Christmas 2013

Between family get-togethers and Christmas programs, I feel like we've been celebrating Christmas all December.  We just have one more family Christmas right after New Years' and then we'll be done until next Christmas.

We went to The Farm for supper with my in-laws on Christmas Eve and the kids got to open their gifts from Great Grandma.  We stayed there way too late talking and eating Christmas goodies while the cousins played, watched movies, and ran around.  Star fell asleep in her great uncle's arms around 9 and slept almost until we were ready to head home.

The next morning, Hubby and I let the kids look in their stockings before we headed back down to The Farm for brunch.  I got each of them a Veggie Tales dvd, a Christmas ornament, a toy camera from the $5 bins at Target, and 1 other thing.  The cameras especially were a huge hit, and the kids just had to take them to The Farm with them to show them off to Grandma and Grandpa.  We stayed at The Farm until 4:30 and then came home to open gifts.  The kids were so excited and that was the fastest they've ever gotten ready to leave Grandma and Grandpa's house :)

Princess and Little Man needed twin size bedding for their bunk bed so I got them each a bedding set for Christmas.  Princess had been sleeping under a worn out unzipped toddler size sleeping bag and Little Man had been sleeping under a crib quilt, neither of which were big enough for them anymore.  I had been thinking about getting cute character bedding sets, but opted for sets that they could use for years to come instead.  Seriously, they were even more excited about the sets than I could have imagined they would be.  When Little Man opened his, he hugged it while screaming, "I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it!!!"  Totally adorable :)  As soon as we got done unwrapping gifts, they begged me to make their beds so they could try out their new bedding and after supper, they wanted to go straight to bed.  Total Mom Win!

Hubby recently started drinking coffee at work and wanted to have the occasional cup at home too so I got him a Hamilton Beach single serve coffee machine with an assortment of K-Cups to try.  After we put the kids to bed, we sat down to eat our dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, and buttered green beans and then finished the evening with a cup of hot chocolate from the new coffee machine.  What a perfect way to end Christmas day :)    

Princess with her new bedding set

Little Man with his new bedding set

Here are the kids with their Christmas gifts and the gifts from their stockings...

In her stocking, Princess received a Doc McStuffins toy camera (Target), a doll ornament (Target), a "puppy in my pocket" marker (Scholastic), and a Veggie Tales dvd (Fleet Farm).  Her wrapped gifts were the bedding set (Walmart), a John Deere shirt (Zulily), and a John Deere backpack (Zulily)

In his stocking, Little Man received a Monsters University toy camera (Target), a hammer ornament (not pictured, Target), a Veggie Tales dvd (Fleet Farm), and First Stencil Cards (Barefoot Books).  His wrapped gifts were the bedding set (Walmart), a John Deere backpack (Zulily), and a tractor shirt (Etsy)

In her stocking, Star received a Disney Princess toy camera (Target), a Veggie Tales Dvd (Fleet Farm), a Princess Carriage book (Scholastic), and a Big Sister ornament (Etsy).  Her wrapped gifts were a John Deere backpack (Zulily), a Disney Princess ball (Target), and a Veggie Tales Christmas book (Sam's Club).

I hope your Christmas was as fun as ours!  Merry Christmas!

Holiday Gift Guide 2013

I'm in the process of putting together my holiday gift guide for 2013 and once again, I'm featuring shops from Etsy.  Right now, I'm looking for submissions so if you have an Etsy shop, read on for more info! 

I'm asking for each shop to have something to give my readers.  It could be a discount code for all my readers to use, or a gift certificate, or free product (shipping and handling must be included) to give to one lucky reader.  For those who are giving a gift certificate or free product, I'll be hosting a rafflecopter giveaway which will require entrants to like Facebook pages, follow Twitter and Pinterest accounts, and interact with Etsy shops.  It's a great way to get your shop "out there."

The categories I will be featuring this year are Girls, Boys, and Sibling Sets.  They will all be posted in early November and the posts will be promoted on my Facebook pages (my blog page, my boutique page, and my pattern shop page), Twitter account, and my Pinterest.

If you have an Etsy shop and would like to be included, email me at annaliesbabyboutique@yahoo.com to submit your shop.  Copy and paste the form below with your info into your email:

Name:
Email Address:
Shop Name:
Etsy URL:
Facebook Page:
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Category you'd prefer to be featured in (Girls, Boys, Sibling Sets):
Gift (Discount code, gift certificate, free product):

Random Monday-July 29, 2013

I got behind on my cleaning.  Way, way behind.  I hate it when that happens because I can't work efficiently because of the mess plus I feel guilty for not cleaning, but I can't clean because I know I need to work.  It's a vicious cycle that ends with me sitting on the couch watching reruns on Netflix and devouring chocolate.

