And the winner is...

The winner of our adult scarf is JULIE SPRINGER! And the winner of our kid scarf is Ms. Mommy LeBron!

Congrats to both of you!

For the rest of you who did enter, if you order and pay for your scarf by August 31, you get a kid scarf for FREE! See the next post for pricing & such :-)

Results from Random.org:

1. Julie Springer
2. Mommy LeBron

Timestamp: 2010-08-19 00:30:30 UTC

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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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Business Owners! Get your name out to 1000s of #charity walkers

On October 17, 2010, over 15,000 walkers will participate in CHOC Walk In The Park. And you can have your name seen by thousands of those walkers.

I'll be designing a special walk shirt for our family team, Mikk's Kid Krusaders. We're also going to have a small banner or sign with our team name. Each shirt and banner will have a list of our donors, and you can be one of them.

For only $25, I will list your business name and website address. You will also be listed in our special event mini zine that we'll be handing out to hundreds of participants, as well as blogged and tweeted about on our websites.

For $25 you'll be doing a world of good for Children's Hospital Orange County, plus you'll be supporting our family team. In return, you'll be heavily promoted and talked about :-) A win-win!

In addition, you'll also be entered into our drawing for the Disneyland Parkhopper tickets!

Show the world that, like Brianne's Basics, your business is part retail, part charity, and all heart.

For more information, please email Heather at heathercrownelson {at} gmail {dot} com.

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Scarf Selling Update!

For those curious, I AM moving full steam ahead with selling my handmade, personalized scarves.

Here are two patterns I've been working on:

School Theme

Floral Fantasy:

The scarves will run $10-20 each, depending on yarn type and size (kid/adult). If you're interested, please email me at 4briannesbasics {at} gmail {dot} com

Also, don't forget to leave your comment HERE for a chance to win your very own scarf!

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Operation Gratitude & Soldier's Angels Update

I've been hard at work on the scarves for Operation Gratitude and the Blankets of Gratitude for Soldier's Angels.

So far I've made 2 scarves, and 4 granny squares. I try to do at least 1 scarf per week, & 1 square per night.

I'm also helping my friend Mommy LeBron & her adorable daughter LeBella with their Sweet Dreams: Pajamas 4 Patients Project. I currently have 4 squares for her blanket.

So I'm slowly getting there! I may start posting a nightly total to keep myself on track LOL

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Opinions Needed

How much would you pay for a handmade personalized granny square scarf? By that I mean you would pick out three colors, and I would make a scarf for you. Almost patchwork :-)

How much would you pay? $10? $15? More?

Anyone who answers will be entered to win a patchwork scarf of their very own! Thanks guys!

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Soldier's Angel Blanket Underway!

I’ve completed my first granny square for my Soldier’s Angels Blanket Of Gratitude! I hope to complete at least one by the end of the year, hopefully more. I’ll keep posting pictures as I finish more squares.

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Operation Gratitude Scarf #1: DONE!

I’m pretty excited that I finished my first Operation Gratitude scarf! I have it listed on my Day Zero Project list to complete 10 scarves this season. I’m well on my way!

About Operation Gratitude: Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000 care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions. Our mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member’s face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 550,000 packages to American Military deployed overseas.

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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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Kids Craft Corner a complete success!

Today was our first Kids Craft Corner at the Long Beach Sunday Market. It was a success! We nearly sold out of our craft kits!

The parents thought it was a great idea, and the kids loved being creative. We made wooden bookmarks, journals, and mini scrapbooks, ranging 50 cents to $1.

Make sure you join us next month when we make necklaces and bag tags.

Big thanks to the LB Depot For Creative Reuse, Brianne’s Basics, and Matt and Juls from 562citylife.com for the major support!

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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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Ryan Vs. Jaguar… Give Kids The World wins! (July 29)

On Thursday, July 29, Ryan participated in Coasting For Kids, a charity event benefiting Give Kids The World Village. He had such a great time! He left early, about 615am. Him and the other nine riders board Jaguar at 730am and started their trip! By 5pm, Ryan had completed 100 rides. Whew!

After he left, I was watching the KTLA Morning News, and there was my hubby! They were doing a helicopter shot of him and the other riders. He waved to the camera, Mom Michael and I were screaming, it was pretty hilarious. Michael and I arrived at Knott’s at 10am to cheer Ryan on. As we were walking to Jaguar, they rode by and somehow Ryan saw us from across the lake! All of them were waving, very funny. The OC Register did an awesome article on the group, and even posted a video (which Ryan is in!). You can see the video HERE!

