BitsyCreations

FREE Preschool Tooth Counting Game Printable

2012-01-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

Bitsy #2 is part of an awesome little preschool co-op this year. It was my turn to put together some activities to keep the kids busy while everyone arrived. I wasn't really loving any of the suggestions, so I decided to make my own little game. It really made me wish I'd known how to illustrate when I was in college making all those file folder games for student teaching!

This is a FREE printable. It's two parts: the smile sheet & the toothbrush sheet. There are actually two sets of toothbrushes, but you only need one (or you can print two smile sheets). Both are 8.5x11 inch high resolution JPG files. The smile sheet is ready to go. Print the toothbrushes and cut out. Feel free to put in a file folder and/or laminate.

Perfect for preschool age kids who are learning to count.

You can download them here:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/Tooth1.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/Tooth2.jpg

PLEASE feel free to pass this along, but do remember to link back here to bitsycreations.blogspot.com and be respectful of my original artwork. For personal use only. Do not resell or alter. ©2012 BitsyCreations.com

Mistakes...

2012-01-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, are you on Pinterest? I can see how it can get insanely addictive, but so far, so good. ;) I'm enjoying finding a few inspiring things. Like today, I saw this quote & loved it instantly. My husband & I both have a perfectionist streak. We noticed our sweet little first grader going through some rough patches with school when things weren't perfect with her work.

One of the things we want to stress to her is that as long as she's trying, we're happy. The original was dark & dull, but I wanted to hang it in her room, so voila! Girly colors:

It's yours, too, if you'd like it. Just download your 8x10 jpg here:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/MistakesTrying2.jpg

As always, please link back to this page if you'd like to share it. Artwork is for personal use only & may not be altered or resold.

Thanks!

Valentine's Day Items

2012-01-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, are you still catching up after all the holiday chaos? I feel like I'm just about back to normal.
So on to thinking about Valentine's Day! Ha!

Like last year, BitsyCreations will be offering our popular printable valentines. These are perfect for your little one to take in to school. Just print, cut & you're all set. We have a few new designs.

We also have our adorable color-your-own printable set! A fun way to get your child involved in making the cards he or she takes in to school.

Of course, my personal favorite are the Kidlet Valentines, made to look just like YOUR little valentine. They come in two sizes (small and large, which ARE mail-safe) and you can purchase the printable file or have me print & ship directly to you.

These are all available in my Etsy shop & on my website.

I have a few more ideas in mind for Valentine's Day, so be sure to follow us on Facebook.

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T07:46:00.001-08:00

I hope you have all enjoyed the holiday season of 2011 and are welcoming in the New Year with open arms. Let me share one of my favorite quotes--I whipped up a quick graphic. I'm happy to offer this as a free printable if anyone is interested.

FREE Teacher Appreciation Printables

2011-12-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

Wow, can you believe it's almost time for the holidays? Have you thought about teacher gifts yet?! Yikes! I just started thinking about them.

I found a great quote awhile back & knew I had to add a little BitsyCreations touch. So I'm offering them to you as FREE printables. They'll make amazing teacher gifts for the holidays. (Or save until the end of the year!)

Just click to open the full size file, right-click and save to your own computer, then you can print it yourself or take to a copy or photo center. Stick in a frame & voila! Perfect and FAST teacher gift.

NOTE: Oh boy! I just realized Blogger has made some changes. SO right-clicking and saving from blogger may not be working for you to get the best quality print. I'm going to put links for you here, too. When you follow the link, you'll still just right-click and save, but it will definitely be high resolution. Sorry about that!

Two 8x10 inch prints... similar--I just couldn't make up my mind. And the turquoise & grey is 5x7 inch.

(As always, even though this is a printable, it IS still ©BitsyCreations and is my original work. Please do not claim it as your own or try to alter or resell. Please direct people back here to my blog to grab their own.)

I love to hear from you if you've saved this and plan on using it. Happy customers make my day. ;)

8x10 inch
Get it here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/Teacher1.jpg

8x10 inch

Get it here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/Teacher1a.jpg

5x7 inch

Get it here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/Teacher2.jpg

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And the winner is...

2011-12-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

We've had a great giveaway going on for a favorite of ours: a Cookies for Santa plate!

Well, thanks to our random selection, the winner is...

Kelly!

Congratulations! :)

FREE Let It Snow Printable

2011-12-02T11:51:00.001-08:00

It's almost that time of the year when snow makes things feel a bit more magical. I have many memories watching the weather reports just waiting for white holidays filled with snow.

So enjoy this FREE printable from me to you this holiday season. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined so I know you're enjoying my freebies. You can grab more freebies here or shop for BitsyCreations printables here.

It is an 8x10 inch print. Just click on the photo for the full size to save to your own computer. You'll be saving a high resolution 8x10 inch jpg ready to print on your own or take to a copy or photo center.

(As always, please don't take advantage of this freebie. Do not try to sell it or claim it as your own. It is original artwork by BitsyCreations. Feel free to share it with friends, but I'd love for you to direct them HERE in order for them to save it. Thank you!)

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GIVEAWAY: Cookies for Santa Plate

2011-12-01T06:35:00.001-08:00

SORRY!! This giveaway has closed.

A holiday giveaway from BitsyCreations.com:

One adorable and unique Cookies for Santa plate shipped right to you in time for Christmas. Grab your kids, bake some cookies, and leave them out in style on Christmas Eve this year.

Plate Details:

$20 value ($6 shipping)
Made from Melamine (a thick, sturdy plastic that is eco-friendly, can be recycled, and is perfect for children! Don't worry about the kids dropping this plate!)
non-toxic, dishwasher safe
measures 10 inches
Can be viewed on my website here or in my Etsy shop here.

(Cookies & milk not included with this giveaway) ;)

FIVE Ways to enter:

Visit BitsyCreations.com or BitsyCreations.etsy.com and leave a comment here with your favorite product.
Follow this blog (www.bitsycreations.blogspot.com) and leave a comment (or let us know if you already follow).
Follow BitsyCreations on Facebook and leave a comment (or let us know if you already follow).
Post about this giveaway on your blog and leave a comment here with a link to your blog.
Pin this on Pinterest and leave a comment here.

LAST DAY TO ENTER is December 14th. Winner will be announced December 15th & plate will be shipped December 16th (if all correct information has been receive).

Share this giveaway with your friends:

Pin this! on Pinterest:

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Early Bird Holiday Sale

2011-11-09T10:16:00.001-08:00

November 1st - 15th, enjoy 15% off your order! Now is the time to order holiday photo cards (you can send your photos later!), grab some Kidlet gifts such as melamine bowls, plates, & mugs, or order some unique printable Subway Art for your home... all at BitsyCreations.com! Use code holiday15 when you check out.
Not valid with other sales. Does not apply to graphic design projects or gift certificates.

FREE Harvest Printable

2011-11-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

There are some people who just have a way with words.

Enjoy this free 5x7 inch printable. I hope it reminds you, as it does me, to be grateful--Isn't this how life truly is? When we're thankful for what we're given, we somehow receive more and more.

Pretty simple & to the point--Just click the image below, save to your own computer & print or take to a copy or photo center.

Feel free to pass along! Please do not alter or claim as your own work. I'd love for you to link back here to my blog or to my website: www.bitsycreations.com

I LOVE comments & love to hear how you're using my freebies. All artwork copyright BitsyCreations.

Look Up Free Printable (Balloon)

2011-10-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

FREE printable of an amazing quote from October 2011 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is from a talk by Carl B. Cook of the 70. He shared how when he was first called to the quorum of the 70, President Monson caught him in the elevator one day when he was looking down. He said, "It's better to look up," meaning toward God. Elder Cook said he was burdened and his head was down--That's what prophets do for us: they lead us to God.
He then shared a time he was visiting an area where they were discussing burdens. After the meeting, they each were given a balloon to signify a burden of their own. They let them go & watched them soar through the air. This part really touched me as I immediately thought of a group of people standing out letting their balloons go & all LOOKING UP with a sigh of relief as their burdens floated away, turning them over to the Lord.

Hopefully I'll have time to do a simpler version of President Monson's, "It's better to look up."

Just click one of the links below to save a high resolution JPG. Print yourself or easily take to a copy/photo center. Your choice of 5x7 inch or 8x10 inch.

5x7 inch printable YELLOW:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/lookup1small.jpg

8x10 inch printable YELLOW:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/lookuplargeyellow.jpg

8x10 inch printable RED:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/lookuplargered.jpg

Terms of Use:
Feel free to pass along! Please do not alter or claim as your own work. I'd love for you to link back here to my blog or to my website: www.bitsycreations.com
I LOVE comments & love to hear how you're using my freebies. All artwork copyright BitsyCreations.

Doing Good (Free Printable)

2011-10-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

FREE printable of an amazing quote from October 2011 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is from a talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Just click one of the links below to save a high resolution JPG. Print yourself or easily take to a copy/photo center. Your choice of 7x5 inch or 10x8 inch.

5x7 inch printable:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/DoingGood5x7.jpg

8x10 inch printable:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/DoingGood8x10.jpg

Terms of Use:
Feel free to pass along! Please do not alter or claim as your own work. I'd love for you to link back here to my blog or to my website: www.bitsycreations.com
I LOVE comments & love to hear how you're using my freebies. All artwork copyright BitsyCreations.

Service Printable (King Benjamin)

2011-10-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

FREE printable of one of my favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon. This is something we're currently trying to teach our children: the importance of service & how it is one of the only ways we can even begin to repay our Father in Heaven for all He has given us.

Just click one of the links below to save a high resolution JPG. Print yourself or easily take to a copy/photo center. Your choice of 7x5 inch or 10x8 inch.

