52 Week Challenge - Invite To Win Snail Mail Challenge!

 52 Week Challenge - Invite to win snail mail challenge!

Welcome to the Markets of Sunshine podcast.  I'm your host, Marsha.  In today's episode, we are going to be talking about where we've been and where we're going next.  Stick around to find out how you can take part in this new 52-week challenge.

So we have finished up our list of the "7 Essential Creative Habits to Unlock Your Creativity"!

That was a fun journey for me and I hope so for you too.  Today, we are kicking off our 52-week challenge.  Invite to Win Giveaway!  It has two parts.  The first part of the challenge is for you to send out 52 letters and cards in the mail.  Where ever you live in the world you can join in the fun.

The second part of the challenge is an invitation from me to you.  I'm inviting you to join my private Facebook group, Markets of Sunshine <<<click here <<<< and to follow me on Instagram <<<click

Here's where the real fun begins...I'm going to be giving away 52, $5 coupon codes during this challenge.  One per person.  

When I receive your card or letter in the mail I will send you the $5 coupon code via email.  So be sure to write your email address on the card for me so that I can send it to you.  It will have a 30-day expiration date.  So don't delay use it right away.  Otherwise, you will lose it.

To find out my mailing address all you have to do is one of these two things.  Become a customer of mine in my Etsy shop, Markets of Sunshine <<<click to shop now <<< or Join my mailing list and you'll find my mailing address at the bottom of the Newsletter.

The second way to win a prize from me, which will be one of my handmade gifts is to join my private Facebook group, Markets of Sunshine, or follow me on Instagram and invite your friends and followers to join too.  I will hold a weekly drawing and everyone who has invited someone and they have joined or followed me will be put in a drawing and one person will win the gift that week.

So in other words you have 52 opportunities to win a prize from me over the next 52 weeks.  So keep inviting each week for your chance to win a gift from me.  Are you excited about this 52-week challenge?  I know I am!

So, let's talk about the incoming happy mail I have been receiving already.  Thank you to Kayla, Annette, and Fran for sending me a beautiful letter and card in the mail.  I've already sent them their $5 coupon code.  You made my day brighter and filled my heart with gratitude and joy!

Well folks that's all the news for this week!  I want to Thank You for tuning in and making this podcast a success.

Keep Creating In the Sunshine!  Unlock Your Creativity!

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha

Week 31: Be An Every Day Hero Of Your Own Life!

It's time to be your own every day hero!

 

Here we are at week 31 of my #52weeksnailmailchallenge.  I am so proud of myself for sticking with it and making it to over half way through the year.

I have to be honest and say that I didn't get as much support from my friends as I was hoping to.  But, that is not discouraging me or stopping me from continuing on my journey and finishing my goal.  

 

After all it was my challenge that I started to keep myself positive and to help me focus on others and not just myself.  My daughter pointed that out to me the other day when we were talking about where I am on my list of 52.   She is one of my loyal supporters and she has done fabulous with her letters.  She even has a few pen pals now which is very exciting to see.  I am so happy for her!

________________________ 🦋🦋 ________________________ 

So we cheer each other on and help each other stay focused so we can reach our goal and have sent 52 cards and letters by the end of 2018.  We have discovered a whole new world of letter writing.  There are many others out there that feel just like we do and who are turning letter writing into an art form.

 

You don't just write a letter on a few pieces of paper and stick it in a plain envelope anymore.  You embellish the envelope and the letter and send little goodies along with your hand written message.

Remember this one that I made earlier in the year?

This is one of our favorite ways to send our letters and goodies.  You'll notice the card is in the middle and the pockets are on the sides for you to fill with goodies.  Then you just fold the flaps in and wrap washi tape around it to keep it closed.  

 

This one is my second favorite way to send a letter.

 You'll find this one on my week 2 regarding pen pal pocket letter's.

 So what do you need to get started on your own #52weeksnailmailchallenge?

