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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Keep Your Vehicle Snow Ready


We're hunkerin' (yes, I said hunkerin') down for a big snow here...3-4 inches this afternoon, 6-8 more overnight, continued snow tomorrow and 30-40 mph winds through it all...YIKES! The pantry is stocked, warm fuzzy jammies are all washed and at the ready, and snow day activities are planned for tomorrow just in case ;)

With all this talk of snow, I started to re-evaluate just how "snow ready" my car is in case of unforseen circumstances. After much consideration, I came up with the following necessities to keep in my car this winter season:

1. Blankets - IMO, the most important thing next to a working cell phone (which is always in my purse) that you can have with you in case of emergency. Not only can they be used for huddling together for warmth, but they can also be invaluable for use in first aid if your emergency first aid kit mysteriously goes MIA.
2. A Spare Charged Cell Phone - even a small prepaid phone with minimal minutes can come in handy for calling 911 in case of emergency if your primary cell's battery dies. A spare charger is a great idea too, but won't do you much good if the car battery is dead...always have a phone at the ready!
3. A First Aid Kit - this is a must have in my car year-round. Stock it with some essentials - bandages, gauze, antiseptic, ice packs, scissors, an ACE wrap, etc...And above all else, know how to use it! You never know when you may have to splint a limb or stabilize a joint until medical help can arrive.
4. Jumper Cables - goes without saying. It's just good driving sense.
5. Spare Winter Clothes - goes hand in hand with extra blankets. Having 4 little ones means I need to consider how I can keep everyone warm and dry. Be sure to have extra layers for you as well...you never know when you may have to leave the vehicle and layers are key for keeping warmth against the skin.
6. Prepackaged Snacks/Imperishables - go for dense, fiber-rich foods that pack a punch like granola, jerky, and protein bars. No need to keep a bunch of water/liquids in the car in the winter. They would likely freeze/explode anyway. If caught in a blizzard, you'll have all the fresh water you need around you...snow!
7. Flashlights - are great for looking around under the hood, near the tires, and for signaling help. Be sure to keep extra batteries on hand too to keep those flashlights functional.
8. A Small Tool Kit - for basic repairs (at least enough to sucessfully change a tire...make sure your jack is always in place!).
9. Emergency Tire Sealant - like Fix-A-Flat...it won't repair a flat tire, but can seal a leak long enough to get you to the next gas station.
10. Road Salt & Shovel - not always feasible due to space, but even a small hand shovel and bag of gravel or salt can help to free stuck tires (old floor mats can also provide traction against slipping tires).

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sweet Eye Candy!


Just a little yummy eye candy to get you through the morning!


Raspberry Chocolate Drizzle Bath Bomb by Simply Tempted

Darling Diva Strawberry Daiquari Bath Bomb by Sugar and Spice Soap Co.

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Bath Cupcake by Black Kettle Soap


Cupcake Love Soap Cupcakes by Margarita Bloom


Sweet Treat Raspberry Cupcake Bath Comb by Anita's Crafty Creations

All photos property of respective shops as listed and copywrite protected.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Can You Stand The Sweetness?

Keeping with the cupcake theme of late, I thought I'd share these little sweeties that I just finished for a client. This bakery box of diaper cuppies comes perfectly packaged and ready for gift-giving. The best thing? This gift is not only super sweet, but totally functional as well ...diapers for baby's bum, washcloths for messy mouths and bath time clean-up, and hair clips that are made to work in even the thinnest wisps of hair!



Boxed up with clippies securely affixed to the front of each ribbon "wrapper" to remain perfect in transport :) All that's left to do is close the lid, affix a sweet bow and label hang tag. A yummy, no calorie treat for the Mama-To-Be!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Cupcakes, Cupcakes, and More Cupcakes!

What could be sweeter than the perfect yummy cupcake, with it's moist, fluffy cake and mounds of artfully swirled frosting sitting atop like perfect pillows of sweet delight? Perhaps nothing, but these fabulous cupcake inspired blogs sure come close. Sit back, grab your favorite latte, and kick up your feet as you peruse these awesome sites from the comfort of your own abode!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Party Box Design...Get Your Party On!

Having 4 little ones means I have to constantly have my creativity hat on...art projects, science experiments, nature walks, goofy games, silly dances, bubble tag, and so much more! It also means that I have to squeeze out those creative juices that much more to come up with 4 individualized birthday party themes each year.

You can imagine my delight when I was contacted by Jessica from Party Box Design last December. Her slogan is "Anything & Everything Party" and boy, does she mean it! At Party Box Design, you can get everything from gourmet cupcakes to a variety of darling designer toppers, tags, and centerpieces. They even offer event planning consultations online, so you never have to leave the comfort of your own home...a definite plus for a busy mama like me!

