Saving One Backyard at a Time

The Worst Speller Moved...

2010-08-01T13:22:00.000-04:00

Consider this an adventure in Blog Reading.....
I moved my blog from it's home on blogspot (babypopdesigns) aka blogger where it resided 2 years to my website babypop.com/blog... Since the launch of my own shopping cart last November my blog was the last thing to move. It is a new blog publishing format (no it is not Wordpress) so I am very nervous about having a learn a new publisher.. but change is.....

To finish this post it will make you Smile!

Please follow me over to my new blog location on http://www.babypop.com/blog

Thanks you to all my readers on blogspot please move with me to stay up today with BabyPops adventure in life!

BabyPop's New Blog Location

Get my RRS Feed!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T09:07:00.003-04:00

So do you want to live on the street in a cardboard box?

2010-07-20T09:10:00.005-04:00

So my 5 year old daughter said this past week "I wish I didn't have parents" this after my husband and I informed her she must clean her room or no friends over.

My husband dealt with the comment.

"so do you want to live on the street in a cardboard box…do you?" (harsh but effective)

My thought "was let me pack your bags… little girl" Since 5 so I kept it to myself..

She said "No" then she back down..

Later I thought about her original statements was I don't want to have parents instead of the "I wish you were not my parents" that I am sure we will hear from her mouth when she is 16…

..see up side.

I am Done

2010-07-18T20:00:00.003-04:00

I AM DONE… lately as I get busier and busier I find myself saying it more and more. Every day I get up to take my son to swim team , then home to pick up my daughter for swim lessons; and back to the house for a few emails then lunch; then sewing, then pack orders , run to the post office, stop at the grocery store, get dinner ready for the family, then back to the pool for a swim meet. I thought summer is slower placed. I find it is full of more laundry then every and I spent more time find something for kids to do. Never mind the fact that the 2 kids are eating me out of house and home. So I have my days were I am done… I asked my husbands Aunt if she every said she was Done.. and she says" of course I had 3 kids".. So every mother/women has said it and if haven't yet you will… lets explore the purpose behind the "I am Done"

What does "I'm Done" mean is it an empty threat? Is it time to leave, abandon the hubby/kids, move to the country or city get a place by yourself so you can finish a thought or have free time in the bathroom without someone knocking on the door(tempting isn't it). Does saying "I'm done" mean you refuse to do the dishes or answer another question from a 4 year old that is just talking to talk..Like when they say I have a questions only to say "I like fruit" (FYI Kid …that is not a question)

Moms are the best Jugglers in the world. So if we say we are Done… does that mean the laundry does not get cleaned and little Timmy has to where those same jeans again(not that I have every let my son do this )BabyPop's fingers are crossed as she types. Or is it walk away and get a glass of wine. (I am not saying BabyPop has ever drank a glass of wine to cure the Done Day) fingers still crossed.

I vote for a Mom National Done Day where the laundry piles up, the dishes get crusty, and kids miss a few practices. Moms need to say they are done and need to not worry about the juggle and concern ourselves about each ball..rather then going through the motions.

So for me today(&last night) is my break from the Done Day. Today is a day where I get to enjoy my kids and husband. I went to the pool at night I took only my son and we played water fight swimming races and see who can go the longest under water. This morning I got up walked the dog and made beaded bracelets with my daughter. Tonight my husband might be the recipient of a happy wife. I am not done today and it is a amazing day.

Tell me you say you are done… What do you do to help cure the "Done's"?

BabyPop Bouncing and Giveaway

2010-07-16T10:16:00.000-04:00

This past Tuesday We got invited to a blogging event at the Horsham Bounce U. Bounce U us is a inflatable bounce fun place. They host parties and open bounce times. Mama's Little Helper was the host of the party along with the Horsham Bounce U. The Horsham Bounce U is all new . They had 2 rooms with the bouncing equipment with about 3-4 bounce items in every room, They also were extremely well staffed making sure all the kids were well entertained and insuring every ones safety. My son is 9 but there were 1 year olds in attendance. Everyone was happy and safe through out the entire event.

My kids favorite bounce:

My 9 year old son they had a spider web tower (2-3 stories tall with webbing strap maze) which was great. At the top my son said there was a slide to come down. I have never seen this type of equipment before and igt was refreshing to see the something besides the typical stuff. My son also loved the giant basketball. It was great because my son being bigger than most of the kids the staff did a great job at keeping him engaged.

My 5 year old daughter she like the boxing bounce and giant slide.. But she was stalking…hum Following the girl dressed up as a Princess and the Guy dressed up as bat man. She must have follow them around and talked to them for 30 minutes.

After the bounce we got to get some refreshments. We were into an extremely clean refreshment area all the kids enjoyed snack. Then all the children got balloon animals… my son passed because he was too cool.

I wanted to point out how clean the Bounce U Horsham was the rain was down pouring quite heavily hen we walked in they took all the coats and umbrellas and put them in large plastic rolling cart. Then as Diane of Knitting Zeal pointed out the bathrooms were immaculate no muddy footprint or wet messes it was a refreshing experience compared to other similar type places.

It was a really great day I got to meet some amazing bloghers that I have tweeted with and seen around the blogessphere Some of them in attendance: Diane from Knitting Zeal, Corina from Down to Earth Mama, Kristie from Mommys high healed shoes, Megan 4megsmusings, Tara Baby Mommy Blogs , Joey from Real Mom Media, Jill from Bcffee, Kristine from Mommy needs therapy, Aaron Mitchell Phtography

Jennifer the Owner of Bounce U Horsham was nice enough to give is 2 free passes good for (5 free bounces) to offer to my readers. (sorry only for the locals)

Here is how to enter:

Subscribe to my blog Leave a comment below

For addtional chances:

Follow my BabyPop Facebook fan page (leave comment here telling me you did so)

Follow me on twitter @babypopdesigns (leave comment here telling me you did so)

Follow BounceU Horsham on facebook (leave comment here telling me you did so)

Follow Mamas Little helper on facebook (leave comment here telling me you did so)

Giveaway will be closed on July 30^th. And winner will be notified

Visions of My Life

2010-07-08T09:10:00.016-04:00

Look how it looks if you put them side by side creep huh... try it with your family

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-07T09:10:00.000-04:00

Sign of a great weekend

2010-07-06T09:10:00.003-04:00

I can tell how awesome a weekend my kids had by the dirt on their feet. My other tell tail sign is how quickly they fall asleep when we leave our campsite.

What are some way you can tell your kids had a great weekend?

Butterflies Helping to Heal

2010-07-05T09:23:00.002-04:00

This week at Appalachian Campsites, we did their annual butterfly release to help raise money for cancer. The event started last year to honor a longtime seasonal camper who passed from the disease. This year the amount of butterflies release doubled in size. The event was magical. My family purchased 2 butterflies honor my cousin and aunt who was/are a victim of cancer. My children released our butterflies. The butterflies are placed in these small triangle boxes each box is marked with the name of those being remembered and honored. My son had issues with them being in boxes. Then all attendees formed a circle around a with a table with some butterfly flowers in the middle and we all released at the same time. The butterflies flew then landed everywhere and started warming up by spreading their wings. We also received a paper butterflies to keep with our loved one's name on it. They released 132 butterflies and rasied over $600 for the cause.
Here are some pictures of the event.

Then once the event was followed by a roll and stroll to remember those who survived and passed.

Brandy of 3littlegiggles was at the in attendance with her family honoring those lost in her life.

What have you done to raise money for a cause?
Have you ever released a butterflies?

Please all get checked for you kids and loved ones..

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T09:11:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday !

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-30T17:17:00.000-04:00

Saturday Surprise: The Very Hungry Catapilar

2010-06-26T11:58:00.000-04:00

Friday Finds: My Shark Boy

2010-06-25T08:26:00.001-04:00

Being that Shark boy is now all grown up.. Here is a some item for your shark boys

great Light up slippers at Zappos $25 each

just for your shark kid rjawoodworkin only $12.50

For you big shark boy etsy jesswitaj ties from $30.00

Great personalized wall decals from etsy seller Elephannie only $12

For your lego shark boy! from etsy seller Gr0glmann $9.99 I know what I am getting for Christmas.

This is all for the superhero sharks that are saving there backyard from the great whites from me Babypop $25.00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Lost in Translation: Mommy Style

2010-06-18T10:17:00.001-04:00

Do you every say same something to your child they don't understand, but you keep saying the same thing over and over hoping they get it and you are the one who is not getting it..

Today telling my 5year old daughter to water the plant.

Me: Honey water the plant for Mommy Please.
rethinking I need to be more specific it is on a the outside toy chest, water will get in the chest
Me: Honey Move the plant to the pavement then continue in kitchen
She moves the plant to the glass table... I look out again
Me Repeating: Move the plant to the pavement
She moves the plant to a cushioned chair, starting to water.. I look out again
Me: Repeating 3rd time annoyed: Move the plant to the pavement!
light bulb..ding..
Me: Honey move it ground so you don't get water all over the place
She plant moves to the ground and waters it
Me: Thank you Great Job! (thinking dumb mommy)

Water plant Success!!

What word do you say that the kids did not understand.. but they did not ask you to explain?

$200 for a broken key ring on a Fob??

2010-06-17T09:10:00.004-04:00

My dodge key fob broke right were the ring attaches to the key fob. The key wwas fin but i would have lost it without it being attached to something. So Ask the dealer if they could replace the casing, they told me the key would be $200...what a racket.. Soo....We tried to glue it, and duct tape did not work. So her is my solution.

I crochet a Key Cozy it took a about 15 min to make I added a plastic ring... and saved $200- solution no broken key

I can write the instruction up if any one would like them, leave me a comment if you like me to do so...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

Dance Studio Recitals don’t have to be Painful

2010-06-15T09:02:00.003-04:00

This week was my daughters 1^st dance recital. I love it. I brought me back to the day of my own dance recitals. Her dance studio (MariLou Cassidy Dance Studio Glenside Pa) was way better than mine growing up the organization of the show was awesome. The actually did 3 shows but not every girl had to all 3 shows. Except for the older teenage girls. I remember my parents dreading the shows when I was a kid, 3-5 hours only to watch me dance for 3mins one time. My daughters school was 1 ½ hours and my daughter danced 3 times. One Ballet, one time for tap then the finale(her class is a ballet/tab combo). One costume they just dropped the tutu for tap. Also the tickets were all numbered and assigned seats which made for lack of confusion. We only had to show up 15min before because the girls knew what to do because they had rehearsals before. Her recital started at 11:00 am sharp but we were out by 12:30pm. Every Dance studio should take a lesson from my daughters school.

Then both sets of grandparents and and I gave her roses. She looked like she was the winner of a beauty pageant. (I am thankful that there is a product place down the road that sells flowers for $6 a dozen.) she said she could not wait to do it again! She loved the stage and lights!!

It was great, short, and not pain full at all Great Job MariLou Cassidy and staff!

A star is born!

Marrying Milo

2010-06-14T09:32:00.003-04:00

Tonight while snuggling my 5 year old daughter

She informs me tonight… that she dating Milo (wow they start early) and when she growns up she is marrying Milo. She has told me this before but this time so I pry deeper..

"Why do you want to marry Milo" I ask

She shyly says" because I wuv him…"

"But why do you love him.." I inquiry

"Because he wuvs me.." she says with pride

"But why do you want to marry him" I ask

"Because he is handsome and cute" she says proudly

Pushing further "Well those are good reasons…who did you learn that stuff from"

She says "from Jason"

I say "how old is Jason"

She says" Jason is 2 and is cute.."

Oh I say so you are taking Dating advice from a 2 year old.

