The Cards Are Done...

and picked up from Costco... now I just need to mail them - UG!

Good thing it's a Merry Christmas/Happy New Year card :)

Is Christmas Really Over?

Is it really?? I actually can't believe it... really, I can't!

It all started with the tree. You see, we normally go out "hunting for a tree" as my daughter calls it. We load up with snacks, drinks and the chain saw and go searching in the mountains about an hour away from home. But this year, we thought, let's see if we can find one on a lot. And we did. The most perfect tree that we've ever had - tall, thin and just the right fullness for our ornaments to hang. What made it even more perfect was it took us less than 5 minutes to find it, pay for it and load it in the truck.

We got it home... put it in the right place... PERFECT! We got out the lights the next evening and I started to put them on the tree - tip: if you hate the lights moving as much as I do, use ornament hooks as twisty ties to keep the lights where you want them to stay...

Anyway... this is about where it all gets not so perfect :) The tree stayed 1/3rd lit for about 2 weeks - yes, I'm embarrassed to say it, the tree stayed that way until my Christmas break. About a day into break, I was able to get the tree lit, ornaments on and decorations out - it was great! I realized why I like the holidays so much - everything is so festive :)

And then, after finishing up the remaining few orders for Christmas (in between taking care of the little one who was sick and then myself once she got a bit better) I was finally able to get the gifts wrapped... on Christmas Eve. Crazy.

What's even crazier?? Is that it's already over!!

It was so great seeing the reaction to Santa on our sweet little girl's face. Especially when she said to us, "Santa is so smart!" because he knew exactly what she had asked for (3 Muskateers Barbie and Santa Buddies movie - which didn't seem unreasonable to me!).

So... in the aftermath of Christmas, I will be spending the remainder of my time on vacation going through all her clothes and toys to see what we will keep and what will be donated. But, it was worth it - family and friends and the magic of Christmas!!

Oh.... and did I tell you?? I'll also be making our holiday card, ordering a book from Shutterfly for my dad and making some jewelry for my sisters who all live in Norway (and who I'm hoping won't mind that their gifts are a bit late!!).

And my plan after that?? Rest a bit, re-organize a bit and get geared up for a new year!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!

ALL THE TRIMMINGS Treasury on Etsy

An unexpected day home with the little one (she told me she "didn't feel reely goot") and an even more unexpected chance to get a treasury on Etsy.

As a kindergarten teacher, it's impossible to get a chance to have a moment to myself during the day, much less get on the computer and considering it's almost vacation, little one getting sick wasn't in my plans!

So when I woke up and turned on the computer, I was thrilled to see that new treasuries would open up soon and that I would be home! So I started searching and found THE MOST ADORABLE Christmas ornaments and the treasury was born!!

I'd love for you to come by and comment:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=99132

And I'd also love for you to log on to Etsy and see all these talented ornament makers - these would be just PERFECT for that handmade tree sitting in your livingroom!!

First Row (left to right)

allthingssmall

lovahandmade

spacemoderne

Second Row

MiniMonster

TheHouseofMouse

madmarycreations

Third Row

PinkPerch

chichiboulie

Kikitaly

Fourth Row

KimsCraftyApple

alphabulous

PoorRobin

They did it... they actually did it!

It's taken me a while to get a picture of "the Easter Egg" as my daughter puts it. Most of the time, I'm driving when I'm heading past this and well, that would be insanity trying to hold a camera as I try to avoid the semi trucks blazing past! But... it just so happened that my hubby was driving the car with us the other day and I was able to snap a picture.

When it first went up (when it was still white) we were convinced that it would get tagged. And sure enough, only a few days after it was painted this color, it was. I wish I could post those pictures, but that would be inappropriate :)

I still shake my head and giggle everytime that I see it - especially since this olive orchard doesn't grow martini type olives.

Now I'm just waiting for us to be on one of those TV shows! It's just a matter of time.....

A Fantastic Giveaway!

You HAVE to go check out this incredible giveaway at the Preppy in NewEngland blog! I happened to be on Facebook at the right time because when I saw these adorable creations, I just had to click and check it out. Now it's your turn... go and enter - you'll be glad you did!

http://preppyinnewengland.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-england-giveaway.html

Me?? Team Member of the Month?? I Can't Believe It!!

