Meet My Friends: The Inspire Shop & A Giveaway!

Today you're in for a special treat!
I have been anticipated this post for a LONG time, as I've been parading around my house and secretly enjoying my "Write Your Heart Out" mug for the past few weeks.  (Hint... keep reading for an exclusive giveaway!)

Monday Melodies (and a winner) :)

Those of you who know me well, know that I'm a huge Meredith Andrews fan.  She's one of the sweetest person I've crossed paths with.  God has truly gifted her with the ability to lead a crowd into His presence through music.  And I'm not gonna lie... her newest CD has been on rotation for the last 3 weeks!  

Not For A Moment (After All)

You were reaching through the storm

Walking on the water

Even when I could not see

In the middle of it all

When I thought You were a thousand miles away

Not for a moment did You forsake me

Not for a moment did You forsake me

Chorus:

After all You are constant

After all You are only good

After all You are sovereign

Not for a moment will You forsake me

Not for a moment will You forsake me

You were singing in the dark

Whispering Your promise

Even when I could not hear

I was held in Your arms

Carried for a thousand miles to show

Not for a moment did You forsake me

Chorus:

After all You are constant

After all You are only good

After all You are sovereign

Not for a moment will You forsake me

Not for a moment will You forsake me

And every step every breath you are there

Every tear every cry every prayer

In my heart at my worst

When my world falls down

Not for a moment will You forsake me

Even in the dark

Even when it's hard

You will never leave me

After all

Chorus:

After all You are constant

After all You are only good

After all You are sovereign

Not for a moment will You forsake me

Not for a moment will You forsake me

Not for a moment will You forsake me

**************************************************************

And the winner of the DaySpring card set is:

Sarah Avila!

Sarah, email me with your contact info.  Congratulations!

Sharing the gift of Encouragement - Special Giveaway! (CLOSED)

I've been on a journey.

It's called ENCOURAGEMENT.

The Lord is stretching me to see the world - PEOPLE - through His eyes.

Those who celebrate... weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or simply... life.

Those who mourn, hurt, and wait...

Those who wonder...

Those who wander...

And those who... ARE.

I've been encouraged, loved, created, comforted, and worked on BY Him who gives me breath!

And that is WHY I am CALLED to do the same for others.

I AM on this journey called ENCOURAGEMENT.

It's become my ministry, and I'm truly humbled by it. 

Thank you, Lord.

And here is my little secret:

I rely on card-writing to bring forth this mission.

I've said it before... it's almost a forgotten art.

PLEASE help me to bring it to LIFE!

Yes, I get cards from Blessings Unlimited...

And recently DaySpring sent me a set of their Redeemed cards... as a gift.

Thank you, DaySpring!  

Their Redeemed collection is SO beautiful...

There is so much detail involved...  

And as a GIFT to YOU, DaySpring offered to give one of my blog readers a set of their Redeemed cards as well (and an extra set of Encouragement cards)!!  

Wow!  

I can't wait for you to experience the gift of encouraging others!

I can't wait for you to feel the joy in sending out these beautiful cards!

You Are Loved!

Here's how to win!
(you can have up to 3 entries)

1.  Be a follower of my blog (1 entry).
2. Leave me a comment on this post, telling me who are some of the people in your life who need an extra word of encouragement (1 entry).
3.  Visit my Blessings Unlimited site HERE, and tell me what is your favorite item from the Fall catalog (1 entry).

Giveaway will be open until Sunday, September 30th, 2012 @ 11:59pm EST.

Updates on the kiddos... and a winner!

Some of you have asked me how the kiddos are doing.  

As a mom, I'd like to believe that my children are the BEST!  And THEY ARE!

I have a few rough days here and there... and believe me... they are ROUGH!

But for the most part, Joshua and Elsie are pretty happy, healthy, and energetic kids.

The Winter months are extremely tough on Joshua, since he's my outdoor-lover boy.  

Like father like son.

