Mommy Monday with Elephants for MOM!!!

I am, I will, I plan...to blog more and have brainstormed a few different themes/ideas that will allow me to add more blogging into my already hectic schedule!!! So here goes the first one...Mommy Monday...dedicated to none other, then Mom, Mommy, Mum, Momma or as my son has recently started calling me, "Mom - Mom". I will focus mainly on wonderful gift ideas...and what better timing with Mother's Day approaching this weekend!

I will be choosing weekly themes and sharing with you what fantastic goodies I find on this wonderful information super highway I like to call the internet! This weeks theme: ELEPHANTS in honor of my little peanut :)

So here's to you Mom...

Mother's Day card from Cardtorial on Etsy

Burlap Elephant Pillow from Modern Rustic Girl on Etsy

Me and Mama Slouchy Top from Nica and the Newfie on Etsy

Elephant Scarf from Daily Accessoriez on Etsy

Elephant Locket Necklace from Pollini on Etsy

Elephant Wallet from Komono Art on Etsy

Elephant Saddle Pad from Paddled Ponies on Etsy

31st Birthday Bash Giveaway

Well as of 6:07 this morning...I am 31 years old and what better way to celebrate it then with an AWEmazing giveaway from 17 different sponsors!!!

My goal with this giveaway is to show just how many wonderful artisans create beautiful handmade items on Etsy. There will be a different winner for each item to help spread the love of handmade :)

RULES & ALL OF THAT IMPORTANT STUFF:
1. Please have fun browsing though all of the beautiful goodies!
2. You do not have to do all of the entries for each sponsor, BUT the more you do...the more chances you will have at winning!
3. There will be a different winner for each item...YAY...23 different people will receive a wonderful, hand crafted item! How awesome is that!?!
4. Sponsors can enter to win any of the items EXCEPT for their own.
5. Please read each item description carefully because some may have restrictions on international entrants for shipping purposes and/or some may have shipping charges.
6. Winners will be chosen through the Rafflecopter widget which uses Random.org to choose out of the entrants
7. The giveaway ends at midnight on Saturday, May 18th with the winners announced on Monday, May 19th here on my blog. I will send the sponsors winners information as well on Monday the 19th.
8. After the giveaway has ended, winners will communicate directly with the individual sponsors to determine means to receive their items.
9. Have fun! Spread this giveaway to all of your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors...everyone loves a chance at winning free stuff.
10. And finally, PLEASE hop on over to the sponsors facebook pages and give them a huge "thank you" hug for offering up such fantastic creations!!!

ARE YOU READY FOR EYE CANDY AWESOMENESS!?! Here are your items up for grabs...I have them listed in alphabetical order according to the shop names. Have a blast and good luck!!!


5Packs Crochet is offering any 5 patterns from her Etsy shop. Please see details here.
Patterns will be delivered electronically.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Little Bit of Joy is offering 1 stuffed fox...see details about the fox here.
*Shipping included for all entrants
*Please allow up to 2 weeks to fabricate
*International shipping could take up to 4 - 6 weeks

a Rafflecopter giveaway





AJB Creations is offering a set of 4 bangle bracelets
Details: This four piece stacking bracelet set is made up of one hand wire wrapped bangle with pink and silver glass beads. One turquoise, green, and purple stone and glass stretch bracelet. One fabric trim bracelet in raspberry and purple swirls, and one fabric trim bracelet in pink, purple, and turquoise. Wear them separately, mix and match, or combine them all!
* Shipping included to all entrants

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Body Love Apparel is offering one LARGE "Hurts so good" tank top...see details here.

*Shipping included for US entrants ONLY, international entrants will need to pay $8 for shipping

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Catch That Rainbow is offering 3 different creations for 3 different winners!!!

