Tiny Belles Boutique

Vintage Rose Wraps

$50 Store Credit

Blessed and b.LOVE.d

A mini top hat, a pair of chiffon Christmas leg warmers and a small white lace petti romper

Sundays Cottage

$50 Store Credit

Small Beginnings Photography

25 5x7 Custom Holiday Cards with Envelopes

Anna and Blue Paperie

$50 Store Credit

A to Zebra Celebrations

$50 Store Credit

Britianie Wagner Photography

Free Sitting Fee ($100 Value)

(Spokane/Coeur D Alene Area Only)

Modern Frills Clothing

Choice of 2 Holiday Tea Towels and Custom Bunting ($52 Value)

Signs of Vintage

$50 Shop Credit

Sunshine and Carousels

$50 Shop Credit

The Sewing Loft

10 Downloadable How To Patterns ($50 Value)

$50 Shop Credit

Violets Buds

BONUS PRIZES!!

2 lucky ADDITIONAL winners will receive:

Fine and Dandy Paperie

25 printed Christmas Cards

Simply Couture Designs

The Victorian Ornament Holiday Card Template Collection

Inspire....

2011-10-29T20:53:00.001-07:00

Dr. Seuss Don't Cry Because It Is Over.smile Because It Happened Vinyl... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Far Away Family

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

My cousin Vinny and I (yeah, my cousin Vinny) Jersey Shore 1982

I have these cousins...3 cousins. All the way in New Jersey! We have seen each other a total of about 6 times in my 30 years of life...they are like my brothers...

Scott, my brother Evan, Me, Brad and Vinny in Jersey, 2009

I got to go to one of their weddings this weekend. And spend time with their families. And love on their kids. And gossip with their wives...

Brad, Me, Scott and Vinny Jersey Shore 2011

It was the best. Even worth the 14 hours it took to get home!

I wish they were closer. Or we were closer. To my uncle and aunt, too.

Across the Country...and Back!

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have been all over the place in these last 2 weeks!!!

California....Jersey...Upstate New York...

ALL over the place!

But Im back!

Now if I could just catch up with myself!!

{NEW to the Shop} Almost Ready...

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready to unveil an entirely new line of products at Tiny Belles Boutique!!

We got photos from our photo shoot with Stillpoint Photography back...
So now, nothing left to do but show YOU!!

(here's a sneak peek!)

EASY PEASY Pumpkin Muffins! {Recipe}

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

image courtesy of Big Red Kitchen

So Simple. So delish. And its really. This. Easy!

Easy Peasy Pumpkin Muffins

1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin Puree
1 box cakemix (doesnt matter what kind, what flavor)
-Use a mixer to blend the puree and the cake mix.
(Thats it)
-Spray down your muffin tin with pam, and spoon in the mixture.
-350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

So moist. So yummy! SO EASY!!

Thank you, Pinterest!

My Baby is One!

2011-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate my baby turning one....

Seems like just yesterday...

And now...SUCH a big girl!!

Happy Birthday, Stella Bean!!

Listening in...

2011-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ash loves to play teacher.

Ash: Class, (meaning Gracie) can you tell me when this book was written?

Gracie: Its Blue.

Ash: Yes, it is! Can you come up here and show me the blue?

Gracie: Im sitting.

I love my kids.

Learning...

2011-10-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

My kids are learning. SO much. Just, like, hanging out around the house, they change and learn and grow.

Woah.

These are the moments that get ME all choked up.

AWESOME stuff like learning to read....and crawl....and horrible stuff like learning sarcasm...and how to crawl.....

I cant believe how much they grow.

Busy Bees...

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Belles have been SO busy working on the Spokane Grapevine and Social Media 13 websites and projects, that maybe we've been neglecting our friends :-)

I promise, I will stop it.

But look what we made last week.

(The headband. Not the baby.)

Getting Organized! {Sahm and Boutique Owner}

2011-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

So its getting cold. And that means its time to rotate clothes for my girls! I have a 6 year old, a 2 1/2 year old and a one year old, so hand me downs are just how we do! (even though I had to consign most of my oldests baby clothes to keep her clothed as a baby) we have TUBS and TUBS of clothes in our basement. And something about those tubs makes me go all kinds of ADD/OCD about organizing them!

