If I was buying a new house.......

This is what I would want to have in it!

This is just a small sampling of items available from our members. Featured shops are CrochetMaggie, Zazz, TreasureHuntVinage, RachelsAprons, Oscelapottery, TweedleBee, MySpareTimeDesign, and AdorationSoap. Click on any of their names to see these listings in their shops and many more!

Meeting the HOSTies -- CrochetMaggie

Your name and shop name(s): Maggie Carlin http://www.crochetmaggie.etsy.com http://www.maggiesmess.etsy.com

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I'm a stay home mom to 5 children newborn through age 10. We are in the middle of our first year of home schooling, it is quite the adventure. We also have 3 cats, 2 dogs, and 4 fish. I love animals, gardening and crafts. I am working toward reducing the amount of waste my family produces and becoming more self-sufficient. We're doing this by recycling what we can, not using disposable plates, napkins, etc, and growing a vegetable garden. I love walking through the local farmer's market and garage sales too! I love to crochet, and can make just about anything that can be made with a crochet hook. My grandmother taught me the basic stitches when I was 8 years old. She couldn't read patterns, so a few years later I taught myself to read the patterns and have since learned to also make my own. I also love repairing old family crocheted heirlooms that have become damaged.

How/why did you become involved with HOST: I was there for the first thread Christmas '07. We were having a rough year, and I asked for good thoughts. Somehow I got pulled in and felt the need to help more! I created the first Yahoo group and database of needs for the group. I've since been in and out helping here and there as I can. My family life has become so much more demanding though, so I'm here as I can be. I have loved the idea from the beginning though, and I hope we can continue to help as many as possible, especially through the troubling times ahead.

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this?Just keep going. Let go of what's holding you back, and just keep taking one step forward.

Congrats again to DK Jewels!!

On another front page appearance!!

If you would like to see the listing click HERE

Congrats to DKJewels!!

On making the front page today!!!

Here's a link to the listing that made it: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22730131

Meeting the HOSTies -- SoulInChains

Your name and shop name(s): Debbie Samardjian aka souli or chains http://soulinchains.etsy.com/

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I am a artist who lives in Vine valley New York, I spin, paint fabric, sew ,quilt, make jewelry, acoustic wind-chimes out of recycled copper and steel scrap, I also make loom-knitted mini bags. I'm a Ham Radio Operator and a avid amateur geologist and archaeologist and astronomer. I also own a gardening business in the summer which I have clients for summer time garden upkeep. I also use all organic gardening methods. I have been know to lay down in front of yard not letting the chemical lawn spray folks, they knick named me the toxic advenger .... LOL I collect rocks. I have 200 cook books and make lye soap in a huge cauldron in my yard . I am a Reiki Practioner for the last 23 years. I Love to create new things. I only sell the mini bags on etsy because the other markets are too huge for me to compete with LOL. I am a green energy advocate . My partner is an inventor/Aerospace Engineer and he has patents on green energy engines..... you can see out stuff at our website http://www.usenergyindependence.com/orhttp://www.renewablethermodynamics.com/

How/why did you become involved with HOST: I was lurking in the thread one night and found the Host thread. I found them chatting in a chat room and they were so nice I loved them and the spirit, fun and nice people in Host . I love helping people so this is perfect for me . I always use the sales from money to buy things from other hosties or helping those in need. I'm VP now, and last year I was doing activities, research analyst and helping in the store and any other jobs that needed help.

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this? I enjoy finding ways to help someone help themselves. Because I came from an abusive relationship and it took me 15 years to escape it. So now I do everything in my power to let men and woman , know they do not have to take it . Their is a way out, it just takes time and thought and planning to have a better life . I want people reading this to know , That as dark as your life may seem it does get better. 6 years ago I was working three jobs, no child support , no aid from state because I fell thur the cracks .It took me 4 years to get back on my feet . But I worked my butt off , soul searched and did what was right for me . I want you to remember YOU ARE IMPORTANT AND YOU COUNT AND CAN BE LOVED. So get as much information as you can contact everyone you know when you need help do not be bashful. Prances away and ALWAYS KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Also No one owes you anything , You need to find anyway you can your help yourself,no one else can do that for you.

Meeting the HOSTies -- YaffaDreams

Your name and shop name(s): My name is Susan and my shop is http://www.yaffadreams.etsy.com/

Tell us a little bit about yourself : I am a single mom to a teen-aged daughter. I am unemployed and am actively looking for a job. I love being creative. This has helped me from going into the funk of unemployment.

How/why did you become involved with HOST: I became involved with HOST after they helped me out. It was so nice to find a team that helps others on Etsy out of the kindness of their hearts. I am so thrilled to be a part of this wonderful group of women.

Any advice you would like to share with others that might read this? Laugh. This is easy in this group. When you are down, find something funny. Laughing gets the circulation going. Remember, it is uphill from here on in.

AND THE WINNER IS.........................

TheBeadedHearts Chainmail Necklace!

Congratulations, this was a stunning piece of work!!

