And Then...we're ready for fun!

My middle son, Luke, is turning 4 in about a week. I am organizing a birthday party for him, and inviting his class. This will be his first *real* birthday party, so I want to make sure he has a lot of fun!

I asked my friend Darcy from And Then... to create something special for his party. If you've never seen Darcy's shop, then you NEED to check it out! She creates awesome craft kits for kids, and the best part is that everything, and I mean everything is included.

Darcy created this awesome caterpillar kit for Luke's party, and I just got it today.

You have got to see it!

First, we have a plastic shoe box sized container, personalised just for Luke:
Inside that container we found this super cute birthday card, just for Luke! He was thrilled to find this!

Here are each of the craft kits, individually packaged. All I have to do is give each child one of the plastic bags:

Each bag is ALSO personalised. Luke just LOVES seeing his name on all of the little bags!

Darcy even provided the paint, sponge brushes and little dixi cups for the paint. She thought of everything:

This is seriously cute, and seriously easy! I'm almost excited to have 12 three and four year olds painting in my back yard. Almost. :0)

If you have kids, or know someone who has kids, you NEED to check out Darcy's shop! You need to! She makes QUALITY time with your kids soooo much easier.

We can't wait to play!!

Thanks, Darcy!

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Written by tiptopsdesigns

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Restraining Order!

Sleeping and Awake Babushka Doll by snollygosters

I think I may start another business. I want to manufacture "fun" ways to keep children in their beds for an entire night.

Lately, my four year old has taken to getting up in the wee hours of the morning and either crawling into the master bed and flailing her limbs every which way, or she sleeps downstairs on the couch. I'm not sure why this all started, and she can't explain it, but it must be stopped! Aside from losing sleep when she's in my bed, it worries me when she's not sleeping in her own. I have to wonder, "what is she getting into?" Maybe she's raiding the refrigerator because she wouldn't eat her dinner, yet again. I don't know, but there has to be a way to keep her in her own bed.

Perhaps making velour covered bungee cords that hook onto either side of the bed across the child? Or maybe turn the bunk bed into a fort. Yeah, Fort Knox. But it will be the other way around and it can't be broken out of. Or perhaps a potent dose of Dramamine and a Kenny G cd. That last one does seem kind of cruel.

In any event, I could take a cue from Bob Ross and call them "Happy Little Restraints" for peace of mind and a good night's sleep. ;oP

Spending Time Painting by kmberggren

Originally Posted 3/18/09 here

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Got Confidence?

Confidence....everyone needs it...lots of people struggle with it...

~As a woman, mother and especially as an entrepreneur - confidence is the foundation we ALL need to the building, that is our life. Most women have strong confidence in specific areas like mothering or cooking and for me its sewing - but lack it in other places like presentation, self ability and for me its decision making, I always second guess my self.

No matter how we feel about 'leading ladies' we can learn TONS from them about self confidence and representation. They make you feel - that they are on top of the world - that they own it even - and WE should omit the same confidence in all aspects of our lives.

I am currently reading the book 'Fabulosity' by Kimora Lee Simons. She is an example of a woman has worked her hardest, since the age of 15, to create a name and image for herself through mountains of adversity- growing up a by-racial child with features that earned her nicknames like 'chinky giraffe' (she was over 6' tall at 13) to name one - to becoming a super model, mogul and multi-business owner - confidence is her middle name.

I'd like to share Kimora's guaranteed top five confidence tips with you today. Im the first to admit that change is hard and it takes lots of repetition before good habits take hold - but we can start to put them into practice to create a Fab Vibe in all our lives.

1. Never say Never : Any time you think you can't - you can't! Whatever you belive and know about yourself is what it's going to be.

2. Fake it 'til you make it: Tell yourself that your great even when some part of you is doubting it.

3. Trust that there is a reason you are there, not someone else: Tell yourself " I'm here because I deserve to be here, not because of chance or some mistake!" (I should have reviewed this one before my meeting this week - LOL!)

4. Believe other peoples confidence in you, even when you don't believe it yourself: when someone compliments you or your efforts say 'Thanks!' not 'well, it's not that great' - or 'your just saying that' - no Eyores PLEASE!!!

5. Choose your company wisely: Confidence is contagious - We can each pick it up by hanging out with people who have a lot of it!

I'll end with 2 quotes that I LOVE!
Rosanne Barr: "The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it!"
Ayn Rand: "The question isn't who is going to let me?, it's who is going to stop me?"

Happy Saturday Divas! XO

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Friday Finds: Red, White, and Blue

Today's Friday Finds are based on upcoming holidays such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, and July 4th. You can search for other EtsyKids members' handmade children items by using this tag, "EtsyKids Team patriotic."

