from Julia....

Posted Saturday, July 31, 2010


Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.
Julia Child

...and if I might add - do enough other stuff so you don't get burned out ;)


EtsyKids Design Challenge - We Have a Winner!

Posted Thursday, July 29, 2010


Congratulations to the winner of this month's challenge 9.Pet Deer....Twirl Skirt 2-6 by fluffygirlboutique! Fluffygirlboutique is run by talented mother of two, Renae. It is a charming store filled with twirly skirts and apron dressed in beautiful array of colors and patterns. You can view more of Renae's creations by following this link.

It's Hard to Imagine...

Posted Monday, July 26, 2010

It really is hard to imagine that back to school is just around the corner. Really. I'm no longer in school, my kids are not of school age quite yet, but the summers seem to fly by faster than ever before (although they went all too fast in junior high, I still remember that!) Nonetheless, it is true, the school supplies are stocked on the shelves that only last week held the out fittings for a backyard paradise. Now there are bargain pencils and their cases and the markers I still want to buy even though I'm far away from school age...sigh...also need help getting back in to the school spirit? Look no further than EtsyKids, here you'll find everything you need to return to school in such style, summer will be a pleasant memory!

Baby Girl Chenille Bib in Apple Dot from SoMommySew

EtsyKids Design Challenge - It's time to VOTE!

Posted Wednesday, July 21, 2010

It's time to vote for your favorite item! Voting will be open through midnight EST on Tuesday, July 27th. This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "Dainty Damask". We received a lot of fantastic entries from some talented designers and crafters. Each designer was assigned a unique random number. Please note your favorite from the list below and place your vote. You can also view each entry in detail by clicking on links provided at the bottom of this post or HERE.


(If you can't view the voting poll above, please follow HERE to vote.)

1. Baby Rattle Holder Gift Set Blue-Brown and Cream Damask Loopy with Crinkle Toy by googoogear
2. Gretchen the Owl- green damask plush owl by babybirdieboutique
3. Christmas in July...60's Chic Peasant Top by lovetagsandbags
4. DAMASK DARLING DRESS by Poppy Sprouts by PoppySprouts
5. Damask Pillowcase Dress by ninkey
6. Medium Black and White Purse Clip or Broach Pin FREE SHIPPING by jenlucasdesigns
7. Printable and Customizable Stickers or Tags by TheArtOfJoy
8. LARGE SIZE Elegant European Chic Monogram or Name for Children's Girl's Nursery/Bedroom Vinyl Wall Art Decals by KidsCorner
9. Pet Deer....Twirl Skirt 2-6 by fluffygirlboutique
10. Rose damask jumper - brocade by Hechoamano3
11. Baby Swaddle Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Pink Damask by LeytonSmiles
12. A Touch of Pink Quilt by Lilikin14
13. Simple Summer Dress and Bow in Brown/Ivory Size 2T by MacyJs
14. Damask Squirrel on Light Blue Onesie, size 3-6 Months by hounddogdesigns
15. Security Blanket or Lovey - Plush Brown Minky with Brown Damask by SnazzySnugglies
16. RUN BUNNY RUN DRESS LITTLE GIRL JUMPER Sizes 3-6mos, 6-12mos, 12-18mos, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T by thetrendytot
17. LAYER CAKE RUFFLE SKIRT in TEA PARTY for Toddlers and Girls by babe-a-gogo Perfect for Spring by babeagogo
18. Tiffany's Pillow Case Dress by maddiebee123
19. Ellie Dress in red damask by babysisterdesign
20. Boutique Infant Car Seat Cover Black Damask Custom for Graco, Peg Perego, Chicco and more OKID by lollipopdesigns
21. Paint it Black Ruffle Butt Baby and Infant Bloomers by DoodiesBooties
22. 4T Pillow Case Dress by EssentialBaby
23. Infant Knight Costume-YOU CHOOSE SIZE by Mamadeesboutique
24. Baby Girl Gift Set - Hearts in Pink and Black by TriedAndTrueDesigns
25. Damask Ruffle Dress Sizes 12 months to 8 by littlepetuniadesigns
26. PINK AND GREEN DAMASK FABRIC FLOWER CLIP AND HEADBAND by jjkgirlythings
27. Girls Vintage Tank Dress Party Marie Handmade Damask Ruffle with Vintage Lace by ameliejo
28. Custom Clothing Dividers SOPHIA by paperpartydesignco
29. CARMEN Pink Brown White Damask Fabric Flower byJaidieBugBoutique
30. Toddler Pillow - 100 Percent Organic Wool Filler - Ice Blue by WoollyBoo