7x5 inch printable:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/service5x7.jpg

10x8 inch printable:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9752760/FreePrintables/service8x10.jpg

Terms of Use:
Feel free to pass along! Please do not alter or claim as your own work. I'd love for you to link back here to my blog or to my website: www.bitsycreations.com
I LOVE comments & love to hear how you're using my freebies. All artwork copyright BitsyCreations.

Adding More Subway Art Printables

2011-09-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

I've had AMAZING feedback for my subway art. Thank you, thank you for all the compliments! I'll tell you what--It sure makes a gal happy when she reads, "This one is my favorite!" on a random pin on Pinterest! Wahooo!

http://bitsycreations.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=19&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=145&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=23

Because of this, I've been adding more. All my subway art will be $5 PRINTABLES! Doesn't get much better than that! I added a section on my website just for Subway Art--under the printables button on my menu bar.

That being said, please let me know if you'd like to see anything specific! I'm on a roll! Might as well keep 'em coming. :)

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Relief Society Printable

2011-09-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

If you are LDS, I hope you were able to watch the Relief Society broadcast last night. It was incredible & my heart is so full. I had to laugh at myself because I made mental notes of what I wanted to illustrate & put up around my home as reminders. When the full talk is up, I will be sure to link to it because I think ALL WOMEN--no matter who you are or what your religion--should read the talk from Preside Dieter F. Uchtdorf who is a member of our church's first presidency. It was full of amazing reminders for all of us.

He related these reminders to the sweet forget-me-not flowers. How small they are and how easily over-looked, but still so beautiful. Two things that stood out to me the most:

We are all different. We should embrace these differences and be happy with who we are and what we have been blessed with.
We, ourselves, will not be forgotten. No matter how alone you may feel at any given point in your life, God remembers us all.

And my favorite part--“The lesson here,” he said,” is that if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us.”

I know I'm not the first one to do this, but I wanted to illustrate the 5 points he made: "Forget not..." Please feel free to print this as your own reminder! It's all yours to print! And you don't have to worry about printing someone else's photo or work without permission.

It's a high resolution 8x10 inch printable. It does have a bit of my own artwork here, so please don't claim it as your own, but I'd love for you to pass it along so we can share this amazing message & lift one another up as we do so.

(Just click the image below, save to your own computer, then print yourself or take to a photo/copy center.)

Want it in Spanish? Here you go!

PS--I LOVE hearing from those of you who use/download this. ;)

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Halloween Subway Art FREEBIE

2011-09-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

(This one is a little different than the freebie, but you can see how adorable it is in an 8x10 frame. This particular print is available for digital purchase on my website here: Halloween Subway Art 1 )

SORRY! This was a FREEBIE for a limited time. You can still purchase the one above for $5.

I. LOVE. FALL! I love almost everything about Autumn and all the fun that comes with it--beautiful leaves, cool breezes, Halloween, my birthday, Thanksgiving!

I had a lot of fun creating some Halloween Subway Art & I'd love to share it with you! It is a FREEBIE for a limited time. It will soon be on my website & in my Etsy shop for purchase.

Just click the image below for a full size 8x10 inch, print (yourself or have printed at a photo center) and stick in a frame for easy, but unique art in your home this season.

I'd love for you to leave a comment if you've downloaded this and printed it. I'd love for you to pass along the link for this freebie, too! Thanks for your support!

Are you new? Make sure to Like BitsyCreations on Facebook for updates about new products & freebies!

(As with any freebie, PLEASE, please, please be respectful of my artwork. Do not claim it as your own, try to resell it, or make changes.)
Original artwork © BitsyCreations 2011

Logo Design Sale

2011-09-09T04:37:00.000-07:00

Logo Design Sale from BitsyCreations

Today and Tomorrow ONLY, purchase a logo design and receive the DELUXE package! Tell your friends! This price is only valid if FIVE or more people purchase.

This means you will purchase a logo design at regular price ($100)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/10561043/custom-logo-design

and receive the logo design, PLUS business card design, web banner & avatar design, and three additional small designs FREE (a $75 value).

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50035081/deluxe-custom-logo-design-package

Small designs include (choose 3):

The third option is a deluxe package which includes the logo, business card design, web banner & avatar, and three of the following designs:
*hang tag
*invoice
*sticker
*letterhead
*postcard
*web advertisement
*fabric label
*additional web banner
*hair bow/barrette card
*thank you card

The small print:
FIVE people must commit to the sale price for all to receive the sale price. Only valid September 9 & 10, 2011. Decision will be made regarding sale price by the end of the day Saturday (8 p.m. EST) based on the number of interested customers.

Examples of previous logo design packages (click the links above to see more examples):

Pluralization and Apostrophes

2011-08-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Apostrophes don't make something plural.
The end.

Okay, okay, I'll go into more detail. The #1 mistake I see on this subject is last names. Say your last name is "Smith" and you'd like to sign a note from your whole family. You simply add an 's'. No need for an apostrophe, but somehow, I frequently see it written as:

I knew it was getting bad because I saw this everywhere. And then I saw it on regular words. Take the Etsy forums, for example. People want to talk about more than one treasury, so guess what they make it. "Treasury's"

Oy.

Can you tell I'm in a cranky mood tonight? I suppose I'll always come across in a 'holier than thou' way when correcting. It's just a natural result, but I truly do want to help small online business owners.

I cannot say this enough: When you own an online business, your written language--your spelling, your grammar--is how you present yourself.

Pluralization is quite simple. Add an 's' to make more than one.

Dog

becomes

dogs.

When your word ends with a 'y', you need to take out the 'y' and add 'ies'.

Candy

becomes

candies.

Don't over think it.

Apostrophes, in general, are only used for contractions and to show possession.

Something that belongs to someone: The boy's hat.

When there are two or more boys with hats, the apostrophe follows the 's': The boys' hats.

Did not becomes didn't.

Should not becomes shouldn't.

The apostrophe (often) takes the place of the one missing letter. (The 'o' in 'not' in the examples above.)

Any comments? Questions? Promises you don't intend to keep?

I'm here. Let me know if you have a question about spelling, grammar, punctuation, and the like.

Printable Wedding Invitations Now Available

2011-07-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

At the request of a few previous customers, BitsyCreations will now offer PRINTABLE wedding invitations! I've just started adding them to my Etsy shop bitsycreations.etsy.com & will shortly make them available at bitsycreations.com.

I have wanted to work on wedding invitations for quite some time, but just haven't been able to start a collection. I've done a few over the years on a case-by-case basis, so this is very exciting! I've started out with a lovely sparrow invitation as well as an earthy tree and "woodie" car invitation.

You will see more very soon! I'm still happy to take on custom work if you just can't seem to find the right design out there for your special day.

Father's Day Freebie

2011-06-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

You may remember my Mother's Day Freebie. I received many emails of thanks! I'm so glad this worked out well for you! So here is one for Father's Day! I hope you enjoy this one as much as the last.

Enjoy! (And if you'd like to share it, that's fine, but please link back here.)
Printable measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches (half a sheet of standard paper) Click on the photo below to see the jpg full size, click and save to your own computer.

As always, please remember that this is free and you may print it as many times as you'd like, but do not claim it as your own or alter it in any way.

I'd love to hear how you'll use this freebie if you care to comment.

Thank you!

A note about our invitations...

2011-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

A note to our Etsy buyers:
Our invitations will now be available only as printables. Of course, you can still purchase PRINTED invitations, but all the listings are for printables.

Make sure you stop by; we're adding new designs this week!

Olivia

2011-05-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

To introduce the latest project from BitsyCreations, please welcome a guest post from a sweet friend of ours named Olivia! We have had so many people see our Kidlet products and ask if they could get these cute products for their PETS! What a wonderful idea! Right now, we are offering ceramic pet dishes in two sizes. Just e-mail a photo of your furry friend when you purchase and a proof will be sent to you. In the future, once we've built up a nice portfolio of animal illustrations, we'll have choices you can make just like the Kidlet products.

Hi, my name is Olivia and I just got a new bowl from BitsyCreations! It has my name and a picture of me on it! I love it!

I don’t know if you noticed something funny about my picture but I’m missing a leg. That’s right, I only have three legs. When I was just four months old, the people who used to own me brought me to the vet. They said I injured my leg somehow but when my doctors tried to fix it, they couldn’t. My leg was broken and it had been broken for a long time. So instead of repairing the break, my doctors had to amputate my leg. A little while after that, the most wonderful thing happened – I met my new Mom and Dad!

I really don’t mind having three legs. I can still do all the things I would have done with four legs – I can run, jump, swim, play ball, play Frisbee, and play with other dogs – but I get WAY more attention with just three legs. I LOVE people and I LOVE getting pets. My favorite thing in the whole world is to go swimming at my Dad’s work (he manages a marina and I get to go to work with him every day). I will fetch my toys in the water for anyone willing to throw them for me! I’ve made so many friends that way!

I know a lot of people are afraid of dogs that look like me but I don’t know why. I really love people, especially people who will throw my ball for me!

My mom helps rescue dogs like me by fostering with a rescue called Mid-Atlantic Bully Buddies. These dogs stay with us for awhile until they find their forever homes. It is a great rescue and they are always looking for more foster parents or donations. If you want to help (or would like to adopt one of their great dogs), you can visit their website: www.midatlanticbullybuddies.org.

My mom also volunteers at an animal shelter in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s called Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) and they always need more volunteers and donations (and adopters)! If you can help, visit their website: www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org.

And anytime you want to throw a ball for me, I’m available!

