Happy New Year

Wishing you and your family a Happy 2010!

Meet My New Bernina

I'm so excited!  I've entered the world of Bernina and I love it.  Yesterday, I called and emailed over ten shops, in three countries,  for prices as they don't publish the prices of the machines. Erg..  I decided to go with a local shop for support and convenience.  I figured this would be helpful if I decide to check out the classes on "how to use your machine".

Last night was a sleepless night spent tirelessly reading every review on the internet.  I even joined a few forums in hopes of getting the "real" scoop and was relentlessly annoying my Twitter buds. hehe  When I woke up I was ready to go.  I have always relied on the kindness of my Mother in Law and Aunt Peggy who have been lending me machines for years.  Recently I've been sewing on a Walmart Brother so to me this was a huge deal.

Surprisingly I was really nervous. I headed out to Guelph, Ontario to pick up my new machine, the Bernina 230 Patchwork Edition.  I spent a few hours at the store "test driving" a few models, but ended up leaving with the one I originally went in to buy.  Ok... one version up...but the floor model was available, she discounted the price substantially,  and she threw in two Bernina Feet (walking foot, and one other strange looking contraption).

It is overwhelming looking at machines.  I don't know if any of you have felt this way. But I went through a few stages.

1.Mother guilt. Do I really need this, I have two little babies? Should I really buy myself something?
2. Utter Confusion. New or used? Does the name really matter?   Do I need those automatic scissor things? How many stitches does a gal need?  Embroidery?  Computer? How does it thread? Where was it made?  How does the bobbin thingy work?  Ahh!!  I tried to stay strong in my resolve and said "no thanks" when she offered for me to try the Bernina 440 QE.  I know what I can handle and my bank account was saying "don't you dare."
3. Satisfaction and Happiness. I feel like I ended up with a solid, well made machine without a ton of bells and whistles and I feel very good about it. :)  It suits my current needs perfectly and the reasonable price is justified!  And the stitches are perfect!!!! I am excited about sewing again.

When I got home it took me four hours to even give it a try.  I wanted to make something that I would remember on my new machine.  I'm a sentimental  sap.  Finally my hubby convinced me to just "do what you usually do for now.  Try it out and get used to it."  So I made a bib and a little dress in Amy Butler.  And guess what!  My production time was cut in half and the stitches are perfect.Although I did spend twenty minutes just staring at it in awe.   I'm in love, truly. Let's see what tomorrow shall bring.  What did you sew on your first new machine?  Anyone have any stories?

Play Dough Recipe

I have always wanted to make play dough with my daughter.  Today we decided to give it a try.  First we looked up a number of recipes online, all of which were the same.  We went to the cupboard armed with our mixing spoons, bowls, and fully dressed in our trusty baking clothes. A simple list of very few ingredients.  This was going to be a cinch!

Ya right.  As we collected our needed supplies, my thought process quickly changed.  "Uh oh.  What the heck is cream of tartar?  I thought I had cream of tartar.  Of course I have no cream of tartar.  Who has cream of tartar anyway?  Damn you cream of tartar."  Instant panic!  I knew my three year old was not going to understand if I said that we wouldn't be able to make the play dough because mommy forgot to check for the ingredients.  hehe

So, I decided to substitute.  Vinegar for cream  of tartar. It worked.  The play dough is great.  I'm even going to make a batch for my kindergarten. And I know everything in it is safe, in case someone gets curious and takes a little sneak bite.  It was fast, easy, and cheap.  The texture is great and she spent two hours playing and creating while baby sis napped on. :)

Now if I could only find all of the holiday cookie cutters I bought last week!!!

Play Dough Recipe:

1 cup white flour
1/2 cup salt
6 tablespoons of vinegar (if you have cream of tartar use 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water
food coloring (I used neon)

Mix first 4 ingredients in a pan. Add water and mix well. Heat on medium, stirring for about 5 minutes. Dough will become tricky to stir and form a ball like clump.

