Crafters, Small Business Owners, Designers and Moms : Have you joined our Boutique Cafe group on Facebook yet? We’re having so much fun together this week sharing great Valentine’s Day DIY links and craft ideas.

QUICK! Join Here>>

I am honoured to have submitted the launch photo for Megan’s new blog adventure, we all need to pack our virtual bags and enjoy this together. Megan (aka Brassy Meg) kicks off her new blog today entitled “I am…more than just”.

Of her new blog project Megan says:
“This blog is about sharing snapshots from women all around the world. We are more than just all the labels, advertising, and categories we are put in or put ourselves in.

We are more than just…........

We all have different forms of beauty, different talents, traits that make us who we are and ideas that drive us and mold our character. We all have a story to tell.

So what can you capture through the lens of your camera to share? Often we as women and mothers are behind the camera capturing life without us in that moment. I want you to share those moments and occasionally step in front of it as well. We capture so many beautiful moments, images, stories and emotions through a single photo. We can learn so much from each other.

This blog will have a monthly theme that all the photos will be based on – like a tiny window into your life wherever you are on the globe. My hope is that we will see how similar we may be, to connect with others, to share a bit of our stories through a picture and a few simple words. To be intrigued about our differences. To laugh, cry, smile…..to be seen.

We are more that just….........women, mothers, teachers, stay at home moms, working moms, single, divorced, married, tall, short, blonde, brunette….......”I AM” will let you declare through a photo bits of yourself and your daily life to share with other women.”

*Please join me in congratulating one of the most talented and kindhearted women I know on a worthwhile and amazing project. I can’t wait to see my readers participate by sending in your own pictures, and sharing the many parts of you with the world. XO - Daria

Follow IamMoreThanJust on Twitter>>

A few of our readers have been asking for an update on how my little Lola is doing. I’m happy to share that our darling girl is now 13 months old and the joy of our lives. We’re crazy for her, the boys are all so proud of each little thing she does. Thank you all for caring so much about my family, I will try to share more pics and fun stories since so many of you have been asking me to do just that!! I hope you enjoy the pictures, she is growing up so fast. – Daria

Lola’s photos were taken by: Lizzy Anne Photography

Got a great Biz but no funds?? Tell me why you need FREE Ad Space on BoutiqueCafe We’re drawing a winner tonight at 10pm!! Good Luck!

Entries are coming in:

Here on our Twitter Account – just tweet to @BoutiqueCafe
and on our Facebook Group – Just post and let us know why you need a free ad for your business

AND This Contest is Now CLOSED -

The FREE AD Frenzy is complete and we have our winner…well WINNERS! I loved all of your comments on Facebook and Twitter so much, I understand the pangs with owning your own small business so I’m giving free ad spots to THREE winners instead of one. I’ve randomly drawn the winners and they are as follows: Artsy Fartsy Scraproom (AKA @Hotmamabree on Twitter), LuLuBelle’s Couture, and MyLilDarlings Boutique! Congratulations

Obviously there is great need for affordable advertising and getting your name out there in as many places as possible. I am currently working on an idea for Boutique Cafe which I hope will be a real help to all of you. I’ll be posting about it shortly when I’ve worked out the details. Hang in there friends – someone cares…ME!! Daria

We would like to take a moment to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, and a bright and beautiful New Year. We hope each of you will experience the true joy of the season, and be surrounded by love and happiness.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Boutique Cafe – XOXOXO

Shop Owners, Vendors, Designers: We’re putting together our 2010 Christmas Podcast and would love to offer a spectacular Giveaway Package to coincide with the show.

If your business would like to contribute prizes to our Boutique Cafe Holiday Giveaway pls contact Daria (daria@boutiquecafe.com) (**Prizes considered must be value of $25 or more, we require a picture of the item and a link to your shop). Promotion on Boutique Cafe in our Holiday Show Post will be provided for your business of course!!

HO HO HO!! – Santa Daria

My dear buddies Kim and Kris from The DIY Dish (yes they are twins, no they are not related to Marie Osmond) are guests in a fun challenge on the Nate Berkus Show airing Oct 27th!! Don’t miss it! Eeek so excited for you both, I’ll be watching and cheering – XOXO Daria

If you love our reviews, podcasts and community here’s a quick and easy way to say you care about Boutique Cafe. Please fly our banner in your sidebar or on your websites for our 2010 Holiday Gift Guide. By doing so you are supporting not only Boutique Cafe but oodles of mom-owned businesses, small businesses and family geared shops this season. Once you’ve done that, pat yourself on the back because well…you’re awesome!!

Share the 2010 Boutique Cafe Holiday Gift Guide on your blog or website.