Mother's Day Freebie

2011-05-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

A little freebie for Mother's Day--I found out I'll be substituting for the 3 year olds' primary class at church on Sunday & I knew we'd need a little something for the wonderful moms out there. So I whipped up a color-your-own picture & thought I'd share. Works perfectly for a boy or a girl.

Enjoy! (And if you'd like to share it, that's fine, but please link back here.)
Printable measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches (half a sheet of standard paper) Click on the photo below to see the jpg full size, click and save to your own computer. Feel free to print as many times as you'd like.

I'd love to hear how you'll use this freebie if you care to comment.

And, as always, please do not claim this artwork as your own, try to sell, or alter in any way. Thanks!

Custom PET Items

2011-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for more cuteness? After receiving many inquiries, I've started creating Kidlet items for your PETS!!

I'm still working out some design details, so for a limited time to help me build up my Doglet & Kitlet collection, you can get 20% off stationery and ceramic pet dishes. Please contact me for details since I don't have listings for these items yet.

Pet dishes--as seen in photo--come in 6 inch or 7.25 inch and will regularly be $30, but you get for $24.

A huge thank you to my friend Abby for her help getting the ball rolling with these items. ;)

Easter orders...

2011-04-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

So sorry I've been missing! I wish I had an excuse like lovely weather keeping me working in the yard or something. ;) But no, it's been rainy and very cold here like it has in much of the country, from the looks of it!

Just a little reminder, though, to get your Easter orders in right away. I need plate, bowl, & mug orders by April 5th and pails by the 15th.

As a side-note, I've been working on some adorable 'specialty' designs for the Kidlet items--I did these plates last night, so if you'd like something similar BEFORE I get the chance to list them, just give me a shout. ;)

All items can be found at bitsycreations.com and bitsycreations.etsy.com Thanks!

St. Patrick's Day Freebie

2011-03-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

I love all things Irish, (I mean, look at me--do you get more Irish than that?!)...but don't like to go over the top with my St. Patrick's Day decorating! This year, I found a very sweet Irish proverb, I guess you could call it, & whipped up a simple printable, framed it, and put in our foyer. I thought I'd offer it as a freebie to all you wonderful blog readers.

It's available in a 4x6 or 5x7. Just click on the photo for the full size to save to your own computer.

(As always, please don't take advantage of this freebie. Do not try to sell it or claim it as your own. It is original artwork by BitsyCreations. Thank you!)

4x6:

5x7:

Printed... or Printable?

2011-03-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69081737/kidlet-birthday-party-invitations

I'm having a hard time deciding how to list things in my Etsy shop. I've always offered my printed invitations as printables. You can purchase the file & print your own or take somewhere to have printed.
I list them as printed, though.

I list my photo cards as printables, but offer printing services.

It's just too confusing! I wonder if I should just list everything as a printable file and then list printing options separately? Or would THAT be confusing?! :)

Any input?

On a side-note, I've started adding KIDLET invitations! Hooray! (See above.) So you can invite your friends to a party with an adorable invitation that features a little illustration that looks like your own child. Fun, fun!

I have one word: Bunny

2011-02-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for Easter! I cannot believe how late it is this year, too!

It's still TWO months away & I'm itching to get out my cute little bunnies to decorate the house... just a little.

Since Joshua can't imagine living with bunnies everywhere for two straight months, I'll just have to keep working on Easter designs:

(Kidlet Easter invitations are available here.)

I'm also working on a very fun little project with a new partner. Eee! I can't wait to tell you about it!

Funny Things My Kids Have Said

2011-02-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.despicableme.com/

It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows us that Joshua & I know how to have fun. We love to laugh and have an incredible number of inside jokes. We try to make dinner time fun so the kids will want to spend time together as a family.

One of our favorite games to play is "Movie Quotes". (Yes, we need a new game name!) Bitsy #1, who is 6, is VERY good at this game already. So on Sunday, when we had a full house for dinner, Bitsy #1 quickly asked if we could play the game.

Pretty simple & straight-forward: One person says a movie quote & the others have to guess which movie it came from.

We were all laughing and having a great time--the 6 year old stumped some adults--it was wonderful! Suddenly, we realized Bitsy #2 (who is not quite 3 years old) is talking. He has this sweet little look on his face and says, with perfect pronunciation and inflection:

"Knocked Ooooooverrrrrr!"

....and waits... and waits...

until we realize HE IS GIVING US A MOVIE QUOTE! I look at him and say, "Despicable Me??"

He grins from ear to ear and says, "Right! Despicable Me" (which sounds something like 'kissable me'.)

Oh my goodness, I could not believe it! I'm still giggling about it now! What a smart little dude!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Are you sick of me telling you this is my favorite holiday? My husband laughs because I say the same thing about Easter, too. I just love all the sweet little decorations... and, let's be honest, the candy! I am a candy-aholic. I adore little treats wrapped up and decorated for fun holidays.

How is your day going? I hope you have reached out to let someone know you care. It doesn't have to be the typical "valentine" in your life. Tell your sister, your neighbor, or even your cat! (Shhh... I promise I'm not a crazy cat lady, but I DID tell our kitty boys to have a great Valentine's Day!)

We had a rough morning. We had two crying kids and one very frustrated mother walking out the door this morning. Know why? Bitsy #1 can't seem to speak nicely to Bitsy #2. He's a boy. He's two. He can be annoying. We get it. But it's turning so ugly because he then comes back and speaks to her in the same tone.

How do you deal with this in your family? I would love for our home to be a place where everyone felt comfortable just being themselves. Safe from all the garbage that goes on in our every day lives. A happy place to be where you know you're loved and accepted.

Please tell me this is possible.
Happy Valentine's!!

Last Day to Order Printed Valentines

2011-02-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

Just a note: TOMORROW (Feb. 5) is the last day to order PRINTED valentines from BitsyCreations.com and bitsycreations.etsy.com

Printables will be available up until February 13th for Valentine's Day delivery via e-mail.

(And yes, the best part of taking these photos was knowing I'd get to eat the candy.)

Valentine's Day

2011-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome, February! It's almost Valentine's Day, my favorite holiday!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64430719/valentine-mobile-greeting-card-set

We have some really great options for Valentine's Day. The favorite so far seems to be our Kidlet Valentines, created to look just like your own child! They are available in two different sizes and can be purchased as a printable (print as many as you'd like) or printed and shipped to you.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BitsyCreations?section_id=7601605

We also have a handful of other adorable printables that are sure to make your kid's Valentines stand out from the rest! I have been using these as little love notes around our house from Mama to Kiddies. We even have a color-your-own set!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BitsyCreations?section_id=7601605

PRINTED cards need to be purchased right away in order to get them in time for Valentine's Day. (Purchase by February 5th.) All are available at BitsyCreations.etsy.com and BitsyCreations.com

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Grammar & Spelling with Bitsy: Prepositions

2011-01-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

Prepositions: Do you remember that word from elementary school?

Let me give you a little hint.

"Where you at?"

Oh gosh, I just can't get over this one. I cannot even express how angry those commercials made me. Once you hear something on a commercial over and over and over, I truly feel you begin to hear it that way in your head and believe it's correct.

So back to prepositions. They create a relationship between other words. Believe it or not, you CAN end a sentence with a preposition. In fact, you need a preposition at the end sometime. Trust me, no one is expecting you to become Snooty McSnooterson and say, "From whom did you get that?" You really are allowed to say "Who did you get that from?" and end your question with a preposition.

Just don't clutter up your sentences when the meaning is clear without the preposition.

For example, why say, "Where did he go to?" when you can simply say, "Where did he go?" and you're understood.

More examples:
Where did you get this at? (This one is huge.)
I will get that later on.

This rule also applies to the middle of the sentence, too:
He's outside of the door.
Cut it up into pieces, please.

To see other Grammar & Spelling lessons, click here: http://bitsycreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/bringing-back-grammar-lessons.html

A Very Special Day

2011-01-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Today is a very special day. Today my "baby" turns 6!

That sweet little girl came into our lives and we've been forever changed. This photo was taken her first week home. She looked right up at my mom, her grandmother. Incredible! I remember the nurse came to check on us and make sure we were adjusting well and she could not believe that a baby only a few days old had her eyes open and was so alert!

My sweet baby girl has been curious ever since! She asks so many thoughtful questions and is this amazing little sponge. She is incredibly blessed to have a scientist for a dad who can answer all of her "how does that work" questions. And she remembers the answers! We will always remember when she walked into Preschool and told her teachers why the sky is blue.

In fact, she is the reason we have BitsyCreations now! When Bitsy #1 was born, she was an absolutely amazingly well-behaved baby. She cried only when she needed something. She was happy to amuse herself. I was left with free time! Yes! Free time with a newborn. Amazing!

I am off to finish a cake, wrap some presents, and decorate...

So today, I want to thank you, my customers, for knowing that my family comes first and for being okay with that. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for making it possible for me to stay home with my sweet children.

Post Office Woes

2011-01-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

I do all my shipping from home except international packages... I had let them pile up and HAD to get to the post office today.

And I was one of those moms that I'm sure everyone was staring at.
Not because of what I was doing, but because of what the little man with me was doing.

There's more snow on the way, so the post office was packed! Bitsy #2 just couldn't take all the excitement of filling out customs forms and puppy & kitty notebooks for sale... not to mention the EMPTY display cases just calling out to him to climb inside and shut the door.

Oy.

Does anyone ship internationally from home? If so, how do you do it? I tried it a few years ago, but it was about $20 a month to keep it up. Not worth it. I think my kid is adorable, but I'm not sure everyone else did today!!