Remove from stove and knead for 5 minutes with your hand.  While kneading add a couple of drops of food colouring. Store in a covered plastic container or plastic sandwich bag.

Blabla Handknitted Boogaloo Doll Review/Giveaway(ends December 18)

Blabla is a very innovative and unique company.  The collection is designed by FlorenceWetterwald and everything is handknitted by Peruvian artisans.  The idea for Blabla stemmed from a trip that Florence and longtime friend and business partner Susan Pritchett took to Peru.  While there they came across villages of people, many of whom were lifelong, expert knitters. This moving experience inspired them to start Blabla. All of the creations are made from natural, high quality, fibres, which are also grown in Peru.  The combination of Florence's stylish design and the ancestral knowledge of the knitters makes for really special creations


I was lucky enough to review a Boogaloo doll, named Etcetera from Blabla and I love it.  Many of their dolls are gender neutral and multicultural which is so refreshing. And the colour/color combinations are amazing.  The super soft dolls are totally safe for your children too!  No lead to worry about, no small eyes to fall off! 

My three year old hasn't let it go since it arrived.   Etcetera had a comfy, soft feeling straight from the box.  In fact, she has taken the coveted spot on the bed away from "Horsey". The texture and design has made this Boogaloo doll a favourite/favorite in our house.

Stop by Blabla to check out their sales and to find some unique, handcrafted, one of a kind gifts.  Please remember to order by December 16 to ensure delivery for Christmas.
Blabla has generously offered to give one of our readers their very own Etcetera Boogaloo Doll.  Eco-friendly and completely safe.

. 

How to Enter: (must leave a separate post for each)
1. Follow Blabla on twitter (mandatory for entry)
2. Retweet daily for additional entries
3. Follow Blabla on facebook
4. Check out their site and tell us about something you love!
5. Follow Snugnluv on twitter
6. Follow Snugnluv's blog

info@blablakids.com

Rules: Open to Canadian and US citizens.  Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond before another is chosen.Please leave an email in your post or a way for us to contact you.  

Canadian Collective

Meet some really cool people.  Network with other Canadians. Come join us on the Canadian Collective. Everyone is welcome!  
Stacey


http://www.canadiancollective.ning.com

BOBO Patterns Today Only

I will be offering buy one, get one free on my patterns in my etsy shop today only.  Simply indicate which pattern you would like for free when you check out. :)
Snugnluv

Canadian Collective

Visit Canadian Collective

A few months ago I found out about a Canadian Collective of business operators and so I joined.  It's a place for
Canadian business owners to "get together" and share ideas, thoughts, and to promote themselves.

Recently, the woman who runs the group, Kristina, has decided to pass the reigns on to someone else. That
someone is me. I love the idea and would like to give it a shot. Please come on by and post information about 
your blog, website, etsy shop, etc. Let's get some conversation going and support one another to become 
successful in our businesses.


www.twitter.com/cancollective

The Winners Have Been Picked Handmade Giveaway

Thanks so much for participating in the handmade giveaway.  The winners will be contacted by tomorrow. :) If winners would like to contact me with your email please feel free.  Thanks.


Day 1 - Snugnluv (Pattern of your choice)
15 Pam CC Mouse
31 Canadian Mama 
25 SandyM204
Day 2 - By Your Side( Itty Bitty Travel Bag)
7 Robyn

Day 3 - Handmade 4 U (hat)

45 catss99

Day 4 - Danielle Todd (Coffee Cuff)

29 Nancy 15 Trish

31 Boutique Karma

Day 5- XOXO Cupcake (headband)

25 littledeadmommy

Day 6- Boutique Karma (bobo bag)

8 Sara S

Five Tips Useful Tips to Help Kids With Bedtime Transition

During the holidays things are not quite the same.  It's an exciting time for children, sometimes they aren't sleeping at home, there is company in the house, etc.  Here are a few tips that we use which might help your child get to bed on time during this busy time.

