Additional Printable for Download Codes

Additional Printable!

Download PDF here or

 Download jpg here

Bianca's  Says Thank you: 

"Ok, first of all...I've just got to say THANK YOU so much for downloading this song, sharing it with others, and for the kind comments and emails! My heart is so full. Thank you so much. "

As for the download codes...here's how you can get them.

1. Download and print this printable tag. Download PDF here or Download jpg here
2. Then be sure to download the song here. When you do so, there will be a section where you can send me a comment. If you want download codes (perhaps to give away as gifts), just send Bianca a comment on this post and she will respond to you with the download codes.
3. Or, you may also email her at biancamerkleymusic@gmail.com and she will reply to your email with download codes.
4. If you would like multiple download codes (perhaps to give away to your neighbors with some hot cocoa), then I would suggest (although you don't have to) that you put an extra dollar or more in the "Name Your Price" box (for example, if you want 10 download codes, then $10 would be appreciated). 
5. Lastly, once you receive your codes and have printed out your printable, then you may write the download codes in the blank on the bottom of the cards where it says, "Download Code."
6. If you'd like some super cute ideas as to how this download card thing can work as a gift, then go check it out my post on "How Does She." 

Now keep spreading the word! 

Pin it, FB it, email it, text it, tweet it, blog it, tell everyone you know about this fundraiser! 

Besitos

Xo,

Fundraising through music for Hurricane Sandy

As you may have seen on this post of How Does She- I am putting a little fundraiser together with my sister Bianca, a singer songwriter living in New York. She has been sharing with me the continual burdens that many families are still enduring this winter due to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Volunteering to clean out homes this past week, she was stunned at the devastation and destruction of many homes and neighborhoods who are still in shambles and some still without power! 

Bianca along with several other musicians have volunteered their time and talent and recorded a Christmas track for you to download for $1!  

And guess what? 

100% of the funds will go to families in need who were affected by hurricane Sandy! 

Now, grab a warm mug of hot chocolate and sit back and take a listen.

Didn't you love it? It can be all yours- just download it here and don't forget to spread the word and share this link with others! 

Bonus: If you are one of the first 200 downloads than you qualify for a FREE download code to give to a neighbor or friend! After you have downloaded the code email Bianca at biancamerkleymusic@gmail.com and she will get you the code! 

Bianca in her blog writes: 

“When we first drove into these devastated neighborhoods and communities, I wanted to burst into tears. While the storm happened weeks ago and hardly affected me personally at all, it was hard to believe that not too far distant there were people who had lost nearly everything and who were still struggling to get their lives back together! I almost felt like I was in another country. I went back again on Friday (just a few days ago), and the roads were still covered in dirt and filled with piles of garbage, thrown out sofas, and broken up dry wall. The stench inside the home we went in was too much to bare- I couldn't have done it with out my mask. Most homes were flooded up to 4 feet of water, and as a result, there was now mold growing everywhere, nestled into every nook and cranny. The woman we helped on Friday said that she was sleeping temporarily on a plastic garbage bag on top of her soaking wet sofa. Not only does this sound miserable to sleep on a wet sofa, but her power didn't get turned back on until just a few days ago. Many still don't have hot water either! The thought of taking a cold shower in the winter is chilling. During our time working with "Mormon Helping Hands," we worked on taking out the walls and insulation leaving the homes with less mold but more vulnerable to the cold. Although I was able to return home to my warm and well lit apartment, the images of these homes were haunting, and I decided I wanted to try to do something more to help."

There are still so many families in need this holiday season. Want to see what I am talking about- watch this:

To find out more on the stories and the follow up of the families that were touched this holiday season you can follow Bianca Merkley's quest to spread a little cheer this holiday season with her music on her blog right here or check back here as I will be giving you more updates!

Besitos, 

xo

We Wish You a Merry Christmas...

  Bee shows us how to increase social skills while singing along to a Christmas tune.

My gift to you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

besitos

I heart wrapping paper...

One of the best things about giving a gift is the wrapping part.

Year after year, I set off to find the perfect wrapping paper and ribbon combo for my gifts. And once I have found it-  I sit in front of the fire with my wrapping paper and gifts all spread out...and I go to town.

The sound of paper cutting and  pieces of scotch tape tearing accompanies the Christmas Music (in this case Mindy Gledhill's Winter Moon) I have blaring through my speakers. 

I spend time mindfully placing the ribbon as I work on getting the bow just right. 

 Then, my favorite part...  with my best handwriting, I write on the tag who the gift belongs to and sit back and think of the person I am giving the gift to.

To me, taking the time to enjoy the act of giving gifts, not only brings the spirit of Christmas in my home, but it reminds me of the importance of the action to give...not the importance of what is in the box. I find that I develop a greater love for the person who I am giving to as I think of them while I am wrapping their gift.

It sounds silly I know.

But to me, that is what Christmas is all about. 