She "yes he walks behind me and walks to me and tells me stuff"

Oh ok..wise 2 year old I'm thinking

She then says "Then there is Ben, he wants to many me too"

I am in so much trouble.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Going to the Dogs in the Big Apple

2010-06-01T09:17:00.003-04:00

So last Saturday we went to the Herbew National Better-Than-A-Picnic kick off event at Randall's Island in NYC. I thought it would be a nice day to spend sometime with just my daughter and .. no boys. It was a interesting road trip my daughter and I went on . JoLynne from Musing of a Housewife and Mellissa from Girlymama arranged the Philadelphia contingent of bloggers heading up to the big apple.

This was my first blogging event. I am not sure if it was the fact it was my first trip and things tend to go wrong when I am around. Our bus broke down but it broke down, the awesome driver made it a Wawa.. so it could have been worse it could have been in the middle of the turnpike. During our delay time my daughter teamed up with another girl and they became best buddies. After the a new bus arrived equipped with a limo like seat in the back, which all the kids quickly commandeered. We were off.. right through the middle of the big apple. I love the city. Upon arriving 2 hours later than expected in NYC organized Emily from the Motherhood greeted and welcomed all of us with open arms making us feel like we did not miss a thing.

Look at the view as you walked around the park. How could it not be a great day…

We ate yummy Hebrew National hotdogs cooked up in this converted airstream.

We decorated Lunch Bags for Magic School Lunch Program

Puzzles of beef only the best cuts….done by Valerie's daughter and my daughter

My little cowgirl rode the mechanical Bull.. Twice

We packed up and headed home around 3:00pm. It was a lot of fun meeting all and talking with all my bus mates Mellissa, Kelly, Robin,Whitney, Jo Lynne, and Valerie and Andrea.

Thanks to Hebrew National hot dogs, The Motherhood, and new found friends for a fun day.

Get out your big wheels!

2010-05-27T09:00:00.003-04:00

One on my clients Shannon Littrell a Photographer shared this photo of a BabyPop WonderPets cape and it reminded me on my childhood riding past my house toward the next store neighbors "The Fultons" house zoom off toward a new world, but I used a towel.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-26T21:15:00.000-04:00

Mom Made Sweater

2010-05-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

I made this sweater for my daughter is adapted from Soft +Simple knits for little ones by Heidi Boyd I ran out of yarn (I never purchased the correct amount) and had to improvise on the sleeves.

Hence the stripes and to tie the sleeves and the body of the sweater I crochet some flowers. Then I could not find a button so I make a button with a plastic ring. It is top down knitting neck and then the sleeves are added last.

The book is a great book because most of the patterns go up to 6yrs. Check it out

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

B and B with WiFi

2010-05-11T09:00:00.004-04:00

I wanted to share my experience at this great Bed and Breakfast in northern PA which is located just south of Elmira NY. My sisters in law wedding was not too long ago. She got married and then had a her reception at the Bri Maire Inn in Sayre PA. My husband family is from Sayre so I have been going up there for years. It is a small town that use to be a huge railroad hub back in the day. But after the railroad way of life because less important in America, Sayre was left to find a its new place in the world. The towns main business is the Guthrie Hospital. Recently it is has been the site of the latest oil gas rush. But in the center of this quite strong willed town is the a gem the Bri Marie.

It is a great B and B that formally was a run down rooming house turned bar. I was in the inn when it was a bar about 17 years ago. The owner (a women) purchased this much need of love build and renovated the building top to bottom. She gutted the building down to the studs. Then gave it all the modern day conveniences that you don't normally find at a BandB. Like every room has a bath that is new and has water pressure. Geo Thermal Heating and Cooling. The rooms and bedding are top notch complete with comfy blankets and sheets. Also the best free wifi ( I must say a great connection).

Location: is right in the center of the town around the corner from the police station and a block from the movie theater so park your car and walk. The Sayre movie theater has been recently renovated back to its original glory so it is a great place to take in one of the latest movies in a 1930 style.

Food: being that it was my sisters in-law wedding, she did passed hors devours all made by the Bri Maries chef. The food was the best I have every had in the Sayre Valley. The had a bacon wrap shrimp that was to die for. One of the guest said the shrimp was so moist he could sit all night near it. They also had some phenomenal steak pizza with red onion and drizzled on oil… yummy. My sister guest were seated inside and out the staff did an excellent job of insuring every one got to enjoy all the food throughout the entire space. They took excellent care of us. After as the party, the remain guest and party goes retired to the outside seating area and talked into the wee hours of the night. The staff check up making sure we had enough to drink and they brought all remain treats outside fo us all to enjoy as the night of friends and family continued.

The BriMarie Inn / Restaurant is a normally a restaurant/bar so you can eat and stay or just eat. The owner even has a private dining area on the 3^rd floor where you can enjoy the view of Sayre and wonderful food. Great for that special romantic nights.

There were about 5 of the couple who stayed in the inn so we got the full BriMarie experience. My husband and I had a room that was fabulous it had a sleeping area and a sitting area with a desk.

My sister in-law asked for a room with the Jacuzzi tub…yes a 2 person Jacuzzi tub in a B&B and a king size bed, with a settee and make up table.

They leave the rooms open when they are unoccupied so you can see them so take a look at the other rooms.

The Prices range from $89-109 a night and includes a continental breakfast. So it is a great deal.

Located near the Finger Lakes Wine Country 40min , Corning Glass Museum 30min, Great antiquing, great scenery. The weekend we were there the Athens Arts Festival was going on (see my next blog post) which was about a mile away.

I really think the Bri Marie Inn would be a great place for a romantic weekend, girls getaway weekend, or even a small corporate retreat.

What my fellow campers must think?

2010-05-10T09:07:00.001-04:00

So we got a seasonal camp site this year. So I planning on spending time up at our site this summer. So this weekend is the first time camping at our new site...Above here is a picture of a my mothers day. My mothers day gift this year from Mr. Aikens and the kids, this awesome lounge chair from Cabelas. So this is mothers day for me after fishing in the 50 degree temp with a strong wind…to me in my new lounge chair with a blanket and 3 layers, outside with my laptop is awesome…this is the vision…

This is my view ..the great outdoors

Grundy has a raised bed so is pamper butt does not have to sit on the rocks.

And my view of Mr. Aikens again in his natural habit. Complete with his prefer drink..coffee Guess what he got for an early Fathers Day...(hint rhymes with AIR)

Who said 2 dueling laptops in the great outdoors.
Aha I love camping- no that is not our camper.. we have the Pop Up (glorified Tent) you can't see.

Just picture all the campers walking or riding by and laughing… you know I am ok with it, It is my mothers day…ah I love technology.

Business Outside and Party Underneath

2010-05-04T23:10:00.001-04:00

Just in case you did not know it I am a fashion designer. I worked in the apparel industry in design and development for many years prior to starting BabyPop Designs. I don't get to design items as much as sometimes I like. But on the rare occasion I do I have some fun. This week was one of those times. My sister inlaw was getting married this past weekend.

(Saturday before the wedding)
Amy calls me "Sher, I have a job for your daughter, I need her to hand out the programs at the wedding" she continues "since I know she will wear something super cute and fun... and I know she will wear some of her jewelry"
Me.."No Problem she will be happy to be party of your special day"
what I am really thinking...(oh s_ _ t. I don't know what I am putting her in I have not had time to make anything!!)
me.. to Amy "Is bright colors ok"
Amy who is usally game for anything"The brighter the better she is a little girl"

(Aha/Light bulb moment)..So the time is come... Last year I commissioned Lori at MissRubySue to make a headband for my daughter. My only request to Lori was hot pink, orange, and aqua. I wanted to design a dress for my girl based on the headband.
( Next it is Wednesday Night) Picture me scrambling not one but 2 fabric stores to get the perfect fabric..
(Me having flashbacks to my teens) My mother was Right I do wait to till the last minute..as she is yelling at me while I was sewing my dress as I walk out the door to the prom
(Friday morning) Doing final fitting and putting in zipper...then sewing the lining in the car on the trip to the wedding location...(my subconscious ...see your mother was right)

(Saturday afternoon) So this is it... Hot Pink cotton sateen, Orange Taffeta,and Aqua peti-skirt with 4 layers of tulle trimmed in orange ribbon with a peekaboo of orange micro tulle.

The dress was business on the outside and Party Underneath.. You would think she was getting Married....it is her cousin

Big Performance minus the Big Top

2010-04-25T00:34:00.002-04:00

Tonight we went to the circus.. NOT! We went to a performance done by some very talented performer who are trained on the circus arts. The Philadelphia school for the Circus Arts performance of the Chrysalis. It was wonderful!

The theme of the performance was a how the cold winter, develops into spring and the arrival of the summer which finally bring the butterfly. The artistry of the performers was mesmerizing. I am particular fond of the women who preformed on the silks. There was an aerialist who was dressed spiderish and she was poetry. She worked the silks with very little support, using her up body to hold all her weight and still look beautiful doing so. The other memorable performance that was very unique, 2 women working in tandem on a large aerial hoop. They made the most lovely shapes between there 2 bodies. I was amazed the strength of the all aerialist. The more seasoned performers (which I assume are teachers) held other performers with one hand talk about upper body strength. I wish my arms look like theirs.

The Kyle Driggs who juggled and did gymnastic was an fantastic performer. He was very talented and dramatic which enhanced his performance so he was a favorite of everyone. He used the lights to create the most fascinating shadows on the wall. I was not sure to watch the wall or him. It is something you have to see live in person, so go. One performance left Sunday Night 25^th.

I asked my kids when we exited, who was their favorite? Little Miss Darling Aikens answer "the girl who was dressed as a in green", she start the silks high up and graceful preformed and gently lowered herself down. She then informed me that she would like to take classes. I think she loves the idea of performing, the show concrete it more..I see Circus school is in my future.

My son said it was way better than the movie, he wanted me to take him to all day, he love the jugglers and unicycle. Big Mr. Aikens who has not been doing the theater lately with us said he really liked it and he would like to go again. So Bonus Mr Aikens might go again

The performance was at 8:00 at night, so there were very few smaller kids at the performance. It was geared for an Adult or older child, due to the music and dramatic parts that might have gone over a younger Child's head. Since I have been on" a expose my kids to theater" kick lately, both my children did excellent and we able to sit through the entire performance. Which would be best as not to disturb the performers. The show was about 2 hours total with a 10 minute intermission. The seating was tight and they were sold out. We did get tickets at the door but I would buy them a head of time next time. Seating is first come 1^st serve. We were the 2^ndin line and we opted to sit up close on the mats which was a good choice with the kids. Mr. Aikens sat on a folding chair behind us. They did not allow pictures during the performance, since flashes would distract the performers. I snapped the one above prior to the show starting. I would defiantly go back for another performance. I though the $10 admission price was well worth it. It would make a really great date night.
I found out about the school through a friend BellyButtonBoutique who was there for a child's birthday party, it was a great suggestion. I fanned the school facebook fan page, and they do have a mail list. They also have classes for Children through adults. So check them out Philadelphia School for the Performing Circus Arts.

Who knows maybe I will take a class it was inspiring.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T21:28:00.000-04:00

4 Years on ETSY…and people still say the word wrong

2010-04-20T11:49:00.001-04:00

So April 19, 2010 Marks the 4 year anniversary of me being on Etsy.

If you don't know what etsy is? Let me introduce you….Etsy is said like "Betsy" without the "B" ETSY is a place to buy and sell all handmade goods…. Or In the beginning days of etsy, no one I told could understand the concept…so I would say "Etsy it was like ebay but for handmade items"…and people would say Ohh I get it. But Etsy is so much more… Warning!!! Etsy can cause a shopping addiction.

Now Back to the BabyPop Etsy Beginning..