I recently had the opportunity to ask Jessica about life as the mastermind behind this fabulous shop. Here's what she had to say:

From where did the inspiration for Party Box Design come?
It was my dream...finally taking a leap of faith in myself. The inspiration came from within, from me wanting to show my daughter that following your dreams is an accomplishment in itself. I wanted to stop thinking about "the idea" of my dream and start living it - creating it! If you want something, go get it.

What do you like best about being a mom-preneur?
The excitement of working toward some
thing, the goal of changing my life and living it to its fullest.

What do you find most challenging about being a mom-preneur?
I think all working moms would say keeping all the balls in the air...managing my time well. Maintaining a healthy balance.

How do you find the balance between being a mom, working outside of the home, and building your own business?
I don't know! LOL...I guess coffee, less sleep, and thinking of the bigger picture. It's my dream after all, so it doesn't really feel like work, but rat
her a blessing.

What do you like to do to
unwind when your aren't "on the grind"?
I love adult nights out where I can curl my eyelashes, actually wear eyeshadow, and wear something other than sweats! Being a mom changes you and sometimes you need to be reminded that you are more than just that.

Jessica's designs are fresh, innovative, and right on the money with the latest and greatest trends. A little shabby, a little chic, a little sassy, and a lotta classy...gotta love a girl after my own heart! I'll definitely be keeping Party Box Design in my mental Rolodex for future reference. Later this month, it's a 6 year Bounce House Birthday Bonanza for Jaden...done deal, but with a 1 year birthday celebration on the horizon for little Ellie Bean, I hear some sweet little goodies calling!

All pictures property of Party Box Design and provided with consent. No compensation of any kind was received for this feature.

And The Verdict Is...


For what it's worth, Punxsutawney Phil has spoken and the news isn't good...6 more weeks of winter according to the fat and furry little guy. Has there ever been a year when he's given us good news? Not in my recent recollection, but then again, my recollection isn't as good as it used to be pre-babies!

Have a blessed Tuesday and stay warm!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Babies, Babies, Babies!

As the saying goes, there must have been "something in the water" last spring because lately we have had a rash of orders for our popular Baby Blooms! Here's one that was completed on Friday and there's another in the works this morning.

Ok, so the pics aren't "display" quality, but you get the idea...I love how this one turned out. It was a custom bouquet with some super cute outfits and some baby-lovin' goodies from Ellia C. Natural's Baby Collection. Welcome to the World, Baby Adara!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Make A Statement! {Giveaway}


In this day and age, branding is everything. Whether it's getting the word out about your growing business, increasing exposure for your blog, or promoting your mama/baby group, customized paper products are a fabulous tool to have in your arsenal. I was thrilled when I was contacted by UPrinting to host this wonderful giveaway for Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby readers. One lucky ducky will receive 250 customized labels or stickers of his/her choice. Perfect for professional use as well as making personal statements (like address labels or letter seals), these babies are limited only by your imagination!

Now for the prize details...
250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner
Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”

Paper: 70lb
Label Matte
Specifications: Full color front, blank back; 4 Business Day printing
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only


To Enter:
Just leave me a comment indicating what you would like to use these for and that's it...easy, peasy! The winner will be selected by random.org on February 14th. What a great start to a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Just In Time for Valentine's Day!


Looking for a coffee mocha delight without all of the guilt and calories? Check out our new Love Ya' A Latte bar! Rich and delicious, this skin loving bar is brewed with loads of moisturizing organic cocoa butter and nutrient-rich organic shea butter. We then give it a healthy dose of emollient-rich organic oils, freshly ground organic cacao, and freshly ground fair-trade coffee beans for a truly luscious boost!


The perfect way to say "I Love You" to your sweetie this Valentine's Day!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Only For You, Patrice...


...would I reveal in photographic form the travesty that is my seizing nightmare (for those who may be a little lost, please check out yesterday's post below). Because you are such a skilled artisan and create some of my favorite eye candy, I will oblige your request for pics of my devastation. For your viewing pleasure...Enjoy (and feel free to offer condolences as you feel led!)...


The lumpy, chunky mess that is the top...so much for beautiful swirls & peaks!

This baby seized so hard and so fast I couldn't even bang, mash, or otherwise cajole it down into the corners properly!

For those who may be new to my little blog or passing through for the day, this was not the look I was going for, nor should it be taken as an example of my work (which can be viewed HERE). In fact, IMO, this is not how beautiful handmade soap is supposed to look at all. It is simply an unfortunate occurrence meant to sit here on my counter and mock me all afternoon until I finally decide if there is some way to miraculously salvage all of the fabulous skin loving oils and butters that went into this batch. And BTW, did I mention that it smells AMAZING? Fresh and clean and perfectly green with just a splash of citrus...ah, sooooo disappointing!

Tomorrow is another day filled with so many possibilities, but until then I can't help but hear the faintest laugh coming from the lump of disappointment sitting on my counter!