Out of the Blue Delivered

New brain cancer and Parkinson's gray awareness earrings

2011-03-21T19:48:00.001-07:00

Out of the Blue Delivered is excited to show you the newest creation in unique awareness jewelry by our artisan Karyn featuring a heart-shaped hematite bead and wire sculpted using Argentium anti-tarnish sterling silver wire. A silver ribbon charm with the word "hope" dangles from the end of the earring. The biggest challenge in wire-sculpting is getting the pair of earrings to mirror one another exactly. This is where Karyn's excellence shines through... the craftsmanship of her original designs are top quality.

At just $22, These earrings would make a perfect gift for anyone wanting to support or honor someone with brain cancer, Parkinson's disease or diabetes.

In addition, gray is also the awareness color for all brain cancers (including glioblastoma and astrocytoma),hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, asthma, allergies and "End Sex Trafficking" (in UK).

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Do you know someone who spreads kindness in this mad, mad world?

2011-03-01T11:39:00.001-08:00

Nominate a kind person in your world to receive the First Annual "Got Karma?" Award being held by the "Got Karma?" Girls from Rising Lotus Children's Village with the prize package being sponsored by Out of the Blue Delivered.

It's SUPER-EASY!! Click this link for full details.

The prize package will be similar to this one that was won by a new Facebook fan this past week. Be sure to "Like" Rising Lotus Children's Village while you're at it!! It's good karma all around!

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Virtual Lemonade Stand for the Peds Infusion Room at Shands Hospital

2011-02-26T13:02:00.001-08:00

Getting an IV infusion is tough on any kid. (Just ask Sadie, whose screams can be heard in the neighboring county!) One perk is that after the IV is placed, the kids get to pick something out of the treasure chest. It’s usually a long process… searching through all the goodies that have been donated to pick JUST the right prize. It’s something the kids look forward to!

Last Thursday, we were at Shands Hospital getting Sadie’s monthly treatment for her JRA. When Sadie went to get her prize out of the treasure chest, the pickings were quite slim. (The treasure chest is stocked by donated items or by items the nurses purchase with their own money.) With roughly 100 kids coming through the pediatric infusion room each week, this can be a big expense.

So, Sadie decided that she was going to raise money to buy some toys to go into the treasure chest! Her first thought was to get out her plastic recorder, play music and have people put money in a box at her feet. But after some thinking, she decided that at lemonade stand would be much more better.

Today, from 11:30-1:45 Sadie had a lemonade stand where she sold cups of lemonade for a quarter. Thanks to all the wonderful people in our neighborhood, she raised $15. Via facebook and text, tons of friends said they wished they were closer to stop by, get a cup of lemonade and donate toward her project.

Click the button to the right to "donate" and purchase a virtual cup of lemonade.

If you (or your company) would like to donate items, please mail them to BluFairy, P.O. Box 621044, Oviedo, FL 32762 and we’ll be sure it gets to Shands! Donations can include toys, trinkets, new stuffed animals, jewelry, games, puzzles, books, crafts, individually wrapped food/goodies, etc. By the way, they are ALWAYS in need of items for kids ages 11-18.

Well, are you feeling a bit thirsty yet??? How about a nice virtual cup of cool, Countrytime lemonade!! )

THANKS for your support! Our BluFairies are the best!!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Say it with CHOCOLATE this Valentine's Day!

2011-01-24T13:40:00.001-08:00

Out of the Blue Delivered asks... "Who needs to know that you care this Valentine's Day?"

Whether you're saying "I love you!" or "You're the best!" or "You're special!" consider saying it with chocolate this year.

We're thrilled to bring you several decadent chocolate goodies. Each one is handmade by our chocolatier at Carolannz.

Visit the Valentine's Day section of our site to see all the scrumptious chocolate treats available for hand-delivery in the Orlando, FL area or for shipping worldwide.

