Monday, April 30, 2012

Mommy Monday with Helping Hands Team on Etsy

"...our focus is on compassion through creative collaboration. We are about changing the world through kindness...."

I was asked to feature an entire Etsy team, Etsy Helping Hands. I did a little bit of research and thought it was such a fabulous idea behind the team and I loved what the members are achieving together each month. So may I introduce to you...Etsy Helping Hands started by Elise from Black Ant Beads.


"For me personally this is a way to use my talents to help others. And as a group it shows the power of a few to make a huge difference." - Brenda from Dry Branch Ranch

Something New blog post by Black Ant Beads
*The following post is directly from Black Ant Beads blog*


"Three short weeks ago, I was a nobody, a nothing. I did not have anything really happening in my life that I was excited about. Sure, I have a great family and wonderful friends, yes, I have an Etsy shop and love beading, your right I am an MBA student…but life was a bit boring.

Then something happened. It seemed small and unimportant at first. You know, the kind of thing you think could be big, but normally nothing ever happens?

This time, something happened.

I was reading a textbook for a class and it said that in business today, we need to look at the competition as collaborators instead of as competition. “Huh,” I thought, “that’s interesting.” Etsy, and the world, for that matter, is full of jewelry makers and sellers. Competition right? Then again…an idea was beginning to form.

The next day I started working on another bit of homework. A little paper on some topics from the textbook. One of the questions I was supposed to address in the paper was what had I learned and how was I going to apply it tomorrow. At first, I did not know what to make of the question. I mean, come on. What do you usually do with new learning? File it away until you need it right? But the idea to look at others as collaborators and not competitors was a tad different than most new knowledge."


"I love being able to do something I love and help someone by doing it. It's a great feeling knowing that by donating my creations, I'm helping brighten someone's day!" - Auburn Artisan

More from Black Ant Beads blog post, "I posted my proposal on several different Etsy team forums on Friday night and waited. On Sunday, while I was at church, I could hardly stand it. I just felt so led by the Lord to do this thing. Like it was right. Like it was what I was supposed to be doing right now. I was so filled with excitement that I could barely stop myself from skipping around and shouting “Hurray!”

I got home and started looking at the threads to see if anyone had showed interest. Over 30 people in less than 48 hours had responded. I had Etsy convos (private messages) asking how shops could become involved. I was stunned! The next day, there were about 20 people in the conversation. We had ideas flying everywhere. A blanket, different charities, a scrapbook, a website, a virtual craft fair. All kinds of ideas and they were coming from several different teams. I realized that I had to get everyone together and on the same page.

I started a new team. We did not even have a name yet, but we had about 30 members. At this point, my idea had only been around for about a week.

The first week as a real team…I don’t even know what happened! I mean everyone was talking all at once. A group of 40 some Etsyians – from all over the world – were talking about how we could help others through our crafts. We picked a name – Etsy’s Helping Hands. One member volunteered to start and maintain a website. Another volunteered to do the same for a blog. Yet another started a virtual craft fair. We started a calendar, and three weeks after the idea took shape, we have the rest of the year planned out. We know who is planning the project for each month and we know what charity will gain the benefit."

Charity of the Month for April 2012, Genesis Shelter - they are booked out through November with charities...see the full list of monthly charities here.

April 2012 - Genesis Shelter

"I chose to be a part of this team because it was a way to use my talents to help each other out. Knowing that my crafts will help bring a smile to someone in need is like icing on the cake. The people that have joined this team are incredibly talented and have such a passion for making things happen and I just love being a part of this community of like-minded artists." - Christina's Spot

Black Ant Beads continued blog post - "Our first project is going to be sending our handmade items to a women’s shelter in Texas….and it was not even my idea! I did not come up with it at all. Trey did. And he volunteered to do everything for it. We just send him our items! I am so thrilled to be doing a group project with people who are passionate about the work of the team!

Now we have over 50 members! And we still grow daily. I am still in shock at how amazing this group of people is! I am thrilled with what the Lord is using me for and am so blessed by it all. I cannot wait to see how things go.