For details: daria@boutiquecafe.com

Our Annual Holiday Gift Guide is just about ready to make it’s Grand Appearance once again! We love hosting this guide each holiday shopping season for our eager shoppers as well as offering this venue to sell for our outstanding friends in business. If you have a shop or website that would like to be included in the Gift Guide this year please email me directly at: daria@boutiquecafe.com for details and put “Holiday Gift Guide” in the subject line.

We make inclusion easy, affordable and fun for small business owners! After all, that’s what we love more than anything at Boutique Cafe, helping businesses get noticed and doing so shouldn’t cost a fortune. We’re here to help and we love supporting you.

Let’s make it an outstanding year once again! – Daria

I must tell you I’m quite honoured to be asked to play Mad Libs with all the “cool kids” on Emily’s blog “Is This Really My Life” today! I’ve never played Mad Libs before in my life, and it’s been excruciating waiting to see how my answered filled in those blanks. LOL! I must admit that it’s taking ALL of my self control not to request a “DO OVER” and send new words now. I’ll try to control myself though. Emily sent over on the request for a certain number of NOUNS, ADJECTIVES etc. and filled them all in.

I definitely laughed at the end when it asked for someone else in the room. All I could think of was Mindy Gledhill because her music has been filling my studio non-stop. That TOTALLY counts right?!!

Thanks for the fun Emily and for featuring a bit about my life too – I sure do love you! XOXO Daria

Please swing over to “Is This Really My Life” and check out my feature

Hey BC Fans. What are YOU needing or missing from Boutique Cafe? I desperately need to prioritize my time better and want to focus on bringing you the things you really Love/Need.

Podcasts? Videos? Momprenuer Interviews? Product Reviews? Networking opportunities?

I’d love your feedback on this! Thanks for helping this busy mama out (in personal news, Baby Lola is doing great at 6 months old. She’s the joy in my life!! I love having a baby girl)

Happy Friday! – Daria XO

Oh how I love Quilt Market! The fabrics, the fun, the crazy antics with all my designer pals (sleepless nights up talking for hours, and sore feet). Unfortunately I’m not in Minneapolis for the 2010 Spring show this weekend. I’m so depressed about it, that I’m posting a happy picture of years past when I was able to attend in Portland and meet designer Amy Butler in person for the first time!

Even though I’m not there to cover the event this Spring…do not despair because Bari J. Ackerman is our Official Correspondent for Boutique Cafe (she has biz cards and everything!). Bari will be conducting video interviews at Quilt Market and bringing the footage back to share on Boutique Cafe’s podcasts. We’re so excited!! We love Bari, she attended Fall Market and snagged some outstanding interviews and information for our viewers last year. I’m so grateful she’s up for the challenge again.

If you’re at Market this weekend be sure to snag Bari and tell her all about your fabrics, patterns and how much you LOVE Boutique Cafe – you might just get featured!!

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and as I think about the many mother’s and women who inspire and uplift me constantly, I’m always grateful for the amazing example of Stephanie Nielson or Nie Nie as she is known to thousands of her blog readers around the globe. We have shared Nie Nie’s story many times on Boutique Cafe (past articles here, and here, and here, and here...).

This inspiring woman is never far from my thoughts, and though we have never met I feel blessed to read her words of love for her family, her faith in God, and her perseverance through daily struggle. As we celebrate the wonderful blessings of Motherhood and influential women in our lives this week, I wanted to share this very personal and tender story with you in her touching new YouTube video for the Mormon Messages channel. Grab a box of tissues and meet Nie, of my dear personal heros. XOXO - Daria

Have you checked out Emily’s new blog affectionately called “Is This Really My Life?”

Her writing and wit are fantastic, so please support our girl Emily. Grab a Diet Coke, and Get over there!

This commercial from Kia made Nathan and I laugh so hard! I love the Sock Monkey getting the tattoo – hysterical! Had to share. What’s your fave commercial right now? – Daria

Our new baby girl Lola Olivia has recieved so many lovely gifts since she was born! I am going to try to feature her wearing them as quickly as I can. This darling hat was made by Jennifer Cirka of Jaybird Designs. Jennifer and I have known each other in the boutique community for many years, and I was thrilled to have something special that this talented gal has made for my little girl. It’s definitely going to be a treasured heirloom for Lola. Thanks so much Jennifer!

Visit Jennifer’s website and blog here>
Get your own, custom made, SugarPlum Hat here>
Or make your own with Jennifer’s SugarPlum Hat Crochet pattern!

Article by: Lisa Carroccio The Domestic Diva

DIY: TULLE GARLAND TUTORIAL

I’ve always used tulle when decorating my Christmas tree. It’s the secret to making a cheap tree look full. Basically, I’d “stuff” the tree with tulle and call it a day. However, this year since I now have a full pre-lit Christmas tree, I needed to somehow find a way to incorporate tulle into my tree. What better way than to Tulle Garland?!