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Neptune's Fire Starter

2011-01-13T20:11:00.001-08:00

As snow covers most of the US, we thought this would be the perfect time for Out of the Blue Delivered to spotlight the Neptune's Fire Starter piece.

Hand-crafted by Jim using woods from the pacific northwest, each piece holds matches and has a striking stone. We love unique, functional art and these pieces are sure to be conversation starters!

A truly unique gift, the Neptune's Fire Starter pieces are perfect for sitting on a desk or a mantle and just the tool for lighting a comfy fire or a celebratory cigar.

Who needs to know that you care today? Have one of our unique gifts hand delivered in Central Florida or delivered world wide.

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Returning to our roots

2011-01-07T20:34:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

Now that we are a few days into 2011 how are you feeling about this year?

At Out of the Blue Delivered, we chose to skip making new year's resolutions (does anyone really keep these?!) and chose instead to re-evaluate our purpose and refocus on our mission.

Since we started this company to provide a way for others to show that they care during the tough stuff in life, we are going to be true to our passion and bring you the best solutions to the difficult issues that we face.

So, whether you have a family member facing cancer or a friend who just lost a loved one, we will be your solution when you want to show that you care but aren't sure what to do or say!

Reminder: We offer hand delivery in the Central Florida and Orlando areas and we ship worldwide via FedEx.

Who needs to know that YOU care?

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Easing Holiday Stress: Step 2

2010-11-09T17:08:00.001-08:00

As you know, Out of the Blue Delivered's mission this season is to Ease the Stress of the Holidays! If you're working along with us then you have already completed step one which was to Make a Budget!

Step 2: Make a Prioritized List (and check it twice!)

Though it may seem basic, this is a VERY IMPORTANT step! It's not only about making a list, but then prioritizing it.

You have a gift budget (thanks to Step 1) and now you need a list of who you will be spending that allocated money on. Begin by listing everyone that you WANT to buy a gift for. Include anyone that you normally give to: family members, friends, neighbors, nieces, nephews, your kids' friends, boss, co-workers, nanny, teachers, caregivers, doorman, mailman, etc. Be sure to include any secret-santa or other gift exchanges you are planning to participate in. Also, if you send out holiday cards, be sure they were included in either Step 1 or Step 2.

Once you have your list, you MUST prioritize it. (Otherwise you'll run out of money before you get the gifts you REALLY need!) Decide which gift recipients are most important and rewrite your list in descending order starting with the most important recipients at the top and working down to the least important.

Have an iPhone? Of course there's a Holiday Gift App that can help you make and track your holiday gift list!
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Easing Holiday Stress: Step 1

2010-11-06T16:19:00.001-07:00

The Harry Potter characters, Star Wars figures and assorted princesses have all come begging for candy (and gone home to devour a years worth of sugar) which means that the holidays are officially upon us!

Our mission for 2010: Stop the Cycle of Madness!! Let's make a pact right here and now that we are all going to ENJOY the holidays this year.
How, you wonder, are we going to do this? One step at a time.

Today's assignment (aka Step 1): Make a budget

In order to prepare for the holdiays, you MUST know how much you can afford to spend on them. There is NOTHING more stressful than the stack of bills that arrive in January that you work all year to try to pay off only to do it again the next year. This year, the cycle of madness ends!!

So sit down with your computer, your checkbook, your significant other, and whatever else you need to decide on your budget and figure out the dollar amout that you are willing to spend on the holidays this year. Be sure to allow for gifts, travel, accomodations, food, Holiday meals, etc. Need Help calculating a holiday budget? Here is a worksheet plus tips to help!

Stick with Out of the Blue Delivered as we work together to make this your best, most enjoyable holiday season ever!!

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Breast Cancer Awareness and Support Stones #breastcancer

2010-10-08T14:01:00.001-07:00

Supporting cancer patients just got a bit easier! Out of the Blue Delivered can now deliver these inspirational stones hand-painted by Central Florida artist Chrissie Grace. Who needs to know that you care today?

