Modern June on Etsy has some lovely aprons for sale. Check out this gorgeous Eva apron, isn’t it pretty?!
“The mix of high end Designer Fabrics give the slinky new Eva Apron an eclectic bohemian elegance.
Our Eva Apron has a great size range that looks every hot on sizes 4-14. ”
You can snag this sweet apron for yourself right here>>
**See all of our amazing apron finds on My ApronADay Blog >>
I love shoes. No, wait. I. LOVE. SHOES. Heels, ballet flats, tennis shoes, flip-flops, you name it and I have a pair or two or three. And when the cold weather hits and snow starts to fall (it seems to skip right over rain here in Utah) I’m a big fan of any shoe that keeps my often chilly toes super toasty.
Last year I reviewed Bearpaw shoes and am already a fan of Uggs, but this year there’s a new fave in my closet and I have a feeling it will be worn a lot more than the others because it combines comfort, warmth and some serious style. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on–and toes in–a pair of Sorel boots so the company sent me the Shila from their newest line. (Oh, the sacrifices I make for our readers…) Though I think the Shila is one of their cutest styles I have to admit I can count at least five others that come close. I’m thinking it’s the combination of 45+ years of experience and some pretty talented product designers that make their line so irresistible!
So the Shila arrived, tie-up laces, wedge heel and all. My first thought was something like, “Dang! These boots are even cuter in person!” It was then followed by, “How did I not notice ‘SOREL’ written along the outside of the heel?” At first that was a bit off-putting, but that’s probably because I don’t love brand names printed noticeably on clothing. I think I would’ve preferred it to be the exact same color as the background (it is in the black) just so it blended in a bit more, but as it was the boot had enough chic style to compensate for this one little “flaw.”
Of course being cold-weather boots meant I had to wait for a nice wintry day to test them out, and fortunately for this review–but unfortunately for me because I hate snow–we actually had some snow fall yesterday, enough to warrant a thorough test drive. I pulled on Sorel’s Shila boots and opted for some straight-leg jeans so I could show off the super cute laces. I wore those shoes from about noon until about 6pm, even keeping them on while in the house, they were THAT comfortable. I swear the sole of the shoe had some serious cushioning but I had added spring in my step, something I’ve lost these past few crazy weeks. Though I love my Uggs and Bearpaws they don’t have near the comfort when it comes to the insole. My feet were toasty and looked fabulous, if I do say so myself. I did notice the SOREL printed on the boot wasn’t nearly as noticeable once the boots were on my feet, and no, that’s not just because they were harder to see. It really blended in well to the overall look, so I guess first impressions can be deceiving sometimes! (Gotta love my expression; it’s like I’m trying to pretend I really and truly do love snow. A for effort!)
Sorel has a wonderful line of boots for men and children as well so you can make sure everyone’s tootsies are warm this winter. If you happen to live someplace like Phoenix, I say buy a pair and then come up and visit me just so you can wear them! I already have my eyes on the Hoonah and Maribel in black…merry Christmas to me! –Emily
*** Giveaway! Sorel is giving away one pair of children’s boots, winner’s choice! Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway:
• Visit Sorel.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite shoe style.
• Follow Sorel on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you’re their newest follower.
• Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL to your blog post.
Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: November 5, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Chris S., the winner of the Sorel giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
I’m much more a jeans and shoes addict than a handbag addict but my new tote from Ann Judge Design may have me hooked on a new habit. I recently discovered Ann Judge Design’s totes on another blog and simply had to review it for our Daily Dish readers. Her designs are fresh, fabulous and extremely functional.
