Christmas Around the World

Some of you might be noticing some holiday displays up in the stores already, and many of us have uttered, "and it's only September!" But in the boutique world, the Christmas frenzy is already in full swing.

This week, my friends at Bijou & Company are offering beautiful Christmas customs, and I've had the honor of making bows for several of the sets.

There are many holiday traditions around the world -- but all celebrate in the spirit of giving. That is why the designers at Bijou & Co. are most excited to announce our newest launch, Christmas Around the World. Reaching across countries, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the International Children's Hospital. So you know that your bid goes beyond the custom -- it's helping to heal a child. And, after all, what better Christmas gift can you give, than the gift of hope? Bid early. Bid often. Make a difference.

Beginning on September 9th, search BijouCo on eBay! Here is just a small peek at the many festive outfits and accessories that you will find as we journey to Christmas Around the World!

And they're off...

The summer seemed long and short at the same time. We squeezed so much in this year- a spontaneous road trip to St. Louis, with a two-night stop at Niagara Falls over the Fourth of July, and so much more. In St. Louis we had a VIP tour of the famous St. Louis Zoo, with a private viewing of their amazingly trained Sea Lions, and special exhibit viewings--all because Mark is working on some campaign material for them. What a treat. Oh, and look what we found inside the St. Louis Zoo! How fun!

On the other hand, we camped through some awful storms in central NH, and left just days before a tornado hit. We finished off our summer with our regular trip to a family cabin in Maine, just north of Camden. We spent a couple extra nights this year, watching the kids enjoy time with their cousins. The kids paddled around the pond by themselves this year, and swam to the float a gazillion times, and were quite proud of it! Here are Sara and Julia (front and back) paddling their cousins around. Adam was in the kayak with Dad.

And here we are at the beginning of the school year again. The girls are in first and second grade in the same school, so they are on and off the bus together. Adam is in his last year of preschool.

So we're back into our routine again. Well, sort of. Mark has left the office environment and is working from home now, so things will change a little. I'll have a clean kitchen each day (courtesy of him!) and a stocked kitchen. Lucky for me, he loves to cook, and he doesn't mind the grocery store! And I won't worry so much when I have a doctor's appointment and have to get home in time for the bus. He'll be around to help with the little things. Life is good.

My little slugger...

If you look closely, Julia's eyes are closed as she's swinging at this softball...but wouldn't you know, she nails it!

Julia and Sara have begged me for "their own website" so I finally agreed and helped them open their very own Etsy Shop. It's called JaydeeMayDesigns, named for both of them. Julia has always been called JaydeeBug (JD for her initials) and Sara's middle name is May- we call her May a little more than we call her by her first name. So JaydeeMayDesigns is born. Julia has worn her fingers out making button ponytail holders over the last day or so, and Sara put together some simple Czech glass earrings today. They've inherited the crafty gene. Take a peek, and add them to your favorites- they get silly when they see that others like their things.

We're sensing an end to the summer. Swim lessons end this week, and we leave next week for our last vacation- to our family cabin in Maine. Enjoy the last lazy days of summer!

BiJou & Co Back to School Launch

Each school year thousands of memories are created. Some of them are saved in a folder, journal or scrapbook. But one of the most important memories you will look back on in the years to come will be your child’s school picture. You of course will want everything to be perfect. Bijou & Co. can help you create the perfect memory that will last a lifetime.

Bijou & Co presents Create Your Own School Picture. From July 24 – 31, our talented group of designers will be listing amazing back to school outfits. Perfect for the first day or school, or school picture day! Not only will you receive a one-of-a-kind boutique outfit, but you will also receive an original 11x17 artist portrait of your child wearing her custom boutique design.

What could be better?! The perfect outfit and the perfect photo. Two memories rolled into one. After all a picture is worth a thousand words and in this case a thousand memories.

To see the amazing designs and portraits, go to ebay and enter search term BijouCo Pictures. You can also read about the latest launch news by visiting our blog at http://bijouandco.blogspot.com/

It pays off...

Last week I was invited to join Adagio Bleu, the great group of designers that I joined for a guest launch in May. Adagio Bleu is a wonderful collaborative group that I'm going to have lots of fun with! Here's my first listing as a 'regular' in ABSD. The bows and clip match the beautiful dress by Annie of Pretty Baby Boutique. The dress is made with Moda's Fresh Squeezed line of fabrics, and the bows pull in the bright citrus colors of summer. Take a peek, and see if your mouth waters, just as mine did!

Multitasking!

I promised a picture of what I made last week- here it is! I haven't taken a picture of Julia's dress yet, but here's a Ginger Blossom halter I made a few nights ago. I had a little bit of the Ginger Blossom fabric left, so I took Sara's measurements and made the dress to fit a size smaller than she is. I'm going to save it and give it to my little niece, Isabella.

Speaking of Etsy, I do list there even though my website keeps me busy enough. Orders placed through my website are all made to order, so I am usually backlogged about 3 weeks. I ship 4 or 5 orders a day, so that gives you an idea of how little sleep I get!

But I do find time each day to make something new, and listing on Etsy is a great creative outlet (as if I need another one) so I list one-of-a-kind items there. I have some fun button bracelets and snap clips there.

Check out the recently listed items on the Etsy home page- it's fun to sit and watch the interesting new things that pop up.

Have a great Father's Day weekend!

Beth O Photoshoot

I received pictures last night from Beth O Photography- I am just amazed at the quality of her photos. The model is striking- her name is Emma. I wouldn't hesitate to have her model for me in the future. Beth was so easy to work with. The bows and outfit are listed this week on eBay. The outfit is by Cassi of Princess Tiger Lily Boutique and is OOAK for a one-of-a-kind spicy girl in a size 4/5/6. The bows were a remake of my original skull/punk style, with some denim ribbon added in to match Cassi's set. Here are my favorite pictures from the photo shoot.