Blessed Nest Perch

A month of Thankfulness and giving~ a giveaway

2009-11-09T05:21:13Z

Heather and I love this month. We are so thankful for many things in our lives but as we reflect, we have decided to celebrate the women we are thankful for; the women who have made us who we are today by helping to mold our characters and giving us unconditional love. I can say that of Heather and so many others.

Who are you thankful for? What woman in your life has given to you unconditionally?

To celebrate YOU, all the women we are thankful for, we are giving away wonderful woman-made products! We will have inspiring interviews with the most amazing, encouraging women.

and...

We will begin our giving with 3 special women, and 4 special gifts!

Let the giving begin!

ONE~ The International Princess Project~ PUNJAMMIES™

I was introduced to The International Princess Project via a friend on FaceBook. I was so intrigued and in awe of what they accomplish and how, I wanted to make sure that you met them too!

I will post a interview with the women of International Princess Project this month but here is a little something about them.....

"International Princess Project advocates for women enslaved in prostitution, helping them restore their lives and empowering them to live free.

Through various initiatives, International Princess Project both helps partner organizations increase capacity and provides direct support for women in need."

International Princess™ Project Initiatives

International Princess™ Project currently implements two initiatives working towards the vision of restoring hope and dignity to women formerly enslaved in prostitution. The PUNJAMMIES™ initiative creates a self-sustaining enterprise which provides needed jobs for women and the resources for their healing and restoration. The Advocacy initiative raises awareness in the United States of the problem of prostitution and human trafficking around the world and helps mobilize people to take action.

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TWO~Blessed Nest~ Heather ~Nest Egg

I know, I know we are tooting our own horn... but we thought an Aqua Nest Egg would go perfectly with your PUNJAMMIES! Plus, I always look for a moment to brag about Heather! She is one wonderful woman. Heather is the founder of Blessed Nest, the gal who made the Nesting Pillow just for me and the best friend ever! Heather is the most giving, generous person I know. What keeps her going in the "business" is the women we nurture. She loves to nurture you through this business and does it well!

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THREE~My Precious Child~Kay~Child Safety

I met Kay on Twitter. She is one mighty Twitter Momma! She has 11,244 followers! WOW

Kay always takes the time to answer my questions or to just say a hello during her busy schedule!

Her business is all about Child Safety. November is child safety month so we thought we would honor this amazing woman-friend!

My Precious Kid Child Safety – Kay Green, founder of MyPreciouskid.com writes about child safety, new babies, safe baby/child products and safety education. Kay is a child safety expert who also teaches parents potty training and baby sign language techniques.

My Precious Kid blog is owned by Kay Green. Kay and her husband Russell reside in Hillsboro Oregon. Kay is Mama to 4 kids (9, 22, 24, 27) and 3 grand children (Madison 2 and newborn TWIN boys, Micah & Mason).

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THE GIVEAWAY~

1 amazing woman will receive this entire giveaway package (listed below):

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CHAMBAL GARDEN (Multi-Colored Cotton)

Chambal Garden PUNJAMMIES™ are super soft, orange-trimmed, capri pants that capture the life and beauty of the Chambal Gardens. The Chambal Gardens are on the banks of the Chambal River in the Southeastern part of Rajasthan in India. Thousands of lush plants and tropical flowers add to the tranquility of the gardens. Chambal Garden PUNJAMMIES™ capture the beauty and peace of their namesake so well that they may just inspire you to start your own garden. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blessed Nest Nest Egg ~Aqua $42.00

The little extra something to use with your Nesting Pillow or on its own, The Nest Egg gives support for your head, arm, breast, or for a little extra height under baby's head.

It's small and lightweight enough to take along take along in the stroller or diaper bag, and just the right size for a toddler pillow.

The slipcover's envelope closure makes it comfortable to use on either side, while still being easy to remove for laundering.

It is made of pre-laundered, 100% organic cotton fabrics from our favorite eco-friendly designer, Harmony Art. The inside pillow is made with 230 thread count 100% organic cotton sateen and filled with organic buckwheat hulls. (16" by 13" and about 1 1/2 lb.)

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CHILD SAFETY BOOK $12.99~ CHILD SAFETY PACKET $15.99

As a mom I am always looking for books to help me with the challenging job of parenting. I want to know how to keep my kids safe. The content of this book was selected to provide the most important information available to keep young children safe and focuses on safety issues for children from 0 to 5 years of age. The Child Safety Guide is a comprehensive indispensable and handy source for your child safety education. This is a perfect gift for new and expecting parents.