House Projects

2011-01-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

Ah, our house. Our big, big, seemingly-never-ending project. I am in love with our home, though. I love making it our own. It's so sweet and cozy and just as soon as we finish our basement, we really will have a place for everything! I'm thrilled & clearly cannot wait for that day to come!

We are almost completely done demolishing in the basement right now. (We found mold after we moved in and had to start over... what a nightmare.) Anyway, once finished, we will make it the playroom and mama office! I keep thinking about how to make the best use of our space. Organization is key!

And since we have become the king & queen of DIY home projects, I've been searching sites for something just right... a bookshelf of some sort that we can use for toys. The lovely Ana White has more than one solution, but this one is my favorite:

Make sure to click on the link above to see how so many people have built this and changed things to suit their own needs. LOVE them all! Once we finish the basement and get my office out of the loft, we can make the loft a lovely little library. We have these amazing red bookshelves with glass doors--from an old law office--that I adore. I asked Mr. Bitsy if I could choose the chair. Ha!

I got a huge eyeroll when I showed him this:

He said, "Don't we have enough damask in our house already?" I assumed he was talking about our curtains... they're TOILLE! Shows how much he knows! Kidding, kidding. He puts up with so much from me.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2011-01-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

--Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! I am so grateful to be alive in a time AFTER this man changed so much for this country, for this world. Thank you, thank you.

Part of our profits...

2011-01-11T06:53:00.000-08:00

...are going to help a very special boy. A dear friend of mine has a sweet little man in her life (her cousin's son) who, at only 9 months old, was diagnosed with cancer recently.

BitsyCreations will be donated a portion of its profits to help cover the huge medical expenses associated with Liam's care. We've already been able to donate a bit due to some wonderful & generous people out there!

Here is his story: http://briananddawnfudge.blogspot.com/
What a special little boy! If you can do anything to help, I know it would be great. I can't even imagine having a huge financial burden on top of the constant worry that comes with this sort of thing.

Bringing Back the Grammar Lessons

2011-01-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! Time for me to sound like a snob and tell you what you're doing wrong!

Or at least... I'm afraid that's how it's going to come across...

I'm going to start doing my "grammar & spelling lessons" on a regular basis again. If you haven't seen the old ones, you can find them here:

Pluralization & Apostrophes

Prepositions

Stationary vs. Stationery

Misuse of "I" (when "me" should be used)

Of vs. Have

Please? R.S.V.P.

Your vs. You're

I'll be adding to the list very soon. Please let me know if you have any requests!

Valentines from BitsyCreations

2011-01-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

Can you believe we just finished putting our Christmas items away and now Valentine's Day is right around the corner? I *adore* Valentine's Day. I always have! What is better than a cute way to say "I love you" to the special people in your life? I still remember one year when I was single, I still enjoyed every second of Valentine's Day! I put cards in the mail to my mom and four sisters. I made special treats for my roommates. Fun times!

Be sure to check out what BitsyCreations has this year for Valentines!! I've brought back the printables--they did so well last year--and added a few new designs including a color your own Valentines set. I'm adding a few greeting cards within the next week or so.

And you can purchase KIDLET Valentines! Small or large! Printed or printable! The printed ones will be up very shortly.
Enjoy!

Hello! Is anyone out there?

2011-01-04T05:08:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am! Back to the blogging world after quite the long holiday hiatus! I continued to work & list new items on my website & in my Etsy shop, of course, but I haven't blogged in a long while!

Are you still there? I'm beginning to wonder. I do so many more updates on Facebook & keep reading that blogging is slowly dying BECAUSE of the ease of FB...

Any thoughts? What are you doing? Do you still enjoy blogging? Reading blogs?

Bitsy Freebie: Etsy Holiday Banner

2010-11-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

Another FREEBIE from BitsyCreations! If you have an Etsy shop, feel free to grab the banner below. You can customize it yourself to make it your own. Enjoy! (And please let me know if you have any ideas for freebies! I love to say 'thank you' to you every now & again with a freebie.)

Click on the image below to view it full size & save.

(As always, please respect that this is still my artwork. Please do not use in any other way than an Etsy banner, try to resell, or claim it as your own work. Thank you!)

An Absolutely HUGE Giveaway

2010-11-29T06:26:00.001-08:00

I love the generosity around the Holidays!

I just found out about a HUGE, huge giveaway. You have to check it out! There are so many wonderful items you can win:
http://laurawinslowphotography.com/blog/2010/11/29/over-2000-59-shops-1-winner-the-huge-fabulous-holiday-giveaway-my-fave-things-scottsdale-photographer/

Sale this Weekend

2010-11-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

I adore this time of year. I love the colors, the smells, the overall excitement in the air as we gather as families and friends. It makes me especially grateful for all I have.

As a thank you to my wonderful customers, I'd like to offer a sale this weekend! You can save 20% at bitsycreations.com and bitsycreations.etsy.com through Monday. (Can you believe we finally have coupon codes on Etsy?! Hooray!)

A huge thank you to my many repeat customers and to my new ones! I couldn't do this without you, your kind words, and support.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving "Casualties"

2010-11-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

Well, it happened a bit early this year, but it came nonetheless: The Thanksgiving Casualty.

Does this happen to anyone else? You're busy baking & cooking and in the kitchen constantly, enjoying the holiday smells until...

...something breaks.

I was trying out a new pie recipe this morning. We have a very tiny, galley kitchen. I usually don't mind it much even though I always said I wanted a large kitchen since we enjoy cooking & baking. It's hard to get some things off the shelves & as I pulled out the pie dish, down came my favorite Longaberger Star Dish.

Definitely no repairing this one! It's funny how I'm such a fan of my little Longaberger collection. I never thought I would be that type of collector... it's a little too 'country' style for me. But they all remind me of my sweet Joshua. When he proposed, he put my engagement ring in a Sweetheart Basket from Longaberger.

So maybe I'll replace it & maybe I won't. The important thing is we still have our memories. And we'll make new ones this Thanksgiving & Christmas season. Hope it's a great holiday season for you all!

The Kidlet Ornaments are Here!

2010-11-16T07:28:00.000-08:00

Kidlet Ornaments are now available in my Etsy shop and on my website! They are absolutely stunning in person. A HUGE, huge thank you to DisplayIt! for the amazing printing job!

Click here to find customizable kidlet porcelain ornaments on my website.
Click here to view my Kidlet items on Etsy.

Kidlet Christmas Ornaments

2010-10-29T05:14:00.001-07:00

I have a horrible time keeping my new projects a secret!
So here's a little sneak preview:

HP Slate Announced!

2010-10-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that HP has officially announced the Slate! In case you haven't been following the tech world like I have (the big dork that I am), the Slate, in my opinion, is everything the iPad COULD and SHOULD have been. It has missing features like *ahem* a USB. That's the biggest one to me.

So watch this video. I love it! (Although I think the waiter usage of a Slate is just ridiculous... ahwell.)

The down side? It's super-expensive. The good thing is I really don't need one. I just think they're cool. ;)

$5 back if you send a photo

2010-10-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

My Kidlet Bowls & plates are selling like hot-cakes! I'm so excited each time I hear about the sweet little boy or girl who is sure to love this gift!

So from now until January 15th, if you order any Kidlet product, you can get $5 sent back to you if you send me a photo to use! You'll pay full price when you order. Once you receive the item, snap a photo of your own Kidlet with it and email to me at info@bitsycreations.com

Once received, I'll send $5 back to you!

You can find Customizable Kidlets on my website here

or in my Etsy shop here.

Small Print:

• I will never share your personal information! If you send a photo of your child, I certainly will not say "Thank you so & so for sharing a photo of your beautiful son who lives at.... in this city...." Promise!

• When you send a photo, you're agreeing that you or someone you know took the photo & you have permission to use it. You are also allowing me to use it on my website, blog, facebook page, and/or Etsy shop.

Last-Minute Halloween

2010-10-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, Halloween is almost here! Can you believe we'll be off to parties & trick-or-treating next weekend?! Autumn, my absolute favorite season, always seems to be stuck on Fast Forward.

From the sounds of it, I may be the only mom out there without a plan for a costume... we decided on Bitsy #1's costume months ago, but we're still stuck on Bitsy #2's!!

I found this wonderful page from Real Simple. You may want to check out this article if you're looking for an easy costume for a little one!

And remember, it's not too late to grab PRINTABLE invitations! I have two available in my Etsy shop:
Halloween Children

Monster Mash

Giveaway!!

2010-10-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

Enjoy it! Giveaways don't come around too often from BitsyCreations, so hop on over to A Little Etsy Love
to enter the contest! You can win a KIDLET Plate customized to look just like the little kidlet in your life! Hooray!

20% off for Early Birds

2010-10-07T09:24:00.001-07:00

As a thank you for being an Early Bird, you can enjoy 20% off your order at www.bitsycreations.com! In the coming weeks, Halloween will drift away and yes, many will forget all about Thanksgiving as the stores break out their Holiday items!

Before the chaos begins, you might want to think about grabbing up your holiday photo cards (you can purchase now and send me a photo later) or perhaps a plate from my new Kidlets line! These are the perfect gifts if you're looking for something thoughtful and useful.

Just use code: Holiday20 at bitsycreations.com

Enjoy!!

Halloween Freebie: Photo Cards

2010-09-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of BitsyCreations on Facebook, you may have noticed I'm hoping to have more freebies on my blog! I love to "give back" to all my wonderful customers and clients, but I never quite know what to offer. Then the awesome suggestion came of photo cards for Halloween!

So if you have little ones who are 100% adorable in their costumes and you just have to share it, why not stick a photo on one of these "e-mailable" photo greeting cards? They're FREE!

