Saturday, October 25, 2008
Grand Re-Opening!!!!
After 2 months of being down for re-modeling, the Bare Bottoms Boutique website is finally back up and running! I'm absolutely thrilled with the new design - created by Dionne of Studio Chic Design. We had quite a bit of trouble getting the template to work correctly through my hosting provider, but I was able to find a WAHMShoppes expert to help out. BIG thanks to Lori of Scrapless Creations!!! So, everybody, go check out it out!!!! To celebrate the new site, I'm having a Grand Re-Opening special - 15% off ALL orders from now until November 9, 2008! Just enter coupon code: REOPEN at check-out. And stay tuned - I'm planning a blog give-away very soon!
Monday, October 13, 2008
My First Pink Fig Creation
I'm always on the look-out for adorable new things to make for my kids. So, when I stumbled across Pink Fig Patterns, I was in heaven! 
Pink Fig Patterns is owned and operated by Chelsea, stay-at-home mother of 4 with a knack for making adorable sewing patterns for little girls! She also has an Etsy shop where she sells designer fabric and patterns (including her own). I was anxiously awaiting the release of one of her new patterns this fall - the patchwork skirt and t-shirt.
I bought it from her Etsy Shop and couldn't wait to sew up an adorable outfit for Ryleigh! I had some Timeless Treasures fabric that I bought a while back that I thought might make a cute patchwork skirt, so I figured I'd give it a try even though it wasn't as girly as I would have liked. Here's the end result:
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Pretty cute if I must say so myself! The pattern was very well written and easy to follow. I've since purchased 3 more of Chelsea's patterns and I can't wait for these 2 new ones to come out this winter:
Thanks Chelsea for making such adorable patterns!!!! Chelsea's links:
Pink Fig Patterns is owned and operated by Chelsea, stay-at-home mother of 4 with a knack for making adorable sewing patterns for little girls! She also has an Etsy shop where she sells designer fabric and patterns (including her own). I was anxiously awaiting the release of one of her new patterns this fall - the patchwork skirt and t-shirt.I bought it from her Etsy Shop and couldn't wait to sew up an adorable outfit for Ryleigh! I had some Timeless Treasures fabric that I bought a while back that I thought might make a cute patchwork skirt, so I figured I'd give it a try even though it wasn't as girly as I would have liked. Here's the end result:Pretty cute if I must say so myself! The pattern was very well written and easy to follow. I've since purchased 3 more of Chelsea's patterns and I can't wait for these 2 new ones to come out this winter:Thanks Chelsea for making such adorable patterns!!!! Chelsea's links:Sunday, October 5, 2008
Happy First Birthday Baby Boy!
1 year ago today...October 5, 2007, my baby boy was born. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. It seems like just yesterday that I was holding him in my arms for the first time, looking into his beautiful blue eyes and wondering what life had in store for him. On the other hand, its almost impossible to imagine what life was like before he joined our family. He has brought us all so much love and joy and has made our family complete. Before I had Ryleigh I never knew such a love existed. But, before I had Isaac I never knew that it was possible for my heart to hold so much love for more than one person at the same time. But it does, and it did instantly. And while I love them both equally, the bond I have between each of them is so different. They each hold a part of my heart. I thought you all might enjoy watching a little slideshow that I put together for Isaac's first birthday. I've done this every year since Ryleigh was born....a way to celebrate each passing year and appreciate how they've grown and changed over the course of the year. I hope as they get older they will cherish them as I do. Enjoy! :)
Happy Birthday Isaac! I love you!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Angel...or Devil???
I love Halloween! In fact, I'd go so far as to say its my favorite 'holiday' - if you want to call it a holiday. I loved it as a kid and I love it even more now that I HAVE kids. I love dressing them up in adorable little costumes. What's more, I love making costumes for my kids! Ryleigh's was a mere 5 weeks old her first Halloween and that was before I started sewing. So, she was dressed asTigger - one of my favorite characters. We didn't go trick-or-treating...we just stayed home and passed out candy - but it was fun just the same.
The following year I MADE my first Halloween costume. And its my favorite to-date. Ryleigh was 13 months old and she went trick-or-treating for the first time as a duck. How cute is she?!?!?!