1. Show Your Obama Support Comin and Going--- Child's Rumble Seat Shorts Size 6 Months by Rozzissweetpeas.
2. Patriot - 4 Sizes Infant to Toddler - Soft Sole Baby Shoes - Genuine Leather Shoes by Myminimocs.
3. American Flag Patriotic Layered Bow by Sweetsoutherndesign.
4. Tie dyed t-shirt - Youth medium - Size 6/8 by SoBenArts.
5. Red White and Blue - Braided Ribbon Barrettes by Retro80s.
6. LiliBug Patriotic Woven Headband by LiliBugBoutique.
7. Stars and Stripes Hairclips by Happygrandma402905.
8. Patriotic Skirt Top 2 pc RWB Custom Sizes 2-8 by SewSoNancy.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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Hey Yo Yo!

Yo-Yo n pl, -yos

1.a novelty technique in which circles of fabric are gathered into flat pouches and sewn together to make bedspreads or other items. The technique has roots in nineteenth-century handwork, but became very popular in the twentieth century.


2. a toy consisting of two equally sized and weighted disks of plastic, wood, or metal, connected with an axle, with a string tied around it. First becoming popular in the 1920s, "yo-yoing" is still enjoyed by children and pl, adults alike.

Starting at the top left hand corner and working around clockwise :

Market Yo-Yo Top

Market Flower Hair Clip

Hardwood Yo-Yo - Dyed - Pick Your Color

Summer Yoyo Hair Clip

20 Small Cotton Yo Yos

Personalized Hardwood Yo-Yo

ENJOY!

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Design Challenge for May: Beach Vacation!

Each month the EtsyKids Team challengs our members to create some fantastic new items within a chosen theme. The Nook won last month's challenge, so she got to pick the new theme for May: Beach Vacation! The entries are already starting to roll in, and what fun beachy stuff! EtsyKids members will have until May 20th to submit their entries, and voting will take place from Thursday, May 21st - Wednesday, May 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 to vote! In the meantime, click here to get a sneak peek at some of the entries so far!

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Happy Mother's Day~!

Our day spent making paper butterflies, one of the best days ever listening to the giggles of the kids in the background, the once in awhile, "Mommy!", and the sheer delight of a simple day spent appreciating the thrill of being a mom. No better job in the world. No tougher job in the world, but none better! Happy Mother's Day EtsyKids!!!

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OMG! There's a Banshee in my House!!!

It's day 3 and I'm ready to gouge out my eardrums with a toothpick. Ryah is coming up on her 2nd birthday in a couple of months and she's supposed to be weaned from the bottle by then, so Jim and I decided it was time to get rid of them, give her the tab and cut her off. Yup, we made her go cold turkey. I never said we were nice but it's like a Bandaid right? Just rip it off quickly; no need to draw it out. But I guess if she has to suffer we all do. And my miserable banshee loves company.
It's gotten to the point that I can still here her even after she's stopped crying. Like a "phantom annoyer." And it's not just crying, oh no, it's a screaming/crying tantrum. Ugh.

The first night, it lasted for 3 hours straight. The second night only an hour. Tonight, about a half hour, so we are making progress. I think we're wearing her out, finally. Though it's not easy when childrens' cries were designed to annoy the Hell out of us so that we will eventually come to their aid. And I don't know if I should be offended or grateful that during her tantrums, Ryah is always asking for "Daddy" to come and save her. I guess she already knows who the sucker and the hard@$ are in this family. :oP

Originally Posted 2/16/09 here

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What I Know For Sure....

For those of you who know me, you know that I have been selling children's clothing online for almost 10 years now. As you can imagine - I have learned quite a bit through trial and error over the years. One of the big things is you MUST set goals for yourself - even small ones - it gives you a feeling of accomplishment - pushing yourself towards realistic goals is a wonderful thing.

When you listen to most motivational speakers and 'perky' people everywhere (lol) they want to shy away from the word Failure - especially with children. Now, I am totally opposed to that word when used as a noun - because no one is a failure - you only fail when you stop trying and give up. Of course, I have given up on LOTS of things, because I simply wasn't interested in it anymore.Now, that being said - my philosophy with my kiddos (and they know this very well) is that you either do or you don't. You either got the A or you didn't. You did your chores or you didn't, and you reap the effects for either doing or not doing. It is very seldom that you earn a reward for 'almost' doing or 'trying' to do. So you CAN 'fail' at doing something. EX: I failed to complete my March goals on EtsyKids...this doesn't mean that I couldn't - it means I didn't. And it doesn't mean I can't, just that I didn't.

I said all that to say this (my all time favorite quote)
"Failure is just a way for our lives to show us we're moving in the wrong direction, that we should try something different."