5+ years ago After the birth of my second, I left my "fancy"(I use that term loosely) apparel job with Mitchell and Ness. My Husband and I struggled with the loss of my paycheck ,so I c ould stay home with my preemie daughter and my 4 year old son. I started sewing since that is what I know. In 2001 I purchased the name babypop.com hopping some day I would own a business by that name…so in 2005 when I was home it was the perfect time to start my entrepreneurial plan. With my husbands support, I sold at craft show and on feebay… getting lost in the shuffle of 10's of thousands of sellers.

Then during my "get out of the house for sanity time" … aka weekly knit group, my friend Diane of KnittingZeal told me about this place I should sell on ETSY. Diane was the only person I knew who blogged, so she was my authority on everything web related.. Diane said "Etsy only started a few months prior but it is a handmade site, like e- - y but for handmade". Diane when on to say she purchased some handmade knitting items, and thought my items would work there. That night I went home and signed right up. Then I waited and waited . In my BabyPop Etsy shop listed knitted bags , purses , my teepees, ipod holders, dresses, and my capes. I also listed a sewing pattern. My 1^st sale on etsy was for a sewing pattern 4 months after list my 1^st item … a sewing pattern shipping to Canada. I shipped my 1^st item and sent it of… It never arrived to the customer. The client was not happy, she did tell me that mail system in Canada was bad … so I gave her a full refund, also sadden by the lack of sales, I waited for sales. I was the only person selling capes so they have to sell Right?…still I waited and sold at craft shows. My point new etsy Sellers don't get discouraged it will happen.

Then 2 months later, Sept 06 later I had my 1^st cape sale on etsy. October 2 more superhero capes, November I sold 11 babypop capes….and it grew. I sold my 1^st teepee to Etsyian Erin of Oneluckybaby. She was great Erin taught me to include thank you note with every purchase and let people know how to leave feedback. Erin said since Etsy (besty ww/o B) was so new it was , customers did not know how to leave feedback. I did what oneluckybaby said and my feedback / sales grew.

By January I added my first adult gloves. My broken heart gloves. Then I added pacman gloves… I was then contacted by etsy my pacman gloves were chosen by "Dazed and Confused" a glossy British magazine to represent etsy in there best of web award…Then being picked as Etsy Featured seller and Wining the Judges award from cookie mag. Good Morning America was because I connected with a etsy babypop customer who was in Public relations, she thought BabyPop is a good story for GMA, so because I sold on etsy they added me to the article. The more I embraced the etsy culture, the more the I got back in return. So newbie Etsians enter contests and make connections with sellers and customers.

I enjoy the chat rooms, making connects and friends. I have also spent time in the forums comment on peoples post. I try to read everything that etsy provides and learn, then help teach others, because we are all a community. I became part of etsy unofficial mentor list, I hope those I have helped have grow, because I have learned from helping them. It takes a village to Raise and Etsyian myself included.

Etsy has been very good to me over the years and I am happy to be associated with them and the etsy community.

So … Dear Etsy creators and employees, have changed my life, allowed me to be home with my children, and build a super business that makes others smile. I want to say thank you to etsy for supporting me as an entrepreneurial and giving me to have an venue to sell my product. Hope the future of Etsy is bight wonderful. Thank You!

That being said I would Like to offer Free Shipping on any BabyPop Custom Superhero Cape from 4/19-4/21/2010 when purchased on etsy please type code "4YEARSETSY" in the notes to the seller when you check out.

Where the wild things are?

2010-04-11T20:11:00.001-04:00

It seems I am seeing owls everywhere…Today we took a trip to the local zoo… not Philadelphia Zoo. But a small local zoo Elmwood Park Zoo. We got the membership for around $80 last fall. It has been great because we go often. It is not a huge "zoo" trip like heading to a large city zoo, Elmood Park is local and small enough that it takes an hour to walk around. There is also no fee to park and no annoying vendor selling something at every animal exhibit. It also has a wonderful playground, with the membership we can stop by and entertain the kids, everybody ends up happy. Bonus: the kids never ask for anything "to remember the zoo aka souvenir " ...because we will always be back.

The majestic eagle...so American

Me trying to chase down the peacock,...Him thinking "why is this crazy lady following me"

My wounded female human with a "boo boo" from last weekend's easter egg hunt..she drives me insane because she never can look at the camera

This porcupine animal my son said it looks an over sized guinea pig…

This is our guinea pig Graham I don't see it..

A close up View of a Mr. Aikens in his natural habitat (my husband)

The fox ripping into a animal of some sort..

My daughter saying "look mommy he is eating an apple" ...

Me "Yea honey, foxes love apples just like you"

She says "can we get one as a pet?"...

"No, not unless we want Graham to be lunch"

The great hunter Mr. Aikens capturing a wild animal with his bear claws

My wild 9 year old holding still for a picture

Resting after a long day

A rare picture of a Sherry Aikens, since this animal is I am often behind the camera and tending to her cubs.

thanks for going to the zoo with us

Thoes darn birds woke me up!

2010-04-09T13:45:00.000-04:00

Lately there has been many birds that have been in my life. I want to share some local Philadelphia artist I love and there bird images.

Lisa Kelley from Milkshake Crafts

You can find the chickadee in Lisa's online store

Kristen Stein from Studio Art Works

The owl actually say "hoot" you can find it in her etsy store.

Little Aikens from (my house my daughter)

Who do you love that is Local?

Homicide in the House

2010-04-06T13:48:00.001-04:00

Today I walked down stairs and realized I did it finally happened I killed it…The plant which I have moved with me since prior to my meeting my husband 17 years ago. It died.

This plant has been to college with me where my roommates cared for it. Then back to my mother's where she cared for it. To when I moved in with my boyfriend / future husband he took pity and watered it. But the plant never liked me due to lack of love and neglect… so I committed a homicide against a prayer plant.

I grew up in a green thumb family a long line of plant lovers and gardeners. But I fell far from the per verbally tree… like down the hill and rolling away. Yep, I can't keep them alive, every year plant flowers they never grow they dry rot in the pots which they came in. I even had a friend Alicia, an avid gardener offer to help with my "green impairment" and plant my flower bed… they did great! Then next year, I tried by myself planting hundreds of seeds …3 came up and they died due to lack of supervision.

Then, you get those "perfect" plant people..(aka my mother) saying "Sherry, when you have more time you will be able to tend to plants", this being said as she walks around her house watering her hundreds of healthy colorful plants…

Me thinking I just don't care if they die.

OK ! I admit I am jealous of her perfect plant tending talent! I do have plant envy of others… but sadly for me it is just not in the cards and I can accept my failure. I like them when they come, but I am ok when they die because time heals all plants (..that and the trash can) so it is a sign of it is time to go buy more. Maybe, my kids will be the protector of the plants and water them? Hum

Ha Ha Ha I think wrenching my hands "I would Like to introduce you to my latest victim…Mr. Tulip"

I see her everyday and yet I ignore her beauty

2010-04-02T09:00:00.003-04:00

Every day I drive by this magnificent mansion It is the Widener Estate designed by architect Trumbauer he also designed Philadelphia At Museum the one Rocky ran up the steps. This magnificent home has fallen in to disrepair but still an amazing view of history. My daughter says everyday if we lived there we would have everyone we know could come live with us and she names the names, grandma, Pa Nana Pop Pop, our next store neighbors and so on. My son s says how sad it is that the mansion has fallen into such a state.

So today we stopped and walked up to the gates... which are amazing ...I would love to see the inside...the house now belongs to a church group in NY and they have let it go... saddened I noticed,,,
what a beautiful day it was.
which lead to the next adventure for the day..

Hum... white cherry trees. My son said "we need to find a pink cherry"… so 5:30 at night we decided to drive around finding trees and taking pictures of the flowers. All 3 of us being obsessed this time of year with the Cherry Blossoms my daughter points them out and my son remarks on how I love them..

So here is our photo journal of our search for the perfect early spring flowers. It took about ½ and we jumped out and took picture of the trees and hoped back in the car to find another. My son telling me "mom you are parked in a no parking zone… I think you broke a law mom"… me saying "I am 5 feet from the car it is ok. stop worrying " I know not the best role model example...(really it is ok sweetie break the law)... in retrospect it could come back to bite me..but look at the flowers can you blame me.

I hope we get out soon to take more picture... I have a few years and my son will say no more looking at flowers. So I am so glad to share these treasured moments with him.

The Only Banana Bread Recipe

2010-03-26T11:21:00.000-04:00

Stop Searching !!! This is the Only Banana Bread Recipe you will ever need. In 1993 when I met my husband, I met his family. His family is of a Pennsylvania Dutch background. If you know anything about the PA Dutch…they are amazing bakers! Pies, Cookies, sweet breads…yum. My 1^st Thanksgiving with his family in 1993 there was no lie 13 different pies on the tables… the big bird played a second to the pies. Needless to say for this Jersey girl it was very intimidating. So I make a pie or 2…yuk…(I blaming my lack of backing ability on the fact I have warm hands). My pie skills were so bad..that my future mother in-law gave me a instant pie crust mix when she gave me the pie plate back…she said "Sherry, there is no shame in using store bought. " So I would never be a pie maker. So I searched for a baking recipe to make all my own. And this is it…

Every time I make this bread get people telling me it is the best banana bread they have ever had…and not just my in-laws (even strangers tell me). My Mother said this is your "thing" for
Christmas from now on. For me it is my go to recipe when I go to someone's house overnight. I found it 1996. It is adapted from the Southern Ort cook book 1990 version I purchased from the ort women in a mall in south Florida. The Original baker was Pearl Ansell of Orlando Florida. I picture Pearl to be an older women who received this recipes from her mom or grandma and she has taught it to family.

My just turned 5 Daughter loves making this recipe with me she peels the banana and mashes them with the potato masher. I love it because nobody in my family will eat the banana with brown spots, but they are the best for bread.

BabyPop Pearl Banana Bread
(Printable Version w/o pictures)

Ingredients:

½ cup of vegetable oil

1 cup of sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 ¼ cups of all purpose flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of baking soda

3 large or 4 small bananas (ripe)(brown spots are fine)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Baking Spray or butter to grease the pans

Preheat oven to 350

Using an electric mixer beat oil and sugar in large mixing bowl for 2 min

Add eggs and vanilla to oil/sugar, beat well with mixer (I was making a dbl batch use 2 eggs for one batch)

Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder into batter, mix for 2 minutes (if you don't have a sifter light spoon in flour so it is not heavy)

In separate bowl mash (with a potato masher or large fork) peeled banana with cinnamon (like chunky baby food): add to batter and mix to well blender

Pour into 2 well greased loaf pans 9x5x3" or 1 pan if you like a bigger slice

Bake for 37-40 mins for 2 loaves or 42-45 for 1 loaf (watch them once they get golden take them out as long as the toothpick comes out clean)

Let cool for 10 min before taking out of loaf pan and cutting. Also can be frozen

Variations:

½ cup chocolate chips, add once the batter is already in loaf pan.. if you add chips mix in with mixer they tend to go to the bottom of the loaf once you pour in the pan.
Smaller personal loafs which I make more at the holidays teacher gifts ..take about 37 min to bake , you can make 4 small loves from one batch of batter
Banana ripe but no time to make the bread, freeze the bananas for later . The bananas tend to not be a chunky but the taste is the same. FYI Banana turn black when frozen they are still good

Want a drink?

2010-03-23T09:10:00.002-04:00

I went to a Sportsman's show ..and here are some pictures from the show.

with or without worms?

big mouth

who?

Don't try this at home!

Senseless death!...could have been yummy

High Schools Plays Break a Leg !

2010-03-22T09:00:00.005-04:00

This past week I took my son to see a local high school play. Les Misérables he loved it. When I asked him would he like to be in a play he said" sure Mommy but not that one because some of the langue was in appropriate".
But about the play, Abington High School is very lucky to have an extremely gift drama club. One of the leading men goes to Juilliard and many of they other male actors sing with the Keystone State Boys Choir and recently returned from a trip sing in Antarctica and Chile. Another local option is the middle schools, this past fall I took my son to see the middle school play " The Miracle Worker" and it was very well done, and they tend to be more age appropriate for younger kids.

