Anyone need a makeover?

Like many of you, I spend a fair amount of my time in front of the computer everyday working. To make it a bit easier on the eyes and add a touch of chic try updating your background on your desktop! I stumbled upon a link with some super fun, funky and Spring inspired wallpapers. Now I find myself updating my desktop picture WAaaaay to often! hehehe - Enjoy.

Smile!..............It's Lotus!

They have arrived! More Shaggy Mosiac Jeans for WOMEN this Spring and Summer. The designers of Boutique POP! asked me to join them for their "SMILE" launch. The idea was to pull from something that makes you smile. These fabrics by Amy Butler definately makes me smile and what precious pictures and smiles the 2 exchanged during this photo shoot! *sigh* Makes me melt!

Susan from dandelionsanddaisies.com did my photography work. She is amazing and a great friend as well.

Atten-HUT!

Camo Couture is HERE!!! I teamed up with megan of *reillybelle* to create is ROCKIN set! It's great for the younger girl and the tweens as well! It's rough and tough but feminine as well. It's just a fun way to wear Camo this Spring and Summer! The accessories are SOOO GREAT too!!!

She's pregnant!!!???!!

One of my daily reads is the Celebrity baby blog. I love getting the dish on who's pregnant, had a baby, what hot products they are using, etc. It's fun peek into thier lives as parents and "regular" human beings. ;) They just featured BoutiqueCAFE in their newsletter today which is REALLY exciting news! You can hear more about this on today's podcast as well! Plus the interview with Alexa Ray Joel is coming up THIS WEEK!!!

Bag lady

I have recently come to love and search for fun purses, totes and bags! and I love a bargain! I certainly don't need a bunch but with spring around the corner I am itching to punch up my accessories and add some color to my world! A friend, (thank you Morgan) brought my attention to some FABULOUS bags on Target.com with an even better price! This one I HAD to snatch up! The green is one of my favorite colors this past year and it's paired up with some of Amy Butler's fabric from her Belle line.


THEN, while searching around I found a few more fabrics I recognized as well! How about alittle Denyse Schmidt with this Gray number?
















and then 1 more appearance in Blue from Amy Butler's Sun Glow Collection. Pretty fun huh?

OH tooth fairy!!!

We waited and waited for my daughter first tooth to fall out as I cringed to much to think about pulling it out. SO..........tonight my husband just grabbed it after her bath and it popped right out! She was soo excited!!! She just couldn't stop smiling and sticking her tongue through it! Luckily her tooth fairy pillow came in the mail a few days ago!

Escaping the City

Sometimes Impromtu trips are the best. Just throw your bag in the car and go! That's what we did this weekend. We decided that we needed some time away from the city and a nice trip back "home" for my hubby would do the trick! So we headed to his small farming hometown. The kids of course had a blast with grandma and grandpa all weekend. It was my husband's birthday as well so after lunch on Sunday his mother whipped up an angel food cake with her yummy homemade orange frosting. Yummmmm....nothing like homemade!


We woke up to a surprising Snow storm on Sunday as well. By the time it had stopped, about noon day, there was 6 inches in the ground. We had not brought any snow clothes with us so I tied grocery sacks around my childrens feet and we headed out for some fun!

















I couldn't help but take a few.......well ALOT of pictures of the snow covered trees, etc all over the yard and nearby pasture. Here's a few of my favorites. I was also intrigued by all the birds that had flocked to their small bird feeder that day. I could have sat there forever just watching and snapping pictures of them.









*sigh* It was a nice getaway - slowed our family pace down and reconnected the family roots. ;) I turned the camera on myself and my hubby and snapped this picture of us in the BRIGHT sunlight with our eyes burning! LOL NOW.....back to work and the go go go everyday life!

Toddlers with STYLE!

I spy with my little eye some familiar boutique faces!!! It was so excited to see some these little beauties in the recent edition of Nole Mi Magazine. They put out a call in January for Toddlers with Style and I posted about it for all to see on the Boutique Cafe Chat forum. Take a peek at the first 4 pages to see some cuties!!! Congrats to the winners! I am always searching for great opps for designers, models, etc to inform the members of our chat forum and those that frequent the site. If you have a special feature, contest, information about a great event or opportunity, etc that you think our members would be intersted in - let me know!

I went Chunky!!!

So I usually go for Blended highlights in the Spring and Summer to brighten and freshen up my mood.........well I needed to get my hair trimmed up again and was just feel dreary so I asked my hairdresser for highlights. She said, "would you like them blended or chunky?" I have always wanted to get some chunky highlights but feared I would turn out looking to CRAZY or like I was trying to be a ROCK STAR or celebrity or something like that! LOL!!! She assured me I wouldn't and I said, "Let's go for it!" Why not!

