Bigger is not always better!

I've got a little pet peeve and it's called deception! Having been making tutus for my girls now for several years and finally opening up a shop. I was so surprised to see these posts claiming a tutu was 100 or 200 yards of tulle. Time and time again I've scratched my head, knowing that 200 yards of tulle would swallow a 300lb man whole!

This is marketing DECEPTION at it's finest. Bigger and more yardage sounds better right? Well here is the TRUTH...

Now these people making such claims are technically RIGHT. There is no "right and wrong" about this. However, I myself (before I knew how to do tutus myself" would look at these massive amounts of yardage and just marvel. The average person who doesn't sew is going to be deceived by the yardage. For example...Lets take a look at one of my mini tutus as an example and the following ways I could describe it



I could describe the amount of tulle used in this tutu in different ways. I COULD say "oh its got 4 yards of tulle in it"

or...I could market it as 80 yards of tulle! To the average consumer, which sounds better? 4 yards of tulle at $15? or 80 yards of tulle at $15? Of course "more is better!" mentality is going to win...

LOGICALLY: how the HECK is 4 yards the same as 80 yards?

It's all in how you buy the tulle! Tulle bought on a spool is typically 25 yards LONG and 6 inches wide



Tulle bought on a BOLT is typically 40 yards long and 54 inches wide


Therefore... 25 yards of 6 inch wide tulle is a much smaller amount than 25 yards of 54 inch wide tulle.

I am NOT at all saying that it is wrong to use a bolt or use a spool. I am not favoring one for the other. They're the exact same thing. However you cannot rely on the yardage mentioned on a tutu listing as they do not specify the width of the fabric used. Bigger "sounding" is not always BETTER!

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Check out this awesome giveaway!

http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.com/2010/07/britax-advocate-cs/.html

You COULD win a Britax carseat! Britax is one of the leading manufactures known for carseat safety. If you're in the market for a great seat this is definitely a company you should look at!

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New shop!

I apologize to all of my followers for not updating my blog as I should. Tomorrow I'll put up a post as to why I've not :) Until then I would love to introduce my new shop!
EnchantedSmiles

Tutus, Bows and More!


Please check it out!

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Liquid Detergent Recipe

Liquid
4 Cups - hot tap water
2 cups of grated soap bar (I use homemade soap but laundry soap or ivory soap will work as well)
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup oxyclean (or offbrand equavalent)

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Oxygen wash. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil. (I prefer, tea tree, rosemary AND lavender all together!)

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

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I don't wanna take pics sale!

I am peddling these off super cheap this weekend only! Why? I just don't want to retake the pictures!

$11 off! Reduced to only $7!!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/32350928/in-everything-give-thanks

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Day 2- Cleaning Challenge

1- Wash Clothes
2-pick up tom's junk from his side of the room
3-vacuum bedroom floor
4- clean both tubs!
5- clean washer & Dryer
6- sweep Laundry Room
7- Mop Laundry room
8- Put away clean clothes
9- Dust Bedroom fan
10- Clean tvs
11- Clean off bookshelves
12- Organize Pantry closet
13- shred papers
14- sweep kitchen floor
15- mop kitchen floor
16- put snaps on a BG
17- Wash bedroom windows
18- wash dining room windows
19- clean/polish kitchen table
20- dust &clean pantry cabinet.

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30 day challenge! Day 1

Out of all my blogger friends. Are any of you living in CHAOS? (CANT HAVE ANYONE OVER SYNDROME?)

I sure am right now! My house got really behind and dirty while I was stuck in bed for preterm labor due to sun poisoning. I am doing 30 day challenge that I came up with myself to get back on track! I would love for everyone that wants to to comment with your own list (daily) and lets encourage one another! Or you can just link me to your blog (that may be easier) The challenge? 20 chores a day for 30 days! They can be every day chores, big chores, small chores, it's completely up to you!