All you need is a serger and a few rolls of 6 inch tulle in whatever color you like. The color choices are endless. I used 4 rolls (100 feet each) of “Old Gold Shimmer” tulle. Tulle rolls are sold in increments of 25, 75 and 100 feet. Be sure to buy as much as needed or you’ll be making additional trips to the craft store like I did.


Serger Settings:
4-thread overlock
Gathering Serger Presser Foot (if you have one)
Left and Right Needle Tension = 8
Upper and Lower Looper Tension = NORMAL
Stitch Length = 5 (or highest available setting)
Differential Feed = 2 (or highest available setting)
Note: You can use a sewing machine to gather your tulle, but the serger makes it a fast project…and I’m all about speed.

With the roll of tulle in front of the machine, on your lap or on the floor (like I do), fold tulle in half as it comes off the roll (folded edge to the left). Use your right hand to guide tulle through the serger cutting off 1/4 inch. With your left hand, place two fingers behind the presser foot to prevent the tulle from feeding freely.

This helps the tulle gather even more. When your fingers can no longer hold the tulle from behind the machine, let it go. Repeat until you’ve gathered all your tulle needed.

Once you’ve gathered all your tulle, you’ll need to “poof” it by separating the two layers of the tulle.




This is what 400 feet of gathered tulle garland looks like. Just enough to decorate a 7 foot Christmas tree.

Total cost…under $15! Being the envy of all your friends…priceless!

Hello! My new organic towels from Welspun are here!

After the exciting release of my organic bedding, I’m so happy to expand the collection with my beautiful bath towels. Made with 10% organic exchange cotton, these towels are super soft to the touch. The bold and vibrant colors will brighten up any bathroom space even in the wee hours of the morning when waking up is so hard to do. These joyful designs will lift your spirits and get you going!

My new line will be available in my online shop, along with Bed, Bath & Beyond stores nationwide and on Bed, Bath & Beyond.com (with many more retailers to come!). Please visit my website for inspirational photos and all the great details.

Warmest Wishes,
Amy

Giving Away 100 Tubs to Parents In A New Product Testing Challenge
Are you a new parent? PUJ is looking for you!! We love to share great opportunities with our readership, and this is one you don’t want to miss:

Vancouver, WA – November 2, 2009 – Puj, a leading designer of modern baby products that help Simplify Parenthood, is putting its new Puj Tub to the test, literally. The company is looking for 100 parents to act as official product testers for its new Puj Tub. The Puj Tub has been hailed as one of the best baby products to come on the market in years, offering a revolutionary new way to bathe a baby. With this new Puj 100 Tub Challenge, parents can see for themselves how easy bathing a baby with the Puj Tub can be.

Parents everywhere know how anxiety-inducing bathing a newborn can be – such a delicate creature slipping and sliding can quickly cause inner panic. With the Puj Tub, parents are able to bathe their baby in a standard sink so there’s no bending over a big, awkward bathtub. The Puj Tub cradles the baby in a cushiony, non-absorbent and non-slip closed cell foam that is also PVC and BPA free. And once the bath is done, the Puj Tub dries fast and folds flat.

The Puj Tub will be available for purchase at the end of November at a price of $39.99; however, through the Puj 100 Tub Giveaway, parents with a blog can go to the Puj site and apply to receive the tub for free in exchange for being a product tester and sharing their honest views on the product. The 100 selected winners will also be listed as official product testers on www.pujbaby.com . In this economy, giving consumers an opportunity to try a product at no cost is welcome news. For more information on the Puj 100 Tub Giveaway please visit www.pujbaby.com

Puj designs products for parents with the focus on making their lives easier. As parents and designers, Katie and Ben Richardson know how wonderful yet challenging parenting can be and have set out to design products that Simplify Parenthood. Having designed products for numerous name brand companies, it just seemed natural to begin designing products that helped them raise their own children. From shoes that fit baby’s feet perfectly to the latest innovation in baby products, Puj Baby makes parents lives easier. For more information on the Puj Tub and Puj please visit www.pujbaby.com.

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

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.

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>>

The beautiful & amazing Heather Bailey, fabric and textile designer extraordinare shares her inspirations and ideas on NBC’s Studio 5.

Enjoy this awesome interview with Heather, she even shares a quick and easy tutorial on how to create a beautiful fabric flower accessory from sewing scraps! We LOVE you Heather – way to go!

Read Heather’s popular blog here >>

Hello Friend!

I couldn’t be more excited about LOVE! My newest fabric collection for Rowan has me reeling.