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Cancer Care Package #breastcancer

2010-10-07T09:19:00.001-07:00

Yep, it's October and pink is once again the dominating color reminding us to get our annual boobie-squishing! Out of the Blue Delivered has creative gift ideas for all the cancer fighters in your life!

In honor of one of our good friends and breast cancer survivor Jacki Donaldson of My Breast Cancer Blog, we created the Jacki's Cancer Patient iCare Package. This care package is filled with the things she says that a cancer patient needs most: socks (Because they are always cold!), lotion (Because chemo dries out their skin) and a Bernie Siegel Book (She loves his uplifting messages!)

Out of the Blue Delivered specializes in unique gifts and care packages for the tough stuff in life. Who needs to know that you care today?

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Attn Bloggers: Enter to WIN our Grand Prize Giveaway! #blogHer #blogHer10

2010-08-07T18:11:00.001-07:00

Out of the Blue Delivered, along with CommXPERTS.com is thrilled to be sponsoring Jennifer Leet from “The Dirty t Shirt” at the BlogHER ‘10 conference in New York City. Be sure to follow @jentifa during the conference for chances to win random give-a-ways (including an iPhone Solar Charger and several Card Cubby Organizers) as well as our Grand Prize gift box. Hint: You must have a bag tag to win the random prizes at BlogHER so be sure to get one from @jentifa at the conference.

Everyone is eligible to win our Grand Prize Gift Box! See details below on how to enter.

Grand Prize Gift Box includes:

iPhone Solar Charger for the iPhone 3G/3GS

How Do You Pico – T-Shirt

Assorted Cellular Accessories

Card Cubby Organizer of winner’s choice

Coupon Cubby Organizer of winner’s choice

Out of the Blue Delivered specializes in gifts and care packages…especially for the tough stuff in life.

CommXPERTS.com specializes in Consumer Electronic Products, such as iPhone Solar Chargers, Handheld Laser Pico Projectors and other Wireless sp

ENTER TO WIN OUR GRAND PRIZE by leaving a comment on BOTH Out of the Blue Delivered’s blog and commXPERTS BLOG.

All winners (random and Grand Prize) will be announced via Twitter. Please follow all 3 companies below, for up-to-date information and drawings.

Contest ends August 16, 2010.

Follow us:
@jentifa – Twitter
@commXPERTS – Twitter
@blueDelivered - Twitter

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Attn Bloggers: Enter to WIN our Grand Prize Giveaway! #blogHer #blogHer10

2010-08-07T18:08:00.001-07:00

Out of the Blue Delivered, along with CommXPERTS.com is thrilled to be sponsoring Jennifer Leet from “The Dirty t Shirt” at the BlogHER ‘10 conference in New York City. Be sure to follow @jentifa during the conference for chances to win random give-a-ways (including an iPhone Solar Charger and several Card Cubby Organizers) as well as our Grand Prize gift box. Hint: You must have a bag tag to win the random prizes at BlogHER so be sure to get one from @jentifa at the conference.

Everyone is eligible to win our Grand Prize Gift Box! See details below on how to enter.

Grand Prize Gift Box includes:

iPhone Solar Charger for the iPhone 3G/3GS

How Do You Pico – T-Shirt

Assorted Cellular Accessories

Card Cubby Organizer of winner’s choice

Coupon Cubby Organizer of winner’s choice

Out of the Blue Delivered specializes in gifts and care packages…especially for the tough stuff in life.

CommXPERTS.com specializes in Consumer Electronic Products, such as iPhone Solar Chargers, Handheld Laser Pico Projectors and other Wireless sp

ENTER TO WIN OUR GRAND PRIZE by leaving a comment on BOTH Out of the Blue Delivered’s blog and commXPERTS BLOG.

All winners (random and Grand Prize) will be announced via Twitter. Please follow all 3 companies below, for up-to-date information and drawings.

Contest ends August 16, 2010.

