I'm a mom (my kids are middle school-college age), wife, and I work with middle/high schoolers at my church (Catholic). I'm super busy and involved in many things, so I only take on a few swaps at a time depending on my schedule. I've loved the different challenges and new things I've learned and how it keeps my "creative juices" flowing.

I love to read books and magazines, to make things, and to spend time with my family and friends.

I'm concerned about the people and the stories behind the products I buy so I always look for the fair trade label when I buy tea, chocolate, sugar (if it's imported), and vanilla. I love it when I can find fair trade bananas, too. I've encouraged my church to use fair trade coffee and have taught about it and hosted a fair trade chocolate/coffee sale recently. I think it's great news that we can make a positive difference in the lives of others even by how we spend our money on products we'd buy anyway.

Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOI-7MDVPe0

My favorite tea: http://www.choiceorganicteas.com/

My favorite chocolate bars: http://www.altereco-usa.com/main.php

I've also been reading about the reality of slavery in our world today and it breaks my heart more than I can describe. I can only imagine that if I were trapped in a situation like that how much I would appreciate being thought of by someone who was in a position to help me. What can I do to help? Well, being aware of it and helping others to know about it is a start. Contributions to those who are active in making a change is another, and also prayer and sacrifices offered up as prayer for those who are victims and those who are working to help them in any capacity. Check out this website for more information: http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/

This program is GREAT NEWS! Check it out! http://www.medsandfoodforkids.org/

I also love these "little travellers": http://www.littletravellers.net/

THINGS I LIKE TO RECEIVE: If you'd like to add in a little something that would THRILL me, include a business card of any kind with a quote or Bible verse on the back. To really make my day add a little illustration to the verse or quote (a tiny freehand drawing, something snipped from a magazine, a sticker, or maybe just a colorful border (also please add your name and where you are from, if you don't mind) as I'm starting a collection of these.

Other things I like to receive are...earrings (pierced studs or wires if they close as I tend to loose them if they are open), Christian/Catholic items like holy cards, things with Bible verses on them, zines (as long as the subject/images are positive and uplifting), patterned papers (even little scraps) and cardstock to use to make things, tags, craft items like brads or eyelets, ribbon and vintage images to use for ATCs and such, magazine pages with images/writing from other countries, rubber stamps, stamp pads, art pens and markers (especially pitt pens and very fine sharpies and sparpie paint pens), blank greeting cards or thank you notes, all kinds of postcards (especially unusual ones), inspirational quotes and sayings, Chip board, cut-outs, alphabets, good quality stickers, recipes, women's magazines, craft tutorials, punches, journals, art supplies, charms, adhesives, scrapbook supplies (of any kind), and I especially love to receive good, tasteful jokes and cartoons. :)

I like all different colors, angels, butterflies, flowers, hearts, vintage designs, teapots and tea cups. I like many things and am easy to please as long as it's respectful and tasteful. Hmmm...some other things I love are purses and bags and boxes--especially little ones. Those may be my weakness. :) I also love pretty patterned paper, altered matchboxes and little tiny dolls... and little tiny books, too.

"feel good" music and inspirational music. Love music with a "dancable" beat, too.

"feel good" movies...Romantic comedies, silly comedies and most movies with dancing in them. Some that I love (off the top of my head) are Cinderella Man, Return to Me, You've Got Mail, and Unstrung Heroes.

I never watched that much TV, but recently I have given it up all together. This summer I did a lot of traveling and had been away from TV for so long that when I started to watch some things again in the fall I was totally unimpressed with what was offered. I have such little free time, anyway. So now I am enjoying using that time doing other things (like more writing, reading, and making things). I still like movies and will watch an occasional show with my family (like Christmas shows), but that's the only exception.

Knitting, crochet, ATCs, scrapbooking, cards, visual journaling...I do and love pretty much all crafts, I haven't had time for knitting or crochet lately but I love it and do it when I get a chance. Also, I love to make zines and read other people's zines (as long as they are in "good taste"). ♥