Monday, February 28, 2011

Interview with Deb of Bluepie Designs

I met Deb back in November at our first Craft Show. She strolled by our table and right away we hit it off. We started talking about our businesses, Etsy, crafting...a little bit of everything. We exchanged cards and have been in touch ever since. We've been helping each other out a bunch too, it's been great. She fills me in & explains all the local craft fairs and group meetings to attend and I've been helping her with social networking. It's been really fun sharing our specialties with each other.
Deb is ridiculously talented and wonderful to work with. I can't wait to see what she creates next. I purchased one of her original secret money stash cuffs for my niece for Christmas and couldn't have been happier. She's been making them as kids' party favors too, for all you mom's out there--great idea!
Another thing I love about Deb is how she's always up for a challenge or something new. Whether it be diving into the "blogging" and "facebook" world or reading a post of mine about starting a running program and then starting herself! She wrote me one day and basically said.... I read your blog about training for a half marathon- I looked up that program and started training for a 5K today!

I loved reading all of Deb's answers and hope you do too!



About You & Bluepie!

1. Tell us a little about where you're from.
Jersey girl since day one. My dad built the house I grew up in in Colonia. Since then, my childhood girlfriend bought it, so I still get to go back and remember what it was like to be five anxiously waiting for the Good Humor truck to come by. Chocolate was my favorite.

2. When did you start sewing? Did someone teach you?
I started sewing in Mrs. Condor's Home Ec class in Junior High. Buttonholes were the hardest. I pretty much gave up on them until the new machines inserted them like magic! Now it's a piece of cake.

3. What's a typical day like for you?
A typical day is never typical. Gemini's (me) do 12 things at once. And then another 420 throughout the day. I am up at 6:30 am. Sewing, creating, painting, writing stories, emailing, online 24/7 on my MAC, photographing, dreaming, working out, reading, watching the travel channel during a veggie burger lunch, shopping at craft stores and fabric stores, more dreaming. Then I wonder where the day went and make a list for the next day. This time I try to limit the list to 419 things to do. I also normally design new ideas for Bluepie in my sleep. Those are always the best- it's how the "Secret Stash" cuff was born.

4. How did you come up with the name Bluepie Designs?
Bluepie Designs is an acronym for Blending Lives, Uniting Energy, Passion, Inspiration and Enthusiasm. My friend who is a jewelry designer and I plan to have a website together soon so I came up with this name which pretty much says it all. We are the ultimate nerds. (Cool nerds though.)

5. What are some of your other hobbies?
Hobbies? Just about everything I see I want to make. I've traveled every year with a good friend for the last 10 years and we have been all over the world. My camera is how I see what others don't. That, and my daily travel journal become an online or paper scrapbook when I return. Then I can revisit those streets of Paris whenever I wish. My hobbies are the essence of who I am.

6. What is your favorite item in your Etsy shop?
My favorite item at my Etsy shop? Is that a trick question? I can't answer that. My brain would go on overload.

7. Which of your creations are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my watercolor paintings actually, but they are not for sale on Etsy yet.

8. Any upcoming projects we can look forward to?
Upcoming projects right now are top secret information at BluepieDesign Headquarters. But I can give you a hint. It will be a mixed media project.



Randoms!

1. Plan your next vacation. Where do you want to go?
My next vacation will most likely be Sardinia, Italy. It will be my second time in Italy. Heaven on earth. It's still in the planning stages so who knows where I will end up.

2. You are headed out for dinner. Where are you going?
My favorite place for dinner out? Don't really have one. I love to try new places-more exciting. Although I do love Jose Tejas! Margaritas to die for and I feel like I am on a vacation for a few hours.

3. You just won $1,000 but can only spend it in one store. What store is it?
Of course if I had $1000 dollars to spend in one store only it would be the Apple Store. Or, no wait the craft store, or the camera store. That was another trick question wasn't it? (sorry, I hate to follow the rules)



Just for fun!

1. Cat or Dog?
I like Dogs better, but have 2 rescued cats.

2. Coffee or Tea?
Hate coffee, love tea!

3. Early Bird or Night Owl?
For sure, early bird. I am asleep by 11 pm. Brain is dead but needed for dreaming up new projects.

4. Even or Odd?
I don't gamble so even or odd is irrelevant to me.

5. Summer or Winter?
Summer without a doubt rocks!


Please go say HI!

