A Little Update + Happy Boxes

Hi there, friends.

It’s rare these days for me to get real and personal on the blog. It’s not because I don’t want to, and it’s not for lack of time, but there’s a vulnerability that comes when you open yourself up. In my previous “my life” posts (and boy, I was looking through them and there’s a lot of them now!), I’ve shared different glimpses of my life- some have had tears streaming down my face while I wrote them, and some I felt a sense of relief when I shared the issues I faced. This blog has been a way for me to share from my little corner of the world- it’s how I started and truth be told, I feel like that’s why I have had the “success” I’ve had. Many of you shop because you know me; I’m a fellow crafter, blogger, dreamer and small business owner, and I share little snippets of my imperfect-yet-beautiful life.

So, what’s been going on with me? Well, for the last 25 days, I’ve completely changed the food I’ve been eating. My dear friend recently was put on the Whole30 diet by her doctor and I was really inspired by her new lifestyle. Ever since my car accident, I’ve dealt with a lot of health issues and my once super active lifestyle changed and you know what that means… weight gain. I decided to take on the Whole30 diet for 30 days and let me tell you, my relationship with food has definitely changed. I’m one to stress eat, pleasure eat, eat when I’m bored…. I just like to eat (which is my problem)! I’m a self proclaimed bad cook, but this whole process has made me a little better in the kitchen. At the beginning, I started taking pictures of my food creations, just because I hated being in the kitchen and figured I might as well document what I made. Now, it’s a great way for me to see the progress I’ve made and also an easy way to meal plan when I’m in a slump!

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In the past, I’ve had numerous readers pour their hearts and stories out to me. This, my friends, is the beauty of blogging. I love that you feel open and comfortable to share with me and I hope that our interactions have been meaningful to you as well. If you are going through a hard time or know of a friend that is, please leave me a comment, or send me an email. I’m going to put together two boxes of things I enjoy, along with a card and send them out to two of you! I’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time and even contemplated doing a sign-up program, but then I opened up the shop and things got crazy. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean I can’t keep it small and still send some of my own packages out! I’m going to try to make this a bi-monthly occurrence since I know so many are going through things and could use a little cheer in their life.

For those who want to participate on a smaller level, I challenge you to mail two cards or letters to friends or family today. Snail mail is such a rarity these days, but it’s SUCH a day brightener and is so easy!

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I am so excited to purchase items to fill these first two boxes and I’m already thinking ahead to boxes in the future. I know it’s hard to face challenges, especially when you feel alone, so I’m hoping these boxes go to those who truly need some encouragement and joy. We have one life to live- let’s bless those around us!

P.S. Anyone have a good name for these boxes? I’m not sure all the logistics of how I’ll let you know when I’m ready to send new boxes out, but I didn’t want to hold off on this any longer. (Goodness knows sitting on this idea for two years was long enough!)

 

60 Comments

  1. This is such a kind and generous idea! I’m so glad to see that the new healthy eating has helped you feel better. What about “Happy Day Boxes”, because it sure seems like you feel happy for being able to give them, and the person who receives it would surely be happy that day too!

  2. Congrats on beginning to lead a healthier lifestyle. A year ago in February I took a Diabetes Prevention class. The aim was to lose 7% of your body weight which for me was 11 pounds. To date I’ve lost 26+ pounds and kept it off. I have other medical issues that the weight didn’t help but losing the weight has been a real plus for me. Eating healthy is the biggest part of that. Exercise is the other part. I love your meal pictures. I’m going to try that and see if it helps me too. I am always looking for new healthy things to eat. And when I go home tonight I promise to send out at least two cards. Life is too short not to spread a little joy. Have a wonderful day!

  3. PAULINA! What a super awesome kind idea! I know there are a lot of us that struggle and this would certainly help put a smile on their face and in their heart. I will be joining in and sending two cards! Thanks for the inspiration! I don’t know if you’ve made the connection, but when I order I use my real name, Loretta or my Moms name, Barbara Callaghan. It’s really me, Ret Cudmore! LOL

  4. It’s a wonderful idea! I made one for my daughter when she was going through a hard time, and I sent her A Box of Sunshine. I would love to put forward Lisa’s name, a Hero Arts flickr group friend, who has just received a diagnosis of brain cancer on top of her fibromyaligia.

