Easter Giveaway!

It's time for the Easter giveaway!

You could win this adorable clip set for your little honey!

Mandatory Entry:

1. Tell me one item the bunny will put in your little one's Easter basket.

Want more than 1 entry?

1. Follow my blog. (1 entry)

2. Grab my blog button, put it on your sidebar, and leave me a link to your blog. (2 entries- please leave 2 comments).

3. Become a Facebook Fan. (1 entry)

4. Follow me on Twitter. (1 entry)

5. Blog about the Giveaway, and leave me a link (3 entries- please leave 3 comments)

Winner will be chose by Random Number Generator and will be announced March 19th. Winner will be contacted via email. You must leave your email address in at least one of your entries. If you cannot be contacted, or do not respond another winner will be chosen.

Lucky Girl

I had to share this before I went to bed tonight. I have been busy this weekend working on applique shirts for my new product line. My husband has lovingly allowed me to venture into this new journey with my business, and I'm so greatful for that!

I wanted to make Gretchen an applique shamrock for St. Patrick's day. Once I cut it out, I dreaded sewing it! It was so curvy, and I felt defeated before I even began. I showed the applique to my co-worker, and she wished me luck telling me that it would be very difficult!

Tonight, after struggling with my sewing machine, I sat down and tackled my fear. And.......

I did it! I was so proud of myself, and suprised that this shamrock was so much easier than the bunnies! (Which, i'll post later)

Anyway, I'm thrilled with how this one turned out! And, had to share it!

Tilapia......Shark Bait

I've been on an "attempt to eat healthier, eat less processed, and more fresh, natural foods" kick. Do you ever get on those? So, when I went grocery shopping last Sunday, I purchased tilapia.

I'm more of a fried shrimp kind of gal, but I thought this would be a nice try, since fish is suppose to be "healthy". I've never cookied fish..... at all! To me, the best fish comes from seafood restraunts BY the sea, or Red Lobster!

When I got home, I told DJ that I purchased fish, and I'm sure he gave me a "what did you do that for?" kind of look. Along with a, "how much did you spend?" look. He usually does that when I get home. But, I bounced in the door excited about my fish, and other fresh fruits and veggies that I purchased.

For some reason, I craved a lemon pepper tilapia. Not that I've ever had it, but I think lemon pepper makes anything taste good! Here's my recipe for lemon pepper tilapia:

Recipe:
1. Thaw fish in refrigerator- covered.
2. Brush with melted butter.
3. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top.
4. Sprinkle on lemon pepper seasoning.

5. Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 12 minutes.
6. Fish will flake when done.

And, here's our healthy dinner: Tilapia, fresh green beans, and a baked potato. Ignore the mound of butter and cheese! Hey, at least the picture was taken BEFORE I added the ranch dressing!

As a mom, I'm always hoping that Gretchen will at least try a bite of what we are eating. But, as a picky eater myself (especially as a child) I know that she likely will not. She refuses to eat any meat, except chicken nuggets, and refuses all vegetables. DJ and I do everything we can, to get her to try the food. We make up fun names for it, we make 'mmmm' sounds as we are eating, we bribe her- yup, everything. Since, she's been watching "Finding Nemo" lately, we decided that "Shark Bait" would be the perfect name for the fish. Gretchen didn't agree, instead, she fed her shark bait to the dog.... At least DJ and I loved it!

Tie Onesie

HPA is expanding it's product inventory. I've started this week working on tie applique onesies and shirts. People have been asking for a while about boy products, and besides the paci, bib clips, and burpies, I've had none. So, I'm working on adding these products to my line.

Thank you to those that have requested to be product testers for these items. At this time, I'm not taking anymore testers for the applique shirts, but I will take testers for bibs and wipe cases.

I was suprised to find that the ties were much easier than I've anticipated. I've put it off for so long because I thought it would be more than I could handle. Below are two of the tie patterns that I have available. I spent last evening making more, but I haven't photographed them yet.

I sat down at my sewing machine last night, and finished my first tie applique onesie. The one below is a gift for a friend, and I love how it turned out! I can't wait to make the matching pieces to finish the gift.

I always share my work with my husband, and typically, he is not impressed. I think I finally did it though- he was very shocked and impressed with the finished product!

Keep your eye out for these to be added to my website!

Product Testers for HPA!

HPA is expanding it's line of clothing and accessories! I am seeking out product testers for these new items!

If you are interested in being a product tester, please email me at elaineguenther at yahoo.com

Product Testers are needed for the following items:
1. Applique onesies
2. Applique t-shirts
3. Wipe Case Covers
4. Bibs

Appliques include (but are not limited to): Easter egg, Easter bunny, shamrock, initials, tie.

Product Testers will pay for their item at a reduced cost, and pay for shipping. Product Testers will be asked to submit a review of the item and picture(s). Product Testers will receive 10% off their next order, once they have completed the requirements.

Product Testers may be able to chose: size, brand, design, colors, etc.

I am hoping to expand my boy line, so if you have a boy this would be a great opportunity for you! This would also be a great way to purchase baby gifts for friends and family!

Spring Bling!

I was at my favorite craft store today and found some adorable bling for your little honey to wear this spring!!!

Does your little one, still need green for this St. Patrick's Day? How about she wears it in style with a green bling shamrock?!

Or, she can wear an adorable sparkling bling Easter bunny! The Easter bunny would be so impressed when she visits him at the mall; he's sure to put an extra special something in her basket!

Also available for Easter: Bling bunny face, or a bling Easter egg!

Honey Pie Accessories does not make these items in advance. Why? Because I want to keep your costs LOW! And, because we want YOU to help in creating a custom piece for your little honey! By allowing you to be the "designer", you are able to choose the size of shirt, short sleeve, long sleeve, or onesie, the color, and even the brand of shirt we use! Even with all of this, the bling shirts are only $10-12.00!

If you would like to order a blinging shirt for your little one this spring, please visit our website and complete an order form. I will contact you via email asking more specific detail for your custom piece!

Celebrating Home

I am so excited! I am having an online catalog party with Celebrating Home, formerly Home & Garden Party and Home Interiors.

Please place your order at http://www.celebratinghome.com/parties/ElaineWelte61913.

There are specials online in the Treasure Chest Section. You can save up to 90% on these items.

Your order will ship directly to you or can be sent to a different address for gift giving. If you will be sending any gifts, please place a different order for each gift.

My party will close on Friday, February 26th. Please place your online order by midnight.

You may call me if you have any questions or you may contact my Celebrating Home Designer, Gina Yannone at 815-519-0776 or at HGPGina@msn.com.

Thank you for helping me with my Party.

Elaine Welte

Potette Plus: Review

About a month ago, I read about the Potette Plus Potty on another blog. The blogger had stated that she was in the process of potty training her daughter. They were out shopping, and were in the dressing room, when the little girl needed to potty. The mother pulled out the Potette Potty, put on the plastic bag, and allowed her little girl to use the potty in the dressing room. After all, there was no way that they would make it to the restroom in time!

I happened upon the potty at Toys R Us, and convinced my husband that we needed it. Showing him all of its features I was able to sell him on buying it for Gretchen. There were 3 colors available: pink, blue, and green. I decided to purcahse the green potty, so we wouldn't have to re-purchase once we had a second child.

The Potette Potty doubles as a toilet and a trainer seat. It comes with a few disposable bags, and a convenient carrying bag. You may purchase extra disposable bags at Toys R Us.

Overall: I love that it comes with it's own carrying case. It easily folds and stores in our diaper bag. If you've seen my diaper bag, then you know I keep tons of stuff in there! I'm pleased that I've made room for this to fit too! Because the carrying bag, "sinches" i'm able to close the bag to keep the potty out of sight, or keep it open for a quick grab of the potty!

As a potty seat: I love that I can place this on any adult size toilet and Gretchen can sit comfortably. The "handles" flip all the way out and give Gretchen something to hold on to. The handles also fold all the way in, making it small enough to carry with us and store. I disenfect it once we get home. I love that she can sit on a public toilet without getting too many germs. This has eased my fear of public restrooms a bit!

As a potty: Wow! I'm convinced! Gretchen weighs about 30 pounds and the potty is able to securely hold her. The handles of the seat flip to a 90 degree angle. You simply take a disposable bag, which features a padded liner, and slip onto the slots in the handle to hold securely in place. Your child is then able to sit, and go into the bag. The bag easily slips off and ties. The padded liner absorbs most of the mess. I also keep other plastic bags in the diaper bag, so I do slip an extra bag around it, especially if you have to leave it in your car, or carry with you until you find a trash can. My only complaint, is that the handles need to be locked in place in order for it to hold securely, or the seat will wobble and your child may tip over. I'm able to get one in place, but typically not the other- I think I just need more practice. Also, the handles are a little difficult to unlock once they are in place. I've had to have my husband unlock it because I was afraid to break it. It will also take practice to secure the bag in a timely fashion. As you may know, you only have a minute or so before a child tells you they need to go before they actually do go! I think the cons outweigh the pros. Again, it eases my fear of public restrooms because she can use the actual potty, rather than using it as a seat, if a toilet is too nasty.

Our experience: Yes, I have to use this story, even though my daughter will be greatly embarassed when she is older! Friday night we had our school carnival. Afterwards, we needed to go to Verizon. I told DJ that Gretchen and I would stay in the car. About 20 minutes later, Gretchen had her "poopy look" on her face, and I asked if she needed to potty, which she responded "uh-huh". Knowing that Verizon didn't have a public restroom, I whipped out the potette potty, unfolded it, and attached the bag, and placed the potty on the back seat of the car. I pulled her out of the carseat, and placed her on the potty. She sat on the potty, after looking at me like I was crazy, and eventually went. I was so pleased that I could reinforce that she shouldn't go in her pull-up, and that the potty was so convenient!

If you have a potty training child, I would suggest that you purchase the potty. If I remember correctly, the potty is only around $15.00, and the bags cost about $10.00.

Gretchen's Dedication

This morning was Baby Dedication at Church. I am so thankful to God for showing DJ and I a church family for our family, and that we found a church, where we were comfortable having Gretchen dedicated.

DJ and I come from different religious backgrounds. He was raised Catholic and I was raised Southern Baptist. Talk about different! I know that God prepared me for our marriage. When I was in college, I met a wonderful friend, who was Catholic, and I became very interested in the Catholic religion. I had a chance to visit the Vatican right after college and a month before I met DJ.

When DJ and I started dating and searching for a church, we decided that we would be Methodist. I'm not sure if one can really be a religion, but we decided that it might be the best choice for us- a good compromise, if you will.

We attended Methodist churches while we lived in Arkansas and Louisiana. Once we moved to Indiana, we started out our search for a Methodist church. Well, the Methodist churches that we attended were not what we expected. One was very "Baptist" according to DJ, another had a large elderly population, and one was too relaxed and non-denominational for us. So, we just stopped going. Once was Gretchen was born, I told DJ that I would be willing to attend St. Mary's, a Catholic church in town. We attended St. Mary's for about a year. And while, it wasn't my favorite, I learned a lot, and I wanted to support my husband in his faith.

After attending St. Mary's for a year, we met Mark and Melissa. Mark was a new coach on our staff, and they told us about the church they were attending. We had actually tried the church in our search when we first arrived to Indiana. Remember, it was the one that was too relaxed and non-denominational for us, even though it is a Methodist church. But, Mark and Melissa were attending a different service than the one we originally tried. So, we decided we would give it another go. By this time, Gretchen was almost a year and a half old, and I wanted her to be in a church, where she could go to a class and learn and play.

Our first Sunday, was .... well, I can't choose the perfect word. But, the service wasn't anything I had expected. The music was phenomenal, and the preacher was our age. There were so many people that were in the exact same place in their lives as we were. Soon after, football season started, so I was left taking Gretchen on my own. I grew to love the church, the services, and the casualness. We get to wear jeans and they have a coffee bar... Gretchen did excellent in her classroom, and I couldn't wait for football to be over with so DJ could come back with us.

Two weeks ago, it was announced that they were going to have baby dedications, and I asked DJ if he would be interested in having Gretchen dedicated. When she was an infant, we struggled with what we should do. I disagreed with having her baptized into the Catholic church, but we weren't in a church home that we felt comfortable in. So, we didn't do anything.

I think that it's important, that we, as parents, raise our children to know the Lord, but ultimately it is up to them, to choose to follow him. Although, it's my prayer for her everyday.

I'm so glad that the Lord has led us to where we are; in church, life, love, everything. For the first time, in a long time, I can say that I am 100% content with my life. And, I've finally opened my heart to the thought of having another baby. Which, I'm getting very excited about! We aren't trying yet, but we know that we will in the near future, as we are trying to time it out with my school schedule and maternity leave.... Okay, I'm rambling. I'm just very blessed.

So, here are a few pictures from her dedication today. Be blessed! DJ holding Gretchen while we were on stage, answering that we would raise her to know God.

Gretchen, always the center of attention, was making faces at Ms. Michelle (who happens to be her daycare sitter, and goes to our church).

Gretchen, was a little wiggly!

Our pastor, Matt, saying a dedication prayer for Gretchen.

When the dedication was over, Gretchen received her very 1st Bible, and we received a jumbo parenting book! As we were walking to our seat, our daughter, proudly cheered, "yeah!" What a joyous moment!

30 Pampers GTG Points

Enter the Code" GTGTEAMUSA2010 for 30 Gifts to Grow Points from Pampers.

Blog Giveaways!

I love the enter giveaways on other blogs! It takes a lot of time, to get multiple entries, but when you WIN it is so worth it! Who doesn't love to win free items!

I have won a beautiful scarf and sidewalk chalk paint in giveaways.... I wanted to take some time to share with all of you wonderful readers some fabulous giveaways going on now! If you have some spare time GO AND ENTER!

1. Win a Blush Topless Undershirt Here. And, check out Blush items on their site here.
2. Mabels Labels Giveaway Here
3. May Fair Lane Giveaway Here.

St. Patty's Bows!

We had the day off on Monday, so I worked on a few hair bows for St. Patty's Day while Gretchen took her nap!

I'm usually not a fan of St. Patrick's Day, simply because I hate the whole "wear green, or you'll get pinched thing". I was a rebel in high school and one year I didn't wear green, but I did wear green underwear, so if I was pinched, I'd have an excuse to pinch right back, plus I just thought it was lame! (Weren't we all too cool for our own good in high school?)

Okay, back to the bows! The first one is green with white dots. It's a basic boutique bow, set on a lined alligator clip. I like that it can be worn all year, and for different holidays. And, it's only $4.00!

The 2nd bow, is a little more creative! It's a white boutique bow, featuring a green surround-a-loop, with a 4 leaf clover ribbon center. It's also set on a lined non-slip alligator clip, and is sure to bring luck to your little one! This bow is only $5.00!

You can go here and place an order for either of these bows, or you may request a custom made bow.

Don't forget to go here and sign up for the giveaway! I might even throw in one of these bows, if they don't sell before the giveaway ends!!!

Flower Embellishments

I have found some adorable flowers to place on non-slip clips, or on crocheted headbands. I love these, and hope you do too!

These items would make adorable baby shower gifts! Zebra bling flower, place on a white or black crocheted headband.

Cheetah bling flower. Place on white, brown, or black crocheted headband.

Snow Leopard bling flower. PLace on white or brown crocheted headband.

These daisy's are on a smaller scale, and would be adorable on a variety of headbands!

Mum's can be placed on a crocheted headband and are available in a variety of colors.

Gerbera daisies come in a variety of colors.

Peonies are magnificent! They come in a variety of colors.

See anything you just love? Place an order here by completing a forms response for your favorite flower!

St. Patty's Giveaway!!!!

Want to WIN this St. Patty's day "Luck O the Irish Clippie" ??????

Here's How:
1. Follow my blog (1 entry)
2. Grab my blog button (2 entries- please leave 2 comments)
3. Go to HPA and tell me your favorite item! (1 entry)
4. Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet)
5. Become a fan of HPA on Facebook (1 entry)
6. Make a purchase (5 entries- please leave 5 comments)

A few rules: Giveaway is open from February 15-March 5. Winner will be notified by e-mail. You must leave your email address in at least one of your entries, or the entry will be deleted. Winner will receive 1 "Luck O the Irish clippie" which will be mailed USPS.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!!

Okay, I'm a day early, but it's the weekend, and I'll be busy with church and spending time w/ my two fabulous honey's tomorrow!

We don't have any special plans, but we do plan on spending the weekend together. DJ is working a girls basketball game this afternoon, but we'll get out after Gretchen's nap to do some shopping. We are picking out tile for a backsplash in the kitchen, and for Valentine's day we're getting new pillows! Can you believe that after 4 years of marriage, we are using the exact same pillows that we grew up with as a child! Disgusting!!!! I really want luxurious pillows that I can sink into at the end of the day! We also plan on eating at a local pizza place! It's been our tradition, since we moved to Indiana. We take Gretchen and enjoy a nice dinner. Well, as nice as a dinner we can have with a two year old!

I wanted to share a few pictures with you as well! These were taken yesterday: Gretchen received a cupcake from a friend at daycare, so she was able to eat it when we got home. She did very well eating the top half only and with her spoon as to not make a big mess!
And, she wore her Retro Valentine's t-shirt that Gee made her! I've already washed it so she can wear it again tomorrow!

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's day! Enjoy yourself and those you love!

Valentine Treats

I decided that I wanted to make a few treats for the kiddos at Gretchen's childcare. Her sitter only watches about 7 children a day, varying in ages from a few months to 4 years. I chose to make chocolate dipped marshmallows, that are similar to the marshmallow suckers found here.

These were very simple to make, especially since I had a lot of the supplies already. I purchased an extra bag of marshmallows from the grocery store this week, and some multi-colored sprinkles.

I melted white chocolate, and colored it purple and pink, by adding food coloring. I dipped the top 1/2 of the marshmallow into the chocolate and then into the sprinkles. I left some of them, plain without sprinkles. Once they had hardened, I put two marshmallows into each bag. I purchased these bags years ago for treat bags at work, but I haven't made treat bags in a few years. I placed in a sprinkle marshmallow and a plain dipped marshmallow into the bags. I cut out a heart shaped from left over tagboard paper that I had from making Gretchen's birthday banner. Then, I cut ribbon to tie the bags together.

Voila! Adorable treats that I can take to daycare. This took me all of an hour to make- very easy if you need a last minute treat! I have about 30 extra since I dipped a bag and a half, so I'll take those to work tomorrow to share at Valentine parties!

Tutu Cute!

I had a recent order from my college friend, Kat. She's a teacher in Little Rock, and has 2 co-workers having babies! She placed an order for a bling onesie, tutu, and a flower headband for each of her co-workers!

I haven't had many orders for bling onesies recently, so I was excited to do them again! I also haven't done many flower headbands because Gretchen always had so much hair that she hasn't had to wear headbands. I pulled the onesies out of the package, and realized how small they were! They were only 3-6 months, but in 2 years, I've already forgotten how tiny baby clothes are!

Sorry, this picture is sideways, but featured above is a "J" bling onesie with a black crocheted headband and "bling" pink flower headband.

The tutu above goes with the "J" onesie!

This bling "A" onesie matches the purple tutu (below), and has a white crocheted headband with a large green flower headband.

My neice is turning 2, so I made her a funky tutu for her birthday. It's lime green and turquoise! I love this color combination!

Won't the babies look so adorable in their tutu outfits for portraits? I love the look of tutu's on infants, and tutu's can be worn all the time! Playing around the house, over jeans and leggings, on a mommy date, or during dance class!

St. Patty's day is coming up- do you need a green tutu for your little honey to wear?

You can also order a softer one for Easter Sunday! Tutu's can be made in white, pink, yellow- there are so many color options available and they start at only $15.00!!!!

ClaudiaMarie Etsy Shop

Claudia Maria is a NEW shop on Etsy! She features beautiful acrylic works of art in her shop.

What inspired you to become an artist?
Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved creating art. I used to draw ALL the time. I'm an only child, so I needed creative things like art to keep busy so I could have fun by myself. Ever since then, I've loved art.

How long have you been painting?
I used to play around with watercolors as a kid but only once in awhile. I started painting with acrylics about 2 years ago when I was 19.

What are your favorite items to work with/what do you use most often?
My favorite is acrylics. I haven't tried using oils yet. I also enjoy pencil sketching.

Do you take custom orders? How should a customer go about requesting a custom order?
I'm pretty new to etsy, so I haven't had too much experience with custom orders yet, but I'm pretty open to the idea! If someone wants something that I think I can do, then sure! The best way to request a custom order would be to send me a convo on etsy.


I perused her shop to find some of my favorite works of art to share with you!
Above: Love Birds acrylic $20.00..... I think this would be great for Valentine's day! Aren't those birdies so cute!

Swirly Tree acrylic $30.00 I love the bright colors that she's used here!

Orange Jellies acrylic on cardboard $4.00 This is probably my favorite! I would never think to use cardboard as a canvas, but I think if you frame it, this piece would be adorable in a child's ocean themed bedroom!

Aren't these wonderful? Head over here to check out Claudia Marie's shop on Etsy!

I also asked Claudia to tell me something fun about herself, since we all have several unique talents and traits. Get this- she's a musician, and you can hear some of her music on Myspace; find her here.

Thanks Claudia for letting me pick your brain a bit, and for letting me share these fabulous paintings! I wish you the best of luck with your Etsy shop!

*If you would like for me to do a feature on your shop, please let me know!

Brr!

Gretchen must have decided that it she was cold on Sunday! She used our kitchen rug as a blanket......

My Version: Valentine Wreath

I posted a picture of this wreath, that I found on Etsy, last Friday. Since, I have no Valentine decorations, I decided that I would attempt to reduplicate it. I purchased a foam heart shape from Hobby Lobby, along with some yarn. I looked at some other Valentine pieces to add, but decided against it, since I wasn't sure how mine would turn out.

This is what I came up with:

It's so snowy here, that I don't really want to hang it on my door outside, but it is propped up on my dining room table!

Snow Day!

Last Friday, we had a snow day!!! DJ has finished the recruiting season for next year, so he had the day off! I had to go into work for inservices, and when I left around 3:30, there was tons of snow on the ground! Even though, we've had snow this season, we haven't taken Gretchen outside to play in it. I knew that Friday would be perfect for her to actually feel the snow falling rather than watching it, and we could show her how to make snowballs! I bundled us both up, and we headed outside. She would take a few steps and fall forward because she was so layered up and because the snow was so high!

It didn't help that the snow was blowing in sideways!

Sorry, I'm not sure how to turn this picture around, but she had fun playing with daddy, and he taught her how to make snow angels!

We are suppose to get more snow this week, but I'm not sure if we'll get out and play in it again. We have huge drifts and built up snow from shoveling our driveway, though I am hoping for a few 2-hour delays or school closings!

25 Uses for Coffee Filters

COFFEE FILTERS Coffee filters .... Who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing even the large ones.