To thoroughly review a tote from the Ann Judge Design collection, the owner sent me one of her Everyday totes…and it arrived just in time for our recent Caribbean vacation. (Whew! Don’t know what I would’ve done without a fashionable tote while perusing shops in Old San Juan. See photo at right.) At a travel-friendly size of 11″ by 11″ by 5″ deep the Everyday bag was the perfect airline carry-on, old-town shopper, port-perusing carryall and even beach-going bag. The two convenient pockets held my cell phone, gum, business cards, Carnival FunPass and a lip gloss or two. The main pocket held a seriously too full cosmetic bag filled with the rest of the lip gloss, mini hand sanitizer and passport along with my wallet, MP3 player, Flip camera, digital camera and a couple single-serving cereal boxes (our snack while away from the ship). And I still had room for a few souvenirs!
The canvas held up wonderfully well to all I threw at it, including sand, sun and a small rainshower while hiking to Trafalgar Falls in Dominica. That tote and I were inseparable! The only thing I wish it had were a sturdier bottom (don’t we all?). I rarely if ever put the Everyday tote down for fear the canvas bottom would get dirty. If it had either a vinyl, leather or even pleather bottom or small brass feet, I would’ve thought this tote absolutely perfect in every way…kind of like the Mary Poppins of everyday totes.
Ann Judge Design offers four styles of totes from the Mini to the Day Tripper and even a line of cosmetic bags and coin purses. Her totes are not only perfect for travel but for everything from a day at the office to a day at the Farmers Market. Plus they’re stylishly affordable–the Everyday tote is only $48. (I swear we paid more than that for Carnival’s in-cabin bottled water my husband mistakenly opened.) Need a new favorite tote or the perfect excuse to go on vacation? Pick up your own fabulously functional Ann Judge Design tote online at AnnJudge.com. –Emily
*** Giveaway! Ann Judge Design is giving away one Pink Star Everyday tote and matching coin purse to one of our readers (a $72 value)! (If I weren’t exempt from this giveaway you better believe I’d be all over it!) Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway:
• Visit AnnJudge.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite fabric design/style.
• Become a fan of Ann Judge Design on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you joined.
• Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL to your blog post.
Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: November 3, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Audrey, the winner of the Ann Judge Design giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
With Daria expecting a baby in December, Designer and Friend Bari J. Ackerman steps in and brings us some spectacular video coverage of Fall Quilt Market 2009! In the first in our series of “Market” shows, Bari interviews: Fabric & Jewelry Designer Genevieve Gail, amazing Textile and Pattern Designer Joanna Figueroa and we also see what our wonderful correspondent Bari J. is up to herself!
Please join me in thanking Bari for her outstanding efforts and contribution to Boutique Cafe. Many new interviews will be on the way in the coming weeks thanks to her! XO Bari, we love you ~ Daria
** Please Tweet about this episode on Twitter. Include our name @BoutiqueCafe so we can cheer you all on! Thanks!
** Click button below to view video coverage, or view it on our YouTube channel right here>>
Boutique Cafe is a very proud sponsor this year of the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk! Join Emily and Daria as we virtually walk across the country (via the DesignHer Gals nifty website) raising money for the Gal to Gal Foundation. Bottom line, they do GREAT things such as provide funds to fulfill the dreams and wishes of women suffering with Stage IV Breast Cancer. Just read these incredible wishes they are hoping to fullfill during this year’s walk, and I guarantee you’ll want to be a part of this touching venture.
For as little as $5 you can design your very own virtual gal, and start her walking. Don’t forget to join TEAM Boutique Cafe!! (simply add Boutique Cafe in the team name field when you create your gal, come back here and let us know you joined our team). It’s easy and it’s fun! The joy you feel in knowing that your dollars are helping make dreams come true for cancer patients, well it’s magic.
Here’s Virtual Daria and Virtual Emily doing our thing 
Here’s your chance to own some Poetic Elegance from drool worthy designer Hollysmama on eBay!
SAMPLE SALE – Tailored Jacket
Size 3/4T – Measurements Below
**Worn only for modeling.**
“This jacket was the biggest challenge….and the design I am most fond of in my design history. I created this using my own patterns and a lot of trial and error and am extremely pleased with the end result.
I did not line this jacket, as the decorator fabric is already quite heavy and warm.