  5. This makes me happy! So much going on right now–I have 3 friends who have been diagnosed with the big C in the past 10 days, and unfortunately, I cannot be there with them, physically, because of the distance…So, I made some cards, to let them know that I am there for them…at least in spirit. So frustrating–that seems to be all I can do right now.

  6. What a wonderful idea!!! How about calling them a little box of happiness, Or a little box of sunshine!!
    My daughter Desiree’ is going through a really hard time. She found out in the beginning of December that she was pregnant ( Which is very scary for her since she has an incompetent Cervix). By the middle of December she was admitted into the hospital because she had blot clots in her leg and possibly in one of her lungs. After she was released from the hospital a week later she was admitted again because the clots were getting bigger, then in January she found out that she also had Placenta Previa. So she has been on almost complete bed rest since then. She has to get up and move around some what because of the clots. She also has to take blood thinner shots twice a day and every week she has to go to her doctor for an injection that helps stops contractions. She has also been diagnosed with depression but since she has been pregnant she can’t take her meds.in fear that it will harm the baby. So far with a lot of prayers she has been able to not lose the baby. They are excepting to do a C-Section at the end of June as long as nothing else goes wrong, But then we have to worry that they are able to stop her from bleeding to death after the baby is born because of the blood thinners that she is on. She wakes up every day wondering if this is going to be her last and honestly it breaks my heart. I do know that there are worse off people than her and that makes me sad as well. So when I heard you were doing this I knew you were a very wonderful kind person but this goes even beyond what words can say. Everyone always needs a little happiness or sunshine in life once in a while. So if there is ever anything I can do for you to help out, Please don’t hesitate to let me know. I think this is just absolutely wonderful!!!!

    1. I will pray for your daughter, the baby and all of you that love them both. Please keep us posted and in the mean time blessings are coming her way ❤️

  7. This is my first day on your blog. I don’t know what you’ve been through in the past but I pray for your future. The Whole 30 is challenging and I wish you the best with it. My grandson is 9 and has just been put on an anti inflammatory diet which isn’t much different than the whole 30 so I understand. Helping raise him and his sister, who is epileptic, a blessed challenge filled with love, joy, and tears.

  8. Just found your blog. I too need to healthy eat ! Having been told on April 8th we are going to be made redundant during the next 10 months just as we had purchased our 1st home. I then fall over and sprain my ankle !! Testing times but I can still laugh that’s what life’s all about. Thanks for the chance and good luck with whole30 x

  9. I know some of what you have gone through. 29 years ago I was hit head-on by a van.
    I had a double-compound fracture of the ankle and my kneecap was in 4 pieces. They glued me back together and my ankle eventually froze (a good thing as they would have done it sooner or later through surgery) You know you have to keep going and I did – finished my MLS and went back to work. I babied my bad knee enough that I ruined the other knee. When it got to the point where I hated to get out because of the pain I finally gave in and had knee-replacement surgery on the “good” knee. One benefit to waiting was that new and improved techniques for replacement were in place. I was back to driving 3 weeks after the surgery and ready to get out again. It’s been four years and things continue to go well. I’m glad you found something that is making you feel better. It’s rough when you feel miserable but don’t want to “bother” friends and family. Keep on “keeping on”. Best wish.
    I’ve read all of your posts and my heart has gone out to you. Now I can feel a little relief that you . are making progress.

  10. Paulina, this is soooo nice from you! And you know what? I´ve been at the post office today, just to send out some cards to my friends. Just to say hello and wish them a nice day. :) I truly want to see their faces when they will open the mailbox tomorrow.
    Have a nice day! Julia

  11. That food looks delish!! I am definitely not a cook, don’t really like anything about it, unless someone else is cooking and I’m just eating!! HA! I’ve been a follower and a lurker for a while, I really like when crafty bloggers get real with life, I have a hard time opening up and sharing anything other than a card or project. My mom was diagnosed in Oct 2014 with ALS and my sister has stage 4 endometriosis and cancer in one of her kidneys. She is my only sibling and now both of the important women in my life are facing serious health problems. It’s overwhelming and scary, and at the same time we are just relying on faith to get us through each day. I didn’t really plan on commenting or sharing… I guess I really needed to get it out of my head though, thanks for the chance to share.