*Shipping included for all entrants

1. Set of 2 Disney Princess ponytail holders...see details here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Elephant hair clip...see details here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway





3. Spring shabby baby girl headband...see details here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Dina Michelle Jewelry is offering one pair of earrings...see details here.
*US ENTRANTS ONLY, shipping $3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

fAveritte creations is offering 4 different creations for 4 different winners!!!
*Please see each description for entrant and shipping information

1. Personalized tote bag in winners choice of theme/animal/character...see details and examples here.
*Shipping included for ALL ENTRANTS
- Just a few examples below

a Rafflecopter giveaway





2. Personalized pillow case in winners choice of theme or character...see examples and details here.
*Shipping included for ALL ENTRANTS
- Just a few examples below

a Rafflecopter giveaway





3. Stick horse in winners choice of animal...see examples and details here.
*US ENTRANTS ONLY due to shipping costs
*Shipping included
- Just a few examples below

a Rafflecopter giveaway






4. Set of 5 snack bags in winners choice of sizes and themes...see details and a few examples here.
*Shipping included for ALL ENTRANTS
- Just a few examples below

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Harmony Designs and Soaps is offering Bamboo Lotus Soy Tart Melts...see details here.
*Shipping included for US, Canada and UK entrants ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Hot Southern Mess is offering a $5 gift certificate to her Etsy shop.

a Rafflecopter giveaway





LBC Organics is offering 2 different creations for 2 different winners!!!
*Shipping included for US & CANADA ENTRANTS ONLY, all other international winners will have to pay for shipping

1. Green Bum Balm Diaper Rash Salve...see details here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway





2. 8 pack of hemp/organic cotton fleece cloths...see details here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway





M3AndCo is offering a custom business card design and printing for 100 cards...see details here.
*US entrants will need to pay $6.50 for shipping
*All international entrants will need to pay $11.50 for shipping

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Mylana is offering one set of 6 Madagascar Spice Palm wax votive candles...see details here.
*Shipping is included for domestic(US) winners ONLY...Sorry, NO INTERNATIONAL ENTRANTS

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Pynk Krush is offering a bracelet...see details here.
*Shipping included for ALL ENTRANTS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Red Daisy Art Designs is offering 1 necklace...see details here.
*Shipping is included for ALL ENTRANTS
*International shipping we will cover anything up to $10. 
***We will ship anywhere as long as there are no customs restrictions on leather goods coming into the country. I am only aware of this being an issue with Italy, we cannot ship leather goods to Italy. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Sign Guys and Gal is offering 1 vinyl wall art, Amazing Grace...see details here.
*Shipping is included for ALL US ENTRANTS ONLY
*International entrants will need to pay $10 for shipping

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Sweet Home Treasures is offering 1 Scripture Jar...see details here
*Shipping included for ALL US & CANADA ENTRANTS ONLY
*All other international entrants will need to pay $6 for shipping

a Rafflecopter giveaway





TN Craft Company is offering 1 Mason Jar Dispenser...see details here.
*All US entrants will need to pay $12.35 for shipping
*All international entrants will need to get a quote first for international shipping

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mommy Monday with a Competition

I have enjoyed the last 4 months off from blogging...but have missed you all!!! Last year I ended up trying to blog at least 5 days a week...it got OLD for me to be so committed to trying to blog that much a week and I was burned out. I am a busy, busy momma!!! So this year I am not committing myself to any certain times a week to blogging.

I will at least try to blog once a week on one of the following days:
- Mommy Mondays in which I will share some adventures in mommyhood
- Tummy Tuesdays full of nom nom nom recipes
- Welcome Wednesdays for featuring fellow Etsy shop owners or Etsy products
- Treasury Thursdays I will share my latest treasury I currated on Etsy
- Fun Fridays will be filled with kids crafts and activities
- Shop Squalor Saturday will be focused around my Etsy shop

Thank you to all that have followed my blog and adventures :)

STARTUP NATION LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS COMPETITION

Last year I came across this fantastic contest for mom based businesses...and thought I would submit my little company. I ended up ranked 164th out of over 1000 contestants!!! I was so thrilled :) You can vote daily until April 30th...and then through votes and a panel of judges; the top 200 US mom-based businesses will be selected and the women that run them honored.

Here is a link to vote for my shop...and thanks in advanced for all of the votes!
fAveritte creations - 2013 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Here is a little more information on the contest:

A TRIBUTE TO MOMS IN BUSINESS from StartupNation

Everybody knows one. Like a super hero, she balances running a family with the heroics of running her own business. We’re talking about moms in business, of course. And now, StartupNation is conducting its third annual ranking of these astonishing entrepreneurs and the businesses they run.

But, how do we know who’s the best of the best? We’re leaving that in part to you. Over the next few months, it’ll be your daily votes that determine the top 200 Leading Moms in Business. In addition our judges will determine special awards and accolades for moms within the top 200 who deserve special recognition.

