Favorite Things Friday

Well, it's Friday again, so here are some more of my favorite things:

(Image via Aunt Peaches)

These gorgeous roses are made from coffee filters. Can you believe it? They're the most realistic looking paper flowers I've ever seen, and don't you just love the color combinations she used? For the tutorial, click HERE.

(Image via Joann)

This pillow is so pretty, and an easy way to liven up a room. You can check out the how-to HERE.

(Image via Petite Purls)

These knit softies are adorable. I'll definitely have to try my hand at these. Pattern HERE.

(Image via A Quilt Is Nice)

This quilt is so, so fun. She made it using 3 inch squares. For the quilt top, she literally put all of the squares into a bag and drew them out at random. To finish it, she did some simple machine quilting (just straight lines about 1/4" from each seam). I love the results. You can get all the info on this quilt HERE.

(Image via Envirosax)

How cool are these reusable grocery sacks from Envirosax? I'll admit it, they're a little pricey, but for something that you'll only have to buy once and use all the time, it's not that bad ;) Once we have an income, I'm saving up for these. I like to be green when I can, and this is a fashionable way to do it...what's not to like? :) You can find them HERE.

(Image via Infinity Shoes)

And these boots. Oh, these boots!! Would love these :) They're by Miz Mooz. You can find them HERE.

Seriously, if you have any favorites, do share!!

Service Sunday

(Image via Blankets for Deployed Daddies)

Hi all! I'm taking the time today to tell you about a great organization called Blankets for Deployed Daddies.
There are many, many young military families. And a lot of times, babies are born into these families while the dad is deployed, or he is deployed soon after the birth. Since babies rely on their sense of smell to recognize their parents, Blankets for Deployed Daddies has harnessed this power, and developed a pattern for a knit blanket that maximizes its ability to trap scent (you can download it for free). They ask for volunteers to knit the blankets, and if you're strapped for cash, they'll send you the yarn to use.
Deployed dads sleep with the blanket in their pillowcase and then send it home in a ziplock bag (to keep the scent uncontaminated and fresh). The babies then sleep and play with the blankets, all the while, getting to know their dad through his unique scent. The blankets can hold the scent for three months before needing a "re-charge". Amazing, isn't it?
The scented blanket really helps the babies to bond with their dads when they finally do get to meet since they can recognize him by his smell.
The blankets also provide comfort to a baby/child for years to come, especially each time their dad is deployed.
Blankets for Deployed Daddies are a little particular about some things (the type of yarn, the pattern you use, etc.) so you can find out more about them HERE.
I really encourage each of you to look into this organization. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for these families when a baby is born while the dad is deployed. Having and using one of these blankets is one way that the whole family can feel more connected during that special time.
The sacrifice of our military families is TREMENDOUS, and this is one way that we can serve them and support them. They give us so much.
If you're interested, please check them out.

I'll be posting service oppurtunities every Sunday, so be sure to check back every week.
Have a wonderful Sunday :)