Tuesday, May 31, 2011

{Boutique Baby Bib Tutorial and Pattern}

Making a fun and functional boutique bib can make a great gift for a friend or for your own baby! I love to to mix and match fabrics to come up with something really unique and special. You can use chenille, fleece or backing of choice. Everyone knows someone having a baby, skip the registry and make that special gift! I have included my pattern for you to use. As well as instructions to make it!

 Here is what you are going to do. First print both pieces of the pattern found here and here. Cut and trace onto fabrics you are going to use.

Place right sides together and iron then pin all the way around. I use a 1/8 and sew all the way around leaving a 2 inch hole for turning. Before turning I carefully cut all corners all the way around,

Turn inside out and carefully make each corner as crisp as you can. I use my scissors but I would not recommend this as I have on one or more occasion blown a hole right through the fabric. I find an iron is really good as I find it helps with the detail of the topstitching.

I use about a 1/8 inch top stitch all the way around, starting and ending with the turn hole. I find this is the best place to show detail, you can be creative using decorative stitching, contrasting stitch colors. Choose a great contrasting thread if you are confident in your stitch abilities.


These are super adorable and durable. I love making these for my friends and family and even my own babies.

The pattern available here is my own, use this for gifts and personal use.

Monday, March 28, 2011

{Myah Bee Bowtique Tutu Set} +Giveaway

Both of my daughters love tutus. For play, photos or just for special times they both seem to love them. Myah Bee Bowtique is one of those places where you would love to order one of everything and call it a day. All of her tutus are handmade. Each one is full of detail and the quality is amazing. My daughter has one of her custom Easter Tutu sets and I think it came out completely beautiful. It came with a bunny rhinestone shirt, tutu and a matching bow to complete the look. She loves it and just dances around twirling in it. I am excited for her to wear it this Easter and she is just precious in it.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

{Flower and Ribbon Wand Tutorial}

I made this Ribbon and Flower wand to match my daughters Halloween costume. She is a Monarch butterfly so i knew it had to be beautiful and full of color! It was really easy to make and can also be made to match with any color you need. I also think this would be great for a fairy costume or just for fun. You can embellish them with anything. I chose to embellish mine with black hand tied bows. It matches perfectly and came out wonderful!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

{Birdy Boots} Summer Carnival Giveaway

When purchasing clothing or accessories for my kids there are a few things that i always look for. Durability, easy care, affordability and of course they must be hip and modern. My youngest daughter loves to wear dresses and i often find that most selections are to fancy or really not all that cute for the money.

Tara from Birdy Boots made my daughter one of her pillowcase dresses in Spring Blooms. First just let me say that the detail of her stitching is amazing. I love how wearable this dress is, it goes great by itself or paired with tights, leggings or even jeans. My daughter absolutely  loves her dress and the Jennifer Paganelli fabrics used are beautiful! Seams are serged/professionally finished and the fabric ties are made using handmade bias tape.  No details are left out of her dresses.

Birdy Boots also has many other equally cool and modern items available. Wooden toys, shoes, blankets, bibs+burpcloths and her little man ties shirts for boys are adorable!  You can purchase the dress shown for 22.00 and is available in many sizes. Birdy Boots items can also be found in person at Domestica boutique in the East Village, Des Moines, Iowa.

Sponsor on Facebook!
GIVEAWAY
1 winner will get a $25 Gift Certificate to Birdy Boots
Mandatory Entry
(Must be done for others to count)
Visit their website and tell me what you love!

Extra Entries

*Follow STM via GFC{Left Sidebar}
*Follow STM on Twitter
*Heart Birdy Boots Shop
*Like Birdy Boots on Facebook
*Tweet this specific giveaway{Tweet button, bottom right side of this post}
2 times daily-1 hr apart
*Blog about this specific giveaway, linking to it!
*Follow STM on Reader of choice
*Subscribe to STM via Email
*Enter any giveaways in this event{1 entry per giveaway}List on left sidebar

This giveaway is open to U.S and ends 7/31
Summercarnival

I received feature item for review. Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclosure

{BeyondStitches} Summer Carnival Giveaway

I love finding great accessories for my 2 daughters. Sometimes we have the perfect outfit but it just needs something else and accessories often the direction i turn. My girls love bright beautiful things so when i had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Larissa from BeyondStitches i fell in love with her items.They are totally girly, really fun and would make any outfit really cute. She has many items available and the best part is you shop her boutique right from BeyondStitches Facebook page. (How cool is that?)

