Chemo Comfort Bags

Hello!

Alright friends and family! I have something really great that I’m working on! I want to sponsor 31 chemo bags to the Piedmont Cancer Center next month. And I need your help! One of my many goals this year is to GIVE BACK. And this is just the first endeavor!

Each and every bag will be tagged in memory or in honor of a loved one of the specific person who donates. Check out the pictures below of the items that made it into just SOME of my friends bags last year!! Your $25 donation will provide a large zip-top tote bag that has 7 pockets and I will take care of the rest! They can use the bags to carry their personal items (books, electronics, drinks & supplies) to/from their treatment appointments throughout their journey. I know we can pull this off together and bless some amazing people during a time when they could sure use a blessing!

Here is how it works: You can sponsor as many bags as you would like for $25 each. I will use ALL of my commissions that are made on the bags to fill them with things like chapstick, warm socks, blankets, crossword puzzles, tissues, candy, etc. If you would like to sponsor a bag, you can email me (vlynnstewart@hotmail.com) with “I want to sponsor ___ bags!” I will follow up with you via private message!

Getting Organized

Every now and then I get really engrossed in one topic and I feel as if I eat and sleep that topic.  I research everything, watch a million YouTube videos and find out how others feel about that topic.  Right now it is planner organization.

Remembering correctly, I have always had a planner.  Not that I used it regularly, but I always had one.  I think it was probably 2013 and I discovered the Erin Condren planner.  I loved it!  However, I was so careful with it that I ended up wasting a lot of pages.  The next year I had a Plum Paper planner...but I couldn't resist, I had to buy the new Erin Condren one with the removable covers.

Now with my EC planner - of course I needed to make it look right.  I am love loving all of the Plan With Me videos on YouTube.  I've even made my first sticker order on Etsy.

I'm writing all of this to say that organization is really an acquired skill.  Just because I have a fancy planner, doesn't mean my life will be better.  It doesn't mean that I will stay on top of all of the tasks that I have written down.  Having everything in one place is a great benefit, but it does no one any good if you don't adhere to what you wrote.  My goal is to stick with it!

2015 - Year of the Sheep

The other day, I was driving in my car and thought of how great it would be to start vlogging this year.  Then I realized, I haven't blogged in forever.  Actually, I didn't blog once last year.  Although surprising, it actually coincides with the year I had.  It was an amazing roller coaster of events and emotions.  It would take tooo long to recap - but I will sum it up in these few words.

• 1 job change
• 3 car accidents in a 1 month period
• an MRI
• too much stress and worry
• set up for success

I am unbelievably grateful for where I am now.  God has truly kept me and blessed me and shown me favor in more ways that I could every imagine. 

2015 is the Year of the Sheep according to the Asian zodiac calendar.  Some sources say that it is a symbol of peace, tranquility and healing.  That is something I truly need this year.  At my church's watch night service, some of the sermons preached were so timely. 

• Don't Forget to say Thank You - Luke 17:11-19
• For all that God has done in our lives, don't be like the 9 who refused to acknowledge the healer..say Thank You.  I think of the times where this was not the case for me.

• One More Year - Luke 13:6-9
• We are being given one more year (or more..) to get it right.  Don't waste the time.  Do what you have been commanded to do - bear fruit for the Lord.

There were other sermons, but these truly touched me.  If you only knew what I went through last year...but I made it through! Praise God.  I look forward to so much this year.

And I promise not to be a stranger!

Sleep

Does anyone ever feel like you go through spells in your life where eight hours of sleep is something that will never happen?  Ever since I have started my new position, that hasn't just become  what I feel, but an unfortunate reality.

I always try to take something that could be meant our taken as bad and try to spin it.  It's actually is pretty nice to hear off  work earlier and not always feel like I am rushing if I go to anything after work.  I'd love to hear about what you have done to cope  with transitions that affect your sleep patterns.

Hostess of the Month Club - Thirty-One Gifts

Hello everyone!  It has been such a long time since I posted...so much has happened!  I got transferred to a new position at work and after being in our corporate office for 9 years, I am not working at an on site client site.  It's a change but I have grown to love being there and meeting so many great people!  I plan to share more about that later.

As I posted in April, I am an independent consultant with Thirty-One Gifts.  I had only found out about the company a few weeks before I signed up.  I am now in love with the products and carry them everywhere. 