I'm so excited! I just found out that the lovely ladies at Team EtsyBABY made me... yes, me... Team Member of the Month! It's such a thrill and I'm so honored! The ladies that have received this award before me are so talented and do so much for this team and I am just incredibly thrilled to be a part of that group! I was just thinking today about what I would be doing if I wasn't doing this business and I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing in my spare time. I have met such amazing people and developed friendships that I absolutely treasure! I wouldn't trade it for anything!

One Word Wednesday..... WHAT?!?!?!

So, I've always known that I live in a small town... the only places we can go to buy anything is Safeway, the Dollar Store and the truck stop. But it's really quiet where we live and we've got incredible views of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen on a clear day. Most of the time the benefits far out weigh the disadvantages of needing to drive 30 minutes EVERYTIME we need to buy something. Not much happens here - there is the occasional community event, but other than that it's pretty mellow.

And then one day, we saw these workers filling fabric tubes with sand and wrapping them around a metal frame. My first thought?? They are building something to protect the well. They have their olive orchard on the corner of a major road that links two highways and it has been hit before. And then they kept going up and up and more and more round. And then one day, we drove by and saw that they had plastered around it and added the spear.

What?!?! We're still waiting to see if they paint it like an olive (that would be the only thing that makes any sense what so ever) but so far this is it.... a big, huge white egg with a spear through it. No one can say this town is boring!!

One Word Wednesday... SMILEBOX!

I know I'm a day late, but definately not a dollar short :) You won't believe what I finally figured out! I'm so excited to share it with you!!

Quite a while ago, I noticed Smilebox on a friend's blog, totzhatz, and accidentally downloaded it. Then for months and months, I'd get these little updates and little notes saying "come try me out"! Well, yesterday morning, although I really didn't have the time for it, I decided to try it and LOVE IT! It's so much fun and can't wait to have a bit more time to play around with it.

But, for now... here's what I did... hope you love it as much as I do :)

Make a Smilebox photobook

Carmen Bowe - "Teammate Tuesday!"

This week's teammate blog post is going to feature...

CARMEN BOWE
of CB Design Studio on etsy!

I had recieved "One Lovely Blog Award" from this super helpful and terrific EtsyMom teammate in June! Make sure to check out her etsy shop and her blog - she has some absolutely beautiful pieces of jewelry!

I was so excited to recieve this award from her, especially since it's been a challenge for me to fit this blog into my schedule and find things worthy to write about! And to have someone notice it is such an honor!!

In acceptance of this award, I will post the rules:

1. Accept the award, post in on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other fabulous blogs. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here is my list in no particular order:

ZozoBugBaby

AmyRoseDesigns

TheCleverKitty

zuzugirlhandmade

totzhatz

pammydawndesigns

HELLOmynameisHeather

Tiny Tots with Style

KimsCraftyApple

GoldtoneDesigns

RozzisHandmadeHeaven

Lindsay Parks

Bit of Whimsy Dolls

Fabric Family Fun

HomemadeZen

WHEW! That was tough!!

Six by Six for "All Me Monday!"

So I've told you before... I'm WAY behind on all the things I had wanted to blog about as evidenced by the date on the link I'm going to give you!!

I had been tagged by my friend over at zuzu girl handmade in a game "six by six" which is supposed to be the sixth picture in the sixth album in your photo library - hense the name! Click here to see her "six by six"!

So... here it is... my sixth photo in my sixth photo album that is on my computer right now!!

Aren't these fishy cupcakes the cutest things that y(ou've ever seen??? One of the AMAZING moms (and I was so blessed because they were all amazing!!) I had in my kindergarten class last year offered to make the cupcakes for Paige's mermaid birthday party this June - and to think that she does this as a hobby!! They were incredible and tasted just as fantastic as they look!

Now here are a few other birthday pictures that I just had to add... well, just because!

