Owl Gender Reveal Shower Invitations

I was so excited to receive a special order request. A mom from my original Mommy Group (7 years ago! I am still in denial that I have a 7 year old) wanted a Gender Reveal shower invitation with an Owl theme.  I have been loving the chalkboard style that is trending so I combined the two ideas and wala! Adorable owl gender reveal! I hope she has an amazing shower in Canada!

Purchase yours in my Etsy Shop

A huge thank you!!!

Can I just say, THANK YOU! I checked my votes tonight... I am nearly over 1000 votes in the StartupNation contest for Leading Moms in Small business. That makes my day, no matter what happens, that is just stinking awesome. Of course, keep voting!! Maybe I can hit lucky number 1111!

Vote daily through April 30th!

Give the gift of Pure Barre

It is so important to shop local. I really didn't realize that until I started my small business. Slowly in the first few years, I realized that I had shifted my shopping habits away from big stores and moved toward small businesses. Then I joined the Junior League of Huntsville and realized that not only do I need to shop small businesses but I need to shop local businesses. There are so many amazing local shops to purchase really great, unique and still affordable gifts. And in doing so, you are supporting your local community. Your sales tax dollars go toward education, public transportation, roads, and so much more! When you really think about it, why not put it back in the community you are raising your family in?

Enter the Shop Local Mother's Day giveaway, peruse the facebook pages of each of the retailers in the giveaway and start thinking local for Mother's Day. You'll be giving a gift for mom but also a gift for your family and the entire community. It sounds big and outrageous but it's the small things that build great wonders.

Here is a great photo of Pure Barre's owner, Meredith Davis, with her amazing staff. Together they are ready to help you Lift Tone & Burn! Does your mom already Lift Tone and Burn at Pure Barre? Shop their clothing store and give her that little extra to wear next time she attends class! They have an amazing selection of color and outfits!

9 more days to vote for Belle Announcements

Imagine my excitement when I went to vote for Leading Moms in Small Business and found myself on the front page! Keep voting and let's see how far we can take this! Thank you so much!!

 

Please vote!

Madison County friends, don't forget to also enter the Giveaway!

Shop Local Mother's Day Giveaway

Enter to win 1 of 6 fantastic Mother's Day Gifts! Please be sure to like all 6 generous retailers and unlock additional entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One final Recap of the Giveaway Gifts

Fleet Feet Huntsville - $50 Gift Certificate. Value $50

Lolettas Jewelry - Sorrelli Necklace. Value $90

Broadway Theater League - 2 Tickets to see Chicago the Musical. Value $94.

Pure Barre Madison/Huntsville - 10 Classes and a pair of socks. Value $193.

Olivia Reed Photography - Mommy & Me Photo Session with CD of up to 10 images. Value $235

Belle Announcements Fine Stationery - A Year of Stationery. Value $300


Giveaway Terms and Conditions:
This giveaway is meant for residents living in or around Madison County Alabama. You should be 18 years to enter. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. It is required by five of the six participating partners that prizes be picked up in-store. The only exception is the Year of Stationery from Belle Announcements which will be shipped directly to your home.

Fleet Feet Huntsville will award one person a $50 gift certificate. The gift certificate can only be used in the Fleet Feet Huntsville located at 2722 Carl T Jones Drive SE, Huntsville AL 35802. This gift certificate cannot be redeemed at any other Fleet Feet location.

Lolettas Jewelry will award one person a specific Sorrelli Necklace. You do not have the option to return or exchange this piece. You must be able to pick up the necklace in store within 30 days. Lolettas is located at 4800 Whitesburg Drive S #40, Huntsville, AL 35802. There is no cash value to this necklace.

Broadway Theatre League will award a gift certificate for 2 to see a performance of Chicago the Musical in Huntsville, Alabama. Showtimes are September 27 - 29, 2013. There is no cash value to these tickets and tickets cannot be exchanged for another show.

Pure Barre Madison/Huntsville will award 10 classes and a pair of socks. These classes can only be redeemed at either the Madison, AL or Huntsville, AL locations. These are locations are 14 Main Street, Madison, AL 35758 and 4769 Whitesburg Drive S #201, Huntsville, AL 35802. There is no cash value.

Olivia Reed Photography will award one person a Mommy and Me Mini Photo Session. The date of session will be decided between winner and Olivia Reed Photography. Session will be up to 20 minutes long and located in Huntsville, AL. Winner will receive a cd with up to 10 images selected by Olivia Reed Photography.

Belle Announcements will award one person a year of stationery. Designs and product will be hand selected by Belle Announcements and arrive via USPS or UPS directly to your home. Products will be shipped over the course of a year with the first one arriving in time for Mother’s Day. There are no returns or exchanges on products delivered. No cash value will be awarded.