Just click on the blank photos below to see them full size, save to your own computer & pop in a photo. This can be done in most photo editing software that comes with your computer! They're the perfect size for e-mailing. (Sorry, they're not large enough to print nicely, but feel free to contact me if you'd like to purchase the larger file size.)

Have a Handmade Holiday

2010-09-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

With the leaves starting to turn color and fall off the trees, I've started thinking about how to make my holiday season special this year. We do a handful of traditional things in our family that help reinforce to our children the true meaning of Christmas. I love this time of gift-giving, though!

I've been a little overwhelmed with our toy "situation" the past few months. The toys seem to multiply overnight! I definitely don't want to stock up on more of the same old toys this year. So as I've been thinking about what to do for my own children, I thought I'd share what I have come across!

Do you know about all the patterns available on Etsy? Countless shops with talented owners make their own patterns for you to use. From knitting patterns to sewing patterns to print-your-own paper products, you're sure to find something that will make a great gift for your kids or something you can make WITH your children for friends & family. The best part is we'll definitely be saving money & creating a keepsake in the process.

So look back here for links to some amazing printables & patterns!

By Category:

Sewing patterns

Felt Tool Set by FairyFox

Skirt Pattern by The Vines Branches

Make sure you check out the awesome giveaway at The Vines Branches, too! The information about it is in the Shop Announcement at TheVinesBranches.etsy.com

Max the Owl by Ginia18

Knitting patterns

Carnaby Rabbit by Fluff & Fuzz

Well Hello!

2010-09-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've posted anything. Where have I been?
Searching for balance, I suppose. I'm not sure exactly why, but the last few weeks have been incredibly challenging ones in my life. Our lives seem to go in cycles and I was to one of those points where I was too overwhelmed to do everything I wanted and needed.

So things fell to the side. And unconsciously, one of them was blogging. When I stopped to think about it, I realized I need to make some time to blog because I really do enjoy it! I'm not a talker in real life. I guess I have a few key subjects that will get me going, but generally speaking, I don't share very much. I love having this outlet.

I hope to make time to blog in between all my daily duties!

Changes!

2010-08-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

(Bitsy #1 and me... about 5 years ago--long before I ever thought of sending her off to Kindergarten.)

Bitsy #1 started Kindgergarten this week! Wowee! It is absolutely the strangest feeling to spend 5+ years with a little person--practically 24 hours a day--and then send her off to school for a full day. She has such wonderful teachers, though, I really can't think for a moment she's not in excellent hands.

But we've almost survived the first week with not too many surprises! Just one very loose tooth that came out and only one meltdown. I'd say it's been a success! We've had a very, very sad little brother at home, but we'll get used to things. Going to the grocery store with just Bitsy #2 was like going on vacation!!

So as we get used to changes around our home and in our family, I thought I'd do a little 'house-cleaning' of my business. I'll be going back to just one Etsy shop. It's a bit too much for me to handle two & it's so sad when someone who is a regular customer of my graphic design or my fabric labels will see my greetings and say "Wow! I never knew you did this..."

Back to only bitsycreations.etsy.com. Bitsysgreetings.etsy.com will be open a bit longer as I let those listings expire and move them back over to bitsycreations.

As always, thank you for your support! I'm sure now that school has started, I can free up some time to blog more.

A Full Summer

2010-08-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

We have had such a full summer. I've thoroughly enjoyed visits with family these past few months. We've been spoiled because they've mostly come to us!!

Yesterday was such a fun time. We celebrated two of my brothers' birthdays and had a very full house at Grandma & Grandpa's! One of my brothers lives in Korea, so whenever he's home (usually once a year) we try to all get together. So another brother was in town for just the day & snapped this adorable photo of Bitsy #2 at church:

What cheeks!! My parents & two of my brothers sat behind us yesterday at church--I got to watch as my little two year old slipped under the pew & squeezed himself between my brothers. My heart was so full! So wonderful to see everyone yesterday and so sad to see those who live far away go back. Family, though we are not perfect, is such a wonderful blessing.

The End is Near....

2010-08-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

Has this summer just been eating your time up, too? Between the heat, the visitors we've had, and school coming, I've been away from blogging too long!

So here we are... two weeks away from school. Have I mentioned my "baby" is going off to Kindergarten? I just don't know what I'll do. I'm so used to having my dear around, but she is so completely ready to go. It will be wonderful for her to make some new friends and have time away from her little brother who adores her, of course, but also smothers her just a tad.

We're getting ready buying our supplies and labeling it. Yes, for one of the very first times, I am using my own fabric labels! It was a little difficult for me to print out sweet little fabric labels with a hippo (her favorite) and my daughter's name...

I've been getting a bunch of orders from other moms doing the same thing: getting the kids ready to send to school. So please remember that I'm thinking of all the first-time-school-moms! And remember that my labels are perfect for ironing onto school items, not just your businesses.

And the winners are... (Kidlet Giveaway)

2010-08-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

The winners of the Kidlet plate or stationery giveaway are:

"JLK"

and

"Creativeismessy"

Congratulations to you both! I'm so excited to see how you feel about the new line.
Thank you for all who entered!

Giveaways

2010-07-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

Just a little reminder that the Kidlet Stationery & Plate giveaway ends THIS week! So go enter if you haven't already.

Also this week, you can win a $25 gift certificate for BitsyCreations on Soap Deli News!

I'm having fun with my Kidlet launch, as you can see. Enjoy!

New Logo Design

2010-07-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

(Logo design by BitsyCreations. Please visit our site for more details.)

I've had the wonderful opportunity to work with Ceci from PheePhee Bowtique to create a new logo package for her business. We're so pleased with the end result of a new logo, business cards, stickers, Etsy banner, and bow cards for her absolutely adorable hair accessories.

Have a look at the new designs & make sure you stop by her Etsy shop to see her fabulous work! PheePhee Bowtique can also be found on facebook here.

If you just can't wait...

2010-07-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

...then you're a lot like me. I was going to wait to start listing my Kidlet products until I was ready to list EVERYTHING, but then I thought, "Why not list a little at a time?" Spread things out.

So our very first Kidlet item ready for purchase is a sheet of PRINTABLE Mommy (or Daddy) Cards! I just love printables. Purchase once & keep on printing!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51882901/kidlet-printable-mommy-cards

Daughter's Room: Why I Love Etsy

2010-07-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure you've read, our recently purchased first home is quite a fixer-upper. We are in love with it despite the amount of work needed. Luckily, most of the projects can be done little-by-little, one room at a time.

We have Bitsy #1's room almost there! The big project left is to replace the closet doors. All the closet doors in our house are full length (up to the ceiling) sliding particle board. Yuck.

But as I looked around the almost-complete room, I realized how much I love Etsy. Let me show you what I mean:

Embellished lanterns from the lovely Chic EMbellish. (You can sort of see those nasty closet doors.)

Adorable artwork from Electric Bluebird, found so long ago I don't think she even does artwork anymore--awesome clothes, though! (And the sweet little dancers are from the Kennedy Center--not Etsy.) ;)

Awesome and ridiculously functional hair bow holder from Princess MiMi Designs! Not to mention it's filled with tons of bows & barrettes from Etsy shops like Love 2 Sparkle Boutique and Celeste & Co.

And we had so much fun with this project! We grabbed some old picture frames from Grandma & covered them with fabric from This and That From Japan. We had such a hard time deciding on fabric because her selection is HUGE and very, very unique.

(The middle one is actually some extra we had around here, though. We have red toile curtains in other parts of the house, so we thought the pink toile here was an excellent way to tie things together.)

I'm so happy with how everything came together. I honestly didn't expect to love all this pink, but a beautiful dusty rose shade changed my mind. (My photos and a cloudy day did not do this color justice.) It's so wonderful to think back on how I met some of the women behind these Etsy shops. A few came to me for design work & we became fast friends and I get to enjoy the amazing talent out there every time we're in this room now!

Kidlets Giveaway

2010-07-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have been around as I've been hinting at my latest project! They're almost ready to go and I'm more excited than words can express.

Introducing...

Customizable Kidlets from BitsyCreations is a new line of--you guessed it--customizable products!

They're not quite ready for public purchase & I need your help to get to that point! What better way to do that than host a giveaway? ONE winner will receive a set of stationery including 10 greeting cards and envelopes. ANOTHER winner will receive a customized plate! The best part is that the winners can customize even more than just the characters--I can add balloons and make them birthday plates, I can add a polka dot background, I can add another character if you'd like these for your children & you have more than one.

(*Please note: Greeting cards are printed on heavy white linen cardstock with matching envelopes, plates are custom printed melamine and take a bit longer to get in the mail to you.)

You can click on any of the images to view them at a larger size.

Now, TO ENTER, each comment counts as one entry:

(1) Make a comment here & tell me what type of product you'd like to see me create with the Kidlets--greeting cards, mommy cards, plates, placemats, invitations, you name it!

(2) Follow my blog & comment here

(3) Post about this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter & comment here WITH A LINK.

(4) Become a fan of BitsyCreations on Facebook.

Giveaway ENDS July 30th.

SuperMom: Jaimee of Bushel and Peck Paper

2010-07-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

As part of our 2010 SuperMoms of Summer Feature, today I'm excited for you to meet Jaimee of Bushel and Peck Paper (very recently formerly http://www.modernclassicskids.com/) Jaimee, mom to a wonderful 6 year old son, is a woman after my own heart as she shares my love of paper!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47904426/victorian-tea-baby-shower-invites-and

Jaimee always knew she wanted to stay at home once she and her husband had a child. She says, "My husband and I knew before we started a family that I would stay home with the baby. It's how I grew up and with my Mother and I wouldn't want it any other way for my child. We were lucky enough that it all worked out and I'm able to stay home. BUT, I'm one of those people who can't sit idle. I NEED a project at all times...it's how I relax. Actual "Relaxing" makes me anxious! (I need to work on that :) So, with the encouragement of friends and family, I decided to start my own little business."

http://www.bushelandpeckpaper.com/item_61/Little-Elephant-Shower-Set.htm

I feel like it happens this way for many moms who are either already stay at home moms or are working full time outside of the home and would rather be home with their children.

