How Bazaar, how bazaar!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving! I know we did. If you're in the Chicago area and looking for that perfect Christmas gift this weekend, come on into Bucktown for a great craft show! Yours truly will be set up there along with many other wonderful and talented artisans.

What: The Bucktown Bazaar

Where: Holstein Park Field House 2200 N. Oakley

When: Saturday, November 27th - Sunday, November 28th 11am-5pm Both Days

Who: theloudwhisper and many others!

Why: To get that holiday shopping out of the way and to support handmade!!

It is free admission along with a free Origami Workshop from 2pm-4pm each day. I hope to see you there! Until next time...

You've Got A Friend In Me

If there is one thing that I have learned it is that you need a friend. Someone to laugh with you and at you; someone to cry with you and for you; someone like Moses' friends, Aaron and Hur, who when his arms were tired they held them up for him.

At a time when people are giving thanks for all of the things that they have and things that they have accomplished, I want to pause and thank all of the people who have encouraged me, laughed with me, cried with me, and held my arms up when I needed it. I have been blessed with friendships and rich relationships that I am so grateful for. From my wonderful husband, who I was so lucky to be junior high sweethearts with and grow up with, to my amazing sister, who words cannot describe what an important part of my life she is, to all of my new friends that I have made in my new home, who have been a total answer to prayers. I am thankful for you, I love you, and I appreciate you. All of you.

The reason theloudwhisper exists is for those who feel like they don't have that person in their life to encourage them and be there for them. I am here to tell you that if you can manage to look through, and fight past, the despair you will find God's great big arms reaching out to hold you up and be there for you. He has put so many people around you that care about you. You matter. Don't be fooled. This world needs you. You are destined for greatness.

If you think this is just someone trying to sell jewelry, I beg you to take another look. This is but a Whisper of something Loud. There is so much hurt and pain out there and I know about it. I have been there. This is my attempt to encourage the conversations of hope that need to be had. This is my attempt to make someone feel loved, adored, and worth it... even if that's through the gift of a piece of jewelry. In the words of my friends over at TWLOHA, "Hope is real, help is real."

Be sure to take time this Thanksgiving to tell people how much they matter to you. You never know how much time you have to tell them or how life-altering it may be for them to hear that. Until next time friends...

Deck the Halls!

Some may say it's too soon to be decking the halls. I, on the other hand, already have our Christmas tree up! And as far as Christmas shopping goes, well you can never get started too early on that. Speaking of shopping, let me show you the new necklace that is sure to be a hit for the holidays!

This great initial necklace is the perfect personalized gift to give. You always hear how initial gifts are such a hit and I know that I, personally, always turn to monogram-type items when I don't know what to give someone. This year, you can get your preferred initial stamped onto a wooden tag and paired up with a fun beaded charm all for $18! And you can feel even better about your purchase since 20% of all purchases go to benefit To Write Love On Her Arms. It's a total win-win!

Head on over to the store to pick one, or two, or three out! You can specify the type/color beaded charm you'd like to go with the initial, or you can leave it up to me to pick one out just for you. What a great gift?! Until next time...