LuluBelle's Couture

Win a KitchenAid NEW 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Residential Stand Mixer from Kitchenaid and MomSpotted!

2011-12-05T12:50:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer is my FAVORITE thing in my kitchen. Well, aside from the dishwasher, stove, microwave, and fridge! I've had mine for about 10 years now, and I think it's time for a larger model! I would love a larger one for the times I make double and triple batches of cookie dough or bread dough, or the like.

Now is my chance, okay and your chance too, to win one! Here's how...

Visit MomSpotted's link to the giveaway.

Also, be sure to check out the Kitchenaid website to figure out which color you would love to have!!

Ain't she perdy?

Wish me luck, I want to win!!!

Amazing BAKED donuts!

2011-09-14T13:39:00.000-04:00

Baked donuts? I know what you're thinking. Can they really be as delicious as fried donuts? Um, yes. I couldn't believe my mouth. While I'm not the biggest fan of donuts to begin with, I do on occasion enjoy a cinnamon-sugar coated yeasty donut, they were amazing. mmmm. I've been on a kick lately to try some new recipes, especially recipes that get the children involved. (Home Ec. anyone?) This recipe was perfect for them to help. And who knew 5 y/o Syd was such a whiz at cracking eggs! She's a better egg cracker than her 10 y/o brother - but don't tell him I said so.

Enjoy the recipe! (I can't remember where it came from, sorry)

BAKED DONUTS

1 1/3 cups warm milk, 95 to 105 degrees (divided)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
5 cups all-purpose flour
A pinch or two of nutmeg, freshly grated
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Place 1/3 cup of the warm milk in the bowl of an electric mixer. Stir in the yeast and sugar and set aside for five minutes or so to let it proof. Stir the butter into the remaining cup of warm milk and add it to the yeast mixture. With a fork, stir in the eggs, flour, nutmeg, and salt - just until the flour is incorporated. With the dough hook attachment of your mixer beat the dough for a few minutes at medium speed. Adjust the dough texture by adding flour a few tablepsoons at a time or more milk. You want the dough to pull away from the sides of the mixing bowl and eventually become supple and smooth. Turn it out onto a floured counter-top, knead a few times (the dough should be barely sticky), and shape into a ball.

Transfer the dough to a buttered (or oiled) bowl, cover, put in a warm place, and let rise for an hour or until the dough has roughly doubled in size. Punch down the dough and roll it out 1/2-inch thick on your floured countertop. With a 2-3 inch cookie cutter, stamp out circles in the dough . Transfer the circles to a parchment-lined baking sheet and stamp out the smaller inner circles using a smaller cutter. If you cut the inner holes out any earlier, they become distorted when you attempt to move them. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise for another 45 minutes.

Bake in a 375 degree oven until the bottoms are just golden, 8 to 10 minutes - start checking around 8. While the doughnuts are baking, place the butter in a medium bowl. Place the sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Remove the doughnuts from the oven and let cool for just a minute or two. Dip each one in the melted butter and a quick toss in the sugar bowl. Eat immediately if not sooner.

Makes 1 1/2 - 2 dozen medium doughnuts.

When I make these again, I will double the spice inside the dough. (Instead of cinnamon in the dough, I used pumpkin pie spice.) I will also roll the dough a tad thicker than 1/2 inch. And instead of big circular donuts, I'll make all donut holes :)

Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag!

2011-09-13T13:26:00.000-04:00

Today we made ice cream in a ziploc bag! The recipe came from this blogger, giving credit where it's due. You'll find her pictures much more informative than mine too.

Here's the recipe and instructions:

2 TBL sugar

1 cup half & half (or light cream)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup coarse salt or table salt
ice

gallon-sized Ziploc bag

pint-sized Ziploc bag

Mix the sugar, half & half and vanilla extract together. Pour into a pint-sized Ziploc baggie. Make sure it seals tightly. Now take the gallon-sized Ziploc bag and fill it up halfway with ice and pour the salt over the ice. Now place the cream filled bag into the ice filled bag and seal.

Be sure it is sealed tightly and start shaking. Shake for about 5 minutes. Open the gallon-sized bag and check to see if the ice cream is hard, if not keep shaking. Once the ice cream is finished, quickly run the closed pint-sized baggie under cold water to quickly clean the salt off the baggie. Open the baggie and serve immediately.

You might want to let each child make their own. Especially if you have older children. We made one baggie and I split it between the three children. While it was the perfect amount for an after-lunch snack, it really is just a tease. :) However, since my children are not used to having ice cream in the middle of any given day, it was a welcomed snack and I didn't hear a single complaint!

You can also add your favorite fixins! Just beware, it melts pretty quickly!

We also came to the conclusion that it tastes just like Chick-Fil-A's "Icedream"!! But, without all the added junk. (sorry CFA, but there are a lot of ingredients in there! see here)

twine-wrapped "letter wreath"

2011-09-12T13:14:00.000-04:00

Here is my first official finished project inspired by something I've seen on Pinterest! It's pretty self-explanitory, and if you're craft enough to make one, you don't need instructions. This project was inexpensive, not very labor intensive (I did it while catching up on my DVR), and really you can't go wrong with decoating it and choice of hanger. At first I thought when turning a corner of the letter all the bulk was going to look terrible and I was somehow doing it wrong. Then I went back over to Pinterest and looked around to see that's how they all are. So, if you're a perfectionist, you might want to wrap carefully, but other than that, this is a project that my 5th grader could do! (Well, with help with a hot glue gun).

To check out all my pins on Pinterest, follow me HERE!

Subway Art

2011-08-03T12:31:00.001-04:00

Subway art is "all the rage" right now. (The hubs totally makes fun of me for using that saying, but it's okay, I'm used to it.) I've been seeing this trend a lot over the last year. Not only online on blogs, pinterest, and store websites, but I've also seen it quite a lot in person.

In my own interpretation, this type of art is where you take a grouping of words, each cut (or printed) in different sizes, fonts and sometimes colors, and apply it to a plain background. These can be made from wood, stretched canvas or I've even seen people apply them directly to their wall.

After seeing this trend for so long, I finally decided to give it a shot.

Here's what I came up with.

Whatcha think?

I upcycled an old painting (well, I think it was actually printed onto the canvas). I got out the trusty bin of acrylic paint and coated the canvas with a slate color. Then to make it interesting, I brushed a little black around the edges to give it some dimension.

As the paint was drying, I decided on what I wanted my art to say. I went through many possibilities - children, family, crafting, famous quotes, bible verses, and so on. Once I decided, then I realized my scrapbook papers and carstock wasn't exactly easily accessable. I was about to dig it out from the closet under the stairs when the idea hit me! Magazines!! So, I went through my stash and pulled out a few Pottery Barn mags - including Teen and Kids. I tore out pages that had large pops of colors in the pallet that I wanted, and set them aside.

Next I jotted down the verse I settled with on a paper - making sure not to misspell anything and decide on a rough layout. To sum up a long and tedious process, I cut out all the letters using a Cricut machine. (Lyrical Letters cartridge). When they were all cut and placed, I carefully glued them on using a decoupage medium and a paint brush. Tweezers were also involved in this task. Once the letters were all set in place, glued down, and the air bubbles smoothed out - I gave a final coat of the decoupage over all the letters and over the entire canvas, sides and all. I let it dry overnight, mainly because I didn't finish it until LATE - too late to admit in print - and once it was dry the letters are sealed onto the canvas nicely, and it's even water resistant!

I really like how it came out. Now to find a place for it to live...or maybe it'll end up in my Etsy Shop!

Liven up your t-shirts with Freezer Paper

2011-07-09T23:18:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to try a technique that I've read a lot about over the last year or so. Unfortunately, I kept on forgetting to buy what I needed from the grocery store. Now I wish I had done this much sooner, freezer paper stencils are genious! If you've never worked with or bought freezer paper, it is pretty cool and very versitile. Many quilters use freezer paper for making appliques. However, I'm going to jazz up a rad tie-dyed t-shirt that I made for a very special teenager in my life.

She and I have an inside joke, if you will. We constantly try to get that happy little song "Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows" by Lesley Gore, stuck in eachother's heads. It's silly, but once it's stuck in mine, it plays on a continuous loop all day long. Then the children sing it, the hubs sings it. I bet if she could, our dog Maty would sing it too. So..... There wasn't a better phrase to put on the front of this pretty shirt!

First I grabbed the freezer paper. Because I finally remembered to buy some at the grocery store.

Then I cut a few pieces to size, and fired up the Cricut machine.

I used the "Lyrical Letters" cartridge and used three different fonts.

*When feeding the paper into the machine - make sure the shiny side of the paper is facing DOWN*

After they were finished on the machine, I trimmed them up, but not trimming too much near the letters, so the paint has somewhere to go near the edges. Make sure you don't forget the little dots inside your letters, such as e, o, p, R and so on. (or whatever letters you have with dots inside)

If you don't have access to a Cricut machine, you can do this by tracing a printed piece of paper, then using an exacto knife to remove the letters (or image) to create a stencil.

Lay pieces in place on t-shirt - fitted onto your ironing board. (I forgot to get pics here, sorry)

Once they are in the right places, carefully iron them down, without using steam. They will magically stick! Don't over-iron, I've learned that it tends to lift a little around the letters if you do so.

Once your paper is ironed on, slip a piece of cardboard under the letters, and then slide the shirt and board off the ironing board.

Now is time to break out the fabric paints and paint brushes. Some fabric paints require a heat setting, so read your bottles or instructions. I had some "puffy paint" (remember that!) on hand, and by using a brush, I got a nice smooth finish. Depending on what color you are painting over, you may need to use a few coats.

Since I am not a patient person, I used the blowdryer between coats.

And when the hubs asked me to bake him up a batch of chocolate chip cookies, I put him to work with the dryer. :)

Once your letters are dry, you can peel off your paper. Go slowly and try to avoid ripping the paper. You will need to grab a pair of tweezers to get the "dots" out of those letters that we talked about.

Look how nice it came out!

The word "sunshine" has a glitter painted over it to make it sparkle.

The possibilities are endless.

(do you see the heart I tie dyed?)