  12. It’s definitely a “cheer” box.

    My mom is going through a really rough time right now. Cancer, 2 surgeries, pneumonia and now she is in a rehab. Hopefully she is now on the mend. I don’t think a crafting package would work for her as she is unable to do any of her hobbies right now.

    But I’m going to send her a card. Even though I visit her every day I think
    she would enjoy receiving one of my cards.

  13. Care packages are my fav, i love sending them out. I actually sent two boxes yesterday to my sister and her kiddos and one to my cousin. Cant wait for them to get them!!

  14. This is super sweet and thoughtful! I think a good name for the boxes would be “pick me up’s” litterally and figuratively ;)

  15. I’ll be checking back with you about this diet! I’m going through a really rough time right now as my husband of 42 years just passed in February, and it’s so much harder than I ever would have thought. I also have a girlfriend who’s stepson was killed by the police in January and she’s still reeling from that. We don’t live really far apart but we haven’t had a chance to get together. I hope to do that soon, I think we would both benefit from a weekend together. I’d love fro my friend and I to get the boxes you talked about!! Surprises, when they are good things, are always helpful!

  16. Hello Paulina,
    It’s a real coincidence that you spoke about diets. I have some serious health issues and my doctors put me on a 10month diet plan and I’m currently just 13days into the diet. I can only eat green veggies and sometimes chicken or fish and tomatoes and onions. It’s been hard following this diet since I love food. I’m not obiece but some of my organs were affected and to get them back to normal I have to do this. This is the first time I’m sharing this in the open. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

  17. Paulina your such an inspiration, I think this is wonderful of you. My husband is an art teacher but when the gov changed they are doing away with art. He now is out of a job, and we almost lost him a few months ago due to a doctor error. I love crafting but prices keep going up and we have a 6 yr old. I now found out I have fibromyalgia which is sever pain all the time. Getting mail is so great put smiles on my face. Thanks again for sharing.

  18. What a nice idea to send cheer boxes. I have a dear friend who has been battling breast cancer and beyond for over 10 years now. She worked even when she was doing chemo and radiation. Recently, she was forced to take Long Term Disability and about a week later her company of 15 years let her go. It’s been hard for her. She was devoted to her job and loved the people she worked with. She made cards for everyone’s birthday and for retirements, etc. She is simply the sweetest and most uplifting gal you could ever meet. I’d love for her to receive a cheer basket. Her name is Lora. I will post on Facebook as well.

  19. Wonderful, thoughtful idea. How about, “Boxes of Cheer”?, “Snail Mail Surprise”? or maybe “Joy, Joy, Joy”.

    I am a snail mailer and have as many pen pals as I can afford, being unemployed in a small town makes you broke and dependent on others for stamps.

    Lovely idea, good luck with your venture.

    Sue
    http://suek86401.blogspot.com/

  20. What a sweet idea! I know anyone that receives a box will be so happy, so… Happy boxes sounds like a good name to me. Right now I’m struggling with my health insurance, I need hip replacement surgery but I’m allergic to certain types of anesthesia. My insurance is being stubborn about they type they will pay for, of course it’s the one I’m allergic to. Not sure if you know this but the anesthesia is the most expensive part of any surgery. God bless you and take care! Hugs, Christine

  21. I was touched by your message!!!! I’m new to your product & just signed up for you newsletter last week. It’s wonderful to see how human business people like yourself really are. We usually just purchase product & have no idea what type of people run these companies. I also want to thank you for sharing the Whole 30 diet. I’ve been looking for a diet that’s not really a diet that I can stick to. I’m 42 & in January of this year I was diagnosed w/high blood pressure. Well truth be told, I knew something was wrong but I kept making excuses that I was just super busy & kept ignoring that I was stressed. According to the Dr. I was on the verge of a heat attack. She told me I had to slow down if I wanted to keep breathing. I had to carry a Holter monitor & have been on 2 high blood pressure meds along w/potassium. Well if that isn’t a rude awakening then I don’t know what is. I’ve made changes to my style of life by not going over board on my duties & been a little more active. I now live one day at a time & literally think of my heart before I start to stress. I’ve been working on the eating habits because I LOVE bread & anything associated to it. It’s been a struggle but I’m coming along. I have many frustrating days because I should be eating MUCH better but SOMETIMES it’s impossible. I’m human & will continue to do my best. Again, thanks for sharing & for letting me share. Good Luck & God Bless you!

