I’ve been very busy this last month and thought I’d give everyone a sneak peek of two of my projects in the works. These designs have been so much fun to create and I can’t wait to see them go live!

We prayed that this day would never come, but on Saturday, December 5th 2009, we were informed that my brother, Elijah Rao, was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

I couldn’t have asked for a better brother. He was a kind, loving, honorable man and will be missed dearly by our family and all those that he touched with his gentle spirit. We have faith that he is in Heaven and one day we will all be together again.

Elijah served an extended tour in Iraq before serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to come home in January on leave and then come home for good in May when his tour ended. He leaves behind a wife and 1 1/2 year old daughter.

Please pray for our family during this unimaginably difficult time. The outpouring of love and support from the military and community is a blessing and really shows us how many people Elijah touched in his short life.

A local news story about my brother and his sacrifice for our country: Soldier from Oregon killed in Afghanistan

To grandma’s house we go! This Thanksgiving we’ll be taking a 3 hour journey over lovely Mount Hood to visit the in-laws in Central Oregon. I’m looking forward to the change of scenery and not having access to my email, which forces me to finally take some time off! I will be returning to my normal work schedule on Monday, November 30th. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

This new toy company looks promising! With all of the recent toy recalls, I hope more companies like this start to pop up.

It’s time for a change!

Green Toys Inc. makes an awesome line of classic children’s toys constructed of bioplastic made from renewable, sustainable resources like corn (yep, you read that right). This will help reduce fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving the overall health and happiness of the planet. All Green Toys Brand products are manufactured and assembled in the USA!!!

Here’s a fun contest to test your crafting skills! Enter Here…

The Grand Prize package is valued at over $6,000 and includes:

• An all-expenses-paid trip to the John C. Campbell Folk Art School including one week’s tuition, room & board, and round-trip airfare. Total value over $1500.
• A Singer CE-250 embroidery/sewing machine & serger valued at $1200.
• A complete custom website design including online store and hosting from BizLandCrafters.com valued at $2100.
• A $500 gift card to Michaels Arts & Crafts.
• A gift certificate to SonicPrint.com for 2,500 custom postacards and business cards.
• A $375 Premium Subscription to the Online Learning Library at Lynda.com.
• A signed copy of Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts by Leah Kramer, founder of Craftster.org
• A HomeGrownMarket.com Handmade Gift Pack valued at $350
• PLUS the winner will also be featured in the Spring 2008 issue of Adorn Magazine!

I am proud to partner with Elemental Muse to offer you this amazing opportunity to get the eCommerce store of your dreams! The highest bidder will receive the following:

* Complete eCommerce design by AAD ($500 value!)
* 3 months of FREE web site hosting (a $24 value!)
* FREE Iris Market Builder license (a $99 value!)

Hurry and place your bid for your chance to win! Bidding ends September 10th at 12:00pm EST. :: View eCommerce Auction here ::

Have you ever wondered who your ancestors were? MyHeritage.com offers a great way to gather all that information together and connect with those you love. You can create a website to share your family photos, stories and organize family events. There is a family tree program available for free download – how great is that! Additionally they have a face recognition section, search tools and community area. Be sure to check out this great site!

MyHeritage.com was founded by a team of people with a passion for genealogy and a strong grasp of Internet technology. Our vision has been to make it easier for people around the world to use the power of the Internet to discover their heritage and strengthen their bonds with family and friends.
quote from MyHeritage.com

I hate hearing of new recalls, but I feel it is important to spread the news to as many people as possible. The current recall includes: SpongeBob SquarePants Address Books/Journals, Spinning Tops and Tin Pails, Children’s Charm Bracelets & Children’s Metal Jewelry

The latest information for product recalls can be found here: http://www.cpsc.gov/

Here’s a fun photo contest that gives all you cloth diapering parents out there a chance to win some great prizes! Take advantage of the great summer weather and start snapping photos of your little one in their Fuzzi Bunz.

Here are some details from the Fuzzi Bunz Summer Photo Contest:

” We’re looking for the best, cutest and most original photos of your babies sporting their Fuzzi Bunz this summer. Whether vacationing near the Eiffel Tower or Great Wall of China, or just simply lounging at the beach or grandma’s backyard, send us your most creative baby in Bunz photograph and you could win $1,000 (USD) cash and $500 (USD) worth of Fuzzi Bunz diapers and accessories. Plus, your baby’s photo will grace the homepage of FuzziBunz.com! “

It’s hard to believe that lead in toys should even be an issue in the year 2007, but sadly it is. Please check all your child’s toys to make sure they aren’t on the recall list. If they are, return them for a refund ASAP!

:: Find out if you have a toy on the recall list ::