The benefits local theater 1. Cost 2. Expose you and your kids to the arts take them while they are young the will always love going. (My husband was not exposed as a child and I have to drag him to go with me) where as my son is an excellent date and he loves to go with me.

So now that school play season is upon us . If you don't live near Broadway, I would highly recommending trying them out the next American idol might be in your local high school.

Luck of the Irish to you all!

2010-03-12T00:20:00.000-05:00

This cape was requested from a client ... I see a crawl in its future.. you can find it in my etsy store.

Today

2010-03-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

Today is a day where the laundry will sleep and the dyer stay slient
Today is a day where the floors will not get mopped and the toliets will not be scrubed
Today I will try to get 50% of my goals accomplished.. and that will have to do.
Today is a day for hugs and kisses and saying I love you.
Today is a day that I am OK.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things

2010-02-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

When I first had kids I never thought my son would every get the idea of sleeping in his own bed. I nursed him and it seems as my husband and I were never going to get a minute of rest due to this little boy that wanted to be on his mama all the time. I was never good at following the baby book where they said do not… nurse them to sleep. But finally Then he grew and got kicked out of our bed littler because he kicked all the time. My daughter was a preemie where as she never really slept with us, because she was so tiny when she came home at 2 months she only weight 4lb. So she slept like a rock and still does to this day. But as the kids get older. I miss the mornings. The morning of a little one coming to get warm in the bed.

Well this morning, My daughter wanted to snuggle, then the dog jumped up, and finally My son came to snuggle with his latest lego creation.

My husband groaned know the morning silence will never return for today.

Looking at my daughter… she said I wub you.. I gave her a kiss. And snuggled her in…

I love late snow days it is easy going and relaxed.

I look at my daughter the discussion went..

Me: you have a sparkle on you eye?

Her: Mom it's ok I was putting my microphone on my face It has sparkles Mommy.

Me: Did you put the microphone in your eye ?

Her: No Mommy I can't sing with my eye…

Me: Well don't get glitter in your eye

Her: Why then my eyes will be sparkly?

Me: Oh… sparkles will hurt your eye

Her; But Mommy your eyes are sparkly, because you are beautiful Mommy… I wub you.

I gave her another kiss..

My son was pulling the covers, discussing the finer points of his new bionicle. Then dog dissatisfied with the end of the bed jumped on me to squeeze in between me and my husband.. then someone said they were hungry and with that the moment was over.

Squeezing 4 people and one obnoxious bull dog in a queen bed on a snowing morning.. was gone

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T01:29:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Kathleen Prutting at Swallowing Light

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T01:13:00.001-05:00

The 6th Day of My Captivity

2010-02-15T09:58:00.002-05:00

Monday…

It is the 6 day of my unplanned captivity

The kids (The Boy &The Girl) are home from school again- Presidents Day

The Boy thought he got off of school for Valentines.... what are they teaching in school?

They are complaining they want to eat but I have nothing in the house according to them..just nothing they want to eat.

Ask The Boy if he finish his home work…he actually says yes….today might be a good day.

They have eaten non stop over the last 6 days… ( what is with kids when they are stuck in house

I need coffee…

I forgot to order oil…

Nothing like a hot shower to cold air when you realize you forgot to order oil….my new found plan of negotiating the price of oil and not get taken by "the man"… yea "the man" is in a warm house…who is the smart one now?

Sent The Girl up to take a shower.

Thank you wood burning stove you heat my house- in this time of forgetfulness

I need coffee..

Fire wood needs to be brought in from the outside. Sent the boy out to do "manly thing" of bring it to the house. It will make him strong!

The Girl in the shower…she is singing, top of her lungs, wait till she gets out…burrr

Grundy The Dog hates the cold and had decided laying against the stove is the best option…later I will be going to the vet since he will burn himself.

The Boy just came in and said they are too heavy he got one piece of wood

I need coffee

Sent The Boy back outside for more wood

The Girl comes downstairs with same clothes…and undies but wet head and the concept of clean clothes escapes these kids this weekend…sent her back up stairs to change.

The Boy just came back in said he is done.. I ask how much wood you get …He says "2 pieces" I say 2 more he says that is all I got"

The Girl comes down with a short sleeve shirt on…

Off to blow dry hair and find long sleeve shirt for The Girl.

Still have not made coffee

It is 9:30 am 23hrs to freedom… "they" said their might be snow tonight if so send Help..or coffee preferably Starbucks

1 Seam Hat For the Crafting Impaired

2010-02-11T16:49:00.001-05:00

Here is how to make a 1 seam hat. Perfect for Valentines or Christmas (Fits a Child 3-5)
It is super, super easy and super cute there is still time to get this hat made for valentines day.. it takes about 20min to make w/hearts and 1 hour with.

You will need the following:

1 yard of pink polar fleece (this is enough to make 3 hats) (a Printed Fabric is a great option as well)

thread

1/8 yard polar fleece assorted colors ( hot pink, purple, lavender) Optional if you want to add hearts

Pony beads (optional)

Tools:

Sewing machine borrow one

Scissors or rotary cutter/mat

Pinking sheers

Ruler

Straight pins

Cut your Hat:

Open up fabric- place the salvage (or short end parallel it the edge of the table)

Fold the fabric 9" in front the table edge on top of it's self .

Cut along the salvage making a rectangle 18"x36" (If you want to make for a bigger child make wider than 18")

Notch the center of the rectangle on the long or 36" sides at the 18" point to use as reference. (cut a small 1/8" snip )

Embellishing the body/crown of the hat:

Decorating hat with hearts… if you don't want to sew the hearts more skip to sewing hat steps

Using other colors trace a heart on a square and cut out hearts. 2" approximately 12 -20 (some can be saved for later in the project) I used pinking sheers so the hearts have a decorative edge

Place the hearts on either side of notch.. for brim place right up to the notch line for the crown hears place 5" off the center march line… (note place all hearts going same down direction, if you don't want the hearts being upside down)

Pin hearts in place and sew down

Sewing the hat:

Lay the hat down on the table place the 36" side together..face of the fabric (right side) together

Measure 6"in from the short end corner put a pin to hold the layers together (the pin will be on the 36" side)

Repeat from the other corner These 2 pins mark the starting and stopping points when you sew the one seam for this hat.Now pin in between the start and stop pins holding the fabric together getting ready for the machine

Go sew the one and only seam..Using a 5/8" seam allowance starting at the 1^st pin and ending at the last one… be sure to "back tack" the you stop and start. Backtack=(go forward and reverse with a few stitches - this creates a lock of overlapping stitches not allowing the begging and ending stitches to pull out)

Cutting the fringe:

Take the hat back to the table, cut 1" wide 5" deep slits in the hat (short side) repeat on the other side

Fold the hat like a tube so the fringe lay on each other

Tie the hat

Out of extra fabric cut strips of fabric 1" 12"- you will need 9-10 strips

Lay the one strip down parallel with the edge of the table

Then place the other strips alternating colors vertically on top of the parallel strip.

Lay the Hat on top of the strips straight out the fringe

Tie the parallel strip tightly dbl knot

Fluff the hat fold back the brim ready to wear …read on to find out how to embellish

Embellishing your hat:

Use the extra hearts and add the heart to the end of the fringe

Or add beads…(not recommended for kids under 3 choking hazard)

You will need to cut the fringe down the middle so they can fit through the pony beads

Taking a straight pin..put it through the end of the fringe and pull it through the pony bead

Tie a knot on end of fringe so the pony bead does not fall off

Enjoy you hat… it would also be great if it was made out of a print…no embellishments need
This would be a great item for a beginning sewer to make or for valentines Christmas gifts.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T22:50:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

2 Super kids... 1 Super day

2010-02-06T23:19:00.000-05:00

One of my super customer shared these cape photos with me so I can share them you..

taken by Jesse Gabbard Photography Lexington Ky

these are the super capes set

What to do while waiting for kids

2010-02-05T09:11:00.003-05:00

Since September I have been going to swim team practice 4 nights a week. 1 hour practice and 15 minutes (90 total hr) waiting for him to emerge from the locker room. Don't get me wrong I love the fact he loves the sport. Swimming it is a great sport good for you non jarring and lets face it I could not swim 30+ laps a night.

This I some of what I did what I did tonight

Grommet(eyelet) many superhero mask… I tend to be a favorite with all the little kids always looking for a mask …" watcha doing?" they say … I think every kid at the pool under the age of 5 has a mask that was deemed unfit to sell.
Ties knots for the above mentioned superhero mask
Talk to other parents or not
Take picture of child in the pool
Take photos of kid not swimming
Read a book… I have the attentions span of fly
Thread windchime shells on to fishing line for Sunday school... 800 knots and counting
Write a blog post like this one I don't surf because no internet access
Have hanging 4 year old telling me she is hungry
Dig through purse for the waiting child to have something to eat
Edit photos
Watch my son get yelled by the coach for splashing the other kids
Draw really bad picture for my daughter
Thinking why is it so crazy humid the pool
(note to self must buy more deodorant)
Find hair clip in bottom of bag to put hair up
Thinking water must be cold
I really must make sure I am not wearing my slipper socks when I come to swim practice
The best is when no multi tasking is needed and I sit and watch my kid swim…

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T12:02:00.001-05:00

Snow and Polar bears

2010-02-03T00:53:00.000-05:00

My custom latest item..

Calling all 1979 perms

2010-01-29T09:00:00.008-05:00

In 1979 I was in the 3^rd grade and my mother took me to the beauty parlor that was located in between the Kmart and the McDonald( the MCD's where if you got invited to a birthday it was the coolest). After sitting for hours squinting my mother reading her Redbook, not being able to see much further because my blue graduated tinted glasses sat on the counter. The gum chewing blond hair beautician carefully used rolling paper, plastic pink and teal perm rollers in my Dorothy Hamel hair cut, all so I could have some "Body" in my hair. Then sitting under a dome dryer "Blondy" would come over from time to time to make sure my hair was not "fried" from the harsh chemicals.. all so I can have the curly hair I was never meant to have. After the 3 hour order deal the perm that fell out the 1^st day I washed it. I think my mother is still pissed.

So my sister and I thought that famed Pink foam rollers would make have curly or even wavy hair like Marian Liva a girl who down the street. So my mother would wash, set our hair every night before any big event, we slept in the rollers. Then in the morning Viola! Two straight hair girls had curly Marian Liva hair. Flash Forward 30 years…. My daughter has been obsessed with Fancy Nancy, and her fabulous locks. So walking around the grocery store I saw them the miracle giving foam rollers all for the bargain price of $1.89. I came home and she was so excited…She sat while I did them then, slept in them as her mother did before her…all to have curls.

Here is some pictures of the fun… If you have a daughter you have the try it…it is so much fun and no one will recognize your child.

Next time I am using the pink..

This Fabulous HeadBand can be found at MissRubySue

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

No I don’t live a Norman Rockwell Life

2010-01-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we took the kids to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the King Prussia Mall, PA. It is a interactive walk through show. That is a great for the kids, because it is Ok to touch. It starts with a 4 ½ minute video explain the artist. They you can walk through the painter most famous covers from the Saturday Evening Post. There are full size cars the kids can sit in and a soda shop fountain where you can sit next to Rockwell's famous patrons. My kids loved the real vintage phones set up with a switch board. My kids spent time calling each other. When we reached the my kids want to go back in and play some more. I loved the fact that it was a local mall bring art to the masses. The cost was 5.00 for adults and free for kids under 12. So a deal to boot. If you live in the Philly this is worth an hour well spent.