First, start with the mindset that you're going to do this with or without the support of your friends or family members.  But, if you can find at least one person to do this with it will really help you complete the task.

 

Second, gather all your supplies.  I joined Stampin Up! and they have a monthly card making kit called Paper Pumpkin subscription box.  I took advantage of the prepaid subscription so I could get one month free.  You can join by click here: Paper Pumpkin. 

If you need any help you may contact me at: marsha@marketsofsunshine.com

_______________________________💮💮 __________________________________

Third, grab my worksheet so you can fill in the 52 names and address and put it in your planner or notebook.  Click here for worksheet.  After you fill in the form I'll email you the worksheet to the email address you submitted.

_______________________________ 🌤🌤 _________________________________

Fourth, sit down and get started writing your first penpal letter using any of the methods I've shown you over the last 31 weeks of posts.  You can go back to Week 1 Mail Art: here. 

 Are you ready to be your own every day hero?  Join me and follow along on my adventures and make your life meaningful.  

 

Week 14: Teach Cursive Writing At Home #52WeekSnailMailChallenge

What You Can Do

• Send your child or grandchildren letters by mail
• Make a day to teach them cursive writing
• Start with signing their legal name
• Start a pen pal challenge

You'll find many new styles for sending letters by mail like stuffed envelopes, pocket letters and more in my Etsy shop, 

MarketsofSunshine.

 Check out my pen pal letters I've started sending this year in past blog posts like this one, Mail Art. 
Don't miss any of my posts.  Sign-up for my mailing list here:
 
 Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

P.S. If you can read my cursive writing above leave me a comment below and tell me your age.

 

Week 12: Tips For Staying Healthy During Flu Season

Week 12: Tips for Flu Season

#52weeksnailmailchallenge
Firstly, How are you doing with your snail mail challenge?  I hope you are on schedule with me.  Secondly, I hope you have been well and if not I hope you get well soon.  Sending you a big hug and well wishes to all who are not feeling well.

Our family had a visit from a dreaded flu bug a few weeks ago.  It was a fast and furious virus that started with my daughter and then my husband and lastly me.  My son-n-law somehow didn't get it.  He must be a carrier or has a very strong immune system that helps him stay healthy.

So, here are a few tips that we all need to remember during cold and flu season to keep the bugs at bay.

1. Quarantine the victim
2.  Wear gloves and a mask when around the ill person
3. Wash hands frequently
4. Bath daily
5. Keep the ill person clean too
6. Spray the room with a mixture of 50/50 vodka and purified water several times a day
7. Use a disinfectant spray on all knobs and bathroom surfaces daily 
8. Drink lots of extra fluids like water or herbal tea (not soda or juices or anything with caffeine)
9.  Homemade chicken broth and soup with a little salt and organic vegetables during the illness
10. Avoid sugar, dairy and alcohol 
11. Get plenty of sleep and naps during the day
12. Get in the sunshine for at least 30 minutes a day
13.  Walk daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes

 If, you still get the flu or cold apply the above list and it will help you recover faster.  I also took natural anti-biotics and vitamin C.  I was over it in about 4 days.  By day 5 I was feeling more like myself again.  

I managed to still make cards for my #52weeksnailmailchallenge

I used my Stampin Up! Paper Pumpkin kit that comes in the mail each month to make the cards you see above.

The purple cards are from a card making kit in the product line (Medallion) found in the catalog and on my website, here. 

Now, I have to get my mailing list out and see where I left off sending cards to my friends.

I think I am only one week behind so that is not so bad considering being hit with the flu bug.

Stay tuned for the next blog post where I will reveal to you my newest product line: Organizer's Must Have Collection!

Here is a sneak peek...

Wishing you a healthy and happy Spring.  I'd love to hear what's going on in your life.  Talk to me in the comments box below.

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

Week 8: Random Act of Kindness Is A Mark of A True Friend!

Week 8: Random Act of Kindness Is A Mark of A True Friend!

