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Thursday, April 30, 2009

Winner of the Apron From IceMilk Aprons!!!!!

Don't you all start screaming at me since I know this one was popular!! But I did the random number generator and it produced lucky number 19!

Which means that Tart Deco is the winner! She said,

"Love the rollings of cinnamon apron, vintage and modern at the same time."

Well I kn
ow she is going to love this apron too!!! Lets congratulate Tart on her lucky draw!

Thank you to all the Lovely Apron Goddesses out there who have come to visit and sign up for this special giveaway by IceMilk Aprons. And please stop in and visit IceMilk Aprons at the preserves the blog too where you can get some great ideas for cooking or family activities that could turn into new traditions!!!

Finn is a Jr Baking God! Thank Goodness for Little Boys.

Jenny at Petalz and Finz send this too cute picture of her little boy who has commandeered the apron and baking duties from his older sister! How about that!

I am also laughing at his "passer" as we call them in our house. If I let her, my daughter would have her all day and all night long....




















Jenny said, "I bought a set of mother/daughter aprons, but figured the daughter apron would be too small for my eleven year old daughter who I am almost eye to eye with these days."

She then continued, "My son, Finn, had to get the apron right on, however and the flowery print and pink trim doesn't bother him in the least. He does have two sisters, so I guess there's enough pink to go all around!"

In conclusion Jenny wrote, "The other day I was making bread, and he wanted to help out. He pulled little bits of dough off and played with it for so long that I finally had to bribe him out of the kitchen. I couldn't leave him standing in there on the chair on his own! It's hard getting two year olds to cooperate with posing sometimes!"

Now if I recall properly, a certain Huckleberry Finn wore a dress to pass himself off for a girl...correct me if I am wrong. So this little Finn is learning to be covert at an early age!

You can visit Jenny at her blog Petalz and Finz where she has been showing off new baby adorable chicks, Thomas and Friends drawings they have put up at home, and a red rabit hutch for bunnies!!!!! I am somewhat jealous. I really wish I could have more animals but I have to draw the line somewhere.

Please drop in and give her a holler. We all love company don't we?

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Aprons in the Wind

So this week everything is a day behind schedule.... I will announce the winner of the apron from IceMilk Aprons on Thursday. So there will be no unheard squealing from a joyful new apron winner today. However......

I saw this a few months ago and thought it was worth passing on!

Aprons in the Wind 2009
A wonderful tribute to women everywhere.

Mother's Day weekend Saturday, May9th - Monday, May 11th, 2009
(Monday, May 11th is National Wear Your Apron Day!)

The invitation is open to dedicate a fabric apron to your mother, grandmother, sister, or any special woman in your life. In tribute, the colorful aprons will be displayed on a clothes line that will span the outdoor property of the gallery on Mother's Day weekend and the following Monday, "National Apron Day".

DETAILS: The aprons will become a permanently apart of the exhibit that will be displayed every Mother's Day weekend. NOTE: Aprons will not be returned. Rain or shine exhibit.
* Each apron to identify the lady of honor with her name, date or message. IDEAS - handstitch, use a permanent marker or fabric tag.
* The apron can be vintage or newly purchased, handcrafted, knit - be creative!.

* There are no limits of number of aprons for dedication.
NOTE: Aprons will not be returned.


MAIL:
Lakes Gallery of Fine Art

P.O. Box 127
North
Lake
, WI
53064

UPS / FedEx:
Lakes Gallery of Fine Art

N76 W31428 County Rd. V.V.
Hartland, WI 53029

Need more information? Call (262) 966-1804

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Romantic Flowers and Ruffles Apron Giveaway-Aprons by Annie G

This week Annie at Aprons by Annie G has custom made an apron for this week's giveaway. This apron exhibits soft pastel tea themes on a powder pink background. Anne said, "I loved using this fabric because a portion of the sales of this particular line go towards cancer research."

Annie started her website two years ago with the idea in mind to sell handbags and laundry bags and NOTHING ELSE. But after making her first apron a year and a half ago, the rest was history! Now, Annies apron sales far exceed sales for her bags.