All items are very affordable and really cute making BeyondStitches a wonderful place to shop for your girly girl!

From BeyondStitches 

BeyondStitches stems from my passion for creating accessories for children and adults. I love making funky, playful, colorful and unique items, from hairbows and clippies to headbands. What drives this passion is the satisfaction of delighting people with my creations. I handcraft all my products using the highest quality materials. Detail and perfection are my goal. I want each product to stand on its own. My philosophy is that each piece I make must be of the best quality; must be durable and possess a sense of modernity, elegance, sophistication and cleanness, not only the style, but also each line, fold and finish. Important to me is for my customers to know that they are purchasing a high quality product--one that will last and make a statement. That's my commitment!

Sponsor on Facebook and Twitter!
GIVEAWAY
1 winner will get $25 Gift Certificate to Beyond Stitches!
Mandatory Entry
(Must be done for others to count)
Visit their website and tell me what you love !

Extra Entries

*Follow STM via GFC{Left Sidebar}
*Follow STM on Twitter
*Follow Sponsor on Twitter
*Like them on Facebook!
*Tweet this specific giveaway{Tweet button, bottom right side of this post}
2 times daily-1 hr apart
*Blog about this specific giveaway, linking to it!
*Follow STM on Reader of choice
*Subscribe to STM via Email
*Enter any giveaways in this event{1 entry per giveaway}List on left sidebar

This giveaway is open to U.S.and Canada ends 7/31


Summercarnival
Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclosure

{Linkel Designs Jewelry} Summer Carnival Giveaway

Linkel Designs has some of the most beautiful vintage inspired jewelry i have seen on Etsy! The beautiful colors and amazing photos of their jewelry leaves you wanting more. I had so much fun checking out the all the jewelry they offer but totally fell in love with the rings! So simple yet great color with a natural look to them. But then i made my way to their necklaces and there i found a huge selection of one of a kind necklaces that seem to have the same detail and amazing quality as their rings! The best part is that everything is affordable and comes gift ready! Linkel Designs jewelry awaits you! Read a little more about them and then enter to win one of their amazing necklaces!

I (Kelly) am a stay at home mom of a busy little toddler boy, and a professional violinist. I love to make jewelry from semi precious stones, pearls, crystal, copper and silver. I started making beaded jewelry with a friend when I was in high school. I continued to do so off and on in college, but as a violin performance major, I did not have as much time (or money!) to spend on beading. After I graduated and moved back to my hometown, my mom (Linda, a hair stylist) started doing some beading and she got me interested in it again. Now we enjoy beading together - creating together when we can, shopping for beads in our hometown and now selling our creations on Etsy!
Sponsor on Facebook!
GIVEAWAY
One lucky winner will get the necklace pictured above!!
Mandatory Entry
(Must be done for others to count)
Visit their website and tell me what you love!

Extra Entries

*Follow STM via GFC{Left Sidebar}
*Follow STM on Twitter
*Heart Sponsors Shop
*Tweet this specific giveaway{Tweet button, bottom right side of this post}
2 times daily-1 hr apart
*Blog about this specific giveaway, linking to it!
*Follow STM on Reader of choice
*Subscribe to STM via Email
*Enter any giveaways in this event{1 entry per giveaway}List on left sidebar


This giveaway is open to Worldwide and ends 7/31
Summercarnival

Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclosure

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Little girls love bows!!! Ribbons and Sprinkles Giveaway-Easy Entry/ends 6/10

One lucky STM reader will win this Adorable pink Disney zebra bow.  Approximately 5in wide by 4in tall, with a cute pink Minnie button inside a bottle cap from Ribbons and Sprinkles
GIVEAWAY

Mandatory Entry
(Must follow this blog on GFC on left sidebar and "Like" Ribbons and Sprinkles Fanpage!!
Per Facebook policy bloggers cannot make you write on sponsors wall as part of the entry but if you like this bow or any others of Tiffanie's super adorable products then say hi, and let her know you liked her page.(not required:)

Extra Entry +2 for suggesting this page to your friends:)

Ends 6/10 and is open to U.S. Only

Other Giveaways you can enter right here!!!