Follow us:
@jentifa – Twitter
@commXPERTS – Twitter
@blueDelivered - Twitter

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Grab this Tag and WIN at BlogHer '10 this weekend!! #blogher #blogher10

2010-08-04T20:28:00.001-07:00

If you’re going to BlogHer ‘10 this weekend, be sure to look for Jennifer Leet of The Dirty tShirt Blog. She’ll be handing out these bag tags from Out of the Blue Delivered and CommXPERTS. Grab one and hang it on your bag and you could win fun prizes all weekend long!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Fab tribute to cancer patients by Lance Armstrong and Team Radio Shack

2010-07-25T08:03:00.001-07:00

At Out of the Blue Delivered, we have a special place in our hearts for cancer patients. So, you can imagine how thrilled we were to see Lance Armstrong and the entire Radio Shack Team ride to honor cancer patients worldwide today. As the teams rode out for the start of the final stage of the Tour de France, Team Radio Shack showed up in all black jerseys with a huge number 28 on the back. (Smokin' hot, sharp jerseys!)

"Today, we're riding for every one of the 28 million people all over the world whose lives and families are affected by this disease," said Lance Armstrong.

Unfortunately, the officials did not let the Radio Shack team wear the jerseys for the race, but they did get their message out and raise awareness about cancer patients, their families and the impressive number - 28 million - people that are living with the disease today.

At Out of the Blue Delivered, unique gifts and care packages for cancer patients are our specialty! We offer hand delivery in the Orlando and Central Florida area and we ship worldwide.
Who needs to know that you care today?

Want to honor a cancer patient on facebook? Radio Shack has a black #28 jersey that can be sent as a "gift" on facebook.

Thank you Lance Armstrong and Team Radio Shack for honoring all of these courageous cancer patients and survivors! You give them inspiration and strength!!

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Adorable Tooth Fairy Pillows to hold those tiny lost teeth

2010-07-18T18:50:00.001-07:00

New find from Out of the Blue Delivered:

Nothing is more exciting in a child's passage from little kid to big kid than the loss of their first tooth. In fact, my 5 year old can hardly contain herself she is so anxious to loose a tooth. It seems that all of her friends have lost multiple teeth but she is still awaiting the loss of her first one. Every day she comes to me so that I can wiggle her front teeth in hopes that one will be loose and ready to come out. She is also thrilled with the idea of getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy... that mystical creature that flies in while a child sleeps to take the lost tooth and leave a surprise in it's place.

In preparing for the first lost tooth, I've been on the hunt for what to put it in for the Tooth Fairy's visit. I've seen boxes and bags that hold a lost tooth, but was hoping to find something unique. As you know, at Out of the Blue Delivered, we specialize in delivering creative gifts and we LOVE anything handmade in the USA. Check out these adorable Tooth Fairy Pillows we've found! They are such an original gift idea and are available in a wide variety of themes for both girls and boys. The free personalization is a big plus as well.

Measuring approximately 6" x 8" and feature a little pocket on the front to hold the tooth.

Cute little not
In this pocket you will find
A teensy, tiny tooth of mine.
So while I sleep where dreams are made,
Let's see if you can make a trade.

With 80 adorable Tooth Fairy Pillow designs, this original gift idea is sure to be a huge hit with the toothless child in your life!

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"Out of the Blue" find in the Florida Keys

2010-07-15T18:47:00.001-07:00

At Out of the Blue Delivered we love to bring you unique,original gift ideas for every occasion and life event. Sometimes, we come across creative gift shops that we just have to share with you! While in the Florida Keys this past weekend, we happened upon just such a gift shop... Out of the Blue Gifts! While it's not hard to figure out that the name drew us in, we were surprised and thrilled with the eclectic range of gifts we found inside!