I took this quote to heart a LONG time ago- after divorce number 1 (yikes). So with every situation- personal, business or emotional.

1. See/set the goal
2. Give it 100%
3. It works or it doesn't

If it works! WOOHOOO - keep chugging along!If it doesn't work - try a different approach or try something different - but whatever happens don't keep trying the same things when they are not working - Step back - assess and re-do until you get the result you were aiming for!

Stop by the EtsyKids Goals Forum and Start setting some goals for yourself!

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Friday Finds: EtsyKids Atlantic East region

Today's Friday Finds are based on one of our regions' team tag "EtsyKids Team AE," which is the Atlantic East region (Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia).

1. DINE.n.DOODLE Roll.n.Go Crayons(tm) - Awesome Alphabet ... fits 16 regular or 8 big crayons by LilBDesigns.
2. Measuring Tape Large Gal by Ericadaley.
3. Girls Play Sunbonnet, RESERVED for TK by GrandmasGirl.
4. Patriotic Red White Blue Capri USA Applique Sizes 2-8 by SewSoNancy.
5. Cha-Cha Frogs Baby Quilt by SeasideQuilts.
6. M2MG Ice Cream Social Tot Tote by Rosiescozies.
7. Set of Double Layer Mini Hair Bow Clippies with Bling by QBTots.
8. Black and White Gingham Cherries Burp Cloth by Babygees.

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Isn't This the Truth!

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Here Comes the Sun....

...tough tough times these days, yet I ALWAYS find inspiration in the crazy creativity so alive in the EtsyKids shops!!! Keep up the incredible work...here comes the sun!!!

Modern Pillowcase Dress by Olive and Ollie!

Yellow Like a Lemon Art Prints by Icing on the Cupcake - cute!

...and an adorable onesie from the nook!

Welcome SUNSHINE!!!

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Saturday n Slings

As on any typical Friday night ~ I was laying in bed (while watching the Devil wears Prada) looking at my many pregnancy and newborn magazines. I was thinking - back when I was preggo - all the ads were about clothing, car seats and working from home. Things have definitely changed - the whole advertising section of EVERY magazine is Slings - I want to get pregnant again just so I can have one - it would have made my life SO much easier - Im sure I would still be carrying my 16 year old in one - well....that may be a slight exaggeration but you know what I'm saying - LOL!

SO! This Saturday I'm posting some beautiful slings made by members of our EtsyKids team - just click on the photos to be swept away to their etsy shops! XO

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Friday Finds: EtsyKids Canada region

Today's Friday Finds are based on one of our regions' team tag "EtsyKids Team CA," which is the Canada region (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador).

1. Organized Frogs - Original Painting - 8 x 8 by Cici Factory.
2. Baby Rag Quilt or Playmat -- Tangerine Lime Pop by Bula Bean.
3. Infant Soft Wool Felt Booties - white with teal flower and sole - 3 to 6mo. by The Mad Helmeteer.
4. Reversible Stretch Pouch Sling for Newborn Baby to Toddler by Gorgeousbaby.
5. Letterpress stationery birthday card printed on recycled paper - five marbles by Sweetbeets.
6. 0-6 m Cotton Mini Monkey Flap Hat - Latte with Oatmeal Trim by Cite Fuzz.
7. 2T - 4T Flapper Beanie Hat, Chocolate Brown with Fuscia Flower by Loopy4ewe.
8. Strawberries and Cream Double Strap Booties by Bubblegirlknits.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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Etsy Kids Australia and New Zealand

Todays great finds come from the etsy kids, New Zealand and Australia region.

1 Girls Spotty Dress/Top - 6 months to 4 years
2 Gone Fishin' Toddler's Pants - 6 months to 4 years
3 Soft Baby Toy - Fabric Scrap Flopsy
4 Baby Slippers with an African Touch - 0-6 months
5 Bunting / Flags / Pennant Strings - Sock Monkey Circles
6 Sundress, Pretty in Pink, Size 2
7 Yellow Apples Ponytail Holders
8 Library, Diaper or Toy Bag, Toy Trains

enjoy!

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An Etsy Kids Team Spotlight- Love 2 Sparkle Boutique

I recently purchased from Love 2 Sparkle Boutique two Going to the Zoo Hair Clips Set Clippies Bow Clips Non Slip. They are so wonderful. In my six non slip hair clips we have a monkey, bear, giraffe, lion, zebra, and pink elephant. They clippies are hand sewn with unbelievable detail. The zebra mane is made of not one straight black ribbon, but about 15 small pieces of ribbon hand sewn on to the zebra’s neck. So much work went into these hair clips.

I am so happy with my purchase from Love 2 Sparkle Boutique!
We gave these to my daughter for her 5th birthday and she fell in love with them. Throughout the day she wore all of them at one point or another. I can’t say enough great things: great communication, very fast shipping, wonderful prices, and such amazing detail and work was put into my daughters hair clips.