Do you love Thirty-One as much as I do?  Here is an opportunity for you to get great hostess rewards without having to have a party in your home.  I am looking for 6 ladies or men (at least) to join my Hostess/Host of the Month 6-Pack.  You will have to commit to spending at least $35 each month on Thirty-One products.  The 6-Pack will start when we have 6 people.  Each month, one person will get the "host" the party that month using the orders placed by the other 5 members in the pack.  You can get more rewards the month you host by collecting outside orders from family and friends.  What an easy way to get free and 1/2 priced products.

FAQs:
Why spend $35 a month?
By spending $35 a month (before shipping and tax), this will open up the Monthly Customer Specials to all members of this group. We all love the monthly specials and this is a great way to make sure we get them! It also guarantees that each monthly hostess has a party volume of $210. Maybe even more!

Can anyone join? – SURE! As long as you live in the USA you are able to join. Products will be shipped directly to you.  The sales tax will be calculated from where you live.

How will you decide who will host which month?
To be the most fair, months will be assigned by alphabetical order. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or list your questions in the comments below so that everyone will see the answer.  Will you be in the 6-pack?

Help When You Need It Most

Earlier last week, I was speaking with my mother and somehow we got on the subject of her medications.  As you may know, if you read my blog posts, that my mother is a Lung Cancer survivor.  Currently she is doing well as there is really no evidence of the disease in her.  God has truly been so good!  Everyday she takes a targeted chemo pill called Tarceva.  Tarceva is extremely expensive and unless you have co-pay assistance, there really is no way that you can afford it.

Earlier this year, she filled out the paperwork for the Chronic Disease Fund who has helped with co-pays in the past.  My mother said she called them earlier this week because she hadn't heard from them.  They had run out of funding for the year.  But what was worse, is that they never notified her!  Insane.  As I got over that shock, the realization set in that she has only a few pills left and no way to pay the $1200 co pay for it each month.

I called Genentech, the manufacturer and they open up a case.  Through the case workers, they helped look into several other companies, who as it turns out, have run out of funding as well.  What is going on?!?

Genentech is trying to see if they can assist her directly. I pray that you will join me in praying for a solution.  Since 2008, she has been a warrior and fighting.  I believe someone will come through so my mother can get the meds that have been working for her.

Thirty-One Gifts Open House

I am excited to announce that I am a new Independent Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts!  As a way of sharing all of the great products that Thirty-One has to offer, I am hosting a virtual online open house at my website through April 19, 2013.  You can view my online party details at my website.

In its 10th year, Thirty-One is a company that celebrates women.  The name is taken from Proverbs 31, the bible passage that speaks about the virtuous woman.  A woman who not only cares for her family, but serves her community, is industrious, and is an example for all.  I strive to live up to this example of a Godly woman.

Thirty-One offers products that are functional as well as attractive. 

This month, I currently am running 2 specials.  For ever $35 you spend, you can get our Jr Rec and Roll duffle for just $10 or our Pro Duffle for $25.  Also, visit my website to take the Mother's Day personality quiz.  You may be one 6 lucky winners who will receive a solution set for you and your mom.

We have a lot of bags to choose from - one I am sure that will meet your needs.  Which Thirty-One bag or tote is your favorite and what would you use it for?

Bracing Myself

For the past week, my left knee has been bothering me.  I didn't hit or anything, just it became sorta sore.  Thanks to my employer, we receiving excellent health care benefits at the beginning of this year.  So armed with my new health care card, I was able to call my new Kaiser doctor, make an appointment and be seen.  Long story short, I came home with meds and a knee brace.  As I rest my leg, I started thinking about all of the recent changes in my life.

Changes for the better.

My Faith:
- God has been more than patient with me.  Despite what I intend to do and don't do, the Lord is truly my Shepherd.  He keeps me and I need to do my part by doing what I said I would.  It's by his grace and mercy that I am still here

My alumni group:
- We just had a new year planning meeting for my alumni group.  It was a wonderful success.  The year is starting off with some great events and I am grateful to be in a role of leadership.

My job:
- Armed with new responsibilites based on my boss' new roles and our aquisition a year ago, I feel like the sky is the limit on opportunities for us.  As I embrace the change I have to remember to stay focused and on top of everything.

My family:
- As we grow older, staying together becomes so much more important.

I don't have to brace myself for the future because that could imply that something unfavorable could be in store.  But it also could be something wonderful that I have no idea or any comprehension of.

