Join (www.kitsapcountycashmobs.com) as they cash mob the Second Saturdays Gift Event by special women! They will be showcasing story bracelets and one of a kind BLING from famous Jewelry designers Libbey, Jill and Gayle. What a treat!

MEN shoppers are welcome and we will help you with gift giving ideas. See below for more guest vendors!

Where: November 10th 9am-5pm

Guest Vendors will also include

RSVP TO THE EVENT

PS) Wondering how else you can help? Kitsap County Cash Mobs could use donations that will help with the current and past website expenses. If you are able to help, we have set up a link for easy donating.  Thanks in advance for ANY help! Donation Link Here: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/4LB32

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I received this letter for help from Josh Rugal lastnight. Please read below. If a vet would come forward and donate the medical help it would be great too! Please read below and share with your friends and family!

My name is Josh Rogal and I am writing to you in the hopes you may find this story of interest and want to cover it. I’m a volunteer with a very small nonprofit dog rescue group, The Big Dog Project. We are a registered 501 C 3 and 100% volunteer staffed, as such 100% of any funds we are able to raise go to the necessary vet care, transportation, food and other supplies needed to provide the best of care to our dogs.

Currently I have a foster dog in my care that is Chihuahua/min pin mix and approximately three years of age. This poor guy came to us from a hoarder and has been extremely underweight. Upon inspection, a horrible discovery was made, that his teeth were in abhorrent shape. Arrangements were made to get him into the vet. The vet stated, after his examination of Ren, that yes his teeth were in very bad shape and were in desperate need of cleaning and many of his teeth would need to be removed. He was placed on antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory for pain relief. I was very excited for Ren that evening, to see him literally inhaling the meal I had prepared for him. This has continued for the past week or so, however Ren only has enough medication for about one more week. One of our other volunteers and I have been working non-stop to try and locate a vet that would be able to perform the procedure on Ren’s teeth. Our only hurdle has been finding a way to pay for the work. As of this point, Ren will be left out in the cold per se, left with very painful teeth and desperate for the ability to consume food without pain.

Since we are a 501 C3 and we only have a small handful of volunteers, fundraising is something we are actively attempting to do. The past months however have not proven to be very successful. Our current financial state is very bleak and we are not in the situation to be able to help Ren with his dental needs. I am hoping that you will find it in your heart to maybe do a story on this little, helpless guy. My hope is that maybe members of our community will see him and be willing to make a tax deductible donation to help him.

I have attached a picture of Ren for you to include in your consideration of this story. Our volunteers are just heartbroken and filled with a feeling of helplessness for Ren. We have been trying very hard to find ways to make the poor and traumatic life that Ren has come to know, a thing of the past and in the end, have him adopted into a loving family.Thank you for your time and consideration. If you would like more information feel free to contact me at any time.

Donations can be mailed to: P.O. Box 864 Silverdale, WA 98383
Dropped off at Naturally 4 Paws: 9337 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale 98383
Alder Trail: 5757 Hwy 303 N.E. Bremerton 98311 and

Blue Collar Pet Salon, 1740 N.E. Riddel Rd. East Bremerton

Keep your canceled check, as that is your receipt for the tax deduction.

The Big Dog Project, 360-434-2364

coffeeblack247@yahoo.com

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What are you doing this weekend? It is suppose to be a nice weather weekend so join the grassroots cash mob movement and visit a cash mob or two!

Cash mobbing starts on Saturday April 28, 2012 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM  25960 Central Avenue Kingston, WA 98346 at Nancy’s Green Garden!  Get your bedding plants, fresh flowers and artisan gifts! Bring a friend and support a locally owned business.

RSVP on the Faceboob page here:…then after that a short car ride away is the Brownsville Deli  Cash Mob on the waterfront! Go celebrate the  fun at Brownsville Deli (a locally owned and operated Kitsap County Business) This special event will be from 11am-7pm offering scrumptious food (my favorite biscuits and gravy will be served all day long) plus cash mobber deli specials AND  wine tasting!

Brownsville Deli Saturday April 28, 2012 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM 9790B Ogle Road NE Bremerton, WA 98311. Celebration food eating will be at the same location! Help a local business, meet new friends and have fun! RSVP on the Brownsville Cash Mob Facebook page here!

www.kitsapcountycashmobs.com is administrated by residents, community members and business owners who work very hard everyday to be of service to neighboring businesses and friends. Read More About local Kitsap Cash Mobbing featured in the Kitsap Sun.