IMPORTANT DATES

April 30, 2013: You can enter your business until midnight Pacific Time on. Judging and vote tabulation will occur after April 16. StartupNation will select a variety of moms from among the finalists and create editorial feature stories about them.

May 8, 2013: Winners are announced.

AS A HUGE THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOU THAT VOTE FOR FAVERITTE CREATIONS, MAKE SURE AND ENTER BELOW TO WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO MY ETSY SHOP!!! I will announce the winner after the rankings are posted on or after May 8, 2013.

One lucky voter will win a gift certificate in one of these values:
If my final rank is...
- 201 or higher, $25
- 101 through 200, $50
- 2 through 100, $75
- 1st place, $100

And remember you can vote daily and come back and enter here daily :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun Friday with Make Like a Tree and LEAF

We have spent the last couple of weeks jumping in piles of leaves, karate chopping and kicking the leaf pile and trying to ride a razor through the pile(very interesting watching Mommy try). So before you bag up your leaves...gather a few for some great leaf fun activities this weekend!

Leaf drawing and doodling with metallic sharpie markers from The Artful Parent...so simple yet so much FUN!

Pretty high on my cute meter are these cute fox leaves!!! I found this on Pinterest from a foreign blog that I could not understand so I don't have a link for you with instructions...sorry!

 I am personally IN LOVE with this leaf lantern from 5 Orange Potatoes!

 

 

 



Here is a different take on the traditional leaf rubbings...use tinfoil from homeschoolmama3

And here is an activitity for the month of December to lead you up to Christmas day...just wanted to let you all begin on it now. Wrap 25 different Christmas/holiday/winter themed books and let your children pick one to open each night to read for bedtime. I am super excited about this...my toddler son LOVES TO READ! I rounded up 10 books that would fit the theme that we already had in our collection and I found 5 the other day at our local Goodwill...just 10 more to go!

Salutations Sunday with Crafty Frog Designs

Please shout out your salutations for Vivian and her Etsy shop Crafty Frog Designs for my Salutations Sunday!!!

A shop filled with a wide array of small bags/clutches to hold all of your gadgets! Plus a few other fabulous creations...receive 10% off with coupon code: FROGGY

Now let's discover Vivian's creative story!

Lace Clutch

What is the first creative memory you have?

My first creative memory is actually what started my business. I was bored and wanted a new bag! So I looked through my old clothes, began ripping them apart and hand stitching it all together. I did not know how to sew, and wanted to learn. So i made a very small bag and braided the handles.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I was sewing a lot after my first hand stitched bag. I was buying fabric like crazy. Sewing bags, that didn’t look so good! But I got better, and taught myself. I eventually bought my first little sewing machine. I was making so many items, i started giving them away. When my husband gave me an idea, Why not sell them? That was a brilliant idea! I didn’t know where to start so I just searched the internet, and found Etsy!

How did you come up with your shop name?

My daddy always has called me Vivian Cara De Rana which means Froggy Face in Spanish. Ha- Ha! I have loved frogs ever since. I began collecting all types of frogs. Also my mom has always been crafty with us. We always made cute crafty items. And now I am always crafting with my daughter. So that is when Crafty Frog Designs came to be!

Describe what creations you have in your shop

I have a variety of unique handmade handbags and accessories. I am a mother and I am always looking for items that make my life a little easier. So some of my items are made for a mom but yet they are so stylish! I make purses, walletS, iPhone wallets, clutches, zipper pouches, diaper clutches, and so so much more!

iPad Case

What inspires you?

Being a mom inspires me. I love making items that makes my life easier. For example the bifold wallet, it can hold so much and it has a wristlet so you can just take it out of your purse and have everything you need.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I usually just keep the TV on for my daughter and listen to the TV shows she is watching. When I’m sewing at night I listen to my music. It keeps me moving, and motivated. However being a stay at home mom can be overwhelming, so when the kids are asleep I sometimes just listen to the sewing machine. Just nice and quiet! Ha-Ha!

ID Zipper Pouch/ID Holder Lanyard

Please share a favorite recipe

Mantecaditos

INGREDIENTS:
sugar 1/2 cup
shortening 1/2 cup
butter 1/2 cup
egg yolk 1
vanilla 1 tsp
almond extract 1 1/2 tsp
flour 2 1/4 cups

Mix everything together and make little circles and put them on foil. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min. These are so yummy!



Where else can we find you?

