Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Paper Beaded Necklace from Uganda {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}


Paper Beaded Necklace from Uganda {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}

Single long strand paper beaded necklace made by loving hands in Uganda. This necklace is versatile and so pretty! Wear it long, or double it up!

Minimum bid: $10


Sunday, August 21, 2011

Dinner Done $25 gift certificate (Includes pick up meals!!!) Great Gift Idea

$25 Gift Certificate for Dinner Done (Carrollwood, Florida)

This gift certificate includes pick up meals! What a fantastic gift this would make for a new mom, dad, sick family member or friend! Hate to cook? Love to cook but have no time? Bring your gift certificate in to Dinner Done and leave with a fresh, delicious and ready for the oven meal!

Minimum bid: $15


"Love", "Where you live should not determine if you live" Tee Size Small {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled}





"Love", "Where you live should not determine if you live" Tee Size Small {by Erica Shubin of The Road Less Traveled

My pictures do not do this tee justice. It is a very high quality fitted tee size small with a powerful message supporting adoption and Africa. I have a tee that I bought while Erica was fundraising to bring her daughter home from Ethiopia and I LOVE my tee. It's the best fabric and comfortable fit. 

Minimum bid: $15




Saturday, August 13, 2011

Egyptian Cotton King Sized Sheet Set {by Lori's Linens}

This beautiful set of King size sheets are made of 1200 thread count Egyptian Cotton.  Softer with each wash, you will love the feel of these sheets.  The color is Gold and will coordinate easily with many color themes.  Set includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillow cases.  Fits pillow top mattresses.  Donated by Lori's Linens - www.lorislinens.com

Minimum Bid: $25

Egyptian Cotton Queen Sized Sheet Set {by Lori's Linens}

 
This beautiful set of Queen size sheets are made of 1200 thread count Egyptian Cotton.  Softer with each wash, you will love the feel of these sheets.  The color is Bright White and will coordinate easily with just about any decor.  Set includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillow cases.  Fits pillow top mattresses.  Donated by Lori's Linens - www.lorislinens.com

Minimum bid: $25

A genuine Ethiopian cross pendant {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

A genuine Ethiopian cross pendant {donated by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

Minimum bid: $5

Friday, August 12, 2011

How do you know?

We reciently had to face a choice that I wasn't prepaired to make. How is someone supposed to choose an adoptive child?

Ultimately I believe that God has formed our family. I know that my children were selected perfectly for us. We didn't have to really SEE them and make a choice. We looked at their birthfamily history (medical and otherwise) and considered the legal risks and {obviously} said yes. We've never had to say no. Now of course international adoption doesn't work in quite the same way.

With international adoption you are given a file to consider. Within this file there is limited health and medical information. A bit about the child's development and patterns through out the day. There is a lot that is not included and the medical information is at times either impossible to understand or limited information.

When we were presented with the opportunity to review a file I was in my "momma bear" mode- calling specialists, asking family for advice, looking for local resources to help our son (if he was the one) and doing tons of research about his medical needs. In the end we had to make a choice. I was totally unprepaired for how hard that would be so I asked some of my new BFF's in the Tampa Bay Adoptive Families group on Facebook (if you are local you should totally join, amazing support and some of the best ladies on the universe are on there!). Here is what they had to say:


{"I think this is a pretty sensitive subject. having worked with hundreds of adoptive parents prior to retiring, i can tell you that a great many of them rejected referrels because their expectations were not realistic. having said that, a ...great many of them throw all expectations out the window and accept any referrel given them, even if the child would impact their current family very negatively. I think that if moms and dads listen to their guts, BUT also get realistic counsel, they will be ok when it comes to 'knowing'! :-)" - Patty}
 
 
{"In short, when we saw *C*'s picture and file we could not imagine NOT bringing her home. There were a lot of scary unknowns but we knew she was meant to be ours. And in the weeks and months following God provided in miraculous ways and ov...er and over again HE proved to us that we were meant for her and she for us. Next weekend will be 2 months since she was placed in our arms forever and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that she is perfectly made just for us! With *E*, she was just 3 weeks old when she was referred to us (Vietnam, *C* is from China) and when we saw her face is was like there was just something familiar about her. We knew she was ours.it was a perfect match " - Jessica}
 
