Brown Sacking it!

At church this morning we were all given a sack to fill of staple, non-perishable groceries as we hit the market this week.  The sacks will be returned throughout the week and distributed to the Hope Center in San Antonio, TX.   

I love how simple they made it for me to give.  

They gave me a sack with a grocery list of just 10 items to include.  I can now simply add these 10 items to my grocery list, keep this sack of filled goods in the car as I unload and, viola, I'm all set to give back next Sunday.  

As I was thinking about the simplicity and affordability of this "good", a thought came to mind:  Why not do this every time I grocery shop, and make a point to deliver it to a food bank throughout my week?  Or keep in my car ready to give the next panhandler I see--which is many on my route throughout my day...  I'm going to give it a try each time I go to the store from now through Thanksgiving.  

Posted you'll find the grocery list in case it's something you feel the desire to try as well, or better yet--Share another idea!  It's much more exciting of a case study to explore all options :)

Sack of Groceries:

*  Green Beans

*  Canned Tomatoes

*  Macaroni 'n Cheese

*  Canned Vegetables

*  Canned Chili

*  Small bags of Dry Pinto Beans

*  Canned Fruit

*  Peanut Butter and Jelly

*  Small Bags of Rice

*  Pudding Packs

**Any non-perishable food items are welcome!

To simple not to try :)

How will you Branch Out today?

Wishing you Warmth, love and happiness today--and full bellies.

Grace

Seriously Spooky--Just in time for Halloween!!!

Anyone that knows me, my kids, our schedule, our routine, would realize this to be true of me~

Homelessness frightens me, scares me to death, terrifies me, saddens me.  Not only for the obvious reasons I would feel strongly for pre-kids--but now, in kid mode--it stirs all kinds of deeper emotions and haunts.  How would I cope without my "Nest", my home base?  Where my families security  lies, the comforts that every "nest" provides~Warmth,shelter, sense of safety, control, peace.  

As A mother, I have come to the conclusion that one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is just that:  Routine, security, consistency.  I am thankful, at this time and moment, to be able to provide them with that and treasure that freedom it affords me as a mommy.

Little Bird's Second Branching Out Project lies in building and creating "nests"!  We have teamed up with SAMMinistries--a local homeless operation here that provides a safe haven for families who have some how or another lost their "nest".  

**For each Halloween Ava Bird Tee sold, 100% of all profits rendered will go directly to SAMMinistries family program.  For every Little Bird Lovie and/or Little Bird Sport Blanket Sold, one Little Bird Lovie, and/or Little Bird Sport Blanket will be also donated to the family ministry program.** 

To purchase:
www.littlebirdvintagedesigns.com

Could you imagine your little bird without his or her favorite blankie or lovie?   Our Maximus alone has three on hand at all times just to ensure his comfort and sense of security~overkill~I know, but you get my point~they play an important role in their little lives.

 

Please help us to spread the word about this ministry and organization by visiting and becoming a fan of http://www.samm.org/ Know that your purchase will make a difference~something you can be reminded of long after Halloween has passed.

In Warmth, love, and happiness~

Grace Berios

Fall Packages sent with Love!

I adore receiving mail, I also adore sending mail.  The packaging (wrapping it up), presentation, anticipation of wondering just when it will arrive, the response it will invoke, emotions it will render ... I love it!  Everything about a good ole package, love it.  

Thanks to all my little bird customers, I now get the joy of sending out purchased packages all the time now.  Just today, Maximus and I shipped to all different parts of the USA--from Alaska--to Georgia, Kentucky to right back here in the Great State of Texas!  

Thank you for making my day :)   Keep the orders coming!

New Maximus Octopus Tote--Go Eco! Give Away!!

Who doesn't love a great Tote Bag--a cute one at that :) ??

I have trillions it seems--but use them all at some point throughout their lifespan--whether it be the permanents kept in the car intended to be used at all times rather than plastic.  A make shift diaper bag for any of the three--if not all, "attache" to stash my misc writing and business gear in a pinch, a mail sack, a "junk drawer" bag, filled with misc goods that should be sorted, but get hidden for the time being... the list is endless for me :)

What's your best purpose for your tote?  

