It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year...

It has been a very busy holiday season! This year we're traveling to see my parents in Nevada. We'll spend a few days in San Diego for Christmas and then come back to Nevada. It's a little sad, as I wont get to see any friends or other family in California, but at least it will be time with the family who I never get to see.

We decided to take a plane after much thought and planning. Actually, it was a complete surprise that we wouldn't be driving but I believe things happen for a reason and when our plans to drive fell through I took it as a sign. Flying will be easier, shorter, and we get to spend even more time with the family. All 13 days can be spent with family instead of 6 of them just in driving time (3 there and 3 back). I'm not sure how to get all these presents with us but we'll get it done. Just have to take less clothes or something. LOL.

My Etsy shop has actually been busy even though I haven't spent much time on it. Honestly I've not advertised or done much for the last 4 months. I still get about an order a week which I'm thankful for. The extra cash is nice, especially around the holidays. I haven't done anything new or exciting which is why I haven't posted any pictures. Actually, I did make a few really cute hats for a cousin of mine. I wish I had taken pictures of those but I didn't.

Pregnancy is going well. We're at 14 weeks. It's amazing how fast it is all going!! I can feel the baby from time to time but still very light. Nothing too crazy. I'm craving orange juice like crazy and really enjoy breakfast food rather than anything else...besides chocolate. I love anything sweet.

I've still been sick to my stomach but it is getting better. Overall this pregnancy is much easier than my first. No passing out, no high blood pressure (yet), no real issues besides the morning sickness. Oh, and I'm already popping out. It's pretty funny to be out of all my clothes already but lucky for me my mom sent a gift card for some new clothes before the holiday season. I'm just an early show-er. I was with Nathan and it's even worse this time. :)

The season has been busy but it's all been fun. Once it is vacation time things will be even better.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Whatever your religion or beliefs, may it be a time of love and laughter!

Snowriffic

We're supposed to be getting a blizzard this evening. 6-18 inches which is a pretty wide range. I love how weather people can be that vague and still get paid. It's like me saying "we will get between 100 and 10,000 units out today" Just isn't acceptable that way is it? However, I guess that's why they get paid the big bucks...and I do not.

Today we heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time. We are at 13 weeks and SO EXCITED. Hearing the heartbeat always makes it that much more real. I started crying and I could tell Mike was 100x more relieved now that we could hear it. Best sound ever.

Well, here is to the blizzard. We shall see how bad it actually gets. Hopefully not to bad and people show up to work tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Day Wrap Up

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving even though the gathering was small. Mike's parents, Nathan, Mike, and I were all that got together but it was all very yummy and a lot of fun. To start off the day we went to Timbers, a local restraunt for breakfast. Heck...we were going to cook all day! Why not eat out for Breakfast? Thanksgiving is also mine and Mike's "dating anniversary". We've been together 8 years this year.


After breakfast we decided to go to the house and get ready for Thanksgiving lunch! Yes, this day is all about food for us. Nathan decided to put on his Thanksgiving Day hat! It's a Turkey, if you couldn't tell. He was all ready for Thanksgiving!



We spent the day eating and playing games. It was a good time over all. These next pictures are of Nathan, Mike, and Grandpa playing bean bag toss which ended up being a who can hit who the most!

Good Children's Book Recommendation

The Very Cranky Bear
Just a few weeks ago my little preschooler came home with his first Scholastic sheet and order form. I could remember being so excited about ordering books when I was in school that I HAD to give in and buy a few for Nate. I decided to let him pick out some and he circled everything. So, we went with The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland and the "If You Give a Mouse A Cookie" set. He'll get the set for Christmas but I let him have the The Very Crank Bear now.

This book is AWESOME. I just read it to my 4 year old dude and he LOVED it. Daddy even played out the story and acted as the VERY CRANKY BEAR himself. It was a good time. I loved the illustrations and the story was fun. Highly recommend it for other little dudes and dudettes :)

www.peopleofwalmart.com

Alright, so there's this website that I've been INSANE about for the last week. www.peopleofwalmart.com It makes me happy to think that at least I'm not going around this crazy. I also think at least THESE PEOPLE aren't working for me right now.

This site makes me happy with awards like "best pimp coat". I think that everyone should visit once a day to put life in perspective.

This picture is my favorite at the moment


Trashy

I'm reminded of a Macy Grey concert I went to one time. She had a get up like this on except it was more like a pink and black checked table cloth. I love that women. Crack heads are awesome.