Here is my day 1 list
1- Empty All trashcans
2- Clean both toilets
3- clean sinks and mirrors
4- clean bathroom counters
5- Sweep bathrooms
6- mop bathrooms
7- wash diapers
8- put away clean clothes
9- convert one BG diaper to snaps
10- pick up all the toys vacationing in our bedroom
11- Take down the vacuum box still vacationing in our bedroom
12- take the giveaways to the car so they can be dropped off at goodwill
13- make up bed
14- Take the outgrown kid's box from our bedroom to the kid's room for storage
15- dust and polish up tom's nightstand
16- stuff/put away clean diapers
17- vacuum hall&steps
18- pick up tom's junk from his side of the room
19- vacuum bedroom floor
20- clean both tubs!




I got all but 4 chores done today! I will add the ones I missed onto the list for tomorrow. Overall I knocked a big dent into things I needed to do!

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I've returned!

I have made my return to etsy after a LONG break. Lot's of NEW listings, more things coming, reviews resuming!

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My angel baby

In November of this year my husband and I were blessed with the news that we were expecting our 5th baby together. I have 4 beautiful girls and we were so excited about another little addition to our family. The day that the news was confirmed the nurse had asked if this was a wanted pregnancy, if we were trying. I had at the time replied "We were just trusting the Lord" I went on to tell her something I rarely tell ANYONE. MY personal convictions about birth control. This is MY conviction and I rarely tell people as it is not my place to push my beliefs onto others. The lady went and tipped her door closed, turning to me with tears rolling down her cheeks, she says "Wow, what a blessing that the Lord sent you my way" She went on to explain that the Lord had convicted her of her job as she has to prescribe birth control. We chatted for awhile and before I left I said some very ironic words "if something happens to this baby, I will have peace in knowing that it was already a blessing to someone"

That was on a tuesday afternoon. 6 days later I lost my precious angel. I don't know his plan but I take comfort in the knowledge that he or she already touched a life. His or her little feet may not have touched this earth but it touched someone's heart.

I didn't want to forget this short lived blessing. I went to find some sort of memory piece that I could keep close to my heart. That's when I found an etsy seller named bugaboojewelry I ordered a necklace from her and it came out so beautiful. I wanted to share


The dates symbolize my date of loss and my due date. It turned out really beautiful and I am very thankful of bugaboo for getting it to me so fast. I have taken great comfort in having a piece near me, reminding me that my baby isn't GONE. He or she is just waiting on me in heaven.

Until then this is my prayer,
Lord I waited to hold my little one on my lap and tell them about you.
But since I never had the chance, Will you please hold them on your lap and tell them about me?

**please click on the picture or her shop name to visit her shop**

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Eco Chic Hand Knits: MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!

Eco Chic Hand Knits: MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!

Check out this awesome giveaway for this

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Product Review

I've made another purchase from RhisBitsAndBeads You really can't ask for a nicer Etsian. She's a real gem! I got these very fast! They were packaged so well and in a cute little bag. My daughter is going to love finding them in her stocking on christmas morning.

Please click on the picture above or you may click here to show this etsian some much deserved love and support.

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Tater Tot Casserole

2 lb ground turkey cooked, seasoned, drained
2 1/2 lbs tater tots
1 large can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken
2 cans evaporated milk


Brown meat & place in large cass. dish.
Brown turkey and drain.
Layer tater tots on top of the meat mixture
Mix soup& milk together.
Pour over top. Bake at 350 for 1 Hour.

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Product Review

So my name is obviously (on Etsy) SmileyMoo and I casually mentioned really cute cow printed cards to Polliwog123 and she happened to make some of the cutest cow print cards I've ever seen! I had to have them and they'll look really cute in my packages I send out. So if you want what all the cool kids are buying...buy from Polli!


Yes...that means you...click on her name. Or Click Here or here or here!