If you love this necklace and would like to add it to your collection, follow this quick link and it will take you right to it: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20122281

Hearts for Hearts Challenge

As many of you may know February is National Heart Awareness month, so in honor of this the Helping Others Street Team (HOST) is sponsoring this challenge. 100% of profits made from the sale of these items will be going directly to the American Heart Association.

Please place your vote from the following items by using the poll feature to the right of your screen between February 24th and February 28th and noon (Etsy time):







Melanie's Originals -- Heart health awareness stickers

Yaffa Dreams -- MY HEART IS YOURS earrings

Heart Jewelries -- Heart Disease Awareness Pendant
















Creations By Christina -- Chocolate Delight Apple


















The Beaded Heart -- Lampwork Chainmail Necklace


































Jennifers Craft Store -- Teddy Bear with Red Heart































Soul In Chains -- Abstract Fiber Wall Hanging

Elles Belle -- Red Carnelian Earrings






















Recreational Art -- Share the Love
















Rachels Aprons -- Overlapping Hearts Crocheted Bookmark

Meeting the HOSTies -- CatiaHades

Your name and shop name(s): MacKenzie "Cat" Mays http://catiahades.etsy.com/

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I'm a very spirited girl who currently is involved in my last semester of a veterinary techonology (nursing) school. I have one husband, and 6 furry children- one dog, two bunnies, and three kitties. I am currently stumbling through my 20's and soul searching trying to find my place in this world, it's lovely. I adore all things bright, plastic, kitsch, chunky, vintage, shabby chic, distressed, well worn, and loved.

How/why did you become involved with HOST: I was part of the original thread from Christmas in 2007. it was the most emotional and rewarding participation of complete and total strangers and their kindness to each other. It has since blossomed into a beautiful team of amazing souls. It has been wonderful to see the transformation and I can't wait to see how it continues to grow. I'm so happy to be the secretary and take a more active role in HOST.

Any advice you would like to share with others: When things get so tough and despair can take over, sometimes the best way to fight it is to sit down, meditate, find yourself, and think of the things you love. Everyone deserves these kind of personal moments and the peace within themselves. You will always return to reality and the fight, but if you can gather yourself together a little bit everyday, it will make your fighting ability stronger. you will make it through another day.

Meeting the HOSTies -- Lazy Butt Pants

Your Name and Shop Name(s): My name is Brenda Stephens and my shops are http://bstep401.etsy.com/ and http://lazybuttpants.etsy.com/

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I am a stay at home mom to five sons plus one German exchange student. I home school my youngest two. I love to sew and can make about anything as long as the motivation is there!: ) I love to garden and preserve our own foods as much as I can.

How/Why did you become involved with HOST?: I became involved in HOST in the beginning back at Christmas 2007 when HeatherRLange asked if anyone was in need. That Christmas I sent out tons of pants and things for children without gifts. Later I became the team president and after two terms as president am now serving as the team's volunteer coordinator. I love to help other people and I think the ideas behind HOST are great! I would love to see HOST become bigger and even more effective than they are now!

Any advice you would like to share with others?: Depends on what type of advice you want! If you are a person in need, I recommend that you don't stop hitting the pavement until your needs are met. Yep, it is tough and hard, but in general people don't starve that are doing EVERYTHING in their power to keep it together. These times we are going through are rough and are only going to get tougher for awhile. Just keep moving forward even when it feels like you cannot possibly go any further forward. As far as Etsy is concerned. Just keep on keeping on. Normally you will not become a success overnight, although there are those that do. You must work really hard to become successful. Be open to criticism.

Welcome our new officers!

A huge welcome to our new team leaders! These are the caring folks that make our team run smooth and needs be met! So give them a cheer!!

•:*''*:• President•:*''*:•
Reflections



•:*''*:• Vice President•:*''*:•
Soulinchains



•:*''*:• Secretary•:*''*:•
CatiaHades



•:*''*:• Treasurer•:*''*:•
Yodamoon



•:*''*:• Outreach•:*''*:•
EllesBelle



•:*''*:• Volunteer Coordinator•:*''*:•
LazyButtPants



•:*''*:• Research Analyst•:*''*:•
TheSilverHand



•:*''*:• Activities•:*''*:•
MelaniesOriginals



•:*''*:• Communications•:*''*:•
BagsByMelanie



•:*''*:• Store Manager•:*''*:•
Jinglebob

Saying farewell and thank you

It's time for the changing of the HOST officers. Let's all take a moment to thank our awesome resourceful and kind volunteer leaders!


Thanks to our old Team President:
LazyButtPants



Thanks to our old Vice President:
Yodamoon



Thanks to our old Treasurer:
Reflections



Thanks to our Secretary:
CoryellDesigns



Thanks to our Store Manager:
Mavalili27



Thanks to our Outreach Coordinator:
Cr8tiveOneDesings



Thanks to our Communications (including this wonderful blog!):
MissMaisy



Thanks to our Activities Coordinator:
Boogerelli



Lucky for us many of these inspiring leaders are returning to hold new positions!
If you have a moment to write them a note of thanks in the comments or contact them to let them know they are appreciated I'm sure it would sweeten their days!