American Girl Doll and Your Girl! Matching Sets!

Here are some pics of a very happy customer who received this set as a gift. I was requested to make a hat and scarf for her American Girl Doll and a matching hat for her. As you can see she was so excited that I decided to list the set here on my Etsy site. I'm selling a scarf and hat set with matching set for the doll for $40. It's a good price considering the child scarf and hat alone would be $30, that's just $10 for the matching doll set.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for your order since it does come with 4 pieces.

I'm excited about offering these sets. They're very cute and sure to make great christmas gifts!

Up To Nothing and So Busy

I haven't blogged in a very long time. I have been busy on all fronts but not doing anything NEW really. My shop is busy and every time I get caught up on orders I get behind again and need to figure something out in order to get back on track. I've decided to use my Mother-In-Law to help out with beanies now and again which works out for both of us. She can use the dough to fund her trip to see her new grandson who will be born in the next month (I'm getting a nephew!!! So excited!) and I can use a moment to do something else in the meantime.

Work is insane. We're working as hard as possible to get orders out the door and being a Production Supervisor means that it's all my responsibility to make sure it gets done. I post overtime and more overtime...and my people hate me. However, I explain we have to do what we have to do. It's the final round and if it doesn't get done there will be cutbacks. We have to make this order, no if, ands, or buts about it. I'm doing what I can with a smile on my face but the hours are brutal and in the process of working on a Masters Degree, raising a family, and working in my shop there just isn't time left to do much else. Which is why my blog, among other things, have been left behind in the dust.

The good news is my son and husband are forgiving. Nathan is doing amazing at preschool and is a gem everyday. He is learning so much and growing into the most funny and caring young dude. He has a heart of gold and loves to laugh and make others laugh. He reminds me of myself all the time as a kid as he sings constantly and loves to pretend he is in the movies. I fall in love with him over and over every day. Which brings me to my husband. He works hard on his own, but still bends over backwards to make sure I have the time to work my OT, do school work, and take a shower every now and then. The house remains at least semi clean and laundry may not be put away but we do have clean clothes to wear because of him. He hugs me all the time because he knows I'm at a breaking point and ready to scream. The pressure is on but he's there for me.

While you may not hear from me always, I'm still reading blogs and trying to connect to those in the blog world. It's a good release at midnight when school work is finally done and I need a moment to unwind before I put myself to bed.

It could be much worse, and I'm not complaining. I'm just going through the motions until something gives or gets less busy so that I can concentrate on the fun stuff again like making new beanies and posting to my Etsy store :)

Retail Therapy

So, today starts our 10 day streak without Nathan. Nathan is traveling to Michigan with his grandma and grandpa for camping all week and next weekend too. This is the longest we've ever been without our little dude and while we are excited to have some US time we're going to miss the little bugger.

I suggested to Mike that we take a few hours and go play in LaCrosse to do some shopping at Hobby Lobby and Best Buy. We first went to Best Buy and started discussing the purchase of a new laptop. I have been DYING for a new laptop for myself. We decided we could spend roughly $400. So we looked and looked and finally found one that was good for the price. Then the sales man came and told us all about needing to purchase Microsoft Office, warranty plans, tax...blah blah blah. Suddenly my $400 computer was $700. Not something we can afford right now.

I threw a little hissy fit and decided to get over myself. I'll just have to wait another few months or so. ::insert pout face here::

We started walking around and found ourselves looking at vacuums. Now, we've been talking about a new one for quite some time. Normally, we'd spend about $70 or so. However, after just discussing a $400 purchase the really awesome vacuum for $150 was in our price range and didn't seem so crazy. Plus, now we have a dog at home to clean up after. A nice one is a good investment...right?

And there you have it...we are now the owners of a new vacuum even though we just went to window shop in the first place. Gotta love retail therapy. Now I have to clean up the house so we can use the new vacuum. What a bad idea! LOL!!!

Keeping Busy!

I've been keeping busy! Today I started out taking care of the little man. We went to the store where he decided he needed a new movie. He saw one he has had his eye on for some time now, Backyardagains Sing Along. So, we got it. It came with an inflatable microphone. He decided to give me a show...

This next one is a tad scary...

And he's back to normal...

I've been busy with school and got a few assignments done. I'm now working on some more orders. I'm officially caught up with the Etsy ones and I've moved to presents and orders from people at work. Here's one I've done for a friend of mine who is having a girl.

Of course I've listed it on my Etsy shop as well :)

My Busy Life!