Bluepie BLOG
Bluepie FACEBOOK
Bluepie Etsy Shop


Thanks so much, Deb!! :)

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Buzz on by Thursday!

Buzz on by Thursday blog hop hosted by Fashionably Organized, The Two Savvy Sisters,




Buzz on By Thursday is a great way to meet new bloggers and increase your Google followers! So join us, we promise you will have a blast...plus we have some pretty sweet giveaways too!



If you want to be a part of Buzz on by Thursday, just follow these few rules:

Follow ALL of the Hostesses
If you're a new follower make sure to leave us a comment so we can follow you back! WE DO FOLLOW BACK!

Put your name and URL in the linky* below (only have to add once).

*Please note that due to the cost of McLinky we have switched our linking system. If you don't see your link after a few minutes (yes, it says it may take a few minutes) you should re-enter it. If this turns out all wrong we'll try something new next week. We thank you in advance for your patience.






wordless wednesday--my sweet emmy girl

Monday, February 21, 2011

WINNER!!

Thanks to random.org we have our winner for the PetCakes Giveaway!!

#5 Holly


Congratulations Holly!


Thanks to all who entered :)




Another giveaway was added today for monthly onesie stickers
Check it out, they're super cute!!



Wednesday, February 16, 2011

BabyCakes Design Co Review & Giveaway!!

I always love finding "matching" stuff for my son and daughter. If something comes in a "boy" version and a "girl" version, I have to have it! So when I started searching for Valentine's outfits for Ry & Em, I was so excited to stumble upon BabyCakes Design Co on Etsy! They had exactly what I was looking for...matching Valentine iron on transfers. I had never tried to make their own shirts before, but thought it was such a great idea and couldn't wait to try.

Check out how cute these images are!

I found the perfect white shirts at Old Navy (on clearance and with a coupon, of course)! You can also find inexpensive, plain white shirts at Walmart & AC Moore (with coupon). Instructions were included and were very detailed and easy to follow. The transfers were packaged nicely and were wrapped in bubble wrap for extra protection.

In just a few minutes I had adorable, original Valentine's Day shirts for my kiddos! I loved the fact that I made them--and it was easy, I knew no one else would have them, they were super cute and most importantly my kids LOVED them! :)


BabyCakes Design Co has tons of other adorable stuff too. I especially LOVE the Monthly Onesie Stickers! I have a bunch of preggo friends this year and I think this might just be the perfect shower gift! You could give the stickers themselves or if you're up for a project you could even purchase the different size onesies and make them yourself! I think that would definitely be a HUGE hit!

There are TONS to choose from! Here are some of my faves :)

And I SOO wish I had these when I was pregnant!
What a cute way to capture your growing belly!!


BabyCakes Design Co has generously offered one of my readers a $9 set of stickers!!



HOW TO ENTER:
Please leave a separate comment for each entry and
don't forget to include your email in one entry!

Mandatory Entry: Please visit BabyCakes Design Co and tell me which $9 set of stickers you would love to win!

Extra Entries:

1. Fan BabyCakes Design Co on Facebook-- 2 entries
2 .Write on their wall and tell them I sent ya :) -- 1 entry
3. Follow my blog-- 1 entry
4. Fan me on Facebook-- 1 entry
5. Follow me on twitter-- 1 entry
6. Tweet the following-- 1 tweet per day-- 1 entry per tweet

"#Win a set of Monthly Onesie Stickers--so cute! http://ow.ly/40jLZ @emmyscloset #giveaway ends 3/2"

7. Share on Facebook or Blog (share buttons on bottom of post)-- 3 entries



Giveaway is open to the US and ends on Thursday, March 3rd--midnight EST. Winner will be chose via Random.org, notified by email and will have 48 to respond.

GOOD LUCK!!



Disclaimer: I received the iron on transfers in exchange for this review & giveaway. This is my honest opinion, however it may differ from yours. Your stickers will be shipped directly from BabyCakes Design Co so I can not be held responsible for lost or non received items.

Monday, February 14, 2011

happy valentine's day, y'all....

Happy Valentine's Day!!


It was a tad bit sunny ;) but here are my 2 Valentines! A little sneak peek of an upcoming review & giveaway... their shirts are iron on transfers from BabyCakes Design Co! Such adorable stuff!