With each stitch Annie says, "I feel like I am transported back in time to the late 40’s and early 50’s. I'm back in my grandmother’s kitchen and she was at the sink in her old worn apron. My great grandmother was at the counter shaping rolls, also wearing a full apron.
I love my kitchen memories!"

Annie mostly sticks to vintage style aprons, particularly those from the mid 40’s to the mid 50’s. She uses a lot of reproduction fabrics or original feed sacks, and the majority of buttons are early plastic or vintage bakelite, which would have been used during that time frame.

About 75% of the aprons Annie makes are her own creations. She has drawn ideas, patterns and shapes from recollections of the women who surrounded her as she grew up and the aprons they wore. While Annie loves to make aprons as beautiful and feminine as possible, she does not typically use much lace or vintage trims because she wants the aprons to be as easy to care for as possible.

You can say that Annie's aprons are "practically beautiful" because you can throw them in the washer and dryer, touch up with an iron only if you feel like it!! They are intentionally constructed to be low maintenance for today's busy Mom.

Annie wishes all of the Apron Goddesses, "Happy Memories."

To enter the giveaway for Annie's lovely apron pictured above visit Aprons by Annie G and browse the selection. Come back and comment upon your favorite one. That is easy! The winner is selected by random number generator.

For an additional five entries post about this giveaway leaving the permalink address (URL) in the comments too.

And for 10 extra entries, send in a picture of a full grown adult wearing an apron. Man or Woman, but I have plenty of children in aprons from the wonderful entries during the last few weeks. We need to see real women wearing aprons that they love! Email address is located under contacts in the header above. And please, please include your blog address in your email for me!

Good luck on this! I think it's going to be a hot one...

Entries close Wednesday May 6, 2009, midnight.

Monday, April 27, 2009

I am Worn Out!

So, normally I post the giveaway for the week on Monday, but my head is tired, it aches. I am plum tuckered out. I need to sleep and rest.

I long to be the superhero blogger and not succumb to human weaknesses so I decked myself out at the Super Hero Factory as shown below... I was saving this for just such an occasion as tonight. My Apron Goddess powers failing me, I need to pull out the 2nd team.

Now, don't you want to make your own super hero alter ego? The skirt was as close as I could get to an apron! Hee hee.


Bright and early TUESDAY morning there will be a giveaway of a wonderful, very feminine, perfect for Mother's day, frilly, soft, apron from one of TAG's sponsors. Please, please come back tomorrow to see what is in store.

Meanwhile, you can still sign up for the simply lovely apron from IceMilk Aprons by clicking HERE! They are heirloom pieces that you will enjoy for generations.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

New Fabric, My Cat is a Jerk, Mom and Daughter Aprons?

I went on a little fabric spree at JoAnne's last week during one of their big 50% off sales. As always, there were lots of beautiful things!

The main reason for this trip was that the curtains in my bed room were looking old, drab and boring and I need to replace them. Add in the fact that my kids pulled the curtain rod off the wall on my small window and, and, and....over vacation one of the "cats" peed on my curtain covering the sliding glass door in my room.

As soon as I entered my room I knew something was a foul in the air. Can you say AGGHHH!!!! I have a nose like a blood hound and nothing sniffy escapes me. Therefore, swift and immediate action was necessary.

I removed the offensive curtains wrecked by my disgruntled cat who was really saying, "Lady don't you F-ing leave for so long or I will really mess with your house."

My response to the disgruntled cat is, "OK A-hole, now when I go on vacation in the future you will be locked out of the house."

Anyway....I digress.

Here's what I bought for window treatments. When I finish sewing them up this week I will show and tell them on the windows. I think. Maybe. Well, that is if it all comes out OK. This should be simple but things could go wrong.

The stripes are for the small window over my bed and the dark blue for the sliding glass door. Yes, it is dark but I am going for "room darkening" effect. I already have the darkening liner that luckily escaped the wrath of the cat. I think I know who it really was too.

BUT when looking for fabric for the windows I encountered this lovely jean material with floral stitching. And I got thinking "Mom and Daughter aprons" for Mothers Day. If I pair it with some gold fabric with floral or just plain yellow or gold, I think I can make an adorable set for us! Maybe even reversible!