Joel loves to be outside... and he instilled that spirit in Joshua at an early age.

Remember this shot?  Joshua was about 2 months old then...

So needless to say, when it's snowing outside and the temps drop to single digits, Joshua's stuck at home...

But a couple of weeks ago, Joel decided to hook our snow sled to one of his tractors (again) and take us for a ride...

It was fun!

As for Elsie (who didn't seem to enjoy the snow...)

She turned 6 months on the 13th... she's so sweet and so feisty at the same time.  

Such a mommy's girl, too.  

Here's a few shots of my baby girl...

Okay... 

And finally, THANK YOU so much for everyone who took the time to enter the DaySpring giveaway.

It was SO touching to hear your stories and learn that there are so many out there who are struggling and needing an extra word of encouragement.  My heart truly goes out to you guys, especially those who are walking closely with those hurting, grieving, and in need of encouragement.

I wish I had something special for each and everyone.  Know that my prayers go out to you!

And the randomly chosen winner was...

#8 comment:

"Sharmon said...

I would send a card t my dear friend Kari, she just lost her Grandmother. She is having a tuff time, they were very close."

Congratulations, Sharmon!

Since I don't have a way to contact you, 

please contact me at helenscorner1(at)gmail(dot)com 

to claim your$20 giftcard!

You'll have 48 hours contact me, ok?

Feeling the Love...

Earlier this week, a new found friend posted a Featured Blog Post on ME!

  

Her name is Joii (isn't that a beautiful name???) 

and you NEED to check out her blog. She approached me a few months ago and asked if I would consider sharing some thoughts on her blog.  I was HONORED to do so, and said YES right away.  

Joii is so inspiring... she's a beautiful woman throughout and I would LOVE for you to meet her, too!

If you want to check out the post, click here.  

Also, don't forget to check out my current GIVEAWAY here.

It'll end early next week.  

Blessings...

Encouraging Through Words... Pass it on (a Giveaway!)

If you remember my very first post of the year, I wrote about two of my "resolutions" for 2012.  

One of them was to "Be more thankful". 

I gotta tell you, letting others know about your resolution really keeps you accountable.  

But I am SO glad I did.

One of the most special ways I've decided to put this ATTITUDE of THANKSGIVING and encouragement into practice was through writing and sending cards.  I am a big fan of snail mail (for those of you born after 1999, you're probably wondering... "what's that"???  I love writing letters, and sending cards and postcards.  There's something special and personal about it (remember this post?).  

It can bring a smile to someone's face, or a tear of joy in the midst of hopelessness.  It can tear hard bonds and break hearts of stone.  It can make the distance a bit smaller, despite miles in between.  And it can express thanksgiving and encouragement when spoken words aren't fully there.  

A good example is Ruth Ann.  She's a sweet and faithful servant of God at our church.  She's been taking care of the babies in the nursery for many years.  Despite her humble and quiet demeanor, Ruth Ann possesses the biggest heart I've grown to know.  Both of my children are under her care at different times during the week.  If it's not on a weekly basis on Sunday mornings, she has now begun to watch both of them once a month on Wednesday evenings while I go to the prayer meeting or help out with the youth group.  And what a prayer warrior she is, too!  I know she was praying for me as I carried Elsie in my womb, and now that she's over 6 months old, Ruth Ann cares for my daughter as if she was her own.  

SOOO...

How could I find the words to truly express my gratitude for her service and care for my children?

I couldn't... 

So I sent her one of these...

If I were to develop and nurture an ATTITUDE of thanksgiving and encouragement, and commit to let people around me know how I feel about them, I believe I would be more patient, less angry, less anxious and stressed.  Because if I truly believe that being more other-centered is a calling for every Christ follower, then my life would reflect the character of Christ...

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

...

Right???

So, who do YOU need to encourage and thank today?

Have you taken the time to THANK or ENCOURAGE someone lately?