Reclaimed Wood - Pallet to Bench

2011-07-09T22:40:00.001-04:00

I had a craving. And it wasn't for the usual: chocolate. It was to build something.

Power tools are no stranger to me. We built our own home a few years ago, and I was as involved in that process as I could be. One of my fondest memories, and a very lengthy task, was the door and window moldings. Instead of the big box store prefabs, we chose to make our own. It was very time consuming, but we love the results! We had to cut each pine board to size, then router and sand. Then to install, nail them into place. It was quite the task - and we put many of our family members to work!

(not the children! However, Stephen was busy learning Spanish from our brick and concrete guys).

Okay, back to my craving.

I had the thing all day. The craving, that is. When I'm having a "wood-building-constructing-kinda-feeling", the first place I head to is my absolute favorite inspirational place for wood working - http://ana-white.com/. Ana posts "free and easy" woodworking plans, if you hadn't seen her site, you really should take a moment (after you finish reading this post) to check it out. So, I searched through plan after plan, and couldn't decide what I wanted to make. I also didn't feel like driving to town to get lumber, so I decided to check our little stash of scrap wood out at the edge of our property, in the woods.

And I looked like this:

And in my pretty purple dress, I dragged these closer to the house to deconstruct.

After hammering and pulling and twisting and groaning, I managed to get all the boards apart.

I didn't use any of the plans I had seen, but since I studied some table plans earlier (Thanks, Ana!), I had the basic idea of how to construct a table. And in my case, I wanted to make a bench, so I just made the legs really short.

Here is my frame. No plans. No pattern, I cut as I went. (and honestly, most times that is how I design my clothing and sewing projects too!)

Once the frame was assembled - I found some scrap 4x4 pressure treated pieces in the garage for the legs, I chose some pretty and rustic boards from the stash to use as the seat of the bench. I removed the rusty nails, and laid them in place, ready to be cut.

Once I figured how much I wanted them to overhang, I started cutting.

(this little baby is my favorite tool!)

I then nailed all the boards onto the frame using a nail gun hooked to an air compressor.

Now the bench is ready to sand.

This is the final product - it took me about 2 hours to make it. Just long enough for the hubs to coach his baseball team. He got back home when I was almost finished sanding. To my surprise, he LOVED the new bench! Which made me really happy and proud of myself. And he didn't even get upset that I touched all of his ~~toys~~ power tools. :)

I will stain this pretty little thing another day.

I love the rustic reclaimed wood, but I don't love the legs.

But, I used what I had, and built something out of nothing!

Now doesn't that make you want to go build something?!

$20 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

2011-01-31T18:24:00.000-05:00

From now until Thursday, February 3rd, at midnight EST, LuluBelle's Couture is having a giveaway happening on our Facebook page! Here's the details and how to enter:

4 ways to enter, each can be done once per person. Here's how to enter...

‎(1) Suggest the LuluBelle's Couture Facebook page to 5 friends and comment that you did so. Bonus: if your suggested friend(s) enter and mention your name, you will get another entry!

(2) Tag LuluBelle's Couture in your Facebook status about this giveaway - this only counts if your link shows up on the LuluBelle's Couture wall.

(3) Blog about this giveaway and comment on the LuluBelle's Couture Facebook wall with the link to your blog post.

(4) Buy 5 entries for $1 by sending as "gift" to lulubellescouture@yahoo.com via paypal. Comment that you did this. (This will be verified)

~~All Enrties must be received by Thursday, Feb 3rd by midnight EST. Winner will be chosen at random.

ENTRIES MUST BE POSTED ON FACEBOOK WALL TO COUNT!

I'm a Wilton 'Pops in a Post' Finalist! Now, go vote!

2011-01-14T11:12:00.000-05:00

Please take a moment and vote for me daily!

There is no signing up, or entering your personal info, just click "vote"!

The winner gets a $500 Visa gift card!

Thank you SO much!! ~Heather

http://www.wilton.com/pops/bloggers-contest/vote.cfm

An Indiana Jones themed birthday party

2011-01-10T20:35:00.000-05:00

This post is really late in coming, but better late than never! We had an October birthday and the birthday boy wanted an Indiana Jones birthday party. I hadn't seen an Indiana Jones movie in Sooooo long so I turned to the internet to help me on my way. As it turns out, there wasn't very much to be found. So, I also wanted to post this to help anyone else in need of this same theme. Some ideas I used were found online, but since it's been months, I have no idea where to give credit. SORRY! I will say, the party was in November, right after Halloween, and I was able to scoop up some (gross) Halloween goodies at 90% off prices!! You know I love a bargain!

***THE INVITATION***

I bought some scrapbook paper that looked like an old map.

In Word, I created the text and formatted it to print several times on one sheet. (Google "Indiana Jones Font" to download the font. I think mine was called Fedora.)

I cut them apart and burned the edges with lighter. (do this outdoors, it creates lots of little harmless ash) I found that putting out the little flames was easiest done with my fingertips. Blowing on it didn't always work. Be careful and use common sense!

Then I glued these papers to a larger piece of cardstock, repeating the burning effect on those edges as well. Now it looks old and awesome! I coffee-dyed the envelopes and baked them in the oven for a few minutes to make them look equally as old and wrinkled. The final touch was some red food coloring drops to make it look like blood. I also bought a stamp that says "DANGER" and stamped it crooked across it, leaving enough room for the child's name. (I wish I took a pic of those, sorry)

***THE FOOD***

While the food was in the oven, the kids all played with their whips outside. I downloaded the theme song from Amazon and played it on a loop for the kids, having the outdoor speakers and the inside speakers on. They also played a little football :)

The dessert spread

The Brain Cupcakes

Bones

(homemade marshmallows piped into bone shapes)

White Chocolate Skulls
(Wilton mold)

Bloody Fingers & Toes

(sugar cookies with slivered almond "nails", dipped in Wilton candy melts)

The munchies

Including: Dead Bugs (Pizza Rolls), Mummies (Crescent Dogs), Moth Wings (Chips), Petrified Worms (Cheetos)

Mummies

(crescent roll wrapped hot dogs with mustard eyes)

AB Negative Blood

(ketchup in a Wilton squeeze bottle. google 'blood bag label')

Squeezing this out was kind of making everyone queasy!

Drinks - nothing special (tea, lemonade & water)

***THE GAMES***

MISSION 1: Find the Lost Idols

After listening to their mission, they each took turns digging through MONKEY BRAINS! (cold cooked spaghetti) There were several little gummy skeletons (non-edible) that needed to be found. It was hard since the skeletons felt exactly like spaghetti! (another Halloween find)

Next they had to fish through EYEBALL SOUP to find small clear bouncy balls that had little black spiders in them. The "eyeballs" were peeled grapes, and they were pretty slimey!

MISSION 2: The Arc of the Covenant

I spray painted a large box gold and wrote "DANGER" on the sides in black. Then I took brown paper bags from the grocery store and ran them through the paper shredder. I filled the box up with the brown paper and fake spider webs (that also graced my light fixtures, fireplace, staircase and front door). Then loaded it up with "gross" body parts gummy candy and lots of little toys and such. (more Halloween clearance finds) Then on top of all of it, I put in all the toy snakes, bugs, and reptiles I could find from the playroom. This was where the kids got to fill up their goodie bags to take home. (sorry I didn't get a better picture of the box)

Since the kids were digging around "snakes", when they finished filling up their goodie bags, they had to immediately drink a vile of the antidote!

Next came gift opening...

Then we sang the birthday boy his birthday song...

I still can't believe my first born is TEN years old! Double digits!!

All the boys had a GREAT time!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Wilton's "Pops in a post" Contest Entry

2011-01-10T17:02:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy baking. I especially enjoy making dessert that not only tastes good, but that is good to look at too! When a friend told me about Wilton's "pops in a post" contest, I knew I had to take a stab at making some cake pops! Wilton also did something that is really awesome! The first 40 bloggers to pre-register, would receive a kit to help them on their way in pops paradise! And as you can imagine, I was squealing and jumping for joy when I received my giant box in the mail with all the free goodies! (Thanks Wilton!!)

and inside the box I found.....

My absolute favorite item in all my new loot was the Chocolate Pro Electric Chocolate Melter.

Because this is a contest, and I'm very competitive, it took me a little while to try to decide what kind of cake pops I wanted to make. I was so wrapped up in trying to "reinvent the wheel" that I was frustraited and losing valuable time. So I decided to ask my youngest what she thought I should do. I had a good feeling I knew what she was going to say, and didn't surprise me in the least when she shouted "Princess pops!!". So, these pops are dedicated to my little Princess. (Here we are together)

And here are Her Royal Majesty's Pops....

Cute, aren't they? And to be honest, they weren't very difficult to make!

Here's what I did:

Please note that there are many ways to make these pops. I have found recipes that use cake mix and canned frosting, variations of that recipe using different amounts, some people choose to use a cake mix and add pudding.

I prepared a box cake mix, following the instructions on the back.

...and made a little boy happy

I popped it in the oven and baked as directed, in just a plain 9 x 13" pan

When the cake cooled (actually, I did this the next day), I crumbled it up - rubbing it against itself, and I added about 80% of a can of frosting.

Next came the elbow grease... mix it all up so it's evenly combined.

Then I rolled out balls, put them on a foil lined cookie sheet and stuck them in the freezer for a little bit. I also used the Wilton brownie pops silicone mold, and filled that up as well. (these were the princess's skirts) They were a bit harder to unmold, and with a little reshaping once they were out, the shape was perfect for some beautiful gowns.

While my cake balls were chilling, I took that time to decide what supplies I would use and incorporate.

A word to the wise, get yourself the pops decorating stand, it truly is a lifesaver! I've tried using the styrofoam blocks when creating confections on a stick, and Wilton really got it right with their stand. It wipes down easily with a wet cloth for easy cleanup too. I'll be getting a lot of use out of it!

And let the fun begin! Here are my chilled cake balls and the pink vanilla floavored chocolate candy melts beginning to melt in my chocolate pro - which I have set on "melt". (You can also set to "warm" when the chocolate is melted to maintain temperature desired for dipping. This thing rocks!)

It takes about 10 minutes or so to melt an entire bag of candy melts.