You will Receive:
One Tailored Fall Jacket ~ Size 3/4T
Measurements:
Chest: 25 inches
Sleeve Length: 8 1/2 inches
Shoulder to Hem: 23 1/2 inches
This is the Sample Jacket and is ready to ship.”
Everything is coming up Roses! In the jaw dropping shop of Miss Ruby Sue on Etsy, owner Lori (mother of 4) creates the most stunning statement pieces to take any outfit from drab to FAB! These gorgeous necklaces are taking the fashion world by storm, and Lori’s creations have been featured in a number of high profile media outlets including: The View, Good Morning Ameria, The Today Show and more…
You can also find her “Angles Song’ and ‘Anthropology’ necklaces in select Anthropologie stores in the United States. As we gals know, a little Anthro goes a long way!
Of her company Lori says:
“Miss Ruby Sue radiates effortless charm in bold colors, artistic patterns and a free spirit to make any woman of any age stand-out.” And it’s true, I had the pleasure of receiving the Giddy Up Girl bib-style necklace featuring stunning handmade silk flowers, hot pink girly tulle, and oodles of special touches. At first I was afraid to wear it, it was just so breathtaking – but I quickly conquered that and rocked out a basic tee and jeans with my new “Ruby Sue” wonder. Everywhere I went people stopped to ask me where I got that incredible necklace, I honestly think Lori needs to ship 10-20 business cards with each piece she sells because trust me…you’ll be handing them out! The pieces are well made, and you can tell they are created with love and vision in mind.
For High Impact jewelry, look no further than the customized and specialized shop of Miss Ruby Sue on Etsy. She also offers lovely hairpieces and headbands that make the ideal holiday gift for someone dear in your life.
If you’re planning a wedding, Miss Ruby Sue will work with you to create a Bridal piece that is custom designed and colored for your day in the spotlight.
For your special day or any day, I highly recommend the styling of Miss Ruby Sue. The only question I have is which piece I want to order next! – Daria
**GIVEAWAY
Miss Ruby Sue is giving away one necklace of the winner’s choice to a very lucky Boutique Cafe reader! Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway (please leave a separate comment for each):
Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: October 31, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
******UPDATE: Congratulations to Brookllyn who has won our drawing for the necklace of choice from Miss Ruby Sue!! We know you will LOVE it. Many thanks to everyone who entered, tweeted and shared this review on your blogs, we love your support for our talented sellers.
And yes, I totally intended for that to rhyme; I like exercising my poetic muscles once in a while less they atrophy like my long-term memory. But in all seriousness, how green is your morning shower routine? ecoTOOLS, a popular collection of eco-friendly cosmetic brushes, bath, brow and nail accessories, recently launched a new line of bath and body products that is 98% from nature, paraben free, phthalate free and cruelty free. Can you say that about your body wash and body lotion?
I only recently discovered ecoTOOLS and now that I’ve sampled their product line I’m anxious to learn more–and try more. The company sent me their new Green, Clean, Go travel sampler kit to review on the Daily Dish, which includes the Clean Skin, Cleaner World body wash, Blooming Planet body mist, Sustainable Softness body lotion, One Hand Helps the Other hand cream and a bamboo nail brush. How cool is that–even the product names are earth friendly!
Because the ecoTOOLS Green, Clean, Go travel kit arrived post cruise I didn’t try everything in the kit but I did give the hand cream and body mist a thorough testing (and everything else a thorough smelling). Every product had a different smell and every smell was fantastic. My favorite is the Blooming Planet body mist. I first spritzed some in the air just to make sure an eco-friendly mist was also scent friendly and my first thought was, “Wow! That smells simply fabulous!” I immediately spritzed it all over and found myself sniffing my arms throughout the day, the scent was that yummy. And since that first use I’ve been alternating it with my favorite perfume, which is saying a lot because I love my So Pink from GAP! Just thinking about the ecoTOOLS’ Blooming Planet body mist makes me want to run upstairs and spritz a bit more on my body–YUM!
