I wanted to “Link you Up” with several websites offering awesome summertime ideas for your children. I’ve been having such fun gearing up for summertime with my own little crew, and we are doing many of these projects and ideas this year. It seemed only fair to share all the goodness with you guys!
1. Liquid Sidewalk Chalk – Get out some paint brushes and have a Ball! Full directions at Stampin’ & Craftin’. My kids can’t wait to do this, it looks easy and don’t forget to snap pictures of the “giggle-fest”
2. DIY Art Kit – Dear Lizzy shared her incredible Art Kit idea on her blog, and I quickly set to work to make one for our family. Ours will go into the van and be at the ready while we are out discovering parks this summer. Then all we need to find is a picnic table and it’s mobile arts and crafts time. Love this!
3. Summer Journals – Brassy Apple (Megan) shares some great Summer Time Journal ideas, as well as ice blocks full of toys, and many other AWESOME ideas in this TV segment! We are making our summer journals today!
4. I-Spy Bottle for road trips – Meet the Dubiens created this coolest of cool I-Spy bottles for those long car rides. I’m making one of these for little Lola this summer.
5. Giant Bubble Wand – Tatertots and Jello always has GREAT ideas! This one looks like so much fun. Create a Giant Bubble wand and the solution to go with it!
LINK IT UP If you have discovered or blogged your own ideas for summertime activities with your kids please share it in our comment section below. We’d love to stop by and share in the fun! More summer ideas will be posted soon – feel welcome to submit yours for a feature to daria@boutiquecafe.com
Pinterest is a website that allows you to ‘pin’ up your favorite photos and must-have links in one convenient place. It’s all that, but it’s so much more…Pinterest is a source for all things beautiful and creative.
I love it think of it as “Pure Sugar for your Mind and Imagination”. I’m throughly addicted to showcasing things I find interesting, beautiful, or that I want to make/gift. It’s like a virtual filebox, dream board, and a way to share what you love and your style with others.
You can use Pinterest to gather ideas for your next DIY project or Kids Birthday extravaganza, plan your wedding theme down to the perfect bridal dress and shoes, or get a giggle from some of the funny sayings that show up on the site.
You can follow my boards and pins here>> and then create your own as well – I can’t wait to see what you love! Be warned, you won’t be able to stop pinning your faves – I’m a giver so I had to let you in on your newest daily craving. XO Daria
Easter is quickly hopping our way, but it’s not too late to snag your children some special Handmade creations, clothing and accessories from talented Mom Businesses. The boutique community offers oodles of original, custom and “created with love” designs for your little bunnies.
There is so much a’buzz in the blogging world, and some pretty pretty things that I must share.
1. Elizabeth Kartchner (aka Dear Lizzy) is launching a NEW site this Thursday called “Something Splendid” – isn’t that delicious? I have the launch marked on my calendar because everything she does is ultra beautiful and drool worthy. Just check out this little teaser video created by her husband Collin and you’ll be rushing to your computer Thursday to check out the new site with me:
2. Megan (aka Brassy Apple): we all have seen the easy and beautiful DIY method of making those adorable rosettes for your hair, jewelry and more. Brassy Meg cranks it up a notch with this awesome tutorial on making a Burlap Rosette Bracelet. It’s fun and fabulous just like her >>
Have YOU spotted something Fabulous we need to spotlight? Email us the link (daria@boutiquecafe.com – subject: Fab Tip) and if we use your suggestion we will credit you with a link back to your blog or website. It’s a fun little way to share the best content on the web with our BC readers, and its a fun little boost of traffic for you. XO - Daria
Check out my little Dollar Store find tonight! I purchased these little obtuse chicks, but you could EASILY make your own DIY style…for reals! All you need is a kidney shaped piece of foam (cut it that way), wrap with your favorite colored twine or raffia. The eyes can be purchased at Michaels or any craft store for cheap. The beak is merely a piece of orange paper glued on. And the little chick feet are wire wrapped in string. Quick Easy and adorable – I’ve named these guys my little Picasso Peeps! Happy Easter! – Daria
Hello again sunshine!
