We’re celebrating the holidays a little differently this year at Boutique Cafe, my new baby Lola Olivia was born on Dec. 10th and isn’t sleeping at night. Needless to say I had to find a creative way of bringing the holiday spirit to our viewers, while including some extra help from a few special friends to pull it all together. What I came up with was a wandering through various homes in our very own Boutique Community!!
This idea makes me feel like Robin Leach from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (minus the accent)!! It’s a fun little holiday jaunt into the homes of some very creative gals who give so much year-round to their families and community. We hope you feel inspired by the Christmas decor, so cozy up with your hot cocoa and visit the homes of some of our closest friends.
Happy Holidays with love from Boutique Cafe! See you in the New Year!
*** Giveaway! Boutique Cafe wants to make your holiday extra merry by giving away two (2) Zhu Zhu Pets to two Very Lucky BC readers!
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:
• Leave a comment in our shownotes for this episode telling us your favorite holiday tradition!
• Become a fan of Boutique Cafe on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you joined.
• Follow Boutique Cafe on Twitter (@BoutiqueCafe) and leave a comment telling is you’re our 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 two winners from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: December 26, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
** Click button below to view video coverage, or view it on our YouTube channel right here>>
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.
Nothing puts you in the holiday mood more than the smell of Christmas. Since Christmas scents are usually limited to Pine-Sol™ pine, sugar cookie and country kitchen apple scents, I started making my own. Combine the following:
1 sliced orange
1 sliced lemon
10 cloves
1 tablespoon Allspice
3 cinnamon sticks
Add two cups of water and simmer (low flame) on your stovetop. The smell fills your house! Occasionally add more water as it evaporates.
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.
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.
Holiday Christmas Cutie! This sweet applique wrap dress and jeans are so scrumptious for your little lady this upcoming holiday season. Blu*Moon*Design is having a sample sale, and this set is available in a size 2T (worn only for pictures).
We all love a good superhero. My current personal favorite is Ming-Ming from WonderPets. (Can you tell who’s in charge of the TV lately?) But what does a superhero have to do with outerwear? If you’ve ever struggled to secure your little one in her car seat complete with winter coat or even slightly less bulky pullover sweater you know it often requires superpowers to adjust a five-point harness without compromising safety. Never fear! Babycapes are here!
Babycapes were created by two moms, who faced the similar struggle of trying to get their busy baby girls into car seats with bulky winter coats. The Babycape has a generous front opening with three snaps so it’s easy on/easy off and allows you access to harness straps. It has a cozy hood and openings in the sides for little arms, but the pièce de résistance is its back opening with a single snap. When open it lets you easliy slip your child into a stroller, car seat or front carrier without removing the Babycape, and when closed it makes the perfect outdoor cover-up.
Olivia and I were able to test the pink Minky Sherpa Suede Babycape during the Christmas holiday. I couldn’t wait to see if it were as easy to use as it appeared, but I was even more interested to find out if it would keep her warm even in frigid weather. I will admit it took us a few tries to get the hang of the Babycape. (Perhaps if I’d watched the instructional video on the website like any smart person would do, I’d have got it the first time!) Our first attempt we put it on her in the house, slipped her arms through the arm holes and quickly realized we had to take her arms out in order to get her arms under the harness straps. Then we put her arms back through and adjusted the cape around here. Olivia, who isn’t the best traveler anyway, was a bit flustered by the time we were done and none too happy.
When we tried it again and left her arms under the cape she got a bit frustrated having her arms covered, but at least it was easier to get her in the car seat! And even in 20-degree weather she stayed toasty until the car’s heater took over. Because we had a bit of a struggle the first few times using the Babycape I almost gave up, but when we tried it today, Olivia and I both seemed to finally get it! She kept her arms under the cape until I had her in the car seat. I of course didn’t realize until now the generous front opening was for me to use to adjust the harness straps. I was flipping the cape up to secure her, which she thought meant it was time to pull the Babycape completely off!
Now we’re becoming seasoned pros at the Babycape thing and I am slowly falling deeply in love with it. It really is a much safer alternative to a big winter coat and it is less hassle than a coat and blanket, which is what we were using (and the blanket was always just as cold as the car!). The Babycape is to die for when it comes to style and design and it is super soft to boot. Today I caught Olivia turning to look up into her hood and smiling at who knows what. (I think she was smiling because she too had fallen in love with her Babycape.)