I wrote about an awesome way to keep my house clean almost 2 years ago and I still believe that it's the only method to keep me sane.  However, I didn't feel like I could pick it up again because my house was so messy.  However, I forgot some of the most important Flylady rules...

“Your home did not get dirty in one day, and it will not get clean in a day either.”

"Don't try to catch up.  Jump in where you are!" 

Oh, yeah.  Those rules.

So today, I jumped in with the daily routine.  Instead of a quick clean of each room, I set the timer for 10 minutes and spent just that much time in each room.  They aren't done, but they're better and I'll do the same tomorrow and the day after and the day after until they're ready for the quick clean again.


I did manage to get a little work done last week though.  I had a custom order for this fun back-to-school outfit for a sweet little girl who's starting kindergarten this year.  I loved it so much that I decided to offer it in my Etsy shop as well.  The skirt has a fun buses and stop signs print on the main portion and a handwriting fabric on the border.  The shirt has a heart shaped applique that can be personalized with your child's name or left blank so your child can write their own name on instead (which I think would make it an awesome keepsake first-day-of-school outfit!)  

I'm thinking Princess needs one of these for her first day of kindergarten as well.

 

Do You Have an Etsy Shop?

It seems like I spend a lot of time talking about my two Etsy shops here.  This post is not about my shops though, (see, no hyperlink this time!) it's about yours!

I'd love to see what you're making for your shop.  If you don't have an Etsy shop, but have one you love, link that up instead!  There are no rules for this linkup except that all links must be to a family-friendly Etsy shop.  You can enter more than one link.      







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Small Business Saturday

I'm sure you've all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but have you heard of Small Business Saturday?

It was first held on November 27th, 2010 and was created and promoted by American Express.  Its mission to encourage people to shop at and support local small businesses.

Now, technically,my business doesn't qualify since I don't have a brick and mortar store, but I'm still honoring Small Business Saturday at my boutique.  After all, I'm definitely not a big box store!     

On Saturday morning, I will release a coupon code that can be used in my Etsy shop and will be posting sales (and maybe some freebies!) on my Facebook page. 



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2012 Etsy Gift Guide - Toys

Welcome to the second installment of my 2012 Etsy Gift Guide series!  You can see the entire series here.
  

I've never been a big fan of noisy plastic toys that do nothing for my children's imagination.  I love the quality and craftsmanship of handmade toys which is why Etsy is one of my favorite places to find toys.

Click on the caption below each picture to follow the link to the specific item.  If you like what you see, be sure to check out the seller's shop to see what other fun things they have! 
 

Deluxe Custom Superhero Cape Set with Mask

This fleece cape has a velcro closure and felt mask with elastic.  You choose the colors, inital, and shape on the cape.
$14.95
Cape and Mask Set from EYMM
EYMM is offering my readers the coupon code "Supermommy" good for 5% off your order through December 1st.

Toss and Play Ball

 What a fun ball to toss around with your child!  It features cotton and soft minky fabrics for a tactile experience.  It also comes apart in 3 pieces which makes it a fun puzzle ball for all ages.
$26.00
Ball from teacher mom

Rainbow Ring Crayon

Each rainbow ring crayon is made from 12 crayons and will provide your child with hours of coloring fun.
$6.00
Crayon Ring from Mama May i
Mamy May I is offering my readers the coupon code "Supermommy" for 10% off.  The code can also be used at mamamayishop.com

Yellow Magic Wand

What a beautiful alternative to the cheap plastic wands you buy at a superstore!  This wand is made of wood and is all natural and non-toxic.
$9.50
Wand from 3 Princesses Store

Wrecking Ball Truck with Blocks

 This all natural, wooden wrecking ball truck comes with a set of eight blocks for your child to stack up and knock over.
$22.00
Truck and Blocks from Green Bean Toys

Color Wheel Puzzle

 What a fun way to learn how colors combine to create new ones!  This wooden color wheel puzzle is non-toxic, and the pieces can be numbered on the back if desired.
$30.00
Color Wheel Puzzle from The Puzzled One

Personalized Wooden Bowling Game

This wooden bowling game set comes with 10 pins and 2 balls.  One pin can be personalized with a name.  It comes in a drawstring carrying bag.
$40.00
Bowling Set from Little Sapling Toys 