Unfortunately, I didn't get to make the kids' costumes last year. I was pregnant with Isaac and put on bedrest at the beginning of September and remained on bedrest until he was born on October 5th. Needless to say, while at home adjusting to life as a Mommy of 2, making Halloween costumes was not high on my priority list. So, Isaac was dressed in the same Halloween costume that Ryleigh wore her 1st Halloween and Ryleigh dressed as Pooh. A very fitting costume for her...anyone who knows Ryleigh knows she doesn't go far with her beloved Pooh Bear lovey. Her second birthday party was Pooh themed...she just loves Pooh and loved dressing as him for Halloween. And I loved that their costumes coordinated. :)
That brings us to this year - Ryleigh's 4th Halloween and Isaac's 2nd. I really wanted to dress them as Pebbles and Bamm Bamm. We called Isaac Bamm Bamm for a while because he was constantly banging his hands, or anything else he could hold, on tables, walls, you name it. But, as it came time to start thinking about creating the costumes, I had a hard time trying to come up with a way to 'winterize' Pebbles and Bamm Bamm costumes. So, then I contemplated Dennis the Menace and Margaret - but figured people might not 'get it'. So, I decided on a devil (Isaac) and a 'Devil in Disguise' (Ryleigh) - think angel costume with a horns coming out of the halo and a devil's tail peeking out the back of the dress. The idea suits them both perfectly! :) So, I got to work. I made Isaac's first because I figured it would be easier. Here he is - my handsome little devil:
This picture was taken before the snaps were added to the back, but its the only pic of the tail that I have. :)
Then I moved on to Ryleigh's costume...I started with the 'angel' part of it and this is what I got:
Now how could I attach horns and a devil's tail to something so precious and cute??? So, she's now going to be just an angel. A far cry for her...but, she'll have to pretend. ;-) 
The following year I MADE my first Halloween costume. And its my favorite to-date. Ryleigh was 13 months old and she went trick-or-treating for the first time as a duck. How cute is she?!?!?! Unfortunately, I didn't get to make the kids' costumes last year. I was pregnant with Isaac and put on bedrest at the beginning of September and remained on bedrest until he was born on October 5th. Needless to say, while at home adjusting to life as a Mommy of 2, making Halloween costumes was not high on my priority list. So, Isaac was dressed in the same Halloween costume that Ryleigh wore her 1st Halloween and Ryleigh dressed as Pooh. A very fitting costume for her...anyone who knows Ryleigh knows she doesn't go far with her beloved Pooh Bear lovey. Her second birthday party was Pooh themed...she just loves Pooh and loved dressing as him for Halloween. And I loved that their costumes coordinated. :)
That brings us to this year - Ryleigh's 4th Halloween and Isaac's 2nd. I really wanted to dress them as Pebbles and Bamm Bamm. We called Isaac Bamm Bamm for a while because he was constantly banging his hands, or anything else he could hold, on tables, walls, you name it. But, as it came time to start thinking about creating the costumes, I had a hard time trying to come up with a way to 'winterize' Pebbles and Bamm Bamm costumes. So, then I contemplated Dennis the Menace and Margaret - but figured people might not 'get it'. So, I decided on a devil (Isaac) and a 'Devil in Disguise' (Ryleigh) - think angel costume with a horns coming out of the halo and a devil's tail peeking out the back of the dress. The idea suits them both perfectly! :) So, I got to work. I made Isaac's first because I figured it would be easier. Here he is - my handsome little devil: This picture was taken before the snaps were added to the back, but its the only pic of the tail that I have. :)Then I moved on to Ryleigh's costume...I started with the 'angel' part of it and this is what I got:Now how could I attach horns and a devil's tail to something so precious and cute??? So, she's now going to be just an angel. A far cry for her...but, she'll have to pretend. ;-) Friday, October 3, 2008
It's Official - My Baby Girl is Growing Up!
I know, I know...I haven't blogged in forever, so I have a lot of catching up to do. There's been a lot going on in my life lately, so expect a bunch of catch-up blog posts from me in the next week or so. :) Now, on to my story...
I never knew such a love existed, or how a person can be overwhelmed with joy yet terrified at the same time (and more recently how you could love someone so much yet at the same time want to chuck them out the window...lol). As the saying goes - I never knew what it was like to have my heart walking around outside my body. And then my precious baby girl was born and she changed all that. She's brought me so much love, joy, pain, fear, and PRIDE. And now she's growing up. She turned 3 last week...MY GOD how the time has flown! It seems like just yesterday I was carrying her around inside me...then on my hip...and now she's a walking, talking, independant 3 year old who is going-on at least 13. Not only did she just turn 3 - a big enough milestone - but she also started preschool last month, and soccer, and dance class. She's got more of a life than I do! I feel like her personal chauffeur. But, she's doing great with school - she absolutely loves it. She had one rough day where the teacher said she didn't want to play and was following her around whining for me. But, other than that I've gotten nothing but good reports. Here she is on her first day:
Soccer is a bit of a challenge. It's a program run almost entirely of volunteer coaches. The pee wee league had 50+ kids sign up. Of those 100 (give or take) parents, only 4 volunteered to help coach. So.....Josh and I are coaching Ryleigh's soccer team. It's tough! Picture 15 3 and 4 year olds with about 30 second attention spans, all with a soccer ball running around and attempting to be coached by 2 volunteer parents who never even played the game themselves. Lets just say the first few practices were very interesting. ;-) And, our kid is the worst on the team - lol. She rolled around and cried the entire first practice and every practice since then has made no attempt to follow Coach Mommy and Daddy's instructions. I don't think she was quite ready for soccer....she's also the youngest on the team. We should have waited until next year. Oh well...