Hope you all have a SWEET day!! XoXo!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

PetCakes Review & Giveaway!-- closed

From the second I saw these, I loved them...what's better than cute little animals and cupcakes?!
A new collectible plush pet line that will be a sweet treat for children ages 3 & up. Each PetCakes animal features a "frosting" hat, comes nestled in its own cupcake wrapper and has its own whimsical backstory. At first look, children will see a delicious cupcake but will then be surprised by the pet they find snuggled inside! Combining sweet faces and cuddly plush with a clever cupcake theme, PetCakes are collectible and provide hours of open-ended imaginative play. PetCakes make perfect gifts for a special friend and for pet lovers. They are ideal for birthday party favors, stocking stuffers and as rewards for good grades. Most of all, PetCakes deliver the kind of fun kids eat up!
We received the first series of these collectible stuffed animals, and I couldn't wait to show them to my daughter! I personally thought they were so adorable. I loved how they were so little and cuddly! She absolutely loved them too...and SO did my almost 4 yr old son! They played in her room for a while, looking at all their different faces and colors. Ry loved matching them up to their wrappers and we even started playing a game with Em. "Can you put Randy in the pink wrapper?" It was so cute to watch him play with and teach his little sister. A huge hit was that they all have names and little stories. I love a well thought out, clever idea! We quickly jumped on the computer and learned all of their names and backgrounds.
How stinkin' cute are these?
(Em's favorite)
I'm a fluffy poodle and as lovingly sweet as a frosted cupcake.
Cuddle me and keep me warm in my cupcake wrapper.
(Ry's favorite)
I love to scamper around playfully and take long naps in my cupcake wrapper!
I'm a playful, loving, mischievous Beagle.
I like to yelp when I'm happy but I never, never bite.
I'm real sharp. In fact, I'm a Sharpie.
I act tuff for my size but I'm a loving pushover.



The wonderful people of Well Made Toys have generously
offered one of my readers
2 PetCakes of their own!
(randomly chosen by Well Made Toys)


HOW TO ENTER:
Please leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget to
include your email in one entry!


Mandatory Entry: Please tell me which PetCakes is your favorite
OR who you'd hope to win them for!


EXTRA ENTRIES!
1. Follow PetCakes on Facebook --1 entry
2. Follow my blog -- 1 entry
3. Follow me on Facebook --1 entry
4. Follow me on Twitter --1 entry
5. Tweet the following-- 1 tweet per day-- 1 entry per tweet

" I just entered to #win 2 PetCakes!! @emmyscloset http://ow.ly/3Tex4 ends 2/20"

6. Subscribe to my blog via email --top right-- 2 entries
7.Grab my button --leave link-- 2 entries
8. Share on Facbook or blog (share buttons on bottom of post) -- 3 entries


Can't wait?? You can find PetCakes on their website, Amazon or Toys R US!


Giveaway is open to the US and ends on Sunday, February 20th -midnight EST . Winner will be chosen via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond.


GOOD LUCK!! :)


Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for this review & giveaway. This is my honest opinion, however it may differ from yours. Your PetCakes will be shipped directly from Well Made Toys so I can not be held responsible for lost or non received items.

Buzz on by Thursday and My Thirty One giveaway!!

Buzz on by Thursday blog hop hosted by Fashionably Organized The Two Savvy Sisters Emmy's Closet and Sunny Bug






Buzz on By Thursday is a great way to meet new bloggers and increase your Google followers! So join us, we promise you will have a blast...plus we have some pretty sweet giveaways too!

If you want to be a part of Buzz on by Thursday, just follow these few rules:
Follow ALL of the Hostesses
If you're a new follower make sure to leave us a comment so we can follow you back! WE DO FOLLOW BACK!


Put your name and URL in the linky* below (only have to add once).


*Please note that due to the cost of McLinky we have switched our linking system. If you don't see your link after a few minutes (yes it says it may take a few minutes) you should re-enter it. If this turns out all wrong we'll try something new next week. We thank you in advance for your patience.

Follow Fashionably Organized, The Two Savvy Sisters, Emmy's Closet and Sunny Bug via Google Connect. Leave comments on each site letting us know you are following us so we can follow you back.