Located in a bright pink house at mile marker 29 on Big Pine Key, Out of the Blue Gifts houses an eclectic collection of gifts including a wide range of handmade gifts by artists in the keys (and you KNOW how much we love to support local artists!) Our absolute favorite were glasses made from recycled wine bottles. The bottoms of the bottles were turned into tumblers and the tops into fluted glasses. INCREDIBLE! And at $12 each they were a bargain.

Upstairs was a kids' area filled with stuffed animals, books and games. The backrooms of the store "house" a consignment boutique cleverly displayed. If you're passing through Big Pine Key, FL, be sure to stop and browse. You're sure to find something fabulous that you can't live without or the perfect gift to bring someone at home. Oh, and when you stop by, be sure to tell them that the girls from Out of the Blue Delivered in Orlando, FL say "hello".

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A Drink With Legs: Are you hooked or happy?

2010-07-06T22:58:00.001-07:00

Are relationships your "drug of choice"? Do you (or someone you know) jump from one bad relationship to another? Are you afraid to be alone? If the answer is yes, then you are going to LOVE this book by Roy Biancalana! The full title is A Drink With Legs: from Hooked to Happy - a Spiritual Path to Relationship Bliss. Whew, that's a mouthful but the name says it all.

At Out of the Blue Delivered we loved it so much that we decided to create the A Drink with Legs Gift Box. We paired the book with a bottle of Margaritaville margarita mix (yes, it reallly does go together) to create this unique gift idea. The chapters of the book have a Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville theme - hence the margarita mix pairing. Cheeky, yes. But hey, what is one really supposed to send a friend who's depressed, down on love or heartbroken that will be uplifting and useful? We think this gift box makes it easy to show someone love and support AND help lift them out of the dark depths and back onto their true path. What's not to love about that?!

Before we decided to offer this book, I had a chance to sit down with Roy. I had an instant connection to his heart because I saw that his passion is helping others! Through his coaching and his book, he has found a way to help others find their true relationship bliss and I could see the joy that this brings him. I loved that about him!!

A bit more about the book: Using his own experiences in life, relationship coach Roy has put together a 12 step guide to finding a good relationship. It's an entertaining, insightful read that is loved by men and women alike. (Lord knows it's almost impossible to find a gift for a heartbroken guy - which is another reason we like this book.)

“Roy is a masterful coach whose wisdom and insight come from what he’s learned on his own evolutionary journey. Through a variety of life experiences and challenges, Roy has chosen a path that has produced aliveness, purpose and love in his life. His experiential, real-world training, coupled with his enthusiastic personality and compassion heart, make Roy an ideal coach to support you in creating the life you’ve always wanted. If you are open to discovering what’s kept you from realizing your dreams, whether personally or professionally, then Roy is the coach you want at your side.”

Gay Hendricks, Ph.D.
CEO, The Hendricks Institute; Founder of Spiritual Cinema Circle and Earth Friendly Publishing; Author of 33 books, including Conscious Living, Five Wishes and The Big Leap.

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My Inspiring 4th of July Moment

2010-07-05T11:30:00.000-07:00
Happy 4th of July from Out of the Blue Delivered. We pause for a moment to say THANK YOU to all of the men and women in our armed forces (and their families). Thank you for the sacrifices you make to ensure our freedom! How truly fortunate we are to live here in the USA!!

This evening we attended the Oviedo Independence Day Celebration. In addition to playing on the inflatables, visiting the various vendors and eating the yummy food, we were looking forward to hearing Scott Mackenzie, Gladys, Bob Frier and the rest of the Simulcast band. Shortly after we arrived, it began to rain. So, we grabbed some grub and sought shelter under a big tent. While we were eating D’ Smokin’ BBQ a woman pulled her wheelchair up next to us. She was decked out in red, white and blue from her patriotic hat to her flag-patterned keds. I was charmed by her attention to detail (which included sparkly red M&M earrings) and impressed by the effort she had put into showing her American pride. With legs that didn’t work and fingers that had no fine-motor skills, it could NOT have been an easy feat to get all decked out for today. Yet there she sat – happy and beautiful! Suddenly, the skies really opened up, rain poured down in buckets and we separated in an effort to stay dry.
For the next half hour, rain pour down relentlessly and it looked as if the celebration may be cancelled. Our 5 year old daughter was understandably disappointed. As we huddled together, I glanced across the tent at the lady in the wheelchair and realized that today’s celebration wasn’t just about all of those big freedoms that we often take for granted (such as the freedom to choose where we work and live, to vote, to speak openly, to bear arms, etc). For me, it was a reminder to celebrate the little freedoms I have… such as freedom to walk around on two working legs and hold my husband’s hand with fingers that open and close. In that moment, today’s water-logged festival turned into a true celebration of freedom.