Rosie Rag Doll

What little girl wouldn't love to snuggle with this soft, fabric stuffed rag doll?
$30.00
Rag Doll from Rosie Cheeks

I Spy Bag

This I Spy bag is full of tiny trinkets for your child to find.  The back of the bag features an attached printed fabric list of what is in the bag plus a picture list is attached with a ring as well.
$10.00
I Spy Bag from The Crafting Corner

Felt Finger Puppets

This set of five wool felt finger puppets includes a panda, elephant, bear, owl, and a person.
$20.00
Finger puppets from Nifty Kidstuff 

Magnetic Fruit with Cutting Board

This fun set comes with a felt cutting board and felt knife to cut the magnetic apple, banana, kiwi, and watermelon.
$35.00
Felt Food Set from Whispers of a Childhood

Crayon Roll

Great for kids on the go, this crayon roll holds 23 crayons, mini colored pencils, or mini markers.
$8.00
Crayon Roll from To Jameson with Love

Felt Food Cookie Baking Set

The no-mess way to bake cookies!  This felt set includes 7 mini cookies with frosting and sprinkles, 1 rolled out cookie dough with 4 cookie shapes, 1 spatula, 1 cookie sheet, and 1 wooden rolling pin.
$55.00
Felt Cookie Baking Set from Fiddle Dee Dee
Fiddle Dee Dee is offering my readers the coupon code "URSPECIAL2" for 15% off through November 24th.

Felt Tiger Mask

What a fun way to pretend to be a tiger!  The felt mask is held on with soft elastic and fits a variety of ages.
$9.00
Tiger Mask from Dani Jo Designs

Memory Match Game

This set of 20 natural wooden discs have been hand stamped with black, non-toxic, permanent ink.  They come in a drawstring carrying pouch.
$12.00
Memory Match Game from Hustle Mama

Playdough Learning Mats

This set of playdough learning mats come with 9 different farm animals plus a farmer boy and a farmer girl.  You print them off and laminate them and your child can decorate the faces with playdough.
$8.50
Learning Mats from Busy Little Bugs Shop



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2012 Etsy Gift Guide-Sibling Outfits

Welcome to my 2012 Etsy Gift Guide series!  Over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting gift guides with different themes.

How many of you like to coordinate your kids' Christmas outfits?  *Raises hand and waves it wildly in the air*  Yep, I'm guilty of doing that all year round, but Christmas is especially fun to match my kids outfits with each other.

Click on the caption below each picture to follow the link to the specific item. 

Rudolf Shirts

For her: Rudolf with a hairbow applique onesie or t-shirt.

For him: Rudolf onesie or t-shirt.

$36 for the set

Outfits from Head over Heels

 

Pillowcase Dress and Jon Jon

For her: Sparkle red and green plaid pillowcase dress with red ribbons.  Personalization is extra.
For him: Green jon jon overalls with personalization included.
$73.00 for the set
Outfits from BoogerBear & PunkinPooh

Bowtie and Pillowcase Dress

For her: Red and green candy cane striped pillowcase dress with red dot ribbons.
For him: Red and green candy cane striped bowtie with velcro closure.
$32.00 for the set
Outfits from Alma Expressions

 

Dress and Shirt

For her: White minky pillowcase dress with snowman applique and included monogram on the back.
For him: Snowman applique onesie or shirt (not included in the listing).
Prices start at $35 and vary depending on sizes needed.
Outfits from Babys BOWtique
Baby's BOWtique is offering my readers a coupon code for 15% off any purchase except for complete bedding sets.  Use the code "MOM15" at checkout.

Dress and Shirt

For her: Personalized reindeer dress (you choose color of dress).
For him: Personalized reindeer shirt or onesie (you choose color of shirt or onesie). 
$63.00 for the set
Outfits from Round the Bend Again

Dress and Vest/Tie Shirt

For her: Peppermint print peasant dress with gray sash.
For him: Onesie or shirt with appliqued peppermint print necktie and vest.
$72.50 for the set
Outfits from HaddyGrace Designs

Grinch Shirts and Skirt

For her: Red applique shirt and matching skirt.
For him: Red Grinch applique shirt.
$84.99 for the set
Outfits from SweetSophiaBowtique

 

Dress and Button Up Shirt

For her: Circle dress with matching hairbow.
For him: Coordinating red button up shirt.
$55.00 for the set
Outfits from LilBethKids
LilBethKids is offering my readers a coupon code for 15% off any purchase through December 6th.  Use the code "lbksmn" at checkout.

