Buzy Bee Buzz

Wordless Wednesday....Interrupted

2012-02-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

We interrupt Wordless Wednesday for a few words.....YUMMY!

Here is the link to the incredible Alfredo sauce I made tonight! It was super easy and really delicious!

ENJOY!

It's been a while....but I'm back!

2012-02-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

I have realized how long it's been since my last entry! yikes! I have a good excuse...I've been without a computer for 2 months! I know, Blogger is on my phone, but there is something about writing blog posts on your phone. My husband did it while sailing down the ICW, but I'm not him! LOL

I just want to let our readers know what I have in store for the months to come! Some tutorials, maybe a giveaway....and maybe a review! Woot! Woot!

So stay tuned....I promise good things this year, even though we are almost three months into the new year!

New Year = New Ideas

2011-12-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

I'm sure all my customers and fans are wondering what I am doing during my "time off". I have to chuckle, because I don't get much time off with three kids under the age of four! But with my husband home and awaiting our new destination, I have been brainstorming while he has been writing! Now, we don't get ALL day for our hobbies, but the kids do play together or watch and occasional movie, which gives us a little break from playing (fighting), building towers and puzzles.

I personally like to look around Pinterest. I find ideas and inspiration there. Most of the time my ideas come out of necessity! I'm always trying to make things easier in our house, whether it's organization or a little something to stick in my diaper bag for going out.

So for the New Year, I plan to brainstorm and test out a few new ideas! Watch my Facebook Page for pictures of my experiments and as always PLEASE leave comments!

Happy New Year!
My store will reopen in 2012!

Cheers,
Ericka
Momma Bee

Need Stocking Stuffers?

2011-12-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

Stocking stuffers are so hit or miss! Sometimes I find inexpensive things for my kids' stockings and sometimes I spend more money in stocking stuffers than presents! Yikes!

Well here is a simple item that is sure to please! Heck, get one for the hubby, too! It's a soap saver! A little sack you put a bar of soap in and the kids won't lose it in the tub and you won't have to deal with the tiny sticky pieces of soap left over! Busy Bee Boutique sells them for $3 each.....but YOU can make your own!

DIY Soap Saver: Tutorial

You know all those washcloths you get when you have a new baby? Or you "stock up" on when they are on sale, but become buried in them? They make PERFECT soap savers! Take one and fold it in half. If it's too small to fold in half, place two together with the "good" sides facing each other.
Stitch up two sides (if folded) and 3 sides if you used two washcloths. This will form a pouch with an opening at the top. Turn it inside out and you have a soap saver sack.
Place a bar of soap inside! And you are done! If you would like you can add velcro to the top to be sure the soap stays in the sack!

Enjoy "saving" your soap!

Busy Bee is moving!

2011-12-10T18:06:00.000-08:00

As some of you may have already heard, my family and I are heading to Hawaii in early January! This means that Busy Bee Boutique is also moving! Not really a big deal for an online company, but I do carry some inventory! So I have decided to have a ridiculous Moving/Christmas Sale, to move some inventory!
So here are the deals:
ALL legwarmers are Buy One Get One (BOGO)

ALL tie tees in stock BOGO

ALL coffee cozies in stock BOGO

ALL soap savers BOGO

ALL Graffiti tees in stock BOGO

Owls just $5!

Floor Cushions in stock $10!

All specials are for current in stock inventory and sizes ONLY...sorry no special requests!

Happy Shopping!
Remember I offer free local delivery (or pick up)

Mini Holiday Guide....

2011-11-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take some time to give a shout out to a couple other crafty mommas I have gotten to know!

The first is So-Sew Mimi. A Navy wife and stay-at-home mom of two, and on the side she crafts as a "stress reliever". Her crafts are re-purposed and upcycled, embroidered and crochet items ranging from Tooth Fairy pouches (my favorite) to wine bags. She is very creative and you can place custom orders with her! (bonus!) "Like" her on Facebook and be the first to know about any special promotions!

The next shout out is to another crafty crafter...You Drive me CrAfTy! Another Navy wife and mom of three. Again she accepts custom orders (yay!) and has numerous ideas and products! My favorite is the apple cozy...but she has many other items from baby photo props to coffee cozies! Find her on Facebook to keep up with her ideas as well!

So while I'd LOVE to have everyone shop at Busy Bee Boutique over the Holidays, I think you should check out what these unique businesses have to offer! I know I am!

