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****Congratulations to DEBRA CARLSON!  You are the winner for the Tukula Giveaway.  Contact me and let me know which accessory you would like.  If you weren't a winner this time don't worry there will be another giveaway soon!!!****

Remember when I talked about self reflection?  If you forgot or missed it you can check the post out here. I'll be referencing one of those books on that "Recommendation List."  As I was doing some self reflection, I came across a quote that I clearly needed to read.  

                                                                  "The Real art of conversation 

                                                               is not only to say the right thing

                                                               at the right place but to leave

                                                               unsaid the wrong thing at the 

                                                               tempting moment."

                                         --Dorothy Nevill

                         Volume Four: Thoughts for one hundred days (50)

                                                                     By: Richard L Evans

As you can guess, this incident happened to me this last week.  I was having a conversation with family, and I don't know what came over me during that moment, but I just said what I was thinking.  After I said what I did I realized how mean and negative it sounded.  I apologized for the comment that was said, but I still felt class-less and like a bully for my comment. 

There was a story I read once about someone (person A) handing someone else (person B) a plate.  Person A told person B to throw the plate as hard as they could.  The plate shattered into tons of pieces.  Person A then told person B to say, "I'm Sorry" to the plate.  Person B did, but the plate still stayed shattered.

What I'm trying to say, is even when we mess up and say unkind comments and realize it and apologize, like that plate those words can't be taken back and fix what was said.  So remember how damaging words can be and try to refrain from speaking unkind and negative words. 

"For beautiful Eyes, look for the good 

in others; for BEAUTIFUL LIPS, SPEAK 

ONLY WORDS OF KINDNESS; and for

poise, walk with the knowledge that

you are never alone."

                            --Audrey Hepburn

Best of luck.  Hugs XXXX

                                        Jaimey

Fashion + Giving Back = Sword & Plough

Happy Friday friends.
I'm really enjoying doing my inspirational Friday posts.  I hope you guys are able to find some inspiration from them.  Inspiring people was one of the biggest reasons why I started blogging.  It's been fun finding quotes and books and fashion companies I think will inspire you.

I came across this company who I find has a very inspiring mission.  The company is Sword & Plough.  Are you wondering what their name means?  Here you go.  Sword & Plough is an ancient saying that means "To turn swords into plough shares."  Translation... "To take military technologies and materials and apply them to peaceful civilian applications."  So basically they take military supplies and turn them into items civilians can use.  In this case their items are handbags, and accessories!!!

Their mission: Empower Veteran employment, Reduce waste and Strengthen shared civil-military understanding.  What their company does is first they recycle over 1000 pounds of military surplus materials (tents, sleeping bags, parachutes) that would've been trashed.  Then they combine durable fabrics with Eco-friendly leather accents into stylish designs.  These leather accents, and other durable textiles are manufactured in America.  From there the materials are sent to Veteran owned, and staffed manufactures.  This is where the construction of the bags take place.  One of the manufacturers is Green Vets LA.  Sword & Plough also works with many other American manufacturing companies as well as non-profit organizations. These beautiful bags are then sold and with each sale 10% of the profit goes back to the initial users of the products.

How cool is that?  Their mission is both amazing & beautiful.  Are you guys ready to see their products? Well I think you all will be very surprised.  Theses bags are not only beautiful, but because they are military products, they are all extremely durable and water resistant.

 I will be the first to admit that I forget that there are men and women overseas fighting for our country which allows me to raise my children in a safe country.  I am so grateful for all the selfless men and women who sacrifice their lives and time away from their families.  So thank you so much to all of you who have ties to the military.  We appreciate your service so much!  My challenge for you friends, is the next time you see a vet or a military personal smile at them and thank them for their service.  Or if you have an opportunity to do help them out, please do so and don't forget that they've helped you too.  Pay it forward!!
Don't forget to check out Sword & Plough's website.

I hope you found a little inspiration in today's post.  Big Hugs XxX
                                                                                                   Jaimey

LOVE

I found this quote on pinterest a while ago and I am so glad I pinned it.  Because it's the month of Love and today is the actual "Love Day" I thought this quote would be perfect for Inspirational Friday.  

This is so true.  You can tell somebody a hundred times a day that you love them, but if you don't show that person how important and special they are in your life, the words, "I Love You" soon become a mockery of love and fall on deaf ears.

So my challenge to you dear readers is to really show your loved ones through your actions and acts of service how much you really do love them,  Continue to say the words "I Love You" but remember they are felt and heard even more when love is shown.  

I hope you all have a wonderful and special Valentines Day.  

**Smile at strangers today of all days because some do not have a loved one to smile with**

Lots of Hugs XxxxxX

Jaimey