Got it? I thought so! :)

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Product Review

It's that time again! PRODUCT REVIEW!!!! I got this in the mail from a really sweet etsian named christiecottage


It's prettier in person than in the picture! Absolutely love this Etsian and everyone should buy from her!!! Please click her username or the picture to visit her shop :)

Buying from her ALSO gets you a spot on her BNS (buy and stay) which is an awesome group that has gone for over a year and has had thousands of sales as a result of her thread!

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Product Review

Come look what I got!!


The first thing you see when you visit this shop is "Be a blessing in everything you do" And she is truly and honestly living up to the motto. She knew I wanted this dolly for my daughter's birthday and went above and beyond doing what she could so that I could get it for her. When I got her in the mail and I opened her up I realized that not only did I get this beautiful doll that I ordered but I also got a beautiful quilted blanket as a gift and a few other beautiful extras.

When I look at this doll, and as my daughter will open it on her birthday, I just have this huge feeling that God has flooded a beautiful blessing out and touched my life. lilyofthevall77 is the type of etsian you SHOULD be buying from and that we should be learning from. Remembering that in everything we do "I will bless them that bless thee" a firm reminder that to be blessed we must put aside our own desires, wants and goals and be a blessing to someone else, not expecting anything in return.

Please click here to visit her shop and show some love :)

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Empress Kel-My Guild Wars Bio

Name: Unknown
Alias:Empress Kel
Age: Unknown
Birthplace: Wizard's Folly


Empress was born in Wizard's Folly. Her parents were gypsies that entertained at Foible's Fair. Outcasts of Ascalon for offenses of their ancestors, they strove to simulate the powers of those surrounding them with smoke and mirrors but lacked the true power of their fellow man. They struggled to find their place in the world with the burden and weight of condemnation, for they believed the gods had condemned them and left them powerless.

Empress lived this life of shame and condemnation along with her parents and siblings. She was a strikingly odd child who often did not fit in even with her family. Due to a rare genetic anomaly she felt she was cursed with pale skin, purple eyes and purple hair. Try as she might, life was just not easy for Empress and she never felt like she truly fit in. However, things changed for Empress upon the discovery of her powers. Her parents made arrangements for her to be trained by an elite elementalist and gave their life savings to buy her the appropriate attire and equipment. Some of which included a rare Destroyer Staff of fortitude which they lovingly bestowed upon their daughter. They also immediately thanked the gods for their daughter's new found power, for to them this was their salvation, their redemption.

Before the time came for Empress to move to the temple for instruction the charr invaded. Racing home on that fateful day she grabbed her staff and, muttering prayers under her breath, she called for fire from the heavens. Boulders and meteors crashed to the earth. A frightened and panicked little girl with no knowledge or control over her powers watched as fire and brimstone rained on her loved ones. One by one her family fell and then she too was injured, nearly unto death.

When she awoke she was a prisoner, taken along with Gwen by the Charr. Why she was taken and not killed became apparent very quickly. A charr maiden had won the heart of her beloved charr warrior. She longed for a cub but many years had passed and this aging Charress had not been able to produce a child for her beloved. She was sad and lonely. Her beloved laid eyes on Empress, an unusual example of her species and took pity, taking her home as a gift for his beloved Charr wife. Someone she could nurse and take care of and perhaps have a sense of purpose. If nothing else this child could be a helper for her, a slave if you will. The charress nursed Empress back to health and a loving parental relationship blossomed between the two. Empress had been so mortally wounded that very little memories of her real family remained. Only the guilt of watching them burn by her own hands. The beloved and his wife loved Empress and quickly the charr village was calling for this unheard of relationship to be put to a stop. When the beloved and his wife refused to surrender their adopted daughter they were murdered.

Fear and hatred swelled in Empress' heart. For the second time in her life she was alone and her family taken from her. Having fully harnessed the power of the elements, she killed many charr before escaping into the wilderness.

At that point in her life she met the love of her life. The man that would become her husband and along with him she joined up with a motley crowd known as the Ecliptic Phoenix. It was at this time in her life that she was also bestowed the name Empress. With no recollection of her real name her loving husband affectionately began to call her Empress for her fiery temper and ability to take command of almost any situation.