Win a Year's Worth of Stationery

So I keep hearing about these amazing little boxes that arrive in the mail each month. You receive fun samples and such in the. I thought it would be neat to offer a year of stationery. You won't know when the box will arrive or what will be in it. You may receive folded notes, flat notes, birthday cards, thank you cards, address labels, calendars, etc. How cool would that be?! I am a lover of all things paper and look forward to designing stationery for one lucky winner!!Enter to win here.

"Do you remember that feeling of opening the mail box and seeing a card mailed to you in it? Even as an adult I get excited to see a card or letter in my mailbox. In today's modern world it's becoming a lost art to hand write a card or letter and that is so sad. I pride myself on teaching my children to always write thank you cards and thinking of you cards. To win a years worth of free cards would not only benefit me but it would my kids and it would also bring lots of smiles to those who receive the cards whether its a thank you card or a sympathy card or a special occasion. You never know how much a simple hand written card can mean to someone. Belle announcements has been my top choice for all my stationary needs for several years and I always enjoy ordering. I feel like kid a at Christmas when I get my new cards in the mailbox."

Lauren S.
Mother of 2

Shop Fleet Feet Sports Huntsville for Mother's Day this year

Huntsville is such an amazing community of runners and we have to thank Fleet Feet Huntsville for being such amazing supporters of all things community and running.  They continuously show their support of the Huntsville community as a whole so remember them when you start shopping for Mother's Day this year. They have helped countless mom's go from walking to running, from 5 ks to half marathons. They've supported and encouraged so many to reach their running goals. Enter to win a $50 gift certificate and let mom pamper herself with new gear this Mother's Day. Enter to win here.

"As a step-mom, getting time to myself is a rare occasion.  My world revolves around my girls needs, vs my own.  Getting a Fleet Feet gift certificate would help "get me back on my feet " running again and allow me to do something for me!  Fleet Feet is the best store in the valley to buy running shoes and attire.  I could really use something new to get me motivated and I can't think of a better place to get me started than Fleet Feet."

Laura W.
Athens, AL

Win 10 classes to Pure Barre in Madison or Huntsville

Another exciting gift in our Shop Local for Mother's Day giveaway is 10 classes to attend Pure Barre in Madison or Huntsville!! Plus, their awesome socks with grip for the 90 second planks you'll be doing! The value of this gift is $193. Enter to win here.

"If my husband could read my mind, he would know that the ultimate Mother's Day gift for me would be classes at Pure Barre. I absolutely love the way I feel after a workout at Pure Barre. It is challenging and very rewarding at the same time. Pure Barre offers a unique workout that I have not found anywhere else. Not only is it an awesome workout, but the staff is wonderful and encouraging!"

Christa M.
Mom to two boys

This gift is only valid at Pure Barre Madison, Alabama and Pure Barre Huntsville, Alabama

Let's visit the Broadway Theatre League!

So excited to announce Broadway Theatre League as a participant in the Shop Local Mother's Day Giveaway!! Enter to win here.

The purpose of the Broadway Theatre League of Huntsville is to provide professional live theatre for citizens of the Tennessee Valley area to complete a well-rounded educational and cultural program and to provide students of the Tennessee Valley area a special opportunity to develop an appreciation of, and love for, live theatre through these educational experiences.

The giveaway prize is valued at $94 and includes a gift certificate for 2 to see a performance of Chicago the Musical, Sept. 27 - 29.

"I would love to win tickets to see Chicago! We are huge fans of Huntsville's Broadway Theatre League. The quality of shows is incredible! You're basically driving down the street to watch a show that is Broadway quality!!!! I've seen Chicago in NYC and I'd be thrilled to see it again in Huntsville! What a great date it would be for my husband and I to have dinner and get to see such an amazing show!"


Henri
Huntsville, AL

Win a Mini Mommy & Me Session with local Photographer Olivia Reed

Another fabulous gift to register to win, a Mini Mommy & Me photography session with local photographer Olivia Reed. This session has a value of $235 and includes a CD with up to 10 images.

"I always look forward to our photography sessions with Olivia. My children are automatically drawn to her warm smile and in return their little personalities almost immediately begin to pour out for the camera. Olivia has repeatedly used her talent to not only photograph our family but to also capture the joy and love that fills our lives. I would LOVE any opportunity to have Olivia photograph my family as the results are ALWAYS priceless!"

Gracie G.
mom to Noah & Ethan

Shop Huntsville & Madison for Mother's Day 2013

It's time to think about what to give Mom for Mother's Day this year. To assist with your gift giving, I have put together a Shop Local Giveaway that includes 6 extraordinary gifts from fantastic local retailers. This week I will introduce each of the businesses and beginning on Sunday, April 21, you can enter to win one of the 6 amazing gifts.

This necklace is from Lolettas which located at the intersection of Whitesburg and Airport in Huntsville, Alabama. Lolettas specializes in unique, affordable jewelry from all around the world. Each designer represented at Lolettas has their own story, their own artisanal qualities, and their own distinct identity. All brands use a mix of Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, Czech beads, fabric, and metals to make their unique designs. At Lolettas you'll find brands like Sorrelli, Kendra Scott, Ayla Bar, Firefly and Glenda Gies.