1.  Consistency....stick with your routine and approximate bed time (start about 20 mins before bed and brush teeth, pj's, washroom)

2. Story and song ...this gives them something to help focus the mind. We always do 1 story/3 songs.

3.  A quick review of what will happen the next day.....ex."tomorrow when you get up..."

4.  Alternate with your partner(if that is possible)...that way you will be fresh each night and more patient.

5.  Breathing and visualization exercises....ex."take 3 deep breaths, picture yourself on the beach".

As part a contest through twittermoms.com and St. Eve Kids will will be offering a giveaway.

DramaU.net will be giving me a pink cozy to try and one as a giveaway for one of my readers. Leave a post below telling me one way that you get your kids to bed and you will be entered to win a cozy of your own from St. Eve Kids. (The Cozy is a blanket with sleeves that will fit most children)

Handmade Holiday Giveaway Day 6 - Boutique Karma Bobo Pack(Ends Dec 7)

Based out of Montreal, Quebec Boutique Karma is an awesome Canadian shop on Etsy.  The shop is run by Tara who is a mother of two little toddlers.  It's not surprising that Tara loves to sew as she comes from a family of women who sew, including her grandmother and mother. She plans and sews all projects herself in her smoke free home. 

Boutique Karma offers aromatherapy eye pillows, casserole carriers, coasters, crayon roll ups, hot mat sets, and  bobo packs in the greatest designer fabric combinations.  I personally have three sets of coasters and I love them!  They are really unique and funky. Tara really has an eye for nice fabric.

Boutique Karma has generously offered to donate a bobo packs to a lucky winner.  Each BoBo pack measures 5X5 inches and is filled with flaxseed, some lentils and lavender. You can use the pack is best when used cold out of the freezer. It ships with a ziploc bag for storage.
To Enter:
1.  Stop by Boutique Karma on Etsy and tell us about something that you like. (this one is mandatory)
(while you are there you can heart her shop for an extra entry)
Extra Entries:
2. Follow Snugnluv's blog. (1 entry)
3. Join Snugnluv on Twitter. (1 entry)
4. Join Boutique Karma on Twitter (1 entry)
5. Become a fan of Boutique Karma on facebook. (1 entry)
6. Tweet, email, or spread the news about our giveaway. (1 entry per day)
Contest ends December 7th. Open to US and Canada.
www.boutiquekarma.com
www.twitter.com/boutiquekarma
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boutique-Karma/132339529999?ref=ts

Handmade 4 U 10% Discount Code and Free Shipping

As you know one of the participants in our Handmade Gift Guide Giveaway is Handmade 4 U.  We've been getting a lot of positive feedback on her hats so Jamie has decided to offer 10% off and FREE shipping with the code Snugnluv at checkout.  Enter her giveaway here and if you want more that one or can't wait drop by her Etsy shop and take advantage of her deal. :)  Refund will be given via paypal. If you would rather convo her ahead for an adjusted invoice that's fine as well.

Handmade Holiday Giveaway Day 5 - XOXO Cupcake (Handmade Hairband)

XOXO Cupcake

XOXO Cupcake is a really great boutique shop on Etsy that opened December of 2008.  Everything in the shop is designed and made by the shop's creative owner Cindy.  Accessories, wallets and cardholders, and hairbands are among the unique items that Cupcake offers.  Custom orders are accepted as well.

In addition to Cupcake on Etsy,  Cindy has a storefront in Bloor West Village, Toronto.  Periwinkle on Bloor is a boutique that stocks items from local designers. It's a community based venue where the items are handmade, hand selected, and one of a kind.  She is an avid supporter of Do It Yourself designers, artists and entrepreneurs.  Stop by if you are in town and help support handmade!

