uniquefavors

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T09:17:00.004-04:00

It feels like forever since I've been here to post. I never mean to let so much time go by but things have been pretty crazy around here. Ok, when are they not crazy when you have one parent and two toddlers? Anyway, I wanted to wish all of my fellow boutique mommies a very Happy Mother's Day!
I have been making gift sets lately and I am hoping to get some summer items done. I have some great ideas but I can't seem to catch up lately to make anything new. I will have some resells of some of my designs listed very soon.
Here's a new baby item I plan to list on Etsy soon.

I have these adorable Blankies in pink, blue and yellow. Each has a different animal and they can be personalized for free!
I also have these Bear Blankies in Blue and Pink with Crosses. They make great Baptism/Christening gifts and are available while supplies last. They should be listed this week if not today. I will try to get them up on my website as well.

Finally, in honor of Mother's Day and all we do to for our children, I am offering a 10% discount on my entire website this week only. To get the discount, just shop through this link and save on everything in my store! That includes printed items!

http://uniquefavors.net?code=MOM

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-03-30T10:48:00.002-04:00

I wish I could say I was busy creating new items, but not really. I have been busy at home with my two little ones who are now both home everyday and don't like to let me do anything productive. So, needless to say, I haven't had much time for anything new. I did however make this cute keychain for a friend who recently got engaged. I liked it so much I put it in my Etsy store.

Right now I am just trying to get caught up on making some gifts. I also need to figure out what to make for my daughter to wear for her 4th Birthday! I can't believe it is almost April already! She is getting so big and I just have no idea where the last 4 years went!

Just a quick note...

2009-02-24T12:47:00.001-05:00

It seems we should be back in business for now...check out the Boutique News blog for more info about the CPSA and the stay on the law!

1 Year Stay on the New Law??

2009-02-02T09:04:00.003-05:00

I've seen some information that suggests there has been a 1 year stay granted on the new law due to go in effect in less than 10 days! I will investigate but from what I see, this is awesome news! I spent the past few months on a design hiatus for personal reasons so it is a relief to know I might be able to start sewing new designs again! Stay tuned. I have some new items to post!

The Law that affects all of us!

2009-01-29T09:39:00.003-05:00

Here's a great summary of the new law I've mentioned below. It comes from one of the gals in our EtsyKids selling group. Etsy is one of the places I sell my custom clothing and accessories because it is for sellers of Handmade wears.

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.htmlAnd for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Lawhttp://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Gotta love Jon Stewart! Help save Handmade with me!

2009-01-11T02:16:00.004-05:00

So this new law that goes into effect on February 10th is going to put me out of business. Well, I can still do graphic design and make business cards, etc. but unfortunately most of my loyal customers will also be out of business because, like me, they make handmade items for children under 12. But this doesn't just hurt us. It hurts everyone who purchases items for children under 12.

So I have to share this link a fellow designer shared with me. Jon Stewart sums up this crazy law in his own funny words. The sad thing is, they really aren't all his words. The law is so ridiculous, it was easy for him to make fun of it. Take a look.

Please check out the links on Boutique News as well for information how to get involved. Strength is always in numbers.

Are You Worried about the New Law?

2009-01-05T16:03:00.002-05:00

As a designer who makes primarily children's items, I admit I am concerned about the new law going into effect in February. I wonder how many other designers are worried? I have heard from a few who said they aren't going to do anything differently and just wait it out. What are you thinking about this? As a consumer I am also thinking it will make it more difficult to buy American made products for my children, especially the handmade products I love so much. Etsy and Ebay both seem to be prepared to abide by the law and I wonder if they will cancel all of the handmade auctions that don't comply? It seems like such a complicated situation. I think I will update my website with more of my products and find a way to focus my advertising to my website directly. I am hoping that by the time it goes into effect we will see some changes in how it is written. There are some great links about this law pertaining to children's products on the Boutique News blog.

Sharing my Christmas Card

2008-12-17T17:17:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone. Lots going on! I am really behind here. I have so much in my head to share but not enough time to do it. As I type the kids are running around. I just saved the dog from the dolly stroller and she is hiding behind the child gate here in my office. lol

Anyway, I wanted to share my personal holiday card designed using purchased digital scrapbook items. Most of my cards are designed using my own items, but I do have some commercial scrapbook items that I can use to help design the perfect card for you. I love the scrapbooking look myself, so here's mine.

I also want to talk to you all about the new law going into affect in February of 2009. Alot has been written in our boutique blogs and so much is being said on whether or not this will affect boutique clothing designers. Well, it definately will. Please stay tuned, I need to share the info with you so you can pass it on or help us get this law revised. It will not only affect my business and thousands of other WAHMs, but alot of the stores you love to shop at. I will be posting more information soon. You can also check out the Boutique News blog for some other postings on this serious matter.

Holiday Cards Still Available!

