New Uses for Old Things

Ugh, what an awful past two mornings. First off, yesterday morning Tessa almost suffocated in her sleep and if the circumstances were just slightly different, she would have. But God kept her safe, and to make sure she was still safe I was getting up every two hours last night to make sure she was okay. So when she decided to wake up at about 5:30am I was exhausted and it took forever for her to go back to sleep and when she did she only slept for 30 minutes. I'm still tired and now I have a headache. But anyway...

I love the MSN Lifestyle articles. They give good ideas on better cleaning, organizing, and decor. This particular article is especially cool if you have kids. They have some great ideas in this one. I think my favorite is the growth chart, will definitely be doing that for my little one.

Extra post today

There's a lot of things a parent waits for when it comes to their young one; first laugh, smile, the first time they sit up, first tooth and first steps. Well today, I can check off one of the many firsts to come, today, Tessa received her first tooth. We've been watching for that first little pearly white for some time now, although I was slightly surprised to wake up this morning and discover it. I expected Tessa to be much more fussy and possible develop a fever but she's quite the little trooper, just like her Mom and Dad.






On a side note; have you guys ever heard of Heartsy.me? It's a site that offers deals to members from a limited amount of Etsy artists. Whats great about this site is not only does it offer great deals to members it's main purpose is to help shops get their name out there. The first step is to submit up to five photos of your products and then the Heartsy community votes. If you receive at least 60 votes within three days your shop is moved on to the next process where your deals will be reviewed and then a date will be decided of when your deal be launched.

Since sales have been slow for the past month and it seems my shop hasn't been getting hardly any views compared to what it used to get, I've submitted a deal in hopes to gain new customers. So, if you'd like to receive a discount on my shop, and even if you don't, I'd really appreciate it if you guys vote for me to go on to the next step.

Thanks guys!

Missy Maddy Shop

Tell us your name, the name of your shop and what it is that you do here on Etsy.
My name is Melinda. My shop is Missy Maddy Shop and I sell classic children's clothes, mostly items for girls.

What is your family life like? (i.e. how many children, their ages, names, are you a single mom? Are they supportive of what they do and so forth?)
I have one daughter, Madeleine, who we call Maddy. She is the inspiration for my shop and everything I design. Maddy just turned one year old this February. My husband, Shawn, is very supportive of my business. He's an incredible father and husband.

Do you have another job outside of Etsy and outside of the home?
Yes, I have a "day" job. However, I work out of my home office, which affords me the time to create and care for Maddy.

How do you balance home life, Etsy and work?
I do? LOL. I break everything down into clusters and assign priority. This allows me to dedicate100% of my time to the most time-sensitive items and move it off my plate. Then on the next one!

What made you decide to sell on Etsy?
I've always loved Etsy and the amazing artists that sell through the site. It really seemed like the most relevant and efficient way to launch my shop's online presence.

Do you feel pretty successful in your Etsy shop or is there room to grow? If you feel successful is there a secret you'd like to share with us?
There is absolutely room to grow. I'm new to Etsy, so I do not have the luxury of hundreds of sales like some of the more senior shops on the site. I think even then, there's always room to grow. Even at my level, I would advise on staying connected with your audience. Take advantage of all the free social media outlets. Also, treat each customer like your only customer. I’m such a stickler for customer service in generally, so I strive to treat all of my customers like gold.

What do you feel makes your shop special and unique?
What brings uniqueness to my shop would definitely be my own personal taste for fashion. I love all that is classic, vintage, and girly. Since all of my designs are for kids, I have my daughter in mind when creating anything. I consider how it would look on her, how flattering is the piece, and most importantly do I absolutely love it. Each item that I offer to the public is a little part of me that I love and have crafted to perfection.

As Mom's, things get chaotic and find it hard to stay focused, how do you stay focused and motivated?
I'm fortunate that I really enjoy what I do. However, sometimes I do get side-tracked with life and lose a little focus. What brings me back is the fact that I love the end result. I love holding that dress that was just a few pieces of fabric and lace when I started and thinking "wow! this looks gawwwgeous!" I actually love my creations so much that I get a little sad each time I have to send it to the client. I always have ideas for new designs or altering existing designs, which keeps me consistently focused on getting it done.

Is there anything else you'd like the readers to know?
Yes! Thank you for reading through my feature and enjoy a special 10% discount on your next purchase at www.missymaddyshop.etsy.com. Just use code "LittleMissCards" at checkout.

Stay connected withe Missy Maddy! Check us out on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissyMaddy
Blog: www.missymaddy.com/blog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/missymaddyshop

We have new member getting us to 65 minions followers so here is the coupon code of the day!

REFERRAL15  for 15% off at PositivelyWhimsy

A Graff Designs

Well it's Wednesday, which means it's time to feature a fellow mom who is an Etsy artist. This mom makes adorable, very practical gifts for moms. Here's her story

Baby Wrap Carrier

- Tell me about yourself and home life (ie. you name, how many children do you have, their ages, names, other things that you do, some things about your family etc.)

