Saturday, January 31, 2009

Sweet Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

Please Note: This is a sticky post and all new content is below...

Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival Button

Hi & Welcome to my blog. My name is Melanie and I am the artist behind Whimsical Creations. This bloggy carnival I am giving away one of my Love Fairies (you get to pick hair color). She is bringing you some LOVE in the form of a glittery heart. She is made of polymer clay and has a metal loop for hanging. She measures about 3 inches long.
Because I am really looking forward to spring, I am also giving away a Cherry Blossoms Ornament. To enter you need to go to my shop, Whimsical Creations, and come back and let me know what your favorite item is. Please make sure you leave a valid e-mail with your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. I will ship WORLDWIDE.

To earn BONUS entries, you may do ANY or ALL of the following. Just make sure you leave a SEPARATE comment for each one.
  • Subscribe to my feed. Leave me comment telling me that you subscribe. (Current subscribers count, too)
  • Blog about this giveaway and link it back to here and Whimsical Creations. After leave a comment with link.
  • Buy anything from Whimsical Creations during the giveaway. Come back after and leave a comment.
  • Add my button to your blog. After leave a comment telling me where my button is.

This giveaway ends on Saturday, January 31st. I will contact the winner then.

Thank You!!

I ended up in 2 more treasuries this weekend. Thank you very much for including me!!


This one was created my BerryCreekSoaps and can be found here.

I was featured twice in this one!!

It was created by MichellesCharmWorld and can be found here.

They both expire on Monday, so go on over and check them out before they disappear.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

CPSIA- Please HELP save our Handmade items!!

As of Feburary 10th, I will NO longer be able to sell my Boutique Children's Bracelets! After that date, if I sell them I will be in violation of a federal law and I can be charged with a felony. Perhaps you don't need a bracelet for your daughter or grand-daughter, that's okay, this law still affects you too.

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes (article link at bottom of post), the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits. May people think they have amended the law so resells are ok. But in-fact while those shops are not being forced to test their items, they STILL have to comply with the law.....
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
Did you know?
If this upsets or alarms you, please react. Please check out the Handmade Toy Alliance.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Mamalicious Monday

Does your child have a favorite show they love to watch over and over and over again? We do, it's MeMe (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). I get to see every episode "again, again". While I love anything disney, I just wish they would make more episodes. I have also DVR'd House of Mouse. I like that one because they show some older Mickey Mouse cartoons.My daughter is such a fan and too funny. She has her mommy minnie, daddy mickey and baby minnie.

Click here to learn more about Mamalicious Monday!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Lollishop Lovely

You can now find this set of 3 heart magnets, swirly, hugs & kisses and love, on my Lollishop.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Grosgrain: New Years Eve Sweater and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

I am blown away once again! This sweater and skirt are so pretty! New Years Eve Sweater and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Friday, January 23, 2009

New!

I am working on a birthday collection. How about balloons next? Any other ideas for birthday? Please meet the Love Fairies. They bring you love in the form of a glittered heart.

Once again, thank you Amy of Giggleberry Creations for a fabulous idea. I made this magnet for her to give to friends that just got engaged. I am really happy how this turned out. Yes, there is a mole on the mans face, it's not a smudge on your computer screen.


I really LOVE this My Little Cupcake Bunting from Giggleberry's shop.

Amy of Giggleberry is giving away not one, but two of her buntings! Over at The Mom Buzz she is giving away 'Bright Mosaic Spirals'. At Mammalicious Finds she is the Mamma of the Month and she is giving away a Jungle Theme Bunting. Go on over and enter to win....or don't because I wanna win them . ***BAWAHAHA***

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Love on Lollishops

While looking around Lollishops I found some great Valentines finds....

  1. Faux Valentine Heart Cookies by Twinkle Hill Studio
  2. LOVE paper garland by Artful Memories

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

Enjoying time with Papa's Mommy (great-grandma).

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A Special Day In History!

What a special day in history. They will be teaching about this day to our children in school for many years to come. Good Luck President Obama!

  1. Inauguration Day Hope Earrings by gardenleafdesign

Monday, January 19, 2009

Found Love on Etsy

Found some love in my FAM etsy group...

  1. LOVE wall hanging/ooak by lovetostamp
  2. Sweethearts 8 x 10 Print by ElegantSnobbery
  3. Rosebuds Forever III by thesistersstudio
  4. Chocolate Covered Oreos by ASugarAffair

Sunday, January 18, 2009

New in Lollishops!

I have remade that box. (remember this?) I have learned my lesson and will paint the boxes before I cure the polymer clay. I have listed these boxes in my Lollishop.
The Rose Heart Box is listed here.The Sweetheart Box is listed here.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Grosgrain: The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

How pretty?!! Usually Kathleen over at Grosgrain does giveaways for the most adorable kids clothes. She is having her first giveaway for Adults. This blouse is so sweet.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Brrr....

Here in Buffalo, like most of the country right now, we are going through a blast of cold. One of my favorite things to do when it's this cold is to make baked potato soup. It's really simple and sooooo yummy! This is fantastic with some crusty bread and butter.
Here is how I make my Baked Potato Soup.