I love that the moms behind Babycapes are just as interested in making sure your child is safe as they are in telling you about their product. They’ve dedicated an entire page of their site to safety information complete with a safety video and links to sites with more information about car seat safety. When a company is as concerned about your child as you are, you can rest easy knowing their product was designed with your child’s safety and comfort in mind.
Babycapes are custom made and assembled in the U.S.A. They come in a wonderful array of luxurious, machine-washable fabrics such as Marshmallow Minky, Minky Sherpa Suede (love how that rolls off the tongue) and Minky Cuddle. And because one size fits newborn to preschooler, you won’t have to purchase a new coat year after year. Those Babycape moms have thought of everything–talk about superheroes!
The weather is still frightful, at least in my neck of the woods, and Babycapes will come in handy for a few months yet. I suggest you pick one up now, especially since they’re on sale through January 31st. Considering Babycapes last a good 3-4 years, that’s less than $30 a year…a heck of a lot cheaper than your typical winter coat and a heck of a lot safer in a car seat. Comic books and movies will tell you, the superhero is always a safe bet! –Emily
*** Giveaway! Babycapes is giving away one Babycape, winner’s choice! Please leave a comment telling us your favorite Babycape (color and style); include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: January 14, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Leah F., the winner of the Babycape 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!
**This episode is full of Spectacular Giveaways including: A Pinkalicious Books to Bed set from My Princess Closet(**Which was featured on “The View” this morning!!), 2 $50 eBook Bundles from You Can Make This.com, and 3 Kimberbell Doll patterns from You Can Make This.com!! We’ll draw the winners on Dec. 22nd! Good luck Everyone and Happy Holidays from Boutique Cafe.
**Due to family emergency this will be our last 12 Days holiday show. I express my sincere apologies, and thank you for your understanding as I leave town to handle some personal issues. I hope you love the Holiday Shows and we’ll be posting winners shortly. Merry Christmas my dear friends! – Daria
This is just so striking, I’d love it for myself!! Available on Etsy from Kustom Kids – HBTM
Listing Includes:
-EXTRA FULL TWIRL SKIRT
-REVERSABLE JACKET
-SHIRRED BACK RUFFLED TOP
Get as many pieces as you like to create a wonderful mix and match mini wardrobe that will be festive for the holidays and long after. The extra full twirl skirt has a stripwork effect to the fabric. The white peasant top has a softly shirred back and layeres of eyelet lace across the little tummy area. The jacket is reversable and the petti skirt is about half the fullness of a regular petti.
PLEASE NOTE: MINI PETTI SKIRT shown is NOT included but can be added for an additional $45
This full size child’s apron is 100% cotton in Sandy Gervais (Moda) Merry and Bright fabric.
No visible seams. Pre-washed fabric (in mild detergent). Fully lined
It’s Holly and Jolly all rolled into one, snag an apron for your girl and indulge in the fun!
Designed by pickles*and*co and available on eBay in custom sizes! More styles and patterns in her store as well. Get baking this season and look cute doing it!
It’s those last precious weeks before Christmas, and now is perfect opportunity to scour the BC Holiday Gift Guide for last minute gift ideas. We’ve found a small 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 Last Minute Holiday Gifts
It’s Time to Shop and Save It’s not too late to get some fantastic deals.
*A little BLING!!Cinnamon Sticks Jewels These sterling, handstamped bangles are a great gift idea for the lady on your list. Stamped with “Faith, Hope and Love” they make a sweet statement and are so hot right now!! (**TIP: use our promo code “fship” for free shipping this holiday season).
*Apron-rrrific! Pamper the Chef! Aprons have made a gigantic comeback the past few years, and with designs like these from D-Lux 57 it’s easy to see why! (**use our promo code “BCDD101130″ for an additional 10% off + free shipping). Bake up some holiday memories, and enjoy your apron all year long!
*Artwork is IN! Watch her light up with beautiful canvas creations from Two Little Witches. Charming, dreamy and ideal to update a bedroom for your little miss. Don’t miss our promo code for Free Shipping by using “BCXMAS” at checkout.
Make Shopping with Kids a Breeze!