  22. Enjoyed reading your post. Your food looks wonderful. I so need to make a change in my diet, so will be investigating this plan further. What a sweet and kind thing to do, sharing a box of goodies. I would love to see my blogger friend, Brenda, receive a box. She is going through a rough time as her husband struggles with cancer. She is a true inspiration to me with her positive attitude. You’ve also inspired me to send out some snail mail cards today to friends that I haven’t seen in a long while, since we have moved to another state. Thanks for your inspiring post.

  23. What a great idea! I think we get so wrapped up in making things perfect, that we forget that just a small and inexpensive gesture can mean the world to someone who is going through difficult times. Thanks for the reminder! I will be following you on Instagram, as I have just started the Paleo lifestyle!

  24. My 16 year old daughter has bravely been battling Chronic Lyme Disease since 2012. Due to the severity she has been on multiple oral antibiotic protocols and currently has a PICC line in her arm for IV antibiotic treatments. She has been out of school for the last year and a half because she doesn’t have the strength to be in school. Although we are finally seeing an improvement, she went months on end dealing with debilitating joint pain and migraines. Through this all she has remained positive and constantly has a smile on her face. When her joint pain was at it worst she was unable to do the crafting that she loves to do. She is finally able to knit and crochet again, but some of her favorite crafts like card making and copic coloring are still difficult at times. There are so many people out there like her. There is nothing worse than watching your child in pain and know that there is nothing that you can do. At her worst I felt like I was doing nothing and everything I could do all at the same time. Powerless is the best way to describe it.

    The silver lining through this all is that as a family we could not be closer as a family. My heart sings when I hear her call her Dad “my bestie”……what 16 year old refers to their father that way?!

    We try to always remember that Positive thoughts generate positive feels and attract positive life experiences. That isn’t to say that every day is good. Some days we cry and question why, but we always dust off and get back to the fight.

  25. Paulina,
    I think your original name for your boxes is perfect — Happy Box! It says it all.
    You really opened the flood gate for me, but more about that later.

  26. I am so pleased to read this. There are so many ppl in this world going through hard times. And to know that there are other ppl going through hard times lets you know you are not alone. I am a very busy girl. I’m a single mom of 2 boys. I am always so tired and drained. I eat so bad cuz I am not home all that much. If you have any quick meals that are healthy I would love to try them. my poor kids are being effected by it as well. My other problem is healthy foods cost much more then junk food. Do you know a place to buy good healthy food for cheaper? I can’t afford much and having 2 growing boys it’s hard to keep any kind of food in the house. I need my energy back. I’m so sick of always feeling tired.
    I am going to send out 2 cards today to a couple of family members. My sweet grandma who has always been a huge part of my life will be so excited to get a card from me. Actually my other grandma would love it too. I’m going to get those out today. Great idea! I will keep you in my prayers that your health gets better.

  27. Hi there! I have been having chemo treatments since last September. It has been a really big trial for me. My sweet daughter has been at home with me taking care of all the things I can’t. I would love for her to receive a package that shows how much I love her and appreciate all she does for me. Something to put a smile on her face when sometimes the day seems to drag on. Thank you so much!!!