Cindy has generously offered to donate one of her handmade hairbands (valued $25-40) to one of our readers. You can choose one from her Etsy shop. 
To Enter:
1.  Stop by XOXOCupcake  on Etsy and tell us about something that you like. (this one is mandatory)
(while you are there you can heart her shop for an extra entry)
Extra Entries:
2. Follow Snugnluv's blog. (1 entry)
3. Join Snugnluv on Twitter. (1 entry)
4. Stop by Periwinkle Website  and tell us about an artist that you like. (1 entry)
5. Tweet, email, or spread the news about our giveaway. (1 entry per day)
6. Follow Periwinkleshop or Cupcakellc on twitter. (1 entry each) 
Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winners will be chosen on December 5th, 2009.  Open to Canada and the US.

XOXOCupcake

http://cupcakelivelovecouture.blogspot.com/
http:twitter.com/Cupcakellc
Periwinkle on Bloor
http://twitter.com/periwinkleshop

Handmade Holiday Giveaway Day 4 - Danielle Todd Designs (3 winners...Coffee Cup Cuffs)

Danielle Todd makes the most beautiful coffee cup cuffs. They are really unique and have a vintage feel.   Her

sewing is perfect and she had an eye for picking the best combinations of fabric; most of which is upcycled.

I know how great the cuffs are from first hand experience.  I have ten, and I'm not kidding.  Everywhere I go people ask me where I got my cup cuff. In the morning I grab a green tea and before I got the cuff I was burning my hand every day. I tried the paper ones, when mine mysteriously went missing. but I missed my Danielle Todd Cuff. There is something very comforting about holding the cup in the cuff and it's eco-friendly.  They make the perfect gift and I will be giving them to co-workers this season. No two are alike and they are priced so well at $5.

Danielle has a really great Etsy shop where she features her handmade cuffs, vintage bags and purses, vintage housewares, patterns and books, vintage scarves, jewelry,  and all kinds of other cool stuff.                    

Danielle has generously offered to donate the coffee cup cuff of your choice to three of our readers!  You can pick one from her Etsy shop. 

To Enter:
1.  Stop by Danielle Todd on Etsy and tell us about something that you like. (this one is mandatory)
(while you are there you can heart her shop for an extra entry)
Extra Entries:
2. Follow Snugnluv's blog. (1 entry)
3. Join Snugnluv on Twitter. (1 entry)
4. Tweet, email, or spread the news about our giveaway. (1 entry per day)

Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winners will be chosen on December 5th, 2009.  Open to Canada and the US.

Handmade Holiday Giveaway Day 3 - Handmade 4 U Brant

Handmade 4 U is a brand new Etsy shop that opened in November of this year. And it's Canadian!  Like many other crafty mom's, her business started while on maternity leave with her second baby.  Jamie started to crochet as a child and learned to knit as an adult.  She lovingly crochets everything in her shop and the result is fabulous. Cotton and wool hats are available for babies, toddlers, teens, and adults.  In addition to her Etsy stock, custom orders are welcome as well.
Hats start at of $9.50US. Come on by and add her to your favorites.

In addition to the Etsy shop, Handmade 4 U has another online aspect.  With the partnership of her mother in law, Jamie makes sweaters, hats, scarves, and other handmade knit and crochet items.  Check them out on facebook to find some super-cute, one of a kind, handmade holiday gifts!

Jamie has generously offered to donate an handmade hat to one of our readers!  You can pick one from her Etsy shop. 
To Enter:
1.  Stop by Handmade4UBrant on Etsy and tell us which hat you will pick if you win. (this one is mandatory)
(while you are there you can heart her shop for an extra entry)
Extra Entries:
2. Follow Snugnluv's blog. (1 entry)
3. Follow Handmade4U on facebook. (1 entry)
4. Join Snugnluv on Twitter. (1 entry)
5. Tweet, email, or spread the news about our giveaway. (1 entry per day)

Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winners will be chosen on December 5th, 2009.  Open to Canada and the US.

