Hey all!! Time to start my new blogging schedule! Mondays, (or Sunday nights if I get ahead of myself!) will start the Deal of the Week in one of my shops!
This week, it's Badge Reels on Etsy. Use the coupon code "freeship" in checkout for Free US Shipping!!
I'll be adding new reels continually for the next few months, many designs coming!! :)
This deal is only good for ONE WEEK!
~~Amy
The Hesitant Homeschooler....Mama's Little Monkeys
Showing posts with label badge reels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label badge reels. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
on the way to girl, disconnected
I am on a mission to live simpler, fresher, cleaner, healthier, more naturally, etc. I’ve been on this mission for some time now. If you read back through my blog, you’ll find posts on living simpler, living frugally etc. And I am enjoying this process!
Although I am an avid couponer and sales addict, I purchase only items I REALLY use. However, even looking at my stockpile I see room for change. I’m curious...how better would I feel if I really did know where my meat, produce and dairy came from...and if I ate less processed foods. Now, I’m Gluten Free, so I probably eat far less than the average American consumer, but still GF foods are not always good for you. They compensate the lack of gluten with more sugar and fat.
I am, a sugar addict. I admit that. I was not raised on the healthiest of diets so even the way I eat now is a DRASTIC change from where I was ten, twenty years ago! So I stick to small changes, still. I use Sun Crystals (stevia and sugar blend) in my coffee, and since I hate artificial sweeteners and consider them poison....I can’t go that route. So what’s a girl to do?
Here are my to-do’s. I’ve no idea how long it will take me to complete them, but I’ll keep you posted!
*Integrate stevia and blue agave nectar into diet more. I never could get over the bitterness of stevia, but now that I’ve been using Sun Crystals, perhaps I can. Blue agave nectar has tons of uses, so I need to discover them!
*Use up current stockpile of all items that contain high fructose corn syrup, and multiple chemicals on the label. Really if there are 20 names for chemicals on it, should we be eating it? But I’m not a waster, so I cannot just toss food.
*As we use that stock up, research alternatives for such items. I have goals but I’m also a realist. My children are so damn picky as it is, I’m not going to deny them ketchup. But how about a ketchup without HFCS in it? (Sorry big corn business...I ain’t calling it Corn Sugar.)
*Limit our soda intake. This may mean not buying it anymore. I used to drink soda like water growing up...and weaned myself off of it after years of bladder infections. Somehow, we slowly sunk back into having soda constantly in the house. Once it’s used up...purchase natural sodas without HFCS.
*Drink more Water. This one is not terribly hard, I do drink a lot of water, but could drink more. And for the record people, Mio water enhancer? Really? Dyed water? No thanks.
*Cut back on sugar. This is the hard one for me. I am a sugar fiend. But even I can tell...I usually eat the stuff because it’s THERE...and I don’t truly enjoy it. What I TRULY enjoy is some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream or a real homemade gluten free cookie. So why do I buy sugar filled processed candies I don’t love as much?? Time to stop!
*Eliminate or drastically cut back on food dyes. This is more for the kids, but I’m sure the dyes are out there. I also plan to research the dyes. But with one child with Autism, one with suspected sensory processing issues, and just them being boys in general..... I need to limit anything that will hype them up!
*Purchase meats, dairy and produce that I KNOW where it came from. Ok...Jamie Oliver scares me. I am very grateful I send my children’s lunch to school...let’s just say that. If you haven’t seen “food revolution”...you must do so. But I admit, I’m a penny pincher. We are a family of four living on a budget. But our health is most important. So my mini goals in this section are:
*Purchase red meat and chicken only from our local grocery store that sells local/organic meats. This will take some creative meal planning, but hopefully it will be doable.
*Purchase the ‘dirtiest’ produce list http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/29/2010-dirty-dozen-produce-list-released-by-the-ewg/ organic and preferably, locally grown. I have checked into joining a CSA (community supported agriculture) and it’s just not in our budget or time frame. However, there is a local produce stand that I believe purchases items from the local CSA, so that should help work out. Sadly my FAVORITE farmer’s market stand (a huge one!) was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina and he never reopened.