We have a fantastic giveaway this week. Debbie Mayers of My Thirty One and Deborah Mayer Photography is giving away a GORGEOUS TOTE to one lucky Buzz on By Entrant.




The two bags above measure 9 in high, 6 in wide, and 5.25 in deep



The bag above measures 9.5 in high, 14 in wide, 4.5 in deep


You get to choose from 1 of the 2 above styles and whatever pattern you would like.


The winner will be picked by ADDING ALL OF THE COMMENTS FROM EACH SITE TOGETHER. Make sure you are leaving a comment on each sites BOBT post FOR TODAY. The more comments you leave the more chances you get to win. Yes that means you have 4 times the chances if you enter comments on each site. If you are already a follower that's OK leave a comment on one or all of the sites letting us know you are already a follower. We love you for following us and want you to have a chance to win too.


This giveaway is for US residents only. All comments must be placed by Monday, February 14th -- 6 PM EST. The winner will be picked at random by adding all of the comments from your hostesses and using random.org to generate a random number. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before the prize will be offered to the another entrant.

Thanks for BEEING a part of Buzz on by Thursday fun!!!

The BUZZ about our Blog Hop doesn't end there, you can get more entries to our giveaway by doing 1 or all of the following below. Make sure to leave comments for everything you do on each site you do it for:

1. Subscribe to the RSS feed of Fashionably Organized, Emmy's Closet, Two Savvy Sisters and Sunny Bug.

4. Spread the word about Buzz on By Thursday; the giveaway on your blog or facebook. You can click on our retweet buttons or like buttons to make this even easier. When you leave a comment, please add a link to your post.

5. Post the Buzz on By Thursday button on your blog.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

WINNER!!

Thanks to random.org we have our winner for the Valentine's Day Giveaway!!

#11 Susan


Congratulations Susan!

Stay tuned for more fun giveaways coming soon!!

Monday, February 7, 2011

week 1, day 1...

I've been a runner pretty much my whole life. It's always been the one thing that came easily to me and I loved doing. I started in 5th grade and ran through college. Then I stopped. Just completely stopped and I am still so mad at myself for it. I don't know if I had just had enough, or I was busy working, starting a family, etc. I could make excuses all day, but I'm done.

I am so excited that I have officially registered for my first Half Marathon!! I figured if I just took the plunge and registered I would HAVE to do it, right? (I'm not one to lose money!)

I started my 12 week training plan today, it was only a "stretch & strengthen" day so I'd say it went well. :)

I am going to post here and there about my progress (and hopeful weight loss!), I think this will help me stick to it.

Wish me luck, 12 weeks till RACE DAY!

Friday, February 4, 2011

some news...

Happy Friday! Wanted to fill you in on several things going on right now! :)


Today is the LAST day to enter our Valentine's Day giveaway!! You could win a $10 gift certificate to my esty shop and a Valentine's Printable Package from The Two Savvy Sisters! Ends at midnight. Good Luck!!

Have you been checking out the Handmade with Love giveaway hop?! No big secret that I'm a sucker for handmade stuff, so I've been going crazy entering these giveaways. There are almost 150 blogs participating! I'm offering a $20 gift certificate over at Momma Drama, she has 2 other really cute prizes too!

Don't forget about this weeks Buzz on by Thursday blog hop giveaway! Deb of Bluepie Designs generously offered one of our "hoppers" a Kid's Secret Stash Money Cuff!! I bought one for my 17 yr old niece for Christmas and she loves it. She's been using in at school, on band trips, at the mall, etc. Deb recently started a fan page and you can follow her at her blog too. It's too late to add your name to the hop but it's NOT TOO LATE to enter the awesome Bluepie giveaway! Ends Monday!

Last but not least, another awesome Frecklebox giveaway! Still have my fingers crossed for one of those lunch boxes! Em so needs one for her 2nd birthday ;) Check out the giveaway right now on Mommy Katie--ends Feb 16.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!! :)


UPDATE! I also just found this adorable giveaway for an Aurora Plush Purse. Em would LOVE this! I love how it's not just your typical puppies in purses, they have elephants, tigers, unicorns, sooo cute! Check it out on Mommy Katie!


Thursday, February 3, 2011

Buzz on by Thursday & Bluepie Giveaway!


Welcome to "Buzz on by Thursday" blog hop, hosted by Fashionably Organized, The Two Savvy Sisters, Emmy's Closet and Sunny Bug!




