Sartorial Kid | Celebrating Christmas with Random Acts of Kindness & Sweet-n-Sassy Shoppe

I was not financially compensated for this post. The bow tie Elijah is wearing was provided courtesy of Sweet-n-Sassy Shoppe. However, all thoughts and opinions are mine and in no way influenced. Six Cherries on Top Disclosure/Terms of Use. 


I knew I wanted to continue encouraging others with random acts of kindness through the Christmas season, so Elijah and I baked cookies this morning to take around to some of the fire houses near our home. Afterwards, we got dressed up, filled out one of the handmade cards we created this past weekend, and hopped in the van to deliver them... but not before taking these photos, of course!

 

We really wanted to stay committed to encouraging it forward and I knew that Elijah would love the idea of visiting all the firefighters up at the firehouse, sharing a yummy treat, and getting to see the firetrucks as well. It is so important to Jason and I that we teach our children about giving to others Not just giving to others, but giving without the expectation of receiving something in return.

Bow tie: Sweet-n-Sassy Shoppe
Jacket: Tony Hawk of Kohl's, $15 (clearance)
Jeans: Old Navy, $10
Shoes: Nike, $28

I recently received this adorable bow tie from Sweet-n-Sassy Shoppe and I have to tell you, I am in love! Elijah wore this for the first time to church and he got tons of compliments on it. It is well made and has an adjustable strap that allows you to increase the size as your child grows. It also closes with a sturdy metal hook in the back, unlike some I have seen that either have a snap or have no strap at all and are just a clip that attaches to the front of your child's shirt.

There is a selection of bow ties and neckties perfect for your little man, plus a large variety of patterns to choose from. You can also find a selection of accessories for little girls.  Lindsay makes some fabulous hair bows as well.


Be sure to check out my Sweet-n-Sassy Shoppe Giveaway that has been going on. It ends tonight, so hurry before it's too late!

                    

Random Acts of Kindness: Bugs & Kisses Treat Bags

If you don't know Jess over at My Little Mustache, then you are missing out on knowing one of the most beautiful and inspirational people on the planet. Jess has made it a mission of her's to spread encouragement to others in 2013 (and beyond, I am sure!) through random acts of kindness. Over this past year, as I have followed her through instagram, she has done some pretty wonderful things for friends and total strangers, out of the kindness of her heart and with her own money, just to make someone's day a little brighter... to put a smile of the faces of those around her. I was even the recipient of a beautiful little crochet flower ring she sent recently during a time I was feeling down and needed some encouragement of my own. Amazing, huh?

Jess definitely motivated me to come up with my own way to encourage others, which got me working on these cute little bugs & kisses treat bags. I first discovered this idea through Pinterest, and could have easily just made them for the kids to pass out to friends at school, but I wanted to do something more than that with them by giving them out to total strangers. Not only is this a great way to uplift those around us, it teaches my children to give through the kindness of their own hearts and without the expectation of receiving. 

Bugs & Kisses Treat Bags

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You will need:

• Clear cellophane Halloween treat bags
• Hershey's Kisses
• Plastic spider rings
• Bugs & Kisses gift tags free printable from Tammy Michelle Designs
• Ribbon of your choice
• Scissors
• Glue
• Mini hole punch
• Large shape punches ( I used a solid square punch and a scalloped square punch for mine)

This is a super affordable project to put together with your children. I was able to find the treat bags and spider rings at the Dollar Tree and used some white ribbon I had on hand. Putting them together is pretty simple and self explanatory as well. I actually printed out the gift tags, shrunk them down 50%, and used my large solid square and scalloped square punches to make tags. I printed out the tags on plain white paper and punched them out with the solid square punch. Then, I punched out the scalloped squares in orange paper, glued the printed tag to the orange paper, and then punched a small hole in the top. Lastly, I put 10 Hershey's kisses in each bag, along with two spiders, cut and  threaded a length of ribbon through the small hole, and tied the bags closed.

Hand one to someone near you at the doctor's office, the park, at Target, or at a restaurant. Teach your children to give out of the kindness of their hearts and not based on what a person is wearing or the color of their skin. We are all children of God and only He can judge us. The fun part is just being able to brighten someone's day with this small gesture.  

I challenge you (and your children) to pay it forward and surprise someone you don't know with a random act of kindness.