Child Safety Pack~

1 - Child ID Card
1 - Child Car Seat ID Card
1 - Medical Release Card
1 - Child Luggage Tag ID Card
2 - Shoe ID Stickers
1 - Disposable Child ID bracelet
1 - Child DNA Fingerprint Kit
Optional Waterproof pen is available
CPSC CPSIA Compliant
Child ID Kit Made by My Precious Kid

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TOTAL PRIZE PACKAGE VALUE: $106.00

How to enter:

Giveaway closes December 8th 2009 EST

There are MANY ways to enter and get extra credit but here is the MUST:

1) MUST TO QUALIFY TO WIN ~ In the comments tell us who the most inspirational woman in your life is and why. (it can be a short one sentence (or 2) answer)

(we will collect all the entries at the end of the contest and send them out in our NewsLetter)

*This is not a contest. The winner will be chosen via Random.org but we just want you to reflect on who means the world to you!

2) MUST TO QUALIFY TO WIN ~ Visit AT LEAST one of the web sites listed here and tell us something special about it.

International Princess Project

Blessed Nest

My Precious Kid

3) For an extra entry visit all three and tell us in another comment what you love about their site

4) For an extra entry Follow Blessed Nest on Twitter click here to follow

(tell us in a comment)

5) For an extra entry Twitter about this contest and tell us in a comment here

6) For an extra entry Become a Blessed Nest fan on FaceBook tell us in a comment

7) For an extra entry Become a International Princess Project fan on FaceBook tell us in a comment

8) For an extra entry Become a My Precious Kid Fan on FaceBook

Wow I think that's it.... SO, that's a lot of ways to enter!

Have fun.....

Giveaway closes December 8th 2009 EST

Thank you for supporting us! We love you to the moon and back

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More giveaways coming so you might want to sign up for our blog posts via e-mail on our side bar!

A great way to earn extra cash this holiday season... join the Blessed Nest affiliate program~

"warm and fuzzy feeling that all is right with the world"

2009-11-06T07:03:44Z

Thankful November. Heather and I are dedicating the Month of November to women in our lives who are amazing, wonderful, inspirational, encouraging........We will have a "basket full of nurturing goodies" for giveaway along with interviews and more giveaways from women in business who define women helping women.

Today a sweet customer, friend is on our hearts. Christal, is amazing and gives up so much for US! For our freedom. She and her family reside at Fort Hood. They are safe and she posted a sweet message to us today on our Blessed Nest fan page

Sending xoxo to you today Christal!

We had a sweet surprise today too from another customer...Rocketgurl ( her blogger name) is a Momma we are thankful for! These two Mom's defiantly are women we need to place in the spotlight. They are women helping women....

Rocketgurl had this to say about our Nesting Pillow and Nest Egg....she makes me giggle and smile~

"Major comfort! It was almost like lying your head on a cloud. .Or better yet, like laying your 5 year old head in your mom's lap when you are tired, but out somewhere that you can't go lay in your bed.. Ugh! Can you now imagine what I'm talking about?? Yes, that kind of comfort that gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling that all is right with the world and now I can rest my head and go to sleep in peace! "

Read complete post at Pursuit Of More

Speaking of women helping women...did you hear about our affiliate program?

Love to the Moon and back

Blessed Nest Affiliate Program~ Women who nurture

2009-11-05T07:08:37Z

It's here! The Blessed Nest affiliate program. Why and how did we come to this conclusion?

Well, a blogger whom we LOVE ( Mrs. fussypants) opened her book sales to her readers through an affiliate program. We thought what a SMART idea...so we followed. Have you checked out her book, The Smart Girls Guide To Twitter? I know it's fabulous. I'm ordering mine!

Now, ABOUT The Blessed Nest Flock:

First, let us tell you why we have developed this program. Heather and I are thrilled with the growth our company has had in the past 7 years, and what has come of the love we invest in it every day.

We know what it is to struggle doing something you love. As women and mom bloggers, we know you blog because you love it. You have shown us your love by spreading the word about Blessed Nest, telling friends, family and your readers why you believe in our company. You have cheered for us and supported us, and now it's our turn to help support you!

Most traditional companies have sales representatives. We don't! You have been our best representatives. Now it's time for you to get your commission! We know that times are tough and a little (or a lot) of extra money will help you and your family.

