lovely postcard fundraiser // N.E.E.T. & Smile & Wave features // kindness

Hola, folks. It's been a very hard day today, so I'm trying to pull my head together for this post.

First I wanted to very belatedly share this *lovely* project put together by an equally lovely lady, Kara Haupt. Please check it out! Gorgeous holiday postcards for a beautiful cause. Read more here. Thank you so much for including me in this beautiful project, Kara.

 Stephanie from the fabulous magazine, N.E.E.T, asked me to contribute some Gift Wrapping DIY ideas for their newest 5th Anniversary issue! Let me tell you, I'm sure you've already read this gorgeous online magazine, but if you haven't, run don't walk (or rather, click really fast!) over there. It's a free publication that has 272 (!!!) pages PACKED full of fashion, art, a holiday gift guide, DIY's, recipes and more. In the theme of "5" for their Anniversary celebration, I put together 5 gift wrap ideas (pg. 232) that are very simple, not time-consuming and inexpensive -  a lot of the items I used could easily be found around the house. Who has time to spend an hour wrapping each gift? Not I! 

A breakdown of the ideas:

- Using Crocheted Granny Squares as a gift accent

- A Step-by-Step on how to do a 4 Strand Braid used as a gift accent

- Using recycled and vintage materials

Read the feature for all of the details and full instructions! 

I have to say that I'm incredibly impressed with this publication. There is no filler, it is beginning-to-end QUALITY inspiration by incredibly talented artists. It is Eye-Candy Galore. : )

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I also wanted to share with you a cool feature that Rachel over at Smile & Wave is doing called "Home for the Holidays". She's in the process of a big move and asked a few blog friends to contribute some Holiday Cheer in her absense. Thanks, Rachel, for asking me to contribute! Rachel is one inspiring lady and I can't wait to see all of her lovely decor ideas displayed in her, I'm sure, charming new home. : )

I shared my Holiday decor from last year. Hop over to the post for all of the images, but here's a little peek:

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In other unfortunately sad news, my heart is hurting for a dear friend of mine. I saw this on Lesley's blog this week, and it is so true and really hits home for me today.

image source

No matter what image we project on our blogs, or how we look when we see each other in person, I think everyone in their own way has struggles that they deal with every day. It's easy to get annoyed with people or get especially frustrated with the silliest things around the holidays due to stress, the rush, whatever. But we have to remember (including myself) that, to put it mildly: Life can be really rough. Really challenging. And isn't always as rosy as what people project. We're all struggling.

Showing someone true kindness can be a monumental thing. This is something that I too often forget, just smiling at a random stranger or saying "Thanks and have a great day".. it doesn't take a lot. Something as small as that could have an impact on someone's day, or week! You never know what people are going through behind closed doors. You never know what's going on behind their smile. 

Anyways, it has really hit home with me today how monumental a true friend can be in one's life. And in my experience, these people are a rare, rare breed. If you have someone like this in your life, hold onto them tight and remind them OFTEN how much you love them.

Comments

[lesley@homemadegrits]

a couple of things:
1. the gift wrap ideas are fantastic. i know i won't do anything that fancy, but i love the inspiration
2. i have those same elf ornaments on my tree
3. glad that you appreciated the saying like i did

hope your little one is feeling better!

[Jessie]

your creativity never ceases to inspire me!

I'm so sorry for whatever your friend is going through. Real friends truly are treasures.

{Hugs to you}

[Jessica]

Wow. That teal tree is probably the best one I've seen all season. The way you use color and fun vintage things... I'm blown away. I love it all. :)

[yvonne.stehle]

I so wish I had some of your colour sense! It is just magic!
And about being nice: so true. I sometimes miss that here in this wide web. Thanks for reminding us!
Yvonne

[Tania]

You inspire me so much Danielle! Thanks for the gorgeous glimpse into your creativity, as always, and sending you lots of ((((hugs)))) and to your friend too.

[twinklyspangle]

Your photos are seriously some of the most beautiful that I have seen on crafty blogs, I'm so envious of your beautiful home and you constantly inspire me to create things x

[Ann Tilley]

Thanks for the reminder to think beyond myself. I truly appreciate kindness in others and am with you on the quest to remain humble and approach each day (and every person) with a smile!