Buzz on By Thursday is a great way to meet new bloggers and increase your Google followers! So join us, we promise you will have a blast...plus we have some pretty sweet giveaways too!


If you want to be a part of Buzz on by Thursday, just follow these few rules:


Follow ALL of the Hostesses


If you're a new follower make sure to leave us a comment so we can follow you back! WE DO FOLLOW BACK!


  1. Add your blog name and URL to the linky below (only have to add once)


  2. Follow Fashionably Organized, The Two Savvy Sisters, Emmy's Closet and Sunny Bug via Google Connect. Leave comments on each site letting us know you are following us so we can follow you back.



    This week, the wonderful Deb of Bluepie Designs has generously offered one of our "hoppers" her original Kid's Secret Stash Money Cuff. Winners choice!
    (I bought one for my niece for Christmas and she LOVES it--such an original, cute idea! ~~Sara)
    Check out Deb's Etsy Shop for more of her fabulous creations!


    Please say HI to Deb on her blog & Facebook!


    This giveaway is for US residents only. All comments must be placed by Monday, February 8th -- 6 PM EST. The winner will be picked by adding all of the comments from your hostesses and using random.org.



    Thanks for BEEING a part of Buzz on by Thursday fun!!! The BUZZ about our Blog Hop doesn't end there, you can get more entries to our giveaway by doing 1 or all of the following below. Make sure to leave comments for everything you do:


    1. Subscribe to the RSS feed of Fashionably Organized, Emmy's Closet, Two Savvy Sisters and Sunny Bug.


    3. Like
    Fashionably Organized, Emmy's Closet, Two Savvy Sisters and Sunny Bug on Facebook.

    4. Spread the word about Buzz on By Thursday & the giveaway on your blog or facebook. When you leave a comment, please add a link to your post.

    5. Post the Buzz on By Thursday button from Fashionably Organized (in the footer), Emmy's Closet, Two Savvy Sisters and Sunny Bug on your blog.




    Would you like to sponsor a giveaway for Buzz on By Thursday? Please feel free to contact Nicole from The Two Savvy Sisters or Candice from Fashionably Organized for more information.












Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Valentine's Day Giveaway!!

Thinking it's the perfect time for a giveaway since Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

I've teamed up with the fabulous Nicole of The Two Savvy Sisters once again, to offer you all a sweet Valentine's Day giveaway :)


Here's the scoop:

The Two Savvy Sisters is generously offering one lucky reader her

You won't believe all that is included in this set... :)

Chic Valentines Day Party Circles
These are great for gift tags, cupcake toppers, place cards, napkin rings, favor tags, notecards & more!

Chic Valentines Fancy Gift Tags~designs with TO: and FROM:

Chic Valentines Fancy Blank Labels
Use these to make place cards, candy jar labels, buffet labels, gift tags & more!

Chic Valentines Rectangular Dot Tags great for gift tags!

Chic Valentines Mini Note Cards


Chic Valentines 11 X 8.5 Sign



AND....You will also win a $10 gift certificate to Emmy's Closet!! This way you can pick out whichever Valentine's Day Bows you love best!
(or anything else you have your eye on)




Want to win a $10 gift certificate to Emmy's Closet
and a Printable Chic Valentine's Day Collection from The Two Savvy Sisters?!

IT'S EASY!!

Simply "like" both of us on Facebook and leave ONE comment here
telling us who your Valentine is this year! :)
((please be sure to leave your email))


Giveaway ends this Friday, February 4th--Midnight EST. Winner will be chosen via random. org

Good Luck Everyone!!! Happy Valentine's Day!
xoxo Sara & Nicole

Tempted Pastries & Pies


My friend Jill recently started up an Etsy shop....Tempted Pastries & Pies, filled with all things YUMMY! Her desserts are seriously delicious, my family and I enjoyed some of her Red Velvet Whoopie Pies on Christmas.

Right now she is having a contest on her Facebook Fan Page! Once she gets to 300 fans she will generously giveaway a dozen Valentine's Day Cookies to one random fan!

So head on over and "like" her page if you haven't already. If you send over some friends, they can write YOUR name on the wall and you'll receive another entry!

Good Luck!! Who doesn't want a dozen Valentine's day cookies?? I know I do! :)