My New Lightbox- Better Photos for the Future!

July 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Some of you may remember that I mentioned I ordered an affordable lightbox…
Well y’all, here it is!
It came with 4 back-drops, two BRIGHT lamps that have long cords and on/off switches,
 a little tripod, and it only takes 1-2 minutes to get everything plugged in and set up!
It takes even less time to break-down and put away!

All I paid was around $10 since it costed $29.99 and I have a $25 GC.
I figure 5 bucks and 5 more for shipping was well worth it!
I’m not the best photographer, can I even call myself a photographer?
No, I don’t think so… but I try my best to take photos… so there!
Here is the entire set up inside of it’s carrying case…
Without the back-drop…
With a white back-drop and it fits perfect on my deep freezer!
This is how I was taking photos.
Simply a piece of fabric and leaned up against anything I could find, haha!
This is how the photos look now…
Bow from Custom Creations on Facebook.
Earrings hand-made by myself!
Hopefully this lightbox will allow me to take 
better photos if items I review, or win in a giveaway.
Hopefully pictures of crafts and things I make can look pretty like
 all the other amazingly talented blogger that are in this bloggy-land!
Not that I’m amazingly talented… but I get by ;D!
I think the best thing about the light box is how
 bright it makes the photos without the harsh glare
you get from using a flash on your camera.
 I love the tripod since I don’t have the steadiest of hands, haha!

I would recommend this type of lightbox to anyone who wants
 to take amazing photos but needs an affordable option.

I used a GC I won from a giveaway to purchase this product.
I was in no way obligated to write about it, 
but though some readers might want to see what it looks like in person.
 All opinions expressed are those of my own… and may differ from yours.
 Sadly, I have to include this disclosure that I was NOT paid for this review :D
Filed Under: daily deal, gift, Savings, tanga, Winner, Winning Ways

$3 Photo Book!

April 29, 2011 by 3 Comments
If you aren’t a member of Eversave, you should sign-up today!
Seriously!
border=
They are offering a $4 Sign-up Bonus PLUS a Sitewide $3 Promo Code- KATE.
Of course it’s for the Royal Wedding and all that, but really…
You can get a GREAT Mother’s Day gift, on the cheap- without BEING cheap.
border=
I love that.
Good thing I waited to buy my photo book today!
I will get one free, since I have $15 Save rewards in my account. 
You can do the same!
Just Sign-up, buy a save, then share that save!
Plus you might even get extra Save rewards Just.for.sharing.
It’s really simple!
With all the savings companies out there, I’ve really done well with Eversave.
1667 of these $34.99 Photo Books have been sold so far…
Why not get yours for just 
$3 after you sign-up?
And if you refer a friend or family member and they sign-up, use the promo codes, and buy one
You get $10 Credited to your account!
So it’s like getting it for free!
This save is the Phoenix Save but can be used for the US!

 PhotoBin

Today’s Save:$10 for a large hardcover photobook from PhotoBin.com ($34.99 value)

Expires 11:59 PM – May 02, 2011

PR Friendly contact mommydoesblog(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: PR Inquiry

Filed Under: Eversave, gift, Mother's Day

My Mod Canvas… a Tutorial

March 11, 2011 by 4 Comments
I finally got to meet up with a frined from high school who moved to Surprise, Arizona.
They were visiting her family just a couple town away from me for Christmas.
(two towns meaning a 10 minute drive from my home… 
cause we live in the country and county lines in Texas are funny like that…)

So, how do you like my canvas?
*Supplies Needed*
$1 Canvas Print from HOT Goodwill
(that needed a new life…)
Kilz
Acrylic Paint
(your choice of colors)
Paint Brush
(I used a medium and thin)
Pencil
Ruler
(both optional, but I’m a clutz so I rough draft…)