This necklace is from the Sorrelli line and is valued at $90. Adorn Yourself in Splendor this Mother's Day! Enter to win here.

"I would love to have this Bling for Mother's Day! Lolettas always has wonderful, unique pieces of jewelry that always makes me feel good when I wear them. There are three main reasons why I think this necklace is an awesome choice for any mother--It contains red-which is a great color--Roll Tide!  It has purple stones which makes me think of royalty and green stones which sings $$!  Great combination for any mother on Mother's Day."

Lindsay of Huntsville, Alabama
Mother of a 6 year old

I'll be back to introduce the next Mother's Day Gift that will be in the Shop Local for Mother's Day Giveaway!

Chevron Weekly Planning Notepad

Pre-order your Chevron Weekly Planning Notepad and receive free shipping! These Calendar's will ship the week of May 13th! They are perfect for summer. The kids are out of school and signed up for brand new activities, doctor appointments, hair cuts! Keep it all together and organized with this weekly planning notepad. Pin your pages to the family corkboard, the door to your garage, etc. Keep it front and center for a smooth sailing summer schedule.

DETAILS:
Notepad is 8 1/2 by 11
25 pages
Cardboard backing
Glued edge is on the side for easy flipping and adding additional dates throughout the pad
Fits easily into a binder or briefcase.

Free Shipping is valid on the first 25 Calendar's Purchased. After that shipping is $5 and covers Priority Mail 2-3 Day.

Wishes for Baby

These wishes for baby cards are great shower games! The mom-to-be can keep them as keepsakes. I have heard of moms attaching them to a string and hanging them on the closet door in the baby's room while other's put them in the baby book or compile them on their blog pages. Anyway you use them, its a fun little treasure for years to come.

Pattern can be designed to match your theme, any color!! Choose Chevron, stripes, polka dots or ask for a custom look. I can match the Baby-to-be's Nursery colors and theme! Shop for your Baby Wishes Shower Game here!!

National Letter Writing Month

April is National Letter Writing Month! Celebrate the magical art of letter writing by purchasing a custom designed stationery set.
Shop for your personal stationery!

Around the Clock Shower Invitation

This was a fun design! I am in love with all things Chevron so I had to incorporate the chevron with   a modern, fun clock to bring out the unique theme of "Around the Clock Shower". We had fun and used times like, Twilight, Midnight, 3am so the bride will be getting some interesting gifts!!!

The colors on this design are purple and teal but those two colors can be replaced to match your bride's wedding colors or the shower colors.

You can purchase a printable for $15. You will receive a high resolution jpeg via email. You then take the file to the location of your choice for printing. All files have a .25 inch bleed for clean trimming.

Or you can let me take the load off your shoulders and print them on gorgeous pearl cardstock. I use real liquid ink for a rich, deep finish. No ink dots or laser lines. A set of 25 5 by 7 cards and white woven envelopes is $46.50 plus a flat rate of $5.95 shipping. Your order is shipped via UPS Ground.

Pinterest Success: Dumdum Centerpiece for Pinkalicious Party

This was super easy! The pink paint can was $1.00 at Hobby Lobby. I filled it with rice to counter balance. Then I hot glued a 5 inch styrofoam ball to the container.  Start at the very top with the dumdums and keep them close together as you circle around the ball. From start to finish, this took about 10 minutes and cost $10.

FYI this one contains 200 dumdums.

Happy Party Planning!!

What a fabulous clutch!!

Have you entered to win this fabulous Yellow Chevron Clutch from the Happy Cactus Shop? If not, click here and enter!! Giveaway ends April 7th at 11:59 pm CST.
Graphic Designer Ari is a graphic designer and amateur photographer living in the Deep South. She has a slight obsession with mustaches, the color green and German Shepherd dogs. She approaches everything with the "I can make that!" attitude and so far hasn't met a task she can't conquer. Ari's interests lie mainly with home decor, personal accessories, and photography.

About 5 years ago, Ari was searching for her flash drive in the depths of her purse. After what seemed to be 30 minutes of frustrated digging (in reality it was only 3 minutes) and pulling everything out of her bag, she decided that mere pockets were not enough to organize her purse. She would create The Perfect Pouch to store her small necessary items in and would never have to dig again! And thus the Happy Cactus Shop was born. Bags and purse created out necessity and made from fabrics that are chosen because they speak to Ari's graphic design sensibilities. The name "Happy Cactus" comes from the fact that, try as she might, her house is where plants go to die. Only the cacti are "happy" with her version of gardening.

Stationery And Clutch Giveaway!

Enter for your chance to win a set of Watercolor themed Belle Announcement Stationery Cards or a  Chevron Clutch from The Happy Cactus!  There will be Two Winners. One person will win the Folded Stationery Cards and one person will win the Chevron Clutch. Winners will be announced on Monday, April 8th and will have 48 hours to reply with a mailing address to receive their prize. a Rafflecopter giveaway