Holidays are coming...

2011-11-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

Now that Halloween is over, retailers are rushing into Christmas! I have noticed they are already starting their Black Friday previews and sales! I know Black Friday is just a few weeks away, and I'm pretty excited myself! But this year instead of buying a ton of "stuff" for my kids, that they really don't need, I'm going to purchase Museum passes, contribute to their 529 and buy locally and handmade if I can! Now I know that will not work for the Kindle my husband wants, or for other family members, but I'm not buying my family members a bunch of "stuff" they don't need either! Instead I'm going the "impersonal" gift card route. That way everyone can just get what they want! I personally think opening a few boxes of gift cards would be so much fun!! And the best part is spending the gift cards!!

So that brings me to a reminder...Busy Bee Boutique now has gift cards! Since I am making them myself, they come in ANY denomination! What a perfect handmade gift for family and friends! :)

Bummer.....

2011-10-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

Looks like the "new" and "improved" Facebook has put a no-no on contests and giveaways! So, that just means that we will do our giveaways on our blog! Follow the blog and we will continue to give our stuff away!
http://www.360prblog.com/2010/01/18/the-new-facebook-rules/

October already??

2011-10-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Wow! Did September fly by or what? It's October already! My favorite time of year...and Halloween is right around the corner! In celebration of my favorite month, we will be having a couple of contests! Be sure to "like" us on Facebook and watch for our word of the day! he fans with the correct definition of the word will earn an entry into our GIVEAWAY at the end of the month! (It WILL be Halloween themed!)

Here are the rules:
Everyday on our Facebook page I will post a Halloween themed word. In the comments post what you think the definition is. At the end of the day I'll announce who gains entry into the giveaway!
Keep watch everyday! You could have a total of 31 entries into the contest!
I will post the prize shortly! It IS Halloween themed and sure to please! :)

Dryer balls....in colors!

2011-09-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

I know, they live in your dryer...nobody sees them, but a little splash of color never hurt anyone!
So here we go...colors!!! :)

Oh, who knew laundry could be so much fun?
Don't forget our giveaway...it's ending tomorrow and the winner will be announced Friday September 30th! http://buzybeebuzz.blogspot.com/2011/09/wool-dryer-ballswhat-are-they.html

Wool Dryer Balls....What ARE they??

2011-09-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm sure by now you've all seen the rage...wool balls you put into your dryer, but now I'm sure you are wondering "WHY?"

Well. I'll tell you why....and how you can snag a set!
Wool dryer balls are made from, well...wool! They can be made from rovings or yarn. They are simply wrapped into a ball and then felted. You toss about three into your dryer to assist with drying your clothing! Did I mention chemically free? How about the fact that they are safer than dryer sheets? Dryer sheets cause fires! Or how about the fact that these pretty dryer balls can actually cut down on the time your clothing dries? Yep...what they do is bounce around your dryer, get into your clothing and lift and fluff, allowing the warm air to get to all parts of your clothing! And yes, the more the merrier! (I personally have six!)

The house I currently live in has a very, very old dryer. When we first arrived it would take two sometimes three cycles to dry a load of clothing! We first threw three balls in and WOW! What a difference! We are down to half the time! And they help to prevent wear and tear on your dryer by preventing it from being coated in the fabric softener in dryer sheets! Wool balls are also safe for ALL fabrics! Even though you may not use a dryer sheet with certain fabrics (GoreTex, cloth diapers), your dryer is still coated in the fabric softener! And yes, your water proof fabric will start to wick! Yikes!
OK, so now, how to score a set!
1. Visit Busy Bee Boutique on Facebook and "like" our page.
Comment here that you did. (1 entry)
2. Follow Busy Bee Boutique on Twitter.
Comment here that you did (1 entry)
3. Sign up for our newsletter here www.4bees.biz
Comment here that you did. (1 entry)
4. Follow this blog!
Comment that you you are!

And for a BONUS of 2 entries:
Head on over to Michael Kingwood's Facebook page and "like" it.
Comment here that you did!

Good luck!! The winner will be chosen September 30!

September is "Saving some Green" Month

2011-08-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

You heard it right! Stay tuned for posts and tutorials about how going "green" can save you money! From dusters and mops to cloth diapers! Reusable products are not only better for the environment, but are better for your budget! I'll also have a couple tutorials about re-purposing our clothing to get more wear out of it!

