, for these sweet pins.

These keychains, would also be a nice item, to sell. I'm sure, we could get $1-2 a piece. And the cost is, $12 for 25 keychains.

If you would like to help out our cause, you can directly purchase the items. Which would be a HUGE help! You can also choose any of the items, from this section of the website. I'll be collecting, purple items. Of any kind. Or you could make a monetary donation.

As always, we welcome any assistance, in the form of postage, gift cards, items, cards, and money. You can always contact me here at the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Thank You, for taking the time to read this. This cause, has such a soft place, in my heart. Happy Wednesday! ❤❤❤

2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser

I wanted to share a little more, about our plans. For our 2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk. This year, we've had more time, to plan. And to get things together. I've also asked, more people to help out.

First and foremost, we will have a 5K Fun Run/Walk. On April 23, 2016. At the Valle Del Bosque Park. Located at Sunset and Sunset Gardens SW. It comes out to, 4 times, around the trail. The entry fee is $25. Which will include a t-shirt.

Next, we will be having a Car Show. Same location. Again, the registration is $25. And will also include a t-shirt. And one voting ticket. We will be selling tickets, to vote on people's favorite car. For $1. And will have a 1st place prize.

There will also be food for sale. Hamburgers, hotdogs, nachos, frito pie, desserts, drinks, and snacks. We are asking for help, on the day of, to cook. Also to set up, and tear down.

My Mom and I, will also be hosting a sale. Where we will be selling the items we collect. And also our craft items. With the money going towards our scholarship fund.

Lastly, we'll be hosting a raffle. I am making a blanket. And we have begun to collect items, from the community. Gift cards, donated items, and such. With the tickets costing $2.

If there is anything, that you are interested in helping out with, please let me know. Volunteering on the day off. Advertising. Collecting items for us. Donating items. Helping to organize the event. If you would like to participate, let me know. You can always contact me here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), and on Facebook.

And of course, feel free to spread the word. It's the only way, we will make this event, a success! Please share this post on your social media. And if you know of anyone, that is interested in donating items, please let me know. Happy Friday! ❤❤❤   

Bags For Our 5K Run/Walk

I'm always looking for new things. To share with everyone. Items that I think, could make our Fundraiser a bit better. Things I'm selling, to try and raise money. Items that might be useful, to you.

I've been doing that a lot lately. As we try and decide, what to include in a "registration packet." I'd like to be able, to hand out some sort of bag. Filled with our t-shirt, a bracelet, and maybe a heart. More on that later. I've been working on them!

I think it would be easier for us, if we could pre-assemble the packets. It would make for a faster registration process. And I think it would look nice. So here we go...

I found these totes. Which are perfect! They are blue, have the cancer support ribbon, and are just a nice looking bag. Except they are a little pricey. At least for what we are doing. $28 for a dozen. Maybe it would be a good investment to sell. They really are a nice looking bag.

I found these. For $162, for 100. Actually, the bags come out to be, $1.12 each. But you have to pay a $50 set up fee. Ugh! I know. But you do get to customize these bags. For the same price. We can add our logo. Or just "Love for Blue."

I also came across these backpack style bags. For 100, we'd pay $141. That would be, about $0.90 a bag. It includes customizing the bag, as well.. And I think these would be kind of useful, on the day of the event. Something, to keep all your belongings together, while you walk or run.

So there you go. I found a few items. But I would greatly appreciate a sponsor, or two. We could also include your business name and/or logo. Let me know, if you are able to help. My e-mail address is LoveForBlue2015@aol.com. ❤❤❤

Caregiver Boxes

On this Wishful Wednesday, I want to talk a little bit about caregivers. It's a tough job. A selfless job. And usually a job, that goes without payment. Most caregivers are family members. And they take care of their loved one, simply because they love them.

It is also a lonely place to be. I know this. First hand. You might see other people, during your day. But you feel very alone. Isolated. And it can wear on a person. Without you realizing it.

I used to see countless people, in any given day. Nurses, doctors, therapists, employees of my Dad's, occasionally family, neighbors, and even my Mom. But it didn't matter. Very few of them, really cared. Really wanted to know, how I was doing. Wanted to know, what was really behind my, "I'm OK."

And more times than not, it was the professionals. It was our HomeCare nurse. It was a therapist. It was a staff member, at some appointment, that we were at. Many times, as my Dad received radiation, I got a little "counseling," from a nurse. A shoulder to cry one. Someone to finally listen.

I know, this must sound crazy! Especially, not being able to talk to my Mom. But it was the truth. My Dad bore his soul to me. He told me his secrets. He didn't want other people to know. And it didn't matter, that the three of us lived together. He was trying to protect her.