I’ve gone over-the-top with prints and color to make a luscious and yet “bite-sized” collection of 26 quilting/fashion weight fabrics and 12 Home Dec weight fabrics. A marriage by design coming from a love affair of rich, soulful, organic florals and architectural prints passionately inspired by my recent trips to Indonesia and England. Rich tropical colors with ethnic imprints and elegance found in over the top florals like full roses and exploding peony blossoms join together in an optimistic celebration of print and color.

Print stories ” heart ” and ” soul ” provide the most positive vibe! Let the un-limited mix of design and color fuel your customer’s next creative project! Click Here to view the entire collection, I hope you and your customer’s fall in love with them all!

One of my favorite parts of my Love collection is the expansion into different substrates! I had a blast creating my new Love projects. Keep in touch and continue to check my website to see the new lifestyle and project photos and to learn about the releases of Love in quilting, home dec, flannel, laminate and double-faced quilted fabrics! We will be updating the website and adding free downloadable patterns featuring the different Love fabric weights throughout the month of September. I can’t wait to see all of the fun projects you and your customers come up with.

Westminster Fibers is accepting orders now for all substrates so be sure to contact your rep to place your order or call 1-866-907-3305 to set up a new account. I hope that Love inspires you & your customers to create great things this fall.

Peace and Joy,
Amy

Ahhh the 80’s! I was totally obsessed with the show Punky Brewster, my sister and I never missed an episode. Well Soleil Moon Frye gifted her loyal fans with a true blast from the past this week. She promised her Twitter fans that once she reached 1 million followers she would dress as Punky Brewster. Out came the bandanas and mis-matched shoes! I can’t express how much joy this brings me Soleil – you ROCK! Punky Power forever! – Daria

Follow Soleil Moon Frye on Twitter here>>

Adagio Bleu Studios is bringing the most awesome autumn fashions and back to school gear for you and your children! Even though the slightest hint of fall hasn’t been seen in most parts of the country yet, our designers are thinking ahead and offering so many trendy and fashionable handmade items in their Etsy shops. We stay ahead of the crowd and pride ourselves on fresh, fun and wearable clothing for children and the moms who love them.
Our collective of indie designers works very hard to bring top quality boutique items to the market through the Etsy venue and our own websites as well. You can easily find over 400 items handcrafted with the utmost skill and care, and of superior quality by searching our search term on Etsy, Search: “ABSD” (Adagio Bleu Studio Designers)and prepare to fall in love!

We have several designers with a focus on babies and adorable items such as hats, personalized onesies, burps, bibs, diaper bags and car seat/stroller cozies. We are pleased to have designers which specialize in couture clothing for boys as well as girls. Adagio Bleu also has some awesome accessory designers who make gorgeous bows, footwear, wallets, cell phone cozies, purses, handbags, backpacks, key fobs and even pet items such as designer fabric collars and leashes!
Come and see what Adagio Bleu Studios is all about, and search our items on Etsy.Com >>

The Apronista is having the sweetest festival on her popular blog and you still have time to be a part of it!! Simply visit this link and enter your blog address. Now you’re signed up in the Linky directory to recieve all kinds of blog attention. Don’t forget to host a Giveaway of your own, prizes are a BEAUTIFUL thing!!

**Giveaway:For our own little contribution we’re going to offer one lucky commenter a FEATURE article on ApronADay!! That’s right, if you’ve been hankering to get noticed, we’ll share your (handmade or apron related) blog or shop with our readers and give you a little boost of attention. All you have to do is leave a comment here along with your url and email address. We’ll draw the winner at Midnight on August 7th!!

Good Luck and have fun visiting all the lovely blogs participating in Apronfest this year! Loads to see and win – its a feast for the eyes!

This weekend mommy bloggers from all over are descending on Chicago for the annual BlogHer Conference. Emily and I (Boutique Cafe) were set to attend this year with our tickets in hand, however due to several complications things didn’t go well and we ended up selling our Blogher tickets to some very stinkin’ LUCKY gals.

Now we’re both at home, watching the #BlogHer09 tweets roll by on Tweetdeck and pitying ourselves for the missing of this great event. Even though it couldn’t be helped, won’t you join in our little pity party?

I just tweeted my affirmation for today: “Even though I’m not at #BlogHer09 I’m still darn awesome!” Follow me here—>

**If you’re a blogger who is at the conference and would like to share your experience please leave a comment with your blog post address. If you’re not at BlogHer (like Emily and myself) feel free to post your woes below too, and you can link to your blog as well (you’re darn awesome too!!).

Daria included in Top 111 Biz Women to Follow List in new ‘Twitter Inspiration’ eBook! Find out more here

To Follow Daria on Twitter click here

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