I am so happy with the way it turn out and my hairdresser really went to town on the layers, etc. I am still playing around with it all the new fun ways I can style it. She also gave me some sweeping bangs which I love too! My daughter and son keep repeating to me how much they love my new hair! makes a Mom feel good.

So here's some goofy pictures of me with my new hair! Nothing like turning the camera around on yourself to snap to picture and then posting it for everyone to see! LOL!!!

TAG! I'm it!!!!

I've been tagged by Patty of ModKid BoutiqueI have to post a favorite - "The rule is it has to be something you have created, and it must be your favorite." That is SUPER EASY for me! My 2 kids are easily my FAVORITE thing I have created.

Ok, Ok, I am pretty sure she meant my favorite "boutique" thing but as I mother I just couldn't resist! ;) It's alot harder to pick my favorite Boutique item that I have created. BUT since I HAVE to pick one I would say it was my girls Western outfit.



This is the first outfit I presented debuting what would become my signature style. Getting here was such a process and this design just came together beautifully and was so well recieved that I was thrilled. People still request this design and remember this outfit and the matching boy set as well. I guess it brings back alot of great memories and holds some sentiment to me.

I tag my 2 Susan friends Susan and Susan and my good friend Daria to share their favorites as well! I am curious to see what Daria's Favorite creation was when she was sewing and designing.

WIN!!! boutique boys stuff!

Today's the DAY!!!! Thursday is CLICKING SPREE day on www.boutiquecafe.com. It's a fun, easy way to win some great boutique stuff! this months theme is "BOYS". All the prizes up for grabs are centered around boys from newborns to teenagers! Stop by to play and win! you can find all the details and great prize list HERE

Funky Finds

I just discovered a new blog that I LOVE! Funky Finds is a super fun blog full of.......well.........Funky STUFF! LOL!!! It's a fun daily read.

Old Man Winter..........BRRRRRrr!!!

Ok - so it's not anything compared to how much snow they are getting on the East Coast recently BUT I think we've had only 1 other day where there was actually snow on the ground. We've had pretty much ZIPPO amount of snow or snowfall here this entire winter! and I've been ok with that. ;) I'm not a fan of the cold and after having a couple of teaser weeks recently where it has been really nice and semi warm weather I wake up to this!!????? I had no idea Snow would be falling this week and I'm not sure even if I had watched the local weather they would have known either ;) Thanks to my little sis for sending this pic this morning. Saved me from uploading mine - hehehe.

Shhhhhh!!! Guess what?

The fabulous Clicking Spree event on Boutique CAFE will be on Thursday - the 22nd!!! You can take a peek at all the GREAT prizes up for grabs this month. All our prizes were centered around BOYS!!!

Just a MOM?

A friend just sent this email to me and I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy!

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a.....?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"W hat is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she

had not heard right

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, [what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom." Motherhood!

What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".

May your troubles be less, your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door!

My beaded creations

Hehehe... well as promised here is a snapshot of the fun I've been having with beads. Just simple bracelets that I would like to make coordinating once and wear like 3 at a time. My favorite is the RED chunky funky one! I made a "beastie" one as my sister would call it done in browns and leopard prints, a white and clear one and a pink and purple one. Simple but fun! and my daughter makes aobut 2 new braclets or necklaces everyday! LOL!!!

No Sugar HIGH here!

I found this sugary treat from *pretty*me*designs while searching for my monthly Accessory Finds for boutiquecafe.com. It's darling! Looks like the real think and perfect for this upcoming Spring/Easter Season! Be sure to check her other auctions for clips available in other colors!

BLOG Party!!!

It's a BLOG party!!!! With blogging being such the craze the last year or so why not meet up with other bloggers and promote your own at the same time! ;) The 5 minutes for mom site is having a BIG party in March! Be there are be square!

Ain't easy being GREEN!

and IT'S GREEN!!!! hehehe. Just have to give a shout out to my fellow friend and blogger, Susan. She blogged about my newest jeans and gives us the dish behind the GREEN stool she used my most recent photos from her! Take a peek at the story HERE. She must have a thing for green b/c she took some studio shots for me and look at what showed up - a GREEN BUCKET! LOL!!! Love it! perfect accent of color!

I've been Bitten!

By the BEAD bug! LOL!!! Last fall I attended a bead party where all the attendees got to make as many earrings and bracelets they wanted for a small fee. It was sooo much fun I went to another one not long after that. I have been looking for a RED chunky bracelet for months now and haven't been able to find one. SOooooo..... I took my daughter to a couple of craft stores yesterday and we bought BEADS GALORE! I found some big red funky pieces, bought a couple of fun containers - one for her and one for me - and then had fun picking out little bags of fun shapes, color and sizes. It's been a great fun activity to do together. Nothing fancy - just the kind you string on the stretchy clear cord. I'll have to post some pictures later of our "fun" creations!