I was also impressed with their One Hand Helps the Other hand cream because it absorbed quickly, wasn’t greasy and had a fresh, clean scent as well. It seemed to moisturize really well, as I didn’t find myself needing to reapply any time soon…even in this dry Utah weather. I kind of wish they also had shampoo and conditioner; my hair routine could use some greening up for sure.
Of course there are the aforementioned cosmetic brushes and accessories. My makeup brushes are far from green (and far from new) and it’s about time to recycle them with some new ones from ecoTOOLS along with a new foot file. My current one would have you running scared if you saw it! And the kits from ecoTOOLS would make great stocking stuffers or teacher gifts this holiday season. Along with the travel one they have All Four the Cause hand & foot care set and Be Green, Live Clean body care set. Green up your morning routine with ecoTOOLS’ new line of bath and body products! –Emily
*** Giveaway!!! ecoTOOLS is giving away one of their fabulous Green, Clean, Go travel kits! Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway (please leave a separate comment for each):
Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: October 27, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Allison, the winner of the ecoTOOLS giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
Even at the age of thirty-something I find myself saying things like, “When I grow up I’ll travel all over the world,” or, “When I grow up I will drive something other than a ‘95 Odyssey.” I obviously have a lot of growing up to do if those are the grown-up things about which I’m most concerned. Don’t get me wrong–my parents taught me what’s important in life but somehow that gets lost somewhere in my grownup life. What I need is a little reminder, and thanks to When I Grow Up, I get one every time George wears his new Value Statement tee.
When I Grow Up offers a line of tees reminiscent of our childhood years when we found wonder in simple things like nature, make believe and laughter. With an emphasis on what’s most important no matter what stage of life you’re in, When I Grow Up’s Value Statement tees for children reinforce four strong core values using very simple phrases:
Who knew something so simple could be so powerful? The inspiration for the tees came from Randy Pausch’s Journeys lecture, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Kat Henderson, the mom behind When I Grow Up:
In his lecture he talks about his childhood dreams, enabling the dreams of others and how we can do the same. Immediately, I thought how easy it is to go through everyday life without defining what matters most to us. Then, I thought of my son and my responsibility to be sure he grows up with strong core values.
It’s not surprising When I Grow Up is an environmentally friendly company. The clothing is certified 100% organic cotton and uses water-based inks, while all of the company’s paper products and shipping supplies use recyclable and recycled materials.
Though George enjoys wearing his Earth tee (I wanted to snap a photo but totally spaced it), I am probably the bigger fan. I love that it causes me to stop for a moment and think about the environment. I find myself more conscious about my recycling efforts that day and wondering if when I finally grow up I will be nicer to our earth than I am now. For George it’s all about literally planting a tree; for me it’s a reminder that I can make a difference…and should make a difference. Like it says on When I Grow Up’s site: “Wear it. Teach it. Live it.” George is going to wear it, I am going to teach it and we will both live it! –Emily
* Promotion!!! When I Grow Up is offering Daily Dish readers free shipping on their order. To receive the free shipping discount, email design name and size to info{at}whenigrowupiwill.com.
Our good friends at YOUCANMAKETHIS have so many sweet NEW ebooks to make your fall and holiday season a hit! Don’t miss out on a jump start on those Christmas projects, now is the time to get planning. YouCanMakeThis has an incredible collection of everything you need to start your projects off right.
The new DillyDally Scandinavia launch is a true feast for the eyes! Don’t dillydally, run on over and experience the Euro goodness while it lasts!! YUMMY!!
My top two favorite forms of exercise are resistance training (i.e. lifting weights) and yoga. The former I do on a fairly regular schedule while the latter is definitely feeling a little neglect. As much as I love it I don’t make the time to do it. Okay, so it’s more that I don’t find it relaxing to do at home with kids crawling over and under me and I’m too cheap to pay the extra class fee at the gym. But now that I have a new yoga mat from The Bolder Mat Company I’ve already made an early New Year’s resolution to switch gym memberships and get back on a regular yoga schedule.