Wow! This week almost feels like it didn't exist.

Work has been my main priority. I've started training and it has been an eye opening experience. There's a lot to do in regards to making the work conditions better and get in compliance with new initiatives. I'm overwhelmed but really excited about what's to come. I'm happy to be part of the change...lets put it that way.

My first school week came and went. I did pretty well and my second week has started. Honestly, with my new 12 hour work days I've not done very well at starting but I'm hoping to get on it this afternoon while grandpa and grandma take Nathan for some fishing and an overnight stay.

Nathan is doing well. He's just moving along until preschool starts in 2 weeks. He's very excited and I know he's going to do just fine. They seperate the kids by ages (Nate is in the oldest class) and he's going to be a Frog. He tells this to everyone he meets. It's pretty cute.

Today is my husband's 29th birthday! We'll be hanging out with a friend of his later this afternoon and we're all supposed to go camping. I might just forgo the camping (reaching the low 40s tonight) and catch up on school work. I could really use some fun adult time though. It has just been an insane week.

The shop has been busy and I'm behind again in orders. I feel bad. I need to spend some time this morning with the admin part of everything and then get my booty on the couch and start making hats! I've been thinking of taking a small vacation to catch up on orders...lets see how much I get done this weekend.

I think that's it for now. It has just been a crazy life, but I love it. Hopefully I'll get some more blog time this week and can show you what I've been working on!

Bad, Bad, Blogger!

I have been a horrible blogger this week!!! I've been so busy with work, starting school and this wholesale order (pictured below) that I haven't had a chance to do anything but crochet in my free time.

I was so excited about this order! I love these beanies and being able to make many of them was awesome. I love the bright colors!

My shop has been super busy! I've been very blessed lately. Rarely does a day go by where someone isn't at least asking about a custom order or ordering something. I've been loving every minute of it but is getting overwhelming, especially now that school has started. I'm just going to keep plugging away!

Have a great weekend everyone!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

At 6pm this evening I wrote down everyone's name who entered and gave them a number. People who entered more than once got more than one number. Then I put all the numbers in a bowl and asked my son to draw one with his eyes closed.

Congrats to JRollings for her winning entry on the Pumpkin Earflap hat!



Thank you to everyone who entered! I'll be sure to have another one in the near future!

**BONUS**
Those who entered the giveaway will have FREE SHIPPING for the next week on any crochet baby hat in my shop (beanie, earflap, or flat top). Just leave a message in the note to seller section and I'll refund you the shopping cost. Bonus ends next Sunday!

Thanks again! Have a great week!

Julie Lewis Portraits

Julie Lewis contacted me about a trade a few weeks ago...hats for photographs. I asked her if she would photograph my standard $5 beanie. Here's a few that she did with some more on the way!



OMG I love the bubbles in her mouth!!
Newborn Listing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26710515

4-6 Month Listing:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25882461

6-12 Month Listing:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28168132

JUST $5 EACH!!!
She's so cute! Here's more.



Here are some of her son and a visor beanie I made for him. I can make this visor beanie for a girl or boy in any size, including adult!! Seeing this on this cutie made me positive I'm making one for my own dude.





Isn't he adorable? I am so happy with how these turned out and there's more coming. Thanks Julie! You can find her at www.julielewisportraits.com

2 Days left on the giveaway! Be sure to enter to win! Scroll down two blogs to find the contest blog!

I Got A Promotion!!!

Though I love to crochet and sell baby hats and scarves on Etsy and would LOVE it to be my full time job one day; I do have another job. My other job is a 9-5 desk job where I do get to use some creativity to come up with innovative ways to do processes a little differently, collect data, hold multi functional group discussions, and interview potential new employees for various positions. My official title was Lean Initiatives Coordinator (Lean refers to a process methodology of continuous improvements and non-value added waste removal not weight loss). I love my job. LOVE IT. But something was missing...getting into the process and getting dirty.

I applied for the Production Supervisor position once it was posted because I knew instead of training people on what they should be doing I could actually implement the things that would improve production and quality. GOOD NEWS! I got the job!!!

I start in a week and a half in my new position. I'm very excited and can't wait to get in there and get aquainted with the new staff. It will be different from what I've been doing and that's a good thing. I love change.

Just wanted to share the news. In other news my shop is roaring with orders and people asking questions. I am on cloud nine and working hard to keep up with the orders! With a giveaway in process too (see last blog) this has been an amazing week and I am so thankful for everything that's going on.

