Poesiealbum – Little Book of Friendships

From Mama's Corner:

A long time ago, when I was a little girl in Germany, long before PCs, facebook and youtube, the cool way to have a memento from your friends was to have them write in your Poesiealbum.  These little booklets looked very much like diaries, some did actually have the little locks and keys. 

Your friends and classmates would take the little book with the blank pages home. The next day they returned it .  On the left page they either pasted a special picture (you could buy those at the store), or they drew something.  On the right page they wrote a little verse or some poetry in their best handwriting.  Then they signed and dated it. These little books were very popular, mostly for girls, from the 3^rd to maybe the 6^th grade.

One of the favorite verses was this (remember, in German it actually rhymed):

Roses, tulips, carnations, // all flowers will fade.// Only one will not fade,// and it is called Forget-me-not.

In case you are not familiar with Forget-me-nots: they are small light-blue flowers, you can see some in the picture of the flower basket.  As a special touch, my friend also drew the little wreath of Forget-me-nots to make the written page extra pretty.

It is so important to remember all the great people we have in our lives. What are some of the ways you keep wonderful memories alive and share your love with friends and family?

Odd Duck Bazaar--THIS WEEKEND!!

It’s one of the BIGGEST Indie Events in South Florida- the Annual Odd Duck Craft Fair.  Over 80 vendors from across South Florida will be there selling handcrafted and vintage goods!

Last year, I was there with my Huggabeans Crochet Creations.  Sadly, I will not be vending this year (I have to work) but I will stop by to support handmade.

This year, the bazaar has moved to a new location in downtown Hollywood.  You can expect a day filled with tons of unique handmade items, tons of food and live music!

Time: Noon- 6pm

Date: March 31, 2012

Where: Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe Street, Hollywood, FL

Cost: Only $5

Hope to see you there!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Maternity Pants

Oh-my gosh! I thought this was soo cute!

It’s called “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Maternity Pants!”   My bestest friend (expectant mom)-- Shayla Jiles told me about this great idea!  She met a group of women on Babycenter.com—trying for their first babies. As each girl got pregnant, they are expected to mail patches to everybody in the group.

Now, it's four years later and her jeans are covered with patches!

 

Here are a few other patches I found online from Sew Lucky Embroidery!
It’s a great way to connect with other mamas!

 

Bat in the Cave!

Tricks to getting baby's boogers out!

Okay- this is one of the most glamorous jobs mothers have--getting those crusty little guys out of your baby’s nose!  Although I don’t have any children, I do have a little nephew—who doesn’t like anyone messing with his nose!

I didn’t realize how difficult this task would be, until I had to do it myself!   Caleb (who is 2 ½ years old) refused to blow into the tissue—so I had to go in after those crusty guys!

It wasn’t fun… in fact it was the most disgusting thing I have ever done!! But I had no choice! We were just minutes from arriving at a party. He couldn’t be seen with boogers hanging out of his nose.

After some research—I found there are other more useful ways in cleaning out those nostrils.

1. Use a warm damp wash cloth to clean the outside of the nose. Then use the bulb styled Q-tips to finish the job

2. Put two drops of baby saline in the nostril then go in with the “nose sucker”

33. With booger cleaning, it actually helps if baby sheds some tears- because some will drain into the nose. It will soften the boogers--making it easier to remove.

Do you have any tips??

Cake Balls—Yummy!

For those who haven’t heard of this yet- here’s the recipe. Instead of cupcakes, make bite- sized cake balls! They will be a hit at any party or event! The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

1 box of cake mix

Eggs

Milk

Oil

1 container of prepared frosting

1 container of candy melts

Sprinkles and other decorations

Directions

1. Prepare the cake—following the package directions. After baking, let it cool. Then, crumble it into a big mixing bowl.  Combine with the frosting until it is well blended.

