2.18.2016

Front & Center | Sophie's Splendid Shop Feature

We've been loving these matching mommy and me scarves from Sophie's Splendid Shop, and the hairbows too! Coordinating outfits to match (or somewhat match) is one of my favorite things, in the summer especially, I'll always find some way to have use all 3 end up in denim shorts and gray tee shirts at least a couple times a month, and these are perfect for Bella and I to get match-y in the autumn, winter AND spring! Not too heavy, not too light, but juuuuust perfect, these scarves are simply adorable with their pompom trim and chambray fabric, seriously though, chambray... I'm obsessed. Pompoms? I'm obsessed.
 
Bella loves wearing the matching chambray and mustard bows too (from the Chambray is the way knot bow set)! She's a super girly girl when it comes to accessories and loves allllllll the hairbows! Whenever I'm brushing her hair she'll ask "bow? Bow?"; girlfriend knows her fashion for sure! :)
 
I love these knot bows because they can be dressed up, or dressed down. They're versatile and perfect for every occasion! Same with the scarves, pair them with a tee and jeans or pair them with a solid color shirt (and dressier pants or a skirt) and boots for a nice outfit, perfect for family photos!
 
HI WHITNEY, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR SHOP, SOPHIE'S SPLENDID SHOP?
I specialize in making one-of-a-kind knot bows, mostly from vintage/repurposed fabrics.
 
WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR SHOP?
My daughter, Sophie. Hence the name. :)
 
WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN AND START MAKING HAIRBOWS AND ACCESORIES?
I became interested in making accessories shortly after Sophie was born. My husband bought me a sewing machine and with the help of Pinterest, I taught myself how to sew all kinds of goodies for her. With some encouragement, I opened up shop selling handmade accessories.

 

WERE YOU SELF TAUGHT?
Yes. :)

 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A SHOP OWNER?
Every time someone tags my shop in a photo of their little one wearing one of my accessories. I never get tired of seeing others enjoy their handmade goods.
 
WHICH PRODUCT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE (SO FAR) TO MAKE?
Knot Bows! My shop has evolved with Sophie's needs. I started the shop with bibs because Sophie slobbered and spit up all day long! I created reversible bandana bibs that were both functional and stylish. When she no longer needed them, I began making skirts, scarves and last - bows! Sophie has had a full head of hair since day one - it didn't take long for her to be in need of bows. I was never a fan of large bows - which is why I developed the perfect sized bow. She wears a knot bow everyday, without fail!

 
We definitely love these scarves and bows, we may even have to get a few more bows in other colors for our ever growing hairbow collection!
 
Head on over to instagram to learn more about Sophie's Splendid Shop on her instagram (here), and don't forget to make a stop over at my instagram (here) to enter to win a $15 SHOP CREDIT to Sophie's Splendid Shop!



 

 

2.15.2016

Front & Center | Little Beasties Shop Feature

I am seriously so excited about today's feature, to introduce you to one of our new favorite shops and tell you about one of our most loved toys! I came across the shop "Little Beasties" around the Holidays on Etsy and boy am I glad I did, not only was I able to connect with the most lovely lady behind the shop but she also sent us the most adorable toy set, a play felt garden box, which is now one of Bella's most played with and beloved toys since she received it, and if I'm honest, I think I may love it just as much as she does.

This garden box is filled with jersey "dirt" rolls, felt carrots, a felt onion, felt lettuce (with a pipe cleaner base to keep it tucked into the dirt), a felt strawberry patch (complete with delectable looking strawberries, sweet little flowers, leaves and a pipe cleaner base, the strawberries also feature velcro so the strawberries can be "plucked" right from the plant!)... and my personal favorite... the beet. Now, I'm really not a huge fan of the taste of beets, but I think they're beautiful, so this beet is perfect! Now we can "drop the beet"... *laughter*applause*laughter*.
 
If you live anywhere cold like we do (or even if you live in a warm area) this is the perfect toy. Here in Pennsylvania we're stuck inside for a good portion of the winter due to the bitter cold, and well, toddlers get cranky and bored being indoors for that long, especially when the said toddler loves being outdoors. I bring this garden set out whenever the winter blues/crankies come out and its the perfect remedy! The beautiful colors instantly brighten our moods and out come smiles... and hours of imagination, giggles, play and fun!
Bella loves being able to "plant" the veggies and "harvest" and "eat" them over an dover again. The carrots are her favorite to "eat" and she loves pretending with all of the veggies: play feeding all of us and her stuffed animals and dolls. Its simply a blast!
 
I love seeing all of the love that went into this little garden, most of it hand stitched! It's perfect for winter play, rainy day play and every day play! Perfect for the young, and the young at heart. It's perfect for... well... It's just perfect!
 