Comment on the Giveaway if you haven't done so!!!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Alright, I've been promising a giveaway for a while now so it's time I kept my promise.

I'm giving away one of my Pumpkin Ear Flap Hats in any of these sizes; 0-6 month, 6- 12 month, or 12mo -2T!!

In order to win you must go to my shop and leave a comment here about your favorite item in my shop with your email address so I can contact you if you win. YOU MUST DO THIS STEP TO BE ENTERED TO WIN.

Then, extra entries can be earned by the following:
*Blog about the giveaway (please leave link in a comment on this blog)
*Tweet about the giveaway (please leave link in a comment on this blog)
*Buy an item in my shop and get an additional 5 entries!!!

Thank you for playing! I cannot wait to see who will win or how many will be interested in playing. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT SUNDAY 8/16/09

Have a Lovely Sunday!

Mississippi Fun!!!

Today we took out Mike's stand up paddle board and put it to good use on the Mississippi. Mike decided to attach a handle to a rope and the rope to his dad's boat. Then he let the boat pull him, kinda like water skiing. You should have seen the looks we got from people! LOL.

There was some falling in the water...but it's all in good fun :) Eventually we got my son on the board with his daddy and they went slow behind the boat.

I even got a turn on the board but wasn't brave enough to stand...just follow behind on my knees. It was a blast and I can't wait to get better so I can stand behind the boat and play in the wake.

I love living in Minnesota and playing in the Mississippi! This is one of the reasons I could never see myself leaving the midwest and going back to California. I love where I grew up and I do miss it from time to time...but it's a different lifestyle. This is exactly where I am supposed to be :)

Blog Follower Referral Program

Hello!

I've always heard the best form of advertisement is word of mouth. In order to get my blog followers, friends, and family to tell people about my Etsy store I am starting a referral program.

So, if someone buys from my shop and leaves a message in the "note to seller" box that YOU referred them then you get a 20% certificate good for any of the crochet items in my store! Get 5 people to buy from my store and that 100% off the item of your choice, including shipping and handling!

Thanks for passing along my store to those that you know! Be sure to tell them about my blog for more giveaways and special deals!

Loads of New Listings

I have a ton of new listings on my Etsy site right now...

Suzanne Hunt from Something Me Photography really out did herself with amazing photography and even a selection of new banners for me! I'm having fun listing new items and updating my shop. I recommend checking her out at www.somethingmephotography.com.

I'm really hoping for sales. Funny story - I have a coworker who asked me to do a hat and scarf for her daughter's American Girl doll. Well, it looked so cute that I'm doing two more sets for her daughter's friend's dolls and matching hats for the girls! Perfect! Who knew I'd be doing doll clothes as a side business? I'll take it! Though I'm hoping for BIG SALES in the fall and winter season I would be happy with some sales now too! LOL!
Be sure to stop by the Etsy store and check out the new listings! Let me know what you like and what you don't! I want to make sure I'm in tune with my buyers!

What I've Been Working On

I feel like I haven't listed anything new in such a long time but the truth is I'm doing a lot of orders for photography studios who have asked for trades or have orders in. I've finally finished my last one and I'm anxious to start working on stuff for my Etsy site again to get my sales rolling.

Here's some pics of my own for what I'm shipping out tomorrow.

This one might not look like much in this picture but it's adorible on. It's made of acrylic yarns in white and rainbow. Perfect for a little girl keeping the sun off her face. This is in a size for a three year old to teen.

I adore this little boy visor beanie. It's made in a size to fit a 12month - 2 year old. The colors were actually inspired by my husband who loves this combination. I'm pretty sure I'll be making one of these for my son once I get a moment.

I'm thinking of featuring Mommy & Daughter combos. This pic shows an adult visor beanie and newborn - 4 month baby beanie. It's quite adorible together and of course my pics don't do it justice.

And here are the girl beanies all together. The chocolate mint one is a new favorite color combo of mine. I also like the pink flower with it. You'll be seeing more of these colors in the near future!

Other then being busy with this project I've done an adorible earflap hat in rainbow. It actually looks tie dyed and it's awesome. I just keep thinking of the perfect hippy baby to wear it. I'll get it photographed sometime here shortly :)

Thanks for looking! Expect much more on Etsy in the next few weeks!

Dog Collar Giveaway

Dog Dazzle is having a give away! For anyone who has a doggie or knows someone who does pass this information along! There is a great variety of designs for different sized doggies. My favorites are The Roxy, Busy Day, and retro party.