When I started planning this mermaid party at little miss's dance studio, I knew that I wanted it to feel like the kids were underwater. And just about then was when I spotted some darling fish at Pottery Barn Kids. As amazing as they were, the price wasn't something I wanted to splurge on for a birthday party (3/$60) so I set out to make my own. With some paper lanterns from the dollar store and left over tulle from tutus I had made and some felt, this is what we got! Each one was a different color combination and they were perfect for the party (even though they did look a bit like piggies)!!

I also did a happy birthday banner that matched the colors of the party - you'd be proud of me, Kristi :) I used brads in the corners of each letter card and strung a piece of ribbon through the whole set. I think next time I might have ribbon on each one and tie them together... we'll see!

Not wanting to do the traditional party bags, mostly because I wanted to try to make a starfish mermaid wand, but also because it was summer vacation and I had all the time in the world... right?!?!? Well, not really, but I did enjoy doing these! I made the starfish part from colored felt and hand embroidered glass beads to them, added the tulle and wrapped the ribbon around the dowel (MUCH harder than it looks, by the way!) and voila! Here they are! I also drew the mermiad onto a plate pattern from a Make A Plate kit I got at a kindergarten conference and had all the kids from the party sign it. I can't wait to send it in and get the actual plate!!

Maybe it's the teacher in me, but I always feel better when there's a great project to do! So... (in my spare time!! - Nicole, you'll get a giggle out of this one!) I went out and bought a Yudu personal screen printing machine and printed the mermaid design onto a t-shirt for each party goer. They turned out GREAT! I put out some small cupcake tins with fabric paint in each section, laid out some paint brushes and let them decorate away! They turned out so cute!

The party was a huge success and now there are so many more things I'm going to add to my shop... when I find some "extra" time - is that even possible?!?!

THANKS KRISTI, for tagging me! I had such fun :) Now to tag the next 6 bloggers!!! Here they are in no particular order:

Blissfully Unaware

Amy Rose Designs

Kims Crafty Apple

a la mode fabric

Candy Stick Lane

baby cheeks/The Trendy Tots

I can't wait to see what their "six by six" is :)

One Word Wednesday... YAHOO!

Ok, I know it's Thursday... believe me, I know! But I just had to pretend for a few minutes so I could get this post out :)

I'm one of the contributing editors of a new online magazine, Modern Handmade Child. There has been a lot of hard work that has gone into it and I just have to shout from the rooftops... YAHOO! It really is incredible and I'm so excited to see what is to come!

So... click, click, click away and check it out! Subscribe so you can see more! Yes, you!!! Go... now! :)

Open publication - Free publishing - More kids

The Sisterhood Award

I got this award from Jackie at totzhatz because she likes my etsy shop and thinks my blog is fun to read! (And as behind as I am with all the things I want to write about, I thought today would be a good day to write this one!!)


Thanks so much for the honor, Jackie!


Now I get to pass it along to 5 other blogs!! Here's how it works:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 other blogs which show great ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have recieved this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you recieved your award.


Here are the 5 blogs that I am passing this award onto:

1. baby cheeks/the trendy tot - her two shops are incredible full of such darling things and her blog is really fun to read! (not to mention, the fun I'm having chatting with her on facebook!)

2. Banana Ice Cream Kids - super cute clothing items and a fun, fun blog!

3. Handmade Gone Wrong - what more can I say about this one?!!? I saw the link on facebook (sorry, I don't remember who posted it!) and can't get enough! These ladies say all the things you try to keep inside your head!!

4. Mommy Loves It! - this blog wrote one of the first product reviews for me and it was such a great experience! The author, Heather, is super sweet and does such a wonderful job!!

5. Red Sox Mommy - being a HUGE Red Sox fan and raising one myself, I just love this blog! What more can I say?!?!

"Teammate Tuesday"

Not long after I started my etsy shop, I began to wander around "Etsyland" as I like to call it and found a much larger community of artisans and crafters than I ever could have imagined. Among all the wealth of information that I had found was a thing called an etsy team.

I was a little unsure as to what they really were, what kinds of things I'd need to do and how much of a time committment it would be. And finally, after months of looking through the list of teams, I decided to join one. And then two and then three!!

I have been so pleasantly surprised by the friendships that I have developed, as well as the abundance of support that I have found and continue, each and every day to be amazed by the amazing talent I am surrounded by!

