Freebee Friday: Baby Blvd. & Accessory Ave.

First of all, thank you to everyone who entered Simply Lulu Boutique's Celebration GiveAway! It was a huge success - make sure to check back with her often!

Second, thank you to those who commented here! Those who participated will be receiving an email from me shortly that you'll need to respond to in order to claim your prize. Our freebee surprise for commenting on My Tiny Sweet Cheeks is a custom, hand-made baby card -- with your choice of gender: boy, girl, or neutral!
{Melissa and Dean, I don't have an email address -- please email me to claim your prize}

I'm so excited to promote Baby Blvd. & Accessory Ave. this week. I have worked with Jen on a few projects and she has been such a joy! They have all sorts of accessories not only for the kiddos, but also for moms! I personally have a custom made tote (that is HUGE) and it goes with me everywhere - school, church, trips! I love love love it!

Baby Blvd. is having a "BOW"DACIOUS GiveAway. It includes a cute brown belt... for your little boy or girl ... and a pair of adorable leopard Print Bows. {Extra plug from moi, her bows are so cute! I'm dying to have a little girl so I can buy every last one of them!}

{UPDATE} As an added surprise, Baby Blvd. has also added a Kufi Beanie to sweeten the deal, meaning there will be TWO winners. Better odds for everyone out there!

TO ENTER:

1 Entry: Create a new post about Baby Blvd. on your blog & leave a comment here

1 Entry: Become a follower of Baby Blvd.

1 Entry: Create a button on your blog by pasting Baby Blvd.'s header onto your sidebar with a link back to Baby Blvd.

Give-a-way ends March 6th 11:59 pm

Check back to see if you won! Winners will have one week to respond and claim prizes or another random winner will be chosen.

*****But wait, I can't let you leave without a My Tiny Sweet Cheeks Surprise!*****

Comment here and/or Become a Follower and you'll get a surprise on us -- TBA March 6th!

Thrifty Thursday: 3 Great Uses for Socks

Stop tossing orphan hosiery in to the trash. Believe it or not, those unaccountable loners have lots of use in the storage game. Here are three that you may not have thought of.

1. When STORING DELICATE HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS or decorates in those divine divided boxes, instead of enclosing them n newspaper of bubble wrap, simply slip them in a clean to sock to prevent chips or breaking.

2. GOING ON A TRIP? Slip shoes into old, clean socks before packing them to keep everything else in your suitcase spotless. You can also you use this trick in your closet to keep your best - and probably most expensive - shoes dust-free and protected between wearings.

3. SHOP GOGGLES/SUNGLASSES {nowadays} are too big and bulky to fit into a regular eyeglass case, so slide them into a sock tacked to your workbench or tool wall, or to toss on your dashboard for a clean, convenient caddy.

Workin' Wednesday: Meal Planning Mommies

One of my favorite blogs to visit is Meal Planning Mommies. They give you a menu every week, along with a list of supplies needed for your shopping trip. Then everyday, step by step instructions, including awesome pictures, are posted showing you how to prepare the meal.

The best thing about this? Meals are totally kid friendly - but my husband and I still enjoy them. Designed around a budget, the most expensive meal I have seen was $6.00 - still making it only $1.50 per person in a family of 4.

Here is one of my favorite recipes!

Apple Streusel Muffins

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1-1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream
1/4 cup butter, melted
1-1/2 cup chopped peeled tart apples
TOPPING:
1/4 cup sugar
3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 Tbs. cold butter

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sour cream and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Peel and chop apples. I use a peeler/corer/slicer to make the peeling and chopping very fast. I am showing pictures, in case if you have never seen one used. I use my peeler/corer/slicer all the time when I make anything with apples and it save lots of time. Definitely a worthwhile investment. Fold in apples. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. I use a mini muffin pan because my son can easily pop one into his mouth as a snack. If you are using a mini muffin pan use 1 Tbs. batter for each cup. If you are using a regular size muffin tin use 3 Tbs. batter for each cup.
For topping, combine sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle a rounded teaspoonful over each muffin. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes(I do 12-15 minutes when using a mini muffin pan) or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.

Makes 16 regular size muffins.

Head on over to Meal Planning Mommies and let them help you plan your menu!!