My dream for the team is that it will become self-sustaining. That each member can choose to or not to participate in each month’s project. That we become large enough that we can have local chapters. That we can make a real difference in the world. That we can practice compassion in a tangible way. And that we can use our gifts to give others hope."

DIFFERENT WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

1. For individual items going directly to the charity, the charity leader will provide an address and we all mail it to them by the 15th of the next month so they can gather it together and take to the charity.

- Clothes and pillowcases for the women's shelter will be handled this way.

2. Joint items, each person will mail it to the next person and the final person will mail it to the purchaser or charity if the item itself will be donated. If the assembly requires additional supplies that are costly like the backing for the quilt, the assembler needs to figure out that cost in advance and each person can send their share of that cost with their piece of the item or send it to that persons PayPal at the choice of the assembler.

- This is for things like the quilt and scrapbook projects.

3. Items sold through individual shops,the shop owner will send it to the purchaser and collect the money from the purchaser. The shop owner will tally it up and send the money via PayPal to the address provided by the charity leader by the 15th of the next month.

4. Auction items, Each person is responsible for sending their items to the purchaser. (I'm still trying to figure out whether to do this in a blog or use an auction site.) Money will depend on how we do it. If it goes to the individual, they will be responsible to send it via PayPal to the charity leader by the 15th of the next month. If it is on the blog, I'll collect the money and send it to the charity leader via PayPal by the 15th of the next month.

Here are a few places to find Etsy Helping Hands:

Website
Virtual Craft Fair
Etsy Team
Etsy Treasury *portion of sales from items in the treasury will go towards charities
Facebook
Twitter

Now please show Etsy Helping Hands some love! I would love to hear your thoughts on this fabulous group of individuals who are helping out together. If you would be interested in helping out...please contact team leader Elise here.









Sunday, April 29, 2012

Salutations Sunday with Infinity Designs TN and a Giveaway

Shout out your salutations for Erin and her Etsy shop Infinity Designs TN

Through the art of macrame (or tying knots), Erin offers a great variety of unique creations.

Get 10% off of your order with coupon code: TENOFF

Erin is also offering one of her macrame creations as a giveaway...read all of the details at the end of her interview. Now let's discover Infinity Designs TN!

What is the first creative memory you have?

The first creative memory I have is of drawing a horse when I was probably 5 or so. I probably still have the drawing. Growing up, I was a very artistic person. I was involved in community theatre, choirs, art, dance, and anything else I put my mind to. I still am artistic, I just express it in different ways.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My friend, Josh (also my mentor), suggested I put my macrame on Etsy. He said it would be much better than selling locally because I would get a wider audience. He was very right! Etsy has been a great resource for me. I have gotten a lot of exposure of my products!

How did you come up with your shop name?

I have always found the infinity sign to be a powerful thing. I even have a tattoo of an embellished infinity symbol. I took this personal symbol to represent myself, “designs” speaks for itself, and I added the TN for Tennessee (where I’m from). Thus, Infinity Designs TN.


Describe what creations you have in your shop.

I offer many different hemp macrame designs in my shop. These include jewelry, owl wall hangings, key chains, pet accessories, hand-dyed twine, and custom pieces.

My jewelry includes macrame owl necklaces made with lampwork beads, necklaces with glass beads, and lampwork bracelets.

My owl wall hangings are reminiscent of the macrame owls from the 70s. The ones that are colored are hand dyed by me.

I have a variety of owl keychains and marble cage keychains.

My pet accessories include leashes and collars.


The hemp twine is hand dyed by me. I sell 2 mm twine and 3mm twine. I can dye this size hemp practically any color, even white!

I offer custom items in my shop. I can work with you to make what you want. For instance, I offer custom lighter leashes that fit Zippo brand lighters. You can hang it around your neck and never lose your lighter!

What inspires you?

My fans on Etsy really inspire me. Whenever I log on and see views for my products, I feel excited to make more pieces and get more views. It’s nice to have a way to track what is being looked at and who is looking. It keeps me going and creating. My friends and family keep me going, too. They love my work and support me in everything I do.