Each week, I am going to feature one of the many talented ladies that I am continually inspired by. Not only for the amazing products that they produce, but also for their kind words and dedication to their team.

This week, I'd like to recognize...

Jackie from totzhatz - a wonderful EtsyBaby and EtsyKids teammember!

Jackie has been on etsy since 2008 and has such an adorable assortment of hatz! You can find always find her posting on the team threads with such kind as supportive words for everyone! She has a great blog and is featured in two different etsy shops: Bloome and ImogensGarden. Well done, Jackie!!

"All Me Monday"

It seems appropriate that today is my first "All Me Monday" blog post since it's my birthday! And what better way to celebrate :) Here is a darling video of my sweet, little girl singing to me... precious!!

"Fresh Finds Friday"

These wonderful, fresh finds were straight from my list of etsy favorites. Make sure to check out their shops... there are a lot more goodies where these came from!



(1) buttuglee
(2) yayapapaya
(3) knottybabywear
(4) EarthGroovz
(5) ecoleeko
(6) pinkowlcreations


Happy Friday!

"Thankful Thursday"

As part of one of my goals to write more on my blog, I've decided to dedicate each day of the week to something different and (try!!) to stay vigilant. My goal is to write at least a little something to go with each day's theme and today is what I'm going to call "Thankful Thursday"! Although it's a little late in the day, I'm getting it done and that has to count for something, right?

I have to say, THANK YOU... THANK YOU... THANK YOU, to a lovely friend and teammate, Sandra, owner of AmyRoseDesigns and Bloome on Etsy!!

She has the most darling bibs, Love Me Loveys and Snap n Wrap Covers around. Her fabrics are beautiful and the construction is perfection! She just recently opened a new shop called Bloome with the most adorable children's clothing!! Her impeccable taste in colors and patterns has moved seamlessly to her new shop!! Here are a few of my favorites:

Now, how is this connected to Thankful Thursday you ask?? Let me tell you!

Not only is this hardworking small business owner, faithful teammate and wonderful designer good at what she does, she is also a warm and helpful person - someone I am proud to call my friend!

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that she was about to hit 200 sales and I thought to myself, WOW! What an accomplishment!! And like anyone else would, I thought, I wonder how she did it. So I asked!! And right away Sandra made a list for me to follow of things that she has done to get the word out about her shop. And as I'm gearing up for another school year, I am busy getting it all in place so that I can continue to follow her suggestions as life gets a little more complicated.

And the best part?!?! As I am starting and trying new things, she has been there to bounce ideas off of and to get a second opinion from. I have appreciated her honesty, even when it wasn't what I wanted to hear. Every suggestion she has made is from the heart, from her own objective eye and is made because she wants me to succeed. And the bottom line?? I trust her opinion! I mean, who wouldn't with a record like hers!!

So.... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, my dear friend!

"One Word Wednesday"

LIGHT BOX!!

Ok, so it's two words, but I just have to tell you about this!

Ever since starting my etsy shop, I've been working on taking pictures that really showed off the designs. It's been a tough road and I've tried so many things... but then I saw the new and improved pictures that a friend/teammate Kristi, owner of zuzugirl, had been doing. She had purchased a portable light box and got amazing photographs using it. It was then that I started thinking about getting one.

I had seen many sizes and types, as well as ones that had been handmade and just couldn't make up my mind. Do I bite the bullet and purchase one?? Pro being that it's portable and stores easily - Con being the price. Or do I make one myself?? Pro being the cost to make - Con being that it doesn't store well (unless you take it apart between taking pictures).

Well, after getting some wonderful sales advice and a link to a homemade light box (http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tentschool.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent) from another friend/teammate, Sandra, owner of AmyRoseDesigns and Bloome, I decided to take advantage of the last couple of weeks of vacation and try it out.

So... rather than using a packing box and adding white paper to the inside, I decided to use foam core board. It was really easy - I used a fabric cutting ruler, so that I didn't have to mark each piece and a razor blade to cut it. After trying to cut through one board, I realized that all I needed to cut was the outer paper and then I can easily pull the inside part out. The only issue was it was a bit messy from the bits of foam. I decided to use white tissue paper that I had lying around rather than fabric because I didn't have any white fabric on hand, but will be interested to see the difference in photographs when I do get some. So far, I'm really loving the difference!