Now I found a great tutorial via one of my new followers (Fine Hand) and she directed me to A Girl's Garden Party Apron Tutorial at I Have to Say. It is just adorable. I hope I can figure out how to do the ruffle or I am doomed.

However, if you know of a tutorial for half aprons please leave me the link in the comments! I would love other suggestions in this area!!!!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Winner of the $25.00 from the Eco Store...

Hello!!! Hi? Anybody out there?

Well here's the news for today.

Ryan Ashley Scott at Optimistic Cynicism...

Your number has come up! Time to get shopping at the Eco Store which makes awesome products for your home and body. I am still loving the Baby Lotion which is now mostly mine.

April is Earth Month - All Orders of $25 or more qualify for FREE Shipping

Eco Store's eco friendly, plant-based household cleaning products are as effective as the leading supermarket brands, and their body and baby care ranges are gentle on your skin and are simply beautiful to use. Eco Store's pet care products let you spoil your pets with nourishing, rich blends of ingredients and show them how much you care by reducing their exposure to unhealthy chemicals.

All of
The Eco Store's products are made from plant- and mineral-based ingredients, free of toxic chemicals that bring people closer to nature with non-toxic, environmentally safe solutions that also help to reduce our carbon footprint. Eco Store's products also help to ensure value for the dollar for our customers. They know it can be expensive to buy natural or organic products but have found a way to safely super-concentrate their formulations. Their super-concentrates means that a little really does go a long way - saving you money by cutting down significantly on cost per use.

So make a visit and shop and get free shipping! I am buying more laundry detergent since I love how it makes my clothes feel clean without excessive smells!
And with FREE SHIPPING how can you not try their products!

And have you signed up for the giveaway from IceMilk Aprons yet??????? Get to it ladies!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Who Does She Think She Is?


During my vacation I was able to attend a screening of a movie called Who Does She Think She Is? directed by Pamela Tanner Boll (who won an Academy Award for her film Born into Brothels).

This film made me think about my original premise for this blog which is: a celebration of womanhood and the feminine form without the loss of equality, intelligence or self value. Taking care of your family does not mean you have to loose your identity and individuality.

In Who Does She Think She Is? this concept is addressed specifically in regard to the creation of art by women. The film portrays the lives of five amazing women struggling to find balance and success between their art and their family lives. To be a mom and an artist? The challenge is real. This film shows the paths that the selected women have taken to stay true to their own hearts while maintaining their family. The highly talented women artists in this film have varying degrees of support from their families and the nuances of each ladies story are shown in documentary style.

At the theater there were maybe 10 men and 200 women in attendance of the film, unfortunately. This is a film that the male population needs to watch since most women already know how hard it is to navigate a career and a family, then integrate personal time and space. In support of all women who work, create and have a mind of their own and raise a family, I must recommend you see this film.

In general, I think mommy blogging as a writing art form is really a great way to express your self with the spare moments between family obligations and duties. It is no wonder that blogging has become so popular and almost a sub culture where support among moms prevails!

So on that note: If you make one out click from my site today please make it to Who Does She Think She Is? and watch the trailer for the film. I promise that you will not be sorry. You can look for screening locations near you or request the film come to your town!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Officially Home Again

We were blown away on the ferry...
but loved it the whole time!


The kids found the freezing cold water irresistible.
I say they are nuts!


And on the way home sleeping was not really an issue for SOME people.


But I am in post-vacation recovery mode after our 14 hour drive back home!!! However, with a great trip finished and good kids I can not complain.


After the clean up of our truck and laundry and everything else is complete I can resume my normal duties here at TAG!!

And I saw a screening of an incredible independent movie that I will share with you as well. This movie acknowledges moms who are artists/painters/singers and shows their struggles...more on this to come!

But I am glad to be back!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

And The Winner Is....

Drum roll please......and the winner of Not Your Mother's Apron is Carolyn G. She is the hostess of 2 blog sites. You can check her out at Carolyn in Carolina or at The Art of Random Willy-Nillyness. So go check her out and give her a big Congratulations.