Not to mention I love to support shops in my area she lives rather close to me in Springfield, MA so she is also an Etsy Kids Team New England Member.

Shop with her at:
http://www.love2sparkle.etsy.com/
or
http://www.love2sparkle.com/


Enjoy your Day!
Jocelyn
The Little LOVE Bug
http://thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/

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EtsyKids Design Challenge for April: and the winner is....

31. SPRING FLING Baby Dots Flower Dress from thenook

Be sure to check out her Etsy shop for lots more adorable baby clothes!

Thanks to all of the other EtsyKids members who entered the April Design Challenge! It was great to see such a colorful array of items, don't you agree?

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SAHM is a Four Letter Word

Okay, so it's really a four letter acronym, but whatever, I've got enough going on and I can't be bothered with the petty details.

You know, boy meets girl, they fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. Until someone has the genius idea that maybe "we should have a baby." We delude ourselves to think we'll be the best parents ever and we won't "raise our kids like that." Of course, we're usually eyeing the frazzled mom of 4 who's two year old is throwing an all out kicking and screaming meltdown, while she holds onto her 4 year old and scolds him for hitting his 6 year old brother, and OMG, what did the baby just put in her mouth?! I don't think that was edible.

It's easy when you have one, though, you don't realize it until you have two and by then, it's too late to realize how good you really had it. Damn hindsight. Once you have two, that's double the daycare and you begin to realize that it really isn't worth going to a job you hate only to squander most of your paycheck to keep your kids at someone else's house while you pretend to give a rats ass about those TPS reports. And so, you decide to *gasp* become a stay-at-home-mom. Ugh. Those four words could not have more vomit inducing meaning for me. I think God may have forgotten to give me a maternal instinct and went a little overboard with honesty and snarkiness.

So yes, I am a {gulp} stay-at-home-mom, technically speaking anyway. And it's by far the hardest worst paying job I've ever had. That includes the time I worked concessions at the local movie theatre for $6.50/hr so that people could complain about candy prices and insist I give them a coronary by adding a gallon of extra butter to their popcorn.

Whoever tried to depict the stay-at-home-mom as some couch sitting, soap opera watching, bon-bon eating laze has clearly never done it. And I wish more than anything they'd been right because I feel a little misled. :oP


Originally posted 2/11/09 here

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Sunday Sunday

EtsyKids has some of the cutest hair accessories EVER! Proud mama to a little one myself, NEVER have I seen in a store the quality and character of these wonderful EtsyKids finds! Cheers to EtsyKids!!

...just a small sampling of many wonderful finds...

Find these adorable ponytail holders at baublesnbows ...as well as many cute hair accessories here at jackand jayne:

...check out EtsyKids where you'll find many many more wonderfully cute items for the little ones in your life!

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LIVING ORGANIZED

As I scurry around here today on this beautiful sunny Saturday - going from the computer to the sewing machine to the cutting table to the closets I'm cleaning out - you get the picture... I wonder how many other women/moms there' are running around doing similar activities?

I began reading the book 'living organized' by Sandra Felton, a couple of months ago and the book is truly eye opening. After reading it I realized that I really DON'T have to do every thing. Even small children can do simple things like take a rag and wipe the TV screen or baseboards and my boys LOVE to use those disposable toilet brush thingys and clean the toilet b/c after they get to 'pop' the heads off into the trash - so every Saturday they each get one toilet to clean.

I am, by nature a 'Messie' as opposed to a 'Cleany'. Messies tend to pile things up and deal with them later to postpone being uncomfortable in the present, where as Cleanies deal with things as they come so they are not uncomfortable later.

In the chapter on 'Making Changes' Sandra, offers a set of questions for you to ask yourself just to get your brain to thinking in a new direction, and I'd love to share those with you now - so grab a pen and pad and lets make some changes! :)

1. Describe your thoughts and feelings about the amount of work you do, especially in relation to the amount of work done by others in the family. Is it well balanced?

2. List the names of people in your household. Beside each name list one job you could transfer to them (after proper training - of course)

3. Are there any changes you can make in your life, such as establishing a car pool or dropping an activity?

4. If you hesitate to share activities with others or to simplify, what is the reason you think might contribute to that hesitation? Are you willing to question whether it is a wise reason to keep? Are you willing to abandon it?

5. If someone asks you to help them and you feel it is an imposition you should not participate in, will you be willing to say no when you would previously have said yes? Can you think of an example that might arise?

I hope this helps some of you Fab Divas :D We only have one life - and we don't need to spend 90% of it doing the grunt work - LOL! Enjoy this beautiful Day!

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