*Purchase locally grown and organic fed dairy products. Now, I do get WIC for my youngest son so we get some dairy products each month...and we are prisoners to what they choose for us to get. But we drink far more milk than we are ‘given’ by the WIC department (which we may or may not have much longer if he doesn’t requalify for the medicaid for children with disabilities). I usually do purchase the local milk where they seem to run a healthy farm....but I would like to try my hand at Raw Milk. This will be much harder to achieve as it is illegal to purchase raw milk and honestly, if I find it...I’m not going to tell you about it! The eggs and dairy are much easier, as there are a lot of companies who make organic, cage free eggs and organic dairy products.
*Exercise more! This one is REALLY hard for me. I admit it, I take on too much. I have a husband, two children, a house, a full time job running my businesses at home (of which requires me to do EVERYTHING...the manufacturing, books, shipping, purchasing, marketing, etc.) I also handle different things voluntarily and choose to do some things for fun like blogging and writing. This leaves me little time to exercise. So my goal is simple: 30 minutes of “Just Dance” on the Wii (or comparable fitness game) 3x a week. We shall see.....
*Spend more time in bible study. My religion is of utmost importance to me but I do not give it the time it truly deserves. Basically it is due to the same reasons why I do not exercise. But all of those are just excuses. If I cannot draw closer to God, then everything I do is a waste of time! So I’ll start small: 30 minutes of bible study every day. Prayer is a part of my day, throughout the day but you can always do more. I also have a smaller goal of reading the Bible story with my oldest son, so that he can more thoroughly start to understand WHAT we believe and WHY.
*Cleaning and Housework. I’m already a fairly eco friendly housekeeper. I do run a shop that focuses on eco friendly cleaning after all....www.micromops.artfire.com. But I do have weaknesses....and that includes commercial cleaning products and paper products. Those honestly don’t bother me terribly, as it is certain products I use that are commercial made. But if I REALLY wanted to save money, I’d experiment more with natural cleaning recipes and methods! The paper products are my weakness because well, I do enough dishes...paper plates saves me some dishes. Paper towels are quick and easy and when my mother in law is over, she goes through a whole roll practically just cleaning the kitchen. So I keep them on hand. They don’t go bad, and are great to donate and give to the school. So this is one I don’t need to work terribly hard, just make up my own cleaning solutions more.
*Purge some of the plastic. Now, I’m not a nervous nelly by any stand point. I’m pretty much ok with dirt, filth, and germs to a point because it’s our freak out ways that has caused overuse of antibiotics, antibacterial soaps, etc and left our human bodies at a loss on how to fight simple illnesses we used to fight easily generations ago. But, with time and technology we invent things we may not completely understand how they all work. So one thing I know I can change is, plastic. Its common knowledge heating plastic and eating/drinking from certain forms may not be great for you. Since the verdict is still out on much of it, I’m trying to look at it from the “did my grandma us plastic” stand point. Nope, she didn’t. And she lived 30+ years after they told her she’d die of cancer, so I’m gonna go with what she did. This doesn’t mean my house will be totally void of plastic...remember, I’m also a realist. But I will start tossing Eli’s sippy cups if they are not marked BPA free (heck, they probably are getting old anyways.) and slowly reinvest in those awesome metal kids cups. Or, SHUDDER....teach my children to drink from glass!! OH THE HUMANITY!
*Read More! I’ve been working on this one for months, and I’m love it! I finally caved to getting a Kindle and IT IS AWESOME. I really DO read more with it. It fits in my purse, books are always right there, I love it. This is one, I’m rocking, I must say.
*Un-Plug More. Thus we come to the main point of this post. I need to disconnect more. Social networking and technology is fabulous. I love it. I’m an addict. I was a computer nerd from the get go, playing Dream House on my brother’s Commodore when I was six! That was all she wrote. I’ve been a tech nerd ever since. But for much of my life, we couldn’t AFFORD most technology. I only got a cell phone when they started becoming more prevalant because I was going to college and working, driving hundreds of miles a week. Until recenly, we had computers, and one cell for me, but that was about it. We still don’t have a fancy tv, stereo system, iPod, etc...but we have slowly accumulated a few more things...particularly as the internet and social networking became our society’s lifeblood.
Don’t get me wrong, social networking and the net has it’s place. I think it’s vital in today’s world. But I know I tend to get too caught up in it. Unfortunately, I’m rather stuck with it, because I run my business ONLINE. I have no choice but to be on the internet, and I certainly don’t want to toss it aside, it has helped provide me with a decent handmade business! Plus, I can never get rid of the computer....my friends are in there!