Do the clothing makers make this easy? NO! How many different baby sizes can there be!? Newborn, 0-3 months, 3 months, 0-6 months, 3-6 months, 6 months, 6-9 months, 9 months, 6-12 months....ACK!! I don't want 10 tubs for 1 year of clothing!!!! I started rambling about this to my husband...who was looking at me like I was completely crazy (he's not wrong) "...do I put the 3-6 month clothes with the 3 or the 6 month clothes? The 3 month clothes...so she wont grow out of them. Yeah. That makes sense. Should I separate by season? What about jammies and outfits..."

Yeah. I'm that guy.

I settled on what you see here...but there is more work to do!

How do you organize clothing every season?

PS-God Bless my label maker!

{DIY Tuesday} Fall Leaf Bunting {Boutique Tutu and Hair Accessory Designer}

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

I found this adorable tutorial for a cute fall leaf bunting, and had to do it! Its SO easy, its crazy!

I originally made it as a prop for our photo shoot a few weeks back...but I think I prefer it on my mantle!

Step 1: Cut leaves out of different colors of felt. (PS I totally figured I'd have to get felt by the yard to get cool fall colors, but the selection of sheets of felt at Joanns was fantastic!!)

Step 2: Sew yarn or embroidery floss through each leaf.

TA DA!!

So cute. So fun. So EASY!

Thank you, Pinterest and A Beautiful Mess Blog!

{Momma Monday} Recipes Im Trying... {Boutique Jewelry Designers}

2011-09-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy Mrs. Regueiro's Plate

I feel like getting a little crazy this week! I am going to to FINALLY try out some recipes I found on Pinterest.

Chicken Edemame Stirfry

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Feta Dip

Cinnamon-Sugar Coffee Cake Muffins

Pumpkin Muffins

Try them with me?

Woah! Where'd Ya Go?! {Boutique Jewelry Designer}

2011-09-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

MAN its been a busy week! Stella is MOTORIN'! And Im actually getting things done around the house, so thats a nice change ;-)

I've also been working on some fun new social media projects with my friends the Tareskis. Learning more about blogging! So, what do I do while Im learning about blogging? NEGLECT MY BLOG! DUH! (insert forhead smack and DOH! here!)

I have ALSO been working on getting the new Tiny Belles Boutique fall line of vintage inspired jewelry released!! SHOULD have that done today. (Key word: SHOULD!)

LOTS on my plate! LOTS of irons in the fire! But we wouldnt have it any other way!!

And, Im proud to say, my house is clean. Ok, fairly clean. But cleaner than it has been lately. So thats a win!

Hows your week going?

"Lazy Sunday....

2011-09-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

word art found on All Things Simple and Pinterest

Well, I am spending today catching up with all of the housework I have been neglecting to work on our photoshoot! Scrubbing bathrooms, mopping floors, and, of course, watching some Strawberry Shortcake snuggling on the couch with my sweeties :-)

"Homey" days are my favorite. I thank God for them.

Homemade Household Cleaners {Boutique Tutu Designer and SAHM}

2011-09-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

Photo via the Macheesmo blog

I've said it once, I'll say it again. I'm not a hippy. I'm just CHEAP! Frugal. Thrifty. I coupon, I buy generic. I rinse the bottle with water so I can use the last little bit of shampoo. And recently I started making my own laundry soap!

LOVE IT! Not only can I whip it up whenever I need more, but I only spend about 2 CENTS per load of laundry!!

I love cleaning products. The smell (I know, Im weird) new gimicks, I mean, products...I'm a SUCKER for it all! But then on Pinterest, I started coming across recipes for home made cleaners. None of them sounded like they could perform the way I need or expect, so I didn't think much of it.

Until I found this post on the Macheesmo blog! He and his wife not only made all of them but tested them out! I'm in!

I made up everything but the scrub because I don't typically use a product like that when I clean. I found the lavender essential oil at Hobby Lobby and I got my castile soap on Amazon. Here are the recipes!

