Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat....actually I think the goose has nothing on me right now. I'm feeling very round! Hubby says that is a good thing, he also says I look like a grape--I'm taking that as a term of endearment! I can't believe Christmas is right around the corner! This baby will be here before we know it. As much as I want to savor every moment of pregnancy, I am getting itchy to cuddle this little love in my arms! I'm already getting the best present ever, but for the rest of you, have you started shopping?
I really like to shop from local and small businesses. There is something about knowing the person who made what you are buying that is so gratifying. Every year I try to highlight a few of my favorite businesses to introduce you to their products and give my favorite vendors a bit of free publicity. This year I am focusing on Catholic vendors.
The wonder of the internet is that "local" takes on a new meaning. I can purchase items from across the country or around the world and still build up a relationship with the vendor. Many have become special friends, as well. So please indulge me as I present my picks for this year!
Fleur de Lis Veils
A new apostolate and new Internet friend, Marsha is a woman with a big heart and a growing business. Her veils are beautiful and prepared with such loving care. Whatever your veiling preference, Marsha has a veil for you. Veils begin at only $25. Each veil package includes a veil, prayer card, pouch to keep the veil clean, snap on clip to keep the veil in place, and a free gift. I can't wait for my veil to arrive. I ordered the black medium sized veil, pictured below, and am also receiving an infinity veil that is a gift for a friend. Here is a peak at some of her veils, you can learn more about them at her website. (More is being added each day!)
Isn't this pink veil darling for a young girl?
I so look forward to wearing this one to baby's baptism.
This long veil is so striking from the back.
From Marsha:
"Our veil apostolate is an extension of our family. The many women who buy veils from us sometimes pay us a visit not only to purchase their veils but also to pray for the intentions of those who we have already connected with in the past. We are like a circle of prayer chains-unbroken and ever evolving. We pray before we purchase veils and after they have been bought. We pray together four times in a day and we are fortunate to have an adoration chapel nearby.
Our veils are chosen not only for how they look but also we keep them as comfortable and long-lasting as possible. We travel out of town and out of the country to purchase the veils that our customers request us to make. We all have different requirements and preferences and we truly understand the women who express specific preferences. in their choice of veils. My husband works as a Project Coordinator in an acoustic manufacturing company and is responsible for designing products that also include overseeing the quality of fabric design and such. Hence, he is a "quality improvement expert" and inspects every potential threat to quality in the final veil product."
From Marsha:
"Our veil apostolate is an extension of our family. The many women who buy veils from us sometimes pay us a visit not only to purchase their veils but also to pray for the intentions of those who we have already connected with in the past. We are like a circle of prayer chains-unbroken and ever evolving. We pray before we purchase veils and after they have been bought. We pray together four times in a day and we are fortunate to have an adoration chapel nearby.
Our veils are chosen not only for how they look but also we keep them as comfortable and long-lasting as possible. We travel out of town and out of the country to purchase the veils that our customers request us to make. We all have different requirements and preferences and we truly understand the women who express specific preferences. in their choice of veils. My husband works as a Project Coordinator in an acoustic manufacturing company and is responsible for designing products that also include overseeing the quality of fabric design and such. Hence, he is a "quality improvement expert" and inspects every potential threat to quality in the final veil product."
Dolls from Heaven
Do you remember the beautiful St Therese doll that premiered last Christmas? Well, Dolls from Heaven has a new, saintly doll for that special little girl. Introducing St Joan of Arc.
" As you probably remembered we started our company Dolls from Heaven a year ago, with St. Therese as our first doll and we have been working hard in bringing another saint doll whose story will be a great inspiration to all, especially to young girls. We are very excited to introduce to you our newest saint doll, "St. Joan of Arc," a young peasant girl who was called by God to save her beloved France from the English invaders during the hundreds' year war. She became the commander in Chief of the armies of France during a time when the thought of a woman going war, nevertheless, leading an army was unthinkable. We hope St. Joan of Arc's doll and story will teach children to be brave and that nothing is impossible with God. Also this doll will be perfect for a special horse lover in your family. :) "
Battle Beads
The owner of Battle Beads, Mary, is a very special friend of mine. Our friendship began when I first discovered her website several years ago. Over the years we have shared stories, and prayer requests, but what's more, her shop is always the first place I look when I need a gift. I have lost track of how many rosaries, sacrifice beads, and bracelets I have ordered--not nearly as many as I wish I could--but I can say this, every order has been absolutely perfect and beautiful. Her one of a kind designs have delighted every recipient. Here are just a few of her many creations. If you don't see what you want, just email Mary. She is always happy to accommodate custom orders and her prices are amazing for the level of craftsmanship, detail, and attention every piece receives.
Saint Clare's
This is my go to seed company, nit just because of their quality and prices, but because of the amazing customer service I have received. I also truly appreciate the amount of information provided on botht he seed packets and their website. No more guessing how and when to plant. Run by a lovely family, please remember them when you are ordering seeds in a couple of months.
BUT, there's more!!! Saint Clare's also produces and distributes high quality audiobooks. Their collection is impressive and continually growing, as is my wishlist of what I want to order. Audiobooks aren't just a great tool for homeschooling, they are also a wonderful source of entertainment. Close off the screen, put away the games, and escape to a land of your own choosing in a book. My children will do anything for a new audiobook!
If you thought it couldn't get better, here's a coupon code. Now through Cyber Monday save 25% on everything St Clare's sells with code THANKS2016
Aurelius Cabrini
So perhaps it is wrong to feature myself, but I have created some new items and I am eager to present them to you. Through my blog, I am offering a discount on all my items. All my vocation peg dolls are only $3 plus shipping. Faerie Leigh Modest Fairy dolls are only $2 plus shipping. Handkerchief baby bonnets are only $10 plus shipping. Here is a small sampling of what I have created for recent orders from local customers. There are a couple more dolls in the works that I will post once they are finished. Let me know what you like, every order is custom made with love.
So what's your favorite Catholic shop? I'm always looking for new ones.
