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

Thinking Of You Gift Ideas - Happy Mail Binder

Now is a great time to send happy mail to your loved ones.  I have a great project for you to do that will cost you less than $10 to complete and mail.  Check out my YouTube video below to see just how easy it is to make one of these wonderful binders.  Think of it as the next best thing to being there in person.  They'll sure love it!

For more great gifts under $10 visit my Etsy shop, Markets of Sunshine today. ,,,click shop name <<

  Check out my YouTube channel and help me reach my goal of 100 subscribers.  Click channel <<<<

Get an inside look at February’s Paper Pumpkin kit

I'd love to have you join my card making circle of friends and receive one of these fun kits in the mail for February.  Why not sign-up today and get something delivered to your door that will inspire you to do random acts of kindness to the people you love the most.



To get started head on over to my website here at Stampin Up! >>>Marsha Jaramillo <<<<



Click on the Paper Pumpkin link and fill out the form.

When you get to the demonstrator section add my name: Marsha Jaramillo (Deltona, FL)



Pick the subscription you want and pay.



It's that easy!



I hope you will give this fun kit a try.  Once, you do I know you'll love it as much as I do.



Thanks!



Marsha

Sale-A-Bration | Precious Parcel Card Kit by Stampin' Up!

Week 46: Six Weeks Left To Finish The Snail Mail Challenge

 Markets Of Sunshine

#52weeksnailmailchallenge is coming to an end in just six weeks.  We are on week 46 and the clock is counting down.  How did you do with this challenge?  I got a little behind and am working hard to get caught up so I can finish the challenge on time and have 52 cards to show for my hard work.  
I have 24 more cards to send out in the next six weeks.  I started making the new cards a few weeks ago and have a stack sitting next to me on the couch.  Things have gotten a little hectic at times which through me off my game.  
I finally have things back under control and am back to my regular routine.  I am feeling pretty good health wise and have reached my target goal for my weight for 2018.  I am just one pound away from where I was back in 2015.  

So now the big question on my mind is what kind of challenge should we do for 2019?

Here is where you come in.  I will be sending out an email next week with a survey.  It will give you three options to choose from for our challenge for 2019.  It will be a monthly challenge instead of a weekly challenge.  This gives you four weeks to get that's month challenge accomplished.

What I need from you now is some ideas.  Just post below and tell me what is your biggest challenge for keeping up with your daily routine.  You don't have to go in to a lot of detail just give me a few words like....organize tips, relationships, budgeting, gratitude etc...

You get the idea.  So help a sister out and give me your ideas.
Have you been by my Etsy shop lately?  I have lots of new patterns for you to choose from.
I've even added some new products.  Come and see what I have for you to make your life awesome!>>>>>>  Markets Of Sunshine <<<<<< makes your life an adventure!

Are you on my mailing list?  Don't miss out on getting in on this challenge survey.  Sign-up below at this link to give me your two cents.

Hero Adventures Starts Here!

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and share your thoughts with us.

Sending You Sunshine!

Marsha J.

Week 16: How To Start An Indoor Miniature Garden On A Budget

Have you caught the miniature garden bug yet?

I have!  I had it long before it became popular.  I have always been fasinated with miniature figurines.

Here is what I started with. I searched through my house and collected all of my miniature figurines that I had purchased over the years.

 It is a collection of all the things I enjoy doing in my life.

Birdhouse, butterfly, camping, flowers, nature, gardening, needlework, tea and a little tractor to keep the grass mowed.

Where To Start?

1.  Search your own collection room by room

2.  Ask friends and family if they have any miniatures they want to give away and do a swap

3.  Go to garage sales or thrift stores

4.  Ask in online forums and groups and do a swap

5.  Save up a $1 a week for your miniature collection

Most of these cute miniatures were under $5 each.  Some were gifted to me and some I bought at garage sales and thrift stores.

Others, I made myself from a kit.

#52WeekSnailMailChallenge - Week 16

 Sending out my pocket letters to friends was so much fun.  They are filled with so many goodies and surprises. 

What did you send out this past week?  I'd love to see.
Just in case you missed Week 1 you can catch it here:
Mail Art Week 1

Have you seen my newest product line?

Paris Collection!

Wallets and Coin Purse Sets

 You'll find them in my Etsy shop, MarketsofSunshine

Click Here!

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

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 9: Giveaway Contest! You Make The Rules!

          Week 9: Giveaway Contest!  You Make The Rules!!

#52weeksnailmailchallenge
February 25 - March 3

Does that sound a little crazy?  Well, it's not.

I decided I'd ask you what would you be willing to do on the internet to win one of the handmade items above from my Etsy shop, MarketsofSunshine <<<<<Click to read details of each item description for what is included and size.

But, I do have a few little requests in return.

  You have to do at least 3 things that I can verify on a blog, social media in a group etc... 

Do these 3 things once a day for 7 days.

 You pay $3.05 for shipping. 

It's a win, win for both of us that way.

To enter put your 3 rules in the comments box below using the G+ option (Google Plus)

Also, include which of the above 4 items you want to win.  

I will reserve that item for you so no one else will get it.

Are you ready to play?!

On your mark!  Get set!  Go!

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

P.S. I am right on target with my letter writing and snail mail challenge.  I will be making more cards to send out this week.

There are a few Anniversaries I will be celebrating in March. 

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!

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.

Pen Pal Letter Writing Challenge: Week 2 #52weeksnailmailchallenge

Pen Pal Pocket Letter

Here we are at week #2 of our #52weeksnailmailchallenge. 
I added some other ways you can join in the fun.  Pen Pal letter writing.  You must have had a pen pal at some point in your life.  Right!
If not, then it is never to late to start.  So, now is the time to get started with us and keep in touch with your friends near and far by old fashioned letter writing.  Lovingly called "snail mail" these days.  
I invited a friend of mine on my IG account to join in the fun and she said:  " I don't know what a snail mail challenge is".  And, I thought I was the one living a sheltered life. Giggle!

That made me realize that some of you dear reader's may have never heard letter writing called "snail mail" either.  
When technology took over the lives of just about everyone on the planet.  The art of writing a letter or card and sending it in the mail came to a state of near extinction.
But, some of us like getting a card or letter in the mail and are reviving this lost art in hopes to bring people back closer in their relationships like it used to be 20 years ago.
Now that we've cleared that up let's move on to the project I made using one of the cool method's of letter writing I found on Pinterest.

Boho pocket letter

If you notice there is a cute paper clip charm hanging out at the top of the pocket letter.  It was so easy to make.  If you'd like to make them yourself here are the supplies you will need.

(large paper clips, charms)

Just open the outside of the paperclip and slide the charm on and bring it around to the top of the paper clip.  Tada!

You just made your very own paper clip charms. Easy as pie!

I lined the inside with pretty coordinating papers.  Added 3 of my handmade envelopes at the top of each section.  Filled up each envelope with some goodies like tea bag, confetti, washi tape and few more little surprises.

At the bottom of each pocket letter folder are 3 more pockets.

I filled them with tags, post cards and quotes.

It folds over and has a ribbon to tie and keep it closed.

Pop it in a business size envelope and mail it for under $1.

All of the pocket letter's you see are available for you to purchase from my Etsy shop.  If you live a very busy life and don't feel you have the time to sit and make your own.  

No problem!

I've made them for you in a variety of colors and themes.

I also take custom requests.  So if you want me to make you one up in a certain theme and color just head over to my Etsy shop,
MarketsofSunshine

and use the Custom Order button.

I'd love to know how you are doing with your letter writing challenge.  

Would you please leave a comment below and let me know what you've made?

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.