One look at these fantastic, fun, seriously cool yoga mats will have you sending salutations to the sun weekly if not daily. The Bolder Mat Company let me choose one of their mats for review and I went for the Fish Wish. I loved the whimsical design and colors and admit to having a weakness for butterflies. Their Flower Power mat was a close second, but once my Fish Wish mat arrived I was so glad I had gone with my first choice. (Guess it’s as true with yoga mats as it is with test answers!) The koi fish and “Om” butterfly were the perfect, peaceful combination.
When I unrolled the mat the first thing I noticed was the lack of a strong smell, chemical or rubber. I reviewed another yoga mat on the Daily Dish and while it was eco-friendly I found the strong natural rubber too much for my delicate sense of smell. The Bolder Mat Company’s yoga mats are also eco-friendly and use non-toxic paints (as sticky as the mat so you’re not slipping out of warrior) printed on an extra-thick 1/4″ mat. Though I do carry fat in certain places, my butt isn’t one of them and I appreciate a little extra cushion between it and the floor when do any seated poses or stretches.
The second thing I noticed about the Fish Wish mat is it can stand up to some serious wear and tear. No, I didn’t test it by doing over 1,500 poses but my two youngest children thoroughly tested it by rolling on it, jumping on it and using it as a play mat–and it still looked like new when they tired of it! This is truly my favorite yoga mat. Like I said, it’s inspired me to get back into regular yoga practice!
Along with having ultra luxurious mats for both adults and kids, The Bolder Mat Company has a wonderful community outreach program. Because the company wants to share the benefits of yoga with anyone who’s interested in practicing they started Renew and Recycle, a program that refurbishes your old yoga mat and donates it to yoga outreach programs in jails, detention center, shelters and schools. By donating your old mat you’ll not only send out some good karma but you’ll also receive a coupon for $5 off your next purchase.
I’ve always wanted to get my girls as excited about doing yoga as I am and a kids’ mat from The Bolder Mat Company may just do the trick. How can you resist child’s pose when you have dreamy pink starfish on your mat? –Emily
* Promotion!!! The Bolder Mat Company is offering Daily Dish readers $5 off their online purchase; simply use code BMC5 when checking out.
It’s truly our busiest time of year at Boutique Cafe, and we just can’t wait! It’s time to start promoting all the holiday deals, discounts and shops that will make your Holiday Magical, but planning your holiday sales starts months in advance. Here’s how to reserve your ad space in our fabulous 2009 edition of the Boutique Cafe Holiday Gift Guide.
At Boutique Cafe, we’re excited to offer our popular 2009 version of our Holiday Gift Guide for your online shops, websites and stores to take part in! The savings guide will go live on Oct. 31th – Jan. 1st 2010!! We’re excited to showcase those sellers who will offer special deals to our readership, afterall saving some $$$ is a gift to us all this year.
To reserve your ad space simply send us an email to daria@boutiquecafe.com and in the subject line please put “Holiday Guide Reservation”. We’ll send you further details on how you can take part and create a holiday selling season to remember!!
I know I’m crazy, but I’m already thinking Christmas. Likely because it’s already snowing and cold where I live, or maybe because our baby is due around Christmas time and I know that I need to plan ahead now or I’ll be waddling through the malls at the last minute.
I found these cool Origami Christmas Baubles on Etsy today and just had to share. What a fantastic idea and cute too! These ones are made by SnowdropsAndDaisies and you can view them here>>
I love original artwork on stretched canvas. A few years ago I bought a set of three canvases (a giraffe, an elephant and an orangutan) for my son’s room and I absolutely adored those paintings. There’s something about hand-painted children’s art and that stretched-canvas look that adds whimsy to a room and you can’t help but smile when you see it, which for me was every day.