So if you are in PA check out The most beloved characters and scenes of Norman Rockwell's portfolio are brought into three dimensions on the Lower Level of King Prussia Mall -The Plaza (near Rite Aid) October 29th - March 14th.

Thank You for Our New Dog

2010-01-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Grundy's Former Family,

I wanted to say thank you for giving Grundy the English Bull Dog (formally Jasper) up for a new home. He is very happy living with us and made an awesome Christmas Gift. He is the only dog in our home and my children ages 8 & 4 adore him. Everyday after school my son runs around with him in the backyard. I am unclear why anyone would spend over $2500 on a dog, potty train him, seek medical care, neuter him, train him not to chew everything, and then give him up less than a year later at the age of 15months. If you have fallen on unfortunate times I wish you all the best. We are more then happy to be the recipients of this very generous gift a house trained bulldog dog. Grudy is very happy with us and we love to hear his snoring every day all the time.

Thanks you,

Sherry

Aka Aikens Pack Leader

Please remember there is thousands of dogs looking for good homes and yours might be it . The ASPCA and Human Societ y have purebreds and mix breeds, that are fixed and house trained. Some of these dog are given up just because people have fallen on hard times, so don't assume the worst and adopt a new family pack member. They will love you for it.

Grundy On You Tube
Grundy Grunts on Twitter Daily

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

3 Strong Women worth watching

2010-01-10T18:47:00.000-05:00

So I am not ashamed to admit it I love Oprah. My husband groans when he sees me watching her. But I think she really helps people. She reaches the masses hence her appeal. She does help with medical/mental issues but she also makes us laugh. She is human and flawed. This weekend I watched her shows on tivo. Whitney Houston was on, I have to say I watched all of it, hopping that Whitney did not destroy her voice with all the drugs and I cried when I found out she still had it. Now I know that seems pointless to my everyday life. But it was nice to share in the joy of her coming through, it made me happy for Whitney and how can that be bad. I dislike the idea that we have to sit in judgment of others that we have to squash others dreams.
which brings me to....
This fall I went to the Governors Woman's Conference in Philly. The main key note Speaker was Suzie Orman. But, the speaker who caused tears in the corner of my eyes was Judge Glenda Hatchett (yes the one from the Judge Hatachett Show) just so you know she was one of the highest ranking Female Black Judges in history and she also was a top executive in Delta. So don't judge...If you ever have an opportunity to watch her speak, go and hear her. The Judges speech was embowering and relevant. She embraced so many of my own morals of helping others, teaching the next(person) to move on and carry the flame. "reach back and give a hand to the women behind you."

So I guess it is the new school year or the power of being near so many strong women at the Governors Woman's Conference. I just was to say as you read this post help another and feel emotion because it helps you to feel alive and relevant.

Thanks Oprah, Whitney Huston and Judge Hatchet for being my mentors this week and inspiring me to continue with my dreams and helping other achieve theirs.

Snail Mail with No Shell?

2010-01-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

I found this great site LetterFu where you can print out templates for letters that when folded properly you don't need an envelope, and no tape or glue needed…so cool no envelope and save the tree, The stamp hold the letter together. I did a valentine one, I think I am going to have the kid send these to all the grandparents this year. You could use a blank one and have the kids draw on the outside… I also see stamping possibilities with the blank template.

Check Letterfu out.

1 Reason My daddy is better than yours

2010-01-04T13:18:00.000-05:00

I took the kids to their 1^st ballet. While we were at the ballet my husband decided he was going to cut up the tree trunk from the tree that fell on the house in August. The Tree was 2 feet wide and he was going to not have the easiest time with it. So I came home and we all went out to dinner. While in the darken in the car my husband said that he started the chain saw and it started and the pull got stuck and the chain saw came back on him and cut his knee.

The 4 year said " Daddy you should put a band aid on that cut"

"No really Daddy a band aid would help Mommy puts it on mine and then they feel better"

He groaned "yes I will sweetie" and comment more that his knee was sore.

She continued "Maybe you should not play with the chainsaw Daddy?...They can be really dangerous."

She rambles "Maybe Daddy, Pa (mommys dad)should come and cut the tree, Daddy Pa has a chainsaw and he knows how to use it."

Still going on in her rant "I don't think you should use the chainsaw I think PA knows and is good with a chainsaws Daddy…I will ask PA for you Daddy because he is good with outside stuff Daddy.

And there is 1 minute my daughter managed to tell her Daddy that Mommy's Daddy (PA)was better than him with power tools. You know my Daddy is really good with outside stuff. But I still love my husband with is precocious daughter.

My favorite Resolution

2010-01-01T11:47:00.000-05:00

I was at the Kimmel Center (Which is like Lincoln Center for Philadelphia's). The put up a banner for people to put there resolutions in a Sharpie marker so you know they would stick to them because there were in permanent ink…

On closer inspection…I read this one.

I will

STRENGTHEN MY SUPERPOWERS

(No I did not write it..)

Happy New Year !

Welcome 2010

Snow n Capes

2009-12-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

So I am making a new resolution prior to the new year. During my busy season I had all these great plans to write blog post weekly or even bi weekly… as you can see it has not happened. Because I was one busy elf and running one wonderful workshop. I have some of the great friends and helpers. We made a ton I mean a ton of capes and they all went off to all the Santa relatively safe and sound. I wanted to share a picture of the cape the last day of shipping yes during a the 2^nd largest snow storm in philly's history. This was the view from my bathroom window the morning of my last day of shipping.. I love 4wd.

Honest Santa

2009-12-30T00:48:00.000-05:00

Santa questions....

An couple of weeks ago I took the packages to the Post Office and there was 2 bag…way too many to count packages.   The lady behind me was not too happy neither were the other behind her. So as I walked up the counter Miguel says to me…"back shipping more Sherry?". The lady grunts in disgust… I say.. "of course my work is never done because I am the "real" Santa Claus"… then I look down to the little girl sitting at my feet.. "She looks at me with those big eyes, so sad. I think quick…I say "Mommy is only joking honey, I am like an elf. "… I am the worst…

Recently out with a friend's son and daughter.. the Boy asked me what I do all day, I say "I make superhero capes" His old sister said to him…"Like yours".. He replied "but Santa got that for me." I said "that is right I help Santa."   Which is true…

It has been a tough year keeping Santa under wraps because I can't lie. Case in Point , my son who is almost 9 is fishing for an Santa answer. So in front of my MIL and my Mother , my son states … "You and Daddy put the gifts under the tree..?" I look at him and say…"I neither confirm nor deny if we do". I know wrong answer. My mother scolded me later…. She said I need to keep it going and should have said yes Santa is real.   My friend said push the sprit of Santa and Christmas…which I like better.

So my son has been dancing around the unconfirmed issue with spilling it to his 4 year old sister… so we needed to have a talk. I said "look your sister has every right to believe and you have no right to take that experience away from her so lets make it magical for her."   So I noticed after the talk he told Santa what he wanted to have for Christmas, he made sure there was cookie and an carrot on Christmas eve. He even noticed that Santa for got to put out "Mommys and Daddys" stockings.   He got with the Santa Program.

When he was 5 he asked me where babies come from…I simply told the truth "cells divide" that is how babies are made…He accepted my logical answer and carried on.    (I will tell him the real fact now at 9 but at 5 he was too young)

So maybe my hazy honest answers do work after all…. Maybe I do believe in Santa.

Princess Lost to Rock Star

2009-11-09T23:36:00.001-05:00

The difference one year can make in my little girls life. Last year my daughter just wanted to be a butterfly princesses for Halloween. So I looked for butterfly fabric and made her custom. One I was very proud of.

Then one day this spring I made the mistake of taking my daughter to a girl movie while the boys went to see a guy flick (something like GI Joe) The girl flick I chose Hannah Montana . It was over princess gone forever in one afternoon. Cinderella was out and Miley was in… She never saw the show but knew she loved the concept of Hannah, the singing, the blond hair, and the fun outfits. She watched the end and kept asking mommy why are they following Hannah?(if you saw the movie you understand) Not yet understanding the adoring fans Ms. Montana has. For weeks she thought they were to separate people Hannah and Miley. The she got it … She really has never watched the show because it is too mature for her (I don't even let the kids watch sponge bob…I know I am weird) Hannah friends has a boyfriend and they . But the Marketing on the Montana personal is so strong she is every where from lunch boxes to yogurt to band aids.. Disney is like a kids drug dealer uping the anti to keep them hooked… so sad really because before the age of 5 they are out of princesses.

So this year for Halloween need less to say …

I made the dress…but the boots are my favorite.
My husband went as Billy Ray Cyrus

I feel like Italian for dinner!

2009-11-01T13:36:00.001-05:00

My sons school does not do a Halloween parade they do a character parade. It is the schools way of getting around religious holidays. So the custom has to be based on a character in a book…(it helps that the kids can find a book on anything they want to dress up as) In past years my son picked his costume then we would find a book. This year he picked the book then the costume…Cloudy and a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett (Author), Ron Barrett (Illustrator)

So since my husband was going as Billy Ray Cyrus cica 1984to go with Hannah Montana See my other post . I wanted to go as something with my son…My son was the scientist and me the plate of spaghetti and meatballs.

Complete with cloth napkin and utensils. The bottom picture is the meat balls interesting bouquet.

Carving Anyone?

2009-10-27T00:32:00.000-04:00

This year my moms group had it's third annual pumpkin carving and I host this even t every year ...during my busy season. It is a night for me to stop and remember my favorite holiday... It is the perfect holiday Halloween makes everyone smile. Kid get to dress up, parents get to enjoy, a great time to visit neighbors you don't see any other time of year. Even the older American love seeing the youth and brings back memories of a childhood past. Then the fact there is no holiday let down afterward, no major credit card bills or sadness. Halloween is perfect. So enjoy this years carvings...

Also follow me on twitter all this week. I went to a great pumkin carving event this week the work was amazing.

I could not find the picture.

2009-10-17T23:48:00.000-04:00

So today I was looking for a picture and I kept on looking...then I found it or them... Hershey
I don't normally blog about the down times in this cape makers life...but I wanted to properly say good by to my loving friend and super pet, so after 2 weeks I can finally post my thoughts.

After 15 loving years my faithful Doberman Hershey came to the end of his life. He was an amazing dog. He serviced not only his family but the outside world. Hershey served as a therapy dog for nursing homes for 5 years visiting those people who did not have visitors or love ones to be with them as they passed into the next life. Hershey was their people. I think of Mr. Max who saved crackers for the Hershey every week which he took from the cafeteria. Or the women who had a stroke and did not respond to any other stimuli but Hershey would make her cry. I was told that many of the people Hershey visit did not participate in any activities and Hershey was it. He stood high enough for the patients to reach nudging their hands with his nose to be pet. He never laid down and never tired it was a job he was born to do. Hershey was crazy and lively outside but when he worked he was all about compassion and knowing able bodied from the weak. Hershey was as used to raise funds for the Humane Society of Broward County Florida he participated in fashion shows or sitting with me as I wrap gifts to raise money for other homeless animals. He was always a draw for people to come and see what an adopted dog can be.