  28. It is not always easy to share such personal things. Not even some of my closest family are aware of the ordeal I and the hubby have gone through the past year. Wanting and hoping to create our own family turned out not to be so easy after all. Everyone hopes that it just happens and when it doesn’t happen, then choices have to be made. We chose to get help and we had no idea what lay ahead of us – especially for me! It has been 12 months of hell without any positive outcome. All the examinations, the hormone treatments, the injections (and I am horrified of needles), the side effects from the hormones, the pain when having eggs harvested. All in all a horrific roller coaster ride for me – both mentally and physically. In my world it has been volentary torture and I do not know if I can go through it one more time. ‘Cause we have one last try left paid by our health plan. My whole body screams NO if I dare think about doing the last try. But can I accept giving up and come to terms with a life without children? This is my story in short.

  29. I wish you well on your road to wellness. One of the members of our Stamp Club lost 60 pounds on the diet and said it has changed her life. It’s very generous of you to give the “happy” boxes to your online friends. I suggest the name blog + box = “blox”. Bloxes build online friendships, generosity and thoughtfulness. Who wouldn’t want a bloc from their favorite blogger.

  30. How sweet and thoughtful of you to do this Paulina, especially while dealing with your own struggles. I have been so impressed and in awe of your ability to start and run your business and deal with pain, depression and health uncertainties at the same time. I ran a business with my husband for 20 years so I know how stressful it can be. Much of that time I faced and fought with anxiety and depression and yet it was necessary to keep on keeping on. Letting your readers know of your own battles and the way you approach them really does help those of us out there feel less alone and more hopeful., so I thank you for that! As for me, my own burden these days is due to serious mental and physical health issues that my son is dealing with…and I feel quite helpless. I am reminded daily of a saying I saw once that a parent is never happier than their saddest child…so true. Crafting is my main stress release, a time when I can forget about all the sadness and worry, even if just for the time it takes to create a card. By donating my cards to a local nursing home I receive joy twofold. Bless you on your continued journey toward health and kudos to you on your new healthy eating regimen!
    P/S: How about “Smile Boxes”?

  31. Thanks for sharing-a brave thing to do. We all have our trials that make us appreciate the little things. My husband has struggled for over a year to find a job after being let go. I can see his confidence level dwindle slowly. With two kids in college and two younger ones also it has been hard. Just need to keep smiling!!!

  32. What a great way to make people feel better. You’re such a sweetie.

  33. That’s such a sweet idea!!! I’ve had a rough year…love the idea…I want to try it too :)

  34. Though I go through my own ups and downs, my life is great! But my friend Kendra is having a lot of trouble with her 3 children and herself having so many health issues as well as her parents. She handles it with such grace and a smile but I know it is wearing on her. Just the smallest things make all the difference. Great idea.
    Good job on your diet too!!
    Name: Care (for You) packages

  35. Oh, my – Hello, or Aloha! Today is my first visit to your store and to your blog. I’ve been watching videos about card making and love how your sequins look. I read your post and kudos to you for wanting to bring a smile and sunshine into others’ lives. I am stuck in bed, 8 yrs now, and so learned how to make cards when a friend sent me one she made. Now I’ve learned to cut, color, and guess I’m addicted LOL. I live in continuous pain, lots of other health junk, yes, I’ve tried it, ate it, drank it, and more. I used to be an RN and one day my health really took a dive, as well as getting hit by an SUV which permanently injured my back. I look forward to getting to know you more and thanks for the good that you do for others!!!!! ♥

  36. What a wonderful thing you are doing. The past 2 years of my life have been a HUGE struggle and I was really praying about it today and then I read your post and feels so good to see your kindness!!! No matter what is going on in my life I always try to send cards or make little gifts for my friends and the people on my foster son’s team of caseworkers!!! Giving sunshine to others definitely helps me feel joy!!! My husband walked out on us, me my two sons and my foster sons 2 1\2 yrs ago. It has been a struggle to stsy on top of everything…life, bills, fun!!! But I am finding strength in ways I didn’t know I had. I choose to continue doing foster care because it is important to me but it can be a challenge at times. My Dad was diagnosed with throat cancer the day before Thanksgiving and did chemo and radiation. He just came home today after 3 weeks in ghe hospital recovering from having part of his esophagus removed!!! Then on Friday last week, we hsd to out our 14 1\2 yr old dog to sleep after she got very sick. My kids are the ones I worry about, it is a lot to deal with in a short time. Our faith in God keeps us strong!!! I am not one to ask for help, but lately I havd to rely on others more than I want to, but I always overwhelmes me how much kindness is really out there!!! Thank you for doing something positive and nice for others!!! It will be a true blessing to someone!!!

