You Get What You Give (Literally... Give to Kids and Get Bon Lemon)

"For it is in giving that we receive." Saint Francis of Assisi

I truly believe the words of Saint Francis of Assisi as they have been echoed by mystics and scholars in every culture throughout the world. You get what you give. This year it is true. If you help us give to local child cancer patients, we will give you Bon Lemon. Woo hoo!



You have heard me talk about Rally NW, a local organization focused on raising money for childhood cancer research. This great group of volunteers also sets out to do things to make the lives of these child cancer patients a little more fun. This holiday season, they are doing a toy drive. Because, cancer or not, all kids like toys.

Bon Lemon is proud to be a drop off point for the Rally NW Cheers for Children Holiday Toy Drive at our new shoppe at 2938 Limited Lane, Suite C-1 in Olympia. We also decided it would be fun for Bon Lemon to sponsor a particular Rally kid. (We wanted to join in all of the fun!) But Rally's #1 Elf must have known who she was talking to, because she didn't just match us up with any Rally kid; she matched us up with Robby. She knew we couldn't wait to spread the Bon Lemon love.


***This is Robby and his sister.***

Rally Kid Robby
Robby, a local 3rd grader, was diagnosed with leukemia in September. In a recent journal entry Robby's mom posted the following story: "Tonight we had dinner at a friend's house. Before the meal, for grace, each person said something they are thankful for. Robby: "I'm thankful for everyone who has helped me along this journey with leukemia." What a sweet and mature boy. Robby has asked that we help other kids too by collecting donations to go to the clinic at Mary Bridge in which many children receive treatment. The toy shelf in the playroom is pretty sparse, and many toys are missing pieces. There is also a Family Resource Room, which should have books for everyone, and games for families to share. By donating things on this wish list we will be able to make their clinic visits a little brighter. Robby lives with his parents and little sister.
For updates on Robby please visit: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/robbyheckard/mystory
For more information on Mary Bridge please visit: http://www.multicare.org/marybridge



***These are the toy shelves Robby is talking about. They need us!***

I melt. Seriously. I melt. A 3rd grader who has foregone presents for himself, so there could be more toys for all of the kids to play with... if you want to read this story to your teenager who "needs" the new iPhone, please feel free.


***Click on the image to make it bigger. (I can't read it either :)***

So... here's the deal. Above is a copy of the Mary Bridge wishlist. (They also need gas cards and gift cards.) For every new toy, gift card, book, gas card, or game you donate to Robby's Family Resource Room, you get to pick one item from Bon Lemon's $5 basket. (We are adding more good stuff to the basket just for this event with some values upwards of $75.) If you bring 1 gift for Robby and his friends, you get 1 Bon Lemon gift. If you bring 10 gifts for Robby and his friends, you get 10 Bon Lemon gifts. And, between now and December 10th, whoever brings in the most donations (feel free to collect from your family and friends and take all of the credit :), gets a $75 gift certificate to Bon Lemon. (And have you heard about all of the ridiculously fabulous stuff we have coming in for holiday? Alexis Bittar, Liquid Metal, monogrammed stationery, readers, stocking stuffers, and more! You need a gift certificate.)



On Friday, November 18th, in honor of the grand opening and holiday party at our shoppe, you will get double Bon Lemon gifts. Bring in 1 donation, get 2 pieces from our $5 basket.

We aren't excluding our non-Olympia Lemon Lovers. (We love you all!) If you have been touched by Robby's story, you can send gifts or gift cards and you will receive a surprise Bon Lemon package in return. Give the most, and get a $75 Bon Lemon gift certificate! (Double gifts for any donations postmarked this Friday!)

We are super excited about supporting Robby and all of the Rally NW kids. This holiday season at Bon Lemon: You get what you give.

I Want That: Bon Lemon Cocktail Rings

Perfect for holiday cocktail parties. Or work. Or vacumming. Oh heck, these are perfect for any occasion. Or no occasion at all. Shiny. Bold. Fabulous! We want them all.

I want that: Bon Lemon cocktail rings. More being added to www.bonlemon.com everyday.

Faith

With Christmas just around the corner, I have been thinking about faith. Faith in family, faith in friends, faith in Jesus, faith in the safety of our cars, faith in the lasting power of deodorant, faith in Santa Claus... This is the season of faith.

Faith is one of those intangible ideas you can't quite describe. Believing in something you can not see. Trusting in someone without proof. Facts are the head and faith is the heart. Faith has always been a challenging thing for me. How do you believe in something you can not touch, taste, or see? My logical mind does not know how to process the idea, but as I try and get better at listening to my heart, I realize how important faith is.

I think the world would be a better place if we all had more faith. I don't think it needs to be faith in one deity, or faith in a specific person, or faith in a particular thing. I think the act of having faith is as beneficial as what that faith is directed to.

This holiday season, whether you have faith in yourself, God, your mother-in-law, or your bundt cake: have faith.

--
photo courtesy of The Midday Guy's Blog

Red Door in Olympia

Have you ever been to the Red Door in downtown Olympia? The mother daughter team have a great collection of new and renewed items that are tastefully selected and merchandised. Their Facebook page says it best:

"I am an interior designer and I have a quaint home decor gift shop in Downtown Olympia. We specialize in giving new life to old things. We find old furniture and accessories at garage sales, estate sales and auctions. Sometimes we repaint, reupholster or simply clean up the item. The end result is a uniquely beautiful piece of furniture that is saved from a landfill and can offer many years of beauty and function. In addition, we carry fair trade items and to support our local community, we feature products that are made by local artists."

I was very impressed with the selection, value, and how charming the owners were. We are all about shopping local for the holidays, and this is the perfect place to pick up something unique. (I scored a major find, but I can't tell you what, because the recipient might be reading my blog... It is really cool though.)

Check them out at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Door/54463953605?v=wall#!/pages/Red-Door/54463953605?v=info

The Gift of Nothing

Hanukkah began yesterday; Christmas is twenty-three days away. 'Tis the season of giving, family, and lots of yummy food!

We love helping you select the perfect Bon Lemon gift for your sister, mom, wife, teacher, or daughter. Everybody loves a little sparkle. We also love remembering what the true essence of the holiday season is. The book, "The Gift of Nothing" by Patrick McDonnell sums it all up. (We tear up a little each time we read it.) Today, take a moment to appreciate the gifts in your life. And when you need to accessorize your fabulous life, call us!