List of active Kitsap County Town Administrators

Brownsville/Keyport  Administrated By Evie Osborn & Kim Hoyt Cheyrl Estep

Gig Harbor Marleen Madding &

Kingston Administrated By Connie Obee & Donna Schambron

Poulsbo Administrated By  Mary West & Megan G Henry

Port Gamble Administrated By Sean Wescott

Suquamish/Indianola Sherry Morisch & Lisa Jachimowicz

Silverdale Administrated By Donna Bigelow Mescha Manietta, Jessica Guess Catie Johnson-Malcom

Port Orchard Debbie Doll, Richard Edwards, Harold Bright

Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa Jachimowicz

Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy, and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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Local customers at Jak's Cafe Poulsbo, WA

Our day started early for a breakfast visit at Jak’s Cafe and Espresso where Julie Krucek makes everything in her beautiful cafe from scratch.  The family recipes are all gluten free.

She served up many rounds of egg Benedict and delicious artisan creme puffs and really rolled out the hospitality red carpet by singing Happy Birthday to a local Poulsbo resident. Patrons trickled in all day from 10AM-5Pm and enjoyed their visit to the very well known cafe.

Cash Mobbers from Kitsap County couldn’t have asked for better weather for National Cash Mob Day. “My sales were up 40% that day- Thanks so much! When can we do it again?” stated Julie Krucek founder of Jak’s cafe.

Birthday Bavarian Creme Pastries from Jak's Cafe

The next awesome location was CJ’s Evergreen General Store and Catering where Cynthia Jeffries-Cyr also rolled out the penny candy,  Dinner to Go meals from her famous catering department, hot aromatic espresso, ice cream and pies.

Cynthia Jeffries-Cyr Owner of CJ's Evergreen Store & Catering

Cash Mobbers outside of CJ's

Bremerton Cash Mobs were instrumental in inviting local residents, creating the certificates of appreciation and showcasing what locally made products were available for purchase.  “We bought some of the Sequim Valley Marion Berry Jelly. I’m in heaven!” stated  Robin Henderson founder of Bremerton Cash Mobs.

Cash Mobbers and local business owners celebrated the sunny day and the events success at another locally owned establishment by having a nice meal at Rachel’s in Bremerton. Everyone relaxed, socialized and networked with other local business owners and residents that they might not have normally met.  It was a very humbling, gratifying  and emotional experience for many who attended. Cash Mobbing might be addicting!

Celebration Dinner At Rachels in Bremerton

“I would like to thank all of you that came by the store for the 1st Bremerton Cash Mob yesterday. I really appreciate all the people that came out. We feel that it was a success. We were so glad to see so many new people and returning customers. We hope to see all of you again. If there is anything that you would like to see us carry, just let us know and we will see what we can do about that. Again, thank you so much. It really was an honor to be one of the first Cash Mob sites. “ Cynthia Jeffries-Cyr

For More Information about how to get involved, visit Kitsap County Cash Mobs Enjoy!

Lisa Jachimowicz Poulsbo, Washington

Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy, and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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What are you doing this weekend?  The weather is nicer so it would be a good weekend to attend a  Cash Mob!

What is a cash Mob?

Cash mobs use social media sites to draw customers to a local business.

On average, mobbers spend $20 in cash, (or what they can afford) and then meet up at a local food or beverage establishment as a post-mob activity to celebrate!

As a community we can all help local businesses grow, make people happy, and get quality local goods for ourselves and our families. The local movement is happening on www.kitsapcountycashmobs.com and is being organized via business owners who are administrating facebook pages in each town.

March 24th is National Cash Mob Day and two really great Cash Mobs are happening in Poulsbo and Bremerton!

The Cash Mob in Poulsbo is at Jaks Espresso and Cafe 19355 Jensen Way NE, from 9am-4pm and the owner Julie Krucek said “if it is nice out we could have the BBQ fired up and who knows what will be cooking! It will be delicious! I hope to see lots of supporters-Even some cream puffs with Bavarian cream filling might be in order!”

The Cash Mob in Bremerton is at CJ’s at 1417 Park Ave across the street from Evergreen Park at Noon. Come spend a twenty and check out CJ’s store. Afterwards they are going to meet at Rachel’s on the Eastside to socialize. Bring a friend and make some new ones.

Kitsap County Cash Mobs and local town administrators are hopeful to be able to cash mob one locally owned business per week-per town!  This is a very good start!