And while your on the thought--how about adding ours to your collection :)

Introducing -- Our Maximus Octopus 100% Cotton Canvas Tote 

--totally washable--oh so desirable tote bag  $12.00

Perfect as a gift for yourself of some other bird in your life!

Tell us your most outrageous purpose for your tote and one lucky name will be picked to get their Octopus Tote Bag free 

in our Tote Giveaway :) 

***Yikes!***Realized just this morning that I didn't put a deadline on this or any details other than "Free Tote" on here :)  

I'll be closing this Giveaway on Monday the 18th-

you've still got time to get your comment in!***

****Man, I stink at this!  It's my first giveaway... The winner will be drawn on Monday the 18th by Ava, Little Bird's inspiration.****
I promise to have this more laid out next time :)

Secret Guilty Pleasure for a WAH-mostly solo-Mommy

Cinnamon Chip Scone-toasted to heat-accompanied by a strong, rich, no frills, latte--this is my morning pleasure for today-Sunday, 10/10/10.  A little guilty over it though, just a little.   It's another weekend of John (my adoring husband) having to work, me solo parenting it.  Our new church home in San Antonio is conveniently located .2 miles from a Starbucks (a couple locations actually) one way and Panera Bakery-today's choice indulgence-the opposite direction up the road.  It makes it all too convenient for me not to just drop the kids off, each settled in their Sunday School Classes, checked in with my cell number available if they were to need to locate me (it's a large church, so this is protocol :))I then walk inconspicuously back through the forward approaching crowd in the parking lot, get in  my car, turn off all toddler tunes and go enjoy a quite, relaxing, worry free hour to myself to slowly sip and devour my latte and pastry, catch up on thank yous, read, or just sit back and soak in the peace :)  

I feel as if I've stolen this hour all to myself, free of charge, free of pay back--Although I am a strong believer in and active Tither :)  The perfect escape.  And for the record--here's the guilt--I am usually early for the 11 o'clock service, ready to worship!

What's your guilty confession today?

DTG Print has officially arrived at the Nest!

Come check out our latest additions to our nest, our Maximus the Octopus, and Leo the Lion line!!! 

Available in infant organic Tees at the moment and Toddler Ringer T's. There are a few still available in Carter onesies and bodysuits--sleeveless, short sleeved and long sleeved, just in time for cooler temps :)

These new additions we inspired and created for my lion, Leonidas, and Octopus, Maximus, last year with aspirations of adding them to the collection that was inspired originally by Ava, our little bird.  

Give us a chirp!  We'd love to hear your feedback on the new collection :)

www.littlebirdvintagedesigns.com

We will be offering more big kid items soon ~ stay tuned ...

holy mole!

Do you ever wish to be critiqued?  For good--some critiques can be found in the positive, right?--and bad.   I was thinking over that last night while getting ready for bed.  I'm pregnant with our fourth child, so I guess if I were to be critiqued it would have to be done in such a way that is kind--I'm pretty sensitive and emotional these days ;)  

We all have personal quirks and things of ourselves we consider flaws, but I'd love to know, (some days) what other people might consider noticeable, negative, positive, questionable, of me.  For example, I have a mole that I hate, despise, dread to catch a glimpse of, directly under my right eye.  I would consider that one of my physical flaws, something that I would happily change.  My husband, on the other hand, considers it to be one of my uniquenesses and would probably not look at me nearly as lovingly if I were to one day just go and have it removed.  He thinks it's what makes me me.  (I personally think he's ensuring he'd always be able to pick me out of a line up!)

I also tend to not be a great listener, or at least feel that way after I've had a conversation with someone.  I try to be, and I actually really work to focus on it, making sure the other person knows they have my full attention, but then start focusing to much, I fear, and lose sight of the entire conversation all together ...  I feel so special when someone listens--truly listens to me.  What a gift.   It's something that I'm constantly working to improve upon.  Feel free to let me know when we're in conversation together the next time, if you feel I'm not giving you a 100%:)

Little Birds is a personal venture of mine.  I've been passionate about it's growth and success since day one back in 2007.  I take every compliment and comment and critique to heart.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, even critiques at all times.  Especially as we try new things like introducing our new additions.  Just don't critique my models and we'll work well together :)

Wishing you a flawless day full of Warmth, Love and Happiness!

Grace