As for the rest of you, don't forget to join this weeks give away by IceMilk Aprons. If you haven't checked out this apron give away then go here. Good luck ladies.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sneak Peak and a Hostess

Hell-o Apron Addicts! I imagine all of you know that Julia is on a family vacation in the Pacific Northwest, so I am going to be your hostess with the mostest today. My name is Suzi and you can usually find me (if you're interested) at Savy Suzi.

So, what is this you ask?
I'll be happy to tell you!

Not so long ago, Julia started this blog.....all about aprons and the people who wear them, but you already knew that. Because of this fascination with aprons I decided to teach myself how to sew. I made my first apron and it was challenging, but I wanted to refine my newly self taught skill. As a result I have made 3 manprons, 6 burp cloths, and 3 full sized aprons.

The picture above is some fabric that I am going to use in order to make a Mommy and me apron. For who you ask? I'll tell you....there is this girl who I refer to as Cookie Girl, she has a blog called Cookie Girl Creations. Cookie Girl has become a big fan of my boys and my neighbors (who happen to be Julia and her family). Each week she posts a new cookie recipe to try out..... which is great because my family was tired of the tried and true chocolate chip cookie (mutiny was on the rise). She and her young daughter also make the cookie of the week, among other goodies so I thought an apron set would be perfect for the duo (after all her daughter is Cookie Girl in Training).

So Cookie Girl and CGIT, if you're reading this (and I know you are) expect to find something in the mail in the next month! As for the rest of you I will have Julia post (or I can) the finished result.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

IceMilk Aprons-Monogrammed Apron Gift Pack Giveaway

Simply Lovely, Simply Collectible, Simply Gorgeous!

This week we have a wonderful giveaway of a signature gift pack from IceMilk Aprons. This package includes the rolling pin oatmeal half apron with a custom monogram, a unique heirloom kit, and 25 blank recipe cards in the signature IceMilk wrapping.

The waist apron is fashioned in oatmeal linen and has a wide toast sash to be worn high on the torso. Elegant and simple, it would be a great to own since it will match with almost any ensemble you wear when cooking! Plus it is meant to be passed down as a heirloom to your daughter or granddaughter.

With the personalized monogram the winner can choose from two different styles shown here to be embroidered on their aprons.

IceMilk Aprons offers a gourmet line of heirloom aprons in full or half styles. They all are made from linen fabrics and are elegantly constructed. The line of aprons would make an especially meaningful gift for Mothers Day or a Bride!

Encouraging the preservation of family memories, cooking from scratch, and sharing family recipes, are principles upheld by IceMilk Aprons at the preserves the blog. And with each apron comes a signature Heritage Tag which can be used to document your personal family history with your IceMilk Apron.

If you love the IceMilk Apron line you can enter the GIVEAWAY of the rolling pin oatmeal apron gift pack by first browsing the IceMilk Aprons offerings, then come back to make a comment on your favorite here.

For five additional entries into the drawing, post about this giveaway on your blog and put the permalink to your site in your comment too.

And as always, if you want 10 bonus super entries into the giveaway drawing, send in a photo of you or a family member in an apron. Include a mini apron story, what you like to cook, or some other tidbit about your photo in your email to me.

Entries close on Tuesday, April 28 at 12:00 midnight with the winner to be announced on Wednesday April 29th.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Apron, Apron Where Art Thou?

Ladies flap your aprons!!

If you got something together for this apron linking festival please sign up below. I can't wait to see what you come up with. I hope over the weekend to see some inspiring stuff!

So here goes! Sign up with your apron post below. Don't forget to include the TAG button in your post so your readers can get back to this list here provided by Mr. Linky. Then they can visit other blogs showing off their aprons too!

Apron, Apron, Where Art Thou?

We are going on a family vacation for a few days and I will be on short supply for anything aprony...

If I find some cute aprons on our adventure in the Pacific Northwest I will certainly post some pictures, that is for sure. However, in the event that aprons are nowhere to be found, I have thought of a new game for all the aproned adorned, or unadorned as the case may, be to play.

Maybe you are an Apron Addict and want to play along, or maybe not, but I must give it a try at least once. If it is a success I will do it once or twice a month!