{"I have to say for me, with both kiddos, I received the referral and was numb. I think it was my defense mechanism at work. I knew that nothing was for 100% sure until we went to court and they were granted ours. With my ds, I was coming off of 9 yrs of infertility and I did not think anything was real (sounds strange, I know). With my daughter, after we received her referral everyone was so excited for us (it was a long wait for her) and kept saying this over and over and how beautiful she was and how excited they were. I remember just going through the motions and saying, 'oh, yes, we are very excited" but in reality, I was completely numb. I would have to say that in both adoptions, after the judge granted them ours and I burst out crying both times, it was then that I felt they were my kids and that I could breath again and finally realize they were mine. With my son, we were only with him in country for about 6 days, then flew home. When we got home, it was as if I had never been without him. With our daughter, we were in country 30 days (with her) and I never felt "truly" attached to her as my son was here in FL and this child had never even been with a babysitter before let alone without me for 30 days! As soon as we got home and I had my son and daughter together, in the good ole USA, I felt like it was complete and at that point. I know some people fall in love right when the receive their referral, but in all honesty in the 9 yrs that I have been counseling families through the process, I have told them to try not to fall in love with the photo and nothing is a sure thing until it the judge grants the adoption. It is hard to say that, but I have seen families have their hearts broken bc they "knew" that the referral was meant to be theirs, but turns out the child was never meant to be theirs." - adoptive mom}
 
 
 
 
We ended up having to say no to this particular file. It was hard. Hard on both my husband and I. Adoption is HARD sometimes. So worth it, but not all peaches and cream. I know that having gone through this experience has made an impact. I'm praying that the next file...will be LB (little brother) and we will know that we know that we know. I pray daily for the little boy who was not meant for our family. I pray that his "perfect fit" finds him soon and that he is adored and cared for in the way that he needs. I don't think I will ever forget him.
 
Have you faced a decision like this? I would love to hear from you! How did you know? How has the choice impacted you and your family? If you would like to guest post about your choice please contact me at sarahviera@yahoo.com or comment below with your contact information.
 
Sweet blessings to you!- Sarah
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Tastefully Simple Variety {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

Tastefully Simple Items {by Rachel Walser of Walser Adoption Adventures}

"Tastefully Simple offers "the food you love, the time you deserve!" Convenience driven gourmet food products require less than two additional ingredients for their preparation. Enjoy a savory sauce and some sweet treats!"
 
Minimum Bid: $12
 
 

Beautiful Handmade Fish Purse {by Jaiyin Designs}





Fish Purse

Donated by Jiayin Designs, to celebrate good and beautiful news

In China, the fish represents wealth and prosperity; the actual word in Chinese for fish also translates to “abundance”. The carp is noted for its strength and bravery because it swims against the current. And, according to legend, the carp turns into the revered Celestial Dragon when it makes a final leap over the rapids.

Celebrating that symbol, this purse is handmade in Beijing with fabrics from Dali city in Yunnan province. Winning bidder may choose the main color of the bag depending on what is in stock at the auction end.


Minimum Bid: $15


Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The Gift Certificate Giveaway

In addition to our wonderful auction items you can also enter to win a giveaway of some amazing gift certificates donated by friends of our adoption. To enter the giveaway, donate $5 for one entry or $10 for 3 entries. In addition to your donation, you can earn extra entries by:

1. Sharing the auction main page and giveaway on your blog or Facebook

2. Tweet the auction and giveaway: { An Ocean Sized Love, Adoption Auction. http://networkedblogs.com/l8QKc }

3. Become a follower of AnOceanSizedLove

Please leave a comment letting us know you have donated and leave one comment for each extra entry. Include your name and e-mail in each entry so that you can be notified if you are the winner. The winner of the giveaway will be announced September 2nd. If the winner is not local to the Tampa area a new winner will be selected for local area gift certificates (Red Elephant).

Each and every donation will go 100% to fund our adoption from China.

This giveaway includes:


{$100 gift certificate from It's Written in Vinyl}


{$50 gift certificate from JunkPosse}



{Think Garnish $25 dollar gift certificate}


{$100 gift certificate from Red Threads}

{$40 in El-Fun-Bucks for The Red Elephant Restaurant}

{Two Buy One Get One Free (Burrito, Bowl, Salad or Order Of Tacos) cards for Chipotle AND a Free Chips and Guac Card}







2 Dozen Cupcakes by Amber


This listing is for 2 dozen cupcakes of your choice delivered by Amber (local  Tampa bids only please):

1. Traditional Red Velvet w/ cream cheese frosting

2. Mocha w/ espresso buttercream frosting

3. Peanut Butter w/ whipped chocolate ganache

4. Carrot Cake w/ cream cheese frosting

5. Chocolate dream w/ orange zest butercream

6. Very Vanilla w/ whipped vanilla buttercream

7. Snickerdoodle w/ cinnamon buttercream frosting

Special requests area also accepted. This listing is for the local Tampa area.