Holding my daughter, I ran out into the rain and jumped into the biggest puddle I could find! We spent the next hour dancing in the rain, jumping in puddles, playing, skipping, chasing and cherishing each new memory we created. I am truly grateful to the sweet lady in the wheelchair for reminding me to cherish and celebrate each moment we are blessed with in this life!

My sincere hope is that we will continue to be proud Americans who treasure each and every freedom we have – big and small! What freedom did you celebrate today?

How to Help after a Friend's Cancer Diagnosis

2010-06-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Tips for Showing that You Care After a Friend's Cancer Diagnosis

Have you had your annual boobie squishing or physical yet this year? Be sure to remember to take care of yourself. So many times we get busy over the summer that we postpone our own care!

Unfortunately, most of us have already been touched by cancer... breast, lung, prostate, lymphoma, leukemia, colon, ovarian, cervical, etc.

What’s a girl to do when her business associate, friend or loved one is faced with cancer? Well, here are a few tips I picked up during my 12 years of treating cancer patients:

First, depending on your relationship with the patient, drop by, send a card or leave a message of support. It’s ok to send funny, uplifting cards - they don’t all have to be serious and deep.
It’s ok to tell her/him that you want to help but don’t know what to do or say! The patient just needs to know that you care and support her. The patient has a whole medical team to give her answers!
When you’re with your friend, take cues on the conversation. There will be times they want to talk about the diagnosis and journey and other days when thety will want to avoid it altogether!
Remember that cancer affects all of those in the patient’s immediate circle. Depending on the situation, offer to give the caregiver a break by driving the patient to an appointment or treatment, watching the kids or grocery shopping.
If the patient has a family, drop by with dinner. Don’t ask, just do it! Many times, patients hesitate to ask or accept help. Figure out how you can help and go for it!
Google and learn. Did you know that there many types of breast cancer? or lung cancer? etc. Learn about their specific type so that you can better understand the patient's journey. This knowledge is for YOU! Do NOT share all the gory details with your friend regarding their cancer, treatment, prognosis, etc. The patient has doctors for that!
Be persistent in your support! Call, send cards, email…show support in whatever way you can. NEVER expect a response. Depending on where the patient is in the journey, they may not be up to responding…just keep supporting! Trust me, your love and support will lift the patient up.
Pace yourself! Battling cancer can be a long process… A little support ALL the way through is much better than 24/7 support for the first couple weeks!
Pray for your friend often and be sure to be extra grateful for all the blessings in YOUR life!
by Dawn Veselka - Radiation Therapist and owner of Out of the Blue Delivered

How Out of the Blue Delivered was created

2009-05-24T12:58:00.000-07:00
During the twelve years that I spent treating cancer patients, I saw that there were no good gifts available for delivery to a cancer patient in the hospital. What do you send a patient that can't have flowers, cookies or fruit?
As a radiation therapist, I got to know my patients very well during their weeks of treatment. I began to see that there was a disconnect that often happened between the patient and the friends who wanted to help but didn't know what to do or say.

I decided to find a solution to bridge the gap between patients and loved ones, to offer friends a way to help, and to make the patient feel loved and appreciated. Thus, Out of the Blue Delivered was born.