Monday, May 17, 2010

WIN!! A Fine Silver Ring From Sea Babe Jewelry(Ends 5/25)

One lucky Smart and Trendy Moms reader will receive a ring similar to the one shown.
Sea Babe Jewelry is handcrafted artisan jewelry from the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. They use 100% recycled gold and silver in their designs.
I was sent one their textured fine silver rings. It is beautiful and i love the texture and sizing was perfect. It came in a wonderful box ready for gift giving or for yourself. 
The ring is hand forged and fused from a piece of fine silver. You can choose from hammered, smooth and rough textured finish. Every ring is unique.
GIVEAWAY
One lucky STM reader will receive The Twenty Dollar Ring, Fine Silver Textured and Forged Ring !!
Mandatory Entry
(Must be done for others to count)
Extra Entries

Extra Entries
  • Tweet or blog about this giveaway-Leave the link in comment
  • Follow STM on Reader of choice
  • Follow STM on Friend Connect-Left Sidebar
  • Subscribe to STM via Email

Ends on 5/25 and is open to U.S.
I received a ring as shown for my opinion . Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclaimer

Saturday, April 24, 2010

BowSweet Giveaway! WIN Champagne Sheer Flower Bobbies (Ends 5/4)

BowSweet is such a lovely site filled with accessories for girls made by Erika. I love shopping for my daughters and finding great girly things for them. Little girls never have to many pretty things.She has many Headbands, clippies, bobbies, korkers and more.  Erika is going to give one lucky reader the chance to win a set of Champagne Sheer Flower Bobbies. She also has offered to make them into clip, headband, or brooch pin instead of bobby pins!!


Take a moment and connect with BowSweet
Website
Email Mailing List
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

GIVEAWAY
One winner will win a set of Champagne Sheer Flower Bobbies. She also has offered to make them into clip, headband, or brooch pin instead of bobby pins!!

Mandatory Entry
(Must be done for others to count)
  • Visit their website and tell me something that you love about their products(s)

Extra Entries
All are good for one extra entry!!
  • Become a fan of BowSweet
  • Tweet this Giveaway @smartandtrendy-Can be done 2 times daily/at least 1 hour apart
  • Enter any other giveaway
  • Follow STM on Reader of choice
  • Follow STM on Friend Connect-Left Sidebar
  • Subscribe to STM via Email
  • Blog about this giveaway

Ends on 5/4 and is open to U.S.

I received nothing to host this giveaway, I support handmade!Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclaimer

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Ruby Slippers Review

Handmade is such a wonderful thing! I love it when I find something handmade that is wonderful like the baby and toddler handcrafted shoes at Ruby's Slippers. I was completely excited about my son Skyler trying a pair. He was a really late walker so at 20 months now the little guy has only one pair of real shoes. I have always let him go in socks on short trips in the car, because he takes off the bulky store bought shoes almost immediately:)
When I got these they went on his feet and didn't come off until bath-time. And then they went back on before bed. He slept in them. I couldn't believe how much he loved these. They were soft, light weight and and had robots on them! What more could my little guy want? Well he has wore them daily since then. When I go on short errands we use these. When were in the house they are on his feet. When we play on the patio, they are there too. He wont let them out of his sight. Needless to say after the first week they were DIRTY! And even had substances that I can not mention on there(He is a Boy and a Baby). I washed them with all of the other stinky boy stuff, and they came out softer and clean! I love that they went with most of his outfits and were a fun print.

They are so durable, and the detail in the stitching is awesome. She was a pleasure to work with and even took his chubby feet into consideration when making him his pair. They came packaged perfect for gift giving or for your own baby. I hope you will visit Ruby's Slippers for the comfort of your little ones feet.



Connect with Ruby's Slippers
Blog: www.five-min-peace.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rubysslippers



Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclaimer

Monday, March 15, 2010

Katrina's Creations Infant Bow Headband Giveaway 3/31 CLOSED

Katrina's Creations is a great Etsy shop that features very cute and super affordable handmade baby and kids accessories. Katrina is a mom and a fellow blogger with a fantastic blog My Life as a Married Girl.  We are really excited that she chose STM to host her giveaway. She is super sweet and great to work with. Make sure to take second and follow her blog, You will love it!
Katrina is going to give one lucky reader a Blk and Pink Stripe Infant Headband. And a 10% discount on all sales if you send a message and have her adjust it it.