Here are a couple of pics using white as my background:

I was SO happy with the clarity of the photographs and when I woke up this morning, I tried it again with some pretty metallicy (I know that's not a word!!) blue scrapbooking paper. I really like the color in these pics and think I'm going to take more like this!! (I also changed the ribbon so it was easier to see).

So now the tough part... taking new pics of everything that I have and changing them on etsy and on my website! But, I'm really looking forward to just how wonderful they will look!!!

Wish me luck :)

It's Time To Spread The Word!

I'm am so thrilled to finally be able to share what we've been working on at EtsyKids! It's been such an exciting venture and there have been so many wonderful members who have been working on it with me and they are:

The Clever Kitty - http://www.thecleverkitty.etsy.com/
Little Elephant Compay - http://www.littleelephantco.etsy.com/
Chubbas n Boop - http://www.chubbasnboop.etsy.com/
Lil Boo and Company - http://www.lilbooandco.etsy.com/
Tutu Cute and Moore - http://www.tutucuteandmoore.etsy.com/
Pumpkin's Boutique - http://www.pumpkinsboutique.etsy.com/
Tootsie Bear - http://www.tootsiebear.etsy.com/
Rozzi's Sweet Peas - http://www.rozzissweetpeas.etsy.com/
All Things Girly - http://www.allthingsgirly.etsy.com/
Zuzu Girl Handmade - http://www.zuzugirlhandmade.etsy.com/
Chichiboulie - http://www.chichiboulie.etsy.com/
Mary Had A Little Party - http://www.maryhadalittleparty.etsy.com/
Flirty Bird - http://www.flirtybird.etsy.com/
Swiedebie - http://www.swiedebie.etsy.com/

Here is a little sneak peak at the magazine... I just know you are going to love it!!

Open publication - Free publishing - More kids

And The Winner Is....

Rozzi's Sweet Peas!!!

http://www.rozzissweetpeas.etsy.com/

Thanks so much to everyone who commented on the blog post and for those of you who sent me ideas through etsy! Although I wasn't able to get it all done before going on my trip, I was able to decide on my favorite and Daisy Creek Overflow really caught my attention. Now the easy part (right?!?!) - I just need to get the logo, avatar, shop set up and items listed. Well, maybe that's not the easy part, but it's so much easier now that I have a name!!

Thanks so much, rozzissweetpeas, for your creative suggestion!! You rock!

I Give Up! I Need Help!

Ok, so I have officially given up! I have been trying for MONTHS to come up with a store/shop name that I like that will be strickly items from Daisy Creek Designs that are ready to go - ready to ship - discounted - call it what you will... items that I've made for craft shows and are still around. They must go! And I need a shop just for them - it's too hard for my brain to keep it all together anymore and I NEED YOUR HELP!!!

I'm heading to Europe on the 19th to see my dad and need my shop up and going before I leave, so I decided to have a contest to come up with a name. I'd like, if possible, for it reflect the "mother store" Daisy Creek Designs, I'd like for it to reflect that the items are finished/discounted/ready to go and I'd also like for the name to be fun - a play on words maybe.

Possible names can be submitted to me by leaving a comment to this post. You must have these to me by Friday night (June 12th) at midnight pst. I will then post the top 5 that I like the best here, in a new post on this blog. Voting will go until Monday night (June 15th) at midnight pst and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 16th.

The best part?!?! The winner will recieve a FREE rhinestone tee - infant, child or adult - any style, color, size with any design...

Up for the challenge!??!?! I hope you are! I can't wait to hear what you come up with!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!!!

Imagine, me.... singing to you!! This is a little tune that I've borrowed from a friend who used to teach 6th grade (and we all know they are too cool for the traditional birthday song!!

"This is your birthday song, it isn't very long, HEY!!"

Happy Birthday, Jen!! As my students would say...."YOU ROCK!!!"

VOTE FOR ME!!!

Recently, one of the teams I am on did a team challenge. We were to submit a product and then we would all vote to get a winner. Well, the day after we submitted our entries, we found out that there would be 2 winners - one voted on my members and one voted on by the general public. This is where you come in and here's what I need from you...