When it comes to the Hershey that lived with my family. I think of the times he flew over the back couch when we got him. He was into jump over things in the early years that couch never stood a chance. Oh he was a runner he loved to visit the neighborhood. He would take off and only by car you could catch him, hopeful someone would stop and pet him. Then his training began 2 years of dog school for me and my too smart for class dog. He training me. He was a model student learning stays and heals and even hand signals… all in the hopes he would serve others. He use to sneak into bed with us every night and squeeze us out so he could but his head on a pillow. When he was 5 we adopted a playmate for him Mona, he treated her like just one of the gang it was like clash of the titans when they played 2 large Doberman on there hind legs. When she died he mourned for her loss. When I was pregnant Hershey was there for me, once I slept on him for 2 hours in the middle of the day and he never moved. Once the kids were born he was gentle and kind (also seeing them as a food source). Being the forever runner(hence the reason he was at the pound to begin with) At the age of 10 Hershey was hit by as car, I was a sound I will never forget. He limped back to me dragging his leg, then licking my hand as I drove him to the vet emergency care. Hershey sat for 9 months in a cast, being as amazing as he went through 3 surgeries wagging his tail all the way. He ran with a cast on his leg just like there was never anything wrong. He laid for every still for every time the bandage was changed and x-rays were taken. He spent the next 5 years being there for my family. Always happy face to see me when I was home alone working. The thud on the couch as I walked in the door…”Hersel” I would say and he would there was the familiar sound of his collar and groan. Making the trip every day up to the school to pick up my son, joyfully wanting all the children to pet him. I have had many people over the years non-dog people tell me they don’t like dogs, but they like Hershey, Doberman and all. On his finally day he made the last trip up to the school, take a break every few steps, just to see the kids. I think he has had a truly blessed life and touched everyone he met. So remember him even if you don’t know him and be thankful he walked the earth.

Speak Like a Pirate Day!

2009-09-19T21:34:00.000-04:00

So arg..matie! Today is the national speak like a pirate day! so if you purchase a pirate item from my shop today Sept 19th, 2009 I will give a 10% off a Pirate item. Just visit BabyPop

I'm a Rock Star!

2009-08-26T10:35:00.000-04:00

A Mom asked for a Rock star theme set, for her sons birthday! I did the guitar and the tee to match I used Silver thread for the extra bling. Rock On Little guy rock on!

Don’t Mess with Texas

2009-08-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

I like to show you the prettiest little teepee in all of Texas. It is for might fine school teacher from the lone star sate, she is doing her teaching place in a cowboy theme. She order this teepee for the place where the wee ones can read them thingy’s called books.

I decided to add a window for light, for the young-ins to see better. My son hollered “Mom it looks like an outhouse” dung gone it- I got it right. . I am just happier than a coyote following a wounded rabbit… with it because finally had an easier time with the clear plastic, so now I know the trick of working with it (tissue paper on top, plastic, fabric) and it sews like a my Mother on the day Daddy ripped his pants going to the county fair. I reckon you all, will see windows in more teepees going, on the count of me, known’ how to do it.

I was in such a hooting good mood, I made chili for a friend and ribs for dinner. Don’t they look good. Whoooo wee

Ya all have a good weekend, you hear!

Facebook aka Time Suck

2009-08-12T09:49:00.000-04:00

Today I was think I have too much to do. I have to make 20-30capes, 1 teepee, 2 pirate hats, 3 tee shirts, dinner(s)/desert for a friends who family passed away, grocery shop for the before mentioned dinners. Write a blog post, tweet, answer emails, vacuum (like that is getting done) Drop off a dog to get groomed. Pack to go to my mothers. Oh I think I got pneumonia from the vaccine I got last week. But don’t have time to deal with that. And yet I am here on the computer …which seems to suck the life and time away from me. I have to say there is days I hate facebook because it is the ultimate time suck. (which Hate s a word my children is not allowed to use). Thanks that was my rant … Have a great day

Blog post DONE …what’s next

Modern Handmade Child 1st Issue

2009-08-06T09:15:00.000-04:00

The 1st issue of Modern Handmade Child is available for on line viewing. The Mag was made by etsy kids members and they did a great job. The magazine has alot of ideas of things/projects to do with kids and also high lights kids sellers. Take a look it is a real wonderful on like magazine for parents and lovers of all thinks kids.

Note BabyPop capes are on page 2 &48. Plus my son took a picture which is on page 78.

One week without kids:Day 1 Saturday

2009-07-15T12:36:00.001-04:00

12:00 (noon)the misson get rid of children.... drive to Wilkes Barre ½ way point between me and my in laws for hand off- 2 hour trip
2:00 arrive at Wilkes Barre Meeting point Grandparents stuck in traffic...find don't mind wating knowing a week of RR a head
3:00pm successful hand off to grandparents no tears…. bikes are load in PopPop truck
3:01 speeding away in get away Mini Van away from Wilkes Barre toward Philly for week of freedom
4:00 Buy hair dye must hide grey hair. So I can look like a real person and not just a run down Mama
4:30 Go shopping for new clothes so I don’t have wear a kid stained shirt
5:00 grab a quick bite at Panrea Bead Company, soup no pesky 8 year old asking for taste… just a pesky 39 year husband asking for a taste.
5:30 Getting excited to go out with adults at a bar
6:00 Dye Hair, and painted finger and toe nails
6:15 wash out dye in shower walk naked to bedroom no kids no need to cover up …(freedom enjoyed)
7:00 dressed and heading to Husbands College Reunion Get together
7:19 Arrive park around the side to hide “mom mobile”
7:20 order a coke
7:21 Say hi to my sister (graduated from the same college as my husband)
7:23 order a vodka cranberry
7:45 My husbands old male friend calls him “Mark” (my husbands name is Jeff ) then tells us he was drinking since 2:00pm
7:46 He tells me how much he loves “Mark” and I am lucky to have him
7:47 Drunk Old Friend introduces “Mark” to other people there since 2:00
7:50 order a vodka tonic
8:00 go to bathroom talk to the girls in the bathroom (like I did when I was 21) we compared shoes (so happy I painted my toes)
8:19 go back to table with friend from bathroom
8:20 a slightly hammered friend from bathroom was saying …”I love you guys”..
8:21 same friend from bathroom saying “you have a great guy here” with her arms around me and my husband
8:26 dance with old friend from bathroom
8:40 same slightly hammered friend from bathroom was saying …”I love you guys”..
8:41 same friend saying “you have a great guy here” with her arms around me and my husband
8:56 Ask Husband any food to eat? he says "buffalo wings but they are cold, chicken fingers are hot"
9:00 eat cold Buffalo wings…
9:01 with regret I order water
9:10 Husband old friends returns and asks if “Mark” can stay with them all night and they will return him tomorrow
9:11 I said “it is up to Mark”
9:12 Mark declines something about no kids at home and wanting to take advantage
9:13 Me "wanting to be taken advantage off"…order more water
9:30 had a sample shoot from “three Olives Vodka” Demo girl
9:31 wondered where were the olives… it tasted like cherry.
9:40 different slightly hammered friend not from bathroom was saying …”I love you guys”..
9:41 same friend not from bathroom saying “you have a great guy here” with her arms around me and my husband
9:59 tried the other color shot
10:01 wondered still no olives… I love olives
10:25 Old song comes on older then all the guests.. everyone walks off the dance floor
10:29 80’s songs everyone is back on the floor to “Come on Ilene”
10:26 tweeted
10:40 Me Telling Old Friends “I love you Guys”
10:41 Me Telling same Olds Friends “ I miss you Guys”
11:20 danced to 50cent “It your birthday”
11:25 Want to sit next to hubby by a purse is in way
11:26 Moved a my sisters purse and wonder if she would think it was lost
11:28 Sister shows up asks where purse is …Show her I moved it 1 foot over
11:35 Just realized people where smoking in bar? Wondering if it is banded in PA
11:45 "Mark" looks at me and says he just got tired, am I ready to go
11:46 Say Good byes to all friends from bathroom; not friends from bathroom, Old Drunk Male friends and my sister/brother in law
11:48 I take my new husband Mark home with me. Mark drives he was not drinking
11:49 Mark said he had a nice time and he would like to go again next year.
11:50 Think “I love my friends and Mark”
12:10 asleep in bed with this strange guy named Mark.

DIY The Easiest $3.00 Dress

2009-06-18T12:03:00.000-04:00

So I went in to JoAnn fabric looking for the usually think I forgot. I walked bu there clearance area and saw the this fabric. The fabric was the little girls fabric that is pre elasticised a one seam dress with top and bottom hems done. It is a great item for the non sewer to make a dress for a kid, they also have adult versions. The Fabric was recently moved from $12 a yard to $3. So I decided to give it a try my little girl is going through a dress phase so play dresses are a win win. I bought a yard of 2 different fabrics.

The first fabric I picked up was an over the top hot pink cotton fabric with a rainbow graded chiffon over lay on top. I purchased a yard but only really need 27".
To sew it I sew the top part of "the gathers" on both layers. I then though it was best not to sew both layers together, (if I did it would pull fun and not move on her). So then I French Seamed the chiffon. This is how chiffon should always be sewn.
Then I sewed the inner later. I added a ribbon at center front to hold the dress up. Then I glued with a no sew a large stone to the front make a pool and push the stone into it, so it comes over the edge of the stone, allowing the glue to dry 24 hours. I used the extra fabric to make a Doll dress. My daughter calls it her Hanna Montana Dress.

The next fabric I bought was this cute cotton fairy dress fabric. I will be honest a little too pastel for me but I knew she would love it. This dress had no layers of fabric and was a straight seam right up the back and Ta Da you have a dress!
But of course I used the extra fabric and made sleeves. I cut a tulip leaf shape with a straignt top. I folded the top down, so I could tunnel the elastic in it I cut a 4" piece of elastic. Pulled the elastic in the tunnel secured at both ends and attached it to the dress. I added the daisy buttons to hided the stitches. Then I made a sash for the waste but a ribbon would have done nicely. I used the extra fabric, the top part not used for sleeves and made a doll dress

Montco Moms at Elwood Park Zoo

2009-06-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Montco Moms is had an event at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown PA on Saturday, June 6th. BabyPop Designs llc was asked to participate. I went with me family too the event the kids loved the zoo. The Montco Moms did a great job with the event the swag bags were great from Sun and Earth. They had a ton of raffle items. I am sorry to say i did not win but one Mom won one of my capes.
I also got a chance to meet, Nicole from lilbooandco seen above whos gift basket was so cute, and she made 250 boo boo packs for the bags, great for little ones. I also met KC of diaper bag wrangler She was super sweet and check out her great aprons. I have a friend who bough a diper bag and she says she loves it.
It was a really great day connection with other fellow etsyians and crafters. Plus my daughter loved the pony ride and my son was fascinated by the albino alligator. So me it was a perfect day win win all around.

The Last Chance Sale

2009-06-16T00:03:00.000-04:00

I never have sales but I want to offer some product that is my last ones I have for a discount. All ways wanted a BabyPop dress or skirt. This is the time to get one at a reduced price. Visit the sale section. One of you favorites might be there.

BabyPop Giveaway With LadyBug Soup Cape Giveaway

2009-06-15T11:04:00.000-04:00

LadybugSoup is working with me to do a giveaway. The giveaway is from June 8th -June 25th. The prize is 1 BabyPop Custom Cape and 1 Mask of your choice. Vist her site to enter she will ask you to view my site as well Babypop.com. Have fun entering.

2009-06-10T11:03:00.001-04:00

Babypop.com was awarded "The Great Site Award" by 5minutesformom.com. Slightly technologically challenged I finally figured out how to post link to my blog. Check out our site and stay tuned for upcoming exciting changes to babypop.com.

BabyPop Giveaway and Montco Moms at the Zoo

2009-06-04T12:36:00.000-04:00

The Montco Moms is Having an event at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown PA on Saturday, June 6th from 10:30am until 2:30pm, for our official launch into the blogosphere. Aside from the fantastic zoo itself, you can enter win some amazing raffles and the first 250 people who stop by can pick up goody bags filled with coupons, samples and more.

BabyPop will be giving away a cape and mask set. Plus there is a discount coupon from BabyPop in all the goody bags. Should be a fun Day!

My Super Grandma turns 90

2009-06-04T12:22:00.000-04:00

My Grandma aka "Mama" turned 90 this weekend. I think that warranted a mention. She is a Super Lady that lives out side NYC and was going in by herself to the city up until the past few years. She took college classes into her 80's on art and literature. She is my Super Grandma.