My shop: www.craftyfrogdesigns.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CraftyFrogDesigns
Twitter: www.twitter.com/vivianj1990
Blog: craftyfrog90.blogspot.com/

Salutations Sunday with Josh and Teo and a GIVEAWAY

Please shout out your salutations for Jenny and her Etsy shop Josh and Teo for my Salutations Sunday feature!

Practical but stylish handmade creations for babies and mamas!

Jenny has also offered one of her creations for a giveaway...please see all of the details after the interview. Now let's discover her creative story...

Toy Leash Tether Strap in Rainbow Stripes

What is the first creative memory you have?

The first time I remember being called artistic was in Grade 1. I had just finished painting a picture of a tree and my teacher Mrs. Patterson asked me if she could keep it. I was so proud of myself! My Mom told me later on that my teacher was really impressed with my painting because it was so realistic – with lots of branches and leaves. There’s a bunch of other moments but this one was my first. My forte is sewing and I remember experimenting quite a bit with a needle and thread before my Mom would allow me to use her Singer. I tried to sew clothes for our dolls and even stitched up Barbie’s head! At the time, I didn’t think to use beige thread so we ended up with FrankenBarbie. Please don’t ask why she needed to be sewn up :) Let’s just say that 3 sisters and 1 Barbie equals trouble!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My second child was 7 months old when I opened up my ETSY shop. Prior to that, I was posting pictures on Facebook of all the stuff that I made. Like many here on ETSY, I kept hearing “you should sell your stuff!” I opened up my shop at the end of April 2011 and listed 5 items. After my first sale, my shop took off and I’ve had the opportunity to sell to customers worldwide. ETSY is known for handmade and that’s why I chose to sell on ETSY vs other websites. In fact, I got my first national magazine feature when an editor at Chatelaine magazine saw my toy leash on ETSY.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I kept bouncing ideas off of my husband but nothing stuck. One day, I thought about why I was doing this and who I was doing this for and decided to name my shop after my two boys. Both boys are such an inspiration to me so I decided to name my shop after them. As they start to grow, I’m sure my shop will evolve too. Everything I make is designed and tested for them. If it works, then I put it in my shop.

Toy Leash Tether Strap in Green, Brown, Yellow

Describe what creations you have in your shop

My shop mirrors what I was searching for when I was pregnant with my first son. I ended up sewing many items for my baby boy (now toddler) because I could not find stylish products for baby boys. Hence, all of my fabric choices are unisex so that moms with boys aren't left in the cold! I sell toy leashes, wrist wallets, mini coin wallets, toddler backpacks, tricycle bags, nursing covers, and slim stroller bags.

My most popular items are my toy leashes. I love them and still use them to hold snack cups and toys. I originally designed it to be used with Sophie the Giraffe but it can be used for so much more. I also sell a slim stroller bag which is invaluable to me. I designed it after I got tired of lugging around a clunky big bag. The stroller bag is one of my favourite designs and follows my motto of “practical but stylish”. Lately, I have been sewing toddler backpacks, which I love. Each backpack is custom made and discussed at length by myself and my customer. Throughout the process, I usually end up getting to know these customers very well and I love seeing the pictures they send of their little ones with their new backpacks. I am currently designing some new items and hope to share them soon!

What insprires you?

Every day things inspire me. I look to my children for a lot of my inspiration as well as my day to day life. I market my items as stylish and practical because I love things that are stylish and practical. If it’s not useful, I don’t care how pretty it is. Sewing for boys is a great opportunity to demonstrate some creativity. The marketplace doesn’t have enough “boy” themed items so the sky’s the limit!

Slim Stroller Diaper Bag

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I usually don’t like to listen to anything while creating as I find it distracting. However, I have started listening to audio books. That gives me the best of both worlds… crafting and reading. I like to sew when I’m at my happiest. If I am tired or not in a good mood, I do not sew. When I sew relaxed and happy, the outcome is always a good one!

Please share a favorite recipe

I have lots but a favorite recipe that I make for my kids is yogurt pops. I posted a tutorial on my blog : handmadebyjt.blogspot.ca/2011/10/tutorial-chocolate-and-yogurt-pops.html . I like to layer them with pudding, applesauce and yogurt. The trick for me is to make them in tiny ketchup cups so that the portion size is smaller. Little kids just can’t eat big popsicles and that’s just more mess for me.
I post my other fave recipes on my blog: handmadebyjt.blogspot.ca/p/recipes.html

Where else can we find you?
I love to blog about the stuff I make. My blog name isn’t my shop name because my blog is a mish mash of stuff I make, stuff I sell, time with the kiddies, and random musings!
Blog: handmadebyjt.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joshandteo
Pinterest: pinterest.com/joshandteo
Twitter: twitter.com/joshandteo


And now let's find out what creation Jenny is offering for her giveaway...