What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Most of the time, I watch television while I’m doing my macrame. Right now it’s New Girl, Game of Thrones, Once Upon a Time, Raising Hope, and South Park. (I’m into a wide variety of shows, as you can probably tell.) Sometimes, however, I prefer to sit out on my back porch to do macrame. It’s nice to watch the birds at my feeders, and hear the various sounds of nature and suburbia.

Please share a favorite recipe.

One of my favorite recipes is from my mom. We use it to spice up steamed white rice. (These are approximations because it’s a homemade recipe. Add or subtract where needed)

1/3 cup of red wine vinegar
2/3 cup of canola oil
3 (heaping) tsp. of sugar
1/8 tsp. of salt
Heaping tsp of minced garlic
Grind black pepper on the top till it drops

Mix in a blender. Refrigerate after use.

Where else can we find you?

Twitter
Facebook
Blog

Now see what one lucky winner will win!


"Like" Infinity Designs TN on Facebook, and get a chance to win a large natural hemp owl when fans reach 100! A random drawing will be held to determine the winner out of JUST her first 100 fans!

Now please share Erin some love and visit her Etsy shop and favorite it and a few of her items. Come back and tell us which of her creations you love!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Fun Friday with Let's Get Messy and Create Art

Get together...get messy...get creative...get memories...get silly...get masterpieces!

Blow Painting from Raising Sparks


Melting Crayons from whatever...


Bubble Burst Painting from Family Fun



Paint with Colored Shaving Cream from Play Create Explore


Spin Art from Rust and Sunshine


Car Drawing from first pallete


Now like I said...this weekend, get together...get messy...get creative...get memories...get silly...get masterpieces!



Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Royale Couture Jewels

Please welcome Royale Couture Jewels on Etsy


Looking for a little bling for a great gift? Then let's discover Royale Couture Jewels


What is your first creative memory?

The first creative memory I have was when I went to a local craft store and was looking through all of their gorgeoous beads and started to piece everything together! It was amazing!


Who or what began your creative journey on Etsy?

My wonderful and inspiring grandmother began my journey. She was so into crafts that I decided to follow her foot steps and start making bracelets myself. Everytime I come up with a new design, she is first to be shown. We have a great "crafty" bond.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I came up with my shop name because I wanted to have an elegant title for my jewels to be known by. I want my customers to love it too and before the name was finalized they helped give there opinions. They thought it was a great name that reflected me and my bracelets.

Please describe the items in your shop

In my shop we sell "Sideways Cross Bracelets" they are comfortable, stretchy bracelets that can be made with a variety of beads. The bracelets are made for women, men, children, and babies. They are great as gifts and for a bride along with her bridesmaids. We also sell "Rhinestone Love Bracelets" which are also stretchy and can be made with a variety of beads. They are grat for any occasion and add a gorgeous look to any outfit.


What inspires you?

What inspires me is my Grandmother. She would always make jewelry when I was younger and I always wanted to be like her. I took a plunge and started making bracelets which I love to do. My grandmother gives the stamp of approval on each bracelet.

What do you watch or listen to while creating?

While creating, I watch any show on the BRAVO! Network , I absolutely love their shows and each person on every show has a distinct jewelry style which inspires me to create bracelets!


Please share a favorite recipe

A favorite recipe of mine is low calorie chocolate cake which I saw on Hungry Girl. You need chocolate cake mix, club soda, and low fat hot chocolate packets. You mix it All together and add it into a cake pan, heat it up for 350 degrees and wait 20-30 minutes! I do it a bit different then the actual recipe but it still comes out great.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook

Now please show Royale Couture Jewels some Etsy love and visit her shop!



Monday, April 23, 2012

Mommy Monday with Super Cooper


One of my questions I ask my fellow Etsy shops for their feature is: "What inspires you?" For me it's my sons toys, images on clothing, coloring books, colors, bright patterns, sillyness etc...Well as of Friday, April 20th I have something new to add to my list of what inspires me. Cooper. Or as his family calls him, Super Cooper.