*Snacks in a Snap! On Tray is changing the way smart mommy’s shop. Tote along some snacks while you have your kids in the cart, decrease the tantrums and increase the fun! ($7 and comes in cool colors, it’s a great stocking stuffer)
*Dress your Pretty Baby! For your growing Fashionista, find bliss with the Baby Bella Maya ruffled onesie gift sets This irresistable set includes baby booties, a matching headband and a onesie with a print ruffle on the tush in an adorable keepsake heart box! **grab our promo code for 10% off your order using “CAFE01″.
*Boy Clothing that is TRULY Cute! We often hear that it’s hard to find cute boys clothing, look no further than Hippos Toes Boutique for fashions that will please. Whimsical clothing for boys and girls With our handy promo code you can also score 15% off your order “BC15″!!
If your company is interested in joining our popular Gift Guide, simply email daria@boutiquecafe.com and we’ll send you all the information you need.
**please feel welcome to grab this logo and link to our gift guide on your site. We love you for sharing!
We’re back for our FOURTH straight year of our popular Holiday Shows! This week Boutique Cafe and guests are bringing to life the stuff christmas dreams are made of, in the first of 3 Spectacular Christmas shows. Daria interviews designers and momprenuers including Barb of Lola and Clementine, Myrinda of Sweet Girl Boutique, Leslie of L’il Darlins, and Kim of Olive Kids.
**This episode is chock full of Giveaways including: a $25 Gift Certificate to LolaandClementine.com or her eBay auctions as well, $25 Gift Certificate to Sweet Girl Boutique, $25 Gift Certificate to L’il Darlins, Bib-A-Roo from Lil Darlins, $80 Gift Pack from Olive Kids with personalized Frame Print, Placemat, Name tag and Bookmark. How to Enter: Comment under this post to qualify for our drawings. We’ll draw the winners on Dec. 22nd! Good luck Everyone and Happy Holidays from Boutique Cafe.
**We still have ONE interview space available for the 3rd and final 12 days of Christmas show. If you are interested in having your shop, store, group or designs featured please email daria@boutiquecafe.com for further details.
My awe-inspiring friend Nena is doing a festive, holly, jolly, Giveaway in time for the holidays. She created this stunning glittering Santa on Canvas valued at approx. $175.00 – and now Santa is looking for a new home. I’m publicly offering him a warm and cozy home with our family, but sadly all of the begging in the world won’t work because she’s drawing a “random” winner. I will still try to butter Nena up though, can’t blame a girl for trying.
To get all the details on how to win this beautiful art piece in time for Christmas visit Nena’s Blog.
This year, while many are struggling with great decorating ideas for the holidays on a tighter budget I have a small suggestion. I recently have seen a few Christmas trees that have been adorned with Christmas Crackers (you know, the kind that are classically at the dinner table and snap open to reveal a trinket or toy) – THEY LOOK SO COOL! I think it’s a brilliant idea, Christmas Crackers have a unique and festive shape and fill space well, they are light weight so they won’t weight down your tree branches. The bonus is that they typically come in packages of 8-12 and are relatively inexpensive.
For even more bang for your buck, you can DIY your way to Christmas Cracker bliss. All you need is some gorgeous wrapping or scrapbooking paper to get started. I found these great directions with step by step pics and instructions. Fun for your holiday table or ON your tree as festive and fun ornaments. Fill your crackers this year with sweet treasures, or personal notes of praise for your family members. What a treat on Christmas morning to snap open a little love note.
Assignment Share: I’d love to see pictures of the crackers you design this year, blog about your DIY Christmas Crackers and then come back and share the linky to your blog. We’ll all come over to Ohhh and Ahhhh over creative you! (I’ll be sharing pictures of these snazzy crackers on our tree too!)
My favorite new book this holiday season is called “Bear Stays Up For Christmas” by Karma Wilson. This is the perfect story to cuddle up with and read with a lap full of children. Full of beautiful charming illustrations, rhyming story, and heartwarming acts of friendship.
“Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up — by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents!”
I snagged my copy at our local Winners store for under $10 (I think it was closer to five bucks). If you see it, be sure to grab your family a copy too! The kids will love it. – Daria
Boutique Cafe has a rockin’ Holiday Gift Guide this year, full of deals/discounts/free ships and promo codes. All you need to make your holiday shopping a bit more merry.
