Hello & Updates!

Hello Everyone!  It has been a while since I've posted but I have taken much needed time for a break to spend time with God/family and time to reflect on the direction of my business and blog!  For a quick update, I have decided to move my blog/website to Wordpress and I'm excited for all the upcoming changes and growth.  With that being said, I will no longer be using blogger and I'm so thankful for all my followers and the blogger platform.  I'm working on migrating and please continue to follow me below.  Thanks again and look forward to the future!
::NEW LOCATION:: Website - www.chamelscreations.com Blog - www.chamelscreations.com/wp/blog

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A Time to Be Still .....Upcoming Changes!

Hello my lovely readers! I pray that you all are doing great this Wednesday. So I bet you are wondering what is going on? What happened to "2B2BS" hop?  What does she mean about being still?  Changes...what changes?  Those have been questions that I have been asking myself for the last several months.  To be honest with you all, when I first started blogging I was super excited about the world of blogging and how I could share all my thoughts, inspirations, encouragements, etc. However, I'm completely guilty of jumping in head first and taking on so much at one time and not truly reflecting on God's vision for my blog and his direction for my business.  I wanted to be like other bloggers and host hops/linkups, offer giveaways, sponsorship program, etc.  I found that I was becoming overwhelmed and not 100% sure if this was the direction I wanted or if I was just doing like everyone else. As I mentioned, for several months I have been contemplating over this matter and how to move forward.  This Wednesday, I'm encouraging myself to trust God and be obedient to his word.  Once again, God hit me in the face with his Word.  Proverbs 19:21 states:

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

So clearly God's word revealed that I can have all the plans and desires that I want, but it is God's ultimate plan that will stand.  With that being said, I realized that I need to get back to the basics and seek God's counsel first before I move forward with my plans.  His word reveals that if I trust him 100% and not lean on my own understanding that he will direct my path.  My sole heart's desire is to do his will and work!  Where do I go from here?  My goal and through God's directions are to use these next several weeks to be still and reflect on his word and receive his guidance.  I do know for sure that he wants me to use my business/blog platforms to encourage others and to spread his word.  
I pray that if you are like me and in the need of God's direction for a particular matter/situation.....stop and BE STILL! (Psalm 46:10)  Reflect and ponder on Proverbs 19:21 and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you.  Always remember that our plans may give good results, but God's plans gives us His Best!  Please share and encourage others today as well!
Thanks in advance for being so supportive during this period of stillness. I'm excited and anticipating the future and all the great plans that God has in store! Looking forward to updating you all soon!

**Thanks again to my lovely co-host Ellie of "Choosing Peace" for supporting last's week's "2B2BS" blog hop!  Visit her blog for fun/tasty recipes, adventures of a newly wed and God's word.**

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Excited....Liebster Award!

I'm so excited that my lovely friend Erin of Life Beyond the Well thought so much of me and my blog to nominate me for the Liebster Award a few weeks backs!  Sorry for the delay in writing a post but I'm so thankful and grateful for the award. (I'm doing the MC Hammer  "typewriter" over here...LOL)  So you may be wondering what is the Liebster Award?  It is given to new and upcoming bloggers who are recognized by their peers and a great way to show love and connect with others.  Thanks again Erin!
//A FEW RULES// Return the love and link back to your nominator, answer nominators 11 questions, post 11 random facts about yourself, nominate several other blogs with less than 200 followers and give them 11 questions to answer, and inform your nominees to spread the word/love.
//LETS BEGIN// [My nominator Erin's questions]

1. What’s the best dish that you cook? I'm more of a baker and love to bake a chocolate cake.
2. What was your favorite subject when you were in school/growing up? Math
3. What’s your all-time favorite book? Why? Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer: Reminds me that I'm in a daily battle with the enemy and that if I prepare myself, mind, and spirit that I can face any challenge because I have God and all his many promises! (Satan...what?...I'm ready to fight) 
4. If you had the opportunity to start your own business, what kind of business would it be? Of course...Chamel's Creations! :) My business specializes in spiritual and colorful handmade gifts to share your faith!
5. What’s the best piece of advice you received from your parents?  Each generation has to get better than the previous one....to grow and want better!
6. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?Pediatrician 
7. Cats or Dogs?  Which one would you prefer as a pet? dog
8. Did you play any sports while in school?  If so, which ones? basketball
9. If you could have an all-expenses paid vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go?  Hawaii
10. What is your favorite childhood memory?  Having fun with my sisters and cousins at our grandparents.
11. Chipotle, Qdoba, or Moe’s? not a fan of any

//RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME// Oldest of five sisters Want to learn to play the bass guitar Can change oil in a car....Jill of all trades :)' Favorite color is coral Had a double wedding with my sister Love my natural hair Played the clarinet Father played in the NFL Love Greys Anatomy  Love Target's red clearance stickers Enjoy kickboxing classes
//MY NOMINEES// [So some of my fav bloggers have more than 200 followers...so maybe they haven't been recognized :)] Mariel of Living for His Glory Rekita of Her&Nicole Janine of Janine's Confessions of a Mommyaholic Callie of Through Clouded Glass

//QUESTIONS FOR NOMINEES//

1) What's your favorite movie? 2) What encourages you the most? 3) Have a favorite scripture..why? 4) What is your hobby? 5)Where do you like to shop? 6)What is unique about you? 7) What's your favorite thing about blogging? 8) List favorite concert you've attended? 9) What advice would you give to an upcoming high school senior? 10) What's your favorite season and why? 11) List 3 words that describes you?

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So Why Support Chamel's Creations?

Good question right?  So the most obvious answer is that I would love for you to purchase a product to help support a handmade business and acquire a product that has been made from love from start to finish.  This statement is very true; however, I wanted to share that my heart's desire and mission of my business is to promote God's Word through my creative talents that were given to me. 
As consumers, majority of the time we purchase items based on how they make us feel.  So I took some time to think about what feeling I wanted to portray through my products.  My goal is to create fun, unique, and trendy products that allow individuals to share their faith.  I figured we can express ourselves and build God's kingdom all at the same time!  I love how God has guided me with the vision of my Sequoia Collection...empowering, inspiring, and encouraging others through spiritual and colorful designs.  This collection makes the statement that God is first and His Word is everlasting!
I want my customers to walk away with the feeling of having a product that enlightens and lifts spirits.  Just a simple glimpse of a scripture can change an attitude, atmosphere, or someone's heart.  I pray daily that if only one product changes someone's life....I have fulfilled my purpose.   Thank you in advance for browsing my SHOP, supporting Chamel's Creations, and spreading the word. Please help me to grow in my business and enjoy 10% off your order by filling out the short feedback questionnaire here. (Provide email in comment area -  required to receive coupon...thanks) Check out - Chamel's Creations :: Giving Back

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NICU Journey: Finding my way...God's Way!

So many may ask....what started you on this journey...becoming stronger in your faith, encouraging and ministering to others, blogging, and creating your Sequoia collection?  I must admit that many of those items weren't on my blueprint that I had put together several years ago.  After spending seven years in college to pursue a Bachelors degree in computer engineering and a Masters degree in computer science, I always thought I would find a job that was very flexible, paid well, and allowed time for family life and room for all my many adventures. While working in Northern VA/DC, I had all of those things, but I still had a deep feeling that God wanted more of me and that I was here for a greater purpose.  I didn't know what my purpose was but I wasn't happy where I was! 
In early 2011, I must say that God started a series of events to get my attention on Him and to open my eyes to following His will and not mine.....so the adventure and transformation began.  One of our prayers were answered when God allowed my husband to receive a job in Nashville, TN so that we could be closer to our family.  Of course, we thought we would move once we both had secured jobs and had everything aligned to move...our perfect plan!  Ha!  God worked things out where we had to move within four weeks! A blessing and hectic time all in one!  We were very uncomfortable with God's plan of action because things were upside down.  I had to leave my job without having another job lined up, and I was 21 weeks pregnant with our second child!

