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Showing posts with label etsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label etsy. Show all posts

Saturday, November 21, 2009

{Holiday Gift Giveaway #18} Hostess with the Mostest Aprons

I didn't appreciate the necessity for aprons until I became a wife and mother. I didn't appreciate the necessity for pretty aprons until just recently, when I discovered that feeling pretty while cooking actually made cooking more fun! Aprons don't have to be that piece of so-so cloth you feel compelled to throw over your head when it's time to slave away over the hot stove (aka "the enemy") in order to protect your clothes from grease stains and the flour that ends up all over the place (how does that happen, anyway?).

Really? You didn't know that? Well, now you do! And I'm going to show you something that is going to totally make you want to start collecting aprons for yourself or a very loved female family member...


Introducing: Hostess with the Mostest!

I fell in love with the beautiful, feminine aprons by Hostess with the Mostest while browsing Etsy and was thrilled when Lisa, talented seamstress and designer, agreed to be featured and give away one of her aprons here! I think that once you take a look at her aprons, you'll fall in love with something as well.

About Hostess with the Mostest:

Aprons bring back memories from when I was a child and my Mother wore them every time she was in the kitchen. I have been sewing since the age of 11. My Mother was an avid seamstress and crafter. I could tell she enjoyed teaching me to sew. I always thought if I wanted more clothes in my closet I might as well take advantage of this opportunity. As an adult, I continued to sew clothing and in the late 70s began to sew home decor as well. I have worked in the corporate world for years, but never really enjoyed it. I looked forward to free time on weekends so I could release my creative juices! Today I am a grandmother of 17 and loving every minute with them and enjoying my favorite pastime - sewing!

Style and Sophistication:

I'm so impressed with Lisa's versatility when it comes to apron design! She makes halter aprons, aprons that look like chic dresses, full length aprons and half aprons, and even aprons especially for the garden! There's really something for everyone. Oh, and did I mention she includes girls' aprons as well? Scroll down for a very sweet giveaway after my review...

My Thoughts/Review:

It is so obvious when looking at an apron made by Hostess with the Mostest that she is into details. That's really what gives her shop that extra zing... she isn't just someone out there making aprons - she is really good at what she does! Both designing the aprons and putting them together. Lisa sent me the apron on the left to review. Believe me, my photo doesn't do it justice. It is gorgeous! Every detail really just makes this apron. From the retro pocket with the bow, the lacing at the neck, and the buttons, this is a flattering, sophisticated apron. And I feel very pretty in it!

My apron has nice, long "ties" that you can tie into a fancy knot at the back of your neck and around your waist. I like that the tie around the neck isn't a fixed length because it makes it easy to put the apron on and adjust it so that it fits me perfectly. The pocket isn't just for decoration - you can use it to stash a recipe card or whatever you might need in the kitchen. It's super easy to wash, too!

All of Lisa's aprons are very professionally made. All seams are trimmed and serged (no unraveling), and they are made in a smoke-free, pet-free home. I'm very happy with the apron I received!

Conclusion:

Lisa of Hostess with the Mostest has my admiration for the quality of her work and the timely arrival of my apron! She is a wonderful person to correspond with, too. I recommend checking out her inventory!



Note: She recently changed from "The Hopeless Romantic" on Etsy to "Hostess with the Mostest", so you'll have to go to the former to check out her recent sales and her 100% positive feedback.

Buy it!

Most aprons can be purchased for between $20.00 and $25.00 - a sweet deal, in my opinion. :-)

Check out Lisa's other Etsy Shops!

Pillows by Design
The Hopeless Romantic


Prize info: One lucky winner will receive this beautiful girl's (age 5 - 8) cupcake apron! Open to US and Canada only.


How To Enter (mandatory): Visit Hostess with the Mostest and tell me which apron is your favorite! Please leave your email address in your comment or make sure it's in your public profile so I can let you know if you win!

Extra Entries (Optional) (Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry)

Get 1 extra entry for each: Add my button to your sidebar ♥ Become a Facebook Fan ♥ Follow my blog ♥ Subscribe to my blog by feed reader ♥ Subscribe to my blog by email ♥ Follow me on Twitter (@kindred_spirit) ♥ Tweet this giveaway ♥ Share this giveaway on Facebook


Get 2 extra entries: Add my Giveaway Extravaganza Button to your sidebar. (Find it in my right sidebar)

You can Copy/Paste this Sample Tweet:
Win a sweet tiered girls' cupcake apron from Hostess with the Mostest and @kindred_spirit - http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot.com #giveaway
Giveaway will be closed on December 5 at midnight and winner notified by email - good luck, everyone!

Disclaimer: The review product(s) were sent to me free of charge by the company or manufacturer in exchange for an honest review. This review is 100% my own content, my own true experiences with the product(s), and my own opinion. :-)

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If you have a moment, leave a comment -
It'll make me jump up and down for joy! :-)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Paisley Pineapple ♥ Rockstar Shopping Cart Cover Review and $25 GC Giveaway!