But....if I want to actually ACCOMPLISH some of the above things on this list....I need to unplug. I need to remember what it was like to sit on the sofa at 2 in the afternoon and just read. I need to recall laying in the grass and watching the clouds with my boys. I need to make obnoxious paper plate art with my children. I want to get filthy with them in the dirt and wash off in the hose. I want to clean, decorate, read, write, live, love, and laugh withOUT feeling the need to broadcast it on facebook or twitter.
So, it’s time....from June 1st to June 30th... I will disconnect. Ironically I WILL be blogging the progress of this on this blog, but my net time will be limited. I WILL be keeping my shops open...mama’s gotta make some money after all. But you can read my allowable internet activities here: http://blog.mamaslittlemonkeys.com/2011/05/girl-disconnectedcoming-in-june.html
Now, no fussing at me if you see facebook and twitter posts....I have most of my blogs hooked up to auto post! I am not the only one writing for www.realhousewivesofnola.com http://dailyhandamdepicks.blogspot.com or www.handmadelouisiana.com so those sites especially will have posts. But for the most part I will not be allowed online other than to blog the progress and run the shops.
What do I hope to gain? Hopefully accomplishing some of what’s listed above. Also peace of mind and a more in-tune consciousness of how often I rush to get on the computer.
My friend Heather will actually be joining me in her version of girl, disconnected. so check out her blog here: http://heatherscustomsewing.blogspot.com/2011/05/girl-disconnected.html
I will keep you all updated and see you in a month!!
~~amy
Although I am an avid couponer and sales addict, I purchase only items I REALLY use. However, even looking at my stockpile I see room for change. I’m curious...how better would I feel if I really did know where my meat, produce and dairy came from...and if I ate less processed foods. Now, I’m Gluten Free, so I probably eat far less than the average American consumer, but still GF foods are not always good for you. They compensate the lack of gluten with more sugar and fat.
I am, a sugar addict. I admit that. I was not raised on the healthiest of diets so even the way I eat now is a DRASTIC change from where I was ten, twenty years ago! So I stick to small changes, still. I use Sun Crystals (stevia and sugar blend) in my coffee, and since I hate artificial sweeteners and consider them poison....I can’t go that route. So what’s a girl to do?
Here are my to-do’s. I’ve no idea how long it will take me to complete them, but I’ll keep you posted!
*Integrate stevia and blue agave nectar into diet more. I never could get over the bitterness of stevia, but now that I’ve been using Sun Crystals, perhaps I can. Blue agave nectar has tons of uses, so I need to discover them!
*Use up current stockpile of all items that contain high fructose corn syrup, and multiple chemicals on the label. Really if there are 20 names for chemicals on it, should we be eating it? But I’m not a waster, so I cannot just toss food.
*As we use that stock up, research alternatives for such items. I have goals but I’m also a realist. My children are so damn picky as it is, I’m not going to deny them ketchup. But how about a ketchup without HFCS in it? (Sorry big corn business...I ain’t calling it Corn Sugar.)
*Limit our soda intake. This may mean not buying it anymore. I used to drink soda like water growing up...and weaned myself off of it after years of bladder infections. Somehow, we slowly sunk back into having soda constantly in the house. Once it’s used up...purchase natural sodas without HFCS.
*Drink more Water. This one is not terribly hard, I do drink a lot of water, but could drink more. And for the record people, Mio water enhancer? Really? Dyed water? No thanks.
*Cut back on sugar. This is the hard one for me. I am a sugar fiend. But even I can tell...I usually eat the stuff because it’s THERE...and I don’t truly enjoy it. What I TRULY enjoy is some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream or a real homemade gluten free cookie. So why do I buy sugar filled processed candies I don’t love as much?? Time to stop!
*Eliminate or drastically cut back on food dyes. This is more for the kids, but I’m sure the dyes are out there. I also plan to research the dyes. But with one child with Autism, one with suspected sensory processing issues, and just them being boys in general..... I need to limit anything that will hype them up!
*Purchase meats, dairy and produce that I KNOW where it came from. Ok...Jamie Oliver scares me. I am very grateful I send my children’s lunch to school...let’s just say that. If you haven’t seen “food revolution”...you must do so. But I admit, I’m a penny pincher. We are a family of four living on a budget. But our health is most important. So my mini goals in this section are:
*Purchase red meat and chicken only from our local grocery store that sells local/organic meats. This will take some creative meal planning, but hopefully it will be doable.