I was contacted by Cooper's mother through Etsy to see if I would be willing to make her son one of my monster totes, but she had some specifications about not wanting to put his name on the back. She wanted the superman logo with a "C" instead of an "S" and angel wings on either side of the logo. Initially I thought "cool...I love making my creations custom and one of a kind for my customers." As I read on through the message and she was explaining to me why and she needed it for the Angelman Syndrome walk in May to hold all of his goodies, I became very intrigued. Angelman Syndrome? Never heard of it.

She also sent this picture for me to get an idea of the logo she is talking about.


I will admit...I hesitated looking it up for a minute like his mother was going to be ashamed that I was so naive and had never heard of it. It seriously took me a few minutes to summon up the courage to type the words "angelman syndrome" into my search browser. As I began to read about it...I became inspired. As a mother. As a human being. As a healthy adult. This 4 year old boy whom I have never met...has inspired me. A soon to be 30 year old stay at home mom. My eyes welled up with tears. As they are now as I type. Have you ever been so inspired that it overcomes you and overwhelms you? I have. On Friday, April 20th, 2012.

I knew instantly I wanted to feature Cooper on my blog. Just to share is resilance and to inform about Angelman Syndrome. I was scared to ask his mom if I could do a write up. I opened our conversation many times in Etsy and began typing...but soon would delete it and close out of it. I thought..."well if she writes back and still wants me to create the bag, then I will ask her then."

She did message back and thanked me many times for accomodating her requests and getting it to her in time for the walk. It's then I told her I looked up Angelman Syndrome because I had never heard of it. This was her response:

Thanks for looking up Angelman Syndrome -don't worry we had never heard of either nor has 98% of the people who we encounter;) He is actually doing remarkable & has proved so many of the physicians wrong already. Life with Cooper though not always easy, has taught us not to sweat the small stuff & not to take anything for granted. He teaches us all something new everyday & EVERY single accomplishment he makes is monumental to us! The saying, enjoy the little things in life as one day you will look back & realize they were not so little means a lot more to us now since Cooper has come into our lives. The joy he brings into our lives on a daily basis far outweighs any of the negatives that accompany him having Angelman Syndrome. We could not possibly imagine a life without our Super Cooper. To know him is to LOVE & adore him. We are so very proud of Cooper & admire his determination. We have a dream that Cooper is going to prove everyone wrong & excel in areas we were told he would never be able to. He amazes us everyday & already has proven Dr’s wrong as he is now a walker! They told us he most likely would never walk. He is fiesty & determinded ;)


Now the tears are flowing like crazy and I am so moved I feel like I have the strength to move a house! Or atleast the strength to ask her if I could feature their story. The rest of this post was written by Super Cooper's mom. So please enjoy meeting this amazing little boy and discovering his story.

“I thought I would have to teach my son about the world, it turns out I have to teach the world about my son. They see a boy who can not speak, I see a miracle who doesn't need words.”


My son Cooper Owensby - Super Cooper as we call him, was born premature by 2 months on March 14, 2008. So we knew & were told he would have some delays due to this. But at about 6 months we noticed him not reaching major milestones & became increasingly concerned. We brought Cooper back up there to University of Chicago in Spring 2009 & it was suggested that he should see a Neurologist to rule out any other complications we may not know about. So we began that that process & numerous tests were run on Cooper. Everything came back negative, which was great, but still did not explain why or what was causing Coopers delays . At this point in Cooper’s life, we enrolled him in the Illinois Early Intervention Program. He was receiving Physical Therapy. After his year evaluation we were able to increase his services on Physical Therapy & also begin Developmental, Occupational & Speech Therapy. In addition, Cooper has been in Aqua Therapy with Easter Seals as he responds the best in water & first would bare weight on his legs much more effectively in the water.

His Neuroologist suggested Genetic Testing in August 2009,which we did right away. At the time he indicated it was primarily to rule out Angelman Syndrome.

On September 24, 2009 Cooper was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. Angelman Syndrome is a rare Neurgenetic Disorder. It’s a little known and often misunderstood disorder, which doctors frequently misdiagnose as autism or cerebral palsy. Normally 1 in 15,000 are diagnosed annually with this syndrome. Some of the characteristic features of AS include developmental delays, intellectual disability, lack of speech or speech impairment, seizures, problems with movement & balance (ataxia), sever sleep disorders. Cooper will require life long care. He has been & will continue to receive Physical, Occupational, Developmental, Aqua & Speech Therapy and is getting stronger & learning new skills with the help of his amazing & supportive therapists everyday.