By offering you an affiliate program, you will get paid 10% commission on every order that is placed through your affiliate link/ad! (The ad links back to our perch store here on our blo g.) Once a month you'll get paid for doing pretty much what you already do!

Thank you for joining our flock. It's nice to profit from doing what you love....blogging, Tweeting, FaceBook'ing

Click the button below to join the program

Love to the Moon and back,

Monday at the Nest~ treats

2009-11-02T07:29:50Z

If you're wondering what we did over the weekend......

Well, Heather was hanging out with Indiana Jones

CEO of Blessed Nestand we had fun with friends......

Tabi,Nadia,Sophie & Bella BFF

AND played.....

Ladybug, Hollie Hobby, white cat, black catWhat did you do this weekend?

More treats coming this week.

November is filled with Thankfulness, giveaways & interviews with women who inspire!

psst...a little bird told me you can always use the coupon code "Tweet" at BlessedNest.com during ck out for 10% off!

Love to the Moon and back

"Spooky" deal this weekend only~Blessed Nest

2009-10-30T21:24:53Z

ok friends... I am in such a good mood (from having had a great night's sleep on my Nesting Pillow, no doubt) I am going to offer all of you 20% off your entire order at Blessed Nest.com this weekend only. The best nursing pillow on the planet really is awesome for so many othe...r things! (enter
the code "SPOOKY" at checkout for your discount. If you're local, I'll
throw in some pumpkin bread when you pick it up...

xo, Heather :)

scroll down for Fall fun!

FAll Fun~Blessed Nest

2009-10-30T15:56:59Z

Are you ready for Halloween fun? This year we are all playing dress up....My husband is going to be the Joker from Batman. I will be little red riding hood. My 6 year old Holly Hobby and my 4 year old a lady bug. My neighbor asked why we didn't do a theme and all dress up together. I said, "well it just shows you that we all have very different opinions and ideas." Dare we infringe on someone elses creative concept. Oh my!

We've been having fun with Halloween this year. We just like to giggle in our family and have a bit of fun. My Mom was a kindergarten teacher for years and gave us a cute little idea for a craft. If you need some fun things to do to occupy your little "treat" before the big night tomorrow, try this.

Get sticks of any sort. If you don't have Popsicle sticks use sticks from the garden. Use stickers are draw, decorate 5 little pumpkins and attach them to the sticks.

Then have your children memorize the poem below.

They can entertain as they treat. FYI my girls make stick puppets year around to act out stories during our story time! It's a great way for your child to memorize poems and stories.

When my 4 year old needs something to do, we put paper, stickers and scissors in front of her. Sophie is learning to write on her own. I think she is a little young but she loves to copy words ( or try). I encourage her self starting attitude...she does the best she can. She asked me to write the word "scary". After I gave her the word on a sheet of paper, this is what she came up with.

Enjoy your day and the many blessings of time spent with family and friends!

Love to the moon and back,

Eating well~ Lawrence, KS~ Blessed Nest Studio

2009-10-28T19:27:08Z

I'm always encouraged by other blog mom's who are making an effort to choose healthy meals for their families. On our recent visit to Lawrence, KS to see Heather at our Blessed Nest Studio;I ate so well!

Heather gave my husband and I a treat and watched

the girls one night so we could go out on the town.

While Heather snuggled with our girls giving them knitting lessons,

we ventured out to charming downtown Lawrence!

The restaurants in Lawrence are unique and I would say 90% of them buy from local farmers!

We ate at the best burger place in town.

The Free State Brewing Company! We had a Brewery Burger~ It was delicious!

I love meat but eat it rarely.

I just can't stomach the meat

in our markets and we don't really

have a farmers market where they sell fresh

organic meat. So today I ventured out and made a

homemade Black Bean Veggie Burger.

It was YUMMY

Here is the recipe I enjoyed!

Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers found via All Recipes

Rated:

Submitted By: LAURENMU

Photo By: baskerville_gal

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ready In: 35 Minutes

Servings: 4

"Spiced up with chili sauce, cumin, garlic and chili powder, these quick and easy black bean burgers will make you forget all about frozen, packaged veggie burgers. They're great on the grill or baked in the oven."

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and

rinsed

1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces

1/2 onion, cut into wedges

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1 egg

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1.	If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.
2.	In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
3.	In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.
4.	In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.
5.	Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
6.	If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

Printed from Allrecipes.com 10/28/2009

WW~Autumn Wonder~Blessed Nest

2009-10-28T04:43:42Z

My girls at the Cider Mill on our trip to The Blessed Nest Studio in Lawrence, KS

visit 5 Minutes for Mom for more WW

OR the original WW home

Love, to the moon and back

What gets you through times that take everything you’ve got?

