We're Participating In "Walk For Hope" Oct 16

Very exciting news! Brianne's Basics is participating in the Walk For Hope, hosted by Be The Cause.

What is this event about?
The Walk for Hope is a reminder of the things that matter most in life. The purpose of the entire event is to spread more love in the world. The entire 3.5 kilometer route (2.2 miles) is decorated with inspiring quotes, all of them hand-made. You can also expect to find activity stations along the walk route.

The Walk for Hope is free, there is no registration fee. The entire Walk for Hope is our gift to the community.

Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: El Dorado Park
Address: 7550 East Spring Street, Long Beach, CA
Map: http://is.gd/cGoeU

Parking: $7 charged by El Dorado Park.

Brianne's Basics will be out there, promoting our mission and items. We'll also have information on Friends Like Us, Bears On Patrol, our Mikk's Kid Krusaders Operation Gratitude Drive, our Doodlekins Fundraiser, and SO much more!

Bring your change and troop support items! Come out and say hi! Donate an item and get a free gift!

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Mikk's Kid Krusader Operation Gratitude Drive

I am so proud to announce that Mikk's Kid Krusaders is coordinating a "Treats For Troops" drive for Operation Gratitude.

Our drive will consist of (2) parts:

1. Collection Drive

2. Fundraiser

Here are some details. Need more? Just email us at mikkskidkrusaders {at} gmail {dot} com OR leave a comment here!

PART 1: COLLECTION DRIVE We plan on holding a big collection drive. Hopefully we'll be working with a bunch of local businesses to set up collection boxes throughout Lakewood and Long Beach. You can also send us your donations via postal mail. As we get locations, we'll let you know!

JUST ANNOUNCED:

Averyboo Arts has agreed to let us have a table in front of their store for the First Fridays LB Event! THANK YOU to Averyboo Arts!

Wish List:

* Knit Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Neck Gators (see directions links below or here: Scarves)

* Beanie Babies, Webkinz, Trolls or other Small Plush Toys

* Halloween Candy

* White Socks

* Energy Bars, Beef Jerky

* Commercially sealed Lip Balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant

* Computer Flash Drives, DVDs and CDs, Video Games

* Headsets (earpiece and microphone) and WebCams

* Prepaid Phone Cards

* Travel Size Board Games, Novelty Items, Yo-Yos, etc.

* Bandana Coolers/Cool-Ties, Battery Operated Fans

* Screenprinted T-shirts, Baseball Style Caps

HANDMADE ITEMS:

* Knit or Crochet Scarves (5-7" Wide, 45-50" long)

* Hand-made Greeting Cards: We welcome hand-made cards with your personal message on them or cards that are blank that the troops can use to write to their loved ones (or to you!)

* Written letters of appreciation

PART 2: FUNDRAISER!We'll be selling a variety of items.

Crochet flowers: $2

Granny square scarves: $5

We're also running a DOODLEKINS Fundraiser!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. Donate items!

2. Purchase any of our fundraiser items.

3. SPREAD THE WORD!

4. Own a business? Let us set up a collection box!

ABOUT: Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based organization that sends care packages to individually named troops deployed overseas. We hold two campaigns each year: A Patriotic Drive in the spring, and a Holiday Drive in the fall-winter. We expect to send at least 100,000 care packages per year between the two campaigns. We accept donations of items for the Patriotic Packages from March 1 through May 5, and for the Holiday Drive from September 8 through December 5. We accept letters year-round.

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Kids Craft Corner: Sunday October 3

It's that time! Kids Craft Corner is back at the LB Sunday Market, http://www.longbeachsundaymarket.com ! And it's time for our Halloween Happening :-)

We'll have plenty to choose from: ghost picture frames, bookmarks, pirate/rock star dogtags, & princess frames. All crafts are only $1!

PLUS we have a new feature: Fill A Bag! We've gotten tons of craft goodies and embellishments donated lately, but many loose or single items. So you have the opportunity to fill a sandwich bag of goodies for $1.

Spread the word, and we'll see you on Sunday!

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Wedding Mixers Galore!

It's been quite a busy week! Two mixers in one week!