Cooper turned 3 in March 2011 & started pre-K school March 2011, he has made huge strides with the help of his amazing therapists & teachers . As of April 2011 he started to stand with support & pull himself up independently. With the help of a gait trainer & a lot of hard work & determination I am happy to report as of December 4, 2011 Cooper is officially an independent walker! This was a huge milestone for Cooper.


Coopers inability to speak is one of the toughest parts for us. Our next step is getting him to better comprehend & utilize his communication devices with more success. Hopefully he will continue to excel with his communication skills. All tough the odds are he will remain non verbal, Cooper still finds way to communicate & get his point across to others. Just because he is unable to speak do not underestimate him. He can definitely understand what people are saying to him. We just have to work with him to find alternate ways to help him better express himself. Cooper is extremely resourceful ,calculated, charming & sneaky.

Life with Super Cooper though not always easy, has taught us not to sweat the small stuff & not to take anything for granted. He teaches us all something new everyday & EVERY single accomplishment he makes is monumental to us! The saying, enjoy the little things in life as one day you will look back & realize they were not so little means a lot more to us now since Cooper has come into our lives. The joy he brings into our lives on a daily basis far outweighs any of the negatives that accompany him having Angelman Syndrome. We could not possibly imagine a life without our Super Cooper. To know him is to LOVE & adore him. We are so very proud of him & admire his determination. We have a dream that Cooper is going to prove everyone wrong & excel in areas we were told he would never be able to. If we are "down" & upset about what he has not or yet to accomplish we just have to look at him & his smile changes our mood instantly. He continues to amaze us everyday. " All we could ask for in Coopers life, is that he be included.


I have been so moved by Super Cooper, that I will be introducing a line of cute little stuffed monsters that will all have angel wings and on my crafters tag it will say "Inspired by Super Cooper." Sales from these little monsters I will be donating directly to a fund set up for Cooper to help out anyway that I can.

The Angelman Syndrome Walk is on May 19th, and Cooper and his family do have a team page set up where you can donate to his team if you would like to. The link is here.

Here is a list of other organization links to learn more about Angelman Syndrome.

ASF Angelman Syndrome Foundation
FAST Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Thereputics

This past year with his help & people voting daily FAST was granted $250,000 from a company called VIVANT which was the amount needed to begin the trials! It was huge for our AS community. FAST is who is funding the clinical trials for a cure. Actually Colin Farrels son has AS & he has been a huge support for spreading the word about AS & a cure. He went on Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel etc & gave shouts out to vote for a cure & FAST WON! Here is a link from the FAST archives in which was played prior to winning the $250k.

Also here is a related site for many of the news events abouts AS & the trials.

Another AS mom has created a line of bibs for those with special needs...check out her line here.

So I again I will ask you, WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Salutations Sunday with Tennessee Craft Company

Please shout out your salutations for Michelle and her Etsy shop Tennessee Craft Company


With quaint, country living decor; Tennessee Craft Company has great items to complete your simple living look that will also make great gifts!

Michelle has offered a drawing for one lucky winner! Please read about the details at the end of this interview. Now let's discover Tennesse Craft Company.

What is the first creative memory you have?

I guess that would have to be coloring with my mom. I always loved to color when I was small. After that I would have to say making my first quilt. My grandmother showed me how to hand piece it, and when I finished that she quilted it, so that quilt is very special to me and I have it hanging in my bedroom.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I had heard of Etsy through friends and on the Internet. I went and checked it out one day and I knew I wanted to open my own shop.


How did you come up with your shop name?

I wanted my shop name to be a true reflection of me, but also say something about my shop. I chose Tennessee Craft Company. The Tennessee part is of course because I live in TN and always have and am very proud of my heritage. The Craft Company part covers all the things I like to do and thought I might want to list in my shop at some point. I love all things crafty, so this was a good fit for me.