He gave us his only son to be born on this earth. 

That is an amazing gift that you can't even place in a box.

What do you do to bring  you in the Christmas Spirit?

besitos,

It's a Candy Land - Wonder Land

The lolly pops and snowflakes were hung.

The candy and soda bar were filled.

The chairs and table set.

 The anticipation... the months of planning... December 16th was  finally was here.

I am sorry for the delay in this post- but I have had a really hard time writing about this night. Mostly, because there are few words that can even begin to describe what it is why like.

But in summary, it was "Magical."

Not only was the venue decorated like a Candy Land-Wonder Land but I got to meet and listen to Mindy for the first time in person!

 My most memorable moment: watching little Brynn Jones jump up and dance around at the first glimpse of Mindy. 

That alone, made all the long hours and hard work well worth it. 

Front and center Brynn (Mindy's number one fan) sat mesmerized by the music...

what a beautiful night. 

And besides, bringing awareness to hundreds of people (if not thousands with the news coverage we got) about what Rett Syndrome- we were able to raise about $17,000 and still counting to the Rett Syndrome Foundation for finding medicine to help alleviate symptoms and one day hopefully find a cure.

See...words can't describe.

My only complaint....that I didn't nearly take enough photos. 

Note to self when hosting an event...HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER even when you are a photographer.

 

Needless to say, the event was a huge success.
Brynn was exhausted. I was exhausted....we all were exhausted.

Thanks to all those of you who supported us in the event.  My heart is full for all the love and friends who were willing to give their time and talent.

Thank You.

And a special Thank you to Mindy Gledhill for coming out and bringing peace and joy into the lives who listen to your music every day...

especially in the life of a little girl who doesn't have the words to verbalize her thoughts and feelings.

I think to her, you are her voice.

Want to see more and the follow up coverage on the news?  Go here:

 Besitos,

Feliz Navidad!

Get out your shakers and dance along! 

Here is Music Monday (delayed) 

Thanks Bee!

besitos,

Meet Brynn...

Brynn at our filming of her video

It seems like in between changing a million runny diapers, church assignments, editing Christmas photos, and taking care of a sick extra needy little one,  I am having a hard time focusing. I sit down to write a post and the only thing I have on the brai  is our benefit concert coming up next Friday. Sorry if I am scattered lately!

Yikes... it is only 9 days away!

 I fall asleep and wake up to thinking about how we can market this show- where to drop off more fliers- who to email and call... what it will be like....will people show up?

  All the anxieties that come along with putting yourself out there.

It has been a tad more difficult marketing a benefit concert in the busy season of December- especially for something that most people are unfamiliar with: Rett Syndrome. I have to admit that I too didn't know much about it besides the brief mention in our text book.

Then, one day I was reading my friend Maren's blog and she had just discovered that her little girl, who once could say words,  had began to regress... the diagnosis...Rett Syndrome. I couldn't imagine as a mother what that would feel like and I found my self sobbing as I read her honest and heart fealt posts. 

Then, soon after,  I met another little girl in my church named Brynn who also had Rett Syndrome. She has won the hearts of those she comes in contact with. Her beautiful smile is the only thing you can focus on, for Brynn always seems to be smiling.   I had heard that she was a really big fan of Mindy Gledhill and her music is the only thing that soothes her when she becomes upset.

So, when I contacted Mindy about coming and doing a show here in Boise- she was thrilled to help us with the cause. 

Here is a little video on Rett Syndrome to understand more about it. 

Don't forget! to spread the word- if you aren't local.
 You can get your tickets or donate your ticket to someone if you can't attend.
For purchasing or donating go here. - every dollar counts!

I can't wait for next Friday!

Besitos, 

Music Monday: The Holidays are Here!

I love this time of year. I know, I know...I say that about every seasonal change, but there's just something different about the Holidays.  Seriously, don't you think?

Well Bianca's Music Monday song is all about getting us excited and ready for the holidays! Go buy your jingle bells because we'll be doing more jingly songs in the weeks to come. Happy Monday everyone! And most of all...Happy Holiday!

Besitos,

Winter Moon

So, since I skipped Music Monday...
I thought I would share this video with you from Mindy Gledhill's Christmas album- which by the way there is a giveaway still going on for her new Christmas CD... submit your comment here to enter! 

besitos,

Mindy Gledhill December 16th in Boise

Today I am grateful for Christmas Music.
We are putting on a benefit concert featuring Mindy Gledhill. If you are in  or close to the Boise area- you will not want to miss this.

The Rose Room - 718 W. Idaho Street, Boise, ID 

December 16, 2011 - 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm) 

Tickets $18/adult or $12/child – Purchase at http://irsf.ejoinme.org/brynnjones 

If you can't make it...that's okay- donate! 

100% of our profits go to The Rett Foundation

besitos,

P.S. There will be a giveaway for her new album coming REAL soon!! (Like Friday!)