Tutorial Tuesday: Easy Headbands

Ribbon headbands secured to elastic ponytail holders.

I've seen many headbands lately which use a loop of cord elastic that is cinched at the center, usually by a metal crimp, to form a figure eight. This inspired me to use two ponytail holders to achieve a similar effect--because I do not have any metal crimps and neither do you, I presume, and, while we're at it, maybe you don't even have cord elastic. So here it is, an easy headband using minimal supplies that you probably already have at home.

Materials

• Ribbon, approximately 15-20" (38-51 cm) in length (the length will depend on the size of the ponytail holders you use)
• 2 elastic ponytail holders

Instructions

1. Interlace the 2 ponytail holders together as shown in Diagram 1 and pull on them to form a knot.



Diagram 1

2. Fold one end of your ribbon 0.25-0.5" (6-13 mm) to the wrong side twice, slipping one of the ponytail holders inside the second fold. Without sewing over the ponytail holder, sew the folded end of the ribbon with a rectangle of stitching as shown in Diagram 2.

Tip: If your ribbon is wider than 0.75" (19 mm), you may want to fold or pleat the ribbon at the ends so that it is narrow enough to attach easily to the ponytail holders.



Diagram 2

3. Test the fit by trying on the headband while stretching the ponytail holders to the unattached end of the ribbon. Cut the ribbon to the desired length, adding in extra length for the seam allowance.
4. Repeat Step 2 with the other end of the ribbon and the other ponytail holder, making sure the ribbon is not twisted.

Monday Moments: First Words

As a mom, I think you are always anxiously awaiting that next "developmental milestone" of your child. Not being satisfied with where you are at just seems to come with the territory. First you want them to roll over, then to crawl, then to walk. Before you know it, all those nice moments when your baby just sat still are over. Gone. Days of the past.

Me, I am anxiously awaiting Bryson's first word. He will make the occasional "dada or mama" but it's not consistent enough for me to qualify him as a talker. He points to everything and I am trying really hard to name things other than what he wants to entice him to "vocalize" his wishes. So far, just grunts and temper tantrums.

What were your little ones first words? Any advice for sparking language interest?

Freebee Friday Winner!

My apologies for not getting this out sooner. The winner of the Heart & Crossbone Wristlet Keychain chosen by random.org is #7 -- Jen! Congratulations!!!

I will be contacting you for all your shipping information.

If there is no response within the week, a new random winner will be selected.

Freebee Friday: Simply Lulu Boutique

I love being able to help fellow Mompreneurs, and Simply Lulu Boutique is having a fabulous Give-Away I was so excited to promote!

States Kylie, Simply Lulu's owner:
"Simply Lulu is all about my adventure in having a baby girl. I started out making bracelets for her when she was a newborn, and with each new stage, I made and shared my new creations: lovies, headbands, clips, bows, hooded towels and more. I make simple, bright and fun accessories, that can be used for all ages. I believe in making things interchangeable and adjustable to maximize use, and minimize investment. For example, the same Velcro flower can be used on a headband for babies, then on an alligator clip for toddlers, and later on a french clip for bigger kids. I believe in accessories that are tastefully sized, not ridiculous and floppy. Quality is important to me. I try and keep costs down where I can, but I refuse to sell anything that is poorly made or that I wouldn't personally put on my little girl."

Kylie is generously giving away a $40 Gift Card to Olive Garden and a Hooded Towel for your little one's bath-time and your alone time! This gift package is valued at $52!!!



So, here's how it works:
1 Entry = Enter your info leave a comment HERE telling what you love about Simply Lulu Boutique

1 Entry = "follow" ME

1 Entry = pick up a Simply Lulu button and put in on your blog

1 Entry = post about this giveaway on your blog, with a link back to Simply Lulu Boutique

1 Additional Entry = place an order for over $5
Maximum of 5 entries per person

This GiveAway ends February 28 at midnight, MST.

**Leave a comment on this My Tiny Sweet Cheeks post and become a Follower to receive an additional surprise on February 28th! Everyone will win!!**

Thrifty Thursday: Useful Little Compartments

Old egg cartons and ice-cube trays can be used to store many of the same tiny items - egg cartons provide a lid, which may sway your choice.