  37. Love that you are on the healthy road! It’s so sweet of you to make these boxes!
    A Little Bit of Happy or Glow Boxes come to mind for me. My sister has been dealing
    with many health issues for the past 2-3 years but the most frustrating part is that she
    still doesn’t have any answers! (Now my mind is spinning with ideas of what I can send
    her to make her glow!) Thanks for the inspiration Paulina!

  38. I want to say what a great idea. I just want to name it “Sending Love & Prayers”. I just want to share my step-moms name Marilyn who is a breast cancer survivor and will be having thyroid surgery next month. Keep her in your prayers.

  39. Wow, first let me say that those food photos have me drooling!!! If eating like that means eating healthily…sign me up! I am blessed to have everything that I need at this time in my life, along with two healthy girls and a happy marriage. I feel so lucky every day and I wish you the very best as you fight your way back to good health. Your reminder to send a card or two to a friend or family member who needs a little pick me up is a good one. Sometimes we forget that the little gestures can mean so much. My brother has been going through a really hard time these past several months, and has had a number of struggles throughout his life. Sometimes it’s hard for me to not feel guilty about how easy my life has been in comparison so I do what I can to let him know how much I care. This last weekend I took him out for the day for lunch, some wine and a hike in a beautiful spot…just the two of us. It was his birthday weekend and he had been feeling low but after our special day he say it was the BEST birthday he’d had in years! A small thing for me to do but it meant the world to him.

  40. lovely idea! I know my problems are not as bad as many others. I am depressed due to chronic pain that the doctors have been treating for 9 months, with minimal success. I’m about to have a procedure where they burn the nerves to my spine to take the pain away for up to a year if it works. I am hopeful and anxious. I miss my old life. I live 50 miles from my closest friends, I am very isolated. I love when the mail lady honks her horn when she has a package for me. Ahhhh, the little things that do bring joy. I am enjoying your posts. I have been eating healthier since the pain started and have lost over 50 pounds. Now I drink Ensure to try and not lose any more! Who ever thought that would become an issue! Thanks for sharing your posts. I recently found you.

    1. Blessings to you and I hope the procedure works for you. Take care ❤️

  41. Paulina I want to thank you for your sharing and the example you set for those of us that are in the same boat or worse. I can relate to many things in your posts and all the people who posted here. I live with many of the same physical, emotional and mental issues. I had a particularly hard day today but stopping by and reading your post and al the others gives me comfort in knowing I’m not alone. I just saw this food plan yesterday on a show I was watching. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was just another fad. I want to thank you for sharing about it because it gives me hope. I will be checking this out first thing tomorrow morning. To all of you who took the time and had the courage to share I thank you. Many blessings to each and everyone of you and to those who love and care for you. Paulina keep up the good work I wish you much success in all parts of your life. Thank you ❤️

  42. Just wanted to say this is such a lovely idea and would really make someone’s day. No I’m not happy, have no friends etc but there are much more deserving people than me and are going thru much greater challenges, they should receive a ‘Hug in a Box’. I can just imagine how happy it would make them (and you) feel. What a lovely person you are!!

  43. I love this! My daughter has a Pay It Forward “assignment” for school. She has a lot going on in her life between work and school, so she can’t go to the extent she would like to, but her plan is, once a month until she graduates next year, take a couple of small flower bouquets to the hospital and anonymously give them to patients. She’s asked that I make cards to go with them. I can’t wait! My Grandpa always told us manners are free and kindness doesn’t cost a thing. I’ve taught my girls this as well. I just wish I could be there to see their faces when they receive these.