What are you bracing yourself for this year?

Silence and Support

On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

 

We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services.

Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way.

Thank you in advance for participating.

Love,

The Blog World

Thanks to Mariel at Living For His Glory for sharing this.

Free Sierra Mist at Walmart

I wanted to share this with all of you.  Holiday gatherings are coming up or are already upon us and we have all been asked to bring something.  Or maybe you want to stick up for your home.  I wanted to share with you a fantastic coupon find.

There is a $1 off of 1 2-Liter bottle of Sierra Mist coupon at Kroger and affiliates in the soda aisle in a blinkie machine (you know the machine on the shelf where you can pull out a coupon).  At Walmart, Sierra Mist 2-Liters are $1 each. 

The Kroger Krazy website also mentions a hang tag that is for Buy 4 Get 1 2-Liter product free of Sierra Mist or Schweppes Ginger Ale.  I had to go to 2 Krogers to get my coupons and I do vaguely remember the hang tag, but I was so gung ho on getting the blinkie coupon, I didn't really pay it any attention.

Here is an example of one of my receipts.

Also, to see a picture of the coupon, please visit Kroger Krazy's post at http://www.krogerkrazy.com/2012/12/siera-mist-blinkie-machine-coupon-free-at-kroger/

I don't know how long this deal will go on so go and get you free Sierra Mist now!

Giving Thanks

This year's Thanksgiving was an interesting one.  Usually my mother and her brothers spend it together along with their children and grandchildren at one of their houses.  For whatever reason, that did not happen this year.  I spent a great day with my brother and mother as they were both nursing colds and preferred not to be around anyone else.  I ended up doing a lot of the cooking which was different, but I truly enjoyed it.  My uncle called my mother and said that Christmas we as a family all need to get together.  I totally agree.

This past year and a half has been a trying year for us.  My mom lost her sister in September of 2011 - she fought a long fight with colon cancer.  Then a few days before New Year's, another aunt passed (my mom's younger brother's wife) after battling a lifetime of illness.  In March, my other aunt passed (my mom's older brother's wife).  Now she is the only girl left.  I know it has been really hard on her - but it has been hard on all of us.  To lose 3 strong women so closely - I can't imagine.  She lived with me for about 3-4 months during that time.  She just couldn't bear to be by herself.

So when I think I Thanksgiving, I think of how grateful I am that God has truly been there for my family.  Even in times of sorrow and recently in times of joy (a cousin was just born), I can say that we are truly blessed.  I am thankful for all of the time that I spend with my family and look forward to many more wonderful times. 

Erin Condren Life Planner review

It arrived!  I received my Erin Condren Life Planner 2 weeks ago.  It was soo worth the wait (and the online stalking).

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Erin Condren is a stationary designer that designs personalized stationary, planners, and journals.  With products made in the USA with lots of love, whatever you buy is well made and worth the wait.

Here is my planner.  I debated long and hard to find a cover with purple in it that would really compel me to use my planner.  I chose the Rad Plaid design.

 

 

The first section lists special dates and anniversaries in a perpetual calendar format.

 

 

Each month has a two-page spread in which to highlight special dates and appointments, etc.

 

 

Weekly pages are divided in 3 sections daily - morning, day, and night.  I use these sections mainly for my work tasks and it works great.  The main reason why I purchased this planner was to be able to see all of my tasks in one glance.  The Erin Condren planner has been a tremendous help for me in this area and I am able to stay on top of all of my to-dos.  I use sticky notes to list any messages are immediate things that I have to take care of.

 

 

One of my favorite parts has to be the Keep it Together folder.  I am bad for having scraps of papers and notes stuffed into other notebooks.  Then whatever happens and they are gone.  This folder keeps everything in one place.  Right now, I have coupons in it as well as some mail that I need to follow up on. 

 

All and all, I love my Erin Condren planner.  I have only had for about 2 weeks and I take it everywhere with me.  I don't have a color-coding pen system like some other people do.  I may do a post later to show you how I am using it - haven't decided yet.  As I get new tasks or have appointments, I list them in the appropriate weekly section.  Once I have completed the task, I put a little check mark.  This way, I know I have completed the task, but I don't make through it so that I can refer back.  Also, the Erin Condren team is very responsive.  I went to a conference last week and was afriad that I might not get my planner in time.  They assured me that it would ship and I received it very quickly once I explained my concerns.