Would you agree or disagree with that statement?

I've discovered something really amazing about that statement.  It can apply to anyone.  That's right anyone can do a R.A.O.K.

for anyone on any given day of the week.

You don't have to wait for a special occasion to show your loved ones or even an acquaintance that they mean more to you than just a passing thought.

By sending a card or letter in the mail you are showing them that you thought of them enough to take action.  

#52weeksnailmailchallenge

 

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Taking part in this challenge puts your feet to the fire and makes you put your hand where your mouth is so to speak.  

It's all about Jesus words written over 2000 years ago.

"There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving"  (Acts 20:35)

"Do to others as you want them to do to you"

(Luke 6:31)

 

Sitting down and taking the time to think of someone and share a part of your world with them through a written note is something they can refer back to over and over again.

I like to make a copy of the letter or card before I send it and keep it in a file.  That way I won't forget what I wrote them and when I sit down to write again I won't repeat myself as we all do without even realizing it.

 

Setting Goals and Achieving Them One Step At A Time

If you don't set goals you will never achieve very much in your life.  Yikes!  that was shocking to read.  But, it's the truth. Think about your routine.  What do you do each day?  If you write down in a journal what you do each day for 30 days and then read it at the end of the month you might be surprised at how boring and dull your life really has gotten.

 

But, if you set goals and work on achieving them one step at a time and keep track of your progress.  You can look back at the end of each month and see what you have accomplished and feel good about it.

 

7 Steps To Simplify Your Life 

Get my worksheet on how to set goals and achieve them one step at a time.  Click here to get it sent to your inbox.

 

 Start with one goal at a time.  For instance, I am working on organizing each room in my house.  I started on this last year and I am still working on it.  I can only do 15 minutes a day due to my Lyme disease and other health issues.

So, I decide which room I want to work on each day and I set the timer for 15 minutes.  When the timer goes off I stop and rest on the couch.  I am expanding this year to get outdoors and weed my flower beds and water the plants each day for 15 minutes.  I love it!

 Make Time for the More Important Things

Believe it or not there are six things that you should be doing every day of the year to be truly happy.  If you make time for these more important things you'll achieve the goals and enjoy a future life that will bring you the greatest happiness that surpasses your wildest dreams.

1.  Put God First each day

2.  Read the Bible each day

3.  Share the good news about God's Kingdom each day

4. Provide for your families needs (income)

5.  Keep your house clean and organized

6. Get the required sleep your body needs

For more information on this topic feel free to contact me for a free home Bible study.

 

Stay Tuned For Next Week's Adventure to one of Florida's state parks. 

 

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

P.S.  Check out my new product line (No Probllama) in my Etsy shop,

MarketsofSunshine

Week 7: Getting Back To Being "You"

Week 7: Getting Back To Being "You"!

That topic can mean a variety of things depending on your age and your situation.  If you are a young person you are still trying to figure out just who "you" are and what you want to do with you life.

This post is for the women who have already figured out who they are but then got married, had kids and now the kids are grown and moved out of the house.  

Yes, I know you're saying; you mean empty Nester's.

But, here's the thing.  Just because your kids no longer live at home does not mean your parenting skills are put away or canceled and you stop being a Mom.

Yes, we want our children to grow up and stand on their own 2 feet and make good decisions based on how we raised them.

But, I don't know if you know it or not but life is Hard!

Learning to deal with day to day life is hard enough but throw in the car breaking down and you don't know which mechanic to trust to take it to get it fixed.

Or, you loose your job and you have a little savings but that's about to run out and no companies are calling you for an interview yet.

Does any of this sound familiar in your family?

I grew up with parents that didn't hang me out to dry or to sink or swim in this dog eat dog world.  They were always there for me to help me get through the really hard parts.

I was able to get work young for major companies and learned a lot about the corporate world of politics at a young age.

I didn't like what I saw so I jumped ship and swam to safer waters, aka working for myself.
I've taken the good that I learned from my upbringing and applied it to raising my daughter.  The results are positive.