2008-12-06T09:08:00.003-05:00

For those of you who don't know, my occupation before WAHM was as a graphic artist and newspaper editor. I have actually been doing graphic design longer than I have been driving legally. Along with business cards, hang tags and other supplies, I also design invitations, announcements and Holiday cards. I recently did a new design for a customer that I'd love to share with you. Mostly because her children are just the cutest! Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I can take orders for Christmas Cards and Postcards. If you are running behind (like I am this year) and need them in a rush, I can also provide design only in 4x6 or 5x7 size with a file you can print at your local one hour photo. The difference between my printing and theirs is simple. My printed items are press run on heavy cardstock and gloss coated. If you print at the local one hour photo, your cards will be printed exactly like your photos are on the same paper, same way. So it is up to you which you prefer. If you check out my Etsy Store, you'll see listings for both. Happy Holidays!

Updates and our Contest Winner Revealed!

2008-12-02T09:46:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! Thanks for being patient with me over the past few months. I have finally updated my personal blog about what has been going on with me. I am sorry I haven't been able to fill you all in but I needed some time to deal with everything. I had no choice but to take a break from blogging, sewing and all things that I love because I just couldn't focus on any of them. Here's hoping I can finally get back to things that make me smile!

Anyway, I owe you all one important thing. I forgot to post the winner to the business card contest and I am so sorry about that. So, without further delay, the winner to receive 100 free business cards is Kelly of PiaTilly's Boutique! Congrats Kelly and thank you for your patience! My contests usually go smoothly, this one just happened to fall smack in the middle of all of the craziness the year has brought me.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am going to post a few of my new items in a bit.

Take care and thank you for your support!

Why I have been MIA from Blogland...

2008-10-18T20:02:00.002-04:00

I am so sorry that I haven't come back here in so long. And I apologize for not doing the business card giveaway yet. I honestly forgot because of some very sudden personal issues. I really don't think I am ready to talk about it yet, but when I am I will let you know on my personal blog. It seems this year I have had my share of bad luck if that is what you call it and it feels like every time I am in the groove and moving along something happens to stop me dead my tracks. I wonder sometimes if I had an employer to answer to how long it would have taken to be fired. Probably not long this year. I assure you though that in the past I have lasted much longer without nearly such a bad run as this year has been. I guess I could just say it's been a rough year and maybe it will be better in the new year. Here's hoping and praying. I know you don't know what is going on right now, but I appreciate your prayers if you are so inclined. I can use all the help I can get right now. Thank you friends!

Halloween Listing!

2008-09-15T21:06:00.003-04:00

I finally have a new listing up! This Halloween set is a custom and currently listed on Ebay. Click on the photo to visit the auction. Thanks for checking it out!

Uggg!!!!

2008-09-12T23:03:00.002-04:00

I totally forgot to draw the winner for the business cards because I haven't had much online time since the contest ended. Normally I am on this thing all day and part of the night working between chasing kiddos. lol. I promise to draw the winner after the weekend is over. We've had so much going on lately. I'll try to update my personal blog soon since I haven't even gotten through half of my crazy stories for summer. Mommy Craze is definately the most appropriate name I could come up with!

September 11, 2001

2008-09-11T10:06:00.003-04:00

Today I am writing to ask you to help me honor the memories of those lost on this day. For those of you who don't know, I am a NJ resident with a great love of NYC. I lost a friend on that day in the World Trade Center. Please visit my personal blog, Mommy Craze, to help me honor him and everyone else who left us that day. Your prayers and comments are appreciated and welcome. God Bless America.

Remodeling!

2008-08-24T23:36:00.001-04:00

I'm finally getting a web makeover for my website! So while I am working on it I will be adding new products. Once I have it ready to go I will be having a remodeling sale for my mailing list members. Feel free to sign up here for my mailing list. I run contests and offer members only specials. Mailing list subscribers can rest assured I will not share or sell their email information. Thanks!

Contest Time! Free Business Cards!

2008-08-20T16:40:00.000-04:00

Win Free Business Cards! Don't forget my blog contest going on now. It's free to enter.

I'm Back! Sharing some recent work for a Special Baby...

2008-08-19T12:22:00.006-04:00

Well, we got back at the end of last week but it has been so hectic I haven't had much time to post here. I have been catching up on orders, emails, mail, bills, etc. all while trying to keep a 3 year old and crawling 1 year old out of trouble. Exhausting! I will be back soon with some new pictures and some more ramblings as soon as I get my bearings.

For now, I'd like to share with you a baby gift set I made for a local radio DJ here in NJ. If you are in the tristate area, you may know of him. Casey Bartholomew of NJ101.5 Radio just recently became a dad again with the birth of his son, Maxwell. And what a birth it was! You can read all about it on Casey's Blog! I was honored to be able to present him with this custom baby gift set. I also included a custom big sister t-shirt for his daughter, Spenser.

You can find more of these sets and other samples of my past designs in my Etsy store or on my website.