Now, to begin…
     1. Kilz your canvas
     2. Let Dry
     3. Use a pencil and ruler or free hand branch-like strokes with your paint brush… have your little one help… (not by choice…)
no, these are not my hands… that is my whining little boy… needing his mommy…
     4. Next, paint a monogram of choice… ( I chose M for Massenburg.)
     5. Now use a pencil to draw different sized circley tear drop shapes, or use your paintbrush and your colored acrylic paint and freehand them…
     6. Touch-up as needed. I made the “M” thicker, and more defined since it was a gift for their entire family… and you don’t wanna make it look like a hot-mess….^see, check yourself before you wreck yourself^
And just like that, I made a canvas customized canvas print for less than $2…
This was a great gift, and both Crystal and her Husband appreciated it very much.
They even asked how I made it, and I didn’t fib!
 I know she is they type of friend to cherish a less valuable item, as long as the value of said item is PRICELESS….

I actually really like how it turned out. At the time I was short on funds and luckily came by the canvas. The canvases I found were no less than $10 for the same size.
 We just hot glued some felt to hide the back where the old beat up canvas showed. 
I saw this at another blog back in November ’10 and made it for Crystal’s family Christmas Eve ’10.
It’s not the most perfect, and not anywhere near Lesley’s… who links back to her inspiration…
as beautiful as this…
but in my defense, 
she had those awesome dot sponges :D

vv I plan in linking up to these parties vv

LINKPARTYBUTTON

 

If you or your company would like to sponsor a Review and/or Giveaway here on Mommy Does… please e-mail me anytime at brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: Sponsorship.
Filed Under: Christmas, craft, craft link-ups, Create, DEAL, Decor, DIY, Easy, family, free, friday, frugal, gift, ideas, link-up, Little Boy, Saturday, save, tutorial

In my Community… Coffee!

March 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment
     Growing up, I was raised with Community Coffee… well, everywhere! I mean on billboards, napkins, in gas  stations, car dealerships, and Community Coffee even sponsored local events. Being from Louisiana,  Community Coffee was part of daily routines, as much as brushing our teeth. Since moving to Texas, well… not so much. I mean there are a couple local stores who sell Community Coffee, and even a couple gas stations advertise it. No where near as much as I think they should ;D.
     I love seeing the friendly logo, that was as much of a part of my childhood, as bubble gum! I remember visiting Pynes Chrysler with my mom and dad to buy her first new car. I remember sitting in the waiting area, and looking over cause I smelled that familiar aroma. The only aroma that could smell like Community Coffee. The small Styrofoam cups, the containers of sugar and creamer. Pure nostalgia! So I knew what I wanted to do. I want to spread the word about Community Coffee and all it has to offer. I was so happy that Blair from Community Coffee agreed to let me review a product for them. It was really hard to choose since I loved all of the products they offer! I mean seriously… so,
I decided on their Mardi Gras Gift Set which retails for $12.95.

     With Mardi Gras fast approaching, I thought it was only befitting for me to share with you a product I didn’t even know existed!
     As you can see, the Mardi Gras Gift Set comes with 12 ounces of Community Coffee’s Private Reserve Ground Carnivale Cake coffee, a Mardi Gras Travel Tumbler, a trio of Mardi Gras beads, and a gold Community Coffee gift card. The package is inside of a black textured gift box, with a clear plastic cover. I really liked the packaging, since it requires absolutely no gift wrap to make a perfect statement. The price isn’t to bad either, considering how much coffee houses cost these days!
     Whether you are looking to cut costs by home brewing, or have a need for a gift for a friend, a family member, a neighbor, or trying to get in good with your boss, Community Coffee makes it easy to “Let the Good Times Roll!”
     The coffee is smooth, has a wonder balance of vanilla and cinnamon, and the aroma lasts! I love great coffee, and this would be a perfect addition for a regular coffee drinker, to the occasional sipper! To be honest though, we are almost out, and I’m check into buy more of this blend. B liked it so much, that he even asked how to make it, like there was a science to making a pot of coffee! I made half-a-pot of coffee before leaving for Scottish Rite last week, poured it into my Mardi Gras Tumbler and my coffee stayed hot until we reached Dallas. (About  an hour into our commute.) I’ve called my Nuderma in Leesville to tell her about the Carnivale Cake blend, and I know exactly what I’m going to buy her next… One person who has a key to my heart is my Nuderma. And she would appreciate and enjoy this coffee so much. The coffee alone is only $8.49.
     They really do have a great selection of items,

 From their best selling
to their

Gourmet Coffees

French Press

which ship next-day-air.
Community Coffee has so much to offer!
What are you waiting for?
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

{Buy it}
Visit
 Community Coffee
to view their great selection of items.
Enter FREE15
@ Checkout to receive
15% off
& 
FREE SHIPPING
on your order!