So I carried all of this. I was worn down. Tired. Exhausted, actually. I drove my Dad to appointments, made sure none of our appointments overlapped, I stayed with him at chemo and radiation. I was the person that ran all over town, looking for medications, supplements, supplies, groceries, and equipment. I talked to the nurses. Gave my Dad his medications. Willed him to eat, when he refused. Cleaned him up, when his ostomy bag, would come apart. I stood up with him at night, when he couldn't sleep. And all he wanted to do was talk.

It was me. And it was tough. He was not always willing, to go to appointments. Or would get mad, when his ostomy bag, would make a mess. He HATED not being able to drive. I listened to complaints. I dealt with the bad appointments. I held him when he cried. And we talked about so much.

And maybe that's why my passion is here. In this foundation. Trying to reach out. Because it was a struggle. One that would leave me crying, uncontrollably, on the floor of the shower. My only 5 minutes of the day, to really let it all out. And I don't want others to feel this way. I want them to know, there are people out there, that are grateful. They appreciate every single thing, you are doing. They are standing behind you. I know I am!

The idea of "Caregiver Boxes," came to me in the Fall. I had a friend, who walked a very similar journey. And she also lost her dad, to cancer. I wanted to do something for her. Send her a "Hug in a Box." A little bit of sunshine.

 

I came across this picture. I don't remember if I did a search on Google, or Pinterest. But I thought, this looks like a nice idea. With $20 in my pocket, I headed to the Dollar Tree. I ultimately send a package, that my friend and her son, could share. There was candy, a few toys, silly string, nail polish, socks, stickers, and some snacks. Just some stuff, that would make their day, a little brighter.

 

It really sparked my interest. And I was able to send 4 boxes, last year. I would like to continue this. A way to reach, the caregivers out there. And it doesn't always have to be a box of stuff. I sent a $20 movie gift card, to a lady in Texas. Who was really struggling.

 

After the holidays, I got a note in the mail. Telling me, "Thank You. I really needed a little time out on my own. It was nice to go out, and have a good laugh. For just a second, I forgot about all my responsibilities. When I got back home, I realized, doing something for me...made me a better caregiver. Thank You!"

 

That really touched my heart. In ways I could never have imagined. And I realized, I needed to do this more. I wanted to do this more. I understood what she had said. And being on this side of things now, I wish someone had reached out to me. Given me, a chance to get out. And do something, to take my mind off of, all the heavy stuff I was going through.

 



 I have found other ideas since. I try and send out Fun Mail as much as possible. But I want to start a "Caregiver of the Month," box. And that's where I need your help. A little gift card...$10-20 to a movie, dinner, or something like that. Maybe some small objects, that I can send in the mail. Or even a little financial help, to pay for postage. Because, we all know how expensive that is!

I found this graphic, and it made me smile. I'd really like to send a caring person, a little bit of sunshine. Like I said, I want to try and make this a monthly thing. But I do need help in two ways. One, I need to know about the caregivers out there. Please send me a message or e-mail (loveforblue2015@aol.com) telling me about your caregiver.

And obviously, I need some help financially, or through gift cards, to make this happen. If I can remember correctly, my other boxes I've sent...cost around $35. I spent $20, plus tax buying items. And around $13 to send them, through USPS. My goal, is to try and raise $50 a month. The gift card option, is much cheaper. In I think I spent $20 on a gift card. And under a dollar for a card, and stamp.

I hope that if you are reading this, you see how a little something, can make a HUGE difference! Not just for the caregiver receiving the package. But for the person they are caring for. In terms, that their caregiver has now been refreshed. And probably feels like, they can take on more, without feeling so stressed. ❤❤❤

Sponsors Needed!

We are nearing our 2nd Annual Memorial 5K Run/Walk. And I know I am pretty excited! Much more, in the mindset, of making this, a great event! Last year, we were still in shock. To be 100% honest. And everything kind of came together, last minute.

But this year, we are planning ahead. And would like to make this event, something big. And successful. Very successful. So I'm going to be reaching out to you, our readers. Our friends, family, and community, as well.

We will be looking for sponsors for t-shirts, possibly bags, and the decorations needed. I think I bought 20 or so, balloons last year. Not too bad. But the cost of t-shirts and bags, is a little different. Probably a $500 cost. And we'd love to include your name, or business, on our t-shirts this year. We'd also like to have a banner made. That we can use every year.

We'd also like to ask people to make donations. Much like last year. Anything in the color blue. For the crafters out there...we'd love blue tutus, hair bows, jewelry, etc. If you sell Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware...we'd welcome that as well. Anything, and everything really.

As far as food is concerned, we'd appreciate any and all donations. We're "cooking up," the idea of selling baked goods, coffee, cokes, bottled water, burritos, hamburgers, hotdogs, and nachos. Please let me know, if you can help with any of this. It's a HUGE cost! And we'd greatly appreciate your help!