2. Use a melon baller or your hands to form the balls.

3. Warm the candy melts in a small bowl in the microwave (follow instructions on package).

4. Dip the balls in the candy melt using a toothpick, spoon or fork.

5. Place them on wax paper to harden and decorate

You can use any kind of cake and frosting you like-- yellow, chocolate, lemon! Let your imagination run wild!  Also--instead of candy melts-- you can opt for chocolate or almond bark coating- Yum!

Where did the name "Huggabeans" come from?

When I decided to launch my online baby beanie and newborn photography prop shop,  I spent weeks trying to come up with the perfect name.  
After much deliberation, I decided to use a name that was very dear to me as a child- Huggabeans. 

I don’t have any children (yet)-but I did have a baby doll! 
Her name was Huggy-Beans!  It was Christmas day 1988- when I recieved my doll. I loved her so much! But instead of calling her Huggy-Beans—I pronounce her name “HuggaBeans!”  

Sad to say, a few years ago some horrible thieves stole my precious doll!

I did a little bit of research and found out she was the FIRST mass-produced Black character doll ever made in the United States. She could sell in auction for up to $200! Can you believe that!

So—if you happen to see a Huggy-Beans doll on E-Bay or a Flea Market—Let me know!!

Makeup Advice from Mama!

You COULD never guess my mother’s age by looking at this picture!
Here’s a hint—her oldest daughter is her late 30’s. J

My mom credits her youthful appearance to GOOD makeup!

 Not the cheap stuff. She doesn’t cut corners when it comes to skin care!  

She goes straight to the Elizabeth Arden Makeup Counter for her foundation and buys Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup! It covers wonderfully and does not feel heavy.

ALSO-Free Gifts!

My mom also says the best time to buy during the Free Gift w/purchase event.  

Elizabeth Arden gives you:

a full size lipstick

compact case of either eye shadow, blush/bronzer

sometimes small bottle of perfume

various sample sizes of cleansers

creams and special treatments (love those for travel, or just to try out)

Final words of advice- develop a relationship with your makeup representative. 

Oftentimes, they will go out of their way to help you out.

Milk and Cookie Bar

We all know about dessert bars and candy tables at showers—but there’s a new craze hitting the shower scene.  Milk and Cookie Bars!

A great alternative to the traditional dessert buffet- Milk and Cookies serve as the main event.

As many of you know, my god-daughter is expected to make her appearance any day now.  Earlier this year, a shower was held in her honor—with the theme around sweets!  

The possibilities are endless—you can even pick a signature cookie for your event!

As party favors, you can pass out cookie mix in a beautifully decorated jars!

Special kudos goes out to one of my dearest friends—expectant mother Shayla Jiles- who was inspired to create this bar!

Haitian Gospel Festival

South Florida is a cultural melting pot!  From the Patois-language spoken at the barber shop to the Creole echoed in the streets on Little Haiti—it’s a multilingual cornucopia.  For me, I struggle to learn all the different languages. I don’t understand Creole—but I love Haitian Gospel Music.

Earlier this month, the fourth annual Haitian Gospel Fes­tival was held at Gwen Margo­lis Park in North Miami Beach. Sev­eral hun­dred people turned out for the show, which was hosted by Good Life Min­istry.

Ismael Louis- (co-worker/photographer extraordinaire) is one of the lead band members of

Revelation Mizik! That’s him with his son playing the drums!

Over 15 acts performed in this awesome night of praise and worship!

Click here for a recap of the festival: 4^th Annual Haitian Gospel Festival. 

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

Welcome to the world of high quality, super yummy miniature food jewelry!  These little pieces are
oh-so-cute-- crafted with handmade polymer clay.
All of these fantastic items are from the Pumpkin Pye Boutique.

The fabulous designer behinds these creations is Tiffany Battel.  With over 18 years of experience and a degree in Ceramic Arts, she’s become an expert at meticulously molding each piece of jewelry.   

 I had a chance to sit down with her to talk about her tiny creations.