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I am happy to report I have recently re-connected with my Uncle Reggie Gebo. We were talking on facebook and he told me he usually catches about 60 to 70 salmon a year in the Great Lakes of Michigan!?

It is not often I get to showcase a family member and it made me realize that we often forget and take for granted our salmon abundance.

My Uncle Reggie has traveled to many cool places and is an outstanding cook. He has recently started a blog for all of his travels and of his very unique recipes. His new blog is a work in progress so keep checking back often. He adds new content daily!

One dish that  really caught my sockeye (excuse the pun) was this Salmon and Zucchini Olive Oil Dish and the Linguine with Salmon and Zucchini dinner.

And then of course dessert! This is his Danish Rice Pudding with Brandy Glazed Cherry Sauce.

If you need a fresh cooking and travel perspective for Spring- I encourage you to check out all of Reggie Gebo’s recipes, tips and travel pictures on his new blog. Enjoy!

Lisa Jachimowicz
Suquamish/Poulsbo, Washington
Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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You know you think about reaching out, you read something like this and get motivated but then you get busy and put it on the back burner for tomorrow.  Then tomorrow turns into months or a year…maybe this is the one you act upon?

Isn’t it time to help?

I just got word from my friend Chris Garcia with Fidelity National Title Company that Foster Children need help. Kitsap Realtors and Lenders are doing what they can and  reaching out to support Foster Children (and they had a very successful clothing drive this Christmas) but everyday is not Christmas and their are needs all year long.

Having five children of my own- I know how challenging raising children is on a good day, on a tough day a child has to go to school without all needs being met  ( especially teenagers) who often get left out because people love to buy little kids clothes but forget that teenagers need clothes and personal items to succeed. Self esteem is a really important aspect at that particular age and can make all the difference in the daily lives of  the 12-18 age group.

For more information about next years Foster Care Clothing Drive, or to inquire about becoming a foster parent, please call 360-692-4556 or email Chris at christopher.garcia@fnf.com.

Also,  if you are buying a house this year – you might want to give Chris a call. He can make sure your property is title searched thoroughly and effectively by insuring you that someone’s Uncle Joe from 1967 does not have any legal claims on your new home… AND he offers outstanding service.  Enjoy!

Read more about becoming a Foster parent here or learn how you can donate!

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If you’re like me you might have had a beautiful holiday but are now feeling a little cranky about all of the work involved to help you meet all of your New Year resolutions.  I think because of the many changes in our society right now- it might be important to go back to the basics of living:

• Don’t answer your emails before coffee. This is very important. Why? Because before coffee you might be tempted to fire off a bad email response to the stupid person on the other end. That is not beneficial to your well being, job, or relationships. Just trust me on this one.

• Looking for a job? Make looking for a job your new job and you will find a job. Pretty simple, huh? This is mainly directed to the 16-25 crowds of “well I interviewed but they never called me back” syndrome. You send a ‘Thank You’ note and YOU call back. Pretty ‘epic’, huh? Make sure you use the word ‘epic’ in every sentence, too! It is epic impressive.

• If you’re a baby-boomer start putting money in your mattress for retirement. Banks can’t be trusted. Apparently, baby boomers have been great spenders. Many have depended on their houses as retirement funds but now with properties not worth as much there is no equity to be had for awhile. To get Social Security full payout you will have to work till age 70. Don’t believe me? Read the news. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101227/ap_on_bi_ge/us_retirement_crisis and (for the record) I love mature workers in places like McDonalds. The service is so much better and I am never missing any fries. Seriously.

Which reminds me…

• Believe everything you read on the internet, especially if you are having a debate about something. You most likely can win, because you probably can find anything to support a theory or debate in your favor, (because as you know) the internet is always correct. Don’t worry about quoting reputable sources as they probably won’t have the facts you need to win your point! Just quote the internet by saying “Well, I read it on the internet” case closed.  You won and of course winning is the most important thing. Insert sarcasm <here>.

• Don’t say “I am going on a diet”.  It’s just a set up for failure. According to the Journal of Preventive Medicine “you need 150 minutes of moderate exercise to stay healthy”.  So walk your dog, if you do not have a dog, walk your kid, if you do not have either, borrow one or the other (go for the dog). It’s a win-win situation.

• Most millionaires are frugal. Get as much free stuff as you can. Yeah, it’s cool to ‘recycle’ and ‘go green’ blah, blah, and blah but the truth is sometimes hard to publicly admit; free stuff is good. If you get on free cycle and craigslist before you purchase any items and use coupons for food it can be like a great video game. Think of the person who takes your money as the enemy. Zap them with your coupons. It leaves more money for more important things – like building a bomb shelter.