Lavender Anti-Bacterial Spray
- 1 Cup water
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
(seriously. That easy)

All-Purpose Cleaner
- 3 Tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 Teaspoon washing soda
- 1/2 Teaspoon castile soap
- 2 Cups hot water

Grease Cutter
- 2 Cups water
- 1/4 Cup castile soap
- 10 drops lavender oil

Bath, Sink, Tile Cleaner
NOTE: They say mix this in a squirt bottle because its pretty thick.
- 2/3 Cup baking soda
- 1/2 Cup castile soap
- 2 Tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 Cup water
- A few drops of Tea Tree oil

Happy cleaning! Let me know how it goes! (PS-they smell SO yummy!)

She is MOBILE!!

2011-09-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

Stella is almost one...and crawling...

Well, more like inch worming.

I think my life just got crazier ;-)

First Day of School! {Momma Monday}

2011-09-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

Today was Ashlynns FIRST DAY of FIRST GRADE!

School ALL day!

Gracie cried when we dropped her off. She wants to go to "Plee Squirrel" (pre school) SO badly!! But we had a nice day, just the babies and me.

Ash loved being at school all day! (Am I a bad mom because I loved it as much as she did?)

Never Forget {American Boutique Tutu and Jewelry Designer}

2011-09-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

Just a Reminder...Be Nice! {Boutique Tutu and Jewelry Designer}

2011-09-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

(image found via Pinterest)

Oh, Snap.

Where Were YOU? {American Boutique Tutu and Jewelry Designer and Military Wife}

2011-09-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

It was an early morning. I was getting ready for work, and my boyfriend at the time was still fast asleep. I had a radio in the bathroom so I could listen to music while I attempted to wake myself up and get in the shower, but on this morning, there was no music. No silly morning radio DJ making dumb jokes. It was all static, and rambling. Rambling that, for the life of me, I could not put together to create ANY kind of sentence that made any sense to me. I got out of the shower, dried off, and turned on the tv. CNN might know whats going on.

And then the second plane hit.

Our world, Our safe, perfect America, was hit.

The day was a blur. I worked at the mall, and had no way to access outside news or media from my store. Accept the phone. Mom kept me updated, but we still knew so little. I knew they pulled my cousin and all his classmates from the NYPD academy to help. We wouldn't hear from him for days after that.

We saw 3 people in the mall that day, and finally, about 3pm, our district manager sent everyone home. Some stores didnt even open. Just about all of us had sister stores in the towers.

This is when we started learning words like Al-Qaeda, Bin Laden, and Terrorism.

Our parents know where they were when Kennedy was shot. Their parents know where they were when Pearl Harbor was attacked. And we will never forget the day the towers fell.

Last Minute Sewing Snaffu... {Boutique Tutu Designer}

2011-09-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

JEEZZZ!

So, the last few days, I've been busy working on our new line of tutus. We are photographing them in less than 2 weeks, and SO excited!! SO EXCITED.

So what happens? Sewing. Machine. Stops. Sewing.

UGH!

At least the helpful repair ladies at Joanns knew what the problem was. The hook timing is off. Is that a Chinese? Yes, I do think it is.

BUT, through the power of google...I now know what it means. And, well I'd LIKE to say Im well on my way to fixing it, but Im at least a LITTLE on my way to fixing it.

Regardless, my machine is slightly disassembled and tonight, Ill be dreaming of this schematic:

A Little Somethin New... {Boutique Jewelry Designer}

2011-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Introducing...

Mama Belles Jewelry!

Including Necklaces and Vintage Style Rings!

Want one?

Visit our Facebook page TODAY to order :-)

PS. I love colors. Can you tell? ;-)

{Momma Monday} Mom Time {Tutu and Hair Accessory Designers}

2011-09-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Mama Monday!

Yesterday, I got to spend the evening with 2 of my favorite people. Fellow mamas and fellow momprenures. My Tiny Belles partner, Janel, and owner of Stillpoint Photographer, Angela Parris.

photo courtesy Stillpoint Photography

We had a Lot. Of. Fun...

What do you do on your best mom nights? Drinks? Dinner? Shopping? Nap?