*Purchase the ‘dirtiest’ produce list http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/29/2010-dirty-dozen-produce-list-released-by-the-ewg/ organic and preferably, locally grown. I have checked into joining a CSA (community supported agriculture) and it’s just not in our budget or time frame. However, there is a local produce stand that I believe purchases items from the local CSA, so that should help work out. Sadly my FAVORITE farmer’s market stand (a huge one!) was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina and he never reopened.
*Purchase locally grown and organic fed dairy products. Now, I do get WIC for my youngest son so we get some dairy products each month...and we are prisoners to what they choose for us to get. But we drink far more milk than we are ‘given’ by the WIC department (which we may or may not have much longer if he doesn’t requalify for the medicaid for children with disabilities). I usually do purchase the local milk where they seem to run a healthy farm....but I would like to try my hand at Raw Milk. This will be much harder to achieve as it is illegal to purchase raw milk and honestly, if I find it...I’m not going to tell you about it! The eggs and dairy are much easier, as there are a lot of companies who make organic, cage free eggs and organic dairy products.
*Exercise more! This one is REALLY hard for me. I admit it, I take on too much. I have a husband, two children, a house, a full time job running my businesses at home (of which requires me to do EVERYTHING...the manufacturing, books, shipping, purchasing, marketing, etc.) I also handle different things voluntarily and choose to do some things for fun like blogging and writing. This leaves me little time to exercise. So my goal is simple: 30 minutes of “Just Dance” on the Wii (or comparable fitness game) 3x a week. We shall see.....
*Spend more time in bible study. My religion is of utmost importance to me but I do not give it the time it truly deserves. Basically it is due to the same reasons why I do not exercise. But all of those are just excuses. If I cannot draw closer to God, then everything I do is a waste of time! So I’ll start small: 30 minutes of bible study every day. Prayer is a part of my day, throughout the day but you can always do more. I also have a smaller goal of reading the Bible story with my oldest son, so that he can more thoroughly start to understand WHAT we believe and WHY.
*Cleaning and Housework. I’m already a fairly eco friendly housekeeper. I do run a shop that focuses on eco friendly cleaning after all....www.micromops.artfire.com. But I do have weaknesses....and that includes commercial cleaning products and paper products. Those honestly don’t bother me terribly, as it is certain products I use that are commercial made. But if I REALLY wanted to save money, I’d experiment more with natural cleaning recipes and methods! The paper products are my weakness because well, I do enough dishes...paper plates saves me some dishes. Paper towels are quick and easy and when my mother in law is over, she goes through a whole roll practically just cleaning the kitchen. So I keep them on hand. They don’t go bad, and are great to donate and give to the school. So this is one I don’t need to work terribly hard, just make up my own cleaning solutions more.
*Purge some of the plastic. Now, I’m not a nervous nelly by any stand point. I’m pretty much ok with dirt, filth, and germs to a point because it’s our freak out ways that has caused overuse of antibiotics, antibacterial soaps, etc and left our human bodies at a loss on how to fight simple illnesses we used to fight easily generations ago. But, with time and technology we invent things we may not completely understand how they all work. So one thing I know I can change is, plastic. Its common knowledge heating plastic and eating/drinking from certain forms may not be great for you. Since the verdict is still out on much of it, I’m trying to look at it from the “did my grandma us plastic” stand point. Nope, she didn’t. And she lived 30+ years after they told her she’d die of cancer, so I’m gonna go with what she did. This doesn’t mean my house will be totally void of plastic...remember, I’m also a realist. But I will start tossing Eli’s sippy cups if they are not marked BPA free (heck, they probably are getting old anyways.) and slowly reinvest in those awesome metal kids cups. Or, SHUDDER....teach my children to drink from glass!! OH THE HUMANITY!
*Read More! I’ve been working on this one for months, and I’m love it! I finally caved to getting a Kindle and IT IS AWESOME. I really DO read more with it. It fits in my purse, books are always right there, I love it. This is one, I’m rocking, I must say.
