Why I LOVE November

I LOVE NOVEMBER!!

I Love the cool nights and great days. Not to cold, Not to hot. (One of the many benefits of living in the south is 70 degrees in November.) I Love the hiking and the fall colors. I love trying to find all my Christmas decorations from last year. I love the sound of your footsteps as you walk across the yard covered with leaves. November starts the Holiday Season for me. Family, Fun, and SHOPPING!!!

OK, there I said it. SHOPPING! That is my true love of November. All the great sales that the stores have. I used to love Black Friday. I would get up at 2AM just to hit all the sales. Even when Preston was a baby, I threw him in the stroller and we hit the mall. And the toy store. And Wall Mart. And Best Buy. Hey, a baby can sleep anywhere right???


Well, now I have 4 wonderful kids and I cherish my sleep. Especially after a very busy, fun filled, family filled Thanksgiving. The thought of getting up at 2Am now? Well, that is truly just terrifying. The house better be on fire or a kids needs to go to the Hospital if you wake me up that early. My solution? You know I have one since you know I love SHOPPING!!

!!!!!CYBER MONDAY!!!!

WHAT!!! You don't know what Cyber Monday is! Are you living under a ROCK??? Just kidding.

I Love Cyber Monday because you can do almost all of your holiday shopping, in your pajamas (or work clothes when the boss thinks you are busy finishing that report), at a reasonable time.

Here are some GREAT online stores that will be offering deals the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Gifts for Baby and Kids

Abby N Kay: Designer Baby Products: Diaper bags, crib bedding and more:Deal: Free Shipping Use Code: FreeShip plus 10% off all Ride On Toys from Warehouse 36. Nocoupon code needed for the ride on toys.

http://www.abbykayboutique.com/

Something About Baby:
Deal: 10% off all items in the boutique.
Coupon Code: Use code SAB10. Offer expires 12/31/09
http://www.somethingaboutbaby.com

Dreamscapes Baby: Designer baby products.
Deal: 20% off
Coupon Code: Use Coupon Code: cyber
http://www.dreamscapesbaby.com

Heavenly Hold: Baby carriers, nursing pads and more:
Deal: 10% off
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: code: NEWBABY
http://www.heavenlyhold.com

Milos Creations: Adorable Costumes for baby girls, boys, toddler girls and boys , big kids and adults.
Deal: Free shipping on orders over $100.00,and FREE embroidered name personalization of costumes.
See Cyber Monday link
for full details.
Coupon Code: Use code FREESHIP09 at checkout
http://www.miloscreations.com

Shop Baby Tree:
Deal: Store wide sale on baby products. Save up to 40% off.
Coupon Code: No coupon code needed.
http://www.shopbabytree.com

The Pitter Patter Boutique: Baby Travel Gear, Gifts for Mom and more.
Deal: 15% Discount
Coupon Code: Enter Coupon Code: CyberSave
http://thepitterpatterboutique.com/

The Crafty Moms: Girls hair accessories, binky clips, diaper wipes cases and more.
Deal: Free Shipping all day.
Coupon Code: No coupon code needed
http://www.thecraftymoms.blogspot.com/

I am the Princess: Princess and girly items for baby girls, little girls and big girls.
Deal: 15% off everything including sale items.
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: cybermondayseog
http://www.iamtheprincess.com

Itzy Ritzy:
Deal:Celebrate Cyber Monday with 15% OFF celebrity loved baby gear at www.ItzyRitzy.com
Coupon Code: MONDAY
http://www.itzyritzy.com

Katey Jades Baby Boutique: Christmas Clothing for kids, personalized gifts, baby products and

more.
Deal: 20% off
Coupon Code: hol20
http://www.kateyjadesbabyboutique.com

Lollipop Book Club: Children's book of the club month:
Deal: $10 off any 12-month package
Coupon Code:Please use Coupon Code: sale10off
http://www.lollipopbookclub.com/

Che Demis Boutique: Upscale and Baby boutique.
Deal: 10% off
Coupon Code: GIFT4U
http://chedemisboutique.com

Abby N Kay: Designer Baby Products: Diaper bags, crib bedding and more:
Deal: Free Shipping Use Code: FreeShip plus 10% off all Ride On Toys from Warehouse 36. No
coupon code need for the ride on toys.
http://www.abbykayboutique.com/