Hope! Weekly Bible Verse {Boutique Tutu and Jewelry Designer}

2011-09-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

Image from Gatherlove.tumblr.com

"With this hope you can be happy even if you need to have sorrow and all kinds of tests for awhile. These tests have come to prove your faith and to show that it is good."

1 Peter 1:6-8

If you read my post yesterday, you know what the last two weeks verses are all about ;-)

Kids. They are a challenge. But just the best and most rewarding kind of challenge!

Happy Labor Day, everyone!

Say What?! Saturday...What A DAY! {Boutique Tutu and Jewelry Designer}

2011-09-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

(photo of my beautiful but disgusting kids by jen martin studio)

Ok, this isnt a funny thing any of us said. Its a HILARIOUS chain of events. So sue me. Ok, dont. I dont have a budget line item for that.

Holy. Crap.

Seriously.

Yesterday was one of those days where I probably should have just gone back to bed. But like THATS possible.

Moment 1 of being awake, Stella, the 11 months old, has a BLOW OUT! Like, epic, smelly, poop, pee, EVERYWHERE! Yuck. I can still smell it!

Speaking of smells, I can smell baby shampoo. Like, a lot. Why? (asking kids....asking...) hmmm...

Then Gracie, the 2 year old, decided that Stella leaking poop everywhere was too much fun so she decided to get down with the party, too! Seriously kid. Get. On. The. POTTY!

Sigh.

Sniff sniff. WHY DOES IT SMELL LIKE BABY SHAMPOO!!??

Oh. Here it is. A slick of Johnson and Johnson curly hair shampoo that fell over, WITH the cap open, is now covering half of the girls bathroom floor.

SIGH...

At least their bathroom floor is super clean! And that load of laundry, which, of course, contained all of the pee and poo soaked clothing, sheets, towels, blankets, etc, smells like baby shampoo.

The moral of THIS story? There are a few.

1) Having 3 kids is EXHAUSTING!
2) DONT pray for strength unless you really want it tested :-)

Follow Friday! {Savvy With Savings}

2011-09-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, I might be SLIGHTLY bias because I am a contributor to this fantastic couponing blog...but I want you to visit, too!

Savvy with Savings was started in 2010 by Shannan and Rachel, 2 SAHM's living on a single income and trying to make the most of it! Later, they asked Monica and I to join as contributors.

Savvy is a great place to start if you're a new couponer, with articles about starting a binder, how to successfully shop each store, coupon policies and more. Savvy also shares shopping trips and vices you great ideas for your own trips!

In addition to all that, Savvy posts DAILY with coupon match ups and sales at stores such as Safeway, Albertsons, Target, Rite Aid, Walgreens and now the military Commissary! They also post the local Groupon deals, freebies, samples, GIVEAWAYS, etc.

So please, if you like saving money (come on, of COURSE you do!) follow Savvy with Saving today!

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What Defines You? {Boutique Tutu and Jewelry Designer}

2011-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

image from Ow.ly.com

What defines you? I have noticed that a lot of people, women especially, are defined by what surrounds them. Their husbands, their jobs, their children. Or sometimes a combination of all of these.Old fashioned, huh?

I am a military wife. But I dont let that define who I am. I dont begrudge other military wives that definition. I also have that definition. I just dont let it DEFINE me! Ya follow? I am a stay at home mom. But I dont think that defines me, either.

So what does define me? Good question. Im not sure. Id love to say my faith, but it doesnt. Not completely, anyway. My business? My crafting? Any hobby? Im just not sure.

What defines YOU?

Proud Mommy/Wife Moment... {Small Business Owner and SAHM}

2011-08-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was....well, it was a day. Woke up at 3am to Gracie barfing. Until 5am. Mouthy 6 year old, messy house...blah blah blah...Im ready for bed.

So Im cleaning up the kitchen, listening to Piper put the girls to bed. Im grumpy. Come on. I've earned it, right? Then I hear him singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to the girls.

My heart melted.

Its truly the little things in life...