GIVEAWAY
One winner will receive a Blk and Pink Stripe Infant Headband
Mandatory Entry
(Must be done for others to count)
Visit Katrinas Creations and tell me something you love.

Extra Entries
1-Follow STM on Twitter
1-Follow Sponsor on Twitter
1-Tweet this Giveaway-Can be done 4 times daily-copy and paste this
(Win a Adorable Infant Bow Headband at STM http://bit.ly/a3zE4x Please RT!
one hour apart on tweets
1-Follow Katrina's Blog
1- Heart her shop
2- Grab Katrina's blog button right sidebar here
2-Grab Katrina's Creations button, right sidebar here
1-Enter any other giveaway -1 entry per giveaway
1-Follow Contest Parade on Friend Connect
1-Follow STM on Friend Connect-Left Sidebar
2-Become our fan
2-Follow us on Networked Blogs
2-Subscibe to STM via Email
2-Grab the STM Button-Left Sidebar
2-Grab the STM Spring Event Button-Left Sidebar
2-Blog about this giveaway









Click for More Great Giveaways


Ends on 3/31 and is open to US



Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclaimer







Sunday, January 24, 2010

Wildcubs Baby Soft Sole Shoe Giveaway(Ends 2/7)


Wildcubs is a wonderful shop full of some of the most amazing soft sole shoes. So many styles and colors are available for boys and girls and even unisex and is easy to match any outfits. Made with beautiful leather. Their shoes are constructed with Wildcubs special elastic and loop system. If your baby has chubby feet, Wildcubs is your answer. With prices between 13.99-22.99 they are a totally affordable choice for handmade shoes for your little one. They are
 offering 20% off for the duration with code RCC20.To be refunded.

Keep up with Joan on  Facebook and Twitter
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wildcubs/282137986584
http://twitter.com/wildcubs

 
 


 
Joan is going to give one STM reader any one pair of their soft sole shoes .Your choice!
MANDATORY ENTRY
Head on over to Wildcubs and then leave a comment here saying what you like in her shop.
BONUS ENTRIES
2 Entries- Heart♥ Wildcubs on ETSY
2 Entries- Tweet one of their shop items
(This is unlimited so please go crazy!!Must have 50+followers Leave tweet link in comment
2 Entries- Follow STM on google friend connect(left sidebar)
2 Entries- Follow STM on twitter and Wildcubs
2 Entries- Follow STM RSS feed
2 Entries- Newsletter Sign Up via google newsletter connect(left sidebar)
2 Entries- Comment on any non-giveaway post
2 Entries- Follow on bloglovin
2 Entries- Tweet this giveaway @smartandtrendy #giveaway
(Can be done 2 times daily, Min 2 hours apart )
3 Entries- Grab our button
5 Entries- Blog about this giveaway
(Must have giveaway and Sponsor Link)

This Giveaway is open to U.S and ends 2/7


Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclaimer

Soap That Makes Scents Giveaway(Ends2/7)

I am a avid handmade soap lover and when I visited the Soap That Makes Scents site my senses came alive.A few words that come to mind- luscious, yummy, addiction, heaven.
Amazing lip balms and soaps and so many other things. I think I could smell it from the screen:) If you love handmade soap and body products as much as I do you would love to know that they have a Soap of the Month Club. Where you can get a new soap every month. I love that idea. There are even selections fro that special man in your life. That would make a awesome Valentines gift for him. Gift Certificates are also available for a gift any time. (Hope my husband is reading).  With over 1700 sales on ETSY alone I think its safe to say that they rock!

 Here is a bit more from
Soap That Makes Scents
A bar of soap is the simplest and most environment-loving way to get yourself clean.


At Soap That Makes Scents, we believe in minimal packaging. We believe in small batches to ensure freshness. And we believe that using high-quality ingredients should not mean that we have to sacrifice low pricing for you.


Soap That Makes Scents is a handmade bath and beauty company run by Canadian transplant Karina Gallo and her American-born husband, Richard. They live and play in New York City, one of the best places to network in the world. All of the high quality ingredients used in their products are found right in the Tri-State area. Soap That Makes Scents was chosen to be Featured Entrepreneur of Business Owners Idea Cafe in 2008.


