Source: sassyandalwaysclassy.tumblr.com via Stacy of on Pinterest

Beside the gift of time I am finding to be with my children in more and simpler ways , another blessing I am relishing this week is all of YOU! I assure you, your comments on my last post and words of encouragement did not go unnoticed. I am still working on answering each and every one of you, but don’t think for a moment I have not read your words or taken them to heart.

I started this blog with hopes of finding “people like me” and I am happy to say I have done just that. Each time, I open up my normally guarded self … just a little bit, you welcome me with open arms and give me the courage to do it again.

Thank you all for that! XOXO
Always here whenever you guys need me

P.S. - And a great big {{{HUG}}} to you Michelle for helping this pin find me, and for thinking of me when you found it. What a true blessing you are! Folks find more of her awesome pins here and get to know a new friend by checking out her perfectly wonderful blog.

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Today wasn’t just the shortest day of the year {the winter solstice} or only the official first day of winter, but it’s also the first day I’ve started to notice my mom friends stressing out. Their kids are all home, they are starting to wreak havoc in the house and are looking for some new ways to burn off energy and have a little fun. Sound familiar?

Don’t worry Moms! Nature Rocks is here to help
with an awesome FREE download:

The 2011-2012 Winter Activity Guide

This guide is chock full of ways you can enjoy some quality family time together without a ton of preparation. You’ll be staying active, getting outdoors, making memories with the ones you love and even saving money. Now there’s a great way to spend Christmas vacation.

Download your copy today and you’ll get all the details you need to go on a Photo Safari, make some rain art, build a backyard beach and even watch a sweet potato grow! All this and many other ideas included in the winter activity guide.

A huge shout out to my fellow Nature Rocks Ambassadors Carlene, Debi, Katharine and Lindsey for their awesome ideas and contributions to this guide. These ladies are amazing resources. Check out their blogs and follow the Nature Rocks Facebook page where you’ll see us all contribute ideas from time to time.

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Little Rue wants to know,

How are you doing a little good this holiday season?

I’ve been trying to buy local or through handmade vendors on sites like Etsy or Groopdealz. When I can’t do that, I try to make sure the item I am purchasing does double duty. Thats why I love gifts that give back. And that’s exactly what Nicole Kidman and Little Rue are doing for the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center this week.

Leave a comment about how you are making a difference
between now and Saturday night at midnight
and Rue La La will gift 1 do gooder $25 in store credit (good for 45 days).
Winner selected randomly.

Use your credit towards some of Nicole’s handpicked items,

Appaman Ski Jacket ~ $40
Rosanna Garden Tea Party Set ~ $40

Laura Ashley Pink Velvet Dress & Bloomer $26

Or purchase something yourself {FREE SHIPPING!} feeling good that 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center. Amazing!

Disclosure: Little Rue contacted me and asked if I would spread the word about the Do A Little Good boutique happening right now and if I would be interested in gifting a reader $25 in store credit. I am passionate about programs like this, so I happily accepted. They also offered me a $25 credit for my time. This credit will be used to put something special under our tree this year. Thanks for helping that happen.

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