• On your dresser, both are excellent for storing earrings, rings, small brooches and other jewelry, sorting coins, or separating all the bits and pieces for a particular project.
• In your sewing or crafting area, egg cartons or ice-cube trays can be used to sort buttons, sequins, beads, snap fasteners, hooks and eyes, and other easy-to-lose objects.
• In the workshop, nails, screws, washers, nuts, and small bolts can be kept under control, in sequence if you are taking something apart.
• For storing small Christmas ornaments, egg cartons are ideal because of the lids, and because they stack readily in a larger cardboard box.
• For the golfer in the family, an egg carton is the ideal size for storing golf balls, keeping them clear and ready for teeing off.
• In your junk drawer, an ice-cube tray can bring order to all those bits and pieces - rolls of stamps, extra keys, tiny batteries, paper clips, rubber bands.
• Another handy use: organizing medications or vitamins for the day.
  

Workin' Wednesday: Babes in Hairland

I came across this darling website, Babes in Hairland, perfect for any mom who loves to do hair, or maybe those of us who struggle with hair.

Not only does she have great word instructions, but also step-by-step pictures {for those of us who are more visual learners}.

I love that she is constantly updating her blog! And her hairstyles are so creative and so beautiful. Who wouldn't want to send their little one to school every day looking like a princess?

These are some of my favorites!

A Twist on the French Braid

Fun Pony Tail

Curls Curls Curls!

Visit Babes in Hairland and get inspired!

Tutorial Tuesday: Placemat Apron

I found this tutorial HERE and thought it was too cute! Such neat aprons for moms and girls alike. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a way to contact Amber so if anyone knows of her, or finds her, please please let me know!

Just FYI, Kohl's has some great napkins on super clearance this week, so check that out.

What you need:

• A placemat
  
• Ribbon
• Material scraps or 1/4 yard
• Sewing machine
• Iron

What you do:

• Iron placemat
• Cut a ribbon the length of your placemat and sew it on towards the bottom
• to make a pocket cut a square of material (depending on the size you want) iron folded edges all the way around. sew a seam on one side and then pin pocket to place mat and sew pocket onto the apron around the sides and bottom. If you want a ribbon on your pocket, sew it on before you put it on the placemat.
• I put a box pleat ruffle on the bottom of this apron- to do this I simply ironed some folded material in pleats and pinned them then I sewed across the top and then sewed it onto the place mat.
• To make the apron ties I measured out wide strips of fabric (this length depends completely on how big you want your bow to be) I folded the strip inside out and made a seam. Then I pulled them right side out, ironed them flat and sewed them onto the placemat.

P.S. Don't forget to enter our current GiveAway for a chance to win a My Tiny Sweet Cheeks original Keychain Wristlet.

Monday Moments: Valentine's Day

I hope your Valentine's Day weekend was full of love and surprises!

I have always been one to go a tad overboard one holiday's {much to my hubby's chagrin} and I have tried to scale it back since my little Bryson doesn't have a clue what is going on. {I fully intend to make a bigger spectacle of things once he gets a little bigger!}

That being said, however, I couldn't just skip the holiday all together. What kind of mom would I be?

So, we started off our day eating Heart-shaped Buttermilk Pancakes. So good!! Please don't laugh at my culinary shape skills, just remember I tried. And yes, my son is wearing Christmas pajamas...at least they were mainly red and white.

My Valentine's {looking a little messy...}

Roses from my sweethearts!

What did you do for Valentine's Day?

Freebee Friday: Heart & Crossbone Keychain Wristlet

Happy Valentine's Weekend Everyone! In light of the upcoming holiday, up for grabs this week is the Heart & Crossbone Keychain Wristlet from My Tiny Sweet Cheeks.


Made of 1-inch vinyl webbing these Wristlets are extremely durable and easily wash up. Each Wristlet measures 6-inches long, with a 5.5-inch opening for your wrist.

Here's what you need to do to win this GiveAway:

1 entry: Tell me which Keychain Wristlet is your favorite!

5 additional entries: Become a follower of My Tiny Sweet Cheeks. Please leave a comment telling me you're a follower. If you are already a follower, you are automatically re-entered.