Before placing the sticks in each cake ball, dip the tip of the stick in the melted chocolate.

Push the stick into a cake ball, but be careful not to go all the way through to the bottom.

I put sticks in each cakeball before starting to dip each one. This allows time for the chocolate to act as glue. Then I dipped each cake ball into the melted chocolate, being careful not to move it around too much as that would loosen the stick. Be sure to let the dipped pop drip off as much chocolate as it can before inserting it into the cake stand to set up. If you are going to cover the dipped ball in sprinkes, now would be the time to do so.

*I have to apologize now, because I had so much fun dipping, and sprinkling, and decorating, I totally forgot to take any more photos of the actual dipping, and sprinkling, and decorating! OOPS! Sorry!

But here is what I came up with:

To make the princess pops, I used Wilton's Princess Pop Fun Pix and inserted them into the bottom of the pop (or stick side up). Remember, these were shaped using the brownie silicone pan, then dipped in chocolate just like the balls. To finish them, I whipped up some Royal Icing, using some ingredients on hand - confectioners sugar, Wilton's meringue powder and water. (follow instructions for meringue powder if you aren't familiar) I put the icing into a piping bag and used several different decorating tips, (attached with a coupler to make changing the tips a breeze) and piped different designs on each Princess's dress. That was the best part!

I used the sprinkle technique to make some of the other cake pops, but to make the crowns on the pink pops, I used Wilton's princess royal icing decorations and glued them to the top using the royal icing.

And, if you noticed the cute little stand, it is the two tiered Wilton's pops display stand that I embellished with some pretty ribbon!

and ENJOY!! mmmm

And once again, a big THANKS to Wilton, you guys ROCK!!

Fairy Magic Pillow

2010-07-13T16:50:00.000-04:00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220637142598

Lulu's Luggage Tags

2010-07-10T23:33:00.000-04:00

Lulu's Luggage Tags

$22

(back view)

AUCTION! Hope for God's Children - Benefit for Elizabeth Pitts

2010-06-04T23:13:00.000-04:00

As promised!! Here is my charity auction dress!

Go check it out on ebay, please click on the link below.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Fairycakes-HGC-Elizabeth-Zoo-OOAK-Dress-3-4-5-/220616594152?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335dc612e8

Custom Name Pillows

2010-05-29T10:51:00.000-04:00

Introducing... Custom Name Pillows!

Large $60

Medium $40

Small $20

To order, please contact: lulubellescouture@yahoo.com

Become a fan of LuluBelle's Couture on Facebook!!

WOW! That's a low price!

2010-05-25T12:33:00.000-04:00

Let's have some fun! This auction is starting at .99 with no reserve.

It's a one-of-a-kind (OOAK) Kitty dress that is sized 2/3.

This dress has GOT TO GO! So go scoop up a bargain!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220611535108

Fairycakes Boutique Design Group

2010-05-25T12:29:00.000-04:00

I am proud to announce that LuluBelle's Couture is now a part of Fairycakes Boutique Design Group!

Go check us out!

http://fairycakesboutique.blogspot.com/

LuluBelle's Couture ~ Fairy Princess Custom Set

2010-05-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

I just listed this adorable custom sized 2 pc swing top and bermuda short set. Go check it out!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220609529489

Hope for God's Children - Benefit for Elizabeth Pitts

2010-05-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

Starting on June 3rd, LuluBelle's Couture has the opportunity to give back! I have paired up with a non-profit organization, Hope for God's Children, that raises money for families that are dealing with a child that is battling for their life. These families have a lot on their plate. As a mom, I could not possibly fathom the pain that is felt, and having an uncertainty in the health and life of your child. While we can commit to praying for these families, I whole-heartedly believe that God is listening, there is something else that we can do too! This is where LuluBelle's Couture comes into play. From June 3-June 17th all the proceeds raised through this launch, will go to one very deserving family. Stay tuned to see the amazing Custom Boutique Fashion and Home Designs, Business Products, Art and Accessories are lovingly created by HGC's members.

Now, meet the little sweetheard that we're doing this for... Elizabeth Pitts. Elizabeth and her family live in Valdosta, GA. Here she is pictured with her little sister Madeline. You can get more information Elizabeth and read her daily journal here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethpitts

I pray that this launch will be a huge success and we can relieve a major finantial burden from the Pitts family. Please commit to praying with me for little Elizabeth to be heales and for the donations to pour in!

Introducing...The Nattie Bag

2010-03-12T12:40:00.000-05:00

You can find this new little beauty in my Etsy Store!

Mention you saw this on my blog and you will get free shipping when you buy!

Laundry Secrets...do you have any?

2010-03-03T12:16:00.000-05:00

Don't you just LOVE the smell of fresh baby laundry? My baby is 3.5 years old, and although I don't use Dreft on most of her laundry anymore, I still buy it! Why? Well, to me, there is nothing better than climbing into your bed at night and being completely wrapped up in fresh smelling sheets. This is my secret...I use Dreft on our sheets! Even Steve and I's master bed - I just love it!!

(I also still use Dreft on Sydney's boutique clothes and then hang those to dry.)

I just wanted to share my little laundry secret...do you have any??

Laura Alvis Photography

2010-03-02T15:48:00.000-05:00

I want to introduce to you a new affiliate of mine: Laura Alvis Photography!

She does amazing work, don't you agree?

If you are in the Atlanta area, I urge you to consider using Laura for your photography needs! And if you're not in the Atlanta area, isn't it time for a road trip?

Coming soon: Promotions and discounts for both LuluBelle's Couture AND Laura Alvis Photography clients!

Little moments...

2010-02-22T12:22:00.000-05:00

This morning is one of those ugly-kind-of-mornings. Not as in attitude or emotion, but weather. Last night we had a thunder/lightning storm with some rain. Even though the wet drops have not fallen from the sky since it was time to get up, it's still pretty glum out there.

Despite the mood or appearance of the great outdoors, my heart always swells just a little while watching my little ones play and do their work. This morning was no exception. I found Sydney in my craft room, exploding with laughter, playing a game she made up with her pink balloon. I noted that although she was still in her footie pajamas, it was a Kodak Moment.

I think the boys knew there was too much fun going on behind that closed door that they wanted to get in on the action...

Then a little while later, I was once again reminded of all the special little moments they get to share as a homeschooling family. I love my little ones so much and I count it as pure joy to be able to stay at home with them and teach them the way I believe God intended.

oops...I was spotted!

Flea Market & Goodwill Finds

2010-02-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

After living in the South for almost 9 years, I finally made it to a ~~redneck~~ flea market! And I had to cross the boarder into Alabama for this one. Actually, it was not my idea of how I wanted to spend a rainy Saturday morning, but I agreed to go for my hubs, who was looking to get some clip thingys for the batting cage. While I found two of the twenty clips he wanted (sorry honey), I scored big with a piece of furniture! Did I mention it was only $30?! Of course, the little guy needs a makeover, but he is the perfect size for my foyer! I've been wanting a sofa table or something small to fill the space and put some decorations on, and this little dresser fit the bill! Now...I have to decide which way to go as far as paint is concerned. I had to promise Steve I wouldn't paint anything else black. Nuts! "After" pics to follow, hopefully sooner than later.

At the Goodwill I scored great as well!! I was able to get not only one, but two gamer chairs! We've been talking about getting the boys some gamer chairs that they can use in the bonus room to play their video games in. I think this was divine intervention. :) One is larger than the other, that was only $14 and the other was only $9! That certainly made my day. Of course they both needed a good bath with some clorox when they got to their new home.

can you guess who claimed which chair?

Here they are in their new home...which is also home to the home gym equiptment and huge TV that takes up entirely too much space.

I also found 2 batting helmets to speak of! One was $2.09 and the other was $1.91...these definitely need a good cleaning before my little men stick their heads in them, but I was very impressed with the price. Especially since we now, as mentioned above, have a batting cage in the backyard.

I love bargains, don't you?

Fun Twirly Cupcake Party Skirt!

2010-02-18T19:58:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this?! Currently listed in my ETSY STORE I have this little ~~bargain~~ skirt! It is on sale for super cheap so go on over and check it out. I only have one of them, so don't wait to buy, it might be gone!

edited it add: oops! sorry you missed out on the skirt, better luck next time!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

And while you're visiting the shop, be sure to check out this sweet little kitty dress.

It also is priced to sell, so go scoop up some bargains!

Recent Family Photos

2010-02-17T22:37:00.000-05:00

I love photography. Unfortunately I don't have the time or money to put into it, so it's purely a hobby for me. I just wanted to share my recent favorite photo of all three of my kids! And I turned one B&W just because...

Here are a couple more good ones I got out of this photo session...

Aren't they just the cutest little kiddos in the whole world!! :)

Lulu's Storage Bins

2010-02-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

LuluBelle's Couture is excited to offer some new products that will soon debut in the Etsy Store!

Introducing Lulu's Storage Bins! These beautiful little fabric bins that are the perfect addition to your home decor. They have multiple uses and are so cute! They are durable and strong and hold their shape. Keep your eye out for many more colors, designs and sizes.

Contact me for a custom quote if you'd like to match your existing decor. Perfect for any room in the house! These would make an awesome baby gift, fill it up with baby wash, lotion and powder for an attractive gift basket. Then the mom-to-be can use it on the changing table and fill it with diapers or wipes!

HELP FOR HAITI ~Calling on my fellow couponers! (and other generous hearts)

2010-02-09T14:23:00.000-05:00

I am calling on you, my fellow couponers for your help. My church has a mission team heading out to Haiti and we're in need to supplies. Why am I asking YOU, you say? It struck me after looking over the list that most of these supplies are items that we probably have in our stockpiles! These items may have been money-makers, free or for the most part, dirt cheap. (We do really know how to do it, don't we?!) I urge you to look in your medicine cabinets and pantry's and under the guest room bed (you never know where all of you keep your overflow!) and come up with a pile that you can donate. Please find it in your heart to help.

Our missions team will be driving the goods down to a location in Florida where they will load everything onto a plane to to fly down to Haiti. This means since they will not have to pack these items in their personal luggage, there are no restrictions on how much we can send!