I'm excited that I was also able to conduct a little interview (below) with Jess from Little Beasties shop so you can learn a little about the shop and products from the artist herself!
 
HI JESS, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR SHOP, LITTLE BEASTIES?
Hi April! I opened Little Beasties 7 months ago as a way to earn a little extra income from home. I make and sell cloth toys, most of which involve a fair amount of hand-stitched details. I work mostly with flannel and fleece, with a little felt and cotton thrown in occasionally.
 
WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR SHOP?
Like a lot of other mom bosses, the inspiration behind my shop is my son. When he was born, my husband and I swore to ourselves that we wouldn't have a ton of bulky plastic toys take over our lives (easier said than done, right?). We've grown to love unique, hand-crafted toys over the last three years, and it's nice to feel like the toys in his space are truly unique to him, and we won't be seeing them at every playdate. He play-tests all of my designs before they hit the shop, not only for fun, but also for durability. If a rambunctious 3-year-old can't destroy it, then I know I've done my job well.
 
WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN AND START MAKING TOYS?
I first started making toys in the fall of 2014. I was determined to hand-make all of our Christmas gifts that year, so I made a quiet book, an alphabet, and an early version of the fishing game that year. When my son turned 2, I made a bunch of beasties as party favors, and was hooked from there. I wasn't really sure if I'd be able to make something of it, but it never hurts to try!
 
WERE YOU SELF TAUGHT?
I'm 100% self taught. I bought a sewing machine 6 years ago and then was too intimidated to ever use it. It sat in a closet for a long time. It's been a lot of trial and error, and I watch a lot of YouTube videos (and make frequent phone calls to my grandma for advice). But I think it's the best way to learn something. You'll never figure out the way things work best for you until you just jump in and do it.
 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A SHOP OWNER?
I think Christmas of 2015 was my proudest moment so far. It was hectic, and I stayed up late working on things a lot more than I would have liked to, but it was so worth it to get all the reviews and photos from my customers Christmas morning. It's kind of amazing to know that so many children were opening gifts that I made with my own two hands that day.
 
WHICH PRODUCT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE (SO FAR) TO MAKE?
I think the hanky toys are my favorite so far, both the Howler and the beastie version. I'm kind of surprised that there isn't really anything like it on Etsy, because it's super popular with babies! They're also really quick to make, which I like. But really, all of the toys in my shop are fun to make in their own way. :)
 
How awesome was that! I always love find out the story behind shops and if there's ONE toy you need, you definitely need it to be from Little Beasties Shop, especially that garden! Head on over to Little Beasties Shop to find out more and see all the toys she has to offer for your little ones!

I'm so excited to announce that I’ve partnered up with Jess from Little Beasties Shop to giveaway a $20 Shop Credit to one of YOU! Entering is super easy too! Full details on how to enter can be found over on my Instagram page (direct link found here)! Good luck!

2.12.2016

Front & Center | Loved By Hannah & Eli Feature

These shirts from Loved By Hannah & Eli are literally the most comfortable shirts EVER! And they're ADORABLE too!!! A few of the reasons I love these shirts, other than the huge fact that they're so comfy that we never want to take them off when we wear them, is because of the family theme! 
 
Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Mama's Little Cub, It's A Mama Bear Thing... these are just the cute designs we have, but Loved By Hannah & Eli has so many other cute, adorable, funny and witty designs as well!
 
Their products are all so adorable and affordable, comfy and well, just.. perfect! And yeah, I know Christmas is still almost a year away, but you can never plan for the Holidays too soon! Or even Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays or new parent presents!
They have something for everyone you know, even the grandparents and Aunts and Uncles! I'm thinking I eventually need to get the Glam-ma Bear Shirt since we have little twin grandboys!
 
Another (more sentimental) reason I love the "bear" theme that these shirts sport is because when I was B's age, my favorite book was "Little Bear" by Maurice Sendak, and my dad always called me his little bear, it's still one of my favorite childhood books and I'm so excited that she loves it now as well! Nothing like bringing back childhood memories and I've become quite the sentimental since becoming a mama almost 2 years ago.
 
Loved by Hannah & Eli was started in 2012 by Sarah (a mom just like you and I) right here in the USA, in the sunny state of California to be exact! She has two kiddos which are the "Hannah & Eli" if you hadn't already guessed. ;) Another thing I really love about the Loved by Hannah & Eli brand is that not only is it owned by a mom, but she also employs moms! Moms supporting moms is my favorite!
 
Wanna see what's going on with Loved by Hannah & Eli? You can follow along on their instagram (here), and don't forget to head to their website (here) and snag some bear shirts for your family!