Spring is my favorite. I love getting back out into nature as the ground awakens. Warm sun bursting through cool woodland trees, soft breezes and patterns of light on the forest floor. These relaxed inspirations led to my open and translucent design ideas for River Camp – my second collection of knit projects for Rowan. Cover ups with natural glamour, delicate like a fern & layered with modern pattern – paired with cozy blankets and accessories for romantic comfort-all made up in my Belle Organic yarns (50% wool / 50% cotton). Come visit my website to see images of the 16 projects and a short inspirational video!
Happy Spring! YES!! – xo Amy
Check out these adorable wooden Tinkerspools from My.Friend.Amy on Etsy. I instantly knew I was destined to own one of these sweet spools for my sewing room, and when I approached Amy the artist who creates them she was most excited to share with our creative Boutique Cafe audience.
Here’s why I’m totally crushing on these Tinkerspools:
DESCRIPTION & FEATURES…
• removable head functions as a cap.
• assembled by hand and is her own unique design.
• handpainted with two to three coats of non-toxic paint and varnish for added protection.
• add trim around the spool such as bakers twine and ribbon!
• insert your favorite needles, beads and all things small.
• approximately 3” inches tall.
• handcrafted in the USA.
• handmade craftsmanship ensures each doll is unique.
These sweet spools hold your needles inside as a keeper, they also are perfect to hold your baker’s twine which is so hot right now. I would love to have a whole collection of My.Friend.Amy dolls with pretty threads on each one. One of the great things is how unique each Tinkerspool doll is, not only does Amy create cute designs but you can purchase blank DIY Tinkerspools and customize them yourself! These would make the perfect gift for the sewing fanatic in your life, they bring me a smile every time I look at mine. – Daria
**GIVEAWAY:
My.Friend.Amy is offering one of our lucky Boutique Cafe readers a Tinkerspool of your very own! 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:
•Leave a comment sharing with us your favorite Tinkerspool from the My.Friend.Amy shop
•Tweet about our giveaway and promotion on Twitter and include @BoutiqueCafe in your tweet so we can see it
•Comment and tell us how you would decorate and design your own DIY Tinkerspool
Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: January 28, 2010 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
PROMOTION:
Additionally they are offering an amazing promotion for our readers – the first 25 customers who make a purchase in the My.Friend.Amy etsy shop may use Promo Code “dailydish” for 25 yards of green bakers twine on a wooden clothespin!! This is a limited time offer good until January 28th, 2011.
I want to start off this post by singing (in my best Julie Andrew’s voice) “Oh, it’s a Jolly Holiday with Mary, Mary makes your heart so light. When the day is grey and ordinary, Mary makes the sun shine bright…”. As you can tell I’m crazy about my dear friend Mary Abreu, and of course her new book that is out on shelves as we speak.
“Little Girls, Big Style” is her new labor of love, and the beauty of this book is that it allows you to create limitless possibilities for a little girls wardrobe by using 4 easy patterns. You can then let the creativity flow, and will be amazed what you can create! Mary has laid everything out in a simple to understand manner. The book sells for $25.95 through Stash books and includes tear-out pages! YAY! I love the beautiful photography and graphic feel of this book, you just can’t get it wrong.
You can Purchase the Book directly from Stash Books here>> They are also offering a PDF download of the book for those who want to get their hands on the information right away – like me!
“Little Girls, Big Style” is taking a grand tour of blogland this week. We are privileged to be a stop along the way, and to host a GIVEAWAY so you can snag your very own (much coveted) copy! All you need to do is post a comment, tweet this post on Twitter, share this link on Facebook, Blog about this giveaway, and then let us know in the comments section. You may enter as many times as you like, we want a huge buzz around this book for our friend Mary so each time you tweet, share and comment and blog, it’s worth an extra entry. We’ll draw a winner on Dec.15th at Midnight!! (please provide a valid email address in your comments)
This book would be an ideal Christmas gift for the sewing beginner or more advance sewing lover in your life. Sing it with me – “No wonder that it’s Mary that we Love” – xoxo Daria
And we have a winner!! Congratulations to Robin (AKA @CokeLush on Twitter). The winning entry was the tweet pictured below and drawn randomly from all entries received. Thank you so much to everyone for your participation, and comments! I know that Mary is over the moon from the ecstatic response to her first book!!
HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY - Ready! Set! Get Clickin’ – it’s time to shop and save with our Black Friday and Holiday Gift Guide merchants. We know you’ll find beautiful gifts for your family and friends. Please take a brief moment to Tweet this post on Twitter or share with your friends. Let’s keep everyone inside where it’s warm to shop today. Go Go Go!!
Our Boutique Cafe Holiday Gift Guide – Promos and Discounts for BLACK FRIDAY:
Fat Quarter Shop:20% OFF your order at the Fat Quarter Shop! Use code “blackfriday” during checkout before midnight Monday, November 29, 2010.
Fabric Hound: 40% off most reg priced merch- BF40 displayed in listings, 10% gift card for yourself when you buy (buy $100 GC, get $10), orders of $100+ get 10% off stackable coupon for later…Shop now!
So Fun Fabrics: All books are 15% off, all patterns are 25% off and all Moda pre-cuts are 25% off! Most fabric has been marked down to $6, $6.50 or $7 a yard. Sale prices are as marked – no promo code to bother with! Shop our Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale!
Little Bits by Lisa:20% discount on all purchases made from my website or Etsy and Ebay stores on Through Cyber Monday. However, hair accessories shown on my website are not included in this sale. Once your purchase and payment and have posted, your 20% discount will be refunded.
***MORE Promos and Discounts coming in throughout the day – keep checking back! (to include your shops promo discount for Black Friday contact daria@boutiquecafe.com)
Do you have a promo that you want mentioned on BoutiqueCafe tomorrow? We’re sharing all of our outstanding discount promos from our awesome Holiday Gift Guide as well as opening up the opportunity for our Facebook and mailing list friends to share theirs too!!
If you have a discount or sale going on for Black Friday in your shops, Etsy stores, websites etc. and want our Boutique Cafe traffic please email me the details including: url, promo explanation and you’ll receive a linky in our Boutique Cafe Black Friday Listing!! Cost to be included is $2 (we want it affordable for everyone). Paypal your $2 payment to boutiquecafe@gmail.com right away, and send over your info. Happy Sales To You! – XOXO Daria
For those of you who Love a great deal, be sure to swing by BoutiqueCafe for all the Black Friday savings! See you here tomorrow – minus the lines
It’s those last precious weeks before Christmas, and now is perfect opportunity to scour the BC Holiday Gift Guide for sweet gift ideas. Each week we’ll share a sampling of the goodness from our own Guide that you’ll want to check out for your family and friends!
For all our current specials visit our Gift Guide for promos and discounts, to spoil the kiddos and save too! Take me to the Promo Codes »
Boutique Cafe Holiday Wish List
Let’s Fill up those stockings and Save together!
*Personalized and PerfectMy Lucky Wish offers so many great gifts, especially the Citrus Slice Lunchbox Stationary set! An indulgence any gal would enjoy. Gift enclosures, luggage tags, note cards and more – all in personalized Polkadots. We love it! (**TIP: use our promo code “BCHOLIDAY” for 20% at My Lucky Wish this holiday season).
*Tote It!Pamper your Princess The gorgeous totes from Amy Michelle will pamper any fashion savvy mom. Fill them to the brim with all your baby gear, and still look like a million bucks! (Their “Chic” and “Classic” lines are on sale throughout December).
*For the Love of Fabric make it a Handmade Holiday snag the cutest fabrics from Fabric Shoppe on Etsy. (Great prices on fresh designer fabrics)
*Dress ‘Em Up! Boutique Brands galore can be found for boys & girls at Jilly bo Billy Boutique including this adorable Misha Lulu red skirt! **grab our promo code “Holiday20” for 20% off the already reduced prices! WOW!