Today I'm very excited to be able to introduce you to Paisley Pineapple, a wonderful Etsy store run by two moms (a mom and her own mom!). Paisley Pineapple carries a variety of products for children and their moms including blankets, diaper bags, bib and burp cloth sets, aprons, nursing covers, pillowcases, nap mats, and clothing. You can even have your items monogrammed or personalized if you want!

What sets Paisley Pineapple apart is the quality of the handmade items, the gorgeous designer fabrics, and the great personalities of the moms you're buying from. I had a very positive experience with Paisley Pineapple and Amy, the mom that I corresponded with. Don't just take my word for it, though! Check out their feedback here. Always nice to hear from other customers!

Amy was nice enough to take the time to be interviewed so that we could find out a little bit more about her family, her sewing, and her store:
Me: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?

Amy: I am happily married to Michael and we have a little boy, Maddox, who will be two in November. I have a doctorate degree in psychology and I have worked as a school psychologist since 1997, both in the public school system and in private practice.

Me: When did you first learn to sew, and how do you find the time?

Amy: My mom, Pam, and I work together at Paisley Pineapple, which started while I was home on maternity leave with Maddox. Personally, I didn't care for the "teddy bear and duck" baby accessories that were out there, so I started designing bibs and blankets for Maddox and my mom, who learned to sew from my grandmother, sewed them for me. Paisley Pineapple developed after we received requests from friends and family for our items. I only learned to sew recently after it became apparent that we needed more than one seamstress to keep up with the orders. I took sewing lessons from a local seamstress and my mom has also taught me a lot. I continue to design new items to our line and I sew in the evening after Maddox has gone to bed.

Me: Do you have a day job, or is this your main job?

Amy: Currently, I work part-time for the public school system in Tampa, FL as a school psychologist and I also have a part-time private practice. My mom retired as a school administrator several years ago and she graciously cares for Maddox while I work AND sews for Paisley Pineapple in her "off" time.

Me: Tell us about any honors or accomplishments you are proud of!

Amy: By far, my proudest accomplishment is becoming a mom! Michael and I are late-in-life parents and we both waited a long time to be blessed with a beautiful little boy.

My Thoughts/Review:

Thanks to Amy from Paisley Pineapple, I was able to review a Rockstar Shopping Cart Cover for my daughter.

My past experiences with cart covers have NOT been positive, folks. I first bought a shopping cart cover from Target about 6 months ago and I was very unhappy with it. It was hard to put on the cart (it had a bunch of ties - yeah, a baby in one hand and trying to tie?) and didn't even cover all of the cart. My daughter, who was teething and mouthing everything, could still reach the sides of the cover. I used it once. Twenty bucks down the drain.

So I know a bit about cart covers- I know that just because something looks great doesn't mean it is great. But my experience with Paisley Pineapple's shopping cart cover changed me forever. I LOVE this cover!

Reasons for my love of Paisley Pineapple's shopping cart cover:
  • It took me only half a minute (if that) to place it on the cart correctly the first time. That's something you want in a cart cover - remember that moms are most likely holding a baby or child while they're putting the cover on the cart.
  • Its design is very straightforward and it fits both the smaller carts at Target and the bigger carts at Costco very well.

  • It is easy to wipe off and is machine washable and dryable.

  • There is a pocket in the front that can hold a sippy cup, and two toy loops that I was delighted to discover could hold my daughter's pacifier! I have lost too many pacifiers in stores... that won't happen anymore! *happy mommy*

  • The cover has its own seat belt which can be attached to the back of the cart with a metal clip - no hassle trying to thread the germy shopping cart belt through! I actually didn't use the metal clip and found it secure enough to hold my 16-month-old.

  • Cover can be used for park swings and restaurant highchairs!

  • The cute fabric gets me many compliments. I also love that this particular fabric can be used for a girl or a boy. If I have a boy next time I'm covered and he won't be forced to ride in a girly shopping cart cover, lol.

  • There are optional accessories and upgrades - things you can have added to your cart cover to make it even better! A coordinating storage tote, coordinating pillow, side pockets, seating for two, and you can have it lined with organic bamboo/cotton.

Conclusion:

This cover is the nicest I've seen. I can highly recommend Paisley Pineapple for shopping cart covers, and I think any mom would love to receive this as a gift! I love mine. Did I mention I love mine? ;-) I can't even think of any cons, and I tried. I'm encouraged enough by my experience that I want to go back and buy one of those lovely diaper totes!

Buy it!

You can buy the Rockstar shopping cart cover at Paisley Pineapple for $51.00, BUT guess what? Amy from Paisley Pineapple is offering a 10% discount on your order (any item from her store) if you use the code "kindredspirit" while purchasing! Just put the code in the "comments to seller" section when completing your order.

If you live in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, you can find Paisley Pineapple items at Mandalay Mist's M Boutique in the Lake Brandon Professional Center on Gornto Lake Road.


Giveaway!