I love this picture of her blowing out the candles.

Happy Birthday Mama!

BabyPop on Good Morning America

2009-05-23T09:04:00.000-04:00

BabyPop was on Good Morning America yesterday Friday May 22. Tory Johnson of GMA did a great job showing the talents of the etsy sellers. It was such as great experience and national exposure for the capes. These superhero sets were made for Good Morning America. I was asked to pick my favorite colors to show of my work. We had a great time picking the designs and colors.

I loved the boys lighten bolt set My new model did a great job he was so cute.

I also did a Pirate set complete with a tee, cape and do-rag.

Also a Princess Cape set ( i also included a crown that was not used)

The best Part it was also my birthday...GMA gave me a really great gift. Thanks Tory, Etsy, GMA and all those involved to make this happen for BabyPop(me)!

BabyPop in Small Mag

2009-05-21T01:20:00.001-04:00

Last month Small Magazine an online Magazine asked me to contribute to there summer issues. The photography is beatiful so it was an honor for them to ask. So It came out today. The editor used my masks/cape/gloves in couple of pages 119-130. She also used my "Cindy" dress, in one of the shots.

Lets Play Fort!

2009-04-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

When I was a kid, everyone on the neighborhood played fort. The would make the fort out of lined up rocks in the dirty in my neighbors Dawn Balnicki's backyard there was about 10 of us... Everyone had job teacher, cook. Dawn and my sister ruled over the villagers. Brian Gerhardt and I were the funeral (undertakers) we would scrape all the dead animals off the road and give them a proper burial all the kids would attend. (yuk!) I was an animal lover from way back. I look back and remember this as a really fun time in my childhood dead birds and all.

I think my one of my teepees would have been way cooler then the rocks. Because we could set up out shanty town any where.

Just listed this one and more to cone soon. The teepees are one (maybe 2) of a kind. So purchase them when you see them also I can ship them without the poles, to save on shipping.

I reached the Top of My Textile Mountain..

2009-04-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

I have been sewing since I was seven and knitting shortly there after. I have felted and woven fabric, …But my Achilles heal of textile crafts has always been crochet. About 10 years ago I have taken lessons the older lady @ Michaels and she told me you are a knitter. “You work too tight, I have had 13 years that have learned faster than you”. Depress I left feeling like a failure. Fast forward 6 years… friend tried to show me to crochet I made a lopsided granny square…I put it down and never picked up. Truly fed up with the lack of progress… I chalked up to the fact I will never get crochet and it is the one textile craft I will never learn. Hopeless I gave up my quest to conquer crochet.
But about 2 months ago, the preteen Knit group I teach at the church, started making a blanket for the Pastor at our church who was having a baby. The 4 girls started knitting squares, for several of the girls they never finished a project. The girls all finished there squares, so I had to hold up on my end and put the square together for a blanket, The dreaded crochet.
I went to a good friend I knit with Knitting Zeal. She showed me how to crochet all the edges and attached them together. Then another friend showed me how to add a lace border. I was thrilled it was fun and quickly. The blanket turned out lovely my edging was a great touch to the girls wonderful work. The blanket is sure to be treasured by the baby and his family for years to come.

This past week I fingered out how to crochet flowers which are the perfect touch to a sweater I am making for my DD. In the next few weeks I am starting a completely crochet blanket. I have conquered crochet and I love it!!! YAY.

New Item I am Exciting Skirt

2009-04-17T12:08:00.000-04:00

This skirt was just plain fun to design, and it was a challenge to make a square with all those miter points. It is 2 circle skirts connected for the ultimate twirl skirt. Available at my etsy store.

Flower Pot Cupcakes or Cupcake Bouquet

2009-04-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

Flower Pot Cake or Flowers in Pot Cupcakes I made my daughters Butterfly Princess Tea Party

I saw this idea at a bakery but the pot was plastic and it cost $30 for one pot with 6 cupcakes. I thought it was cool idea but cheap looking because of the plastic pot. So I decided to try it myself

2 boxes of cake mix (2 different flavors, I did white and red velvet
3-4 tubs of icing (I used white, strawberry- but you can get all white and use food coloring to make color of choice)
2 terracotta pots 4”x 5” diameters
2-3 Floral Foam small 3”x4”
Easter Grass or Paper Grass
6 Dowels small (1/4” or 1/3”)
1 foam brush
Wax paper
Paper towels
1 Bag of Large Gum Drops (I found them at Walgreens)
1 Knife

Cupcakes-
Make cupcakes according to directions on box made night before
Iced cupcakes (I used a pastry bag and tips for some of them then switched to the gold knife method.) I iced the morning of the party
I used yellow sprinkles and red hots for the red dot.

Flower Stems
1. My hubby cut the dowels in 3 parts cutting off the stickers for varied lengths.
2. Cover an area of table with wax paper cover with paper towel
3. Then my son painted the poles with water /green food dyed mixture (I put a squeeze in the water) New foam bush to apply it.

4. Let dry it took about 15-20 min (again did this the morning of the party)
5. Then put the gum drops on the painted dowels slide down about 2-2 ½” down from the top (be sure to put the top of the gum drop on first so the flat side supports the cupcake) (point side 1st)

Flower and Pot assembly
6. Cut the foam and put in pots

7. Put some grass in the pot, (a little not too much) you can add more later if need but it tend to get in the icing, so a little goes a long way. Too much you wont because to get the dowels in.

8. Using the tip of you knife cut a small hole in the bottom of the cup cake so the dowel will slide in.

9. Put the cupcake on the dowel then the dowel in the pot varying heights (but so they feel stable. Put the cupcakes in as straight as possible, so they do not topple off the dowel. Note: Do not move the dowel if they are wiggle you would loose a cupcake.

Cost break down:
3.00= Cake Mix 2 boxes ( I used 14 for the pots but 48 cupcakes for the adults)
1.25=Cupcake liners
4.50= Icing (I probably could use less but I like icing)
6.00=6 dowels
3.00= 3 foam (purchased at “The Dollar Store”
4.00= 2 Terracotta Pots
.69= Easter Grass
22.44=Total cost

I know I could have made it for less if I looked for sales on the items and purchased ahead of time.

Added ideas.. Paint the pots ahead of time with the theme of the party, I would have like to put decorate butterflies flying over the flowers. Or I could have used found containers in my home like a tea pots. Also if you had a large party you could use a long window planter. Mix silk flowers in the base.

Tea for 10

2009-04-03T14:55:00.000-04:00

My daughter 4th birthday was a couple of weeks ago. I let my children give me the idea of the theme then I run with it. This year for her 4th birthday She wanted a Butterflies Princess “lemonade” Tea party. Lemonade because we would serve that instead of Tea.
This was a theme I felt I could run with.

My husband did the invites and they were awesome it helps to have a graphic artist in the house. We also included on the invitation it would be great if the girls could dress for the party,

My first idea was get wings. I found them on ebay seller Fairy_Princess I started out by getting from. She sold a 12 pack which was prefect because I invited 10 girls. They arrived in 3 days.

Then the favors I wanted to give the girls tea cups, real tea cups. The idea was they could use them at the party then take them home afterward. So I search for tea cups. I went to thrift stores 2nd hand stores. I purchase cup and saucers not necessary matching to each other or the cup to the saucer. Long as they we not chipped the were good. I was able to find enough and them some extra. Also during my shopping trips I picked up a lace table cloth, and various other pinks and flowers table covering.

Then I was thinking Dress up. So I picked up some costume jewelry I stopped by a local store Bittersweet village 278N Keswick Ave Glenside, Pa 19038 . While I was there I told the owner about my daughters party. The owner said “do you have hats for the party?” I said “no, I was thinking it”. She gave me 5 hats for the party for free. So at the party I set up a dress up station for the girls complete with boa,additonal dresses, hats, a jewelry box full of jewels and a full length mirror ($6 @ Target).

I was able to borrow the tea pots from my mother and cake stands from my friend. For the deco I set up a long 6” table I layered the table cloths and set the table. I happen to have and excessive amount of pink satin (not that I make capes for a living). Using the 3m comand hooks Placed at a slant, using ribbon, I hung fabric from the walls, using the ceiling fan as my base. I used 2 entire bolts of fabric 90 feet in total for the drapes. The hooks are great, they have been up for 3 weeks and still hanging.

The food was what else tea sandwiches. Peanut butter, PB&J, and Cucumber/cream cheese all on white bread, with the crust cut off cut into 4 parts. My husband made 12 sandwiches for 10 girls. We had Countrytime pink lemonade. For the desert cupcakes. I make them be the flowers on the table. See my next blog post on how to make them.

All the girls showed up dress in either princess dresses or fairy costumes. The activities went like this The girls made bracelets with pony beads, them some shrink dinks to add to the bracelets (with jump ring), they had time at the dress up station to become more fabulous. Then the Ladies” sat and had tea. They were all very prim and proper. Then gifts and out side to play. I love march birthdays you can never tell with the weather.

For my daughter gift I was able to find a amazing crafted tea set on etsy from KymminNC my MIL was generous enough to pay for it. The seller was great, it arrived on time and fit the parties theme perfect. It is a real tea set and my Dd loves it and it will be cherished always as a keepsake as she grows. If you know a little girl who loves tea I Hhighly recomend using Kymm. Also she informed me she can provide replacement parts if need and it is food safe.

Once the party was over my daughter promptly asked for another tea party for her next birthday.

Still trying to build a time machine????

2009-03-27T10:20:00.000-04:00

Reasons for lack of new clothing designs...I know excuses, excuses, excuses.....

1- 2 kids birthdays in the past 2 month- Done (reminder do a post about girls party)
2- needed a new camera, for pictures- done (reminder do a post on new camera)
3- busy with capes- continuous (reminder get more help)
4- too many hockey practices for my son- done tournaments is this weekend YAY (reminder get a gift for the coach)
5- Taxes- have to do them- next week..boo hoo
6- Went to meeting for women's group on the over scheduled child... how about the over scheduled mom... scary to think I went to a meeting to discuss how we all have no time...Done.. not sure If I learned anything but it was nice to laugh all evening
7- Still trying to build a time machine????

OUTCOME...

New Items ...So I used my new camera and took pictures new shirt. Someone asked me why don't I make more clothes and why are most of my clothes OOAK (one of a Kinds)? When I sew capes and super stuff all the time (not that I am complaining) I need breaks to design some clothes for mental designs outlet. This shirt was one afternoon of such a break, hence the OOAK, because usually I am playing with fabric and having fun.

I LOVE designing clothes since that is what I am trained to do but I also like making capes... so I try to balance both.

Bugs in My Tub!

2009-03-22T16:13:00.000-04:00

How to make Insect Amber Glycerin Soap:

Clear Glycerin Bar Melt n’ Pour (40.00 10lb or 9 for 2lb)
1 Bag of Bugs 2” big
Soap mold (I prefer the bars)
Food Coloring (yellow or orange) (u can use really soap dye but not necessary, you use such a small amount it will not dye skin)
Spoon
Large Knife
Large microwaveable glass bowl
Microwave

Since I was doing this for my sons party I bought the large 10lb thing of glycerin soap at Michael’s. I used a 50% off coupon so it was $20.00. Tip also Michael’s will take competitors coupons on one item (so u can use ACMOORE or Joann’s) I also purchased the molds 3.69 for the mold you only need one. I preferred the bar mold with no design because it looked like real amber.

1- Take the block out of the plastic tub and using a knife cut in 1” slice. Be careful It is hard to cut straight the knife tends to slide.
2- Then cut the slice in smaller squares 1”x 1”. Try to make them similar sizes other wise the larger ones take longer to melt.