My “SWEET” friend Jenny aka The Dessert Darling posted this adorable video/tutorial with Leslie Sarna, the “Dainty Vegetarian”. Together they whip up three different Halloween themed cupcakes that are easy and delicious to boot! I’m definitely making those precious pumpkin cupcakes with my kids this week. Which ones will you be making?
Jenny your beautiful Dessert Darling host takes you through the wonderful world of indulgence on her blog. If you’re going to indulge, why not do it right?! Jenny showcases the Best of the Best when it comes to cakes, cookies, desserts and treats. Plus she is just infectiously adorable! – Happy Halloween, let us know how your cupcakes turned out. – XOXO Daria
I love love love seeing all these adorable children in their boutique clothing and accessories! In Who’s Wearing Boutique? this week we’re spotlighting Kaitlin in Kait Emerson Designs, Matilda wearing Way Cool Kid, a darling baby girl wearing Pierce Street boutique, and two darling kiddos in CutiePies Couture! Thanks to our active and awesome Facebook Group members for sending in these fantastic photos of your kids sporting their boutique finery!
Kaitlin 5yr (see right image)
Wearing -Kait Emerson Designs “Sweet Clothing for Modern Kids” Facebook Fan Page
Submitted by her proud Mom: Feanna Otta
Here’s sweet little Matilda wearing an upcycled chic jacket and darling shirt dress from WayCoolKid.com(see left image)
Submitted by her proud Dad: Thomas
Hee Hee! Oh this darling little baby wearing her Tutu and hairbow by Pierce Street Boutique
Submitted by her proud mom: Melissa
And finally these two sweet kiddos wearing their warm and wonderful fall/winter clothing from Cutiepies Couture!
Submitted by proud mom: Kori
First up this week, Nena from A Happy Life Studio sent in these adorable pictures of her darling daughter Hendrix and best friend Emma in clothes that Nena created. We LOVE them!! Nena has been sewing for Hendrix since she was born, and now she’s sewing for her Best Friend too! Thanks for sharing
Kylee (our beautiful mermaid) is wearing an original design by her mom Tina of Pixie Petal Creations. Tina designs custom tutu’s, handmade flowers, boutique style clothing and more. You can also check out Pixie Petal Creations on Facebook here>>
Keep sending in pics of your children wearing boutique clothing and accessories in real life. We love when you share, and you’re most welcome to “toot your own horn” if you are a designer! Keep those fashions and adorable pics rolling in, and let’s show the world how wearable and beautiful boutique fashions can be. – xoxo Daria
** Readers: Don’t forget to leave some sweet comments for our featured children – they would love it!
I’m so excited to kickoff our “Who’s Wearing Boutique” feature and hope that it will continue to grow. I love to see shots of your children wearing boutique and handmade creations in real life situations, it’s wonderful to see how functional and fashionable these items can be. I KNOW you love them, thanks for showing off the fave designers in your life (oh and your own adorable kids too!!). Let’s celebrate the creativity and hardwork of these designers, and gush over the cuteness of all your kiddos together. – Daria
Send in your “Who’s Wearing Boutique” snapshots with designer information to: daria@boutiquecafe.com Subject: Who’s Wearing Boutique
CLICK a picture to visit the designers website and shop till you drop!
Hey BC Fans, I’m back from our vacation and I’d LOVE to SPOTLIGHT your little kiddos. If you have a pic of your child wearing a handmade boutique creation please email it to me – daria@boutiquecafe.com Subject: Who’s Wearing Boutique?? and we’ll start featuring the designs + the kids who love them! Let’s show the world how awesome it is to shop Boutique Customs.
(Be sure to note the designer’s name too) If we get a good response this will be a weekly feature on BoutiqueCafe.com
Gotta love the kiddos and their fave outfits. Send those pictures in Mamas! – XOXO Daria
Toy Story mania has hit again, don’t miss out on the chance to own this darling 6 pc. custom from Jade & Roses COUTURE! Talk about a show stopper, can you imagine wearing this to the theatre to see the movie? FUN FUN!!