These people need our help, we are so much better off than they are - even before the earthquake devastation. Even if you have only one item to send, please send it. You can contact me at lulubellescouture@yahoo.com to get the address where supplies can be sent.

Here is the list of items that have been requested:

Medical
~Any over the counter medication and first aid products~
Anti-Acid Tablets
Antibiotic Creams
Anti-Diarrhea Medicine
Anti-Itch Creams
Band-Aids
Children's Chewable Vitamins
Children's Eye Medicine
Children's Throat Medicine
Children's Ear Medicine
Children's Motrin - chewable or liquid
Children's Tylenol - chewable or liquid
Cortisone Cream
Cough Drops
Extra Strength Tylenol
Hand Sanitizer
Hemorrhoid Medicine
Ibuprofen
Liquid Maalox
NyQuil
Zantac or Pepcid AC

Other Items
Antiseptic Mouth Wash
Coloring Books
CRAYOLA Crayons
Lysol
Notebooks
Pencils
Pens
Quart size Ziploc bags
Tooth Brushes
Toothpaste

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP! Please be praying for this team and all the relief efforts in Haiti!

ALL ITEMS ARE DUE TO THE CHURCH OFFICE BY SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28th

2 DROP OFF LOCATIONS - If neither location is convenient to drop off, please send mail to the Columbus location.

(Columbus Area)
Calvary Baptist Church
Attn: Kassie Wood
7556 Old Moon Road
Columbus, GA 31909
(706) 322-1491

(Atlanta Area)
Southeast Restoration
Attn: Brian Taylor
120 Mountain Brook Drive
Canton, GA 30115
(770) 345-3500

THANK YOU!

Check out The DIY Dish!

2010-02-08T12:35:00.000-05:00

Check out this awesome new site called The DIY Dish! They are having an AMAZING giveaway right now over there. You can enter to win one of TWO great Janome sewing machines! Wish me luck and go over there and enter yourself!

French Breakfast Puffs

2010-01-07T10:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was knee-deep in drooling over other people's blogs. I really need to fix up this old place, and keep it updated! (a resolution for the New Year?...) Anyway, I stumbled upon this amazing recipe and knew it needed to be tested in my own kitchen that very day. Here she is....in all her glutenous wonder. (I'm gluten-free, but the rest of the family is what I like to call "glutenous"!) I was drooling over these in the photo...now to create a GF alternative. Everyone enjoyed them, so try them for yourself!

Taken from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. She's a breath of fresh air if you hadn't visited her website before....makes me laugh all the time! Here is the recipe on her site. All photos are property of The Pioneer Woman.

I took the liberty of making a cute little recipe card so you can just print it out and add it to your box! It's formatted for 4x6 photo paper, so feel free to print it out like a photo! Click HERE to download a copy for yourself!

And here's the recipe in text:
French Breakfast Puffs

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 12
Ingredients
3 cups Flour
3 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
1 cup Sugar
⅔ cups Shortening (Crisco)
2 whole Eggs
1 cup Milk
1-½ cup Sugar
3 teaspoons Cinnamon
2 sticks Butter
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.
In a large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a different bowl, cream together 1 cup sugar and shortening. Then add eggs and mix again. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
In a bowl, melt 2 sticks butter. In a separate bowl combine remaining sugar and cinnamon. Dip baked muffins in butter, coating thoroughly, then coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Inbox Dollars...I like free money!

2009-11-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to take advantage of all the awesome websites and services out there that pay you or reward you for your time or online shopping. I just signed up for Inbox Dollars and I think it is going to be great! Check it out for yourself! Click on the ad below to start earning money.....and just for signing up, you'll immediately get $5!

Win a bag from Handbag Heaven / J. Leigh Designz

2009-11-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

J. Leigh Designz and Handbag Heaven are pairing up for a giveaway!

And it's a perfect one for me as I am in desperate need of a new purse!!

If I win, here is a photo of the little beauty I would choose:

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW YOU CAN ENTER TOO!!

BELIEVE! It's a giveaway!

2009-10-28T10:30:00.001-04:00

This gorgeous necklace is being given away by PamperingBeki, click here for the details! If you go check out what she's asking for, in order to be entered into the drawing, we must make a confession. So, here is mine!

I can't make pumpkin pie from scratch. I've tried several times, it never sets
right. This time of year is torture for me, as you may know, since I'm proud of
my domestic abilities! Shhh, don't tell anyone, but....I have resorted to a
frozen Mrs. Smith's. Good thing I too, am Mrs. Smith!! :)

.....maybe I'll give it another shot this year. But it'll have to be gluten-free!

77 days until Christmas!

2009-10-08T10:37:00.000-04:00

Exciting isn't it? And guess what that means....time to start thinking about all those gifts that we need to buy, make, wrap, ship, etc! Now, because there are 77 days before this wonderful time of year, this is no time to procrastinate! Think about how much more joyous December will be in your house when all your gifts are wrapped and ready. (and hidden in the attic, if you're anything like me!) You will be able to enjoy this time with your family without any added stress! (I'm preaching to the choir, people!)

There are several ways to prepare for this special time of year, that will help keep you on track, organized and most of all, right on budget. (Under budget is even better!) This year, since you have the time now, try going "out of the box" a little bit and tune in to your creative abilities! There is an awesome website that I frequent called "You Can Make This" that can lead you in the right direction. There are many crafts and project and gifts that you can find here, and the best part of it is you can print all the directions or patterns needed right from your own printer! No more going to the store for a pattern or template, or waiting while your online purchase shows up in the family mailbox.

Click the photo below to check it out! If you sign up for their newsletter you will receive a FREE eBook & video bundle!! You will be glad you did!

Now go make your lists, check them twice, and think out of the box! Handmade gifts are much more personal and special to both the giver and the receiver. You might surprise yourself at how creative you can be!

Follow me here over the next several weeks to get some good ideas for everyone on your list!

Now, I'm off to make my list....... :)

~Zebra Prep~ by LuluBelle's Couture

2009-09-18T12:26:00.001-04:00

Wow, it's been awhile, huh? I started homeschooling my children this year, which has been an incredible blessing, but doesn't allow me much time in my sewing studio anymore. Anyway, I have this really fun peasant dress listed for the "Prep vs. Punk" guest launch hosted by Memory Lane on ebay.

It's ready to ship, so bid accordingly! Starting bid is LOW!!

Thanks for your support! Heather

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220482552767

Save at Kodak!

2009-09-16T16:30:00.000-04:00

Monte Cristos and Death

2009-07-21T13:45:00.000-04:00

My boys have asked for Monte Cristo sandwiches for weeks. We usually go to Cheddar's when we get out to eat because it is much less expensive and YUMMY! The last time we went, both boys split a Monte Cristo meal, as well as Syd and I. It works out better sine they get more food and more options. The kids meal menu starts to get a little boring after so long. I bring a sippy cup for Syd from home and the boys each get a drink. Anywho... Stephen LOVES the Monte Cristo and I decided it was time to make it for them.

If you know me at all, you know that despite my Southern address, I have no affection for frying food. I might add, this is the first thing I have fried in my new house! (We've been here for 6 months!) I hate the odor, the chance of getting burned and the fat content of it all. We're probably being robbed of many culinary delights, but we wouldn't know otherwise. I'll continue to bake my french fries and let Publix make our not-so-often dinner of fried chicken. :)

Monte Cristo Batter Recipe:

In small bowl, beat together:

1 egg

2/3 cup water

In larger bowl, combine:

2/3 cup flour

1 3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Beat together until smooth, but don't overmix. Coat in your sandwich of choice - that has been cut into triangles and fry (your method of choice). Top with powdered sugar and serve with jelly. (no sugar here!)

So, while enjoying our sandwiches and jabbering on about the difference between mommy's monte cristos and Cheddar's monte cristos, this is where the conversation goes:

Stephen: Mommy, what would happen if daddy died?

Me: Wow, that's a terrible thing to think about. Why?

Stephen: Well, what would we do?

Bradley: Grandpa would be our dad! (I assume he means he would take over the "father-figure")

Stephen: I know, but what would we do?

Bradley: Grandpa would give us money to live!

Me: (tring not to LOL) Well, we just need to always pray for safety and that we don't get any sickness so nobody dies around here! And no, grandpa wouldn't be giving us his money, I would get a job.

Stephen: Really though, what would we do?

Me: Well, there is this thing called Life Insurance. It would cover the expenses for so long, then mommy would have to get a job. Probably sell the house...

Bradley: NO! I know, you could have a lemonade stand and set it up at the side of the road!!!

Stephen: Where would we get the lemonade, Brad-lee?! (this is his "know-it-all" voice)

Bradley: (points to the crystal light in the pitcher on the island) Mommy would make it!

Stephen: No, mommy, you would just make tons and tons of things and just sell them all.

Me: I think I'd have to get a real job.

Stephen: Mommy, can I have more jelly?

Bradley: Is there any more sandwiches?

Before our morbid discusion, I managed to take a few pics of the kiddos enjoying their yummy lunch.

New Blog For Me

2009-07-21T01:07:00.000-04:00

I started another blog. Just wanted everyone to take a look! Maybe it will inspire ya to save lots of money!

http://publixfreak.blogspot.com/

Chicken & Spinach salad

2009-07-03T16:08:00.000-04:00

Today the lunch I made myself was so delicious looking that the most crazy idea popped into my mind. I needed to take a picture of it! Laugh as you will, but you know you are drooling! It sure was yummy and filling!

I used fresh organic baby spinach, a small juicy tomato grown by my neighbor (thanks Mrs. Scroggins!), half of an avocado, baby bella sliced mushrooms, 2 small chicken tenderloins - sauteed with kickin chicken seasoning in pam olive oil spray, some reduced fat crumbled feta cheese (my weakness) and some balsalmic vinegar to dress it. And on the side, 3 fresh pineapple spears. And of course, it wouldn't be my lunch without my infamous Crystal Light raspberry green iced tea.

I love grocery shopping.....really!