In creating Out of the Blue Delivered, I wanted to take the concept one step further and offer gifts for ALL the difficult life events. Therefore, on our website you will find gifts for all the tough stuff in life (as well as for the celebratory moments).

I absolutely LOVE this company because it gives on so many levels- It helps the customer give a gift that is truly unique and/or useful - It helps the recipient to feel special by receiving a gift that was personally chosen just for them - It helps friends and loved ones communicate during difficult times such as diagnosis/treatment of cancer (a time where there is often a gap because people don't know what to do or say when a friend is confronted with this disease) - It gives the artists the freedom to create and an outlet to share that with others - It helps our economy because we only sell goods made (or altered) in the USA (plus a few made in Canada) - and lastly, Out of the Blue Delivered allows me to continue to help others.

Timeline: In January 2008, I decided to go for it and make my dream into a reality. I began assembling artists and products. In March, I started doing events and getting the word out. In May the website was up and in trial mode. By the end of July we were fully functional.

Thank you to all of you who supported us along the way...to our wonderful clients who return again and again and who tell others about us... to those of you whose spirits have been uplifted by gifts you've received... and of course, to our artists because without you none of this would be possible!

Now that you know how we came to be, isn't it about time you sent someone a gift "Out of the Blue"?

Thanks for stopping by!

What a Cancer Patient Needs

2009-05-21T20:55:00.000-07:00
During my 12 years working as a radiation therapist (administering radiation therapy to cancer patients) I witnessed patients in all stages of their journey in their fight against cancer. One issue that many patients faced was the disconnect with friends. When someone is diagnosed with cancer their friends either close in around them, support them, uplift them and get them through...or they don't know what to do or say and they stay away because of the awkwardness of the situation.

All too often it was the latter that happened and it left the patient feeling lonely and abandoned. I honestly don't think the friends meant to abandon the patients in their time of need; I think they just didn't know what to do or say...so they did nothing.

We all think we must have the perfect thing to say in these impossible situations. I promise you that your friend will appreciate it so much if you just have the guts to talk honestly. Say "I have no idea what I'm supposed to do or say to you right now. But, I want you to know that I'm here for you no matter what you need or what time of the day or night you need me. I'm going to support you in any way that you need in this fight against cancer!"

The other thing I saw relating to the emotional well-being of the patients was that their friends rallied at the beginning but then faded as time went on and their lives got busy. When someone is diagnosed with cancer it is the start of a long, tough battle. Depending on the type of cancer, surgery can just be the beginning. Chemotherapy often lasts for months and radiation therapy is another couple months from start to finish.

The best thing you can do as the friend of a newly diagnosed cancer patient is plan to be in support mode for at least a year. Pace yourself accordingly. Figure out where help and support are needed most. Keep in mind that the battle is also difficult on the family/loved ones/caregivers. Where is help needed: getting to treatments? with the kids? meals? cleaning house? etc.
Next, rally a group of friends and set up a support schedule. It's amazing how everyone giving a little can add up to be so much and not drain anyone completely in the process. And that way you always have more to give because of course, you are always "on call" for those emergencies (physical and emotional) when your friend will be having a "down" day and will need you!

That is what I witnessed and my words of advice to those of you who have close friends taking on this battle against cancer.

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of attending several Ovarian Cancer support and awareness groups. Among the amazing ovarian cancer patients and survivors was Kia Riddick...another inspiring young woman. This post from her blog about what a patient needs is the best list I've ever seen. You've got to check it out!

Breast Cancer and you

2009-05-20T20:30:00.000-07:00
Today I got to meet (via telephone) Maimah Karmo. What an amazing woman she is! The worst thing most 32 year old moms of toddlers confront daily is temper tantrums. Imagine battling breast cancer at 32. Maimah not only battled and won, but she has turned her journey into a mission to educate and empower young women about their bodies and breast cancer. She founded the Tigerlily Foundation (www.tigerlilyfoundation.com) and is accomplishing great things... be sure to check out her story and the inspiring stories of other young women who are fighting this disease. Under the media section, you can read how she is working alongside Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to support and promote the Early Act - which will make it possible for younger women to get screening/testing for early detection. Awesome!!!