Describe what items you have in your shop

I sell Mason jar soap dispensers in various sizes and lid options, and Mason jar pin cushions. I love Mason jars and the look it brings to a room. These dispensers can be used for soap, hand sanitizer, lotions, and anything else that needs a pump dispenser.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by my heritage. I remember Mason jars growing up used for canning and drinking glass, and I like to think that my soap dispensers are a little part of the past that I can bring into something we can use today.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen to the television going in the other room. Actually it just provides some background noise as I really don't know what the show is about. I just like to have a low noise going on around me since I am so used to noise all the time.

Please share a favorite recipe.

That would hands down be crock pot roast, carrots, and potatoes. Just throw them all in the crock pot with a seasoning pack and let it cook. It is so delicious and reheated seconds only get better.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Blog

For anyone who orders from Tennessee Craft Company through the end of April; Michelle will be putting their name in for a drawing to win a free pint size soap dispenser with a white pump and galvanized metal lid. The drawing will take place on May 1st, 2012.

Now please show Michelle some love and tell us which is your favorite item in her Etsy shop...while browsing her great creations; why not favorite her shop and a couple of her items too? Thanks for following and I hope you enjoyed learning about Tennessee Craft Company!

***Tennessee Craft Company has offered one of her items on my facebook page for my "fAveritte creations appreciations 1000 Facebook fans GIVEAWAY!!!" Check it out here...and have fun and good luck :)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Bankie Baby and a Giveaway

Please welcome Katey and her Etsy shop Bankie Baby


We love the babies and children in our lives so deeply. Katey creates unique gifts the baby in your life will love for years and years to come. Perfect for baby shower gifts or for your own little one.

Katey has offered a wonderful giveaway from her shop Bankie Baby...details are at the end of her interview.

Now let's discover Bankie Baby!


What is the first creative memory you have?

My first creative memory is intimately tied to the first family garden that my mother planted. I was 4 or 5 and we'd just moved to a new house and finally had a little yard. I remember sitting out in the sun with her, popping little white bean seeds into the cool spring soil. I remember how novel it felt to see my mom getting her hands dirty and how amazing it was when the beans finally popped up. Later in the summer it was incredible it was to eat those first sweet, green beans. It felt like a revelation to experience being connected to nature like that. And that feeling has inspired my personal creations ever since.


What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I was introduced to etsy by my friend (and now sister-in-law!) Liz Dickey. She makes amazing clocks made from recycled bicycle gears. Her store is: 1.by.liz. When Liz told me about etsy, I had been making and selling organic baby blankets wholesale for many years. She inspired me to create an etsy store as a way to get some of my more creative and personal baby blankets out in the world.

How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop name comes from my family name, Behnke (pronounced Bankie). My mother began the Bankie Baby journey more than 25 years ago when she started making polyester fleece baby blankets under the name "Bankie by Behnke". When I took over the business in 2006, switched to 100% organic cotton fleece and I changed the name to "Bankie Baby" to make it cuter, and easier to remember (and spell!).


Describe what creations you have in your shop

I make personalized, super-soft organic baby blankets! Each one has a unique, colorful, applique design, usually featuring a parent and baby animal combination. They are bright, cute and sweet and can be personalized with baby's name to make an unforgettable one-of-a-kind gift.

What insprires you?

I am inspired by the love that people have for the new babies in their lives. I have witnessed this love both personally and professionally and it is something that I strive to give expression to in every one of my blankets. My feeling is that each baby comes into this world unique and beautiful and I hope that my blankets offer a way to express that love.


What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen to music and sometimes books on tape. Right now I am in the middle of listening to the Lord of the Ring Trilogy. I'm also embarrassed to admit that I like to keep up on General Hospital and all sorts of other "bad tv" while making my blankets.