Going away for a few days

2008-08-10T20:57:00.002-04:00

We're going on a road trip. Kind of a mini vacation. My niece is visiting from Tennessee and I have to bring her to PA to meet up with her Grandma so she can bring her home. So, we are going away for a few days to some fun places on the way since it is about 4 hours away. I'll be back in a few days.

Speaking of Contests...Check this one out!

2008-08-07T23:25:00.003-04:00

My good friend Debbie of BridgetandCo is having a contest of her own! Of course as I am writing this encouraging you all to enter I am secretly hoping you don't because I want to win!! Debbie's designs are fabulous and I'd be thrilled to win her latest. Take a peek and let Debbie know I sent ya!
Oh, and don't forget to scroll down and enter my contest while you still can. Free is good and contests are fun!
Enjoy!

Contest for Free Business Cards!

2008-08-05T14:02:00.005-04:00

It has come to my attention that some comments weren't going through. I have some great blogger friends who I know are showing my blog their love and some new friends stopping by so I want everyone to have a chance to win. Therefore, the contest will continue until the end of August. So be sure to link my blog to your blog or website. Just check out all the details on how to win here! I hope you all stop by and drop me a note. Thanks for visiting my blog!

Birthdays, Birthdays and More Birthdays!

2008-08-05T14:02:00.004-04:00

As promised, here is my little man Brandon in his 1st Birthday outfit I made. His birthday party was literally a disaster. I'll fill you all in on my horrible weekend on my other blog, appropriately titled, mommy craze. But here I'll just show off my Brandon. lol

Happy Birthday Brandon!

2008-07-23T21:33:00.003-04:00

Today is my little man's 1st Birthday! I am taking him tomorrow for pictures in his birthday outfit and Sunday is his big Birthday Party!
So I have been pretty busy this month. As I have mentioned on my personal blog, mommy craze, we have tons of July Birthdays! We've already had 3 ice cream cakes this month. As much as I love my ice cream cakes, I gotta get in shape one of these days.
Here's my little guy on 4th of July. He is the most handsome man I know.

Don't forget to enter my contest below! I am running it until the end of July. I know you are all super busy like me but take a minute to enter for a chance for free business cards. You'll be glad you did if you win!

Contest Time!

2008-07-04T12:57:00.010-04:00

I've been trying to come up with a great idea for a contest to celebrate being blog of the week over at Journal Modiste. So here's one I thought would be a fun way to pick a winner. I am going to give away 100 free full color business cards to one of you. Here's a sample of one of my many card designs for my customers.

All you have to do is add me to your blog or website with a link back. If you want me to add your blog to my blog list, I'd be happy to do so, it is only fair. Just let me know! Once you add me, post a comment here to let me know with the link to your blog or site that you added me and that you want to be entered in the contest! That's it. I'll check out everyone's links that post and enter you all in a random drawing for the cards. To check out some of my past designs, visit my website or my Etsy listings.

Here's my blog image to paste in yours:

Add me to your website or blog! Copy and
paste the code to link to me.

I will run the contest now through July 31st to also celebrate my birthday on the 30th! So please don't forget to leave a comment to let me know you added me. If you already have a link to my blog on yours or your website, comment here to be eligible for the contest. Thanks for reading my blog! NOTE: CONTEST HAS BEEN EXTENDED!! Ends August 31st so you have time to enter!
**Blog Roll links are good as well if you can't post the image above. Just add me to your favorite blogs and link back to my blog. Thanks!

Welcome to my blog JM!

2008-06-30T22:48:00.004-04:00

So I just found out today that this little read is the featured blog over on Journal Modiste this week! I am very honored to be the featured blog so I will voe to keep up with my posts this week. This will be short and sweet since most of my posts are pretty long winded like me. lol. I just want to say hi to anyone visiting for the first time from JM! Feel free to leave a comment or let me know if you have a blog and want to exchange links. If you have a chance, take a peek at my personal blog where I share my life as a work at home mom over at mommy craze.

I have found that I love blogging so much (since I am a writer at heart) that I got some blog work over at Mommy Approved! and will be writing a book review this week. Check out the current reviews by some of our other mommies!

And for the boutique community I love being a part of, I have started listing features on the Boutique News blog so if you want to be featured, just send in your information from the blog!

With all of that, I continue to sew and create custom print work for my wonderful customers. I will have to run a contest this week in honor of my JM feature! Yes, that's it. I'll have a contest. Let me sleep on it and tomorrow I'll announce. So add me to your favorites and come back again soon!

It's official...we're in a recession!

2008-06-19T22:58:00.003-04:00

You know how I know this? Let me tell you. Because a vacation home is no longer a cute little cottage on the lake or at the beach. Nope, not anymore. Why? Because American's who usually rent one for a week or two in the summer can't afford it anymore. How do I know...take a look at the latest in vacation homes...here.