Merrimack Valley Diapers: Cloth Diapers and Accessories:
Deal: Good for $5 off a purchase of $50 or more plus free shipping.
Coupon Code: Please use Coupon Code CyberMonday
http://www.merrimackvalleydiapers.com

Snotty Booty Diapers:
Deal: Free shipping on any order, plus a $5 gift certificate for each $50 spent. These offers will be in
addition to any product markdowns in
the store.
Coupon Code: Use Code: cmonday
http://www.snootybootydiapers.com

Shabby Bebe: Designer Children's products
Deal: 15% off your order of $50 or more use coupon code: shabby15 and 10% off your order if less
then $50 Please use code shabby10
http://www.shabbybebe.com/

Teacups and Mudpies: Trendy children's clothing, baby girl and baby boy clothing and more.
Deal: Free shipping on all purchases.
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: CYBER09
http://www.teacupsandmudpies.com/

Corn Bag Critters: A natural, earth-friendly, and non-toxic way to help children and adults soothe
pain.
Deal: 20% off:
Coupon Code: Use coupon code: holi21109
http://www.cornbagcritters.com

Born Fabulous:
Deal: We will do free shipping on all orders.
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code:FREESHIP
http://www.bornfabulousboutique.com

Laughing Ladybugs Boutique: Couture Girls Clothing:
Deal: 10% off the entire store.
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: CYBER10
http://www.laughingladybugsboutique.com

Clothing, Hand Bags and Accessories for Men or Women

Get Dolled Up Boutique: Personalized and Monogrammed handbags, diaper bags, garment bags and
more.
Deal: 15% off plus Free Shipping.
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: 15OFF
Http://www.getdolledupboutique.com

QT Sunglasses: Designer Inspired Sunglasses:
Deal: FREE SHIPPING and 20% off on all orders. Free Shipping for US and Canada orders only.
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code:Cyber09
http://www.qtsunglasses.net

Hair Accessories

Little Miss Julia: Hair bows, barrettes and more.
Deal:15% off everything
Coupon Code: Use coupon code: Promo20

My Bonita Boutique: Crochet Headbands, Flower Headbands, Hair Bows and More.
Deal: 25% off all items.
Coupon Code: Please sure coupon code: cyber25
http://www.mybonitaboutique.com

Pop Tots Boutique: Fabulous hair accessories for girls and beanie hats:
Deal: Free shipping
Coupon Code: Please Use code: Cyber Monday
http://www.poptotsboutique.com/

Gifts

Nanny Deprived: Gifts for Moms.
Deal: Free Shipping.
Coupon Code: Use coupon code: FREESHIP
http://www.nannydeprived.com

Lone Star graphics: Custom Vinyl Decals, Custom Shirts, Hats and More!
Deal: 20% off any order of $20 or more
Coupon code: cyber20
http://www.lonestargraphics.biz

Label Creations: Personalized Address Labels, Canning Labels, Tic-Tac Labels, Bag Tags, Checkbook
Covers, Canning Labels, Bookplates, Favor tags, Note Cards, Hang Tags for Crafters & Events
Deal: 20 % off and Free Shipping for US only.
Coupon Code: Use DISCOUNT COUPON: LC1115
http://www.labelcreations.com

Sassy Sparkle: Personalized Rhinestone Clothing:
Deal: 15% off any order
Coupon Code: cyber09
http://www.sassysparkle.com

Home and Garden

Melt Ur Scentz: Have you melted your Scentsy today? Free Shipping - email me @
melturscentz.com with your order and Freeship in subject line.
Http:www.melturscentz.com

Jewelry

TLC Silver Jewelry:
Deal: 20% off Jewelry and Holders. Valid Cyber Monday only.
Coupon Code: Use coupon code: Checkout
http://www.tlcsilverjewelry.com

Caribbean Jewelz: Handmade Artisan Jewelry:
Deal: 25% off total purchase.
Coupon Code: Use coupon code: cyber60
http://www.caribbeanjewelz.com/

Pendora Pendants: Glass Tile Pendants:
Deal: 25% off all items.
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: cybermonday.
http://www.pendorapendants.com/

Organic Products:

Tidbit Couture: Organic cloth diapers and Baby products.
Deal: Free Shipping. Plus, additional sales will be offered throughout website.
Coupon Code: Please use code: FREESHIP
Http://www.tidbit-couture.com

Pet Products

Punk Luxury Dog Carriers : Buy luxury dog collars, high end dog carriers and a Christmas costume
or two for your dog.
Deal: Free Shipping for US buyers all day long.
Coupon Code: No coupon code needed
Http://badasspetz.com