Tuesday was our big work mixer, the So Cal Officiant Open House/Mixer. Over 100 guests attended from all parts of the wedding industry. We're still getting compliments on how great the party was! My Brianne's Basics charity favors were passed out. We made over 100 for the event and gave out most of them :-)

Wednesday was the OC Brides Mixer at the Heritage Museum of Orange County. It's a beautifully restored vintage museum. Original houses from the 1800s, barns, tools, etc. Absolutely gorgeous.

I even won two raffle prizes! A $10 gift card for M. Foscari in Anaheim, and six months free listing on OCBrides.com

I met so many wedding professionals and all of them loved the concept! Customized party favors with a charity focus.

This is such an exciting time!

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Have your party favors done for free!

I'm giving away a set of party favors! Personalized party favors, done for your event, for FREE! I'm looking for a few businesses interested in "cross promotion". You promote my party favor business, either in your store or online. I'll provide party favors for your next event! Email me at 4briannesbasics {at} gmail {dot} com Thanks!

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Our 1st Party = Success!

While at the Long Beach Sunday Market, I met a mom named Robin. We had previously met online, & we discussed the possibility of me doing party favors for her daughter's birthday. She chose a very eco friendly, creative reuse themed party. Perfect!

First, I made decorated seed packets. I chose annuals, since here in So Cal every season is garden season! Each packet was trimmed with lace doilies and adorned with a fabric pink rose.

Second, I made crochet hair flowers made from "rescued" yarn, meaning remnants that were donated.

I placed those in light and dark pink organza bags, and displayed them in tin dragonfly lanterns! The framed sign explained that 50 cents from each favor was donated to CHOC Walk.

It was a hit! She loved the colors, theme, all of it!

Our first party = success!

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Wedding Wire!

Have you seen our profile on Wedding Wire? If not, check it out HERE!

We have lots of events coming up, and we're expanding our online presence. Exciting times!

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Let’s Go For It! NEW Goal Of $550 For CHOC Walk!

We’ve have (unofficially) hit our goal of $350! WOOHOO!!! I got a message from a friend saying a $50 donation is being sent in a few days!

NOW, can we hit $550?! If we do, then we also earn a free accessory at RideMakerz, a Vera Bradley coin purse, AND an extra Disneyland Parkhopper ticket! All of which will be given to those who donate

So can we hit $550? We’re only $180 away, I think we can!

You can donate:
* By credit card at http://www.chocwalk.net/heathernelson

* By Paypal to heathernelson {at} live {dot} com
* By ordering Doodlekins products
* By check (email me at heathercrownelson {at} gmail {dot} com for the address!)

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I'm A Doodlekins Diva!

I am SO excited and proud to announce I'm officially a Doodlekins Diva!

What's that? You've never heard of Doodlekins?!

It's such a great company, run by friendly people. The tagline is "Create Your Own Cartoon Family". And you really do! How fun is that!

You choose skin color, eyes, hair color, hair style, accessories, etc. My biggest draw was that they had Awareness Ribbon colors in a huge variety of colors. As you all know, I'm big on charity and volunteer work. So that really appealed to me.

The selection and assortment is astounding! They have notecards, notepaper, notepads, stationary. Totebags, mugs, t-shirts. Round stickers, address labels, etc. You can personalize them for literally just about anything: graduation, h0lidays, weddings, baby, charity, anything!

And yes, I'm not only a fan and independent distributor, but I'm also a loyal customer! I've order items for my day job in a wedding chapel, plus for my charity business Brianne's Basics. The items were quality, and almost too adorable to use!

I've been asked to be a Doodlekins Diva, which means I'm now an Independent Distributor for the company. And I am SO proud of that! I really do love this company, and what they do.

There are a few ways you can order:

* www.Doodlekins.com and where it asks how you found us put in "Diva-Nelson-1"

OR

* Purchase from me directly!

And during my LAUNCH PARTY, you can help out a charity as well!

I'm participating in CHOC Walk In The Park, March On Alzheimer's, PurpleStride OC & possibly a few other walks by December. I will donate 75% of my qualifying commission to the event of your choice in your name!

In addition, you'll receive a coupon and gift pack from me.

For more information, please email me at DivaNelson1 {at} yahoo {dot} com

Offer valid on orders placed from September 8-30, 2010. Order must be placed through Heather Nelson, Doodlekins Diva/Independent Distributor. Order must be paid for by September 30, 2010. Amount donated depends on order total before shipping and taxes.

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Charity Is A Work Of Heart... Show Your Guests That Also!