Jaimee is inspired by her little man who just graduated from kindergarten. He enjoys sitting with her in her studio as she creates. With dreams of one day opening her own brick & mortar store, she has the support of her loving husband and knows to put her family first.

Have a look at Jaimee's wonderful work and I assure you, you will be inspired & understand why she says, "if you can dream it, you can do it!"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47714293/little-submarine-stickers-gift-tags

www.BushelandPeckPaper.com

www.BushelandPeckPaper.etsy.com

www.BushelandPeckPaper.blogspot.com

www.Twitter.com/BushelPeckPaper

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Philadelphia-PA/Bushel-Peck-Paper/117036261666004?ref=ts&ajaxpipe=1&__a=8

A love-hate relationship

2010-07-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Photo can be found at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/harraz/236083575/

I never thought I'd have a love-hate relationship with electricity, but lately I've noticed I do. I guess it started last week. Our power went out a few times during the night. Just flickered on & off, but it was enough to have to reset all the clocks, the baby monitor, etc. Then we noticed electric company trucks all over our neighborhood the whole week.

Followed by the air conditioner breaking, the microwave taking out the entire kitchen's power whenever we used it, and one of our heaters being stuck on the on position...

Then yesterday, we got a notice on our door that the power company would be turning off our power between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Yes, that's right. In the middle of a heat wave. Sure it's at night, but it still only gets down to 75 degrees. Our neighborhood is full of elderly couples and lots of small children. I'm worried that many will get heat-related problems.

And while that makes me so grateful for what I do have in electricity, sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I didn't have to bother with it, either. I mean, I do already fall asleep when the sun goes down & wake up with the boy at 4 or 5 a.m.! What difference would it make to not have lights after dark!? ;)

Yes, my favorite things all use electricity. I'm addicted to my computer. I love my t.v. And I sure love not sitting out in the 105+ degree weather this week.

Toys, toys, toys

2010-07-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Sounds like a lot of us will be playing catch up this week after Canada Day and Independence Day! With 100+ degree weather, we didn't last too long outside... our house was starting to look like this...

...so one of the projects on our list is to go through the toys. I keep wondering if the toys multiply overnight. We have way too many. The kids insist they play with all of them, so our project will most likely be akin to pulling teeth.

Wish me luck!

Oh Twilight Fans

2010-06-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

For all the Twilight fans out there, have you heard about the new book? The Short Life of Bree Tanner is available to be read online for FREE until July 5th:
http://breetannerbook.libredigital.com/index.html
Of course, you can also purchase an actual book. It's based on a character from Eclipse (the third book in the Twilight series). I found it very interesting as it gives you a different perspective; it's written in the words of Bree Tanner, one of the newborn vampires.

Amazing People

2010-06-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have days you just can't watch the news or pick up a newspaper? I know I do. It's hard for me to have hope for our future. I look at my children & wonder what the world will be like when they're my age.

What a horrible attitude to have, I know. So most days I try hard to look for the good. As soon as I put forth the effort, I don't have to look very hard. There are so many wonderful people out there looking for ways to make the world a better place.

As lofty a goal as that is, I fully believe we do it one step at a time, one good act at a time.
Today, if you'd like to be uplifted, please visit this site.
http://www.margaretshopechest.com/

After the tragic death of her grandmother, Carin decided to start Margaret's Hope Chest, "a quilting non-profit providing hope and comfort to those in need." Have a look & see how you can help out. You can also visit the blog here: http://margaretshopechest.blogspot.com/

Seven Years

2010-06-21T05:12:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago, my Joshua & I were married in the Washington, D.C. LDS temple. It was the best decision I've ever made.

Happy anniversary to my wonderful husband who loves and respects me, makes me laugh, is an excellent father, and makes the best chocolate cheesecake ever. ;)

I will gladly spend eternity with you.

Summer Projects with the Kids

2010-06-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

There are so many wonderful ideas out there for summer projects you can do with your kids.

I thought I'd start a list here--mostly for me, yes, I admit that--for you to enjoy!

I am ridiculously excited to try some of these projects--Skip to My Lou is hosting an online 'craft camp' which has 30 amazing projects! Many of them are filled with items we already have around the house.

http://www.skiptomylou.org/craft-camp/

Better Than T.V.

2010-06-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We did!

A short post today, but I had to share. If you're not familiar with Jacquie Lawson, you should go check out her site. She is one amazing artist & creates the most wonderful digital cards.

My kids will sit in front of the computer & 'preview' their favorites over and over. They really think it's better than t.v. & I sit there in awe at such wonderful work!

Bitsy's SuperMoms of Summer 2010

2010-06-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's that magical time! The school buses are running for the last time for a few months, the police officers are out to be sure we're slowing down, and suddenly the neighborhood seems a little more alive.

The kids are finishing their last days of school and a lot of moms out there are wondering how to make the most of their time with the kids while trying to run a business, too!

So I'm bringing a handful of features to you this summer. I'll feature work at home moms who are learning to have the best of both worlds. You'll find a list of the features below as they're posted.

Happy Summer!

Featured Moms:

Bushel and Peck Paper

Helpful Links:
Summer Projects with Kids from Skip to My Lou

A Lovely Surprise

2010-06-09T05:58:00.001-07:00

Bitsy #2 hasn't been sleeping well. Neither has my dear, sweet husband. So guess who else hasn't been sleeping well. Yes, me. No-brainer!

I feel like a zombie most days. I'm one of those 8 hours or nothing kind of people. So it was a lovely surprise to wake up to a couple of reviews of BitsyCreations! What wonderful, kind words!

Hop on over to the ever-entertaining Geek Girl Reviews to see how BitsyCreations is their Geek Mom of the Month!!

The next review involves a site I've been trying to share as much as possible, but realized I don't think I've even posted about it here!

I've been a member of the Handmade Artists Forum for awhile & have recently been getting more serious about setting up my shop there. I am in love! If you're a handmade artist, you MUST go check them out. You won't find a greater bunch of artists. You can visit my shop here: http://handmadeartistsshop.com/bitsycreations.html

They have an absolutely wonderful write-up that you can read here: http://handmadeartistsforum.com/make-an-impression/

A Little Sneak Peek

2010-06-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have ideas for projects that don't come to fruition for a very... very long time. In my little world of being a wife, having kids, running my own business, and now having a fixer-upper of a home, things happen in their own due time.

Yes, I'm learning patience. But I can't wait anymore! I have to share this little sneak peak.

Isn't she precious?!

You just wait. There's more to come.

(That sounds like a threat, doesn't it?)

Like maybe a child who looks like yours!

WINNERS: K'NEX Giveaway

2010-06-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

And the winners of the K'NEX giveaways are:

One of the older sets:

Melanie said...

I am so blog illiterate ;o) I posted the giveaway in 2 entries...haven't figured out how to put it all on one, lol....

Happy Day, Joan!!!

(and if I win....I would like the older K'NEX set)

MAY 24, 2010 12:50 PM

Another older set:

Abbi said...

love the C&B Amusement set

And the winner of the younger set:

Tonya H said...

http://www.geekgirlreviews.com/contests-from-the-bloggy-world/

I blogged about it as well:)

The ernie set would be good for my 3 year old:)

3-day Weekends

2010-06-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

Three-day weekends always seem like such a great idea. I look forward to spending the extra time with my Joshua and taking a little extra time for myself. But then Tuesday comes. And I find myself running around like a mad-woman!

We had a wonderful weekend. I hope those in the U.S. enjoyed their Memorial Day. It means something pretty special at times like these.

We just enjoyed one another's company, played a lot together, and spent time with Grandma & Grandpa and some cousins. Of course when Tuesday rolled around, I had to catch up on orders, run around town trying to get things accomplished... and then Joshua & I had something that must have been "fixer-upper guilt" when we realized we hadn't worked on the house at all this past weekend. So we did some painting last night. I would share, but it's only primer... Soon!

And sometimes we're blessed to serve...

2010-05-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

As a mom, there are many, many things I want to teach my children. It seems that each day I see multiple examples of people being selfish, choosing to make decisions that benefit only themselves, neglecting those around them.

So, naturally, one of the things I want my children to learn is to serve others--to open their eyes and see ways to serve. But add another stipulation to that: to recognize when an opportunity to serve is being presented to you.

Today, we had to run to the store to get a few things. We weren't in a huge hurry, so we admired the flowers outside & as we were walking in, a woman was on a bench with her dog. She stopped us to ask if we were going in the store. Honestly, I get a little weird when a stranger stops to talk to me--especially when my children are with me. But she had a kind face and I'd like to think I'm a good judge of character.

She simply needed some crackers, but couldn't go in the store because she had her dog with her. She handed us a few dollars, we went in, checked out, and got the crackers to her. She was very, very grateful.

And we felt so good for not saying, "Oh, we're too busy" or "It's just too much of a hassle with my children with me". Not to mention, it allowed me to have a wonderful discussion with Bitsy #1 about service. We can look for ways to do things for others that they cannot do for themselves.

Isn't it wonderful when we can take time to stop thinking about ways WE need to be blessed and actually bless the life of someone else?

Ah, children

2010-05-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

It is my belief that faith can be planted as a little seed in infancy.
But I also believe that a certain degree comes with us when we're born.

Mama: "Are you okay? It's awfully quiet all of a sudden."
Bitsy #1: "Oh we were just saying a prayer."
Mama: "That's wonderful! Why were you praying?"
Bitsy #1: "So that Dadda would have a safe trip home from work."

So simple. So beautiful.

K'NEX Review & Giveaway!

2010-05-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well, better late than never! Last week I mentioned I'd have a giveaway to share! I am very excited to present THREE K'NEX sets! THREE lucky winners will win a building set from K'NEX. More details below.

The kids and I took one rainy day and played with our new toys! We literally had hours--yes, hours--of fun together, which is really saying something for us. We're project-hoppers. We like to do art for a little, build something for a little, play with trains for a little, go back to art, etc.

But none of us wanted to stop playing with the K'NEX sets! We started with Cookie Monster's Basketball Building Set. It's appropriate for ages 2-5, but both my two year old and my five year old loved it. It was a challenge for the two year old and easy for the five year old, but she put it together quickly and then played with it for awhile.

Next we put together the Fire Rescue Set. I'll admit, I played with this more than the kids did. Bitsy #1 (who is 5) enjoyed helping me find the pieces and putting them where they belonged. It was clear she could not do this on her own, of course, which is why the set is recommended for 5+. It was such a great activity for the two of us to do together, though.

These sets are absolutely amazing. There are numerous parts so you can build SO many different things. The instruction book has a handful of step-by-step instructions, but you can let your creativity go a little wild as you come up with many more possibilities. The best part is that these are "Collect & Build" sets which means if you purchase another set, the parts will fit together. At their reasonable prices, these sets truly are worth every penny.

So we are very happy to present THREE giveaways!
#1: Swim Time Ernie Building Set which is appropriate for ages 2-5. Regular price is $12.99

"Your child can build Sesame Street's friendliest resident, Ernie, dressed in his bathing suit and ready to take a swim! This 14 piece set includes parts to build Ernie, complete with snorkel and flippers, on his way to the pool, lake or beach! "Play & Learn" activity sheet filled with collaborative and educational fun for parent and child is also included along with additional building ideas. When playtime is over store the parts in the handy canister for a quick and easy clean-up."

OR you could win #2: Backhoe which is recommended for 5+, priced at $12.99.

"Collect & Build the Construction Crew Series! Each set comes with K'NEX parts, including bricks, rods and connectors to build an exciting construction vehicle. There is also a K'NEXman to operate the vehicle, and construction accessories to play with! You can build on the brick plate that is included in the set, then combine all four sets and the brick plates become your own actual construction site! Recommended for builders ages 5+."

OR you could win #3: Excavator which is also meant for ages 5+ and priced at $12.99.

TO ENTER:
Each comment counts as ONE entry. Please let me know if you're interested in the Ernie set (for 2-5 year olds) or one of the Collect & Build sets (ages 5+) when you enter.

1--Visit the K'NEX website and let me know your favorite!
2--Become a K'NEX fan on Facebook.
3--Become a fan of BitsyCreations on Facebook.
4--Follow my blog.
5--Post a link to this giveaway on your own blog. Be sure to link to your post in your comment.
6--Tweet about this giveaway! Be sure to link to your post in your comment.

Winners will be chosen Friday, June 4th, so be sure to have your entry in by June 3rd!

Smelly Basement

2010-05-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

More with the house... We're definitely never going to have dull moments around here! As I've mentioned before, the house was foreclosed & had been sitting empty for about a year. There was a definite smell... when we examined the basement more closely, we found mold... so of course everything smelled mildewy. Fun, fun. We cleaned all the mold up and washed every.inch.of.this.house. but there was still a smell in the basement.

So today we're trying this product called Room Shocker that should get rid of the smell. Sounds pretty amazing, actually. We have our fingers crossed.

The issue is that we have to have the room(s) closed up for 24 hours. Which means no playroom, no office, no t.v. I didn't expect it to be this difficult, but the kids & I are finding it hard to find things to do... especially on a rainy day. Ahwell, we're almost there, and we DO still have the laptop. :)

OH and the kids & I tested out some new K'nex products. Wow, we are in love. So look tomorrow for a review & the beginning of a GIVEAWAY! Hooray!

Pool Parties Are Coming--Custom Invitations

2010-05-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year, isn't it?! Pool parties are coming! Oh I can't wait to go swimming. Something has to stabilize with this weather first, though. Geesh! 90s a few weeks ago, 60s this week?! Crazy.

I had the opportunity to put a custom design together for a swim party. Have I mentioned I LOVE custom designs?! This customer had seen a few ideas on other invitations & asked me to combine some thoughts. The drawings are, of course, originals from BitsyCreations.

Looks like I'll need to adjust & put some pool party invitations in my shop.

5x7 inch custom invitations along with adorable 5 inch round stickers are shown in the photo above.

SuperMoms of Summer 2010

2010-05-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back & officially up and running again after our move! Pictures are coming soon, I promise!

I'm excited to announce that due to popular demand, you'll be able to find more SuperMoms of Summer at BitsyCreations.blogspot.com!

If you've been a long-time reader, you'll remember hearing about some amazing artists last summer as I highlighted work at home moms. You can read the reviews here: http://bitsycreations.blogspot.com/2009/04/summer-features-on-work-at-home-moms.html

These features will run from June through August. If you know someone who would be a great feature, please e-mail me! I'd be happy to hear from you about your own business, too! You can reach me at info [at] bitsycreations.com I have some excellent artists lined up and I can't wait for you to meet them!

FINALLY!

2010-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Finally up & running at our new house! Getting my Etsy shops out of vacation mode. I'll be so excited when things are back to 'normal' for us. Right now the house is a mess with boxes and half-painted walls everywhere. But... I am in love. What a wonderful home for our little family.

I see mice in your future...

2010-04-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

Seriously, if I had eaten the Chinese food I'd been craving, I'm 100% sure my fortune cookie fortune would have read:
Mice will be in your future.

Let me explain...
As you may have read, we just purchased our first home! YAY! It was a foreclosure and had been empty for most likely more than a year. We cleaned, cleaned, cleaned the day after we bought it. And let me tell you, I'm not usually a screamer, but I screamed a little when I opened the range drawer and saw a dead mouse.

Eeeeewww! Still, I understood it--An empty house, even in the middle of the city... I get it. But gross! So here I am making plans to stretch our money so we can buy a new stove. I was just so grossed out at the thought of cooking there even after cleaning like a mad woman.

And then...
We went to get our mattress which had been stored in my parents' basement. Pulled it away from the wall to see mouse droppings everywhere. Bad enough? No. A tiny little hole in my mattress.

I literally started jumping up and down saying, "Ew! Ew! Ew!" like a little girl. Yes, I usually think I'm pretty tough, but I couldn't help myself.

What on earth do we do?! What if the mouse is IN our mattress?! Ack! HELP! How do I know if they got in the mattress? I know they're so full of diseases that we'd need a new bed. But how do I know? Somehow, I don't think that's a risk I want to take... but gosh, beds are expensive! :(
I think it will be awhile before I can sleep.
But seriously, if you have suggestions, let me hear them!!!

Closed for a bit...

2010-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

We close next Friday! Eeee! We are so excited to be home-owners. With settlement fast-approaching, I put my Etsy shops in Vacation Mode while I finish up a few projects next week.
So wish us luck & a happy move! I'll be back shortly!
(And of course, if you're a repeat customer & need something right away, give me a shout.)

COLORS!

2010-04-13T05:06:00.000-07:00

We had an excellent weekend. Since the home we're buying is a foreclosure, we have quite a To Do List! It mostly just needs a really good cleaning and a lot of paint!

So we found ourselves looking at paint samples. Joshua & I have incredibly different taste. I think you could have picked ANYTHING in the store and said, "Do you like this?" and I would have said no and he would have said yes. Or vice versa. Luckily, we usually agree on colors!

Of course these colors will look different on the walls than they do on the computer screen! For our basic color that will be on most of our walls, we're going with a very light neutral. A nice non-baby yellow in the kitchen. Red in the dining room and main level bathroom. Actually, we're planning to do wainscoting in the dining room, so really only the top half of the room will be red.

Yay! Don't they look great together? So we'll keep Bitsy #2's room the neutral & spice it up with fabric wall hangings... Yup. I never got to that project. I intend to now! :) We'll do a dusty rose pink in Bitsy #1's room--she is actually requesting purple, blue, and pink stripes. Yikes! The basement has bead board that we'll paint white and put this aqua on top. We're going to make the main room in the basement my office/play room. It's big enough that we shouldn't have any trouble with that!

And then for the master... we have green bedding and purple bathroom items, so we thought maybe we'd swap those colors. Put green in the bathroom & purple in our bedroom. The ceiling has a lot of character, so we thought we'd just paint one or two walls a dark purple in our room so that the white ceiling really stands out & you can see the architectural lines. So we're deciding still on the shades...

Huge project ahead of us!! Wish us luck. ;)

A Magic Wand

2010-04-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

(image from flickr)

One day last week, Bitsy #1 (who is 5 years old) came home from school and said, "Mrs. H broke her magic wand." I told her that was too bad, that she'd have to find a new one.

There was a pause.

And Bitsy #1 said, "I have so many. I think I'll give her one of mine."

I quickly tried to swallow back tears, gave her a kiss on the forehead, and told her what a wonderful idea that was.

So the next time she went to school, she packed up her extra wand in her backpack. When we got there, her teachers greeted her and Mrs. H said, "What is the magic wand for?"

Bitsy #1 stood there for a moment, clearly collecting courage and said, "I had an extra one and wanted you to have this since yours broke."

And of course, there I stood at the doorway... crying like baby, but smiling bigger than I thought possible. What an amazing little girl. The truly remarkable thing is that I KNOW I did not teach her this. It is one of her God-given gifts: to NOTICE that someone has a need, see if she can fill it, and if she can fill it, follow through. I know adults who can't do this and here she is, a sweet and innocent little 5 year old, helping others.

This is... Spring?

2010-04-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

(Beautiful Maryland Cherry Blossoms photo grabbed from Flickr.)

It was 92 degrees in Maryland yesterday. In April. Early April.

Yikes.

The nice thing is that it was a bit cooler this morning, so we all went outside to tend to Grandma & Grandpa's beautiful surroundings.

I'm pretty sure I should e-mail my poor husband at work, though. He needs a warning. Something that lets him know his wife is less-than-beautiful today.

No make-up.
Hair in a messy ponytail.
Dirt from gardening.
A mystery *something* from helping my dad put the mower blades on the tractor.
Various scratches.

The best part? I bet he'll just give me a hug & a kiss and say, "Wow, you had a busy day!"

He knows what I look like all dressed up and clean anyhow. ;)

Some New Logos

2010-04-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the last few logos I designed. It's hard to say what my favorite part of my job is, but I really do believe logo design is at the top of my list. It's so wonderful to work with and get to know new people. Some have become dear friends!

And then here, we're still deciding...We'll probably just use both for business cards, postcards, etc.

So you can see why I've been so busy! I'm glad I could get all of these in before our move, which is fast approaching! YAY!

Break me off a piece of that...

2010-04-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

You must read this article.

Man arrested at Large Hadron Collider claims he's from the future

My favorite part:
"It is a communist chocolate hellhole and I'm here to stop it ever happening."

Communist. Chocolate. Hellhole.
Hilarious.

Perhaps I'll cross-stich that and hang it up on my wall. For some reason, I just laughed and laughed when my husband read this to me last night.
Had to share!

Aldi

2010-03-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

If you're not shopping at Aldi, you absolutely should be. I am in love. We haven't had it in Maryland very long, but ever since we have, we've been shopping there and saving an obscene amount on our groceries.

Bitsy #1 adores shopping there for two reasons: one, you never know what they'll have and two, she gets to put the quarter in the cart.

They have their regular items, but they also have different items from time to time that will only show up once or twice. For example, they have toys and clothes mixed in some weeks. We plan on getting an adorable pop-up play tent for Bitsy #2 who has a birthday coming up! It's under $20.

And yes, you have to put a quarter in their shopping carts to use them! It's such a genius idea. You put in your quarter at the start & get it back at the end. They don't have to pay anyone to run laps around the parking lot picking up the carts! GENIUS, I say.

But really, I get the best feeling when we go in there, come out with HUGE bags of groceries, and have only paid $20 or $30. We can find practically everything we need there. (Two small notes. I almost fell over when we tried the soda. Ew. But their cheese crackers? Delicious! Actually better than name brands. Other note: BEST PRODUCE EVER. And so, so cheap. This week? A 10 pound bag of potatoes for under $2. I kid you not. And strawberries? Don't get me started on their delicious strawberries.)

So no, Aldi didn't pay me to say anything, I'm just THAT in love with the store.

A Very "Mom" Day

2010-03-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

(Photo from flickr.com)

One of my sisters used to tell me how I'd be a good mom because I was good at 'mom things' like baking cookies and scrapbooking--not to mention I went to school for elementary education. It used to crack me up. What did this sort of thing have to do with being a mom? Sometimes in my observations I think the best moms are the ones who didn't expect to be a "great mom". Being a parent is hard work! Being a devoted one is even harder. I love when we're at the park and I observe a mom or dad with her or his children actually having fun! He's not talking on the cell phone. She's not gossiping with her friend while her child is about to fall off the monkey bars. It gives me hope for these sweet little children out there.

I love their innocence! Yesterday Bitsy #1 played at the park with a little boy who was the most precious little man. It didn't matter to her that he was a bit younger. It didn't matter that English was his second language and he was hard to understand sometimes. It didn't matter that he was *gasp* a boy!

Yesterday was a very 'mom' day. We took care of getting a gift for a birthday party. We grocery shopped. We went to the park. And then we made cookies for a bake sale that will help a local family in need. And I loved every second of it. Some may have thought my day was slow and mundane, but not me!

Thinking of Ireland Today...

2010-03-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! For some reason, I've always been drawn to Ireland. I knew my family had ancestors from there, but it's not exactly close. I believe it was my grandfather's grandmother who was originally from Ireland. I would love to visit, though.

I mean, look at this:

(Image from Flickr.com)

Beautiful. When we lived in North Carolina, we had a missionary serving there from Ireland. We'd have the elders over for dinner quite frequently, so we got to know him well. Each time he was over, he'd get a little homesick, the poor kid. Apparently I look like 99% of the population of Ireland! Ridiculously pale skin. Dark brown hair. A few freckles. And I guess it didn't help that I actually knew who Flogging Molly was!

So go put on some green & enjoy your St. Patrick's Day! (And no, I don't think you have to go out drinking to do so! lol) Maybe one day I'll tell you about a trip to Ireland.

Printable Easter Egg Hunt Invitations

2010-03-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

The kids and I decided we'd have an Easter Egg Hunt at Grandma & Grandpa's. They have THE best house for hunts... inside OR out! So many hiding places and beautiful scenery--Springtime brings sweet little flowers everywhere there. We have a handful of friends we're going to invite and I, of course, couldn't just send out a plain e-mail! I whipped up a couple of invitations & made my mom and husband decide which one to use! Ha!

So I decided to offer them at bitsysgreetings.etsy.com. You can PRINT THEM YOURSELF or e-mail them. So easy! I can, of course, print them if you'd prefer. See them here and here.

I'm Dreaming of Home Make-overs

2010-03-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't read last week, we heard that our offer on the home was accepted! If all goes as planned, we'll close April 23rd. Because this house is a foreclosure, it's been empty for about a year... and needs a big, big cleaning! We're already planning to take about a week off of work and go in, clean, clean, clean, and then paint! Every inch of that house needs to be painted.

Joshua and I have been having fun picking out paint colors. We usually can't agree on decor AT ALL, but colors come a little easier. He's not, however, a fan of turquoise/aqua. I LOVE it. So I think our compromise will be to let me have a nice, bright aqua in the basement/playroom/Bitsy Office. Yup. Talk about your good use of space! Currently the room has awful paint. It has beadboard, but it's painted GREEN and above is RED! Ack!

So I'm thinking paint the beadboard a clean white and put aqua up top. Yum.
And then I saw this. Yes, it's a kitchen, but wow. Wouldn't something like that be fantastic on one wall for my work area?! Oh I'm dreaming big.

(Thank you to decorpad for the photo.)

You can see more of my aqua obsession in my latest premade Etsy package here.

HOUSE!

2010-03-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

They accepted our offer on the house!! Eeee!!
We're one step closer to home-ownership.

25% off greetings

2010-03-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

We're having a great sale at bitsysgreetings.etsy.com! 25% off until Sunday night. Just hop over to EtsyCREST and you can read about the sale here:
http://etsycrest.blogspot.com/2010/03/were-nuts-about-bitsys-greetings.html

Logos for Hubby!

2010-03-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! Can I just tell you I'm ready to lose my mind? Two things. I've had a headache for more than a week. Yes, it's been here the whole time. Well, almost. I had two blissful hours of headache-free time yesterday. But then it came back.

Two: We're waiting and waiting and waiting to hear back from a bank. We made an offer on a house!!!!! We were ready to just put it back on the back burner for awhile when I saw this adorable little house. We thought we'd see it 'just in case', but we both loved it. It's a foreclosure, so we're waiting around to hear back if that bank will accept our offer. Who knew I was THIS impatient?!

So I've been trying to keep myself busy AND DISTRACTED! Not sure if I've mentioned before, but Hubby is an airplane enthusiast. He adores model airplanes and a few years ago found a simulator where you can fly and crash as many times and not pay a few hundred dollars if you crash the plane! Thank heaven for computers.

Well, the smarty taught himself how to design 3-D models for this software and has now figured out how to take those designs and create actual plans--as in, print this and build your own model plane from his design. Incredible. He never ceases to amaze me.

Of course, that meant creating a logo for his possible business! Hooray! It was so fun to sit down with him and play around with possible logos. The problem was he didn't know quite what to call it... He had an idea of what he wanted--classy and simple. Wings. Maybe a bird? I told him we should do a quail. (Quail-man from that old cartoon Doug, anyone?!) He laughed & said maybe a crane!

So we went from this, which was 'meh':

to this, which was too girly:

to this, which just wasn't working...

Until he came home and had decided on "Inverted G". Perfect! (I didn't know, but it's a maneuver.) I love it. Simple, classy, and quite manly.

New Greeting Cards

2010-03-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

I'm still working on getting many of my designs 'translated' into matching greeting cards. You can now purchase damask and baby shower thank you cards that match invitations I currently carry. They are, of course, are great on their own, too:

I also have a few completely new designs I'm adding. They'll be available at bitsysgreetings.etsy.com and of course at bitsycreations.com

The Lund greeting cards! I love this design & use it for just about everything. I can replace it with your last name or with a simple 'hello' or 'thank you'.

Moving announcements have been on my 'to do' list for much too long! I plan on adding more soon.

I had the wonderful opportunity to give a gift to my husband's niece for our family gift exchange. I actually didn't have any horses drawn up and knew I needed something for this wonderful horse-lover! Love how these turned out & will add it to my collection soon.