“DIY Daria” came out to play for a few brief hours last week, in order to make some stellar thank you gifts for my kids teachers. If you like mine you’ll love the original idea from the blog eighteen25 – her tutorial on this was so awesome I just HAD to do it! I had the most delightful time scouring the shelves at Michaels for all kinds of cute little clips, magnets, glitter, stickers, punches and much more to fill up their kits. I hope they enjoy them and find them useful too.
When I saw this on The Pennington Point site I literally screamed out loud for joy! Doesn’t this just make you giddy? Now I’m on the hunt for an old piano that I can paint and love in my home. I’m inspired, how ‘bout you? Yum Yum Yummy! – Daria
Wanna whip up some gorgeous and stylish rainwear for you and the little miss? Snag Amy Butler’s NEW sewing patterns for all those wet and chilly days.
Featuring My Rainy Days (for mom) and Little Splashes (for daughter) Raincoats and Runabout Jackets! Little Splashes is a perfect mother/daughter project. Both patterns feature Amy’s signature “Love” laminated and home dec fabrics.
Visit the Amy Butler website to see more inspiration images and get all the information on new patterns. YUMMY!!
Isn’t this fantastic?! I can only imagine how thrilling it would feel to carry the silhouette’s of all the faces I love close to my heart. This beautiful keepsake is made by LuckyMeBeads on Etsy.
It instantly made me think of (Nie Nie) Stephanie Nielson – she needs one of these! Love it! – Daria
Today I’m dishing on a fantastic line of diaper bags for modern parents from Babymel! As you know my daughter Lola was born in December, and ever since the ONLY bag I’ve been carrying has been my BabyMel diaper bag in the Amanda printed design. This bag is not big, bulky and overpowering, it’s just well designed and the ideal size. I love the functionality coupled with the gorgeous styling. I actually feel chic when I carry it!
The Amanda is equipped with: Two insulated zip bottle pockets
Three large outer pockets
Internal elasticated large storage pockets
Zipped pocket to keep valuables
Wipe clean lining
Wipe clean outer printed fabric
An adjustable strollerstrap;
Changing mat;
Dimensions: H 26cm W 44cm D 12cm
For modern Moms on the go, each Babymel bag has a handy stroller strap (patent pending). The strap is easy to use, and a real life saver if your stroller is packed to the rafters with stuff. It’s designed to take your diaper bag from shoulder to stroller in the blink of an eye, and it works!
The company was founded in London in 2006 by the cofounders of StorkSak and it’s goal is to offer attractive and functional diaper bags at a fantastic price.
The MODA Bake Shop blog is always cooking up the cutest tutorials! In this easy project for Easter you can DIY your way to a sweet-as-can-be Fabric Candy Dish.
Here’s a girly good FIND for today from Rosehip on Etsy. Check out these feminine and flirty pillowcases! Don’t they just scream summer cottage to you? Oh the beauty. This fun indulgence would be ideal for summer days kicking back with a good book. Relax and get pretty with Rosehip! Snag them on Etsy>>
It’s so much fun sharing this FIND with you today, as I’ve personally ordered several items from this designer and have drooled over each and every one! It’s time to Discover {Rosebudlips} on Etsy, this quaint online store is stocked with precious treasures such as fabric rosebud headbands, funky rosebud & bib necklaces, and even darling infant hats.
From personal experience I can rave about the beautiful handmade quality of her items, they are beautiful! Check out Rosebudlips on Etsy today, and let them know you found out about them on Boutique Cafe too!! – XOXO Daria
Oh isn’t this precious?! Created by designer thats*so*addie, this “Cow Says Moo” custom set (size 2-6) is a darling jumper and matching pants.
Designer thats*so*addie says:
“I ADORE how this set turned out! I used the popular Cow Says Moo fabrics to make this darling jumper set.