So my transition to a stay at home mom (SAHM) began and things were a little tough but we were making it.  Our next life changing event came late August 2011 when Kaleb decided to come early at 25 weeks weighing only 1 lb and 9 ozs.  After we had only been in Nashville for one month, we were dealing with the transition of a new job, one income, and now our little baby was here and fighting for his life.  Kaleb was considered a micro-preemie and spent the first 4 months of his life in the NICU.  Our world was upside down, but through this journey I realized that it wasn't about Kaleb being in the NICU but about my transformation in Christ and allowing him to be in control of everything!  God used that time to show me that Kaleb was physically in the NICU, hooked to machines and feeding tubes.  However, I was there spiritually and that God was feeding my spirit daily to grow my faith.  This point in my life is were I discovered the true meaning of Proverbs 3:5-6.  

Trusting in God is a daily walk and I'm so thankful that my journey has and still reminds me that He is in control and not me!  We are still going through our journey but I thank God that Kaleb is with us and doing so well.  Kaleb is still using a feeding tube and has weekly therapies, but it is a blessing that we aren't where we were and that things are going in such a positive direction.  Seeing Kaleb each day reminds me of God's love, power, and his grace and we are truly thankful.  I am becoming stronger in Christ, praying more about God's direction and will (His time), and learning to be obedient to His Word.
So now I'm at the place where I'm striving daily to fulfill my heart's desire to have my own business but God has shown me that he also wants me to use my business platform and personal experiences to  encourage, inspire, and empower!  With the vision of my Sequoia collection (learn more here), I pray daily that I can use my creative God given talent to serve Him and others.  If it had not been for my NICU journey I wouldn't be where I am today.  Thank you God for helping me to find my way!

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Sequoia Sentiments #2::Matt. 19:26

This week's Sequoia sentiment is Matthew 19:26:

I love the fact that this scripture reveals the magnitude of God's power!  If we truly believe and tap into that same power which he gave to us, we are unstoppable!  God's word clearly shows that in the natural things or circumstances may look or seem impossible.  But my God.......when he sent his ONLY begotten son to die for our sins, we are granted all the blessings and greatness that he has in store for us!  Realize that the Bible didn't say we wouldn't go through test and trials; however, when we keep our eyes on God and not our circumstances we allow him to move on our behalf and in his time!  No matter how your past or current circumstances look, remember that ALL THINGS are possible through God! Checkout more Sequoia sentiment posts here.

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Birthday Celebration - Flash Sale!

We are having a birthday celebration at Chamel's Creations!  I'm super excited to be celebrating my cousin Courtney's 30th birthday (she is like a sister to me) and my oldest son Braylon's 5th birthday!  Isn't that amazing and a blessing!  We have some great parties planned and I would like to share this excitement of fun with you all.  Enjoy today's flash sale with 35% off your purchase at my shop. 

Have fun and a blessed weekend!

(Stay tuned for party pics and updates)

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Care to cast your vote for me?

Welcome to Round 2 of the Blog Button Design Battle with Peacoats & Plaid. Want to know who won Round 1? Drum roll please...

Congrats to Kelly from The No Drama Mama! Kelly's winning button design:

The runner-up spot goes to Hollie from Blog-o-hollic.

This week's participants include:

Reese from The Importance of Being Reese
Amberly from Life With Amberly & Joe
Kalyn from Love, Laughter, Happily Ever After
Jules from My Mom's a Whack Job
Filiz from Light & Sweet
Sara from Sara in Texas
Chamel from Chamel's Creations
Jackie from City Girl Finding Her Place in the World
Areeba from Aree With Umbrella
Amanda from Little Lady Living

Vote for your favorite and most eye-catching button by clicking on the thumbnail below. Make sure you're voting solely on eye appeal. You can only vote once, so make it count.


Check back next week for Round 3. If you're interested in participating in Season 2 of the Blog Button Design Battle, make sure you subscribe to Peacoats & Plaid for updates.

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New Encouraging Series :: Sequoia Sentiments

Hello everyone and I pray that all is well!  I'm excited to start the new series "Sequoia Sentiments" for the month of May.  So you may have wondered why I have chosen the six specific scriptures that I currently offer for my Sequoia collection.  This series will give you insight on my selection of these six, personal reference to each one, and a way to encourage each of you!  I pray that you will find these scriptures uplifting and perhaps share your favorite and how it has enpowered you.