That’s why I love the artwork by Anna from eyecandy4kids. Anna specializes in unique paintings that appeal to children and adults alike. Her collection includes everything from smiling alligators and shiny red engines to Little Bo Peeps (did you notice the sheep in the tree?) and lovely silhouettes. The paintings are done on 100% cotton duck and coated with a non-toxic gel to keep them waterproof and give them UV protection. (You’ll still want to hang them out of direct sunlight–man, those rays are powerful things!) Oh, and their ability to induce a smile is that much more powerful in person. I should know; we’ve seen Anna’s paintings in person and George and I smile every time we walk into his room…because what we see is what you see pictured in the photo at right.
When I opened the package containing the vintage train painting Ann from eyecandy4kids sent us for this review, George was as delighted as I was. We immediately headed up the stairs and found the perfect spot for it on his wall. The colors are bright and fun and add that all-important whimsy to his room. My favorite feature of Anna’s artwork is her attention to detail. I’m talking about the little extras you’ll find painted around the edges of the canvas: a child’s name, a saying that ties to the picture or even that curious panda’s cute little tongue (see below). In our case it was a wonderful plaid border matching the quilt on his bed!
Anna, a “mother of two who believes that art for kids should be as fun and unique as they are,” offers not only her collection of original paintings but also murals and custom orders. The silhouettes on her site are to die for! I love the ones my grandmother had in her home of my mother and her siblings…nothing like a work of art that is also a beautiful heirloom! Canvas art like the designs you’ll find on eyecandy4kids may be a bit pricier than the boring mass-produced wall decor you’ll find elsewhere, but consider it an investment in your and your child’s happiness because you’ll find yourself smiling every time you walk into the room. –Emily
* Promotion!!! eyecandy4kids is currently offering customers 20% off all 12×12 paintings including custom orders. This offer is good only until October 25th so hurry! (Offer can not be combined with other promotions or sales.) Anna also has a Fall promotion: Through November 31, 2009, if you link to eyecandy4kids from your blog or website you will earn 10% off any one painting from her gallery or your custom order. If you have a friend place an order you will receive an additional 10% off your order.
I seriously think I have stumbled upon one of the greatest children’s gifts ever, at least if I go by how much George has loved his CurlyQ Cutie monster…and how often he’s asked to make another one…and how many times he’s made sure it was in the same room in which he’s playing. I’ve even seen my husband sort of hanging out with the newest addition to our family while watching a late-night movie. Yes, even I’ve succumbed to its charm and found myself giving it a squeeze or two just before I chuck it once more onto George’s bed.
What’s the draw when it comes to CurlyQ Cuties? Could be how much fun it is to design your own creature online when you get to choose everything: body shape, body color, eye shape (even the number of eyes), eye color, mouth shape, belly shape (love the polka dots) and belly color. By the way, the online graphics don’t do the creature justice. I found myself checking out the cute collection shown at the top of the page for some good ideas on features. George had a grand ol’ time creating his monster and I enjoyed how quickly the creating arrived. And then to open the box and find the little monster so much cuter in person, not to mention so well made…it made both our days!
George’s little orange CurlyQ Cutie monster, also named George, has been thrown, sat on, loved, forgotten, found and squeezed and looks no worse for the wear. I have a feeling this little guy will be with us for a long time. (Just as long as George takes George with him when he goes to college…) And at only about $30 (including shipping), this really is a truly unique, truly fabulous gift for children of any age. Heck, I’d even make one for my sister!
CurlyQ Cuties‘ site says the Monster-Maker has 464,494,800 unique possibilities. It’s been a while since Calculus so I didn’t double check to make sure, but I believe them. Along with creating a truly unique product by changing out the features, your CurlyQ Cutie can be personalized with a name or message on the back. Each one has its own unique serial number and is handmade in the USA. Plus, if you don’t feel like using your imagination you can purchase one of their collectible monsters, which come pre-designed. OH! And I almost forgot to mention their super cute custom Fairy-Teeth. These are little tooth-like critters that come with a pocket on the back to hold a tooth or the Tooth Fairy’s spare change. So fun!