It's almost TIME......

This was sent out in the latest newsletter from Kim at YouCanMakeThis.com:

"Oh, am I excited!! There is something going on "behind the scenes" right now at You Can Make This! It's coming very soon and it involves...well...oh, nevermind. I have to keep it a secret just a little bit longer! :) I'll give you one hint though...THINK SPRING!! Each newsletter will have a new clue in it, until "the time" is right to tell you ALL about it! Keep watching for the graphic below in future newsletters and around the web. We won't keep it a secret for "too" long!"

It's going to be fun and exciting! I am involved so stay tuned!

I'm in Love!

I just got a few sneak peeks from my Friend Susan of dandelions and daisies who is photographing some new Shaggy Mosiac Jeans designs for me! *gasp* I am in love! not only with how the jeans turned out with the yummy fabrics from Amy Butler BUT her new wood floors are gorgeous and how GREAT is the funky green stool! I can't wait to see the rest of the photos and officially debut these jeans online!

Pizza by candlelight

Because of meetings and other obligations on Valentine's day Hubby and I had no special plans but I was in NO mood to cook! ;) I knew going out to eat with the kids was out of the question as well because every restaurant would be packed, plus the kids only want simple things to eat like hamb, hot dogs, etc. SO.......I went for the standard please all and easy for me - PIZZA! Ordered one for the kids - just pepperoni and then one "Adult" pizza with actually more than 1 topping. Dressed up the table with a red tablecloth, some fancy glasses we don't use everyday and gathered all my mis-matched candles from the cupboard and around the house and VIOLA! you have a special dinner with the family! The kids loved it - CHEERS all around! *sigh* Now that's a great valentine's day date!

Make sure you accessorize!!!

I love to add a fun accessory to my outfit for the day! What girl doesn't like to accessorize!!! Don't forget about my daily accessory finds I put together for Boutiquecafe.com! You can always view my currnnt finds in the handy link on the left! Sometimes the designers even offer a special discount so read it daily! Today's find comes from the etsy store of joeyandaleethea - she's offernig 20% percent off today if you tell her, "Boutique CAFE Rocks!" I love her motto too - super cutesie boutique for baby boys, baby girls and their peeps!

ReSELLS!

I've spotted 2 resells from when I first started out. Both great for Spring! My Paris themed overalls and a Spring outfit Snatch them up while you can!

Giveaway! now that's HEARTwarming!

In honor of Valentine’s Day the Daily Dish on BoutiqueCAFE.com is opening up the comment section to you. Please stop by today and leave a message for someone special in your life, or tell us what you’re planning for the most heart warming day of the year.

We are excited for you to share your virtual “Conversation Hearts” on Boutique Cafe. Have a LOVE’ly day…

**Valentine’s Giveaway - One of our posters today who shares their message of love will be drawn to receive $25 in their Paypal account to spend wherever they want. Doesn’t that warm your heart?

"LOVE"ly Tradition

From ever since I can remember my family always made Valentine's day bags and exchanged cards. My mother would gather us all together around the table, pass out a brown paper lunch sack to each child and let us decorate it to our hearts content! Lots of paper hearts, doilies, stamps, stickers, scissors, glue and glitter would be scattered all over the table when we were done. THEN we got to create the cards to fill the sacks! Once the bags were all finished they usually got hung from the counter or someplace near the kitchen. This tradition has now been carried over to my own family. My kids couldn't get enough of it and my daughter really went all out! From left to right - son age 2, daughter age 6, Mine and my husbands. He was down with the flu when we created our bags so the kids helped me create his. ;) Happy Valentine's day everyone!

Showing the Love!

I'm showing the love with FREE shipping on any purchase you make from me on Valentines day, Wed. the 14th!!! I have just listed 3 new women's tops in my Blossom Street Shop and also I have listed my Modeled Cat in the Hat Mosaic Jeans with easy BIN option!

A moment of Magic!

The Magic of a Rainbow! We had some rain off and on for a couple of days and I happened to look out our office window and see a beautfiul rainbow! I grabbed the kids in excitment and we all went rushing out the front door in our PJ's. Their faces LIT up at the size, color and magic of it! We don't see them that often and it's been awhile since the last one I saw. AFter we all came back on the house giddy with joy and excitment we glanced out the window again and it was gone!

You Can Make This!

As an author on this site it is great to see it continuing to grow! (and I love buying a few ebooks here and there myself!) Kim has just announced today that the site has 2 new authors and 6 new ebooks! wow!!! I definately have my eye on one of them and will be purhcasing it! click on the picture to take a look around at all the site as to offer!

Beetle mania!

NEW! An original and funky new top for women. A fun way to add a punch of color and personality to your Spring wardrobe! you can check it out HERE ! Come on - be daring! :)