{Connect with Community Coffee}
Like them on Facebook to get a $2 coupon!
 
or follow them on
They are also on You Tube!
While I did receive a Mardi Gras Gift Set for review purposes, that in no way influenced my opinion. I was in no way compensated for a positive review, I just liked the product enough to give a positive review. My opinions may differ from yours. Thank you to Blair @ Community Coffee for allowing me to review said product. 

If you or your company would like to sponsor a Review and/or Giveaway here on Mommy Does… please e-mail me anytime at brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: Sponsorship.

Filed Under: Community Coffee, free, gift, save, sponsor, Spotlight

SA Finds and A Craft Challenge!

February 21, 2011 by 6 Comments
Crystals Craft Spot has a Monthly Challenge.

I wanted to take part, so my mom and I headed to our Salvation Army Store.
There’s not too much to choose from, well not really much at all.

Salvation Army Stores finds:
All this costed just $4.87!
2 frames
2 4T summer jumpers (with no stains)
1 6 ct. box of holiday Hallmark Bells (.99 ea. retail) 50 cents for all 6.
A Yellow Fabric and Sea foam Green Fabric, sisters Ploy and Ester.
NOW
 For the Challenge…
*Supplies Needed*
Old frame
Card stock
Fabric
X-Acto Designer Series Precision Tip Scissors
Paints
Marker

Take the big frame and wipe it down with some type of cleaner (it was DUSTY!)
Paint it whatever color you want. 
(With two kids I didn’t take a picture of me painting.)
 Next, find an old calender page to make your grid.
(I don’t have a silhouette, but am taking donations ;D)
 Cut out the calender blocks, or just cut out the whole week and just fill in the blocked lines later
(this was best since there was no white space between my blocks.)
I used my X-Acto Designer Series Craft Swivel Knife, read about that, here.
Do this for however many rows you want.
 Use whatever color of card stock, fabric, or other colorful or subtle paper you have on hand.
My card stock was a light blue…
Cut it to a size that suits your needs.
I used my X-Acto Designer Series Precision Tip Scissors to make nice clean cuts.
 Lay your “grid” on top centered where you like.
And, trace!
Now, use a ruler to mark the center lines of the calender.
It was easy to just mark with the ruler once in the first open spot.
 Since I only cut out 3 of the 5 lines, I eyeballed the two lined edges.
Now finish your “grid” using the ruler.
 Now you can draw the line where your month goes…
Again, no silhouette and two children makes for a really sloppy (IMO) header.
I lined my picture frames backing (now they use a cheap cardboard, then it was a sturdy cardboard) with the pale yellow fabric from SA.
Then, I used Elmer’s Craft Bond Glue Dots to secure the fabric around the cardboard backing.
I then applied my card stock grid to the fabric…
By then my frame was dry, and it looked like this.
With my X-Acto Designer Series Precision Tip Scissors 
I cut some of the same yellow fabric and some lace my mom gave me
 and made rosettes and wrapped the lace around it.
And this is how it turned out!
I gave it to my mom as a gift…
I hope you like it Mom!
Tell me what you think!


I receive the X-Acto and Elmer’s Craft Spots review purposes, this is part of my review process.
 I used some of the sponsored products for this project, however this project was not sponsored by the company.
I am just simply mentioning the products I received for review purposes in my crafts
 and give credit to the company for the linked products, all other products I purchased myself.

If you or your company would like to sponsor a Review and/or Giveaway here on Mommy Does… please e-mail me anytime at brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: Sponsorship.