10 additional entries: Blog about this Give-Away, or email it {be sure to CC it to me} to all your friends and family. Leave a comment telling me you posted/emailed about this give-away.

Give-Away ends Thursday, February 19th, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.

Good luck, and Happy Weekend!

Thrifty Thursday: Play Clay for Kids

Kids love playing with Play Dough, but who can afford to keep buying new cans every week when it's all dried out?

Here's a recipe for fun dough that's like the store bought stuff:

Ingredients:
2 Tbs Cream of Tarter
1 C Salt
4 C Plain Flour (without raising agents)
1 to 2 Tbs Cooking Oil
4 C Water
Food Coloring

1. Mix the cream of tarter, salt, flour, and oil together with a wooden spoon, then slowly stir while adding water.

2. Cook in a saucepan over a medium flame, stirring occasionally until it thickens. It's ready when it forms a ball that is not sticky.

3. Work in food coloring. Let it cool, then let the kids get creative.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent drying out.

Workin' Wednesday: Wonder Bumpers

As a first time mom I was terrified of using any type of crib bumper. I'm sure you've all read the warnings and hazards associated with them. I finally caved to the bumpers when my son was about six months old and kept getting his little legs stuck between the bars while he kicked all about. These are the ingenious solution to a mom's fear!!!
Available since the beginning of February, Wonder Bumpers are the new thing in crib decor. Not only do they act as soft protective padding, they also allow for better air circulation, reducing the risk of SIDS. And so easy to use - just zip them on.

They are available in a multitude of designs and gender schemes! Mix and match them to create endless design options.
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If you are interested in being featured on Workin' Wednesday, contact me for details.

Tutorial Tuesday: Pillow Case Dresses

I'm aching for summer here in my Idaho cold weather, and have seen these pillow case dresses around and think they are the cutest! I don't have girls in my household, so I live vicariously. I have seen these worn both as dresses and as shirts once they become a tad too short. SO DARLING! This tutorial is for an older girls dress, but it shouldn't be too hard to adjust for a smaller size. Enjoy!

Materials for one dress (fits 6-10 year old):
-vintage pillow case (cases with detailing or lace on the open side lend interest to hemline)
-matching thread
-seam ripper
-twill tape or grosgrain ribbon



Instructions:
1. Cut neckline: pillow case's opening becomes dress bottom.... cut along the closed seam at top, to open for neckline.
2. Cut armholes: lay pillow case flat and mark measurement with a pencil for a diagonal cut. First mark 2 inches from side seam towards the neckline on both sides. Next mark 3 inches from top of side seam down each side. Use a ruler to connect your marks on both sides and cut out triangles.
3. Fold over armhole's raw edge 2x. Pin. Sew.
4. Fold over neckline 2x (creating a channel wide enough for ribbon). Pin and sew.

5. Feed ribbon through front and back neckline and adjust to fit on child. Sew ends of ribbon together, cut excess and pull into the channel (no ribbon ends visible). Gather.
6. Depending on the style of pillow case and size of child, you may want to add slits on the bottom sides, as I did.

Monday Moments: Peek-A-Boo

Like I warned, you're going to get sick of me and my little boy...

Meet Bryson. Words that describe him: Smiley, Tough, Mischevious, Curious, Smart, Wonderful.


Though we have been playing Peek-A-Boo since he was three months old, he has just started hiding underneath everything! His coat, his drapes, pillows, and his favorite blanket. What a goof! I love watching him play and see the fascination in his eyes when he realizes that "I can't see Mom, so she must not be able to see me!" {Total 14 month old sense, but it's there.}


What are your favorite games to play with your little ones?

Friday News

Sorry ladies, I'm out of town for the weekend as my little brother is taking off to Hawaii as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for two years! {So no giveaway this week.}

I'll be back with Monday Moments!

Happy Weekend!

Thrifty Thursday: Ways to Cope with Kids and Food

Children and food are a natural duo. Here are some ways that you can use ordinary things from you kitchen cabinet to make that combination work more smoothly.

Sandwich-bag Kitchen Gloves: There's nothing more welcome than helping hands in the kitchen. But when they're little hands that tend to get dirty and leave prints all over the place, then something must be done. Before they start "helping" you make those chocolate chip cookies, place small sandwich bags over their hands. These instant gloves are disposable for easy cleanup.