Let Yourself Go and Rejuvenate!

Posted Saturday, July 17, 2010


Discover your best self:
This means something different for everyone, but there are a few universal things you can do to get there.

~Write down what you want: There's something magical about putting your dreams- no matter how big or small - in words. Do it, then revisit them every six months.

~Be alone: Claim 30 minutes as your own daily, then do something us for you, whether that means sitting on your deck with a glass of wine of reading a chapter of the latest best seller.

~Give of yourself: When life crowds in, it's easy to lose track of your connections to those in need. Volunteer and get reacquainted with your generous spirit.

Be Indulgent:
There are few better ways to recharge than pampering. Have a couple of hours to spare? Head to a day spa for a relaxing rubdown. Have more time? Indulge in a three day wellness getaway.

Home Base:
The rejuvenation doesn't have to end when you go home- it's easy to turn your space into a private sanctuary. First, set the scene. The trickle of a water feature adds instant ambiance to any room. Light aromatherapy candles, like lavender will help you unwind.

(excerpts taken from article in this months O magazine, pg. 42)
photo credit

EtsyKids Design Challenge for July: Dainty Damask

Posted Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Each month EtsyKids Team members are challenged to create a unique item within a chosen theme. This month's challenge, "Dainty Damask", was picked by last month's winner Birdie Baby Boutique. EtsyKids members will have until July 19th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from Wednesday, July 21st to Tuesday, July 27th. So, be sure to come back to the EtsyKids blog for a new post on the 21st to see all of the entries and VOTE! In the meantime, please click here to get a sneak peek at some exciting entries so far!

STOP!

Posted Saturday, July 10, 2010


Before I start preaching - I may as well say that I am the worst about doing for myself...so my finger is pointing at me to! ;)

I 'officially' have my very own studio! I signed the lease on Thursday and me and the boys moved me in this weekend (YAY) BUT that has reminded me how important it is to take a step back from your day to day and breathe. You MUST NOT continue on empty just to keep everyone else happy! Let's face it - if you're not happy ( I mean real happy - not the fake smile happy) and giving back to yourself then everyone will end up not happy eventually!

I was cruising through lots of parent magazines last night and found a few good tips for Happy Mommy.....Like to hear 'em - here they go:

~Take a walk outside and Breathe - we need fresh and air and we need sunlight. If you're stuck in the office and/or in the house 24/7 your body will start to fatigue.

~Play music and Dance and/or Sing

~EAT! Your body will let you know what it wants - so give it what it wants in moderation. And Water is a MUST! Be nice to your body and it will be nice to you!

~Get out of the house by yourself even if its just for a night. Get a hotel room down the street. Watch TV uninterrupted, read magazines, catch up on your stack of books - heck - even just taking a bath without the background noise of a household is nice!

~Take people up on their offers...to babysit, clean, cook, whatever - DROP the 'I must do everything myself b/c no one does it like me' act and just say please and thank you! You'll feel so good that you did and the people that are doing the favors will feel GREAT that they could help! WIN WIN!

~Even if you have to get up half an hour early - shower, brush your teeth and dress every day - it makes you feel good and gives you a fresh start to the day!

SMOOCHES! XOXO
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