2009-10-14T05:42:14Z

Today's post written by Chrysula Winegar

My baby son is sobbing in the next room. I’ve been rocking and shushing and singing and patting for over three hours. During the day, he’s charming, happy, his joyous little self. And every night for the past two weeks, around 1am, it begins.

I am at my wits end. He’s nine months old and has never yet slept through a whole night. My eldest daughter was like this. It took her until she was 20 months before I got more than a three-hour stretch. I’ve either been pregnant or had a night-waking infant ever since. So basically I haven’t slept for 7 years. You name it, with one of my kids I’ve tried it, so you can spare me the theories. I’ve tried very single solitary last approach.

There is no balance in seasons like these. There is no give and take, no ebb and flow. It doesn’t matter how many hours I was up with my child the next day. That client proposal still has to get out the door to win business. And then the business must be executed with creativity, exceptional service and focus. Simultaneously the other children’s needs must be met. Some basic home management and meals are required. Oh, and that person I love more than life itself – acknowledging his existence is always a good step. You know the list.

I happened upon Sarah Robinson’s blog, Maverick Mom this week where she writes about expecting the unexpected . As she headed into her day after a night much like mine, in the attempt to manage it all, she asks herself “What will make my life taste the sweetest today?” She makes her choices for those coming hours based on deep self-knowledge of her values and purpose, and acts accordingly.

I don’t always have that presence of mind in my exhaustion. By evening of the following day, I am cranky and grumpy and capable of a tantrum that would make any 3 yr old proud. But I do try to figure out what’s the most important thing I can accomplish that day, what matters the most. Sometimes it has to be the proposal. Sometimes it’s snuggles and stories and a movie in PJs. Sometimes it’s all of those things woven in and out of each other. There might not be much of a sense of balance. But there can be flow.

And here’s where I am grateful for a flexible professional life. Mother, blogger and flex-work recruiter Leanne Chase is keeping a list, and here’s mine for today. When this ends (and it always does), I can crash for an hour or two, and start over. Maybe even take a nap later (on those rare days I can engineer it).

How many times have you thought over and over in the midst of a crisis, “I can’t do this, I can’t do this” only to wake up the next morning or regroup at the end of a hard day having “done it”. Somehow you found the strength and maybe even noticed a little sweetness along the way.

My son is resting now. I stopped writing a couple paragraphs ago and had one more shot at holding him tight and doing my best to soothe whatever he’s struggling with. The break was good for both of us.

I am wondering. What gets you through the days (nights) that take everything you’ve got? How do you regroup, start over and find your flow?

Love to the moon and back

(C) Copyright Chrysula Winegar

Find Chrysula at her blog or follow her on twitter

Meet our team at Blessed Nest~ Join us in our journey

2009-10-11T15:51:21Z

Welcome to our perch

perch= a resting place

"Blessed Nest nurtures Mothers so they can nurture their babies with peace of mind."

The women at Blessed Nest

Heather & Donna

Gina Carlin~Monkey Moon Photography The products. The people

Heather and I are silly. We have laughed and cried through many seasons in life. I don't think we have ever had a "business phone call" that didn't include getting the sillies out through laughter. We've known each other longer then I can remember. It feels like there was never a time when Heather and I were not friends. I guess that's how it works since our friendship was "designed" far before we ever met. We have walked through many seasons of life getting through the bad and rejoicing in the good with no more then friendship and faith which has served us wonderfully thus far~ Read more about us here

Please join us in our journey.

Meet the Women (& men) who nurture:

Heather- Founder, president & creative director of Blessed Nest

Heather founder of Blessed Nest, Inc is our chief inventor and head "creative crafter" over at Blessed Nest. She will pop in and out sharing her creative goodness with us! Keep your eyes open for new "goodies" because Heather works hard everyday to bring us her best for baby,mom and our planet.

Donna -Vice President Sales, marketing lead Writer for the Blessed Nest Blog

You will find Donna at the Blessed Nest headquarters wearing her Sales and marketing hat. She is a momma of two sweet girls, Tabitha 6 and Sophie 4. Donna homeschools her two girls and is thankful for her two lovely, little assistants who are also head "cheer" coordinators at the Blessed Nest Sales and Marketing Studio.