Filed Under: craft, craft link-ups, Create, Decor, DIY, Easy, Elmer's, frugal, gift, Monday, review, tutorial, X-Acto

Checking In, Giveaways… and a YELP! for HELP!

February 11, 2011 by 1 Comment

I’m just popping in to say “Hello! “

And no, this picture has nothing to do with my post.
I just love all three of them!
And my mom’s been peeking in while she is in Louisiana.
So, the grandbabies and SIL action going on right there.
I love you Mom!

So what is this post about?
I’m still S.W.A.M.P.E.D. with coursework.
And know I should be doing that…
instead of this…
(writing posts, entering giveaway’s, visiting blogs, being inspired, having, you know?
What all the cool kids are doing?)
Instead of that other choice…
(NO FUN= College Course Work.)

I mean really! 
Which would you choose?
I’m thinking that since it’s FINALLY Friday,
I should stick to the NO FUN option
(I know! It IS Sad isn’t?! All these amazing talents… a waste till I can “catch-up” again)
 But only for just a bit until all the course work is completed. 
Then I’ll be back.

In the meantime,
I would love for you to check out my updated list
oh! What the heck… here it is! 
My “Night Owl Crafting’s” Post 
(the one stuck up top there at the top of my blog.)

Her Blogiversary Event will conclude on
February 13, 2011 @ NOON PST
(if you’re like me and live in the CST Time Zone, I think that would make it 2 o’clock our time.)
I could be wrong since…
I have to google time zones… umm… daily?.?.?.
(ducking my head from embarrassment.)
Don’t believe me?
Head on over the My Silly Monkey’s and ask Jessica
 how many times I e-mailed about time difference the night ABE took place…
Anyway, heres the list!

Tuesday:

Thursday:

In other NEWS…
April is still throwing one of the most awesomest BASHES on the block.
Oh, April.
I didn’t tell you?
Yeah, I consider us to reside on the same block in Bloggy Land…
even if… you know,
YOU
 live half the country away from me.
(stifling sobs…)
Anyways y’all!
Check out 
Amelia’s 1st Birthday Bash Event @ Marine Parent’s!
Let April know 
Mommy Does… 
Do you love to cloth diaper?
So, does April…
if you take my 

Go on,
 click HINT, 
then leave April a comment
 letting her know Mommy Does…
sent you. 
(It’s the nice thing to do.)
Then head to her
and start entering.
Now it’s time for my 
YELP!
for HELP!

I know many people passed up reading this post.
The reason I think they did, 
is because humans are by nature, visual beings.
We like thing pretty.
I know I do!
My posts show up in my dashboard…
“How?” You may ask.
Simple.
I follow my own blog.
Since I can see my posts from “a different angle.”
And when I see my posts, no matter if a photo is included, not included 
or right up top of my post.
I never see it!
Ever.
Could any of you wonderful people help a blogger out?
I know some of you have pictures next to your post.
How. Do. You. Do. It?
(I’d love to know your secret.)
Let me know.
It’s probably simple.
And when you tell me.
My head will hang in shame…


If you or your company would like to sponsor a Review and/or Giveaway here on Mommy Does… please e-mail me anytime at brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: Sponsorship.
Filed Under: Birthday, Blogiversary, eco-friendly, Event, feature, friday, gift, giveaway, Marine Parents, milestone, Party, win

Mommy Does… a Valentine’s Re-Vamp Exchange!!!!

February 3, 2011 by 6 Comments



     Last week or so, Wendy over at Craft Goodies, posted information about looking for Valentine’s Exchange participants.

I replied back right in the nick of time (I procrastinate, remember?), securing myself a partner who’s name is Giana. The whole idea of the exchange is to basically take something, and to make it into something else, as long as you make it yourself. Wendy now has a linky for the participants (I’m feeling like a star now,) and I want to share with you all, my gifts I made for Giana. (I know this goes against secrecy of gift-giving, but if she peeks I hope she likes it enough to really want to receive them.) This “tutorial” if you want to call it that will mostly be in pictures… Here goes…

*Supplies Needed*
Anything you have on hand! 
This is what I had.
(Wooden Blocks courtesy of my step-father.)
Antique White and two colors of purple paint.