Reindeer shirts

For her: Reindeer applique onesie or shirt and a matching hairbow.
For him: Reindeer applique onesie or shirt.
$68.00 for the set
Outfits from The Bowtique Mama
The Bowtique Mama is offering my readers a coupon code for free shipping on any purchase through December 15th.  Use the code "HOLIDAY2012" at checkout.

Dress and Necktie

For her: Peasant dress with detachable sash. 
For him: Necktie in your choice of 6 different coordinating fabrics.
$71.00 for the set
Outfits from MellonMonkeys

Green Argyle Shirts

For her: Green argyle Christmas tree onesie or shirt.
For him: Green argyle vest and bowtie onesie or shirt.
$34.00 for the set
Outfits from Token Blonde
Token Blonde is offering my readers a coupon code for 10% off any purchase.  Use the code "TokenFriend" at checkout.  No expiration date.

Shirts and Skirt Set

For her: Bib front shirt with matching skirt.
For him: Tie applique shirt
Outfits sold separately!
$84.90 for the set
Outfits from My Little Legacies

Mickey/Minnie Mouse Shirts

For her: Minnie Mouse applique onesie or shirt.
For him: Mickey Mouse tie and suspenders onesie or shirt.
$36.95 for the set
Outfits from Running Bobbin Designs

Dress and Tie Shirt

For her: Red chevron peasant dress
For him: Red chevron tie applique shirt
$55 for the set
Outfits from The Happy Honeysuckle

Jumper and Jon Jon

For her: Red gingham jumper dress with Santa applique.
For him: Red gingham jon jon overalls with Santa applique.
Personalization is not included.
$70.00 for the set.
Outfits from Threadbands

Bubble Skirt and Vest/Bowtie Set

For her: Corduroy houndstooth bubble skirt with removable red corduroy sash.
For him: Corduroy houndstooth vest with your choice of either a red corduroy bowtie or red cotton necktie
$65.00 for the set.
Outfits from Annalie's Baby Boutique
I'm offering my readers a coupon code for 10% off any purchase.  Use the code "10Percent" at checkout.  No expiration date.



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Etsy Baby Finds-Girl Edition

About a month ago, I wrote an Etsy Baby Finds post with an emphasis on blue or neutral things.  I'm having a boy, but I thought it would be fun to look for some cute girl things too.  Here goes Etsy Baby Finds-Girl Edition!

Click on the caption below each picture to follow the link to the specific item.

Newborn Kimono Style Top, Pants, and Hat Set

This layette set looks so cute and comfy!  I love the flower-like design on the knit fabric.
Layette Set from Zaaberry

Personalized Chevron Bib

 The gray and pink chevron print on this bib is adorable.  I love that you can have it personalized with your baby's name.  Matching burp cloths can be found here.
Chevron Bib from luna and bean

Pink Shabby Chic Headband

 The combination of the light pink with the rhinestone center is absolutely stunning.  What baby girl doesn't need one of these in her wardrobe?
Headband from Think Pink Bowtique

Crochet Hat with Bow

How sweet is this gray crocheted hat with the big pink bow?!?
Hat from Crochetjandra

Pink Groovy Guitars Diaper Hugger

This is perfect for keeping diapers and wipes together in your diaper bag or purse!  I love the pink guitar print.  The strap closes with velcro so it's adjustable.
Diaper Hugger from Baby Bug Boutique

Bumbo Chair Cover

I know Bumbo chairs have gotten a bad rap lately, but both of my older kids loved these seats as babies.  I recommend only using them under supervision and NEVER putting them on a raised surface.  Using a seat cover with them keeps baby's little legs from sticking to the foam-like surface.
Bumbo chair cover from GumboBaby

Denim Ruffle Baby Boots

 The sweet ruffles on these denim boots make these so sweet.  They have elasticized legs to keep them on baby which is a must.
Boots from Creative Designs 4 Baby

Owl Print Baby Dress

 I love this knit owl print!  The dress features lap shoulders so it's easy on and off.
Dress from Lil Elephants

Happy Apple Maryjanes

Maryjanes are so cute on baby girls and the flower accents on the toes make these especially adorable.
Maryjanes from Gracious May

Pink Chevron Ruffled Sunsuit

 The sweetness of the pink chevron print and the ruffles just kills me!
Sunsuit from Little Boats

What are some of your favorite finds or shops on Etsy?


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