I had the privilege to get the Hope and Encouragement card set from the Holley Gerth's line, from DaySpring.  It had the most beautiful cards, with the most beautiful messages and Scripture verses.  

Holley Gerth's Hope & Encouragement Card Set from DaySpring - 10 cards

 These cards are perfect reminders of God's hope, grace, provision, and comfort.  

If you want to join me and start sending cards to those in your life who need an extra touch of love, visit the (in)spire DaySpring site to get your own set of cards.  They carry several different ones, from greeting cards to thank you cards.  

And THANKS to DaySpring

I have a $20 giftcard

to give away to one of my blog followers.

(Please note that shipping charges will apply.  Minimum purchase of $20 necessary in order for $20 code to work) 

Here's how to enter:

- Leave a comment about to who you will be sending a card, and how that person has impacted you. (1 entry)

- Blog, Facebook, Twitter about this giveaway (1 entry each)

Giveaway will run until Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 11:59pm.

I will pick a winner through random.org

Disclaimer:  The cards were sent to me for review by DaySpring.  All opinions stated are my own.  

Late, but... we have a winner!

Thanks for everyone who entered the Performance Colors giveaway!  

I was supposed to announce the winner on Sunday... and here we are, Wednesday!  My apologies, everyone!

The winner is Stephanie, from All Things Beautiful!

Congratulations, Stephanie!  

An email has already been sent...

Gearing up for more posts and the last of this month's giveaway...  stay tuned, everyone!  

It's gonna be super exciting!

Unexpected changes...

Due to some  unexpected changes in schedule, I've been away from blogging these last few days.

We decided to go back to Cleveland for a few days to take care of some house stuff.  Our house has been "officially" for sale (by owner) for about a month.  However, there were some "fixing up" that needed to get done a long time ago... and we finally decided to get it off our to-do list.

I spent most of the day yesterday taking care of the flower beds, which looked absolutely horrific!!  I wish I had my camera with me... So, after hours and hours of weeding and trimming, my hands, arms, and back were a bit sore.  I came back to some pretty tired kids...

Today Joel is "back at it" but I stayed with the kids instead... they're still exhausted, and that makes for really grumpy and fussy kids...  Anyway, all that to say... 

Due to some unexpected changes in schedule, my "blogging everyday in September" has officially ended.  I still have some exciting things ahead!  So, don't give up on me, guys!!

Ok, AND REMEMBER...

Today is the last day to enter the Performance Colors Giveaway!  

See you soon...

Meet Tiffany from Performance Colors - A GIVEAWAY!!! - CLOSED

Remember yesterday's post on "my little secret"??

Meet Tiffany... she's the person behind one of my secrets.  She runs Performance Colors, an Etsy shop I stumbled upon while looking for the perfect taupe cream eyeshadow.  My goal was to find a pretty color that I could wear all over the lid, since it's effortless when getting ready in the morning.  I also wanted to support a fellow Etsy seller, so I searched for that right person "out there".  

Tiffany offers the most amazing colors in her collection.  She is also SO sweet!  I contacted her with a million questions (ok, maybe not a million, but quite a few...) and she was quick and prompt with her replies.  She is always so willing to answer any questions you might have about her shop or any of her products.  

Babycakes

Oilslick

Sweetdreams  - MY Favorite!

Khaki

Recently I was able to preview her NEW LINE of cream concealers... 

and OH MY GOODNESS... amazing stuff!!!

So, here's a little more info on her...  

1. Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Tiffany. I live in a small rural town in New Jersey with my wonderful husband. I grew up where there was a family business where we all pitched in every day. So having a small business feels very natural to me and makes me feel very productive and happy as a person. My grandmother was an oil painter and a gardener and she introduced me to those hobbies when I was a very little girl so those are big loves in my lives. My grandmother and mother taught me so many old world crafts like canning, sewing, knitting...even tatting (lace-making!). 

