Tots 'N Tails: Boy Meets Dog, Inspires Blog



Hi Everyone! We are Lucca, Bodhi & Stella from the shop, StellaAmbrosia, and we are super excited to be joining the EtsyKids blog as a monthly contributor. Each month, we'll be chiming in with some of our advices and experience in learning how to be the best of roommates as the three of us grow up together. Along the way, we'd also like to share with you some of the fun items our fellow Etsy friends have in their shops that inspire us.  So come check us out each month to hear about our latest antics and check out our treasury of paw-some products that keep us smiling.

This month, we're doing a little blog nesting and setting up for our big arrival in August. We wanted to take a quick moment to tell you a little bit about ourselves, the inspiration for our blog and what fun you can expect in the coming months.  And, best of all, we want to hear from you! Do you have tots and tails in your home? Or tots and scales? Or tots and feathers? Do you have any advices or training tips you'd like to see covered here? Let us know what's going on with your pack at home!

 

So...a little background on how this tireless toddler (Lucca), sugary sweet chocolate lab (Bodhi), and champion dock jumper (Stella) came to coexist...

 

Starting at the beginning, Stella was the "first born" joining our family in 2006. She was outstandingly smart and athletic. Mom and Dad couldn't be more proud.  So proud in fact, that when Mom and Dad decided to make it official, they didn't trust anyone more than her to carry the rings for the wedding ceremony.

 

After returning home from this fine event, the three of us decided it was time to add one more to the family. And that is when we came home with ridiculously adorable, he gets by on his looks, Bodhi. While he lacked his big sister's smarts, he more than made up for it in cuddles.

About two years later, Mom and Dad decided it was time to add a human puppy to the family. Preparing for his arrival, we all wondered how our family was going to change with a new two-legged presence in the house.  Well, two years later, we can say it sure did change and man has it been a learning experience for all involved.  But, fortunately, we have learned that while dog is man's best friend, dog is toddler's BESTEST friend.

So that's us! What kind of roommates are you living with? Mom says other people have kitties and bunnies and birds. We like chasing kitties and bunnies and birds when we play outside!

 

And with that, we wanted to share our July Treasury with you! It's been inspired by all the different types of pets Mom says you may have at home!

 

 

Up next month: Big Fat Positive - Preparing the Four-Legged Babies for the New Arrival.  Our Treasury theme will be things to prep a nursery! Leave us a comment if you have the perfect item to be included.

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July Design Challenge. It's time to Vote!

For July our Design Challenge theme was "Natural Baby", as chosen by last months winner Merino Angel.
We have lots of lovely entries from our team members, browse down and vote for your favourite item!
Voting is open until 27th July.

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Meet Etsy Seller MeysMadeCoolCrochet

Today we would like to introduce you to Sarah Meys

and her Etsy shop MeysMadeCoolCrochet

MeysMadeCoolCrochet has been selling on Etsy since January 2013, she makes crochet hats and photography props all proudly handmade in New Zealand. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.


What motivated you to start your shop?
Our first daughter. She was born bald and it was a very cold winter so I taught myself to crochet pretty hats for her to keep her warm. These hats received many compliments when we were out and about, so I decided to take the plunge and start selling them.

What is the story behind your shop name?
Meys is the Dutch surname I received when I married my awesome husband. I hand make everything I sell so it made sense to stick with something basic like 'Meys Made'. I added the 'Cool Crochet' because that is my shop style. Modern, colourful creations for cool kids. Fun fact: Meys is pronounced the same way as 'maze'.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favourite item to make is my Pukeko hat. The Pukeko is a native New Zealand bird so it's great to be able to make something that is unique to this wonderful place I live.

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Living in little old New Zealand. I feel so far away from the bulk of Etsy buyers. Etsy is still growing in popularity here. I am striving to get the word out about how amazing it is.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I want to make sure that every kid looks cool and stays warm so strive to produce bright, fun products for kids of all ages.

What do you do when you aren't working?
I'm a stay at home mum of two beautiful daughters (2 years old and 3 months old) so I spend most of the day caring for them and work when they are in bed. On the rare occasion that I'm not holding a crochet hook or nappy bag then I play my flute or cornet as I live and breathe music.

MeysMadeCoolCrochet is offering 10% discount off any purchase. To use the coupon visit her etsy store and enter code "ETSYKIDSBLOG" at checkout. Valid until the end of July 2013.

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Treasury Challenge #13 - American Dream

The theme for the EtsyKids Team treasury challenge #13 was "American Dream". Our team members created lots of beautiful treasuries featuring some amazing items, but the winner with 356 views is...

"Living the dream" by StitchSewing

Thank you Rachel for creating such a lovely treasury!

StitchSewing makes adorable baby bibs and aprons, as well as designer dog leashes!

We just love this Texas cowboy baby bib!!

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Christmas in July Etsy SALE!!

It is that time of year again! Christmas in July!! Yay!!
Every year Etsy shops offer great discounts and savings during December for those wanting to get a kick start on their Christmas shopping. Here is a list of EtsyKids Team members who are offering discounts and deals, so take a look and get that Christmas shopping started!