*Un-Plug More. Thus we come to the main point of this post. I need to disconnect more. Social networking and technology is fabulous. I love it. I’m an addict. I was a computer nerd from the get go, playing Dream House on my brother’s Commodore when I was six! That was all she wrote. I’ve been a tech nerd ever since. But for much of my life, we couldn’t AFFORD most technology. I only got a cell phone when they started becoming more prevalant because I was going to college and working, driving hundreds of miles a week. Until recenly, we had computers, and one cell for me, but that was about it. We still don’t have a fancy tv, stereo system, iPod, etc...but we have slowly accumulated a few more things...particularly as the internet and social networking became our society’s lifeblood.
Don’t get me wrong, social networking and the net has it’s place. I think it’s vital in today’s world. But I know I tend to get too caught up in it. Unfortunately, I’m rather stuck with it, because I run my business ONLINE. I have no choice but to be on the internet, and I certainly don’t want to toss it aside, it has helped provide me with a decent handmade business! Plus, I can never get rid of the computer....my friends are in there!
But....if I want to actually ACCOMPLISH some of the above things on this list....I need to unplug. I need to remember what it was like to sit on the sofa at 2 in the afternoon and just read. I need to recall laying in the grass and watching the clouds with my boys. I need to make obnoxious paper plate art with my children. I want to get filthy with them in the dirt and wash off in the hose. I want to clean, decorate, read, write, live, love, and laugh withOUT feeling the need to broadcast it on facebook or twitter.
So, it’s time....from June 1st to June 30th... I will disconnect. Ironically I WILL be blogging the progress of this on this blog, but my net time will be limited. I WILL be keeping my shops open...mama’s gotta make some money after all. But you can read my allowable internet activities here: http://blog.mamaslittlemonkeys.com/2011/05/girl-disconnectedcoming-in-june.html
Now, no fussing at me if you see facebook and twitter posts....I have most of my blogs hooked up to auto post! I am not the only one writing for www.realhousewivesofnola.com http://dailyhandamdepicks.blogspot.com or www.handmadelouisiana.com so those sites especially will have posts. But for the most part I will not be allowed online other than to blog the progress and run the shops.
What do I hope to gain? Hopefully accomplishing some of what’s listed above. Also peace of mind and a more in-tune consciousness of how often I rush to get on the computer.
My friend Heather will actually be joining me in her version of girl, disconnected. so check out her blog here: http://heatherscustomsewing.blogspot.com/2011/05/girl-disconnected.html
I will keep you all updated and see you in a month!!
~~amy
Saturday, April 2, 2011
April Fool's Day!!
Did you notice anything different on my Badge Reels shop yesterday?? If you were observant you noticed my banner had changed!! :) It's a running joke that my shop Badge Reels, should be called Badger Eels because when people glance at it "badgereels" their mind reads it Badger Eels!! As a joke, I had a lovely friend of mine Kay, from the super talented Popincute create a hilarious banner for me based on that joke!
In case you missed it, here they are!
and my original banner, a beautiful piece of work from Studio Sien
I think Kay did a fabulous job capturing my original banners color and style while easing in the Badger Eels!!! How funny and adorable is it!?? Special thanks to Kay for her work and playing along with my joke! :)
Now I have this super fun Badger Eels banner on stand by! Whenever you see the Badger Eels banner, that means there is a special sale going on!! So check in often!!
Happy Belated April Fool's! :)
~~Amy
In case you missed it, here they are!
and my original banner, a beautiful piece of work from Studio Sien
I think Kay did a fabulous job capturing my original banners color and style while easing in the Badger Eels!!! How funny and adorable is it!?? Special thanks to Kay for her work and playing along with my joke! :)
Now I have this super fun Badger Eels banner on stand by! Whenever you see the Badger Eels banner, that means there is a special sale going on!! So check in often!!
Happy Belated April Fool's! :)
~~Amy
Sunday, March 27, 2011
What Mama's Been Up To...
I admit...I take on too much...and things slip through my fingers...such as blogging. In my defense, I have stayed on top of Daily Handmade Picks!! I have help with the lovely Danyel of Crazy Socks Crochet helping me do picks. If you haven't checked it out, please do! We really aim to choose unique, quality, lovely pieces each day! One little jewel to feast your eyes on each day!
So, I've not been able to add any tutorials and such for a bit, I apologize! Just WHAT have I been doing?
Well, I've been continuing my Year of Living Frugally! It's going well, I sufficiently stocked up in Nov-Jan so that Feb/March required much less grocery shopping! Couponing, watching sales, stocking up, it really does work!