2. How did PerformanceColors start?
I had been dabbling in skincare and makeup for several years. My husband who has allergies had also gotten a bad skin condition as a side effect of diabetes so I got really curious about the ingredients in skincare products.

3. What is your inspiration for your shop's products and colors?
I am inspired for colors every day by living! Gardens, flowers, picture books, old paintings, kimonos, fabrics, saris, magazines.

4. What is your favorite item in your shop?
My favorite item in my shop is the one I create tomorrow. Lol. I say that because I have an obsession with creating better things that are affordable. I like having a problem to solve. It keeps me positive and my mind busy. That way if I am frustrated at my day job or any of those little daily things that can get one upset I just start thinking about how I would solve the challenge I have set for myself.

5. Do you have any hobbies?
I like gardening, oil painting, and cooking.

6. What are your goals for PerformanceColors?
I am a new shop. It took me a long time to have the courage to put my product up on Etsy even though me and my girlfriends had been wearing it every day for the better part of a year. Now I am releasing the creamy concealer and I have been working on this since January, over 8 months. I'd like a line of compacts for sammples and cream to powder foundations. I'd like my website more complete. I am working on a smudge-proof pencil. I haven't worn pencil in 3 years. Every time I do it is halfway down my face by noon. When I started the concealer project back in January I bought over $300 of competitor's products to test against. It feels great to finish that project. I just started the pencil project the day I finished the concealer. What a mess and a total failure. But I am not giving up!

You can reach Tiffany directly at Tiffany.milan@hotmail.com or by sending her a private message (convo) on her Etsy shop, Performance Colors.

OKAY~!

NOW to her MOST GENEROUS GIVEAWAY!

Tiffany has generously offered to give away an exclusive kit to one of my blog followers.

This kit includes a set of 3 cream eyeshadows (Smog, Cornflower, and Sweetdreams), 1 lipcolor (bubblegum), 1 lid primer, and 1 cream eyeshadow sample (champagne), along with 2 small brushes (dual eyeshadow brush and lip brush).

I wish I could win this myself.  The colors are so pretty!

How to Enter:

1.  You must be a follower of this blog (1 entry).

2.  Check out Performance Colors and let me know what is your favorite item/color (1 entry).

3.  Share about this giveaway (Facebook, Twitter, Blog) - (1 entry each).

You will have until 11:59pm of Saturday, September 17th 2011 to enter.  Winner will be announced on Sunday, September 18th.

ALSO:

Tiffany is offering all of my blog readers a 10% OFF DISCOUNT on Performance Colors!!

(Enter code HAPPYDAY at checkout).

My Secret to Looking Bright and Awake after 3 Hours of Sleep!!

For the last 8+ weeks, 

I've been averaging about 3-4 hours of sleep every night, due to my darling newborn.

It's crazy how one's body can adjust and "survive" on so little sleep... 

Believe me, I could go on and on about how tired I am and feel, and how exhausted I look.  

But I won't.  

Everyone knows that this stage will soon pass, 

so I'm hanging in there without much complaining.  

I don't claim to have a magic formula for functioning on very little sleep... 

but I have to confess...

I have a secret that totally works for me.

When I was in college, I had a wonderful professor who always looked amazing, despite the fact that she slept very little.  It was a known fact that she was way over committed, but managed to show up for class with the most amazing smile and glowing face.  

One day I said to her, "Wow, Dr. 'N', you look so refreshed! Have you gotten some well deserved rest??", and you know what she said??  "Thank goodness for makeup!!"  

I smiled and never forgot her statement.

So, I am here today to pass on her secret... THANK GOODNESS FOR MAKEUP!

I have a new found secret obsession for makeup.  I'm not a shallow person... believe me.  I am one of the most low maintenance persons out there.  But I gotta tell you... makeup is IT.  I'm able to look decent despite very little rest.  I do rely on a VERY FAST routine, since my time in front of the mirror is LIMITED to 3-5 minutes, if that!

If you're still skeptical about putting some color on your face, 

REMEMBER...