First coat of antique white paint.

While that dried, I took a shirt sleeve and cut it out.



Cut circles, and fold in half.



Fold it in half (like above) tack it with glue (I used tacky glue.)

Fold in half again and tack it also.

Now squeeze glue onto another circle. Like so.



Attach one of the petals to it, and lay flat. Keep making the “petals” and laying them in the glue.


Until it looks like this. (I cut two circles for the top.)


Now, back to the blocks. Keep layering the white until it doesn’t look like wood beneath. I also “whipped” light purple paint onto it with the brush you see in the background. I liked it like it was, but thought it needed more.


So, I did the same with a deep purple. I liked it even more.


Remember those Big Lot’s unfinished stamps I bought? 
Here’s what I did.


Then This.

For each side.


Then, I took this clay pot from a pack I had on hand.

And painted a styrofoam ball I had in a box.
Then I used this Elmer’s multi-purpose Glue-All that said it was great for crafting, and had a stronger formula.
I really liked it. It has held up nicely since,

I glued my Styrofoam ball into the pot with it.
Oh! You see the black stamping and letters?
(I didn’t say this tutorial would be in exact sequence, forgive me.)


Side view.

Then I remembered I had some clothespins from a past purchase. So I took my nail polish, and painted them.

Then I used these X-ACTO Precision Scissors and Elmer’s Extra Strength Glue Sticks and  made a card.



I also used some packing paper to make a rosette, which I used glue to attach a fabric rosette on top of that. Then I cut some card stock and glued that onto it. I finished the pins by “whipping” more black paint onto them and gluing some rhinestones on the tops. I used the nail polish to distress the fabric flower I attached to the Styrofoam ball. The card I hand made also. I made four-four letter phrases and painted them onto the blocks. You can see the love and hugs below.


So, what do you…..



about what I made?
I love that I came up with this little extra!



It’s not a matchbook silly!
It’s a mini-notebook :)

Giana, if your peeking, are you excited for what’s going to be on it way soon?

Let me know what you think!
You know I LOVE comments!

Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap<br /> up party!


If you or your company would like to sponsor a Review and/or Giveaway here on Mommy Does… please e-mail me anytime at brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: Sponsorship.
Filed Under: craft, craft link-ups, DIY, Easy, gift, link-up, Party, tutorial, Valentine's Day, Well Good

Bows, Bows, and Bows, Oh! My!

January 31, 2011 by 5 Comments
     So, you may have seen this post where I offer instructions for a Boutique Bow how-to. I just wanted to share a few of the bows I have made using this method. I will use any type of ribbon that I can “work” with. If it’s not the most expensive or “perfect” I don’t mind. I just like to make Little Girl something she is proud of and it gives me a way to unwind. I love to share my bows with friends and family if they are interested. My sister-in-law makes Little Girl’s cousin bows, and let me tell ya! She’s a sewer and does a great job, since I’m not a sewer; I rely on a glue gun, and my two hands :)  

These two pictures are from a special order for my best-friend’s cousins daughter. 
She asked if I would mind making some, and she would pay me since she knew it would take some time between courses and kids.
I made the bow holder to go along with it.



These two bows were made for another close friends daughter’s Birthday gift from my family.

These were made from ribbon I found in the dollar bin at Target. The clips were re purposed from Little Girl’s hair stuff bin. The pink plaid was lined with a pink stitched coordinating color from the same pack. The plaid was white on the inside and I wanted it to look nice. The blue and yellow in the top left corner is just a simple folding style I used in this tutorial. There was enough of the blue stitched ribbon for two pig-tail bows which I really like.  The smaller, twisty-type is made from scrap pieces I didn’t want to waste. Again all the clips are re purposed from what I had on hand. 


