Thursday, December 25, 2014

Giving From The Heart

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This Christmas, we wanted to share this touching story. One of our former hostesses wrote to tell us about a girlfriend who lost everything in a fire that burned her whole house down.  It reminded us that we have so much to be grateful for and that joy truly is, giving from the heart.

When we loose everything, sometimes we're surprised to find what we treasure and miss the most. 

Aston, our first remote hostess, had hosted a Jay + Renae trunk show a while back. We're glad to say that she had a fun time with friends and enjoyed a successful party! Earlier in the month, she wrote us to inquire about reordering a necklace that one of her girlfriends had purchased. It was a custom order personized necklace by Alana Little of MakePieNotWar. In her email she explains...


The reason for this email is that one of the girlfriends from my trunk show house burned down about two weeks ago. They completely lost everything, but so very thankful they are all safe and okay. It was crazy. Their dryer had caught on fire during the day and the fire department came quickly and put it out. But due to the lingering smell and having a 9mo old and a 7yr old, they stayed at her parent's house for the evening. Well, apparently it caught on fire again in the middle of the night and completely burned the house to the ground. They literally lost everything.  But God was so good to protect them, and our community have reached out to help them.

When I saw her tonight she told me that one item she lost was her necklace that she had purchased at the trunk show. It had both her boys names inscribed on it. I would like to buy her another. I cannot remember exactly who the designer was, but I think it was MakePieNotWar. I can describe the necklace if need be or send a picture (another friend bought the same one). Just not sure what I needed to do or where to begin in getting it replaced for her.

Thanks so much!
Aston



The story really struck us. Imagine losing everything to a fire! Especially with two little one's so close to the holidays. Well, we simply had to do something ... her story made our hearts break but also, we are so honored to find out that one of our handmade pieces is so meaningful. So we replied to Aston right away and promised to take care of it.  We wanted to surprise both Aston and Julie and replace the necklace as a gift from us at Jay + Renae. We notified our member Designer Alana Little and she got to work right away so it could be finished in time for Christmas. 

This is what Aston wrote to us just before Christmas Eve...



I had the privilege of delivering the necklace to Julie today. It was a complete surprise. She told me that this necklace was one of the first things she thought about as she realized everything in her house was destroyed by fire. She was heartbroken because she had not had it long and it was the first thing she owned that had both her boy's names on it. We talked about how some items seem so small and insignificant to others, but are invaluable to you because of what they mean or represent. They can never be replaced by anything else. She was overjoyed to be given the exact necklace that she had lost. You made it possible to replace one of the items she held so dear. 

Thank you! This made her Christmas! 





Thank you Aston, for sharing this story with us and for giving us an opportunity to be a part of this joy. Julie, we hope you enjoy your necklace and that it brings as much joy as the original that you lost to the fire. 

Merry Chistmas everyone. 

Your friends at Jay + Renae


Sunday, December 14, 2014

Holiday Treat: Peppermint Mocha

We're into the final stretch as we enter the 3rd week of December. Most of the holiday orders have come in and our designers are working furiously to make your special piece just in time for holiday delivery.


This, of course, is known as the holiday rush...something we're all too familar with! Things can start to get a little crazy with so much to accomplish in such a short period of time. And if you're anything like us, you want things to be perfect...which means having things carefully and skillfully hand crafted and made with love. It's hard to rush anything when this is your motto. But somehow, our designers get it done because that's what we've promised.


At times like these, we find that it's especially important to remember to be take breaks, even if only for 5 or 10 minutes. Just to take in some fresh air, smile at our little one(s) and steal a kiss or two (because we're all moms working from home or, very close to home).

Peppermint Mocha by the faux MARTHA
Or maybe, even stop long enough to enjoy a holiday treat...like this amazing hot Peppermint Mocha by the faux MARTHA - a favorite blog full of mouth watering recipes with beautiful photos that are elegant and delicious enough to eat! A treat like this is perfect because you it forces you to sip it slowly which is exactly what most of us need right now...to slow down enough to enjoy the moment.

A perfect little break from the holiday rush...one slow, yummy sip at a time. 
Find the Recipe at the faux MARTHA

What do you do to take a break from the holiday rush? Do you have a favorite treat that helps you unwind and enjoy the moment, however brief? Share with us in the comments below. We love to hear from you!

xoxo

Jay + Renae Collective