My March Spotted Box

Well my daughter and I received my Spotted Box Last week and it was great again! Here is what we were lucky enough to get in our Spotted Box.

1. The Little LOVE Bug http://www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/ My own sample
DIY Easter Hair Clip Kit See y blog post for instructions!!!

2. T and Little S Designs http://www.tscrapper.etsy.com/

Handcrafted Bookmark

3. Mirasol Farm http://www.mirasolfarm.etsy.com/

Rosemary Mint Lotion

Lemon Lime Lip Balm

4. Miss Onyx http://www.scratchjewwllery.etsy.com/

Nail Art pendant

5. Nature baby Knits http://www.naturebabykints.com/

3 knitting loops

6. Let it Shine Jewelery Design http://www.sherrt19682008.etsy.com/

Bi cone Swarovski crystal earrings

7. I Heart Bowheads http://iheartbowheads.blogspot.com/

Hair clip

8. Wooldins http://www.wooldins.etsy.com/

breast pads

9. Crochet Frog http://www.poladottedpickle.com/

Easter Bunny Crochet magnet

10. Love Abounds http://hyenacart.com/loveabounds

Peanut butter bliss

11. Stylin Baby Cloth http://www.stylinbabycloth.etsy.com/

fabric wipe

12. Babus http://www.babus.etsy.com/

Crinkle Patty Baby Clutch Toy

13. Fluff n Fixings http://www.fluffnfixings.etsy.com/

recycled mailing envelope

14. FOE Your Diaper http://www.foeyyourdiaper.com/

green Fold Over Elastic

15. Natural Madison http://hyenacart.com.nmwoolwashoutlet/

Natural Laundry Soap

16. Country Soap http://hyenacart.com/countrysoapbymarlene

Baby Soap

17. The Melting Pot Candle Co http://www.themeltingpotcandleco.com/

Tulip Soy tart

18. Clear Hills Honey Company http://hyenacart.com/clearhillshoney

Lip Balm Samples

19. Scent-Sory Creations http://hyenacart.com/scentsorycreations

Oatmeal Milk Bath

20. Mama's Bug A Boo http://www.mamasbugaboo.com/

Mama's Bug A Bin Powder

21. I'm Pretty Boutique http://www.imprettyboutique.com/

Bow Hair Clip

22. Kinder Klothes http://www.kinderklothes.etsy.com/

Newborn Hat

23. Distinctive Deals http://www.distinctivedecals.com/

Flower decal

24. Earth School http://www.kandfshops.com/

Down on the Farm Sample Activities

25. Joyful Tie Dyes www.hyenacart.com/joyfultiedyes.com

coupon

26. Perennial Piecer http://www.perennialpiecer.etsy.com/

Sachet

27. DFMI Design http://www.dmfidesign.com/

2 cards

28. Aunty Ann Designs http://www.aunttanndesigns.etsy.com/

Sock Monkey card

I hope I got it all. If I miss labeled some of these great shops just let me know. When our box comes my daughters and I love to go through it together so sometime samples do get mixed up!

My DIY Kits in Spotted Boxes

Here are some of the Spotted Boxes that received my DYI Hair Clip kit. This was my sample for the March Spotted Box!

http://2by2boutique.blogspot.com/2009/03/spotted-box-is-here.html

http://elizabeardesigns.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-got-my-spotted-box.html

http://picnicbasketcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-love-my-mailman.html

Monkey Tree Creations Blog Giveaway

I thought I would share a giveaway I found.

Sleepy Sleepy Tea giveaway onthe Monkey Tree Creations Blog!

You have to check it out! Her products are so great

http://monkeytreecreations.blogspot.com/2009/03/sleepy-sleepy-tea-giveaway.html

Good Luck!

Spotted Box Giveaway!!

You need to enter this contest.

A FREE March Spotted Box----That’s right– a March Spotted Box…..100% free thanks to our sponsor fluffnflowers http://fluffnflowers.etsy.com/

Visit the Spotted Box Blog to enter:

http://www.thespottedbox.com/blog/enter-to-win-a-march-spotted-box/

Hurry contest ends March 17th!