Please share a favorite recipe

Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake (based on a Bon Appetit recipe, 2002)
Makes 10-12 servings

Ingredients:
I C (2 sticks) butter
8 ounces of chocolate (semi sweet or dark depending on your preference)
1 C sugar
1 C unsweetened cocoa powder
6 eggs

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter 10" springform pan. Line the bottom with waxed paper. Gently melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Stir to prevent burning. Remove from heat. Mix sugar and cocoa in a large bowl. Add eggs, whisk to mix. Slowly whisk in chocolate/butter mixture. Pour batter into your cake pan. Bake for about 45 min, or until a tester inserted int he center comes out clean. Cool cake completely on a rack. Run a knife around the sides of the pan, release the spring. Cover and refrigerate. Keeps well for a week inthe fridge.

Serve cool, or slice and rewarm in the oven.

This cake is super chocolatey and rich. Delicious by itself or with a chocolate butter cream frosting!

Where else can we find you?

My business website is: www.bankiebaby.com
Facebook

Now to see what one lucky winner will win!


Set of Two Organic Lovie Baby Blankets -- Personalized Free for Your Hip Eco Baby

*****Katey will personalize them with one name on each blanket.
*****Ships free in the USA.

The blankets measures 16"x 16", the perfect size for little hands and arms to hold and snuggle. The topside of these adorable lovies are made with 100% certified organic cotton fleece and sport a darling poppy heart. The backside is made in the mirror image with poppy fabric and a sweet organic white heart.

Katey carefully designs, cuts and sews every blanket.
Machine Washable.
Handmade. 100% Made in the USA.

NOW TO ENTER...please keep in mind you do not have to do all of the entries; but the more you complete the more chances you have at winning!!!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Mommy Monday with Our Love Story

Tomorrow, April 17th marks five amazing years with my husband John...well 3 years married and 5 together. We planned our wedding date to be the same day as the day we recognized as our first day as a couple. It has made it sooooo much easier to remember both dates :) Smart planning on our part!

We have a unique love story and I would love to share it with you all today...welcome to the crazy love story of John and Amy! The shortened version. And just a WARNING...we rarely take serious photos together. There...you have been warned.


Single, crazy, drunken nights with my college bestie(let's call her Jack)...and one of those nights she mentioned to me that she knew someone I would be perfect with. BUT...he lived in California and I lived in Colorado at the time. John was in the Air Force with her brother and she had met him a few times. She told me we would be perfect for each other because we are both so crazy!


I scoped John out on her Myspace page and thought he was pretty darn cute...but I didn't expect anything at all to happen. How would it with us being so far apart? But Jack was consistent and kept telling me John and I needed to somehow meet...well why not call him while we are drinking? That's always a great idea right? She handed me her phone and I waited...not sure what to say. Well I got John's voice mail and the only thing that came to my mind to say was, "Your third nipple is in the mail!" WTH was that? Remember though...I am a little crazy.

Well that silly voicemail started us off to texting each other just random things. I still wasn't planning on this going anywhere but just friends from far away places that never meet. And come to find out he had moved from California to Tennessee. We soon started talking...and it was amazing to get to know John strictly through conversation. Those many, many, many long talks I hold so dear...we learned so much about each other.


We talked for a few months...how strange to be falling in love with someone you have never seen or met in person. Well John said those dreadful words that I feared: "How about I come out to Colorado for a visit so we can meet and see where this is going?" I was terrified!!!

So I am waiting for him at the Denver airport...scared that he will think I'm ugly...scared he maybe backed out and didn't get on his flight...scared. Nervous. Excited. When we saw each other it was like he had just been gone for a weekend trip. We hugged and I knew I was hugging my best friend.


His visit was supposed to only be a week. The long 4 hour car trip to the airport for him to fly back to Tennessee was emotional and confusing. We had discussed trying out the long distant relationship with him in Tennessee and me in Colorado...and see where we were in 6 months. It was the first week in June and snowing! Well snowing in the Rocky Mountains in June isn't too rare. Every flight was cancelled but his...so I took that as a sign that he needed to go back to TN and we would figure this out. We had joked about him staying. Joked. His flight never got cancelled but was delayed. I had already left for my drive back.

He kept calling me everytime it would get delayed...and then all of sudden he said, "Turn around. Come get me. I am staying." I had no doubts in my gut that I needed to turn around and go get my soul mate. The funny thing is his bag already was on the plane so poor John was left with the clothes he had on.