 

Some of you may wonder why everyone is obsessed about Erin Condren and her life planner.  Once you get one you will see! 

For Mary - Anyone Can Get Lung Cancer

Yesterday, I signed up for the Breathe Deep Atlanta Lung Cancer Walk sponsored by Lungevity Foundation.  I'll be walking in support of my mother, a lung cancer survivor.  I know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - my grandmother died from breast cancer.  But when my mom was diagnosed, the assumption that she smoked was too much - because she didn't.  You can read about my mom's story in my post, Standing Up For Mary.  I wanted to share with you a few facts that you may not know about lung cancer.

The Statistics

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, regardless of gender or ethnicity.
• Lung cancer impacts one in 14 Americans and kills more than colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers combined.
• Lung cancer kills almost twice as many women as breast cancer, and more than three times as many men as prostate cancer.
• About 55% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.
• Lung cancer accounts for 14% of all new cancer diagnoses but 28% of all cancer deaths.

One major fact that us in the Lung Cancer supporter community are trying to end is the stigma.  Anyone Can Get Lung Cancer - you don't have to have smoked or lived with a smoker.  You can be old and you can be young.  The following story truly touched me.  I have decided to do a weekly post (or more) on Lung Cancer to get the word out. 

 

 

Jill lost her battle with Lung Cancer.  Her wish was to beat this disease.  Let's do more!

Weekend Blog Walk: Greetings

I just wanted to say hello to any of the new visitors who might come via the Weekend Blog Walk.  This is my first time doing a link up and I am pretty excited.  This blog is just about me and my daily life. 

But..since you are here...

Question:
(Just a fun question)

If you could visit any country, where would you go and why?

The Waiting Game

Remember one of my first posts on the Erin Condren Life Planner?  Well, I bit the bullet and purchased it last week.  Now I am in the waiting game, becoming almost OCD checking the website for an status.  I know that is is really not that serious, but only a few things have capitivated my attention like the planner.  I think it is because it is very practical but very different and personalized that has truly made me want one.

I am definately going to do a post so that you all can see the unboxing - maybe a vlog, who knows.

On another note, can you believe that it is October already!  This time of year is my absolute favorite.  Waiting on the leaves to change or watching them change is oh so breathtaking and reminds me of all of the special celebrations that take place in my life this time of year.

• My Pastor's anniversary at my church
• Football games
• Fall Leaves and Cool Breezes
• Breathe Deep Atlanta Lung Cancer Walk
• Birthdays! (mine ;) )
• Christmas
• New Year's

I don't really celebrate Halloween but I do get candy in case some kids come by.  They haven't in the past couple of years - yet I still buy it.

Trip Down Memory Lane

This past weekend was a busy one for me.  It started off on Friday at the City of Refuge volunteer project. Then a prayer breakfast on Saturday morning and a cooking class in the afternoon.  In the hustle and bustle of going to and fro, I was able to take time to think about life and reminise on various events.  Here is my little trip down memory lane.

• Volunteer Day: My volunteer experience really began as a candy striper at DeKalb Medical Center.  I served from 8th-12th grade.  I really loved my time helping the patients and nurses.  In fact, I didn't even have a job in high school as I was busy being a volunteer.

• Cool Fall Mornings: I think my favorite season is Fall.  The cool crisp air reminds me of comfort, warmth..and football (lol).  Not to mention that when fall begins, the leaves turn on the trees.  And soon after we have the winter holidays and my birthday!

• Japan: The Japanese cooking class condjured up so many emotions that I am not even sure if I could settle on one thing.  We cooked miso chicken, takegomi rice, and sweet potatoes.  The food was delicious and even the tv shows we watched were nostaligic.

What has happened to you that makes it easy to travel along life's journey? 

 

 

 

Where Good Works - City of Refuge

Today was a great day.  Every year, the company I work for, 2 Places At 1 Time, holds an annual volunteer day where employees nationwide give back in their local communities.  This year the staff in Atlanta volunteered at City of Refuge.  City of Refuge is in fact that - a place of hope and rebuilding in a community ravaged by poverty and crime.  Our task was to work in the Eden Garden. 

When we met the Volunteer Coordinator, Phil, he gave us bracelets that said "Where Good Works" Micah 6:8.  This bible verse reads: (taken from New King James Version)

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

I don't always do this.  I know what is right in so many situations, but do I always do what the Lord requires of me to do.  If someone is hurting or going through a bad situation, I should do whatever is in my power to assist them and build them up - not tear them down.  I never intend to do them harm - but my inaction can often speak volumes.