Brianne's Bridal Basics is expanding more & more even day!

We currently got new party favors. PLUS we're part of the So Cal Officiant Open House & Mixer on September 14!

You might be wondering, how exactly does this all work?

#1 You contact me at 4briannesbasics@gmail.com and tell me what type of party you’re planning. A wedding, a kid’s party, etc. You can also leave a comment here with your email & I'll contact you.

#2 You and I work together to create the perfect party favors or goody bags.

#3 I send you the box of favors, filled or unfilled (tba), plus a framed sign to display 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.

#4 Favors run anywhere from 50 cents to $2 each. So this is a very cost efficient and practical way to add to your event!

#5 We decide on extra decorations, if any. Stickers, ribbons, etc.

It really is that easy! We can do party favors, birthdays, wedding, new baby, baptisms, etc. You name it, we'll do our best!

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

Examples of our party favors:

* Yellow & white box: 35 cents each

* Maroon & creme fall box: 40 cents each

* Black & white bag: 40 cents each

* Black pillow box: 25 cents each

* Love frosted pillow box: 30 cents each

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LB Locals: you can a FREE massage for $5!

Long Beach locals have a chance to win one of my CHOC Walk prizes for only $5!

Here are the prizes LB Locals can win:

* $10 Gift Card to the LB Depot For Creative Reuse
* 60 minute Massage @ The Loft On Broadway
* Personal consult, haircut, & design with Robin @ The Loft On Broadway
* European Facial @ The Loft On Broadway

Here are ALL of the prizes so far:
* Disneyland Parkhopper ticket
* rare Downtown Disney Build A Bear
* Disney Anime themed scrapbook kit
* Scentsy full size warmer
* Scentsy plug in warmer

Again, there are MANY ways to win!

INDIVIDUALS:
* LB LOCALS: Donate $5, receive (1) entry
* Donate $10, receive (1) entry
* Donate $30, receive (4) entries
* Donate $50, receive (6) entries!
* Purchase the Mickey or Minnie beanie from my etsy store!

BUSINESSES:
OPTION 1: $25, black & white logo, website address
OPTION 2: $10, business name & website only
Your business name &/or logo will go on a special walk shirt I'm designing for our family team, Mikk's Kid  Krusaders. We're also going to have a small banner or sign with our team name. PLUS, All vendors will receive a Disney gift bag, plus a  certificate to display, in addition to all of the promotion @ our  various events & online!

You can donate at http://www.chocwalk.net/heathernelson or via Paypal to heathernelson {at} live {dot} com

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

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Who wants a free massage, facial, or hair consult?

The Loft On Broadway has generously donated three amazing prizes!
* 60 minute Massage
* Personal consult, haircut, & design with Robin
* European Facial

Here are ALL of the prizes so far:
* Disneyland Parkhopper ticket
* rare Downtown Disney Build A Bear
* Disney Anime themed scrapbook kit
* Scentsy full size warmer
* Scentsy plug in warmer
* 60 minute Massage @ The Loft On Broadway
* Personal consult, haircut, & design with Robin @ The Loft On Broadway
* European Facial @ The Loft On Broadway

Again, there are a few ways to win!

INDIVIDUALS:
* Donate $10, receive (1) entry
* Donate $30, receive (4) entries
* Donate $50, receive (6) entries!
* Purchase the Mickey or Minnie beanie from my etsy store!

BUSINESSES:
OPTION 1: $25, black & white logo, website address
OPTION 2: $10, business name & website only
Your business name &/or logo will go on a special walk shirt I'm designing for our family team, Mikk's Kid  Krusaders. We're also going to have a small banner or sign with our team name. PLUS, All vendors will receive a Disney gift bag, plus a  certificate to display, in addition to all of the promotion @ our  various events & online!

You can donate at http://www.chocwalk.net/heathernelson or via Paypal to heathernelson {at} live {dot} com

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

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A Perfect Gift For Teachers!

I found these adorable cross stitch plaques today! Each one measures 2.25" by 2.25". Perfect for the teachers in your life!

I will make each plaque for you. These are only $3 each, free shipping!

Email me at 4briannesbasics {at} gmail {dot} com for more info & to order!

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*NEW* Crochet Baby Hats!