And, then there's dance. She really enjoys dance class, but again...has a little trouble following directions. However, most of the other kids in her class seem to have the same problem. lol...she'll be having a recital in June. I can't wait to see how she does! It'll be adorable no matter what, I'm sure. I think they'll be doing a 'Good Ship Lollipop' number. How sweet! I can't wait to see the costumes! :)
OH...and how could I forget to mention the birthday t-shirt that I made for her! Doesn't she look happy about it?!?!?!? 
Happy 3rd Birthday, Ryleigh! I love you baby girl! 
*Bracelet in this pic made by Melanie from Whimsical Creations: http://www.melaniescrafts.etsy.com/
September 23, 2005 - The day my life changed forever...the day I experienced every emotion known to man...the day I became a Mommy for the first time.
I never knew such a love existed, or how a person can be overwhelmed with joy yet terrified at the same time (and more recently how you could love someone so much yet at the same time want to chuck them out the window...lol). As the saying goes - I never knew what it was like to have my heart walking around outside my body. And then my precious baby girl was born and she changed all that. She's brought me so much love, joy, pain, fear, and PRIDE. And now she's growing up. She turned 3 last week...MY GOD how the time has flown! It seems like just yesterday I was carrying her around inside me...then on my hip...and now she's a walking, talking, independant 3 year old who is going-on at least 13. Not only did she just turn 3 - a big enough milestone - but she also started preschool last month, and soccer, and dance class. She's got more of a life than I do! I feel like her personal chauffeur. But, she's doing great with school - she absolutely loves it. She had one rough day where the teacher said she didn't want to play and was following her around whining for me. But, other than that I've gotten nothing but good reports. Here she is on her first day: Soccer is a bit of a challenge. It's a program run almost entirely of volunteer coaches. The pee wee league had 50+ kids sign up. Of those 100 (give or take) parents, only 4 volunteered to help coach. So.....Josh and I are coaching Ryleigh's soccer team. It's tough! Picture 15 3 and 4 year olds with about 30 second attention spans, all with a soccer ball running around and attempting to be coached by 2 volunteer parents who never even played the game themselves. Lets just say the first few practices were very interesting. ;-) And, our kid is the worst on the team - lol. She rolled around and cried the entire first practice and every practice since then has made no attempt to follow Coach Mommy and Daddy's instructions. I don't think she was quite ready for soccer....she's also the youngest on the team. We should have waited until next year. Oh well... And, then there's dance. She really enjoys dance class, but again...has a little trouble following directions. However, most of the other kids in her class seem to have the same problem. lol...she'll be having a recital in June. I can't wait to see how she does! It'll be adorable no matter what, I'm sure. I think they'll be doing a 'Good Ship Lollipop' number. How sweet! I can't wait to see the costumes! :)We celebrated Ryleigh's 3rd birthday twice. Once on her actual birthday - just a small gathering with the immediate family. I let her pick out what she wanted for her birthday dinner and dessert....chicken nuggets and chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting. Mmmmmm....lol. And then she got to open her gifts from us. Then, on Saturday the 27th we had a big birthday party for her and her baby brother who will be 1 on the 5th of October.
OH...and how could I forget to mention the birthday t-shirt that I made for her! Doesn't she look happy about it?!?!?!? Happy 3rd Birthday, Ryleigh! I love you baby girl! *Bracelet in this pic made by Melanie from Whimsical Creations: http://www.melaniescrafts.etsy.com/Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Exciting Changes for Bare Bottoms Boutique!
Hello all! I just wanted to take a minute to post a quick update on a lot of exciting changes that will be taking place for Bare Bottoms Boutique. First of all, our products - mainly cloth diapering products - will soon be available at a Blessed Baby Boutique in Farmington, Maine. Blessed Baby is a shop stocked with wares made mostly (but not entirely) by work-at-home moms, and geared towards natural parenting (cloth diapers, slings, natural soaps, nursing covers, wooden toys, etc).
I've been offered consignment deals in the past, but I've turned them all down. However, Heidi's shop and the idea behind it really appeals to me and I'm very excited and honored that she has offered to sell my products!