Recently, our daughter and son-n-law went through some very hard and stressful times.  When the phone rang and we were asked for help, we gladly offered.

We held a family meeting and set out a plan of attack.  

The job loss was resolved in a few short weeks after many phone calls and prayers.

The major car repair was fixed and they are back rolling down the road with a smile on their faces. 

This brings me to my point of the journey I decided to start in 2018.  #52weeksnailmailchallenge

It's all a part of who I am and getting back to being "me" despite my chronic illness.

I'm back to having good days and when I do I am making the most of them by getting out of the house and taking short day trips out in nature.

As I continue on my journey of writing 52 cards and letters it is giving me back a sense of who I am.

 It doesn't matter that my friends don't call me for weeks on end.  Or, that they don't write to me ever or maybe once in a blue moon.

What matters is that I stay in touch with them.  Why?

Because, life is Hard! and we all need encouragement.  Most of all it's because Jesus told us there is more happiness in giving love than in receiving love.  I want to follow his advise so I can be truly "happy".

I do have one friend that prefers text messages over a phone call.  And, that's okay!

I love her dearly and she loves me.  I sent her the pocket card above and she was in tears.  She had just gotten over an 8 day virus and was down in the dumps.  This was just the thing to cheer her up. It's in my "Just add stamps and mail post."

By the way she is having a relapse so I am making her another smaller card and will include her favorite candy, dark chocolate.

I have another friend that hates the phone so she rarely calls me. But, she will drive over an hour on her days off several times a year despite her 3rd round of cancer to come and visit with me.  That means the world to me.  I love her dearly too.

Then, I have a long distance friend that I have never met in person but we have forged a bond over the last 8 years through email and phone calls and google video hangouts.

She calls me almost every week and I call her just as often.

I have another long distance friend and we keep in touch over the phone as often as we can.  She is a loyal reader of this blog and does her best to let me know how much my posts mean to her.  They are all on my list of 52 to send to along with my other wonderful friends near and far.

 Want to keep in touch with your friends and send cards.

Sign-up for StampinUP! paper pumpkin card making kit.

Just click ^^^^^^

Or, pick up a set of these pretty and fun envelopes and wallet gifts at MarketsofSunshine <<<<<Click the name to shop.

Sign-up to receive free downloads like the ones you see above.

Yes! I want your free downloads. <<< click Yes!

Week 6: Just Add Stamps and Mail!

Week 6: Just add stamps and mail

#52weeksnailmailchallenge

Here we are at week 6 in our #52weeksnailmailchallenge project and I am having a blast!

How about you?  How are you doing with the challenge?

How many letters have you sent so far?

You should have sent at least 6.  That's easy to do.

Week 1 Mail Art

We kicked off the challenge with a free worksheet giving you no excuse to not get out your address book and fill up each space.

Week 2 Pen Pal Pocket Letter Project

Week 3 February Signature Collection

 Week 4 Flowers of Month Collection

Week 5 Letter Writing Goal

I have sent 9 cards and letters so far and have gotten so many lovely expressions of gratitude back that I am floating on clouds.

My last card was a bit thick and filled with cute little mini envelopes and a small note inside each one.  It took me weeks tom complete because I wanted to say things from the heart.

So, I prayed off and on until I finally felt it was the right time and what to say poured out from my heart.

My friend had just gotten over a 8 day illness and was totally surprised to receive my package in the mail.

I got the most loving voice mail and text message as she explained how she should have recorded herself trying to figure out how to unwrap the layers of washi tape that I had secured it with.  LOL

Then, she proceeded to tell me how much she loved every little bit and piece of love that I put into making it.  It brought her to tears as she was sending me the message.

We all need to know we are loved by our friends and family by deeds of Godly devotion.  Not by lip service or a quick text message over a cold stale phone connection.

Brighten someones day and you will receive so many wonderful experiences from it that you won't have any reason to be sad ever again!