The Details:

It is called Apron, Apron, Where Art Thou? This game can be for all the shy ladies who want to show off their aprons, but have not the courage to get in front of the camera yet. To play along you will need to take a picture of your favorite apron in some different situation or location. Maybe hanging from a tree fluttering in the breeze or off your car widow or on your dog, or anywhere else creative. Just use your imagination, humor is always acceptable. Or if you just want to show yourself wearing your apron you could do that as well. But regardless, show some apron somewhere!

First post a picture of your apron on your blog in a "Where Art Thou?" location. Maybe your apron is narrating it's trauma from the battle field in the kitchen, maybe you want to talk about it's history, or maybe it is just beautiful and a decoration... Be creative! Include the Apron Goddesses button somewhere in the post too. Then sign up with Mr. Linky tomorrow.

Then all Apron Addicts who visit here can hop around looking at everybody else's aprons and see some new blogs in the process. Nothing ventured nothing gained I always say, so if you all like this one I will try it again, if not it will go in the recycle bin.

So on Saturday and Sunday you can come back to TAG with your post ULR and join in the apron sharing! I hope to see you then!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Little Missy Apron Goddess!

Have you signed up for the Not Your Mother's Apron Giveaway?
If Not, Go Here!

This baby girl is so adorable I can hardly contain my smile looking at her happy little face!! This lucky little apron adorned lady is the daughter of Vivian at Now There Are 6. Lucy Carissa even has Dora on her apron since she is styling like a pre-schooler.

Mommy Viv wrote, "Here is a picture of my daughter in her little "art smock apron" I bought her on E-bay from a lady who makes them. Carissa loves DORA and I was doing preschool with her so this was a hit!!! She still has it and another one her grandma hand made for her. Something she can keep forever!"

For some reason little girls love dressing up in aprons! My 2 year old feels the same way. Since dresses are few and far between at our house, a cute apron over jeans is a great way to be girly without the danger of skinned knees.

Vivian is a new blogger and a full time mommy with three kids and one on the way. I think we all owe her words with smiles after seeing her adorable girl in this picture! So, please go and give her a shout at Now There Are 6.

And since THEY won the mommy and me aprons from Twinklebelle, I am hoping in the next month or two to see them in their matching aprons! Hint, hint...

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

And the Winner of the Apron from The Handmaiden's Cottage is....

With no fan fair or further adieu.....TAMI at A Godly Homemaker is the winner of the apron from The Handmaiden's Cottage!

Congratulations Tami!!!

And to all the other ladies who did not win this one, please do not despair. I am sorry your numbers did not come up. I wish you all could have one. What a picture that would be!

There are more apron giveaways coming every week. Please keep trying and send in your extra credit photos for additional chances to win. Plus with your apron photo you will get some bloggy attention too!! It doesn't hurt. Really!

And if you have your heart set on this apron I am pretty sure that Lyn at The Handmaiden's Cottage would be happy to make you another one.

You Will Not Believe These Aprons...

Good day TAG ladies and gents. Here is a picture of one of our hens. She obviously has some problems with her feathers. She is quite ugly. I can admit it. This is a fact. It is undeniable. Just look at her:


She even has a name. Salt and Pepper. Maybe more aptly Salt, Pepper and Naked. But what has this to do with APRONS you ask.

Patience,

patience,

patience...


I stumbled upon this accessory on one of my totally random "apron" searches on the Internet.



This is a chicken apron.

Yes, I said "chicken apron."

This must be the answer to our Pepper's prayers. I am in amazement that these are in existence. I had no idea the lengths people will go to cover their birds. I think Pepper would look great in this pattern. There are dozens more here.

Then she could look like this.

She would be styling for sure!

I know, I know, she still will not be fully covered. But at least she can have something over her back side!

I only wish we had prettier chickens.

Sob....sniffle....

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Tara's Men at Five O'Clock Somewhere are Apron Gods!!!!

Wooo hooo!!! It's men in aprons today, ladies (and gentlemen). They are showing they can decorate like Martha at a party attended by Tara at Five O'Clock Somewhere, who provided us this awesome picture.