2009-05-30T23:13:00.000-04:00

Is it absolutely horrible that my new favortite store is Publix Supermarket? I have been dabbling lately in challenging myself to see how much I can save on groceries. Tonight I went for a "quick trip", which means I only planned the list for maybe an hour or so. The items I bought weren't necessarily being used for this weeks menu plan, but, these were items that I can stockpile and be glad I did later down the road. I mean, who needs to buy 21 packages of Crystal Light in one shopping trip?? lol Tonight my grand total was $77.51 including a $20.31 box if diapers. I saved $185.67, so if you don't count the diapers, I paid $57.20 and got $242.87 worth of groceries. HOW do you ask??? Well, it's really simple....but time consuming. I get very familiar with the weekly ad and see how I can match up buy-one-get-one-free items and sale items with coupons. If I can get my hands on a Publix store coupon, I can always stack it with a manufacturers coupon to save even more. Sounds hard and sometimes confusing, but once you get the hang of it, I tell ya, it's a piece of cake! Tonight as I was unloading the groceries with Steve, he said "You know, everyone can do this, but they don't!" And I replied with "Remember when I used to spend so much and come home with so little?" It's so cool to see that the time I put into it is worth it, and especially when it makes my husband happy!

Here is what all I got tonight for my whopping $57.20 (inc. tax!)

Chips Ahoy Cookies x3

Capri Sun x3

Kashi Cereal x5

Birds Eye Frozen Broccoli x4

Purina Beneful Dog Food x2

Blue Bell Ice Cream (no coupon, but on sale for $3.99 - that's Steve's FAVE!)

Extra Gum - not on sale

Eggo Waffles x2

Yoplait Gogurt x7

Del Monte Fruit Chillers x2

Nonni's Biscotti x2

Taco Bell Dinner Kit x2

Kraft Mac n Cheese x8

Therma Care Heat Pads x2

Coppertone Sunscreen x2

Bananas - not on sale

Crystal Light x21

LAST Saturday I hit the jackpot...I bought too many things to list, but I spent $96 and saved $233.66. My mom was here for the week and I dragged her along for the fun. (although, I'm not sure she saw that as fun! lol) As crazy as it sounds, I HAD to take a few shots of all the goods I got for the trip. I got right at $330 worth of groceries for less than $1oo!! :) That makes me very happy...and it's the new record to beat! The best part is, the store paid me money to take some of the items home!! :D Check out my loot:

HOLY COW!

2009-05-12T10:16:00.000-04:00

It's been one month and a couple days since my last post...and it was a "non sense" post too! Sorry, have you been checking in for some new blogging from me?

I have to say, I have been very busy. So busy in fact that it seems I have had no time to blog! {gasp!} just kidding... We have had school activities, LOADS of birthdays, church, home projects and getting ready for VBS and the many custom orders that still keep trickling in. And that's just the tip of the iceburg! We also dealt with a nasty stomach virus...which one of my little guys got twice in a matter of 3 weeks! (Of course my mom thought it was the Swine Flu! Come on, people!!) Anyway, I took a few moments out on Mother's Day evening, when the kids were under dad's care (I could use a couple more Mother's Day's throughout the year, how about you?) and I listed a bunch of stuff on ebay. I need to move out the old and make room for some new. This is one of the things I have up right now, and let me tell you...quite a lot of watchers on it! ;) The Backyardigans are so popular right now. I've gotten 2 custom orders for my Backyardigans dress that I made last Fall in the last month! (click the pic for the auction) And be sure to check out all my goodies HERE. And I have lots more to list, so keep checking back.

Today I am off to the appliance store because our refrigerator has decided that it now has bladder control issues. Isn't that funny?? Well, my husband and the nice hardwood floor do not agree! So, I'm off...cash in hand and ready to make a deal. My famous words are "Is that the best you can do???" or this always works when you aren't satified with your negotiated price: "Well, I think I'm going to shop around and visit a few other stores" That's like throwing out a few cus words to the sales clerk in today's economy! They don't want to see you leave and especially not "shop around"! So....next time you are at a store where you can make a deal (and believe me, I've tried negotiating at stores that you can't too....Target! lol) say those words and you'll see what happens. The power of negotiating is almost like a drug....you want to do more and more and when you get that high from SAVING MONEY it is so rewarding! Like grandma used to say..."A penny saved is a penny earned".

OMgosh, I WON!!!

2009-04-10T21:05:00.000-04:00

Vacation Bible School - Boomerang Express

2009-04-05T15:00:00.000-04:00

I just LOVE VBS! And there is only one place you'll find me during that week. In the crafts area! Over the last 5 years, I have taken on roles such as Preschool Crafts Director, Elementary Crafts Director, and just a crafts helper. As much as I love working with the little ones, I have to say, I LOVE doing Elementary crafts the most. So, this year I decided to take the roll again and make the Elementary crafts happen...from start to finish.

This task takes on a lot of time and time and responsibility. In our church, we usually average around 100 or so Elementary-aged children. Therefore we split them up into 3 separate groups when coming to crafts, each group getting 20 minutes each. My challenge is to create a craft that will take 20 minutes from start to finish. Something that requires little to no adult assistance, and most importantly, something that they can keep for years to come.

Today I started researching craft ideas. I wanted to post about this, not only to spread the word about VBS, but to ask for your help in brainstorming ideas for cute crafts. Here's the theme:

Hop on board the Boomerang Express as VBS 2009 takes a train ride across the Land Down Under! As kids wind their way through Australia, they'll discover the vastness of God's love, and they'll learn that no matter where they go or what they do in life—it all comes back to Jesus.

Who let the Dawgs out?

2009-03-19T15:28:00.000-04:00

Do you have a little Georgia fan?
Show off her team spirit (or her daddy's) with this ruffle peasant top!

READY TO SHIP!
Size 3/4/5

PLACE A BID!

JackaLulu's Debut Launch!

2009-03-16T16:41:00.000-04:00

My ebay group will be having it's debut launch starting this Sunday.

Be sure to check us out for lots of Zingy Springy thingys! (I couldn't help myself)

Mommy & Me Consignment Sale

2009-03-11T15:03:00.000-04:00

If you are in the Columbus area, you don't want to miss this sale!

And I'll be there with some NEW boutique clothing designs from LuluBelle's Couture!

The Whine Jar for Hopegivers!

2009-02-28T14:41:00.001-05:00

Introducing the newest member of our family...

We decided it was time to banish the whining in the Smith household. Everytime someone whines, they have to put 10 cents in the jar. Pennies, Nickels and Dimes accepted! When the jar gets full we decided that it would go to our most favorite non-profit and most deserving charity on earth...HOPEGIVERS International! So, whine away! Those little orphans and missionarys will be happy to get your 10 cents!

Notice the 10 cent contribution from Bradley earlier today!!

Introducing...JackaLulu!

2009-02-11T22:41:00.001-05:00

I mentioned here that I had a big surprise in the works. I'm officially letting the cat out of the bag! I have launched a new exclusive design group on ebay called JackaLulu!

JackaLulu is an exclusive custom boutique design group. Our goal is to provide the utmost in quality and style in boutique apparel. We are a bunch of friends who love what we do, learn from eachother, challenge ourselves to grow, and most importantly, put family first.

If you are groupless and would like an application, please send an email to:
lulubellescouture@yahoo.com with "JackaLulu" in the subject line.

I was on the news...

2009-02-09T19:49:00.000-05:00

Check it out here, it's about the CPSC lead testing.

http://www.wtvm.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3426610&at1=Consumer&h1=New Lead Standards Leave Businesses Uncertain

Amazing Workout

2009-02-05T16:16:00.001-05:00

Anyone want to join me?

My Craft Room Space

2009-02-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

Over the last couple nights I have began setting up my craft room. I wanted to share some pics of what I have done so far. I don't see this as the completely final stage, I would like to get some matching furniture...but I know that all takes time and money. Right now, this is perfect for me. Even though I have to share this space with the washer and dryer, I'm okay with that. Although I can't have them running while I'm trying to work in here, catching up on the old seasons of "Ugly Betty"! :) Take a look, tell me whatcha think and for those of you crafters/designers, share some ideas for functioning organization.

If your computer or my photos don't have the right contrast, I know some of you will ask... The walls are yes, lime green. :) They aren't offensive, but let me tell you, from the street at night, looking in, they are BRIGHT! Good thing the wood blinds are coming this week! I hate the thought of "people" watching me! LOL I'd like to get some good zebra stripes going in there too. Maybe I can slipcover or make new pads for my rolling chair. (That's an ugly garage sale find). My theme.....bright, bold and inspirational. Some designers like serene and light and airy, I on the other hand am inspired by color. Here ya go...

(sorry this one is blurry)

WE MOVED IN!

2009-02-02T11:44:00.003-05:00

The last 3 months of my life have been a whirlwind. Most of you know that we built (yes, that's past tense!) our new home. We got our certificate of occupancy on Friday January 23rd, and moved on that afternoon! It has been a long time in the works, the planning process took WAY longer than the building process, but I can proudly say "WE'RE IN!".

That however, does not mean that my to-do list isn't a mile long. We still have many many things that need to be finished (or started and finished!). There will be a few more months to come before we are probably settled and have things in their right places. We did what we needed to do to get moved in, so there are many things left to do.

With that said, I gotta run and get some things crossed off that list! I'll try to pop in here and post some pics and updates as I can. And for my boutique followers, I'll be back with some new designs, I promise! :) Keep in touch and contact me if you need anything in the meantime!

One last thing... My mom sent Lulu her latest design - a trendy little fleece jacket! If you're interested in one for the special little girl in your life, let me know. You can choose your color, trim and buttons. Here's Lulu:

PLEASE HELP SAVE HANDMADE & OUR ECONOMY!

2009-01-30T15:16:00.000-05:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know?
If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Andalucia and my broken machine

2009-01-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

Boo Hoo. Yes, that's me fake crying. My sewing machine kicked the bucket last night. This is very upsetting considering I'm less than a week away from the big launch! (see ad above) I've been so excited about this launch and things have been coming together just fine! Of course though, just as we're trying to finish up the new house and I sneak in some sewing time, THIS happens! I have been so good and hadn't taken any orders or done much sewing at all...which has been EXTREMELY hard (and hard on my creative mind)... but has allowed me to devote my time to researching, shopping (at the Home Depot, don't be misled!), buying, installing, being "boss lady", taking pics, breaking my back...and nails, painting, buying, running around this town more than I know, NEGOTIATING and more work. Of course this all pales to what my husband has done in this house building effort! He's the mastermind and everything you can imagine has gone through his hands and mind first. He's quite the builder, who knew?! LOL However, this isn't the work he was cut out for, I think he makes a much better boss! But his perfectionist skills has made this house so much better than I could ever imagine!