Trade of the Week-- Monkey Tree Crations

Monkey Tree Creations
http://monkeytreecreations.etsy.com/

Well this weeks Trade was with Monkey Tree Creation. First I have to say the wonderful smell that came out of the box when I opened it was just to amazing for words. It was flowers, citrus, lavender, and just all around delightful. I traded Abi fore her quite a few of her wonderful products.


First is what I think is my favorite Dryer bags made from certified Organic Lavender. I dried some of our blankets with these dryer bags. I love to curl up in my wonderful smelling, and relaxing, blankets at night.


The next item is Bath Tea Bags for Skin care. Yes another great smelling item. I am hoping this will do wonders for my daughters eczema. Cross your fingers!




The next item is Ouchie Balm. I can't wait to see how this works! I have hear so much about it . I plan to have it in my purse for those ouchie occasions outside of the house LOL





The next one I do not think a mommy can live without. Herbal Stress Balm. I used this one right out of the box. And boy doe sit works. I will need more of these. Lets see in every room of the house, purse, and car. With a preschooler and a tornado of a toddler this is a must.


I also got an added surprise in my trade! Sleepy Sleepy Drinking tea. I am so curious about this one among the ingredients is catnip. I think I will use this tonight after the kids are in bed.


What I love about Abi's items is that she has a card with each items letting you know exactly what is in the item and how to use it. It helps so much to know everything especially if you have a house of people with allergies like I do. And if you are new to organic living like me how to use the items is so great!




Thanks so much Abi form Monkey Tree Creations for such a great trade.

Kindergarten 101

The following is written by Liz of Daisy Creeks Designs
http://www.daisycreek.etsy.com/
I read this on Estymoms blog http://etsymom.blogspot.com/ and found it so helpful I asked if I could share it here for all of you in the same preschool kindergarten boat as I am in.


Welcome to the first in a series of blog entries about the monumental transition from pre-school to kindergarten! My name is Liz, owner of http://www.daisycreek.etsy.com/ , etsymom team member and kindergarten teacher. I have been teaching for 11 years, 8 in kindergarten. I have my Masters in Education with a focus on the transition from pre-school to kindergarten and have been a supervisior of student teachers for the last 7 years. When I saw the request for people to contribute to the blog, I jumped at the chance to contribute!
Each month I will focus on one of the many important skills that children should have upon entering kindergarten, as well as ways to practice at home with little or no materials. Please remember, as with everything, each child is different and learns at a different pace. Although you will hear about standards (and yes, even 5 year olds have them!), but we also need to take into account if it is developmentally appropriate.
This month, I'm going to focus on a Listening and Speaking skill: listening to at least 2 directions without asking for clarification. Although this seems like a relatively simple skill, you would be amazed at how many children come to kindergarten unable to do this. I can't even count the number of times that I am expecting my students to do more than one task before they need to be ready to learn. Here are some examples: (1) after recess is over - please go in, get a drink of water and sit down on the carpet. (2) go to your desk, get out your math workbook and your favorite color crayon. (3) stand up, push in your chair and line up at the door to go to music.
It seems simple and yet even my smartest (he's reading at a second grade level) could not put his name on his paper without me literally standing over him... makes it quite difficult to get anything done :) Below is a game that you can play at home to help practice this skill. Not only will your child's kindergarten teacher be hugging you and thanking you, you'll be thanking yourself!!
Game: Simon Says (can also be Mommy Says or Daddy Says)
Objective: For children to practice single and multiple step directions
What You Need: Nothing!!
What To Do: Starting with one request, use the phrase "Simon Says" or other alternates to keep the request(s) fun. For example: say "Simon Says go get a book from your room." When your child has the book, (you'll have to follow them to the place you ask them to go when you are first starting the game) say something like "Go to the couch" and when they start to go, say something like, "Oh no, silly - I didn't say Mommys Says!!" Then say, "Mommy Says go to the couch". You can continue doing this until your child is confident completing single step directions.
Extensions: Continue the game with two or three step directions (more if your child wants a challenge). For example: Say things like "Mommy Says go get a book from your room and go to the couch" or "Daddy Says pick up your socks and put them in the laundry basket." For a little added fun, your child can be Simon! Even thinking in terms of multiple step directions will help your child to follow them with more ease and will give you a little extra help around the house!!
Enjoy the game and have fun! Come back at the end of March for another Listening and Speaking skill (we know how 4 year olds love to talk!!!): Reciting rhymes and songs!! Have a great March, etsymoms!! See you soon, Liz


by daisy creek designs

March Spotted Box Sample and Discount Code Offer!