  • 4 large baking potatoes
  • 6 c milk
  • 4 green onions (sliced)
  • 2/3 c flour
  • 2 c cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2/3 c butter
  • 12 or so slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
  • salt & pepper to taste

Bake potatoes and cool. Peel off skins and dice. Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Add about 2 cups milk to saucepan. Combine half of the flour and 1 cup of milk in shaker. Shake and slowly add to pan. Do the same to the rest of the flour and milk, until all combined. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Make sure to keep stirring so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Add potatoes, onions, cheese, bacon, salt & pepper; cook until thoroughly heated.

Somewhere in the original recipe there was sour cream. The person who gave this to me doesn't like sour cream so she deleted it. It's tasty without it, but feel free to add it if you like.

When I made this for my vegetarian mother I deleted the bacon and then just added it to each individual bowl after dished up. You can also do that with the green onion. This recipe is also very good with ham instead of bacon or add broccoli instead of any meat.

After I had a bowl of soup I had the best dessert. These huge delicious carmel apples from Double Dipped Sweets arrived at my door earlier in the day. I love getting mail. I received the Almond Rocca Caramel Apple and the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Caramel Apple. Her apples are fantastic!! I would definitely recommend you try one.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Stampin Mom

A few months ago I found a fabulous blog, StampinMom, and etsy shop, StampinMom. Here are just a couple of her fabulous creations from her shop.

Snappy Birthday Bright and Cheery Gift tags - Set of two
For You - Glittery, buttoned and Laced - Valentine gift tags - set of 4

She is celebrating her 100th blog post by having a giveaway. Go on over here to check it out.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

Socks loves my Pink Lemonade bag as much as I do.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

More Valentines Collection

I was in a pink and purple mood last night. I made some more magnets that are listed in my etsy shop, here.A present...I can make this in any color combination. Like I said, I was really into pink and purple yesterday. How fun would this be as a wedding favor?! I could make it in your wedding colors and put thank you on the bottom with the date. This was the first thing I made. I have been covering the tops of boxes and painting the rest. was sooooo happy with how this turned out last night. After painting the inside of the lid and then trying to put the box back together this is what happened. I was very sad. I found out the hard way I need to paint the box first then cure the clay. I was really sad. I will definitely remake this one.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Still in the mood for LOVE....

It always makes my day when I recieve a convo from someone letting me know I am in a treasury. This treasury was made by Create Me A Canvas & more. Thank you very much!!
Click here to be taken to this treasury.
Go on over quickly, this treasury
expires on Wed, Jan 14th.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Tiddly Inks

One day I stumbled upon this adorable shop called Tiddly Inks on etsy. She was having a sale (really good one!) and I had to share by calling my sister and seeing if she wanted anything, too. Between the 2 of us we snatched up 4 original watercolors. I love her artwork! Currently she is giving away some fabulous blog candy. Click here to be taken to the candy. Here are just a couple things I found in her shop I love.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

In the mood for LOVE

I am in this beautiful treasury made by kellydnlvy of 5 Little Monkeys.
Click here to go on over and check it out.
Do it quick because the treasury will expire on
Mon., Jan. 12th.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Do you remember these?

I had these as a child. I can remember playing with these in the bathtub with their lily pads. My daughter absolutely LOVES these babies, woowoo (dog) & kitty kitty (cat)! They have to go everywhere with her...to bed, in the car (hilarious watching her find a little bag and putting them in it). I have a white pellican with a pink bill also, but she throws it and says no. After talking to my sister she told me they were called Sea Wees. They were made by Kenner from 1979 to 1984.


BTW, do a search for Sea Wees on ebay they are selling sets for $50!! Holey Moley! The original cost was somewhere around $5.00! I just contacted a Lori from Lori's Sea Wees Lagoon because a couple of the ones pictured here (and the pellican) I can not seem to find anywhere. She told me that I have "rarest set of Sea Wees". Hmmmmmm....maybe I should put them away?

My mother kept these along with my Strawberry Shortcakes, Care Bear Figures (they have movable legs and arms) and My Little Ponies. I have given my kids all but the Strawberry Shortcakes. I am saving those until my daughter is older. Mine are in pretty good shape. When I collected them I was at the tween stage and didn't play with them as much as collected them.

New Valentine's

YAY, I have now accomplished 100 blog posts! I will be hosting a giveaway to celebrate in a few weeks. I am still trying to figure out what to give away. Any suggestions?....

I have added glitter and here are my new items...

You can find these at my etsy shop. I have some Valentines boxes that I am making for my lollishop. Hoping to have an update on those beginning of next week.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

So MuCh FuN...

I had to share some of my Christmas pictures of the kids.
On Friday night Ian lost his other front tooth. Yesterday the kids and I decorated for Valentine's Day. I was feeling inspired and last night I finally pulled back out my clay. I had taken a break for a couple of weeks. This is a sneak peak. There are a couple beads, a pin, magnets, ornaments & a heart box. I still have to add glitter and ribbon. I am hoping to have them listed this week in my etsy shop & lollishop.
I also came up with another entry for the Birdie Scripted Contest going on. A birdie saying "My other mug is a stein." Check out the rules and my other entry here.
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