The jumper dress is a sweet combination of barnyard fabrics with a poufy bubble style skirt attached for a full & fun look. Euro clips at the shoulders for a unique look and of course a little pocket on the bodice showing off those cute little farm animals. Layer over a long sleeve tee for cooler days.
The poufy ruffle pants (can be made capri length if you wish) are so sweet with little pockets featuring the barnyard animals on one leg and made with darling coordinating polka dots. The ruffles at the hem are a new design by me that have a pouf to them instead of regular ruffles…so cute and fluffy!”
Twitter has fast become a staple in the days of many momprenuers and members of our community! If you’re looking to expand the reach of your business through networking this form of social media is a simple and quick way to make it happen. We’re personally cultivated many amazing new connections and relationships through the benefits of using Twitter. It’s easy, fun and effective!
Now you can show your love of all things Twitter, with products handmade and readily available on Etsy. Can you believe all of the “Tweet” goodies that can be found??!!
All The Rage!! Carla (the Scientific Seamstress) guests on YouCanMakeThis blog to share how to DIY the coolest Frayed Rosette Bib Necklace. We love it!
Get out your junky craft scissors and some florist wire. Cut a piece about 12 inches long.
Place the wire through the center of the Bowdabra.
Leaving 12_ for the tail of the bow, cinch ribbon between the holder.
Make a loop and twist it away from you…then place in between the holder.
Make as many loops as you want as long as you have the same amount of loops on each side. I usually do 6 or 8 loops in total.
Cut the ribbon leaving another 12 inch ribbon tall.
Cross the wire and twist tightly. Then fluff your bow.
And if you don’t dovetail the ends of the ribbon, everyone will think you are an amateur…
Fold the ribbon end in half lengthwise (do not crease it). Cut across at an angle to form the dovetail end.
Hi! I'm Daria, Owner Host and Producer for Boutique Cafe! I am passionate about helping mompreneurs succeed in following their dreams. I love to connect people, create, and network. I'm a social media addict and love anything fashionable, girly, DIY, vintage, handmade and fabulous. If you're a mompreneur and are looking for a cheerleader, you've come to the right place! Learn more about us here.
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Easter is quickly hopping our way, but it’s not too late to snag your children some special Handmade creations, clothing and accessories from talented Mom Businesses. The boutique community offers oodles of original, custom and “created with love” designs for your little bunnies.
1. Elizabeth Kartchner (aka 
Hello again sunshine!
Check out these adorable wooden Tinkerspools from 
I want to start off this post by singing (in my best Julie Andrew’s voice) “Oh, it’s a Jolly Holiday with Mary, Mary makes your heart so light. When the day is grey and ordinary, Mary makes the sun shine bright…”. As you can tell I’m crazy about my dear friend Mary Abreu, and of course her new book that is out on shelves as we speak.
HAPPY 
I love love love seeing all these adorable children in their boutique clothing and accessories! In Who’s Wearing Boutique? this week we’re spotlighting Kaitlin in Kait Emerson Designs, Matilda wearing Way Cool Kid, a darling baby girl wearing Pierce Street boutique, and two darling kiddos in CutiePies Couture! Thanks to our active and awesome 
First up this week, Nena from A Happy Life Studio sent in these adorable pictures of her darling daughter Hendrix and best friend Emma in clothes that Nena created. We 
Hey 
Toy Story mania has hit again, don’t miss out on the chance to own this darling 6 pc. custom from 
Wanna whip up some gorgeous and stylish rainwear for you and the little miss? Snag Amy Butler’s 
Isn’t this fantastic?! I can only imagine how thrilling it would feel to carry the silhouette’s of all the faces I love close to my heart. This beautiful keepsake is made by 
Today I’m dishing on a fantastic line of diaper bags for modern parents from Babymel! As you know my daughter Lola was born in December, and ever since the 
Oh isn’t this precious?! Created by designer thats*so*addie, this “Cow Says Moo” custom set (size 2-6) is a darling jumper and matching pants.
All The Rage!! Carla (the Scientific Seamstress) guests on YouCanMakeThis blog to share how to 
Add yourself to my connections.