All of our soap bars are Vegan-safe and free of parabens, SLS/SLES and skin-drying chemicals.




Always take care when buying soaps and lip balms online. Remember your own allergies and any special skin concerns you may have. If you have any questions about an ingredient in one of our products, please do not hesitate to ask and we will be happy to share any further information.



 
Karina is going to give one STM reader any one bar of her amazing soaps.Your choice!
MANDATORY ENTRY
Head on over to Soap That Makes Scents and then leave a comment here saying what you like in her shop.
BONUS ENTRIES
2 Entries- Heart♥ Soap That Makes Scents on ETSY
2 Entries- Tweet one of their shop items
(This is unlimited so please go crazy!!Must have 50+followers Leave tweet link in comment
2 Entries- Follow STM on google friend connect(left sidebar)
2 Entries- Follow STM on twitter  and STMS
2 Entries- Follow STM RSS feed
2 Entries- Newsletter Sign Up via google newsletter connect(left sidebar)
2 Entries- Comment on any non-giveaway post
2 Entries- Follow on bloglovin
2 Entries- Tweet this giveaway @smartandtrendy #giveaway
(Can be done 2 times daily, Min 2 hours apart )
3 Entries- Grab our button
5 Entries- Blog about this giveaway
(Must have giveaway and Sponsor Link)

This Giveaway is open to U.S and ends 2/7

Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclaimer

Girls Like Trucks Giveaway(Ends 2/7)CLOSED

I think the first thing I love is the name Girls Like Trucks. What a great name and even better she makes items for little girls in typical "boy" themes. Cause lets face it not all little girls love pink and fluffy right? My daughters included. And what better way for a little girl to express that than with great accessories! I want you all to meet Jen from Girls Like Trucks. She is sponsoring a awesome giveaway right here on STM. I only wish I could enter this one myself. So make sure you all do an extra entry for me;) For sure follow her new blog listed below and she just started a fan page, so lets get her some fans and followers!

Here is a little blurb from Jen
Hello from Michigan! My name is Jen. I am a stay-at-home mom to Anna, an adventurous little girl who likes dresses and dinosaurs. When I am shopping for Anna, I often find myself in the boy's department because that's where I find the things that interest her- fire truck pajamas, helicopter shirts, etc. A few months ago I had a thought, "Wouldn't it be great if they actually made things like this for girls?" and Girls Like Trucks was born. Currently I am focusing on ponytail holders in boy themes- cars, bicycles, dinosaurs, etc. I hope to expand to clothing items as my little business starts to grow. You can find my shop at girlsliketrucks.etsy.com.


My blog address is: http://girlsliketrucks.blogspot.com
My facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=girls+like+trucks&init=quick#/pages/Girls-Like-Trucks/326383160042?ref=search&sid=100000492595712.3711373072..1





 
Jen is going to give one STM reader
Vehicle ponytail holders, fabric covered buttons, the complete set..Nice!! 
MANDATORY ENTRY
Head on over to Girls Like Trucks and then leave a comment here saying what you like in her shop.
BONUS ENTRIES
1 entries- Follow her new blog
2 Entries-Heart♥ Girls Like Trucks on ETSY
2 Entries- Tweet one of their shop items 
(This is unlimited so please go crazy!!Must have 50+followers Leave tweet link in comment
2 Entries- Follow STM on google friend connect(left sidebar)
2 Entries- Follow STM on twitter
2 Entries- Follow STM RSS feed
2 Entries- Newsletter Sign Up via google newsletter connect(left sidebar)
2 Entries- Comment on any non-giveaway post
2 Entries- Follow on bloglovin
2 Entries- Tweet this giveaway @smartandtrendy #giveaway
(Can be done 2 times daily, Min 2 hours apart )
3 Entries- Grab our button
5 Entries- Blog about this giveaway
(Must have giveaway and Sponsor Link)

This Giveaway is open to U.S and ends 2/7

Smart and Trendy Moms finds products, ideas, projects, recipes, and other information that we have personally found helpful or interesting.  As always, it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for you, your children, and your situation.  See our Disclaimer