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha Jean

 If you are a subscriber to this blog you may leave a comment below letting me know where you are in the challenge and how you are enjoying my weekly posts and photos.

I'm waiting patiently to hear from you.

 P.S. Did you open your VIP Club newsletter from me this week?  If, you do you'll find an extra little goodie in it just for you.  Wondering what's in the Grab Bag section of my Etsy shop?  Check it out at MarketsofSunshine today!

Start A MailChimp Newsletter

Medallions Card Kit - StampinUp! What's Not To Love!

Watch this short video and learn how you can start Making Beautiful Handmade Cards Like This, While You Watch Your Favorite Show on TV!

When you buy a set of stamps, paper, embellishments and more during our Sale-a-bration event
you'll be able to select these easy to make Medallions Card Kit from Stampin' Up! during our
Sale-a-bration event for FREE!  How cool is that!

Browse our catalog today on my webstie, Here!  Start making amazing cards and brightening the day of a friend today!  Don't wait!  Order today!

Sending You Sunshine!

Marsha J.

Week 5: Letter Writing Goal For 2018

Today starts week 5 of my 2018 letter writing goal.

Remember, back in December when I first announced my new year goal was to send 52 letters and cards to 52 friends and family members by the end of 2018?

I invited all of you to join me and some of you have so I hope you are staying on track and following along with me each week.  Catch up from the beginning of week 1 at the link below:

#52weeksnailmailchallenge

 My favorite way to send my letters is with this pocket letter style you see here.

But, I also added a new style this past week and gave out 2 letters this way to local friends who sadly lost their husbands in a span of a couple of weeks of each other.  Drying tears.

Do you like it?

No more boring cards and letters with just a few words written inside.  Now, I can send cute pocket letters with mini envelopes inside the folded corners.

I put a tea bag inside one of the envelopes.

The 2 mini envelopes on the left and right sides have little notes cards and a scripture that gives encouragement for those days you need a little pick-me-up.

The bottom envelope is filled with confetti and a shaker bag for those days you want to celebrate a milestone you reached.

Read all about week 2, week 3 and week 4 and join in the fun!

Now, it's your turn. Show me on your social media accounts what you are sending out to your friends.  Use my handle @marketssunshine (Twitter)

@marketsofsunshine_jw (Instagram)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/marketsofsunshine

Thanks again for stopping by and taking time to read my post.

Sending You Sunshine!

Marsha J.

Introducing! The February Signature Collection - Limited Edition Set

I'm so excited to announce our February Signature Collection is here!  Want to see all the pretty handmade products I made for you so that you can reach your goals for the new year?
Take a peek in my Etsy shop, MarketsofSunshine and you'll see the full collection of products featuring...

                                                          Handmade bookmarks  
                                                         with plastic cover and hand stitched
                                                         so they won't come apart!

One set SOLD! Already!

 Elegant Snap Wallets

Since most of us are staying indoors to stay warm.  We are getting together with friends and family to enjoy some good times and good food.

What better way than by hosting a tea party!

In addition, to all the new goal setting products I am adding to my Markets of Sunshine shop.

I am also adding new vintage products to our PioneerFundraiser shop that will help you plan your next tea party in style.

Check out our tea cup collection below.

Flower of the Month Tea Cup and Saucer Gift Sets
Available in our Etsy shop

SOLD!

Tea Cup Gifts by Month

Mikassa Hampton Court Place Setting (Available)

*****************************************************************************

That's not all the fun things I have for you this week.

Our #52weeksnailmailchallenge is still going strong.

Check out the cards I made and sent this week below.

I wanted to Thank my over 3000 reader's that visit my blog every month.  I know you are a bit shy because you rarely leave a comment.  So let's play a little game to see who will go out of their comfort zone and leave a comment this week.

Are you ready?  What is your favorite post I did in 2017?  Put the title of the post in the comments box below.

Sending You Sunshine!

Marsha J.