Also, my littlest one started 3 hour a day preschool early intervention. While that gives me a few precious hours, business has picked up and kept me busy. He is LOVING school, and for those that followed his story, his Autism is what I consider nearly 'cured'. If you didn't know he had it, you wouldn't even notice. Sure, he has meltdowns, and has his little obsessions that you have to work with, but he's three, and some of that is normal!! He's adjusted wonderfully to school, and his speech is doing fabulous! If not for the food issues we have, I'd consider him completely 'cured'. (I say cure, but I look at Autism as you would cancer...you may beat cancer and put it in remission but you never take away the fact that you had it and it could come back. I see Autism like that. If we gave him gluten, stopped his therapies, his symptoms would return.). So I feel very confident by the time he's in kindergarten or first grade, he will no longer need his IEP services and may be able to just need a 504 plan (for his sensory issues). He's doing wonderful, my little buddy!
His big brother is also doing well in school, learning to read and loves kindergarten. I can't believe the school year is almost OVER!! Where has it gone?? He's working hard to learn to ride a bike, and Daddy is working on that with him. :)
Personally, I've been busting my tail on my businesses, my handmade goodies. I thank everyone who takes the time to check out my shops, share my work and purchase my work! I truly enjoy what I do and can't imagine not doing it. Who knows what the future holds, but I hope I'm buried in fabric for a long time to come!! :)
I'm also continued my Operation Simplify! I've successfully purged the house several times, donating the items. I've even purged my supplies! (GASP!) I gave up making handmade soap for profit, as much as I loved it, I realize I just didn't have the time. I will soap some for my boys but has sold or is selling the rest of my supplies. If you need anything, please check out Destash City, I plan to list more there ASAP.
My Handmade Louisiana team is about to celebrate two years!! I can't believe it's been 2 years since Merry, Lisa and I sat in that coffee shop and created Handmade Louisiana!! Stop on by if you haven't lately, we have a lovely new blog author, Baby Deary who is helping me out a ton with the blog!
Overall, things are well, I am happy and the family and businesses are good! I pray each of you are having the same experiences and enjoying this life while we have it! Things are bad out there, life is scary, but I go to sleep each night safe in the belief that we are not alone, God is in control and I pray for all our safety and joy!
Stay tuned, April will be a busy month! It's Badge Reels' 1 year anniversary and since Earth Day is in April, Micro Mops will be having some goodies!!
Happy Spring!!~~
Amy
So, I've not been able to add any tutorials and such for a bit, I apologize! Just WHAT have I been doing?
Well, I've been continuing my Year of Living Frugally! It's going well, I sufficiently stocked up in Nov-Jan so that Feb/March required much less grocery shopping! Couponing, watching sales, stocking up, it really does work!
Also, my littlest one started 3 hour a day preschool early intervention. While that gives me a few precious hours, business has picked up and kept me busy. He is LOVING school, and for those that followed his story, his Autism is what I consider nearly 'cured'. If you didn't know he had it, you wouldn't even notice. Sure, he has meltdowns, and has his little obsessions that you have to work with, but he's three, and some of that is normal!! He's adjusted wonderfully to school, and his speech is doing fabulous! If not for the food issues we have, I'd consider him completely 'cured'. (I say cure, but I look at Autism as you would cancer...you may beat cancer and put it in remission but you never take away the fact that you had it and it could come back. I see Autism like that. If we gave him gluten, stopped his therapies, his symptoms would return.). So I feel very confident by the time he's in kindergarten or first grade, he will no longer need his IEP services and may be able to just need a 504 plan (for his sensory issues). He's doing wonderful, my little buddy!
His big brother is also doing well in school, learning to read and loves kindergarten. I can't believe the school year is almost OVER!! Where has it gone?? He's working hard to learn to ride a bike, and Daddy is working on that with him. :)
Personally, I've been busting my tail on my businesses, my handmade goodies. I thank everyone who takes the time to check out my shops, share my work and purchase my work! I truly enjoy what I do and can't imagine not doing it. Who knows what the future holds, but I hope I'm buried in fabric for a long time to come!! :)
I'm also continued my Operation Simplify! I've successfully purged the house several times, donating the items. I've even purged my supplies! (GASP!) I gave up making handmade soap for profit, as much as I loved it, I realize I just didn't have the time. I will soap some for my boys but has sold or is selling the rest of my supplies. If you need anything, please check out Destash City, I plan to list more there ASAP.