They Grow Up So Fast... {Boutique Jewelry and Tutu Designer)

2011-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how quickly the girls are growing up! I was looking through my old blog today, and found a post of quotes from Ashlynn, then 4. Here are a few:

16 Mar 09: Me: "Ashlynn! Mind your own business!" Ash: "But I like your business better!"

03 June 09: ...after following me into the bathroom in the morning..."MOM! Were having privacy TOGETHER!!!"

That kid is starting FIRST GRADE in 2 weeks! Not to mention, her baby sister will be one in just over a month! Where in the world did this year go?!

Lets not forget Gracie. She is 2 1/2, and a self proclaimed "big girl." I told her she cant be a big girl til she pees in the potty, but she responded by telling me that she IS a big girl and she pees in her pants. Ok then.

Its only a matter of time until they start driving. {{Sigh}}

{Momma Monday} Bullying...

2011-08-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

image courtesy Jen Martin Studio

Recently, I posted about a small business owner who refused service to some high school bullies.It really got me thinking about bullying. Its become so much more prevalent lately, it seems. Kind of like allergies to gluten or acid reflux. It never bothered me much when I was a kid, but Im sure it was there.

I got bullied. I think we all did. There were mean girls who picked on me in high school while we rode the bus because a boy in our neighborhood liked me and not them. Did that warrant gum in my hair? Id say not. But I know its kind of a right of passage. Did I hate riding the bus with those jerks? Heck yes I did! Girls are mean with a capital B! (yeah. I implied it.)

But now we have hate crimes. Bullying because of race, or gender, or sexual orientation. We have group beatings. And we have kids killing each other and themselves because a group of other kids needs to cut them down to make themselves feel reliant.

Remember Matthew Shepard? Columbine?

My soon-to-be first grader has dealt with bullies both in preschool and kindergarten. Little girls who weren't getting the attention they wanted from her so they would act out. Name call. Hit. She actually handled it really well. But teaching a sweet little girl that just because someone is in your class doesn't mean she has to be friends with them is nearly impossible. And now my sweet little 2 year old is going to be starting preschool soon. And she is far tougher than her sister. But how will she deal with bullies? Or, heaven forbid, BECOME a bully!

How do we teach our kids? Do we pass down our own bias'? Do we get overly granola and teach them to love everyone no matter what? Or do we just teach them that hate is wrong. Period. You dont have to like everyone. You CERTAINLY dont have to be friends with everyone, but you DO have to peacefully co-exist.

Strength! Weekly Bible Verse {Boutique Jewelry and Tutu Design}

2011-08-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Be strong and courageous. Don’t tremble! Don’t be afraid of them! The Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

This has been and always will be my favorite Bible verse. Have a great week, everyone!

Say What?! Saturday

2011-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

I want to begin a new blog segment. Its called "Say What?!" Saturday. Let me explain...

At LEAST 5 times a week, I think to myself "Wow, 20 year old Emily NEVER thought she would say THAT!" We all think it. Now, here is the forum to share those little gems every week! Ill share mine here, then you PLEASE comment these posts with yours! Ill share my favorite on next weeks post!

Meet my sweet Stella. This was when she was a newborn. She is now almost 11 months old! MAN time flies!

Last week, while changing her, I uttered this sentence...

"Stella. Stop squirming! I have to wipe you down! Youre covered in pee and bananas!!"

Alright. Now you share :-)

Follow Friday! {Laura Winslow Photography}

2011-08-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Pictures! Giveaways! Cuteness! OH MY!!

Photo by Tami Proffitt of Tami Proffitt Photography

Meet Laura Winslow. Laura is an amazing photographer based out of Arizona. I found her when Kim from The TomKat Studio asked me to design some tutus for an Alice in Wonderland photoshoo t she was styling with Laura. {Sigh...} and then I fell in love!

Laura does some SERIOUSLY amazing work! As well as hosting some of the most EPIC give aways I've ever seen! (or been a part of!)

Her work has been featured on HGTV.com, BabyTalk Magazine, The TomKat Studio, Tiny Belles Boutique, and every wall of any client she has ever had ;-)

Did I mention FREEBIES?! She has also posted some ADORABLE printables on her blog and Facebook page for all of us to enjoy!! (CLICK HERE!)

So go! Look! Enjoy! And tell her Emily @ Tiny Belles says XOXOXOXOX!