Makeup is not about looking FAKE...

It's about enhancing your features.

So, here is what I do:

1.  Cleanse and moisturize.

2.  Conceal and Cover - Concealer and either Tinted Moisturizer or Foundation.

3.  Add Color - Blush or Bronzer.  Eyeshadow (cream color all over the lid), eyeliner, and mascara. Lipgloss or tinted lipbalm.

It literally takes me less than 5 minutes to put on a "rested" and glowing face.  

I don't wear this everyday, but on days I need to go somewhere and appear a bit together, 

I know I can count on this "little secret".  

So, now that you know my secret, STAY TUNED!  

I contacted one of my "secret" providers and I'll be doing an entire blog post featuring HER.

There'll also be a giveaway!! 

I'm so jealous... I wish I could win the kid that's up for grabs!  

SO EXCITING!  

It should be coming up very soon... so, STAY TUNED!!

Winner announced...

Thank you everyone who entered the Lauren Wisburn Fat Quarter Set giveaway.  

We had about 24 entries (so you ALL had a pretty good chance of winning...).  

Random(dot)org picked entry #12, 

which was LIZ!

Liz, I'm sending you an email to notify you!  

Stay tuned, EVERYONE!  I have 2 or 3 other giveaways this month!!  

And they're REALLY REALLY exciting!!

Just as a quick reminder, don't forget to check out Miss Sarah's Blog for a 

Discount Code for Helen's Corner!

The Fun of Sewing and "Collecting" Fabric - A GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

I miss sewing...

I confess I haven't done much of it since Elsie was born... almost 8 weeks ago!

My love for pretty fabrics began when I started researching different fabric designers, and finding the wealth of resources and inventories on Etsy!  What a rich community, don't you think?

Anyway, I also started playing around with my sewing machine over 2 years ago, and since then, my love for pretty fabrics just grew and grew. :)  I get giddy when I see all the fun patterns!

What are some of my favorites?  I could come up with an exhaustive list, but I would have to undoubtedly list Anna Maria Horner, Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Riley Blake, and most recently... Laurie Wisburn.  

This morning as I was going through my stash, I found a set of 4 fat quarters from Laurie Wisburn's Tufted Tweets collection in Orchid.  

Laurie Wisburn's Tufted Tweet in Orchid

What do you think?  Isn't it the perfect set and colors for this upcoming Fall?  It was released last year, but I think it's still VERY fun!

Laurie Wisburn Tufted Tweets in Orchid

Do you want to WIN IT?

I decided to share this set 4 Fat Quarters with ONE OF YOU! 

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow my Blog (1 entry)

2. Spread the word about this giveaway (Blog, Facebook, Tweeter... 1 entry each)

Simple enough?  I'll randomly pick a winner on Thursday, September 8th!  

Hurry, enter and spread the word!

Until tomorrow...

Welcome September!

It is officially the beginning of a very special month for me.

So, I'm INVITING YOU to celebrate this month with ME!!

If you've been following my blog for a while, you KNOW that September marks the BIRTH of Helen's Corner. This year, Helen's Corner is turning 2!  For all of you who's supported me during these last 2 years, THANK YOU!

For the ENTIRE MONTH, I'll be sharing special discount codes for you to use 

at Helen's Corner.

It is also my birthday month, which means... I'm getting a year older and a  year wiser, and I celebrate God's mercies and grace in my life.

I'll also be BLOGGING every day this month (or at least attempting)!  There will be random posts, photo posts, attempted tutorials, stories, recipes, giveaways (OH... I'm SO excited for this one!), and special interviews.

So, ARE YOU READY???  Celebrate with me!  It's September and I'm SO excited!

And to kick off...

For this first week in September, I'll be offering 20% OFF your entire order 

at Helen's Corner! 

(enter code SEPT20 at checkout)

So, HURRY, and place your order before 11:59pm on Saturday, 9/3/11.