Toy Leash in Black and White

 

• 1 toy leash from Josh and Teo's Etsy shop of the winners choice (this black and white one shown is just one example...there are many to choose from in her shop)

***Shipping included for US & Canada entrants ONLY...all other international entrants will have to pay a $5.50 shipping fee

Now to enter...please keep in mind you do not need to do all of the entries, but the more you do the more chances you have at winning!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3a999e69/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Wednesday with We Three Bees and a GIVEAWAY

It's time for Welcome Wednesday with Nicole and her Etsy shop We Three Bees

Nicole is offering free worldwide shipping on any order from now until the end of 2012 (Easter-Standard Time) with coupon code: WTBFREESHIP412

And DON'T FORGET HER GIVEAWAY!!! Details after the interview...now let' discover Nicole's creative story



Bandana Bib

What is the first creative memory you have?
Well… apparently I was creative even before my memories were established. My mother just LOOOOVES to tell this story about me! I was little enough to still wear a diaper (you can see where this is going) and, during my afternoon nap, I wasn’t very tired. I slowly came down the stairs, holding a handled mirror out in front of me, very carefully balancing “cookies” to offer to her guest. I can only imagine the horror on my poor mother’s face when she saw what I had used to make the “cookies.” I also, in my careful descent down the stairs, left a hand painted mural behind me on the wall. Oh my! The joys of motherhood :)

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?
A relative recommended it to me after seeing some of my sewing projects and I was hooked!

How did you come up with your shop name?
Bees have always been so interesting to me, the way they’re so fragile and yet, so mighty. Just like humans, I guess. “We Three” came from one of the happiest times in my life when my first son was born. It was my loving and supportive husband, Ben, my new little Jack and me, we three. We’ve since had our second son, Dexter and we have to have one more to make my shop name relevant! (At least that is what my husband tells me.) So, if we’re lucky, bee number three will be making an appearance next summer or fall!

Describe what creations you have in your shop

Goodies for babies and children. I’m drawn to cold weather clothing and styles. Not the cold weather, just the clothing. There are lots of different hats and jackets but you'll also find bunting, blankets, and a new addition, The Dapper Fox softie.

Bicycle Bunting & Dapper Fox Softie

What insprires you?
Nature and love, especially the bond that exists between parents and their children. It’s bewildering, overwhelming and bittersweet but being a parent has made me happier than I could have ever imagined. And I’ve always been fascinated by nature- so complex and beautiful.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

If I don’t hear Papa trying to wrangle two little boys upstairs, I’m listening to Van Morrison or Christmas music (I know. It’s too early… but I know you’re secretly thinking of Bing Crosby and wanting to hear some White Christmas; it’s okay. This is a safe place.)

Toddler Reversible Corduroy Jacket

Please share a favorite recipe
I hate cooking. Well, that’s not entirely true. I hate cooking when I (1) don’t have time, (2) don’t have ingredients and/or (3) don’t have any ideas on what to cook. Usually, all three attack me at once! However, a true fall-time staple in our house is spiced apple cider. You need: one gallon of cider, three cinnamon sticks, a tea blotter filled with equal parts whole cloves and whole allspice, ¾ cup sugar. Dump it all in your crockpot on low heat, give it a stir and wait for the delicious aroma to waft through the house! Perfect for get-togethers. Also, when the party's over, put it in the fridge and re-heat in the microwave- instant "Mmmm!"

Where else can we find you?

Facebook www.facebook.com/wethreebees
Twitter @WeThreeBees
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/WeThreeBees 
Etsy www.WeThreeBees.etsy.com


NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY

Nicole is offering one free children’s hat with worldwide shipping included. Made to order or ready to ship, any style (bomber/trapper, earflap or pixie hood), size newborn to 8 years. Production time is 2 - 3 weeks and items ship USPS First Class or USPS First Class International. Visit her shop here to see the variety of hats you can choose from!

NOW TO ENTER

Please remember you do not have to do all of the entries...but the more you do the more chances you have at winning!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3a999e68/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway