E.B. Spider Summer Sale!

Summer Sun Headband pictured above.

I'm having a summer sale in my Etsy shop, with two ways to save!

Buy a large cupcake purse, get a small one FREE!

(Sale good through June 24th - limit 2 free)

Spend $15 before shipping, get a 10% off coupon - good on your next order (Sale good through June 27 - limit 1 coupon per person)

Custom orders are accepted! Let me make something that your little girl(s) will LOVE!

E.B. Spider - crocheted accessories from the web

Crafting Funk

Do you ever get in a funk; where you just can't be creative? Yeah well, I'm in one of those. I think it's because my house is too messy to even turn around in, or at least it seems that way. I am a messy person by nature, but lately disorganization drives me BATTY!

I would post pictures of my pantry, but I'd be embarrased. It's a wreck. I can't handle not being able to access my stockpile of food. If you didn't know, I'm a coupon clipper, and I stockpile on things when I find a sale. Check out my other blog for all your couponing needs. [/End of shameless plug]

I will soon be opening up a new Etsy shop to sell hair bows. I have really got into making them for my daughter and want to try selling them. I'll let you know when I open up for business.

Until then, I am busy with all kinds of other stuff. You'd think summer would be a little more calm, but not so far. Uh, I can't wait for things to calm down again!

Lovely Blog Award

I was catching up on some blog reading today and discovered that I've been awarded the "Lovely Blog Award" from Crystal of Pampered Papier. Click on that link to go to her lovely Etsy shop. There you will find paper goods for all of your needs. Be sure to check out her blog too. Thanks Crystal!



The rules for this one are:

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

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

These are the great blogs I am passing the award on to:

Sweet as Punkin Pie

Jill of All Trades

Drury Lane Designs

Frugal Coupon Living

Crystal's Adventures in Couponing

I Am a Money Magnet

Crafty Mama Creations

Pink Buckaroo Designs

Lizzy B Designs

Happy Cloud Moments

Sweets and Hearts

Post Secrets

Elegant Bloggery

Krazy Life of the Armstrong K

Misty's Scrappy Stuff

Phew, that was hard to work to come up with 15!

Mommy Monday Review - Fisher-Price Snuggle-Kins (Cheetah)

Toys R Us

These newborns come with a line of animals. When the animal is in the upright position, it makes animal like giggling sounds. When you put the bottle in the mouth, it makes feeding sounds. By laying the animal down, the eyes close and it makes cooing sounds as it goes to sleep.

Fisher-Price Snuggle-Kins - Cheetah

Very cute toy!

Mom of 1 Smart Kid Charlotte, NC 6/8/2009

5 5

Pros: Good Quality, Cute, Snuggly, Soft, Interactive, Perfect Size

Best Uses: All Ages, Imaginative Play, Older Children, Young Children

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent, Stay At Home Parent, Education Oriented

My daughter got money for her birthday, so I knew this was the item we were going to purchase. She played with it every time we went into Toys R Us.

My daughter just turned 2 and can play with this Cheetah very well. She loves the fact that it makes sipping noises when you put a bottle in it's mouth. She is just amazed at how it will drink and fall asleep. Great toy!

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My PRESCHOOLER?!

For those of you who don't know, my daughter turned 2 today. We haven't had a party yet. The party will be next week, since it was just more convinent for everyone. Don't worry though, she did get a present today - a sand & water table. She was soaked after about 15 minutes of playing with it, haha!

So, onto the reason for my title...
I get weekly emails from Babycenter.com that tell me what milestones to except, parenting tips, kid friendly activities, etc. Last week, the subject of the emails said "My Toddler this Week." I log into my email today, and see an email titled, "My Preschooler this Week." PRESCHOOLER? Ok, I wasn't gonna get all sentimental like most mommies on their kids' birthdays, but a PRESCHOOLER? That just sounds like such a big kid!

I have not shed a tear about her turning 2, nor will I. Now when she was 3 1/2 months old and outgrew her bassinet and thus had to be moved to her own room, in her own crib... yeah that's another story. I was crying my eyes out that night, even though her room was RIGHT BESIDE ours. Hubby thought it was cute that I was crying, but I could tell that he also thought I was slightly crazy.

For some reason, Emma knew a few days ago what birthdays were all about. I'm still trying to figure out how she knew all this. I kept telling her each day, "Your birthday is in 7 days" "6 days" and so forth. I said NOTHING about presents or anything like that. So when it was 4 days away from her b-day I said, "Your birthday is in 4 days." She said "4 days and I get presents." WHAT? Holy cow, this girl is smart! (Everyone tells us this. I think we have a little genius on our hands. I only hope when she gets to be a teenager that hubby and I are still smarter than her, LOL!)

Anyway, after I got Emma up this morning, I sang "Happy Birthday" to her. I fed her breakfast and got her ready to go shopping. My mom was coming over and we were going to go shopping for party decorations and things like that. So, Emma is sitting on the floor, watching what else, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She looks at me randomly and asks "I get presents today?" Haha! I said "You might get a present today. It depends on what we find when we are out shopping." She looked at me and asks, "And birthday cake?" Ohmigosh. This kid knows everything. I said "Yes you might get some birthday cake today, but you will definitely get some next week at your party."

Luckily, a little later, my mom arrived with breakfast and a dessert. Yep, you guessed it. A small birthday cake. Which reminds me, last year Emma wanted nothing to do with digging into the cake. She stuck her finger in the icing and then immediately wanted it wiped off. I think we'll try again this year. Should be fun to watch!

Crazy Life

Life has been crazy busy for me lately. I am in the midst of planning a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse birthday party. We are trying to do it on a small budget. So far, so good. I'll have to post pics of the handmade decorations I am doing.

If you're like me, you are in a financial crunch right now. Please check out my other blog for coupons and money saving tips: Save Yourself Silly

The party is next Saturday, so after that, I should be back to posting on a (more) regular basis. My little girl will turn 2 tomorrow though!

MIA for a While

I will be MIA for about the next two weeks. I have a vacation coming up, and I have yet to pack.

I'm so excited though. It's my favorite vacation destination....
Disney World here I come!

Mommy Monday Review - Disney 2 in 1 Harness Buddy - Mickey

Toys R Us

A fun and friendly way to keep kids close in crowds. Latch on to the tail of the backpack and you have your little ones safely in tow. A VELCRO® brand closure pocket on the back holds kids stuff. It looks cute and gives you peace of mind for family outings. Machine washable. For ages 18 and u...

Disney 2 in 1 Harness Buddy - Mickey

Great backpack and harness!

Mom of 1 Smart Girl Charlotte, NC 4/14/2009

5 5

Pros: Useful, Strong Construction, Lightweight, Easy To Install

Best Uses: Toddlers

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

I know there are a lot of people out there that are against harnesses, but sometimes toddlers don't leave you much of an option when they want to walk but won't hold your hand.

I bought this for my 2 year old daughter, for our upcoming trip to Disney World. She adores it! She thinks it's funny when I hold the strap and she can't walk any farther.

You can remove the parent strap and just let the child carry it as a backpack. Mickey has a small pocket that you can fit sunglasses, or something in.

Both Mickey and the parent strap are VERY soft. It seems comfy, and while it is slightly big for my petite 2 yr old, we both like it a lot!

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Current "Obsessions"

Do you have any current "obsessions"? Any craft supply you are currently addicted to? Any song you cannot stop singing? I challenge you to list 5 current obsessions you have. Post your answers on your own blog, and encourage others to do the same!


My 5 Current Obsessions
1) David Cook's album - I absolutely love every song on it. It is a FABULOUS rock n' roll CD.

2) Buttons - I can't get enough of them. I use them on TONS of craft projects.

3) Hair Clips for my daughter - I love buying her unique and cute hair clips to go with her various outfits.

4) Disney World - Not that this one ever fades away, but with my trip coming up in *checks calendar* 23 days, I am just extra obsessed I guess.

5) Blogs/Twitter - I spend entirely too much time on the internet trying to find cool blogs and people to follow. Feel free to comment so I can check out your blog!

Custom Easter Basket - Just Completed!

I just finished an order for a custom Easter basket. She wanted an initial on it, to personalize it more for her daughter. So, I cut the letter "A" from felt, then glued and stitched it onto the basket.

The basket turned out bigger than I expected, but I'm sure that's ok.

I am so happy with how this turned out. I hope the buyer is just as happy.

Next year, I think I may sell these in my shop. Or, who knows, I may list these in my shop during the fall. They would make great birthday or Christmas gifts.

Handmade Giveaway & Egg Hunt - from Etsy's ACE Team

The Amazing Carolina Etsians Team (ACE Team) is doing a HUGE team giveaway. Grand prize is worth over $100. Plus, there are runner-up prizes to win too!

I am giving away this Cinnamon Spice Mug Cozy.

Are you interested in what else you can win and how to enter? Go here for all the details: http://aceteamnews.blogspot.com/

Headbands!

I am currently working on a line of crocheted headbands. I just finished the first one. What do you think?

You can click the image to go to my shop listing. More photos are available there.
Stay tuned for more headbands in various colors!

Meanwhile, here are some of my favorite headbands:

Green Satin Braided Headband - from StefaniesBownanza

Punk Princess Woven Headband - from AvasMommy07

Ice Queen Headband - from WashedUpMermaid

New Shop Banner

I really needed a new shop banner. I wanted a new color scheme, so I decided to stick with the black & white, but I wanted something in green.

Here's the banner I bought from sugarelli:

Isn't my tagline just too cute? I think it's kinda funny. Spider web/world wide web, haha! I'm such a dork.

Anyway, please click on the banner to visit my shop and see the new banner (in it's original size).

Mommy Monday Review - Especially for Baby Stroller Rain Cover

Toys R Us

Able to fit standard strollers with canopies, the Especially for Baby Stroller Rain Cover offers quick and easy protection from the elements and attaches conveniently with snaps. Side inserts made of mesh netting provide proper ventilation. Surface wash only. Dimensions: 20"W x 28"H x 18&...

Especially for Baby Stroller Rain Cover

Junk

Mom of 2 Yr Old Girl Charlotte, NC 3/29/2009

1 5

Cons: Hard To Adjust, Flimsy

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

I got the slightly longer rain cover in a BRU store (the $19.99 one).

It is absolute junk! I tried to unzip one side of it and the zipper pull just came off! So I thought I'd take it back and get another one.

Then, when I was folding it up to put it back in the package, the "handy storage pouch" on the back, cracked and split.

A piece of junk! Even if it had not fallen apart, I still wouldn't have liked it. I think the way it's made is more complicated than it needs to be.

I will be forking out the extra money to buy the one that's made by my stroller company.

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Easter Etsy Finds

I never wait around for a treasury, so I decided to do a mock treasury in Etsy's Poster Sketch tool. If you are unfamiliar with Poster Sketch, you really should check it out. You can store items in it until a treasury opens up. Very neat!

Items are listed below, by rows, going from left to right.

Row 1

Big Botique Bow - StefaniesBownanza

Cotton Carrot Pouch - EBSpider (That's me!)

Easter Minkee Bunnies - RetroRugrats

Row 2

Easter Spring Felt Sugar Cookies - SugarChicBaby

Peas and Carrots Soap - SunBasilGarden
Modern Rabbits Mini Notes - PamperedPapier

Row 3

Robin's Egg Scrubber - Laksaware

Love Bunnies Print - ElegantSnobbery

Itty Bitty Pocket Bunny - TheCupcakeGirls

Row 4

Bob the Bunny Ring - AlloverArt

What's Up Doc Cookies - CakeBoxCookies

Happy Easter Stripes Dog Collar - GoneDoggie

Row 5

Leaf Printed Easter Carrot Shirt - Sweet3LeafPrints

Funky Stripes Fabric Basket - BaffinBaskets

Easter Bunny Clip Set - CuteandSweet

Check out some of these fabulous Easter items. It's not too late to order!

A Busted Lip and Blood Make an Upset Toddler & Mommy

If that title doesn't make you want to read, I don't know what will.

Last night my almost 2 year old DD (internet speak for: dear daughter) was standing at the door, waiting for her Daddy to come back inside from chopping wood.

After about 20 minutes, he ran out of daylight and had to come back in. As soon as he walked in, I looked over and saw DD suddenly disappear. I didn't think twice about it. I figured she just sat down or stumbled and fell on her bottom.

Then I saw hubby's face. His eyes got really big and he scooped her up immediately. Meanwhile DD is holding her breath (normal thing for her when she gets hurt) then starts screaming once she actually breathes. Hubby says she hit her head right on the corner of the couch. I'm thinking, weird, she hits her head all the time and just keeps going, she never cries like that.

After she had been crying for a few minutes, we look at her head to see if there is a bump. Wrong. She has busted her lip, or bit it, just something because there is blood all over her mouth and in her mouth. There is blood on hubby's shirt.

I run to grab some ice to put on her lip because it's starting to swell. She screams harder and won't let me put it on there. I try handing her chilled teethers. She won't have those either. So there I am holding a bleeding, screaming child who won't let me do anything to help her.

She has busted her lip before, but it wasn't as bad as this time. The last time, I didn't do well at all. First, let me explain that I don't do well with the sight of blood. As a child, I hated loosing teeth because I would have the taste of blood in my mouth and it would make me nauseous. I would get queasy and feel like I was about to pass out. I thought my own blood was the only blood that bothered me, until DD busted her lip the first time. It was scary to see DD bleeding and screaming. I was shaky after that first time, and it took me a good 10 minutes to calm back down.

This time however, I wasn't freaked out. I just wanted to comfort my baby and hold her as long as she needed holding. Mommies don't get to be queasy when their child is injured. They have to jump into action without even thinking twice.

The lesson I learned from all of this? NEVER run out of Infant's Tylenol and Baby Orajel. You will need it sometime, and chances are, when you are completely out, you will need it.

Here is her swollen lip. This picture is from today. It looked a lot worse last night. (Oh, and please excuse her messy mouth, she just had a snack, haha). See how swollen her left side is? Poor thing.

Mommy Monday Review - My Two Babes Waterproof Labels

I ordered these waterproof/dishwasher safe labels from My Two Babes. This was my second order from Kristin, and I'm just as happy with this order as I was the first.

I have never had a problem with these stickers coming off. I have even been known to remove a sticker and replace it in a different spot, and I still haven't had any problems with them coming off.

These stickers are a MUST if you take your child to daycare or even to church. My little one stays at home with me, but when we take her to church, these stickers really help. If a cup gets left behind, they know exactly who it goes to.

I recommend these stickers to everyone! Kristin has a 100% positive Etsy feedback score. Order from her, and you will see why!

Tips for Tagging on Etsy

I'm always looking for ways to help tag my items with just the right words, so Etsy buyers can find them easily.

My biggest tagging tip is to ALWAYS tag items with colors. Many Etsy treasuries are done in color schemes. If you don't put colors in, you are missing out on a HUGE audience. I always use the common color and sometimes a more specific color, if I have room. For example, if I have an orange item, I will use one tag for "orange" and one tag for "tangerine." See the "Tagging for Maximum Exposure" article below for ideas on specific color names.


Here are some great articles on tagging:
Tagging for Maximum Exposure on Etsy
Etsy's Guide to Tagging

Mommy Monday Review - Disney Fairies High Back Chair

Toys R Us

Cozy plush chair just the right size for toddlers. This plush chair is great for lounging reading and watching TV in comfort. This chair comes in great designs and various colors and licenses. It has a very sturdy foam construction and a plush, soft removable washable cover. Kids will love to have ...

Disney Fairies High Back Chair

Great size!

Mom of 1 Smart Girl - Charlotte, NC 3/16/2009

4/5

Pros: Colorful, Easy To Clean, Cute, Durable, Fun

Best Uses: Toddlers

Describe Yourself: Stay At Home Parent, First Time Parent, Education Oriented

My daughter, who is almost 2, loves this chair. She carries it around until she figures out where she wants to set it. It's lightweight, has a removeable cover for easy washing, it is low to the ground for little legs, and seems to be really comfy for her.

She likes it so much that I'm thinking about getting her the sofa for her birthday.

Mommy Monday Review - Big Bubble Bucket by Little Kids

Welcome to the first installment of Mommy Mondays on my blog. On Mondays, I will review toys, games, and other things that I have recently purchased for my daughter or other children. These may be handmade items or items you buy in a regular store.