I kid you not, George asks me at least a couple times a week if he can make another monster. I kind of wish they had a frequent buyer program, and that’s saying a lot since I am NOT a big fan of stuffed animals. But I’d give away a basketful for a couple more of these CurlyQ Cuties! –Emily
Check out this fantastic Silk Web Rose Tutorial from The Domestic Diva – Lisa Carroccio! We love you Lisa, and I adore hearing your accent in this video. For Lisa’s blog please visit here>>
I wish that our NEWS today was more exciting and happy, sadly on Friday I was personally the victim of a hacker on Facebook. Somehow someone was able to login as me, and began to chat with several of my dear friends on FB saying that I was stranded in London and that I needed financial assistance. Let me assure you all that this is not the case, I am perfectly fine, non-mugged, and currently residing on the North American continent.
I thankfully have many sweet friends who know me very well, and recognized something weird was up. I received several phone calls from friend reporting the suspicious activity to me – Thank you so much for that! I was able to login and reset my passwords, all of my passwords in fact. However once I reported the suspicious activity to Facebook they disabled my account so they could look into it. So here I sit without access to FB and I find myself wondering “What does one do now? How will I go on without FB in my daily life over the next few days? Why me?”
So you’re all invited to my pity party. Please keep me informed of what you are up to, post in our comments and share your links – because this girl needs to feel connected. XO – the REAL Daria
“A Magic Kingdom” (or AMK) has launched this past week with over 100 Boutique Designers joining forces on eBay, with a Disney inspired theme to make a real splash! Here is just a small sampling of the truly magnificent listings you will find by searching “Boutique AMK” on eBay until Oct. 10th. Everything from Gothic Cinderella & Snow White, to more traditional Minnie Mouse, Tinkerbell and beyond.
Let imagination be your guide through the amazing and talented world of these incredible artisans.
See all of the 100+ listings right here>>
…and that’s just what they’ll do come wintertime! George is now the proud owner and soon-to-be wearer of a pair of Satch & Sol slippers. I am in love with these new slippers not just because they don’t have a Nick Jr. or Disney character on them but because they are stylishly simple, well made and as green as children’s slippers can be.
Satch & Sol, a company started by Susan Bell who has children of her own, is all about supporting fair trade artisan cooperatives worldwide–and by worldwide we’re talking Mongolia for one. Satch & Sol is also all about being eco-friendly by sticking to green practices in business and product materials. I love it when a company embraces fair trade and the environment and turns out a collection brimming with high-quality products that are super chic, super sweet and yes, super unique. Because each of Satch & Sol’s children’s slippers are handmade they are definitely one of a kind.
I would’ve loved to have included a picture of George wearing his new slippers but up until yesterday the weather was still in the 70’s and 80’s. We have a couple weeks before the chilly weather sets in, but once it does these will be our go-to shoes for carpool, quick trips to the grocery store and car rides to Grandma’s house. One comment George made was that these wool slippers were a bit “scratchy” (nothing a pair of socks won’t fix!). He’s not used to wool touching his skin so it may take some getting used to, but I should also include a disclaimer: George hates tags in clothes and is super picky about shoes.
Satch & Sol also has a collection of hand-knit sweaters, mittens, hair bands and purses and like the slippers, everything is handmade by Mongolian artisans. If you’re as tired as I am of character clothing and accessories and want something stylish and warm for those little tootsies, check out the slippers from Satch & Sol. Good luck choosing just one pair! (And no, they don’t come in adult sizes; I already checked!) –Emily
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A fusion of the words "iPod" and "broadcast", podcasts contain audio, video, graphics and more. Follow 3 easy steps to subscribe and listen to our weekly podcast highlighting boutique fashion and other great topics.
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