Dr. Seuss Cakes

I haven't posted one of my cakes in ages. And, even though it has been a while since I made these, I thought I would post them for fun. I made these for my BFF's birthday. She LOVES Dr. Seuss.

So, with out further adieu...
Sam I Am

AND

Horton Hears a Who

Giving Challenge ~ Send a Stocking to a College Student

Do you have any college students in your life? I do! I'm going to take a few minutes to put together a fun gift to send them for the holidays. Last year, before Christmas, I found cutie patootie stockings on clearance at Old Navy for $1. I've filled those with some of my freebies and a few small items from my gift closet. The cost for each one is less than $5 (not including shipping), and will make two very special young ladies that I've been privileged to mentor smile. What's more fun than getting a package when you're in college. Want another fun idea for a college student? Check THIS out!

Giving Challenge ~ Love Without Boundaries

If you have read much of my blog, you know that we recently added a precious daughter to our family through adoption. Our baby girl is a joy and fits right into this crazy household. While waiting to meet our daughter, I became aware of an organization that was working to improve conditions in many orphanages in China, including the one that our daughter spent the first 17 months of her life in.

Love Without Boundaries provides medical help, including life-saving surgeries, more nutritious food, and much more to orphans throughout China. There is a way that you can help without spending one dime extra. Whenever you shop on Amazon, just start at the Love Without Boundaries website. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Amazon Associates". This link will take you straight to Amazon, and LWB will receive a percentage back from all of your purchases. I use Amazon for a lot of things from Christmas and Birthday gifts to groceries. This is a wonderful no-cost way to positively impact the lives of those who are helpless and fatherless.


Also, this year, jewelry designer Renee' Gibson has put together a beautiful bracelet for LWB. The proceeds from this bracelet will fund Love Without Boundaries' wonderful work. Find out more HERE.

Giving Challenge ~ Salvation Army

You know those dedicated, slightly crazy people who stand outside this time of year with the little red buckets? I have been amazed at the nasty weather through which they will ring their bells to raise money for people in need. I have discovered that it takes a concerted effort on my part to be able to drop some change in those red buckets. See, I am a full participant in the digital age...meaning I never carry cash...ever. One day someone is going to try to mug me and be greatly disappointed. :) So, this time of year, I make the extra effort to have some change on hand so that I or my kiddos can contribute to the Salvation Army's work.

And here's a bonus thought for the day...the next time you see one of those kind-hearted folks ringing a bell in below-freezing temperatures...stop by with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and thank them for their sacrifice!

Giving Challenge ~ Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is not a new organizations, by any means. But, it is one that has been so publicized that it could be easily overlooked or forgotten. Through the year, as I find good deals on standard toys, I pick them up and save them for holiday toy drives. I just received a note from my son's preschool that they will be a collection center for Toys for Tots this year.

As with so many charities, no one person can meet all of the need. But, if everyone helps in some small way, many lives can be touched.

Toys for Tots donations can be dropped off at Toys'R Us and Babies'R Us stores nationwide. Or, find a donation center in your area.