Click on this link and vote for me! i'd love to win a free month of advertising on EtsyBABY's website!!

http://shopetsybaby.com/SpringFling2009

I've Been Spotted...

... IndieSpotted that is!! I didn't have a chance to post about my first spotting before getting spotted again - which I never thought would happen! Come check it out!!!

You will also find the following amazing etsybaby team members:

lalaspequenos

www.lalaspequenos.etsy.com

KimsCraftyApple

www.kimscraftyapple.com

LYIS
www.lyis.etsy.com

leahkl

www.leahkl.etsy.com

imomzi

www.imomzi.etsy.com

blueberryjunkie

www.blueberryjunkie.etsy.com

TutuCuteandMoore

www.tutucuteandmoore.etsy.com

Zadyball

www.zadyball.com

EmilysLittleTreasure

www.emilyslittletreasure.etsy.com

rozzissweetpeas

www.rozzissweetpeas.etsy.com

kraftyladycreations

www.kraftyladycreations.etsy.com

ImogensGarden

www.imogensgarden.etsy.com

BabbidgePatch

www.babbidgepatch.etsy.com

southernbellesandbows

www.southernbellesandbows.etsy.com

MommysLittleMonkey

www.mommyslittlemonkey.etsy.com or www.mommyslittlemonkey.com

leahkl

www.leahkl.etsy.com

GoldtoneDesigns

www.goldtonedesigns.etsy.com

SushiForBaby

www.sushiforbaby.etsy.com

CraftingontheCourt

www.craftingonthecourt.etsy.com

flyingzoo

http://www.flyingzoo.etsy.com/

GrannysKnits

http://www.grannysknits.etsy.comm/

AmyRoseDesigns

http://www.amyrosedesigns.etsy.com/

WideEyedMusings

http://www.wideeyedmusings.com/

lillipopsdesigns

http://www.lillipopsdesigns.com/

totzhatz

http://www.totzhatz.etsy.com/

blueberryjunkie

http://www.blueberryjunkie.etsy.com/

BellflowerTextiles

http://www.bellflowertextiles.etsy.com/

And another dear friend, zuzugirl!

http://www.zuzugirlhandmade.etsy.com/

And.... another etsybaby team member..... thetrendytot!

http://www.thetrendytot.etsy.com

http://www.myshoppingconnection.com/indiespotting/babies-kids/

Meet Lizzy and Jo! These two darlings are made by an etsy baby team member and a friend ImogensGarden (www.imogensgarden.etsy.com and they are simply precious!!!
One evening on the etsy thread, I saw a post from ImogensGarden and it was asking for ideas for names. So, on a whim, I sent her a convo offering my nickname "Liz" and my middle name "Jo" thinking that neither of them sounded very good for a wooden doll.
I'm now so glad I sent the message because look and these sweet little girls :) The one in the blue is Lizzy and the one in the red is Jo. And it's so fun to see them so close together because my hubby calls me that (Lizzy Jo that is!) The other part that I love is that each of them is carrying a daisy (and my shop is Daisy Creek)!

So, go by and dance around in the garden, Imogens Garden, that is!!
www.imogensgarden.etsy.com

Facebook

I have always been a bit unsure of all this online stuff... myspace, facebook, blogging, twitter and other online social networking sites. It's taken me a while to warm up to the blog - mostly because I have never wanted to be impersonal, but haven't wanted to give too much of my life to strangers. Because, let's be honest here, we definately spend more time reading blogs of people we haven't actually met than of our close friends.

Today, while I was on twitter, (which I still don't really get, except that I may have "met" some business connections today) I clicked on a link about what has been happening on facebook. SO DISTURBING!!! Here's the link: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,494064,00.html I am so glad that I haven't gotten into that!

Now don't get me wrong, I've heard of several friends who have been able to find people who they haven't been in touch with for a long time and in that respect, I think that the process is great. But, I'm so glad that I know what I know now before getting on there. I have a friend (whom I LOVE!! Hey Tracy!!) and she had asked me to get on facebook to catch up with high school friends. Am I curious, sure. Would I love to get in touch with people again, sure. But do I have the time to really interact with everyone I find or everyone who finds me? not so much. I can barely keep up with regular email with the people I see all the time!