This set is one I made for Little Girl. I made the bow holder. The Teal, Black and Yellow ribbon I found at Dollar Tree during the summer. The Pink/Brown/Khaki and Zebra print from Wal-Mart, and the Pink satin was re purposed from the bow Little Girls coming home bag(She’s been home for a while.)


Top, again with the folding technique, I just made 2 of each color, hot glued together, re purposed clippie, and an embellishment. The second from top is ribbon I found at Dollar Tree, as is the bubble gum pink and yellow. The Blue is ribbon my mom found on sale at Micheal’s. The orange and black, Dollar Tree, and the Pink Paisley satin print from Wal-Mart.

This is just some of Little Girl’s collection including the special order mentioned above and friend’s birthday set. The barrette in the top left corner is just craft foam lining a barrette with buttons hot glued on. Be careful with the foam and the glue gun. A high-temp (like mine) melt the foam if you squeeze too much hot glue on! I’m sure felt wouldn’t have this problem. But keep in mind. I made bows before I crafted because, well, because that stack of books in the upper-left-hand corner… Boo! Too.Much.Course work.


This is a bow I made from a sheer ribbon. Little Girl liked the ribbon and I needed a quick break from coursework, so I whipped it up while making these.

This is my newest set, You might have seen it in some other posts, but I wanted to share these again.
The lady bug print from Micheal’s, Bubble Gum Pink from Dollar Tree, Heart (floral ribbon from Dollar Tree.

If you or your company would like to sponsor a Review and/or Giveaway here on Mommy Does… please e-mail me anytime at brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: Sponsorship.

Filed Under: craft, craft link-ups, DIY, Easy, family, frugal, gift, ideas, link-up, Little Girl, Monday, Valentine's Day

Miss Minnie Hair Barrette Tutorial- Little Girl’s 3rd Birthday Sneak-Peek

January 29, 2011 by 5 Comments
     Little Girl is turning 3 next month. Her party will be next weekend, and I can’t wait! I am making many of the decorations if not all of them. My mom just got home from her month hitch offshore. I have been making some hair “crap” (thanks, A Girl and a Glue Gun. ;) And I mentioned in my last hair accessory tutorials I would be making a tutorial of a Minnie Mouse Hair Barrette. I hope I don’t get the “copyrighted” card pulled on me for making this tutorial. So here is my disclaimer: “I don’t own and have never owned any rights to Minnie Mouse.” I just know I can’t really go out and buy everything I want so I’m here showing all you wonderful followers how I make do… with what you got, or can get for ubber cheap :)

Supplies Needed:
(no picture needed…)
*Scrap shirt or fabric*
(I used a Dollar Tree shirt.)
*Scissors*
*Felt*
*Barrette or Alligator clip*
*Embellishment*
*Ribbon*
(also from Dollar Tree)
*Glue Gun*

1.  Cut the shirt open at the seams lay out the shirt and cut a length of fabric. Knot the end like so…


2. Your essentially making a tight “rolled/wrapped” rosette. Begin by twisting and wrapping the fabric length around the knot “tacking” every so often towards the back of the rosette with a glue gun. Make one large rosette, and two medium sized rosettes like the picture below…

3.  Now, hot glue the large rosette onto the felt, followed by the two medium rosettes on the “top” of the larger one. Before the glue sets, be sure to push the medium sized rosettes close to the large one to “seal” the three together. Like so…



This is what your Minnie should look like by now…
cut it out and snip around the felt Minnie is attached to.




4.  Now cut an equal length of ribbon. I cut mine at 4 inches. Fold the ribbon in half and pinch to make a “line.” You can also achieve this by using a pencil, but I saw no need. Lay it flat…



5.  Now squeeze a small dab of glue into the middle where your “line” is.



6.  Fold over one end to the glue like so…



7.  Now fold over the other end to the middle like this… (Do you see where I’m going with this :D )



8.  Cut another length of ribbon to cover where you glued the ends in place. Dab a bit of hot glue and place that length of ribbon on top.



9.  Now wrap one end towards the back, dab hot glue , and seal it down. Pretty much like this picture.



10.  Now dab some hot glue on top of the fold like this picture. Next, fold the last end and attach to the glue.


Now you have a bow like this.