Restlessly working for her redemption and relief from the guilt and pain that clouded her, life led Empress through the lands of Tyria and Cantha, fighting the Mursaat and the forces of Shiro. However pain and guilt still plagued her life and she began to question the gods. As her struggle with faith and her belief in the gods continued, her guild and those around her begin to push her away and eventually Phoenix disbanded.

After much turmoil, Empress realized that there is one true God and the fellowship with a new guild with like minded individuals signify the change in Empress' heart. She continued to grow in her new faith and forging new friendships within the Signet of the Lion.

She and her husband were sent on a mission to Kamadan where they eventually settled and adopted an orphaned set of twins named Shayera and Akira. Both of whom are accomplished rangers and carrying on in the footsteps of their mother and father.

Currently Empress is working deep undercover out of the Eye of the North and has changed her appearance as to not stick out in a crowd. Her life continues...an open journal still waiting to be written.

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Product Review

Looking for cute? Fast shipping and a wonderful etsian? Why not support SewnInspirations

I've gotten to know Sewn over the course a couple weeks now in the "IBUY" threads on etsy and I've got to say she's a total sweetheart! The pillow is so cute and my daughter is going to LOVE opening it on christmas morning :) Please click on her name (or on the picture) to visit her shop!

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Over the top-Stitch Q&A

Okay, so my blog was tagged by Stitchnmomma who was tagged by Deelights with an over the top blog award. I apparantly have to answer these questions and tag three other blogs.

1 Where is your cell phone? laying on my lap
2 Your hair? Brown
3 Your mother? usually a sweetheart
4 Your father? the exact opposite of my mother ;)
5 Your Favorite food? Ceasar Salad
6 Your dream last night? I'm afraid I can't answer that. It would make me have to put a rating on my blog
7 Your favorite drink? vanilla coke
8 Your dream/goal? Out of debt!
9 What room are you in? Basement/family room
10 Your hobby? a little bit of everything
11 Your fear? Losing my family
12 Where do you want to be in six years? wherever my family is at
13 Where were you last night? Home
14 Something that you aren't? A supermodel LOL
15 Muffins? Love them!
16 Wish list item? be caught up on bills
17 Where did you grow up? In North Carolina, one town over from where I live now
18 Last thing you did? took a shower
19 What are you wearing? pjs
20 Your TV? off
21 Your pets? 1 dog and 1 fish
22 Friends? not very many :(
23 Your life? crazy but I love it
24 Your mood? sad
25 Missing someone? Always.
26 Vehicle? Minivan
27 Something you're not wearing? socks
28 Your favorite store? Hobby Lobby
29 Your favorite color? Purple
30 When was the last time you laughed? Today.
31 Last time you cried? today
32 Your best friend? Hisjamilynn, My hubby, my sister (when we're not mud wrestling
33 One place where you go over and over? violin lessons
34 One person who emails you regularly? no one LOL. All I get are alerts from etsy and Guild wars auctions
35 Favorite place to eat? Home.

And the three blogs I am tagging are

...
...
...

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Product Review

Another day and another package received in the mail!!! I got these really cool lampwork beads from KatScratchBeadWorks
They're really pretty, well made and arrived very fast! I made a pair of earrings out of them and can't wait to see what else I can come up with!


Please click on her name above to check out her shop!

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Guild Wars pictures

NOTE: Click the pictures to see the full and un"squished" version of the pictures

As some of you know...I play an online game called Guild Wars. When I'm not on etsy or facebook then I'm usually spending time with my family by playing Guild Wars (though of course sometimes I'm on etsy AND guild wars LOL) So I thought I would share a few things :) This is my main character in Guild Wars.


My second main character


Now on to my beautiful screenshots :)












These are just a FEW of my many hundreds of pictures I've taken in Guild Wars!

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