To start the series,we will take a look at Proverbs 3: 5-6:

Proverbs 3:5-6 is my favorite scripture because it reminds me that I'm not in control and that EVERYTHING is under God's control.  The last two years have been a whirl-wind for my family and I must admit that I have struggled for a long time with letting go and giving everything to God.  I was raised to be very independent, hard work, achiever, and taught to trust God!  I'm thankful that my parents raised me this way, but I found that it wasn't until I got older and started to go through somethings for me to realize that I wasn't truly honoring God's word.  In every circumstance, I thought I had a solution that would work and majority of the time I would pray that God would bless what I wanted.  I never took the time to see if I was being obedient and praying that HIS will be done.  That was the problem....doing my own will!

 I eventually came to the point where I was tired of banging my head on the wall ("throwing in the towel") or rather these so called quick fixes. Through the support of my sister, Chantel, she helped me to realize that I was running out of towels ("How many towels do you have Chamel?" LOL) and that I couldn't live the life God had promised me until I SURRENDERED all to him.  I started praying and studying more and God led me to Proverbs 3:5-6.  The words were so clear to me...I could finally understand them!  Sometimes you don't understand the meaning of a scripture until you through something....helps grow your faith.  My heart's desire is to give God with EVERYTHING and not to get consumed with knowing all the answers.  My job is to TRUST and let him work it all out!  I pray that you will take some time to ponder on this scripture and allow it to minister to your heart! Just take life one day at a time....God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but to make progress.  Choose to surrender all and TRUST HIM 100%.

Checkout more Sequoia sentiment posts here.

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{Serve} it Forward :: Supporting Anna Reese

Hello Everyone!  I'm kicking off the {Serve} it Forward series today and to learn more, click here. I pray that all is well and that you enjoy this month's feature:

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. "1 Peter 4:10.

With that scripture at heart, one of my goals is to use my business platform to empower and server others! The inspiration behind the Sequoia collection is to provide everyday functional accessories that have a spiritual and colorful design to share God's Word!

At a craft event, I had the pleasure to meet an awesome woman of God, Mrs. Jody Bailey, who shared the journey about her grandaughter Anna Reese Henderson who has been diagnosed with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) a CHD (Congenital Heart Defect). I have chosen to partner with her business, Under God's Rainbow, which offers "The Heart that is Tied to Ours" collection of Swarovski crystal heart jewelry, in which all proceeds go towards Anna Reese's fund.
To learn more about Anna Reese, please contact Mrs. Jody at jodywayne7@gmail.com.
When you purchase a Sequoia product, a portion of each sale is donated to Anna Reese Henderson in her fight with HLHS. I thank you in advance for your support and prayers! Remember that God came to love and serve, and it is my heart's desire that each one of us can do the same!

 Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service. Try to give unconditionally whatever a person needs in the moment. The point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions by giving your time … We are all God’s children so it is important to share His gifts. Do not worry about why problems exist in the world – just respond to people’s needs … We feel what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but that ocean would be less without that drop." - Mother Teresa

**Don't forget about FREE Ad space for the Month of May, more information here.**

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Want to win $50 in a giveaway?

Hello Everyone!  Pray that you all are doing great this awesome Tuesday!  I wanted to share that I'm participating in a great giveaway with Rekita of Her & Nicole.  She has an awesome lifestyle blog so please check her out and her sponsor giveaway below!

What does $50 dollars and 4 beautiful ladies have in common?

We are giving away $50 Visa Gift Card to a lucky winner!

Warning: This giveaway is soooooo easy to enter, not a million entries to do. 

So don't miss your chance to win!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway






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Checkout Giveaway at Agape Love Designs

Hello everyone!  I pray that all is well this wonderful Sunday!  I wanted to mention that I'm participating in April's Group Giveaway over at Agape Love Designs.  It's a great giveaway, so please checkout Maria-Isabel's blog.  She has a great blog about faith, makeup, fitness, and so much more! Thanks for the love and support!