In all honesty before I had a clip to use to make boutique bows, I used this method and stacked them.
They weren’t gosh awful, and served their purpose. But I love the folded and cinched look I get from using a jumbo clip.

11.  Now line the barrette or alligator clip if you want. Cut a circle of felt and glue to the inside of your barrette like this.


12.   Now squeeze hot glue onto that circle and attach the felt circle to the back of your Minnie’s felt.
It should look like this.



13.  Lastly, add your embellishment!


This would be great for any little girl!
This is one of Little Girl’s birthday presents.
She already found it but I hid it again so she’ll just have to wait until next weekend for it 
Enjoy!

What do you all think? Leave a comment!

If you or your company would like to sponsor a Review and/or Giveaway here on Mommy Does… please e-mail me anytime at brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: Sponsorship.

Filed Under: Birthday, craft, craft link-ups, DIY, Easy, family, frugal, gift, ideas, link-up, Little Girl, milestone, Party, Saturday, tutorial

Well Good… its an Itty Bitty Bakers Line Review!

January 28, 2011 by 1 Comment

          Back when I was new to blogging (November 2010 feels like forever ago) I loved entering giveaways and find some pretty awesome blogs (still do.) I came across Wendy from Craft Goodies. I fell in love instantly. I followed her through GFC and was so excited to explore what she had to offer, needless to say; I wasn’t disappointed at all! 

I enjoyed reading her tutorials and looking at all her creations. I really fell for her Paint Stick Toy Soldier and have filed that in my someday crafts list! 
         She is also one of my inspirations to learn how to sew! I received a Project Runway Edition sewing machine from my mother for Christmas, and also have Wendy’s Pottery Barn Knock-off hand towels and her Ruffled Christmas Tee on my someday crafts list! Oh? And the hand towels I mentioned above? They would be AWESOME gifts for Valentine’s Day! Don’t believe me, well check them out…

Photobucket

While checking her out back in November, I ran across a giveaway she was having. It was for her Itty Bitty Bakers Line. I decided to try my hand at entering her Itty Bitty Baker’s Delight giveaway (one of my first.)
And.I.Won.
Seriously? 
Me?
I was so excited for Little Girl, since this would become part of her Christmas gifts.
This is what I won:
One apron choice of size and fabric ( I chose a brown polka dot fabric)
1 box of cinnamon buns
1 package of “iced” sugar cookies.
( I liked the ones pictured.)

Some information about the inspiration behind line 
directly from Wendy’s Craft Goodies blog.
Itty Bitty Baker!
line of children’s wood and fabric toys.  As a mom, I want the best for my kids. I want to give them an opportunity to learn and grow in any situation-even when they’re playing. And, I want them to learn about everyday experiences in a fun and safe manner.
My girls love to “help out” in the kitchen. They were always helping themselves to my cooking utensils and aprons. After one too many times of ruining my shirt-I decided they needed some of their own. That’s where this all started, the need for a cute and fun child-size apron.
It’s only grown from there. I decided that the play food my girls had, wasn’t fun. Plastic molded forms that were easily misshapen and well, plastic. I wanted something more durable, more interactive, but still easy to keep clean. I found cute sets at the store, but didn’t like the price. And, I wanted something more personal, something more me, and now, I want to share it with you…

Cookie and Sweet Roll sets are sewn from felt with hand stitched details and bead work. Cookies arrive bagged in a set of 6, you choose rainbow or pink sprinkles! Sweet Rolls come boxed and tied in a set of 4.
I read the above information before entering the giveaway and thought, I HATE those plastic “food” toys I keep buying only to find that Little Boy and Little Girl chew on them, “cook” with them and tear them apart, in general. This is why I chose to enter, and am so happy I did!
So? Did Little Girl like them?
Heck yes she did! 
Christmas morning was filled with Tea Parties and “cooking.”
I was unable to get pictures of my packages but I’m not kidding when I say that they look exactly like Wendy’s image above. 
This is the photo I managed to snap in between Little Girl setting up for her first tea party.