I've added a new item to my crochet beanie line: baby hats! I was inspired by my cousin, who's due with her second baby in late September. This first one will go to her :-)

The baby beanies are $6 each, free shipping! I also gift wrap each beanie with a personal message from you.

You can email me at 4briannesbasics {at} gmail {dot} com for more info!

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*NEW* items added to Etsy!

We've added a bunch of new items to our Etsy stores! Please support our cause. Remember, 100% of our profits go to various charities and events! On Brianne's Bridal Basics, we added Black & White Favor Boxes (I can do larger quantities, just email me at 4briannesbasics {at} gmail {dot} com) On Celebrate Recovery, we added some of our beanies! Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Ocean Dreams, & School Daze. Thank you for your support!

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*NEW* Disney Mickey & Minnie Mouse Handmade Beanies!

LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Introducing Mickey & Minnie Mouse themed beanies! Each one is handmade, crocheted by me.

The Mickey beanie has 2 yellow buttons, like his shorts. The Minnie beanie has a yellow flower, like her hat!

Available in adult & kid sizes :-)

I'm making these as a fundraiser for CHOC Walk. So they're only available for a limited time!

Adult beanies are $10, kid beanies are $8. OR purchase a family set for $15 (1 adult, 1 kid).

Email me at 4briannesbasics {at} gmail {dot} com for ordering & questions!

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#Craft For A #Cause

A friend from Operation Gratitude sent me a link for Joann’s Craft For A Cause contest. I instantly fell in love. Heck YES I’m entering!

That got the wheels turning. Oh jeez, I need to come up with a GOOD craft idea! And I did, I came up with a really really cute and fun idea. And also very crochet heavy LOL I can’t tell you what it is quite yet, but I can tell you it involves lots of the items in the picture

And so to offset all of THOSE, I’m offering my granny square scarves for 25% off!

Adult Scarves
2 color scarf: $7.50 (reg $10)
4 color scarf: $11.25 (reg $15)

Kid Scarves
2 color scarf: $6 (reg $8)
4 color scarf: $9.75 (reg $13)

Also, the first 5 people to order will get free shipping As always, 100% of our profits from Brianne’s Basics go towards charities and events!

So if you’d like to order a scarf, please email me at 4briannesbasics {at} gmail {dot} com Payment is not due immediately, we’ll discuss that

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SECOND OPTION for business owners!

I’ve added a second option for small business owners such as myself.

I know that $25 can be pretty steep, so I’ve added a second text only option for $10.

OPTION 1:$25, black & white logo, website address

OPTION 2: $10, business name & website only

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

JUST ADDED: All vendors will receive a Disney gift bag, plus a certificate to display, in addition to all of the promotion @ our various events & online!

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Are you a #charity #volunteer? Do you run a #charity? Tell me more!

As part of my DayZero Project List, I want to create & publish a list of 101 Ways To Donate Or Volunteer. I'm hoping people will read this list and see just how easy it is to volunteer. Do you volunteer? Do you run a charity? Do you know ways people can help out? Then let me know! Email me at workofheartzine {at} gmail {dot} com I'm looking for both local and national charity organizations. Deadline to submit your ideas and organization is September 15. The first volume will be published on October 1. Can't wait to hear from you!

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Bloggers! Do you review? Do you host giveaways?

I'm looking for a few mommy bloggers interested in reviewing a product or hosting a giveaway.

I would, of course, include a few extra items for you!

If you're interested, please email me at 4briannesbasics {at} gmail {dot} com

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Granny Square Scarves Are Here!

Our handmade granny square scarves are now available!

You choose the colors, either 2 colors or 4 colors. Each scarf is lovingly handmade to order by Heather. The scarves are approximately 4 inches wide for both adult and kid versions. The adult scarves are approximately 64 inches long. The kid scarves are either 32 inches long or 48 inches long (toddler or school aged).

Please allow 2-3 weeks for the creation of the scarf, and an additional 1-2 weeks for delivery (depending on delivery choice).

Adult Scarves
2 color scarf: $10
4 color scarf: $15

Kid Scarves
2 color scarf: $8
4 color scarf: $13

All prices do not include actual shipping costs.

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL: Order and pay for your scarf by August 31 and you get FREE shipping!

** Please note: Actual creation time depends on how many scarves have been order. If I have two orders in front of yours, realistically it could take up to one month for me to create and ship it. So it's best to get your order in ASAP.

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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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