Minimum Bid: $10

Organic Hair Care Products for Ethnic Hair {by Darcy's Botanicals}

Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade
One Jar of Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade {by Darcy's Botanicals}

"If you have been looking for a light styling aid to help you provide you with sheen and to condition your luscious curls, then look no further. Our Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade will provide you with the much needed nourishment your curls require along with lovely sheen, softness and conditioning. This styling pomade is not a heavy, waxy pomade but more of a light coconut hairdressing with a touch of beeswax. It is excellent for styling twists, braids, locs and waves. It will not leave a heavy build up in hair:)
Excellent for many natural styles like twists, braids, afro, and waves. Our pomade is also great for relaxed hair as well. It is naturally scented with the aroma of fresh organic coconuts. 8 oz. PET Jar"  

Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme (Vegan) - Hair Butter
One Jar of Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme {by Darcy's Botanicals}

"This has become one of our favorite naturally curly hair styling butters. I use it on my (4a/4b type) hair and on my daughter's (3b/3c type) hair. This one is EXCELLENT for type 3-4 natural hair types:)
Our Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme is a highly moisturizing hair butter that will give your natural curls the extra conditioning and moisture they need. It has a butter-like, thick & creamy consistency with a vanilla aroma that is just heavenly. You only need to use a small amount since a little goes a long way."

Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Hair Conditioning Oil 4 oz.
One Bottle of Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Natural Hair Conditioning Oil {by Darcy's Botanicals}

"A wonderful blend of Organic Hibiscus flowers in Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and other natural hair conditioning oils.
Our Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Hair Conditioning Oil can be used as a truly muli-purpose oil.
:: Can be used as a pre-shampoo conditioning oil for hair
:: Use as a bath oil
:: Use as a body oil for after bath and/or shower
:: Use as a hot oil treatment
:: Use as an oil rinse
:: Use as a light conditioning oil for everyday styling of twists, afro, locs, curls, braids, waves and relaxed hair styles.
:: Can be used for men and women:)
This listing is for a 4 ounce PET bottle. "

Combined retail value: $34

Minimum Bid: $18

Beautiful Handmade Doll {by Daisy Girl Dolls}




Beautiful Handmade Doll {by Daisy Girl Dolls}

"This adorable 17 inch (43cm) handmade doll, dressed in her bright and cheery floral dress is sure to be a little girl’s new best friend! Her cheerful face is my own one of a kind design, which makes her truly unique! She is made from a cotton/knit material for easy care and softness. I have added a wafer thin lining to help keep her shape and to prevent stuffing from coming through. She is machine sewn together using a thick, quilting weight thread and shorter stitch length for strength & durability. Her stuffing opening is hand stitched closed using the same quilting weight thread, doubled over and knotted with a professional seamstress technique. Her stuffing is 100% hypo-allergenic. Her hair is soft 100% cotton yarn, also triple stitched by machine to form her part. It is attached using 3 strands of thick hand embroidery thread down her part and attached to the sides of her face. Her hair flowers are also hand sewn on. Her dress is made from 100% cotton. The seams are all triple stitched for durability and lots of playtime!"

Minimum Bid: $25

Pretty Petals Red Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Pretty Petals Red Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $3


Red Double Flower Hair Clip with Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}



Red Double Flower Hair Clip with Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $4

Chartreuse Green Flower with White Feather Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}


Chartreuse Green Flower with White Feather Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}


Minimum Bid: $5


Red Fabric Flower with Toile Accents and Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}


Red Fabric Flower with Toile Accents and Sparkle Center {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $4

Red Carnation with Feathers and Toile Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}


Red Carnation with Feathers and Toile Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $5

Purple Hair Flower with Ribbon Accents {by Eden's Garden}


Purple Hair Flower with Ribbon Accents {by Eden's Garden}

Minimum Bid: $4

Beautiful Pink Chrysanthemum Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}


Beautiful Pink Chrysanthemum Hair Flower {by Eden's Garden}

This gorgeous piece is layered with toile and petals and placed on a comfortable alligator clip with a felt back. 

Minimum Bid: $4


Champagne Flower and Feathers Headband {By Eden's Garden}

Flower and Feathers Headband {By Eden's Garden}

This beautiful headband is on a skinny, stretchy headband that will fit size one year-adult. Champagne flower with beautiful sparkling center adorned with colorful peacock feathers. 

Minimum bid: $5

"M" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"M" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

"S" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail holder

"S" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail holder

Minimum Bid: $1

"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"O" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

"E" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

"E" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1

"L" Monogrammed Pony-O

"L" Monogrammed Pony-O Ponytail Holder

Minimum Bid: $1