ANYWAY....I gotta find a machine to use, and get my creative juices flowing in overtime since my to-do list keeps growing and the last time I checked, there are still only 24 hours in a day. And I am NOT a morning person! LOL

So....next week search ANDALUCIA on ebay to find TONS of goods made from Patty Young's beautiful Andalucia fabrics.

Busy Busy Busy

2008-12-20T09:54:00.000-05:00

Sorry for not updating for those of you who read this regularly. I barely have time to come up to breathe with all the house stuff that's going on. We're ALMOST done! The finish work is being completely by us, so it takes much longer than hiring help, but it's free labor and very rewarding! I can't wait to get into my new studio and allow it to be my new little inspiration hideaway....complete with a locking door! :)

I also wanted to sneak a minute to write to also say, stay tuned for something VERY exciting coming. LuluBelle's Couture should be back into the swing of things come February and there are new things in store. Here's a hint:

But before that happens, in January I am going to be launching with an AMAZING (to say the least) group of designers on ebay. We'll be all using Patty Young's beautiful new fabric line for Michael Miller called "Andalucia". It's so awesome, I have some of it already cut up and ready to sew and I know you are all going to fall in love with the prints as all of us designers already have. More on that to come.....

Have a great weekend and Merry Christmas!! ~Heather

Happy Wholidays

2008-11-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

LuluBelle's Couture Special Edition Holiday Dress 2008

He's a Mean One....Mr. Grinch!

Size 2/3/4

This will be my last design for 2008!

Ready-to-ship with loads of details and personality!

99 cent starting bid - Bid accordingly!

Check it out on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220318113340

And...for my blog readers only...

Take 10% off your winning bid!

Contact me prior to invoice for adjustment.

Thank you to Moreland and her mommy for these great Grinchy photos!

Kandy Kisses Boutique GIVEAWAYS

2008-11-20T15:34:00.000-05:00

Check this out, you can win some great prizes and snag some amazing deals before Christmas!

http://kandykissesboutique.typepad.com/

LuluBelle's Etsy Clearance!

2008-11-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

There are a few 2 pc. sets left in my Etsy store that I just slashed the prices on. Please go take a look and get a bargain! These are the remaining of those designs and will not be remade, they are sized as marked and ready to ship! Scoop them up for the upcoming Spring and Summer at a huge discounted price!

http://lulubellescouture.etsy.com

Basic Mom Math

2008-11-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

Todder + Bath + Poop = Mess

Does anyone else have any basic mom math they'd like to share with the class today???

Unscientific Redistribution Experiment

2008-11-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share this little story I got this morning. As much as I'd like to go off on a political rampage here, I would rather keep it lighthearted - but not for "political correctness". There is no doubt of my support for McCain and strong dislike of Obama. The scary truth is this little "experiment" might just become the norm very soon if we're not careful who we elect to run this country. Read below:

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference......just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need.....the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight. I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful. At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more. I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

NOW GO VOTE!!!

Grab a cup of cocoa, it's a long one!

2008-10-31T15:28:00.001-04:00

Well, my facelift isn't quite what I want, but it'll do until I have more time to sit here and waste for your viewing pleasure.

There has been many things going on in my life since I updated last. Last weekend I spent a few days in my home town, Granby Massachusetts. It was really nice to visit and with it being just for the weekend, it was nice to get away without the kids or hubby. (sorry guys!) The reason I went uo was it was my childhood BFF Stacie's wedding. She was my maid of honor and although I declined her request to be in her wedding party, I'm glad I was able to travel up and go. As you know we're building a house, so it's tight wallets around here. I did get a cheap fare flying into Boston with AirTran. They were great to fly with, although my preference is Delta, and their customer service was great. Not a complaint in the world other than they need to start flying into Hartford!

Today is Halloween and once again I find myself explaining to my children why we do not celebrate it. I know they see other kids get to dress up and get truckloads of free candy (perhaps poisoned by our "friends" in China????), but it is WAY beyond my comprehension of why any Christian would want to acknowledge this pagan holiday. You can see a great deal of information and my reasons HERE, as my friend Beth has blogged about. (Thanks Beth).

Yesterday we heard news that our classmate in Steve's graduating class passed away. His name was Patrick (Pat) Curran. He was quite a character and I'm sure will be missed by many. I'm just flabbergasted by the amount of young adults who have died in our age group over the past few years. One day I'll sit and make a list, but right now there are too many to wrap my brain around. :( It's such a sad time in Granby.

Our new house is coming along nicely. Yesterday we were able to really see the house with walls and ceilings. The sheetrock went up over the last 2 days and there are no more studs to see through! I can't tell you how excited we all are to get in there. We're almost in the homestretch of finish work...which we'll do ourselves and will probably take us into late January to get moved in. But, we are so very cozy and comfortable where we are now, and although I'm sure my in-laws are ready to move back into their master suite and get our loud, to say the least, family out of here, they're going to miss us when we're out! :) Well, they'll miss the smell of something always baking I'm sure. But, they do sell candles for that! LOL

Here are some pics of my trip & Stacie's wedding... I'll post house shots another day...sorry! :)

Me and my mom @ Mem & Pep's House

Mr. & Mrs. Alicea :)

Me and my big bro, Dave at Stacie's wedding

Me and my Mem & Pep

Me and my little bro, Sean at the 'rents

See ya later!!!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2008-10-29T09:43:00.001-04:00

Please excuse the mess while I'm trying to redesign my blog.

Lipstick and Toddlers

2008-10-16T12:54:00.000-04:00

Does EVERY little girl feel the need to get into their mommy's lipstick/gloss? Normally I am a clear-ultra-shiny-wet-looking lip gloss kinda gal. The other week in Target I found this new gloss that has bold color on one end and a glossy plumper on the other. This is out-of-the-box for me, yet I bought it. I actually like it too! (who knew?!) Anyway, Sydney got into my purse while I was cleaning her room and came to me looking like this:

Needless to say, after a good scolding, she got her pics taken so we can laugh/smile about it when she gets bigger. Then she took a bath and I was on anti-stain duty! And amazingly it came off her skin perfectly with a baby wipe and the Oxy Clean stain remover got it out of all 3 articles of clothing she was wearing! GIRLS!

Reversable Crayon Apron

2008-10-15T12:25:00.000-04:00

Here's my latest ebay auction

*Reversable Boutique Apron*

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=220295121916

LuluBelle's Couture Blog readers get free shipping! Mention it at checkout :)

Maty

2008-10-11T10:20:00.000-04:00

This past week Steve and I ran a few errands without the kids on his day off. However, we didn't escape completely alone... Maty, our sweet golden retriever, just wasn't having us leaving without her. She chased our truck about half a mile and wasn't going to let up! So, we pulled over and she rode in the back while we went on our merry way.

(That's living in the country for ya!)

Sydney Lou Who

2008-10-03T18:16:00.000-04:00

We modeled today! I'll post more info later when the auctions go live, but I was too excited to wait...here's a sneak peek! We've modeled for this designer before, she has the best applique!

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-03T09:18:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I took the little punkins to the pumpkin patch. They had a good time running around, and since there was absolutely nobody there but us, I didn't mind them running around! ;) There was this little pond full of huge catfish....maybe too many fish in too little water???....but it was feeding time and the lady poured a huge cup, of what looked like dog food, into the water and the fish were jumping all over and grabbing that food! The boys thought it was cool and Miss Thing just wanted to go in the water with the fish. I let them choose their very own pumpkins to buy and there must have been half a million of them to choose from, so it took awhile. Sydney was happy and she toted her pumpkin around all by herself like a big girl. I also took some photos, of course, but they were so excited it was awful trying to get them to all sit still and make a NICE smile and you know the drill....so I gave up. Anyway, here's what I have to document the occasion. ENJOY! :)

Best Movie I've seen....maybe ever!

2008-09-28T21:43:00.000-04:00

LBC pairs up with RMXdesigns

2008-09-24T08:43:00.000-04:00

LBC has never paired up with another clothing designer before! On The Avenue and Blossom Leigh Boutique (BLB) have gotten together for a "Friendship/Recycle" launch. Click here to see all the listings. Through this launch, I was able to meet Jamie of RMXdesigns. She was great to work with and also took all of our photos. I'd say this was a successful collaboration! :)

Here is my set that you can find HERE You can also find Jamie's set that you can mix-n-match pieces HERE:

New model and new line for LBC

2008-09-18T21:11:00.000-04:00

LuluBelle's Couture wants to introduce our newest model!

Meet Miss Alayna!

Miss Alayna will model LuluBelle's new line of infant dresses sized especially for 0-6 month old little sweeties! More details to come soon...keep checking back! :)

Scorpian...and not the band of the 80's

2008-09-16T09:02:00.000-04:00

I'm officially freaked out. {insert goosebumps here} I literally fear the day I innocently stroll across the floor to only find a shooting pain in my foot that feels worse than a wasp sting! If you are asking yourself "what is she talking about?!", let me fill you in. In the county that we're in, we have scorpians. There are certain times of the year that they want to come in the house. They are small, and I'm not sure where they come in from, but the Terminator, uh...exterminator, says there isn't anything you can do about them. So, that's where my fear comes in. Also, having these gross little things says absolutely nothing about the way in which you keep your house. I personally live in a very clean house (after watching that show on BBC "How Clean Is Your House", I would dare to say...I live in an immaculately clean house!) But...these little pests still find their way in. It seems like over the past few weeks they are really interested in getting in, so we've found several of the little creepy things. I guess you might not be able to prevent them from coming in, but once their in, we almost (note, I said ALMOST) always find them belly up. This is probably from the spray that the Terminator sprays each month for other Southern pests... This morning I found one by a floorboard and immediately ran, carefully watching where I put my feet, to the misc. items drawer (aka junk drawer), grabbed the old pair of needlenose pliers. I then proceeded back to the scene of the crime and grabbed that little guy to find that he was....phew!....a dead one. So, I set him up for a modeling shoot....I mean photo to show all of you! I took a shot on the tile floor, where I relocated him closer to the toilet, where he'd be swimming with the fishes in mere minutes. Then I snapped another shot before he got his never-ending swirly whirly. This is merely one of the many buggy blessings we get to witness while living in the country...yesterday I shot and killed a giant black widow outside the house....with hornet and wasp spray. As gross as some of it is, I really love seeing the array of creatures that live in the South that we weren't familiar with living up North. Now, I can do without the snakes...especially those rattlers, but they gotta live somewhere! But...they need to be warned...if they bite my poor unsuspecting doggy again, I'll have to go join the NRA and get me a rifle!