Be sure to check out the blog too for more details and info about the seller!

Have a great day!

Yarn Shopping

I am so excited. I decided to go yarn shopping this afternoon on Etsy and I found so many wonderful colors and textures from recycled materials - old sweaters, tshirts, and more - to buy from. I purchased this lovely skein called Bell Pepper in Handknits by Joselyn. I cannot wait to find something awesome to do with it. Will it be more hats? These colors would make AWESOME baby earflap hats! Or perhaps a scarf? It will just have to tell me when it gets here.

She has a lot more yarn that I'm interested in buying. I've "hearted" her so I'll be checking back often.

So, for now my yarn shopping trip is over but I'm sure the bug will call again. If anyone knew about how much yarn I already have at home you'd shoot me for making this purchase but I just couldn't pass it up. :)

Things I'd Love To Work On

I’ve been a little crazy so I thought I’d make a list of some of the things I would like to work on.

1. I need to finish an order for some hats. This is my priority because, hello, it’s an order.
2. I’d love to create more ear flap hats for my shop so that once I get my pictures up I can put lots of different ones in my shop right away. Having things in stock makes it a LOT easier.
3. Create more Flat top hats…as well as elf hats. These are super cute and most of the ETSY world doesn’t even know I make them!
4. I would love to add more washcloths and body puffs. I have cotton yarn to do it even! I just don’t have time!
5. Baby Booties. I’m sure they would sell excellently paired with my original $5 beanies.
6. I have about 4 or 5 patterns I haven’t even touched! I’d love to work on something NEW.

That’s enough to have on my to do list don’t you think??? LOL.

Alright, here’s a poll to see if anyone is reading. Out of these items which one would you like to see in the shop first???

1. Flat top hats with pom poms
2. Elf Hats
3. Baby booties
4. Ear flap hats

Thanks for the opinions!

25% OFF SALE! ALL FABRIC PURSES

ALL FABRIC PURSES ARE ON SALE IN MY SHOP FOR 25% OFF!

My Aunt Sue makes each purse herself. They are great quality and she really puts a lot of love into making them. Shipping is only $3 in the US and Canada. Please take a look and check them out!

Mistakes Make Great Hats!

Our month without Daddy is soon coming to an end and he'll be coming home tomorrow! I have to say it has been a pretty crazy month and I've had my meltdowns but when push comes to shove I'm pretty lucky to have such a good kid. His puppy is pretty awesome too. Sometimes, they even take a break at the same time to give me a minute of peace.


Currently, Nathan is watching one of my favorite all time movies, Little Rascals. It has some of the best one liners. Once he remembers he has it we watch it at least 3 times before he asks to go back to cartoons or another movie. I am going to try and stick to just once tonight before bedtime since it's already almost 9pm.

In other news. I made a mistake this evening while making a hat. It turned out to be a pretty awesome mistake. Someone has ordered some beanies for their photography studio and would like a few in 4 year old size. This size is always rough for me and I normally go too small or too large. This time I went too large. I decided to add a visor to it and it came out awesome! I really like it. I'm going to send it to her anyways to match her 2 month old daughter and 4 year old daughter. Maybe they can get a great pic of the 3 of them in their hats?!


It makes me look like I almost tried to do something with myself today! Give me a break, please. I've had a rough month!

Photographer Spotlight

Suzanne Hunt is a photographer in Southern California. She's is amazing at capturing color and playfulness in her photography. She's wonderful with babies, amazing with children, and great at capturing special moments with couples.

Lucky for me, she's also a friend of mine from high school who was willing to take photographs of my hats for my websites. Here's some special ones from her photo shoot.




I can't wait to get these on my Etsy site so they'll be available for purchase. She had such a wonderful way of bringing out their colors. Her adorible children made them look great.

You can find more of Suzanne's work at www.somethingmephotography.com. She has a wonderful way of connecting to her clients and getting them exactly what they're looking for. Be sure to check her out!

Thank you Suzanne for the photoshoot!!!

On A Roll...

New listings are up! I have a few boy beanies that are now up. I'm working on some really awesome earflap hats and I can't wait to get them on my site. I also have been making some diaper covers.

They're really cute but I can't figure out how to get them to attach. I need to sew on some buttons to one that I made, but of course I can't find my needle and thread to save my life. Oh jeeze.

Hopefully I can find them soon and get them shipped out. Next I'm going to play with some beautiful baby blue fuzzy yarn. I'm sure it would make some adorible hats that would be perfect for photography :)