3- I cut 1 slice for every 4 bars.
4- Follow the directions to melt in microwave. I microwaved it for 1 1/2 mins stirred , 30 seconds stirred gently not to cause bubbles and repeated 15-20 second intervals to melted.
5- I then added the food coloring.

6- I pour the a small amount in each mold as a base and let it cooled. I did this because when I poured the mold full the bugs just sank to the bottom, because the soap is not a suspension formula. (the suspension formula is not clear and therefore ruins the effect of the insect suspended in amber).
7- Once base layer of soap cooled partially 15-20 min. I reheated the remaining soap and stirred gently not to cause bubbles..
8- Mean time my son was choose the bugs and placing them in the molds for there encasing in amber.

9- I poured the soap over the bug. Not to quickly because you will get bubbles. If the soap is still hot u can use a toothpick to move the bubbles to the side of the mold.

10- Let the mold sit, they can be pushed out of the mold at about an hour but I would let them sit for 2 hours o they can be hard.

11- I then repeated and made 36+ bars of soap .. my husband was playing with the soap also.
12- I wrapped my soap in plastic wrap.
13- I then use Microsoft word and the label feature to make labels, it even let me add clip art in through word of bugs. The label helped keep plastic wrap on.

Cost :
20.00 soap ($40.00 but 50% off coupon)
8.00 bugs
3.69 molds
1.00 (or less fro plastic wrap)
32.69= total made 36 + bars

.90 each for a real cool favor and also the soap did not turn cloud like the store glycerin soap (Neutrogena) so the bugs we always visible once in use in a kid tub time.

The only compaint i have hear from my freinds is once the soap is gone they get in their tub and bug is in there tub. Which can really suck at 6am when you don't have your contacts in.

Lollipop Store

2009-03-17T14:52:00.000-04:00

Today’s discussion with my daughter:

We are driving home from an outing we pass our Bank … other wise called the Lollipop store (because they just don’t have money but Lollipops.

She says “I am Hungry…Mom I want a Lollipop”

She says “there is the Lollipop Store”

I say “But I don’t have to go to the bank today dear”

She say directing me “That is ok just go in and tell them: Your Daughter wants a Lollipop if they would be so kind to give one to me for her”

I said” Oh is that what I should say”

She said” Say it Just Like I said it Mommy and they will give you one”

Everyday she get more and more determined I am so scared for 15.

PhotoFunia Gave me the giggles

2009-03-11T10:51:00.000-04:00

So My friend on facebook put up some photos her created on Photofunia.com . Talk about a fun site to play with you can take a picture and using face recognition tech they locate the face and place it in the picture. Look at some of them I did. By the way I am a HUGE fan of Madonna and have been for the last 20+ years... I call her the "Goddess". So much so that my kids have been able to recognize her voice since they were 2 1/2.

Our Deeply Departed Roach

2009-03-09T01:34:00.000-04:00

Frank has Passed...My son Hissing Madagascar Cock Roach is dead. Just after my husband spend $15.00 on a new cage for him. When we got him he was missing an antenta. We think he passed because his water got spilled.

We will be missed. I am hopping another does not find it's way in to my home...via my husband

Our New Pet Frank?

2009-02-25T23:59:00.000-05:00

So this past Saturday was my DS birthday. We had 26 kids and a very busy day. The party was held at The Insectariums in Philadelphia.

The Insectariums is a product of a exterminator turned a Please Touch Museum …but coach roach style. Apparently the museum started when kids use to come by the exterminators front windows where he had his bugs displayed. The children noticed the bugs in the window… the owner thought why not start a museum and charge all the people to come in and see the bugs.
My son love bugs so he though it was great. I got a little crazy when kids are running all over the place, so it was more difficult for me. The place was a little well loved looking but great for the kids.

The 1st floor is mainly dead bugs in glass boxes, except for a full size kitchen set up in the middle of the room incased in glass. Our Tour Guide sprayed water and live roaches come out of the cracks in the kitchen for the water. Nasty! Also if you are brave you can eat bugs. 6 adults and 2 kid partook in the bugs…Yum…I did not. The 2nd Floor was the live bugs. It was neat to see the various living bugs spiders,millpedies. It was hard for our tour guide to keep the kids attention with such a large group. They sat for the viewing of the Madagascar Hissing Coach Roach but she lost them when she moved to the other insects. The museum had a small spider web set up with the web made out of rubber tubing which was the big hit for the kids to climb on.

We had cake in The Insectariums party room. My husband made the cake…without a pattern it was a fly. I made the party favors which included soap with bugs in it, they looked like bugs in amber . I will post instructions in my blog later this week. Also I could not resist the opportunity to make clothes for the kids.

The Best Part of the day according to My son, was when he got a new pet for his birthday. My sister in law though it would be nice(or payback) for my son to get a live Madagascar Hissing Coach Roach as a gift for his birthday. So after the party was over my son went a pick out a roach. The Madagascar Hissing Coach Roach only eat dog food, fruit, and vegs. He moves really slow but, will live for up to 5 years. The hissing sound is like air rushing out of a tire.
So we now have a hissing coach roach living in my home… in a cage. My son named him Frank. Does anyone else think this is odd? I hope Frank does not call any friends over for a visit?

All Hail the Queen!

2009-02-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

New item to BabyPop Designs. A princess crown usually sold in a set is now sold as a separate. To make any child feel like royalty. The crown is completely custom. You choose the colors and letter. Perfect with a cape. Check out this item by clicking here. or visiting http://www.babypop.com/ and clicking on the store link.

Would you pay $4400 for a Superhero Cape?

2009-02-02T11:58:00.000-05:00

Follow up to last week:
I was asked to do an interview by the Philadelphia inquirer regarding a New Law called Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (aka CSPIA) The article came out last Thursday 1/29.

Here is the Link to the full article, click on the link:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20090129_Craftspeople_see_safety_proposal_as_threat.html
Some background what the law is:
The law was written because of the issues with China Using Lead in children's toy. By when law makers wrote the law they did not consider the small business in the US such as my own. The law states that all maker of all toys and clothing for children under the age of 12 must be 3rd party tested and certified to not contain lead (lead is in paint and some printing methods,some metal parts jewlrey). The issue is the requirement are all fabric, components, trims, all colors must be tested and every time we use a new dye lot, testing is required again. The Testing Cost $100 per item fabric, trim..and then you have to get the finish toy/clothing test when it is done.

So just for capes I have 10 satins, 13 felts, 6 velcro, 13 threads, 2 labels @$100 per test= 4400.00
then technically I have to get the capes tested by color way when they are done being sew)
than every time I purchase new fabric do the tests again
How could I build that in to the cost of the $15.00 cape?

Don't forget I have other products, tees, mask, gloves, teepees, dresses (one dress I use 3-4 fabrics per dress)

The handmade community is pushing to have the law amended to exempt manufactures that make under 5000 pieces per lot or have under $1 million in sales. At best exempt handmade community.

I am of the opinion that the US government is way to busy to come after the mom at home sewing in he bedroom. But I do feel as my company grows it is an issue. I have already been asked by one of my clients who is Boutique for the testing certification letter. So do I think BabyPop Designs will affect me long term, yes.

Where as I think it is important to protect the American child from careless manufacturing off shore, I think it is important to protect the small business owners as well. With so many Americans out of work should we encourage those who want to change there situation. Many artisans make items for the love of children's. I have hear of a lot of my fellow artisans getting out of making kids items because of the law, which is a shame.

If you would like to learn more or help out with the effort to amenda the law:
here some help:
Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
Handmade Toy alliance http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/
My blog: http://babypopdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/cpsia-save-my-bussiness-and-please-read.html

http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/01/CPSIA-Etsy-Resources.pdf

Here are some resources for supporters:

Find your representatives:https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

MomsRising Letter writing campaign:http://www.momsrisingaction.org/o/1768/campaign.jsp?campaign

Public Comment to CPSC:http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/ComponentPartsComments.pdf

Contact info for Waxman

Washington, D.C. Office:

2204 Rayburn House Office Building,

District of Columbia 20515-0530

Phone: (202) 225-3976

Fax: (202) 225-4099

Los Angeles Office: (more district offices)

8436 West 3rd Street,

Suite 600Los Angeles,

California 90048

Phone: (323) 651-1040

Fax: (323) 655-0502

On Saturday night the CSPS stay or extended the deadline for the certification to a 2/2/2001. But the law still need to be changed.

Thanks for Take your time to read and please feel free to pass the information along,

Philadelphia Inquirer Visit

2009-01-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

I was interview about CPSIA by the Philadelphia Inquirer Dawn Fallik, the article came out in today’s Magazine Section front page. Pictures of My daughter and I take by Inquirer Photographer April Saul.

I was very happy that the paper want to show the point of the handmade community and I was pleased that the more people will know about the issue.

Read the article here where it's on the web.

CPSIA- Save My Bussiness and Please read

2009-01-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

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, 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

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.

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.”

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

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.

Ms. President?

2009-01-20T23:24:00.000-05:00

So this morning I tell my daughter “Today is a very important day!”

Her “Why”

Me: “Because we got a new President”

She says “Who?”

Me: “The man on the television. Barack Obama”

She says: “The Rock Obama…" she then sings "Rock Obama, Rock Obama..roock Obama.” swinging her hips.

Me giggling: “Do you want to be president some day? “

She says “Yes President Erin…. so I can be on TV” "rock obama..rock obama.."

Me: “And you can be after today”

Rock Obama Rock!

Alternative Press...why not?

2009-01-17T23:05:00.000-05:00

So I was approached by Alternative Press Magazine Several months ago they wanted to use my broken heart gloves in there February Edition of the Mag. In the AP Style section entitle "Love Me Love, Me Not." Other fellow Etsy artists we also featured SafetyThird and SoapStone.

The Power of a Princess

2009-01-15T13:09:00.000-05:00

So over the holidays I shut down the store and went to "Most Magical Place on Earth", so they say. We had a great time and I would say if you have a little girl and can afford to go more than once. Go to Disney when you little princess is almost 4 or 4ish. My daughter was entranced and speechless when it came to meeting here favorite Fairies and Princesses.

She did not mind waiting an hour in line for Tinkerbell and Bolt (new Disney dog movie). She made many friends in line. I must say Disney has learned something from my last visit when my son was 5. They have the character available almost from open to close. So the lines are not 2 hours any more. Also the later you go the better you avoid the crowds and the park is great at night, so swim during the day and go at night.

Also when we went to go see the Fairies the 1st new characters in 4 years, you went in a room with 3 fairies (tinkerbell, silver mist, and fawn) and our family was the only ones in the room. The Disney personnel took there time they did not rush you the fairies talked in character and took the the time to sign the books. my daughter was speechless and all smiles, telling the fairies "I have your movies and I love you" to them...it also helped the moment that I dressed her in her princess gown. Very well done and We had more time with the Faries then Cindrella

Also a pleasant surprise was Rafiki hideaway, We got to see Pocahontas, when walked up behind us and was special because my daughter was sad from being in a dark room. She turned and hugged Pocahontas who made it all better.(mom could not make her happy but a fictional character did. She also gave a big hug to Rafiki I don't even know who he was... but she did not care she was at Disney.

My son enjoyed himself but he did tell me off to the side "that it was just people dresses up in clothes"... I had to tell him to shshssh so his sister did not hear.

The thing was I was exhausted from hours of work earlier that month. I needed a little magic. As the week went on I watched the kids and the fun they had. For my little princess she thought it was all real. I started to believe it, I started talking like a princess, I know odd.

Some people say wait till the kids are older but for you and your memories of your children being small. Do it when they are small enough that the magic is still there, because by kindergarten they don't get the magic as much. Sadly Little girls after the age of 5 don't want to dress up as princess and boys don't believe in superheros. So for you capture it an go while they are young and take allot of photos. If you can afford to go even for a day, take a 3-4year old and dress them up..and then you can feel the magic.