I've been offered consignment deals in the past, but I've turned them all down. However, Heidi's shop and the idea behind it really appeals to me and I'm very excited and honored that she has offered to sell my products! Selling in a different venue has also given me an opportunity to work on my product packaging. What do you all think???
I am also now a licensed seller of Ditto Daddy products. I have loved the looks of these products since I first laid eyes on them and I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to make and sell them for all of you to enjoy. Keep checking back to see some of these great items stocked in my shop very soon (hopefully! ;-))
Other exciting changes to keep an eye out for include diapers with snap closures (the same great product with snaps instead of aplix) and a new web design! So, stay tuned...we've got some exciting changes ahead!
Friday, August 15, 2008
I Made a Mei Tai and I LOVE it!!!
When it comes to baby wearing, I didn't have much experience before Isaac came along. Ryleigh wasn't the baby wearing type. My little Miss Independent would rather be in a stroller than strapped to my back. We had a Snuggli with her, and we used it....periodically...more to say we did than for actual need. Here she is at 6 months...one of the 2 pics that we have of her in the Snuggli - the other was taken the same day (she was a chunk, huh???? lol).
And then there's Isaac...my needy, but oh-so cuddly and lovable baby. He was (and still is) a baby-wearing baby if there ever was one. As an infant, he required holding full-time. He spent the first couple weeks in one of the two pouch slings that I made. Here he is at 11 days old...nestled in the sling.
Then, I tried using the sling different ways, but I didn't like how limited that one arm was. Part of the reason I wanted to wear it was so that I could hold him AND get something done at the same time. 
So, only being able to use one arm wasn't helping any. Hence, we reverted back to the Snuggli for awhile. Then he just got too big...again, the back wasn't handling the front-carrying too well. So, I've been without a carryer for a couple months now. He's old enough to sit in shopping carts on his own, so I didn't think it would be too much of a problem...it certainly wasn't worth buying a new carrier especially since we aren't planning on having any more babies. Then I came across a pattern (by Sew Liberated/Montessori by Hand) for a Mei Tai carrier. 
Of course I had heard of mei tai carriers, but considering that I didn't really use a carrier much with Ryleigh, I never thought about buying one. I couldn't afford one, anyway. I figured the pouches that I made would be sufficient. But, I loved the looks of the pattern I saw and the idea of making one myself. So, I bought it and couldn't wait to sew it up! I spent this afternoon making and I absolutely LOVE everything about it! It was a cinch to sew, it came out great, its comfortable, and Isaac loves it! And it even folds all up into a little pouch. It's going to make my life so much easier!!! Its exactly what I've needed for him! I've spent the rest of this evening wondering why I didn't do this sooner?!?!?! 
And then there's Isaac...my needy, but oh-so cuddly and lovable baby. He was (and still is) a baby-wearing baby if there ever was one. As an infant, he required holding full-time. He spent the first couple weeks in one of the two pouch slings that I made. Here he is at 11 days old...nestled in the sling.
That worked great for a while...but, lets just say that my babies don't stay little for very long. So, it wasn't long before my back couldn't take it any more. So, I switched to the Snuggli for a while until he got a little older.
Then, I tried using the sling different ways, but I didn't like how limited that one arm was. Part of the reason I wanted to wear it was so that I could hold him AND get something done at the same time. So, only being able to use one arm wasn't helping any. Hence, we reverted back to the Snuggli for awhile. Then he just got too big...again, the back wasn't handling the front-carrying too well. So, I've been without a carryer for a couple months now. He's old enough to sit in shopping carts on his own, so I didn't think it would be too much of a problem...it certainly wasn't worth buying a new carrier especially since we aren't planning on having any more babies. Then I came across a pattern (by Sew Liberated/Montessori by Hand) for a Mei Tai carrier. Of course I had heard of mei tai carriers, but considering that I didn't really use a carrier much with Ryleigh, I never thought about buying one. I couldn't afford one, anyway. I figured the pouches that I made would be sufficient. But, I loved the looks of the pattern I saw and the idea of making one myself. So, I bought it and couldn't wait to sew it up! I spent this afternoon making and I absolutely LOVE everything about it! It was a cinch to sew, it came out great, its comfortable, and Isaac loves it! And it even folds all up into a little pouch. It's going to make my life so much easier!!! Its exactly what I've needed for him! I've spent the rest of this evening wondering why I didn't do this sooner?!?!?! 
Excuse the bad hair and makeup in that last pic...its been a rough week. :) I would highly reccommend this type of carrier - at least for back carrying. I haven't even tried it for front or hip carrying yet, so I can't comment on that. :) If you want to sew one yourself, I would reccommend the Sew Liberated pattern - its great! You can check them out at: http://www.sewliberated.com/
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