A Year of Wishes Calendar

Today's guest post is from Lori Portka who I love, just love. We've started a virtual friendship based on the admiration we have for one another. When I talk about asking the Universe for your blessings, and then being open to receiving them, this is what I mean. That is what The Holiday Joy Up is all about. That is what our spirits want us to seek. To open to the blessings of abundance, and we can start by loving each other up.

Lori and Lisa Sarick have created something magical. As the Holidays approach I want to share inspiration (I am not affiliating, just loving this) for how to give gifts from the heart. Start here.

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I wanted to make a calendar that was more than a calendar. I told my friend, Lisa, about this and an idea came to her within an hour. We designed this calendar together: my artwork, her loving intentions.

The calendar works like the Buddhist practice of Metta, often referred to as loving-kindness meditation. In this practice you begin with offering love and good wishes to yourself. Then over time, spread the love and good wishes outward to those close to you, those who challenge you, those you do not know… and in the end, wish happiness and love to all beings.

There are wishes for each month, beginning in the first quarter with oneself, and moving outward as the year progresses. Each month has an adorable cut-out and stand-up prayer card with that month’s wish to put where you will see it (alter, kitchen window sill, mantle or wallet.) It is a sweet reminder of the intentions you are sending out. We realized we had more to say about each month’s wish so we will be blogging or vlogging about that month’s wish topic on my website under the tab, A Year of Wishes. We would love for you to join us!

Wishing you a Happy, Abundant, Love-Filled, Peaceful, Magical year,

Lori and Lisa

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You can purchase your A Year of Wishes Calendar for yourself or a loved one - or both, here.

"I LOVE that this calendar has inspired people to keep one for themselves and give one or more away.  It makes my heart burst.  And its not about the money, although I’m happy and grateful for abundance.  It’s about the giving.  The giving to oneself and to others.

It is so easy to put love into the calendars as I print, package and send them.  It all feels like love." Read more from this post The Sweetest Thing

My Favorite Things - Monday

I'm borrowing from Oprah and doing a week of my favorite things. Sorry that I cannot gift all of my readers with the things I love (I'll work on that) but we will have some awesome giveaways. My intention is to highlight some of the businesses, people and products that I support and feel good about. Some have changed my life, others make it easier and more enjoyable. All giveaways will be open through the comment section until Tuesday, Dec 14th at 5pm Eastern. After that winners will be drawn with a random number generator and Wednesday, Dec 15th winners will be announced. Don't miss a day, because it is going to end with a BANG!

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You know that moment before you walk out the door or are trying unsuccessfully to negotiate with a 3 year old? (I know, why do we do such things.) If you say instead, "Show me with superhero speed how fast you can get your coat and shoes on," it is awesome. Today's giveaway is from Lynne Ghenov, a beautiful woman, artist and mom who has emerged as an entrepreneur. Lynne has generously offered a wand, crown and cape for our giveaway and the winner gets to choose the color! I asked her to share some thoughts on pretend play with us. This is one of my favorite things because our home would not function without costumes, made up characters and hours of pretending.

You can visit Lynne at her Etsy store and website. Thank you to Lynne for taking time to share a bit about herself and her children with us.

HM: What brought you to creating these products?

Lynne: My son, Galliano, started to be interested in superheroes when he was around 2 or 3 years old.  He is now 5.  He had only seen pictures of Batman and Superman, etc. and somehow he could embody the essence of the superhero.  Being a very good actor he asked me if he could get a cape. I have a backround in sculpture, where I sewed many of my pieces of art and installations.  So I thought "sure, I will rig a cape out of a jacket"  The capes evolved from there into my own design.  Since then I am always looking for ways to enhance my kid's "pretend play" experience.

How does pretend play influence your children?

Galliano and Mia LOVE to "pretend play" or "make-believe".  It is an amazingly safe and joyful way for them to explore this world.  I notice that if I "pretend play" with them, my day as a mom, goes smoother.  I can show them in an enjoyable way, to do the mundane activities that are not usually fun.   Like a princess brushing her teeth or a queen getting dressed!

What do you remember about make-believe as a child?

As a kid, I remember feeling limitless or free when playing "make-believe".  What is better then making up your own utopia or story.  I definitely would have killed to have an accessory like a cape or crown or wand but I used whatever was around to create stories.

I remember a childhood friend who had these wonderful costumes, hats and dress-up shoes at her house.  Her mom would get thrift store clothes and alter them into kid's play make-believe clothes.  It was so inspiring to me!

What are your future plans for your business?

I am currently working on some new designs for a boy-inspired line of capes and superhero cuffs.  I plan to expand and create more make-believe clothes, hats and toys.  I also have many ideas for woman's accessories that will eventually be made as well.

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For a chance to win Lynne's giveaway, please leave a comment below.

Thank you Lynne!