Endulge in:
10% off with Sweet Girl Boutique + Free Gift Wrap
10% off at You Can Make This
15% off with Studio Jewel
$2 off shipping with Pammy J
Free Shipping at Two Little Witches
Free Shipping with Cinnamon Sticks
10% off at Baby Bella Maya
10% off at BonBon Cupcakes
10% off and Free Priority Shipping with D-Lux 57 aprons AND MANY MANY MANY MORE!!!!
Don’t forget to snag our Holiday Guide Button to add to your sidebar. Let’s support these incredible small businesses and share the joy this season!
To join our guide as a retailer, please send an email to daria@boutiquecafe.com for more details.
Can’t you just smell that delicious Gingerbread? This precious set by JennaClaireBoutique on ebay is the perfect holiday outfit for your little girl.
Now’s the time to shop so plan ahead for your custom boutique wear. This one features loads of gorgeous ruffles, appliqué and that all important Sugar n’ Spice! Custom sized from 18 months – size 8!
What’s sugar sweet and full of holiday cheer?? Why this darling Peppermint Holiday Dress from Nanas*Trunk*Boutique on eBay! ODOD size 3-5 and rich with holiday twirl Won’t your little girl look precious this Christmas season in this? Perfect for holiday portrait shots or that special Christmas Concert.
The kiddos might be just heading back to class, the warm weather is still brightening our days…but planning your holiday sales starts months in advance. Here’s how to reserve your ad space in our 2008 Holiday Gift Guide.
On Boutique Cafe we’re excited to offer our popular 2008 version of our Holiday Gift Guide for your online shops to take part in! The savings guide will run from Sept. 1 – Dec. 31st. 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!!
Continuing with our GROUP Fashion Shows we’re thrilled to present Blossom Leigh Boutique with their “Holidays in July” launch on eBay. This launch is truly a cornucopia of festive boutique offerings ranging from Halloween, Thanksgiving and even Christmas!
About the group:
“Blossom Leigh is a unique group of designers with a wide range of talents. We all love to create and value the deep friendship that we have all made in this group. I think the best part of our group is that we are all friends that make group decisions. No one is in “charge”. We all help and support each other to make our group a success.”
**GIVEAWAY!! The ladies of Blossom Leigh Boutique are offering a FANTASTIC prize to go along with their Holiday launch. One of our lucky readers will win a $30 Gift Certificate from BLB group!! To enter simply leave a comment about the fashion show in our comment section below. The winner will be drawn on July 29th!!
Shop for the Holidays right now by searching their auctions on eBay. Thanks to each of the BLB designers for the use of their pictures! **Please allow time for the show to load.
**UPDATE – Winner Announced!! Congratulations to Poster “Corey” who said :
“Wow, what a great idea to incorporate all these holidays into one launch! Halloween, Christmas and Thanksgiving seem to all run on top of each other in the boutique world. I love that they are all in one launch! Way to go girls! Great idea
Oh and I was just looking at that Smores necklace before I came over here. Very CUTE!”
We’ve sent you details of your win! Congratulations!! Thanks to everyone for the amazing response to this giveaway, and for your support of Blossom Leigh Boutique’s fun launch.
This Final week Boutique Cafe and guests are bringing to life the stuff christmas dreams are made of, in the 3rd of 3 Spectacular Christmas shows. Daria interviews designers and momprenuers including Megan from Creative Outlet Designs, Flat Betty, Beth the designer from Hollysmama, Andrea Park from MemoryLane Boutique Group, and Amy Trusler from Toteandtee.com.**This episode is chock full of Giveaways & Promos including:Winners choice of DIY set from Creative Outlet Designs, A full custom boutique set from Hollysmama, Two Boutique sets and an applique tee from members of MemoryLane Boutique Group. (additionally free ship with ANY MemoryLane member stores, use code “BoutiqueCafe”). And a $40 Gift Certificate to Toteandtee.com (additonally 20% off promo code for Toteandtee.com “cafe20″).How to Enter: Comment under this post to qualify for our drawings. We’ll draw the winners on Dec. 22nd at Midnight! Good luck Everyone and Happy Holidays from Boutique Cafe.*Boutique Cafe has teamed up with our friends at Best Buy to offer TWO Insignia MP3 Players!!! We’ll draw the winners from all comments made in each of our three holiday shows. (you may comment in the show notes of each of the holidays shows for entry). Merry Christmas everyone, we’ll be back in 2008 with great new shows! Enjoy your holiday.