Going Pro: Secret Boutique Sewing Tricks

2008-09-12T14:57:00.000-04:00

FINALLY! I'm so excited this awesome ebook finally made it's debut on You Can Make This! "Going Pro: Secret Boutique Sewing Tricks" is the name of the ebook and let me tell you, YOU MUST BUY THIS THING! I was privy to my copy before it was posted for sale and let me tell you, it is amazing! There are 10 tips, 63 pages, 50 photos and 5 illustrations. Sandy has been so thorough and by sharing her secrets with all of us boutique designers, we can endure quality and make life easier! You can find this ebook through Sandy's website TheCrackerjackShack or through YCMT under business. And for those of you who are starting out sewing or want to learn to sew, this is a MUST HAVE! :) Go check it out, and tell Sandy I sent you!

Moving right along...can't wait to move in!

2008-09-11T21:26:00.000-04:00

The roof was finished being built today. They put the felting on and the shingles will be added soon. Here is some update pics taken earlier today. I feel like it's just coming right along! Next week we'll get the doors & windows installed, we'll get the rough-in for the plumbing, electrical and HVAC. My cabinet guy will come out and measure for our custom order and I have to narrow down my choices in the color of the exterior! What a huge choice, it's not like I can change it in the (anytime soon) future! They will also have the siding up in the next two weeks I believe. We'll get our brick mason back out to do the front brick, cultured stone on part of the front and the fireplace in the greatroom. Probably next month Steve and I (and many inlisted friends and family) will start the finish work on the interior. That is what will take the longest in the building process. I plan to finish the built-ins in the greatroom and my kitchen island. I ordered it raw wood so I can distress it just the way I like. Those extras cost so much more, and why pay it when I can do it myself?? ;)

It's hard to get a great shot of the front, there are several trees in the way from the road, so here is what you see when you pull into the driveway.

Here is the back. You'll soon see there is another set of french doors and tons of windows to the left of the other opening, they have not put up the header boards and framed that area out yet. So, the tyvek isn't cut open like the other spots.

This is a view from the greatroom into my kitchen, I can't wait to cook our first meal there. And many more to come. Please help me pray that I can cook on Christmas morning a HUGE breakfast for our family in there! (That's asking a lot! - Bradley's my little prayer warrior for this one!) The old hymn just popped into my head "Nothing, Nothing, Absolutely Nothing! Nothing is too difficult for thee..." God, was that a sign???!! :)

Pink Marshmallow Boutique

2008-09-11T14:17:00.000-04:00

My friend Tara of Pink Marshmallow Boutique, and former groupmate, has come out with the most adorable little crib shoes I ever did see! You have got to see these puppies! Click the photo for the etsy listing.

"...there's no place like home, there's no place like home..."

LBC Auctions

2008-09-10T08:42:00.001-04:00

I currently have 3 boutique sets on ebay right now, please take a look! CLICK HERE or click the photo below to take you to the auction. These sets are ready-to-ship.

**If you're the winning bidder, mention you saw this ad on my blog to get 10% off your winning bid!**

Euro Flowers Pant Set 3/4/5

Strawberry Fields 2pc Dress Set 2/3

Applique Zebra top & Twirl Skirt Set 2/3

Roxi*Moxie Modeling Shots

2008-09-03T10:27:00.000-04:00

Little Syd modeled some very cute scoop neck tops for Roxi*Moxie today! Be sure to stay tuned for her auctions for these tops. Also check out her ebay STORE, she has some cute bags and diaper clutches! And best part of all...she's my mom! :)

A facelift...without the knife

2008-09-02T23:22:00.000-04:00

I get bored easily with certain things. I love to paint my nails and toenails all sorts of colors, I enjoy eating a variety of different foods and I really like to rearrange my furniture (although Steve doesn't)! I think my creative brain never shuts off and is always looking for something to do/change/create, etc. Tonight I decided that my blog needed a facelift...and voila! Hope you like, because I like! :)

I'm off to dreamland! Hopefully tonight won't be a repeat of last night and I dream about making ZUMA PANTS all night long!! And that's a little hint at what's to come next for LuluBelle's Couture! :)

Advertising Space Available

2008-08-29T13:15:00.001-04:00

LuluBelle's Couture The Blog introduces available spacing for your advertising needs. Get your business name out there using an inexpensive marketing tool - online advertisment!

Ads should be no more than 150x150 pxl. We also offers graphic design for these ads. Please email for a quote. lulubellescouture@yahoo.com

A very exciting day!

2008-08-29T12:29:00.000-04:00

Today is an exciting day!! If you know me personally, you know we're in the process of building a new home for our family. The framing work has begun today and here is our very first wall!! I'll update from time to time on that. If you want to see a full site dedicated to our home building project for our friends and family, email me for the link.

Another exciting thing that happened today was John McCain announced Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate! What an awesome addition to his campaign! :) Also...Happy Birthday to John McCain and Happy 20th Anniversary Sarah Palin!

*****UPDATED TO ADD*****

All in a days work! The framers got the entire first floor framed out today. We spent awhile down there after they left dreaming of what it'll look like when the real walls are up! This is the most exciting phase I think...but I'll let you know when it's all over! LOL

The future kitchen...nice and open country kitchen

The future great room....

My future sewing room! YIPPEE...

Baby Shower Gift

2008-08-28T14:10:00.000-04:00

My friend Beth is having a baby girl next month! This is their first baby girl after having 4 boys - 2 of which in the same year! (no, not twins!) Needless to say, she is a busy mom! And a great one at that! She homeschools them and is such an inspiration to me!

In honor of her little girl on the way, our Sunday school class threw her a "Pink Party" last weekend! It was so much fun and I know they can't wait to welcome that baby girl into their family! This diaper bag was my gift to her. I made it extra special for that extra special girl who will bless that family beyond measure!

If you get a minute, please pray for her safe and healthy delivery and that God's will be done for them.

And if you'd like to order one like it, please shoot me an email! lulubellescouture@yahoo.com

Here comes another one!

2008-08-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

Do I dare post twice in one day? Don't get too used to that, my dear readers! LOL

What I wanted to tell you is I found another feature! My friend and family Jenne, from Mass, has graciously spread the word on her blogger about LuluBelle's Couture. She is a fellow crafter and her niche is scrapbooking! Go check out her awesome designs and my feature HERE at J. Leigh Designz. She's an active member on etsy and sells her designs on ebay as well.

Have a great Monday...it's rainy here. Leftovers from hurricane Fay are still here and we are currently in a *TORNADO WATCH*! :(

I was featured and I didn't even know!

2008-08-25T10:44:00.000-04:00

Adee told me today, amongst many other things, that almost 3 weeks ago I was featured on Designer Roundup! It was on August 8th, I was in the top 10 clothing category! Here is my award, so I figured I'd show it off! :) Click the award to see my name on their site, and the clickable link to which clothing item was featured!

Yummy Peanut Butter

2008-08-20T08:47:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately I didn't win that dress I told you about! BUT...have no fear! There is another contest I must tell you about by another fellow blogger. http://redsoxmommy.blogspot.com/ Who doesn't want to try gourmet peanut butter? :) Go check out her blog and tell her which flavor you would love to try from P.B.loco! I'd like to try this one...Chocolate-Chip Cookie Dough Peanut Butter! mmmmm

Win a dress by Bridget and Co!

2008-08-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

Please visit Bridget and Co. blog to learn how to enter to win this dress!

She will custom make it to your measurements and chioce of fabrics she has in stock.

A bow crazed mom

2008-08-10T14:51:00.000-04:00

I know I've posted about bows many times, but I just wanted to tell you of my most recent bow order. (I'm bow crazy, I tell ya!) I ordered 30 big boutique bows from a new designer (new to me). I got them a few weeks ago and I just love them so much! They are the right size, amount of fluffy and work perfectly with my girls favorite style...piggie-buns! Well, my favorite way to style her hair! Please check out my new friend Brandie at BrynnBella Bowtique. She has a good variety and I'm sure she'll work with you to make the perfect bows to suit your needs!

And of course, here's a pic of Lulu sporting 2 new fluffy black bows, in my latest auction!

I'm Featured Again!

2008-08-08T21:27:00.000-04:00

On Journal Modiste! Such an honor, and the excitement never gets old! Check me out!

Scroll down and look under "Featured Clothing".

THANKS JOURNAL MODISTE!!

LBC "Candy Lulu" Halloween Euro Dress

2008-08-06T21:19:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! This set will only be recreated once!If you place the winning bid within the first 24 hours from the start of the auction, I will include a SURPRISE trick-or-treat bag, made especially to match this set as my FREE GIFT to you!
The size 2/3, modeled here by a size 2T beauty, is ready to ship. If you need size 3/4, please allow 2-3 weeks to be completed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220266204587

Back To School and Catch Ups

2008-08-06T13:30:00.000-04:00

It seems like just yesterday Stephen was singing "Schools Out For Summer!" (courtesy of Guitar Hero) But, today was back to school day for us! Stephen started 2nd grade and Bradley started Kindergarten. This is Bradley's first day of school ever! We met their teachers Monday and visited their classes. Stephen was praying for his buddy Mark, our neighbor (through acres of woods), would be in the same class and proving that God really answers our prayers, he is! :) Bradley's teacher was SO nice, she had a lot to say and I think she was kindof surprised that he hadn't attended preschool. It seems like you stick out like a sore thumb if you hadn't gone to K3 or K4. I have my thoughts on that...this for another time...but I'm a stay at home mom, so there was no need for him to go anywhere!

