Sunday, February 13, 2011

Are You Ready for Military Week?

Tomorrow kicks off Military Week here on Through the Grapevine.  If you haven't yet "heard through the grapevine", my intention for next week is to share stories with you on a few aspects of what military life has been like for my family over the last few years.  In doing so, it is my hope that you will gain a greater appreciation for what military families go through during the deployment cycle - before, during and after the deployment of a soldier. 

Along the way, I also hope to provide you some information, education, and of course ENTERTAINMENT!  And let's not forget the mid-week FREE STUFF event. 

Big deal. Good stuff.

To set the stage for the upcoming week, I would like to share with you a video that was given to the soldiers in my husband's National Guard unit as a "thank you" gift from their FRG [Family Readiness Group].  Each soldier was presented with a DVD of this video from the FRG after their return home from Iraq.  As family members of soldiers, whether wives or husbands, mothers or fathers, sisters, brothers or children, our lives are directly impacted when a soldier is deployed.  A successful mission when a soldier is deployed requires the support of that soldier's family back home.  As supportive family members, this DVD was our way of thanking our soldiers, letting them know how much we appreciate every sacrifice they make, and reinforcing what a wonderful job they did in Iraq.

The video itself may take a few moments to load, depending on your computer speed.  Please be patient and know that it is worth it.  If need be, wait for the video to completely buffer before beginning viewing.  The video is approximately 23 minutes long.  I have been told it's worth the wait and the time. 

PLEASE feel free to share the video via this blog link.

Thank you all for your support during this upcoming week.  My family and my soldier appreciate your time and interest.


Video link:
 

 

Friday, February 11, 2011

Start Your Engines!




Vroom! Vroom!

Hold on tight folks, this is big...

Just wanted to let you all know about something special that I will be doing all next week right here that you want to be ready for. 

As you may know, my husband Keith was deployed to Iraq last year.  As of last week, he has been home safe and sound for one year (YAY!). 

Each day next week, a series of “military week” posts will run right here on Through The Grapevine.  This series will give you tidbits of entertainment, information and education concerning what a military family goes through during a soldier’s deployment.  This project is very near to my heart and it would mean a great deal to me if you would join me for this week-long event, starting on Monday.

On Wednesday, I will be releasing an exciting brand new product that specifically relates to this week-long event.  I have been collaborating with the fantastic graphic art talents of Wild Blueberry Ink to create an AMAZING end result!  (Not to mention, unchartered territory on Etsy!) 

There will be a giveaway involved as well (that’s right – FREE STUFF!!)  You do not want to miss this!

Please feel free to share this information with your friends and family, the military information alone is something I would like to pass along to as many people as possible.  Just ask them to subscribe via email and they'll get the updates each day next week!

Enjoy your Friday!


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Monday, February 7, 2011

Conversation Hearts

Valentine's Day is in a week.  One short week.  Could there be a better gift for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day than a reminder of how much you love them?


Actually, yes.

This Valentine's Day you could get that special loved person in your life a handmade reminder of how much you love them.  Quite an idea huh?  (As Gru in Despicable Me would say, "Lightbulb.")

Right now in my Etsy shop you can find several handmade Valentine's Day gifts for your sweetie.  All Valentine's Day items have free shipping to U.S. addresses through February 14.  This includes the two-piece bottle cap sets, available in YOUR CHOICE of magnets or pins.  Great idea for couples, keep one and give one to your honey.  If you don't have someone you feel like sharing with - keep them both! 

The Valentine's Day items can be found in the HOLIDAY SECTION of my Etsy shop by clicking right HEREYou will find these items among the bottle cap sets included in the free shipping offer:











Also included in the free shipping offer - because of their heart shape - are the Enameled Recycled Coca-Cola Heart Earrings .  These earrings are made from Coca-Cola soda cans, covered in clear enamel and weigh NOTHING!  Very comfy to wear.  As you can see from the pictures, each pair is unique.  Each earring comes from a different part of the soda can and is completely different. Maybe you would like more red on your pair of earrings? Or some of the script Coca Cola lettering? Or perhaps some of the ingredient listing? If you have a preference, you can specify that during your order process.  If you have no preference, a well-matched pair will be chosen for you.



http://www.etsy.com/listing/66649474/enameled-recycled-coca-cola-heart



http://www.etsy.com/listing/66649474/enameled-recycled-coca-cola-heart



http://www.etsy.com/listing/66649474/enameled-recycled-coca-cola-heart

I hope you all take advantage of the free shipping while it's available!

Blessings for a wonderful week.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Treasury Tuesday - Honoring Dreams Thanks to MLK Jr.

Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

In honor of Dr. King's historical "I have a dream" speech, this treasury highlights the messages in his dream: Peace, togetherness, hope and love.

Each great dream starts with an individual.





http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d35cc8a31b28eef6eff0a1d/honoring-dreams-thanks-to-mlk-jr







Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Wordless Wednesday