Joel- CFO at Blessed Nest & on our board of advisors

Joel is Donna's handsome husband and daddy to their two sweet girls.

He has been an entrepreneur for over 30 years and is an expert in electrical contracting as well as green electrical design & installation .

He has a heart for helping others in business, helping them discover & live out their dreams. He has been a constant support for Donna both in parenting & in our vision for Blessed Nest. Joel is the steady sail that keeps Donna on course.

Sierra - Managing The Nest My Space

Sierra- Heather's sister is over at Blessed Nest My Space. Pop on over and say hi. She would love to see you! Sierra is a lactavist and is the founder & owner-operator, along with her husband of Four Pea's In a Pod Organic Farm. She is the proud Momma of Gracie ( 6), (the inspiration for our motto), and Jesse (19 months) & Billy (2 months)!

Gina-Joining the Blessed Nest team as a member of our board of advisors & photographer

Gina is a sweet friend to both Donna and Heather. She is a very talented photographer and a SC transplant to southern California ( & now back to North Carolina) in partnership with one husband and three squids. Dabbling in photography. Fancy is tickled by Greek Yogurt, vintage thrift, geraniums and the well-written word.

We are honored and blessed to have Gina join our team. We will be sharing Gina's photography here on the perch.

Find Gina at Monkey Moon Photography

Find her blogging here

Follow her on Twitter

Tara and Luke - Writer for the Blessed Nest Blog in the category of child safety & wellness

Tara & Luke are the parents of two wonderful boys. Tara has experience as both a cardiology nurse and model. She is the founder,owner-operator of MedBasics along with her husband Luke.

Luke is a Emergency Medicine boarded physician. He teaches, conducts research and works clinically in the emergency department at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC.

Tara and Luke will be sharing tips, advice and resources about child safety and wellness.

Find them at Med Basics

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff -Writer for the Blessed Nest blog in the catagory of child and Adolescent weight management and family health

Dr. Joanna is mother , wife and amazing doctor dedicated to adolescent weight managment, helping families to enjoy health!

Joanna Dolgoff, M.D. is a pediatrician and child obesity expert. She is the creator of Dr. Dolgoff's Weigh: Child and Adolescent Weight Management Program (Dr.Weigh.com ). Dr. Dolgoff has been featured as a child obesity expert on WNBC News, WABC News, Fox 5 Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, My9 News and WPIX News. The Today Show has taped a segment about Dr. Dolgoff which should air in the next month.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Joanna share her wisdom on family health~

Visit Dr. Joanna at her web site

Find her blogging here

Chrysula Winegar- writer for the Blessed Nest blog in the catagory of work~life balance and Mothering

Chrysula is married to Warren Winegar, and is the mother of four children – two irascible and brilliant daughters and two witty and Zen sons who make all the rest of the things she has done with her life look like she was slacking. Chrysula and her family have recently relocated to Connecticut where she is still in denial about no longer living in the city.

Find Chrysula at her blog or follow her on twitter

Kara-Noel -Writer for the Blessed Nest blog in the category of healthy children & fitness

Kara-Noel is a wife and Mom of two sweet children. One boy Eli and a little girl Cora. She is a stay at home mama who started sewing adorable "Lids" for her son in 2006.

"Before I knew it, friends and family were requesting Lids for their kids and baby shower gifts. I decided to sew my little heart out and start Eli's Lids, named after my inspiration... Eli! I've worked really hard to create a unique practical style for moms just like me."

I hope you like them too. Many Blessings from my family to yours! ~Kara-Noel

KN will be writing however much as she would like ( at least once a month) about natural, homemade baby food, healthy children and fitness!

Find Kara- Noel blogging at Eli's Lids Blog

Visit Eli's Lids.com

Cassie-Writer for the Blessed Nest blog in the catagory of business and family

Cassie is twenty one year old single mother. She is currently a junior in college studying philosophy. She has the "cutest smartest most talented little boy in the entire world." She will be writing monthly for our perch as well as writing at 5 minutes for parenting. She is always up for learning new things and meeting new people. We are thrilled to have her as a member of our team. Cassie just opened a marketing business and will be writing about her journey as a WAHM.

Find Cassie blogging at Messy Fun Mommy Life and 5 Minutes For Parenting

The BlessedNestperch.com, our blog was designed to bring you the best of Blessed Nest and the best of the world around you. We are a community of Mom's, Auntie's, Grandmas and friends who nurture.

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