This was my “snack” little girl “cooked.”
Even B and Little Boy enjoyed having tea with Little Girl.
(Little Boy brought his dinosaurs and dump trucks to the party 
and I think we all know how that turned out.)

          I really like that the cinnamon bun is crafted well. It is not flimsy, it is tightly rolled and securely crafted. Mine has withstood more than a month of play from both children and has yet to unroll, the “glaze” is still intact and the cookies are so fluffy. The only caution I put forth is that since the “sprinkles” on the cookies are sewn on it could pose a choking hazard for very small children and infants. Little Girl will be 3 next month and has no curiosity to bite the beading/sprinkles from the cinnamon bun, or cookies. Little Boy is only 17 months old and loves the bite and chew the beading off. While I’ve caught him a few times invading Little Girls tea parties and trying to actually eat the beading, he has yet to choke, but I have had him spit the beads out. This is expected since he is still curious so I just make sure to watch the party closely while he attends. ;) The apron is simply adorable, the cupcake on the front of it is a little pocket and Little Girl loved to stick her “recipes” into it while “cooking. I chose a bigger size so she may grow into it and enjoy for a longer amount of time. The fabric I chose is soft and I have even washed it once when Little Boy smeared banana on it. I just used a gentle cycle and let it hang-dry. Overall I love the Itty Bitty Bakers line and would recommend it to mothers who want their children to have quality play-things. She offers an assortment of items to fit many budgets, whether you are looking for an addition to your child’s make-believe collection or need a gift for an upcoming celebration. Wendy is super easy to communicate with and ships the items in a timely manner. Since the items are already packaged beautifully, there really is no need to “wrap” them if giving as a gift, in my opinion.
          
          I know many of you like play-things for your children that are actually worth the money you pay for them. Wendy creates some other pretty awesome make-believe goodies for children. This is another line she offers. I also took this from her site (so the description and pictures do justice to her talent.)

Itty Bitty Wood Line
This line features wood and velcro play sets similar to those you’d find at Land of Nod or from Doug and Melissa.
So, what’s the difference? My sets come unfinished, ready to give your own special touch to. Paper cover or paint, the choice is yours. And, you get more pieces in each play set for less money!
 Sugar Cookie set includes:
6 cookie cutouts
6 frosting toppers
1 frosting container

1 sprinkles container

Frosting spreader
  Serving tray
Labels and Velcro pieces
Sandwich Set includes:

4 bread slices
2 lettuce cutouts
2 cheese cutouts
2 tomato cutouts
2 meat cutouts
1 mustard container
1 mayo container

1 butter knife

1 cutting board
Labels and Velcro pieces

I really like the Sandwich kit. I know Little Girl loves to make lunch with me and think this would be a pretty awesome set to get for her. I can also see myself incorporating the items into my classroom after she and Little Boy outgrow them. It would be a great set to offer as a hand-me-down, and we all know I love me some hand-me-downs :)

Wendy even has an ETSY Shop named…
Her shop has some pretty little somethings such as this

             SWEET HEART letter set

SWEET HEART letter set

And I’m loving her

                  LOVE BUG letter set

LOVE BUG letter set

If you want to Celebrate in style, she’s even got THAT covered with her

              CELEBATE letter set

CELEBATE letter set
I’m loving the letter set along with balloons, and it would be great to reuse for any celebration!

If you would like to learn more about Wendy you can visit her
Blog
and 
ETSY shop.
Disclaimer:
 While I did win an Itty Bitty Bakers Delight set featured above from Craft Goodies, I was in no way paid for my honest opinions given above. I simply offered Wendy a review and she accepted.”

If you or your company would like to sponsor a Review and/or Giveaway here on Mommy Does… please e-mail me anytime at brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com, subject line: Sponsorship.

Filed Under: baking, Christmas, family, feature, friday, gift, ideas, Learning, Little Boy, Little Girl, Spotlight, Teaching, toys, tutorial, Valentine's Day, Well Good
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