Am I saying that I will never do facebook? no, I'm not saying that. What I'm saying is that I'm so glad that I saw this article first. Now I will be so much more careful - especially with regard to personal information and photographs.

I hope you read the article and become more aware!

I Just Can't Help Myself!!

My daughter has REALLY been into dressing up and is turning into a real fashion icon :) The part that has been difficult is that she has been completely stripping her closet and when we go into her room, we are finding all sorts of partially worn clothing items strewn around. Most of the time it's cute and she's been coming up with some crazy outfits. Other times, I just want to curl up in my bed and go to sleep - so much time to sort through everything and figure out what is really dirty.

But... this morning she has been a doll :) It's still rainy and windy outside and my little one is definately an outdoor kind of girl (don't let the tutu fool you!) and it has been REALLY hard for her to stay inside. So when she started picking things out of her room to put on, I just let her.

And this is what she came up with: red long sleeve shirt, mom's under-roos (anyone remember those) that my mom had saved, boys Cars underwear (that you can't see - it's a shame too), the tutu, mismatched socks and white patent leather shoes from last Easter that really don't fit anymore (but don't tell her that)!!! Just remember this girl... she'll be all over the front pages of many a magazine when she gets older - I just hope it's not all over the "Worst Dressed" list!!! :)

A New Review!

I'm so excited about this review! It's only the second one that I have done, but it was great working with Joanna (and the review was fabulous)!! I am eager to do a contest with her to get even more traffic to my site and think that it will be a good way to get the word out. Here's the link to the review:

http://momof2andwife.blogspot.com/2009/02/daisy-creek-designs-review.html

Check it out!!

I'm So Excited!!

You have to check out this blog:

http://www.totzhatz.com/

She has been having dolls from ImogensGarden (imogensgarden.etsy.com) and AmyRoseDesigns (amyrosedesigns.etsy.com) go shopping and then posting what they have found! Such a cleaver idea and I just LOVE the things that these dolls have found. Much to my surprise.... the doll "Jo" which I helped to name from ImogensGarden found my sweetheart candy canes tee! I was so excited to be featured on this blog! This is another one of those "I wish I had thought of that" ideas and I can't wait to see what these dolls find next... follow with me!!!

BLOGGERS UNITE - WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY - CPSIA BLOG-IN

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades.

I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students: Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader: Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all. Read the article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade: Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter. Check out these listings for examples:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_10&listing_id=19852075

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19883352

To the Environmentalist: Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper: Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur: Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector: Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy: Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy: Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

To Sell or Not to Sell, That is the Question!!

As my close friends know, starting this blog was difficult for me. I have known people who had them and never really "got it" and although I most of my family lives far away, it just didn't seem like the kind of thing that they would be intereseted in. And then I started putting all the (business) pieces together - how blogging about yourself gets others to blog about you and .... eventually your search engine rating gets raised. So, I looked around at different etsy team member blogs and thought, "well, this might not be so bad!" :)

The first blog entry was the hardest. Getting myself started... UG! How much do I tell about myself - am I telling too much or not enough?!?!? And then a couple of promotions organized by one of my etsy teams (etsybaby) came up and I thought this would be an easy thing to write about. And just as I started getting into the grove (my goal was to write once a week).....

more and more information started coming out about the ramifications of CPSIA (http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html). And at first I kept thinking that it will all get changed for sure. This had to be a joke! No one in their right mind would allow this to happen to so many small businesses! So, I waited and started reading up, and waited, and did more reading, and waited some more, and started reading about people starting to test to be compliant, and kept waiting, and read more about getting MSDS (is that right?!?!?) sheets to prove the lack of lead, and I kept on waiting....

you could say that I am still waiting ;) I've had a few sleepless nights, I've started becoming more active in the fight against it and I've really started thinking: What am I going to do??

I just start to think that I have it all worked out (at least until August when the law gets worse) and then I get more and more confused. So.... for those of you who might actually read this, bear with me!! I still have absolutely no idea what I am doing :)