Oh and be sure to tell someone (or everyone) close to you how much you love and appreciate them today. And take a moment to be thankful...because no matter what you are dealing with in your life today, if you are not battling cancer then it is a good day and you have reason to celebrate your life!!

Making men look good!

2009-05-19T19:52:00.000-07:00
Yep, that's what we're about...making men look good (and helping them give fabulous gifts to the awesome women in their lives). Imagine shopping on-line when you have a couple spare minutes and then having the gift delivered to you so that you can take it home and be the hero!

Well, today I had the pleasure of helping Roy assemble a gift box that is going to thrill his wife! In a matter of minutes (between client meetings) he was able to pick out several items that show thoughtfulness and creativity and I left it boxed and bowed and ready to take home! I only wish i could be there when she opens it!!

My favorite item he chose... one of our GORGEOUS handmade leather journals! Seriously, these journals by Teresa are by far the most stunning journals I have ever laid eyes on. (which is why we offer them at Out of the Blue Delivered. We want to bring you the best quality out there!)

These journals are a bit pricey, but TOTALLY worth it! Not only is each one truly a one-of-a-kind, but each one is handmade from start to finish... artist Teresa chooses the leather, cuts it to size, binds it to her handmade paper (how does one even make paper??? my fav paper of hers has dill in it) then adds the leather strap and coin or stone accent. These journals ooze character!

You have to check them out on our site! Anyone who journals or aspires to journal will love them. They are the kind of journal that will make anyone think they can write great things. And if you're looking for something special for an artist, well look no more! The watercolor journals have archival watercolor paper inside and will have the artist in your life singing the "Hallelujah Chorus"!

Seriously, no one will remember the flowers you sent or the gift card you mailed, but anyone who receives one of these journals will think about you for the rest of their lives - every time they look at this one-of-a-kind journal!

That's the beauty of a gift that lasts!! Roy is the hero today! Can't wait to hear how Lisa loved it all!!

What do men REALLY want???

2009-05-18T13:27:00.001-07:00
Today I'm questing to find new and exciting things that men want/need/will use/that won't end up stuffed in a drawer somewhere...i realize that if i figure this out ALL women will thank me for it is our constant battle coming up with new, useful, exciting, intriguing things for the men in our lives. Why is that? Why are they so difficult???

And how many ties can one guy really own? And do they even wear them?

At Out of the Blue Delivered, we carry gifts by artisans (which eliminates the techie stuff). I get lost trying to figure all that out anyway. And let's face it, we have the geek squad over at Best Buy for help in that area...or in my case, my good friend Courtney Barnette (see www.CommXperts.com) whom I call for answers to ALL my techie questions...he knows about all that crap and he doesn't give me that "I can't believe how stupid you are!" look that I get from the kids at BB. But I digress...

Hmmm, gifts for guys... With today's metrosexual man, we can now give men great body products. (Did you see our Boch Bier soap? It's so cool!)
Maybe we should combine the techie and the handmade...stay tuned for more on that.

So I'm off on this new quest...stay tuned as I find and share great guy gifts for Father's Day, Bdays and every day!

So tired of flowers...

2009-05-17T07:23:00.001-07:00
I look at the flowers wilting on the counter, a nice thoughtful gesture by my husband for my birthday. They were beautiful, bold, colorful when he brought them home but now they are wilted, petals falling off, sad and i need to put them in the trash...
Some women LOVE to get flowers. I'm not one of those women. It always seem such a huge expense for something that is so fleeting...such a waste of life and beauty.

So, i'm off on a quest to find the truly unique gifts in life...the ones that will bring joy and laughter- not only on the day they are received but long after...

I'm excited by what I will discover and I look forward to sharing them with you!