**This episode is chock full of Giveaways & Promos including:
$20 Gift Certificate to Izabella.com, $20 Gift Certificate to Izabe Graphic Design, 3 pairs of Cuffies, Free Shipping using Promo Code “Boutique Cafe” at Cuffies.com, $20 to MJ Graphic Designs.com, A full twirl skirt and appliqued tee shirt from So*Euro, Organizational Phone Coaching Session with The Savvy Organizer herself for 1 Week, and a custom appliqued tee shirt from Mod Kid Boutique!
How to Enter: Comment under this post to qualify for our drawings. We’ll draw the winners on Dec. 22nd! Good luck Everyone and Happy Holidays from Boutique Cafe.
*Boutique Cafe has teamed up with our friends at Best Buy to offer TWO Insignia MP3 Players!!! We’ll draw the winners from all comments made in each of our three holiday shows. (you may comment in the show notes of each of the holidays shows for entry).
We’re back for our THIRD year of Holiday Shows! This week boutique cafe and guests are bringing to life the stuff christmas dreams are made of, in the first of 3 Spectacular Christmas shows. Daria interviews designers and momprenuers including Toni Hamel Designs, Mary Ann from Pink Papillon Jewelry, Robin from Kaboodle Kids, and Daina from Jenna Claire Handbag Studio. Podsafe Song by Geoff Smith.
**This episode is chock full of Giveaways including a $25 Gift Certificate to Toni Hamel Designs, A personalized hand stamped bangle from Pink Papillon Jewelry, Burgundy Bliss Party Dress and Leggings from Kaboodle Kids, and a “Makeup Your Mind” bag from Jenna Claire Handbag Studio.
In addition to our featured guest giveaways, Boutique Cafe has teamed up with our friends at Best Buy to offer TWO Insignia MP3 Players!!! The new Insignia 1 GB Kix player with interchangeable color caps, PC & Mac compatibility. As well as the 4GB Insignia Pilot Video MP3 player with bluetooth and 2.5″ LCD color display! We’ll draw the winners from all comments made in each of our three holiday shows. (you may comment in the show notes of each of the holidays shows for entry). Drawing for the two MP3 Players will take place on Dec. 22nd.
How to Enter: Comment under this post to qualify for our drawings. We’ll draw the winners on Dec. 22nd! Good luck Everyone and Happy Holidays from Boutique Cafe.
Next in our spectacular Boutique Cafe Giveaways this Holiday Season, Molly O Designs is tempting us with a BOW OF THE MONTH prize. The winner of this giveaway will receive a signature set of boutique bows from Molly O Designs every month for a Year! At the beginning of each month, the winner will receive a one-of-a-kind set of bows designed around a theme or holiday. And of course, they will be accented in their signature style with Swarovski crystals. (The winner will have their choice of bow size and clip style.)
**All you need to do to snag this sweet prize is visit Molly O Designs website or her eBay Store and have a peek around.Then come back and comment here on which is your favorite item in her store. It’s that easy!! The winner will be drawn on Dec. 17th.
**UPDATE – Winner Announced! Congratulations to our poster “Cathy” from the Domestic Psychology blog. You have won the Bow of the month for a Year from Molly O Designs! What an incredible prize. Thank you to everyone who entered, we were so overwhelmed by the response. Happy Holidays!
This week we bring you a special treat – a show from The Savvy Organizer podcast which is hosted by our Organizing Expert Maja and Produced by Daria. We hope you enjoy!
The Holidays are fast approaching and The Savvy Organizer is here to walk you through what a stress-free and organized holiday can be like.
In this weeks show Maja shares her holiday plan for you including:
- setting up your own Savvy Holiday Notebook
- when to wrap
- how to shop in crowds while still liking people…And much much more!
This show is a great audio handbook for making the most out of the Christmas season and being able to give yourself fully to your family and friends. Enjoy the first of our Christmas shows, please leave your comments or questions – we want to assist you in making this a wonderful time of year. You deserve it, and YOU CAN DO IT!
Advertise on Boutique Café - Expose your business to thousands of fashion-conscious moms and children's clothing designers by placing an ad on Boutique Café.
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.