Photo and Greeting Cards

Fun and Sassy Designs: Modern Photo Cards and Personalized Gifts for Adults and Kids:
Deal: Free Shipping on Orders over $50 + $15 off Orders of $99 or more through 11/30 at midnight
EST
Coupon Code: Use Code: CYBER15
http://funandsassydesigns.com

Bunny Prints: Personalized Photo Cards for Birthday and Baby Shower plus matching birthday
clothing.
Deal: 10% off
Coupon Code: cyber09
Http://www.bunnyprints.com

Photo Card Designs: Photo Cards for Weddings, Birthdays , Baby Showers and more.
Deal: Good for one day only- 5% off .
Coupon Code: Please Use Code: cybermonday

Pitter Patter Creations: Trendy birth announcements, birthday invitations, baptism invitations and
more!
Deal: Receive free shipping for orders over $30.
Only one promotional code may be used per order and cannot be combined. May not be used on
previous orders.
Coupon Code: Use coupon code: FREESHIP09
http://www.pitterpattercreations.com

Lemon Tree Cards:
Deal: 15% discount expiring 12/25/09
Coupon Code: Please use coupon code: LEMONADE
http://lemontreecards.com

A Great Gift For Mom

Wow. I wish I had seen these when I had babies. I guess I still do, but my youngest is now 3! I am still putting these on my wish-list for Santa.

These great Mothers Bracelets would make an awesome shower gift, new baby gift (Dad's, YES! You are expected to get the mother of your child something), or even a great Christmas Gift for those more experienced mom's (hint hint). But, don't forget Grandma either. She would love to show off all her little angel's with one of these great bracelets.

I personally love this Two-Toned bracelet with 2 names. I would need two of these, but I am sure Santa won't mind when he sees how reasonable the prices are.

Head on over to Nanny Deprived and order your today. I think there are only about 50 days left till Christmas.

Nanny Deprived reviewed Abby N Kay Boutique

Please check out this link. http://nannydeprivedreviews.blogspot.com/

Amanda over at Nanny Deprived Reviews Blog spent some time over at Abby N Kay Boutique recently and did this awesome review of the store. Please Please Please go check this out. And, If you are a current boutique owner, just ask her to spend a little time at your place.

My Latest Product Line

So, I seem to only have stuff to say about once a month. Not really, if you ask my husband or kids (or parents or friends or parents of kids friends or the girl scout parents, ok. you get the picture), I talk ALL the TIME! But just look at how infrequent my blog post are. Then all of a sudden , BAM! 2 or 3 in a 2 day period. I understand I am very scatter brained so I just write all my idea's on little pieces of notebook paper so that I can blog about them later that night. Problem is, I ALWAYS seem to loose those little pieces of paper. Hence, all the blogging gets done at one time because that is when I remember all the things I was wanting to do.

Back to my original reason for posting this blog (see, I really am scatter brained.)

I am launching a new line of children's Aprons. They come in 3 sizes, Small (size 3-4), Medium, shown in pictures, (size 5-6) and Large (size 7-8). The strap is one piece and is threaded through the arms allowing it to be adjustable and grow with the child. I would love to make an adult line to match if the demand is there. These will make super cute gifts for birthdays or the holiday's coming up.

Are these not the best pictures. Rachel Williamson from Mammagoose Photography did these for me. Thank you Rachel and her beautiful little girl. Rachel has loved photography for as long as I have known her (which is over 20 years. Wow, I feel old now.) She does any type of photography you need from family portraits to wedding to children's. Please head on over to her Blog and check out her latest works. http://www.mammagoosephotography.blogspot.com/. Once you are done there, all you local people, head on over to her website http://www.mammagoosephotography.ifp3.com/ and get your pictures scheduled. She will definitely give you a timeless treasure for your family to enjoy.

Weekend Fun

If you are like me, You are always trying to come up with something to do during the weekend.

Ok, now back to reality. Between cleaning up after my 4 kids and my loving husband, IF I find free time, here is what I will be doing this weekend.

Frozen Cookie Dough Rolls from Design Dazzle

No Sew Flutter Cape From Ruffles & Stuff

Make my own Wooden Block toys from matsutake

Please, if you get this done, send me your pics. Can't wait to see what all my talented readers do with their weekend.