City of Refuge is a blessed place.  You can feel the love there.  You feel safe there.  Not one time, did I even think of what neighborhood I was in - in terms of feeling afraid.  They are doing the Good Work and continues to spread God's message of love and healing to those who need it.

I think of the times that I am asked to help others and I complain or asked to give a hand to those in need and I do it begrudgingly.  I may not have nothing going on but I am mad that someone asked for my time.  Is it possible that I have nothing going on because it was for me to help them.  I am sure that is the case.  I will gladly wear my bracelet so I can share with others about the City of Refuge and how we can me be models of Micah 6:8 and do what the Lord requires of us to do.

Friday Night Fireworks

This past Friday, I went to a high school football game.  As someone who was a member of my high school marching band from 8th - 12th grade, as much as I love football, I am also very interested in the marching band.  But for whatever reason, I hadn't gone to any high school football games since I graduated.  Well I take that back - I went to one.

My younger cousins were playing.  It was the game of the week - Southwest Dekalb vs Stephenson.  Football team vs Football team, Band vs Band.  One of my younger cousins vs the other cousin.  Whoever was the victor would definately have bragging rights.  And to top it all off, my uncle is the Offensive Coordinator for Southwest Dekalb.  I couldn't miss it - even though I was starting to come down with a sinus cold.

Traffic was horrible.  It had rained earlier that day which made things worse.  Determined to support and represent, I finally made it to the stadium at about 8pm. (The game started at 7:30pm).  I decided to sit on the Stephenson side, for no other reason than that I figured more of my family would be on that side and that it would be more fun.  I am so glad I did.  I got there about 2 minutes before halftime.  Looking through the crowd, I spotted my family and waited until the buzzer sounded so that I could make my way down the bleachers to where they were sitting.

I tried to hide my excitement, but I couldn't wait to see the Stephenson band.  As the visiting team, they went first.  Memories came back as I looked at the drills.  This band was really good. But the best was truly to come.  As they finished an amazing set, all of a sudden they started playing the them from "Superman" and formed the "S" symbol on the field.  And then....

An epic move that cannot be duplicated because it will be imitated.

Because imitation is the highest form of flattery (lol).  There were FIREWORKS!  I'm sorry, but I will remember that forever.  It was AMAZING.

My phone ran out of power so I couldn't video tape it, but here is a video of the band from 2 years ago. 

Encourage Yourself

It's been too long since I last made a blog post - sorry everyone!  At times life s gets in the way.  It's at those times, those moments you need a little encouragement.  But what do you do when you have no one to lean on?  You have to encourage yourself.

This past week, I really went through a rollar coaster of emotions.  I had a not so favorable review at work, sorta bad family news about the health of loved ones, and more news concerning a sibling.  All I know to do is to pray for a way to help me know that I can make it - but it can be hard.  When people constantly turn to you for help, who is it that I can turn to.  That's why encouraging yourself is so important.

You can do it!

You are deserving.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Encourage yourself - it helps me.

Reminded

As I watch the morning news, I am often reminded of how blessed I am.  The news used to be a place that I went to to get the morning weather report, traffic report, and to know what is going on in the world.  Too often these days, it has turned into a place where you are reminded don't eat that, don't go there, don't pick that up, and don't even think about...doing anything or you will get hurt, sick or die.  How depressing it can be.

But I am reminded of the better things and for that I start to smile. 

• God - without my belief in Him, there is no way I could make it.  If you believe in a higher power, find peace in knowing you can draw strength to make each day a better day for yourself and others.
• Health - Yes, I am starting to get aches and pains in my 30-something body, but I am thankful for my health.  I am not sick and I'm free of disease.  I am embracing learning and striving to live a healthier lifestyle in all ways.
• Family and Friends - I am thankful for those people who are in my life.  I do whatever I can for them and hopefully they would return the favor if needed.  But if not, my life is enriched for being a part of theirs.
• Others - I am reminded that God wants us to love our neighbors and others.  Sometimes this is not a easy feat.  The driver who cuts you off on the road, the person in a hurry in the store who bumps you are knocks you down and doesn't acknowledge what they did..it goes on and on.  It's your reaction that determines truly who you are. 

This was just a few of things that I thought about this morning.  What are the things that make you smile?