• Date night is good. Don’t let finances get in the way. If there isn’t any room in the budget for date night (because your savings are under your mattress for retirement, remember?) you can always hit up the local free community meals. Check your local churches. It gives you a chance to get away, be appreciative of what you have, and meet new people in your neighborhood. It can be a breath of fresh air and produce unique opportunities to give back.

• Grow something (nothing illegal, of course). Particularly, replace one food item that you normally buy to something you can grow.  If you have very little ground space you can grow vegetables in hanging planters. Lettuce is a good choice among many. Seeds are relatively inexpensive at the Dollar Store.  If you absolutely cannot grow something then buy something from your local farmers market. At least you’ll be supporting the local economy. Help your family become more self sufficient and help the environment.

I hope this unique list has helped de-crankify you to enjoy your family, enjoy nature, and make it an epic year. Humor and sarcasm always help!

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My Christmas Tree 2010

Some people get so depressed about not being able to give gifts during the holiday season that they might not attend a holiday family function or if they do attend they are feeling so down that they do not act like themselves.

It is very unfortunate and some people really need to be verbally ‘let off the hook’ so they can get through the season and the big day. If you know people in this situation give them the biggest gift of all by letting them “off the hook” for holiday present exchange.

From my experience- it really is one the greatest gifts  you can give to friends and loved ones. Just recently my mother did it for me!

We had planned a trip back home to the East Coast months ago -and then an unexpected move and other family obligations happened so  it just did not make a holiday trip feasible. I did not want to tell my mother, in fact I dreaded telling her…but she instinctively  knew and she called and told me she understood. It was the biggest relief of guilt ever this year and I appreciated her knowing we wanted to come but yet it was too much of a hardship to actually do it this year.

Eleven great things you can say in these difficult types of Holiday situations:

Lisa Homemade Apple Pie

1. We are focusing the day on the great food, our warm house, and the pleasure of your company.
2. We are focusing our own gift giving for the little children so no gift is needed for adults and the children have plenty of gifts to open.
3. You have done so many things for us this past year that we just want to celebrate in appreciation of you and everything we have done together/been through together over the last 12 months.
4. If the person insists on giving, you can make a great suggestion of homemade gifts.
5. I really love that ____ (food item) you make, if you would like to make that, it would save me so much time and be the perfect gift – plus it would relieve me of so much stress on Christmas Day!
6. I really love homemade decorations and my tree/wall/man room (or insert other appropriate relevant suggestion) really needs more decorations.
7. I really love old family/friend pictures if you have some to share, I would love one or two as a gift for my scrapbook!
8. I really loved when you babysat or walked my dog (or other service the person has provided in the past) so a written gift certificate  (on notebook paper) would be just the perfect  gift and really give me something to look forward too!
9. If you have any books or magazines about _______ I would love to have them as a gift.
10. Please donate your time to a local charity in my name such as the food bank or humane society. It would make me very happy!
11. If you have any holiday DVD movies, we would love to have some of them so we could have a family movie holiday! I will even make the special holiday popcorn!

Many times people you know will express worries about bills and items they need for their own families for the holidays.  There are many ways you can offer assistance and resources:

Let them know you are giving them a gift certificate for a local grocery store or department store. This lets them know that they may have a cushion and allow them to buy for their immediate family.

You can also suggest craft items that you have made in the past for special occasions and let them know where to get supplies that are reasonably priced. You may also let them borrow a sewing machine or glue gun, beads, wood scraps and donate  ideas that you find on the Internet (lots of DIY sites)  or at the local library. This should help spark ideas and creativity!

If things are looking really difficult for family or friends try to get them on a church angel list or point them to a website called ‘2 Hands’. It is a website about one hand helping another and is located at http://www.2hands.org/. You may even offer use of your computer to help them get registered.

Also, Kitsap County has  local resources that may be available for utility assistance and food. You can print out this list below and give it to them and offer a ride or even just understanding of difficult times and let them know that they are not alone. http://www.bremertonschools.org/studentsfamily/services/Kitsap_Community_Homeless_Low_Income_Resource_Guide%20%282%29.pdf

The best thing you can say is “I have faith in you” and “I love/care for you” and “We are looking forward to celebrating the holiday with you.” “Be here at ___ time” or “I will have _______ name of person pick you up -so be ready for the day!”

Share your abundance and have a safe, warm and meaningful holiday!

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