Plastic Lid Containers: Entertaining a crowd of kids and want to make sure your tabletop survive? (Or at least give them a fighting chance!) Give kids plastic lids to use as coasters. Write their names on the coasters so they won't get their drinks mixed up.

Paper Towel Place Mat: Your darling grandchildren are coming for an extended visit, and though they are adorable, they're a disaster at mealtime. Paper towels can help you weather the storm. Use a paper towel as a place mat. It will catch spills and crumbs during the meal and makes cleaning up easy.

Clever Lunch Box Tubs: Give kids some lunch box variety. As a break from the usual sandwich, put some fruit salad, rice mix, or other interesting fare in one or two recycled margarine tubs for your child's lunch. The tubs are easy to open and will keep the food from getting crushed.

Workin' Wednesday: Baby Banana Brush

Here's another ingenious product my mom {aka Grandma} recently found at Don Aslett's cleaning supply: The Banana Brush!

If your child is anything like mine, he's an independent kiddo that loves to brush his own teeth. This causes me nightmares however, because I can just see him being impaled by that snoopy toddler toothbrush.

This Banana Brush has been the solution!

It is hard to see in a picture is how soft and flexible this product is.

We all know how teething babies like to knaw. And if you have ever brushed the gums of a teething baby, using a finger cap brush or toddler tooth brush, you know how much the baby loves that pressure, and will chomp down on the brush. {Beware the chomp if you use the finger cap style!} Ordinary toothbrushes, while soothing, can be dangerous to let the baby hold. The banana brush, however, is safe for baby. It is so soft and flexible that you don't have to worry about them injuring themselves.

The Banana brush is latex free and non allergenic. It can be washed in the dishwasher and is a great way to get baby started brushing those first teeth. It can also be refrigerated and used as a cooling teether.

Finally {and I never thought I would say this about a toothbrush} the Banana Brush is adorable! If you have a little teething monkey like mine, you will love this product!
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If you're interested in being featured on Workin' Wednesday, contact me for details.

**SALE**

All Winter and Fall Terry Cloth Bibs are 20% Off now until February 28th!

Quantities of individual designs are limited, as I am trying to clean out my inventory to get new designs for this year, so order fast!

All Valentine's Day Terry Cloth Bibs are BOGO {Buy One Get One} from now until February 14th!

Tutorial Tuesday: Quick Soaker Pattern

Well Ladies, I did it. I made the transition from disposable diapers to cloth diapers. And for only $60! After much online research, I owe much of my money saving secret to Katrina who provided us with her Quick Soaker Pattern free!

These are so easy - I'm definitely a novice seamstress and had no problems whatsoever! Her instructions are precise, short, simple and came with great illustrations. My kind of sewing!!!

You can make these using wool interlock, recycled wool sweaters, and fleece. {I recommend the fleece after all my research - breathable and
absorbs so much moisture!}

Click here for Katrina's Pattern

Click here for Katrina's Pattern for Fleece

Click here for the Instructions

Now I know that making the switch can be daunting, especially when it looks like you have to spend $200 up front, but for $20 you could make a couple soakers, grab a pack of Gerber cloth diapers and see what you think. And little baby butts just so look so dang cute in these...

Monday Moments

Tsk, Tsk, I have to admit I'm a little ashamed that no mommies shared any fun moments from their week. If this is how it's going to be, you'll get bored of me and my boy pretty quick. So, here's my plug and challenge to you: Send something in!! Think of it as a way to journal and to capture those moments you don't want to forget. I'm counting on you and am hoping next week will be better!

As a by line, since it is the beginning of February, I'm going to take this opportunity to introduce our new "Giving Back" donation product. This month I am featuring Save the Family. Their mission is to help children in homeless families by treating the whole family. They use programs to break the negative cycles of poverty, abuse, and homelessness. They facilitate the transition of families to financial and emotional self-sufficiency.

100% of the promotional item, Hugs & Kisses Terrycloth Bib, will go to Save the Family.

To donate without making a purchase CLICK HERE
All donations are 100% tax deductible