First of all, the biggest news! I've lowered the minimum donation amount. I’ll draw a name from anyone who donates $10 or more to my personal page at

First of all, the biggest news! I've lowered the minimum donation amount. I’ll draw a name from anyone who donates $10 or more to my personal page at http://www.chocwalk.net/heathernelson

That means you have a chance to get a Disneyland Parkhopper ticket for $10 instead of $97!

I've got two new prizes to add to the list! First up is a Scentsy full size warmer (retail $30).

Second is a Scentsy plug-in warmer (retail $15)

That means I'm giving 4 items away so far!

If I reach my goal of $350, I'll be giving away (1) Disneyland Parkhopper ticket. If I reach $550, I'll be giving away (2) Disneyland Parkhopper tickets!

The more you donate, the more chances you have to win!

Thank you for your support!

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Brianne's Basics: A Featured Artisan At The LB Creative Mixer!

Exciting news! Brianne’s Basics was just confirmed as a featured artisan at the LB Creative Mixer on August 30!

DATE: Monday, August 30

TIME: 7-10pm

LOCATION: Exhibit A; 555 Pine Avenue in Long Beach

We’ll have a booth showcasing our items for sale and the work we’ve done. We’re also making a speech about using your crafts and art to help charities.

Entertainment will be provided by The Potential Lunatics (teen/preteen duo playing punk/indie music), Crepuscule Trio (creative improvised “free jazz” music from saxophonist Ken Kawamura, bassist Anthony Shadduck, and drummer Alan Cook) and painting by Tim “Shelltoon” Sheldon (full time tattoo artist and painter).

This is a big deal for Brianne’s Basics. It’s a fantastic way to get the word out, and hopefully inspire others to volunteer!

Please spread the word, and come to the mixer! All are welcome!

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This somewhat supermommy needs your help!

The Long Beach Press Telegram Amazing Women Awards program is looking for Amazing Women to recognize in the following areas:
Arts and culture ~ Education ~ Community Service ~ Health and Wellness ~ Business ~ Family ~ Youth ~ Sports ~ Environment

And I’m actually asking you, my friends, family, and readers, to nominate, but not for reasons you may think

Getting nominated, not even winning, would bring big publicity and help expand all of my charity work. I’ve donated over $500 to 15 organizations in 2010 alone. I’m a Kids Are Heroes Ambassador, HUGS Program Rep, & Bears On Patrol supporter. I’m also starting the monthly Kids Craft & Charity Corner at the Sunday Market to show kids they can be creative and crafty and volunteer. AND I’m starting the Friends Like Us HUGS Program in collaboration with the LB Depot For Creative Reuse and LB Creative, benefitting Miller Children’s Hospital.

For a mom of three, full time office manager, and someone dealing with health issues, to be able to do all of this is wonderful. Getting nominated would be HUGE because then people would pay more attention. They’d see that you don’t have to be a superwoman to be a volunteer. You can have many outside situations to deal with, AND still make an impact. People would realize even small acts help.

So I’m asking you guys to nominate me, if you’re so inclined. If I’ve helped your organization, if I’ve donated time and/or money, if I’ve inspired you, then please nominate me. If not, at least wish me luck

The url to nominate is http://www.presstelegram.com/women

They do ask for my information. If you need that, please email me at heathercrownelson {at} gmail {dot} com. (Just delete the brackets!)

I thank you in advance

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Relay For Life Recap

Friday, July 31, was the first day of Relay For Life Long Beach. It wasn’t my first time participating, BUT it was my first time volunteering. I ran the Survivor Booth, and somehow got everything together in three weeks. People absolutely loved my gift bags, yay!

The Opening Ceremonies were fun. I even had to get onstage, eek! They announced the Committee Members. Despite all of my volunteer work, I am not a fan of getting onstage LOL Then the Survivors took their lap, and we lined the track to cheer for them.

The night went on with lots of eating, music, and friends. I met so many amazing people, including Cooper. He’s a little boy going through chemo right now, and he is one of the cutest little guys you’d ever meet. I gave his mom and sister “Caregiver” buttons, and the mom a gift bag. I gave Cooper a shirt and a medal, and even I got teary-eyed! It was a very moving moment.

At 9pm, they did the Luminaria Ceremony, which is always moving and emotional. They said “if you’re here for your mother or father, light your glowstick”. I lit mine, and teared up. They went through the list: siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, then survivors. We all made a silent trip around the track with our glowsticks while a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace”. That was played at my grandpa’s funeral, and I cried the entire time.

If you ever get a chance to participate in Relay For Life, I say do it. Even if you only make one trip around the track, do it. It’s an amazing experience, and truly unique.

And I have to give a HUGE thank you to my donors:

Brianne’s Basics ~ Celebrate Recovery

Frosted Cupcakery

La Dolce Vita Spa

LB Depot For Creative Reuse

Pictures are posted at my personal blog, http://misadventuresofamommy.com

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ANNOUNCING: Brianne's Bridal Basics!

Our Etsy store dedicated to charity party favors is now open!

How does it work? First off, you’d contact me at 4briannesbasics@gmail.com and tell me what type of party you’re planning. A wedding, a kid’s party, etc. You and I would design a simple and cute party favor. Each one would also have an awareness ribbon charm and/or awareness color ribbon. You’d also receive signs suitable for framing and displaying at the party saying something to the effect of “We have chosen to give $1 per guest to Kids Are Heroes. We invite you to learn more about this wonderful organization. Thank you for your support.”, etc.

Please visit our new store at http://bridalbasics.etsy.com

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Friends Like Us HUGS Program Kick-Off

We got AMAZING news today!

Sharreace and Tanya from LB Creative emailed me. At the August 30 mixer, not only will they be showcasing my crafts, but we’re also going to have an area where artists can make cards!

These cards will be donated to local hospitals as part of the Friends Like Us HUGS Program.

In addition, Lisa from the LB Depot For Creative Reuse will be setting up a collection box in her store for cards! So even if you can’t make it to the mixer, you can still donate.

If you’d like more information, please leave a comment.

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How You Can Help Friends Like Us

More big news! I’ve been chosen as the California Representative for the HUGS Program, by Friends Like Us.


The Cliffnotes: We deliver handmade cards to children’s hospitals to brighten a child’s day.


What is the Friends Like Us HUGS Program? The “hugs” part of our program is delivering hand-made greeting cards to children diagnosed with cancer in hospitals or cancer clinics in need of support. We feel they are getting a hug when they open up a card and the smile illuminates on their face. We want to be there to show them that they are not alone because someone does really care. What might seem like just a greeting card to us could be the very thing that brightens up their spirit and puts a smile on their face. That is reason enough to deliver hand-made greeting cards to every child with cancer.

Creative ways people will make cards:
A. Card parties! Invite people over to help make a night of helping others.
B. Talk to your kids’ school in getting kids involved.
C. Make family night card making night
D. Contact local youth groups; churches, synagogues, after school programs, day cares
E. Start a; Cards for Kids Cancer Drive

Be creative, but remember to stay positive and encourage a child. We have found that funny cards really bring a big smile. Try it and let us know how you are doing with the program. Thank you for your help and making a difference in a child’s life with cancer. You are the sunshine that is going to brighten up their day. If you have any questions or need anything, please feel free to contact me directly at heathercrownelson@gmail.com or Friends Like Us at info@friendslikeus.org

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