Sending them off this morning wasn't as hard as I thought it might be. All summer I had time to prepare for this day. Bradley and Sydney share a special bond, probably because last school year he was home with her all day while Stephen was at school, and I know this year will be an adjustment for Sydney. She loves playing with her two big brothers, but we'll have plenty of time for tea parties, Backyardigans and playing together this school year. Maybe I'll teach her how to sew....JUST KIDDING! :) Here are some pics from this morning....

This past week we brought them all to go bowling. I hadn't been bowling since I was pregnant for Bradley I don't think! The boys had never been, so it was tons of fun for all of us. Sydney was such a good girl too! She didn't bowl, but she sat very good through the first game, but the second game she realized she could get up off her chair and run around. Thankfully it wasn't crowded (until we left) and she did great for it being lunchtime. I must admit that after I got a little warmed up, and resigned to the fact that bowling destroys your nails, I spanked the boys! :) Can you say TURKEY??? I did! :) And Bradley wanted to take home his bowling shoes...he liked them!

Sydney sitting and watching

Daddy has great form

Mommy bowls lots of strikesStephen loves bumper bowling! :P
Bradley, that ball looks heavy!

Here are some other pics that I haven't posted, but thought I would share while I was on here!

Bradley even enjoys the princess couch! Sydney's reading while waiting for dinner one night.

My first ever tomato

2008-07-29T15:33:00.000-04:00

I have NEVER, on my own, grown anything that hasn't died QUICKLY right afterwards. I am a self-proclaimed black-thumb. I strive to be a good gardener, I just have no clue about anything. When our house is finished being built, and I have the time to plant a garden, my first priority is veggies! I want to grow fresh organic vegetables to feed my family...and maybe so many I could share with the neighbors! I'd love to learn how to can for the winter and get into all of it! I have a wonderful friend, Shelley, who I keep picking her brain and she knows EVERYTHING! ;) Yes, Shelley...you do!

Anyway, I wanted to show you the surprise I had waiting for me today. It took THREE MONTHS, planted from seeds, but finally the cherry tomatoes that I planted have started to bloom....and one little guy decided it was time to be a tomato and not a flower anymore! Yes, Shelley taught me that tomatoes are first flowers! (I'm so dense, I tell ya!) Here is my pride and joy...and hopefully I can show you more pics soon with lots of red ones! This little guy is so small and cute! :)

edited to add: I was showing Steve and I found 2 more little guys! uh, I mean tomatoes! :)

Visible Signs of Aging

2008-07-24T09:15:00.001-04:00

My biggest boy lost his 3rd tooth last night. It was his top left incisor. By Christmastime I'm sure he'll be singing "All I want for Christmas is my" ...you know the rest. Sometimes I can't believe how big he is getting. He starts 2nd grade in less than 2 weeks!

My little boy also starts kindergarten this year, I'm flirting with 30 and my baby is already 2. I know a lot of things come with age - maturity, responsibility, wisdom, etc... but it's sometimes hard to watch your children grow when you still sometimes feel like a child yourself! :)

Everyone always says "before you know it, they'll be 18", and as cliche as that is, I'm not going to let the time go by that fast without enjoying a single moment of it!

So, HURRAY for new teeth! And I'm sure he's saying that too after seeing that he is now $5 richer!

Cleaning out the closets

2008-07-10T10:01:00.000-04:00

Time permitting I'll try to list all of Sydney's Fall/Winter boutique clothing on ebay, so I'll post links here. The other stuff will most likely go on consignment locally. Ask if you are looking for anything, everything must go! I'll update as I list.....

Dick & Jane 5pc Set

Bear Feet Red T-Strap Mary Janes

Finishing up

2008-07-08T19:40:00.000-04:00

I'm finishing up my final sets for TheAve's Back to School launch. They will debut next Tuesday the 15th! When they are ready to list, I will post links. There will be some ready-made/ready-to-ship items and also some customs.

Also, check out my new widget on the bottom right column, you can see all current live auctions for my ebay group! There will be LOADS of items to look through next week, so keep checking back! Or you can also CLICK HERE to see the current auctions now.

Here's a sneak peek! Inspired by my Lulu's LOVE of the Backyardigans!

A Weekend of Blessings

2008-06-30T12:35:00.001-04:00

Friday and Saturday I was able to go with friends and family to a Christian women's conference put on by Lifeway called "Deeper Still", that was held in Atlanta. The speakers were Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer. It was simply amazing! This is the 2nd time in a year that I've gotten to hear Beth Moore speak! I just can't tell you how amazing it was, you could just feel God moving throughout the entire event. Find more information click here: http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/deeperstill/ Oh, and I can't forget to tell you all...Mandisa was there! From American Idol season 5. She has an amazing testimony and love of Jesus. It was an awesome time!

Sunday morning Sydney woke up and celebrated her 2nd birthday. Two years ago yesterday, at 7:50 am, Sydney graced us with her presence. Since then she has been such a blessing to our family in more ways than I can count. Her two big brothers simply adore her and she loves them right on back. Her daddy just melts when he cradles her in his arms, and even as a fast-paced toddler proves, she still finds the time to sit and enjoy the stillness of her daddy's lap. I have found new ways of motherhood through her. Being a former mother of only boys, my eyes have been opened to the gentleness and grace little girls really are! It is amazing that God created her mothering nature from birth, and as long as she was old enough to hold up her own head, she has adored her baby dolls and cherished them like her own children. I'd like to put together a little photo road of her last two years and thank our precious Lord for all he has done with her and through her!

We'll be having a birthday celebration for our family in a couple weeks when everyone can be in town, but last night she got her gifts from her brothers and her Grammy & Grandpa. Grammy also made her some yummy banana pudding and then less than 2 hours later, her daddy came home from work with a dinosaur sundae from Brusters! Here are a few pics to share.

Girls & Bows

2008-06-26T15:40:00.000-04:00

Until I became a mommy to a little girl, I didn't realize the significance of the hairbow. My family all thinks I'm mad when Sydney can't step foot out of the house, none the less the crib, without her hair pretties. (In my defense, the little beauty looks like "Cousin It" with nothing to hold back the luscious locks!) But really, doesn't it just warm your heart to see a little girl who just has a big pretty bow to finish off her outfit?! I mean, you can't tell me that you would possibly leave the house in a beautiful dress or outfit, without having that perfect pair of shoes or purse to make it even more fabulous, right? Anyway, all that said, bows are an important staple in our household and they are an investment! :) Check out my newly found FAVORITE bow designer!

Meg from http://my2redheadsbowtique.com/ (Who is also my groupie in On The Avenue)

Here is one of the fabulous bow sets I got in the mail today. They have got to be my favorite yet. Even though they are just pure white, they are adorable! And so detailed for such a small bow!

Also, I just wanted to post a note for one of my favorite customers, Cem, your peasant tops are on the way! ;) Here is a sneak peek! I'm crazy for peasant tops...and so is she! They are so versitile and SO cute with those little cap sleeves!

Summer Time Fun

2008-06-24T11:28:00.001-04:00

Last week my in-laws decided to take my boys on a super-duper-summer-spectacular! Well, they were only 1.5 hours away in Atlanta, but they really had a blast. They went to the Georgia Aquarium, Six Flags Over Georgia and a Braves Game. They also got to hang out with their Uncle Brian (whom they ADORE), Auntie Leah and Titi; and went out to eat to many of their favorite places! (like StevieB's!) After the baseball game is over, the kids get to go run the bases. Here they are rounding 2nd at Turner Field!

This is Stephen!

And here is Bradley!

And I have to add, that Ms. Sydney enjoyed her mommy and daddy all to herself while those boys were gone. But she asked about them all the time. She would throw her hands up and say "Where's Badee?" :) But...this photo pretty much sums up her time...One word: BACKYARDIGANS! (Her absolute FAVE!)

Lulu's New Do

2008-06-21T18:17:00.000-04:00

Lulu got her first haircut! We went on Thursday and I must say, she really needed a trim! She got several inches cut off. Tanya (my hairdresser) kept commenting on how well she sat there to get her hair done for the first time! I told her I've trained her well! With all the hair she was born with, and the length it has grown in just 2 short years, let's just say she has had every hair-do a little girl could possible have! :) She has more patience sometimes than I give her credit for. And even though she has days where it's a fight to get just a simple ponytail in, most days are not like that. She has sat through countless times of sponge rollers and has already heard me say on numerous occasions "it hurts to be beautiful!" ...something my mom used to tell me when she would do my hair! I'm so very thankful for my little girl, and also thankful that she didn't come out bald! LOL Here's a few photos to share. I hope to get a better "after" photo soon! There's always going to be clothing to model, so I'm sure you'll see one sooner than later!

HUGE launch coming up....And my music obsession

2008-06-14T16:21:00.000-04:00

I wanted to mention here that On The Avenue is having a BACK TO SCHOOL launch coming up! You HAVE to stay tuned, as we get a little closer, I can give you a sneak peek, but all I can say right now is......OH MY GOSH......You will NOT believe what we have in store for our bidders!! ;) Search TheAve on ebay.

A little off topic here, but I can't get enough good Christian music! I could just jam all day listening to Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Casting Crowns, Toby Mac, Building 429, Big Daddy Weave, Overflow, Switchfoot, Day of Fire, Seventh Day Slumber and SO many more! Just thought I'd share my favorites. Please comment with what is in your CD player right now!

And I leave you with what we found on the front porch the other night! EEEWW!! Can you see the head on the left? The body wraps itself under and around the railing. And I think we've decided it was a Brown Water Snake. If you think it is something different, let me know!! :(

A Fresh Start

2008-06-11T21:29:00.000-04:00

I've decided it was time for LBC to emerge into the world of blogging! Please subscribe and keep checking back, I promise to keep you informed and on top of the latest and greatest! And I'm sure contests and freebies will allure some of you to come back! ;)

See you around!

Please check out my website at http://www.lulubellescouture.com
And you can find me on ebay here: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZ*lulubellescouture*