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.

2. Clean windows, mirrors, and chrome... Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect China by separating your good dishes with a coffee filter between each dish.

4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.

7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.

12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters..

13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. It soaks out all the grease.

14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

15. As a sewing backing. Use a filter as an easy-to-tear backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.

16. Put baking soda into a coffee filter and insert into shoes or a closet to absorb or prevent odors.

17. Use them to strain soup stock and to tie fresh herbs in to put in soups and stews.

18. Use a coffee filter to prevent spilling when you add fluids to your car.

19. Use them as a spoon rest while cooking and clean up small counter spills.

20. Can use to hold dry ingredients when baking or when cutting a piece of fruit or veggies.. Saves on having extra bowls to wash.

21. Use them to wrap Christmas ornaments for storage.

22. Use them to remove fingernail polish when out of cotton balls.

23. Use them to sprout seeds. Simply dampen the coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold it and place it into a plastic baggie until they sprout.

24. Use coffee filters as blotting paper for pressed flowers. Place the flowers between two coffee filters and put the coffee filters in phone book..

25. Use as a disposable "snack bowl" for popcorn, chips, etc

Valentines Day Decor

I've seen some adorable Valentine's day crafts and decorations on various blogs throughout the past week. For some reason though, I just cannot get into it, like I wish I could! I think I'm just exhausted from Gretchens party and all of the planning. Not to mention, Valentine's day is such a stereotypical holiday for husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.

As Gretchen gets older, I hope to get out of my Valentine's day funk! V-day is the one holiday, that I have ZERO decorations for! Maybe this year I'll be able to purchase some on clearance after the holiday, and get expired to make some of my own.

I decided that I'd browse on Etsy tonight to see the adorable Valentine's items the sellers had in their shops. Also, hoping that i'd be inspired to want to enjoy the holiday!

Here's what I found: Above: Valentine's heart garland. These are handsewn heart shapes, that can be placed anywhere to add a little love!

I thought these pillows were adorable! I so wish that I could sew a pillow! I think I could, but the stuffing it, and sewing up the rest just scares me! Anyway, I have two chairs that these would look adorable in! And, I do want new pillows for Valentine's day; but I'd prefer large comfy down pillows that I can sink into at the end of the day!

Okay, this Valentine's wreath is my favorite! It's also something that I know I could copy if I had the time! I'm fairly certain you can purchase heart shaped foam pieces. Simply hot glue some yarn around it and add felt hearts. Adorable- I just don't have the time!

I thought this wreath was fun too! It's a ribon wreath, and again, I'm certain that you could recreate the look using various shades and type of ribbon.

I'm inspired, but feeling a bit lapsed on time. Next year though! (Which, I tend to say every year about Valentine's day) but seriously, next year!

A Few Recent Orders

I have been busy working on custom orders over the last several weeks, and wanted to share a few with you! Above: White boutique bow with butterfly ribbon center. I was asked to create a M2M bow for a Christening dress. The mother purchased a non-traditional Christening gown, so her daughter could wear it throughout the next several months. The dress is white and has hot pink butterflies fluttering around the bottom. I haven't made a butterfly ribbon in a while, but when I saw the dress, I knew that's what I wanted to do! I created a white boutique bow, and adorned the top with a grosgrain ribbon butterfly; I love that it adds a unique custom touch to the dress! I'm sure Kaylin will look beautiful at her Christening this Sunday!

I've also had tutu's to make for my two adorable neices! I made a beautiful soft pink tutu for Gracie, who turned 5 because she takes ballet! I'm sure she'll be stunning in twirling in her ballet tutu!

I had another order from Abby, that wanted to me to make a tutu for her daughter's winter wonderland theme birthday! This tutu features ovver 50 yards of tulle in white, silver, and blue! I added a beautiful blue bow that can be worn on the front, side, or back of the tutu. I also thought this would be adorable in blue and white for any Carolina fans out there!