April Graff. Mother of 2. A 2 year old, VERY active little boy and a 7 month old little girl. I work full-time outside the home as well as a Registered Dietitian.  Lazy Sayurdays are my favorite! This is a great time to catch up on spending time together (and housework if we feel motivated)

- What is the name of your shop and what is it that you do?

Shop Name is A Graff Designs (http://AGraffDesigns.etsy.com). I make handmade gifts for the fashionable and practical Mom. I specialize in Diaper & Wipes Clutches, Baby Wrap Carriers, and Diaper Bags as well as other mom-friendly products.

- How did you get started?

I started by making gifts for the many friends and family who were having babies. As a mother of 2 kiddos I know which gifts I appreciated the most - the ones that were practical AND cute! So A Graff Designs was born.

Diaper Wipes Clutch

- How do you balance your family and business?

I struggle with balancing all aspects of my life (I think we all do). I try to work on my business when the kids are sleeping. (Which means less sleep for me). Plus, I have a WONDERFUL and supportive husband who is great at helping around the house and with the kids.

- Is there any advice you'd like to give to other etsy Moms?

Do what you love!

- Is there anything else you'd like my readers to know about you or your shop?

I love making custom orders! Making a gift with a person in mind is such a treat!

I'd think the baby wrap carriers are my favorites, whats yours readers?

 

Your coupon codes for the two new members are
MAYFLOWERS for 15% at rainbeauxart and rainbeauxcraft

and

 LMC511 for free shipping at taniacavenecia

Friday's Faves #8

Before I jump into Friday's Faves, I just want to remind you guys that my giveaway ends TONIGHT so be sure to view the post and participate while you can!

Friday's Faves Theme: Easter

Hand Painted Easter Basket

These baskets are so sweet, too bad Tessa isn't old enough to appreciate something like this. You can find these adorable baskets for your little boy or little girl at lalaandcompany for $38.95

Easter Bunny Onesie

How cute is this Easter onesie? Perfect for you little one to wear when Easter Sunday service is over and it's time to get out of those fancy schmancy clothes. You can find this at love1meg1 for $10. Pretty good price I think.

A Bunny Named Banana

I actually bought this little bunny for my daughter's first Easter; and I love it so much (and I hope she will too) that I just had to share it with you a second time! You can see the first post about it here. You can find this little cutie at Cindimh for $12.

Pettiskirt Dress

Now how can I do an Easter Friday Fave's with out a little Easter attire? These dresses are darling! And so much fun, I can't imagine a little girl wearing one of these without finding herself twirling in front of a mirror, can you? You can find this at DreamSpunKids for $75.

Teeny Punks Long Sleeve Tuxedo Onesie

Oh my goodness! If I had a little boy... Is this just not the cutest onesie you've ever seen for a little boy? You can find this at Niksicle for $20.

Sweet Heart Cut Out Dress

This one is for the Mom's; hey, the kids can't have all the fun, right? I love this dress, it's beautiful, has a vintage feel and made to your measurements. I hope to buy one for myself eventually. You can find this dress at vivaveritas7 for $90.

Sweet Easter Burlap Banner

I'm diggin' this banner, there's just something about burlap, you know? This would look fabulous in a shabby chic home or farm house style kitchen. You can find this banner at sr85234 for $18.

Spring Flowers

I just HAD to add a Ukrainian egg. They're so beautiful; breathtaking really. Out of the ones I've viewed so far, this one is my favorite, probably because of the bright colors and tulips that are on it (Tulips are my fave). You can find this at barbaranovak for $65.

Sweeter than a Cupcake

"In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it , you'll be the grandest at the Easter Parade..." So this isn't a bonnet EXACTLY but it goes on your head and it's frilly so it counts. I just think this is gorgeous and fun. Your little one can re-wear it for those tea parties with her stuffed friends, Mr. Bear and Penelope the Pig, she'll be very dashing. You can find this at missrubysue for $45.

Easter Egg Marshmallows

There were two things I lived for on Easter when I was kid, waking up to a basket filled with candy (Stuffed bunny included, but he wasn't edible) and the hunt. So I couldn't leave out some yummy edibles for this post. You can find these eggy marshmallows at OhYum for $8.

Friday's Faves #4

Friday's Faves Theme: Child's Play

This week's faves was inspired by my daughter Tessa, who I only want to give the best to.

Waldorf Doll LUNA

This doll is the sweetest! You can find this pretty girl at atelierblueberrie. Luna would make a great gift for the little girl in your life. I'm sure Tessa would love one someday. $105.

Child Ceramic Tea Set

I wish I had a tea set as pretty as this when I was little, although I probably would have broken the dishes which is probably why my parents bought me a plastic set. You can find this at KathyCeramicRose. $50

Modern Child Chair

What a nice chair for a kids crafting table and you can choose the color you want to match the room! Of course, if one chair won't do you you could order the four chairs and table set from jessedirk. $270 

Matisse Sweet Halter Dress

This is such a sweet little dress! Its by babybeenos. Babybeenos has other beautiful dresses for your little darling to choose from. $44