Tara wrote, "Every year friends' of ours have a Christmas Cookie Decorating Party. The host makes up hundreds of cookies in various shapes and lays out every color icing and every type of decoration you could imagine. Actually the guys (who are all firemen) are the ones that get most into the decorating. Then the host boxes all the decorated cookies up for the guests to take home. It is an event everyone looks forward to. At the end of the night (after everyone has had a little too much eggnog) the annual picture is taken of the firemen in the kitchen with aprons on. Which in turn becomes the following year's invitation."

What more can I say, except that I love the spirit of this picture.
Thank You Tara for this great photo!

You can visit Tara at her Five O'Clock Somewhere Etsy store where she sells wonderful hand made jewelery, some of it with equestrian influences which I love! I am coveting a particular item called the Hi Ho Silver Pendant (pictured left) since I have no horse jewelery at this time.

I am thinking this should be a great mothers day present from my family (Hint, hint!). Or maybe my horses will think to buy it for me instead.... They could give up some grain for the next month right?

I recommend looking at her beautiful selection of handcrafted artesian jewelery so pop over and take a look!

Monday, April 13, 2009

NOT Your Mother's Apron-Giveaway!!!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend celebrating the holiday with family and friends. We had day with little trauma, lots of food, and too much dessert!

So it is very fitting that this week, Not Your Mother's Apron has provided this lovely lilac floral patterned apron for giveaway! It has a wonderful sexy and slimming V-line neck and a waste accent for further definition and refinement. This apron is just right for spring and summer wear and will bring a light and spring feeling to you when you put it on.

Not Your Mother's Apron is run by stay at home mom, Sara, who is a mother of 3 small children with one more on the way. In fact she is due to have her next child any day now!

Sara says she is an incredibly messy cook, and since her husband loves to complain, she started to make aprons for fun and to battle the kitchen!

Beginning in March of 2006 Sara started out making an apron for herself. Inspired by an adorable vintage apron that was "shredded" by her youngest child, she tried to get the same feel from a new pattern but was unsuccessful. Finding the patterned apron uncomfortable and lacking a sense of fun, Sara experimented and figured out designing tricks to make the aprons comfortable and stylish. Now only following some portions of a pattern, Sara modifies designs herself coming up with fits that are modern and so-not-your-mother's-aprons! She can really say she makes custom aprons to suit your culinary mood!

To enter the GIVEAWAY of the lilac floral apron, browse Not Your Mother's Apron offerings and come back to make a comment on your favorite.

For five additional entries into the drawing, post about this giveaway on your blog and put the permalink to your site in your comment too.

And as always, if you want 10 bonus super entries into the giveaway drawing, send in a photo of you or a family member in an apron. Include a mini apron story, what you like to cook, or some other tidbit about your photo in your email to me.

Entries close on Tuesday, April 21 at 12:00 midnight with the winner to be announced on Wednesday April 22th.

Good Luck Ladies!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Hoppity Happity Easter!

Apparently eggs smell funny while wearing aprons.


Mommy Julia and Baby Ella


The Brats


Hope everybody has a great day.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Look at What the Easter Bunny is Bringing!


We made some aprons for the kids this year for their Easter presents! My sister in law, Suzi at Savy Suzi, made the ones on the left (camo and tractors) and I made the one to the far right (green with tools). The fabulous bunny print is from Time and Again Aprons!


I love how they look flying in the breeze....

I think the kids will look so cute looking for their eggs wearing their new aprons! Can you say "photo opportunity?"

If you look close, find what is missing from the picture, besides the children... Pictures of them in them come tomorrow. Come back then and see real live bodies inside them!

Happy Pre-Easter!

Winners of Books from EllynAnne Geisel

After running the magical number generator the first lady to win a book from EllynAnne Geisel is:

Kebi Cedwana at Hanging by a Thread

Enjoy Kebi! I know you will use it to it's fullest!

AND

The second book goes to Just Me at In Pursuit of a Godly Woman.

I know you will love this one too!

Congratulations to both ladies! I am so happy that they both get the book they wanted. Kebi was first draw and wanted The Apron Book and Just Me the second draw and wanted The Kitchen Linens Book so all was perfect in the world!!!!