10% off and Free Shipping for a limited time.  Use the code snugnluv at etsy checkout.
Handmade 4 U on facebook
www.handmade4ubrant.etsy.com

Handmade Holiday Giveaway Day 2 - By Your Side(Ends December 5th)

Michelle, the owner of By Your Side Original Handcrafted Accessories, is one of the sweetest and most talented people that I've met in this crazy online world.  She is always actively promoting other artisans and is truly committed to buying and selling handmade.  Portland Oregon is where she lives with her husband and her two daughters. In addition to her love of fabric and sewing, knitting is a passion of hers as well.  You can tell that she loves what she does by the quality and creativity that is apparent in her designs.

By Your Side was started four years ago when Michelle realized that she couldn't find exactly what she wanted in a purse.  As a result, she decided to make it herself and started designing and creating purses.  After being approached by numerous people, Michelle decided to sell her bags on Etsy.  She creates the most beautiful bags out of gorgeous fabric.  Original designs include; the Itty Bitty Brittney-which is the perfect travel bag, Lil Miss Handbag-a smaller yet spacious bag , Michele Handbag-perfect for everyday use, and several other really great styles.  By Your Side is always willing to do custom orders if you have a special fabric or style that you like.

Michelle has generously offered to donate an "Itty Bitty Travel Bag" to one of our readers!  You can pick one from her Etsy shop.
To Enter:
1.  Stop by By Your Side on Etsy and tell us which bag you will pick if you win. (this one is mandatory)
(while you are there you can heart her shop for an extra entry)
Extra Entries:
2. Follow Snugnluv's blog. (1 entry)
3. Follow By Your Side's blog. (1 entry)
4. Join Michelle on Twitter. (1 entry)
5. Join Snugnluv on Twitter. (1 entry)
6. Become a fan on Facebook (1 entry)
7. Tweet, email, or spread the news about our giveaway. (1 entry)

Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winners will be chosen on December 5th, 2009.  Open to Canada and the US.


http://www.twitter.com/ByYourSide2009
http://www.facebook.com/ByYourSide2009
http://michele-byyourside.blogspot.com

Handmade Holiday Giveaway Day 1 - Snugnluv (Ends Dec 5)

I started my Etsy shop in January of 2009, while on maternity leave from my teaching job.  In addition to living with my amazing daughters, who are 18 months and almost 4, we have an awesome Pug dog (Ralph Stanley).  My husband is a busy musician and is supportive of any creative endeavors I take.  I'm a lucky person.

Three different Snugnluv Readers will be able to choose the pattern of their choice from my shop, or a month of free ad space on this blog.
There is no limit to the number of entries you can get.  Please make sure that you post a separate comment in order for each entry to count.

To Enter:
1. Become a blog follower or let me know in a comment that you follow (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment below about why you like handmade (1 entry)
3. Follow Snugnluv on twitter (1 entry)
4. Share info about the giveaway (twitter, facebook) (1 entry)

Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winners will be chosen on December 5th, 2009.  Open to all countries.

Fabric Covered Boxes

Free Tutorial from All People Quilts

I love this site and just thought I'd pass this on to you.  All People Quilts has the best online tutorials ever!  This one is particularly cute and would be so great for holiday gifts.

Quilt designer: Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom
From Quilts and More, Summer 2006

Materials
Prints to cover box (amount depends on box; see Step 1)
Spray adhesive
White crafts glue

Assemble Fabric-Covered Box

1. Measure each box area to be covered and record measurements. Go to their site and  Click on "Download This Project" to download the diagrams. Referring to the diagrams, draw pattern pieces using your measurements.

2. Cut pieces from desired fabric(s) and label each piece. For a softer box top, attach a piece of lightweight batting to the box top.

3. In a well-ventilated area, spray each fabric piece with spray adhesive just before applying it. Be sure to follow the directions on the adhesive to ensure a successful finish. If the spray adhesive dissipates as you're working, use a cotton swab and white crafts glue to further secure the fabric.