So stay tuned! Some fun and educational posts are on their way!!

Freebie Friday

2011-08-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

It's freebie Friday at Busy Bee Boutique! Head on over to Malta Mama for our giveaway announcement and the contest rules!
Good Luck!

My Goal

2011-08-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

My goal is to blog three times a week and send out a newsletter once a month! Of course I'm always up for guest bloggers, so if you'd like to be a guest please email me at beehive@me.com

I do know a new author who is itching to share a few things with my readers! Stay tuned for his guest post and maybe an excerpt from his latest work!

I'd also like to have a tutorial once a week, giveaways once a month and some other random fun!

Those are my goals, but life sometimes interferes...especially when you have three children ages three and under!

I look forward to entertaining you!

Win, win, win!

2011-08-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

A big announcement...we will be carrying the dress you've seen posted on Facebook! After we give one away!

That is right! One lucky winner will get a Sibylla Dress is their choice of print and size! (Newborn-5T) The contest will start Friday in celebration of Freebie Friday and Malta Mama will announce HOW to enter! So stay tuned!

Here are a few details about the dress:
-Made from 100% cotton (the white owl is organic)
-Ties on top of the shoulders
-Available in sizes newborn to 5T
-8 prints to choose from
-Handmade and machine was/dry

Here are the prints:

Good Luck!!
cheers,
~Ericka

As Promised....

2011-07-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

As you know I had overwhelming response to the dress I posted last week. I WILL be carrying it in my Boutique, but after the Giveaway...yes, I slipped...there will be a giveaway for the dress! (The Sibylla Dress) All the details will be here and in the newsletter August 1 so stay tuned!

Now, not everybody has a little girl, and I am a mom to two little boys and one girl, so to be fair to the boys I have created something just for them!! Please let me know what you think! I WILL be carrying these as well and there WILL be another giveaway!! We call these Bee Comfy Lounge Wear!

So stay tuned for the giveaway!!

Cheers,
Ericka

Giveaway coming soon!

2011-07-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Patience my fans....I am busy gearing up for a GIVEAWAY! Yep, I'm giving something away, for FREE, to one lucky reader! So watch for the post and how to enter! Y'all know what it is for..."The Sibylla" tie dress! (cute name, huh?) So stay tuned, your chance to win one in your choice of color and size is coming soon! :)

(Oh, and if you sign up for the newsletter you'll be one of the first to know!)
Cheers,
Ericka, Momma Bee

Granola

2011-06-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Aside from sewing, I enjoy baking! Especially new and fun recipes! Of course, much like my sewing, I never follow the directions, and add a little fun to my recipes! Sometimes I fail....but most of the time, like tonight, I pat myself on the back!

I found this recipe on foodnetwork.com. It's for granola! I love granola...the way it clumps together and crunches. So here goes...remember I altered it a bit.
Ingredients:
3 cups of oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple sugar
1/4 olive oil
1 cup craisins
1 cup m&m's
(you can also add cashews and raisins, but I replaced these with the craisins and m&m's)
Mix everything in a bowl and spread it on a cookie sheet ( I used a stoneware cookie sheet) and bake it for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 250 degrees.

Here it is...this is actually what I tried! I was so good! Just enough maple syrup to make it clump and to taste, craisins make it chewy and the m&m's make you think you are eating something bad! A perfect combination, in my humble opinion!
This will be a perfect snack in the car for our trip to Maine this weekend!
Enjoy!

Cheers,
~ Ericka

Announcing our "new" direction...

2011-06-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received a box in the mail. I have been awaiting the arrival of this box, as it's contents marks a new direction for Busy Bee Boutique! It all started with the new logo, then name change and now a box. As you know I carry products from Earthly Remedies by Erin, and now I am going to carry a few cloth diapers! I currently cloth diaper my two boys, and thought I could add some fluff to my business!

I decided to carry OhKaty pocket diapers. I had never heard of them, but tried one and loved it! The inside is SO soft! And I love the fact that it is one size (very important to me since my boys are 2 and 6 months). The inserts have snaps to shrink them to fit the size of your baby. The elastic does not pinch chubby legs, it has a front loading pocket and best of all....it rolls up and snaps together for easy (neat) storage of a used diaper!!
That is our direction. If all goes well, we will have several different diaper brands and maybe other products as well!
Until next time,
Cheers,

What's new?