Paisley Pineapple is generously giving one of you a $25 gift certificate to the store!
Open to US and Canada.

Mandatory Entry: Please visit Paisley Pineapple and tell me what you would spend your $25 gift certificate on! Please leave your email address in one of your entry comments!

Extra Entries (Optional) (Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry)
  • Tell Amy in a comment what other products you would like to see at Paisley Pineapple (+1 extra entry)
  • Comment on any non-giveaway post from September (+1 extra entry each - limit 5)
  • Add my blog to your Technorati Favorites/stumble this post (+1 extra entry each)
  • Follow/Subscribe to this blog (+1 extra entry each)
  • Add my button to your sidebar (+1 extra entry)
  • Blog about this giveaway (+3 extra entries)
  • Follow me on Twitter (@kindred_spirit) (+1 extra entry)
  • Tweet this giveaway/share on Facebook (+1 extra entry each) Copy/Paste this:
    Win a $25 GC to Paisley Pineapple - beautiful cart covers, diaper totes, and baby gifts galore! http://bit.ly/vgFPy @kindred_spirit
Winner will be drawn on October 5 and notified by email - good luck, everyone!

Disclosure/Disclaimer: Although Paisley Pineapple sent me a sample shopping cart cover for review and testing purposes, it does not affect the honesty of this post. This review is my own opinion and in my own words.

See complete rules and disclaimers regarding giveaways here.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Etsy Deal - Bunny Hop Hop 5-Dollar Beanie Sale!


Bunny Hop Hop Etsy Shop

And just in time for Halloween! :-)


I love that these can be worn for Halloween and after because they're autumn-inspired as well.


They come in sizes newborn to 12 months. What are you waiting for? Go buy one of these beanies - they are all only $5.00! The sale runs through August 31st.



I wish there were some bigger ones for my daughter (15 months)! My favorites are the cloth beanies. :-)



Also see the blog post announcing this sale at Design {for} Baby.

Thanks to Erin at Connected2Christ for letting me know about this! :-)

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Friday, August 7, 2009

Swaddlers That Make Me Go Awwwww


I'm a huge fan of swaddling.

My daughter loved to be swaddled, though she was quite the wiggle worm and eventually could wiggle her way out of any swaddler. While she was tiny, though - it was a life-saver at bedtime.

Today I was browsing the web and Etsy for swaddlers (just for fun) and found SO many adorable photos and swaddlers...

I want another babyyyyyyyyy!

Yup, just so I can swaddle him or her.

There are many beautiful designs and adorable styles that I hadn't known about when Emma was being swaddled - I had to share them with you:

Bigger Brand Names

The Peanut Shell
(SO many cute designs!)

Woombie
(I definitely want this one! Looks escape-proof... ;-)

Kiddopotamus Travel SwaddleMe
(Perfect for wintertime!)


Cozy Cocoon
(Oh my word, cuteness! The one at the very top is a Cozy Cocoon as well.)

♥♥♥

Etsy Love

Papoose Swaddler
by All Things Belle


Boutique Baby Boy Summer Cocoon and Hat Set
by gemsbowtique



Baby Cocoon/Swaddler
by LittleDarlingKnits



Sweet Swaddle Sack
by Mamas Baby Love


Baby Blanket in Spa Dandy Damask
by thepatacakebaby



Now let's all say it together: Awwwwww! :-)

Okay, the urge to have another baby has passed.

For now. ;-)
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Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sweet Etsy Finds: Art Pendants


I came across this store, MadisonCraftStudio on Etsy not long ago and had to share because the prices are sooo affordable and the pendants are awesome!! They're having a spring cleaning sale - this is a good time to buy up some gorgeous pendants for birthdays and holidays. :-)

Some of my favorites (all are $3-5!):


I've never purchased from this shop or corresponded with the owner. It's just something I wanted to share because I love the art and would be thrilled to own one of these stylish pendants. :-)



Thank you sooo much for sharing this post! :-)

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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Baby Gift Ideas from Etsy ♥ Ruffles!

I'm a huge fan of ruffles on my little girl. They're just SO adorable! Rufflebutts? The cutest things ever! I don't know how my daughter feels about it, but until she can communicate a preference, she's doomed to being dressed in pink and ruffles. *evil grin*

I thought I would share some ruffled Etsy sweetness with you today (it's like shopping together, the perfect bonding time!).
Click on the pictures to see the items on Etsy.


Ruffled Baby Diaper Cover
vsc83's shop



The Original Funky Loopy Hat and Diaper Cover Set
knitsbyknittinmama's shop
(Not exactly ruffles, but how could I leave this adorableness out?)



Baby Bling Butt
dara43's shop



Urban chic ruffle bottom onesie
threepeasco's shop



Rufflebuns Frilly Bloomers
chicbabyrose's shop



OOAK Lilu LadyBird Euro Ruffle Dress and Pants
MamiGirlBoutique's shop
(Sooo cute! Don't know where Emma would wear it, though... church? lol)




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