My Handmade Louisiana team is about to celebrate two years!! I can't believe it's been 2 years since Merry, Lisa and I sat in that coffee shop and created Handmade Louisiana!! Stop on by if you haven't lately, we have a lovely new blog author, Baby Deary who is helping me out a ton with the blog!
Overall, things are well, I am happy and the family and businesses are good! I pray each of you are having the same experiences and enjoying this life while we have it! Things are bad out there, life is scary, but I go to sleep each night safe in the belief that we are not alone, God is in control and I pray for all our safety and joy!
Stay tuned, April will be a busy month! It's Badge Reels' 1 year anniversary and since Earth Day is in April, Micro Mops will be having some goodies!!
Happy Spring!!~~
Amy
Friday, February 18, 2011
300 sales and a giveaway!!!
Wow! I really can't believe it! My little badge reels shop has hit 300 sales!! I must say, I am really loving making the reels and truly enjoy it. I am very pleased to have found something I enjoy that is also profitable! I love knowing I might bring a little smile to a nurse or teacher during the day!! :)
To celebrate my 300 sales I'm having a giveaway on my fan page! Rules are easy, just comment for an entry! :)
Check it out here: http://www.facebook.com/shopmamaslittlemonkeys
And of course be sure to check out my badge reels shops on Etsy and Artfire!!
I also have some coupons for the shops! On my Artfire shop, use the code "facebookfreeship" for Free Shipping!
On my Etsy shop, use the code "freeship" for Free Shipping as well!
Thank you everyone for your support these past two years. What started has one mom's desire to create for her kids has turned into an actual real business!! I appreciate each and everyone of my friends and customers!!!
THANK YOU! :)
~~Amy
To celebrate my 300 sales I'm having a giveaway on my fan page! Rules are easy, just comment for an entry! :)
Check it out here: http://www.facebook.com/shopmamaslittlemonkeys
And of course be sure to check out my badge reels shops on Etsy and Artfire!!
I also have some coupons for the shops! On my Artfire shop, use the code "facebookfreeship" for Free Shipping!
On my Etsy shop, use the code "freeship" for Free Shipping as well!
Thank you everyone for your support these past two years. What started has one mom's desire to create for her kids has turned into an actual real business!! I appreciate each and everyone of my friends and customers!!!
THANK YOU! :)
~~Amy
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snowed In?
Are you snowed in? Thankfully I'm not, but I live in southern Louisiana, so if I was...well....I think that'd be national news!!
The kids have been sick with the crud, so the littlest one is home from school today (which has been going well by the way, he LOVES school!!) and mommy is just trying to clean, stay on top of things, and get a little time to create!!
Thought I'd take a minute to share a new design of mine...I decided to hand stitch over some fabric for my badge reels...give it a little unique-ness that my other reels don't have. This was a fun way to chill in front of the television..hand stitching the little birdies :)
Available in my Etsy shop, will hopefully be adding more soon as well as to my Artfire shop! :)
The kids have been sick with the crud, so the littlest one is home from school today (which has been going well by the way, he LOVES school!!) and mommy is just trying to clean, stay on top of things, and get a little time to create!!
Thought I'd take a minute to share a new design of mine...I decided to hand stitch over some fabric for my badge reels...give it a little unique-ness that my other reels don't have. This was a fun way to chill in front of the television..hand stitching the little birdies :)
Available in my Etsy shop, will hopefully be adding more soon as well as to my Artfire shop! :)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
It's the Most WONDERFUL time of the year...........
BACK TO SCHOOL!!! Yes I LOVE back to school time! For the past two years Harrison has attended Head Start, which I was delighted in as I am a former Head Start teacher and firmly believe in the program. He is absolutely a better developed child because of Head Start. Many of his sensory issues have subsided due to his time in the classroom already.
Naturally, I'm excited and nervous for my "baby" going off to kindergarten. I'm also excited for me. I have always LOVED back to school. I don't know what it is about the new supplies, the possibilities, the education, the joy and anticipation of a 'new year'. I actually been enjoying the preparation, the supply shopping, picking out his little bookbag, etc. I have no idea if he'll love school like I did, or come to hate it as his daddy did. Hopefully I can help mold him into a good student who does enjoy it and can help him learn what he wants to learn.