Trick Or Treat Bag Tutorial

I made these adorable Trick-or-Treat bags for my kids. These were so easy, I decided to make a tutorial so you could make them for your kids too.

(Oh yah, no commenting on the extremely neat sewing table in the background)

Please keep in mind this is my first tutorial so lets all hope I remember everything. Please read through the entire post and take a look at the pics before starting on this project, just to make sure it all makes since to you.

What you will need

2 different fabrics at least 1/2 yard each.

Cut each fabric into 2 13.5"x14" squares. You will end up with 4 squares total.

And a strap made out of your remaining fabric. (I forgot to take a picture of the fabric cut out before I started sewing so just pretend this has all 4 squares and the strap).

The length and width of your strap will depend on how much fabric you have left over. Mine was 26" Long and 6" wide (before folding). To make your strap take your fabric and fold in half lengthwise and iron to make a crease. Now, fold your raw edges towards the middle(crease) and iron down again. This should leave you with a piece of material 26" long and only 1.5" wide. Sew close to the edge down both sides of your strap (lengthwise). This will close your strap and leave you with 2 visible sew lines. (Personal preference on that. I like to have the contrasting thread showing on my straps.)

So sorry about the strap instructions. I will do better next time.

Okay, now to the bag.

I am using Star fabric and Skeleton Fabric. Remember, 2 squares each fabric design.

Take your first fabric (mine was stars) and pin them right sides together. I only pinned 3 sides together and left the top un-pinned so I would know where NOT to sew. I chose to have the 14" on the top and bottom and the 13.5" as the sides. You can make this either way, depending on how tall or how wide you would like your bag.

Sew 3 sides together using 1/5" seam allowance. Leave top open.

Do this for both fabrics. Now you should have 2 'bags' made. One will be your lining the other will be your outer shell.

Next you are going to take one bag and open it up so that the seam from the bottom and the seam from the side are lined up together forming this triangle. Mark at least 1.5" from the point of the triangle with a fabric pen. Remember, your bag is still inside out at this point.

Now you will sew along the mark you just made on each corner of the bag. Once your line is sewn, you will cut of the top of your triangle. This will give you those 'mitered' corners and allow the bottom of the bag to open up wider and sit a little flatter.

This is what the bottom of your bag (lining and outer shell each) will look like after you have finished your corners.


Next you will take your inner lining and turn it right side out. (My lining is my star fabric). Leave the outer bag inside out for right now.
I find it easier at this step to pin your straps in place. To do this, open up your outer shell (remember it is still turned inside out -fabric on the inside of the bag- at this point.) Then just drop your strap in, making sure it is not twisted, lay it out along the sides of the bag. I just kinda eyeball the middle of the bag on either side and pin in place.

Now you will lay your lining inside your shell. It should layer like this: Inner lining (fabric on outside of bag), Strap, Outer lining (fabric on inside of bag). You fabrics will be facing each other with the strap in the middle.

Sew the lining and outer shell together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Remember to leave a small opening in the bag so that you can turn it right side out. (My photo shows a pair of scissors in the opening that I left in the bag. )

Now, turn bag right side out thru that opening you just left yourself. Your bag should look like this at this point. I know it looks funny, but this is what it should be.

As you can see, your lining and shell are sewn together with your strap in the middle.

You take your lining and just push it into your shell.

To close this hole,

you will need to topstich around the entire top of the bag.

And then you end up with

I hope that was easy to understand.

The "C" on the front of the bag was just sewn on using a straight stich before I sewed the two pieces togeather. I have 4 little ones, so I added the initial to make sure they don't fight over whose bag is whose.

Thank you.

My SEO GAL's BLOG HOP

I know, it has been over a week since I have blogged. We have been very busy. YAH!!! I want to thank Tracy again for the Blog Interview. If you have not already done so, you can check that out here.

My SEO GAL's Blog is hosting this AWESOME Blog Hop. Not sure what a Blog Hop is? Don't worry, I wasn't really sure either at first. A Blog Hop is just that. A place where you can hop from Blog to Blog.

A lot of these Blog are doing some sort of Sale for their web store and even great giveaways. This is a great place to be if you have already started your Christmas Shopping. Just click on one of the links below and you can start hopping.











DON'T GO YET!!!!!!!

Abby N Kay Boutique is on FACEBOOK. I made a deal with all my fans. Once I reached 50, I would be giving away some BOOBOO Balm from Sweat Pea. Make sure you head on over to my Fan Page and become a fan so you can win some of this great Balm.