The group raised over $800 total. Not bad at all

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Kids Craft and Charity Corner: Coming To The Long Beach Sunday Market!

COMING AUGUST 1: Kids KraftKids Craft and Charity Corner: Coming To The Long Beach Sunday Market! Korner!

Starting on August 1, Brianne's Basics will be hosting a Kids Kraft Korner at the Long Beach Sunday Market.

Every first Sunday, the Market has an Arts Theme. So for our kick-off event, we're having the kids make Summer Journals, which are pretty cute and easy. We're asking all the kids to bring photos and mementos to make the books. We're also taking pictures for them to put in the books.

We're also kicking off monthly charity drives! For August 1, we're collecting both school supplies and items for the troops, benefitting Love In The Mirror and Soldier's Angels. (To see exactly what we're collecting, click on the links). Each month, we'll have a different theme and we'll be collecting different items.

Each craft is a $1-2 donation, depending on the craft.

I am very very excited to be taking on this project for this awesome Sunday Market! It's a very family-centric place. I have three kids, and I obviously do a ton of charity work. They say charity begins at home. So I'm trying to do more in the Long Beach area.

I was also inspired by Kids Are Heroes. Kids can change the world, one event at a time.

If you'd like more information on sponsoring a craft, or having us collect items for your charity, please contact Heather at heathercrownelson {at} gmail.com

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@briannesbasics has a new logo!

Brianne's Basics now has a new logo. I wanted something cute, fun, and angelic. I'm big on angels. I fully believe that we all have guardian angels, guiding us to where we need to be and what we need to do.

So I chose this logo. It's everything I wanted, and every time I look at it, I smile. That counts for something!

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Support The Troops: The Craft Way!

We had a few items out today to raise funds for our adopted soldier from Soldier's Angels. Our best seller was the foam yellow ribbons! One lady bought 5 to put on her fridge, tree, & desk LOL We raised a few dollars, so we'll be using that to shop for items for our soldier. We're sending him a box in a few weeks, so hopefully we can raise even more next week!

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Long Beach Sunday Market

 Today, we were a last minute addition to the Long Beach Sunday Market @ Longfellow Elementary in California Heights. I've been to the Market quite a few times. Justina from Shortnin Bread is there nearly every week, and Charlene has a booth for the LB Depot For Creative Reuse. I had a FABULOUS time! It's a nice market, very family friendly atmosphere. I met lots of great people, some of whom are donating to us! We were invited to come back next week, July 18. There's going to be a Pie Contest, Live Jazz Band, & more. Looks for us near the picnic benches! To learn more about Brianne's Basics, go to http://briannesbasics.webs.com To learn more about the Sunday Market, go to http://www.longbeachsundaymarket.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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Wedding Party Favors!

I got to go shopping for my wedding favor supplies! I’m so excited! I came up with just a few ideas, though my head is positively bursting with new ideas!

All of these favors cost approximately 65 cents to cents to $1.25, depending on which you’d like. These are cute for weddings, baby showers, welcome baby, birthday parties, etc. Anything you can think of!

For more information, please email me at 4briannesbasics@gmail.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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I love Creative Reuse!

The Long Beach Depot For Creative Reuse is my favorite place to go for craft goodies. If you aren't familiar with the concept of creative reuse, it's essentially creatively recycling every day items. I can always find some cute goodies there! I encourage everyone to try creative reuse :-)

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Asian Flower Ephemera

Vintage Asian flower ephemera. What would you use them for? :-)

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Chinese New Year envelopes

These small Chinese New Year envelopes are perfect for artist trading cards, coupon, business cards, gift cards, and so much more!

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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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Large Chinese envelopes

Yesterday, Ryan, the kids, and I took a trip out to Chinatown. I love that place! I can always find goodies there. And yesterday was no exception. Not only did Ryan buy me a new bamboo (yay!), but he also bought me plenty of Green Food for my 3 bamboos LOL I found new red envelopes both large and small, and lots of ephemera. These are cute for pen pal envelopes! I may use a few and sell the others :-) Some of these will be up on my etsy store tomorrow!

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