Yes, I am looking forward to some time alone. :) I do have Eli at home, but any mom will tell you the difference between 1 and 2 (3,4,5) kids is all the difference in the world. I enjoy that alone time with Eli because it gives him the same solo time Harrison received by being the first born. Eli also needs a lot more time with me so we can work on his therapies to keep him moving on kicking Autism's butt.
Eli himself may start school at least part time in January when he turns 3, which I really look forward to because he absolutely needs to be around other kids so he can learn the social cues so absent with Autism. But until then, he and I will enjoy some solo time. :) I will substitute when Head Start needs, they know they can't be rid of me :)
And if you need some nifty stuff for Back to School, then hop on over to my shops!! :) I have back to school ponytails for the girls at Mama's Little Monkeys, nap mat covers at Nap Mat Covers and even some badge reel ID Holders for your favorite teacher at Badge Reels.
Back to School Ponytails
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Back to School Badge Reel
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Michael Miller Nap Mat Cover
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And hey, even if you're kids are ready for school or you homeschool, you still have to keep your house clean, right? So check out my lovely shop Micro Mops full of green, clean, and organizing items to keep your home healthy and happy!
Happy Schooling Everyone!!! :)
Amy
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Playing with my Webcam and Cleaning my House...
So, since I farted around during most of Eli's nap playing with my webcam:
Ok, don't ask...I don't know what I was doing but that webcam was fun.
Anyhoo, since I farted around doing this, I had to clean in the afternoon. I got myself in a tizzy because it was just well...you'll see:
The Craft Room: Still Looks like this...
The boys room: still looks like this:
Living room: BEFORE!
The Living Room AFTER!
Annnnnnnnd I cleaned my kitchen!
Ahhhh it's so nice...while it lasts...which isn't long with two small children!
So we treated ourselves to a snowball (for your northerners, snowcone) and when we came back home, we noticed our Parish had put up the Autistic Child sign I requested on TUESDAY!!! Can I get a what what for tax dollars actually at work???? I mean, I was shocked. I thought it would take weeks. I do wish they had more variety, perhaps one that said "Slow Down: Autistic Child" but I'm happy with anything. There are maniacs who go flying down my street at 40 mph (its 25mph) and perhaps that sign will slow them down just a tad..even if just to read it! Thank you St. Tammany Parish!
So that's my Wednesday...how was your day??
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for one of my Badge Reels in this Guess How Many Buttons Giveaway! Click HERE! :)
~~Amy
Ok, don't ask...I don't know what I was doing but that webcam was fun.
Anyhoo, since I farted around doing this, I had to clean in the afternoon. I got myself in a tizzy because it was just well...you'll see:
The Craft Room: Still Looks like this...
The boys room: still looks like this:
Living room: BEFORE!
Annnnnnnnd I cleaned my kitchen!
Ahhhh it's so nice...while it lasts...which isn't long with two small children!
So we treated ourselves to a snowball (for your northerners, snowcone) and when we came back home, we noticed our Parish had put up the Autistic Child sign I requested on TUESDAY!!! Can I get a what what for tax dollars actually at work???? I mean, I was shocked. I thought it would take weeks. I do wish they had more variety, perhaps one that said "Slow Down: Autistic Child" but I'm happy with anything. There are maniacs who go flying down my street at 40 mph (its 25mph) and perhaps that sign will slow them down just a tad..even if just to read it! Thank you St. Tammany Parish!
So that's my Wednesday...how was your day??
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for one of my Badge Reels in this Guess How Many Buttons Giveaway! Click HERE! :)
~~Amy
Monday, July 12, 2010
Giveaway Time! Guess How Many Buttons!!???
I haven't had a giveaway in awhile! I think it's time for one :) How's this? Guess how many buttons are in this jar!!! Whoever comes closest wins their choice of any one badge reel/keychain from my shop, Badge Reels.
So here's your challenge! Guess how many SIZE 60 button PIECES are in this glass bowl. Size 60 buttons are 1.5 inches wide. Remember that there are two parts to a cover button :) Leave your guess in a comment below along with a way to contact you if you win!! :)
Good Luck!
So here's your challenge! Guess how many SIZE 60 button PIECES are in this glass bowl. Size 60 buttons are 1.5 inches wide. Remember that there are two parts to a cover button :) Leave your guess in a comment below along with a way to contact you if you win!! :)
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