  44. Hi Paulina. I would love to hire you as my personal Chef!!! Those meals look delicious and so healthy! It’s actually more expensive to eat healthy fresh vegetables and fruits than it is to buy the processed foods. But I believe if we want to be healthier and teach our children and grandchildren to eat healthy, it’s worth the expense!
    Your Boxes are an awesome idea! How about Happy Posh Boxes?
    I love to send cards in the mail. I just sent a birthday card to my sis-in-law and have to get a card made for my youngest daughter’s birthday. In fact, I just got a “thank you” from a friend who had been going through depression a couple years ago. I had sent her cards of encouragement (they live several hours away). We had heard her and her husband were struggling to take care of their two kids, since the husband works full time and she would have days where she wouldn’t even get out of bed. I just kept sending cards-praying for you, thinking of you, have faith cards. I began to see her Facebook page come to life. She was going out, posting pics. Her high school daughter was saying how proud she was of her mom. Just seeing that made me happy! A few weeks ago, she sent me a card, thanking me for sending all of those cards-That They HELPED her. People can turn off their computers, Facebook, even email when they don’t want the outside world in, but it’s hard to ignore opening a card on your kitchen counter. Curiosity wins out! I am a firm believer in snail mail cards and I send them, even if they’re a little late ( for birthdays, as I usually don’t get them mailed soon enough!).
    Blessings to you and to all those suffering personal, many times unseen struggles.
    {{Hugs}}
    Lucy

  45. First I think Happy Boxes sounds great to go with your new lifestyle and good luck!
    I’m a diabetic on 2 insulin, test 4 to 6 times a day. I hate it but must live with it. Now the doctor wants me to lower my A1c to 6.5 after years of trying to get it down to 7.0! I cut carbs, calories, drinks. Water is now my first and usual drink. I would love to experience some good right now. Even after losing 25 pounds it back at it only more stronger. I do Yoga and water aerobics and now the doctors want me to walk 1 to 2 miles a day. I need a life! Thanks so much for sharing.

  46. This is such a great idea. I have a very good crafting friend who lives many states away and we do this for each other. In fact I’m waiting on some goodies to be delivered right now to put in her box. It’s so much fun to shop for others and send them little surprises. :) you are so sweet. Congratulations on your new eating plan and goal. I know it’s not easy. Just take it one day at a time. Hugs. Lenae

  47. Hi, This is my first time to visit your blog. I commend you on all you are doing. Praying for your family as well as the baby. I would tell you all about my low time that I am experiencing right now, but frankly it is the lowest I’ve ever been. God is So Good and I rest in Him. He will pull my family and me through this. Meanwhile, I am trying to start a blog as well as an etsy. I would really welcome any and all advice. Thank you. Suzie.

  48. What a beautiful thing you are doing! I’ll be sending you an email later on tonight!

  49. When I first saw your blog post I thought to myself, I am so lucky because my life right now is just about perfect! Reading through some of the posts reminds me again of how lucky I am. My health is good, my family is safe, we have enough of everything we need….and I can craft whenever I want!! However, I just found out that a good friend of mine is going through a hard time and my heart aches for her. She battled breast cancer about 5 years ago and had a number of complications but is cancer free so far. Then her husband got diagnosed with bone cancer last week and it’s bad. I made her a thinking of you card that I sent today and hope that lets her know how much I care about them both.
    Best of luck to you on your healthy eating journey and thank you for sharing your story with us. I love the craft inspiration that I get from your blog but knowing you a bit better makes it even more special. Blessings to you.

  50. I’ve emailed you with my story before. I am a disabled mom of three boys, 14, 8 and 3. The oldest two have autism and the youngest will likely be diagnosed as well. The middle one also has eye issues that require expensive therapy and the oldest also has ADD. I struggle with painful fibromyalgia and lupus and several other illnesses. i can’t work and we have to live on one income which is difficult. It’s so sweet of you to want to share with people who are struggling too. I’d go on but I know you have my story already. I hope you find very deserving people for your boxes.

  51. My best friend of 30 years just found out yesterday that her dad has pancreatic cancer. I consider her and her family my second family. I spent so much time with them for many many years. I’m just heartsick over it, and I know they all feel much worse than I do. I lost my dad less than a year ago, and I hate to see her go through it. I know her, or her mother or sister could really use some happiness right now. This is such a wonderful thing you’re doing, and regardless of who you pick to receive these boxes, I know they will lift that person up tremendously.

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