2011-05-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun stuff going on here! We are now over one of the biggest hurdles of our lives, and Vasili's surgery is far behind us! He is one tough little boy and is recovering nicely!
In other news, Busy Bee Boutique has a NEW Facebook page! Be sure to go here and "like" us! (The old Facebook page will be deleted May 25!)
We are going to be offering some products from other businesses! Most are smaller businesses run by Stay-at Home-moms like myself! Our website is a a bit messy at this time as I revamp it and make it easier to use! In the meantime, if you see something you want or need feel free to email me!
Well, for now...it's back to work! Don't forget to sign up fr our new newsletter and become one of the first customers to learn about new products and sales!

I look forward to working with everyone very soon!
Cheers,
Ericka

Heart Surgery

2011-05-08T05:49:00.000-07:00

Last week, we took our son, Vasili, for heart surgery at Children's Hospital Boston. It went very well, and he's recovering quickly. The details are in my stay at home mom blog, here.

Why Chidren's Hospital Boston is so close to our heart

2011-04-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

My son, Vasili has Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Basically it is a hole in his heart. Everyone is born with a hole in their heart, it is called a foramen ovale. It is present in the fetus to allow blood to detour away from the lungs before birth. One in five healthy adults still have a small hole left over.
So now you are probably thinking, what's the big deal? Well, the hole is in the septum, which separates the heart's left side from the right side. When there is a large hole, oxygen rich blood leaks from the heart's left side to the right side. The blood is then pumped back into the lungs. This means the right side of the heart is working extra. In time the extra amount of blood flow in the lung arteries can cause some damage.
So to correct this Vasili will need open heart surgery. If left uncorrected he could live, but could die later of heart failure. There are usually no signs of this defect, just a simple heart murmur, which is what Vasili has. Some children are more susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia. Vasili had mild pneumonia last spring and this spring was on a nebulizer for a lung infection.
On May 5 (which is also our wedding anniversary) Vasili will have open heart surgery. It's hard to hear, read and think about, especially if you know this very active little man, but we feel confident knowing he is with one of the best Pediatric Cardiology team in the country!
We leave for Boston May 3. He has to have an Echo, EKG, blood work and all his work up early May 4. The hospital offers family housing close by at a very discounted rate so we can stay near him and either my husband or I can stay in his room. He will be in the hospital until May 9 and then we get to come home! But he needs to rest for the next 6 weeks.
We are fortunate enough to have my parents nearby, who will care for Sibylla (3) and Liev (5 months). We are also fortunate to have so many friends who are willing to lend a hand! My mommy's group Toga Tots, my Stroller Strides friends and the Navy and Wardroom Wives are all here to support us!
We will keep everyone updated on his progress!

Up Cycling...what is it?

2011-04-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Up cycling (re purposing) is reusing something to make something else. I recently started using old jeans and pants to make purses and totes! I got tired of having a huge mending pile of things I'd fix, only to have my husband return it with yet another hole! There are only so many patches you can add to jeans or pants! So instead of throwing them away, I decided I could make them into something useful! You can use the entire pair of jeans! You can also re use old wool sweaters and turn them into woolies to go over diapers! Super cute.
I'd like to hear more ideas for up cycling....so add your comment! Tomorrow I'll post a tutorial! Yippee!

Moving in a new direction

2011-04-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

As I work on my sewing crafts every night, I can't help but think of moving Busy Bee's into a new direction. I am currently having a new logo made, and am dropping the "baby" from my store. This will hopefully open me up for creating and products in the future. I want to get into the "greener" side of things. I currently carry washable and reusable mops and dusters, but I eventually want to get into upcycling. I also plan to do a few tutorials on this blog! So stay tuned...changes are coming...and they are going to be great!

Changes are good

2011-03-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

Since opening my shop in 2008, there have been a ton of changes, and there are a lot more to come! For instance, did you notice the name change? I am trying to open myself up to more than just a "baby" boutique. I've also started this blog to add announcements, changes and to keep you, my customer, informed! We are in the process of a facelift with the website and very soon we will have a new logo! Our own logo! So things are looking up! As the shop continues to grow I will try to continue to add more products. I am only one person, so bear with me, as the process is slow. I am also trying to carry some locally made products, and some not so locally made products, but products that are a good fit with my online shop! Any suggestions are welcome!