Lastly, we'd like to have some gift cards donated. Or other items. We are hoping to have a raffle. Which I'm making a blanket for. But would like to raffle other items as well. I'd also like to be able to give some sort of "prize" to our first place winner. In both the 5K, and our Car Show.

If you think you can help out, or know someone who can, please contact me. You can leave a message here, e-mail me (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Again, Thank You from the bottom of my heart! ❤❤❤

T-Shirt Sponsor

Hey guys! It's that time again. To get prepared for our 2nd Annual Memorial 5K Run/Walk. I'm getting pretty excited. And I'm ready to raise some money! I just know, that we can make a difference in cancer research.

But the thing is, the costs are a little tough. I was able to cover all of it, last year. We had a few donations, before the event. In terms of food and drinks. But really, the only way to make an event like this successful, is to get some sponsors.

Here's our t-shirt from last year. We're thinking, something pretty similar for this year. My friend, works at a company, that does orders like this. And was able to give us, a good deal last year. Making the sale of our shirts, a good deal for us.

But this year, I'm hoping to get a sponsor. To help us cover some of the costs. We'll still be turning to Amber for help. The t-shirts costs about $400. And I'm assuming that they will be around that price point, this year. I'd like to find a business, or person, that is willing to sponsor our t-shirts. So that more of the money, can directly go to supporting colon cancer. And our efforts here.

If you know of anyone, please pass this along. I'm even thinking, a couple of businesses, might want to help. The cost could be covered. And we can always add the companies, to the back of the t-shirt. My Dad did this, numerous times, for other organizations. It's a cool way to get involved, in the community.

Please let me know, if you are interested. You can contact me here on the blog, by e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Have a wonderful day! ❤❤❤

Sponsors For Fun Mail Friday

I'm still enjoying our "Fun Mail Fridays." It truly is, the highlight of my week. And I wanted to just ask, for a little bit of help. I know, that we've been blessed, to touch so many lives already. But I want to continue this, in 2016.

When you head out to the store next time, consider buying a couple of extra cards. I've been getting all sorts of requests lately. And would enjoy, continuing to support the many people, battling cancer. I would gladly accept any cards, or even a little financial assistance here. Honestly, most of the cards I purchase are from, the Dollar Tree. So even a little gift card, would be appreciated!

And stamps, probably the thing I could use the very most. At this moment. Consider buying a couple of extra. I'd be happy to share my address with you. I would greatly appreciate all the help, in this department!

And of course, names. I continue to get names, from local people. Through the hospital, where my Dad was treated. From our church. And just other people in the community. I'd ask that you would continue to send your names to me.

A little bit more about that. If you can send me, your loved ones name, and address. And perhaps something they are interested in. I try to send a little something, in each card. Something to bring them a smile. And if they have children, let me know. I can add them, to another list. I try and send out a couple of things, to the littles. Maybe some stickers, a small box of candy, or a small toy. Please let me know.

And if your loved on, is celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. I'd LOVE to know! I want their mail to have some meaning behind it. Not just some random card that shows up. But if that is what they need, I'm also ready for that too!

This truly, has been one of the things, I enjoy most about my week. Sitting down, to write some encouraging words, to someone battling cancer. I want to keep letting people know, they are not alone. And if nothing else, I'm here, praying for them. Please help me, to continue this. You can contact me here on the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Happy Wednesday! ❤❤❤

Please Wear Blue

As difficult, as the last few days have been, we are trying to find the bright spots. And we are asking everyone, that is attending my Dad's services, to wear blue. We don't want to look at his passing, with such heavy hearts. It is a difficult time. The most difficult, that I've ever experienced.

But weeks ago, my Dad asked me, to make sure his services...were a "Celebration of His Life." And that is what I'm asking you. To think of the good times, your good memories, and my Dad's accomplishments. Think of all the joy, that my Dad brought you. There will always be time to mourn. Let these few days, be a "Celebration of Life."

I say this, because funerals are always difficult. There are many tears to be shed. It's heartbreaking, to say goodbye, to your loved one. But for my Dad, we want it to be different. We want people to remember the good times. It's what he wanted. It's what he asked for. And it's what, I'm going to try and give him.

It doesn't matter the color of blue. We just want, to paint the church blue. Because he was Blue. Because he battled colon cancer, with everything he had. And because, we love him. I hope that you, will join us. And that you will spread the word.

During these difficult days, it's the one thing, that can make a person smile. I'm not looking forward to my Daddy's services. But I know, I will feel the comfort, looking out at a "Sea of Blue." And I know, my Daddy, will be smiling down from Heaven. ❤❤❤