I want to send a big Thank You to EllynAnne Geisel for the generous donation of these books! Please check out her site Apron Memories and tie one on with her at her Apron Memories blog. I am sure she would love visitors who drop in to just say "Hi!"

Friday, April 10, 2009

Go Natural Baby

Cynthia, at The Cupcake Provocateur, found a great organic clothing store which she would like to share this week. It's a website called Go Natural Baby. The website is run by Justyn LeDrew creator of Zah Organics Baby Clothing.

Cynthia says, "I lover her website just for the simple reason that she whole heartedly cares about everything that she puts her name and supports Fair Trade with a fierce passion. She especially cares about the people who purchase products from Go Natural Baby as well as the people that work in the manufacturing plants. Plus it helps that she carries the cutest organic baby clothes and furniture!"

In addition, Cynthia reported that, "Go Natural Baby will only put their name on products that are made with Fair Trade values, including providing a healthy work environment for its workers, paying a fair wage, and ensuring that children are not in the work environment. Each year a portion of their profits will be given to the people that work in the factory, fields, and/or the school in the factory's village."

Sizes for newborns through 4 year olds are available at this ecologically sound store. You can check it all out at Zah Organics Baby Clothing.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

A Real Country Style Apron Goddess-Robynn's Raving

Awesome Apron Goddess, Robynn at Robynn's Ravings, is our featured wonder woman for today. She is sporting an apron straight out of good country living. Robynn said, "DO notice this really spiffy apron I'm wearing. THIS apron, apron was made by someone I admire for her practical farm skills and kind ways.

I ordered it from 'A Georgia Farmwoman' at Life On a Southern Farm. She makes them out of feed bags and they are plastic. I have been SERIOUSLY wanting a plastic apron. I blew the last one out and it just couldn't be saved. And, frankly, life has been detestable without a plastic apron.

Desperate, despicable, desolate, dire. Or maybe just damp. I have to bathe dogs, wash a car, and occasionally, when we run out of paper plates, I have to wash dishes. So I love plastic aprons."

Robynn said it best when she exclaimed, "THIS is a happy woman! Just LOOK at that cute apron. Don't you want one now? Maybe I should have gotten two. You're probably gonna buy them all up."

To buy one for yourself just go to Farmwoman's Etsy Store. They are made from recycled chicken feed bags and cost only $6.00. You can also find these fuzzy little chicks! My kids each have their very own and they carry them around calling them "peeps."

Now you can catch more from Robynn at her blog where as she provides a mostly humorous look at real-life events through short stories, satire, and the human condition. I guess that's why she calls it Robynn's Ravings...

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

And the Winner of the Mommy and Me Aprons from Twinklebelle is...

Photo Credit The Apron Queen

After Farmer Jones left the little cow said...

"Give me a drum roll please!"

I think I'll step in now. There is only so much a small brown cow can say and their little hooves are really hard on a keyboard.

After running the random number generator, the winner of the pair of mom and daughter aprons from Twinklebelle, is number 46 which put the drawing in to extra creditville and...

Viv at Now There Are 6 will be the happy recipient of the adorable matching mom and daughter aprons. And I know both Viv and her daughter will look fabulous in them!

Congratulations!

Also, I want to take a moment to thank Twinklebelle for this wonderful giveaway!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The "Tart Deco's"-An Apron God and Apron Goddess

With a pair of apron wearing fiancées, I could not be happier to show off their photos! For a TAG first, we have a "couple" showing their aprons.

Tart Deco is a rockabilly singer, seamstress, reenactor, and soon-to-be music librarian who loves to create beautiful things. She resides at her blog Tart Deco, chronicling the steps to their rockabilly/1950's style wedding!

Tart said, "I have attached some pictures of my fiancee and I wearing aprons. I always wear them when I sell at craft fairs or flea markets. We are doing shows to raise money for our wedding. I also have an Etsy store also called Tart Deco where I sell handmade hair flowers and fascinators made with upcycled and recycled vintage items, as well as other vintage things like sewing supplies."