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Happy Friday & TAX DAY SALE - Enjoy 15% off

With tax day right around the corner, enjoy the gift of 15% off at Chamel's Creations Shop!  Sale ends 11:59 p.m. (CST) on 4/15/13.  Sale is just in time for Mother's day, graduations, and much more!  

Happy Friday & Shopping!

Large Sequoia Clutches  |  Small Sequoia Clutches  | Sequoia Pouches  

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Update: Tupelo Furniture Market Spring Show

Hello everyone!  So I wanted to update you all on my first experience at the Tupelo Furniture Market's Spring Show in Tupelo, MS.  Overall, I had a good time at the event and the personnel was very friendly and setup of the event was very professional.  I'm thankful for my parents for watching my boys and my grandmother and sister Jasmine for helping me with setup and working my booth.  I must say that I was a little disappointed in the traffic flow of the show, but this is the second year that they have included a home/gift show with the event.  However, I didn't let the traffic expectation get me down and I enjoyed the experience.

I was able to meet and share my faith with many customers and other vendors.  It was an amazing experience to be able to share and encourage people with my products and personal testimony.  I kept encouraging myself that no matter the outcome of the show, I was happy to be doing God's will...sharing my faith and His word!

Much thanks and gratitude goes out to Patti Yancey of Kindred Spirit Style.  She has such a warm and friendly spirit and I'm so thankful for her advice and encouragement....it meant so much!  Please check out her website, she has some awesome and unique bags and accessories!  The other exciting news is that I was able to network with other shops and boutiques about selling my products in their stores.  Look out...there are some exciting and future updates to come!  (Can't wait to share!)

I was also surprised at the event by my good friend, Kay Nelson, who I keep in touch with all the time and I help with her ministry (I Can Fly Ministry), but we haven't seen one another in years!  What an amazing surprise!  Just to see and catch up with her was worth the event!  I was also able to see a high school classmate, Latonya, and it was great to see her. (Thanks for the support!)

At this event, I had my first giveaway to promote my mailing list and allow attendees to connect with Chamel's Creations. This giveaway included a large sequoia clutch, one large and one mini inspirational journals, colorful faith wooden cross, and Chamel's Creations' mission card.  The winner of the giveaway is.......Deanna Dabbs (So please check your email to redeem giveaway!)

The market had some great gifts for the home, jewelry, clothing, food, etc. and I was able to pickup some great gifts for myself and family! (Of course I have to treat myself from time to time.. :)

{Giveaway Basket | Fiestaware sold by Margo Brooks | Cross Leather Bracelet by Mandy Norsworthy of Delta Designs}
(Please email if you are interested in Fiestaware ....will forward contact information)

I must say that overall I was pleased with the event and outcome!  I truly believe that God is aligning and ordering my steps and I'm trusting and believing that he has great things for Chamel's Creations.  I look forward to sharing!

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Chamel's Creations at Tupelo Furniture Market/Gift Show

Chamel's Creations will make its first appearance at the Annual Tupelo Furniture Market Spring Show (http://tupelofurnituremarket.com/) on Thursday, February 28 - Sunday, March 3, 2013 in Tupelo, MS.  I was invited by one of the market's representatives who saw my booth at the 2012 Starkville Holiday Bazaar.  To be honest, I was excited and nervous all at the same time because this is the biggest event thus far that I've participated in.  However, I put aside all fear and nervousness because I knew that this was a blessing from God and that He works everything out for my good.  I'm excited about showcasing my products...especially my Sequoia collection.  It is truly about spreading and empowering others through God's word and I believe and know that this will be a great and blessed event!  If you are in the area, I would love for you to stop by my booth (Building 1, booth 1615).  I look forward to sharing the successful outcome!

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Welcome to Chamel's Creations Blog!

Hello blog readers and thank you for stopping by!  I have been working really hard the last couple of months on revamping my business and have put in a lot of hours including designing and sewing my new collection "Sequoia", website/blog development, and all the other business craziness. :)

I pray that you are able to capture who I am from my love for God, family, and being creative.  My goal is to share my personal and business thoughts, all things creative, updates about my Etsy shop/new products/sales, and most importantly sharing God's word.

Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you have questions, concerns, prayer requests, or even to just say hello!  God Bless! Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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