Friends, family, co-workers, college classmates etc...thought we were so crazy!!! John stayed in Colorado for me and left everything behind in Tennessee. They all thought we were crazy until they saw us together and then it all made sense. So many times I have heard your story is so unique and you two are perfect for eachother.

Well I say after 5 years...we still are perfect for eachother. I love you John and I am looking towards the next 100 years together.






Sunday, April 15, 2012

I HAVE BEEN FEATURED!!! by MoKeKuMiLei Creations: fAveritte creations~Amy Averitte

MoKeKuMiLei Creations: fAveritte creations~Amy Averitte: April brings us  Sunday Salutes Seconds!  Now Saluting  fAveritte creations  from etsy.com !

Salutations Sunday with Bundle Baby Nursery

Please welcome Jessica and her Etsy shop Bundle Baby Nursery for our first Salutations Sunday shop feature!


Contemporary art all with a touch of whimsy...you are sure to find a unique piece of art just fit for your nursery ideas from Bundle Baby Nursery. Jessica offers many themes and is constantly adding more...so make sure you continue to check back.

You can receive 20% off of any single prints from her shop with coupon code: 20BBABYBLOGYE

Now lets discover Jessica and her shop Bundle Baby Nursery!

What is the first creative memory you have?

One of our fun family stories is when I was 5 years old my mother and I were drawing together. On the page was the standard strip of green grass with a tree on one side. She began drawing a pond with fish in it but because of the 'strip of grass' the pond ended up looking like it was in the sky. I turned to my mother and said "It's okay mommy, you don't have to help me draw anymore". I proceeded to draw another picture with the pond in the right place. We still laugh at how I could draw better than my mom at 5 years old!


What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

As a member of the Virginia National Guard I was deployed to Iraq and filled my downtime with researching baby nurseries. (My husband and I were going to start trying when I got back) I remember seeing a simple contemporary wooden toy with wheels at a baby expo and thought "I could do that! They probably charge $20 or $30 for it." In my research Etsy kept coming up as the place where mothers went for that one-of-a-kind item, which got the wheels turning.

I also loved the idea of trying something new every year. Be it learning to play the piano, mastering French cuisine, or starting an online business. Just think where you would be in 5, 10, or even 20 years! So for 2012 I'm learning all about having a business online.


How did you come up with your shop name?

When I first started my sketches the bay animals were falling into two categories. Ones without legs, that looked like they were 'bundled up', and ones with rounded legs, like a baby deer, which I called 'teeter animals'. I thought about calling the shop 'Bundle and Teeter' but I couldn't design the logo in any way that didn't look like the name of a law office, so the name "Bundle Baby" was born.


Describe what creations you have in your shop

Right now I am offering Nursery decor in the way of digital prints. I design and perfect my artwork using Inkscape, a digital art program. From there the sky is the limit! I try to offer different styles from whimsical to modern or anything else that tickles my fancy and satisfies the creative urges!


What inspires you?

Anything fun! Most times it'll be a theme that will get me started, like jungle animals, cute monsters, or pirates. I start to brainstorm and come up with some fun ideas and characters.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Each day is different. Sometimes it'll be a playlist I created on the NPR website. I'll listen to anything that strikes my interest, anything from the history of concrete (from the Roman era!) to the seasons on Pluto.

Other times I listen to bands on 'I Heart Radio' like Paramore, Mumford and Sons, or Katy Perry.

Please share a favorite recipe

These are my husband's favorites and are always a hit at any potluck they are called Ranger Cookies

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter softened
2 eggs
cream above together till creamy
Sift together:
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
add to creamed mixture, blend till just mixed in/add
2 cups rice crispies
1 cup dry old fashioned oatmeal-not quick
1 cup shredded coconut
Stir to combine
bake at 350 till light brown. yum!!!!


Now please go show Jessica some love and share some of your favorite creations from her shop. I personally love the monsters because my sons room is currently decorated with fun and silly monsters and primary colors! Leave us a blog post with your favorite...also heart her shop and a few of her items. Thanks for stopping by :)




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