Today's item is the No Spill Big Bubble Bucket by Little Kids. I bought this for my 21 month old daughter last week since it is getting warmer outside. When it's warm, we like to go outside and blow bubbles. She is now at the "independent age" where it's no longer entertaining to watch Mommy blow the bubbles and try to catch them, she simply MUST try to blow them herself. So, I purchased this bucket and some bubble liquid.


Thise bucket has 3 bubble wands. These wands have big handles that little hands can hold onto easily. My daughter can even fit them back in the slots, on the top of the bucket, to dip them back into the bubble liquid.


This bucket is a fantastic thing for little ones. It's easy to fill by the parents (simply unscrew the bottom) and easy to use for little hands. I highly recommend this. You can find this bucket at Target stores (although I couldn't find it on their website), or by clicking on the link above to see what stores near you sell it.

Why yes, I am a Disney dork!

For those of you who don't know me that well, I must confess now that I am a Disney fanatic. I have been to Disney World quite a few times and no vacation has ever compared to the magic and hospitality that I received there. The food, resorts, rides, shops - just everything is amazing!

My family (group of 7 adults and 1 toddler) is going back to Disney World in May. We are staying at my favorite resort, the Polynesian. It is going to be so nice to stay on the monorail loop with a toddler. Just push the stroller directly onto the monorail. Fantastic!

Anyway, I am so hyped up about this trip that I already want to start packing. Not to mention that you have to pack so much stuff for toddlers, that I feel like I better start now so I get it all, LOL. (I told you I'm a Disney dork!)

So I'm hoping May comes super duper fast!

Airplane Hair Clip (from Cutesie Clips)

I ordered this for a friend's little girl. She was having an airplane themed birthday party, so I couldn't resist buying this.

I haven't ordered from Cutesie Clips for my daughter yet, but I'm sure I will in the near future. This clip is so well made! Excellent quailty and also excellent customer service. I was emailed when my clip was shipped, so I didn't have to wonder where it was or if it was shipped. Fantastic seller!

Click the image to go to her shop!

Snow Day!

Even my hubby got to stay home today (which is very rare). It's all starting to melt now, but we had about 4-5 inches this morning.

Here's a pic from our front porch, this morning around 9 AM.

It's so nice to see lots of snow. We don't get much snow here in the south, so everyone is excited to see it. All the kids in the neighborhood are having snowball fights. It's such a fun day!

Wow, it's been a while.

It's been so long since I have posted on my blog. The inspiration to blog has just packed up and left.

Anyway, since I cannot always figure out crafty things to blog about, I decided to change my blog focus a bit. This blog will now focus on my life, as both a mom and crafter.

Notice the stroller review I posted today? Yeah that's the mom part of the blog now. Haha.

Hope you all enjoy the new direction my blog is taking. I hope to blog more in the near future. Thanks for reading!

My Review of Peg Perego Aria Stroller - Corallo

Toys R Us

The Aria OH One-Hand is Peg Peregos lightweight, full-featured convenience stroller. Youll love the way this stroller folds effortlessly and compactly with one hand and one step, and carrying it after folding is easy with the convenient handle. Even with all of its simplicity, the Aria OH still gi...

Peg Perego Aria Stroller - Corallo

PERFECT!

Brandy, mom of 1 active girl Charlotte, NC 2/27/2009

 

5 5

Pros: Smooth Ride, Easy to Set Up, Stylish, Comfortable, Easily Stowed, Lightweight, Easy To Maneuver

Best Uses: Toddlers

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

Don't be put off by the price of this stroller. IT IS WORTH IT!

We bought this mainly to go to Disney World with, and to replace our huge Graco stroller.

This stroller has a large basket for a lightweight stroller. I can a medium sized diaper bag plus a backpack purse in it. It also has a reclining seat, two child cup holders with snack track in between, and a parent cup holder. The canopy goes lower than most, and covers my daughter EXTREMELY well, which is exciting for that Florida sun!

We have owned many strollers because we could never find the right one. But now we have, this one is just PERFECT! It is the only stroller we have owned where our daughter's cups actually fit completely inside the cup holders. Oh, and it only weighs about 9 pounds, folds very compactly and is self standing when folded! It also has a carrying handle on one side. This thing is fantastic!

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