This month I am trying out a new product as my Spotted Box sample. A Do It Yourself Felt Hair Clip Kit. The kit I have chosen to create this month is for Easter, DIY Easter Chic Hatching out of the Egg Felt Hair Clip Kit (I know it is a long title but it does describe it best). All you need is your own sewing needle the rest I have provided for you. I have not included the step by step instructions in this sample to be more eco friendly. I have decided to post them on my blog to save on paper, so for complete step by step instructions and pictures on how to make your own Easter Felt Hair clip visit my blog http://thelittlelovebug2.blogspot.com/ I will post them on the day the Spotted Boxes go on sale in March 15, 2009.

To buy a Spotted Box on March 15, 209 visit
http://www.thespottedbox.com/buyabox.html





Please visit my shops to find more Hair Clip Kits, Completed Hair Clips, and a very large selection of Felt Play Food.

http://www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/

http://hyenacart.com/thelittleLOVEbug/

Once you have visited my shop please contact or email me and let me know what your favorite item is and I will contact or email you back with a very special discount code. The discount will be very worth it as a thanks to you for your time and letting me know what you like best in my shops
Enjoy
Jocelyn
The Little LOVE Bug

BUSY BUSY BUSY! THANK YOU!

I just wanted to take a minute to thank all my wonderful customers for keeping me so busy. I am so happy you all feel the same as I do in wanting to have safe fun toys for your children to play with.

Right now I am working on 6 orders, one of which is a collection order, and so happy doing it.

Keep those orders coming and have fun playing!!!!

I know I have promised new items and they are coming! I have listed some new hair clips and in the next few weeks I will list some new felt food items, such as watermelon slices and yogurt with a removable lid. The picture above is the new and improved design of my double decker ice cream cone.

Thanks so much for supporting me and handmade items

I've Been Stalked

My felt Play Food Butter has just been Stalked by Etsy Stalker.

This is a photo of my new and improved Butter with removable wrapper. I now do not hand embroider the word "butter" Now it is Machine Embroidered.

How great is that and such a surprise. You need to check out there site it has so many great Etsy items to look at put together in such a gun way!

Thanks Etsy Stalkers!!! You can stalk me anytime LOL

February Spotted Box Best of Box

Well, I would have to completely agree with this months Spotted Box- Best of the Box. At Christmas time Santa brought my daughters a set of Chenille Chef ice cream cones and they are just the cutest! My daughters received a set of three very fun flavors of ice cream cones. They love them so much and play ice cream shop all the time with them.
They are so well made too. The stitching is undetectable and my 20 month old has not “destroyed” it yet, she tries to do with most toys. Very sturdy toy. It has been well tested in our house.
Although I make my own line for play food. http://www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/ or http://hyenacart.com/thelittleLOVEbug/ I love the texture and designs of Chenille Chef’s items and look forward to adding a couple more pieces to my daughters kitchen from her shop to add a little more texture variety to our gourmet kitchen.

www.chenillechef.etsy.com

http://www.thespottedbox.com/

Kids Media Matters

Get your own - Open publication

Found a Great Giveaway!

You have to check out this giveaway I just found!

http://www.the-giveaway.com/2009/02/144-collection-giveaway.html

The cutiest bag is being givenway now.

And they have a shop in one of my favorite places.

ETSY.com

http://144collection.etsy.com/

January Fav from the Spotted Box

One of My Favs from the January Spotted Box
One of my favorites from the last few box actually is from dfmi designs! I love the unique cards they have. They really are “Seriously Fun Cards” I plan on ordering some to have on hand so I am covered for any card giving occasion! My husband also loves these cards and wants a set for himself to keep in his desk at work to hand out to his co workers when the need strikes him. We both get a very good laugh when we read dfmi designs cards, so unique!

We love to see that brown paper bag in our box!

They even come with an envelope, check off sign your name and mail.

How much easier can it be?
http://www.dfmidesigns.com/

SALE SALE SALE

SALE SALE SALE SALE

WE ARE STILL IN BUSINESS SALE!!!!