Why did you enter into the world of selling?
I've always been into anything artsy crafty since I could walk. June 11, 2008 was the night before I was scheduled to have my daughter, I was playing around with an old bag of polymer clay that I've had stored away for years! I created a few things for fun like I used to, always small miniature things like figurines and charms for jewelry. June 12, 2008, I had my daughter and weeks after having her I found out I was laid off from my job. Worried and stressed about not having any income, I took the plunge into the online world of selling. I created a few pieces, took pictures and opened up 2 online shops at once. Took the bull by the horns by opening up 2 shops at once, but I needed to take care of my baby and provide for my family and nothing was going to stop me from doing this.

What have you learned most about operating your own business?
That its only YOU in this business and you have to wear the hats of every job. I am the owner, the artist, the book keeper, the shipper and heck, even the janitor! Lots of hats to be worn here as well as developing great organization skills and patience.

What do you love about your job?
The products I create make people smile. They take one look and can't help but to crack a smile or laugh out loud. I absolutely love seeing that! Even when I'm not out in the public selling at events, the email responses I get back from people who have received my products are so kind and say the nicest things!

What inspires you the most in your creations?
My daughter. If it wasn't for Ava, I wouldn't be doing what I love today and have turned 

it into a full time business.

Where can we find you online!

Blog- www.pumpkinpyeboutique.blogspot.com

Facebook- www.facebook.com/pumpkinpyeboutique

Twitter- @PumpkinPye Instagram

Online Shop- www.pumpkinpyeboutique.com

Huggabeans Giveaway

 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Mommy Bloggers!  I recently found Joanna Brock with BrockPaperScissors!  She’s a stay-at-home mother of two-- Nico (3 1/2) and Lola (1). She’s also a military wife—something I hold dear to my heart!  As a former army brat, I know the stress she must feel--
 balancing her life between her husband’s deployments.

Joanna agreed to review my hand crocheted baby beanies at http://www.huggabeans.com/. We also decided to join forces for a Huggabeans Giveaway. One lucky reader will win $40 of store credit!

Please visit her blog for details on competing! Good Luck!

Wasa What??

Yummy Wasa

My husband says it taste like cardboard, but I love it! Wasa Crispbread.

Growing up in Germany, my mother always found the perfect snacks for our family.   

Wasa was always in our diet.  The European treat has roots in Sweden, dating back hundreds of years!

 Like many low fat breads, Wasa is made with rye grain and whole wheat flour. Wasa is a great alternative to chips or bread! They are 100 percent whole grain and have little sodium.  

 I top mine with muenster cheese and turkey!

It’s also a great snack to take to work!  I pack two pieces every day!

You can find Wasa at Target and Publix.

City-Wide Market TODAY!

Flea markets combine the festive feel of a street fair and the thrill of a good treasure hunt.  

That's why I love 'em!

TODAY- the City Wide Market is open.  You'll find tons of locals selling a wide range of items, including:

- Gently Used and Good Condition SecondHand Goods
- Vintage/Retro Items
- Collectibles and Novelties
- Locally Made Products and Crafts

City-Wide Market is a huge MONTHLY garage sale, flea market, vintage and craft fair.

The event is free--so come out and support reuse!

March 18th, 2012
9am-3pm
Emma Lou Olson Civic Center
1801 NE 6th Street, Pompano Beach

Http://www.citywidemarket.com for more info!
Vendor Inquiries: citywidemarket@gmail.com

C Loves T: 4 years

 

Troy and I have been married for FOUR years today! It's really amazing how time flies!

Unlike my lovely sisters, who opted for the big Texas weddings, Troy and I wanted something smaller and more intimate. We tied the knot on the white sandy beaches of Negril,

Jamaica at Couples Swept Away Resort!

 

And here is my handsome groom! Lucky me!

 

Marriage is truly a gift from God! But when two people from different backgrounds join together—there are bound to be some misunderstandings. Placing God first in your relationship will help guide your steps.

Here are a few great scriptures we use DAILY--to help our relationship.

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:26-27

"As for me and my house--we will serve the Lord!"

Joshua 24:15

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 Troy, I love you more than words can express!

Happy Anniversary!