Tart's fiancee, aka Vanna below, demonstrates the hand direct toward hair flowers at a show. He's definitely a team player!!!


At her Tart Deco store, Stephany says, "I am SO EXCITED to offer my newest hair accessory line based on movie musicals!! Every new piece is inspired by my favorite scenes from the most beloved and vibrant Technicolor musicals of the 40s thru the 60s."


Tart would spend hours and hours poring over these films as a child and she freely admits to being an official geek. She definitely has a talent in turning what she sees in the old films into beautiful creations. But she says it's hard to part with her arrangements since they have so much meaning.

So if you are in need of some rockabilly-Technicolor-hair accessories be sure to check her out! And how about some lovely comments below too!!

Monday, April 6, 2009

The Handmaiden's Cottage "Sophisticated Lady" Giveaway

THC has closed for a few weeks for a break so if you want to sign up you can without visiting her store! Today entries close at 12 midnight. Good Luck.

On this bright and bouncy Monday morning, I am realizing we are getting closer and closer to Easter. It's time to start planning meals and egg coloring and and just how much chocolate we will bring into our house...

Regardless, we have a sweet treat for GIVEAWAY this week since The Handmaiden's Cottage has provided this beautiful layered apron for us to oogle over. This apron is called "The Sophisticated Lady," and is a one of a kind with such pretty layers that I think I would feel like I was wearing a special skirt not just an apron.

Lyn, owner of The Handmaiden's Cottage makes an incredible variety of aprons. Most of her aprons are single unique patterns with stylized details, but she will custom make previously sold aprons upon request. Whether flirty, retro, modern or sexy, you can find something you would love to wear in her store. In addition to aprons you can find little girls aprons, mommy and me aprons and baby items.

To enter the GIVEAWAY of the Sophisticated Lady apron, browse The Handmaiden's Cottage apron offerings and come back to make a comment on your favorite.

For five additional entries into the drawing, post about this giveaway on your blog and put the permalink to your site in your comment too.

And as always, if you want 10 bonus super entries into the giveaway drawing, send in a photo of you or a family member in an apron. Include a mini apron story, what you like to cook, or some other tidbit about your photo in your email to me.

Entries close on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:00 midnight with the winner to be announced on Wednesday April 15th.

May the "gods" of random drawings be looking favorable on you for this one!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Oops

I have slipped up a little for this week. I'd like to blame it on my kids head and horse's abscess, but regardless I forgot to put a deadline on the giveway for this week. Seeing as that I wrote up the giveway post right after all the craziness I am going to call it headache fallout.

So I am going to extend the Mom and Daughter aprons GIVEAWAY until Tuesday April 7 at midnight. I will announce the winner on Wednesday morning!

Have a great Sunday.

Friday, April 3, 2009

No Way! It's a Garden Apron.

Hmmmmmmm. "What is this?" you are asking.


Meet "Ole Bessie." I am not certain, but I think she is older than me... My mom passed her down to me this year and told me I had to make SOMETHING!


Here's a view up close and personal.


Remember the sewing tutorial last week on the gardening apron at Not Dabbling in Normal? Well, I got motivated. One trip to JoAnne's Fabrics and I was set. There were some lovely bovine ladies and bandanna material that called to me like a siren.


I have only sewn about four times in my life that I can recall, but I gave it the old college try. Following the instructions carefully and asking SIL Suzi from Savy Suzi some questions I got through it in about 1.5 total woman hours.


Now how cute is this????


Well, if you like Holstein cows and red handkerchief material it's cute. Otherwise you might just think it's horrid. That's OK. Taste is subjective, right?

So I'm bad and armed with my snippers. Watch out errant limbs and stump sprouts! Here I come! No weed is going to escape my notice now. I am like Wonder Woman except with an apron. I will tromp out all evil vegetation in our valley...



Hello gorgeous Ceanothus. I love you! And you smell good too.

I think you could make this apron with a Barbie sewing machine and a kids ruler. Really this was simple. If I can do it, you can too!

If I make another, does anyone want to win one?

AND

There is still time to enter the GIVE AWAY for the mom and daughter aprons from Twinklebelle here! What are you waiting for?