THE CPSC LAW HAS BEEN PUSHED A YEAR BACK. WHICH MEANS WE ARE ALL STILL IN BUISNESS!! I AM SO HAPPY I AM HAVING AN AMAZING SALE.

***HERE IS HOW IT WORKS: BUY 3 OR MORE ITEMS FROM MY SHOP AND I WILL REFUND YOU THE PRICE OF THE LOWEST ITEM YOU BOUGHT!!!! (BEFORE SHIPPING) ***

THAT MEANS YOU GET AN ITEM FREE!!!!
Just check out and pay and I will refund you through paypal.
Hurry this sale ends 2/10 at mid night Etsy/ Hyena Cart time!

Vist my shops to get started shopping!

http://www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/

http://hyenacart.com/thelittleLOVEbug/

The Spotted Box is on its way!

Are you as excited to get your spotted box as I am? Well it s coming soon! My daughter and I just enjoy sitting down together and opening all the wonderful little surprises in our box. I think my daughters favorite items are the hair clips we have received from previous boxes. I personally love all the great business cards and discount codes I can use. I like to go to each shops site and see all the unique and wonderful items they offer.
This month I added my new line to the Spotted Box—- Felt Hair Clips! If you are one of the boxes that receive one of these please let me know how you like them.
Visit my shop at:
http://www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/
Or
www.hyenacart.com/thelittlelovebug

Valentine Felt Sugar Cookies

Valentine Sugar Cookies Set of 6 Felt Play Food.

Now tell me these are not so cute!

The top of the cookies are embroidered with valentine words and one is with a heart.

Each one is handsewn around the edges.

For more cookies, words, hearts, or even your child’s name embroidered on a cookie are just a few other things I can do with this set.

Each cookie measures about 2 inches

This item will fit your child's little hands perfectly!

Your child will love these!

What a cute party favor for a birthday party.

There are 4 cookies pictured, but there are 6 in this set of 6.

Love this set so much and just have to buy it check it out in my Etsy Shop!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19411883

Now that the Holiday rush is over in my shops I have time to get back to creating new items and Blogging! I have so many ideas for both my shops and my blog. Right now I have heart mania in my shops! Here are a few hearts

I also got an embroidery machine for Christmas so I have been having so much form playing with fabrics and designs here is a cupid hair clip. So cute!

I have so many ideas for my embroidering machine I have no clue what I should do first!



As for my blog I plan to feature shops I have bought from over the holidays from Etsy and Hyena Cart. To show you how great handmade really is.

I have just added spot on the right of blogs I have been featured in check it out too. And if you feature me or have featured me please let me know so I can add you to mu link list and feature your shop.

Happy New Year

I can't believe it is 2009!
Happy New year to everyone.

I had such a great holiday season in my shops and I just wanted to thank all of you by giving you a discount code for Free Shipping on 2 or more items
Just use code NEWYEAR for the free shipping in my shops. Offer ends 1/16/09

For Etsy shoppers type the code in the message to seller box as you check out and I will refund your shipping money. http://www.thelittlelovebug.etsy.com/

For Hyena cart Shoppers just type in the code at check out. http://hyenacart.com/thelittleLOVEbug/


Stay tuned too. I have lots of new felt food coming in Feb/ March and I will be starting to list some felt hair clips tomorrow.

Have a great weekend

Black Friday Discount Code!!

Ok I am jumping on the Black Friday sale in my shops.

http://www.thelittlelovebug.esty.com/


Check out as usual and pay with paypal an I will refund you the 15% though paypalBesure to leave the code below in the message to seller box.

http://hyenacart.com/thelittleLOVEbug/


Just us the code below while checking out



Discount code: blackfriday15


Happy Shopping for your little love bug




Sorry I just have to show you my first turkey I ever made yesterday! It was so good. I thinkI took more pictures of the turkey than the kids yesterday. LOL

Etsy Own the Hour

Well I figured I would give this a try. I did not get great hours, but I figure if people are crazy enough to wake up in the middle of the night to go shopping on Black Friday maybe they do the same for shopping. So I have a slot tomorrow from 4 - 5 AM We will see.


I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving today and get ready to shop. Chirstmas is soon.