	AliBeanBaby Sells hand sewn little girls & toddler clothing, dresses, pants and outfits. 20% discount applied to all items in her shop.
	auntierobin Sells custom and ready made items - mostly doll clothes, little skirts, and stroller quilts. Enter coupon code FREESHIP for free shipping.
	auntyanndesigns Personalized Sock Monkeys. Children and Mom Gift items. Enter coupon code EKSALE15 for 15% discount.
	bebbyjumpers Quality handknits for babies and children available, and to order. Enter coupon code 2013CIJ10 for 10% discount.
	BellaSeraBoutique You will find items ranging from eclectic to whimsical and fun! All my items are of boutique quality and are created in a smoke free environment. I offer both one of a kind designs and also accept custom orders. Enter coupon code CHRISTMASINJULY13 for 15% discount.
	Bright Life Toys Quality Waldorf and Montessori toys, hand dyed bamboo velour plushies, and patterns. Visit shop for 20% discount.
	Childishthoughts A fun shop with items to entertain the kids while out and about. Crayon rolls, car rolls, crayon aprons, chalk mats, and much more. Enter coupon code JULY20 for 20% discount.
	christinamcdaniel At Dilly Dally we offer lots of fun clothing, accessories and gifts for your little ones. Buy one tee get one half price, see special listing in store.
	Cottonaki Clothing & Accessories for Kids + OOAK Gifts. Made with Love! 10% - 15% Off on Reversible Pinafore and Selected Item.
	Fashions for Kids Embroidered and Handmade Children's Clothing Enter coupon code CHRISTMAS for 5% discount.
	greenchildcreations Cloth diapers - fitted diapers, fleece covers, bamboo inserts. Natural skin care - natural lotions, salves, and cold process soaps. Crafty things - and even a paleo cookbook! Enter coupon code ETC012 for 10% discount.
	greenerroute I sell ecofriendly items to reduce waste thrown in the landfill. My main focus is snack and sandwich bags that are reusable. Enter coupon code CIJ15 for 15% discount.
	Handmade Cuddles Colourful and happy creations for kids. Felt decorative bunting and garlands, fun fleece cushion covers and soft toys. Enter coupon code CIJ15 for 15% discount.
	harvestmoonbyhand Harvest Moon by Hand offers natural, hand-embroidered, and upcycled toys that inspire creative and imaginative play in children. Enter coupon code EKCIJ15 for 15% discount.
	HelensCrafts Cute crochet hats for babies and toddlers. These cute little hats are suitable for baby showers, photo props, and to keep baby warm. Enter coupon code CHRISTMASINJULY for Free shipping to US addresses with min $12 purchase.
	hotlavaclothing Girls, Boys, Mens, Womens Clothing Enter coupon code CIJ2013 for 20% off discount off purchase of $50 or more.
	Jamelapos For you and your little one. Quilts, blankets, loveys, pillow cases, Christmas stockings, table runners. Enter coupon code CIJULY for 15% discount.
	Kadydid Desigsn Soft and cuddly specialties for your precious bundle. From tutus, bibs and burp cloths to car seat canopies to keep out germs and looky-loos; we can help you out. Enter coupon code CIJSHIP for free shipping.
	knitsbygramma I sell all hand knit items especially for babies and children. I also sell hand knitted Christmas stockings. Enter coupon code SALE12 for 10% discount.
	Kosynka Kosynka offers handmade clothes and accessories for girls. Also girl and doll sets of sun dresses and aprons, embroidered onesies and Russian style sun hats/bonnets. Enter coupon code CHJ15 for 15% discount.
	kutieklipz I offer cute and affordable handmade hair clips and ribbon sculptures. Enter coupon code CIJULY for 10% discount.
	LaPetiteMaisonBlanc Handcrafted sewn and illustrated gifts made exclusively in France. Gifts for new mums, childrens' rooms, PE kit bags, door hangers and more. Enter coupon code CIJULY20 for 20% discount.
	LavenderLune I sell made to order crochet items. My big sellers are hockey skate booties/sets, cowboy booties/set and the cutest soccer cleats/running shoes! Enter coupon code CIJ2013 for 20% discount.
	LilBDesigns Function is fun + stylish with these whimsical yet practical eco-friendly products for home & kids: knob notes, art folios, Dine.n.Doodle chalk mats, and crayon wallets ~ Inspire creativity and imaginations! Enter coupon code SPECIAL20 for discount.
	Little Snugglies by Val Hand Crocheted Hats, Photo Props and accessories for the family. Visit Etsy shop, all items marked down with 15% discount.
	Little Sweetie Boutique Custom handmade pillowcase dresses, skirts and more! Enter coupon code CHRISTMAS10 for 10% discount off $35 minimum purchase.
	LittleWoodlanders Handmade wooden toys, knitting forks, nursing necklaces, babywearing figures and more! Visit shop for 15% discount.
	Love In Everything Upcycled, repurposed materials turned into children's clothing, quilts and baby booties. One of a kind items for your one of a kind child. Enter coupon code CIJULY for discount.
	MaddieBsBoutique I craft handmade chilrens accessories. Hair bows, korkers, headbands, & much more! Enter coupon code EKT15 for 15% discount and free shipping.