4. Center box bottom on fabric piece and smooth in place. Wrap the fabric around the box like a gift, smoothing fabric up along sides and turning under raw edges where possible. If overlapped fabric is too bulky, trim it, making sure you leave enough for an underlap. Fold excess fabric at top edges to the inside and secure. Repeat to cover box lid, adding lid lining piece to cover raw edges.

The Winners Have Been Picked

Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for participating.  Random.org has done its job and here are the winners. Congratulations and stay tuned I am running a few more giveaways this week. I will be contacting winners and they will have 48 hours to respond. :)

Day 1 Sproutbaby GC -Randon Number 1 Winner Barefoot Tams (closed)
Day 2 SmartKnitKids - Random Number 37 Winner angela  (kewtkids) (closed)
Day 3 Taylor Joelle Blanket -Random number 8- Winner Tj and Amy (1amypugmire) (closed)
Day 4 Girl Gotch- Random number 2 - Winner Aitmama (closed)
Day 5 Robeez- Random number 65- Winner Nancy (nanceattack) (closed)
Day 6 Grace Announcement Wall Art - Random number 36- Winner zealandsmom (closed)
Day 7 Name your Tune CD - Random number 11 - Winner pam  CCMouse (closed)
Day 8 Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Kindergarten - Randon number 53 -Winner Colin (closed)
Day 9 My Pacifier 3 Pack - Random number 35 - Winner Stacey Whalen (closed)
Day 10 Leg Huggers - Random number 5- Winner Attila & Tamara (closed)
Day 11 Little Windows Custom Piece - Random number 12- Winner zealandsmom (closed)
Day 12 The Charm Lady $40- Random number 15 -  Winner  Zoe (closed)

12 Days Recap....Click on the Logos to Enter (November 16 End Date

                                

Day 12 $40 to spend at The Charm Lady on Etsy Ends November 16

Straight from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan I would like you to meet The Charm Lady!  In addition to being the owner of a successful Etsy shop, which is featured in many blogs,  Lori is a mother.  Check out her shop because the prices are great and she has some of the coolest handmade pieces that I've seen in long time.  Clay pendants, soldered pendant, wooden pendants, and rings are all available.  She is super talented and she also makes her own key fobs and pocket mirrors.  The Charm Lady even sells chains and leather cords to go with your new pendant.  For the month of November you can get a free pocket mirror with any purchase.

I was so happy when I found The Charm Lady  on Etsy.  Lori was kind enough to let me choose two items to review and I picked the Botanical Silhouette Reversible Pendant and The Hummingbird Ring.  I love both pieces because they are so well made.  The pendant is soldered glass pendant and is really a piece of art.  It's about 1" squared and shows botanical prints on both sides.  The ring is way too cute!  It's a silver tray ring featuring a hummingbird print.  It is made using image transfer onto polymer clay which is sealed with glossy lacquer.  I think any of her pieces would make the perfect handmade gift.

Giveaway Item: $40 to spend at The Charm Lady on Etsy

This is how the giveaway will work: (please read carefully)You will recieve 1 entry for each of the following comments (there is NO LIMIT on the number of times you can enter). Please make sure that you post a separate comment in order for each one to count as an entry.

1.  Stop by The Charm Lady's shop on Etsy. Come back and tell us  how you will spend you $40 if you win.  (this is mandatory for additional entries to count. (1 entry)

2. Follow this blog publicly (1 entry)

3. Share information about the giveaway (twitter, facebook) (1 entry per day)

4. Follow The Charm Lady on facebook (1 entry)

5. Follow Snugnluv on twitter (1 entry)

6. Follow The Charm Lady on twitter (1 entry)

Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winner will be chosen on Monday November 16, 2009.Open to Canadian and US residents only.

http://twitter.com/thecharmlady
http://thecharmlady.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Charm-Lady/104649909061?ref=s