	madfishstuff Children's clothes made in Cornwall from colourful fabrics Visit store for 10% discount.
	magicalattic Magicalattic offers custom made children’s costumes for all occasions. We sell variety of pretend play and dress up products to let child's imagination reach the sky. Enter coupon code FREESHIPUSPS for free shipping.
	Magnificent Treasures Ribbon Sculptures, Hair bows, Headbands, and Lots of Girly Treasures $5 off $25 (coupn: CHRISTMASINJULY25) or $10 off $50 (coupon: CHRISTMASINJULY50), also a free gift with every purchase
	MFcrafts Puppet party favors and knitted accessories, hats, fingerless gloves, scarves, and more. Enter coupon code EKCIJ13 for 10% discount.
	MichellesZoo Handmade quality stuffed animals by Michelle. Enter coupon code HOLIDAY for 15% discount.
	modernswitch Over 500 light switch covers to match any nursery decor. Enter coupon code FREESHIP40 for free shipping on orders over $40 (USA only).
	msliesenfelder Retro Family Works (msliesenfelder) sells children's clothing sewn from vintage patterns. Many of my garments are one of a kind but I also offer some clothing in a choice of several sizes and fabrics. Visit store for free shipping on all US orders.
	mylittleheartshop With a focus on detail and quality, I crochet and hand-make accessories and clothing for infant and children (and often for adults as well). Offering a variety of items in store at reduced prices and deals.
	MySweetSunshine My Sweet Sunshine sells children clothing Enter coupon code CIJULY for 15% discount.
	PaperTreeHouseStudio Paper Tree house Studio creates original clip art and digital paper sets. These digital items are great for scrapbooks, crafts, making cards, holiday decor, embroidery and blog design. Enter coupon code CIJSALE for 20% discount on orders $12 or more.
	Raising Green Kids Raising Green Kids is committed living a healthy and sustainable family lifestyle. Eco-friendly and natural products such as felted wool dryer balls, natural hot/cold therapy bags. Enter coupon code JULY2013 for 10% discount on orders $10 or more.
	reetmomma Personalized custom XL WOOL Christmas stockings tailored to the recipient's interests. Customized Christmas tree skirts. Offering free shipping on all Christmas stockings.
	Rozies Pearls We sell a large selection of Newborn and Toddler Bracelets including Unique designs. Visit their shop for free shipping.
	SewManyRuffles Sew Many Ruffles offers Trendy yet Timeless Children's clothing handmade using premium fabrics and gorgeous details and professionally finished touches. Enter coupon code CIJULY25 for 25% discount.
	Simply Casual Kids We sell kids clothes and hair accessories. We can customize almost any item to suit your color needs! Enter coupon code CHRISTMAS20 for 20% discount.
	SnowFallStudio Natural dolls and toys for kids. All are crocheted, hand sewn, and hand embroidered with eco friendly materials. Enter coupon code GIFTS20 for 20% discount.
	snugglebugkidz Selling children's clothing and hair accessory, they specializes in both boys and girls products such as boys & girls shirts, girls dresses, hats, hair accessories, legwarmers, baby bloomers and more. Enter coupon code CHRISTMAS25 for 25% discount.
	StellaAmbrosia Sells hand crocheted items for babies and their grown ups (and their four-legged friends soon enough!). Enter coupon code XMASINJULY13 for 25% discount on all ready to ship items.
	sugartogs Fine and funky kids wear! Special orders welcomed! Enter coupon code FREESHIP for free shipping.
	SweetbeanzBoutique Sweetbeanz Boutique specializes in boutique hair accessories, chunky jewelry, & hand stamped jewlery, all to celebrate the sweet ones in your life! Enter coupon code CIJULY for 20% discount.
	theideaboxkids A little box that requires nothing more than a child's playful spirit...and, for parents that love to watch it all happen. Secretly educational! Enter coupon code CIJULY2013 for 10% discount.
	TinyRoseBoutique Sells handmade personalized Toddler Totes, Halloween Bags and baby items. Personalized/Embroidered clothing for your little guy or gal. Enter coupon code XMAS10 for 10% discount on orders $14 and over.
	tupelohoneys Sells crocheted baby photo props & patterns Visit their shop to see a range of discounted items.
	twinzzshop Creates onesies and t-shirts with handsewn recycled t-shirt appliqués. Most items celebrate twins, triplets or siblings, but singleton designs available too. Enter coupon code 15OFF for 15% discount.
	tzburps If you love owls then you'll love TZ Burps! TZ owls are super soft, snuggly and completely machine washable. Custom owl pillows, tooth pillow owls, gift sets and more in all sizes and colors. Enter coupon code JULYXMAS for 20% discount.
	We HIVE Your child will become the "Star of the Story" with our Personalized Keepsake Story Books! Enter coupon code EKCIJ2013 for 20% discount.

Search for more EtsyKids Team Christmas in July SALE items.

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